asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that people who wish to erect sanitary accommodation to their houses are not eligible for financial assistance from his Department; and, if so, whether he is prepared to take the necessary steps to remedy this position.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Grants for Sanitary Accommodation.
The provision of sanitary accommodation is not of itself regarded as "reconstruction" for the purposes of the Housing Acts and accordingly a grant is not payable in respect of such work alone. Where, however, the work forms part of a general scheme of reconstruction its cost may be included for the purposes of a grant.
No amendment of the law in this matter is contemplated.
I understand perfectly well that if other reconstruction work is being carried out it is possible to qualify for a grant in order to put in sanitary accommodation. Would the Minister not consider it reasonable to introduce a provision under which financial assistance would be made available to people to erect bathrooms in houses that have been built for some time and are in no need of reconstruction of any sort?
The wisdom of providing a grant for that specific purpose is a separate issue. To ask anyone to regard the erection of such an amenity as reconstruction of the existing building would be stretching the meaning of the word too far.
Would the Minister consider the proposal I made of making the provision for the payment of a grant for the erection of sanitary accommodation in houses that are already constructed?
I will always consider any reasonable proposition.
Does the Minister consider that a reasonable proposition in view of the drive towards improving health services generally?
There are so many things one can consider that it is difficult to provide for everything that one might regard as desirable and useful.
Is the Minister aware that a number of smallholders in the West of Ireland would be very anxious to have such facilities?
I have no doubt at all about that.