asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that the claims for housing grants in South Kerry have been unduly delayed due to the inadequate number of the engineering staff; and, if so, whether he will ensure that this position will be examined with a view to ensuring that applicants may receive their grants within a reasonable time.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing Grants.
I have no evidence of undue delay in the payment of housing grants in South Kerry. The actual figures establish that the number of cases awaiting inspection has been at a reasonable level for some time past, and the position does not justify any increase in the inspection staff.
Is the Minister aware that the inspector in charge died recently and that his assistant is unable to cope with the extra work and the increased number of applications? Further, is he aware that the present engineer was instructed to deal only with arrears and to leave over current applications?
I can only say to the Deputy that the figures showing the arrears at present compared with the figures showing arrears over the past few years do not indicate that any difference whatever exists. There is always bound to be, and it is necessary to have, a certain number of applications on hands, say a four or five weeks' supply, so that the inspector can plan his tour of inspection for any particular county in order to prevent overlapping.