asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state the date on which the premises belonging to a person in Clane, County Kildare, were inspected for a reconstruction grant; and why such grant has not been paid.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Reconstruction Grant.
These premises were inspected on 6th September, 1952.
The grant has not been paid in full because necessary inquiries as to the amount of grant for which the applicant is eligible have not been completed.
What was the cause of the delay in having the inquiries made?
The cause of the delay was that there was a doubt as to whether she was a person who would come within the terms necessary to qualify for a grant. When that matter was being investigated a further question arose as to what the amount of the grant should be. These two matters are in process, I hope, of being straightened out and as soon as they are the balance of the money will be paid to her.
Surely when the application is filed and the first certificate of approval is given is the time to determine whether she is the type of person who would qualify for a grant?
Sometimes a question arises as to whether a person is in receipt of a pension or some source of income which might entirely influence the final decision in a case. It would not necessarily follow that on receipt of an application, or indeed after the inspection by the inspector, this information would emerge at that stage.
Once the certificate of approval is given surely that should be the end of the matter?
If the certificate of approval is issued on the basis of information which is inaccurate, or perhaps without having all the information before the Department, it is questionable whether the certificate of approval would mean anything at all.