asked the Minister for Local Government whether he has satisfied himself that local authorities are co-operating to the fullest extent in implementing Section 12 of the Housing (Amendment) Act, 1954, as clarified by his Department's circular HBF 2/56 of 12th April, 1956, to housing authorities; if he is aware that in Dublin County Borough there is considerable concern among applicants for grants under this section about delays and refusals, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing (Amendment) Act, 1954.
I am satisfied as a result of local investigations carried out last year by an officer of my Department that housing authorities generally were then making a reasonable effort to administer Section 12 of the Housing (Amendment) Act, 1954, and I have no cause to believe that the position has since altered.
As regards the second part of the Deputy's question my Department has had some discussions with the staff of the corporation on the matter as a result of which I hope the present arrears position will be improved.
As regards refusals, aggrieved persons may appeal to me.
asked the Minister for Local Government whether any difficulties in relation to the interpretation and implementation of Section 12 of the Housing (Amendment) Act, 1954, have been brought to his notice, and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter.
I am aware that some difficulties were experienced by housing authorities in determining what classes of houses could be regarded as eligible for grants under Section 12 of the Housing (Amendment) Act, 1954. In order to resolve these difficulties a general ruling was given in a circular letter issued on 12th April, 1956, to the authorities concerned. I am not aware of any other difficulties of a general nature in relation to the interpretation and implementation of the section.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state in respect of Section 12 of the Housing (Amendment) Act, 1954, the number of applications for reconstruction grants received by the Dublin Corporation up to the most recent convenient date, and the number of such applications (a) approved, (b) rejected, and (c) in respect of which payment has been made.
Information supplied to my Department by the Dublin Corporation shows that the position in relation to applications for grants under Section 12 of the Housing (Amendment) Act, 1954, as on the 17th instant, was as follows:—
|
Number of applications: |
|
|
received |
1,607 |
|
approved |
795 |
|
rejected |
96 |
|
in respect of which payments had been made |
258 |