asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state the circumstances whereby business premises with dwelling houses attached, and houses occupied by publicans, merchants, civil servants, engineers, teachers, insurance officials, higher grade clerks in commercial concerns, and widows of barristers are now excluded in Dublin City from receiving repair grants under Section 12 of the Housing (Amendment) Act, 1954, and whether he proposes to take steps to rectify this position.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Repair Grants.
Section 12 of the Housing (Amendment) Act, 1954, provides that grants under the section may be made only in respect of houses occupied by or suitable for occupation by members of the working-classes or by agricultural labourers. The responsibility for certifying that houses in respect of which applications for grants are made comply with the statutory requirements is placed on the housing authority by virtue of the regulations made under the section. I understand that the Dublin Corporation does not regard houses in the categories mentioned by the Deputy as complying with the statutory requirements.
I am at present having the position reviewed.