asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that a reconstruction grant has been withheld from an applicant (name supplied) because the county council deemed his cottage to be in good repair when he vested it; and if he will investigate this case with a view to ensuring that a grant is paid to this man.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Withholding of Council Cottage Grant.
52.
This cottage was vested by the local authority on 1st August, 1961. No repair works were carried out prior to vesting as the local authority considered that the cottage was then in good repair and no appeal was made by the applicant against this decision.
The applicant commenced the work of reconstruction before he applied for a grant to my Department and the work was already completed when my inspector called to inspect the house. It was not, therefore, possible to say whether in fact the work was necessary and a grant was refused.
I may add that reconstruction grants are not normally given for repair works to be carried out immediately following vesting even in circumstances where my inspector is in a position to assess the need for works before commencement.