asked the Minister for Local Government if the new housing grants announced by the Government Information Bureau in relation to farm holding of £25 rateable valuation and under will include (a) forestry workers, (b) agricultural labourers, (c) county council labourers, (d) fishermen and (e) employees of private firms.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing Grants.
27.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to a similar question on the 4th instant.
Was the answer to that question yes or no?
No; it was not yes or no. It was longer than that, I think.
Maybe, but would it mean yes or no?
No.
It would mean no?
No it would not.
Will the Minister not agree that it is of the utmost importance that an immediate decision be made in this matter because there are a number of people who intend to build houses who are awaiting such decision? They feel that when grants are increased for one section, there is a likelihood that they will be increased for others. A decision should be given without delay.
The announcement referred only to the housing of small farmers.
Small farmers under £25 valuation.
Is the Minister aware that Fianna Fáil members of the Donegal County Council passed a motion increasing the supplementary housing grants so that people in these categories could avail of the increasing supplementary grants; that they tabled the motion and supported it on the assumption that the Minister would make it applicable to all these workers?
I am sure the Minister for Local Government is aware if that happened. I am not.
Was it a racket?