asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that prior to the passing of the Housing (Loans and Grants) Act, 1962, it was the practice of certain local authorities to pay housing grants not exceeding 50 per cent of the State grant to persons whose income did not exceed £1,000 per year, and that, following the passing of the 1962 Act, these local authorities felt that under section 12 of the Act they could only pay such grants to persons whose income, including wife's income, did not exceed £832 per annum, so that the position of the house purchaser has been worsened by the passing of the 1962 Act; and whether he is further aware that South Tipperary local authorities who found themselves in this position have felt that they are legally bound to abide by the £832 maximum and the corresponding maximum valuation for landowners; and whether he will now confirm, as stated in his circular to the authorities on the matter, that the Act does not prevent them from making grants to persons of a higher income level.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Income Level for Housing Grants.
29.
As I intimated in reply to a previous question on the subject by the Deputy, the determination of the income of a person applying for a supplementary grant under section 12 of the Housing (Loans and Grants) Act, 1962 is a matter for the housing authority concerned, who may make reasonable allowances for family circumstances in assessing income for the purposes of the section. I am aware that a few housing authorities have expressed doubts as to their legal power to make such allowances and I propose, in order to remove these doubts, to clarify the position in the new Housing Bill.