asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the complaints of delay in the payment of housing grants in the Kildare constituency; and if he will take steps to ensure that such delays do not take place.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kildare Housing Grants.
17.
The position as regards housing grant work in County Kildare is satisfactory both at the inspection and administrative ends. Payments are dealt with on a day to day basis following final inspection. I am not aware of any undue delays.
What would the Minister consider undue delay at each of the three stages?
Each case would have to be considered on its merits.
Could the Minister give an indication how soon after application is received the person concerned should have an inspector to inspect, how soon after inspection he should get notification and how soon after final inspection, he should get the money? I am leaving out exceptional cases.
I cannot give any general practice because the manner in which inspections are carried out is on a circular tour basis. When the inspector is assigned to carry out inspections, he may make one inspection and then have to go on a circular tour to the next inspection. That depends on the inspections at any particular time. It is not possible to say what would be regarded as undue delay without considering individual cases.
Does the Minister consider it reasonable that a man should have to wait three months after final inspection before receiving his grant?
I do not think that is reasonable and I should like to have details of any such case.