asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the considerable delay which occurs in the carrying out of inspections for housing grant applications in some parts of south-west Cork; and if he will take steps to have this delay eliminated.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Housing Grants.
13.
I am not so aware. My Department's records indicate that the general position in the County Cork area is satisfactory, but if the Deputy furnishes me with information in relation to delays in some parts of south-west Cork, I shall have the position investigated.
Would the Minister not agree that in a few cases six months elapsed between the submission of an application that was completely in order and the visit of the inspector?
That is completely out of the normal.
My reason for putting down the question is to make the Minister aware that in some cases such delays have arisen but only in part of the area.
Would the Deputy mind letting me have the details of these cases?
When I gave the details of a previous case to the Minister, he dealt with it expeditiously.
If Deputies have cases of such undue delay brought to their notice, I should like to be made aware of them.
14.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that a housing grant applicant (name supplied) in West Cork was informed on 9th October, 1965 that the grant for the erection of a new house would not be paid until he had married; and if he will take steps to remove this condition of payment and have the grant paid forthwith.
The applicant in question applied for the higher rate of grant, which is made only to persons in need of housing. His case has been re-examined and it has been decided that having regard to the unsatisfactory condition of the existing house, the higher rate of grant may be paid.
He may not be getting married for a while.
Could the Minister say if, in fact, applicants, who are single when the application is made and are building houses with the idea of getting married, will qualify for this grant?
I could not give a general, overall reply to this because I think each case will have to be examined on its merits.
Could the Minister say if a man who was living with his parents in a county council cottage wants to marry a girl living with her parents and family in a county council cottage, builds a house and would otherwise qualify for a grant, will qualify for it?
If he would otherwise qualify, I do not see him being disqualified.
Your Department did.
They might not have known all the circumstances.
I am glad the Minister has made it known that these people will be paid the grants.