asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware of the increasing use being made of timber houses by persons anxious to provide houses for themselves and their families; and that these commendable efforts are not rewarded by provision of State grants; if he now proposes to have grants made available; and, if so, if he will give details of the grants.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Grants For Timber Houses.
27.
My Department, in co-operation with An Foras Forbartha, has completed an examination of the extent to which timber houses can be accepted for grants. An explanatory memorandum setting out the minimum standards required has been prepared and has been sent to manufacturers and other interested parties. The scale of grants applicable to traditional houses will be payable in respect of timber houses which meet the Department's requirements.
The Minister will have observed that, in the last part of my question, I asked specifically if he would make available the nature of these grants to me and to the House. He has indicated, in his reply, that an explanatory memorandum has been issued on this subject to manufacturers and other interested parties. Is it not strange that he would not submit this evidence here to me or, more appropriately, to the House?
The Deputy did not actually ask for the standards; he asked for the grants, and I said the same scale of grants applicable to traditional houses will be payable in respect of timber houses which meet the Department's requirements. If the Deputy wants the explanatory memorandum setting out the minimum standards, I shall send it to him.
I do; thank you. I asked for details of the grants in the last part of my question and I would be glad to have a copy of the memorandum.
I presumed Deputy Treacy would know what was the scale of grants applicable to traditional houses——
For timber houses.
—and the scale of grants is the same as that applicable to traditional houses, which I took it Deputy Treacy would know.
I am aware of grants for traditional houses; I want the fullest information available on houses of timber construction. May I have a copy of the explanatory memorandum?
Yes; I shall send it to the Deputy.
Did I understand the Minister to say he has issued a special memorandum on timber houses?
Yes, an explanatory memorandum setting out the minimum standards required.
For timber houses?
Yes, and it has been sent to manufacturers and other interested parties.
I should like the Minister to send me one, too.
May we all have it?
I will send it to all the Deputies.