andMr. T. O'Donnell asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the prolonged delay in the payment of State housing grants; and, if so, if he will take steps to rectify the situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing Grants.
24.
Where there is evidence of an illegal no-rates campaign, the inquiries which are now being made as to whether particular applicants for grants have paid their rates inevitably result in delays in the payment of grants in certain cases. Otherwise there are no prolonged delays in the payment of State housing grants. The second part of the question does not therefore arise.
Would the Minister give any indication as to what he considers the average delay is after it has been sent from the Department of Local Government to Finance for payment?
There is very little delay in the normal course.
How much?
A couple of weeks, I think.
Is it not true——
A few days.
——that there has been considerable delay——
No.
——in the past few months in housing grants?
No.
Deputies
Yes.
Will the Minister find out in his Department how many grants are waiting and the average time?
It would not be more than two weeks.
Go fish.
Surely the Minister knows that housing grants have taken as long as 12 months? In fact, I can say that I personally waited for a water grant for two years and nine months.
Maybe the Deputy did not pay his rates.
Two years and nine months.
Had you paid your rates?
I had.
The Minister has not much rates to pay.
Personal remarks like that are not very nice. That is what we can expect from that Minister.
It is an excuse for holding them up, and nothing else.
Can the Minister say if since the beginning of this year there has been a considerable slowing down in the rate of inspection of work on both reconstruction and new houses?
The Deputy should have got in touch with his other TD.
That is not easy. If I give the Minister a list of houses which have been done since early this year and which are awaiting inspection, will he have something done about it?
I will, yes.
Good for you.
They could not pay the price of a canary cage until a few days ago.