asked the Minister for Local Government if he will assure Dublin Corporation that full housing subsidy will be paid by his Department in respect of any houses which are now described as reserved and which the Corporation may allot to existing tenants on a permanent tenancy basis.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing Subsidy.
41.
Initially Dublin Corporation opted for grants under section 27 of the Housing (Amendment) Act, 1948, for reserved houses. Where these grants have been paid for a house, subsidy by way of contribution towards the loan charges cannot be paid.
For reserved houses built subsequently, the Corporation opted for subsidy by way of contribution towards loan charges, in accordance with section 6 of the Housing (Financial and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1932, as amended by the Housing (Amendment) Act, 1952, and other enactments. Under these Acts, the rate of contribution is determined by reference to the purpose for which the houses were provided. I have no power to pay subsidy otherwise than in accordance with these Acts.
I may add that the higher rate of subsidy is generally paid for the rehousing of persons from reserved houses in other dwellings provided by the Corporation.
Am I to take it that although the Corporation, as indicated to me by the Minister in reply to previous questions, has the right to permit people living in reserved houses to remain in such houses, the Corporation will suffer a penalty if they do so in as much as the full subsidy applicable to the ordinary type of house will not be paid in respect of these? Is that the position?
They do not suffer any penalty. The subsidy is allocated in accordance with the provisions of the Act and in relation to the first letting of the house. That is the position. They will still continue to get that subsidy.
It will make no difference to the Corporation?
No.