asked the Minister for Local Government if he will now increase house reconstruction grants in the view of the increase in the cost of labour and materials.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - House Reconstruction Grants.
17.
The scales of all types of housing grants, including those for reconstruction works, are kept under continuous review in my Department, having regard particularly to needs, demands, and resources, and will come up for consideration in conjunction with other amendments of the Housing Act, 1966, which are at present being examined.
That answer is a little more elaborate than the one the Minister gave Deputy O'Connell the other day.
No, it is not.
Same Question but different answer.
Surely, the Minister appreciates that there has been a marked increase in building costs in recent times? If so, will he not agree that the time is at hand for a marked improvement in the rate of reconstruction grants? Personally, I think the percentage rate is all right — 66? per cent — but there is a maximum of £140. Would the Minister not agree that that should be increased sharply?
As I said, that question is being considered.