asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the dissatisfaction which exists among applicants for housing grants at the delay in payment of such grants; and what action he proposes to take to improve the situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing Grants.
41.
I am not so aware. There is no undue delay generally in my Department in paying housing grants which have matured for payment. Inevitably, delays arise in a limited number of individual cases, and every effort is being made to minimise such delays. Steps are being taken to recruit additional inspectors and other measures are being considered to improve the position.
Is the Minister aware that in County Mayo there is a delay in paying those grants? Is the Minister further aware that this delay must be caused by a shortage of inspectors, a delay in the administration offices in O'Connell Bridge House or else, obviously, there is a shortage of cash?
We have experienced some difficulty in filling vacancies which we have advertised recently but, in the main housing grants are payable in a six week period. If the Deputy has any difficulty in such a case I would invite him to give me particulars and I will look into it.