asked the Minister for Local Government who, apart from small farmers, is entitled to the higher rate of new house grant; the number of such applications from County Kerry at present under consideration; and the average time it takes to deal with such applications.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Kerry House Grants.
58.
The special rate of new house grant is payable to a non-farmer (1) who is ordinarily resident in and builds a new house in a rural area; (2) who resides in an over-crowded or an unfit house or needs a house on medical, compassionate, or other similar grounds; and (3) whose circumstances are such that he could not provide a house without the aid of the special rate of grant.
The information requested in the remainder of the question could not be extracted without an inordinate degree of staff time. However, if the Deputy furnishes particulars of any individual case where there appears to be an undue delay, I will have the position investigated.
Would the Minister care to give the figures under which these people would qualify for grants?
Sin ceist eile.
The Minister did say that certain people who could not provide a house of their own would qualify. He must be aware that that is not the whole story: that there are three limits over which they cannot receive a grant.
As the Deputy is aware, it has not been the practice to disclose these figures.
Of course it has. If anybody applies for a grant, he is told what the figures are.
Question No. 59 postponed.