asked the Minister for Local Government the reason for the long delays in the payment of housing, water and sewerage grants after the Department has been notified of the completion of the work.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Grants Payment.
77.
Generally, there is not an undue delay in paying these grants after the Department has been notified of the completion of the work. Since 4th April, 1972, the procedure for dealing with the payment of most types of grant has been simplified and administrative checks have been reduced to a minimum. However, there has been a big increase in recent months in the number of cases maturing for payment, and this has given rise to inspection delays in some individual cases in certain areas.
In the normal course delays also arise where work is not completed in accordance with grant requirements or an applicant fails to comply with conditions governing the payment of grants.
To cope with the increasing work load, four extra inspectors were assigned to the work in December last. Steps are being taken to recruit extra inspectors.
I will examine any particular cases in which the Deputy may consider that an undue delay has occurred.
Is the Minister satisfied that his Department is able to respond to a rapid increase in housebuilding in any county by drafting in extra inspectors quickly?
Yes. In fact, I have done this already in some cases where particular work pressures have arisen.