asked the Minister for Local Government if he intends to increase grants to private persons who build their own houses; and, if so, when he will make a statement on this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing Grants.
109.
As I indicated in reply to Question No. 96 on 2nd May, 1974, grants under the Housing Acts are under constant review in my Department. I am not at present in a position to indicate what changes may be made in the current scale of grants.
In answer to a question of mine here, the Minister gave me an indication that he intended to review all grants. I asked him would he bring the salary grant up to the farmers' grant, and he was very sympathetic towards that. Further in connection with his reply I said he should surely realise that the cost of houses had gone up to such an extent that the present grants would not pay for the installing of electricity if the house was in an isolated place and that I would be surprised if the Minister would not consider increasing the grants.
Deputy Callanan is correct. I did give him a reply to Question No. 96 from Deputy Gallagher on the 2nd May, 1974. I agree that the grants were pretty small and have been so for a number of years. I believe the Deputies were correct in asking that something should be done. There are 20 or 30 different housing grants. I told the Deputies that the whole matter was under review by a committee set up for the purpose in an effort to try to bring the grants down to one or two in number. While a report has come in, a final decision on the matter has not yet been made.
When is there a hope of a decision being made?
When the report is finally made it will have to be presented to the Government.
Would the Minister state whether he is in favour of people in the country building their own houses? Is he in favour of that?
Is the Deputy asking do I agree with people building their own houses? The fact that I granted 18,000 housing grants last year is answering the question better than I can.
If the Minister is in favour of this situation surely the time has come when it is necessary to increase the grants substantially?
I should love to be able to increase the amounts to almost the price of the houses in many cases. As Deputy Gallagher knows, this would not be possible. The fact that 18,000 grants were paid in respect of houses built last year is proof enough that people are interested enough even at the rate at which the grant is paid.
Surely the Minister is aware that the increases in the prices of houses have amounted to £1,000 over the last 12 months?
House prices have increased a lot. There have been increases in the cost of materials. The prices have increased substantially over a number of years and nothing was done by the previous Administration. They want me to rush in and do it now.
You are bankrupt. May I request written replies to the remaining questions in my name on the Order Paper?
In view of the importance of Question No. 152 could I have a written reply?
Certainly, Deputies.