asked the Minister for Local Government why a person in County Tipperary (name supplied) has not been paid a reconstruction grant; and when the grant will be paid.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Reconstruction Grant Payment.
1.
The grant in this case was paid to the applicant, c/o his solicitor on 20th December, 1974.
I appreciate that there was a mix-up in this case but can the Minister give any other reason for the delay in payment?
It is a long story. A reconstruction grant was applied for in May, 1967 and this was renewed in January, 1971. Because the house in question was practically rebuilt a reduced new house grant was applicable. First, the applicant was allocated a £400 grant but this was reduced by £77 because of defects in workmanship and by £50 in respect of a water supply. Thus, the allocation was reduced to £273 and this amount was paid on 20th December, 1974. The address on the 1967 application was given as Castle Place, Clogheen and on the later one as Ballinahalla, Clogheen. The Deputy is aware that the applicant's son bears the same name as the father and has a similar address. There was no mix-up. When we were notified that the completed works had been examined the grant was paid c/o the man's solicitor to whom power of attorney had been given. Perhaps the applicant is not aware that the solicitor got the money.