asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the hardship caused to applicants for new house grants who submitted applications after 1st January, 1976, as a result of his direction not to pay an instalment of the grant; and if he will reconsider the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - House Grants.
12.
I have not issued a direction that the long-standing arrangement for payment, in appropriate circumstances, of an instalment of a new house grant should be discontinued. I am anxious that payment by instalment should be arranged where feasible and I propose to review the position to this end.
Has the Minister clarified the situation in respect of each application received since 1st January so that grants would be paid in instalments as heretofore?
There was a misunderstanding because they only qualified for such grants if they qualified for a supplementary. To qualify for a supplementary it would be necessary for them to be living in the house, to be the first occupant of the house. It was never intended that it should operate that way. The Deputy has a point and I intend to clarify it as quickly as possible.
13.
asked the Minister for Local Government the arrangements that have been made to inform individuals who build or purchase a private house that they may qualify for a rates remission and relief from stamp duty; and the results of the applications where such individuals have applied for such remission and relief.
Full information on this subject was contained in the press notice published by my Department last January and is included also in the explanatory memorandum issued to all applicants for new house grants. Where an applicant is ineligible for such a grant, he is notified accordingly, informed of these ancillary benefits and told that consideration is being given to the issue of a certificate of exemption if appropriate.
In the period from 1st January to 30th April, 1976, certificates of reasonable value were issued in respect of 2,573 houses, certificates of exemption in respect of 92 houses and certificates of completion in respect of eight houses.
Is the Minister aware that there is still considerable confusion in this area? I hope that his reply will get the necessary publicity.
If the Deputy has any particular instance of where there is delay, I would be only too happy to investigate for him.
There are many mix-ups in that Department.