asked the Minister for the Environment if a housing inspector has inspected the house of a person (name supplied) in County Offaly; if he is satisfied that all repairs had been carried out by Tullamore UDC; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Offaly House Repairs.
289.
The question of an inspection of the houses by an inspector from my Department does not arise in this case.
On 31st December, 1974, Tullamore Urban District Council informed the person concerned that the transfer order had been made in her case. Under section 106 of the Housing Act, 1966, a purchaser has a right of appeal to the Minister within twenty-one days beginning on the date on which he is notified of the making of the transfer order if he is not satisfied that the house is in good structural condition. The tenant concerned was notified by the urban council of her right of appeal and the time limit which applies. However, her appeal was not received in the Department until 11th March, 1976. The appeal could not, therefore, be entertained. The position is that the person concerned, as the owner of the house, is now responsible for its repair and maintenance. The local authority is not empowered to carry out any further work in this case at this stage.
The solicitors acting for the person were informed accordingly on 15th June, 1976.