asked the Minister for the Environment if, in view of the relatively small number of applicants for house improvement grants under the scheme, he will, where their applications were disallowed owing to the time limit, consider revising the regulations to accommodate them.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - House Improvement Grants .
29.
: The final date for acceptance of applications under the previous reconstruction and individual water and sewerage grants schemes was fixed at 31 January 1978. The intention to do so was prominently advertised in the national newspapers and was reported to all provincial papers by the Government Information Services well in advance of the closing date. I do not propose to extend this date.
: Will the Minister accept that it was traditionally the case that many applicants for reconstruction grants did not apply until the work was completed? Will the Minister accept that applicants who commenced work prior to 1 November 1977 and did not apply until subsequent to 31 January 1978 now find that they have fallen between two stools, they will not qualify under the new scheme or the old scheme? In view of the small number involved will the Minister agree to review the regulation? I appeal to the Minister in this regard because reconstruction grants are continuous and in this case one scheme superseded the other. Those who commenced work prior to 1 November 1977 and honestly stated that in their application should be considered. Had they stated that the work commenced subsequent to that date they might qualify. Those people were honest. The amount of money involved cannot be that great. I do not want the Minister to give the reply now but I would be obliged if he would review this situation.
: I am prepared to be flexible in this matter where there is some form of evidence that an applicant contacted my Department or a local authority about a grant prior to November 1977.
: Will the Minister accept an application for planning permission as evidence?
: There must be some form of indication of a discussion. I am prepared to be flexible about this and I cannot go any further than that.
: Would the Minister accept a letter from the local Fianna Fáil TD?
: The remaining questions will appear on next Tuesday's Order Paper.