asked the Minister for the Environment if his Department have any proposals to pay the new house grants in instalments.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - New House Grants.
10.
My Department have no such proposals.
Is the Minister aware that many people have financial difficulties when part of their house is built? In view of the recent increase in the grant, would he consider paying an instalment when the house is partially complete?
The Deputy has in mind an older arrangement which existed some time ago under which the grants were paid in instalments directly to the builder.
Only where the applicant agreed.
A fundamental feature of the current new house grant scheme is that grants are restricted to first-time owner occupiers and are paid only when an applicant actually occupies the house on completion. The instalment prospect cannot be considered under the terms of this scheme.
Would the Minister not consider changing the terms of this scheme and pay the £1,000 as the loan payments are made, the balance due to be paid on completion and occupation of the house?
The new grant applies to the person who actually occupies the house and can only be given on that basis. In exceptional circumstances a person may build a house but never occupy it. This grant is given only on the basis of the person occupying the house. As soon as that happens the grant is paid. I do not intend to change the scheme.
Why is the Minister so strict in requiring the applicant to reside in the house in the case of the new house grant when he is prepared to give £5,000 to the owner of another house to carry out repairs, even though he might not reside in it?
That is an entirely different matter.