asked the Minister for the Environment the overall number of applications received to date for the new reconstruction grants scheme; the number per county; the projected cost; the estimated time for processing each application from the receipt of the application to the issuing of the order to proceed with work and grant to be paid; the method by which he will ensure and establish that the work has been completed by registered builders; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Reconstruction Grants Scheme.
40.
A total of 39,000 applications were received up to and including 14 February 1986. A breakdown of this figure on a county basis is not readily available and its compilation would not be practicable without seriously affecting the day-to-day work of the section. Given that eligibility for grants and the approved costs of works have to be determined following inspections, it is not possible to give the projected cost of the applications received. As the scheme has only been in operation for a relatively short period, neither is it possible to give an accurate assessment of the average length of time for the processing in full of applications.
It is necessary for each applicant for a grant to furnish, in making his application, the tax numbers of the contractor who is to carry out the work and, on completion of the works, certain other particulars for the purposes of confirming the bona fide of the contractor with the Revenue Commissioners.