asked the Minister for the Environment if he will confirm the position under the new house improvement grants whether it is a condition to qualify for the grant that the contractor whose tax number is quoted on the application form must complete the reconstruction work; if he will further confirm whether a registered contractor, although qualifying for a house improvement grant, cannot carry out the work on his own premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Grant Eligibility.
27.
It is a condition of the scheme that a grant application cannot be considered except where the tax numbers of a contractor who is undertaking the work are furnished on the relevant application form. Should a contractor other than the one nominated on the application form have to be employed this will be acceptable provided my Department are furnished in writing with the name, address and tax numbers of the new contractor and that he meets the terms of the scheme. It is in the applicant's own interest in any such case that work should not commence until approval regarding the new contractor has been received from my Department.
In relation to the second part of the question. I would refer the Deputy to the reply to Question No. 42 of 13 February 1986.