Vol. 396 No. 3
186 Mr. O'Dea asked the Minister for the Environment if he will reconsider his decision to refuse a house improvement grant to a person (details supplied) in Limerick in view of the fact that his application was lodged with his Department 12 weeks before the house improvement grant scheme was abolished in 1987.
A grant cannot be allowed as an inspection had not been carried out before 27 March 1987.
187 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for the Environment the qualifying conditions for new house grants for an applicant who builds his house by direct labour; and the nature and amount of the works involved.
To qualify for a new house grant a contractor or contractors registered for VAT must be engaged in the construction of the house. Where the house is being built on the applicants own site, VAT registered work must have a value of not less than £15,000.
188 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for the Environment if he will arrange an early inspection with a view to payment of a new house grant for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.
An inspection by appointment, with a view to payment of the grant, will be carried out as soon as possible.
189 Mr. Crowley asked the Minister for the Environment when the granny flat grant was abolished; the reason it was abolished; and if there are any plans to reintroduce this grant.
Accommodation such as that mentioned by the Deputy depending on its type, could qualify for a new house grant or a house improvement grant, where the conditions of these schemes of grants as existing from time to time, are fulfilled. I have no proposals to introduce a grant specifically for the provision of such dwellings.
