Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Feb 1995

Vol. 449 No. 1

Written Answers. - House Improvement Loans.

Séamus Hughes

Question:

104 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for the Environment the number of special house improvement loans, on a county basis, issued by each local authority for each year since its introduction; the number of loans on a county basis approved by his Department in excess of £10,000; the range of such approvals; and the criteria allowed by his Department in considering loans in excess of the usual limit. [3093/95]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment (Ms McManus)

It is assumed that the question relates to the scheme of improvement works in lieu of local authority housing. Details of activity by housing authorities under the scheme up to 30 September, 1994, the latest date for which full returns are available, are published in my Department's Housing Statistics Bulletin, September Quarter 1994, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library. The full figures for 1994 will be included in the Annual Housing Statistics Bulletin, 1994, which will be published as soon as possible.

Details on a county basis of approvals in excess of £10,000 given by the Department are being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy. Where the cost of a proposal exceeds £10,000, the local authority concerned is asked to submit details of the proposed works and of the existing house and its adequacy for the household concerned; and the authority's view on value for money of the proposed works as opposed to providing alternative accommodation by way of new construction or acquisition. The £10,000 limit is among matters included in the review of the terms of the schemes introduced inAPlan for Social Housing which is at an advanced stage in my Department.