Vol. 455 No. 8
135 Mrs. O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment if he will review the case of a family (details supplied) in County Westmeath for grant purposes who built a new house in order to cater adequately both now and in the future for a handicapped member of their family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12635/95]
Notwithstanding non-compliance with certain conditions that normally apply to the payment of a new house grant, such a grant may be paid for the provision of a new dwelling specifically to meet the needs of a disabled member of a household where, in accordance with statutory provisions, a local authority certifies that a new house is being specifically provided and has been suitably designed for the accommodation of a disabled person and the previous dwelling was not suitable for the accommodation of the disabled person.
I understand that, in this case, the county council consider that the dwelling being vacated is suitable to the needs of the disabled member of the household and, accordingly, a new house grant cannot be allowed.
