Vol. 502 No. 3
411 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the advice or assistance he can offer to homeowners who cannot avail of the first time buyer's grant due to the fact, that on inspection, it was found that inappropriate material was used; the number of these applications refused each month in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7755/99]
I presume the Deputy is referring to "Euroflex" pipe.
A new house grant is payable only where a house meets the conditions and standards specified by my Department and, in particular, construction of the house must be in compliance with the requirements of the building regulations. The suitability of new materials, products or components must be demonstrated through certification by a competent body, such as the National Standards Authority of Ireland – Irish Agreement Board. These conditions are set out in the explanatory memorandum, HAI, on new house grants which is supplied to each applicant for a grant.
In the case of "Euroflex" pipe, the certification required is not available in respect of its use for hot water or central heating systems. As a consequence, a total of 57 applications for new house grants have not been paid to date and the applicants have been notified accordingly.
