Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 May 2001

Vol. 535 No. 1

Written Answers - Housing Grants.

Jack Wall

Question:

436 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will investigate the guidelines on the essential repairs grant to ensure that applicants are not refused due to the fact that the overall condition of the house is in good repair and that the application is for a specific purpose which affects the everyday life of the applicant such as the electrical wiring of the home, the chimney of the house where the householder cannot use the fireplace or cooker due to its condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12238/01]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Molloy)

The essential repairs grant scheme enables basic repairs to be carried out to houses which cannot be made fit in all respects at a reasonable cost so that they can continue to provide an acceptable standard of accommodation for the occupants. The framework laid down in the statutory regulations is, as far as practicable, designed to give a degree of flexibility to local authorities, and for this reason does not specify in detail what works qualify for grant assistance. It is a matter for the local authority to assess the circumstances of each individual case and decide what works are necessary to prolong the useful life of the house for the occupants.