Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Jun 2002

Vol. 553 No. 2

Written Answers. - Housing Grants.

Mary Upton

Question:

633 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has received correspondence from a local authority (details supplied) in relation to the operation of the essential repairs grant by that local authority; and the position in this regard. [13498/02]

Mary Upton

Question:

639 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his Department has given consideration to a draft scheme (details supplied); his views on the proposed means test; and if whole or part grants will be paid. [13505/02]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Cullen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 633 and 639 together.

South Dublin County Council applied to my Department on 7 May for approval for the use their internal capital receipts to fund any excess expenditure on the disabled persons and essential repairs grant schemes. My Department's reply of 31 May 2002 indicated that the priority claim on the use of internal capital receipts is assigned to the main local authority housing programme and the remedial works scheme but that it is open to the local authority to use any surplus internal capital receipts over and above this requirement to assist in the funding of the above grant schemes.

The operation of the essential repairs grant scheme is delegated to local authorities and has been designed to give authorities an appropriate degree of flexibility in its administration. Within broad overall guidelines set by my Department, it is a matter for each local authority to decide the level of funding to be provided for the scheme in their area, to assess the circumstances of each individual applicant, to decide what works are necessary to prolong the useful life of the house for the occupants, to determine the level of grants in individual cases and the circumstances in which a grant may be paid. The regulations governing the essential repairs grant scheme do not require local authorities to operate a means test. However, in determining priority among grant applicants, local authorities have regard to relative means and needs.

Willie Penrose

Question:

634 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when a new house grant payment will be made to persons (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13499/02]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Cullen)

An inspection with a view to payment of the grant, if in order, will be carried out as soon as possible.