Vol. 555 No. 2
392 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if a lone parent, who has been on a local authority housing list, can avail of a scheme to get a specifically built extension to their parent's home to accommodate them and their child; if he will give details in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18033/02]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 1510 of 9 October 2002, which provides details of the targeted measures available to households, including lone parents, in this regard. Further advice in relation to individual cases may automatically be obtained from the local authority concerned.
393 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the reason a new house grant was not sanctioned in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny in view of the fact that the applicant fits the criteria set down in the hardship provisions of the legislation; if he will review the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18139/02]
The conditions governing the new house grant scheme normally preclude payment of a grant where an applicant, whether single or joint, has previously purchased or built another house for his or her own occupation. However, a grant may be allowed in a range of specified circumstances and where the Minister is also satisfied that refusal to pay a grant would cause undue hardship. Each such application is considered on its merits, with regard to the household income of the applicant. In this case, the applicants' income was such that payment of a grant was not appropriate on grounds of undue hardship.
