Vol. 558 No. 4
400 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if a person who paid a booking deposit on 25 May 2002 and has on 21 November 2002 paid a full deposit on a dwelling house, and which contracts were finalised on the 21 November 2002, will be in a position to avail of the new house grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24280/02]
In the context of terminating the new house grant, the Government has sought to ensure fair treatment first by ensuring that all applications approved or pending in my Department will, subject to the normal conditions of the scheme, qualify for grant payment. In addition, people who had already made commitments in the form of signed contracts or by the pouring of foundations on or before 14 November 2002 have been given an opportunity to apply for the grant. In providing a grace period up to 4 December for cases such as these to notify my Department, first time buyers who are at the most advanced stage of purchase or building are being facilitated as far as possible. The payment of a booking deposit which is subject to contract does not constitute a contract and is therefore excluded from the above arrangements.
