asked the Minister for Local Government if, to cover the case of a house built or reconstructed by or on behalf of a person who subsequently for good and valid reasons is unable to occupy it, he will introduce proposals for legislation to amend Section 16 of the Housing (Amendment) Act, 1948, so as to enable the eventual first occupier and owner of such house to receive the subsidy provided for in the section as if the latter originally caused the house to be built or reconstructed; and, further, if he will permit the partial remission of rates to operate as from the date of the first occupancy.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing (Amendment) Act, 1948.
I cannot give any assurance to the Deputy at this stage that amending legislation of the nature suggested will be introduced. The matter will be examined in connection with future housing legislation.
Is the Minister aware that this and other anomalies that arise under this Act are causing dissatisfaction to those whom the Act is intended to assist?
Mr. Murphy
I am aware there are certain complaints with regard to the operation of this particular section. I know this particular section was inserted to prevent certain abuses. All I can say is that the matter will receive consideration with quite a number of other matters in the Act.