asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state why a housing grant was refused to Mr. George Ryan, Youghal.
- Refusal of Housing Grant.
As the Deputy was informed by letter on the 16th June last, a new house grant could not be paid in this case as the house failed in many respects to comply with the requirements of statutory regulations governing payment of such grants. The possibility of making grant for reconstruction of the premises is being considered.
Is it not very peculiar that this poor man, who is only a tradesman, was allowed to carry on with the building of the house although the approving officer was living in the vicinity? Surely the inspector could have seen that house when it was being built and could have told the man that it was not being properly constructed when it was in its embryo stages. I think the Minister should show some disposition to give that man a "break."
The application in the first instance in this case was for a grant for the reconstruction of an existing dwelling. The work was inspected and was considered unsuitable by the inspector for a new housing grant. The question of a reconstruction grant is under consideration.