asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that applicants such as cinema operators, bakers, road gangers, postmen and domestic servants for grants under Section 8 of the Housing (Amendment) Act, 1948, are debarred from receiving such grants by reason of the fact that they are regarded as "agricultural labourers" under the Housing Acts; and, if so, whether he will ensure that such anomalies are removed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Grants under Housing (Amendment) Act, 1948.
Applicants of the types mentioned by the Deputy would be classified as "agricultural labourers" if their employment is not of a permanent and pensionable character. In that event, they will be eligible for the improved scales of State grants for reconstruction and for supplementary grants by housing authorities proposed to be made available to agricultural labourers and others under the new Housing (Amendment) Bill.
Is it not rather peculiar that such types of people should be regarded as agricultural labourers? Surely they cannot be said to have any connection with agricultural work. I think it is a very peculiar situation and one with which people have reason to be dissatisfied. Has the Minister made any provision for the removal of this anomaly in the new Housing Bill which has just been issued?
I have told the Deputy that applicants of the type mentioned by him would be classified as agricultural labourers, if their employment is not permanent and pensionable.