asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that some local authorities, particularly urban councils, are not paying the full supplementary grant in connection with housing, water and sewerage; and that some others are not paying any grant at all; if he is aware of the great hardship caused by this inequitable distribution of grants; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to rectify the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Authority Grants.
27.
I am aware that some local authorities pay supplementary grants as a proportion of the State grant and that some authorities do not pay grants at all. The decision whether or not to pay grants is a matter for each authority in the light of local circumstances, including their ability to meet the cost. I have no power to compel them to pay grants. I may add, however, that under section 109 of the Housing Act, 1966, a county council may pay supplementary grants for houses within an urban area, and some councils, in fact, do this.