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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 21 May 1969

Vol. 240 No. 10

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - New House Grants.

12.

asked the Minister for Local Government the scale of increased new house grants in relation to income available to people, other than farmers under £25 valuation on land, who qualify for rehousing by local authorities but who decide to build themselves.

Section 16 of the Housing Act, 1966, lays down a scale of grants related to the valuation of holdings. These apply to persons who derive their livelihood solely or mainly from the pursuit of agriculture. The grants laid down in the section are extended to persons resident in a rural area, living in unfit or overcrowded dwellings, or in need of housing on medical, compassionate or other similar grounds. No income limits corresponding to the valuation limits applicable to farmers have been prescribed in respect of grants under the section to such persons who do not derive their livelihood solely or mainly from the pursuit of agriculture.

The Minister has not given me the reply to the question I asked. Is the Minister aware that there is a scale of grants in existence but I have been informed by the housing authority in Sligo that, although they know the scale of grants, they are not at liberty to tell me what it is. What I am asking is why are they not at liberty to tell me the scale of grants available to those people who decide to build their own houses rather than have the local authority build houses for them.

The reply I have given is to the question as I understood it. If the Deputy has something else he wants to ask I suggest he put down a question next week.

Surely the Minister will admit that he was asked for the scale of increased new house grants. The Minister has not answered that question.

I have answered.

The Minister has not told us the scale of the increased new grants. Will he tell us why this is being kept secret? Does he want to keep it secret like the Buchanan Report or does he want to announce it at a Fianna Fáil meeting somewhere tomorrow after we dissolve here today?

I have answered the question that was asked. If Deputy Gilhawley meant to ask a different question I suggest that he put that question down next week and I will be very happy to answer it.

A Cheann Comhairle, I think it should be brought to your attention that the Minister was asked for the scale of new grants and he has not answered the question.

The Chair has no function in the matter.

Can he fool you, Sir, the same as he can fool his own Taoiseach?

Question No. 13.

I asked for the scale of grants. I know the scale is there and I want to tell the Minister that I know. I asked the Minister to give me the scale of grants for people who have qualified for rehousing by local authorities and who go ahead themselves instead and build for themselves with the aid of grants. These people want to know—they are entitled to know— what the scale is.

Question No. 13.

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