asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is satisfied that the present inspectorial system on grant type houses is adequate to protect the interest and rights of the purchaser and to safeguard the expenditure of public moneys; and whether he has received complaints regarding newly built houses in Dublin (details supplied).
Ceisteanna — Questions Oral Answers. - House Inspection System.
39.
The present inspection system on grant type houses is intended to ensure that the constructional standards laid down by my Department for grant purposes have been met in each case. I am satisfied that it is adequate for this purpose. Complaints were received in my Department in respect of the schemes of houses referred to. The defects in the first scheme have been or are being rectified. The defects in the other scheme have not yet been rectified. The balance of the grant will not be paid on any house until the defects have been rectified.
Would the Minister tell me whether in respect of the new houses—houses which contain the life-savings of these young couples—it will be sufficient for the builder to say in respect of the ill-fitting doors that they might be corrected with draught strips or will it be necessary for him to hang proper doors? Will he get away with the draught strips?
There are certain construction standards which must be met before housing grants are paid by the Department. The position is as outlined in my reply. No grants will be paid until we are satisfied that the required standards have been reached in these houses.