asked the Minister for Local Government if, in view of the marked increase in building costs, he will revise the grants for new houses, for the reconstruction of houses and for water and sewerage.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing Grants.
58.
I would refer the Deputy to my replies to Questions No. 106 of 23rd July, 1970, and No. 40 of 11th November, 1970.
Will the Minister tell us when these grants were last reviewed?
The housing grants?
All housing grants.
Last August, under the Housing Bill, 1970.
Is the Minister seriously telling me that grants available for reconstruction and water and sewerage, were revised last year?
The housing grants were revised last year. In regard to water and sewerage grants, I do not know if I have the information here.
Will the Minister convey the information to the House in view of the fact that it has been 20 years since these grants were increased?
We are keeping these grants under review?
Under cover. Is the Minister aware that when these grants were introduced they represented approximately 18 per cent of the purchase price of the property? Is he aware that today they represent only 6 per cent?
The Minister is fully aware of rising costs in relation to building, whether it is reconstruction, new building, or the provision of water or sewerage. I have kept these grants under review and where possible, during the past few months, I have increased them, starting with the housing grants last August. We have increased the income limits for supplementary grants.
Six per cent now as against 18 per cent in 1948.
I am fully aware of the Deputy's point. The figures are being improved and the grants for housing are constantly under review.
When does the Minister expect to be able to announce the increases?