(Cavan) asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that certain applicants for housing grants in County Cavan who applied through a public utility society (name supplied) in County Cavan have had payment of grants delayed because the society has failed to furnish certain statutory returns required under the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts; if he will take steps to treat these as personal applications and make payment to the applicants direct; and if he will refuse in future to accept applications through this society in order to avoid unnecessary delay in payment of grants.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cavan Housing Grants.
127.
I am aware that the payment of certain grants was deferred for the reason stated by the Deputy. My Department were informed by the Registry of Friendly Societies on 11th July, 1972, that this public utility society have since furnished the required statutory returns. Arrangements are now being made to have the outstanding grants paid.
Where the registration of a public utility society is not cancelled, the society are entitled to apply for grants under the Housing Acts on behalf of their members and there is no option but to accept such applications for consideration. Unless a society withdrew a grant application, a personal application by the particular member could not be entertained.
(Cavan): Am I to take it from the Minister's reply that this public utility society have now put their house in order and that the grants will be paid?
I was informed on the 11th July that this is the position.
(Cavan): Will the grants be paid now?
Yes. I said that arrangements have been made to pay the outstanding grants.
(Cavan): I would ask the Minister either to issue a warning to the society or to ask his colleague, the Minister for Industry and Commerce, to do so because the society are somewhat dilatory generally in the handling of these matters.
From our recent experience with this society that seems to be the position and this works to the disadvantage of applicants. It is a serious matter.