asked the Minister for the Environment the reason for the delay in paying a house improvement grant to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and when it will be paid.
Written Answers. - Grant Payments.
276.
The delay in this case arises because of a doubt as to the status of the former bathroom in this house. The applicant has been requested to furnish documentation in this regard which will assist the Department in reaching a decision in the matter.
277.
asked the Minister for the Environment when a reconstruction grant will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
This grant will be paid shortly.
278.
asked the Minister for the Environment when a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be allowed to purchase his house from Wexford Corporation under the tenant purchase scheme; the proposals there are to amend the relevant legislation whereby similar house buyers from local authorities can be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) Act, 1978, provides that with effect from 16 May 1978 dwelling houses, including those sold by housing authorities under tenant purchase schemes, must be sold in fee simple. This requirement is in the interest of local authority tenants purchasing their dwellings and I do not consider that amendment of its provisions is required.
The provision of acceptable title to its housing stock is entirely a matter for the local authority concerned and I have been informed by Wexford Corporation that delays in the completion of sales have been caused by the serious difficulties they are experiencing in acquiring fee simple title to a number of their housing schemes, including the one which is the subject of this question. Every effort is being made to overcome this problem and I understand that the corporation are hopeful that the matter will be satisfactorily resolved in the near future.