asked the Minister for the Environment the reason he will not sanction a house improvement grant under the pre-1940 scheme in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cavan despite the fact that she complied with all the regulations in relation to same; the reason his Department did not reply to a letter of 21 August 1989, submitted by the person's architect; if he will give an undertaking to have an engineer call to inspect the house in question with a view to payment of the grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Housing Grants.
31.
A grant cannot be allowed as the works carried out were not in accordance with those specified as being necessary to ensure the structural stability of the gable of the house, in the certificate of approval issued to the applicant. The letter referred to merely confirmed information which was already available to the Department. As the position has not changed, it is not proposed to carry out a further inspection of the house.
32.
asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some former owners of houses are demanding cash payment in order to sign the release form required by his Department before grants will be paid out to new owners who have carried out the approved works; whether he approves of such practices; and the proposals he has to deal with the matter.
One such case has come to the attention of the Department; the resolution of a dispute such as this is a matter between the parties concerned.