Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 15 Jun 1999

Vol. 506 No. 2

Written Answers. - Housing Grants.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

298 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the problems being experienced by applicants for the first time buyers' grant in relation to the use of Minitex roofing felt; the number of applicants who have been refused the grant due to the use of this felt; the steps, if any, he has taken or will take to advise the public that this felt is not eligible for use for grant purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14985/99]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Molloy)

A new house grant is payable only where a house meets the conditions and standards specified by my Department and, in particular, construction of the house must be in compliance with the requirements of the building regulations. The suitability of new materials, products or components must be demonstrated through certification by a competent body, such as the National Standards Authority of Ireland – NSAI – Irish Agreement Board – IAB. These conditions are set out in the explanatory memorandum – HA1 – on new house grants which is supplied to each applicant for a grant. In addition, a number of representative organisations who act with or on behalf of home purchasers in the legal and auctioneering professions and the Construction Industry Federation have been circulated regarding these requirements.

In the case of "Minitex" roofing felt, the certification required is not available. As a consequence, a total of 26 applications for new house grants have not been paid to date and the applicants have been notified accordingly.