Vol. 541 No. 5
226 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has satisfied himself with works carried out to premises (details supplied) in County Kilkenny under the scheme put in place in lieu of local authority housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23365/01]
The determination of applications for improvement works in lieu of local authority housing is a matter for the local authorities to consider and works not exceeding £50,000 do not require the prior approval of my Department. My Department gave approval to Kilkenny County Council for the carrying out of improvement works in this instance at a cost of £52,000 on foot of a proposal submitted by the council. Local authorities have responsibility to ensure that the improvement works are undertaken in a satisfactory manner and I understand that the county council is satisfied with the work carried out in this case.
227 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans he has to reintroduce the repairs grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23366/01]
There are a number of targeted options currently available to assist vulnerable groups such as lower income households and elderly persons to secure necessary improvements works to their houses. These include the disabled persons and essential repairs grant schemes, works carried out under the task force on special housing aid for the elderly, the local authority house improvement loan scheme and the scheme of improvement works in lieu of local authority housing.
There are no proposals at this stage to re-introduce a more generally available house improvement grant scheme.
