Housing Grants.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 February 2004

Tuesday, 3 February 2004

Ceisteanna (52)

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

174 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the total number of persons awaiting payment of the first-time buyer's grant at the latest date for which figures are available; the reason for the long delay in making these payments; the steps being taken to ensure that all such grants are paid without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2861/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)

There are 2,419 applications for payment of the first-time purchaser new house grant being processed in my Department. Every effort is made to ensure that no undue delays arise in the processing of applications, with the service of five inspectors who had retired being retained to undertake inspections and inspectors being deployed between areas in response to fluctuating workloads.