asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the undue delays in the processing and payment of housing grants and the proposals, if any, to remedy this situation.

There are some delays in processing and paying housing grants due to the huge volume of applications being received. Efforts are being made to reduce these delays by indoor and outdoor overtime and increasing the existing administrative and technical staff. I am hopeful that these measures will bring about a gradual improvement in the situation.

(Cavan-Monaghan): In keeping with the Minister's general policy would he consider dispensing with inspections as he did with the driving test, and that might speed up the payment of the grants?

No.

(Cavan-Monaghan): What is the longest delay between the notification that a house is finished and the inspection, because that is where the delay is taking place?

That is a separate question.

If the Deputy puts down a question I will answer it. I have recruited more staff for inspections and I hope to relieve whatever delays there are as quickly as possible.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Does the Minister consider that the delays are unreasonable?

The delays are not always on the side of the Department. When further information is required some applicants are very slow to furnish it.

In recruiting extra staff to deal with the backlog which arose as a result of the postal strike did the Minister have any difficulties with the Department of the Public Service?

No. Naturally the Department of the Public Service would sanction the appointment of permanent staff but we can recruit temporary staff to relieve the situation.