(Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware that a person (details supplied) in County Cavan applied for a solid fuel conversion grant, that the file was mislaid in his Department, that the applicant was asked to submit another application which he did and that the work was inspected in July 1980, but as yet no grant has been paid; if he will now arrange for the payment of this grant as a matter of urgency; and the reason for the delay.

An application for a solid fuel grant was received from the person named on 1 February 1980. Delay in this case was due to the fact that the original file was lost in the course of transmission by post from the local inspector to headquarters and that the applicant had to complete a second application form. Payment will be made shortly.

461.

(Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware that a person (details supplied) in County Cavan applied for a fuel conversion grant, that the work was inspected and passed in July 1980 and that the grant has not yet been paid; and if he will explain the delay and arrange for the immediate payment of the grant.

An application for a solid fuel grant was received from the person named on 1 February 1980. Delay in this case was due to the fact that the original file was lost in the course of transmission by post from the local inspector to headquarters, and that the applicant had to complete a second application form. Payment will be made shortly.

462.

(Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware that a person (details supplied) in County Cavan applied for a solid fuel conversion grant, that the work has been completed and that his Department were notified accordingly; if he will explain the delay in paying this grant; and if he will arrange for immediate payment.

An application for a solid fuel grant was received from the person named on 31 January 1980. Delay in this case was due to the fact that the original file was lost in the course of transmission by post from the local inspector to headquarters and that the applicant had to complete a second application form. Payment will be made shortly.

463.

asked the Minister for the Environment if the grant due from his Department has been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; if he will now direct Dublin County Council to pay an equal grant immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

A grant of £525 under the former scheme of new house grants was paid by the Department on July 1980. The payment was notified as a matter of course, to Dublin County Council. The payment of a supplementary grant is a matter solely for the council. The council are, however, precluded by section 23 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1979, from paying a grant in any case in which an application for payment was not received by them on or before 31 December 1979.

464.

asked the Minister for the Environment if he has received a request from Dublin County Council for money under the local improvements scheme for the purposes of carrying out repairs to the steps at Quinns Road, Shankill, County Dublin; and if he will sanction the application.

I have not received any such request. The administration of the local improvements scheme, including the selection and execution of eligible works is a matter for the county councils concerned, subject to the provisions of the Local Government (Roads and Drainage) Act, 1968 and general guidelines issued by my Department. My approval to specific works is not required.