asked the Minister for the Environment the average length of time (a) a new house grant file is with housing inspectors for report and (b) from when the report is received and payment issued.

The general length of time taken for inspections is estimated to be four to six weeks, and the general length of time take for payment is about five to seven weeks.

Is the Minister satisfied he has a sufficient number of inspectors in the field to cater for the number of applications?

I am.