Is there any provision to pay grants after the work has commenced? I am referring to the provision of a bathroom and toilet. Is an application for a grant after the work has commenced, or has been completed, acceptable? If the Minister does not have that information in his brief perhaps he will be good enough to check it for me.

If the work has commenced people are not entitled to a grant. However, if a person had commenced work on the provision of an additional bedroom but had not started work on the provision of a bathroom before the inspection he would be paid a grant in respect of the bathroom but not for the bedroom. Where work has commenced before inspection the applicant is automatically disqualified.

I appreciate that the Minister cannot have all the information sought in his brief but I am of the opinion that there is a provision to pay a grant in the case of the installation of bathroom and toilet facilities. Will the Minister consider such cases?

No.

In that event will the Minister consider making such provision in the case of home improvements grants?

No. I do not have such a proposal to make.

We must move on to the next question.

I have a further supplementary to put to the Minister. The Chair must bear in mind that I was not responsible for the delay at the start of Question Time.

There have been longer delays since.

I do not take up too much time in the House. I should like to ask the Minister if there is any reason why applications should be submitted prior to the commencement of the work. I should like to give credit where credit is due——

We cannot have these comfortable little chats.

Is the Minister aware of a case in west Donegal where in an unusual case an inspector from his Department called within four hours of a request? I am anxious to convey to the Minister that I appreciated that.

I must move on to the next question.