asked the Minister for the Environment the reason for the long delay in having an inspection carried out on the premises of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow for the purpose of approving a house improvement grant; and the reason for the long delay in giving this matter approval.

There has been no undue delay in this case. When the Department inspector called to the house following receipt of the application, the applicant was away on holidays and no details of the work proposed were available. Accordingly, it will be necessary to arrange a further inspection and this will be carried out within the next few weeks.

27.

asked the Minister for the Environment if he is satisfied that his proposals to provide a grant of £2,250 to all purchasers of new houses which will be payable direct to the builder, will not result in a net loss to the first-time purchaser of a new house under the mortgage subsidy system; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I am satisfied that there is no basis for such a claim bearing in mind that the £2,250 grant is payable in full within 18 months of the house being built whereas payment of the mortgage subsidy is spread over a much longer period.