Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 501: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on a matter, previously brought to his attention, in respect of a charity (details supplied) and the disparate procedures taken by different county councils in respect of charges for legal fees arising from projects involving the charity in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39258/08]

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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Under my Department's Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS), grants of up to 100% of the approved cost of projects are available for accommodation provided by approved housing bodies. Legal costs necessarily incurred in respect of land acquisition, oversight of services and works contracts, effecting mortgages and registration of title etc. are eligible for grant assistance under the CAS. As is the case with all grant-eligible works and services, the amount approved in respect of legal costs is project-specific and will vary depending on the scope and complexity of the work involved.

In July 2008 my Department, following detailed consultation with the local authorities and the voluntary and co-operative housing sector, introduced new procedures for the appraisal, approval and implementation of new projects. As part of the ongoing process of streamlining and standardising procedures across all local authority areas, my Department will be issuing, in early 2009, revised guidelines in relation to key elements of the approval process, including guidelines on dealing with legal issues.