The amount in this case is £1,025,000. It will be observed that there are two sums mentioned. That is, £25,000 for Local Loans and £1,000,000, which is in a separate category. The £1,000,000 represents the sums due to the British Government in respect of Local Loans outstanding on the 1st April, 1922. In the ordinary way we should collect this sum from the people who have borrowed it. But latterly these payments have been somewhat in arrears. We hope they will come in before the next financial year, and corresponding credit will be given for them. With regard to the other matter, the Local Loans, that is to provide sums, loans, to farmers and others for hay barns and other improvements that may be required by them. But unless the sums hitherto lent are repaid, of course we shall have to limit the extent of this Vote in the future.
ESTIMATES. - LOCAL LOANS.
Am I to understand that the amount of money outstanding with regard to these loans is £1,000,000?
I think the Deputy misunderstands. The sum is very much larger. I do not mean to say it is in arrears, but outstanding. That is, when we took over from the British there were ten or eleven millions outstanding under this head.
Not under the heading of Board of Works charges and loans— but if they come under Land Loans I can understand them. I cannot understand them coming under Board of Works loans.
I take it the Deputy understands the difference between "arrears" and "outstanding." The original sum lent amounts to £x. The figures here before you, which is the contribution which we had estimated it will be necessary to pay the interest on such borrowings up to 31st March next to the English Government in respect of such borrowings, is one million.
I am not quite sure whether it is on this Vote, or the Vote for public education—I think it is under this one—that the question of teachers' residences built by loan from the Board of Works could be raised.
Some people have teachers on the brain. Residences for the whole of them, built by the Board of Works!
The £25,000 is to enable certain classes of minor loans given under various Acts to be continued. They are mainly for land improvements, hay barns and drainage. There was something formerly for housing under this head, but, in view of the fact that we have under the Ministry of Local Government one million made available for that, there is nothing estimated now. I am afraid you will have to give me notice, as I could not say off-hand if teachers' residences are included.
I can inform the Minister that in the past teachers' residences, under a special Act of Parliament, were built by loan granted by the Board of Works, and the interest was paid partly by the Commissioners of Education and partly by the Local Authority—the managers of the schools. The point I wanted to raise is—as these residences are not now being provided, I am anxious to know what the Government proposes to do in the matter.
I want to anticipate the Minister.
You are not the Minister yet.
The practice in Leinster is that the people of the district get together, put the money down, and build the residence. Try and help yourself, and do not be asking the Nation always to help you—always going round with the hat.
I believe this was the fund.
Can the Minister say what is the position now?
I do not think there is anything in the Estimate this year for that purpose.
I am very sorry to hear it.
Motion made, and question put:—"That the Dáil in Committee having considered the Estimates for Local Loans in 1922-23, and having passed a Vote on Account of £750,000 for the period to the 6th December, 1922, recommend that the full estimate of £1,025,000 for the Financial Year, 1922-23, be adopted in due course by the Oireachtas."
Agreed.