asked the President if he will introduce proposals for legislation to protect citizens of the State from excessive demands by money-lenders.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - EXCESSIVE DEMANDS BY MONEYLENDERS.
In the administration of the Money Lenders Act, 1900, it is possible that defects have come to light which might be remedied with advantage, but I can hold out no hope that an amending Bill will be introduced during the present session.
Does the President hold out any hope that an amending Bill will be introduced next session?
Is the President aware that a Bill dealing with money-lenders was recently passed through the British House of Commons, and, if that Bill becomes law, will he consider the desirability of introducing such legislation as will prevent an influx of money-lenders from Great Britain for the purpose of practising here under the comparative immunity accorded by our laws?
Usually a Bill of this sort is introduced after a number of complaints have been received in connection with abuses. Now, whether it is that there is an objection on the part of persons affected to bring under notice those abuses I do not know, but very few complaints have reached the Department of Justice in connection with that matter, and there is a general impression that the present Act is working satisfactorily.
Is it not better to anticipate an evil rather than to wait until the evil is in existence?