asked the Minister for Finance if he will state (a) the number of applications for repayment of subscriptions to the Dáil Eireann (Internal) Loan which were received after the 30th April, 1929; (b) the aggregate amount of subscriptions represented by these applications; (c) the number of these subscriptions which are entered in the Primary Register; (d) the aggregate amount of subscriptions in the last-mentioned category; and, further, whether, in view of the hardship which the imposition of a time-limit has inflicted on a great many subscribers, he is now prepared to waive the time-limit in favour of applicants, particulars of whose subscriptions were entered in the Primary Register.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dáil Eireann Loan Time Limit.
So far as can be judged from a cursory scrutiny the number of applications for repayment received after the 30th April, 1929, is approximately 5,000. The compilation of an exact figure and of the particulars asked for in the other parts of the Deputy's question would involve an amount of labour which I do not think would be justified. With regard to the last part of the question, as I have already indicated, I do not feel that any distinction could fairly be drawn between subscribers whose names were entered in the Primary Register and those whose names, through no fault of their own, are not recorded.
I have again reviewed carefully the whole position in regard to the Dáil Loan, and as a result of this review I have come to the decision to allow a further extension to the 30th April, 1931, for the lodgment of applications for repayment. Priority of handling will, of course, be accorded to the applications which have been made before this extension.
I may add that I have arrived at the decision to extend the time only after considerable hesitation, and I must make it quite clear that applications not received before the end of next month will under no circumstances be considered. It is not proposed to retain the staff of the Dáil Loan Branch for the purpose of dealing with applications from persons who do not apply in time.
As the Minister is making this extension, will he consider making it a little longer? This extension is very short. A number of Deputies have had representations from people who had their claims disallowed because they were not in in time, and it would take a considerable time to get in touch with these people. Perhaps the Minister would give even another month.
Long extensions have already been given. As a matter of fact, in a way this extension should not have been given, because several notices have already been published stating that the extension then being given was the final one. I think we must end this matter now. Certain notices will be published, and we will see what can be done to bring the matter to the attention of those concerned.
Is the Minister aware that yesterday we passed a provision in a Bill which allows landlord claimants to come forward for the next thirty years and get paid out of State funds? Why should it be only a month in this case? Why not give thirty years for Dáil Eireann Loan subscribers to make their claims, just the same as the landlords?
Mr. Hogan (Clare):
Will the Minister see that notices are published in the Local as well as in the Metropolitan Press, as otherwise a good many people will not see them?
I will consider what publicity should be given to this.
What is the use of a month's notice? It takes a good deal of time for the information to get around, as people do not see the papers. In justice to these people it would be well to extend the time, as has been asked by Deputy Ryan.
As a matter of fact, the consideration that largely moved me in extending the time was the number of applications received after the closing day. I did not feel it was possible to admit those who have already sent in their applications without giving an opportunity to others who might have thought of sending in applications, but were deterred by the knowledge that the closing day had passed. I do not really want to open up the matter again to people who have never thought of it heretofore. This is mainly for the purpose of enabling those applications which have already been received to be taken into consideration, as well as the application of any odd person who may have wanted to apply, but who felt that it was no use making an application as the closing date was passed. It was not intended to deal with people who have not yet wakened up.
May I suggest to the Minister that these people are entitled to get their money? If the notice is not brought to their attention they may not waken up. It is due from us to them to give them a fair warning, and it does take time to have this news travel around among them. I suggest a notice in the paper is not sufficient. Quite a number of these people wrote to me, and I told them that they were late. It would be better if the Minister now gave an extra month rather than having complaints still coming in from people that they have not got sufficient notice.
Is the Minister aware that several of these people are now residing in America, and that a month will not be sufficient notice?
I should like to point out that these people wakened up in 1919 when their money was required, and when they had no hope that the money would be paid back. They wakened sufficiently to put their hands in their pockets and subscribed this money. Considering the time, as Deputy Aiken pointed out, that the landlords have for claiming under the Land Bill— thirty years—I think the least we can do would be to give fair play to our own people.