asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state when he proposes to introduce the promised Bill for removing the difficulties in the way of local authorities desirous of advancing moneys under the Small Dwellings Acquisition Act to borrowers in rural areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Small Dwellings Acquisition Act.
The extension to rural districts of the Small Dwellings Acquisition Act has in some counties resulted in practical difficulties as to the security for advances, as the councils have been advised that the security must be that which first mortagees could ordinarily accept. This involves, in many cases, not only the Irish Land Commission as regards annuities, but various other parties to the charges on the holdings. We have been concerned to devise some system which, on the one hand, will secure advances to councils, and, on the other hand, will not involve the applicant in great legal expenses. The matter is very complicated, and discussions have taken place with the Agricultural Credit Corporation, the Irish Land Commission and the Registrar of Titles. I have been impressed with the need for providing a solution, and no time has been lost.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that local bodies have refused to grant such loans, as the farmers are unable to give the security required, and that that is holding up building schemes in many rural areas? Would the Local Government Department guarantee such local bodies that a Bill will be introduced and made retrospective in regard to advances of money so made?
I cannot add anything to the answer I have given. The matter is very complicated and is being examined.