asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of the evils arising from the operations of moneylenders under the Moneylenders Act; and, if so, if it is his intention to introduce proposals for the repeal of the Act.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Repeal of Moneylenders Act.
I think that what the Deputy intends to suggest is the amendment, rather than the repeal, of the Acts in question. The effect of a repeal would simply be to remove all restrictions, on the activities of moneylenders and to leave borrowers without any special protection in their dealings with moneylenders. The most recent Act, the Moneylenders Act, 1933, may, I think, be taken as representing the opinion of the Oireachtas as to the extent to which statutory restrictions are likely to be effective or useful in the matter, but if the Deputy has any definite suggestions to make I shall be glad to consider them.
The question is designed to elicit the Minister's view as to whether he has ever heard of any citizen of the State who derived any benefit from dealing with a moneylender. If he has not, as I have not, will he consider abolishing altogether the system of money lending as defined in the Moneylenders Act?
Mr. Boland
I should like to remind the Deputy, if he is not already aware of it, that there was no restriction on money lending until the legislation to which I have referred was passed.
Agreed.
Mr. Boland
So far as I understand, it is a very difficult thing to deal with. The legislation that exists was passed after due consideration, and, if there is any improvement that can be suggested, I will be quite prepared to consider it. It is a very difficult matter to deal with this business of money lending, and we have already given it very careful consideration. I am not saying that we know everything about it, but if any suggestions that can be helpful are offered, any suggestions that will tend to prevent abuse under the existing legislation. I am quite prepared to consider them.
Has the Minister's attention, been directed to the cases of decent public servants who, after giving honourable service, have been, as a result of getting entangled with moneylenders, dismissed from their posts, and their superior officers have said of them that they were good, public-spirited servants, but their financial embarrassments, resulting from intercourse with moneylenders, rendered them ineligible for further service? In view of this, will the Minister consider abolishing money lending altogether?
Mr. Boland
I do not think that can be done.
I should like the Minister to do the best he can in that direction.