asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that a large number of young engaged couples who do not qualify as applicants for houses built and let by local authorities and who by reason of their low income are unable to pay the necessary deposit preliminary to or consequent upon receiving a grant from a building society or a local authority, are unable to undertake marriage; if he is aware that existing legislation does not adequately provide for such people; and, if so, whether he intends to introduce proposals for legislation to meet such cases.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Houses for Young Couples.
Mr. Murphy
The State grant provided under Section 16 of the Housing (Amendment) Act, 1948, together with the loans which the housing authorities advance under the Small Dwellings Acquisition Acts are already being availed of by persons of moderate incomes who are contemplating marriage. I can give no assurance that legislation will be introduced to dispense entirely with the necessity for some deposit. If building costs were brought into closer harmony with current market values the amount of the deposit required to secure a moderate house should not be too onerous.