asked the Minister for Local Government if he will consider introducing proposals for legislation to extend to the local authorities longer termed loans, in order that working-class houses may be let at reasonable rents; and, further, if he is aware that present rents in Enniscorthy are from 13/9 to 27/- per week; and, if so, if sanction for such high rents has been requested for the Bellefield and Shannon scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing Loans.
The repayment period for loans for housing purposes was extended from 35 years to 50 years at the time the subsidy period was similarly extended by the Housing (Amendment) Act, 1948. I am not prepared to consider any further extension of the loan repayment period.
As regards the second part of the question, sanction has been requested to rents ranging from 10/4 to 23/10, excluding rates, for the Bellefield housing scheme and for rents ranging from 5/- to 16/-, excluding rates, for the Shannon scheme. These proposals are being examined.