asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that banks have refused local authorities overdraft accommodation to carry out essential works in recent months; and, if so, whether, in view of the difficulties created thereby and the unemployment of workers arising from such refusals, the Government propose to take any action in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Overdraft Accommodation for Local Authorities.
31.
I am not aware that the position is as stated by the Deputy. While the credit policy of the banks may have affected a limited number of projects which some local authorities had intended to undertake, no particular instances of the refusal of overdraft accommodation for capital schemes have been brought to the notice of my Department by local authorities in recent months. I have no power to regulate the attitude of the banks in this matter.
Surely the Parliamentary Secretary is aware that numerous county councils have been refused money for cottage building? Surely the Department of Local Government are aware of this trend throughout the country?
They are not so aware.
Then they must have been asleep.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that Louth County Council, Dundalk Urban District Council and Drogheda Corporation have all been refused temporary overdraft accommodation to pay for supplementary grants and loans while they await money which is to come from the Government and which is not there? Is he aware of that?
No.
He should be.