asked the Minister for Justice if he will consider the possibility of finance being made available to members of the Garda Síochána who wish to purchase their own homes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Housing.
27.
As announced by me on 11th March, the Government have decided to implement as from 1st April, 1970, the recommendation of the Conroy Commission that new rent allowances be paid to the Garda Síochána in addition to the existing rent element in Garda pay.
The commission made no recommendation in regard to the provision of finance for gardaí wishing to purchase houses. As regards finance for house purchase, gardaí are in the same position as other public servants and members of the public generally, and it would be difficult to justify special treatment for the gardaí in this respect.
Would the Minister not think that, because of the hazardous work many of the gardaí have to carry out, facilities to purchase their own homes would be of great benefit to them and would, in some cases, alleviate much of the inconvenience caused principally because of their dedication?
I would agree with that, but I should point out that we have had for some years a programme of building of Garda houses throughout the country by the National Building Agency and these houses are available for the Garda. It was in recognition of the fact that, because of the nature of their occupation, they are moved around from place to place that the Government asked the National Building Agency to provide housing for the Garda in different areas. Apart from that, it seems to me that a member of the Garda is the same as any other member of the public; he has access to the Small Dwellings (Acquisition) Acts loan scheme or to the building societies.
Is it not true that because they have to move around from place to place many of them end up not owning a house?
I am not too sure about that. I would not be inclined to agree with that.