asked the Minister for Local Government if he will consider allowing local authorities to pay loans for the purchase of secondhand houses to single people who intend to marry, as hardship is being caused at present in some cases.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Authority House Loans.
73.
Subject only to compliance with the income and loan limits, fixed on a national basis from time to time, it is a matter for each local housing authority to decide on the categories of persons to whom they will advance loans for the purchase of new or previously occupied houses. While I am aware that some housing authorities do advance loans to single people who intend to marry, I do not intend to interfere with the discretion available to the housing authorities in this regard.
I have been told by a local authority that they cannot give loans to single people to buy secondhand houses.
The Deputy has an incorrect understanding. The longstanding regulation does not contain what Deputy Crinion is talking about. I assume he is talking about Meath County Council who give loans to people who are not married, but they require proof of intention to marry.
Question No. 74 postponed.