asked the Minister for Health if he will consider making available interest-free loans to community service councils for the erection of community buildings.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Community Buildings.
11.
Social service councils, comprising voluntary organisations who combine to provide social services of a community care type, e.g., meals-on-wheels, home helps, laundry, may be subsidised, under section 65 of the Health Act, 1953, by health boards. The boards are empowered to contribute to the expenses of such bodies, including the cost of premises. Such grants from health boards are related to the needs of the councils, the services rendered and the costs incurred, and are not repayable.
In these circumstances, I do not consider that I would be justified in making arrangements for interest-free loans on the lines suggested by the Deputy.