(Cavan-Monaghan) and Mr. Conlan asked the Minister for the Environment when it is proposed to make regulations under section 8 of the Housing Act 1979 authorising housing authorities to permit unsecured loans up to a maximum of £600 and the reasons for the delay in so doing to date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Authority Unsecured Loans.
28.
Mr. T.J. Fitzpatrick
It is not proposed to make separate regulations to give statutory effect to the increase in the maximum house improvement loan to £600. The provisions are being incorporated in comprehensive regulations relating to the provisions of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1979. The drafting of the comprehensive regulations has reached an advanced stage and will be completed as soon as possible.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Am I correct in saying that the Act provides for unsecured loans up to £200 at the discretion of the local authority and up to £600 if the Minister makes the necessary regulations and that because the Minister has not made these regulations local authorities are prohibited from making loans up to £600 although there is a demand for them by people who want to repair houses and have no other security?
It was thought that rather than make separate regulations under section 8 of the Act it would be more beneficial to make one comprehensive set of regulations.
(Cavan-Monaghan): When will these comprehensive regulations be made?
They are at an advanced stage at present and will be brought into operation as quickly as possible.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Does the Minister appreciate that there are many cases of hardship pending the making of these regulations?
I do.