asked the Minister for Home Affairs whether he will take steps to regulate the rate of interest which money-lenders may charge clients; if he is aware that, in the working class districts of Dublin, persons describing themselves as financiers are now lending three pounds three shillings to the wives of workmen, conditionally that they sign promissory notes to pay five pounds, at the rate of 5s. per week, and that failure to pay regular instalments in one case has resulted in threats to sell the contents of the borrower's room.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. [ORAL ANSWERS.] - DUBLIN MONEY-LENDERS' RATE OF INTEREST.
Money-lenders' transactions are regulated by the Provisions of the Money-lenders' Act, 1900. This Act enables a borrower to bring a money-lender before the Courts if it is considered that the rate of interest charged on a loan is unduly high. Harsh and unconscionable transactions are provided against under the Act. The protection of borrowers is thus provided for and it is not considered that any more practicable machinery can be set up.