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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 14 Dec 1948

Vol. 113 No. 11

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Small Dwellings Acts Loans.

Mr. Byrne

asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that considerable disappointment has been caused to applicants for loans under the Small Dwellings Acts; that as a result of the method adopted by the valuers in valuing the sites and the houses proposed to be built, many applicants have been offered a reduced amount to that applied for, thus leaving them short of from £200 to £300 to complete the building of the house; and if, in the circumstances, he will cause an early investigation to be made into these complaints.

Mr. Murphy

The assessment of the market value of a house for the purpose of determining the amount of the loan which may be advanced therefor under the Small Dwellings Acquisition Acts is a function of the responsible housing authority and is not subject to any statutory review by me. No complaints of the nature referred to have been made officially to the Department but I understand that some such representations have been made to the Dublin Corporation and the Dublin County Council and are at present being considered.

The local housing authorities are obliged to take all reasonable and necessary measures to safeguard the funds which they have to provide for this service. Subject to their obligations in this respect, I am sure that any representations that have been made by the intending borrowers will be sympathetically considered.

Mr. Byrne

Is the Minister aware that owing to the method adopted by the valuers, one valuer has valued a house at £1,850 and another valuer the same house at £1,600, which means that persons wanting to avail of the Act to build houses which the Minister is so eager about have to find a difference of £200 and cannot do it? Will the Minister consider the advisability of getting the words "market value" withdrawn from the regulations because if only 80 per cent. of the market value is advanced the scheme will fail? It cannot continue in Dublin unless a change is made. I appeal to the Minister to make further inquiries so as to see that something will be done to allow these houses to be completed.

Mr. Murphy

I do not accept the Deputy's conclusions about the scheme as I think the facts show quite the contrary. I do agree that in his supplementary question the Deputy has raised a matter which requires inquiring into and I will undertake to have that done.

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