asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that the Corporation of Dublin has advanced moneys from their small dwellings loans account on houses which were (1) not erected at the time of advance of the loan and (2) not completed to the stage necessary to qualify for a loan; and, if so, if he will state (a) the amounts so advanced; (b) what steps have been taken to obtain the return of these moneys and (c) whether it is intended to institute criminal proceedings against the person or persons who obtained these moneys as the result of false declarations and, further, if he is aware that the corporation has advanced moneys from their small dwellings loans account for the purchase of houses outside their borough area; and, if so, if he will state (1) the amount so advanced and (2) what steps have been taken to recover the moneys from the other local authority involved; and, finally, if he will direct the corporation to make provision for the lending of these moneys when recovered to purchasers at the old rate of interest and if he will direct the holding of a public sworn inquiry into the administration of the small dwellings loans by the corporation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Small Dwellings Loans.
I have ascertained from the Dublin Corporation that in one case the corporation advanced an instalment of a loan where the erection of the house had not started. In this case the amount was refunded. In nine other cases instalments were paid before the stage at which they were properly due. The houses were subsequently completed to the satisfaction of the corporation and the loans were issued in full. The total amount involved was £5,990. The question of the return of the money does not arise. Disciplinary action was taken by the corporation in respect of the officials who were responsible for issuing the certificates on the basis of which the payments were made but the corporation was advised that it would be practically impossible to sustain proceedings against any other parties involved.
As regards the remaining portions of the question, I have ascertained that the Dublin Corporation advanced loans under the Small Dwellings (Acquisition) Acts outside the city area, in respect of sites which they themselves had made available on lands which they had acquired partly inside and partly outside the city boundary. The portion outside the boundary will, however, be included in the city by the 1st April next. Forty-eight loans amounting to £61,815 were advanced in these cases. The corporation has been advised that these payments by the corporation were not illegal.
The administration of the Small Dwellings (Acquisition) Acts is vested in the local authorities and I am not empowered to issue directions to the corporation in the matter. The facts disclosed in these cases would not appear to justify the holding of a public inquiry into the administration of the Acts by the corporation.
In view of the fact that the Minister admits there have been certain irregularities will the Minister examine further irregularities if they are presented to him? Is he aware that certain persons outside the City of Dublin and outside the corporation area are alleged to have received advances under the Small Dwellings (Acquisition) Acts?
I do not know what allegations are made outside the House or in the House. I am giving the Deputy the facts as I have discovered them. I can only say that those who were responsible for whatever laxity appears to have existed have been punished by the corporation and I am satisfied there is no purpose in pursuing the matter further.
Will no such irregularities occur again?
I cannot guarantee what may happen in the future, or how people may behave. All we can do is hope irregularities will not occur again.