asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that the County Manager has reported to Kildare County Council that the allocation given to Kildare for 1966-67 will only just barely cover existing commitments and that accordingly it is not possible for the council to accept any new applications for small dwellings loans; and if in the circumstances he will increase the allocation to enable new applications to be taken.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kildare Housing Finances.
20.
I am so aware. I understand from the council, however, that they started the present financial year with a substantial credit balance and that payments may not mature for some time in many of the cases included in their commitments. If the council adopt a flexible approach in regard to the forward allocation of loans, it should be possible for them to allocate new loans in a significant number of cases and to operate the balance on the basis of a temporary waiting list. In any event I am keeping the situation in Kildare under special review and I will be glad to make an adjustment in favour of the council at a later stage, if this is found possible.
Is the Minister aware that the present procedure is that everyone who applies for Small Dwelling Act loans in Kildare is told that he need not apply until April 1967?
I already had this indication a month ago and went into it at that time and I had that knowledge in my possession when this question came to me. The reply is now given after full consideration.
I received a letter like that yesterday.
I know. We have had this information for some considerable time. We were aware of it when the Deputy's question was being examined and the reply I have given takes into account what the Deputy has obtained from this letter yesterday. I still do not wish to amend the reply in any way.
I am not talking about the reply the Minister gave yesterday. I am talking about the reply I got from the county council.
Neither am I talking about the reply given yesterday. I am saying that this reply which does not bear out what the Deputy——
Does the Minister mean the reply to Question No. 20?
The reply I have given today does not conform with the information given to the Deputy yesterday.
Perhaps the Minister will examine it with the council and I will put down a question in a couple of weeks' time?
I had information of a similar nature a month ago and with that knowledge, this question was examined and full consideration given to the reply.
I received a letter from the council yesterday.
Question No. 21.
We had been in touch with the council.
Further arising——
I have called Question No. 21.