asked the Minister for Justice the number of prosecutions for unlicensed money lending in each of the last five years and the penalties imposed; and if he will request the commissioner of the Garda Síochána to appoint a special squad to deal with unlicensed money lending and associated offences.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unlicensed Money Lending Prosecutions.
36.
There have been three prosecutions for unlicensed money lending in the past five years, one each in 1964, 1966 and 1969. In one case the Probation of Offenders Act was applied and in another the charge was dismissed. In the third case the summons was struck out.
The commissioner of the Garda Síochána does not consider that a special squad is needed to deal with unlicensed money lending and associated offences or that such a squad would be an effective way of dealing with such offences.
Would the Minister consider having the cases in question brought within the scope of the proposed judicial inquiry?
These people were prosecuted and the courts dealt with them.
Would the Minister not feel that the outcome was, in all cases, possibly less than satisfactory and that perhaps no harm would be done by having the facts of the case re-examined in the light of the proposed inquiry?
Surely the Deputy is experienced enough in this House to know that you cannot judge the decision in any case without knowing the facts of the case put before the court. I do not see what useful purpose would be served by having any inquiry look at the decision of the courts in any particular case.
Does the Minister not consider that the maximum permissable rate of 39 per cent interest is an extortionate rate generally, and would he introduce amending legislation to abolish that 39 per cent rate of interest?
That is a separate question.
The figure I have quoted was the figure laid down by an Act of this House, in its wisdom or otherwise. It is a question for this House. Money lending rates vary according to the type of case it is. I understand that certain commercial banks, if that is the name for them charge up to 25 per cent depending upon the risk they take.
Does the Minister think 39 per cent is too high?
(Interruptions.)