asked the Minister for Local Government (a) the number of applications for purchase houses included in the last draw held by Dublin Corporation and (b) how many of the successful applicants have been able to get loans from building societies and insurance companies.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Corporation House Purchase.
56.
A total of 500 purchase-type houses were included in the last draw held by Dublin Corporation on the 15th October, 1969.
I am not aware how many of the successful applicants have obtained loans from building societies and assurance companies but I understand that following negotiations with these agencies Dublin Corporation estimate that about £1.275 million will be made available by these agencies in the current financial year in loans to purchasers of the houses, under guarantee from the corporation.
Is the Minister aware that many people who have drawn these houses, and who are, indeed, very happy to have drawn them, have had a great deal of difficulty, firstly, in getting the necessary loans and, secondly, in getting the grant from the local authority because the incomes of some of them are over the statutory level of £1,200? Will the Minister take action to raise the statutory level?
I do not propose to raise the level.
May I ask the Minister if it has been agreed between Dublin Corporation and the building societies that the latter will supply loans from now on? Will Dublin Corporation continue to grant loans to applicants?
Dublin Corporation will continue to supply loans to applicants who qualify for them.
The Minister referred to an arrangement between the building societies and assurance companies under which they will supply loans to the extent of £1.275 million. Is there any particular reason why these bodies will provide some of the loans? Will corporation loans be reserved for certain income groups?
I cannot elaborate further on it. In order to facilitate purchasers the corporation have entered into contracts with the builders and a number of purchasers have been permitted to occupy the houses at a caretaker rent of £6 a week, which covers the corporation outgoings, pending the completion of negotiations for loans.
Has the Minister information available as to the number of people who drew houses and the number who have taken up occupancy?
I have not got information on the number who have taken up occupancy.
The Minister said some had moved in under caretaker agreements. The Minister will be aware that there is a good deal of discontent and hardship because these people expected to be in a position to purchase the houses and they are now paying rents which will not be allowed against the purchase figure?
I have not got the information the Deputy requested regarding the number in occupation of their houses but, if he puts down another question, I will get the information for him.
Would it be possible for the people who have gone in under caretaker agreements to have the caretaker rents offset against the loan?
No. They must pay this rent in the meantime.