asked the Minister for Local Government if he will grant interest free or subsidised loans for house building to those who have qualified for rehousing by local authorities.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing Loans.
13.
The existing State and supplementary grants for private houses of moderate size may total up to £920 for small farmers, and for others in need of housing in rural areas, and up to £670 in other cases, in addition, in a number of cases, to the special subsidy for developed sites. These grants are equivalent, at current interest rates, to a reduction in interest charges of about £83 a year and £60 a year respectively. The site subsidy, where applicable, would amount to an additional £13 10s a year. Further, the purchaser is exempt from stamp duty payments and will qualify for rates remission; he will also be granted tax relief on the interest content of loan repayments if he is liable for income tax. In view of the scope and types of assistance at present available, it is considered that an additional concession of the type mentioned by the Deputy would not be warranted.