Vol. 252 No. 3
asked the Minister for Local Government if the present delay in sanctioning loans for local authority housing schemes is indicative of a change of policy in the whole matter of housing pending the implementation of the recent White Paper on Local Government Re-organisation.
39.
asked the Minister for Local Government the reason for the delay in sanctioning loans for local authority housing sought by Kerry County Council; and when such sanction will be forthcoming.
40.
asked the Minister for Local Government if three housing loans sought by Kerry County Council will be sanctioned; and, if so, when.
I propose with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 38, 39 and 40 together.
There is no connection between the sanctioning of current loans for local authority housing and the recent White Paper on Local Government Re-organisation. I have received, in all, six applications from Kerry County Council for sanction to loans to finance their local authority housing operations. I have sanctioned two of these loans recently and the remaining proposals are under consideration. A decision on them will be given as soon as possible.
What technical considerations arise which cause a delay in the sanctioning of a loan which has already been sanctioned?
The allocations that are made available to the various local authorities must be borne in mind and the overall allocations are also important. The Department makes recommendations to the Commissioners of Public Works who, in fact, issue the loans. There have not been any undue delays.
I know of delays in relation to my own constituency and I am sure every other Deputy knows of them as well.
