asked the Minister for Local Government if, in view of present high building costs, he proposes to increase SDA loans.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - SDA Loans.
23.
I have no immediate plans to increase the present loan limit of £4,500 which may be advanced by housing authorities, but I am keeping the matter under continuing review.
How long has this matter been under review? The Minister gave a similar answer to the House a few months ago.
This matter has been under review for the past few months. When I took office I found a disgraceful situation. Only those who had a very low income were entitled to get a loan. The maximum loan throughout the country was £3,400 and £3,800 for the boroughs. I increased them to £4,500 in all cases with an income limit of £2,350 on 23rd May last year. If Deputy Molloy had been as anxious to do something for those people when he was in power as he is since he left, this situation might not have arisen.
The Minister admits that it was in May last year he gave these increases. In view of spiralling inflation and the national wage agreement will the Minister consider raising the income and loan limits? There is a cry throughout the country for them, if he would only hear it.
In view of the fact that several years have elapsed since the previous change was made. I feel I am doing very well.
(Interruptions.)