asked the Minister for Local Government if he is satisfied that the building societies will be in a position to provide adequate loans over the next six months to facilitate the achievement of Government targets for private housing output this year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Building Loans.
31.
As I indicated in my reply to a question put down by the Deputy on the 11th June statistics of new house loans approved and grant instalments paid suggest that the target figure of 25,000 houses will again be reached in the current year ending 31st March next.
Does the Minister consider that the building construction industry, which is financed mainly by building society loans and local authority loans, will be in need of further Government aid in the immediate future?
I have said that, if it needs aid and the evidence is produced to show that, it will get the money. I should like to remind Deputy Molloy—apparently he has not read things correctly—that he should be aware of the fact that building societies were lending so much money last year there was a switch over to local authority loans because of arrangements this Government made and there were twice as many local authority loans given as in the previous year. Deputies may dislike this but they will have to accept it.
Can the Minister's Department do anything to ensure these loans are honoured?
I understand these loans will be honoured by the building societies taking over.
Does the Minister not consider that at this point of time there is any need for the Government to give any additional capital aid to the house building industry?
I do not know what Deputy Molloy is trying to prove. All I can say is there are more houses in course of construction and more people employed in the industry than ever before.
We heard that already.
Do the Deputies opposite understand it now? Must I repeat it two or three times? Just think over it for a while. It may get through.
A Cheann Comhairle, I got no answer to my question.
The Chair has no control over answers.
Does the Minister consider at this point in time there is no need for this aid?
(Interruptions.)
The matter will be considered if such aid is required.
(Interruptions.)
Order, please.
I know Deputy Molloy would like the building industry to collapse but it will not. He tried to do that last year but it did not come off. It will not come off this year either.
(Interruptions.)
Order, please. Deputy Meaney.
Is the Minister aware that building societies will not sanction loans for people who live in rural areas?
No, I am not so aware.
If complaints are brought to the Minister's notice will he do something about them?
I would like the Deputy to bring his complaints to me.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.
(Interruptions.)