asked the Minister for the Environment the number of people who have obtained house mortgages through the commercial banks.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - House Purchase Loans.
18.
9,753 house purchase loans were advanced by the associated banks between the introduction of their scheme in June 1975 and the end of December 1979. Detailed information on the trend in the number and value of loans advanced by the associated banks in respect of new and previously-occupied houses is contained in Table 16b of my Department's Quarterly Bulletin of Housing Statistics.
Will the Minister take steps to introduce a similar subsidy for householders who have mortgages from the commercial banks and put them on a par with people who have mortgages from building societies? Is he aware that at the moment they are being discriminated against by the Government?
We have no plans for a scheme of that type at present.
Do I take it from the Minister's reply that people who have house mortgages from commercial banks will have to continue to pay a higher rate of interest than those who have mortgages from building societies? Does the Minister not feel that is very unjust and unfair?
Banks make advances to applicants in the higher money bracket who are well able to meet the repayments. Generally there are people of that type.
Would the Minister consider examining the possibility of introducing a subsidy on these mortgages for people who have not got large mortgages from commercial banks but have small mortgages in respect of their main house.
As Deputies know, the banks scrutinise people very carefully before advancing money. I am satisfied they are able to meet commitments.
Is the Minister not aware that many people have mortgages from the commercial banks who have the same income as people who have mortgages from the building societies and they are now being discriminated against?
Question No. 19.