Vol. 572 No. 5
188 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the reason an upper limit in respect of local authority loans in County Kildare is not on par with the limits set for Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23775/03]
It is a matter for each local authority to administer the local authority and social housing programmes in their area, having regard, as appropriate, to the housing needs and circumstances of their area.
The national maximum limit for house purchase loans advanced by local authorities is €130,000. The maximum mortgage loan in each case is determined by the relevant local authority by reference to the purchaser's ability to repay with respect to the net income of the household.
My Department is keeping the terms of the loan limit under review, taking into account the movement in house prices, the effectiveness of various schemes in meeting the needs of the relevant target group and the availability of mortgage finance in the private sector. The Department is examining the issues in relation to the provision of such finance by the institutions and consultations have taken place with a number of local authorities and representatives from the Irish Mortgage Council.
Question No. 189 answered with Question No. 8.
