asked the Minister for Local Government if, in view of the confusion which exists in the Dublin area with regard to loans under the Small Dwellings Acquisition Acts, he will make a statement clarifying the position and so end the apprehensive speculation which is debilitating the building industry.

I am not aware that "confusion" exists, as alleged by the Deputy. The local authorities are responsible for the administration of the Small Dwellings Acquisition Acts in the Dublin area, as elsewhere, and prospective borrowers who contact the appropriate authorities need be in no doubt as to the success or otherwise of their applications.

In view of the Minister's statement last Friday night that there was no shortage of money for Small Dwellings Acquisition Acts loans and in view of the statement by the corporation that they have no money to make Small Dwellings Acquisition Acts loans available, would the Minister clarify the situation? Take my word for it, it is not merely a question of dissatisfaction and uneasiness now. It is a positive fact that there is considerable apprehension and confusion about the situation.

It is not the function of the State or of local authorities to provide loan facilities to persons who are in a position to provide their own houses.

The Minister knows what I am talking about.

Subject to this consideration, it is the intention that the Small Dwellings Acquisition Acts loans will continue to be available to persons who are able to provide their own houses but who are unable to get credit facilities from commercial concerns.

May I take it from the Minister's reply that, in respect of those applications which are turned down by the corporation, he will see to it that they get the money?

He will do his best.

Did I understand from the reply the Minister gave to the supplementary question that there was now to be a condition that, in order to obtain a loan under the Small Dwellings Acquisition Acts, the applicant must prove he has been unable to obtain a loan elsewhere?

Another means test.

No.

Therefore, I was wrong in taking that meaning from the Minister's reply?

Yes, the Deputy was wrong. It is a matter for the local authority to decide whether an applicant is in a position to procure the necessary loans from other sources. If he is a person to whom the local authority consider a loan should be made under the Small Dwellings Acquisition Acts, they are at liberty to do so. On the other hand, I have taken steps to ensure that people who are excluded and not admitted to a loan under the Small Dwellings Acquisition Acts will procure it elsewhere on payment of the same deposit as is required by applicants under the Small Dwellings Acquisition Acts.

What about the repayments?

Who are the classes excluded?

The local authority fixes that—and the Lord Mayor of Cork, as such, should know.

Would the Minister say that a certain section only will be provided for now and that the people who were always provided for will be excluded?

It is not the duty of my Department and I have no intention of providing loans for people who can afford to secure their finances elsewhere.