asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state (a) the number of applications under the housing guarantee scheme received by the Dublin Corporation and the Dublin County Council, (b) the number approved by his Department and by the local authorities in question, and (c) the number finalised, and the amount of loans paid to applicants.

The information requested is not available in my Department. These are matters in which my approval is not required. They are dealt with directly between the building societies and the local authorities.

Can the Minister say whether in the course of the last two or three weeks the various building societies have been refusing to entertain any application for grants?

I am not aware of any refusal in the city or county of Dublin.

Surely the Minister is aware that some of the building societies have ceased to operate altogether?

I am not so aware.

Is the Minister aware of the number of applications that have come for sanction for guarantee and that the number is indeed very small?

I am aware of the fact that when the Deputy as Lord Mayor had done with the Small Dwellings Act and I exposed him in the Irish Press he undertook to call a special meeting of the Dublin Corporation which he has not done yet.

The Minister need not be worrying about that. A special meeting is being called and the facts are being prepared so that the Minister will not get out this time with bluff.

asked the Minister for Local Government if, in respect of areas in which building societies are not prepared to operate the guarantee scheme provided for in the Housing (Amendment) Act, 1956, he will state whether persons, who in other areas would come within the scope of the guarantee scheme, will be regarded as eligible for loans under the Small Dwellings Acquisition Acts.

Local authorities have been asked to confine advances under the Small Dwellings Acquisition Acts to applicants who could not reasonably be expected to finance the provision of their houses otherwise. The decision on each application rests with the local authority.

Would the Minister give a straight answer once and for all and give over his bluff and say is he aware that in certain areas, where the guarantee scheme is not operative, the local authorities have confined their advances to certain categories and in view of the fact that the building societies do not operate in these areas how will building be carried on?

Local authorities have been asked to make loans available to applicants who are unable to finance the building of their own houses. It is a matter entirely for each local authority to adjudicate on each application submitted.

Is it not a fact that the Minister intimated to each local authority that they should adopt such guarantee scheme?

I recommended it.

You are the people bringing private building to an end.