asked the Minister for Local Government the reasons for the delay in granting a £2,000 loan to Templemore Urban District Council, County Tipperary for payment of supplementary housing grants; and if he will take steps to expedite the matter.

An application was received last October for sanction to a loan of £1,000 for the payment of supplementary grants. A decision was deferred pending notification of the housing capital allocations for the current financial year. Subsequently the housing authority requested an increased allocation to meet commitments and their request has been under consideration in conjunction with similar requests by other authorities. A decision will be given shortly.