asked the Minister for Justice if he will amend the regulations which provide that a person under 21 years cannot obtain a loan from a local authority; and if he will reduce the qualifying age to 18 years, as all persons of that age are entitled to vote.

The problem that arises in relation to the refusal of finance institutions and local authorities to provide loans for persons under the age of 21 years stems from the Infants Relief Act, 1874. Under that Act a contract for repayment of a loan by a minor is declared void. This is part of a wider question that is usually referred to as the age of majority. The Law Reform Commission, in a recent general report, indicated that a draft Bill on that subject is now under preparation and I would assume the Bill will cover the matter referred to by the Deputy.