Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I ask Mr. McCarthy to elaborate slightly on the circumstances of local authorities that have been shut out of the scheme, or might not have got into the scheme. He mentioned that the Housing Finance Agency is engaging in bilateral discussions with them. It is clear that the financial positions of many local authorities will not enable them to deal effectively with the capital costs of the loans, whatever about servicing the interest over a period of time. I understand that the interest-only arrangements for such local authorities are to be extended by a further five years. Is that the case? Are we just kicking the can down the road?