asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state whether he proposes to introduce proposals for legislation to provide that State grants will be payable to builders who have built houses and now have them for sale, and whether it is intended, in these proposals, to provide for a reduction in the stamp duty payable on the sale of these houses.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Building Grants.
It is not my intention to introduce legislation for the payment of State grants to builders. The question of an amendment of the present system of grants to private individuals is at present under consideration in connection with new housing legislation which I hope to introduce in the present session.
The reduction of stamp duty payable on the sale of houses is a matter for the Minister for Finance.
Will the Minister say if it is proposed in the new legislation to make the State grants available to the purchasers of constructed houses?
I am afraid the Deputy will have to wait for the legislation.
Might I ask when we may hope to see this legislation?
I hope in the next couple of weeks.
As the reply seems encouraging, we should like to see it as soon as possible.