andMr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware that the capital allocation to housing will represent an increase of 8.3 per cent in money terms over 1979 and that, having regard to the level of inflation, is in effect a reduction in the amount of capital moneys being made available to housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing Finance.
2.
I am not so aware. The capital allocation for housing in 1980 at £202.53 million in fact represents an increase of 20 per cent in money terms on the expenditure of £169.04 million in 1979. In real terms, the allocation represents a reduction of about 2 per cent on 1979 but shows an increase of 31 per cent on 1977. In contrast, capital expenditure decreased by 57 per cent in real terms between 1975 and 1977.
Housing completions declined by almost 3,000 to 24,000 between 1975 and 1976, but have been increasing steadily since then, from 24,500 in 1977, to 25,400 in 1978, and to 26,500 last year. This year, total housing completions probably will exceed 27,000 which would be an alltime record.
Local authorities are presently assessing the level of accumulated housing need and the prospective demand for housing in their areas in the period up to 1985. The results of these assessments will form the basis for the determination of housing policy over the next five years. Pending the availability of the required details on the extent and nature of housing need, steps will continue to be taken by the Government to maintain the annual rate of house completions at a high level.
I appreciate the Minister's long, historical reply, but did I hear him correctly? If I am correct, he stated, in relation to the figures, that he was not so aware. Is the Minister denying the accuracy of the figures quoted in paragraph 5.19 of NESC Report No. 53?
I have no control over those figures.
That is not what is being asked.
All I want to say is that the allocation of money represents an increase of 20 per cent, from £169.04 million to £202.53 million. The allocation of £202.53 million for 1980 includes increases totalling £20 million and a £3 million overdraft by local authority housing announced in recent weeks. I am satisfied that the amount of money allocated is quite satisfactory.
That is great comfort.
Do I gather from what the Minister has just said that the figures in the NESC Report are correct, but that the Department and he have allowed the local authorities to go into debt to the tune of £20 million, which therefore alters the figures?
That is not true. Perhaps I did not explain the position. £3 million in overdraft by local authority housing is £3 million extra.
I just want to clarify that. I seek some assistance in this matter. Opposition Deputies depend on official publications and press releases from the Government. I have tabled questions on this basis. In his first sentence — and he can read it again to the House — the Minister simply denies the published figures. Would the Minister give an answer, yes or no, in language I shall understand? Does the Minister accept or not the figures outlined in paragraph 5.19 of this report? I want a yes or no answer. Then I will know where I stand.
I am not dealing with that report. I am dealing with the facts about my Department. Last year the figure was £169 million. This year it is £202 million. I am giving the Deputy the round figures. I am not responsible for that report.
For my information will the Minister tell me is he saying that the additional money given since the figures used in the report were considered has resulted in a reduction from the original 8.3 per cent shortfall to a shortfall of slightly over 2 per cent?
The allocation represents a reduction of about 2 per cent on 1979 but shows an increase of 31 per cent on 1977.
Is that taking inflation into account?
A final supplementary.
I want to clarify this. The 8.3 per cent figure leaves a shortfall of £19½ million, I reckon. Is the Minister saying he has added £19½ million?
I have added £20 million plus the £3 million local authorities were allowed by way of overdraft. Last year the total allocation was £169.04 million. This year it is £202.53 million.
Will the Minister publish the result of the local authority assessments when they are completed.
The Deputy should put down a question.
Ceist a 3.