Michael Ring
Question:322 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will reintroduce house grants in the next budget for families on low or middle incomes. [15190/97]
Written Answers - Housing Grants.
Seán Haughey
Question:342 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, the Government has to phase in a well-targeted scheme of house repair grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14538/97]
Andrew Boylan
Question:348 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will consider the reintroduction of grants for the repair of old houses similar to the pre-1940 grants; and his views on whether, if such grants were reintroduced, it would benefit not only the owner but all small businesses and contractors alike. [14544/97]
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:350 Mrs. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to introduce a grant, other than the essential repair grant or the disabled person's grant, to enable people to carry out house repairs. [14546/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 322, 342, 348 and 350 together.
I am, in the context of the Government's An Action Programme for the Millennium, examining what options are available for a targeted house improvement grants scheme for low income households having regard to the range of measures currently available and the likely cost implications. Among the factors which I will take into account is the risk of any revised house improvement grants scheme adding to demand and prices pressures in the housing sector of the construction industry.