Brian O'Shea
Question:288 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the proposals, if any, he has to deal with the housing crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6193/99]
Written Answers. - House Prices.
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Priority Question No. 2 of 28 January 1999. In addition I have today announced a new scheme of affordable housing to help lower income households to purchase their own homes. This will involve the provision by local authorities of additional new houses specifically for low income house purchasers on land provided by the local authorities.
In relation to housing output in 1998, final figures now available show that 42,349 new houses and apartments were completed, a 9 per cent increase on the 1997 total.