Vol. 505 No. 6
43 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the proposals, if any, he has in connection with increasing the total housing output from the voluntary housing sector; the measures, if any, he is putting in place to realise his objective of obtaining 950 houses from this sector by the end of 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14423/99]
I have increased the limits of assistance available under the capital assistance scheme twice within a one year period. These increases represented the most significant increase – up to 67 per cent – made in the level of funding since the inception of the scheme. While output has fallen back in recent years because of increased building and land costs, these improvements will boost output this year.
I have indicated that I intend to put in place measures to ensure that the voluntary housing sector is in a position to deliver annual output of 4,000 to 5,000 additional units of accommodation over the coming years. I have written to the Irish Council for Social Housing and a number of the organisations active in the provision of housing specifically seeking proposals in respect of increasing the output from the voluntary and non-profit housing sector. I believe that the voluntary housing bodies themselves are best placed to develop proposals on how significantly increased output from the sector can be achieved. The Irish Council for Social Housing has recently made a very comprehensive submission to me on how the voluntary housing movement could increase output to 4,000 dwellings a year. While the submission is, at present, being examined in my Department I can say that many of the recommendations would command my support. I intend to meet with the council as soon as possible in this regard.
44 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his views on the shared housing scheme proposed by the Irish Home Builders Association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14357/99]
200 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the discussions, if any, he has had with the Irish Home Builders Association concerning a recent announcement from that body to establish a new shared ownership scheme; his views on this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14469/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 200 together.
I have only recently received details of the IHBA proposals and while they have yet to be considered in detail, I welcome the association's desire to ensure that affordable housing is more widely available. Officials of my Department will shortly meet representatives of the IHBA in regard to its proposals.
