Vol. 513 No. 1
580 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has satisfied himself with the number of affordable houses made available to first time home-seekers in 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1959/00]
The affordable housing scheme involves the provision by local authorities of additional new houses specifically for low income house purchasers on land provided by the local authorities. Responsibility for inviting, processing and approving applications under the scheme rests with the individual local authorities.
The scheme was launched in March 1999 and some 40 houses were completed under the scheme with over 100 more under construction by the end of the year, which is less than I had hoped. The development of suitable sites, including, where necessary, the acquisition of land and the planning and construction of houses, of necessity, requires some time to arrange and I expect a significant increase in output this year.
