Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 12 Apr 2000

Vol. 518 No. 1

Written Answers. - Housing Grants.

Ulick Burke

Question:

140 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to increase the floor area for new house grant applicants; his views on whether the present floor area is very restricted taking house design into account; if he will increase the grant amount in proportion to house costs now as against the cost of housing when it was last increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11024/00]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Molloy)

As it is possible to provide a reasonably sized four bedroomed house within the current upper floor area limit of 125 square metres, I have no proposals to increase the maximum floor area limit for new house grant purposes.

In the current buoyant housing market, any enhanced level of grant assistance would be quickly absorbed in further house price increases. I have, therefore, no proposals to increase new house grants.