Vol. 518 No. 5
164 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the level of grant aid available for the first time buyer of a new house under grant size; the proposals, if any, he has to increase this grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12266/00]
A £3,000 grant is available from my Department to first time purchasers of new houses. In order to qualify for the grant, houses must be between 38 square metres and 125 square metres in floor area.
In current housing market conditions, any enhanced level of grant assistance would be likely to be quickly absorbed in house price increases. I have, therefore, no proposals to increase new house grants.
