Vol. 560 No. 3
131 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his plans to ensure an adequate supply of houses for first-time home buyers, having particular regard to the increasingly serious housing crisis; if he will set a timetable to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2432/03]
The Government's strategy to increase housing supply has delivered record levels of overall housing output in successive years, enabling us to meet demand and improve affordability, particularly for first-time purchasers. There is clear evidence that this strategy is proving effective. Total new house completions in 2001 was over 52,600 units, an increase of 5.6% on 2000 and the seventh consecutive year of record housing output. Provisional data for 2002 shows that new house completions will be around 57,200 units, an increase of 8.8% on 2001 – clear evidence that Government policy is having effect.
Our approach has included the major expansion of both the local authority and voluntary housing programmes. The provision of social and affordable housing has grown by from about 8,700 units in 2000 to a forecast of about 12,000 units for this year. The voluntary housing sector is playing an increasingly significant role in the provision of social housing with output likely to reach an all-time record level of close to 1,400 units last year.
Activity is also increasing significantly under the affordable housing and shared ownership schemes. It is clear that, apart from these schemes, the house building industry is also responding to the need for more affordable housing, with an increased supply of more affordable homes coming on stream, particularly in the greater Dublin area during last year.
The Government remains committed to continuing with measures to boost the supply of housing and in this way seek to bring moderation to the rate of house price increases.
