I propose to take Questions Nos. 237 and 249 together.
The results of the statutory assessment of local authority housing need, which was undertaken by local authorities in March 2002, indicated that a total of 48,413 households were in need of housing compared with 39,176 households in March 1999. Detailed information on the results of the 2002 assessment was published in my Department's September 2002 quarterly edition of the housing statistics bulletin, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library. The next statutory assessment of need is due to be undertaken by local authorities in March 2005.
In relation to addressing the needs of households on the waiting list, I refer to the reply to Priority Question No. 5 on today's Order Paper on the capital funding of €6 billion to be provided for housing in the 2005 to 2009 period.