I propose to take Questions Nos. 297, 303 and 304 together.
I refer to the reply to Question No. 245 of 14 February 2017, wherein I clarified that Regulation 3 of the Housing (Local Authority Loans) Regulations 2012 clearly states that the Regulations apply to the provision of loan finance by housing authorities to first time buyers for the acquisition of houses or for the construction of new houses. The Regulations are clear in this regard. In addition, the housing loan scheme available to lower income first-time buyers from local authorities is subject to a rigorous credit policy that underpins the scheme and aims to ensure prudential lending.
I have no plans, at this time, to alter the Regulations in respect of their application to first time buyers only. This is to ensure effective targeting of limited resources.