I propose to take Questions Nos. 113 and 114 together.
Neither I, as Minister for Commerce, Science and Technology, nor the Director of Consumer Affairs has any statutory function in relation to the matters referred to by the Deputy. New house prices are excluded from the scope of the prices Acts, 1958-1972.
However, I should add that the Minister for the Environment previously exercised control on house prices through a system of certification of reasonable value. He continues to discharge major responsibilities in this area which include the provision of local authority housing, and the offer of grants and other incentives for first-time buyers.
The leading practices of credit institutions for house purchase come within the purview of the Central Bank.