Vol. 488 No. 1
165 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Finance if he will give a breakdown of the first time buyer's grant and stamp duty receipts for house purchases in Dublin city in 1997; if his attention has been drawn to the demand for houses by first buyers in Dublin city; if he will consider introducing special incentives for first time buyers in Dublin due to the unique situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5629/98]
Information regarding the breakdown of the new house grant for first time buyers as respects Dublin city in 1997 is not available in my Department. Information regarding new house grant payments in the Dublin area is available from the Department of the Environment and Local Government.
Information on stamp duty receipts is not recorded in such a way that it would be possible to provide an estimate of the yield arising from house purchases in Dublin city.
The Government has commissioned a study into the recent rise in house prices with particular reference to Dublin. This study will be completed by the end of March and following this the Government will decide on the most appropriate course of action to pursue. I would be reluctant to pre-empt the outcome of this study. Consequently, I do not intend to introduce any special incentives at this stage.
