Derek McDowell
Ceist:10 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the measures, if any, he proposes to take to deal with the overheated housing market. [5580/98]
Written Answers - Housing Market.
Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:37 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when he expects to receive the report of consultants commissioned to undertake a study into factors underlying recent increases in house prices; when it is expected that the report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5855/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 37 together.
I have appointed consultants to examine the factors underlying the increases in house prices in the period since January 1994, with particular emphasis on the situation in the Dublin region. I anticipate that the report of the consultants will be available by the end of March and will be published after its submission to Government.
The housing market is influenced by a wide range of complex and inter related factors and the consultants' report will help in assessing how these factors have operated in relation to house prices in recent years and in considering likely future developments. My priority is to expand the supply of housing by continuation of the current record levels of new housing output. In this regard, and even in advance of receiving the consultants' report, I point particularly to the special £15 million fund which is being made available to increase the supply of serviced land for house-building.
All the available options will be reviewed by the Government in light of the conclusions of the house prices report.