Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:125 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will take immediate action to alleviate the housing crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6467/99]
Written Answers. - House Prices.
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 2 of 28 January 1999. In addition I have today announced a new scheme of affordable housing to help lower income households to purchase their own homes. This will involve the provision by local authorities of additional new houses specifically for low income house purchasers on land provided by the local authority.
In relation to housing output in 1998, final figures now available show that 42,349 new houses and apartments were completed, a 9 per cent increase on the 1997 total.