Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:2 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will reverse his decision to abolish the first-time buyer's grant; if, in view of the many representations made to him since 14 November 2002, he is considering a relaxation of the abolition; if he is considering allowing applicants for the affordable housing scheme or the shared ownership scheme to benefit from the first-time buyer's grant; his plans to extend eligibility for the first-time buyer's grant to house purchasers who had paid their booking deposits, but who had not signed a contract prior to 14 November 2002; his plans to introduce alternative measures to financially assist first-time buyers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24080/02]