Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy should read the Law Reform Commission's report. This allows the purchaser the flexibility to conduct the necessary preliminary investigations, whether in the financial, physical or legal field, before committing to an irrevocable agreement. Among the commission's recommendations was the introduction and adherence to voluntary codes of practice such as the Irish Home Builders' Association code.

Other developments in the area of consumer protection include the High Court case which was taken by the Director of Consumer Affairs in 2001 under the European Communities (Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts) Regulations 1995. This case was supported by my Department and, among other things, the High Court order arising from the case endorsed the IHBA code of practice with regard to stage payments and prohibited stage payments in house building contracts that exceeded the levels set out in the code of practice or which exceeded the value of works carried out by the payment date.

The Government responded actively to the increased level of housing need by significantly expanding social and affordable housing output. Last year saw the delivery of the highest level of output under the range of social and affordable housing measures for more than 15 years when the social and affordable housing needs of in excess of 13,600 households were met.

Nonetheless, the Government remains concerned to ensure that the broad spectrum of housing needs are met. More than €5 billion has been spent in the first four years of the national development plan on social and affordable housing measures, more than 7% ahead of the forecast for that period, reflecting the strong commitment of the Government to continue to meet the needs of low income groups and those with social and special housing needs.

In overall terms, the total capital funding for housing this year, Exchequer and non-Exchequer, of €1.884 billion represents an increase of 5.4% on last year's provision when inflation is 1.7%. The increase in the housing provision will enable the social and affordable housing needs of approximately 13,000 households——

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