Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

In 2005, for the 11th successive year, a record output of some 81,000 new homes was achieved and this figure is set to further increase this year. Data on house loans issued in 2005 indicate that 45% of new loans were taken by first-time buyers. A significant number of mortgages for those new homes were manageable or affordable.

The Government has sought to supplement the market through a range of different responses directed at those who cannot meet their own housing needs. In this regard, affordable housing measures are aimed at facilitating the purchase of homes by individuals at less than market value. During the first six months of this year, more than 1,100 affordable houses have been provided through various affordable housing schemes. These houses are additional to the 7,300 affordable homes which were supplied over the previous three years.

Income limits, maximum loan amounts and subsidy levels have also been substantially increased. The income eligibility limits for shared ownership, affordable housing and local authority house purchase loans now stand at €100,000 for a dual income household and €40,000 for a single income household. My Department is currently examining the various affordable housing schemes in order to simplify and streamline arrangements. Last year, the Government established the affordable homes partnership to co-ordinate and add impetus to the delivery of affordable housing in the greater Dublin area, where affordability pressures are greatest. The partnership has made considerable progress, particularly in terms of advancing land exchange projects. The conclusion of three such exchanges has allowed for the early delivery of some 500 affordable homes. Other measures being undertaken include the development of additional affordable housing on private lands.

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