Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

The loan limits have been adjusted several times. They are usually adjusted every year. It may be time to look at them again. Raising income limits for loans sometimes simply means that a different category of people qualify for the loans and the houses become more expensive. However, I will check those limits. It may be time to make another adjustment.

I accept that very small apartments were built in the past. However, some time ago the Department issued new national guidelines for public consultation. Many views have been expressed on this subject. Some local authorities may already be implementing the new guidelines and they will have statutory effect when the consultation period has ended. They require an increased apartment size and a mix of housing unit sizes in each development. Some local authorities, including Dublin City Council, already have these requirements. The guidelines will give them statutory effect.

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