Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 9: To ask the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government the political reform measures promised within the first 100 days of Government that have been achieved. [15598/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The programme for Government commits to a radical overhaul of the way Irish politics and government work. It sets out a wide ranging series of commitments to this end, a number of which are within my areas of responsibility. I am committed to working with my Government colleagues to implement these measures in full.

On 8 June 2011, I published the general scheme of the Electoral (Amendment) (Political Funding) Bill 2011. Provision is made for the restriction of corporate donations, a reduction in the amounts that can be received as political donations and a reduction in the thresholds for declaring political donations. Political parties will also now be required to submit their annual accounts to the Standards in Public Office Commission for publication. The new legislation includes a provision that political parties will face a cut of half their State political funding if they do not have at least 30% women and 30% men candidates at the next general election. This will then rise to 40% after 7 years. In line with the Government's commitment to reform the way legislation is debated and implemented, I have published the general scheme and invited public input on its contents.

In addition, provision is made in the Government's legislation programme in the current Dáil session for an electoral (amendment) Bill 2011 to provide for the implementation of a number of recent decisions announced by the Government. As part of the agenda to make the political system leaner and more efficient for its citizens, the terms of reference for the Constituency Commission will be changed in this Bill to provide for a reduced number of Deputies. The Bill will reduce the spending limits at presidential elections from €1.3 million to €750,000 and reduce the amount that candidates can be reimbursed for expenses from €260,000 to €200,000. As a further measure, the Bill will provide that all Dáil by-elections are called within six months of a vacancy arising.

Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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Has any of the Government's objectives been achieved over its first 100 days apart from the announcement of a schedule of deliverables?

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy may not understand that it takes time to agree a policy position, debate the issues in Cabinet and draft and publish the legislation. In the area of political reform, we have done more in 100 days than any other Administration in the history of the State. I look forward to the Deputy's support when these matters are brought before the Dáil and I hope the proposals I outlined will be given a speedy passage.

Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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Fine Gael introduced the gimmick of the first 100 days. It was not Fianna Fáil or any other Opposition party.

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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A statement on housing policy was issued today as part of the review. I am concerned that the Minister may scrap the affordable housing scheme as it is currently constituted. Is that his intention? The scheme was introduced at a time when houses cost €300,000 and €400,000 but the subsequent decrease in prices to €160,000 or €180,000 does not mean affordable housing is no longer required.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Better value can be obtained on the open market than through the affordable housing scheme under Part V. It does not make sense to continue the scheme in those circumstances. The Minister of State, Deputy Penrose, is working assiduously with the National Asset Management Agency, a quango we would prefer not to have inherited, to roll out the social dividend in terms of providing housing to people on the waiting lists. There will be opportunities for people to purchase houses under the new scheme outlined today. As well as a leasing programme over 20 years, there will be options to purchase incrementally or otherwise. The affordable housing scheme has outlived its usefulness and we want to ensure people are able to borrow money to buy houses at the competitive prices which obtain today.

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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May I ask a brief supplementary question?

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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The matter is not directly relevant but the Deputy may ask a brief question.

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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Properties could be made available through NAMA at affordable prices.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I am happy to take that on board.