Results 301-320 of 4,700 for speaker:Noel Ahern

Housing Provisions: Motion. (25 May 2004)

Noel Ahern: Indicative data available to the Department also shows that first-time buyers continue to have a significant presence in the housing market. This is supported by the CSO quarterly national household survey for the third quarter of last year, which indicates that almost 50% of house purchasers since 1996 were first-time buyers. The survey also pointed out that some 62% of homeowners surveyed...

Housing Provisions: Motion. (25 May 2004)

Noel Ahern: My Department is continuing to examine possible measures aimed at moderating land costs for housing and other essential public infrastructure. The report on ownership and control of building land, which was commissioned by my Department from Goodbody Economic Consultants, forms part of that process. It remains under consideration and will be published when the examination is complete. I...

Housing Provisions: Motion. (25 May 2004)

Noel Ahern: The National Economic and Social Council is currently undertaking a major study on housing and land policy ——

Housing Provisions: Motion. (25 May 2004)

Noel Ahern: I understand that will be finalised shortly. Following that, the Goodbody report and the report of the all-party committee, Deputies can expect to see action. All three reports, and any other relevant analysis and research, will be considered in finalising a policy response to these issues. The Government considers consumer issues as part of an effective market to be important. My Department...

Housing Provisions: Motion. (25 May 2004)

Noel Ahern: 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'...

Housing Provisions: Motion. (25 May 2004)

Noel Ahern: ——to be met this year compared to almost 8,500 households a few years ago.

Housing Provisions: Motion. (25 May 2004)

Noel Ahern: There are 48,000 on the housing waiting list.

Housing Provisions: Motion. (25 May 2004)

Noel Ahern: The figure of 48,000 is the last official one.

Housing Provisions: Motion. (25 May 2004)

Noel Ahern: The housing needs of 13,500 households will be met this year. When 13,500 households are taken off the list, I am not suggesting that the number of households on the list will fall by that number, as others will come on the list.

Housing Provisions: Motion. (25 May 2004)

Noel Ahern: In effect, we are consolidating the significant progress made in recent years and we are maintaining a high level of commitment to the provision of social and affordable housing.

Housing Provisions: Motion. (25 May 2004)

Noel Ahern: That we can do.

Housing Provisions: Motion. (25 May 2004)

Noel Ahern: That is not always the solution to everything. Deputy Broughan and I were members of another forum and he will understand that when such a change is made we can suddenly start to cater for the needs of a slightly higher income group.

Housing Provisions: Motion. (25 May 2004)

Noel Ahern: The shared ownership and the affordable housing schemes are in place——

Housing Provisions: Motion. (25 May 2004)

Noel Ahern: Will the Deputy keep quiet?

Housing Provisions: Motion. (25 May 2004)

Noel Ahern: ——to cater for the housing needs of people in a particular income bracket.

Housing Provisions: Motion. (25 May 2004)

Noel Ahern: If we increase the limit to too high a figure or too suddenly, we will end up catering for the housing needs of a different income bracket.

Housing Provisions: Motion. (25 May 2004)

Noel Ahern: I agree that the time has come for us to examine it.

Housing Provisions: Motion. (25 May 2004)

Noel Ahern: This matter is being given serious consideration. If I had moved on it in recent weeks, the Deputy would say that was an election ploy. One cannot win in this bloody country.

Housing Provisions: Motion. (25 May 2004)

Noel Ahern: I assure the Deputies that I am giving this serious consideration.

Housing Provisions: Motion. (25 May 2004)

Noel Ahern: If the Deputy did not ballyrag me, I might announce something tomorrow.