Results 4,341-4,360 of 4,700 for speaker:Noel Ahern

Housing Provisions: Motion. (25 May 2004)

Noel Ahern: ——and an increase of 10.5% in output in the greater Dublin area during the same period. To put that in context, because 68,819 of itself might not register, a mere ten years ago, in 1993, that figure was 22,000 houses. The move from 22,000 to 68,000 is an enormous increase.

Housing Provisions: Motion. (25 May 2004)

Noel Ahern: The figures for the 1970s and 1980s were always approximately 22,000, 24,000 or 25,000. It was like that for years. However, a mere ten years ago the figure was 22,000. In ten years it has gone from 22,000 to 68,000 which is extraordinary. I am not sure what the Labour Party is trying to say in bringing forward this motion. Does it want us to reverse the policies which now see Ireland at the...

Housing Provisions: Motion. (25 May 2004)

Noel Ahern: The Deputy may not fully appreciate the numbers. However, there is a European index which shows the number of houses built each year per 1,000 of the population. We have a rate of 17 houses per year per 1,000 of population. We are not just at the head of the list but miles ahead of the others.

Housing Provisions: Motion. (25 May 2004)

Noel Ahern: In the European context Portugal is next with approximately ten per 1,000 of population. The United Kingdom is at three per 1,000 of population and other advanced countries like Sweden are at one per 1,000 of population. We are at 17 new houses per 1,000 of population per year, which is an incredible output.

Housing Provisions: Motion. (25 May 2004)

Noel Ahern: Increasing the supply of serviced residential land through targeted initiatives and the commitment of Exchequer funding has also been effective. There is approximately a five-year supply of serviced residential land nationally and about an eight-year supply in Dublin.

Housing Provisions: Motion. (25 May 2004)

Noel Ahern: I accept the rate of house price increases is a problem. However, it has moderated considerably since the late 1990s.

Housing Provisions: Motion. (25 May 2004)

Noel Ahern: A number of market commentators, including the Central Bank, now predict greater balance in the housing market over the next few years, as increased supply has a dampening effect on house prices. Affordability has also been assisted by a range of factors, including high levels of economic growth which have facilitated lower tax levels, increased disposable income, increased employment, lower...

Housing Provisions: Motion. (25 May 2004)

Noel Ahern: My constituents live in Dublin North-West. If Deputies look at what people are paying on their mortgage, the true test of affordability, the percentage of the disposable income being paid on a mortgage is only fractionally greater than it was ten years ago.

Housing Provisions: Motion. (25 May 2004)

Noel Ahern: It does not make me or any of us happy that the benefits or dividend from falling interest rates has gone into developers' pockets.

Housing Provisions: Motion. (25 May 2004)

Noel Ahern: I will ignore the Deputy from now on. I was trying to respond.

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.