The first-time buyer's grant has outlived any usefulness it had as an economic incentive. Designed to benefit those who qualify, its economic impact has long since been absorbed in house prices. Its value is now considerably exceeded by the value of stamp duty exemption for new houses which the Government proposes to retain. That amounts to €5,900 on the average new house price. In recent years a range of better targeted schemes to assist low income purchasers and those with social housing needs has been put in place. Between 1998 and 2001 the provision of social and affordable housing has grown by 35% to 11,385 units and a further increase to almost 13,000 is forecast in 2002. This provision will deliver more real and lasting benefit to young couples struggling to buy their own homes than any outdated and ineffectual first-time buyer's grant.