Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

However, the Government continues to provide for the first-time buyer. In budget 2003 we targeted the relief, as I stated. Moreover, data available to my Department also shows that first-time buyers continue to have a significant presence in the housing market. The Central Statistics Office states that over 50% of house purchasers since 1996 were first-time buyers. This is still regarded as a huge percentage.

The Government has not been found wanting in responding to increasing levels of housing need. Social and affordable housing output has expanded very significantly. Last year saw the delivery of the highest level of output under the range of social and affordable housing measures for over 15 years. The social and affordable housing needs of in excess of 13,600 households were met. The number of families or persons on the housing list is 48,000 and doubling it will not make it real.