Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 664: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount it would cost to construct 12,000 social housing units in 2008. [31127/07]

Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 672: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the cost of building 12,000 houses for social provision in 2008. [31250/07]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 664 and 672 together.

It is not possible to provide an overall cost figure for the construction of 12,000 social housing units in 2008 as this would depend on a range of factors including the distribution of units across the country, the number of different types of units and the state of the housing market. The average unit cost for the construction of a 3 bedroom social housing dwelling in 2007 is €137,278.

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 665: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the bilateral agreements in place with other EU countries for local authorities to seek information on a housing applicants' accommodation history; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that local authorities only have the ability to carry out checks on Irish and UK citizens; the steps he will take to rectify this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31178/07]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The assessment of housing need, including verification of the relevant circumstances of applicants, is a matter for the local authority concerned. As standard procedure, local authorities seek information on applicants' accommodation history and have powers under Section 15 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997 to seek information from a range of relevant bodies in relation to applicants.

In general, an immigrant must have a legal right to remain in the State on a long-term basis if they are to be considered for long-term housing support (this is particularly pertinent in the case of affordable housing given that the purchase of an affordable house is a long-term commitment). Therefore, for example, persons who are currently seeking asylum here are ineligible to apply for housing supports, as are persons who hold work permits.

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 667: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the provision made in the pre-Budget 2008 Outlook for income thresholds, for maximum loan value, for subsidy towards repayments at different income thresholds under the various loan schemes or shared ownership schemes operated by local authorities; and if no changes have been made, when he will announce intended changes for 2008. [31202/07]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The matters referred to and other related issues are under review and I hope to be in a position to announce the outcome of that review shortly.

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 668: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the starting date of the proposed new schemes to be operated by local authorities in respect of adaptation of homes to meet a disability, mobility aids, and necessary repairs and improvements; if provision is made for assistance with heating systems which have failed as has been available previously under the Health Service Executive schemes; and if the presence of an earner in the house other than the owner or their spouse will affect eligibility. [31203/07]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The revised housing adaptation grant schemes to assist older people and people with a disability became operational on 1 November 2007.

Under the new Housing Aid for Older People Scheme, grant assistance may be made available for the installation and upgrading of heating systems and related insulation works. The maximum grant available under the scheme is €10,500 and may cover 100% of the cost of works.

Under the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme, eligibility for grant aid is determined on the basis of gross household income, i.e. the income of the property owner and his/her spouse, if applicable, in the previous tax year. The incomes of any other members of the household are not assessable in determining eligibility.