Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 525: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18177/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The income eligibility and loan limits for the shared ownership scheme were reviewed and increased with effect from 1 January 2006. The income eligibility for a single income household increased to €40,000 while in the case of a two-income household, the income limit is based on the formula that 2.5 times the main income plus once the secondary income does not exceed €100,000. Income thresholds are reviewed on an annual basis to ensure they are meeting the needs of the target groups for which they are intended and in this regard my Department is currently completing such a review. Any decision, on foot of this review, to increase the various limits will be notified to local authorities in due course.

However, persons with incomes greater than the limits mentioned above may be eligible for affordable housing provided under Part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2006 or the Affordable Housing Initiative. Eligibility for these schemes is determined on the basis that a person's income is insufficient to meet the mortgage repayments on a house suitable to their needs, by virtue of the fact that the mortgage payments on such accommodation would exceed 35% of the person's income after tax and PRSI.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 526: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding a project (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [18185/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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My Department has no active proposal in respect of this project.