Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 219: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will carry out an audit of housing stock here; and if he will examine a bond situation which is used in the UK to assist house purchase. [40503/08]

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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National house condition surveys have been undertaken every 10 years since 1981. In 2001/2002 the exercise was carried out by the Economic and Social Research Institute on behalf of my Department. A decision has yet to be taken on proceeding with another such study in 2011.

However, a House Condition Survey of the local authority rented stock is due to commence in 2009 and will form part of the overall strategy for modernising the building and energy standards of the public housing stock. The National Building Agency, who will manage the Survey on behalf of my Department, with assistance from the Centre for Housing Research, have already undertaken a scoping study in preparation for the commencement of this exercise.

With the introduction of the new Home Choice Loan and changes to existing affordable housing mechanisms which will result in the introduction of a new streamlined Government Equity product, we will shortly have in place a full range of housing supports to assist households seeking home ownership. There are no plans at present to introduce any further measures but the position will be kept under review in light of further developments in the housing market.