Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 340: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of people, to date, who have made a full application under the home choice scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18449/09]

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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Over 1,400 prospective purchasers have formally registered interest on the dedicated Home Choice website (www.homechoiceloan.ie) and these have been contacted to advise that applications are now being accepted. 25 full applications have been made and a significant number of enquiries have also been received from brokers in relation to applications that may be pending.

Importantly, the intention of the scheme is not to provide an incentive for households to enter the housing market; it is designed rather to facilitate first-time buyers who have decided to purchase a home at this time.

Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 341: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 86 of 11 March 2009 in regard to the purchase of affordable housing units, the further guidance that has been issued to local authorities; the nature of this guidance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18450/09]

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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I refer to the reply to Question No. 118 of 9 April 2009 which set out the further guidance, by way of circular letter, which has issued to local authorities in relation to the stock of affordable homes. A copy of the circular letter has been provided to the Joint Committee on the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.