Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 129: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of Part V properties currently under construction; the number of completed Part V developments which remain unsold; the period of time for which there have been no active inquiries regarding the purchase of these properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35798/09]

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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Information on housing activity, including Part V social and affordable housing, in each local authority area up to the end of March 2009, is available on my Department's website (www.environ.ie). Information is also published in my Department's Housing Statistics Bulletins, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library. Data for the second quarter of 2009 will be published shortly. Estimates obtained from local authorities and the Affordable Homes Partnership during the first quarter of 2009 indicated that the number of affordable units on hands nationally was in the region of 3,700, the majority of which would have been acquired as a result of Part V agreements with developers. At that time, many of these units were already in process of sale or have since been sold.

Local authority Housing Action Plans, which ensure a more holistic and integrated approach to social and affordable housing provision, are reviewed in conjunction with my Department on a regular basis. The Autumn round of review meetings is currently taking place. The data being supplied by local authorities at those meetings will provide an up to date position regarding affordable units on hands. My Department does not hold data in relation to enquiries regarding the purchase of specific properties. I understand, however, that local authorities, in line with my Department's guidance, are continuing active sales campaigns in many areas and that significant numbers of sales are proceeding where homes are priced appropriately for the current market.

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 130: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will request local authorities to revalue their stock of affordable housing to reflect current market conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35955/09]

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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The provision of affordable housing, including setting of the sale price, is primarily a matter for individual housing authorities. The sale price of an affordable home is determined largely by its cost. Where authorities consider it appropriate, in the context of reduced open market prices and the continuing need to ensure value for money outcomes, they have the option to further reduce the sale price of any affordable house by further subsidisation utilising Part V monies, clawback or other internal capital receipts on hands. Local authorities are best positioned to make judgments in this regard, based on local circumstances.