asked the Minister for the Environment if the Government propose to continue to encourage the development of inner-city housing in Dublin.

Any proposals for central city residential redevelopment which are submitted to my Department by Dublin Corporation, as part of their approved housing construction programme, will be considered in the normal way, having regard to all relevant factors.

Will the Minister agree that, when making allocations of money to local authorities, and particularly to the Dublin local authority, separate sums of money should be made available for centre city housing development only? If we are serious about inner city renewal it must be funded separately. Would the Minister consider that when allocating funds?

I would certainly consider it, but the initiative must come from the corporation to my Department.

The Minister would consider it?

I would, but the initiative must come from the corporation.

We will take that up with the corporation.