Would the Minister say if he has made any arrangements with regard to this £1,000 so that people who are purchasing a new house for the first time can use the £1,000 as a deposit, as the Taoiseach stated before the election, that this was one of the ways in which he expected it would be used? Will he explain how he expects that this £1,000 can be used as a deposit since it will not be paid until long after the house is occupied?

It will be paid when the house is occupied. That is correct.

The Taoiseach said on television he expected it would be used as a deposit. Will the Minister say if there is any intention of making arrangements to have it paid in advance so that it can be used as a deposit?

This is the first time since I took office that this question has been posed to me.

I agree with the Minister that there is no hope in the world of this being done.

In an attempt to answer the Deputy at this stage, the only thing I could suggest is that the fact that the person is approved for such a grant could be used as a collateral.

Has the Minister ever tried to use the term of a grant like that for collateral?

It has been done, I understand. I have not been approached on this matter.

Could I ask the Minister did he use the phrase "£1,000 in your hand" or did his colleagues use it, not the world "collateral"?

Surely that is a separate question.

A £1,000 grant.

Was the phrase "£1,000 in your hand" used?

Broken promises.

They are all running for cover.