(Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for the Environment if he has given any direction to local authorities regarding the vesting or sale of local authority houses; if so, the nature of such direction; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Presumably the Deputy is referring to a direction on the terms of the sales scheme for local authority tenants to succeed the scheme which expired on 30th June last. The preparation of a new sales scheme is well advanced and I hope to be in a position shortly to announce its terms.

(Cavan-Monaghan): I am dealing with the vesting of rural properties and I understand that, apart from the scheme about which the Minister speaks, it was possible up until the Minister directed otherwise for the tenants to vest rural cottages. Has that been interfered with?

Not to my knowledge.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Will the Minister look into it?

I will.

The remaining questions will appear on next Tuesday's Order Paper.