asked the Minister for the Environment if he will institute a programme for the reorganising and modernisation of Dublin Corporation housing stock, particularly in the inner city area, thereby improving the quality of living conditions and providing much-needed employment in the area.

The implementation of the programme for the reorganisation and modernisation of their housing stock is primarily a matter for Dublin Corporation who are responsible for the maintenance, improvement and management of their housing estate.

Is the Minister aware that there is need for a major programme of reorganisation and modernisation of Dublin Corporation's housing stock? In view of the fact that this year's allocation to Dublin Corporation for housing was reduced, would the Minister be willing to consider an application from the corporation for a substantial sum of money to invest in a much-needed programme of renewal of housing stock in the city area?

I should like to inform the Deputy that the allocation was not reduced but increased.

I should like to point out that the Deputy's supplementary question is merely a repetition of the original question.

I asked if the Minister would facilitate the corporation if they asked for the money.

This is time consuming.

Will the Minister give the corporation more money to do what is necessary if they ask for it?

When available.

23.