asked the Minister for the Environment if he will introduce a system of realistic grants and assisted loans for house purchasers to be available on the basis of need and income in view of the increasing costs of housing.

Generous assistance is available for the purchase of houses by way of £1,000 new house grants; the recently announced subsidy of building societies interest rates; the house purchase loans from housing authorities and the subsidised low-rise mortgage loans. Additionally, house purchasers benefit from relief of income tax on the interest on their loans the maximum amount of which was recently doubled to £4,800 per annum for married couples. There is also relief of stamp duty on new houses.

It is not possible on cost grounds to consider any new form of assistance along the lines suggested by the Deputy.

16.

asked the Minister for the Environment if he will reintroduce a system of house reconstruction grants in view of the deterioration due to age of much of the housing stock.

I have no proposals for the reintroduction of a scheme for grants for house improvements.

Seeing that Deputy Blaney is not here, may I ask a supplementary question? In line with the Government's high priority of Irish unity—with a view to identifying with Northern Ireland—is the Minister aware of the generous grants available to Irish people north of the Border to reconstruct and refurbish their homes?

That is a separate question.

I am asking, a Cheann Comhairle——

The Chair is not permitting it. We are not dealing with Six County grants.

I am asking the Minister if he is aware of that?

I am calling Question No. 17.

I am aware of it.

Then why would the Minister not use the principles they adopt in the North of Ireland to help people in County Donegal and indeed in other parts of the Republic to maintain their homes?

Question No. 17.

Why cannot I have a reply to this?

I have called Question No. 17.