asked the Minister for the Environment if he will consider a widening of the special category conditions under which persons may apply for a mortgage subsidy for second-hand houses; and if he will consider the conferring of special category status on loan applicants living in Army housing as all Army tenants are on a limited tenancy basis.

I do not propose at present to extend the categories of persons to whom special house purchase loans may be given by local authorities or the Housing Finance Agency, or who may qualify for the £3,000 mortgage subsidy for the purchase of second-hand houses.

Would the Minister accept that the type of applicants to whom I refer — Army tenants — are at a disadvantage because the tenancies they are enjoying are of a temporary nature and that, therefore, they should enjoy special category status?

I do not intend at present to change the categories. I will have a look at the position in relation to the specific category mentioned by the Deputy.

If the Minister is considering the widening of the special category bands I would ask him to give Army tenants special consideration. Will I hear further from the Minister in this matter?

Yes, but I hope the Deputy will remember that I do not intend at present to change the categories. However, we will review the situation.

I take it the Minister will give consideration to this category.

Certainly.

Would the Minister accept that there are houses in the Gaeltacht known as Gaeltacht planned houses and that if they are over 1,346 square feet in floor area the owners do not qualify for Gaeltacht grants or for a mortgage subsidy? Would the Minister consider this matter?

Certainly.