Would the Minister consider extending the scheme into areas where semi-State organisations have provided houses? For instance, Shannon Free Airport Development Company have provided a substantial number of houses at Shannon Airport new town for their employees on the industrial estate. Bord na Móna have also provided accommodation for their employees and, therefore, would the Minister think it important to extend the scheme as I have suggested?

If houses become vacant, the local authorities have power to purchase them. We are not dictating the types of houses which they should buy; we are saying they may purchase houses if they require them for particular reasons.