314 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there has been progress made regarding efforts to phase out staged payments in relation to house building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41847/06]

I announced last June that the Irish Home Builders Association (IHBA) had agreed to pursue the voluntary phasing out of stage payments and to enter into discussions with my Department with a view to bringing this about within a relatively short timeframe. Following on this commitment, my Department has been in consultation with the IHBA and substantial progress has been made regarding arrangements for the ending of the practice at an early date. Some details remain to be concluded and I hope to be in a position to make an announcement on the matter shortly.