Could we have clarity on that?

The second issue I wish to raise, which I have been doing for the past year, is the housing Bill. When will it be brought before the House for discussion, given the atrocious situation where 96,000 families continue to rot on housing waiting lists for up to ten years in a State with almost 250,000 empty houses? The Taoiseach claims the State does not have any money but we have plenty of empty houses. Can we have a debate around that Bill, which would allow us to move that situation forward and deal with the unacceptably lengthy housing lists?

There is no date for the publication of the housing Bill; it is quite a distance away.

In respect of the Deputy's first question, Clare County Council has never suggested refusing anybody a grant. It inquired as to whether the household charge had been paid by the households of applicants.

The Taoiseach cannot believe that.

It never made any suggestion about refusing anything.

The Taoiseach does not have to answer the question about the household charge.