Last July, the Government passed a long-awaited affordable housing Bill. I have heard numerous promises and predictions of how many affordable houses will be provided in the years to come as a result. While the Bill passed through the Oireachtas seven months ago, today we still wait for regulations to be issued by the Department that will finally set the wheels in motion.

Thousands of young couples, families and individuals on modest incomes cannot get a mortgage through commercial banks. They are waiting anxiously for application forms and progress on the affordable housing scheme. Will the Tánaiste outline when the regulations or further information will be made available to local authorities and subsequently to people waiting anxiously to own their own affordable homes?

I will have to check that out and come back to the Deputy. I think the regulations are done. I am not sure if they have been officially signed off or published. South Dublin County Council is advertising affordable homes for people to purchase. It will happen in Waterford quite soon. I had thought they were done but I will find out and come back to the Deputy.