Housing

596 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on putting a cap on rent for local authority tenants who due to financial circumstances in the past were unable to purchase their homes and who have remained tenants for over 30 years and due to age and the increase in house valuations find that they are still unable to purchase their home but are paying rents in some instances the equivalent of a mortgage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24944/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 23 October 2007

596 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on putting a cap on rent for local authority tenants who due to financial circumstances in the past were unable to purchase their homes and who have remained tenants for over 30 years and due to age and the increase in house valuations find that they are still unable to purchase their home but are paying rents in some instances the equivalent of a mortgage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24944/07]

595 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the checks carried out by local authorities to determine whether or not housing applicants both national and non Irish national are property owners in another country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24943/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 23 October 2007

595 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the checks carried out by local authorities to determine whether or not housing applicants both national and non Irish national are property owners in another country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24943/07]

591 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the names and addresses of all housing estates that were deemed to be unfinished arising from the request for such information in a letter (details supplied) circulated to local authorities in January 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24856/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 23 October 2007

591 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the names and addresses of all housing estates that were deemed to be unfinished arising from the request for such information in a letter (details supplied) circulated to local authorities in January 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24856/07]

584 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that buyers of affordable housing can not change their mortgage provider; if he will make changes to the scheme to enable them to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24785/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 23 October 2007

584 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that buyers of affordable housing can not change their mortgage provider; if he will make changes to the scheme to enable them to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24785/07]

578 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his proposals to allow tenants of voluntary housing agencies who are living in three bedroom houses which are not adequate to their needs and where the voluntary housing agency does not have larger houses to become approved applicants of local authorities that have four bedroom houses, to facilitate transfers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24704/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 23 October 2007

578 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his proposals to allow tenants of voluntary housing agencies who are living in three bedroom houses which are not adequate to their needs and where the voluntary housing agency does not have larger houses to become approved applicants of local authorities that have four bedroom houses, to facilitate transfers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24704/07]

271 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when an application under the housing aid for the elderly will be processed for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25433/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 23 October 2007

271 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when an application under the housing aid for the elderly will be processed for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25433/07]

Home Lead Safety Tax Credit Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2007

Home Lead Safety Tax Credit Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for 50 percent of the costs of reducing lead hazards in U.S. homes built before 1960 in which certain low-income children less than six years of age and women of child-bearing age reside. Allows a maximum credit of $3,000 for lead abatement costs and $1,000 for the cost of interim lead control measures.

Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2007

Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of 2007 -- Amends the Truth in Lending Act to set forth a duty of care standard for residential mortgage loan originations. Prohibits steering incentives to mortgage originators, including incentive compensation and any yield spread premium based on, or varying with, the terms of a residential mortgage loan. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and other specified federal banking regulatory agencies to prescribe jointly regulations to prohibit mortgage originators from steering any consumer to a residential mortgage loan that is not in the consumer's interest (loans with predatory characteristics). Sets forth licensing and registration requirements for mortgage originators. Sets forth minimum repayment standards for residential mortgage loans. Requires creditors to determine, based on verified and documented information, that a consumer has a reasonable ability to repay the loan, according to its terms, and all applicable taxes, insurance, and assessments. Prohibits creditors from extending credit for residential mortgage loans that involve refinancing of a prior residential mortgage loan unless the creditor determines that refinancing provides a net tangible benefit to the consumer. Subjects assignees and securitizers to liability for certain violations in connection with residential mortgage loans. Sets forth defenses to foreclosure. Proscribes certain practices, including: (1) certain prepayment penalties; (2) single premium credit insurance; (3) mandatory use of arbitration; and (4) negative amortization mortgages. Redefines high-cost mortgages. Prohibits balloon payments for such mortgages. Revises requirements governing prepayment penalties. Prohibits lending without due regard to repayment ability. Prohibits certain creditor practices with respect to high-cost mortgages, including: (1) recommending default on an existing loan or other debt before and in connection with closing of a high-cost mortgage that refinances all or any portion of such existing loan or debt; (2) imposing late fees except according to specified requirements; (3) exercising sole discretion to accelerate indebtedness; (4) financing points and fees; (4) structuring certain transactions and reciprocal arrangements to evade the requirements and prohibitions of this Act; and (5) charging certain modification or deferral fees, and fees for notification of payoff information. Requires pre-loan counseling.

Trade and Globalization Assistance Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2007

Trade and Globalization Act of 2007 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to allow the filing of a petition with the Secretary of Labor for certification of eligibility to apply for trade adjustment assistance (TAA) by adversely affected workers in a service sector firm, a public agency, or subdivision. Revises group eligibility requirements for TAA to cover: (1) a shift, by such workers' firm or subdivision to a foreign country, of production of articles or in provision of services, like or directly competitive with articles which are produced, or services that are provided by the workers' firm or subdivision; or (2) instances where the workers' firm or subdivision obtains or is likely to obtain such articles or services from a foreign country. Provides for the certification for TAA of: (1) adversely affected workers in a public agency, its subdivision, or in a domestic industry; and (2) adversely affected secondary workers in a service sector firm or its subdivision. Prohibits TAA program benefits from being provided to an alien worker unless such worker is a lawful permanent resident living in the United States. Revises certain qualifying requirements for TAA for adversely affected workers. Increases: (1) the amount of payments for training of adversely affected workers; and (2) the maximum allowance to cover costs of such workers for job search expenses and relocation expenses. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the credit for health insurance costs of certain TAA and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) pension recipients. Sets forth requirements to prevent a lapse of health care coverage for TAA workers and their families. Establishes eligibility requirements for reemployment TAA for adversely affected older workers. Establishes the Office of Trade Adjustment Assistance. Extends through FY2012 the TAA program for workers and farmers. Allows the filing of a petition with the Secretary of Commerce for certification of eligibility to apply for TAA by a service sector firm. Extends the TAA program for firms through FY2012. Unemployment Insurance Modernization Act - Amends the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Labor to make unemployment compensation modernization incentive payments in FY2008-FY2012 by certain transfers from the federal unemployment account to the accounts of the states in the Unemployment Trust Fund. Provides for the issuance of manufacturing redevelopment bonds (qualified tax credit bonds) and tax-exempt facility bonds and require the proceeds to be used for environmental remediation and public infrastructure improvements in manufacturing redevelopment zones. Increases the state low-income housing credit for buildings located in such zones. Allows a credit to holders of such qualified tax credit bonds.

Allan I. Mendelowitz, of Connecticut, to be a Director of the Federal Housing Finance Board for a term expiring February 27, 2014. (Reappointment)

United States · United States Senate · 18 October 2007

239 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount spent to date on the local authority housing measure of the national development plan; the amount estimated to be spent on this measure by the end of the NDP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24625/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 October 2007

239 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount spent to date on the local authority housing measure of the national development plan; the amount estimated to be spent on this measure by the end of the NDP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24625/07]

237 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of applicants on the Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council housing waiting list under the categories, housing and transfer lists, homeless lists and affordable including Part V housing lists for the years 2002 to 2006 and to date in 2007. [24612/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 October 2007

237 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of applicants on the Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council housing waiting list under the categories, housing and transfer lists, homeless lists and affordable including Part V housing lists for the years 2002 to 2006 and to date in 2007. [24612/07]

236 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of new homes and new apartments built and completed in Fingal County Council and Dublin City Council operational areas for the years 2002 to 2006 and to date in 2007. [24611/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 October 2007

236 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of new homes and new apartments built and completed in Fingal County Council and Dublin City Council operational areas for the years 2002 to 2006 and to date in 2007. [24611/07]

234 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the changes proposed for schemes (details supplied) administered by the local authorities and the Health Service Executive; the new guidelines that have been agreed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24603/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 October 2007

234 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the changes proposed for schemes (details supplied) administered by the local authorities and the Health Service Executive; the new guidelines that have been agreed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24603/07]

233 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if under the framework of Delivering Homes Sustaining Communities, the administration of the special housing aid for the elderly scheme will be taken from the Health Service Executive and carried out by the local authority; and the guidelines and details in relation to the new scheme being planned. [24602/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 October 2007

233 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if under the framework of Delivering Homes Sustaining Communities, the administration of the special housing aid for the elderly scheme will be taken from the Health Service Executive and carried out by the local authority; and the guidelines and details in relation to the new scheme being planned. [24602/07]

232 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position of an application by a local authority (details supplied) in County Kildare to purchase social houses; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the local authority gave a commitment in January 2007 to purchase the houses; if, in view of the number of persons on the housing list, his Department will provide a definitive date when sanction will be given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24601/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 October 2007

232 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position of an application by a local authority (details supplied) in County Kildare to purchase social houses; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the local authority gave a commitment in January 2007 to purchase the houses; if, in view of the number of persons on the housing list, his Department will provide a definitive date when sanction will be given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24601/07]

Negative Amortization Mortgage Loan Transparency Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2007

Negative Amortization Mortgage Loan Transparency Act - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to require a lender to make specified prior disclosures to a first-time borrower in connection with a consumer credit transaction secured by residential real property with a dwelling, other than a reverse mortgage, where the payment plan may result in negative amortization over the term of the loan. Requires the consumer debtor to provide the creditor with documentation that the consumer received home ownership counseling from organizations or counselors certified by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

THE IMPACT OF LATE HOUSING ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS ON TENANTS AND OWNERS IN THE PROJECT-BASED RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

United States · United States House of Representatives · 17 October 2007

382 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of applicants on waiting lists for disabled persons grants and essential repair grants; the length of time they are waiting in each of the councils throughout the country; the allocation of funding provided to each council; the cost of grant applications submitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24295/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 October 2007

382 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of applicants on waiting lists for disabled persons grants and essential repair grants; the length of time they are waiting in each of the councils throughout the country; the allocation of funding provided to each council; the cost of grant applications submitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24295/07]

371 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of refuge centres in each local authority area; the number proposed; the stage of those that are proposed; the funding provided by his Department for such facilities over each of the past five years to each local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24165/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 October 2007

371 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of refuge centres in each local authority area; the number proposed; the stage of those that are proposed; the funding provided by his Department for such facilities over each of the past five years to each local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24165/07]

367 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department plans to review the imposition of conditions by local authorities on certain property transfer orders (details supplied). [24129/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 October 2007

367 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department plans to review the imposition of conditions by local authorities on certain property transfer orders (details supplied). [24129/07]

366 Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the figures for each local authority stating the number of houses sold under the tenant purchase scheme over the past five years; and the number of these houses that were subsequently re-sold within 12 and 24 months of their purchase. [24119/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 October 2007

366 Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the figures for each local authority stating the number of houses sold under the tenant purchase scheme over the past five years; and the number of these houses that were subsequently re-sold within 12 and 24 months of their purchase. [24119/07]

Section 515 Rural Housing Property Transfer Improvement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2007

Section 515 Rural Housing Property Transfer Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) implement administrative and procedural changes to expedite the application approval process for transferring ownership of Section 515 rural multifamily housing projects for which a loan is either made or insured for a project's preservation, continued use restriction, and rehabilitation; and (2) actively facilitate such transfers. Grants final regulatory authority over such property transfers to the Office of Rental Housing Preservation of the Rural Housing Service of the Department of Agriculture. Sets forth deadlines for the processing of transfer applications.

595 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a grant is available for persons who are pensioners and disabled and who reside in substandard buildings to insulate the slab walls and roofs of such buildings to conserve energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24069/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 October 2007

595 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a grant is available for persons who are pensioners and disabled and who reside in substandard buildings to insulate the slab walls and roofs of such buildings to conserve energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24069/07]

583 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding a proposed local authority social and affordable housing development (details supplied) in County Cork. [23802/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 October 2007

583 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding a proposed local authority social and affordable housing development (details supplied) in County Cork. [23802/07]

582 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he is taking to reduce the cost of affordable housing to local authorities and to applicants. [23798/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 October 2007

582 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he is taking to reduce the cost of affordable housing to local authorities and to applicants. [23798/07]

581 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the statutory instrument that allows a local authority to specify minimum annual salaries as part of its application process for affordable housing as opposed to general stress test measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23797/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 October 2007

581 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the statutory instrument that allows a local authority to specify minimum annual salaries as part of its application process for affordable housing as opposed to general stress test measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23797/07]

578 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on reviewing planning legislation generally with the object of creating a more cohesive schools provision strategy where there is significant housing development in particular areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23751/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 October 2007

578 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on reviewing planning legislation generally with the object of creating a more cohesive schools provision strategy where there is significant housing development in particular areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23751/07]

589 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the changes in policy, criteria and conditions that are shortly to be implemented by local authorities in respect of the disabled person’s grant scheme and the essential repairs grant scheme; if the new arrangements will involve a means test for applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23897/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 October 2007

589 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the changes in policy, criteria and conditions that are shortly to be implemented by local authorities in respect of the disabled person’s grant scheme and the essential repairs grant scheme; if the new arrangements will involve a means test for applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23897/07]

577 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his Department’s approach and policy in respect of applications that were already on hand for the old disabled person’s grant, essential repairs grant and housing aid for the elderly grant schemes in various Health Service Executive and local authority offices around the country that had not yet been dealt with or approved arising from the introduction of the revised housing adaptation grant schemes for older people and people with a disability; if applicants will be required to fill in new applications based on the new grant scheme or if the old applications to the old schemes will continue to be processed in 2008 and in future years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23750/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 October 2007

577 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his Department’s approach and policy in respect of applications that were already on hand for the old disabled person’s grant, essential repairs grant and housing aid for the elderly grant schemes in various Health Service Executive and local authority offices around the country that had not yet been dealt with or approved arising from the introduction of the revised housing adaptation grant schemes for older people and people with a disability; if applicants will be required to fill in new applications based on the new grant scheme or if the old applications to the old schemes will continue to be processed in 2008 and in future years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23750/07]

558 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the level of capital provision for each year since 2000 to date in 2007 and the percentage of that money drawn down in each year for the construction or purchase of local authority stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23344/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 October 2007

558 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the level of capital provision for each year since 2000 to date in 2007 and the percentage of that money drawn down in each year for the construction or purchase of local authority stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23344/07]

555 Deputy Cyprian Brady asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he is taking to speed up the funding of precinct improvement projects in the Dublin City Council area, particularly those that have reached an advanced stage of planning and have been promised to residents for a number of years (details supplied). [23323/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 October 2007

555 Deputy Cyprian Brady asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he is taking to speed up the funding of precinct improvement projects in the Dublin City Council area, particularly those that have reached an advanced stage of planning and have been promised to residents for a number of years (details supplied). [23323/07]

553 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to increase funding for housing aid for the elderly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23774/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 October 2007

553 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to increase funding for housing aid for the elderly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23774/07]

552 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to provide funding for community housing for a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; his further plans to provide funding for community housing for the intellectually disabled in the Moate and Athlone area of County Westmeath. [23451/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 October 2007

552 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to provide funding for community housing for a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; his further plans to provide funding for community housing for the intellectually disabled in the Moate and Athlone area of County Westmeath. [23451/07]

PROMISE Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2007

Promoting Refinancing Opportunities for Mortgages Impacted by the Subprime Emergency Act of 2007, or the PROMISE Act - Requires the Director of the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO) of the Department of Housing and Urban Development to terminate, suspend, modify, or otherwise lift: (1) the limitation on growth provision set forth in the Fannie Mae Consent Decree (the OFHEO order dated May 23, 2006, in the matter of the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae)); and (2) the voluntary temporary growth limitation described in the Freddie Mac Letter (dated July 31, 2006, from the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) to the OFHEO Director). Requires: (1) the Director to increase the mortgage portfolio limitations of both enterprises by at least 10%; and (2) the use of 85% of such increase for refinancing subprime mortgages at risk of foreclosure.

To temporarily increase the portfolio caps applicable to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, to provide the necessary financing to curb foreclosures by facilitating the refinancing of at-risk subprime borrowers into safe, affordable loans, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2007

Requires the Director of the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO) of the Department of Housing and Urban Development to terminate, suspend, modify, or otherwise lift: (1) the limitation on growth provision set forth in the Fannie Mae Consent Decree (the OFHEO order dated May 23, 2006, in the matter of the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae)); and (2) the voluntary temporary growth limitation described in the Freddie Mac Letter (dated July 31, 2006, from the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) to the OFHEO Director). Requires: (1) the Director to increase the mortgage portfolio limitations of both enterprises by at least 10%; and (2) to use of 85% of such increase for refinancing subprime mortgages at risk of foreclosure.

Escrow, Appraisal, and Mortgage Servicing Improvements Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2007

Escrow, Appraisal, and Mortgage Servicing Improvements Act - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to require a creditor, in a consumer credit transaction secured by the consumer's principal dwelling, to establish an escrow or impound account to pay taxes and hazard insurance, and, if applicable, flood insurance, mortgage insurance, ground rents, and any other required periodic payments or premiums. Requires written disclosures by the creditor to the consumer regarding: (1) such escrow or impound account; and (2) consumers who opt out of escrow services. Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to proscribe specified practices by the servicer of a federally related mortgage, including obtaining force-placed hazard insurance coverage to protect the mortgagee's interest in the property. Prohibits practices related to default, late fees, or foreclosure. Requires prompt: (1) crediting of payments; (2) responses to payoff balances; and (3) refund of escrow accounts upon payoff. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to study and report to specified congressional committees on mortgage servicing fraud. Amends the Truth in Lending Act to: (1) require repayment analyses to include escrow payments; (2) include a written property appraisal as a prerequisite to granting a mortgage; (3) prohibit unfair and deceptive practices and acts relating to consumer credit transactions secured by the principal dwelling, especially in property appraisals; and (4) require a mortgage originator to make available to the credit applicant all appraisal valuation reports no later than three days prior to the transaction closing date. Amends the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 to: (1) include among the functions of the Appraisal Subcommittee protection of the consumer from improper appraisal practices and the predations of unlicensed appraisers; and (2) expand state agency reporting requirements to include transmittal to the Appraisal Subcommittee of reports on claims, disciplinary actions, license and certification revocations, and suspensions. Prohibits certain interested parties in a real estate transaction involving an appraisal from engaging in specified practices to improperly influence a real estate appraisal in connection with a mortgage loan. Requires the Comptroller General to study and report to specified congressional committees on possible improvements in the appraisal process and in state compliance programs.

168 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if approval to proceed with improvement works at a site (details supplied) in Dublin 1 is currently under discussion between his Department and Dublin City Council; and when a decision regarding approval to proceed will be made. [23241/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 11 October 2007

168 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if approval to proceed with improvement works at a site (details supplied) in Dublin 1 is currently under discussion between his Department and Dublin City Council; and when a decision regarding approval to proceed will be made. [23241/07]

167 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 1098 of 26 September 2007, if it is the case that clarifications have been sought by his Department regarding the precinct improvement scheme for a site (details supplied) in Dublin 1 and that approval to proceed awaits that clarification. [23240/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 11 October 2007

167 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 1098 of 26 September 2007, if it is the case that clarifications have been sought by his Department regarding the precinct improvement scheme for a site (details supplied) in Dublin 1 and that approval to proceed awaits that clarification. [23240/07]

319 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will enhance the public housing programme by way of increased house building by the local authorities with the specific intention of meeting the requirements of first time house buyers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23156/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 October 2007

319 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will enhance the public housing programme by way of increased house building by the local authorities with the specific intention of meeting the requirements of first time house buyers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23156/07]

309 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when, in view of the fact that residents have agreed the regeneration of their flats a number of months ago, he will sign off on the council plans for the refurbishment of flats (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23068/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 October 2007

309 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when, in view of the fact that residents have agreed the regeneration of their flats a number of months ago, he will sign off on the council plans for the refurbishment of flats (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23068/07]

308 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when an inspection for a person (details supplied) in County Sligo in respect of rural renewal application will be carried out. [23039/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 October 2007

308 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when an inspection for a person (details supplied) in County Sligo in respect of rural renewal application will be carried out. [23039/07]

307 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of social houses that will be delivered under part V in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23029/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 October 2007

307 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of social houses that will be delivered under part V in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23029/07]

157 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to enshrine in law the principle of housing as a right; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22740/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 October 2007

157 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to enshrine in law the principle of housing as a right; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22740/07]

156 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will legislate to allow for the compulsory purchase of land by local authorities at agricultural or existing value plus 25% for the purpose of social or affordable housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22742/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 October 2007

156 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will legislate to allow for the compulsory purchase of land by local authorities at agricultural or existing value plus 25% for the purpose of social or affordable housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22742/07]

137 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of persons on local authority housing lists at the latest date for which figures are available; the steps he will take to reduce waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22819/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 October 2007

137 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of persons on local authority housing lists at the latest date for which figures are available; the steps he will take to reduce waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22819/07]

134 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will as a matter of urgency be appointing a specific project team to carry out a programme of regeneration and refurbishment of local authority flat complexes. [22889/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 October 2007

134 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will as a matter of urgency be appointing a specific project team to carry out a programme of regeneration and refurbishment of local authority flat complexes. [22889/07]

133 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the directives his Department have issued to local authorities with respect to the use of funding for the building of social houses since 1 May 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22614/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 October 2007

133 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the directives his Department have issued to local authorities with respect to the use of funding for the building of social houses since 1 May 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22614/07]

129 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will deliver 10,000 social and affordable housing units in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22744/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 October 2007

129 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will deliver 10,000 social and affordable housing units in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22744/07]

123 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of local authority houses built by the various local authorities in each of the past five years excluding those provided by voluntary housing organisations; the number of three bedroom or family homes included; his intentions for the public housing programme in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22849/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 October 2007

123 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of local authority houses built by the various local authorities in each of the past five years excluding those provided by voluntary housing organisations; the number of three bedroom or family homes included; his intentions for the public housing programme in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22849/07]