28th April 2002

PRESS RELEASE

GREEN PARTY CALLS FOR HOUSING REFORMS AT MANIFESTO LAUNCH

The Green Party has called for a package of reforms to increase the supply of housing. At the launch of their election manifesto in Dublin today, Councillor Ciarán Cuffe called for radical reforms to increase housing supply and stop urban sprawl.

"We are undertaking to increase housing supply and reduce urban sprawl," stated Ciarán Cuffe. "Instead of decisions based on brown envelopes we are offering green sustainable solutions. We are committed to the following:

• One month's security for every five months occupation to provide security of tenure to the private rental sector

• First Time Buyers Grant shall be made available to purchasers of second hand homes to promote greater use of existing housing stock

• Abolition of stamp duty for those trading down from a larger to a smaller home to benefit in particular the needs of older people

• Windfall tax on excess profits accruing from rezoned land

•Higher environmental standards in new homes through reforming the Building Regulations

ENDS

For further information contact:

Ciarán Cuffe, Dáil Candidate                        087 265 2075 or 618 3082