Mr. Eugene Cummins:

Deputy O'Dowd asked many important questions, especially regarding incentivising in the centre of towns and over commercial premises. Obviously a very strong need must be identified in whatever area or town it is. If we are having incentives, they should be specifically targeted at an area or a town and focused on renting. There is no point in refurbishing a building unless it is to be made available to rent or lease. It does not matter if it is to the AHBs, to us or to the private sector, provided it is there.

There is merit in that and I believe it is a great idea. Incentives in specific, targeted areas where there is a need for new builds, in particular the incentivising of developers who are building new properties to rent, would also be worth considering.

We need to be careful in regard to giving grants because we cannot fuel the market. It is supply versus demand and the market is very sensitive to supports and subsidies. We all know the mistakes that were made in the past and we have to be very careful we do not go there again.