Mr. Eamon O'Flaherty:

In response to Deputy O'Sullivan’s point about rural resettlement, that scheme was originally intended for people to sell a property in Dublin and move down the country. The scheme we envisage would be for first-time buyers, people who have no house at the moment. A tax incentive could also apply to people who want to move out of the city and down the country. This scheme could be adjusted accordingly. The scheme we would promote or envisage would be for people in need of housing, primarily first-time buyers.

In response to Deputy Butler, I do not think the local authority would be involved in it. This is more for the private sector and people who want to purchase a property for less than €100,000. There is a huge market and the properties are there but to make them attractive and appealing to young families, investment will be required. There will be work for local tradesmen, and the local hardware merchant will hopefully get a spin off as well and bring more money into that economy.