Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I take very seriously the views that all Deputies bring forward in relation to this and any other matter in the Finance Bill. This is a policy that covers approximately 11% to 12% of all of the transactions in the housing market. Therefore, the charge that this is a significant contribution to housing price inflation in the context of it covering a very low share of transactions is difficult to make.

Second, the fact that the scheme helps some who need help less than others does not take away from the fact that it helps the majority who do need help in assembling their deposit for a new home to be built and then purchased by them. I repeat what I said a few moments ago. I find it extraordinary that, on the one hand, Sinn Féin wants to help with people being able to afford to buy their first homes and, on the other, that it wants us to get rid of something that helps people directly.