Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy mentioned that last point to me earlier in the week. We will look at that. We have had models of funding, for example, with the refuges that we have worked on. We have changed our funding model to make sure we are funding the whole scheme, including ancillary rooms etc., which would not have been funded previously through the capital assistance scheme, CAS, but the HSE then steps in with the services and we are doing the same with some others. I will definitely look at that. I know the Deputy gave me a specific example of an AHB that raised it. I will not mention it on the record today, but he can take it that we will look at it.

We are looking at the gearing piece. Changes have been made to the capital advance leasing facility, CALF, already and they have been welcomed by the AHB sector. We are looking at some matters with regard to the cost-rental equity loan, CREL. We still need an element of a loan as well, because the State needs to be involved in it. If one was just a grant, what control would we have over what is being developed? Our AHB partners are important on delivery and some of them are exceptionally good in that regard. We are engaging with them on it. We have the land acquisition fund. I reiterate it is in place now. There is €125 million in it and we will add to that if need be. It is being managed by the Housing Agency for the purchase of land for social and affordable housing. That is up and running and we are open for business.

I am glad the Deputy mentioned the fresh start principle; he is the only one who has. It is an important principle that transcends all housing policy. Someone who is divorced or legally separated and does not own a property or has gone through personal insolvency should get a fresh start and have access to the schemes we have. Fortunately, under Housing for All they have access to all the housing-based schemes. That is a good thing and we need to let more people know about it.