Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

My party and I have supported the help-to-buy scheme for a long number of years. It is a vital support to homebuyers. When we look at the number of people who have managed to purchase their first home with that support, it is clear that the scheme plays an important role. It is alongside a range of other measures that we believe are working. We can see the increase in supply across this year, the positive data in terms of commencements, completions and planning permissions and the success of the first home scheme and the amount of drawdown under the help-to-buy scheme. We see more and more affordable purchase schemes being rolled out across the country. All of this is contributing to an environment where supply is increasing. The help-to-buy scheme plays an important role in that regard. That is why I confirmed on budget day the intention to extend it for a further year. I also indicated that I would examine it across next year to see if any changes are necessary. That is what I intend to do.