Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

It sounds like a sensible amendment to make to overcome the obstacle. I just wanted to be clear that that was Dr. McManus’s take as well. It is what we had in our briefing from the Department.

We have been very much behind regarding cost-rental housing for many years. It has been central to Green Party housing policy for many years. We met our Austrian colleagues prior to the formulation of the programme for Government to learn from their experience. Of course, they have a head start on us of about 80 years where cost rental is concerned. I remember one of the questions I asked when trying to learn from their experience. Generally in this country, renting is seen as something you do until you buy a house, never as a long-term option. Cost rental gives the latter option. It is secure and cost-efficient and can be beautifully designed. The LDA's recent Shanganagh Castle cost-rental development is exceptional and absolutely fantastic.