James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, is doing a lot of good work on housing for the elderly. He has established his team and is engaging with older persons' organisations in developing a plan and building on the existing housing options for positive ageing and what we can do to help older people who want to rightsize. It is absolutely critical they do not in any way feel under pressure to move out of their homes, where they may have raised their families. In my experience as a local TD dealing with older people, they very often want to move into smaller properties, provided those properties are of high quality and in their local community. That is critical for them. In those circumstances, maintaining a smaller property would make their lives easier, but it is crucial to them they can stay in their local community. Where we can do that, it is really important, but at the same time older people should not feel under any particular pressure to move out of their homes.

On the first home scheme, I am conscious Cork county saw an increase but the city did not. I am very much in favour of homeownership and how we can facilitate people to be able to buy their own properties so they can live in them and raise their families in a safe and secure manner. The first home scheme is being kept under review, especially in relation to places like Cork city. The board will again review the scheme, how it is working and where to get that balance. Some local authorities like Cork and Waterford are struggling and saying homes are not being built in their areas as a result of bordering some counties where house prices are rising at a higher rate. I continue to the keep the entire scheme under review, but I know the situations in Cork city and county are proving challenging for people who want to get on the ladder.