Ms Karen Murphy:

We have sought to significantly improve the terms and reach of the scheme. Prior to 2021 the average loan was €6,800 and I think that was the fund that was available. We pushed that through the 2021 pilot with a budget of €1.5 million and had a cap of €30,000. Initially, through the first scheme, we saw that the €30,000 cap could be increased to reach the standards mentioned by the Deputy, thus ensuring better quality was delivered. We sought to have the budget for the scheme doubled in 2022 to €3 million. We were successful and were able to provide loans for 77 applicants.

Earlier this year we conducted a review and it was based on the findings of both pilot schemes. Members can see, from 2021 to this year, that we have sought to increase the number of families who can benefit and to understand better through the pilot scheme how the scheme can work as effectively as possible.

The circular outlines that each Traveller family can identify three trailers and bring them to the attention of the local authority as part of their application.