Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)

Some €20 million of taxpayers' money is to be used for renting 2,000 social housing units. Contracts of between ten and 20 years will be signed in this regard. The cost over a ten-year period will be €200 million and the cost for a 20-year period will be €400 million. This seems like a great deal of money. How will the scheme compare to the equity scheme? If it does not fit in with it, there will be dead money and no value for money. Will the Minister of State explain the background to the scheme and why it is proceeding at this stage? The Government recently introduced the home choice loan scheme. Will the Minister of State comment on how this is working?

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