Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

I assure the Deputy that 1,400 prospective purchasers have formally registered interest, 33 formal applications have been made and two approvals have been made in principle. I have no intention of denying those people an opportunity if they want to build or buy a house for themselves. The scheme is there to facilitate them.

The start-up costs are those incurred by people who are already working for the Affordable Homes Partnership. The start-up costs were the largest part of the €280,000. Remember that such a facility is now used for the processing of loans throughout the local authority system. In many ways, it is money well spent.

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