Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the question the Deputy asked, the purpose of the help to buy programme is twofold: first, to help first-time buyers and to give them an edge over others who are seeking to buy homes, particularly investors who are looking to rent properties - even if prices rise, this still gives them an edge; and, second, but importantly, to incentivise builders to increase supply to build more homes, and particularly homes that are affordable for first-time buyers that cost €400,000 or less. The details are in the finance Bill, which will be published today, and I hope Sinn Féin will reconsider its position, support it and show that it supports first-time buyers.

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