Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is a total and abject failure. While there were 500 applicants, only seven were approved because the criteria associated with the scheme do not meet the market demand. There is no harm putting one's hands up and saying it did not work out and will be changed to encourage the market to get involved in the scheme. I have told the Minister of State that there is universal approval of the Vacant Housing Refurbishment Bill we put before the House. The funds in this failed entity should be transferred and geared towards legislation that can help in that way. The Minister of State should not tell me the scheme has potential when there is a budget to deliver 800 units but only seven were delivered. It is not going to happen.

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