Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

My question focused on an element of housing policy that I have been focusing on for a number of years now. I refer to the affordable purchase scheme. I am not disputing what Deputy Burton said: I agree that there are issues on affordable rent. We have heard for years about the Enniskerry Road development and the pilot project there. I have heard that project has just gone to tender and that Focus Ireland and other groups are involved. It will be good to see such a scheme up and running.

The average age of home ownership is now 35 years, up from 26 years in 1991. On the level of home ownership, I heard the Taoiseach bemoaning the fact that home ownership levels have now dropped to a record low of 67.6%. We have a major affordability problem. The Minister knows that: I have said it to him many times. I am interested in the delivery of the affordable purchase scheme. It is interesting to hear the Minister's response to Deputy Burton concerning the number of land banks that have actually been offered by local authorities. I want to see a start being made on those affordable homes.

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