Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I fully accept the well-made points of each of the three Deputies who have highlighted their concerns in this area. We all face these issues at our clinics every week. They involve people who are on the margins. We see people missing out on the housing list because of income that potentially should be disregarded. That can be most frustrating.

I wish to set out the position of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, has secured a 24% increase in the capital budget. This will give more options in terms of different channels. We can direct people to the affordable purchase scheme and the cost rental equity scheme. We have asked the Housing Agency to assess these two schemes on the back of the review that has been done to increase the income limits. The processes need to go together. We expect to publish the review early next year. We expect a significant number of options for people. A total of €110 million is ring-fenced for affordable measures. That is concrete and definite for next year. Obviously, we will then assess what more can be done to ensure people get secure accommodation, because that is the will of everyone in the House.

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