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

I thank the Deputy for her interest in the matter, which I know is genuine. As Minister of State with responsibility for housing for people with disabilities, I can tell the Deputy we are doing a huge amount of work on design in that space. That will be emerging in the coming weeks. We are also updating a new strategy, on which consultation is ongoing.

The question posed illustrated some confusion or misconception that may exist. I want to clarify the point about the curbing of planning or allocations for build-to-rent developments. I must say categorically that planning is not allocated. It is up to the applicant or developers to seek the planning permission specifically for build-to-rent, which has particular conditions and requirements attached, as I outlined earlier. Housing and planning, and how they interact, are complex, as the Deputy will know. As Minister of State with responsibility for these matters, I am grateful to have the opportunity to put the facts before the House and to dispel any confusion that may exist. I genuinely hope I have tried my very best to do this today. There are some real and tangible issues and I do not underestimate the impact that all of these have on our everyday lives. The Government has demonstrated by its actions that it does not want, in the first instance, institutional investors competing with first-time buyers and, for the Deputy's information, the new guidelines are now available on the Department's website, as I said.

I have already stated that affordable housing for buyers is a key priority for this Government. Legislation, namely, the Affordable Housing Bill, is currently passing through the Oireachtas. Giving first-time buyers a realistic chance is important, allowing them an aspiration of realising home ownership. It is important to recognise that a one-size-fits-all approach is not appropriate and Government policy must be broad and diverse enough to meet the varied housing needs of a modern, cosmopolitan society. A mix of typology is required for a varied market and in meeting the needs of one cohort, we cannot ignore another. That is why it is important to recognise the complexities involved and to ensure that in addressing one particular issue, we do not inadvertently create problems in another area. We have given careful consideration to all these measures and I will outline and raise the Deputy's concerns in terms of design with the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, and the Department.

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