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

I reiterate that a huge effort is being made right across the Government through the numerous schemes I have mentioned to bring vacant and derelict properties back into use. The State is serious about employing both a carrot and stick approach in that regard. Regarding the Croí Cónaithe cities fund to which the Deputy referred, it is aimed to have regulations issued shortly for a first-time buyer's grant to enable the purchasing of derelict properties. That scheme will be an asset to the State. Therefore, we have a great deal of work under way in that regard. There is, however, a great deal of hypocrisy going on with Deputy Gould. It is almost like a comic stand-up when he comes up laughing and joking

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