Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The Deputies asked quite a number of questions. On the last point made by Deputy Bruton, between 2017 and 2021, the repair and leasing scheme brought 273 units into use.

On the point made by Deputy Phelan and other Deputies on one-off houses, the Department launched a vernacular strategy a number of weeks ago. These houses are important from a rural perspective and the pattern of rural Ireland. Rather than knocking these properties we need to put them back into productive use, with supports for doing so. The Minister for Finance, Deputy Donohoe, is looking at tax incentives for individual owners of properties. We have not fully developed that yet but there are important points to consider on this issue.

In respect of grants from our own Department, the historic towns Initiative, the historic structures fund and the built heritage investment scheme are good schemes which address some of the issues the Deputies raised. They are available for small repairs to properties such as roof structures, windows, etc., that can get these properties back into productive use and on to the market for sale. A range of measures are in place. All the Deputies have raised important points that we will also take on board from this debate.

See this speech in context