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

That is a very difficult question to answer at times. I can only respond on items that are under my control. The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy O' Brien, has the review on his desk and is considering it in the context of the other affordability measures that he introduced by way of the Affordable Housing Act.

Under Housing for All the review was due to be published in the fourth quarter of 2021 and the same applies to the tenant purchase scheme. Both should go hand in hand in terms of assessing where the results should land.

Deputy O'Donnell's proposal is very sensible. Since 2011 our society and our economy have changed so much in terms of the journey we have travelled. Constituents have come to my office in very vulnerable positions, looking for a sustainable path to getting on the housing ladder. Everyone should have the aspiration to own their own home or see a pathway to try to do that. I will bring the issues that Deputy O'Donnell raised and the very clear proposals he made to the Minister. It is not often that someone comes into the House with very clear proposals in terms of each the bands, the 20% increase in allowances for partners and children, and the cap. The Deputy has put forward very clear proposals. I will bring them to the Minister and revert to the Deputy.

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