Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

First, I congratulate the Deputy on her elevation as leader of the Social Democrats. I did not get the opportunity to do so in the House to date, and I wish her the very best in that regard.

Fianna Fáil values were reflected when we decided to form the Government and take on the housing portfolio, notwithstanding the challenges that had built up over the years, and to make a real difference. That difference is already manifest in the fact that last year close to 10,000 social homes were delivered. That is the highest since 1975. I made it a priority that we would build social houses and we are turning the corner in terms of social housing. It is the highest number since 1975.

This year, through a combination of new build, leasing, and acquisitions, we are targeting 12,000 social houses to be delivered. In addition to that, we must help young people who value homeownership and who want to own their own homes. We will do this through a variety of schemes that we have introduced from the Affordable Housing Act right through to the help-to-buy scheme which was brought in by the previous Government and the first home scheme. We have improved the help-to-buy scheme and 33,000 young people have benefited from the help-to-buy scheme. More than 1,100 people have benefited from the first home scheme. I point out to the Deputy that her party opposed both schemes. Her party opposed the Affordable Housing Act. It is fine that the party can oppose, but it needs to come up with real solutions because ultimately the solution here is supply.

No one in this House has a monopoly on commitment to housing, and the Deputy's party does not. The Deputy should resist the temptation to suggest that everyone on this side of the House is heartless, cruel, and could not care less.

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