Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is still standing, thank God. Many a gale has come up over Mizen Head and, by jeepers, it struck us, but it did not knock the house. I tell the Minister a person cannot build a house today. A young person or couple are stifled by costs. About €100,000 is added to the build before it can even get off the ground. A first-time buyer's grant would alleviate some of this financial burden and make it more feasible for young people to realise their dream of building their own homes. In addition, by incentivising young people to invest in property, the grant could help the long-term sustainability and growth of Ireland's housing market. It could also help promote the development of more affordable, energy-efficient homes that meet the needs of Ireland's changing demographics. A first-time buyer's grant can be an important tool for promoting homeownership and supporting the next generation of homeowners in Ireland. The first-time buyer's grant was introduced to help with housebuilding in the 1970s, but the scheme was abolished in 2002. A similar scheme, which offered up to €5,000 in the mainland Gaeltacht areas and €15,000 on islands, existed until Fianna Fáil and the Green Party abolished it in 2009. Perhaps I should say Fianna Fáil and its buddies in the Green Party.

The motion calls for the Croí Cónaithe towns scheme to be amended to include properties vacant for more than 30 days in order to boost the availability of higher quality rental accommodation. Otherwise, people may be forced to keep their properties. People want to build. They will easily stay in Portakabins, timber houses or whatever. The Government is not supporting young people.

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