David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for outlining what is being done and what the plans are. The Government is certainly moving on this very critical issue of housing, as I can see in my area, where a lot of new starts are occurring and people are being offered houses, which was not the case previously.

I thank him also for promising to revert to me with respect to the critical issue I raised. I asked a parliamentary question on this and the response stated, "If household incomes are above the limit to be eligible for the Cost Rental Tenant In-Situ Scheme, tenants can contact their local authority who will be in a position to advise them of other measures which may be appropriate for their specific situation." We are not sure what those other measures are, so perhaps the Minister of State can revert to me on that. The critical point is that if adult children, whether students or apprentices, are living in the house, they will move out soon. They will not be the main tenants paying the rent and whatever income they have should be disregarded, which would allow the core family to remain in the house if the Housing Agency or the local authority can purchase the house, as the tenant in situscheme envisages. It is a modest proposal that would not affect many people but would make a huge difference to the small number it would affect. When a scheme such as this excellent one is started, we are bound to come across anomalies, and it is our job to come to the House, point them out and ask that they be addressed. I look forward to the Minister of State's response in due course.

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