Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In the format in which we are operating, it is only possible for any of us to quote certain extracts from the report. The report is published and speaks for itself. The Government has considered it.

In relation to phasing out the scheme, the House has just legislated for the extension of the scheme to the end of 2025, so that is the Government’s policy. For much of our history, we have had various schemes to help people buy their first home. I remember well in my parents' time there was a scheme whereby people willing to hand back a local authority home got a grant of €5,000 to help them buy a house. We are spending €5 billion of capital on public housing, cost rental and affordable purchase. It is appropriate we provide assistance to people who want to buy their first home. This is only in respect of new builds. It helps support supply because it assists developers in knowing prospective purchasers will get support from the State to meet the cost of purchasing the home.

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