Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. The scheme is working. We have to acknowledge that schemes such as this one need to be supported because they help people to buy a home. The Deputy and my Government colleagues and I support homeownership. We want to help people who are working hard to own a home. That is why I would like the scheme to continue. It is working for people.

The take-up rate has increased by 40%, year on year, as I said. Interestingly, we are also using the scheme to help people who are purchasing a home from their landlord. It is the first time we have used this scheme for second-hand properties when a notice to quit is issued and the tenants are short of finance. The first home scheme is helping in such circumstances. We have had some 160 applications specifically for that scenario to allow people who are renting to buy the home they are in. There have also been 60 applications for self-builds. For new builds, there are significant increases for people. As I said, between the first home scheme and the help-to-buy grant, an average of €100,000 in support is available. People who are short of the money required can get these supports to help to buy a home.

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