Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I raised a matter with the Taoiseach yesterday in respect of equity. I spoke to a gentleman who came to see me and who is looking to buy a house. He has good savings and a full-time job. He has two kids. He is separated and trying to put a roof over his head. He is trying to use the affordable housing scheme and the shared equity scheme. I am seeking clarity. What I have been told is that the maximum available equity is €100,000 or 22.5%. That is what Cork County Council has told me in respect of the affordable home schemes in Whitechurch and White’s Cross. I would love to help this person. The Minister and I can disagree on policy and other matters but at the end of the day, this is a man with two kids who is living with his parents. My question is about equity. The legislation states that the maximum equity available is 40%. We are being told that the Department has sent out a circular or has instructed local authorities that the maximum is €100,000 or, in some cases I am dealing with, 22.5%. I am looking for clarity on that point.

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