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

I thank the Deputy. The scheme is gaining hold in the affected counties as well. We are seeing more people applying to it. I am looking at recent numbers up to 31 August. In County Clare there have been 112 applications, 1,760 in County Donegal, 38 in County Limerick and 392 in County Mayo. I will be bringing proposals around increased costs and an increased cap as well to Cabinet very shortly. It is obviously subject to a Cabinet decision. I take the Deputy's input on board certainly in the constructive way in which it has been put. I have engaged directly with my colleague, the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, as I said as well on this. I expect to be bringing proposals with regard to the increased grant rates and the increased costs amounts which were assessed independently of me. The Deputy mentioned an inflation rate of 20%. The cost allowable and the cost increases have been assessed independently of myself. That report has been looked at by the expert group. I am assessing it and preparing a memo right now to bring to Cabinet. It will be subject to Cabinet approval. My Cabinet colleagues across all three parties in government have been very supportive of us bringing forward this enhanced scheme in the first place and then also making sure that it is working on the ground for people to help them to get their homes and their lives back. It is crucially important. I will keep the Deputy informed of progress.

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