Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister is right. I would love to see it extended and enhanced, if possible. To be fair to the Minister and the Minister of State, Deputy Noonan, in the few years I have been in the House listening to them fielding questions on housing, they have always said the most efficient house to bring back into circulation is the house that is already built. That is why this grant is so important.

The Minister stated the report is currently with him and he will issue the recommendations in due course. Does "due course" mean before the end of this year? People might otherwise be engaged and I am very keen to see it published, if that is the case. Do the recommendations also include the provision to reduce property vacancy from 24 months to 12? Is that being considered? I know the Minister will not give me a definitive answer, but he might comment on whether it is being considered. The Minister said the overall number of overall applications were 10,200, of which 6,800 were approved. To clarify, does that mean 3,400 were refused or does it mean there are many outstanding?

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