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

I thank the Taoiseach. I have a sore throat, so please excuse me being brief. Regarding the first home scheme, the programme for Government sets out the intention to extend that scheme to second-hand homes. It is a critical provision. I would like it to happen as soon as possible. The first home scheme has been incredibly successful for newly constructed homes. It has helped many individuals and couples bridge the gap between what they could raise through mortgages and so on and what the properties actually cost. It has helped to create the necessary bridge, providing family homes for thousands of people. It needs to be extended to the second-hand market. There has been debate about inflationary pressures that may result. We do not have the luxury to debate these issues endlessly. We need to get on with it. This scheme has proven to be a success. I ask the Taoiseach to use every means in his office and the new housing activation office, which I welcome, to ensure we fulfil the commitment in the programme for Government as soon as possible.

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