Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

I assure the Deputy that the price ceiling review being undertaken on the first home scheme is done so in a considered manner. To minimise the risk of price distortions in the first-time buyer market, the first home scheme introduced the concept of price ceilings and six-monthly reviews of the ceilings from the outset of the scheme. I understand that all local authorities, including Tipperary and its surrounding local authorities, are considered in these reviews. The reviews reflect local market conditions by taking into account a number of factors, including the median price and the volume of new builds purchased by the first-time buyers. The Deputy made a valid point that if there is a distorted number of new homes because of affordability, that will distort one of the key factors taken into consideration. He made that point quite forcefully. I give an undertaking that I will bring it back to the Minister to see whether that can be taken into the next review. The one positive here is that it is a six-monthly review so we will not be waiting indefinitely.

The first home scheme commissions periodic research by KPMG to assess the extent, if any, to which the State has contributed to house price inflation. KPMG reports in both 2024 and 2025 concluded there was no evidence the scheme materially contributed to price inflation in new homes. It was also stated it remains critical the first home scheme monitors this risk on an ongoing basis. These regular price ceiling reviews will help to ensure that it does not contribute to new home price growth as the uptake of the scheme grows. This is an important scheme to help people buy a home, as the Deputy alluded to, and with affordability, especially for - unfortunately I cannot say my generation any more - the Deputy's generation in terms of their ability to get on the property ladder.

The Government is determined to continue to support people into homeownership. The Deputy made some very valid points and I undertake to refer them to the Minister, Deputy Browne, and his departmental officials for direct reply back to the Deputy.

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