Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)

There are three significant schemes: the help-to-buy scheme, which is a substantial help; the first homes schemes, which is where the State injects a degree of equity and; third, the derelict and vacant homes grant, which is quite substantial and has enabled about 3,000 houses to become available, whereby people have refurbished such houses and got a substantial grant for doing so. Sometimes, it is possible to combine grants such as the help-to-buy and retrofitting. Those are the measures so far. I acknowledge that people are above the threshold which puts them in difficulty regarding the affordability of housing. We are constantly trying to see if we can bridge the affordability gap.

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