Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senators will be aware that the help to buy scheme was announced in budget 2017 and back dated to apply to 19 July 2016. It is an income tax incentive measure designed to assist first-time buyers with the deposit required to purchase or self-build a new house or apartment to live in as their home and to support the growth in supply of new homes. The relief is only available in respect of new builds. The Senator quoted figures regarding properties costing less than €225,000 and more than €375,000. I would not like to try to buy anything in County Dublin for €225,000. I note Senator Horkan is nodding his head.