Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for walking us through the different elements of the matter. While the contribution is to the purchaser, under section 12(2), it is still defined as an amount. I realise that the later section on affordable housing and equity share makes it clear that the key use of that amount will be for calculating the share but it might be useful, in a belt and braces approach, to make it clear, within either the definition or section 12(2) that it is a contribution. Section 12 phrases it as the purchase of an affordable home being facilitated by means of a set amount but to whom that amount is directed is not spelled out. The definitions are separate and these items are treated as separate and are not intrinsically linked. The equity is linked to the affordable dwelling contribution but the affordable dwelling contribution, in its definition, is not confined to that equity function. Adding that to the definition might strengthen it further. However, it is very clear how it is envisaged that this will work and it will be very useful to have the Minister's policy intent in this regard clearly on the record. I am happy to withdraw the amendments but there may be an opportunity, as part of the new sections that are coming in Part V to tighten this up. While policy intent can be clear to everybody, we all know that any ambiguity in language can sometimes create opportunistic challenges. I thank the Minister for his response.