John Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to raise just two points on the Order of Business. Let me follow on from the comments on the septic tank grant scheme. I have a Commencement matter submitted on this issue for next Tuesday that I hope the Cathaoirleach will look upon favourably because there is an anomaly. One had to register a septic tank by 1 February 2013 and there was a legal obligation to do so. It is a requirement to access the grant. If in 2017, 2018 or 2019 people purchased a property that was not registered at the relevant time, they are ineligible for the grant, which is not their fault. I hope this will be dealt with in a Commencement debate next Tuesday.

The other matter I want to talk about is cost-rental housing and its roll-out. We are eagerly awaiting the detail of this subsidy or equity scheme the Minister will roll out to enable the private sector to get involved. I hope the details will be available before the summer recess to provide clarity to the sector. In my area, Waterford, we had really positive news that 98 cost-rental homes have been approved by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. I had the pleasure of working with all the stakeholders on the project: Circle Voluntary Housing Association, Waterford City & County Council, Frisby Homes, the Housing Agency and the Department. Approval has now been given to proceed with 98 cost-rental homes in Waterford. These are the very first cost-rental homes provided at a cost at least 25% below the market rent. Given the constrained nature of the market in Waterford, this is a very welcome intervention by the Government in the housing sector. It comes on the back of more than100 affordable-purchase homes becoming available in Waterford city. We need to see the continued roll-out of such schemes. We now have the first-home scheme, the local authority affordable-purchase scheme and the cost-rental scheme delivering housing in Waterford, alongside social housing, which the approved housing bodies and Waterford City & County Council is progressing. The Land Development Agency is actively considering bigger projects in the context of the North Quays development. Therefore, there are many positive developments on the housing front, but particularly on the rental side. In that context, it is important to consider the tax treatment of residential landlords in the budget. We have seen that a large number have left the market and we need to put measures in place that will retain and attract new landlords.