Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I raise the issue of housing and pay tribute to the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, for the raft of measures he has introduced to try to encourage homeownership. It is fair to say that any reasonable assessment would conclude that we are definitely making progress and building momentum. We all know much more is needed.

One of the schemes introduced recently was the scrapping of development levies. That was an incentive to reduce the costs for young people who are trying to build their own home. Development levies paid to local authorities were scrapped and if people made their payment to Irish Water, the utility would reimburse them for the full amount. Unfortunately, that does not extend to group water schemes. As the Acting Leader knows, there are many of those schemes located throughout the country. I understand the scheme is due to be reviewed again in April. I request that the Acting Leader use her good offices and write on behalf of Senators to ask that group water schemes be included in the review, which is due to take place towards the end of the year. It is important that every possible incentive be given to young people to help them purchase and build their own homes. It is unfair that group water schemes have been left out. I hope they will be included in that review.

I very much welcome the most recent figures that show up to 500 first-time buyers are buying a property every week. I would like to see many more first-time buyers being able to do so in future.