Brian Walsh (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 134: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on whether the reintroduction of a first-time buyer's grant would assist in dealing with the problem of unsold housing stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16671/11]

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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On 16 June I launched the Government's new housing policy statement which will serve as a framework for a sequence of legislative and policy initiatives in the short to medium term. Based on a number of fundamental principles and goals that will form the foundation of a substantial reform programme, the new framework for housing policy responds to current and emerging conditions in the housing sector, taking account of the dramatic cycle of rapid growth and sudden collapse in the residential property market. The centrepiece of the approach is to chart a way forward for housing policy in Ireland by placing greater emphasis on:

- choice;

- equity across housing tenures; and

- delivering quality outcomes for the resources invested.

In terms of home ownership, the policy statement recognises and welcomes the fact that home ownership will continue to be the aspiration of the majority of households. However, the Government is also conscious that there are other households who either do not want or may not ever be in a position to own their home.

We need to provide choice for such households. This choice will be on the basis of household circumstances and need and will not entice people through fiscal or other stimuli to favour one tenure over another. I have no plans therefore to introduce such a scheme that would incentivise house purchase.

However, I am committed to exploring all options for bringing unsold suitable residential stock into productive use for social housing purposes, including through the social housing leasing initiative.