Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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141. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he has met lobbyists or representatives of residential developers or investment funds to discuss the introduction of a State-funded shared equity scheme for the purchase of private homes; if so, the details of the persons or bodies met, when they met and the contents of the discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23021/20]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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This Government is absolutely committed to ensuring that affordable, quality housing solutions are available to everyone in Irish society and this is reflected in the Programme for Government - Our Shared Future. The Programme commits to putting affordability at the heart of the housing system through the progression of State-backed affordable housing.

In this context, I have consulted with a broad range of key stakeholders and delivery partners, to examine and identify the issues and potential options for the acceleration and expansion of the delivery of affordable housing.

To date, this has included representatives from across the community and voluntary sector, Approved Housing Bodies, local authorities and the housing construction sector. Whilst these engagements can cover a broad range of topics, I can confirm that I have not met with representative bodies where the subject item has been a State funded shared equity scheme. I am aware that a number of construction industry representative bodies have recommended the introduction of such a scheme, and such an idea was raised with me in recent weeks as part of broader conversations regarding the delivery of affordable housing, including for example by the Irish Home Builders Association.

In terms of affordable housing, I will outline my detailed plans later in the Autumn, taking account of the progress already made and the evolving situation.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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142. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has spoken formally to the Slovenian foreign minister, Mr. Anže Logar, in the past three months. [22753/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Over the past three months, I have participated in a number of Foreign Affairs Council video conference meetings along with the Slovenian Foreign Minister.

In regard to direct contact, I had an introductory phone call with Dr. Anže Logar on 27 May, which focused on a number of issues, including the UK’s withdrawal from the EU and the EU’s Multi-annual Financial Framework. Our successful candidacy for an elected seat on the UN Security Council was also discussed.