John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

710. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he intends to extend the shared equity scheme and the help to buy scheme for second-hand homes; if so, to outline a timeline for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23545/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Under the Programme for Government published in January 2025, the Government committed to introduce a new, all of government, national housing plan to follow Housing for All. My Department is currently examining that commitment, its implementation and the potential timeframe.

While work is being undertaken to progress a new plan, which will build on progress to date, the measures detailed in Housing for All will continue to be progressed to accelerate and increase delivery of secure and affordable housing.

The Housing for All plan can be accessed at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/ef5ec-housing-for-all-a-new-housing-plan-for-ireland/#view-the-plan, with updates to the plan available online, www.gov.ie/en/press-release/a8894-housing-for-all-update/.

The First Home Scheme, which launched in July 2022, is a shared equity scheme designed to help bridge the gap between a purchaser’s deposit and mortgage, and the price of their new home, for eligible first-time buyers, Fresh Start applicants and those who wish to build their first home, within regional price ceilings.

The First Home Scheme Designated Activity Company is responsible for the operation and management of the First Home Scheme on behalf of its shareholders - the State, Allied Irish Bank, Bank of Ireland and Permanent TSB. The Programme for Government states it will work with the Banks to expand the First Home Scheme to first time buyers of second-hand homes. I have requested the First Home Scheme to undertake the required analytical and technical work to examine the potential for such an expansion and the matter is under consideration.

My Department has no function in relation to the Help to Buy scheme which is an initiative of the Department of Finance.