Rory Hearne (Dublin North-West, Social Democrats)
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231. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government his plans to put affordability central to housing policy; his plans to ensure the majority of new homes are genuinely affordable i.e. below current market prices and rents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53908/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The Government's commitment to a new Starter Home programme has affordability, and the chance to own a home, at its core. Implementation of the programme will be advanced in a new national housing plan.

While this work is being undertaken, the measures and schemes in Housing for All continue to advance delivery of secure and affordable housing. Affordable housing schemes are now operating at scale and the affordable housing delivery programme continues to expand and develop year on year, supported by unprecedented levels of state investment.

Key schemes such as the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme, the Help to Buy Incentive, the First Home Scheme and the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant are available to help make home ownership more affordable.

Cost rental is gaining traction as a new tenure type. It is a key element of the Government's strategy to improve affordability in the rental sector. Nearly 4,000 cost rental homes have been delivered by Approved Housing Bodies, the LDA and Local Authorities since the launch of Housing for All.

We will continue to liaise with our delivery partners to further the development of the affordable housing delivery programme and to ensure that each scheme, individually and working together, responds effectively to affordable housing need at national and at local level.