Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:155. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has a paid subscription with a social media company (details supplied). [4615/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDepartmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (155)
Freagraí scríofa
My Department does not have a paid subscription with the company referred to.
Defective Building Materials
Ceisteanna (156)
Charles Ward
Ceist:156. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason the rates per square metre under the defective concrete blocks grant scheme have not been reviewed since the introduction of the enhanced scheme in 2023, despite significant construction cost inflation; if he will commit to an immediate review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4664/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (the Act) commenced on 22 June 2023 which contains the current grant scheme and the related Regulations were adopted on 29 June 2023.
Following updated cost reports from the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland in 2024 and advice from the Expert Group established to consider the matter, a further increase from the original grant rates set down in the 2023 Regulations, was provided for on 7 November 2024 (S.I. 621 of 2024).
My Department keeps the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme under continuous review through consistent and regular stakeholder engagement.
Costs relating to the scheme are closely monitored and the matter of any future changes to the scheme cap and rates will be kept under consideration.
Housing Schemes
Ceisteanna (157)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:157. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the supports currently available to first-time buyers purchasing second-hand homes; if there are any plans to introduce additional supports for this cohort; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4665/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Affordability and the chance to own a home is at the heart of the Government’s housing policy, as embodied within the new housing Plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025 – 2030.
The new Plan reinforces and expands the range of existing measures being implemented by the Government to tackle the issues of supply and affordability, thereby supporting the increased provision of new homes to purchase and rent.
The Government is investing an unprecedented level of funding to increase housing supply, including through the new Starter Homes Programme with a view to delivering an average of 15,000 affordable housing supports annually to 2030. With a strong focus on delivery, the Plan will enable housing delivery partners to accelerate the supply of new starter homes, providing thousands of individuals and families with increased access to secure and affordable housing solutions nationwide.
While the focus is on increased and accelerated delivery of new homes, there are some schemes that may be used to support the purchase of second-hand homes including:
• Local Authority Home Loan:
• assists first time buyers, who have been unable to obtain finance from traditional mortgage providers, to buy or build a home.
• Local Authority Purchase and Renovation Loan
• assists first time buyers, who have been unable to obtain finance from traditional mortgage providers, to buy and renovate a vacant or derelict property
• Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant
• assists purchasers of vacant or derelict properties to turn a vacant house or building into a permanent home or a rental property
• First Homes Scheme (Tenant Purchase Product):
• supports first time buyers to buy their rented home if they have received a notice of Termination because the landlord intends to sell the property.
Information on these initiatives is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/0d279-doors-open/.
There is also a commitment in the new housing Plan, for the Government to work with the Banks to expand the First Home Scheme to support first time buyers seeking to purchase and renovate derelict or long-term vacant properties. In this context, 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.
Rental Sector
Ceisteanna (158)
Eoin Hayes
Ceist:158. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures being taken by the Department to mitigate the anticipated issues arising from the new rent reforms for families renting properties owned by people on the fair deal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4726/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I refer to my reply to Question No. 99 of 14 January 2026 which sets out the position in this matter.
Departmental Websites
Ceisteanna (159)
Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:159. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how he ensures that all websites operated by his Department are accessible to the visually impaired. [4820/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department regularly engages with the National Disability Authority to ensure our websites conform to accessibility standards. My Department also routinely tests for accessibility and each site provides an accessibility statement detailing conformance to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 at AA Level. Each statement also provides ways to get help when encountering an issue.
Departmental Websites
Ceisteanna (160)
Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:160. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if any website or other platform operated by his Department uses an AI-enabled chatbot; if there are plans to use chatbots; in what circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4838/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department does not currently use any Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies enabled chatbots on our websites.
My Department recently completed a proof of concept with EY on the viability of using AI, with Microsoft Co-Pilot on housing data. The lessons learned from this pilot project will be utilised in the future. At present we are finalising an AI policy that outlines the framework for the legal, secure and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the Department.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (161)
Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:161. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total sums spent for each year from 2016 to 2025, inclusive of advertising, by his Department on social media or online platforms, including identifying separately payments to influencers on such platforms; and to set out the annual totals for that period to each specific platform, including but not limited to major platforms (details supplied). [4857/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Orders.
My Department undertakes public information campaigns where there is important information to be bring to the public’s attention. The advertising campaigns generally utilise a variety of advertising methods, including TV, radio and print as well as online advertising and social media.
For example, an awareness campaign on the electorate for Seanad university elections is currently running across broadcast print and social media. The annual National Directorate of Fire and Emergency Management’s 2025/2026 Fire Safety Campaign is running across broadcast and social media to make the public aware of the contributing factors and consequences of fire and to raising awareness of the importance of smoke alarms in the home.
My Department uses media buying agencies to secure advertising space on its behalf for campaigns. Media buying companies develop media plans, selecting a media mix to reach the largest number of people as possible among the target audience.
The spend on advertising by my Department from 2016 to the end of 2025 is listed below. The specific spend on social media platforms; Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, according to available records is listed below. The spend on X in 24/25 and 25/26 was on fire safety messaging .There is no record of my Department paying social media influencers to advertise on its behalf.
My Departmental communication team amplifies our advertising campaigns through press releases, our gov.ie website and on our own social media channels.
|
Year |
Ad spend |
|
2016 |
€456,753 |
|
2017 |
€485,425 |
|
2018 |
€381,304 |
|
2019 |
€476, 495 |
|
2020 |
€391, 790 |
|
2021 |
€641, 552 |
|
2022 |
€989,680 |
|
2023 |
€1.6 million |
|
2024 |
€1.26 million |
|
2025 |
€868,686 |
|
Year |
Site name |
Spend € |
|
2018 |
Meta |
10,396 |
|
|
X (formerly Twitter) |
1196. |
|
|
YouTube |
497.26 |
|
|
2018 total |
12,089.26 |
|
2019 |
Meta |
1,657.41 |
|
|
|
3082, 31 |
|
|
X |
1,583.85 |
|
|
2019 total |
6, 323.57 |
|
2020 |
|
2,155.71 |
|
2021 |
Youtube |
1,473,16 |
|
|
|
1,705.10 |
|
|
Meta |
2,926.69 |
|
|
2021 total |
6, 104.95 |
|
2022 |
Meta |
44,997.42 |
|
|
|
985.15 |
|
|
TikTok |
4,115.25 |
|
|
X |
14,766.13 |
|
|
YouTube |
3, 696.63 |
|
|
2022 total |
68,560.58 |
|
2023 |
Meta |
85,339.70 |
|
|
|
9,691.30 |
|
|
X |
8, 371.86 |
|
|
Youtube |
11,001.79 |
|
|
2023 total |
114,404.65 |
|
2024 |
Meta |
56,041.33 |
|
|
|
19,874.36 |
|
|
X |
5,530.65 |
|
|
Youtube |
10,876.81 |
|
|
2024 total |
92,323.15 |
|
2025 |
Meta |
55,361. |
|
|
|
2,602.28 |
|
|
X |
10,399 |
|
|
TikTok |
6,955 |
|
|
Youtube |
23,007. |
|
|
2025 total |
98.024 |
Commercial Rates
Ceisteanna (162)
Conor Sheehan
Ceist:162. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if ECCE-early years childcare and education services that are 100% State funded and effectively not operating for profit are liable for commercial rates; if so, if his Department will provide or subsidise commercial rates for ECCE services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4935/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Tailte Éireann is an independent Government agency and provides a property registration system, property valuation service, and national mapping and surveying infrastructure for the State. Tailte Éireann is independent in the exercise of its valuation functions under the Valuation Act 2001, as amended (the Act), and I, as the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, have no function in decisions in this regard.
Tailte Éireann has overall responsibility under the Act, for the maintenance of all Valuation Lists used by Local Authorities in the calculation of rates liability. Under the Act, all property is rateable unless it falls into one of the exempt categories listed in Schedule 4 of the Act. There is a very specific range of exemptions that can be applied, and Tailte Éireann has no discretionary latitude to grant exemptions not covered by Schedule 4.
Paragraph 22 of Schedule 4 of the Act, which was inserted by the Valuation (Amendment) Act 2015, refers specifically to early childhood care and education facilities and provides an exemption for:
“Any land, building or part of a building used exclusively for the provision of early childhood care and education, and occupied by a body which is not established and the affairs of which are not conducted for the purpose of making a private profit.”
Therefore, while the Act provides that early childhood care and education facilities that are operated on a not-for-profit basis are exempt from rates, it does not provide a general exemption from rates for all childcare or childminding facilities operating on a for profit basis. To avoid ambiguity, if an early childhood care and education facility is operated on a for-profit basis, then it does not fulfil the criteria for exemption under Paragraph 22.
As a matter of course, Tailte Éireann examines all properties on their individual merits by reference to the relevant statutory provisions governing the operation of the Act and case law arising from the independent Valuation Tribunal and the Higher Courts.
There are a number of avenues of redress for an occupier of rateable property who is dissatisfied with a determination of valuation by Tailte Éireann made under the provisions of the Valuation Act 2001, as amended. Firstly, before a determination is made, there is a right to make representations to Tailte Éireann in relation to a proposed valuation. Later in the process, if the occupier is still dissatisfied with the determination, there is a right of appeal to the Valuation Tribunal which is an independent body set up for the purpose of hearing appeals against determinations of Tailte Éireann. There is a right of appeal to the Higher Courts on a point of law.
Under Irish law there is a distinct separation of functions between the valuation of rateable property and the setting and collection of commercial rates. The commercial rates payable on a particular property is a product of the valuation of that property determined by Tailte Éireann multiplied by the “Annual Rate on Valuation” (ARV) which is set annually by the elected members of the local authority as part of its budgetary process. The billing and collection of rates is solely a matter for the relevant local authority. Tailte Éireann has no function in that regard.
Housing Policy
Ceisteanna (163)
Rory Hearne
Ceist:163. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to detail his plans to develop and support a co-operative housing sector in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5098/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Affordability and the chance to own a home is at the heart of the Government’s housing policy, as embodied within the new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities. The Plan reinforces and expands the range of existing measures being implemented by the Government to tackle the issues of supply and affordability, thereby supporting the increased provision of new homes to purchase and rent.
It is my understanding that the co-operative housing model considered here refers to one where instead of individuals owning their own homes all the properties on a development are owned by a co-operative partnership in which they become a shareholder. This is not a current policy of the Government.
There are two shared equity schemes currently available to support the affordable purchase of homes by eligible applicants - the First Home Scheme and the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme. Information on these Schemes is available at: www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/0d279-doors-open/.
Housing Policy
Ceisteanna (164)
Rory Hearne
Ceist:164. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will commit to a referendum on the right to housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5099/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Housing Commission was established in December 2021 to consider housing policy post 2030 and make proposals building on Housing for All. It was also tasked with advising Government on the critical factors to be considered regarding a referendum on housing and, if appropriate, to recommend wording for a constitutional change.
The Commission submitted its reports to Government, including those pertaining to a referendum on housing, in May 2024. There were differing views within the Commission on the right to housing and no consensus on what is a complex issue.
At the moment, Government remain fully focused on measures to tackle homelessness, increase housing supply and affordability and ensuring a suitable range of housing, across tenure types, is available to all.
The new housing plan Delivering Homes, Building Communities builds on the foundations laid under Housing for All to enable delivery of a minimum of 300,000 new homes, including record levels of new social homes, an ambitious nationwide Starter Homes Programme and the provision of additional delivery in the areas of Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) and vacant and derelict properties brought back into use, as set out in the Programme for Government.
I remain focused on continuing to bring forward measures that will continue to increase the supply of new homes, bringing about a very significant scale up in the delivery of housing over the coming years, addressing the needs of the most vulnerable in our communities, and making buying and renting homes more affordable as well as supporting the development of villages, towns and cities across the country.
This practical and real focus on housing supply is my priority right now but I will continue to keep the reports of the Commission on this area under review.
Housing Policy
Ceisteanna (165)
Rory Hearne
Ceist:165. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider implementing a Livret A-style state savings scheme. [5100/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Matters relating to State Savings schemes are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Finance.
Delivering Homes, Building Communities, published on 13 November 2025, is Ireland’s new national housing plan. It is a wide-ranging action plan focused on housing supply and targeting homelessness.
The National Treasury Management Agency operates Ireland State Savings. They provide a range of products such as Bonds and Saving Certificates as well as regular deposit accounts operated through Post Offices. These products provide a safe way to save directly with the Irish Government and are 100% protected by the State.
The National Treasury Management Agency in turn provides a source of funds to the Housing Finance Agency, Home Building Finance Ireland and the Land Development Agency for housing delivery.
Under the new housing plan, Ireland State Savings will prepare publications to better explain the role they play in housing delivery.
Housing Policy
Ceisteanna (166)
Rory Hearne
Ceist:166. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will introduce a winter eviction ban; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5101/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The previous Government agreed on 7 March 2023 that the ‘Winter Emergency Period’ under the Residential Tenancies (Deferment of Termination Dates of Certain Tenancies) Act 2022 would come to an end on 31 March 2023, with deferred tenancy terminations taking effect over a staggered period from 1 April to 18 June 2023 as planned and legislated for under that Act. The Government has no plans to introduce a further eviction ban.
The Government remains focused on growing the supply of much needed rental accommodation by keeping existing landlords in the market and attracting new landlords, while ensuring strong and balanced tenancy protections for both tenants and landlords.
The RTB's Profile of the Register shows that at the end of Q3 2025, there were 240,751 registered private tenancies, an increase of 1.9% annually, with 103,774 private landlords. There were also 18,425 new tenancy registrations in Q3 2025.
On 14 October 2025, the Government approved the General Scheme of the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2025, which is now the subject of priority legal drafting by the Office of Parliamentary Counsel. The Bill will amend the current system of rent controls and provide new measures to protect tenants, including stronger security of tenure, to come into effect for new tenancies created on or after 1 March 2026. The text of the Bill will be finalised for publication as soon as possible.
A detailed communications campaign by my Department, in conjunction with the RTB, will continue to publicise the new legislative measures from 1 March 2026. Up-to-date information is available at: [Government Reforms to the Rental Sector – Starting 1 March 2026].
Construction Industry
Ceisteanna (167)
Rory Hearne
Ceist:167. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to detail his plans to build public construction capacity to ensure Ireland has the workers needed to deliver a housing savings scheme in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5102/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Delivering Homes Building Communities commits to a range of initiatives to increase the skills required to support the delivery of 300,000 homes by 2030.
Enabling the wider adoption of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) is a critical aspect to achieve this. It estimated that if there is widespread adoption of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) almost 69,000 new entrants will be needed, compared to almost 79,000 if there is continued use of more traditional building methods.
A renewed action plan to promote careers in construction is currently being finalised by Department of Further and Higher Education Research Innovation and Science to boost recruitment, improve training opportunities, and build capacity across the sector and will be published shortly.
Apprenticeship programmes will be expanded further, with over 9,000 apprentices registered in 2024 — more than half in construction-related areas. By 2030, the goal is to reach 12,500 registrations per year. A new 5-year Action Plan for Apprenticeships (2026–2030) will guide this growth and help expand the range of skills on offer.
In addition, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, in conjunction with the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, is currently leading on an Action Plan to implement the assessment of Skills for Modern Methods of Construction and expand MMC training.
The National Construction Training Campus at Mount Lucas plays a key role in upskilling workers, offering hands-on training in a realistic site environment. Under Delivering Homes Building Communities Government will continue to invest in The National Construction Training Campus.
An National Framework for Meeting Priority Construction Workforce Needs has been developed. The Framework is designed to respond to the scale of the challenge and build upon the foundations of the work already underway across Government to increase the capacity of the construction sector. The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science is now working with partners to deliver the recommendations under the Framework.
Together, these initiatives will help ensure Ireland has the skilled workforce needed to deliver high quality homes at scale
Housing Policy
Ceisteanna (168)
Rory Hearne
Ceist:168. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when his Department plans to draw down on the EU funding for housing made available through the EU affordable housing plan; his plans for the funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5103/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The European Commission published its European Affordable Housing Plan on 16 December 2025. A specific action of the Plan is to mobilise additional public and private investment to improve access to financing opportunities, best practices and innovative financing approaches.
Ireland currently accesses European funding for housing through European Investment Bank (EIB) loans for social and affordable housing via the Housing Finance Agency (HFA), and specific national schemes co-funded by the EU and other EU Structural and Investment funds, such as the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme via the European Regional Development Fund for urban regeneration.
Since 2007, the HFA’s €775 million partnership with the EIB has helped provide over 6,200 social and affordable homes nationwide. In October 2025, a new €400 million partnership between the EIB and the HFA was announced to support the delivery of social and affordable homes in Ireland.
Building on the existing European funding, the European Affordable Housing Plan recognises that the full potential of Europe’s housing investment ecosystem needs to be unlocked. To address this, the European Affordable Housing Plan will mobilise public and private investment through a new Pan-European Investment Platform for affordable and sustainable housing which will be launched in Q3 2026.
As well as enhanced support at EU level, national and regional promotional banks will aim to invest €375 billion in resources by 2029 into social, affordable, and sustainable housing. The revision of State aid rules will also make it easier for Member States to financially support affordable housing.
The Plan will also mobilise new investments in housing under the Multiannual Financial Framework in 2026 and 2027. Additional support will also come from the Social Climate Fund; under National and Regional Partnership Plans and the EU Facility, as well as the European Competitiveness Fund and its new ECF InvestEU instrument, building on the successful model of the InvestEU programme. Furthermore, the Commission will promote the regeneration of neighbourhoods and improve access to funding for community-led solutions for affordable housing via the New European Bauhaus.
My Department will ensure Ireland continues to access existing European funding and examine opportunities to avail of funding under the European Affordable Housing Plan as its implementation progresses. My Department will also continue to engage with the Commission and the Housing Taskforce on ensuring that the European Affordable Housing Plan increases public and private investment for affordable and sustainable housing through the new Pan-European Investment Platform during Ireland’s EU Presidency.
Housing Policy
Ceisteanna (169)
Rory Hearne
Ceist:169. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to detail the way in which affordable housing will be prioritised under Ireland’s EU Presidency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5104/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The European Commission published its European Affordable Housing Plan on 16 December 2025. The Plan aims to support Member States deliver more affordable, sustainable and quality homes across Europe, which is considered a priority by the European Commission.
The EU Housing Taskforce established by the Commission in early 2025 will coordinate and drive implementation of the European Affordable Housing Plan.
Ireland will work closely with the EU Housing Taskforce on the implementation of the Plan. Housing will therefore be an important element of our EU Presidency in H2 2026.
The Plan also commits to the establishment of a new European Housing Alliance between Member States, cities, regions, EU institutions, housing providers and associations, social partners, industry and civil society which will monitor and advise the implementation of the Plan.
Given the ambitious agenda set out in the European Affordable Housing Plan, my Department will continue to engage with the Commission and the Housing Taskforce to ensure that the actions set out in the European Affordable Housing Plan are prioritised and progressed under Ireland’s EU presidency.
Housing Policy
Ceisteanna (170)
Rory Hearne
Ceist:170. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will declassify the vacant property grant issued for rental properties as an affordable housing measure so that it is not counted in statistics published affordable housing delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5105/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant introduced in July 2022 provides a grant of up to €50,000 for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent. A top-up grant of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed to be derelict, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €70,000. In order to qualify for the grant, the property must be vacant for two years or more at the time of application.
The grant has been very successful since its launch, with over 3,670 grants paid to end Q3 2025 as refurbishment works are completed and properties come back into use.
The starter homes programme under Delivering Homes, Building Communities reflects the variety of initiatives and supports in place to both homebuyers and those choosing to rent a property as a home. Whether through supporting the purchase of a new home through the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme or the First Home Scheme, or enabling the purchase and refurbishment of an existing vacant or derelict property, the Government is providing significant financial support to make owning or renting an affordable home a reality.
In providing a grant to support the refurbishment of vacant and derelict properties, the grant is making these properties an affordable option for buyers and also for landlords across the country who without the support of the grant would not be able renovate and to turn these disused properties into homes. It has become a vital affordable support particularly in more rural areas, where supply of new housing is not readily available and it is also supporting the regeneration of towns and villages and areas of our cities, as well as supporting environmental objectives.
Housing Policy
Ceisteanna (171)
Rory Hearne
Ceist:171. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to detail his plans to lower cost rental rents, so that they are actually affordable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5106/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under Delivering Homes, Building Communities, Cost Rental is a key element of the Government's strategy to improve affordability in the rental sector and to provide secure, long-term homes for moderate-income households. The core principle of Cost Rental is that the rents cover the development, management, and maintenance costs of the homes, so that the long-term future of the homes is financially secure, but that rents are not subject to the pressures of the open market. Though it was only introduced in 2021, cost rental delivery is accelerating, with over 4,800 homes already delivered by Q3 2025, and a substantial future pipeline now in place.
My Department is providing significant funding to delivery partners for cost rental homes. As well as making delivery viable, this State funding drives down rent levels. With this funding, all State-supported cost rental projects must achieve cost-covering rents that start at least 25% below comparable new properties in the private rental market, and therefore present a significant saving to the tenant from the outset.
Cost-covering rents are different depending on a range of factors, including the size and typology of dwelling and the location, as well as the level of State funding towards the capital costs. Since rents for cost rental homes are set according to the actual costs of delivering, managing, and maintaining the homes, recent inflation in delivery costs has proven challenging. All delivery partners are actively managing costs to ensure that these new homes are provided at the best rents that are achievable.
In addition, the Government announced in Budget 2026:
• a reduction in VAT on the purchase of new apartments (down to 9% from 13.5%);
• enhanced Corporation Tax deductions on construction expenses to improve the viability of apartment building; and
• a Corporation Tax exemption for rental income from Cost Rental tenants.
Together these reforms aim to encourage delivery and increase viability of new cost rental homes, reducing costs and ensuing rents, therefore making them more affordable.
In parallel, the Government is focused on reducing construction and delivery costs more broadly through standardisation, improved procurement, and increased efficiency, while maintaining high quality and sustainability standards.
Housing Policy
Ceisteanna (172)
Rory Hearne
Ceist:172. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to detail his plans to lower the price of affordable purchase homes, so that they are actually affordable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5107/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Affordability is at the core of this Government’s housing policy and is central to the design and delivery of the affordable purchase programme. The objective of the programme is to ensure that homes are sold at prices that are meaningfully below open market levels and in that way are within the borrowing capacity of households needing support.
The Government is taking a number of targeted actions to lower the price of affordable purchase homes. These include the provision of significant direct capital subsidies to local authorities and the Land Development Agency, alongside the use of publicly owned land. Together, these measures substantially reduce the overall cost of delivery and, in turn, the purchase price for buyers.
Affordable purchase pricing is also income and mortgage-linked. Local authorities are required to assess local affordability thresholds and set prices at levels that households can sustainably afford, rather than simply discounting from market prices. This ensures that affordability is real and durable.
This approach is clearly demonstrated in major affordable housing developments such as Oscar Traynor Woods, where a combination of State subsidy and public land has enabled the delivery of a significant number of affordable purchase homes at prices well below prevailing market values in the area. This scheme illustrates how scale, public land, and State support can be used effectively to make home ownership achievable for working households.
In parallel, the Government is focused on reducing construction and delivery costs more broadly through standardisation, improved procurement, and increased efficiency, while maintaining high quality and sustainability standards.
Under Delivering Homes, Building Communities, all local authorities are required to prepare Housing Delivery Action Plans to identify need and set out clear, cost-effective delivery pathways. These plans will strengthen oversight and ensure that affordable housing is delivered at scale and at prices that people can genuinely afford.
I am committed to ensuring that affordable purchase homes remain genuinely affordable and that delivery models continue to evolve in response to market conditions. My Department will continue to work closely with the local authorities and other delivery partners to maximise affordability and increase supply.
Artificial Intelligence
Ceisteanna (173)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:173. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection if he or any of his officials have used artificial intelligence to write speeches, produce social media content for his Department, or to issue responses to parliamentary questions, since he took office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4601/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is aware of the Guidelines for Responsible Use of AI in the Public Service, and the Cyber Security Guidance on Generative AI for Public Sector Bodies. My Department will continue to assess the suitability of AI on a case by case basis.
My Department is currently conducting a small-scale trial of an AI tool, with a limited number of users. This trial focuses on using AI for general knowledge tasks like summarising content and searching for specific information and not to write speeches, produce social media content or to draft response to parliamentary questions.
The tool does not operate independently or autonomously. All outputs are subject to human oversight and are reviewed, verified, and validated by the relevant officers prior to use.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (174)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:174. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection if his Department has a paid subscription with a social media company (details supplied). [4619/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Social Protection does not have a paid subscription with the social media company X.
Pensions Reform
Ceisteanna (175, 176)
Catherine Callaghan
Ceist:175. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of employees in County Carlow registered with My Future Fund;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4622/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCatherine Callaghan
Ceist:176. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of employees in County Kilkenny registered with My Future Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4623/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 175 and 176 together.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to introduce the Automatic Enrolment (AE) Retirement Savings System. The aim of introducing AE is to address the pension coverage gap that exists in Ireland and to provide workers with access to a quality assured retirement savings scheme, thereby giving greater comfort and security regarding their retirement income. The new system - known as My Future Fund - commenced on the 1 January 2026.
Over 763,000 employees that weren't actively contributing to a qualifying pension or PRSA through payroll have now become eligible for and enrolled in My Future Fund. The following table sets out the data requested by the Deputy.
|
County |
Number of employees enrolled |
|
Carlow |
10,777 |
|
Kilkenny |
13,184 |
I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputy.