I propose to take Questions Nos. 103 and 104 together.
This Government is 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.
The Government has supported housing in Budget 2021 with an unprecedented level of funding to deliver programmes next year through an overall investment of €3.3 billion, an increase of €641m or 24% on 2020. This investment will ensure that the social housing needs of over 28,500 households are met in 2021.
Furthermore, in order to assist people in realising their aspiration of buying a home, as part of Budget 2021, €75 million will be allocated to an Affordable Purchase Shared Equity Scheme. A further €35 million will be allocated to a new
Cost Rental Equity Loan Facility
to help deliver Cost Rental homes at below market rents.
The development of the Affordable Purchase Shared Equity Scheme involves engagement with key stakeholders including all relevant Government Departments and the Central Bank. I will be informed by this ongoing engagement process in progressing the detailed parameters of the Scheme in the coming months, to deliver in 2021.