86. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the pipeline of applications for the first home scheme to date in 2024; how it compares to the same timeframe in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36884/24]

92. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of first home scheme approvals that have issued since its launch in July 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36928/24]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 92 together.

The First Home Scheme, which launched in July 2022, is a shared equity scheme designed to help bridge the gap between their 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.

The First Home Scheme DAC is responsible for the operation of the First Home Scheme on behalf of the shareholders, the State, Allied Irish Bank, Bank of Ireland and Permanent TSB, and publishes quarterly performance reports on its website.

They have published their Q2 2024 quarterly report which shows that since its launch, over 4,800 individuals and couples have been approved for the First Home Scheme. 75% of these approvals have issued in Dublin, Cork, Kildare, Meath, and Wicklow. The report is available at the following link: www.firsthomescheme.ie/media/aopbvmy5/fhs-q2-2024-update.pdf .

The pipeline of applications continues to grow, with the number of new applications to the Scheme in the first six months of 2024 43% higher than the same period last year (1,894 in H1 2024 versus 1,329 in H1 2023).

This shows that the First Home Scheme is a key measure supporting the delivery of affordable purchase homes under Housing for All and I note the very successful operation of the Scheme to date.