How does the Taoiseach propose to support workers and families who do not qualify for affordable housing, HAP, cost rental or any of the other schemes provided by local authorities when their income is simply not sufficient to secure an adequate mortgage to meet the current market price? Every week I meet people in my constituency of Laois: SNAs, nurses, gardaí, teachers, administrative and healthcare assistants, hospitality staff and many others - all hard-working people who contribute so much to our communities. They want to know what measures are being taken to ensure that they have a fair and realistic opportunity to own their own homes so they can build a better future and settle in the communities where they work.

There are three significant schemes: the help-to-buy scheme, which is a substantial help; the first homes schemes, which is where the State injects a degree of equity and; third, the derelict and vacant homes grant, which is quite substantial and has enabled about 3,000 houses to become available, whereby people have refurbished such houses and got a substantial grant for doing so. Sometimes, it is possible to combine grants such as the help-to-buy and retrofitting. Those are the measures so far. I acknowledge that people are above the threshold which puts them in difficulty regarding the affordability of housing. We are constantly trying to see if we can bridge the affordability gap.

The cheapest house in Portlaoise is €500,000.

The Deputy's time is up.