William Aird
Laois · Fine Gael · Ireland
“Middle-income working families continue to shoulder the greatest burden of rising living costs. Many are earning too much to qualify for targeted supports and they are finding it increasingly difficult to meet the costs of childcare and housing, and also to meet everyday expenses.”
“The message from families is very clear that people living with dementia want to remain connected to their communities and families want to know what else is available when they need it. Government must continue to invest in dementia services through the whole-of-government approach.”
“Vincent's Community Nursing Unit in Mountmellick, which provides care for older people, including people with dementia and complex care needs. I also recognise the contribution of St.”
“I would like to take the opportunity to speak on this issue which affects thousands of families across this country, many in my own constituency. Dementia is not just a health issue. It is a family issue, a community issue, and a societal issue.”
“We must also strengthen palliative and end-of-life care for people living with dementia by ensuring specialist services work closely with community teams, residential settings, and family carers. Families also need support during this difficult time. Improving early diagnosis and access to dementia-specific supports is essential.”
“It is a vital support in continuing to provide care at home while also protecting their own health and well-being. Families are waiting too long for respite placements and carers are reaching crisis point before support becomes available.”
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“The report, The Real Face of Men's Health, highlights the challenges. Premature death among men is 40% higher than women. Men in deprived areas live five years less than those living in other areas. Some four out of five deaths by suicide or road traffic accidents are men. In rural Ireland, we face specific challenges, including long distances to healthcare, a shortage of GPs and the reality that many men on farms or in trades put their health last. They will bring a tractor for a service before they book a checkup for themselves. That is why organisations like the Irish Men's Shed Association, Macra na Feirme, the Irish Farmers' Association and other community groups must be applauded for the work they are doing. They are bringing health checks and awareness campaigns straight to the men's communities.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on the important topic of men's health, an issue that touches every parish, home and family in Ireland. Today's debate is a milestone for the House. It is the first time that men's health is the sole focus of statements in Dáil Éireann. Often, men's health is discussed when it is too late, such as when a neighbour is ill, a farmer collapses or a family grieves a father, brother or son who did not put his hand out for help. Men's health matters not just to men but to their families, communities and society. I am happy to acknowledge that Ireland was the first country to adopt a national men's health policy in 2009. Since then, progress has been made but we must build on this work. The HSE action plan Healthy Ireland men 2024-2028 is an important step.”
“It showed up everything for what it was, that is, the profits being made at the killing line by those who made money off the backs of the farmers who were producing the best cattle that could be produced. Unfortunately, those farmers were forced out of the industry. That is why I am so passionate when I speak about the tillage sector. I do not want to see the same happen to them. About 1,000 people attended Killashee House - I also attended - not for a night out but to plead their case and to try to get an intervention before it was too late. I acknowledge the work the Minister for agriculture is doing but this sector of our agriculture is in a crisis situation at the moment. Supporting Irish tillage means Ireland will continue to lead in high quality, climate conscious food and feed production.”
“I attended every meeting in County Laois when we lost the beet. That caused a huge dent in the tillage sector. I was a county councillor at that time. I am now a Dáil Deputy representing the cereal growers in County Laois and I certainly do not want to stand up in this House year after year saying we are losing more people from the tillage sector. The tillage sector is of huge importance to us. We must learn from the past. There are 200,000 suckler cows gone out of the system. Thousands of suckler farmers are no longer involved in that business. I believe that, hand on heart, had we engaged earlier with that sector, we would not have the situation we now have. I am delighted for those people who stayed with it, given the price of cattle today.”
“A long-term plan is needed, with clear growth targets aligned with economic and environmental goals. There must be improved access to finance and capital grants. There must also be more research and innovation. Better integration with the livestock sector is needed to secure the use of Irish-grown feed. That is vital. I ensure that all the feed I buy has Irish grain in it - nothing else. The Minister could also consider new risk-management tools like income-stabilisation funds or weather-indexed insurance. Expanding the tillage area should be treated as a national strategic priority under Food Vision 2030 and the climate action plan. The tillage sector is a strategic pillar of Irish agriculture, a generator of rural employment, a driver of exports, a provider of food and feed security and a partner in achieving climate goals.”
“It mentions tillage 43 times, highlighting its potential to balance emissions and strengthen national food security. In spite of that, the sector faces worrying trends. The tillage area has declined by 40% in 40 years. Some 3,000 ha have been lost since the tillage incentive scheme ended and 1,398 farmers have left the sector since 2022. Tillage farmers face many pressures. Approximately 44% lost money in 2024. That figure comes from Teagasc, not me. Input costs are soaring, international markets are volatile and there is competition for land. Under convergence, CAP payments are declining. Despite the challenges, the sector has huge potential. Current supports, like the protein aid scheme and the straw incorporation measure, are not enough.”
“Although it covers only 8% of agricultural land, tillage generates €1.3 billion in annual output and sustains thousands of local businesses. Every euro earned on a tillage farm circulates several times in the local economy, supporting jobs, shops and rural services. The sector provides raw materials for the malting, brewing and distilling industries, the milling sector and the animal feed industry, supporting world-class dairy, beef and pig sectors. Strengthening domestic production keeps value at home, reduces imports and enhances food and feed security. Tillage is a low-emission and land-efficient sector central to our national sustainability goals. It produces very little methane and less than 2 tonnes of carbon per hectare, which is among the lowest in Irish farming. Climate Action Plan 2024 recognises this.”
“I welcome the opportunity this evening to speak on the tillage sector. I thank all the tillage farmers in County Laois who voted for me in the general election. The tillage sector is a vital and strategic part of Irish agriculture, the rural economy and our environmental ambitions. It is a cornerstone of our agrifood system. Across Ireland, 344,000 ha are devoted to tillage, supporting around 7,000 farm families and 11,000 full-time equivalent jobs in contracting, machinery, haulage, storage, and processing. Our tillage farmers produce high-quality grains that underpin everything from potatoes, porridge and cereals to brewing, distilling and the animal feed industry. Tillage is essential to food security, feed security and environmental sustainability.”
“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 enough 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.”
“From a logistics point of view, vans, security and gardaí are needed. If there was a new facility, we would need less than a quarter of staff who currently accompany the prisoners from the Midlands Prison. That is why there is an urgent case to make today.”
“Will the Minister acknowledge that the Midlands Prison is located in Portlaoise? He knows what happens in a courthouse, and the logistics involved in bringing prisoners down from a prison of that size twice a week. That is why I asked if it can be done. As the Minister stated, the site has been secured. The need is obvious and the benefits are evident. I urge the Minister to prioritise the immediate provision of funding in order that the construction of a new courthouse in Portlaoise can commence without delay. We must deliver a courthouse that meets the needs of the 21st century. I emphasise the fact that the Midlands Prison is located in Portlaoise. I thank all the people who work there caring for those in that facility every day of the week. Friends of mine work there.”
“-----that the existing courthouse is no longer fit for purpose. It causes congestion, which has a negative effect on businesses and residents in the town. There is a lack of privacy and dignity for those attending the court-----”
“I tabled this question in order to discover if we could progress matters. Moving the courthouse would open the door to a more accessible, pedestrian-friendly town centre, revitalising the heart of Portlaoise and encouraging new economic growth. I heard from legal professionals and members of the Garda and the Irish Prison Service. They all said the same thing, namely-----”
“I thank the Minister for his response and his commitment to meet a group of stakeholders to discuss the urgent need for a courthouse in Portlaoise. The immediate priority is clear. We need funding for the development of the new courthouse in Portlaoise and a clear and definite timeframe for commencement and completion. As the Minister mentioned, an important first step has already been taken. I was a member of Laois County Council when it purchased the site in Kylekiproe almost five years ago to ensure that it would be available to the Department when it gave the green light for the courthouse to be built. The next step must be to secure funding. I acknowledge the strong focus on regenerating Main Street in Portlaoise to create a town where there is a sense that people live and do business there.”
“I thank the Minister for the opportunity to raise the issue of a new courthouse for County Laois. They requirement for a new courthouse has long been recognised. The National Development Plan, NDP, 2018-2027 identified the need for new courthouses in a number of locations with substandard facilities, including in my hometown of Portlaoise. The current facilities in Portlaoise are substandard and require updated, modernised, efficient, accessible courthouse facilities for Laois. They are just not fit for purpose at the moment.”
“That €60 million was promised in our election manifestos and that €60 million for the next five years will be a lifeline for the survival of the tillage sector. Without immediate and substantial commitments in the upcoming budget, many tillage farmers will be forced out of the sector. The Taoiseach gave a commitment in his party's election manifesto and in the programme for Government to back the tillage sector. We cannot expect and accept the demise of a critical part of Irish agriculture.”
“The Irish tillage sector is in crisis. Two weeks ago, I attended a meeting of more than 1,000 farmers in Naas. They gathered not to protest but to plead for the survival of the tillage sector. Their message was loud and clear: they cannot continue without urgent, targeted financial support. Poor grain prices, soaring input costs, reduced margins, regulation and the flooding of the Irish market with non-EU cereals are pushing Irish grain growers to the brink. Teagasc has confirmed tillage incomes will again fall in 2026. That is not a warning; that is a forecast for collapse. Farming organisations are united in calling for a €60 million per annum support package for the next five years to be delivered in budget 2026.”
“We need a clear roadmap with deadlines and funding commitments. We need boots on the ground: doctors, nurses and therapists who can deliver care now. This is about dignity. It is not about access or equity. I do not want the people of Laois to wait any longer for those services.”
“It is in no way a criticism of the Minister of State for the response she has given me, because the Minister is not present, but I have heard all this before. No site has yet been confirmed in Rathdowney. That is evident in the Minister of State's response to me. The HSE's silence on progress is adding to the frustration of the community in Rathdowney. Mountrath has been allocated a primary care centre but, without a clear timeline for delivery or a staffing plan what is proposed is just a promise. I tried to find out if it was true or false that a site has been allocated but I could not get a definite answer, which means we are also left in limbo. I am not asking for County Laois to jump the queue but I cannot accept that rural communities in the county are being left behind.”
“I thank the Minister of State for her response. However, it is important that I stress again that I am not asking for extras for County Laois. I am asking for the basics, that is, access to a doctor, reasonable wait times, and care delivered in our towns and villages. Rural Laois deserves the same healthcare rights as any other part of this country. People have paid into the system for their entire lives and they deserve more than just a waiting list and closed doors. To be fair to the Minister of State, I know she agrees with me. Time is not on our side. GPs are retiring now, not in five years. Locum cover is inconsistent. Rural patients are falling through the cracks in County Laois. The Minister of State referred to the situation in Rathdowney. I heard her say 2025, but I got the same answer in 2024. I am sorry to have to say that.”
“I call on her to launch a targeted GP recruitment and retention plan for Laois, including proper relocation supports, administrative assistance and access to the rural pool locally; fast-track the development of the Mountrath primary care centre and immediately finalise, once and for all, a site in Rathdowney where the community has waited long enough; strengthen the roll-out of advanced nurse practitioners to ensure consistent care where GPs hours are limited; improve communication and transparency; and work with local communities and practitioners to develop clear local solutions.”
“A location has not been finalised in Rathdowney, despite the clear clinical need, community readiness and commitments given to me in correspondence with the Minister that it would have been done months ago. Meanwhile in Stradbally, services remain minimal and overstretched. Other key services such as physiotherapy, speech and language therapy and mental health services have wait times of more than 12 months. The Minister of State will be aware of that.”
“Since then, there has been a reliance on rotating locums, with no continuity of care. I spoke recently with a mother in Durrow. Her son, who has asthma, waited 12 days for an appointment. An elderly woman in Rosenallis, living alone, missed a medication review because she simply could not be seen. These are not isolated incidents. They are daily challenges faced by thousands across rural County Laois. We were told that Sláintecare would bring care into the community, but that is not happening in County Laois. We have only one operational primary care centre in Portlaoise. In Mountrath, a new centre is supposed to have been finally allocated. I have been trying to establish timelines, but they are vague. Progress is very slow.”
“Nationally, we are facing a shortfall of more than 1,300 GPs by 2027, with rural counties like Laois hit hardest. In towns like Borris-in-Ossory, patients are now told to travel 20 km to 30 km just to see a doctor. This is not sustainable. The crisis impacts many, including older people, families with sick children and people managing long-term conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. The inducement scheme intended to attract GPs to rural areas has clearly failed to fill the gaps. It is not working and we must accept this fact. The impact of this situation is real and it is impacting real people. I will give the Minister of State a few examples. A rural GP practice in County Laois recently lost its second doctor to retirement. The HSE could not find a permanent replacement.”
“I draw the Minister of State's attention to an escalating crisis in rural County Laois in the form of the chronic shortage of GPs and the lack of fully developed primary care services. We all accept that primary care is the front line of the health service. It is where early diagnoses happen, chronic conditions are managed and preventative care should take place, easing pressure on our overstretched hospitals. Across rural County Laois, the front line is weakening in communities such as Rathdowney, Mountrath, Ballyroan, Clonaslee, Ballinakill, Stradbally, Graiguecullen and Camross. The numbers are not good. The Irish Medical Organisation reports that 30% of GPs in County Laois are over aged 60. Many are due to retire within three to five years, but we have no real plan for succession.”
“There are young kids in every one of our communities who now have to work an extra 100 hours during the summer in order to pay the extra €1,000. The Minister referred earlier to extending SUSI grants and all of that but the bottom line is that they have to have that money when they go to college in September. I am pleading with the Minister not to go ahead with this.”
“Will the Minister today commit to honouring the programme for Government promise to continue to reduce the student contribution fee during the lifetime of this Government? The policy has had a real impact, reducing the cost of education and easing pressure on families. This Government must stick to our commitment to support working families, deliver on the student contribution fee promise and build on the progress already made. Does the Minister realise what has happened with regard to this €1,000? It is putting 100 hours extra work on all young students who are working hard during the summer in fast food takeaways and shops, milking cows or driving tractors. That is what this €1,000 is doing. Not every student, indeed not many at all, has parents with deep pockets who can come up with this €1,000.”
“I ask the Minister to commit to dedicated funding for rural cultural infrastructure through capital grants for heritage, buildings, artist workspaces and the development of cultural centres. Rural Ireland deserves more than recognition; it deserves real, sustained investment that matches the energy, talent and heritage that our communities offer every day.”
“That is welcome news. I also welcome the Minister's recent announcement that the pilot programme regarding the basic income for arts has been extended. What artists need now is his commitment to make it permanent. The programme should be inclusive, support more artists and address barriers faced by those with disabilities. As the Minister knows, arts and culture are central to our Irish identity, community well-being and global reputation. The national development plan rightly places emphasis on balanced regional development. Create Ireland's programme has made great strides in enhancing the success of and engagement with our country's culture and creativity. However, there is still a significant urban-rural divide when it comes to capital investment in cultural infrastructure. Too often, counties like Laois are left behind.”
“For example, this could be done through the development of county museums or even a dedicated midlands museum. Such initiatives would generate tourism and employment and provide an opportunity to share the diverse story of Laois and the wider midlands region, from ancient chieftains to achievements in science and aviation.”
“Laois has a proud cultural identity, rich in music, literature, theatre, visual arts and storytelling. It has produced many artists and continues to support new generations through festivals, exhibitions and community-led initiatives. Towns such as Portlaoise, Rathdowney, Mountmellick, Portarlington, Mountrath and Stradbally all have active community groups that are crying out for adequate spaces in which to perform, rehearse, exhibit and collaborate. The EU just transition fund currently supports innovative projects to promote economic, social and environmental sustainability in the midlands. This is very welcome, but if we are to support the long-term development of the midlands, we must also invest in our cultural heritage assets. This includes infrastructure that celebrates the unique character and history of the region.”
“What plans does the Minister have to invest in cultural infrastructure in rural counties such as County Laois? These are counties with vibrant local artists and heritage buildings that would benefit greatly from targeted support. Will the Minister make a statement on this matter? County Laois, like many others, has a wealth of artistic talent and historic buildings, which too often are underused and underfunded.”
“We were told the plan was closed for ten years, but because there was a general election that envelope was opened up. I assure the Minister of State that now that I am a TD, I will make sure these projects are in it. When the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, came off at junction 17 recently, he saw the road that goes down through the business park and travels solely to the west of Ireland. Not one shilling did it get from the former Minister, Eamon Ryan. I pleaded with him to give us money, but not a fivepenny piece did he give us for that. We funded that out of our own coffers in Laois County Council, so the Minister owes it to us to put us into that national development plan.”
“These two projects must be included in the revised national development plan to address fair regional development, align with national goals, reduce emissions, promote balanced regional development and support active travel and safer roads. The Portlaoise northern orbital route and the Mountmellick bypass projects would complement existing investment in the region's rail network. I urge the Minister of State to work with these county councils and Transport Infrastructure Ireland to ensure that the Portlaoise northern orbital route and the Mountmellick bypass are fully recognised and funded within the revised NDP. When I was a councillor, I sat in Laois County Council during the previous NDP plan, and we were not included. We got nothing out of it.”
“The main streets in Mountmellick were never designed to carry the present volume or weight of traffic, including articulated lorries and agricultural machinery. The lack of a bypass affects the town's viability, slows economic development and poses safety risks to pedestrians and cyclists. It also affects regional connectivity, which we spoke about, between Tullamore, Portlaoise and surrounding areas. A Mountmellick bypass has been on the agenda for decades. It is time to move it into action.”
“We do not need consideration; we need money. This road is vital to redirect HGVs coming from Rosslare to the west of Ireland. We are trying to move this traffic away from residential areas, schools and hospitals. This route is also essential to future-proof Portlaoise for sustainable growth under the national planning framework. Without this orbital route, development is hindered, traffic continues to choke the town and emissions increase. It is clear that inclusion of the Portlaoise northern orbital route in the revised national development plan is needed now. The bypass needed in Mountmellick is equally important. Mountmellick has suffered severe traffic bottlenecks for years especially during the school rush hour. This is more than an inconvenience; it is a safety issue.”
“I ask the Government to include both the Portlaoise northern orbital route and the Mountmellick bypass in the revised national development plan. They are not just local road projects; they are critical infrastructure with regional and national significance. As the Minister of State knows, Portlaoise is one of Ireland's fastest growing towns. The town is already under pressure from traffic congestion with heavy volumes of vehicles passing through daily. The northern orbital route has long been identified as a key priority to ease congestion in the town centre, improve road safety and enhance the quality of life for residents and businesses.”
“Will the Taoiseach commit to funding a community neurorehabilitation team for the midlands in budget 2026 in line with the programme for Government's commitment to complete the national roll-out of such teams? Community neurorehabilitation teams provide vital short-term intensive care, with access to services like physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and neuropsychology. These services are essential to prevent disability and promote recovery for people with neurological conditions. A midlands team was promised in 2019 to serve adults with conditions such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and rare neurological diseases. However, patients in County Laois remain at a serious disadvantage compared with regions where teams are already funded.”
“Community care workers and home carers are essential to Ireland's healthcare system, supporting older people and those with disabilities to live independently at home. Increasing demand means carers are working under tight schedules with limited hours per client. It is essential they have proper training in all areas of elder care and must have good communication skills to support clients and families. Many carers work through private agencies but oversight varies. This raises concerns about the quality and accountability. There are many issues here: workload, pay, travel expenses, standards of care and absenteeism. We need to reform the community and homecare system. We need to improve working conditions and training regulations and we must standardise the level of care for people being minded at home.”
“If any Member would like to go to look at it, it is the most beautiful building, all decked out inside and everything. I never once thought I would come back and watch on television what was happening further up the corridor.”
“What has happened ever since? We have gone downwards and downwards with crisis after crisis. We have another crisis here today. That is why I am asking the Minister of State to go back, exactly as he has said in the Chamber today, and relook, rethink and ensure our older people are looked after. There are things we can do immediately. We can have a look at the homecare packages. We can do that with immediate effect. I know 99% of the people I have represented all my life always wanted to look after their parents in their own home. That is always the first thing. We can do that. I am pleading with the Minister of State to please act on this. None of us want to have to look at what we have seen on the television the other night again. I wish to say one thing for all the Members’ attention. I was in attendance when the nursing home opened.”
“Vincent’s community nursing unit, Abbeyleix community nursing unit, St. Brigid’s hospital in Shaen and Mountmellick primary care centre. I have to say that I never received a complaint, not once. I served on the local health committee, the Laois health committee, the Laois and Offaly health committee and the Laois Offaly, Longford and Westmeath committee. I always say it - and I would say it if he was sitting where the Minister of State is sitting today - that the Taoiseach of this country did one of the greatest things in banning smoking in public places. The worst thing he did, which was worse, was disbanding the health boards. I was a member of the health board when he disbanded it. Everyone, of all political persuasions and none, who was on the health board that day said it was the worst decision ever made.”
“The Department of Health has been sitting on draft design guidelines for smaller, homely, community-based nursing homes. These guidelines must be adopted and enforced. We must be honest about the consequences of continuing to favour large corporate homes. We must push for smaller community homes, which can be viable with proper supports. We must accelerate the introduction of the homecare legislation and the roll-out of the housing support grants. It is a must and needed immediately. The choice between limited home help and institutional care is not good enough. The Minister of State knows that. Older people deserve real options to live with dignity, independence and safety. I have been a public representative in Portlaoise since 1979. When I was first elected, on my watch, we had the general hospital in Portlaoise, St.”
“We must redouble our efforts to provide robust clinical oversight of the private nursing homes by the HSE and enact safeguarding legislation first proposed in 2017 without further delay. If a company director presides over neglect, he or she must be held accountable, up to and including criminal liability where appropriate. The safe staffing framework phase 3, which sets out the minimum staffing levels and skill mixes of nursing homes, must be implemented. The care of vulnerable older people should never be left to the mercy of profit-driven motives. We must also rethink the infrastructure of residential care. Why are we still building massive institutional settings for older people when we have moved away from that model for people with disabilities or mental health conditions?”
“It appears the HSE has washed its hands of the responsibility of the clinical care of older people in private nursing homes. It appears that as soon as a person enters the private system, he or she vanishes from the radar of all public health infrastructure. That must end. We need to reassert HSE responsibility for the clinical care of all our older people in long-term care. The long-term care needs of older people must be overseen by the doctors and nurses in the HSE regardless of where they reside. I wish to be clear that this is not an attack on the hardworking local staff working there, many of whom I know personally in Portlaoise. It is a call for structural change, which was already recommended by the Covid advisory group. At a national policy level, there are several immediate steps that must be taken.”
“I am here today following the disturbing revelations uncovered by the "RTÉ Investigates" programme concerning the residential nursing home in Portlaoise. We must be absolutely clear that what was exposed was not just one failure in one private institution. Rather, it was a systemic failure of oversight, communication and, ultimately, duty. Frail and vulnerable old people were left in unacceptable conditions while warnings were ignored. Despite HIQA issuing poor reports over the past year, admissions to this facility continued. That raises immediate and serious questions. How many of these admissions came directly from local hospitals? Were local HSE managers, particularly community-based managers, aware of the severity of the situation? Why was there no communication between HIQA and the HSE? We must face a difficult truth.”
“Other improvements to the help to buy scheme I urge the Minister to consider are to adjust the eligibility criteria and thresholds to reflect current house prices and inflation and to introduce a system that would offer higher support for lower income applicants or buyers in high-cost areas. That would make the scheme more equitable.”
“For many, the help to buy scheme represents the difference between aspiration and reality, and between renting indefinitely and securing a home to call their own. I urge the Minister to extend the scheme to second-hand homes to reflect the reality of the housing market in our towns, cities and rural areas, promote financial fairness and support first-time buyers in every way possible.”
“Second-hand homes could be a more viable option for some first-time buyers but they are then excluded from financial assistance. An extension to the help to buy scheme to include buyers of second-hand homes would acknowledge the reality of our housing market. An extension would widen access, especially in rural and established urban areas where new builds are limited or priced outside of the thresholds. Second-hand homes may offer more affordability, more location choices and faster availability. Supporting buyers of second-hand homes would ease the pressure on the new-build sector, increase buyer choice and contribute to a more balanced housing market. We must ensure housing supports for all first-time buyers, regardless of the type of home they purchase.”
“Will the Minister consider extending the help to buy scheme to include first-time buyers purchasing second-hand homes? I ask this question on behalf of many first-time buyers across the country, including young families, single professionals and couples, who dream of owning a home but find themselves restricted by the current scope of the help to buy scheme. The current initiative provides crucial support to first-time buyers purchasing newly built homes but it reflects a narrow view of the housing market.”