Fine Gael and affordable housing

Sir, – I read Una Mullally's allegations of Fine Gael "gaslighting" the nation on affordability (Opinion & Analysis, October 7th) and wish to correct one inaccuracy on which she bases her claims.

Your columnist states a couple with a joint income of €50,000 could not secure a Rebuilding Ireland home loan of €279,000.

“They couldn’t, as it would break the Central Bank’s own rules on lending,” she adds. “A couple would need a combined income of €79,000 to get that loan, an income level that would disqualify them from accessing affordable housing in the first place, as you have to be earning under €75,000.”

The Housing Agency, which underwrites the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan, has confirmed that a household with a joint income of €50,000 could borrow €279,000 over 30 years at 2.25 per cent. This would involve a repayment of €1,196 per month. This information is available on the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan website.

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I would also note that people all over Ireland are availing of this loan, and along with the Help to Buy scheme, it is bringing affordability to couples across the country. – Yours, etc,

EOGHAN MURPHY,

Minister for Housing,

Planning and Local

Government,

Custom House,

Dublin 1.