Youth group calls for introduction of first-time buyers' grant

Youth activists are calling on the Government to give more support to people buying their first home.

The National Youth Council wants the reintroduction of the First Time Buyers Grant at a new rate of €8,000.

It follows concern about escalating house prices throughout the country, with the cost for new properties rising by 243% in the last 10 years.

Speaking this afternoon, James Doorley of the NYCI said young people were often forgotten about as others thrive on the property boom.

"It's going to be part of our manifesto for the election next year," he said.

"We're putting it to the Government now, but we're going to be putting it to all the political parties and say look, you've got to do something! This is a crisis situation for many young people and something has to be done."