Darragh O'Brien: 'Absolutely not' a mistake to include Shared Equity Scheme in housing plan

The Central Bank and the ESRI have both said the Shared Equity Scheme could potentially push up house prices

In June, the minister told the Dáil the scheme had "received approval" by the Central Bank, but it emerged that the bank has not approved it. File photo

The Housing Minister has insisted it was "absolutely not" a mistake to include the controversial Shared Equity Scheme in his 'Housing for All' plan, despite the fact the scheme has not been approved by the Central Bank.

Darragh O’Brien has been accused of misleading the Dáil regarding one of the core pillars of his new multi-billion euro housing plan. In June, the minister told the Dáil the scheme had "received approval" by the Central Bank. However, it emerged last week that the scheme, which could see the State paying up to 30% of the purchase price of a newly built home, has not been approved by the bank.