asked the Minister for Local Government if it is his policy to encourage tenants to buy their own houses; and, if so, if he will inform local authorities of this.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tenant Purchase.
22.
The answer is in the affirmative. I shall be notifying local authorities generally in the near future of the minimum sale terms of which I am prepared to approve for new schemes under section 90 of the Housing Act, 1966, when in operation. In the meantime, any tenant of a local authority house to which a purchase scheme already applies is free to apply to the authority to purchase his house under the scheme.
Might I suggest that the Minister indicates in very clear terms in the circular he will be sending to different managers that his policy is as stated?
That will be done.
In view of the fact that there are approximately 10,000 people on the waiting list, would the Minister indicate whether he thinks it desirable that Dublin Corporation should sell the available houses to existing tenants?
That has been done.
What has been done?
What the Deputy asked.
What?
What has the Deputy asked?
Ask the Deputy.
This kind of impudence will not do.
Would the Minister state whether he has considered, in relation to Dublin Corporation selling its houses to existing tenants, the effect this policy will have on the 10,000 people already on the waiting list?
These houses are already in the occupation of these people. I think it desirable that they should be given the opportunity of purchasing their houses.
Is the Minister not aware that a considerable number of houses are vacated, that these go back into the pool and are allocated to people on the approved waiting list?
In a small number of cases. In the vast majority of cases the tenancies are re-allocated on the basis of succession.
Will there be any restriction on people buying houses to ensure that they do not just exploit the local authority and resell immediately after buying?
There will.
Is the Minister satisfied it will not be abused?
Yes.