asked the Minister for Local Government if he has seen or approved of the various draft purchase schemes submitted to tenants by county managers; and if, in view of his policy to encourage tenants to buy their own houses mentioned in a reply in the Dáil on 30th March, 1967, he considers these schemes compatible with that policy.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tenant Purchase Schemes.
24.
I do not see purchase schemes at the stage when they are submitted by managers to tenants. I cannot, therefore, answer the second part of the Deputy's question.
Housing authorities generally were advised by circular letter dated 14th April, 1967 that the purchase terms which I would be prepared to approve for houses in built-up areas may provide in accordance with regulations made by me for a discount of up to 30 per cent from the market, or replacement, value of the house. In other areas, the discount is up to 45 per cent.
Might I ask the Minister if he or his Department have given any directions to local authorities or county managers for the sale of those houses to be held up?
I have not.
I did not hear the Minister's reply?
I do not think the question of lease or fee simple was referred to in the circular. That is not the question that was asked of me. I have not got the full circular here.
The Minister must be fully aware that most of those people who are involved here are working people. Does he agree with me when I say that conditions imposed by county managers and local authorities on the buyers of those houses negative any action they may take?
I do not think so.
Has the Minister seen the draft report from the county manager regarding the tenants buying those houses?
I have not.
Could I ask the Minister to have an interest in them?
(Interruptions.)
I am asking the Minister to interest himself in these purchase schemes.
I do not see those purchase schemes at that stage at all. I have told the housing authorities that these purchase schemes can provide for a discount of up to 30 per cent from the market value of the house in built-up areas and up to 45 per cent in other areas.
Do I take it from the Minister that he will never see the draft proposals for any of these town houses? Will the Minister say yes or no?
Question No. 25. The Deputy must allow questions to proceed.
These special schemes have to comply with section 94 of the Housing Act, 1966. I have not seen this scheme.
(Cavan): Might I ask if the Minister does not think it would be a good idea if he would familiarise himself with those schemes and satisfy himself that they are reasonable?
I will be satisfied they are reasonable before they are embarked on.
(Cavan): Does the Minister not think it would be better to see them as drafted originally?
The managers are notified of the details in accordance with which those purchase schemes are to be prepared.