Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 9 Feb 1994

Vol. 438 No. 5

Written Answers. - Purchase of Apartments and Flats.

Bernard Allen

Question:

67 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment when he proposes to clear the legal restrictions and impediments that are involved in the purchase of apartments and flats by tenants of local authorities, in view of the fact that Cork Corporation has had a tenant purchase scheme in place for some years but the sale of flats has not yet been completed because of legal impediments which, it is understood, are being examined by legal advisers in his Department.

Tony Gregory

Question:

132 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment if he will give his response to Dublin Corporation's request for assistance to enable them to proceed with the sale of local authority flats.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

135 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment if he has been notified by Dublin Corporation of the legal difficulties relating to the sale of flats and maisonettes to tenants; and if he will introduce immediately the necessary amendments to the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1992, to enable local authorities to sell flats to tenants.

Avril Doyle

Question:

156 Mrs. Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment the plans, if any, he has to make legislative changes to ensure a proper legal framework for the sale of local authority flats and maisonettes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment (Mr. Stagg)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 67, 132, 135 and 156 together.

Dublin Corporation recently sent me a copy of a legal opinion received by them in relation to the sale of flats to tenants. This opinion raises a number of important legal and policy issues which could have financial implications for housing authorities and purchasers. These matters would relate to the sale of flats by housing authorities generally and are now being considered by my Department in consultation with Dublin Corporation and the author of the opinion. As I have already indicated, I am anxious to see all housing authorities with flats having in place workable and legally sustainable sale arrangements that will be satisfactory to both the purchasers and the authorities. I will give every possible assistance in this respect and, if further legislation is required, I will have this prepared.