Vol. 514 No. 1
191 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of shared ownerships applications made to the local authorities in Kildare in 1998 and 1999; if he has satisfied himself with the income levels; the terms of reference of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3684/00]
Under the shared ownership system purchasers buy at least 40% of the value of the house and rent the remaining share from the local authority. The minimum deposit is £1,000 and a rent subsidy is also payable. I recently announced significant improvements to the rent subsidy payable to households with incomes of up to £16,000, which take effect from 1 January 2000. The income limits are £20,000 for a single income household and in the case of a two income household it is based on a formula whereby 2.5 times the principal earner's income plus the subsidiary earner's income does not exceed £50,000. The income limits and other terms of this scheme are kept under review by my Department.
Details on activity under the scheme in each local authority, including the number of applications made, are published in my Department's housing statistics bulletins, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library.
