Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Jun 2000

Vol. 522 No. 3

Written Answers. - Local Authority Housing.

Noel Ahern

Question:

199 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will introduce, for six months, additional discounts for long-term tenants such as 3% extra discount for each year of tenancy from 10-15 years; if he will give full consideration to this suggestion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18718/00]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Molloy):

As the Deputy will be aware, to assist tenants purchase their homes a discount of 3% of the value of the house is allowed for each year of tenancy, up to a maximum of 30%. In addition to this, a further discount of £3,000 is made equivalent to the new house grant for first-time purchasers. Thus, a local authority house with a market value of £75,000, would be available for purchase by a tenant of ten or more years standing at £49,500, with the price fixed for up to 12 months. By any account, this is a generous discount.

The proceeds of the sale of local authority houses to tenants are used to part fund the local authority housing programme. I consider the terms of the current scheme strike a reasonable balance between the aspirations of existing tenants to own their own homes and the needs of those on the local authority waiting lists. I have no proposals at present to amend the terms of the current scheme. However, my Department will continue to keep them under review and the Deputy's suggestions will be borne in mind in this context.