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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 3 Apr 2003

Vol. 564 No. 3

Written Answers - Voluntary Housing.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

224 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being faced by a local voluntary housing organisation (details supplied); and if, in view of the fact that the contractor involved is now in the process of suing the voluntary housing organisation, a company limited by guarantee, he will intervene to ensure the proposed housing units are completed, the necessary finance is released by the local authority and his Department, and prevent the imminent dissolution of the company involved. [9258/03]

The project is proposed to be undertaken under the capital assistance scheme which supports the provision of housing accommodation by approved voluntary bodies. My Department's involvement relates primarily to the provision of funds to local authorities for individual projects, within the allocation available in the public capital programme. The detailed administration of any relevant project, including certification that it complies with the terms of the scheme, is the responsibility of the local authority, in this instance Cork County Council.

A grant of €266,646 has been approved in this case, with €186,614 of this amount having been drawn down to date. It is understood from Cork County Council that formal application for payment of the balance, €80,032, will shortly be lodged. It is also understood that the project may be eligible for additional funding under the scheme and this is being considered by the council in consultation with the housing body concerned.

Barry Andrews

Question:

225 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has received queries from city or county councils regarding the operation of shared ownership clawbacks pursuant to section 10(3) of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9274/03]

Section 10(3) of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2002 provides for a clawback to apply to houses sold under the shared ownership scheme at a discount from market value, where the purchaser wishes to purchase the interest of the housing authority in the house to sell their interest in the house within 20 years from the date of the lease.

This clawback was first introduced in June 2000 and is in line with the clawback arrangements applicable under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 for which guidelines to local authorities issued from my Department in December 2000.
My Department, in response to routine queries from local authorities, advises on the operation of the scheme, including the implementation of the clawback provisions.
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