Vol. 566 No. 4
263 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans he has to reform the shared ownership scheme to allow first-time buyers avail of the scheme, in particular in Dublin where the maximum purchase price is too low. [13187/03]
The shared ownership scheme offers home ownership in a number of steps to purchasers who cannot afford full ownership in the traditional way and is aimed at lower income house purchasers, especially first time buyers. Implementation and management of the scheme is, in the first instance, a matter for each housing authority. In operating the scheme, they should have regard to local circumstances in determining the maximum house price limit or any other details they deem appropriate. I consider that these issues are best determined by individual local authorities. The terms of the scheme are continuously kept under review by my Department.
