Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 January 2005
1329 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to review the shared ownership scheme to ensure that it continues to make a major impact in respect of those persons in need of housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1127/05]
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In addition to a number of technical changes which were made to the shared ownership scheme with effect from 1 January 2003, I announced last July that significant improvements to the loan and income eligibility limits for shared ownership and affordable housing schemes had been made. The revised income limit was increased to €36,800 for a single income household and €92,000 for a two income household, while the maximum loan that can be advanced for a local authority house purchase is €165,000. In addition, the period for which local authorities may advance loans has been extended from 25 years to 30 years.
Notwithstanding these improvements, the terms of the scheme will continue to be kept under review. In this regard, the NESC report, "Housing in Ireland: Performance and Policy", which was published at the end of 2004, outlines the factors underpinning the development of the housing sector in Ireland. In light of the report, the Government will consider any further changes required to the terms and conditions of the various housing schemes, within the resources available, to better address our aims.
