Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 October 2013
363. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 188 of 22 May 2013, the steps being taken to assist those trapped in the shared ownership scheme; if the Government review on this matter has been completed; the steps that will be taken to assist the families affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44554/13]
View answerThe Government’s 2011 housing policy statement announced the standing down of all affordable housing schemes, including the shared ownership scheme, in the context of a full review of Part V of the Planning and Development Act. That review is available on my Department’s website (www.environ.ie) and the period for public submissions closed on 27 September 2013. Earlier in 2013, I asked the Housing Agency to conduct a stand-alone review of the shared ownership scheme, including identification of the main difficulties and recommendations for mitigating measures. I have received an interim draft of the review from the Agency and I intend to issue a circular letter to local authorities this month with preliminary recommendations arising from the review. A number of issues have been identified that need further detailed financial analysis in order fully to assess the impact on local authority finances of possible mitigating measures. This additional work is underway and I expect to make further determinations in the coming months.
