Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 March 2017
254. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will address the anomalies in the tenant purchase scheme, in particular the exclusion of Part V dwellings, in view of the fact that tenants that made applications and took occupancy of houses on the basis that they could purchase their home are now excluded from doing so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11238/17]
View answerThe Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme came into operation on 1 January 2016. The Scheme is open to eligible tenants, including joint tenants, of local authority houses that are available for sale under the Scheme. The Housing (Sale of Local Authority Houses) Regulations 2015 governing the Scheme provides for a number of specified classes of houses to be excluded from sale, including houses provided to Local Authorities under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, houses specifically designed for older persons, group Traveller housing and houses provided to facilitate people with disabilities transferring from institutional care to community-based living.
Part V housing units are among the classes of house excluded from the tenant purchase scheme, and this is to ensure that units delivered under this mechanism will remain available for people in need of social housing support, and that the original policy goals of the legislation are not eroded over time. The provisions of Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, are designed to enable the development of mixed tenure, sustainable communities.
In line with the commitment given in Rebuilding Ireland - Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness, a review of the first 12 months of the scheme’s operation is currently being undertaken by my Department. To inform the review, a public consultation was undertaken, with a closing date for submissions of 10 February 2017. I expect this re view to be completed by the end of Quarter 1 2017. Any changes to the terms and conditions of the scheme which are considered necessary based on the evidence gathered will be brought forward.
