Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 February 2018
228. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when he plans to publish the outcome of the review of the tenant (incremental) purchase scheme; the reason for the delay in doing so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9120/18]
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. To be eligible, tenants must meet certain criteria, including having a minimum reckonable income of €15,000 per annum and having been in receipt of social housing support for at least one year.
In line with the commitment given in Rebuilding Ireland, a review of the first 12 months of the Tenant Purchase Scheme’s operation has been undertaken. The review has incorporated analysis of comprehensive data received from local authorities regarding the operation of the scheme during 2016 and a wide-ranging public consultation process which took place in 2017 and saw submissions received from individuals, elected representatives and organisations.
The review is now complete and a full report setting out findings and recommendations has been prepared. This required some further consultation with other Government Departments and for consideration to be given to possible implementation arrangements. These issues are close to being finalised and I expect to be in a position to publish the outcome of the review shortly.
