Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 May 2019
171. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if there is discretion in the administration of the Rebuilding Ireland home loan scheme that would allow for the inclusion of a property that is slightly larger than the size guidelines highlighted in the criteria; and if other criteria are met by an applicant, if discretion can be used concerning the size of the property. [20218/19]
View answerThe Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan scheme is administered by the local authorities, in accordance with the Housing (Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan) Regulations 2018. Under the Regulations each authority must establish a credit committee to decide on applications for loans. The Regulations broadly set out the amount that can be lent under the scheme, the eligibility criteria for loans, the duties of borrowers and housing authorities and other administrative matters relating to the scheme. Under the Regulations a credit policy is issued which sets out in greater detail the requirements regarding eligibility under the scheme. Under both the Regulations and the credit policy it is clearly stipulated that a loan cannot be issued where the house being purchased has a gross internal floor area of 175 square metres or more. It is therefore not possible for a local authority to approve a loan for a property with a gross internal floor area of more than 175 square metres.
