Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2021
370. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if persons who are divorced or legally separated will be considered as eligible applicants for the proposed first home affordable purchase shared equity scheme; when the details of the scheme will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52567/21]
View answerHousing for All is the most ambitious housing plan in the history of our State, backed up by an unprecedented financial commitment of in excess of €4bn per annum. As detailed in Housing for All under ‘Pathway to Supporting Home Ownership and Increasing Affordability’, affordable purchase and the home loan scheme will be primarily targeted at first time buyers. However, the plan also confirms that it is intended that a ‘Fresh Start’ principle will apply for applications to these schemes. Depending on the particular scheme, this could mean that people who had been involved in a relationship breakdown or who have undergone insolvency proceedings, will be eligible to apply.
Housing for All commits to delivering an average of 4,000 affordable purchase homes per annum. Regarding the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme, I have already commenced Part 2 of the Affordable Housing Act 2021 regarding Affordable Dwelling Purchase Arrangements. Section 10 of that Act details criteria for the assessment of applicant eligibility by a housing authority and provides eligibility in cases where a marriage, civil partnership or relationship has ended. It is intended the Regulations governing the operation of these provisions will be put in place in the near future. It is intended that upon deployment of the First Home Shared Equity Scheme, the Fresh Start principle would also apply.
My Department is engaging with a range of stakeholders including representatives from the Banking Payments Federation of Ireland, Bank of Ireland, Allied Irish Bank and PTSB to consider the administrative and operational provisions of the First Home scheme. Work on the detailed design and operation of the scheme is advancing. The full scheme details will be confirmed on completion of this work.
