Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 December 2021
64. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the current tenant purchase scheme will be reviewed to allow social housing tenants who have been allocated housing since 2015 to purchase their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60866/21]
View answerThe Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme was introduced 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. Currently, tenants must meet certain criteria to be considered for the scheme, including having a minimum reckonable income of €15,000 per annum and being in receipt of social housing support for at least one year.
The Housing (Sale of Local Authority Houses) Regulations 2015 governing the scheme require certain specified classes of houses 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 for people with disabilities transferring from institutional care to community-based living.
It is a matter for each local authority to administer the scheme in accordance with the governing legislation and in line with their housing requirements. Accordingly, local authorities may also exclude certain houses they consider should not be sold, for example, to ensure proper stock or estate management.
Housing for All, A New Housing Plan for Ireland, commits to maintaining the right of social housing tenants to purchase their own home, with some changes to eligibility. I expect to finalise changes to the scheme before the end of the year.
