Tuesday, 12 Jul 2022

Written Answers Nos. 355-374

An Garda Síochána

Questions (355)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

355. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 548 of 21 April 2021, if he will provide an update in respect of the schedule of the 40 former Garda stations that were flagged for disposal and or alternative use; the company that will be used to conduct the planned auctions; and if he will provide a further schedule of the stations that will be included in the auction; and the outcome and amounts realised by those auctions that have taken place. [37936/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The Commissioners of Public Works have provided the attached update on the forty former Garda station properties including sale prices were applicable.

Garda Station Properties

The Office of Public Works (OPW) is actively engaged with a range of Government departments and agencies as an integral part of a whole of Government response to supporting new arrivals from the Ukraine to the State.

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth is undertaking a review of the OPW property portfolio to establish the potential availability of accommodation for such use and the measures that would need to be taken to render them suitable for residential purposes. The former Garda stations that have not been disposed of are part of this review. The OPW will continue to prepare these properties for disposal pending review.

The Auctioneers have not yet been appointed to manage the disposal of the former Garda station properties as the auctions are currently on hold pending the review.

Flood Risk Management

Questions (356)

Johnny Mythen

Question:

356. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the flood relief scheme for the river Slaney County Wexford. [37975/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The Enniscorthy (River Slaney) flood defence scheme is being progressed by Wexford County Council, on behalf of the Office of Public Works, as a scheme under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 and 1995. This is a significant scheme within the Office of Public Works (OPW) €1.3 billion flood relief investment programme nationally, as part of the NDP, from which the relevant funding for the Enniscorthy scheme will be made available. On completion, the scheme will protect 236 properties in the town.

The scheme was submitted through the confirmation process under the Arterial Drainage Acts to the Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform for assessment in mid-2020. In March 2022 the OPW received a decision from the Department for Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) to refuse the Scheme under Section 7E(1)(b) of the Arterial Drainage Acts (as amended by the European Union (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Arterial Drainage) Regulations 2019) due to a number of inadequacies with the Environmental Impact Assessment Report.

Following this decision the Project team is now examining how to address the questions raised in the DPER decision and consequently identify what the preferred approach will be. The project team, including consultants Mott MacDonald (MMD), have been meeting regularly to progress and address these issues.

This involves looking at the various approval mechanisms available. MMD have been tasked with identifying the optimum solution to progressing a scheme through the approval process. Before a decision can be made in this regard, we are obliged to undertake significant additional analysis (incl. further assessment of alternatives). The road map to this goal is currently in development.

The preferred approach will be established as the required additional analysis, survey work and evaluation of options is completed. Whatever the planning route, it has been identified that additional survey work and further detailed options assessments (i.e. assessment of alternatives) will need to be carried out. The scheme consultants are working on the options assessment and have identified all the time sensitive survey worked required which are currently under way.

Protected Disclosures

Questions (357)

Gerald Nash

Question:

357. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the provisions providing protection to volunteers will be formally commenced on enactment of the Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Bill, 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38033/22]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Bill 2022 provides for a substantial overhaul of the legislative framework for the protection of whistleblowers as well as to transpose EU Directive 2019/1937 on the protection of persons who report breaches of Union law. Among other things, the Bill expands the personal scope of the legislation to include an individual who is or was a volunteer. This represents a significant expansion of the scope of the Protected Disclosures Act 2014.

Commencement of the new legislation following enactment is a priority, not least because the deadline for transposition of the Directive has passed. Consideration needs to be given, however, to allowing for time for the new Office of the Protected Disclosures Commissioner to get up and running and for public bodies and relevant private sector organisations to implement the new requirements regarding the establishment of formal reporting channels. My officials are considering this and will put forward proposals in this regard shortly.

Waterways Issues

Questions (358)

Christopher O'Sullivan

Question:

358. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the works that are required to reopen the river walkway in Bandon, County Cork (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38073/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The ‘Stretch’ walkway along the Bandon River has been closed whilst the Office of Public Works has examined the need and appropriateness of a railing, in particular underneath Bandon Bridge. This has required consultation with Cork County Council and the scheme designers. I can confirm that tender documents are now being progressed and following a tender process a contractor will be appointed to complete this work.

Flood Risk Management

Questions (359)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

359. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the efforts that are being undertaken by the State to expand flood-relief measures beyond built-up areas in County Wexford to support low-lying houses in the area which are at risk from flooding (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38097/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

As recently indicated to the Deputy, a major flood relief scheme at New Ross is complete and under the Government's National Development Plan €1.3bn is being invested to 2030 in flood relief schemes. This includes schemes for Enniscorthy, Rosslare and Wexford Town that are at the design and planning stage. I would expect that the investment in these schemes alone will exceed some €80m when complete.

Fifteen other communities across Wexford are benefiting from €3m investment by the Government since 2009 to address local flooding issues, through the Office of Public Works Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. Under the scheme applications are considered for projects that are estimated to cost not more than €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects. Applications are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a cost benefit ratio and having regard to the availability of funding for flood risk management. Full details of all schemes are available on www.opw.ie.

Following a significant flood event over Christmas 2021, Mr. Patrick O'Donovan TD, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works visited Bridgetown and Enniscorthy and saw at first hand and met those people and communities that were affected. During the visit the Minister advised Wexford County Council that assistance maybe available for those affected through the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme to help the Council protect at risk properties at this area.

Recently Wexford County Council has submitted an application under the Minor Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for Bridgetown. Further information was requested by the OPW and this was provided by Wexford County Council on 28 June 2022. This application is now being considered by the OPW and a response will issue to Wexford County Council once the review is complete.

Departmental Contracts

Questions (360)

Carol Nolan

Question:

360. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her Department and bodies under the aegis of her Department have engaged the services of two organisations (details supplied) at any point from 1 January 2020 to date; the costs associated with or incurred by the provision of services from these organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37292/22]

Written answers

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

The information requested by the Deputy in relation to services provided by the two named organisations to my Department, or bodies under its aegis, is set out in the table below.

I am advised that the following engagements were entered into with one of the organisations to which the Deputy refers:

VALUE	YEAR
€4,180	2020
€6,918	2021
€2,486	2022 (to end June)
€13,584	TOTAL

In relation to bodies under the aegis of my Department, I am advised that the following engagements were entered into with one of the organisations to which the Deputy refers, within the specified time frame:

AGENCY	VALUE	YEAR
Tourism Ireland	€550	2020
Tourism Ireland	€700	2021
Sport Ireland	€550	2021
Tourism Ireland	€550	2022 (to end June)
TOTAL	€2,350

In relation to the following public bodies (Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, RTÉ and TG4), Section 24 and Section 98 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 provides for the independence in the performance of their functions. I have accordingly referred the Deputy's question for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.

Sports Funding

Questions (361)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

361. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the funding supports that are available to Irish elite amateur kickboxers considering the cost of travel, training and equipment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37330/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards, including the allocation of funding across its various funding programmes.

I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply in relation to funding supports. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Commemorative Events

Questions (362, 363, 364)

Paul Murphy

Question:

362. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 301 of 10 May 2022, if she will make a commitment that all future ceremonies will be open to the general public [37377/22]

Paul Murphy

Question:

363. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will make a commitment to give a minimum of 12 months' notice for the location of future National Famine Commemorations. [37378/22]

Paul Murphy

Question:

364. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will make a commitment to abide by the agreed rotation protocol for the National Famine Commemorations whereby it rotates between the four provinces over a four-year period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37379/22]

Written answers

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

I propose to take Questions Nos. 362 to 364, inclusive, together.

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Questions No 207, 208 & 209 of 31st May, in which I set out the out the position in relation to the arrangements for the 2022 National Famine Commemoration which was held at the National Famine Museum, Strokestown Park, Co. Roscommon on Sunday, 15th May.

As the Deputy will appreciate in recent years public health considerations have had a major influence on the arrangements for the Commemoration. However, while it has not been possible to facilitate public attendance as in previous years the event has continued to be available for viewing on the RTÉ News channel, as in previous years .

The National Famine Commemoration Committee is charged with considering arrangements for the National Famine Commemoration Day and will no doubt reflect on the experience of the last two years in putting forward proposals for the years ahead. I look forward to the outcome of the Committee's consideration of arrangements for the 2023 Commemoration later in the year.

Question No. 363 answered with Question No. 362.

Question No. 364 answered with Question No. 362.

Tourism Policy

Questions (365)

Aindrias Moynihan

Question:

365. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the steps that her Department is taking to mitigate the impacts of Brexit and Covid restrictions on the tourism sector; the steps that he is taking to address the drop in UK visitor numbers in 2021 and 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37738/22]

Written answers

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

As the Deputy is aware, the tourism sector has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic so I was therefore pleased to secure a record level of funding for tourism in Budget 2022. This total sum of €288.5 million represents an increase of €67.5 million over the 2021 allocation. The allocation includes €50 million for business continuity supports and a €35 million increase to the Tourism Marketing Fund to support the delivery of a marketing strategy to help restore inbound tourism to Ireland. Due to the devastating impact of COVID-19, the full effects of Brexit on our tourism sector may not become apparent for some time.

As part of its marketing strategy, Tourism Ireland has established a recovery framework which will be underpinned by an extensive programme of promotional activity throughout 2022. The organisation has a flexible, three-phase plan to RESTART, REBUILD and ultimately REDESIGN demand. Over €80 million is being invested in the programme in 2022, allowing Tourism Ireland to ramp up its campaigns in key international markets. The UK is a very important market for tourism to the island of Ireland, delivering 42% of all overseas visitors and around 25% of all overseas tourism revenue in 2019.

Tourism Ireland will continue to work with airlines and ferry companies through a programme of jointly funded marketing initiatives to support the restoration of air and sea access routes which are so vital for tourism’s return to growth.

Fáilte Ireland unveiled plans in early 2022 to support a sustained and sustainable recovery of the tourism industry this year. The plans include a doubling of domestic marketing investment to €10 million to drive domestic demand including short breaks all year round. The agency is providing further investment in the digital presence of tourism businesses, including enhancing the digital capabilities of over 400 tourism businesses through Fáilte Ireland’s "Digital that Delivers" programme.

Fáilte Ireland is also focusing on staffing and skills issues in the tourism and hospitality sector, including the first-ever Excellent Employer Programme. The agency will assist businesses in their immediate recruitment efforts and help them to commit to driving long-term change, to making the industry an appealing and rewarding workplace that can attract and retain talent.

Fáilte Ireland will continue its investment in new and enhanced "best in class" visitor experiences. Projects that will open between now and 2025 will be dispersed throughout the country and will help drive visitor growth with a strong focus on the outdoors. This will be complemented by a strong network of festivals and events.

A Tourism Recovery Taskforce was established in May 2020 and it adopted a Tourism Recovery Plan with recommendations on how best the Irish tourism sector could adapt and recover in the changed tourism environment. Later that year, I appointed a Recovery Oversight Group to oversee the implementation of this plan. This group has reported regularly to me and has provided valuable inputs to the Government on the measures required to assist the sector.

The Recovery Oversight Group is continuing its work and will report to me with updates on implementation of the Tourism Recovery Plan and recovery in the sector more generally.

Looking to the longer term, my Department has initiated the development of a sustainable tourism policy. The development of this new policy will involve consultation with the tourism industry and with communities to help set out a path for the coming years which will support sustainable recovery and growth in the sector.

Raidió Teilifís Éireann

Questions (366)

Colm Burke

Question:

366. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the way that her Department plans to engage with RTÉ to explore measures for reducing the State broadcaster’s dependence on Exchequer funding considering it has been increasing in recent years; if her Department will ensure that any liabilities owed to the Exchequer by RTÉ would be financed through the broadcaster’s commercial revenue streams or savings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37806/22]

Written answers

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

Under the provisions of the Broadcasting Act 2009, RTÉ is funded through a combination of licence fee revenues and commercial revenues, the latter being obtained largely from advertising. The licence fee revenues comprise both TV licence fees collected by An Post and an Exchequer contribution from the Department of Social Protection in respect of free TV licences. These revenues fund both RTÉ and the Broadcasting Fund, including the Sound and Vision Scheme, which all broadcasters all eligible to apply for.

Additional Exchequer funding for free licences and to replace TG4’s funding from the licence fee, resulted in additional funding of €8.6m and €9.3m to RTÉ in 2019 and 2020 respectively.

It is not intended to reduce the Exchequer allocation in respect of free licences, as the number of people who benefit from free licences continues to increase for demographic reasons, and it is appropriate that the State's allocation should reflect this. In addition, it should be noted that this Exchequer contribution to overall licence fee income is allocated to the Sound and Vision Scheme as well as to RTÉ.

The financial position of RTÉ is reviewed on an ongoing basis by way of a governance structure which includes my Department and NewERA. In addition, the Future of Media Commission has made recommendations to strengthen the accountability and oversight of RTE by Coimisiún na Meán, which my Department will be progressing. The Commission's report was published today.

Given the independence of RTÉ under Section 98 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, I have no role to play in the settlement of any liabilities by RTÉ with the Exchequer.

Television Licence Fee

Questions (367)

Colm Burke

Question:

367. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her Department would be in support of replacing An Post by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners as the collection agents of TV licence fees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37808/22]

Written answers

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

The media sector in Ireland, which is a vital element of our democracy and society as a whole, is undergoing fundamental change, for the most part driven by advances in technology and the manner in which we ourselves consume media content.

A key element in this was the establishment of the Future of Media Commission, which was chaired by Professor Brian MacCraith. The report of the Future of Media Commission and its recommendations were considered by Government and the report is now published. It is important to note that Government has agreed in principle to accept 49 of the Commission’s 50 recommendations.

Having carefully considered the Commission’s funding recommendations the Government is of the view that a move to an Exchequer-based funding for Public Service Media raises certain concerns for the actual and perceived independence of media funding. The additional burden for the Exchequer in moving to such a model at a time of significant budgetary pressures was also a factor in the Government's decision.

The Commission did not recommend, nor did Government decide, that the Revenue Commissioners should replace An Post as collection agent. Rather Government decided to reform and enhance the current TV licence fee system and to establish a technical group to examine how this can be achieved and to report back to the Minister and to Government in November of this year.

Raidió Teilifís Éireann

Questions (368)

Neale Richmond

Question:

368. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her attention has been drawn to the ongoing issues regarding former RTÉ staff and access to pensions; if she has met the group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38019/22]

Written answers

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

The RTÉ Superannuation Scheme (RTESA), established under Statute, is sponsored by RTÉ. Section 91 of the Broadcasting Act provides for the RTÉ pension scheme on Ministerial approval with the approval of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. In addition, Section 85 of the RTÉ Superannuation Scheme provides for authorisation of increases from time to time and this is for determination by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The Scheme is managed by a Board of Trustees who have responsibility for overseeing the scheme’s operations, including the investment of the scheme’s assets.

Following an unsuccessful application in 2018, in December 2020, the proposal for a 2% pension increase was submitted to my Department seeking my and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform approval, as required under the governing legislation that I have outlined.

I can advise that under Regulation 85 of the RTÉSA, payment of the discretionary pension increase of 2% to RTÉ staff (backdated to January 2021) has recently been authorised by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on a once-off basis.

Implementation of the increase is currently being examined by RTÉ.

Raidió Teilifís Éireann

Questions (369)

Neale Richmond

Question:

369. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide an update into the ongoing issues with RTÉ pensions and the lack of increases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38020/22]

Written answers

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

I can advise the Deputy that under Regulation 85 of the RTÉSA, payment of the discretionary pension increase of 2% to RTÉ staff (backdated to January 2021) has recently been authorised by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on a once-off basis.

Implementation of the increase is currently being examined by RTÉ.

Rental Sector

Questions (370)

Paul Murphy

Question:

370. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will introduce legislation to ensure that in cases in which a landlord is increasing rents to a market rate that they cannot use their own property to demonstrate that it is on par with others in the area; if he will place limits on the percentage increase that a landlord can charge outside of a rent pressure zone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38060/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2022 regulates the landlord-tenant relationship in the rented residential sector and sets out the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants. The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) was established as an independent statutory body under the Act to operate a national tenancy registration system and to facilitate the resolution of disputes between landlords and tenants.

Due to the quasi-judicial nature of work of the RTB, it would be inappropriate for me as Minister or this Department to comment on, provide legal advice or to intervene in the specifics of any individual case. All of their mediators, adjudicators and tribunal members have independent decision-making powers, in the same way as judges have within the Court system. As the RTB has replaced the courts in resolving residential tenancy disputes, it has a responsibility towards all parties involved in a dispute to ensure that a fair hearing is conducted and that each party will have the opportunity to set out their case. Any decision made is based on the facts and evidence of a given case.

In setting a rent, a landlord cannot exceed the market rent. In general, a rent in respect of a dwelling cannot be reviewed more frequently than annually in a Rent Pressure Zone (RPZ), or biannually outside of a RPZ. In reviewing a rent, a landlord must complete the Notice of Rent Review (available on the RTB’s website) which must be served on the tenant at least 90 days before the new rent becomes payable and requires details of the rent last set for the dwelling and, if the dwelling is in an RPZ, comply with procedures providing for the rent increase restriction and use the Rent Pressure Zone calculator on www.rtb.ie to ensure compliance with the rent setting laws.

A landlord must include details of 3 comparable rents in the Notice of Rent Review.

Where a tenant is unsure as to the validity of a Notice of Rent Review served, he or she may refer the matter to the RTB for dispute resolution, with redress available to the tenant including a possible direction to pay a refund of any unlawful rent amount paid and an amount of damages of up to €20,000.

Since 1 July 2019, the RTB is empowered under Part 7A – Complaints, Investigations and Sanctions – of the Residential Tenancies Acts to investigate improper conduct by landlords including unlawful rent setting in RPZs and to impose sanctions, where appropriate. The RTB has the power to impose sanctions if improper conduct by a landlord is found to have occurred, ranging from a formal written caution and/or a fine of up to €15,000 and/or costs up to €15,000.

I have no plans to alter the Residential Tenancies Act in this regard at this time but I do keep the operation of the Acts under constant review and I will make timely amendments, as may be required. The targeting of rent controls to RPZs is necessary to respect and limit the State's interference with the constitutionally protected property rights of landlords. The RTB's dispute resolution service is available to deal with rent setting disputes.

Budget 2023

Questions (371)

Joe Flaherty

Question:

371. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a similar compensation payment awarded to two county councils resulting from the closure of power stations will be included in Budget 2023 given that the local authorities face profound uncertainty should this not happen (details supplied). [37606/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The closure of power plants in Offaly and Longford will have a negative impact on the commercial rates income of Offaly and Longford County Councils, an impact which has been fully recognised by my Department. To alleviate this negative impact, my Department provided Offaly County Council with €1.7m in 2021 and 2022 while Longford County Council have received €1.3m in each year.

My Department will engage with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform during the Estimates process in respect of the 2023 position.

Harbours and Piers

Questions (372)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

372. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the two properties (details supplied) which were brought to the attention of the Petitions Committee have been measured and registered; If not, when they are likely to be measured and registered. [37744/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Property Registration Authority (PRA) is under the aegis of my Department. In relation to any specific cases with the PRA, arrangements have been put in place to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. Further information in relation to the specific cases referred to may be obtained by contacting the dedicated e-mail address in respect of the PRA at [e-mail]

Ukraine War

Questions (373)

Alan Dillon

Question:

373. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on an application submitted by Mayo County Council for a building (details supplied) as suitable accommodation for Ukrainians arriving in Ireland; and when his Department expects to make a decision on this application. [37750/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

As part of the Government's on-going response to the humanitarian challenges arising as a consequence of the invasion of Ukraine, my Department is leading efforts to refurbish vacant buildings suitable for use as multi-occupancy accommodation, in partnership with local authorities. In cases where vacant buildings identified as part of the initial request to local authorities do not require, or are not suitable for, refurbishment, they have been notified to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for appropriate follow-up, which I understand is the case in this instance.

Housing Schemes

Questions (374)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

374. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if it is possible to purchase properties under the incremental tenant purchase scheme with cash lump sums rather than with mortgage finance. [36977/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Tenant Purchase Scheme is open to eligible tenants, including joint tenants, of local authority houses that are available for sale under the scheme.

Among other things, eligible tenants must meet a minimum income requirement to qualify under the scheme. This requirement has a dual purpose. It ensures the scheme is sustainable, and the tenant purchasing the house has the financial means to maintain and insure the property for the duration of the charged period. Subject to meeting this requirement, monies for the purchase of a house may come from several sources, including savings, a mortgage provided by a financial institution, or a local authority house purchase loan.