asked the Minister for the Environment (a) the number of local authority houses sold to tenants in each of the past five years; (b) if he has satisfied himself with the present method of assessing the sale price of local authority houses; and (c) if he will ensure that a greater number of new tenants are afforded the opportunity of purchasing their dwellings.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Authority Houses.
5.
According to information supplied by the authorities, the number of local authority houses sold to tenants thereof in the years in question was as follows: 1978, 2,934 houses; 1979, 4,393 houses; 1980, 4,949 houses; 1981, 4,087 houses.
Details of the number of dwellings sold in 1982 are not yet available.
It has been the general policy that all tenants of local authority dwellings, other than dwellings specifically provided for elderly persons, should be afforded the opportunity of purchasing their dwellings. The 1981-82 scheme expired on 31 January 1983 and I expect that discussions on a new scheme to take effect from 1 February 1983 will take place shortly.
Will the Minister give an undertaking to the House that there will not be a reduction in the amount of local authority dwellings to be completed in the coming year?
That is a different question.
I understand the Minister is due to meet the County Managers' Association on Thursday next and I imagine that that item will be discussed.
I will be dealing with that matter specifically on Question No. 9.
If the details for 1982 are not available, has he any estimate for that year?
No, I do not have an estimate available at this stage but as soon as information becomes available I will put it before the House.
(Clare): Could I ask the Minister when it is expected that the purchase scheme for 1983 will be available to local authorities?
I hope to have it available within a matter of weeks.