Vol. 490 No. 5
58 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to amend the national tenant purchase scheme, particularly the house valuation condition, in view of the fact that the unprecedented increase in the valuation of houses is making it almost impossible for tenants to avail of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10495/98]
The basic principle of the tenant purchase scheme is that the purchase prices of houses sold are based on the market value of the house in its existing state of repair and condition, subject to the generous discounts allowed to tenants under the scheme. There were 2,139 sales completed under the scheme in 1997. I am satisfied that the scheme is, generally, working satisfactorily and I have no proposals to amend the terms of the scheme at present.
