Vol. 534 No. 4
170 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will clarify the position with the purchase of an existing used house by a couple, one of whom was previously a house owner in a previous relationship, and the second person being a first time buyer; if a first time buyer's grant can be paid in total or in part in cases such as this with regard to existing and new houses. [11096/01]
There are no grants available for the purchase of a second hand house. A new house grant is payable to a first time purchaser of a new house who fulfils the conditions of the grants scheme, which require, inter alia, that the applicant did not previously purchase, individually or with a spouse, a house for their own occupation in this State or abroad. However, a grant may be allowed in respect of a new house where the marriage of the person has been dissolved or annulled by court order, or the person is separated under a court order or a deed of separation, and the person and any dependants are in need of housing; and the Minister is satisfied that refusal to pay a grant would cause undue hardship. Each application is considered on its merits.
