Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 April 2017
297. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will review the case of a person (details supplied); the action he will take with regard to this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16078/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra303. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will review a matter (details supplied); if there are planned changes to the legislation at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16051/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra304. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will provide clarification on a matter (details supplied) in view of the fact that first-time buyer is not stated in the criteria for this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16052/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 297, 303 and 304 together.
I refer to the reply to Question No. 245 of 14 February 2017, wherein I clarified that Regulation 3 of the Housing (Local Authority Loans) Regulations 2012 clearly states that the Regulations apply to the provision of loan finance by housing authorities to first time buyers for the acquisition of houses or for the construction of new houses. The Regulations are clear in this regard. In addition, the housing loan scheme available to lower income first-time buyers from local authorities is subject to a rigorous credit policy that underpins the scheme and aims to ensure prudential lending.
I have no plans, at this time, to alter the Regulations in respect of their application to first time buyers only. This is to ensure effective targeting of limited resources.
