Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 April 2022
271. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the tenant purchase scheme is open to those receiving a non-contributory pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18952/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Tenant Purchase Scheme is open to eligible tenants, including joint tenants, of local authority houses that are available for sale under the scheme.
The scheme was reviewed in 2021 in line with Programme for Government and Housing for All commitments. The Government approved a number of amendments on foot of the review and these came into effect on 1st February 2022.
The amendments include a reduction in the minimum reckonable income required to be eligible under the scheme from €15,000 to €12,500. This means older tenants, whose only income might be the contributory or non-contributory State pension, can qualify to buy their homes if they have the financial means to do so. The time an applicant is required to be in receipt of social housing supports to be able to apply under the scheme has also been revised. This has been increased from one to ten years.
