Housing Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024

Wednesday, 17 January 2024

Ceisteanna (733, 735)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

733. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if it has been drawn to his attention that two local authority tenants (details supplied) applied to purchase their home under the tenant (incremental) purchase scheme 2016 and that the local authority would not allow a discount on the price of the house for the ‘material improvements’ carried out; if he will consider modifying the scheme, if necessary, in order that the local authority can be allowed to apply the discount for the ‘material improvements’ carried out on the house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56425/23]

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

735. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if it has been drawn to his attention that council tenants (details supplied) applied to purchase their home under the tenant (incremental) purchase scheme 2016 and that the local authority would not allow a discount on the price of the house for the ‘material improvements’ carried out if he will consider modifying the scheme, if necessary, in order that the council can allow apply the discount for the ‘material improvements’ carried out on the house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56460/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I propose to take Questions Nos. 733 and 735 together.

The Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme provides for the purchase by eligible tenants of local authority houses which are available for sale under the scheme. All applications for the Scheme must satisfy the requirements outlined in the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 and the associated regulations. 

The Act includes provision for a local authority to take into consideration any material improvements made to the house by tenants, where written permission has been obtained in advance of these material improvements taking place. Local authorities have been issued with detailed written guidance regarding the operation of the Scheme.

Section 63(3) of the Local Government Act 2001 provides that, subject to law, a local authority is independent in the performance of its functions. The operation of and any decisions made in respect of the Scheme is therefore, entirely a matter for the local authority and it would not be appropriate for me to comment on an individual case.

My Department monitors schemes on an ongoing basis to ensure that they remain effective and sustainable. However, no changes to the method by which local authorities determine a purchase price or determine the allowance for material improvements are being considered at this time.