Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 October 2024
78. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has considered extending the remit of approved housing bodies to include a proportion of homes for affordable purchase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42875/24]
View answerThe Government has targeted delivery of 54,000 affordable homes between now and 2030, to be facilitated by local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies, the Land Development Agency and via the First Home scheme, a strategic partnership between the State and retail banks.
Part 2 of the Affordable Housing Act 2021 sets out the statutory arrangements for the administration of Affordable Purchase schemes by local authorities.
In line with the Act, local authorities may develop affordable purchase schemes in conjunction with other delivery partners who may include private contractors, the Land Development Agency or Approved Housing Bodies. Funding and contractual arrangements will be a matter for agreement between the parties concerned i.e. the local authority as client and the Approved Housing Body or other party as contractor.
As Minister, I have no role or function in relation to the administration of individual affordable purchase schemes which, in line with the Act, are a matter for the local authority. It is a matter for each Approved Housing Body to decide whether or not to extend their remit to the provision of affordable purchase homes in any scheme and partner with a local authority to avail of the statutory local authority affordable purchase framework and supports.
