Written Answers Nos. 548-550
549. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the rollout of a social housing passport to allow persons on social housing waiting lists to change local authority without losing time on the list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62732/25]
View answerThe concept of a Housing Passport, intended to facilitate eligible social housing applicants to access social housing in any local authority of their preference has been considered by my Department in consultation with local authorities.
An initial scoping exercise was carried out by my Department which identified a range of practical and administrative issues, including those related to the income eligibility differences across local authority areas, maintenance of seniority on housing waiting lists, local connection requirements, the efficient allocation of existing housing stock, and resource implications for local authorities including the absence of a technology to support such an approach. Due to the complexity of the range of issues identified and the difficulties inherent in the practical application of such a scheme, further work in this area is not being considered at the present time.
It should be noted however, there is already a degree of flexibility regarding housing waiting lists. The four Dublin local authorities have arrangements allowing social housing applicants apply for housing in up to two of the other Dublin authorities simultaneously. Similar arrangements apply in the two Cork and two Galway local authorities. Households may also move and relocate between housing authority areas under the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme where the household income is within the relevant income limits.
550. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of first home scheme drawdowns, where the home buyer was also availing of help-to-buy, for each year since the first home scheme has been operational. [62755/25]
View answer551. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of help-to-buy drawdowns where the home buyer was also availing of first home scheme for each year since the first home scheme has been operational. [62756/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 550 and 551 together.
The First Home Scheme, which launched in July 2022, is a shared equity scheme, designed to help bridge the gap for eligible first-time buyers, eligible homebuyers, and self-builders, between their deposit and mortgage, and the price of their new home (within price ceilings established across the country).
The First Home Scheme Designated Activity Company (DAC) is fully responsible for the operation of the First Home Scheme on behalf of all shareholders and, as such, is responsible for all First Home Scheme reporting.
First Home Scheme DAC published their Q3 2025 report on 13 October 2025. The Q3 quarterly report shows continued strong interest in the scheme, with almost 8,400 buyers approved and over 4,100 homes already bought since the start of the scheme. The Q3 FHS Report noted that 66% of First Home Scheme users are also availing of Help to Buy. This, and all past quarterly reports, are available on the First Home Scheme website: www.firsthomescheme.ie/about-the-company/quarterly-updates/.
Please note, the Help to Buy incentive is not within the remit of my Department, and is operated by the Revenue Commissioners. The most up to date data for those availing of Help to Buy is gathered and processed by the relevant authorities. The Department of Finance (policy) and the Revenue Commissioners (operation) should be in a position to assist with queries regarding the scheme. More information is available at: www.revenue.ie/en/property/help-to-buy-incentive/who-can-claim-htb.aspx.
