Robert Troy
Ceist:833. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider shortening the timeframe for qualification for the tenant purchase scheme. [34888/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMonday, 9 September 2024
Ceisteanna (833)
Freagraí scríofa
The Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme provides for the purchase by eligible tenants, including joint 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 associated regulations. Changes to the Scheme took effect from 29 January 2024 with the introduction of the Housing (Sale of Local Authority Houses) (Amendment) Regulations 2023.
Amongst the changes were, in the case of joint tenant applications, only one tenant must now be in receipt of social housing supports for at least 10 years in order to qualify, as determined by the local authority in accordance with the rules of the scheme. This is a change from all tenants having to have been in receipt of social housing supports for at least 10 years previously.
My Department monitors schemes on an ongoing basis to ensure that they remain effective and sustainable. However, I can advise that there are no further plans to amend this aspect of the scheme at this time.