Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 9 September 2024
899. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will amend the conditions pertaining to the tenant purchase scheme to enable long-term tenants of smaller social housing units, which were termed in the past as older persons’ dwellings, to purchase their homes if they so wish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35880/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme is open to eligible tenants, including joint tenants, of local authority houses that are available for sale under the scheme. The scheme is underpinned by the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 and the Housing (Sale of Local Authority Houses) Regulations 2015, as amended by the Housing (Sale of Local Authority Houses) (Amendment) Regulations 2023.
The Regulations provide for a number of specified classes of houses to be excluded from sale, including houses which have been specifically designed for occupation by one or more elderly person. This ensures that, at a time of unprecedented demand, and at a time where my Department must consider the diverse needs of an ageing population, that the stock of houses designed for occupation by older persons is not eroded over time and the properties remain available for people most in need of social housing support.
My Department monitors schemes such as this on an ongoing basis to ensure that they remain effective and sustainable, however, there are no plans to amend this aspect of the scheme at this time.
