Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 March 2023
172. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are any circumstances in the tenant purchase scheme where a derogation can be given to an applicant in respect of the ten-year social support requirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15999/23]
View answerThe Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme provides for the purchase by eligible tenants, or joint tenants, of local authority homes available for sale under the scheme. To be eligible, applicants must meet certain criteria, including minimum time in receipt of social housing supports.
The tenant or, in the case of applications from joint tenants, both tenants, must be in receipt of social housing support (which includes Housing Assistance Payment) for a minimum period of 10 years. This requirement seeks to encourage long-term tenants to stay in their homes and support development of socially sustainable communities.
All sales under the scheme must meet the criteria set down in Part 3 of Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 and associated Regulations. While the sale of dwellings under the scheme are entirely matters for local authorities, they have no scope to derogate from the legislative requirements.
Changes to the scheme are currently being examined as part of the work on the broader social housing reform agenda.
