Kathryn Reilly (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 3:

In page 37, between lines 16 and 17, to insert the following:"Replenishing and refurbishment of housing stock
23. All proceeds from the sale of local authority housing stock must be ring fenced by the local authority concerned for use in the replacement of said units or, in the case where demand is not present, for the maintenance of existing local authority housing stock.".

This amendment goes over ground covered on Committee Stage.

The amendment means that any money raised under the tenant purchase scheme would be used to improve and replenish existing stock and provide new housing. During the debate on Committee Stage the Minister made a point about section 13 of the 2009 Act, but I do not have confidence that it is a strong enough provision. The section states money may be used for housing and maintenance works, but my amendment states it would have to be ring-fenced and used for housing. This could be a better way of doing things, by encouraging local authorities to invest in their housing stock.