Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 1873: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position of rental subsidy housing and the application of tenants to purchase such housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2370/07]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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There is no provision at present in the voluntary housing schemes for the purchase of individual houses by tenants. However, it was agreed under Housing Policy Framework — Building Sustainable Communities that consideration would be given in consultation with the voluntary and co-operative sector, to pilot a tenant purchase scheme for some new voluntary homes under the scheme.

The modalities of such a scheme have been the subject of ongoing discussion between my Department and representatives of the voluntary and co-operative housing sector including the Irish Council for Social Housing and National Association of Building Co-operatives. Submissions recently received from a number of these organisations with regard to a pilot tenant purchase scheme have been examined in my Department. A number of issues have been identified by the voluntary and co-operative sector which require further examination and consultation. The introduction of such a scheme including any legislative element, will be determined in the coming months.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 1874: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position of the refurbishment of a housing estate (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2371/07]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department sanctioned the provision of funding to Athy Town Council in March 2006 for refurbishment works to houses at Carbery Park / Townspark in Athy under the Remedial Works Scheme. I understand that discussions are underway with the contractor concerning the scope and cost of the works. Once these discussions have concluded it will be a matter for the Council, subject to final approval, to enter into a contract with the contractor to enable work to commence as soon as possible.