Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for arriving late. I was in the Chair in the Dáil. I have a few queries on housing in the Estimates. The Minister spoke about the programme in the Estimates for next year. Has he examined sheltered housing because the schemes that have been provided were very successful, particularly the one in Tuam? I ask that the Minister examine the schemes in other counties.

I support Deputy Ó Fearghaíl's call regarding voluntary housing where houses could be purchased by the voluntary sector. On sheltered housing, it is not just a question of the housing non-governmental organisations. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, for example, has submitted proposals.

My main query is on the tenant purchase scheme referred to in the Minister's reply. We are all familiar with the 30% deduction in the current scheme, and the Minister mentioned a new scheme. I read about that in the Irish Mail at the weekend. I believe it was the only paper to carry the story. If legislation is to be brought in I would expect it to be brought in soon because the 30% deduction is only available for another short period; I understand it may only be months for people who have applied and were sanctioned. If it is the case that the people cannot make the deadline, will the Minister ensure they will get a better deal under the new scheme? When will the legislation be introduced? I understand people who got the 30% deduction also got a reduction which they would have got if they had built the houses themselves.

It is a pretty good deal but there are only months remaining. The legislation is very important if a new scheme is to be introduced. I hope the Minister of State will give us some details.