Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

It will not be possible to purchase a house under the scheme as it is a leasing scheme. It will not be any different from taking a local authority house because the landlord will be the local authority or the voluntary body. There is a great similarity and the differential rent will apply. One will not be entitled to purchase. However, as the Deputy will be aware, the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008 includes an incremental purchase scheme. Tenants who feel they are in a position to move towards a purchase will be able to do so under this scheme.

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