James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy Ó Broin for raising this important question about the tenant in situ scheme and housing first.

Tenant in situ acquisitions have been an important measure in the prevention of homelessness since their introduction in 2023. The Government has therefore agreed to continue such acquisitions in 2025 and has increased the funding available for second-hand social acquisitions from the €60 million allocated under Housing for All to €325 million through the allocation of an additional €265 million a couple of months ago. In budget 2025, €60 million was allocated. The Minister, Deputy Chambers, significantly increased this funding only a couple of months ago by an additional €265 million. To date, local authorities have drawn down only 20%, or €64.13 million, of the €325 million which has been allocated for acquisitions in 2025. No local authority has drawn down all its funding or even come close to it.

My Department engaged with local authorities on the operational details for the second-hand acquisitions programme, and a circular setting out the arrangements issued to them on 31 March 2025, with individual allocations for the local authorities being notified to them on 1 April 2025.

Under revised arrangements for second-hand acquisitions in 2025, local authorities received a capital funding allocation for the acquisition of homes for the priority categories of tenant in situ properties that allow persons or families to exit homelessness; one-bedroom properties to deliver on housing first targets; specific housing required for people with a disability or the elderly; and vacant properties under the buy and renew scheme.

The provision of a capital funding allocation will help promote best practice in obtaining value for money and provide local authorities with the flexibility to respond to needs and priorities locally within the categories of need being prioritised.

Tenant in situ acquisitions continue to be supported and prioritised where other solutions cannot be found for the affected tenants. It is a matter for local authorities to assess the circumstances of each case and decide the appropriate action. The arrangements for 2025 will ensure a more targeted and focused acquisitions programme.

My Department continues to engage with local authorities on any challenges which emerge in order to ensure that tenant in situ acquisitions can continue in 2025 where no other solutions exist for the affected households.

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