Catherine Ardagh (Dublin South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

12. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the support his Department is providing the tenant in situ scheme in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12743/25]

Catherine Ardagh (Dublin South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The tenant in situ scheme has been hugely successful for many constituents in Dublin South Central. Nationally, it has prevented 20,000 people from losing their homes. Colleagues from across the House have all had people coming to our clinics who waiting for this scheme to be properly recommenced. In light of the announcement of additional funding, which is very welcome, how many extra homes will be secured through the scheme by Dublin City Council specifically, particularly given the huge demand that exists in the city of Dublin?

Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South-West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Ardagh. Tenant in situ acquisitions have been an important measure in the prevention of homelessness since their introduction in 2023. Government has therefore agreed to continue such acquisitions in 2025 and has increased the funding available for second-hand social housing acquisitions from the €60 million allocated under Housing for All to €325 million. This is being done through the allocation of an additional €265 million.

My Department has been engaging with local authorities on the operational details for the second-hand acquisitions programme. A circular setting out the arrangements will issue shortly. That may be an answer to the Deputy's specific question in respect of Dublin City Council.

Under revised arrangements for second-hand acquisitions in 2025, local authorities will receive a capital funding allocation for the acquisition of homes for the following priority categories: tenant in situ, the elderly and disabled persons, exits from homelessness and buy and renew acquisitions that tackle vacancy. The provision of a capital funding allocation will help promote best practice in obtaining value for money and will 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.

Catherine Ardagh (Dublin South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. The extra funding is extremely welcome. The demand for the scheme continues to grow. We all have people literally looking to get into our constituency offices to try to find out when the scheme will be recommencing. Can the Minister confirm if the new allocation will fully meet the need that exists or will a further increase be required? Are there measures in place to speed up the process relating to purchases, especially as some tenants have been left waiting months. The bureaucracy relating to trying to get approved for these schemes has been very difficult to deal with in the past. Obviously, different local authorities have different methods of conveying the properties. Some do not use electronic fund transfers and some are only using cheques. Is there a streamlined process for local authorities to purchase properties?

Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South-West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Ardagh. In fairness to her, she is one of the many Government backbenchers who have called for both the continuation of the tenant in situ scheme and clarification in respect of it. We are glad to be able to confirm that the tenant in situ scheme will continue this year. It is important to provide clarity for people out there. I absolutely agree with the Deputy on that. The scheme has been a success. Well over 2,000 households have avoided homelessness because of the tenant in situ scheme. That is why the Minister said earlier that there is a commitment to continue with the scheme.

As to whether or not local authorities will be resourced enough to deliver what is necessary, as with all Housing for All solutions, adaptability and agility are very important. In addition, some local authorities have been better than others in terms of delivery of social and affordable homes, but that has to be the key focus. The best way we can end homelessness and provide homes for all is by housing delivery. That, along with availing of the supports available under the tenant in situ scheme and the delivery of social and affordable homes, has to be a key priority of local authorities.

Catherine Ardagh (Dublin South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Has the Government considered streamlining the application process? Do all local authorities have the necessary resources to ensure quick turnaround once the circular is issued? If demand exceeds the current budget, will further funding be made available by the Department?

Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In the context of what I said earlier, we all get that the tenant in situ scheme absolutely worked and saved people from homelessness. We are very worried about the tighter criteria. I am specifically asking for some flexibility where local authorities have for the past while been almost only looking at brand-new purchases, or close to that, because they were afraid of getting caught, for want of a better term, on the hook from the point of view of maintenance. There is a problem with maintenance in general. We have all dealt with those who work in maintenance and know that at times it is a question of robbing Peter to pay Paul. We need to look at this particular solution. Estate management issues can often be addressed where it makes sense to buy back the house in a local authority housing estate that is occupied by a very good tenant. We need situations like that to end in success for all in order to remove the threat of people falling into homelessness.

Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South-West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies. Addressing Deputy Ó Murchú on the issue of flexibility, the Minister already mentioned that in the context of any circulars or correspondence to local authorities, there will be a degree of flexibility. It will be certainly up to local authorities to implement the scheme.

There is nothing at all wrong with having some form of prioritisation. Most schemes involve prioritisation. It is good practice. I do not think it is something we should row back on in the context of this scheme.

Deputy Ardagh spoke about streamlining the process. Local authorities will be urged to turn around, as quickly as possible, any tenant in situ purchases where this is deemed to be a solution to avoid homelessness. The proper resources will be provided in that regard. In order that there be no ambiguity, I reiterate that the tenant in situ scheme will continue. That is down to calls from the Opposition but also from many of our backbenchers, who have, for the past few weeks, been urging the Government to continue with the scheme. That will happen.