Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

The incremental purchase scheme allows for the first time people allocated a house to enter a purchase scheme on the day they were allocated it. This has not been available to date and this is an innovation contained in this legislation. I have been of the opinion for many years that this opportunity should be given to tenants. It gives the person ownership of the house from the day they go into it and they take responsibility for maintenance and insurance. This will be introduced on a pilot basis but I hope it will become the norm in a very short period.

Regarding the matter of houses being passed on to other members of the family, I wish to be clear that these are matters for each housing authority and I do not wish to be seen to interfere with that. I would be concerned also if there was not uniformity on the matter. If there was not uniformity and inconsistencies arose, as mentioned by Senators, it might be the subject of a circular from me or even further legislation but it is an area on which I would like to see uniformity across the housing authorities. It is not specifically dealt with in the legislation but the matter has been raised and we will take note of it and have it examined in the context of a circular, a meeting with housing officers, which happens on a regular basis in any event, or by way of legislation. If there is a need for legislation in the future, I will have no hesitation in dealing with the matter by including it in a further Bill because I am sure there will be other housing Bills coming through.