Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, Deputy English, for coming to the Chamber.

I would like him to outline the Government's plan to amend the tenant purchase scheme thus allowing Part V tenants an opportunity to buy their properties if they so wish. Most people, where possible, would like to own their own home and a home is also a very important asset for families. Amending the tenant purchase scheme would facilitate a positive transfer of wealth to a section of society that does not have that opportunity too often. Under the tenant purchase scheme, Part V houses are excluded. I believe the provision discriminates against the people who occupy such properties. There are approximately 4,000 Part V houses in the entire country. In County Monaghan there are 154 Part V properties out of a total housing stock of 1,550 units and the figures are similar for County Cavan. In my travels I have spoken to a number of young families who are heartbroken because a clause prevents them from buying the Part V properties in which they live. They dream of owning a home. Unfortunately, their dream is out of reach and will never be realised due to the way the scheme is currently designed.

From the State's point of view, it is difficult to understand why the Part V provision preventing the purchase of a home has been included. The sale of Part V properties, like other council properties, will generate much-needed revenue for the State and mean that the State is no longer responsible for their maintenance thus saving money. The moneys that accrue from sales that are part of tenant purchase schemes should be ring-fenced and given to the local authorities concerned and where the sale occurs.

In summary, I want to give the people who live in Part V houses hope that some day they will fulfil their dream of home ownership, which is currently out of their reach. I earnestly ask that the Government amends the condition in the Part V regulations that prevents people from buying their homes. The removal of the condition will allow people an opportunity, if they wish to avail of it, of investing in a property that can be their own home. Many of them have spent money on home improvements and they dream of ultimately owning those homes. I ask that the condition that forbids people from purchasing is removed so that they can, if they so wish, purchase their homes like other people do under the tenant purchase scheme.