Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 245: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if disability can be used as a refusal for a shared ownership loan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13836/05]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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The administration of the shared ownership scheme is a matter for individual local authorities. Authorities must assess each application under the scheme on its merits and must have regard, inter alia, to the ability of applicants to manage the mortgage and rental commitments arising from a shared ownership transaction. They must satisfy themselves that the financial commitment being entered into would not put undue pressure on the applicant and his or her family over the lifetime of the loan.

Accordingly, the question of disability is not pertinent in the assessment of loan approval to purchase under the shared ownership scheme. Anyone who believes he or she is being discriminated against in his or her mortgage applications because of disability should refer the matter to the Equality Authority.