John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 850: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide details of the scheme whereby senior citizens who own their own house may sell it and seek council senior citizens accommodation; if this scheme is available to Sligo County Council and Sligo Borough Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22808/05]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

A number of local authorities operate a scheme whereby elderly persons who own an existing house can apply for a local authority tenancy and sell their house to the authority at a reduced market value. The scheme allows elderly persons to move to accommodation better suited to their needs, generally with access to better services. At the same time, it provides the local authority with access to under occupied family type housing for renting to families on their waiting list. The operation of such schemes is a matter for individual local authorities. It is understood that neither Sligo County Council nor Sligo Borough Council operates this scheme. It would be necessary for local authorities that wish to operate this scheme to include its provisions as part of their scheme of letting priorities for local authority housing. The making or amending of schemes of letting priorities is a reserved function of the elected members of individual councils.