Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 328: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to facilitate full purchase of affordable houses by those on the shared ownership scheme in such a way that a claw back will not apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20154/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Houses sold under the various affordable housing schemes at a discount from market value contain a clawback provision, in order to prevent short-term profit taking on the resale of the house to the detriment of the objectives of the schemes. In the case of affordable dwellings provided under shared ownership arrangements and at a discount from market value, a person wishing to buy out the local authority's share must in accordance with section 10(3)(a)(i) of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2002, refund an amount equal to the original discount received.

The terms and conditions of the various affordable housing schemes are kept under review in my Department to ensure that they are operating efficiently and effectively and in an equitable manner. There are a number of relevant examinations under way at present in this area during which all elements of the schemes, including the application of the clawback to shared ownership housing, will be addressed.