Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 118: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has decided when and where he will introduce a pilot scheme for tenant purchase in the cooperative and voluntary housing sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7450/07]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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There is no provision at present in the voluntary housing schemes for the purchase of individual houses by tenants. However, it was agreed under Housing Policy Framework — Building Sustainable Communities that consideration would be given, in consultation with the voluntary and co-operative sector, to pilot a tenant purchase scheme for some new voluntary homes under the scheme.

The modalities of such a scheme have been the subject of ongoing discussion between my Department and representatives of the voluntary and co-operative sector including the Irish Council for Social Housing and the National Association of Building Co-operatives. Submissions received from a number of these organisations with regard to a pilot tenant purchase scheme have been examined in my Department. A number of issues have been identified by the voluntary and co-operative sector which require further examination and consultation. The introduction of such a scheme including its timing and possible location, will be determined in the coming months.