Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Independent)
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300. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the benefit in amending section 99 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 in relation to solicitors and estate agents fees and costs to assist those who purchased homes through the affordable housing scheme and may now wish to sell and free up properties for first-time buyers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20197/14]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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The claw-back provision under section 99 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, is intended to prevent short-term profit taking on the resale of the house to the detriment of the objectives of the schemes. However, where a person is selling and the clawback amount payable would reduce the proceeds of resale below the initial price actually paid, the legislation provides for the amount of the clawback payable to be reduced to the extent necessary to avoid that result. Legal and auctioneering fees are costs which vendors bear separately, as do all other owner-occupiers who choose to sell their home.

The Government’s 2011 Housing Policy Statement announced the standing down of all affordable housing schemes under Part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2013. I expect a broader review of Part V to be completed in the near future.