James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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42. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will consider broadening the eligibility criteria for the tenant purchase scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2122/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme came into operation on 1 January 2016. The Scheme is open to eligible tenants, including joint tenants, of local authority houses that are available for sale under the Scheme. To be eligible, tenants must meet certain criteria, including having a minimum reckonable income of €15,000 per annum and having been in receipt of social housing support for at least one year.

All tenants of houses included in the scheme who meet the eligibility criteria can apply to purchase their house, provided they are not disqualified from doing so under the provisions of the legislation. Reasons for disqualification include rent arrears, participation in a previous tenant purchase scheme or engagement in anti-social behaviour.

In line with the commitment given in Rebuilding Ireland- Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness, a review of all aspects of the first 12 months of the scheme’s operation is currently being undertaken by my Department. Details of how to get involved in the public consultation process which will inform this review can be found on my Department’s website at the following link:.

I expect this review to be completed by the end of Quarter 1 2017.