John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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600. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the number of completed tenant purchase scheme applications by each local authority since its introduction in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41274/17]

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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Local authorities are by law (Section 63(1) of the Local Government Act 2001) independent in the performance of their functions. The operation of the Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme is a matter for the local authority concerned, in line with legislation, including the Housing (Sale of Local Authority Houses) Regulations 2015.

The new Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme for existing local authority houses 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.

In line with the commitment given in the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness, a review of the first 12 months of the Tenant Purchase scheme’s operation has been undertaken. The review has incorporated analysis of comprehensive data received from local authorities regarding the operation of the scheme during 2016 and a wide-ranging public consultation process which saw submissions received from individuals, elected representatives and organisations. 

The review is now complete and a full report setting out findings and recommendations has been prepared. This includes data on sales and applications to purchase during the calendar year 2016.  Following consultation with relevant Departments on implementation arrangements, I expect that definitive proposals will be submitted to me very shortly; after which the report referred to will be published.