David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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274. To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to consider separated or divorced persons that have previously owned a share in a property but satisfy all other qualify criteria as first-time buyers under the help to buy scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36767/20]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The definition of first time buyer in HTB is as follows:

'first-time purchaser' means an individual who, at the time of a claim under subsection (3) has not, either individually or jointly with any other person, previously purchased or previously built, directly or indirectly, on his or her own behalf a dwelling; 

The intention is to target the Help to Buy scheme on those who have not had the opportunity to build up equity in another property which could be used to purchase the second or subsequent property.

The definition complements that in the Central Bank's macro-prudential rules. It should be noted that the Bank is independent in the formulation of this policy. 

I do not propose amending the definition of first time buyer in HTB.