Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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274. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government his views on the ineligibility of those on a widow’s pension, rather than a State pension, for the tenant purchase scheme; and if he will outline any plans he has to reform this anomaly. [9670/23]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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The Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme provides for the purchase by eligible tenants, or joint tenants, of local authority homes available for sale under the scheme. To be eligible, applicants must meet certain criteria, including minimum annual reckonable income and minimum time in receipt of social housing supports.

The minimum income requirement has a dual purpose. It ensures the scheme is sustainable and the tenant purchasing the house has the financial means to maintain and insure the property for the duration of the charged period. For these reasons, certain social welfare payments, including Widows, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner Pension are not currently considered when determining an applicant's reckonable income.

Changes to the scheme are currently being examined as part of the work on the broader social housing reform agenda.

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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275. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government when the extension of the first-home scheme will be introduced; if the extension will be open to first-time self-builders who already own a house; and or if it will be for first-time self-builders who do not currently own a home. [9671/23]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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The First Home Scheme, launched on 7 July 2022, primarily supports eligible first-time buyers in purchasing new houses and apartments in the private market through the use of an equity share model. It also supports certain other purchasers, who have previously owned a home, under the 'Fresh Start' principle. The scheme is administered by the First Home Scheme DAC, and further information is available on the official website at: www.firsthomescheme.ie.

In line with Action 1.2 of the Housing for All Action Plan Update (November 2022), I have requested that the First Home DAC consider the potential to expand the scheme to cover new self-build homes. This includes the governance, financial, and operational implications of such a change. I understand that this is under consideration by First Home at present.