Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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The Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme provides for the purchase by eligible tenants of local authority houses which are available for sale under the scheme. All applications for the Scheme must satisfy the requirements outlined in the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 and the Housing (Sale of Local Authority Houses) Regulations 2015. Changes to the scheme took effect from 29 January 2024 with the introduction of the Housing (Sale of Local Authority Houses) (Amendment) Regulations 2023.

The Housing (Sale of Local Authority Houses) Regulations 2015 specifically exclude houses that have been designed for occupation by one or more elderly person from sale. In addition, local authorities may, within the provisions of the regulations, exclude certain houses which the authority considers should not be sold for reasons such as proper stock or estate management. It is a matter for each individual local authority to administer the scheme in line with the governing legislation and in a manner appropriate to its housing requirements.

With regard to a transfer to an alternative dwelling that may suit the tenant's change of circumstances, the allocation of dwellings is a matter entirely for the local authority concerned, in accordance with their allocation scheme made under section 22 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and associated Regulations. This legislation requires all local authorities, as a reserved function, to make an allocation scheme. An allocation scheme determines the order of priority when allocating a property to households who are qualified for social housing support or qualified for a transfer. In addition, it would determine the order of priority of allocation of dwellings to meet the accommodation needs and requirements of individual households.