Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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22. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government when the tenant in situ scheme will be operational again for local authorities to purchase houses for families facing eviction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12024/25]

Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South-West, Fianna Fail)
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Tenant in Situ Acquisitions were introduced by Government in 2023 as a short term response to the reported uplift in sales of homes with the HAP and RAS schemes and has been an important measure in the prevention of homelessness since its introduction. Government has therefore agreed to continue such acquisitions in 2025.

Under revised arrangements for second hand acquisitions in 2025 local authorities will receive a capital funding allocation for the acquisition of homes for the following priority categories; tenant in situ, elderly and disabled persons, exits from homelessness and Buy and Renew acquisitions which tackle vacancy. The provision of a capital funding allocation will help promote best practice in obtaining value for money and provide local authorities with the flexibility to respond to needs and priorities locally within the categories of need being prioritised.

My Department has notified local authorities on the extension of the programme and a circular setting out the arrangements will issue shortly.

Tenant in situ acquisitions continue to be supported and prioritised where other solutions cannot be found for the affected tenants. The arrangements for 2025 will ensure a more targeted and focused acquisitions programme.