Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

1136. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he has considered introducing a targeted support scheme for individuals and families who lost their homes as a result of the 2008–2013 financial crisis, including those who voluntarily surrendered their properties or were subject to court-ordered repossession; if such individuals are eligible for assistance under the current first home scheme or help-to-buy initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44923/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Government is acutely aware of the housing challenges faced by many sectors of society. The Government's current housing plan, Housing for All, contains a suite of actions that have increased, and will continue to increase, the provision of housing through accelerating supply and increasing the affordability of homes.

Under the Programme for Government published in January 2025, the Government committed to introduce a new, all of government, national housing plan to follow Housing for All. My Department is currently examining that commitment, its implementation and the potential timeframe.

While work is being undertaken to progress a new plan which will build on progress to date, the measures detailed in Housing for All will continue to be progressed to accelerate and increase delivery of secure and affordable housing

The 'Fresh Start' principle forms a key element in 'Housing for All' and is applied across a number of schemes of my Department that support buying a home. The First Home Scheme applies the Fresh Start principle.

The Fresh start principle, as defined in Section 10 of the Affordable Housing Act 2021, allows certain purchasers to be treated as First Time Buyers and be eligible to apply for the purchase of an affordable home. In order to be eligible under the Fresh Start principle, under the Affordable Housing Act 2021 (as amended), one of the following provisions must be met:

• A person has been divorced, legally separated or their civil partnership or relationship has ended, and they are no longer living in and have no financial interest in the previous family home.
• A person has been divested of a home through personal insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings.
• A person previously owned, was beneficially entitled to, or had an interest in a dwelling in the State and that this dwelling, because of its size, is not suited to the current accommodation needs of their household, that person is still eligible to apply if they own or are beneficially entitled to an estate or interest in the dwelling at the time at which they apply for an affordable dwelling.

* First Home Scheme

* Local Authority Home loan

* Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme

* Vacant Property Refurbishment Grants

* Cost Rental Homes

Some of these schemes can be combined, thereby providing additional affordability support. Information on these schemes is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/0d279-doors-open/.

Help to Buy is an initiative of Revenue and the Department of Finance and does not fall within the remit of my Department. Queries in relation to the scheme should be directed to the Department of Finance.

Rory Hearne (Dublin North-West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

1137. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if, in respect of the Housing (Sale of Local Authority Houses) Regulations 2015 and the tenant incremental purchase scheme 2016, a council tenant can purchase the property they currently reside in if it is an apartment, flat or duplex; if this differs, by local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44948/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme 2016 is open to eligible tenants of local authority houses that are available for sale under the scheme. The scheme is underpinned by the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014, which excludes the sale of apartments, flats, and duplexes.

A separate scheme, the Tenant Purchase of Apartments Scheme (TPAS) allows tenants to purchase their apartment, if the apartment complex has been set aside for sale to tenants. This Scheme is underpinned by the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, alongside the Housing (Purchase of Apartments) Regulations 2011. 

To be set aside for tenant purchase, an apartment complex must meet the following criteria:

• it must comprise of at least five apartments;
• it must not contain retail units or apartments designed for older people;
• a tenant vote must be held on whether tenants want the complex to become available for sale; and
• at least 65% of tenants must support the proposal that the apartments in the complex become available for sale.