Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing Finance Agency Loans.
- HFA loans for separated spouses 6 speeches
The Housing Finance Agency allows former joint owners to qualify in exceptional circumstances, subject to a two-year wait. The Minister agreed to review that waiting period and said other matters concerning the agency were also under consideration.
Alan Shatter, Dick Spring, Ray Burke, Mary Flaherty
- HFA loan income assessment period 2 speeches
Flaherty asked the Minister to examine whether the governing-year income test accounts for changes in a family’s income before an application; he agreed to investigate and respond.
Mary Flaherty, Dick Spring
asked the Minister for the Environment if he will amend the regulations governing the provisions of loans by the Housing Finance Agency to enable separated or deserted spouses to obtain such loans even if such spouses were previously joint owners of the matrimonial home; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Comment on this
Responsibility for the operation of the Housing Finance Agency loan scheme, including the conditions of eligibility of applicants, rests with the agency in the first instance. I understand that, with effect from April last, the agency have modified their scheme to allow a person who has previously owned a house either solely or jointly with another person to be considered for a loan in certain exceptional circumstances. This change was made mainly to cater for the housing needs of separated persons. In the case of such applicants, at least two years must have elapsed since previous ownership of a house.
Comment on this
Would the Minister agree that two years seems to be an unfair length of time and that it would be better if there was a continuity of an immediate purchase rather than a two year gap? What happens in many cases is that the wife has to get out of the house, which is sold. She gets her share but if she wants to buy a house she has to wait two years before she can get a Housing Finance Agency loan. Will the Minister consider the matter again and discuss it with the Housing Finance Agency with a view to removing that two year waiting period? Where will a woman live for the two years?
Comment on this
I take the Deputy's point. Obviously, there are serious consequences to separations, and I will certainly look at the matter in consultation with the Housing Finance Agency.
Comment on this
Is this the only amendment the Minister has under consideration with regard to the Housing Finance Agency?
Comment on this
From time to time one must look at the work of the Housing Finance Agency, and a number of matters are under consideration with that body.
Comment on this
I am concerned about the governing year because the income of a family may change radically between the time of the governing year and the submitting of an application. I realise I have wandered a little from the subject matter of the question but I would be obliged if the Minister investigated that matter and communicated with me.