1898 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the shared ownership affordable housing scheme accommodates a first time buyer who is a native of this country, works in England and who wishes to return to the country providing they meet the age, income and other general criteria of the scheme. [2888/07]

The administration of the Shared Ownership Scheme in individual cases is a matter for each local authority, which must assess such applications on their merits having regard to the relevant eligibility criteria. These do not exclude applications from emigrants returning to this country.