Tenant purchase scheme transition
Michael P. Kitt seeks urgent clarification of the transition from the expiring tenant purchase scheme to its replacement. The Taoiseach says applications for the current scheme are already due and a new scheme is planned.
I have a similar question to that of Deputy Healy-Rae, but it relates to the tenant purchase scheme. People are in a dilemma. The current scheme is due to conclude at the end of June. People are under the impression that a better scheme is due to be introduced and they do not know whether to opt for the present scheme or the new scheme. It is urgent that a new scheme is put in place and that the terms are outlined.
On a second issue, the motorised transport scheme and mobility allowance, when will legislation on that scheme be brought to the House?
Comment on this
With regard to the current scheme, people would have to have applied for it by now for it to take effect by the end of June. In the next general housing Bill the Minister of State, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, hopes to include a new tenant purchase scheme. The current scheme concludes at the end of June so people will have to have applied by now to avail of it.
The Government decided yesterday on the mobility allowance question. The moneys are in place but the scheme was deemed to be illegal. The Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, is moving on this. What is required is a framework to allow payments to continue to recipients and also to define a new structure for a new scheme which will have to take account of where responsibility actually lies for this. That work is being undertaken now by the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch.