The tenant house purchase scheme was suspended some time ago. Many council tenants are paying high prices for rent because they are means tested. They are anxiously awaiting the introduction of a new scheme. Recently, the Central Bank announced new lending rules for first-time buyers which should make it more attractive to tenants who are first-time buyers who wish to buy their homes from the local authority. The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Alan Kelly, has said he will introduce a new tenant purchase scheme and that it will come under the housing Bill. That Bill keeps getting pushed out further but it is extremely important that we deal with this as soon as possible. There are hundreds of people across this city waiting anxiously to purchase their own homes.

I am aware from my contacts across the city and tenants that there is a great deal of interest in a new tenant purchase scheme. However, I do not have any date for it as we speak.