I congratulate the Tánaiste on her reappointment as Minister and on her elevation to the role of Tánaiste and wish her good luck with that role.

She may be aware that the local authority tenant purchase scheme that has been introduced debars 82% of local authority tenants from applying to purchase their homes. The programme for Government tries to address this, but I am concerned by the seriousness of the situation that 82% of people living in a local authority home who wish to purchase that house are automatically debarred from doing so because of how the scheme has been set up. I call for somebody in government to look at this issue with a view to addressing it. The problem is serious and should be taken on board. We tried to ensure it would be included in the programme for Government, but it must be tackled by the relevant Minister urgently. Letters are being issued offering people the opportunity to purchase their homes, but people realise that they cannot actually do so. This is very serious.

I will ask the Minister with responsibility for housing, Deputy Coveney, to liaise directly with the Deputy on this issue and on the current approach. I am aware of the issue, which is a long-standing one that has not been dealt with. There are a range of barriers against people who wish to purchase their accommodation. A significant proportion of people in local authority housing would like to purchase their homes but cannot do so currently.