Tenant purchase scheme
Deputy Healy-Rae argued the tenant purchase scheme was not working, with most applicants failing to qualify and repair funds being lost. The Ceann Comhairle said it was not really relevant, and the Tánaiste replied that a new scheme had been announced and that the relevant Minister would contact him.
House building and the provision of housing for the homeless are some of the main aims of the Government. Why is the Government, including the Minister, not dealing with the fact that the tenant purchase scheme is not working? Some 80% of applicants do not qualify. Clearly, the scheme is not working. The money that used to be derived from purchases used to go towards repairing the voids and making vacant houses available again, such that they could be turned around for new tenants. The whole scheme is blocked and not working.
Comment on this
That is not really relevant to the Order of Business. Does the Tánaiste want to make any reference to this matter?