It is not often the Government gets things right when it comes to housing, but in the case of the tenant in situ scheme it was working. What does the Government do when something is working in housing? It moves the goalposts. South Dublin County Council has seen a significant cut on the 2024 expenditure on the tenant in situ scheme.

The Government has imposed significant new restrictions on tenant in situ applications. All non-closed 2024 acquisitions must be reassessed under the new rules. I am dealing with at least 20 families who are left in limbo and are waiting on a decision. There is no guarantee with the changed criteria that they will be able to remain in their homes. Why did the Government change the rules on tenant in situ? If these families cannot remain in their homes, where are they to go?

There has been an increased allocation for the tenant in situ scheme. There were reviews around making sure the resources would go to those tenants who were in danger of being rendered homeless. The tenant in situ scheme is not for general acquisition of second-hand homes. It is specifically for those in danger of becoming homeless. The Minister is engaging with local authorities to make sure the commitments can be fulfilled and realised in respect of families and councils that had been in discussion with landlords regarding the purchase of homes to prevent families falling into homelessness.