Minister continuing to delay on Tenant Purchase scheme

-Letter shows further delays in publishing key review on the future of the scheme-
 
Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Housing, Darragh O’Brien TD, has called on Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy to swiftly publish a report on the future of the tenant purchase scheme. Correspondence received by Deputy O’Brien shows further delays in publishing the report which was due to be completed in 2017.
 
The 2016 Tenant Purchase scheme enables local authority housing tenants to buy their own homes at a discounted price subject to significant conditions. A report on how the scheme was functioning was due to be completed 12 months following its establishment.
 
“I have continually asked the Minister to publish this report and written to him on the matter. Correspondence I have received confirms further delays in its publication. The report was due over two years ago in 2017. Instead of publishing the report and allowing the Dáil to debate its recommendations and set out a path forward for the scheme he has put it on the long finger.
 
“Instead of being open with the public he has kept the report hidden. He is delaying it for political reasons and clearly intends to swamp it as part of a new social housing announcement over the coming months. This is cynical spin by the government that is delaying real debate over the scheme. This is causing uncertainty for tenants thinking about buying their own place.
 
“Its past time for the Minister to show a bit of honesty and publish the report. Tenants have been waiting far too long and the Dáil needs to debate the future of the scheme,” Deputy O’Brien concluded.