Tenant Purchase Scheme
Mr. Gormley: Last week I raised on the Adjournment the proposed housing miscellaneous provisions Bill and the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Noel Ahern, said that it is important legislation concerning tenant purchase and anti-social behaviour in local authority housing developments. This is important legislation for many people—–
An Ceann Comhairle: Sorry, Deputy, we cannot discuss the contents of legislation but the Deputy may put a question on the legislation?
Mr. Gormley: Does the Taoiseach envisage the Bill will be published and passed before the election?
The Taoiseach: There are two Bills. The housing miscellaneous provisions Bill will provide for a rental accommodation scheme and a revised tenant purchase scheme allowing for the sale of flats, as well as strengthening local authority powers to deal with anti-social behaviour. The heads of that Bill are expected shortly. Depending on when it is ready, the Bill will then be sent for drafting. It is important legislation and the heads of the Bill will be available before the summer. Thereafter it will be sent for drafting as soon as possible.
Mr. Gormley: Will it be before the election?
The Taoiseach: Hopefully.