The rights of social housing tenants to buy their homes will be restricted if Fine Gael is returned to Government, the party has confirmed. Speaking at a pre-election briefing on the party’s housing plans Minister of State for housing Damien English said Fine Gael would “protect the right of social housing tenants to buy their own home” but that “changes to the system are needed”. “Currently, someone can buy their house after one year, we don’t believe it makes sense. However, Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy confirmed that new applicants for the home loan would pay a higher rate than current loan payers. Mr Murphy said he wanted to stay as Minister for Housing after the election.

Source: The Irish Times January 17, 2020 19:25 UTC