Fianna Fail has introduced a new Bill to make the Tenant Purchase Scheme "fit for purpose".

The 'Housing (Sale of Local Authority Housing) Bill 2016' aims to open up the scheme to thousands of additional families by including homes which were originally developed under Part V.

Only 73 applications have currently been made under the new scheme.

Fianna Fáil's housing spokesperson, Barry Cowen, said the Bill will address the fact that voluntary housing tenants are barred from the scheme as it currently stands.

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He said: "The previous Government introduced the Tenant Purchase Scheme last January. Fianna Fáil highlighted serious deficiencies with the scheme in the lead up to its introduction. We have consistently pointed out that the removal of Part V homes is problematic as it closes off the scheme to thousands of potential buyers.

"The Bill we have introduced in the Dáil this week seeks to do just that. It will help to ensure that tenants who happen to live in one of the thousands of homes originally developed under Part V are eligible to apply."

(CD/LM)