Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy has come under serious criticism after further delays to the tenant purchase scheme report were revealed.

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.

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Fianna Fáil representative Darragh O'Brien has called for the publication of the report to allow the Dáil to debate its recommendations and set out a path forward.

Discussing Minister Murphy's role in the continued delays, Deputy O'Brien said: "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.

"It's 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."

(CM/MH)