Thomas Gould
Question:94. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if a funding stream is available to support GAA coaching in schools for children with additional needs. [23266/24]
View answerSports Funding
Questions (94)
Written answers
Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards, including the allocation of funding across its various programmes.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Traveller Community
Questions (95)
Thomas Gould
Question:95. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if a funding stream is available to assist in engaging children from the Travelling community in GAA. [23267/24]
View answerWritten answers
Officials and Agencies under the remit of this Department engage with and provide Traveller communities with a wide range of supports for effective participation in cultural, artistic and sporting life. The Department is also represented on the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy (NTRIS) Committee, chaired by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY).
Traveller organisations can receive funding directly under my Department’s grant schemes particularly the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme which seeks to increase Traveller communities participation in Sport.
Under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP), the marking scheme is designed to favour projects that promote diversity in sport, with specific reference to the Traveller community. Under no circumstances will SCEP capital funding be allocated unless the applicant (including GAA clubs) confirms in writing that it is in compliance with the provisions of the Equal Status Acts.
I have referred the Deputy’s question to Sport Ireland for direct reply in relation to any funding stream that might be available through Sport Ireland or the network of Local Sports Partnerships. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
Local Authorities
Questions (96)
Brendan Griffin
Question:96. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount contributed to the local government fund, per local authority area, in 2023; the amount received, per local authority area, from the local government fund in the same year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23301/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Local Government Fund (LGF), established in 1999, is used to provide funding to local authorities, primarily through Local Property Tax (LPT) allocations. An annual contribution to the LGF is also made from the Exchequer towards LPT equalisation, increased pay & pensions costs associated with national pay agreements, miscellaneous schemes and any other exceptional allocations that may be required.
In 2023, the Government made a significant contribution of €520.2m to the LGF, to support local authorities; €90.4m of which was carried over to support stranded costs associated with water transformation, for expenditure in 2024. In 2023 €110m was allocated for LPT equalisation, €287.2m for pay and pensions, and the remainder to cover a number of miscellaneous schemes across the sector during the year. In addition, €60m was carried over from 2022, and allocated to local authorities in 2023; a once-off allocation to assist with increased costs.
LPT receipts are administered and collected by the Revenue Commissioners and subsequently transferred into the LGF. The Revenue Commissioners publish detailed information on LPT collected, broken down by local authority, on its website at the following link:
www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/property-taxes/index.aspx.
In terms of LPT receipts, €558.2m was received in cash receipts during the calendar year. The funds are ultimately redistributed to local authorities in accordance with the Government’s allocation policies. Detailed information regarding the 2023 LPT allocations, paid from the LGF to local authorities, amounting to €609.9m is published by my Department at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/02b73-local-property-tax-final-allocations-to-local-authorities-for-2023/.
These LPT allocations include equalisation funding where a local authority’s estimated LPT yield is less than its baseline level.
A breakdown of the funding, including LPT, received per local authority from the LGF in 2023 is provided in the table below.
|
Local Authority |
End Dec 2023 |
|
CARLOW COUNTY COUNCIL |
€ 11,667,356.04 |
|
CAVAN COUNTY COUNCIL |
€ 15,485,869.55 |
|
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL |
€ 31,923,477.81 |
|
CORK COUNTY COUNCIL |
€ 58,296,486.98 |
|
CORK CITY COUNCIL |
€ 42,060,061.39 |
|
DONEGAL COUNTY COUNCIL |
€ 38,862,507.56 |
|
D.LAOIRE/RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL |
€ 62,402,484.96 |
|
DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL |
€ 151,820,916.27 |
|
FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL |
€ 54,217,759.04 |
|
STH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL |
€ 42,428,680.23 |
|
GALWAY CITY COUNCIL |
€ 14,324,389.95 |
|
GALWAY COUNTY COUNCIL |
€ 28,064,374.11 |
|
KERRY COUNTY COUNCIL |
€ 28,372,286.58 |
|
KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL |
€ 18,709,451.57 |
|
KILDARE COUNTY COUNCIL |
€ 37,441,622.65 |
|
LAOIS COUNTY COUNCIL |
€ 15,172,011.85 |
|
LEITRIM COUNTY COUNCIL |
€ 12,832,615.01 |
|
LIMERICK CITY AND COUNTY COUNCIL |
€ 38,181,959.53 |
|
LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL |
€ 14,640,155.36 |
|
LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL |
€ 17,996,989.37 |
|
MAYO COUNTY COUNCIL |
€ 32,961,161.23 |
|
MEATH COUNTY COUNCIL |
€ 28,678,122.67 |
|
MONAGHAN COUNTY COUNCIL |
€ 16,325,559.43 |
|
OFFALY COUNTY COUNCIL |
€ 15,610,170.79 |
|
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL |
€ 16,308,779.18 |
|
SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL |
€ 16,907,092.94 |
|
TIPPERARY COUNTY COUNCIL |
€ 41,315,400.87 |
|
WATERFORD CITY AND COUNTY COUNCIL |
€ 30,802,412.32 |
|
WESTMEATH COUNTY COUNCIL |
€ 17,612,536.92 |
|
WEXFORD COUNTY COUNCIL |
€ 26,418,447.84 |
|
WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL |
€ 28,381,846.66 |
|
Total |
€ 1,006,222,986.66 |
Building Energy Rating
Questions (97, 98, 99)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:97. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage with regard to the retrofitting of social housing, the number of heat pumps installed in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, in tabular form; the average cost of these installations in per year, in tabular form; to provide a breakdown of the pre and post-BER assessments following heat pump installation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23011/24]
View answerDarren O'Rourke
Question:98. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage with regard to the retrofitting of social housing; the number of local authority homes retrofitted in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, in tabular form; the average cost of these retrofits in per year, in tabular form; to provide a breakdown of the pre- and post-BER assessments of these retrofits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23012/24]
View answerDarren O'Rourke
Question:99. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide a breakdown of the number of social authority homes that have been retrofitted with solar PV panels in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, in tabular form; the average cost of these retrofits in per year, in tabular form; to provide a breakdown of the pre- and post-BER assessments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23013/24]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 97 to 99, inclusive, together.
The Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme (EERP) aims to retrofit a local authority home to a BER of B2/Cost Optimal Equivalent. It is expected that 36,500 local authority owned homes will be retrofitted under this programme out to 2030.
A breakdown of the funding provided and the output per local authority since 2013 to the end of 2023 is available on my Department’s website at the following links:
EERP: www.gov.ie/en/publication/668c1-energy-efficiency-retrofitting-programme-expenditure-output/#.
MRP: www.gov.ie/en/publication/b86b3-midlands-energy-retrofit-programme-expenditure-and-units/.
Works eligible under my Department's revised EERP include attic/cavity wall insulation or external wall insulation where required, windows and doors replacement, heat pump installation and ancillary and associated works. The funded measures achieve the B2 or cost optimal equivalent (BER).
The number of heat pump installs carried out since the newly revised programme commenced in 2021 is detailed below.
|
Year |
Total Heat Pumps |
|
2021 |
750 |
|
2022 |
1,898 |
|
2023 |
2,215 |
In certain circumstances, my Department supports the installation of 1kWp solar PV for small social housing with a floor area less than 55 m2, with a maximum HLI of 2.6 on a pilot basis. In such cases local authorities are required to cooperate with SEAI as part of research monitoring the performance of heat pumps in these dwellings. The number of PV installs funded by my Department is detailed below.
|
Year |
Total PVs Funded |
|
2021 |
8 |
|
2022 |
22 |
|
2023 |
11 |
Under the 2024 EERP programme, my Department funds costs of up to €48,850, plus project management fees, on individual local authority homes. The actual cost of retrofitting works on each home will depend on its pre-works BER. Targets set and funding allocated to local authorities under the new programme calls for local authorities to undertake a variety of house types, from those requiring minimal investment to those requiring major investment, in order to achieve the B2/Cost Optimal BER.
Work in relation to the 2024 programme is ongoing, however, it will be later this year before significant recoupment claims are lodged with my Department. Full details in relation to the 2024 Energy Efficiency Programme will be published on my Department’s website early in 2025.
Question No. 98 answered with Question No. 97.
Question No. 99 answered with Question No. 97.
Departmental Budgets
Questions (100)
Cian O'Callaghan
Question:100. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will ensure that the recommendation made in the Parliamentary Budget Office’s Publication 24 of 2024 are included in future revised estimates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23085/24]
View answerWritten answers
Performance budgeting aims to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of public expenditure by linking funding allocations of public sector organisations and the results they deliver, making systematic use of performance information. As part of this process, key high-level Performance Metrics for each Department are published in the Revised Estimates for Public Service prior to each year. Published by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, the Public Sector Performance Report subsequently examines how Departments have performed against these targets and the impact these services had on the outcomes they were intended to improve.
The 2023 Public Sector Performance Report will be based on the agreed metrics set out in the 2023 Revised Estimates for Public Service and will be published by the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in due course later this year.
Complementing existing statistical reporting, in agreeing Performance Metrics, my Department strives to demonstrate the broad range of activity and outputs accruing from the very substantial investment in Housing each year in as accessible a manner as possible.
To maximise the impact of Performance Reporting on transparency, the process is consistently reviewed by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. This review process includes feedback from key stakeholders such as the Budgetary Oversight Committee, The Parliamentary Budget Office and Government Departments.
As such, my Department has noted the recommendations of the Parliamentary Budget Office publication on Social Housing Performance Metrics. In the context of the preparation of the 2025 Revised Estimates for Public Service these recommendations will be examined further in conjunction with Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.
Planning Issues
Questions (101)
Niall Collins
Question:101. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23100/24]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has not received any correspondence in relation to this matter or the property referred to, at this time.
My Department continues to support local authorities in administering the various Social Housing programmes. As is standard practice, any queries or correspondence received from local authorities will be responded to, in a timely manner.
Approved Housing Bodies
Questions (102)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:102. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the revised guidance note on approved housing body submissions for the revised cost rental equity loan, currently being drafted by the Housing Agency, will be published. [23109/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Housing for All strategy commits to delivering 18,000 Cost Rental homes over the period to 2030, and significant funding is being made available to support provision by Approved Housing Bodies, Local Authorities, the Land Development Agency, and now also private providers under the new Secure Tenancy Affordable Rental (STAR) investment scheme.
Last year the Government approved significant changes to Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL) funding for AHB Cost Rental homes. Overall project funding from my Department has increased from 45% up to 55% of capital costs, on a sliding scale as necessary for project viability at appropriate rent levels, to include a new State equity investment of up to 20%.
The changes have been in operation since the Government Decision in July 2023 and were formally communicated to AHBs by my Department in July 2023. Since then, the Housing Agency has been working very closely with AHBs, both those already delivering under CREL and those which may potentially become involved, and is developing a revised guidance document. I understand that the key content of the revised guidance has already been shared in the course of regular engagement to model potential projects and encourage applications.
A significant number of new projects have already been approved under the revised scheme from late 2023 onwards, and my Department continues to receive and assess funding applications from AHBs.
Departmental Reports
Questions (103)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:103. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the Housing Commission Report will be published before the Dáil summer recess in July. [23110/24]
View answerWritten answers
I published the Final Report of the Housing Commission today, 22 May. The report sets out the Commission's conclusions and recommendations on measures and reforms to build on Housing for All and support long-term housing policy post-2030. The report may be viewed on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/f3551-report-of-the-housing-commission/.
Housing Policy
Questions (104)
Duncan Smith
Question:104. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will ensure that persons such as pensioners who are eligible to purchase their dwellings under the tenant purchase scheme, are allowed to avail of SDA-type loans, especially where they have additional fixed income along with their pensions, which augments their repayment capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23119/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government and Housing for All commit to maintaining the right of social housing tenants to purchase their own home, subject to a number of reforms. The Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme was reviewed in 2021 and 2023 in line with these commitments, to ensure there is a balance between maintaining the right of tenants to purchase their homes and the replenishment of social homes.
Following these reviews, a number of amendments were made to the Scheme, including the reduction of the minimum income eligibility requirement to €11,500 and the inclusion of certain State payments as sources of primary income. These positive changes have enabled older people to qualify to purchase their house under the Scheme, if they have the financial means to do so. Successful applicants may obtain finance through a variety of means, including through a financial institution, local authority home loan, or their own resources.
The Local Authority Home Loan requires that applicant must have a deposit equivalent to 10% of the value of the property to be purchased. However, applicant(s) availing of the Tenant Purchase Scheme are exempt from this requirement for a 10% deposit.
All other criteria for eligibility for the Local Authority Home Loan will apply to applicants availing of the Tenant Purchase scheme, which would include the demonstration of the applicants' creditworthiness. As part of the assessment process and to ensure prudent lending for both the borrower and the local authority, an applicant(s) repayment capacity and creditworthiness is assessed, which would include evidence of their savings record. I have no plans to amend this eligibility criteria at this time.
Decisions on all housing loan applications must be made in accordance with the Regulations establishing the scheme and the credit policy that underpins the scheme, in order to ensure prudence and consistency in approaches in the best interests of both borrowers and lending local authority.
Details of the Local Authority Home Loan can be found on the dedicated website: localauthorityhomeloan.ie/.
Building Regulations
Questions (105)
Richard Bruton
Question:105. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are any regulations which require that a multi-unit residential building should have adaptations made to make access more convenient for a resident with a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23240/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Building Regulations 1997-2024 set out the legal requirements for the construction of new buildings (including houses), extensions to existing buildings as well as for material alterations and certain material changes of use to existing buildings. Their aim is to provide for the safety and welfare of people in and around buildings. The minimum performance requirements that a building must achieve are set out in the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations. Technical Guidance Documents (TGDs) are published to accompany each part of the Building Regulations indicating how the requirements of that part can be achieved in practice.
The Building Regulations (Part M Amendment) Regulations sets out the minimum statutory requirements that a building must achieve in respect of access and use.
Part M aims to foster an inclusive approach to the design and construction of the built environment. The accompanying Technical Guidance Document M – Access and Use (2010) (TGD M), provides guidance on how the requirements of Part M can be achieved in practice.
While the Part M requirements may be regarded as a statutory minimum level of provision, the accompanying technical guidance encourages building owners and designers to have regard to the design philosophy of universal design and to consider making additional provisions where practicable and appropriate.
My Department provides funding under the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, to assist people in private homes to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. The grants include the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People. The grants are 80% funded by my Department, with a 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority.
The administration of the grants scheme, including the assessment, approval and prioritisation of grant applications under the various measures, is the responsibility of each local authority. The schemes are applicant based and are available to people with an enduring physical, sensory, mental health or intellectual disability, and to older people who experience mobility issues so that can continue to live independently at home.
The Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability (up to €30,000) and Mobility Aids Grant (up to €6,000) can provide funding for adaptations to private homes, including homes in multi-unit developments, which may be necessary to facilitate the needs of a disabled person. Grants may cover works, within the home of the applicant, such as the provision of grab rails, ramps, an accessible shower, a stair lift or a fixed track hoist.
National Parks
Questions (106)
Brendan Griffin
Question:106. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the roadside fence at the new Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara Ciarraí in Inch (details supplied) will be replaced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23288/24]
View answerWritten answers
Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara, Ciarraí brings together a suite of sites around the Dingle peninsula and nearby Kerry waters. Each of these sites has long been recognised individually as of outstanding importance, and the Páirc brings them together for the first time to be protected and celebrated collectively as a recognised National Park.
The location referred to is on the northern boundary of lands recently acquired at Inch. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department will assess all infrastructure currently in place across the different acquired properties in due course as part of the establishment of Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara Ciarraí, identifying any needs and developing a plan to address those.
The NPWS is currently prioritising engagement, which has begun on a preliminary basis with local stakeholders, including the farming and fishing community and local community organisations, as a prelude to a wider formal consultation on the future management of the Páirc.
Public Services Card
Questions (107)
Duncan Smith
Question:107. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if there are any restrictions on a service (details supplied) that would result in public service card users only being allowed to book seats in a limited manner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23128/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Free Travel scheme is available to people over 66 years and to people in receipt of certain social welfare payments who are under 66 years. From 29th July 2024, Free Travel is also available to persons who are medically certified as unfit to drive for a period of at least 12 months. Free Travel recipients must be permanently resident in the State. The scheme permits travel for free on most CIE public transport services, Luas, Local Link and over 80 private transport operators. Free Travel is also available on cross border journeys, and within Northern Ireland, for those over age 66.
At the end of April 2024, there were almost 1.1 million qualified primary recipients; and the total number of beneficiaries increases to over 1.8 million when spouse and companion passes are included.
My Department is not aware of any restrictions that would result in Public Services Card holders, with an entitlement to Free Travel, only being allowed to book seats in a limited manner and have confirmed this to be the case with the transport operator concerned.
Under the Free Travel scheme, there is no requirement or impediment for transport operators to provide additional services such as a seat booking service. Some travel operators have introduced online booking services for customers who wish to guarantee their seat on a particular service. This is entirely a matter for the transport operator concerned. Customers wishing to avail of Free Travel do not have to pre-book services with any operator participating in the Free Travel scheme. They can continue to present on their preferred day of travel and avail of Free Travel using their Public Services Card.
It is open to any Free Travel customer who wants to be guaranteed a seat on a particular service to book their seat in advance, where a booking facility exists. My Department has no control over the fee a transport operator may charge for their seat booking facility.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Benefits
Questions (108)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Question:108. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Social Protection who will be responsible for the review into payments for migrants both from Ukraine and elsewhere; the Departments or State bodies that will be represented at the meetings; the format it will take; the number of meetings that will be held; if the conclusions will be published; if it will consider international comparators as well as adequacy of payments; and if it will engage with any external bodies. [23035/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Government has recently agreed a number of measures to respond to the growing number of people seeking protection in Ireland. As part of these measures, it was agreed the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and the Minister for Social Protection will review entitlements of International Protection applicants and report back to Government within six weeks.
While the Daily Expenses Allowance continues to be administered by the Department of Social Protection, the policy pertaining to supports for International Protection applicants rests with Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
Social Welfare Appeals
Questions (109)
Seán Haughey
Question:109. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is aware of the backlog of cases at the social welfare appeals office where appellants are being told that this office is currently working through submissions received from mid-February 2024; if she will take appropriate measures including staff changes to alleviate this backlog; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23088/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions.
The desire to process appeals quickly has to be balanced with the competing demand to ensure that decisions are consistent and of high quality and made in accordance with the legislative provisions and the general principles of fair procedures and natural justice.
All claim decisions taken by the Department’s Deciding Officers and Designated Persons are appealable to the Chief Appeals Officer. The Department endeavours to ensure that these cases are dealt with as quickly as possible. There is active engagement between the Appeals Office and the Department to ensure that the appeals process operates efficiently and that where the Deciding Officer's decision is not revised in favour of the appellant that the appeal file is provided as quickly as possible to the Appeals Office for consideration by an Appeals Officer.
Significant efforts and resources have been devoted to reforming the appeal process in recent years. An Appeals Modernisation Project is currently underway the goal of which is to streamline and enhance the end-to-end appeals process for the customer, the Social Welfare Appeals Office and business areas across the Department.
As part of this project a new IT system went live in November 2023. The new system has significantly reduced the time taken to register and acknowledge appeals lodged with the Appeals Office and in time will reduce the overall average processing times. Additional staff are being temporarily assigned to the office to assist with the registration of outstanding appeals. Further improvements in appeals processing times are a priority for the Chief Appeals Officer.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Benefits
Questions (110)
Patricia Ryan
Question:110. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a carer’s allowance application by a person (details supplied) was refused; the reason this has taken nine months for the person to be notified of the refusal. [23155/24]
View answerWritten answers
Carer's allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.
Means are any income belonging to the carer and their spouse/civil partner/cohabitant including property (except their own home) or an asset that could bring in money or provide them with an income. The means test for CA has been significantly eased in recent years.
The Department aims to process applications within the shortest possible timeframe but, depending on the complexity of the case, some applications may take longer.
An application for CA was received from the person concerned on 26 June 2023.
An information request issued to the person concerned on 29 June 2023. This information was returned on 20 July 2023. The application was subsequently referred to a local Social Welfare Inspector on 1 August 2023 to assess the level of care being provided, assess means and confirm that all the conditions for receipt of CA were satisfied.
It is a condition for receipt of CA that the applicant’s means are less than the statutory limit.
The application for CA was disallowed on the grounds that the means of the person concerned were determined to exceed the statutory limit.
The person concerned was notified on 12 September 2023 of this decision, the reason for it and of their right of review and appeal.
Notification was received from the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) on 24 October 2024 to confirm the person concerned requested an appeal of this decision. The file was sent to the SWAO on 17 November 2023.
Notification was received from the SWAO on 26 April 2024 to confirm that the original decision was upheld and the appeal was disallowed.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.