Alan Dillon
Question:171. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Education the status of an application by a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26181/24]
View answerSchool Accommodation
Questions (171)
Written answers
I am pleased to confirm to the Deputy, that the school in question was approved capital funding in 2019 for reconfiguration to create a special class, which has been completed. In addition they were also approved funding for the build of 1x Special Education Classroom in 2021. This project has been devolved to the school authorities for delivery and it is currently at stage 1.
Recently, the school authorities have been liaising with my officials in relation to the possibility of temporary accommodation for the duration of the build. My officials have requested additional information from the school in order to consider the matter fully. Upon receipt of this information the request will be considered and the school authorities will be notified of a decision directly.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (172, 173)
Patrick Costello
Question:172. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education the measures her Department is taking to ensure that special education classes are provided in schools where they currently do not exist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26204/24]
View answerPatrick Costello
Question:173. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education the number of additional spaces that will be available in special education classes in both primary and secondary schools for the next academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26205/24]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 172 and 173 together.
Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.
My department and the NCSE work closely in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places, work which is close to finalisation for the 2024/25 school year.
Over 360 new special classes have been sanctioned by the NCSE for the 2024/25 school year. Of these, 48 are in Dublin, 32 at primary level and 16 at post-primary. This brings the overall number of classes in County Dublin to 582. The vast majority of these classes are autism classes and have a teacher/student ratio of 1:6.
The NCSE expect to confirm some additional classes shortly to ensure that a sufficient level of provision is available. The NCSE is confident that through the provision of these new classes and vacancies in existing classes there is sufficient places to meet the needs of all children known to them for September 2024.
I have asked the NCSE to ensure classes are established as a matter of urgency and to keep all families seeking class places updated on an ongoing basis to ensure their children can access the provision to which they are entitled.
Looking forward my department and the NCSE have begun preparatory work in relation to planning for the provision of further new special class and special school places for the 2025/26 school year and beyond.
My department and the NCSE identify the need for special educational provision with consideration to demographical and statistical data and in regard to an areas existing school provision and future capability.
As demand for new special classes at post-primary level is expected to increase significantly over the next few years, due to increasing demographics and increasing prevalence rates, my department and the NCSE have engaged with post-primary stakeholders in relation to the provision of special classes.
In October 2022, my department wrote to all post-primary schools requesting that each school begin planning to provide for up to four special classes to meet the needs of children progressing from primary school. The department and the NCSE continue to have engagement with post-primary school management bodies in relation to the provision of special classes.
Question No. 173 answered with Question No. 172.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (174)
Claire Kerrane
Question:174. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education if she has made a decision on opening the schools summer works programme this year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26249/24]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, the purpose of the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) is to enable individual school authorities to undertake small-scale building works on a devolved basis and, ideally, can be carried out during the summer months or at other times that avoid disrupting the operation of the school. The SWS operates on a multi-annual basis for categories of works such as roof works, window replacement, mechanical and electrical works, external works etc. and was last opened for applications in 2019.
My Department is leading an ambitious sustainability agenda and has progressed a wide array of measures to improve the overall sustainability of our school buildings. It is a priority for Government to deliver on Ireland’s ambitious climate agenda and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This includes targets around the decarbonisation of Ireland’s public buildings.
As part of it’s planning for 2024 and beyond, Department officials are considering and planning for the next phases of the summer works programme and the opportunities this may create to support the sustainability agenda. In this regard, it is envisaged at this stage that, a Multi-Annual SWS with a focus on climate action and energy conservation will be the focus for the next summer works scheme to be opened for applications. The arrangements and timing of that SWS is still under consideration and schools will be updated in due course.
It should also be noted that the Energy in Education website portal and advice programme (Joint programme between SEAI and Dept. of Education) also provides schools with information on how to improve energy use practices and to reduce school operating costs while helping to protect the environment for future generations. The website can be accessed at the following link: www.energyineducation.ie.
Road Safety
Questions (175)
Claire Kerrane
Question:175. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education the funding options that are available to schools who wish to undertake safety measures outside their school for school traffic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26250/24]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to advise the Deputy that the issue of road safety measures outside the vested site areas of schools on public roads, such as road crossings, road signage, traffic calming measures etc., is a matter , for the relevant Local Authority.
Local Authorities have the power to decide on road safety measures outside schools to ensure that measures are in place to protect the safety of local school children. My Department has no function in this matter.
In general, individual school authorities are responsible, in the first instance, for ensuring the safety and welfare of children and others in their care.
My Department will examine existing traffic management and safety at a school grounds where we are looking a wider building project or as part of a planning application for an extension at a school. It is also open for a school authority to look for funding to improve traffic safety on school grounds through applying under a future summer works scheme.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (176)
Claire Kerrane
Question:176. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education the number of children in county Roscommon and Galway who are without a special class place for September 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26251/24]
View answerWritten answers
I understand that this is an anxious time for parents who are seeking a school place for their child for September and I would like to assure the Deputy that this government is determined to alleviate the pressures faced by parents when seeking a special educational placement.
My department and the NCSE work closely in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places, work which is close to finalisation for the 2024/25 school year.
In relation to places for the coming 2024/2025 school year, the NCSE have sanctioned just over 360 new special classes. For Roscommon, 7 new classes have been sanctioned, 6 at primary level and 1 at post-primary. In Galway, 19 new classes have been sanctioned, 12 at primary level and 7 at post-primary level. This brings to 48 and 168 the total number of special classes in each county respectively.
Just last week with my colleague Minister Foley, I was delighted to announce approval for a new permanent school for Ábalta Special School in Oranmore, Co. Galway. This new project will provide for a 26 classroom special school.
At national level, the NCSE have advised my department that they are working with schools to confirm some additional classes shortly to ensure that a sufficient level of provision is available. The NCSE are confident that through the provision of these new classes and vacancies in existing classes there is sufficient places to meet the needs of children known to them for September 2024. I have asked the NCSE to ensure these classes are established as a matter of urgency and to keep all families seeking class places updated on an ongoing basis to ensure their children can access the provision to which they are entitled.
I referenced earlier that this government is committed to alleviating the pressures faced by parents seeking a special educational placement.
Significant additional resources and funding of €13 million have been allocated to the NCSE to allow for the expansion of its services, which will bolster the level of service and provide effective structures to relieve pressure on parents.
This funding has allowed for, among other things, a significant increase in the number of SENOs which will increase from 73 to 120 by next September. These SENOs will work closely with children, their families and schools on the ground in order to provide the necessary supports.
Additional administrative support staff, team managers and other professionals are also being employed to allow SENOs concentrate on working directly with schools and families.
School Transport
Questions (177)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:177. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education if a bus extension request will be granted to school children (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26258/24]
View answerWritten answers
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education.
In the current school year over 161,600 children, including over 135,000 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 19,800 pupils with special educational needs, and 6,800 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.
Under the current terms of the School Transport Schemes children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 km from and are attending their nearest national school as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann having regard to ethos and language. At post primary level, they are eligible where they reside not less than 4.8 km from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Bus Éireann is responsible for the planning and timetabling of school transport routes. Bus Éireann endeavours, within available resources, to ensure that each eligible child has a reasonable level of school transport service in the context of the Scheme nationally.
Where practicable, and subject to considerations of cost and logistics, routes are planned to avoid an eligible child having to travel more than 2.4 kms to or from a pick-up/set down point. Routes are planned on the basis of the locations of children who are eligible for school transport only.
Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring that children are brought safely to and collected safely from Bus Éireann designated pick up and set down points. Home pick-up is not a feature of the School Transport Scheme.
As the application and payment dates for school transport for the 2024/25 school year have now closed, Bus Éireann will assess the applications and payments received and will begin planning for services for the upcoming school year.
Bus Éireann has put in place a dedicated customer care call centre to assist families specifically with School Transport queries during the busy summer period. Families that have queries can contact the call centre on: LoCall 0818 919 910. Operating hours are 09.00 – 17.00 Monday to Friday.
Families can also contact Bus Éireann their website: www.buseireann.ie/schooltransport by submitting a query via: www.buseireann.ie/inner.php?id=769.
School Admissions
Questions (178)
Maurice Quinlivan
Question:178. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Education if the case of a student (details supplied) will be examined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26260/24]
View answerWritten answers
In relation to school admissions, it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an admissions policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998 and the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018. Under the provisions of the Act, school admission policies are approved by the Patron, following consultation with staff and parents of children who are attending the school. The school’s admissions policy is published on the school’s website. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in that area.
Parents have the right to choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available, a selection process will be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice. My Department does not seek to intervene in the selection criterion that is applied by schools. There is also a requirement that the procedures of the school in relation to the admission of students who are not already admitted to the school to classes or years other than the school’s intake group must be published in their admissions policy.
As the Deputy will be aware, a Common Applications System, or CAS, operates to manage the admissions process for post primary schools in Limerick City. This system has worked very effectively to meet post primary school place needs and is successfully administered by Limerick Education Centre. My Department has been in close engagement with Limerick Education Centre and school patrons with regard to the admissions process for the 2024/25 school year and has been advised that all applicants under the CAS system have received a first year place for September 2024.
My Department continues to keep the school place needs in Limerick under review, including through engagement with the local authority and school patrons, particularly in the context of the significant population growth provided for under the Limerick Development Plan.
Section 29 of the Education Act, 1998 provides for an appeal where a board of management, or a person acting on behalf of the board of management (normally the school principal) refuses to admit a student to a school. Where the decision to refuse admission is due to the school being oversubscribed, a review of the decision by the board of management must be sought in the first instance. Following a review it is open to the parent to appeal to the independent appeals committee.
Tusla Education Support Service (TESS) is the agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The South West region (Cork, Limerick, Clare, Tipp and Kerry) can be contacted at ewsregion1@tusla.ie or by phone at 021-2428611. More information is available on their website on the following link: www.tusla.ie/tess/tess-ews/.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (179)
David Stanton
Question:179. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education the supports in place to support teachers and special needs assistants who have been injured while working in the classroom and in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26296/24]
View answerWritten answers
I refer to your recent correspondence to the Minister for Education, Ms. Norma Foley TD, in relation to supports for Teachers and Special Needs Assistants have been injured while working in the classroom and in schools.
In accordance with Section 14 of the Education Act 1998, it is the duty of the Patron to appoint, where practicable, a Board of Management. The Board of Management is the body of persons or the person appointed by the Patron to manage the school on his/her behalf, including issues surrounding health and safety.
While the Department of Education has statutory functions in the setting of terms and conditions for teachers and Special Needs Assistants, the Department of Education is not the employer.
The Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform (DPENDR) determines the terms and conditions of Leave Schemes for Public Servants, which includes teachers and SNAs.
The Sick Leave Scheme is contained in Circular 13/2024 for Registered Teachers and Circular Circular 14/2024 Special Needs Assistants Employed in Recognised Primary and Post Primary Schools. It provides for leave with pay (subject to specified limits) to a teacher or special needs assistant who is unable to perform their duties due to illness or injury.
The leave available under this scheme is maximum of 3 months (92 days) on full pay in a year, followed by a maximum of 3 months (91 days) on half pay subject to a maximum of 6 months (183 days) paid Sick Leave in a rolling 4-year period.
An SNA who becomes incapacitated as a result of a critical illness or serious physical injury and has supporting medical evidence may, upon application, during the period of absence to which the application relates, be granted Critical Illness Provisions (CIP), in exceptional circumstances. The following limits will apply: A maximum of 6 months (183 days) on full pay in a year, followed by a maximum of 6 months (182 days) on half pay subject to a maximum of 12 months (365 days) paid Sick Leave in a rolling 4-year period.
Temporary Rehabilitation Remuneration (TRR) is a payment to support the rehabilitation of Teachers and SNAs who are absent on extended sick leave and who have exceeded the threshold of 183 days under the Ordinary Illness Provisions or 365 days under Critical Illness Provisions in a rolling 4-year period. The rate of TRR is 37.5% of the remuneration that would otherwise accrue to the Teachers or SNA were they not on sick leave.
Where a teacher or SNA is injured as a result of physical contact from a third party causing physical injury in the course of their duties and during approved school activities, they may apply for leave under the “Leave of absence following Assault Scheme”. The provisions of this scheme are contained in the Department’s Circular Letter 0061/2017 for teachers and 0062/2017 for SNAs.
The leave available under the Scheme for Leave of Absence following Assault is 3 months (92 days) at full pay in a rolling 4-year period. In exceptional cases, such as where a significant period of hospitalisation is required or in situations of a second or subsequent incident of assault, the leave may be extended for a further period not exceeding 3 months (91 days) at full pay, subject to an overall limit of 6 months (183 days) at full pay in a rolling 4-year period.
A Teacher/SNA who has exhausted the maximum period of paid leave under the Scheme for Leave of Absence following Assault and who is still medically unfit to resume duty may avail of Sick Leave under the Sick Leave Scheme, subject to the normal rules of that scheme.
The Employee Assistance Service, which is currently provided by Spectrum.Life, is available as a supportive resource for teachers and SNAs. The freephone confidential helpline is 1800 411 057 and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Supportive resources may include short term counselling (up to six sessions). If the EAS recommends additional short-term counselling sessions with the teacher or SNA, the Department can facilitate this request.
School Funding
Questions (180)
Michael Lowry
Question:180. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 199 of 8 May 2024, if she will review the additional information provided by a school (details supplied) regarding the payment of the 2024 ancillary grant; the steps being considered to address the issues highlighted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26301/24]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is committed to providing funding to recognised primary and post-primary schools in the free education scheme by way of per capita grants. The two main grants are the Capitation grant to cater for day to day running costs such as heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance and general up-keep and the Ancillary grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff. Schools have the flexibility to use capitation funding provided for general running costs and ancillary funding provided for caretaking and secretarial services as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities, except for cases where a secretary is now paid from my Department’s payroll as per circular 36/2022.
The current standard rate of Capitation grant is €183 per pupil at Primary level and this year's grant is being paid, as usual, in 2 instalments - the first in January and the second in June, for the 2023/24 academic year. Enhanced rates of capitation are also paid in respect of pupils with Special Educational Needs and Traveller pupils.
Primary schools with less than 60 pupils are paid the Capitation and the Ancillary grants based on having 60 pupils.
As part of the capitation package in Budget 2024 I am pleased to have secured €21 million as a permanent increase in capitation funding to assist schools now and longer term with increased day-to-day running costs. This will support a permanent restoration of funding for all primary and post-primary schools from September 2024. This will bring the basic rate of capitation grant to the pre-2011 level of €200 per student in primary schools. Enhanced rates will also be paid in respect of pupils with Special Educational Needs. This represents an increase of circa 9.2% of current standard and enhanced capitation rates.
In addition to these grants, €20 million in funding was issued in October 2023, to support all recognised primary and post-primary schools in the free education scheme. This funding is the first tranche of an overall additional €60 million funding announced as part of Budget 2024 measures designed to assist schools with increased day-to-day running costs such as heating and electricity. A further €40 million in funding was delivered in early 2024.
As the Deputy may be aware, following the acceptance by Fórsa of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) agreement in respect of salaries and various leave entitlements for grant-funded school secretaries, those secretaries who accepted the terms of this agreement were placed on a payroll operated by my Department from September 2023. Therefore, ancillary related grant funding has been revised to reflect the fact that schools are no longer paying these salaries directly.
The arrangements for the 2023/24 school year are based on reducing grants by the value of the salary schools paid to grant-funded secretaries prior to their acceptance of the new terms and conditions. Schools provided my Department with these details and this information is now being used to reduce the ancillary related grant funding. Officials from my Department have made contact with the Principal of the school referred to by the Deputy to review the deductions as outlined.
Correspondence issued to all schools on 20th December 2023 providing details of these arrangements for the period September to December 2023. Further correspondence issued on 26th April 2024 setting out the position for the period January to August 2024.
Schools have been advised that work is ongoing to identify a method of standardising the reduction to the Ancillary and SSSF Grants for the longer term, where school secretaries are being paid via a payroll operated by my Department. Engagement will take place with school management bodies to discuss these arrangements to ensure that they are as reasonable and as fair as possible for all schools and further details of these arrangements will be provided to schools as soon as they become available.
The Financial Support Services Unit (FSSU), funded by my Department, is an important source of advice and support to schools on financial matters, including budgeting and cashflow management. If the services of the FSSU would be of assistance to this school, please email sdfinfo@education.gov.ie and officials from my Department will contact the FSSU on behalf of the school. Alternatively, budgeting templates and more information can be found on www.fssu.ie.
School Equipment
Questions (181)
Michael Ring
Question:181. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education if assistive technology could be provided to a child (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26306/24]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Assistive Technology Scheme, as set out in my Department’s Circular 0010/2013, funding is provided to schools towards the cost of computers and specialist equipment, which are required for educational purposes.
All equipment provided under this scheme supports children with more complex disabilities who, in order to access the school curriculum, require essential specialist equipment.
Officials from my Department have contacted the school, and a application for Assistive Technology has not yet been submitted for this student.
Before applying for an Assistive Technology Grant, it must be clear that the existing I.T. equipment in the school is insufficient to meet the child's needs. Where necessary, schools may also purchase new or additional equipment or software for students from normal school resources or funds.
In order to qualify for equipment under the Assistive Technology Scheme, a student must have been diagnosed with a physical or communicative disability and must also have a recommendation in a professional assessment that the equipment is essential in order to allow the student to access the curriculum.
Departmental Bodies
Questions (182)
Paul Donnelly
Question:182. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she has received the 2023 annual report and 2023 audited financial statement from each State agency under the remit of her Department; and if not, the State agency that has yet to submit either their annual report and/or financial statement to her Department, in tabular form. [26100/24]
View answerWritten answers
The information requested by the Deputy with regard to the 2023 Annual Reports and 2023 Audited Financial Statements of each State Body under the aegis of my Department is set out in the table below.
All financial statements are independently audited with the Office of the Comptroller and Audit General (C&AG) having an audit function in respect of the majority of State bodies under the aegis of my Department.
|
Name of State Body |
2023 Annual Report |
2023 Financial Statement |
Notes |
|
Chester Beatty |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga |
Yes |
Audit Certification awaited from the C&AG |
|
|
North South Language Body (Foras na Gaeilge and Ulster-Scots Agency) |
Work is ongoing on the preparation of the 2023 Annual Report |
Audit Certification awaited from the C&AG |
|
|
Údarás Na Gaeltachta |
Work is ongoing on the preparation of the 2023 Annual Report |
Audit Certification awaited from the C&AG |
|
|
Sport Ireland |
Work is ongoing on the preparation of the 2023 Annual Report |
Audit Certification awaited from the C&AG |
|
|
RTÉ |
Work is ongoing on the preparation of the 2023 Annual Report |
Audit Certification awaited |
Sections 109 and 110 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 (as amended) provide for their submission to the Minister by 30 June. |
|
TG4 |
Work is ongoing on the preparation of the 2023 Annual Report |
Audit Certification awaited from C&AG |
Sections 109 and 110 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 (as amended) provide for their submission to the Minister by 30 June. |
|
Coimisiún na Meán |
Work is ongoing on the preparation of the 2023 Annual Report |
Audit Certification awaited from C&AG |
Sections 26 and 31 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 (as amended) outline the time frame for their submission to the Minister. |
|
National Concert Hall |
Work is ongoing on the preparation of the 2023 Annual Report |
Audit Certification awaited from the C&AG |
|
|
National Museum of Ireland |
Work is ongoing on the preparation of the 2023 Annual Report |
Audit Certification awaited from the C&AG |
|
|
National Library of Ireland |
Work is ongoing on the preparation of the 2023 Annual Report |
Audit Certification awaited from the C&AG |
|
|
Irish Museum of Modern Art |
Work is ongoing on the preparation of the 2023 Annual Report |
Audit Certification awaited from the C&AG |
|
|
Crawford Art Gallery |
Work is ongoing on the preparation of the 2023 Annual Report |
Audit Certification awaited from the C&AG |
|
|
National Gallery of Ireland |
Work is ongoing on the preparation of the 2023 Annual Report |
Audit Certification awaited from the C&AG |
|
|
Screen Ireland |
Work is ongoing on the preparation of the 2023 Annual Report |
Audit Certification awaited from the C&AG |
|
|
Arts Council |
Work is ongoing on the preparation of the 2023 Annual Report |
Audit Certification awaited from the C&AG |
|
|
Fáilte Ireland |
Work is ongoing on the preparation of the 2023 Annual Report |
Audit Certification awaited from the C&AG |
|
|
Tourism Ireland |
Work is ongoing on the preparation of the 2023 Annual Report |
Audit Certification awaited from the C&AG |
|
European Court of Justice
Questions (183)
Carol Nolan
Question:183. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide a breakdown of the fines issued against her Department by the Court of Justice of the European Union for the period 2010 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26143/24]
View answerWritten answers
My Department in its current configuration was established in September 2020.
I am advised by my officials that, in the period since then, fines were only issued against my Department by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in relation to the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD).
On 29 February 2024, the CJEU imposed a lump sum fine of €2.5 million against Ireland for failure to notify the full implementation of the revised AVMSD into Irish law, as well as daily penalty payments of €10,000 until the date of transposition.
These fines are significantly lower than the maximum levels that were open to the Court to impose. Part of the reason for this, is that the revised AVMSD was partially transposed through the commencement of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act and formal establishment of Coimisiún na Meán in March 2023. Full implementation will be completed when An Coimisiún adopts and applies the first online safety code and updated certain media service codes later this year and Ireland can notify the European Commission of full transposition, bringing infringement proceedings to an end.
Tourism Industry
Questions (184)
Patrick Costello
Question:184. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide an update in relation to the short-term tourist letting Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26215/24]
View answerWritten answers
The proposed Short Term Letting and Tourism (STLT) Bill will provide the statutory basis for the establishment of a register for Short Term Lets (STLs) in Ireland, as required under the government's Housing for All strategy, and for the implementation of the EU's new Short Term Rental (STR) Regulation which all member states are required to transpose by 20 May 2026.
On foot of the adoption of the STR Regulation by the EU on 11 April 2024, the general scheme for the Registration of Short-Term Tourist Letting Bill has been revised accordingly and it is intended to bring the general scheme to government shortly for approval and publication with drafting of the Bill commencing thereafter.
In parallel with this, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) is currently developing planning guidance with regard to the STL sector to provide clarity and certainty on the planning permission requirements in respect of STL properties.
International Protection
Questions (185)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:185. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her Department or any of the agencies under the remit of her Department was contacted/consulted by the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth regarding the proposed use by his Department of a property (details supplied) for beneficiaries of temporary protection and separately for the use of IPAS applicants; if so, the dates and details of such consultation and the responses given by the Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26245/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) is responsible for all contracted accommodation used to house Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTP) and International Protection (IP) applicants and is engaged across Government concerning temporary accommodation for those in need of shelter. However, my Department is not generally consulted in relation to specific properties which may be sought for these purposes, including the premises referred to by the Deputy in the question.
Defective Building Materials
Questions (186)
Michael Ring
Question:186. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a review is being carried out to a scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25933/24]
View answerWritten answers
I commenced the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (the Act) on 22 June 2023, which contains the Enhanced Grant Scheme (Scheme) and adopted the related Regulations on 29 June 2023.
The Scheme was legislated for following extensive consultation with all relevant stakeholders.
At the time of the Scheme launch, I established an Implementation Steering Group comprised of officials from the relevant local authorities, my Department, The Housing Agency, and the Homeowner's Liaison Officer (HLO). Part of the Group’s remit was to produce a six-month report. It should be noted that this report is not a review of the fundamental terms and conditions of the Scheme as set down in the 2022 Act, rather it is a report on the how the Scheme is progressing since it launched in 2023.
I received this report on the operation of the Scheme covering the period July to December 2023 i.e. the first six months of the Scheme, which concluded that satisfactory progress was being made under the Scheme. The Group made a small number of recommendations based on its assessment of the first six months of the Scheme’s operation and these are receiving appropriate attention.
A review mechanism is provided within the Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) Act 2022, which allows me, as Minister, to increase the overall grant scheme cap of €420,000 a year after the Act has been commenced by no more than 10%, in accordance with the conditions of Section 11 of the Act. My Department has asked the Expert Group, originally established to advise on a number of technical issues prior to the introduction of the Scheme, to reconvene shortly, to examine the issue and advise me accordingly.
Section 51 of the 2022 DCB Act also provides for a three-year review of the operation of the Act, which the Act itself mandates. In addition, the Act provides for a review of the operation of the Act within three months of the completion of any review of I.S. 465: 2018 by the NSAI.
Rental Sector
Questions (187)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:187. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the supports in place for a tenant in an affordable rent tenancy agreement with the LDA in the event they have a reduction of income or reach pension age and can no longer afford the rent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25934/24]
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Housing for All targets the delivery of 18,000 new Cost Rental homes in the period out to 2030. A strong pipeline is in place and under continuous development by Local Authorities, by Approved Housing Bodies using the Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL), by the Land Development Agency, and now also by private providers under the Secure Tenancy Affordable Rental (STAR) scheme.
The core principle of Cost Rental is that the rents cover the development, management, and maintenance costs of the homes, so that the long-term future of the homes is financially secure, but that rents are not subject to the pressures of the profit-driven open market. Rents will increase only in line with general consumer inflation, remaining stable in real terms while continuing to cover ongoing costs. Cost Rental homes also come with the added advantage of long-term, secure tenancies regulated by the Affordable Housing Act 2021.
The nature of the Cost Rental model means that, unlike differential rents in social housing for low-income households, the rent is not set according to the income of the tenant. Cost Rental homes are advertised and made available at a certain rent level, which is needed to cover the costs of delivery and provision.
It is not intended for Cost Rental to overlap with or replace existing social housing supports for low-income households, which remain a priority for the Government. Cost Rental is instead designed primarily to assist middle-income households who do not qualify for social housing supports such as the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), but who are facing affordability pressures in the private rental market. Cost Rental is a major step forward in providing much-needed affordable rental options to households with incomes above the household limits set for social housing.
Therefore, Section 34 of the Affordable Housing Act 2021 provides that the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) cannot be paid for a Cost Rental tenancy, at least initially, in line with this policy aim that rent payments cover costs without additional State supports. However, in recognition of the potential unforeseen changes in household circumstances that can occur during the lifetime of a tenancy, this restriction on HAP for Cost Rental tenancies is removed after the tenancy has lasted for more than six months.
It is important to note that the grant of HAP for a Cost Rental home is no different from the process that must be followed in any other tenancy. Receipt of HAP is dependent upon someone first being assessed as eligible for social housing support. Assessment for social housing is conducted by Local Authorities, and qualification is dependent on both eligibility (primarily net household income) and also assessed housing need.