Written Answers Nos. 210-229
210. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education if she will provide details on the sites that are being considered by officials in her Department for a new building for a school (details supplied); the length of time the site selection process is likely to take; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27224/24]
View answerFollowing an extensive site identification and assessment exercise, to identify a permanent site location for Mary Immaculate Secondary School in Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare a number of site options were identified and investigated by the Department in conjunction with officials from Clare County Council. A preferred option has now been identified.
The Department has now commenced the process to undertake a detailed appraisal of the preferred site option with a view to pursuing a potential acquisition, subject to technical suitability, agreement on terms and legal due diligence.
The Deputy will appreciate that commercial sensitivities attach to site acquisitions such as this and I am not currently in a position to disclose further information.
The site acquisition process is complex and subject to completion of successful negotiation and conveyancing processes. Therefore, given the complexities involved it is not possible to give a definitive timeframe for the completion of the acquisition but the Department will endeavour to bring the process to a conclusion as soon as possible.
211. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education the number of contracted staff, full-time and part-time, employed by her Department, and by any body or entity under the aegis of the Department, who are specifically assigned to processing freedom of information requests (details supplied), in each of the past three years; the Civil Service grade of each; the number of freedom of information requests dealt with by her Department, or any body or entity under its aegis, in each of the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27229/24]
View answerMy Department has 3 staff working in its Freedom of Information Unit. A full-time Executive Officer who works full-time on FOI requests and a Higher Executive Officer and Executive Officer (both employed on a full-time basis) who work for part of their time on FOI requests. The Assistant Principal Officer and Principal Officer of the section have overall responsibility for the FOI unit and advise and assist as required.
Information regarding the numbers of staff dealing with Freedom of Information requests in bodies under the aegis of my Department is not held centrally by my Department. Contact details for the aegis bodies are published on the Department’s website at gov - Bodies under the aegis of the Department of Education (www.gov.ie) should you wish to contact them directly for this information.
The numbers of Freedom of information requests dealt with by my Department and bodies under the aegis of my Department for the last 3 years is contained in the table below.
|
Year |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
Department of Education |
496 |
359 |
389 |
|
An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta & Gaelscolaíochta |
2 |
4 |
8 |
|
National Centre for Guidance in Education |
0 |
0 |
24 |
|
National Council for Curriculum and Assessment |
11 |
3 |
25 |
|
National Council for Special Education |
26 |
19 |
14 |
|
The Teaching Council |
9 |
6 |
1 |
|
Caranua |
2 |
3 |
1 |
|
Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse |
1 |
3 |
4 |
|
Residential Institutions Review Committee |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Residential Institutions Redress Board |
2 |
8 |
6 |
|
State Examinations Commission |
17 |
15 |
26 |
|
Educational Research Centre |
3 |
4 |
3 |
212. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education if a payroll issue in relation to a person (details supplied) will be resolved urgently; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27257/24]
View answerThe monies due to the Department in this case are related to Illness Benefit deductions of salary that were not made. The reason that these deductions were not made when they should have been, was due to late notification by the school, of the sick leave absence. The amount that the Department deducts is equal to the amount of Illness Benefit payment that a person receives from the Department of Social Protection (DSP).
To explain the background to this case:
The individual concerned commenced sick leave on 30th January 2023 until the 18th March 2024. However, as she commenced Temporary Rehabilitation Remuneration (TRR) on the 30th January 2024, Illness Benefit deductions were only due from 30th January 2023 up to the 29th January 2024.
Over this period, the total deductions of Illness Benefit amounted to € 11,416.67 which the individual would have received from the DSP. If they think that they may have received less , they should contact the DSP to request a statement on 017043300 or illnessbenefit@welfare.ie
From our records, sick leave from the 28th June 2023 was only input by the school via the On Line Claims System (OLCS) on the 12th October 2023.
To date, the system has deducted € 7,495.95, leaving an outstanding balance of €3,936.72. The payroll system automatically deducts as much as possible until this is fully recouped.
Following engagement with the individual concerned, the repayment amount has been adjusted to recoup €232 per fortnight from 20th June onwards, until it is fully recouped.
213. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her Department will provide for a pension (details supplied) to be paid into an Irish bank account as no valid reason has been given as to the reason this should not be the case and there is existing precedence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26735/24]
View answerThe issue raised is an administrative matter for Tourism Ireland and is outside of my remit. I have referred the Deputy's question to Tourism Ireland for direct reply.
214. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the amount of State funding that was invested in a facility (details supplied); if the funding invested was protected by any proviso regarding future sale of the asset; if the State has recovered its investment or any part of its investment following the sale of the facility in 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26739/24]
View answerMy Department did not provide funding to the facility referred to by the Deputy.
215. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her attention has been drawn to calls from the unscripted television production sector to ensure that inward investment is encouraged through a tax incentive in line with section 481 for the scripted sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26758/24]
View answerTax reliefs and tax expenditures, including the introduction of any new tax relief for the unscripted production sector, are the responsibility of my cabinet colleague, the Minister for Finance.
I am aware of calls from the unscripted production sector for a tax incentive and reference was made to the unscripted production sector in Budget 2024 and understand the Minister for Finance and his officials are examining and analysing these proposals.
216. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the budget vote subheading from which funding for her Department’s pilot artist workspaces scheme has been provided; the length of time the pilot is intended to last; and the breakdown of funding foreseen under the pilot scheme, by year of its planned existence. [26765/24]
View answerFunding for the Artist Workspaces Scheme that I launched on 12 June last will be met from the B7 - Cultural Infrastructure & Development subhead of my Department's vote.
Capital funding of €6m is available to local authorities to meet the Government’s commitment under the Programme for Government to increase the provision of affordable workspaces for artists and creative practitioners. The scheme relies on local authorities proposing capital projects for artist workspaces that are fit for purpose, design focused, accessible and affordable. Capital grants ranging from €150,000 to €300,000 are available to individual local authorities. While capital grants are habitually drawn down by grantees over a period of 3 years on average, the duration of the scheme and the drawdown of the €6m funding over the next few years, will be determined by the local authorities themselves and the rate at which they complete the new workspaces.
There is no closing date for the scheme. Any funds not allocated within nine months from the launch of the scheme (by 12 March 2025) may be re-distributed to local authorities who have already applied and made significant progress with their projects subject to a detailed Business Case.
This scheme is included in the 2021-2030 NDP as capital development programme.
The programme for Government contains a number of commitments relating to creative and cultural infrastructure. With regard to National Development Plan (NDP) investment in our national cultural institutions, the Department is working closely with the OPW and the national cultural institutions to progress delivery of major capital redevelopment projects through the infrastructure guidelines.
The nature of the capital investment activities in my Department means that expenditure typically requires that funding is drawn-down by external organisations and is subject to the project timelines of such organisations. This can mean that expenditure patterns and budget profiles are difficult to precisely predict.
217. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her Department’s plans to promote inclusive nightlife; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26798/24]
View answer218. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media funding available to promote inclusive nightlife; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26799/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 217 and 218 together.
The Report of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce which was published in September 2021, is a Cross-Government Report containing 36 actions across a broad range of issues associated with the Night-Time Economy. A good Night-Time Economy should include a range of activities to suit all ages and interests and be a welcoming and flexible environment to do business and be creative. With this in mind, a number of actions in the Night-Time Economy Taskforce Report specifically focus on broadening and diversifying the Night-Time Economy offering which aim to provide an inclusive and accessible night-life for all.
Last year I launched the After Hours at the Museum Scheme which supported small museums and galleries to open later, this provided a diversity of offerings in small towns and villages right across the country. Over 51 venues across Ireland received funding totalling €570,594.27. I also provided funding for three pilot youth initiatives through Garageland, The Kabin (GMC Beats) and South Dublin County Council totalling €119,060. These projects provided spaces for young people to create and perform without alcohol being served.
This year the Night Time Economy Unit partnered with Creative Ireland by offering additional funding to local authorities to run later events for Cruinniú na nÓg, catering to an older cohort of 14 to 18 year olds. €150,000 has been allocated for these events. Some of the events that took place included an Inclusive Disco in Cork County, Longford held a Pride Walk and Dance Party, they also partnered with Longford Africans Network and hosted a creative writing workshop and an African Traditional Musical Instrument Training and Demo.
My Department recently launched the Night Time Economy Accessibility Survey. The aim of this survey is to understand the experience of people with a disability, and artists with a disability, when they engage with the Night Time Economy. Once the survey closes on Monday 24th June, the results will be collated into a report along with a set of recommendations in order to further the Taskforce’s objective of an accessible, inclusive night-life.
I have also committed funding for a two-year pilot, to recruit and support nine Night-Time Advisors in Dublin City, Cork City, Limerick City, Galway City, Kilkenny, Longford, Sligo, Drogheda and Buncrana, Co. Donegal. The Night-Time Advisors will work locally to ensure that an accessible, safe and inclusive Night-Time Economy is developed for their area.
All of these initiatives are helping to build a more inclusive and appealing Night Time Economy for all ages, backgrounds and abilities. I will continue to work with the NTE Sector, our relevant Government Colleagues and Agencies to develop new opportunities within the Night-Time Economy in support of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce Report’s recommendations.
219. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will bring forward the date of allocations for sports capital funding in order that construction in the summer months can be achieved for clubs awaiting funds. [26817/24]
View answerThe Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the main channel for government support for developing sports facilities and purchasing sports equipment for sports clubs and organisations. On 9 May 2024, Minister Martin and I announced a record allocation of over €26 million in equipment grants, under the 2023 round of the SCEP.
On 29 May 2024, Minister Martin and I announced that at least €250 million in funding will be made available under the latest round of the SCEP. The funding available represents a 50% increase on the funding allocated in early 2022 under the 2020 round of the SCEP. It should mean positive allocation decisions for all valid applications under the 2023 round of the SCEP.
Work is underway on assessing the capital applications and allocations will be announced by Autumn. Some equipment applications that are intertwined with capital items will also be assessed as part of this process. Given the record number of applications under the 2023 round of the SCEP, it is not possible to confirm allocations any earlier than Autumn 2024 as planned.
220. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the supports in place for a centre in Carlow (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26991/24]
View answerPrimary public support for the arts in Ireland is provided through the Arts Council. The Arts Council in turn provides current funding to support the operation of a network of arts centres across the country including the centre in question. While support from my Department has increased significantly in recent years, the Arts Council is statutorily independent in its funding decisions under the Arts Act 2003.
In terms of capital funding, €6m is being made available to local authorities under the Artist Workspaces Scheme that I launched on 12 June. The primary focus of this pilot scheme is to provide funding to local authorities to enable them to provide additional capacity and availability of artist workspaces in their regions on a sustainable basis. Under the scheme, it is open to Carlow County Council to make an application in respect of eligible capital works at the Centre.
At present, my Department also has a capital scheme open for applications called Stream E of the Cultural Capital Scheme. Grants of up to €50,000 are available to not-for-profit arts and culture organisations for capital projects that reduce their carbon footprint or provide additional capacity for artistic production. Full details for of these capital schemes can be obtained at the following link: gov - Creative Arts: Grants and Funding (www.gov.ie)
221. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an bhfuil sé i gceist aici staidéar teangeolaíochta a dhéanamh ar an tionchar a d’fhéadfadh a bheith ag lonnú teifeach ón Úcráin agus tíortha eile i nGaeltachtaí láidre ó thaobh na teanga de i bhfianaise na hoibre ar fad atá ar bun maidir le pleanáil teanga sa Ghaeltacht; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [27009/24]
View answerIs ceist don Aire Leanaí, Comhionannais, Míchumais, Lánpháirtíochta agus Imeasctha í lóistín a sholáthar d’Iarrthóir ar Chosaint Idirnáisiúnta agus do theifigh agus níl aon ról ag mo Roinn staidéar dá leithéid a dhéanamh.
222. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she is considering the development of a regional filming strategy, that covers both infrastructure and funding, over a ten-year period to enable the screen industry to be embedded in regions across the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27110/24]
View answerThe Audiovisual Action Plan sets out the Government's high-level, strategic priorities to develop a vibrant media production and audiovisual sector bringing new economic opportunities across Ireland, through increased Government support.
As the national agency for the Irish film, Screen Ireland adopts a dual development approach to the audiovisual industry, balancing local Irish indigenous production and inward international production. Attracting large-scale, international projects to Ireland generates significant activity in the Irish economy, creates employment opportunities and fosters the development of world-class skills alongside ensuring strong levels of investment in Irish stories on screen and projects creatively led by Irish artists.
Screen Ireland provides Nationwide Additional Production Funding to support the growth of production activity particularly in areas that have not traditionally benefited from regular production activity. This can include productions that aim to inspire the next generation of local crew and talent and/or engage the wider local community on the project or the audiovisual industry and/or attract new audiences.
Screen Ireland’s National Talent Academy network includes five academies for film, television, animation and crew across the country, driving the development of skills for the industry throughout the State. The National Talent Academy Crew Hubs are based in the West, East and South of the country – ensuring a widespread balance of skills and opportunity development for crew at all levels.
The development of a regional film strategy was the raised at the Section 481 stakeholder forum held earlier this year by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Finance was the need for regional support for the film industry and I hope to raise these and other issues in consultation with my cabinet colleagues in discussions in advance of Budget 2025.
Since the forum took place, the cap for Section 481 increased from €70m to €125m per project. It is expected that the increased cap will send a strong international message that aligns with and bolsters our infrastructure, facilities, experienced crews, creative talent and beautiful scenery and will also greatly assist in addressing the challenges faced in regional studios in attracting productions.
223. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media with regard to the national sports policy 2018 to 2027 and in respect of Action 23 (details supplied), if he will provide the details of this funding stream, or the relevant officials who can be contacted to provide advice on how to draw down such funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27144/24]
View answer224. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide an update on Action 23 of the National Sports Strategy Policy 2018-2027 (details supplied), including the details of implementation, the actions taken to date and the future actions to be taken on this matter, including timelines for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27149/24]
View answer226. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the annual funding streams available for targeted sports schemes to subvent local authorities in the operation of loss-making facilities where these have a key role in increasing participation, and to support programmes to increase active participation, under action 23 of the National Sports Policy 2018-2027; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27256/24]
View answerMy Department operates two capital funding programmes for sport, namely the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) and the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF).
While the National Sports Policy contains the aim referred to in the question, the issue needs to be considered in the context of the completion of a planned roll-out this year and next of a national network of Local Sports Plans in each local authority area. Any consideration of a new funding stream requires the comprehensive outline of the nature, extent and geographical scope of the potential sports and recreation facilities, infrastructure, programmes and services requirements countrywide which will be captured by the Local Sports Plans, as well the overall resources available to the department.
225. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of contracted staff, full-time and part-time, employed by her Department, and by any body or entity under the aegis of the Department, who are specifically assigned to processing freedom of information requests (details supplied), in each of the past three years; the Civil Service grade of each; the number of freedom of information requests dealt with by her Department, or any body or entity under its aegis, in each of the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27241/24]
View answerThe Data Protection, FOI and Records Management Unit in my Department has 3 full-time permanent civil servants with a number of responsibilities including the responsibility for processing requests made to this Department under the Freedom of Information Act.
To date, and in each of the past three years, the administrative grades in the FOI Unit are as follows:
• 1 Assistant Principal (Information Officer)
• 1 Higher Executive Officer
• 1 Executive Officer
The number of FOI requests processed by the Department in each of the past three years and to date in 2024 is set in tabular form below:
|
Year |
Number of FOI requests processed* |
|
2021 |
170 |
|
2022 |
163 |
|
2023 |
245 |
|
2024 (To Date) |
129 |
*includes the National Archives of Ireland
My Department is fully committed to providing a professional service in relation to processing requests under the Freedom of Information Act.
With regard to bodies under the aegis of my Department, the information sought by the Deputy is an operational matter for those bodies and not something for which I have direct day-to-day responsibility.
Notwithstanding this, my Department reports annually to the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP and Reform (DPENDR) on the number of FOI requests processed by bodies under the aegis. The information submitted to this Department and provided to DPENDR for the years 2021, 2022 and 2023 is set out in tabular form below. This number of FOI requests processed for 2024 will be submitted in early 2025.
|
Bodies under the aegis of DTCAGSM |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
Arts Council |
16 |
21 |
17 |
|
Board of National Library of Ireland |
11 |
11 |
13 |
|
Board of National Museum of Ireland |
10 |
9 |
14 |
|
Chester Beatty Library |
4 |
4 |
2 |
|
Screen Ireland |
9 |
6 |
6 |
|
The Irish Manuscripts Commission |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
The Irish Museum of Modern Art |
9 |
8 |
8 |
|
The National Concert Hall |
9 |
5 |
4 |
|
The National Gallery of Ireland |
12 |
21 |
15 |
|
Crawford Art Gallery |
3 |
3 |
2 |
|
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
17 |
22 |
37 |
|
An Coimisinéir Teanga |
0 |
2 |
3 |
|
RTÉ |
164 |
139 |
239 |
|
TG4 |
7 |
3 |
4 |
|
Broadcasting Authority of Ireland |
17 |
15 |
5 |
|
Coimisiún na Meán |
n/a |
n/a |
31 |
|
Sport Ireland |
59 |
37 |
47 |
|
Sports Ireland Facilities DAC |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Tourism Ireland |
15 |
18 |
7 |
|
Fáilte Ireland |
45 |
41 |
49 |
227. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the publication of the general scheme, or full Bill, to underpin the Celtic Tiger-era building defects remediation scheme. [27080/24]
View answer228. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding the provision of emergency funding for buildings with Celtic Tiger-era building defects, including the number of schemes that have applied; the number of applications approved; and the number of schemes that have drawn down funding, providing all of this information broken down by local authority area, in tabular form. [27081/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 227 and 228 together.
Since receipt of Government approval in January 2023, I have been working to progress the various programmes of work that are required to place on a statutory footing the scheme to establish supports for the remediation of fire safety, structural safety and water ingress defects in purpose-built apartment buildings, including duplexes, constructed between 1991 and 2013.
A general scheme of the proposed Bill in numbered heads has been prepared. It is expected that the draft legislation will be published this year and that, subject to the legislative process, the statutory scheme will be in place shortly thereafter. While this legislation is being worked on as a matter of priority, sufficient time is required for drafting in order to ensure that the scheme is fit for purpose, provides value for tax payers' money and contains appropriate oversight and governance measures.
In December 2023, I announced the opening of the Interim Remediation Scheme for Fire Safety Defects in Apartments and Duplexes. This scheme, which is being managed by The Housing Agency on behalf of my Department, provides for the funding of emergency fire safety defect works in order to provide an acceptable level of fire safety in buildings pending completion of the full remedial works. Apartments and duplexes built between 1991 and 2013 with eligible defects qualify for the scheme, which is open to applications from apartment Owner Management Companies (OMCs) via The Housing Agency’s website, and can be accessed at the following link: www.housingagency.ie/interim-remediation-scheme-fire-safety-defects-eligible-apartments-and-duplexes-2023.
As of end May 2024, the Interim Remediation Scheme has received a total of 269 applications for fire safety remediation work; of these, 154 applications have been successfully validated, meeting the required eligibility criteria, and are being progressed across 31 local authority areas, representing a total of 15,743 residential units. No OMCs have yet drawn down funding. A breakdown of figures by local authority area is attached.
Overall Total: December 2023 to May 2024
|
Province |
Local Authority Area |
MUD |
Blocks |
Units |
|
Leinster |
Dublin City |
56 |
232 |
6,394 |
|
Leinster |
Dun Laoghaire / Rathdown |
16 |
107 |
2,049 |
|
Leinster |
Fingal |
13 |
91 |
2,001 |
|
Leinster |
South Dublin |
10 |
81 |
1,962 |
|
Leinster |
Carlow |
2 |
3 |
79 |
|
Leinster |
Kildare |
7 |
55 |
650 |
|
Leinster |
Kilkenny |
3 |
7 |
137 |
|
Leinster |
Laois |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Leinster |
Longford |
2 |
10 |
131 |
|
Leinster |
Louth |
1 |
5 |
73 |
|
Leinster |
Meath |
5 |
14 |
273 |
|
Leinster |
Offaly |
1 |
10 |
80 |
|
Leinster |
Westmeath |
6 |
18 |
209 |
|
Leinster |
Wexford |
1 |
1 |
18 |
|
Leinster |
Wicklow |
2 |
5 |
81 |
|
Munster |
Clare |
2 |
15 |
277 |
|
Munster |
Cork City |
3 |
15 |
235 |
|
Munster |
Cork |
3 |
4 |
131 |
|
Munster |
Kerry |
3 |
6 |
201 |
|
Munster |
Limerick |
4 |
17 |
192 |
|
Munster |
Tipperary |
1 |
1 |
48 |
|
Munster |
Waterford |
5 |
8 |
115 |
|
Connaught |
Galway City |
2 |
2 |
76 |
|
Connaught |
Galway |
1 |
2 |
10 |
|
Connaught |
Leitrim |
1 |
9 |
52 |
|
Connaught |
Mayo |
1 |
1 |
32 |
|
Connaught |
Roscommon |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Connaught |
Sligo |
2 |
11 |
213 |
|
Ulster |
Cavan |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Ulster |
Donegal |
1 |
2 |
24 |
|
Ulster |
Monaghan |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Overall Totals |
154 |
732 |
15,743 |
|
Dublin (Total) |
95 |
511 |
12,406 |
|
Rest of Leinster |
30 |
128 |
1,731 |
|
Munster |
21 |
66 |
1,199 |
|
Connaught |
7 |
25 |
383 |
|
Ulster |
1 |
2 |
24 |
229. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if child maintenance will be disregarded from the housing assistance payment and differential rent scheme assessment operated by local authorities, following the announcement from Government that child maintenance will be excluded from all social welfare means tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27658/24]
View answer241. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether child maintenance will be disregarded from the housing assistance payment and differential rent scheme assessment operated by local authorities, following the announcement that child maintenance will be excluded from all social welfare means tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27072/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 229 and 241 together.
Local authorities set and collect rents on their dwellings in accordance with section 58 of the Housing Act 1966. Tenants in the HAP scheme are required to pay a weekly rental contribution to the relevant local authority in line with the local authority’s differential rent scheme. The making or amending of such rent schemes is generally a matter for local authorities within broad principles set out by my Department including that rent levels should be based on income and reflect tenants’ ability to pay.
Local discretion and flexibility are inherent in the devolved administration of rent schemes and different approaches are taken to rent setting across local authorities. Accordingly, decisions regarding the sources of income included and disregarded for rent assessment purposes, including child maintenance, are matters for individual local authorities.
