Written Answers Nos. 145-159
145. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount spent by his Department on traditional and online advertising in each of the past ten years and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [41810/24]
View answerThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
|
Year |
Total |
|
2014 |
€559,844 |
|
2015 |
€461,408 |
|
2016 |
€456,753 |
|
2017 |
€485,425 |
|
2018 |
€381,302 |
|
2019 |
€476,495 |
|
2020 |
€391,790 |
|
2021 |
€641,552 |
|
2022 |
€989,680 |
|
2023 |
€1,647,848 |
|
2024 |
€1,266,035 |
146. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there is any recompense for a community living in the shadow of a wind farm in County Donegal (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41904/24]
View answerWind energy projects are complex developments that require full and proper assessment by the relevant planning authority or An Bord Pleanála (the Board). In making decisions on a planning application for any type of development, including a wind energy development, a planning authority, or the Board as appropriate, must consider the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, having regard to the provisions of the local development plan, any submissions or observations received from the public and the statutory consultees, and any relevant Ministerial or Government policies as well as any planning guidelines issued by my Department.
In accordance with section 34 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended, it is a matter for the relevant planning authority to consider each application for planning permission, on a case-by-case basis and to decide whether to grant permission, subject to or without conditions, or to refuse permission. The enforcement of conditions attached to a grant of planning permission is a matter for the relevant planning authority.
The current Wind Energy Development Guidelines 2006 do not provide guidance relating to community dividend or benefit however, my Department is currently undertaking a focused review of the 2006 Guidelines and is looking at, inter alia, community dividend and community benefit in this regard. In line with the “preferred draft approach” underpinning the review, the draft Guidelines recommend wind energy developers take steps to ensure that the proposed development will be of enduring economic or social benefit to the communities concerned.
Supplementary to the Wind Energy Development Guidelines, the Code of Practice for Wind Energy Development in Ireland - Guidelines for Community Engagement published by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) sets out to ensure that wind energy development in Ireland is undertaken in observance with the best industry practices, and with the full engagement of communities around the Country.
Further to this, a key element in the Government’s plan to 2030 meet renewable energy targets is the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS), characterised by a series of competitive auctions, four to date held in 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024. Successful applicants in the auction are offered a two-way support arrangement for a period of 15 years, this arrangement guarantees developers and consumers a stable electricity price for that period. The scheme is funded by consumers via the Public Service Obligation (PSO).
As part of the requirements to obtain RESS support, generators are required to pay into a community benefit fund to be used for the wider economic, environmental, social and cultural well-being of the local community. The rate of payment into the fund is set at €2/MWh for all generation projects. The associated Terms and Conditions specify the mandatory distribution of these monies, setting a minimum payment for near neighbours within 1 kilometre. The Community Benefit Fund could decide to pay neighbours located between 1 and 2 kilometres.
Local projects to be supported by the Community Benefit Fund are decided upon by the members of the Fund Committee, consisting of a number of volunteer community representatives, the generator and the administrator. Individual Community Benefit Funds need to submit an annual report to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) including details of how the funds have been spent. Further information is available on this website: www.seai.ie/grants/community-grants/community-benefit-funds.
Residents living in the proximity of a RESS project with a query about the disbursal of funds should, in the first instance, contact the SEAI Community Benefit Fund Team at benefitfund@seai.ie.
147. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the review on current guidelines for wind farms will include changes to the minimum distances from private residences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41415/24]
View answerMy Department is currently undertaking a focused review of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines. The review is addressing a number of key aspects of the Guidelines including setback distances as well as noise, shadow flicker, community dividend, community obligation, and grid connections.
My Department, in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) which has primary responsibility for environmental noise matters, has been working to advance guidance on the noise aspect of Guidelines, which is highly technical in nature. The two Departments have been engaging on proposals regarding the measurement and assessment of noise from wind turbines to ensure they are robust and fit for purpose having regard to, inter alia, the revised 2030 target to generate up to 80% of our electricity from renewable sources.
Further to this engagement, DECC appointed noise consultants in May 2023 to inform any amendments to the noise aspect of the Guidelines. This work is substantially complete. My Department, in conjunction with DECC in respect of its environmental noise remit, will make any further changes to the draft Guidelines which are deemed necessary or appropriate in the wake of this work to ensure that the finalised Guidelines, once issued, are fit for purpose to provide guidance in line with renewable energy and climate targets, whilst having appropriate regard to the impacts of wind energy development, including in relation to noise annoyance and setback distances.
In addition to work on the noise aspects of the Guidelines, the evolving policy and technical context including the new Planning and Development Bill 2023, which is expected to be enacted in the coming weeks, and the revision of the National Planning Framework reinforces the need to ensure that the finalised Guidelines, once issued, are fit for purpose.
As part of the review process, and in line with EU Directive requirements, a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is being carried out on the draft Guidelines. As part of the SEA process, my Department intends to undertake a public consultation on updated draft Guidelines whereby all interested parties will have an opportunity to submit observations on the draft Guidelines. Finalised Guidelines will be prepared following detailed analysis and consideration of the submissions received during the consultation phase.
With regard to the finalisation of the review of the Wind Energy Development Guidelines, the Climate Action Plan 2024 - Annex of Actions sets out a timeline of Q1 2025 for publication of the final updated Guidelines. My Department is working towards meeting this commitment, having regard to the intended public consultation and the finalisation of associated reforms and reviews including the revision of the National Planning Framework. When finalised, the revised Guidelines will be issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended or, subject to enactment of the Planning and Development Bill 2023, as a National Planning Statement, as appropriate. The current 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines remain in force, pending the finalisation of the review.
148. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the legislative timeline for the introduction of the Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Bill 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41992/24]
View answerMy Department has been advancing the steps to put a scheme for the remediation of eligible defects in apartments and duplexes constructed between 1991-2013 on a statutory footing as a matter of priority.
Given the complexity of the issues, including the significant amount of Exchequer funding that this Government has committed to assist affected homeowners, sufficient time for drafting the legislation is required to ensure that the scheme is fit for purpose, provides value for taxpayers' money and contains appropriate oversight and governance measures.
The Heads of the General Scheme have been circulated and on 18 September 2024, I received Government approval for:
1. the priority drafting of the Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Bill 2024 along the lines of the General Scheme;
2. authorisation to arrange for the referral of the General Scheme to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage for pre-legislative scrutiny; and
3. further amendments to the General Scheme that I deem appropriate on the advice of the Attorney General.
It is expected the draft legislation will be published before the end of this year and that, subject to the legislative process, the statutory scheme will be in place shortly thereafter.
149. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the operation of the interim remediation scheme for apartments and duplexes with fire safety, structural safety and water ingress defects; the number of applications that have been submitted; the number of applications that have been validated; the number of applications that have been rejected; the length of time on average it takes the Housing Agency to process an application upon its receipt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41993/24]
View answerThe Interim Remediation Scheme for the funding of eligible emergency fire safety defect works in apartments and duplexes has been in place since December 2023. The Scheme, which is being administered by the Housing Agency on a nationwide basis, is open to applications from apartment Owners’ Management Companies (OMC) via the Housing Agency’s website.
In the period since the Scheme’s launch, up to and including 30 September 2024:
• 316 applications have been submitted for validation; from which
• 180 applications have been validated, meeting the required eligibility criteria, and are being progressed across 27 local authority areas; representing
• a total of 17,420 residential units, with just under 79% of units affected located in the four Dublin local authority areas.
The Scheme application process is broken into eight phases, of which Phase 3 requires significant input from OMCs, involving engagement of a Competent Professional (CP) to carry out a thorough fire safety investigation, identify required works and engage with Local Authority Fire Services (LAFS) in the preparation of an Interim Remediation Works Plan. Once Phase 3 is completed, and with LAFS confirmation of continued eligibility, a Grant Agreement can then be issued to the OMC and funds can be drawn down as works are completed and certified in due course.
It is not possible to provide a definitive timeline for the entire application process, as the duration can vary significantly depending on the specifics of each case and the speed at which the OMC or CP responds to requests for further information, particularly in Phases 3 and 4. However, I can confirm that all Phase 2 documentation (consisting of Confirmation of Validity, assigned Case Number and an Applicant Pack) has consistently been issued within the prescribed timeframe of 7–10 working days on receipt of a completed application.
LAFS have a significant role in the implementation of the Interim Remediation Scheme, and to support the Scheme’s progress, Letters of Approval to recruit 40.5 additional fire services staff have issued to ten local authorities.
In April of this year, four appropriate “pathfinder” projects were identified from applications within the Scheme. These pathfinder projects have allowed the mapping of the application and remediation process into simple steps, to identify pinch points and their solutions and to provide consistency across submissions by OMCs and related LAFS workings.
Three pathfinders are situated in the Dublin area involving three local authorities, and one in Kildare. These projects vary in size and complexity, providing valuable insights for both the interim and future full remediation schemes, across resource identification, standardisation of documents and process efficiencies.
Intense engagement has taken place over the summer period between the Competent Professionals, acting on behalf of the four OMCs and LAFS. Three OMCs have completed their engagement with fire services and will receive Grant Agreements in the coming weeks.
Subject to validation, it is expected that payments to OMCs will commence on eligible works before the end of this year.
150. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to contact co-operative housing and DLR with regard to the new social housing development called St. Germaine, in Ballybrack village, to investigate the complaints by residents of major and multiple defects in this new development including serious damp, potentially dangerous electrics and serious, reported fire hazards and many others, to investigate the necessity of an independent assessment and to ensure the residents are informed of these enquiries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42096/24]
View answerCALF funding is capital support provided to Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) by local authorities to facilitate the funding of construction, acquisition or refurbishment of new social housing units. This loan facility can support between 25% and 30% of the eligible capital cost of the housing project, with the remaining finance sourced by the AHBs from private lenders (usually the Housing Finance Agency (HFA)). The housing units are provided to local authorities for social housing use under long-term lease arrangements known as Payment and Availability Agreements (P&A Agreement). All contractual agreements are between the AHB and the Local Authority, which in this case is Dún Laoghaire Rathdown (DLR).
Where an AHB has purchased or constructed a property that is in their ownership, the responsibility for management and maintenance of that property is a matter for them to meet, in most cases, from their own income. This income is derived, in the main, from a combination of rent payments from the tenant and monthly payments made by the local authority to the AHB in accordance with a P&A agreement which is in place for each of these properties.
AHBs must also comply with Private Rental Standards and tenancies, which are required to be registered with the Residential Tenancy Board (RTB). Both the AHB and tenant can avail of services through the RTB. Each AHB typically has their own tenant handbook/ tenancy agreement whereby both the roles of the AHB and the tenant are clearly defined.
While, I appreciate your concerns about this development in St. Germaine, as you are aware, Section 63(3) of the Local Government Act 2001 provides that, subject to law, a Local Authority is independent in the performance of its functions. Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 specifically provides that my power to issue policy directions and guidelines to Local Authority in relation to their housing functions shall not be construed as enabling me to exercise any power or control in relation to any individual case with which a housing authority is or may be concerned.
151. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total cost associated with each Commission of Investigation under the remit of his Department in the past twenty years. [42461/24]
View answerThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
152. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on an application for the State pension by a person in County Kerry (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41706/24]
View answerThe person concerned reached pension age on 19 January 2024.
According to the records of my Department, the person concerned has a total of 1,039 reckonable paid and 43 reckonable credited contributions. This gives entitlement to 85% of the maximum rate of State Pension (contributory) from their 66th birthday.
As the person concerned also worked in the UK, their entitlement to a pro-rata pension based on their Irish and UK record will be examined on receipt of their contribution record from the UK authorities. The person concerned will receive which ever payment is financially more beneficial to them.
Where a person reaches state pension age and qualifies for less than the maximum rate, it is open to them to apply for the state pension (non-contributory) which is a means-tested payment with a maximum payment €266.00 which is approximately 95% of the maximum rate of State Pension (contributory).
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
153. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of legal cases taken against her Department in each of the past ten years and to date in 2024; the costs incurred by her Department in relation to such cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41723/24]
View answerThe table below sets out the available information regarding the number of litigation cases where the Department of Social Protection is the respondent.
The Chief State Solicitor's Office, as the Government solicitor, absorbs the costs of representing the Department.
|
Year |
Number of cases |
|
Year |
Number of cases |
|
2024 (so far) |
37 |
|
2023 |
63 |
|
2022 |
54 |
|
2021 |
21 |
|
2020 |
31 |
|
2019 |
15 |
|
2018 |
45 |
|
2017 |
32 |
Accurate figures for the years prior to 2017 are not readily available.
154. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of data breaches experienced by her Department in each of the past ten years and to date in 2024; if a breakdown will be provided on the nature of the breaches; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41741/24]
View answerMy Department recorded the following number of data breaches in each of the years since 2016 and to date in 2024. No records are available for the period before 2016.
Year Number of data breaches
2016 57
2017 108
2018 226
2019 371
2020 508
2021 646
2022 502
2023 681
2024 to date 538
The vast majority of the confirmed data breaches relate to incidents where individual customer information was accidentally and inadvertently disclosed to third parties, e.g. misaddressed email or postal correspondence. In each of these incidents, the Department followed procedures in accordance with data protection legislation and every effort was made to secure personal data quickly and efficiently. Through Data protection awareness training and ongoing information of staff obligations the level of reported incident has increased year on year.
My Department takes data protection obligations very seriously. In order to protect the personal data of its customers and to minimise data protection incidents, a dedicated Programme Board is in place to oversee data protection matters in the Department.
In addition, my Department has in place a set of data protection policies, standards, procedures and guidelines governing the use of its computer systems and customer data. These policies, procedures and guidelines are kept under constant review and are updated as appropriate.
155. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the total costs associated for her Department in relation to trips abroad taken by Ministers in her Department in each of the past five years and to date in 2024. [41759/24]
View answerThe following table outlines the total cost to the Department for travel undertaken by Minister Humphreys for each of the last 5 full years and, for 2024 to date.
|
2019 |
€0.00 |
|
2020 |
€0.00 |
|
2021 |
€0.00 |
|
2022 |
€719.29 |
|
2023 |
€542.17 |
|
2024 (to date) |
€0.00 |
As the Minister for Social Protection is also the Minister for Rural and Community Affairs, other travel and/or accommodation costs may have been incurred by that Department over the said period.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy, if further information is required, Department Officials will be happy to follow-up.
156. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the amount spent by her Department on public relations in each of the past ten years and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [41777/24]
View answerMy Department does not employ or engage any external consultants or firms to deal with public relations. The Department's Press Office deals with all media queries and public relations matters.
Details of expenditure by my Department on public relations advice/training from an external agency during the past ten years follow.
|
Year |
Amount |
|
2017 |
€3,690 |
|
2023 |
€4,070 |
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
157. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the total amount of consultancy fees incurred by her Department in each of the past ten years and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [41796/24]
View answerDetails as requested by the Deputy are set out in tabular form below.
|
Total consultancy fees 2014 - 2024 |
|
|
2024 to date |
€877,707 |
|
2023 |
€522,153 |
|
2022 |
€1,144,457 |
|
2021 |
€511,886 |
|
2020 |
€425,196 |
|
2019 |
€628,812 |
|
2018 |
€636,100 |
|
2017 |
€795,934 |
|
2016 |
€239,130 |
|
2015 |
€518,991 |
|
2014 |
€912,164 |
In addition, a breakdown of the annual expenditure on consultancy is published on the Gov.ie website at gov.ie - Department of Social Protection Policy on Procurement (www.gov.ie)
158. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the amount spent by her Department on traditional and online advertising in each of the past ten years and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [41814/24]
View answerMy Department is committed to ensuring that members of the public are aware of the welfare supports and services that are available to them and that they are notified of any scheme changes which may affect them.
Public information and advertising campaigns are an important part of our work and cover national and regional print media and radio, digital and social media.
All campaigns are developed and targeted carefully in collaboration with our media buyer, using the best mix of media formats to ensure that the Department's messages reach members of the public effectively.
Advertising expenditure in each of the past 10 years including VAT and all media fees, and 2024 spend incurred to date, is outlined below in tabular form.
|
Year |
Total Advertising Spend |
|
2024 |
€1,080,146.36* |
|
2023 |
€1,462,679.07 |
|
2022 |
€1,352,300.85 |
|
2021 |
€2,289,774.30 |
|
2020 |
€2,538,989.37 |
|
2019 |
€845,761.29 |
|
2018 |
€416,585.00 |
|
2017 |
€839,102.66 |
|
2016 |
€87,642.92 |
|
2015 |
€209,198.58 |
|
2014 |
€64,095.00 |
* Invoiced to 10 October 2024
159. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons currently in receipt of jobseeker's allowance who stated that their previous employment was in agriculture; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41861/24]
View answerAs of 6th October 2024 there were 4,009 recipients of Jobseeker's Allowance who stated that their previous employment was in agriculture.
‘Agriculture’ includes managers, administrators and other occupations in agriculture, fishing and related industries. Farm Assist is a means-tested payment for current, low-income farmers; recipients of Farm Assist are not included in the figures.
