Written Answers Nos. 387-409
387. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the legal challenge to the 2025 Section 28 guidelines on apartment design standards including an assessment of the impact of the referral of the matter to the European Court of Justice on the use of the NEE standards; and an update on when the National Planning Policy Statement on apartment design standards will be published. [3001/26]
View answer388. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department is tracking the number of planning applications submitted using the 2025 section 28 design standards for apartments; if so, to confirm the number of such planning applications lodged to date; and the total number of units involved in these applications, separating out new applications from applications to change existing grants of permission. [3002/26]
View answerMy Department does not hold the data requested.
Information on planning permissions granted is published quarterly by the Central Statistics Office (CSO). This includes data for planning permissions granted which can be broken down by type of dwelling, including for private flats and apartments and is available by local authority area. This data can be found at Dataset BHQ17 at the following link on CSO website [https://data.cso.ie/table/BHQ17].
The relevant planning authorities may be contacted to provide the information directly.
389. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average cost of social homes delivered in 2025 broken down by delivery stream, including SHIP Construction, SHIP Turnkey, CALF Construction, CALF Turnkey, CAS Construction, CAS Turnkey, and social housing acquisitions. [3003/26]
View answerThe relevant details are being compiled and will be provided to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
390. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average cost of affordable homes delivered in 2025 broken down by delivery stream, including cost rental equity loan, affordable purchase scheme and Local Development Agency, LDA, cost rental. [3004/26]
View answerSpecific delivery costs per unit are variable and differ between both the affordable schemes themselves and for individual developments delivered under the same scheme, given differing typologies, locations and layouts.
The maximum funding available to Approved Housing Bodies under the Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL) scheme is 55% of the capital costs, split between a CREL loan of up to 35% and equity of up to 20%. The average cost to the Exchequer for delivery of homes with CREL support, which were approved in 2025, was approximately €222,788 per home.
In addition, the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) subsidy is available to local authorities as a direct subvention on local authority housing development costs at rates of €50,000, €75,000, €100,000, and €150,000 per affordable home depending on (a) the density of housing units per hectare on the development, and (b) where the development is located. The average AHF subsidy per home in 2024 was €77,413 of which €73,540 per unit (95%) is payable from Exchequer funds with the balance (5%) being contributed directly by the relevant local authority. Average costs for 2025 will be calculated when delivery figures for Q4 2025 are published.
Furthermore, Land Development Agency delivery of cost rental can be supported by the Secure Tenancy Affordable Rental (STAR) Scheme, with the average equity investment in 2025 being €119,139 per cost rental home.
391. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of cost rental and affordable purchase homes delivered in County Waterford in each year from 2020 to 2025, and the pipeline for 2026, in tabular form, by funding stream and-or acquisition type. [3007/26]
View answerGovernment is fully committed to delivering social and affordable housing at scale, and continuing to accelerate housing supply across all tenures. A comprehensive implementation strategy is in place to support the various social and affordable housing schemes now being delivered by a range of delivery partners.
My Department publishes comprehensive programme-level statistics on a quarterly basis on affordable housing delivery activity by local authorities and delivery partners in each local authority area. Data for the years 2022 up to Q3 2025 is currently published on the statistics page of my Department’s website at the following link:
In terms of the affordable housing delivery pipeline in Waterford, funding approval is in place to assist with the delivery of 254 affordable purchase and cost rental homes under six schemes by 2026 with the support of the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF). Two further schemes are currently under assessment, with the potential to deliver nearly 60 affordable purchase homes by end 2027.
My Department, along with the Housing Agency and the Housing Delivery Coordination Office of the Local Government Management Agency, will continue to advise and support Waterford City & County Council in respect of its planned response to affordable housing needs in all key urban locations within its administrative area.
392. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of new social housing homes delivered in County Waterford in each year from 2020 to 2025, and the pipeline for 2026, in tabular form, by funding stream and-or acquisition type. [3008/26]
View answerMy Department publishes comprehensive programme-level statistics on a quarterly basis on social and affordable housing delivery activity by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) in each local authority, including Waterford. The data is broken down in many forms including funding streams and acquisition type. This data is available to the end of Q3 2025 and is published on the statistics page of my Department’s website (www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/).
My Department also publishes the Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR), which provides details of social housing developments and their location that have been completed, are under construction or are progressing through the various stages of the design and tender processes. Data is collated at project level rather than individual unit level. The most recent publication was for Quarter 3 2025. All CSRs are available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/cb885-social-housing-construction-projects-status-reports/.
The most recent Construction Status Report shows that there were 644 homes at various stages of design and procurement in Waterford at the end of Quarter 3 2025, including 132 homes onsite (SHIP x 535 units, CAS x 26 units, CALF x 83 units).
393. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of tenant-in-situ purchase applications received, completed and refused in County Waterford in each year from 2020 to 2025; and the number of instances for each refusal reason type. [3009/26]
View answerThe administration of acquisitions under the Second Hand Acquisitions Programme, including for tenancy sustainment (via tenant in situ), is delegated to local authorities. Accordingly, data on the number of applications received or refused by Waterford City and County Council in any given year is not captured by my Department and should be sought directly from the local authority.
My Department publishes programme-level statistics quarterly for social housing delivery, including for social housing acquisitions. These data are currently available to end Q3 2025 and can be accessed at
[https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/].
The provisional outturn for Waterford suggests 12 acquisitions were completed under the 2025 Second Hand Acquisitions Programme. The final outturn will be confirmed when the Q4 2025 social housing delivery statistics are published in the coming months.
|
Allocation |
Total Acquisitions |
Homeless Exit Acquisitions |
Tenancy Sustainment Acquisitions |
Priority Cohorts Acquisitions |
Buy and Renew Acquisitions |
|
€8m |
12 |
6 |
4 |
2 |
0 |
394. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on the review of the grant support arrangements for septic tanks, especially for those currently not eligible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3056/26]
View answerGrant assistance is available in specific circumstances to support householders where defective Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems (DWWTS), including septic tanks, pose a significant risk to the environment or to public health. The grants are targeted at areas of greatest environmental priority and are only available in specific circumstances.
In particular, grants may be accessed where a system has failed an inspection under the National Inspection Plan and an Advisory Notice has been issued, or where a dwelling is located within a designated area identified as particularly vulnerable to the impacts of defective systems.
The operation and maintenance of DWWTS remains the responsibility of the property owner, who must ensure that their system functions effectively and does not pose a risk to human health or the environment.
My Department is currently finalising a review of the grant support arrangements in light of evolving environmental objectives, including consideration of additional areas now identified as priority areas for action.
The outcome of this review will help ensure that the available resources continue to be used to best effect, delivering the greatest environmental and public health benefits.
395. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the progress of exempted development regulations; when the details of what is included in the new regulations will be provided for modular garden units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3059/26]
View answer402. Deputy Ann Graves asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the exempted development regulations, given that public consultation closed in August 2025. [3220/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 395 and 402 together.
I refer to my reply to Question No. 1457 of 13 January which sets out the position in this matter.
396. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount his Department, or agencies under its remit, spent on advertising on a social media platform (details supplied) in each of the years 2024 and 2025, respectively; to outline any expenditure on verification or premium accounts on the platform in those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3106/26]
View answerMy Department undertakes public information campaigns where there is important information to be bring to the public’s attention. The advertising campaigns generally utilise a variety of advertising methods, including TV, radio and print as well as online advertising and social media.
For example, an awareness campaign on the electorate for Seanad university elections is currently running across broadcast print and social media. The annual National Directorate of Fire and Emergency Management’s 2025/2026 Fire Safety Campaign is running across broadcast and social media to make the public aware of the contributing factors and consequences of fire and to raising awareness of the importance of smoke alarms in the home.
My Departmental communication team amplifies these campaigns through press releases, our gov.ie website and on our own social media channels.
My Department has not spent money on verification or premium accounts on the social media platform X in 2025 or 2026.
My Department uses media buying agencies to secure advertising space on its behalf for campaigns. Media buying companies develop media plans, selecting a media mix to reach the largest number of people as possible among the target audience.
On the advice of our media buying agency, X was used by my Department as part of an important multi-media Fire Safety Campaign from October to February in 2024/2025 and is being used again in 2025/2026 Fire Safety Campaign. Given the nature of the public safety messaging involved, it was felt that it was important to get the key messages out to the public through the most effective channels.
The spend on X in 2024 for the Fire Safety Campaign was €4,500. The spend on X as part of the Fire Safety campaign across 2025 was €10,399. Both campaigns have delivered strong performance metrics.
The use of the platform is being kept under on-going review.
397. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of preschool providers who operate under ECCE, and not previously paying rates, now being contacted by Tailte Éireann informing them that their buildings will be measured and assessed for the purpose of rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3116/26]
View answerTailte Éireann is an independent Government agency and provides a property registration system, property valuation service, and national mapping and surveying infrastructure for the State. Tailte Éireann is independent in the exercise of its valuation functions under the Valuation Act 2001, (the Act) as amended and I, as the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, have no function in decisions in this regard.
Tailte Éireann has overall responsibility under the Act, for the maintenance of all Valuation Lists used by local authorities in the calculation of rates liability. By way of background, there are two statutory valuation processes known as “revaluation” and “revision” which are provided for under the Act. The carrying out of these processes are two of the core functions of Tailte Éireann, which are to compile (revaluation) and maintain (revision) for each local authority a valuation list of all rateable properties in its administrative area on which it can levy and collect commercial rates.
Under revaluation a local authority provides an up-to-date list of rateable properties in the area in consultation with Tailte Éireann prior to the revaluation in the authority area.
Revision applications may be submitted by a local authority, an occupier of a property, an interest holder in the property or an occupier of another property that is situate in the same rating authority area. Tailte Éireann is statutorily obliged to process all applications made to it to consider the rateability of property.
Any commercial property may be added to the rateable property list for a local authority and begin to receive correspondence from Tailte Éireann for the first time under Revaluation or Revision.
Under the Act, all property is rateable unless it falls into one of the exempt categories listed in Schedule 4 of the Act. There is a very specific range of exemptions that can be applied, and Tailte Éireann has no discretionary latitude to grant exemptions not covered by Schedule 4.
Paragraph 22 of Schedule 4 of the Act, which was inserted by the Valuation (Amendment) Act 2015, refers specifically to early childhood care and education facilities and provides an exemption for:
“Any land, building or part of a building used exclusively for the provision of early childhood care and education, and occupied by a body which is not established and the affairs of which are not conducted for the purpose of making a private profit.”
Therefore, while the Act provides that early childhood care and education facilities that are operated on a not-for-profit basis are exempt from rates, it does not provide a general exemption from rates for all childcare or childminding facilities operating on a for profit basis. To avoid ambiguity, if an early childhood care and education facility is operated on a for-profit basis, then they do not fulfil the criteria for exemption under Paragraph 22.
As a matter of course, Tailte Éireann examines all properties on their individual merits by reference to the relevant statutory provisions governing the operation of the Act and case law arising from the independent Valuation Tribunal and the Higher Courts.
There are a number of avenues of redress for an occupier of rateable property who is dissatisfied with a determination of valuation by Tailte Éireann made under the provisions of the Valuation Act 2001, as amended. Firstly, before a determination is made, there is a right to make representations to Tailte Éireann in relation to a proposed valuation. Later in the process, if the occupier is still dissatisfied with the determination, there is a right of appeal to the Valuation Tribunal which is an independent body set up for the purpose of hearing appeals against determinations of Tailte Éireann. There is a right of appeal to the Higher Courts on a point of law.
Under Irish law there is a distinct separation of functions between the valuation of rateable property and the setting and collection of commercial rates. The commercial rates payable on a particular property is a product of the valuation of that property determined by Tailte Éireann multiplied by the “Annual Rate on Valuation” (ARV) which is set annually by the elected members of the local authority as part of its budgetary process. The billing and collection of rates is solely a matter for the relevant local authority. Tailte Éireann has no function in that regard.
398. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage , further to Parliamentary Question No 216 of 21 November 2025, the way he can equate that response with the reply by his Department to Kildare County Council (details supplied) which states, that KCC does not have authorisation to make exceptions; his views that his reply to this Deputy is at odds with his official's reply to Kildare County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3121/26]
View answerLocal authorities have delegated sanction to pursue individual priority acquisitions without recourse to my Department, where these acquisitions are in line with the broad parameters and criteria of the Second Hand Acquisitions Programme. In such cases, the decision to progress an acquisition or otherwise, is solely a matter for the local authority in question.
Importantly, local authorities have no scope to deviate from the scheme parameters and criteria, which Kildare County Council was advised it was not permitted to do.
399. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he can provide details of the options open to a person or family in need of housing who earn over the income limit to qualify for social housing, who are paying rent and not able to save for a deposit yet are under the income threshold for housing deemed to be affordable by the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3132/26]
View answerAffordability and the chance to own a home is at the heart of Government’s housing policy, as embodied within the new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025 – 2030.
As part of the new plan, Government is investing an unprecedented level of funding to support housing supply, which will underpin, inter alia, the provision of social housing and the new Starter Homes Programme, which will deliver an average of 15,000 affordable housing supports annually to 2030.
Under Housing for All Government introduced several schemes to help first time home seekers to buy or rent homes. Since 2021, close to 19,000 affordable housing supports have been provided via these measures, nationwide. These supports will be retained, streamlined and expanded under the umbrella of the new Starter Homes Programme, to further tackle the issues of supply and affordability, and ensure that first time buyers and renters all over the country in need of assistance, are supported by Government.
In particular, the plan provides for an expanded remit for the Land Development Agency, extends the First Home and increases affordable cost rental tenancies. It also expands the local authority delivered starter homes for purchase programme, which will see an increase in the number of affordable homes for purchase nationwide.
The Help to Buy (HTB) Scheme, administered by the Revenue Commissioners, will also remain available for first-time property purchasers under the new plan, to assist with the deposit required to purchase or self-build a new house or apartment. This scheme can be used in conjunction with both the First Home and Affordable Purchase Schemes and allows eligible applicants to claim up to €30,000 or 10% of the property value, whichever is lower.
The Local Authority Home Loan is also available, which can be used to purchase a new or second-hand property or for self-build, providing up to 90% of the market value of the property. The maximum loan amount is determined by where the property is located. This loan is available to applicants who have been offered insufficient mortgage offers of finance from two or more regulated financial providers.
Scheme criteria and support levels for affordable purchase schemes are kept under regular review, taking account of developments in the housing market. I will continue engaging with all delivery partners to ensure that the Starter Homes Programme enables the delivery of a strong pipeline of affordable housing supports, over the lifetime of the plan.
400. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider increasing the current income threshold for studio apartments under the cost rental scheme, given issues regarding the current threshold (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3187/26]
View answerCost Rental is a key element of the Government's housing strategy to improve affordability in the rental sector and to provide secure, long-term homes for moderate-income households. 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, and that rents are not subject to the pressures of the open market.
The primary eligibility condition for accessing Cost Rental housing is a maximum net annual household income (less income tax, PRSI, USC and superannuation contributions) of €66,000 in Dublin and €59,000 elsewhere.
However, since rents must cover costs in order for the model to be viable, a Cost Rental landlord must also be reasonably confident that a prospective tenant can afford to sustain rent payments every month over the long term. Therefore, under the current legislation, a Cost Rental landlord has final discretion to consider the suitability for a tenancy of an eligible applicant. Some Cost Rental landlords use their discretion to employ the commonly cited ‘rule of thumb’ metric of rent not exceeding approximately a third of net income.
My Department has issued guidance to landlords about how other factors such as rental history or savings may be relevant considerations in relation to cost rental applicants, and about the importance of clearly communicating the reasons why an eligible application has not progressed to the offer of a tenancy.
There are also other options available, in terms of social housing supports, for single person households with net incomes under €40,000 in Dublin.
In line with the Programme for Government commitment, the parameters for Cost Rental eligibility are kept under review to ensure the scheme effectively targets the intended tenant cohort.
401. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider matters raised in correspondence relating to archaeological costs (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3201/26]
View answerThe National Monuments Service of my Department is liaising directly with the relevant parties on this matter.
403. Deputy Ann Graves asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in view of the rapid population growth in the Donabate and Portrane area, and the strain this will put on existing services, if he will establish a cross-departmental review to ensure that essential services are properly aligned with population growth in Donabate and Portrane. [3231/26]
View answerPlanning for the provision of infrastructure, amenities and services is a core element of the statutory plan-making process and is key to promoting the development of sustainable communities. The local authority development plan is the principal planning strategy document which sets out the relevant policies and objectives to guide the physical development of each city and county over a six-year period, including both urban and rural areas.
It is through the development plan, that planning authorities set out relevant objectives, policy support and development management standards for development, as well as identifying suitable locations or areas for specific forms of development. The power to make or vary a development plan is a reserved function of the elected members of each planning authority.
Section 10 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (under which all existing development plans were prepared) required planning authorities to include objectives in their development plan for the provision of infrastructure, and the integration of the planning and sustainable development of the area with the social, community and cultural requirements of the area and its population. The legislation further provides that objectives must be included for the preservation, improvement and extension of amenities and recreational amenities.
All future development plans will be made under Part 3, Chapter 5 (Development Plans) of the Planning and Development Act 2024, which was commenced on 31 December 2025. Sections 44 to 51 of the Act of 2024 require planning authorities to include various strategies and objectives in their development plans including in relation to the sustainable use of land, integrated transport, infrastructure, and the amenities, facilities and services required meet the social, recreational and cultural needs of the community.
Under section 213 of the 2000 Act, a local authority is empowered, for the purposes of performing any of its functions (including facilitating the implementation of its Development Plan), to acquire land, permanently or temporarily, by agreement or compulsorily. This includes the acquisition of sites for infrastructure and facilities.
Pursuant to section 48 of the 2000 Act, a planning authority or An Coimisiún Pleanála may attach a condition to a grant of planning permission requiring the payment of a contribution in respect of public infrastructure and facilities that it is intended will be provided, by or on behalf of a local authority. This may include for open spaces, and recreational and community facilities or other forms of public infrastructure. The basis for such contributions is set out in a development contribution scheme as adopted by the elected members.
In addition, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht administers a number of funding schemes for eligible community development projects.
It is important to note that local authorities are independent statutory bodies with democratically elected councils and their own management system. Section 63(3) of the Local Government Act 2001 provides that a local authority is independent in the performance of its functions.
Minister Browne, established a Housing Activation Office in the Department to coordinate and accelerate the delivery of infrastructure projects needed to enable housing development. The Office is actively engaged in identifying barriers to housing delivery and is coordinating with local authorities and infrastructure agencies to address these barriers.
In the coming months Minister Browne will be bringing forward a €1 billion Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund to support direct investment in housing infrastructure. This new fund will complement investment by infrastructure agencies, such as Uisce Éireann and ESB Networks, who have also received funding under the National Development Plan to support housing growth.
This joined-up approach will help accelerate housing delivery by unblocking infrastructure constraints and ensuring that investment is targeted to where it can have the greatest impact. This will help support local authorities in achieving their housing targets in line with the Revised National Planning Framework.
While we cannot comment on any individual sites in advance of the opening of the Housing Infrastructure Investment fund, there will be close engagement with stakeholders, including Fingal County Council, to identify priority areas for investment for infrastructure to unlock housing development.
404. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in light of his Department's policy requiring local authorities to review, or vary, their development plans to provide additional land zoned for residential development, the reason some local authorities have advised their members that the variation process cannot facilitate zoning of lands within local area plans or LAPs, therefore significant numbers of submissions are not relevant or actionable through the process; if he agrees that this approach undermines his Department’s policy; if he accepts that the only initiatives possible within LAP areas is the upgrading of phased development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3245/26]
View answerThe revised National Planning Framework (NPF) was approved by Government and both Houses of the Oireachtas in April 2025. The NPF identifies the need to plan for approximately 50,000 additional households per annum to 2040.
To ensure that local authority development plans reflect the requirements of the NPF in respect of housing as soon as possible, I issued the NPF Implementation: Housing Growth Requirements Guidelines under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 in July 2025.
These Guidelines set out the housing demand scenario to 2040 for each local authority by translating the NPF housing requirements into average annual figures and require planning authorities to commence the process of varying their development plan to meet the new housing growth requirements.
In addition to the baseline housing growth requirement, planning authorities have been requested to address the scope for additional provision of up to 50% in excess of the baseline figure, in light of the urgent need to increase housing delivery, and to optimise the ability to deliver on the housing requirements of the NPF.
Planning authorities are currently assessing their respective development plans and undertaking a review of the adequacy of existing zoned lands in their functional area to cater for the new Housing Growth Requirements and the potential for ‘additional provision’.
The zoning of land for particular purposes, including residential development, is an exercise undertaken by planning authorities as part of their overall statutory plan-making function and is a reserved function of the elected members.
In accordance with section 10(2) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, all existing development plans were required to include objectives for the zoning of land for particular purposes. In addition to this requirement, section 19(2) of the 2000 Act provided the option for a planning authority to include objectives for the zoning of land in a Local Area Plan (LAP), and in settlements of certain scales, the preparation of an LAP was a mandatory requirement in the 2000 Act.
The relevant provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2024 relating to plan-making were commenced on 31 December 2025 at the same time that the majority of the corresponding provisions of the 2000 Act were repealed. In accordance with sections 68 and 81 of the 2024 Act, all development plans and LAPs in operation at that time were continued in force.
Further to sections 69 and 81 of the 2024 Act, any ongoing process to make a variation to an existing development plan or an amendment to an existing LAP (including in relation to the zoning of land) that formally commenced before 31 December 2025 may continue and be completed under the 2000 Act.
The 2024 Act also provides that a development plan or an LAP that was continued in force may be varied or amended, and as such, there is no impediment to elected members exercising their function to zone land through either process.
The Housing Growth Requirements Guidelines indicate that planning authorities should ensure that the objectives of the Guidelines are not reflected in LAPs without also being reflected within the relevant development plan, given the need to ensure that the core strategy and settlement strategy of each development plan provides the overarching and comprehensive approach to housing requirements for the administrative area of the local authority, in accordance with the Development Plans Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2022).
However, the decision to zone new or additional lands for residential development through a variation to its development plan, or an amendment to an existing LAP in accordance with section 81(6) and (6A) of the 2024 Act, is a matter for each planning authority, having regard to the particular circumstances applying.
Section 81(7) of the 2024 Act provides that where a provision of an LAP continued in force conflicts with a provision of a development plan continued in force or prepared, or varied under the 2024 Act, the relevant provision of the development plan shall take precedence.
Under section 43(6) of the 2024 Act, the next development plan prepared by each planning authority shall include objectives for the zoning of land in respect of all land in the functional area of the planning authority, and any corresponding LAPs will cease to have effect when a new development plan is made under Part 3, Chapter 5 of the 2024 Act.
Since its establishment in April 2019, the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) has had statutory responsibility for the evaluation and assessment of local authority plans in accordance with section 31P of the 2000 Act, and more recently section 546 of the 2024 Act. The Office is statutorily independent of the Minister in the performance of this function.
In the exercise of its plan evaluation function, the OPR may make submissions to the relevant planning authority including such recommendations as it considers necessary to ensure effective co-ordination of national, regional and local planning requirements by the relevant planning authority in the discharge of its development planning function. This may include in relation to the most appropriate manner to implement the Housing Growth Requirements Guidelines.
Where it considers that it is merited, the OPR may recommend that the Minister exercise his or her function to issue a direction to a planning authority in relation to a development plan where that plan is not in compliance with statutory requirements.
The Deputy may be interested to note that the OPR maintains a database on its website outlining progress achieved by each planning authority in implementing the Housing Growth Requirements Guidelines. This is accessible at the following link: [www.opr.ie/section-28-guidelines-npf-implementation-housing-growth-requirements/] .
405. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider increasing the capital means threshold for women over 70 years entitled to a non-contributary pension who had previously been entitled to a full pension as part of the deserted wives' payment. [2991/26]
View answerState Pension (Non-Contributory) is a social assistance means-tested payment for people aged 66 and over, habitually residing in the State, who do not qualify for a State Pension (Contributory), or who only qualify for a reduced rate contributory pension based on their social insurance record. For the purposes of the means-test, from application stage through the lifetime of a claim, an applicant must provide full and up to date details of any income(s), asset(s), savings and investment(s) held, including any changes that occur.
Social welfare legislation provides that means tests take account of the income and assets of the person (and their spouse or partner, if applicable) applying for the relevant scheme. The means assessment includes income from sources such as employment, self-employment, occupational pensions, maintenance payments and other sources. It also includes property owned, other than the family home, and capital such as savings, shares, and other investments. Income earned under the rent-a-room tax relief scheme is exempt from the means test.
An applicant can have savings or assets of up to €20,000 and earnings of up to €200 per week from paid employment and still qualify for a full State Pension (Non-Contributory). The first €30 per week of means does not affect the rate of the pension. After that first €30, the pension is reduced by €2.50 for every €2.50 of means. If a person’s assessed weekly means is over €292.51, they will not be eligible to receive a State Pension (Non-Contributory) Pension.
There are no specific provisions in the means assessment for State Pension (Non-Contributory) for those who had previously been in receipt of a deserted wives payment from this Department nor are there specific provisions in relation to the age of the applicant.
The system of social assistance supports provides payments based on an income need. The means test plays a critical role in ensuring that the recipient has a verifiable income need and that resources are targeted to those who need them most.
Currently, my Department is conducting a review of means testing within the social protection system. The aim is to examine various means-tested schemes and identify any issues related to their respective means tests. With over 140 schemes and services, many of which are means-tested, this is a complex and detailed task.
It is my intention that the review's findings will guide decisions regarding potential changes to means testing in future Budgets.
The review is nearing completion and I expect that it will be submitted to me shortly. Due to the complexity of the review, I will carefully and thoroughly evaluate it to determine the best way to utilise its findings and identify those that warrant further consideration. However, any prospective changes to means testing arrangements will need to be evaluated and considered within the broader context of overall policy and budgetary considerations.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
406. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider the case of a student requiring access to the back-to-education allowance (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3243/26]
View answer445. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider the case of a student requiring access to the back-to-education allowance (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3313/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 406 and 445 together.
The person concerned is currently in receipt of a Guardians Payment. The Guardians Payment can be paid directly to a customer if they are attending a full-time education course, between the age of 18 and 22 years, and not living with or in the care of a guardian.
Our records show that the customer is in the third year of a three year course and the current academic year will finish before they turn 22 years.
Therefore, in this case, the person concerned does not need to access the Back to Education Allowance as they will remain in on their Guardians payment beyond the end date of their course, until the day before they turn 22. The person concerned has been notified of this.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
407. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will report on his attendance at the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions-the Foundation Forum 2025. [66789/25]
View answerThe European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions - Eurofound - held it's 50th anniversary celebration and 8th Foundation Forum on 20th November. Forum 2025 marked the agency’s 50th anniversary, celebrating five decades of evidence-based contributions to social, employment, and work-related policies across the EU. This event provided the opportunity to reflect on Eurofound’s legacy while looking ahead to the challenges and opportunities that will shape the future of work and society.
The Forum theme focused on Europe’s social model – The key to competitive growth, with the programme featuring keynote addresses, presentations and parallel thematic panel sessions encouraging discussion and audience engagement, as well as a closing plenary session. The main topics discussed included the role of good job quality in supporting an engaged, adaptable and resilient workforce, the impact of AI on the future of employment, and the future of social investment in securing decent living standards for all.
I was delighted to attend the Forum, which was addressed by the Taoiseach and EU Commission Executive Vice President Roxana Minzatu, with whom I held a bilateral meeting as we look forward to assuming the Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2026, and Li Anderson MEP, Chair of the EU Parliament Employment Committee. I also look forward to working with Eurofound as we finalise our preparations for the Presidency. Its research capability and tripartite structure with social partners will provide a valuable evidence-base to enhance policy-making in the European Union.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
408. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection to report on his recent meeting with the European Parliament's Employment and Social Affairs Committee. [68343/25]
View answerIn November '25, I attended the European Parliament in Strasbourg for a series of high level discussions with European Parliament’s Employment and Social Affairs Committee (EMPL), the Parliament’s lead committee on employment and social policy.
I met EMPL Chair Li Andersson and senior members of the European Parliament, including Irish MEPs, as part of Ireland’s preparations for its upcoming EU Council Presidency in the second half of 2026., outlining Ireland’s commitment to prioritising a strong social Europe during its Presidency, with a particular focus on reducing poverty, strengthening social protection systems, and ensuring equal opportunities for all, in particular for people with disabilities and other marginalised groups. The Committee members provided a detailed update on EMPL’s active legislative agenda, including reforms to EU social security coordination and proposals to expand the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund.
In addition, I attended a meeting of the European Parliament Intergroup on Traditional Minorities, National Communities and Languages where, in my capacity as Minister for the Gaeltacht and the Irish Language, I updated the group’s members on a range of issues including the Government’s work in reinforcing the role of Irish as the community language of the Gaeltacht as well as its promotion at national level, including efforts to enhance the use of Irish in public services in Ireland.
Meetings were also held with Commissioner McGrath to discuss data protection in the welfare system, combatting organised welfare fraud and the rights of persons with disabilities and with Irish MEPs to discuss a range of issues including LEADER funding in the context of the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the European Union’s long-term investment budget, that is now entering an intensive negotiation phase between the European Council and the European Parliament.
409. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection if he is considering any additional legislative measures to end enforced deprivation and poverty of disabled people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72864/25]
View answerThe Government recognises the significant additional costs that disabled people can face in their daily lives and is committed improving outcomes for disabled people by introducing permanent measures.
That is why the Programme for Government includes a range of commitments to support disabled people. Our Programme for Government commitments will be advanced over the lifetime of the Government, having regard to the overall policy and budgetary context.
The Programme for Government commits to introducing a permanent Annual Cost of Disability Support Payment with a view to incrementally increasing this payment. In addition, under the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030 my Department will lead a Strategic Focus Network on the Cost of Disability.
The work of this network, which will include disabled people and their advocates, will inform the approach to be taken in delivering on the Programme for Government commitment. I have asked my officials to expedite this work with a view to bringing a proposal to Government in the first half of this year.
In advance of Budget 2026, Government were very clear that there would be no once-off measures. We are at the start of a five-year programme for Government and not everything can be done in year one.
In Budget 2026, I provided for a €1.15 billion package of new social protection measures. This contained significant targeted measures to support disabled people, including:
A €10 increase in the weekly rates of payment, bringing the personal rates of payment to €254 per week from this month;
A Christmas bonus double payment to all persons getting a long-term disability payment, paid in December 2025;
The highest ever increases in the Child Support Payment – an increase of €16 to €78 for children aged 12 or over, and of €8 to €58 for children under 12 from this month;
A €5 increase in the Fuel Allowance, bring it to €38 per week from this month;
People moving from Disability Allowance or Blind Pension to take up work will be able to retain their Fuel Allowance payment for five years;
People getting Disability Allowance or Blind Pension who have children will be eligible for Back to Work Family Dividend when taking up employment and moving off those payments; and
Expansion of the Wage Subsidy Scheme to people who acquire a disability while in employment and to those who transfer from Invalidity Pension to Partial Capacity Benefit, and increasing the rates paid from April.
The Department of Social Protection package also contained measures aimed at supporting carers, and recipients of Domiciliary Care Allowance:
Increase the Earnings Disregard for Carer’s Allowance by €375 to €1,000 for a single person and by €750 to €2,000 for a couple from July 2026;
The income limit for Carer’s Benefit will increase by €375 to €1,000 per week from July 2026; and
€20 increase in the monthly Domiciliary Care Allowance payment bringing the payment to €380 per month from this month.
The Government also allocated €3.8 billion to the Department of Children, Disability and Equality for disability services in 2026, including funding for Community Based Specialist Disability Services to ensure people with disabilities receive the right support, at the right time, in the right place. This represents a 20% increase year on year and represents an overall increase since 2020 of €1.8 billion.
These measures clearly demonstrate the Government’s commitment to support disabled people by introducing permanent changes rather than relying on once-off measures.
I trust this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
