Written Answers Nos. 332-358
332. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update of progress on the recommendations contained within the 2024 DHLGH report "A review of the future of the Rental Accommodation Scheme" in particular, if he will report on the recommendations that the weekly AHB RAS rental subsidy limits be reviewed and that an AHB RAS forum be set up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33599/26]
View answerMy Department undertook a comprehensive review of the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS), which was published in January 2025, and sets out 23 recommendations to refocus and rejuvenate the scheme. These measures are aimed at retaining landlords, ensuring housing quality and improving access to housing for vulnerable households. The review confirms that RAS remains an important component of the social housing system, providing long-term accommodation for households with a housing need.
Implementation of the recommendations is progressing, with a number of recommendations already completed and others at various stages of advancement.
In particular, an Approved Housing Body (AHB) RAS Forum was established in early 2026 to strengthen engagement with the AHB sector and to inform ongoing policy development. The Forum has already met and will continue to meet on a regular basis with a meeting scheduled to take place later this month.
My Department is examining the funding of AHBs in both the short and longer term. In the short term this includes consideration of the recommendation in the review to examine the weekly AHB RAS subsidy limits. In the longer term, AHB funding is being examined through the AHB Strategic Review which is considering the overall funding framework for the sector.
In this context, the Department is also engaging with the Irish Council of Social Housing (ICSH) in relation to available income streams, including claiming the appropriate weekly subsidy and applying correct tenant contributions. This matter was also discussed at the recent AHB RAS Forum.
A copy of the Review is available at the following link: https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/a-review-of-the-future-of-the-rental-accommodation-scheme.pdf.
333. Deputy Máire Devine asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if an assessment has taken place on the additional infrastructure required for the population within a site in Dublin south-west inner city with several large residential construction projects (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33600/26]
View answer334. Deputy Máire Devine asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps that will be taken to address the additional needs for infrastructure for large residential construction projects in Dublin south west inner city (details supplied), for example water, waste and power capacity; addition of primary and secondary school places; provision of additional primary healthcare; the transportation network, such as the provision of infrastructure such as additional buses/bus routes, to accommodate the expansion of public transport services into the area for future residents. [33601/26]
View answer346. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if an assessment has taken place on the additional infrastructure required for the population within a 27 acre site (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33890/26]
View answer347. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps that will be taken to address the additional needs for infrastructure, such as water, waste and power capacity; the addition of primary and secondary school places; the provision of additional primary healthcare; and the transportation network, for example any provision of infrastructure such as additional buses/bus routes, to accommodate the expansion of public transport services into the area for future residents (details supplied). [33891/26]
View answerI propose to take Question Nos 333, 334, 346 and 347 together.
Planning 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 development of the area 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 for specific forms of development. The power to make 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.
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.
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.
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.
Further to a Government agreement in April 2025, I established the Housing Activation Office (HAO) in my Department to accelerate the delivery of public infrastructure needed to enable housing development. The office works with stakeholders across Government Departments, local authorities, infrastructure agencies and industry to identify and resolve infrastructure constraints that are delaying housing delivery.
I also convened the inaugural meetings of the high-level Housing Activation Delivery Group and the Housing Activation Industry Group on 6 November 2025. The Delivery Group brings together senior leaders from Government Departments and infrastructure agencies to coordinate broader investment in physical and social infrastructure, while the Industry Group provides a forum for regular engagement with industry stakeholders. Both groups have met twice since November 2025 and will continue to meet on a quarterly basis to strengthen coordination and maintain momentum across infrastructure and housing delivery.
The Government also announced a new multiannual €1 Billion Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund (HIIF) on 21 January 2026 to support direct investment in housing enabling infrastructure. The fund is managed by the Housing Activation Office in my Department. The core objective of the HIIF is to unblock infrastructure constraints and activate lands already identified for housing under development plans. By investing directly in transport, water, electricity and other enabling infrastructure, the fund will ensure that land is properly serviced and ready to deliver homes.
Call 1 of the HIIF opened for applications from local authorities and the Land development Agency (LDA) on 21 January 2026 and closed on Friday 27 February 2026. Applications have been received from local authorities across the country and from the LDA. Applications under the first call of the HIIF, are currently under assessment by the Housing Activation office. Funding decisions will be made shortly in line with the scheme’s governance arrangements.
335. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the research that was carried out by his Department prior to the recent changes to planning regulations for modular homes, specifically in relation to the potential for increased traffic congestion in areas with significant uptake in modular builds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33615/26]
View answer336. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the research that was carried out by his Department prior to the recent changes to planning regulations for modular homes, specifically in relation to the minimum garden size where they will be permitted; if there is any restriction in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33616/26]
View answer337. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the research that was carried out by his Department prior to the recent changes to planning regulations for modular homes, specifically in relation to concerns of overlooking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33617/26]
View answer338. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the research that was carried out by his Department prior to the recent changes to planning regulations for modular homes, specifically in relation to disputes from neighbours whereby a new modular build in a garden negatively impacts on the liveability of their home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33618/26]
View answerI propose to answer Question Nos 335,336,337 and 338 together.
Significant progress on the review of Exempted Development Regulations has been made. A successful public consultation took place last year with over 900 submissions received via the online portal. This provided an opportunity for private individuals and organisations to make submissions on exempted development, including matters relating to residential development.
The details in these submissions have been reviewed and have informed the on-going drafting of the updated Exempted Development Regulations that will be forthcoming across 2026.
As is usual after such a process, my Department has been engaging with colleagues from State bodies including other Departments, the Office of the Attorney General, the planning authorities and agencies, where relevant, to understand the impact of any changes being considered and manage any unintended consequences.
Work has been on-going since last year on the review of Exempted Development Regulations which are being updated on a phased basis, by theme, with priority given to the exemptions relating to domestic dwellings.
On 21 April 2026, Cabinet approved changes to Exempted Development Regulations for Residential Dwellings which includes a new exemption for a detached habitable accommodation (modular or other) between 32 sqm and 45 sqm to the rear of the dwelling.
These Regulations are currently undergoing the relevant environmental assessment. Full details of all the conditions attaching to each of the measures will be published in due course, when the environmental assessment has been completed.
At that point, the Regulations will then proceed for formal ratification by resolution of both Houses of the Oireachtas, following referral to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing. This process will facilitate the appropriate Oireachtas scrutiny of the measures and conditions before they are formally signed into law.
339. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of households on the social housing waiting list, broken down by household type and by length of time on the waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33619/26]
View answer349. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the Summary of Social Housing Assessment for 2025 will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33909/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 339 and 349 together.
Details on the number of households qualified for social housing support in each local authority administrative area is provided in the annual statutory Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA).
The most recently published summary for all counties, conducted in November 2024, is available on my Department's website, along with all summaries since 2011 at www.gov.ie/en/collection/62486-summary-of-social-housing-assessments/.
Tables 2.4 and A1.4 of the report provide details on household size, including a breakdown of the household composition, which provides a granular level of detail regarding the number of persons in each household type.
Details on the length of time households have been on the record of qualified households (the Waiting List) are provided for in Table 2.8 and Figure A1.8.
The 2025 summary report has just recently been completed and I expect to publish the report shortly.
340. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to review a case (details supplied); his views on whether this is correct; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33621/26]
View answerThe Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, funded under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund, has been a key measure in addressing vacancy and dereliction across the country. At end Q1 2026 over 17,486 applications had been made to local authorities, with over 13,100 of those applications approved and almost €285 million of grant funding paid out across the county.
The Grant provides up to €50,000 for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent. A top-up grant of up to €20,000 is available where the property is derelict, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €70,000.
Under the new Housing Plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, a commitment was given to provide additional support for the refurbishment and conversion of above the shop vacant space for use as homes. The Government approved the introduction of a Vacant Above the Shop Grant with a package of up to €140,000 to be made available in cases where vacant above the shop space is being converted/refurbished for residential use and the commercial element is remaining. The additional grant amount for these properties recognises the complexities involved in bringing this space into use. The package includes an Expert Advice Grant of up to €5,000.
The new Vacant Above the Shop Grant and Expert Advice Grant were launched on 1 April 2026, with applications and information on the Grants available from each local authority and at the following link www.gov.ie/vacancy. The grant is currently available to individuals. A commitment was given in the Housing Plan to exploring an extension of the Vacant Above the Shop Grant for such properties that are owned by small (micro) companies. This work will be undertaken in the second half of this year.
341. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department will consider providing financial assistance for the renovation of Kilmainham Mill, in Kilmainham, Dublin 8. [33637/26]
View answerWith regard to the Kilmainham Mill restoration project, and on foot of recent updates received from the body with statutory responsibility for the site, namely Dublin City Council, I understand that to date the site has been subject to stabilisation work which has weather-proofed the site and ensured its ongoing security. A detailed conservation study and master vision exercise were completed in 2023 while a programme of events was run with the Dublin City Council Culture Company during 2024.
In May 2024 DCC was awarded €200,000 in connection with this project under the Town Centre First Heritage Revival (THRIVE) Scheme. However, in November 2024 the council indicated that they would have to withdraw from the project due to resource constraints.
The next phase of the project is to identify the end use for the Mill and test its viability. This is provided for in the City Council’s Capital Programme 2025-2027 and it will establish what further capital funding would be required for restoration of the mill.
On foot of any such assessment, it will be for DCC to seek funding for restoration via whatever avenues are deemed appropriate. Where an application for such funding is subsequently made under schemes relevant to my Department, the application will be assessed in line with the usual procedures and criteria.
342. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a list of all capital projects including social and affordable housing, water services, heritage and local authority-led projects funded under the remit of his Department which have been completed on time and within budget in Dublin West in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33683/26]
View answerThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
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Bodies under the Aegis of DHLGH |
Oireachtas email |
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An Coimisiún Pleanála |
oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie |
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An Fóram Uisce |
oireachtas@nationalwaterforum.ie |
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Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority |
oireachtasqueries@ahbregulator.ie |
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Construction Industry Register Ireland |
info@ciri.ie |
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Docklands Oversight and Consultative Forum |
infodocklands@dublincity.ie |
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Gas Networks Ireland |
oireachtas@gasnetworks.ie |
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Heritage Council |
oireachtas@heritagecouncil.ie |
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Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
Oireachtas@housingagency.ie |
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Housing Finance Agency |
oireachtas.enquiries@hfa.ie |
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Land Development Agency |
oireachtas@lda.ie |
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Local Government Management Agency |
oireachtasmemberqueries@lgma.ie |
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National Oversight and Audit Commission |
oireachtas@noac.ie |
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National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee |
ntacc@housing.gov.ie |
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Office of the Planning Regulator |
oireachtas@opr.ie |
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Property Services Appeal Board |
psabsecretary@psab.ie |
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Property Services Regulatory Authority |
pq@psr.ie |
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Pyrite Resolution Board |
oireachtasinfo@pyriteboard.ie |
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Residential Tenancies Board |
OireachtasMembersQueries@rtb.ie |
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Tailte Éireann |
Oireachtas@tailte.ie |
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Uisce Éireann |
oireachtasmembers@water.ie |
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Valuation Tribunal |
oireachtas@valuationtribunal.ie |
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Waterways Ireland |
oireachtas@waterwaysireland.org |
343. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department or any bodies and agencies under his aegis use software and or products from a company (details supplied); and the duration and cost of the contract; and the services they avail of from the company. [33724/26]
View answerThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
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Bodies under the Aegis of DHLGH |
Oireachtas email |
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An Coimisiún Pleanála |
oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie |
|
An Fóram Uisce |
oireachtas@nationalwaterforum.ie |
|
Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority |
oireachtasqueries@ahbregulator.ie |
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Construction Industry Register Ireland |
info@ciri.ie |
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Docklands Oversight and Consultative Forum |
infodocklands@dublincity.ie |
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Gas Networks Ireland |
oireachtas@gasnetworks.ie |
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Heritage Council |
oireachtas@heritagecouncil.ie |
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Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
Oireachtas@housingagency.ie |
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Housing Finance Agency |
oireachtas.enquiries@hfa.ie |
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Land Development Agency |
oireachtas@lda.ie |
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Local Government Management Agency |
oireachtasmemberqueries@lgma.ie |
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National Oversight and Audit Commission |
oireachtas@noac.ie |
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National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee |
ntacc@housing.gov.ie |
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Office of the Planning Regulator |
oireachtas@opr.ie |
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Property Services Appeal Board |
psabsecretary@psab.ie |
|
Property Services Regulatory Authority |
pq@psr.ie |
|
Pyrite Resolution Board |
oireachtasinfo@pyriteboard.ie |
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Residential Tenancies Board |
OireachtasMembersQueries@rtb.ie |
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Tailte Éireann |
Oireachtas@tailte.ie |
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Uisce Éireann |
oireachtasmembers@water.ie |
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Valuation Tribunal |
oireachtas@valuationtribunal.ie |
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Waterways Ireland |
oireachtas@waterwaysireland.org |
344. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a list of all capital projects including social and affordable housing, water services, heritage and local authority-led projects funded under the remit of his Department which have been completed on time and within budget in Dublin in each of the past five years, in tabular form [33831/26]
View answerThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
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Bodies under the Aegis of DHLGH |
Oireachtas email |
|
An Coimisiún Pleanála |
oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie |
|
An Fóram Uisce |
oireachtas@nationalwaterforum.ie |
|
Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority |
oireachtasqueries@ahbregulator.ie |
|
Construction Industry Register Ireland |
info@ciri.ie |
|
Docklands Oversight and Consultative Forum |
infodocklands@dublincity.ie |
|
Gas Networks Ireland |
oireachtas@gasnetworks.ie |
|
Heritage Council |
oireachtas@heritagecouncil.ie |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
Oireachtas@housingagency.ie |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
oireachtas.enquiries@hfa.ie |
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Land Development Agency |
oireachtas@lda.ie |
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Local Government Management Agency |
oireachtasmemberqueries@lgma.ie |
|
National Oversight and Audit Commission |
oireachtas@noac.ie |
|
National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee |
ntacc@housing.gov.ie |
|
Office of the Planning Regulator |
oireachtas@opr.ie |
|
Property Services Appeal Board |
psabsecretary@psab.ie |
|
Property Services Regulatory Authority |
pq@psr.ie |
|
Pyrite Resolution Board |
oireachtasinfo@pyriteboard.ie |
|
Residential Tenancies Board |
OireachtasMembersQueries@rtb.ie |
|
Tailte Éireann |
Oireachtas@tailte.ie |
|
Uisce Éireann |
oireachtasmembers@water.ie |
|
Valuation Tribunal |
oireachtas@valuationtribunal.ie |
|
Waterways Ireland |
oireachtas@waterwaysireland.org |
345. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 743 of 28 April 2026, to clarify details in respect of the criteria ( details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33884/26]
View answerSubsequent to the launch of the new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities a circular on an updated Buy and Renew Scheme and the Single Stage Approval Process has issued from my Department to the Local Authorities. Proposals for refurbishment projects for social housing use from AHBs will be dealt with under the circular and will be funded through CAS.
My Department is in the process of preparing a circular to inform the AHB sector of this change and update our guidance. My Department continues to engage with AHBs in respect of these issues. Where an AHB has any queries in respect of prospective projects, they should contact my Department directly for assistance.
348. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has considered extending the mandatory retirement age to 62 years for members of the Retained Fire Service; if analysis of the potential cost has been conducted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33907/26]
View answerUnder Section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which they are responsible, including the potential costs of employing staff, irrespective of their role.
The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Services Act, 1981 & 2003. My department supports fire authorities through setting general policy, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding support for equipment and priority infrastructural projects.
In 2024, the Courts, Civil Law, Criminal Law and Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2024 was enacted. This Act amended, among other matters, the law in relation to the age at which certain public servants are required to retire. Part 11 of the Act provided the then Minister for Public Expenditure National Development Plan Delivery and Reform (M/PENDR), to make orders, enabling line ministers – Justice, Defence, Health and Housing – to make regulations regarding the retirement age of uniformed services. Indeed, these regulations were made in August 2024, with the consent of then M/PENDR, raising the mandatory retirement age to 62.
Given that the retirement age of firefighters was addressed less than two years ago in consultation with staff representative bodies, there are no plans to revisit it presently.
350. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason the deadline for postal vote and special vote applications for the two by- elections was set only one working/postal day after the moving of the writ; and his views that such deadlines, effectively disenfranchise persons who qualify, contrary to their constitutional rights under Art 16 of Bunreacht na hÉireann. [33939/26]
View answerSection 14(2) of the Electoral Act 1992 provides that an application to be entered in the postal voters list recieved on a date that is on or after the third day after the date of the making of the order appointing polling date in the case of a Dáil bye-election shall have no effect in relation to that bye-election.
Similarly, section 17(6) of the Act provides for that an application to be entered in the special voters list recieved on a date that is on or after the third day after the date of the making of the order appointing polling date in the case of a Dáil bye-election shall have no effect in relation to that bye-election.
This requirement provides for sufficient time for the processing of applications by registration authorities; the provision of information or documents to a registration authority that the authority may require; as well as a period of time in which an appeal can be made in respect of a decision by a registration authority to refuse an application, in advance of Returning Officers facilitating postal voting - including the return of postal votes from overseas - and special voting before the close of poll.
The Electoral Reform Act 2022 provided for a wide-ranging modernisation of our electoral structures and processes, including significant changes to postal voting arrangements. Under the provisions of Part 3 of the Act, the introduction of a rolling electoral registration process (in contrast to the former annual registration process) means that people can register or update their registration details, including postal voting applications, at any time of year up to the usual deadlines in advance of an electoral event.
Furthermore, applications for a postal vote due to illness or disability - which must be certified by a registered medical practitioner to enable the registration authority consider and be satisfied that the applicant is unable to attend their polling station to vote on polling day due to their illness or disability - no longer needs to provide the nature of the illness or disability, but can indicate an expected duration. The relevant registration authority will have regard to this when assigning a postal voting arrangement. This means that for those postal voters with longer term or ongoing health difficulties, annual renewal is not required.
The research and advisory functions of An Coimisiún Toghcháin, the independent electoral commission, enables it to carry out research on electoral policy and procedure. An Coimisiún is also empowered to advise and make recommendations to the Minister and the Government in relation to any proposals for legislative change, or any other policy matters concerning electoral and legislative proposals.
An Coimisiún’s Research Programme 2024-2026, published on 10 July 2024, includes a commitment to examine the issue of postal voting. My Department will review this policy area once An Coimisiún has considered and made recommendations on the issue.
351. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of civil and public servants employed by his Department in each of the past ten years, in tabular form. [33955/26]
View answerThe information requested is set out in the table below. I have also included the staff numbers for this year as at the end of March.
|
Date |
FTE |
Headcount |
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31st December 2016 |
647.22 |
683 |
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31st December 2017 |
655.52 |
687 |
|
31st December 2018 |
719.35 |
750 |
|
31st December 2019 |
783.21 |
816 |
|
31st December 2020 |
1205.74 |
1247 |
|
31st December 2021 |
1365.50 |
1409 |
|
31st December 2022 |
1559.94 |
1604 |
|
31st December 2023 |
1674.54 |
1719 |
|
31st December 2024 |
1738.42 |
1783 |
|
31st December 2025 |
1841.02 |
1881 |
|
31st March 2026 |
1849.32 |
1890 |
352. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Social Protection to carry out a review of the disallowance of fuel allowance for a person (details supplied). [33552/26]
View answerFuel Allowance (FA) may be payable to certain households in receipt of long term social welfare payments. The allowance is subject to a means test and is paid only to those who live alone or with certain exempted people. Only one Fuel Allowance is payable per household.
Following a review, entitlement to FA has been restored for the person concerned from 23 April 2026 and all arrears due will issue to their nominated bank account for payment date on 07 May 2026. The person referred to was notified of this decision on 01 May 2026.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
353. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection the total expenditure to date on the accommodation recognition payment scheme; the number of recipients currently in receipt of the payment; and the projected cost of the scheme to March 2027 under current policy. [33607/26]
View answerThe Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) was introduced to recognise the contribution of members of the public who have opened their homes to provide accommodation to Temporary Protection Beneficiaries displaced by the war in Ukraine. The scheme is provided for under Part 2 of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 and is administered by the Department of Social Protection on behalf of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
The ARP is a goodwill payment that recognises the generosity of private hosts. The payment is not intended to substitute rent, and it is not available where there is a rental agreement in place between the host providing accommodation and the guest.
From the scheme’s launch on 26 July 2022 to 5 May 2026, approximately €468m has been paid to some 28,500 hosts under the Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) for hosting almost 65,500 people with Temporary Protection.
As of 5 May 2026, there are some 17,500 hosts accommodating almost 42,000 temporary protection beneficiaries in approximately 23,500 properties supported by the ARP.
Finally, the projected expenditure on ARP to March 2027 is €159.5m approximately.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
354. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will examine a supplementary welfare allowance case (details supplied); and if his Department will work to resolve this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33613/26]
View answerBasic Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) may provide immediate assistance for those in need who are awaiting the outcome of a claim or an appeal for a primary social welfare payment or for those who do not qualify for a payment under other State schemes. Basic SWA is administered by Community Welfare Officers (CWOs) in the Community Welfare Services (CWS), considering the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case and is a means tested payment. The means test assesses all household income, savings, shares, investments, or property owned (apart from the applicant’s home, where occupied by the owner).
According to the records of my department, the person concerned applied for basic SWA on 09/10/2025. Following an assessment of their application, it was determined that they did not qualify for a basic SWA as their weekly household earnings were in excess of the SWA rate appropriate to payable to them based on their family size and circumstances. A letter advising the person concerned of this decision and affording them the opportunity to seek a review and/or an appeal issued to them in writing on 13/11/2025.
No request for a review of this outcome was received, however, the person concerned did submit an appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). The Social Welfare Appeals Office operates under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection however the appeals officers work independently of the Department are not bound by the original decisions of the Deciding Persons.
I can confirm that the appeal for the person concerned was upheld and the basic SWA payment has been awarded. The person concerned will receive their first payment and any arrears owed in 3 – 4 working days. A letter advising the person concerned of this outcome and outlining any associated conditions of payment will issue to the person concerned in writing shortly.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
355. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection to reconsider a fuel allowance refusal (details supplied) [33614/26]
View answerFuel Allowance is a contribution towards the energy costs of a household. Payment is made during the Winter months to assist those on long term social welfare payments with their heating costs.
The main eligibility conditions that apply to the fuel allowance scheme are that a person must be in receipt of a qualifying payment, must satisfy a means test and must either be living alone or with other qualifying persons. If an applicant has a second property (property other than their own home), then rental income from that property is assessed. However, the capital value (less any mortgage outstanding on the property) is assessed if the property is not rented, as in the case of the person concerned.
If the circumstances of the person concerned change, it is open to them to reapply for the fuel allowance.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
356. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection to review a disability allowance refusal (details supplied). [33667/26]
View answerAs part of a means review into his continued entitlement to disability allowance (DA), the person concerned was notified on 21 January 2026, that their entitlement to DA would cease effective from, 11 February 2026. Based on the information provided by this person, his current means of €336.41 are in excess of the statutory limit of €254.00 for DA in this case. Means are derived from the person's insurable employment
An appeal was lodged with the independent social welfare appeals office (SWAO). On 30 March 2026, the SWAO notified us that the original decision was upheld and the appeal was disallowed. The person concerned was notified directly by the independent SWAO regarding their appeal.
If the person concerned wishes to seek a review of the decision by the Appeals Officer in light of new facts or evidence, or if there has been a relevant change in their circumstances since the decision, or if they consider that the decision was erroneous by reason of a mistake in fact or law, they should submit a written statement of the grounds on which a review of the decision is sought.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy
357. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Social Protection to urgently examine and allow for payment of carers allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33705/26]
View answerCarer's Allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.
An application for CA was received from the person concerned on 03 February 2026.
It is a condition for receipt of CA that every claimant shall furnish such certificates, documents, information and evidence as may be required for the purposes of deciding their claim.
Additional information in relation to the person’s application was requested by a Deciding Officer on 10 February 2026. The person concerned failed to provide all the requested information and the claim was disallowed as it was not possible to determine that the person concerned satisfied the necessary conditions for receipt of CA. The person concerned was notified of this decision on 23 March 2026.
A review of this decision was initiated on foot of correspondence received from the person concerned on 02 April 2026. Following this review, the person concerned was awarded CA from 05 February 2026. The first payment will issue to the nominated bank account of the person concerned on 14 May 2026.
The person concerned was notified of this decision in writing on 01 May 2026.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
358. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Social Protection if his Department or any bodies and agencies under his aegis use software and or products from a company (details supplied); and the duration and cost of the contract; and the services they avail of from the company. [33728/26]
View answerMy Department does not currently use any software or products from the company in question.
I can also confirm that none of the bodies under the aegis of my Department use software or products from this company.
