Written Answers Nos. 647-663
647. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the mechanisms in place in his Department to ensure delivery on the commitments in the programme for Government; the civil servant specifically responsible for overseeing such delivery; the measures that are used to assess progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38808/26]
View answerSince I took up office in January of last year, my Department has made significant progress in delivering on the Programme for Government commitments across the Arts and Culture, Media, Communications, and Sport sectors.
Each of these commitments has been assigned to the most appropriate business unit in my Department, and that unit is responsible in the first instance for ensuring that it is delivered in an efficient and timely manner. The delivery of Programme for Government commitments is subject to the same structures of governance and oversight that are implemented for all other policy matters in my Department.
In terms of reporting on the progress made towards the delivery of our Programme for Government commitments, the Strategic Policy Unit in my Department maintains a list of all of our commitments with a progress update for each commitment which is updated regularly.
In January 2026, I published an update on progress towards meeting these commitments to the end of 2025 on my Department’s website: Progress in meeting Programme for Government commitments 2025. This document will be updated in July to reflect progress made in the first half of this year.
648. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the position regarding the introduction of the unscripted film tax credit. [39123/26]
View answerThe Unscripted Production Tax Credit Scheme (Section 487A) opened for application with the signing of the Regulations on 23 December 2025.
The tax credit, which was approved by the European Commission to run until the end of 2028, has been designed to attract international investment and encourage increased activity in the domestic sector.
In order to be eligible for the Section 487A tax credit, the total cost of production must not be less than €250,000, and the eligible expenditure must not be less than €125,000. The credit is calculated at 20% of the lowest of eligible expenditure or 80% of the total cost of production or €15m.
Applications are being accepted and processed by my Department on an ongoing basis. A number of certificates have issued and several unscripted productions are in production across the State. My Department works with Screen Ireland to ensure that skills development and training are incorporated into all productions that are certified for receipt of tax relief.
649. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to provide a once-off stand-alone grant to a sports facility (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39283/26]
View answerMy Department operates two capital funding programmes for sport, namely the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) and the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF).
Over a quarter of a billion euro was allocated to 3,048 community sports clubs and facilities in 2024 under the 2023 round of the CSFF, representing the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland. The facility referred to by the Deputy was allocated €61,049 in the 2023 round and was allocated a total of €153,482 over the last 3 rounds.
In line with previous rounds of the Fund, a review of the current funding round has been undertaken and will be finalised shortly. I have asked my Department to prepare for a further round of the CSFF in 2026 which I expect to open soon. It is anticipated that the next round will particularly target areas and sports that have been under-invested in over the years. As this organisation is registered with the Department, it will be automatically notified when the next round of the CSFF is opened.
My current focus in relation to LSSIF is on ensuring project delivery under the first two rounds of the scheme. No decisions have been taken regarding the next round of LSSIF.
My officials met earlier this year with Kerry County Council and Kerry Education and Training Board in relation to this facility and to advise them on future funding rounds that could be appropriate to the facility.
650. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for an update on the relevant projects under the Sport Ireland campus masterplan vision, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39434/26]
View answerThe Sport Ireland Campus Masterplan provides an ambitious blueprint setting out a vision and framework for the growth of the Sport Ireland Campus and the long-term development of associated sporting facilities over the next 15 to 20 years. Government approved the Campus Masterplan in November 2022 and reaffirmed its commitment to the phased delivery of the National Sports Campus. The Masterplan provides a framework for the further development of the Campus over the next 15 to 20 years and identifies the next key high-level projects for development.
Significant progress has been made in recent years on the first two large-scale projects being delivered under the Masterplan, namely the National Velodrome and Badminton Centre and the National Cricket Centre. I am delighted to inform the Deputy that both of these major projects are now at the construction stage at the Sport Ireland Campus.
Details of these and other projects currently being planned or progressed are set out in the table below.
|
Project |
Description |
Update |
|
National Velodrome and Badminton Centre |
The project will deliver a 250-metre cycling track, the standard required length for hosting major international events. It will also deliver up to 12 badminton courts in the in-track area, seating for 1,000 spectators and ancillary facilities. |
On 3 September 2025, Government approved funding of and the appointment of Walls Construction as principal contractor for the National Velodrome and Badminton Centre (NVBC). Construction commenced on the project in February of this year and it is anticipated that the NVBC will be completed and in operational use by Q2 2028. |
|
National Cricket Centre |
The project will deliver a high-performance centre comprising an outdoor practice and training area, an indoor training and practice area, an arena for holding major games with associated media and spectator facilities, and a range of other facilities, including a second playing area for training and second tier matches, and headquarter offices for Cricket Ireland. The project will be delivered in two phases. Phase 1 will deliver the main field of play, 4,240 spectator seats, a high-performance centre and a player and match officials' building. This first is being managed in two distinct construction contracts to ensure that the playing surface will be adequately prepared in time for the 2030 T20 World Cup tournament, which Ireland will co-host. |
Contract 1 will deliver the main cricket oval, seating bowl and concourse, two toilet blocks, an energy centre, a maintenance building, and all associated civil and infrastructure works. Following the completion of the procurement process, the contract has been awarded to John Sisk & Son Limited, who are now onsite and making preparations for construction, which will be commencing in the coming weeks. The procurement and business case processes for Contract 2, , which will deliver the remaining requirements of Phase 1, will take place later this year and it is anticipated that the facility will be completed and operational by Q3 2029. |
|
Sports Ireland Institute |
The development of the Sport Ireland Institute (SII) building has a twofold project objective. It looks to address both the deficiencies in the existing building and the inadequate capacity to meet increased demand for the services of SII. A large extension is to be provided which increases the overall building footprint, size of the gym, performance areas of the building and the services that can be provided in the IIS. Several internal reconfigurations are also proposed which address adjacency and layout deficiencies such that the end user experience of the building is vastly improved. |
Sport Ireland is currently preparing an application for planning permission. |
|
Abbotstown House and Gardens |
It is proposed that the 200-year-old Abbotstown House be developed as a meeting, conference and cultural centre to support national and international teams that are training on the Campus. The building is a protected structure and along with its walled garden and attendant grounds provide a unique opportunity to develop a high-quality facility that retains its rich heritage while delivering modern athlete, conference and business facilities. There is also a significant positive community dividend to its restoration and use. |
Preliminary works are being carried out on Abbotstown House in 2026 on the roof, windows and doors to improve the facade and ensure protection from the weather. Main development works are being planned for a later date |
|
National Hockey Centre |
This facility will be the first permanent home to Hockey Ireland providing a state-of-the art international standard facility with a spectator capacity of 3000 (1,250 fixed), whilst incorporating all relevant accommodation in order to host and televise pro-league and international competition. This will provide Hockey Ireland with an essential platform to continue to grow the sport and excel in international competition. |
This project is being planned for a later date. |
|
Multi-purpose Sport Facility |
The Multi-purpose Sports Facility is to be located on vacant land adjacent to the National Indoor Arena, GAA and the soon to be constructed National Velodrome and Badminton Centre. This facility is to be a bespoke and innovative design to accommodate a number of smaller NGBs, similar to multi-purpose developments that have been popular around Europe. |
This project is being planned for a later date. |
|
Short Stay Athlete Accommodation |
This project is a key feature in the long-term development of the campus and involves the development of short-stay beds, long-stay beds and associated athlete spaces and conferencing. The accommodation will be located in the village core and will enable an active and vibrant village at the centre of the Campus as envisioned by the Masterplan vision. |
This project is being planned for a later date. |
|
Campus Offices |
This project involves the development of further office accommodation for Sport Ireland, the Olympic Federation of Ireland, Paralympics Ireland and the national governing bodies within the Campus. |
This project is being planned for a later date. |
651. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the steps being taken to reform or replace the current television licence system given the increasing number of households consuming public service media content online without holding a licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39674/26]
View answerIn its July 2024 decision on the funding of RTÉ and wider public service media and content, the Government agreed to retain the TV licence system, underpinned by new measures designed to improve collection and compliance in order to maximise revenue generation.
To this end, the interdepartmental Technical Working Group (TWG) on the Reform and Enhancement of the Television Licence was reconvened by Government in order to examine potential administrative, technical and legislative measures. I expect the Group to submit their report to me shortly. Upon receipt of the report I will consider their findings and decide on the next steps together with my Government colleagues.
652. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the criteria used to assess whether the multiannual funding allocation to RTÉ is delivering measurable reform and value for money for the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39675/26]
View answerIn response to revelations concerning failures in internal controls and corporate governance at RTÉ three years ago, the Government appointed two Expert Advisory Committees whose reviews were published on 7 May 2024. The Review of Governance and Culture made 90 recommendations, of which 78 were for RTÉ, with the Review of Contractor Fees, HR and other matters making 26 recommendations for RTÉ.
In response, RTÉ published an implementation plan, which was published on 21 June 2024, which sets out the actions is has committed to undertaking to deliver each of the relevant recommendations and to bring about the necessary reforms. RTÉ submits regular progress reports on its implementation plan to a Monitoring Group, comprising senior officials from my Department and NewERA. Last July, the Government noted the First Interim Progress Report on RTÉ’s implementation of the recommendations of the reviews, and a concluding report will be prepared for me and Government when appropriate next year.
In June 2024, RTÉ also published its New Direction Statement of Strategy which covers the period 2025 to 2029. It sets out how it will change to take account of the ongoing transformation in the media landscape, audience preferences and behaviours. The strategy is also clear about the need for change inside RTÉ, and commits to driving efficiencies and robust financial management, a smaller more agile workforce, as well as building a sustainable, trusted and responsible organisation. Under the Broadcasting Act, the Minister does not approve the contents of the Strategy.
In July 2024, the Government committed to a three-year multi-annual funding agreement for RTÉ, which provided a commitment to public funding, consisting of both Exchequer funding and TV licence revenue over the years 2025 to 2027 to enable RTÉ implement its strategy.
As a public service broadcaster, RTÉ is subject to regulation and supervision by Coimisiún na Meán and is required to prepare and submit to An Coimisiún annual plans and commitments to meet their statutory objects, and to show how they are delivering on their statement of strategy. RTÉ reports to Coimisiún na Meán on the delivery of these commitments and An Coimisiún submits reports to me – which form part of the assessment of RTÉ’s funding needs.
In this regard, some of the proposals I have brought forward as part of the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill are designed to strengthen the oversight of RTÉ, with an enhanced statutory framework for the regulation and supervision of RTÉ by Coimisiún na Meán, with more regular reviews and reports on RTÉ's performance and funding needs, and importantly bringing RTÉ under the remit of the Comptroller and Auditor General.
653. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the assessment that has been made of whether RTÉ's reported financial surpluses in recent years reflect genuine structural improvements to the organisation's financial position or are attributable in part to temporary or one-off cost-saving measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39676/26]
View answerThe RTÉ New Direction Statement of Strategy, published in June 2024, sets out how it will transform to take account of the major changes in the media landscape, audience preferences and behaviours. The strategy is also clear about the need for changes inside RTÉ, and commits to driving efficiencies and robust financial management, as well as building a sustainable, trusted and responsible organisation.
The strategy commits RTÉ to ensuring robust financial management and performance. It is about ensuring that all aspects of its expenditure, production models, and ways of working, are reviewed, to ensure the broadcaster is delivering maximum value for money and operating with a rigorous approach to financial management. The strategy also commits to a smaller and more agile workforce, and through a phased Voluntary Exit Programme, RTÉ is seeking to reduce overall headcount by up to 400 over the lifetime of the Strategy.
As a public service broadcaster, RTÉ is required to prepare and submit to Coimisiún na Meán, annual plans and commitments to meet their statutory objects and to deliver on their statement of strategy commitments. RTÉ reports to Coimisiún na Meán on the delivery of these commitments and An Coimisiún submits reports to me – which form part of the assessment of RTÉ’s funding needs.
Separately, under the provisions of Section 109 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, RTÉ is required to present to the Minister, a copy of its annual accounts and auditor’s report not later than six months after the end of its financial year. As such RTÉ’s 2025 annual accounts are due to be presented to me on or before 30 June next, but as they have yet to be submitted to me, I cannot comment on the outturn for last year. Upon receipt, the annual report and accounts will be reviewed by NewERA, who as part of their statutory functions will provide me with the necessary analysis of RTÉ’s financial position.
654. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the timeline for when An Post will provide pension increases to members and deferred members of the An Post superannuation scheme. [39960/26]
View answer657. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the current situation with regard to pension increases for former An Post personnel; the reason the agreement has not been implemented to date; when he expects the agreed pension increases to be restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40305/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 654 and 657 together.
Under section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, approves any superannuation schemes submitted by An Post. The operation of the schemes is a matter between the management of An Post, staff representatives and the trustees of the schemes.
In accordance with the Act and the relevant Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, An Post must seek Ministerial approval from both Ministers to increase pensions and deferred pensions for members of the An Post superannuation scheme. Section 2.13 of the Code of Practice for Governance of State Bodies Superannuation and Remuneration annex sets out that NewERA advice should be sought in respect of pension amendment proposals, as is appropriate in their role as commercial and financial advisors to the Ministers.
On 23 October 2025, An Post wrote to my Department requesting consent for an increase to pensions in payment and deferred pensions, namely, to increase pensions in payment for members and deferred members of the An Post Superannuation Scheme by 6% per annum with effect from 1st January 2025 and 1% from 1st of June 2025, arising from its agreements with employee representative groups. In line with both the Code of Practice for State Bodies and the relevant legislation, Ministerial consent has been granted, and this was conveyed to An Post on 25 February 2026.
655. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if an application reference number could be provided to an applicant to the basic income for artists scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40102/26]
View answerI was delighted to accept applications for the successor scheme to the Basic Income for the Arts pilot with just over 10,000 applications received by the deadline. This is a major milestone for the arts in Ireland and I am particularly pleased that the research my Department conducted provided Government with a clear evidence base upon which to make that decision.
The deadline for application to the Basic Income for the Arts 2026 - 2029 was 5pm on Tuesday 12th May. When applicants registered, a Client ID was provided to them via email. Applicants who have made a full application will have an email acknowledgement of each of the following three parts: Application Form, Survey, Proofs of Eligibility. My officials have confirmed that the constituent referred to made a complete application for the scheme before the deadline and therefore would have received their Client ID.
With an allocation of €18.27 million for 2026, the Department is in a position to fund 2,000 artists. Over 10,000 applications were received and therefore it will not be possible to provide funding to all eligible applicants.
Participants will be selected using an anonymous random selection process. This is considered the fairest selection process where there is not enough funding to provide the BIA to all eligible applicants. 2,000 applicants will be selected to receive the payment.
Thank you for your interest in the scheme on behalf of your constituent.
656. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he has the power or discretion to fund a capital project allocation to a local authority backed project without match funding from that local authority. [40262/26]
View answerThe Department manages a number of capital schemes across its functional areas which are subject to their own guidelines and terms and conditions. I am happy to provide the Deputy with information on specific schemes if he sends on further information to my office in relation to the capital project in question.
658. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether his Department has conducted any analysis of the relationship between family homelessness and child protection interventions; and if he will publish any reports, reviews, or internal assessments carried out in this area. [39456/26]
View answerMy Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of local authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation and related services for homeless persons rests with individual local authorities.
Supporting individuals and families experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness is a priority for Government.
To assist in ensuring standards in homeless services are of a high standard, a National Quality Standards Framework (NQSF) was developed by the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive (DRHE) in partnership with the NGO Sector, the HSE and other key stakeholders. The NQSF for homeless services operates across all local authority and NGO delivered services. The NQSF standards give service providers a framework for maintaining and improving quality and standards in their service delivery.
The NQSF provides a framework under Theme 3 for child protection interventions. The monitoring and reporting of these measures is a matter for individual local authorities.
The Government's new housing plan Delivering Homes, Building Communities recognises that homelessness is the single most pressing social issue that we face and sets out a number of key measures to address homelessness. A key measure in the plan is the development of a Child and Family Homelessness Action Plan. My Department is working closely with the Department of the Taoiseach as well as a range of key stakeholders on the development of this Plan.
A public consultation was launched in January and 60 submissions were received from a range of organisations involved in providing supports to children. An in-person stakeholder event was then held at the end of February with more than 100 individuals in attendance, including representatives from Government Departments, State bodies, local authorities and NGOs, as well as adults and children with lived experience of homelessness. A direct consultation was also held with children with lived experience of homelessness. These consultations were instrumental in informing the development of the Action Plan.
The Action Plan will set out new measures to prevent family homelessness in the first instance, to provide enhanced supports for children and parents experiencing homelessness, as well as measures to accelerate exits and reduce the time spent by children and their families in homeless emergency accommodation. The Action Plan is now being finalised and will go before the Cabinet Committee on Children on 28 May 2026.
It is intended that the Action Plan will be published by end of Q2 2026 after which a Delivery Steering Group will be established to drive progress on all actions.
659. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will give detailed consideration to the issues raised in correspondence from a local authority (details supplied). [39992/26]
View answerThe Revised National Planning Framework (NPF) was finalised and approved by Government and the Oireachtas in April 2025.
The Revised NPF and the requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2024 provide the basis for the review and updating of Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies (RSESs). These strategies are required, under the 2024 Act, to reflect a range of matters and will in turn inform the review of individual County and City development plans under the Act of 2024.
Under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2024, each regional assembly is required to commence a formal review of their regional spatial and economic strategy within 6 months of the commencement of this part of the Act. The three regional assemblies represent the Eastern and Midland, Northern and Western, and Southern Regions respectively, and each of the regional assemblies commenced the process of preparing at new RSES under the 2024 Act in March 2026.
Under the Act of 2024, the making and review of a RSES is linked to the NPF so as to help ensure that each RSES is based on up-to-date policies and data, and as such, review of a RSES will be undertaken following the making of a revised or new NPF.
The review of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies is a function of the respective regional assemblies. Accordingly, the Deputy may wish to address this query to the Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA).
660. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will extend the above-the-shop grant to micro-businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40304/26]
View answer687. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the methodology, cost assumptions and market data used in determining the grant thresholds of €95,000 for one residential unit, €115,000 for two units, and €135,000 for three or more units under the croí cónaithe Vacant Above the Shop Grant; if the adequacy of these thresholds has been reviewed in light of current construction, refurbishment, conservation and fire safety costs, particularly in Dublin city centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39305/26]
View answer688. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason commercial properties held through company ownership structures are excluded from eligibility under the croí cónaithe above the shop scheme; if his Department has examined the extent to which this eligibility restriction may affect uptake of the scheme, particularly in Dublin city where many commercial premises are company owned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39306/26]
View answer689. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has undertaken a review of the operation, uptake and effectiveness of the croí cónaithe above the shop scheme; if barriers to participation, including ownership structure requirements and refurbishment costs, have been identified as factors affecting application levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39307/26]
View answer690. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of enquiries, applications, approvals, refusals and completed projects recorded by each local authority under the croí cónaithe above the shop scheme since its establishment; the total value of grants approved and paid in each case, in tabular form. [39308/26]
View answer714. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he will introduce staged payments for the derelict properties grant. [39875/26]
View answer724. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the rationale for restricting the vacant above-the-shop grant and the broader vacant property refurbishment grant to individual applicants only, explicitly excluding registered micro-companies; if he acknowledges that advising property owners to undertake complex and costly corporate restructuring to transfer assets into personal ownership acts as a direct financial and administrative barrier to unlocking town centre accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39961/26]
View answer725. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to introduce interim measures, exemptions, or a phased pilot scheme to allow micro-companies to access the vacant above-the-shop grant where planning, funding, and construction readiness are already established; the timeline for reviewing these eligibility criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39962/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 660, 687, 688, 689, 690, 714, 724 and 725 together.
The 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 of Quarter 1, 2026 over 17,480 applications had been made to local authorities, with over 13,170 of those applications approved and 5,300 grant paid amounting to 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, for example, creation of separate access and fire separation. 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.
As the grant has launched in April, statistics on grant numbers will be collated over the coming weeks and will be included in the Quarter 2 2026 published statistics for the grant which will be available before the end of July 2026.
The grant is currently available to individuals who own or are in the process of purchasing the property. A commitment is 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.
There are a range of measures in place to address vacancy and support urban regeneration, which can be availed of by companies and undertakings, such as the Repair and Leasing Scheme, the Living City Initiative and planning exemptions for the conversion of certain commercial properties into residential use.
The grant application process involves the local authority receiving and reviewing applications to ensure that the grant conditions are met and arranging for a qualified person to visit the property to check the refurbishment work being applied for and to assess the proposed cost. Following confirmation of a successful application and the works being completed, the local authority will conduct a final property visit to review that the work has been completed in-line with the grant application. Once the local authority is satisfied, they will then pay the grant.
Payment of the grant at the end of the process is to ensure that the applicant has carried out the works applied for and for which the grant is being paid. This is also the case for grants such as the SEAI grants and Housing Adaptation Grants, which are paid when works are completed.
A comprehensive review of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was undertaken in 2024, which considered all aspects of the scheme including the matter of staged payments. The grant scheme will be kept under review and any further recommended changes will be communicated in a timely manner.
661. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of first-time buyers in County Wexford that have benefitted from the first home scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38796/26]
View answer662. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of first-time buyers in County Wicklow that have benefitted from the first home scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38797/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 661 and 662 together.
The First Home Scheme supports first-time buyers in purchasing new houses and apartments in the private market, or building their own home, through the use of an equity share model within price ceilings established across the country.
The Scheme is overseen and managed by the First Home Scheme Ireland Designated Activity Company (DAC), on behalf of the shareholders - the State and participating mortgage lenders. This DAC is responsible for collating and issuing statistical information as it pertains to the Scheme. Since the launch of the Scheme in July 2022 to Q1 2026, the Scheme has approved 258 eligible applicants in Wexford with 129 of those applicants having purchased their homes and, in the same period, 748 applicants have been approved in Wicklow with 442 of those applicants having purchased their home. Further information on the First Home Scheme can be found in its quarterly report on its website - Quarterly Updates.
663. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the mechanisms in place in his Department to ensure delivery on the commitments in the Programme for Government; the civil servant specifically responsible for overseeing such delivery; the measures that are used to assess progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38816/26]
View answerThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
