Written Answers Nos. 366-388
366. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the local government staff embargo is still in place; if workforce planning has been carried out; and if so, where there are staff shortages, by local authority, and the disciplines and grades. [21288/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra367. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of new staff positions have been sanctioned by local authorities since 2018; and if he will detail the specialised grades provided for in each local authority over that time period. [21289/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 366 and 367 together.
The moratorium on recruitment in the public service, introduced in 2009 following a Government decision to implement savings measures across the wider public service as a response to the financial crisis facing the State, was ended with effect from 2015. Since then, a delegated sanction from the Department of Finance and later on from the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform for the management of staff numbers in local authorities has been applied to my Department. This delegated sanction has given my Department a greater degree of flexibility in responding to staffing needs in local authorities as they arise.
Under 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 he/she is responsible. Local authorities undertook their first iteration of workforce planning in 2014 to identify how staff could be optimally deployed and to highlight gaps that needed to be filled. Local authorities are currently in the process of developing a new strategic framework for workforce planning which will set out how the sector will strengthen its workforce and organisations so that it is ready and able to develop, lead and drive local action, and build the capability and capacity to consistently deliver for communities as the primary means of public service at local level.
My Department's role in overseeing strategic workforce planning for the local government sector, includes the monitoring of local government sector employment levels. To this end, my Department gathers aggregate quarterly data on staff numbers in each local authority on a whole time equivalent basis which is published on the Public Service Numbers databank, hosted and maintained by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. The databank is available at the following link:
databank.per.gov.ie/Public_Service_Numbers.aspx?rep=LA
However, granular data, such as the specific work areas within local authorities where there may be vacancies and the number and grade of any such vacancies is not collected and consequently is not available in my Department. The relevant information would be available from individual local authorities.
Local authorities are required to seek sanction from my Department for all new posts above agreed workforce plan levels. The number of new posts sanctioned in the period 2019 to end Q1 2024 broken down by local authority area are detailed in the table below. Data for 2018 that readily identifies new posts sanctioned is not available.
Following the approval by my Department of a staffing sanction request, it is then a matter for the Chief Executive to progress the appointment as appropriate. Given that the structure and breakdown of directorates within a local authority are matters unique to that local authority, information in respect of what specific department within a local authority each staffing sanction request relates to is not collected in the manner sought and consequently is not available in my Department.
Number of New Posts Sanctioned
|
Local Authority |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 Q1 |
|
Carlow Co. |
16 |
11 |
16 |
26 |
31 |
16 |
|
Cavan Co. |
0 |
5 |
7 |
12 |
12 |
2 |
|
Clare Co. |
22 |
12 |
31 |
17 |
29 |
11 |
|
Cork City Council |
20 |
9 |
27 |
16 |
24 |
2 |
|
Cork Co. |
1 |
49 |
47 |
34 |
26 |
4 |
|
DLR Co. |
28 |
24 |
36 |
45 |
30 |
23 |
|
Donegal Co. |
70 |
14 |
32 |
44 |
79 |
4 |
|
Dublin City Co. |
57 |
30 |
131 |
93 |
98 |
15 |
|
Fingal Co. |
29 |
6 |
47 |
76 |
29 |
3 |
|
Galway City Co. |
52 |
7 |
32 |
46 |
55 |
14 |
|
Galway Co. |
8 |
22 |
29 |
53 |
43 |
18 |
|
Kerry Co. |
5 |
6 |
4 |
12 |
17 |
2 |
|
Kildare Co. |
30 |
27 |
55 |
55 |
45 |
36 |
|
Kilkenny Co. |
10 |
3 |
19 |
27 |
78 |
30 |
|
Laois Co. |
20 |
9 |
34 |
34 |
22 |
25 |
|
Leitrim Co. |
3 |
13 |
14 |
18 |
12 |
2 |
|
Limerick City & Co. |
59 |
35 |
59 |
58 |
74 |
26 |
|
Longford Co. |
21 |
7 |
17 |
39 |
25 |
25 |
|
Louth Co. |
4 |
23 |
17 |
22 |
14 |
6 |
|
Mayo Co. |
3 |
2 |
19 |
39 |
53 |
6 |
|
Meath Co. |
1 |
2 |
38 |
88 |
42 |
29 |
|
Monaghan Co. |
2 |
9 |
23 |
16 |
31 |
13 |
|
Offaly Co. |
23 |
6 |
13 |
14 |
10 |
15 |
|
Roscommon Co. |
2 |
2 |
8 |
25 |
14 |
4 |
|
Sligo Co. |
28 |
12 |
18 |
37 |
8 |
6 |
|
South Dublin Co. |
10 |
1 |
16 |
45 |
64 |
33 |
|
Tipperary Co. |
9 |
10 |
17 |
20 |
53 |
8 |
|
Waterford City |
31 |
7 |
35 |
63 |
32 |
5 |
|
Westmeath Co. |
17 |
2 |
46 |
20 |
28 |
14 |
|
Wexford Co. |
11 |
19 |
18 |
35 |
36 |
18 |
|
Wicklow Co. |
8 |
5 |
20 |
23 |
36 |
9 |
|
Total |
600 |
389 |
925 |
1152 |
1150 |
424 |
368. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to examine a housing matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21334/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraHousing for All, the Government’s housing plan to 2030 is a multi-annual, multi-billion euro plan which will improve Ireland’s housing system and deliver more homes of all types for people with different housing needs. The Plan will increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 per year to 2030. Over 300,000 new homes will be built by the end of 2030, including a projected 90,000 social homes, 36,000 affordable purchase homes and 18,000 cost rental homes. The increasing number of new homes being built show that Housing for All is beginning to take hold. The number of new homes delivered last year was the highest in fifteen years, with 32,695 new homes completed in 2023, 10% higher than in 2022 and exceeding the Plan's 2023 target of 29,000 by almost 13%. Rolling 12-month completions are up 3% year-on-year, from 30,744 in Q1 2023 to 31,820 in Q1 2024. This is the third quarter in a row the rolling 12-month completions have surpassed 31,000. At the same time, rolling 12-month commencements of new homes for the period to end-March were more than 37,400, up 37% year-on-year.While homes are being built at record rates, it will take time for the suite of measures set out in Housing for All and the additional supply we are seeing to make the difference needed. There is no overnight fix to the issues we face, but Housing for All addresses the root problems. The Government is acting decisively to expand the options for those currently facing affordability constraints in buying or renting a home with an unprecedented levels of financial commitment. The affordable measures introduced by Government will make homeownership achievable for tens of thousands of individuals and families in the near-term and will reduce the rental pressures on thousands of hard-pressed middle-income earners.Recent data shows that these measures are having a real impact. Mortgage approvals by first-time buyers increased by 15% year-on-year, to almost 2,200 in February, the highest February first-time buyer volumes since the data series began in 2011. There were almost 31,000 first-time-buyer mortgage approvals in the year ending February 2024, also the highest annual levels since 2011. Mortgage drawdowns by first-time buyers also reached a new peak of almost 26,000 in 2023, the highest annual level since 2007.
Supply is key, but Housing for All is not just about delivering the necessary homes for private, social and affordable housing. It is also about setting out a pathway to economic, societal and environmental sustainability in the delivery of that housing. The full suite of actions under Housing for All and the Housing for All Updated Action Plan are available here: www.gov.ie/housingforall.
369. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to an application by a club (details supplied) for a licence through his Department; if this can be expedited to reflect the limited time available to the club; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21355/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that an application for a licence to excavate at the site referenced was received in my Department on 26 April. On the same date, and in line with standard procedures, this application was sent to the National Museum of Ireland (NMI) for any necessary observations. The NMI has up to two weeks to provide observations on receipt of which my Department will proceed to process the application.
370. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage what the process is for adding another person to a social housing application in instances where the said person is seriously ill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21365/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraApplications for social housing support are assessed by local authorities in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended.
It is a matter for each local authority, as part of its housing management functions, to determine the conditions in relation to persons being added to a household in its administrative area. Typically the households revised application would be reviewed in light of the change in circumstances and the application would be updated accordingly.
Decisions on the qualification of specific persons for social housing support, the most appropriate form of any such support, and the allocation of that support are a matter solely for the local authority concerned.
371. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has carried out a review of fire personnel in Cavan or Monaghan in light of a number of battery storage facilities being granted planning permission in the counties; and if Ireland is equipped to deal with such facilities. [21384/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 Acts, 1981 and 2003. My Department supports the fire authorities through setting general policy, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding for equipment and priority infrastructural projects.
The prioritisation and effective management of all resources is a matter for each of the fire authorities based on their assessment of local needs and requirements. In relation to the staffing requirements in each local authority, under the Local Government Act 2001, it is the responsibility of each Chief Executive to employ such staff and to make such staffing, funding, recruitment and organisational arrangements as may be deemed necessary for the purposes of carrying out the functions of their local authority. Therefore, any review of staffing in the fire services of either Cavan or Monaghan would be a matter for the individual Chief Executive and their Chief Fire Officers.
All Fire Services in Ireland operate an Incident Command System (ICS) to ensure effective operations at the site of fire emergencies. The ICS is founded on the principles of systemic risk management. ICS details how the Incident Commander ensures safe operations at the scene of an emergency using Dynamic Risk Management to continuously evaluate and manage risk.
In February 2023, Good Practice note 5.5 “Pre-Incident Planning” (PIP) was approved by the NDFEM Board and issued to all fire services. While the majority of fire services had pre-existing pre-incident planning programmes, this guidance was developed to standardise the approach, and to support a review of existing programmes. Good Practice note 5.5 outlines that each fire station area should identify significant premises, and assess the nature and extent of issues or hazards presented to responding crews. Steps taken for pre-incident planning and for developing links between pre-incident planning, operations, training, and fire safety may include:
• identifying a premises and gathering the appropriate information;
• gathering additional and associated societal, environmental and economic data;
• integrating a risk management plan;
• preparing PIP cards – preferably in digital format, to be made available for responding crews;
• co-ordination between local fire service operations, training, and fire safety; and
• reviewing and updating PIPs, as necessary.
Site visits are undertaken by local fire officers to gather/confirm information for the preparation of a PIP card that provides a standard layout and technical summary of a premises for the crew and the Incident Commander.
If pre-incident planning identifies specific issues of concern in relation to a premises, a Chief Fire Officer may consider designating a specific pre-determined attendance, setting out the number, type and order of dispatch of fire appliances in the event of an incident.
With regard to the issue of battery storage units, I understand that the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) is in the process of developing an Electricity Storage Policy Framework; my Department is working with DECC to support this policy initiative.
372. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current number of conservation rangers recruited into the NPWS with location based in Waterford and the wider south east region; the current targets for recruitment nationwide by the end of 2024 and by the end of 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21391/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraGiven the enforcement roles discharged by certain staff in the National Parks and Wildlife Service, for reasons of operational security, my Department does not provide details of staffing in the manner requested.
Currently there are in excess of 100 Conservation Rangers stationed right across the country, and it is my intention to further increase this number, up to 120 Rangers.
A recruitment competition for Conservation Rangers being run by the Public Appointments Service is currently at an advanced stage. I have asked my Department to accelerate appointments from this panel, with the recruitment of a further 20 Rangers. Any appointments across the country made from this panel will take account of both the business needs and financial resources to meet pay costs in the context of Government policy on public sector pay and staffing.
Staffing levels across my Department, including Conservation Rangers, are kept under regular review in line with emerging business needs and Government policy on public sector pay and staffing as advised by the Department of Public Expenditure, NPD Delivery and Reform.
373. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of WTE qualified archaeologists by grade employed by his Department in the years 2022, 2023 and to-date in 2024, in tabular form. [21411/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not generally keep a record of qualifications held by staff members, and accordingly there may be staff working in various roles who have a qualification in Archaeology but applied for different positions. However, at the end of March 2024 we had 41.73 WTE staff employed in my Department in roles where a qualification in archaeology is a requirement. There were 38.33 and 40.73 WTE staff employed in such roles at the end of 2022 and 2023 respectively.
A breakdown of these numbers by grade is provided in the table below.
|
December 2022 |
December 2023 |
March 2024 |
|
|
Chief Archaeologist |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
|
Archaeologist Grade 1 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
|
Senior Archaeologist |
6.00 |
9.00 |
9.00 |
|
Archaeologist |
30.33 |
29.73 |
30.73 |
|
Total |
38.33 |
40.73 |
41.73 |
374. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason the Housing Agency made a decision not to purchase properties offered to it for sale (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21476/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Cost Rental Tenant In-Situ (CRTiS) scheme was introduced on 1 April 2023 for tenants in private rental homes who are at risk of homelessness because a landlord has served a valid Notice of Termination due to an intention to sell the property. The Local Authority conducts the initial assessment for eligibility of the tenant for this scheme and refers potential cases to the Housing Agency, which is responsible for administering and managing the scheme on behalf of my Department.
Before making an offer, the Housing Agency considers whether the overall capital cost of the property is within the Acquisition Cost Guidelines (ACGs) issued by my Department for each Local Authority area and whether necessary repairs and upgrades can be safely completed with tenants in situ. These ACGs are updated by my Department on an annual basis and provide cost guidelines for the acquisition by housing authorities of second hand properties for the provision of social housing.
While my Department does not have any direct involvement in the assessment of individual applications, some of the main reasons why properties are not approved for acquisition by the Housing Agency under the scheme include vendor expectations of the value of the property being in excess of the Housing Agency's independent valuation, the vendor expectation and/or the market value of the property is in excess of the ACGs for the relevant Local Authority area, the condition of the property and the amount of works required to bring it to an acceptable standard make it too difficult for the Housing Agency to pursue the acquisition further or the vendor withdraws or wants to take the property to the market.
As a result, not every home will be eligible for acquisition within the constraints of these factors. The Housing Agency is mindful of the purpose of the CRTiS scheme, which is to assist tenants at risk of homelessness, the need to ensure value for money in the expenditure of public funds, and the goal that acquired homes be suitable for use as Cost Rental housing over the long term.
Tenants at risk of homelessness should continue to engage directly with the Housing Department in their Local Authority area who can advise them in relation to their immediate and long-term accommodation options.
375. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to set out the rules regarding renting and receiving HAP where the rental property belongs to a family member; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21515/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Scheme is deemed to be a social housing support under the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014. As a long term housing support, an assessment of housing need must be completed in order for a household to qualify for HAP. Any household with an identified housing need is eligible for HAP.
In order for housing assistance to be provided under the Act the housing authority must be satisfied that the tenancy concerned is or would be a tenancy in good faith. Where there is a family relationship between the tenant and the landlord, the housing authority may seek evidence of a previous landlord and tenant relationship between a landlord and HAP applicant. This evidence may include:
• Proof of rent payments;
• A lease or tenancy agreement for the property; and
• Registration of the tenancy with the Residential Tenancies Board.
In order for a housing authority to be satisfied that a tenancy is or would be in good faith; the onus is on the applicant and landlord to prove that what is being proposed is a bona fide tenancy.
HAP support is available to tenants in rent a room scheme arrangements; however, the rental of a room to a civil partner, son or daughter are excluded from this scheme. HAP cannot be paid where the tenant is seeking to rent within the family home. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the housing authority to make a decision in each individual case.
376. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he plans to increase the cap for the enhanced defective concrete block grant scheme in line with increased building construction costs, as advised by an organisation (details supplied). [21631/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraA review mechanism is provided within the 2022 Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022, which allows me, as Minister, to increase the overall grant scheme cap of €420,000 a year after the Act has been commenced by no more than 10%, in accordance with the conditions of Section 11 of the Act.
Following a request from my Department, the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) recently provided updated cost reports for the North West and Midwest Regions to my Department. My Department received these updated cost reports on 29 March and they will be provided to the Expert Group shortly to review and make recommendations to me.
377. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether funding is available for the taking-in-charge of estates. [21642/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe taking-in-charge of housing estates by local authorities is provided for under section 180 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act), and the procedures for this are initiated under section 11 of the Roads Act 1993, as amended. The taking-in-charge of residential estates is also a reserved function of the elected members of a local authority. It is generally a standard condition of granting planning permission for housing scheme development that the developer must lodge a security bond to ensure the satisfactory completion of the development to enable it to be taken-in-charge by the local authority. Therefore, the progression of individual developments through the taking-in-charge process should, in the first instance, be a matter for the relevant housing developer, the relevant local authority and elected members to consider on a case-by-case basis. In some cases, such as where a local plebiscite may be held, there is a role for the owners of properties in the housing development in question. There is no Exchequer funding available for the taking-in-charge of privately developed housing estates.
378. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a schedule of grants he can award directly to local authorities for distribution to community groups, by heading and amount available; and if his Department provides funding to community groups for use in reducing vacant properties and dereliction in towns. [21653/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraPathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant supports bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use. A grant of up to a maximum of €50,000 is available for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent. Where the refurbishment costs are expected to exceed the standard grant of up to €50,000, a maximum top-up grant amount of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed by the applicant to be derelict or where the property is already on the local authority’s Derelict Sites Register, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €70,000.
The grant is available in respect of vacant and derelict properties built up to and including 2007, in towns, villages, cities and rural areas.
The objective of the grant scheme is to refurbish and bring existing vacant and derelict properties back into use as homes. The grant is available to individuals for the purpose of refurbishing vacant or derelict properties for use as their principal private residence or to be made available for rent. Community Groups are not eligible for the grant.
The Heritage Council on behalf of my Department administer a number of grant funded schemes which are available to community groups. Information on the grant schemes and funding awarded can be found on the Heritage Councils website, link attached. www.heritagecouncil.ie/funding/funding-schemes
The Department of Rural and Community Development also provide grants to community groups.
379. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the specific criteria required for an appointment as a presiding officer at various electoral contests throughout the State; who determines these appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21654/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe appointment of Presiding Officers at electoral events is a matter for Local Returning Officers. Returning Officers are independent in the discharge of their duties.
Section 95 of the Electoral Act 1992 provides for the appointment of Presiding Officers and Poll Clerks at polling stations at Dáil elections. Similar provisions apply in respect of all other legislative codes applying to elections and referendums.
In addition, Section 61 of the Electoral Act 1992 provides that a Returning Officer shall not employ any person if that person has been actively associated in furthering the candidature of any candidate at the election or promoting the interests of a political party at an election. Again, similar provisions apply in respect of all other legislative codes applying to elections and referendums.
381. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider substantially increasing funding to local authorities in order to enable septic tank inspections to be carried out in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21656/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra395. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the Government has any plans to extend the grants available to upgrade personal septic tanks (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21903/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 381 and 395 together.
The policy of providing grant funding to households for work on Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems (DWWTS), including septic tanks, arises from the need to address damage being done to water quality in sensitive areas in particular.
The grants are focused on the areas of greatest environmental priority and are available only in circumstances relating to risks to water quality and/or human health and the environment, and are not general in application.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required, under the Water Services Act 2007, to prepare a National Inspection Plan for the inspection and monitoring of DWWTS. The local authorities, with the support of the EPA, are responsible for the implementation of the plan in their area. The plan sets out the requirement for the minimum number of inspection required nationally as 1,200 per annum and also details that local authorities may also carry out increased numbers of inspections on their own initiative.
I can confirm that my Department does provide funding to cover the reasonable staff costs in the local authorities. However the appointment of DWWTS inspectors is a matter for each local authority and I have no plans to make changes to the current position.
382. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if any State, semi-State or commercial semi-State agency under the aegis of their Department is aware of any cases of bogus self-employment in any bodies under their remit from 2020 to 1 May 2024; if they will outline if there are currently any cases from such agencies or bodies currently before the SCOPE section of the Department of Social Protection for investigation or determination; if there are any SCOPE findings and recommendations relating to any agencies or bodies under their remit where SCOPE has found in favour of the worker, and where they recommended the reclassification of the workers’ employment status to that of direct employee between 2020 and 1 May 2024; if they will provide information on the numbers involved and the names of the individual agencies and bodies in all cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21695/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested pertains to operational matters within individual State bodies and, as such, it is not available in my Department.
However, in line with the ‘Protocol for the Provision of Information to Members of the Oireachtas by State Bodies under the aegis of Government Departments/Offices’, my Department ensures that all relevant State bodies are aware of the requirement to facilitate provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas.
A full list of the State bodies under the aegis of my Department is set out in the table below. The specific information requested can be sought by contacting the State bodies directly at the dedicated email addresses listed below.
|
|
|
|
An Bord Pleanála |
oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie |
|
An Fóram Uisce |
oireachtas@nationalwaterforum.ie |
|
Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority |
oireachtasqueries@ahbregulator.ie |
|
Docklands Oversight and Consultative Forum |
infodocklands@dublincity.ie |
|
Electoral Commission |
info@electoralcommission.ie |
|
Ervia |
oireachtas@ervia.ie |
|
Gas Networks Ireland |
oireachtas@ervia.ie |
|
Heritage Council |
oireachtas@heritagecouncil.ie |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
publicreps@housingagency.ie |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
oireachtas.enquiries@hfa.ie |
|
Land Development Agency |
oireachtas@lda.ie |
|
Local Government Management Agency |
oireachtasmemberqueries@lgma.ie |
|
Maritime Area Regulatory Authority |
oireachtas@mara.gov.ie |
|
National Oversight and Audit Commission |
info@noac.ie |
|
National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee |
ntacc@housing.gov.ie |
|
Office of the Planning Regulator |
oireachtas@opr.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 |
ceoffice@waterwaysireland.org |
383. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will clarify the rules regarding the building defects scheme as they pertain to rental properties (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21733/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently preparing legislation to put in place a statutory remediation scheme for owners of certain apartments affected by fire safety, water ingress and structural defects. This legislation will establish supports for the remediation of these defects in purpose-built apartment buildings, including duplexes, constructed between 1991 and 2013. It is expected the draft legislation will be published in 2024 and that, subject to the legislative process, the statutory scheme will be in place shortly thereafter.
Pending the introduction of the statutory scheme, an Interim Remediation Scheme (Scheme) for the funding of emergency fire safety defect works in apartments and duplexes has been in place since December 2023. Apartments and duplexes built between 1991 and 2013 qualify for this Scheme, where the fire safety defects were caused by defective design, workmanship or materials that breached the Building Regulations that applied when the property was built.
The Scheme does not cover defects arising from the building not being adequately maintained, sinking funds not being adequately funded to replace building and safety systems when they expired nor later building work not being managed correctly, leading to defects. It is also intended that a whole building approach will be taken to remediate relevant defects and to improve the safety of all occupants in the building. This means that all parts of the building (e.g. the common areas, the individual apartments etc.) must be considered together when addressing defects.
The Interim Remediation Scheme operates as follows: OMCs submitting a valid application to The Housing Agency will receive funding to carry out the necessary remedial works. Only applications from authorised representatives of OMCs will be considered. Funding will not, under any circumstances, be directly allocated to any individual homeowner through this Scheme. Further information is available on the Housing Agency’s website: www.housingagency.ie/interim-remediation-scheme-fire-safety-defects-eligible-apartments-and-duplexes-2023.
At present, it is envisaged that both schemes will be tenure blind and there will be no specific provisions in relation to individually owned rental properties. As stated above, the scheme(s) will be accessed through apartment OMCs only (not by individual owners) and remediation works will be carried out on a whole of building basis.
384. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage what action he intends to take on foot of reports of alleged wrongdoing by local council CEOs and elected councillors from the Office of the Protected Disclosures Commissioner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21735/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department takes its obligations under the Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Act 2022 very seriously and is strongly committed to supporting people to speak up about their concerns of wrongdoing, as defined in the legislation. At all times, it is central to my Department’s protected disclosures policy that the reporting person’s identity will be treated confidentially in accordance with the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 as amended by the Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Act 2022.
The Secretary General, as the suitable person, and/or the designated person within this Department are those persons who may be in receipt of reports of alleged wrongdoing from the Office of Protected Disclosures Commission (OPDC).
Local authorities are constitutionally-recognised, independent bodies, with their own management and governance structures. Local authorities are not agencies of central government and local government is a separate arm of government in the State. Local authority chief executives and democratically elected councils are responsible for the running of the local authority in all respects.
Local authorities are statutorily required to have in place the same procedures and protections to handle protected disclosures as other public bodies.
As Minister, I have limited discretionary powers under the Local Government Act 2001 (as amended) to investigate allegations of wrongdoing in a local authority. Receiving a protected disclosure report of wrongdoing in a local authority does not automatically trigger those powers.
Since the commencement of the Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Act 2023, the Secretary General of my Department has been made the suitable person in a number of protected disclosures cases by the OPDC despite my Department outlining in detail why the local authority in question - either the local authority Chief Executive as the prescribed person under the 2024 Act or the designated impartial person which the local authority is obliged to put in place - was the more suitable.
Notwithstanding my Department’s engagement with the OPDC, my officials have confirmed that the protected disclosures have been assessed in accordance with the Act, investigated as appropriate and, insofar as possible, brought to a conclusion, in all of the cases referred to my Department by the OPDC.
My Department continues to engage constructively and proactively with the OPDC regarding the manner in which protected disclosures concerning potential wrongdoing in local authorities are processed with a view to finding a solution that best serves those who have made reports of wrongdoing and that their allegations are assigned appropriately in the first instance.
385. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of homes built by the local authority in Sligo per year between 2017 and 2023, in tabular form. [21773/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra386. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of homes built by the local authority in Leitrim per year between 2017 and 2023, in tabular form. [21774/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 385 and 386 together.
My Department publishes comprehensive programme-level statistics on a quarterly basis on social and affordable housing delivery activity by local authorities and AHBs in each local authority area. This data is available to the end of 2023 and is published on the statistics' page of my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/.
My Department also publishes the Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR). The CSR 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. This includes details of which local authority or AHB delivered or is delivering the development. The most recent publication was for Quarter 4 2023. All Construction Status Reports are available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/cb885-social-housing-construction-projects-status-reports/.
A version of the CSR file can also be downloaded for analysis by local authority, funding stream etc. at this link: data.gov.ie/datasets/ocial-housing-construction-status-report-q4-2023.
388. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of units delivered to date or in the delivery pipeline using the affordable housing fund; the location of the units; and the average AHF allocation or allocation range per unit per scheme, in tabular form. [21782/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra387. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of units delivered to date or in the delivery pipeline using the serviced sites fund; and the location of the units and the average SSF allocation per unit per scheme, in tabular form. [21781/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 388 and 387 together.
Under Housing for All, the Government will deliver 54,000 affordable homes, including 36,000 affordable purchase and 18,000 cost rental homes, by 2030, to be facilitated by local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), the Land Development Agency (LDA) and through a strategic partnership between the State and retail banks.
Following the publication of Housing for All in September 2021, I asked all local authorities to prepare Housing Delivery Action Plans. A copy of each Council’s Housing Delivery Action Plan is available on their individual websites where some information about local authority's plans for delivery of affordable purchase and cost rental housing (where relevant) is available.
Local authorities complete and submit data returns to my Department on delivery of affordable homes in their area in the same manner as is done for social housing. Statistical data on affordable housing delivery by tenure and by local authority area during 2022 and 2023 is published on my Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/#affordable-housing-delivery
The information provided is currently not collated in a manner that would allow my Department to provide the detailed data sought in the format requested.
Individual scheme information has been published in advertisements on local authority websites. Schemes being advertised are now also available in a single location on the Affordable Homes website, www.affordablehomes.ie.
The Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) is made available for the provision of affordable homes by local authorities. Subventions ranging from €50,000 to €150,000 are available to support local authorities to bring forward suitable schemes whereby homes can be offered for purchase or rent to eligible applicants at an affordable price. The Exchequer contribution represents 95% of the subvention with the remaining 5% being contributed by the Local Authority.Housing delivery being supported by funding approved originally under the earlier Serviced Sites Fund (SSF) is also progressing with funding comprised of 89% Exchequer contribution matched by an 11% Local Authority contribution.
Funding approvals are in place to date for the delivery of 4,067 affordable homes across 21 local authorities with the support of almost €330m in grant assistance from the Affordable Housing Fund.
Of these, a total of 894 affordable homes were delivered by local authorities in 2022 and 2023 with AHF/SSF assistance, at an average Exchequer cost of €75,542 per affordable home.
