Róisín Shortall
Ceist:199. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education the number of pupils attending special needs primary schools in each of the years since 2019, in tabular form. [23477/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSpecial Educational Needs
Ceisteanna (199, 200)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:200. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education the number of pupils attending special needs post-primary schools in each of the years since 2019, in tabular [23478/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 199 and 200 together.
Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
It is important to remember that the vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers where supports such as special education teachers and special needs assistants are made available. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.
The number of students enrolled in special classes in mainstream primary and post-primary schools is reported annually by my department through the Indicators report which is available on gov.ie
The table below outlines these details.
|
Year |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
Students in special classes in mainstream primary schools |
6,822 |
7,510 |
8,740 |
10,123 |
|
Students in special classes in mainstream post-primary schools |
2,406 |
2,856 |
3,178 |
4,028 |
Figures for 2023 will be published in the Indicators report when available.
My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.
Question No. 200 answered with Question No. 199.
Question No. 201 answered with Question No. 198.
Departmental Advertising
Ceisteanna (202)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:202. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the total costs incurred by her Department from 2019 to date relating to the placing of advertisements in online/digital media platforms; the names of the online platforms involved, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23455/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department in its current configuration was formed in June 2020, following the formation of the Government. I have been advised by my Department that the total spend on online advertising, specifically, for the time period 2020 to date is €238,738.96, including VAT.
Advertising online takes place across a variety of platforms which comprises of Twitter/X, Facebook, and Instagram, as well as online-only publications such as Tuairisc.ie. My Department has also engaged external advertising agencies which use TikTok.
Details are set out in tabular format below. At all times value for money is a critical consideration when engaging in paid advertising.
|
Online advertising spend |
|
|
Year |
Total (€) |
|
2020 |
9,548.95 |
|
2021 |
18,207.90 |
|
2022 |
32,217.46 |
|
2023 |
174,954.11 |
|
2024 to date |
3,810.54 |
|
Total (€) |
238,738.96 |
Grant Payments
Ceisteanna (203, 204)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:203. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the up-to-date position with replacing or improving the terms and conditions for the housing aid and housing adaption grants as operated by each local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23357/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSeán Sherlock
Ceist:204. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount drawn down by each local authority for the housing aid, housing adaption and mobility grants; if the moneys have been paid for this year; if local authorities are seeking additional funding; the breakdown, by each local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23358/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 203 and 204 together.
My Department provides funding under the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, to assist people in private houses to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. The grants include the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People Grant, which are 80% funded by my Department, with a 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority. The detailed administration of these schemes, including assessment, approval and prioritisation, is the responsibility of local authorities.
Exchequer funding of €74.5 million is available nationally for the scheme in 2024. In advance of formal notification of the 2024 funding allocations to local authorities, work in respect of the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability can continue as local authorities may commit up to 75% of their initial 2023 allocation in approving applications for 2024. This ensures seamless continuation of the grant scheme from year to year. The funding drawdown information requested to date for 2024 is set out in the following table:
|
Local Authority |
Total Claimed 2024 |
|
Carlow |
€390,443 |
|
Cavan |
€0 |
|
Clare |
€309,213 |
|
Cork City |
€737,787 |
|
Cork County |
€857,443 |
|
Donegal |
€630,488 |
|
Dublin City |
€1,739,192 |
|
Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown |
€791,058 |
|
Fingal |
€627,334 |
|
Galway City |
€416,341 |
|
Galway County |
€550,604 |
|
Kerry |
€720,043 |
|
Kildare |
€430,673 |
|
Kilkenny |
€126,321 |
|
Laois |
€231,038 |
|
Leitrim |
€226,284 |
|
Limerick City & County |
€1,186,898 |
|
Longford |
€0 |
|
Louth |
€0 |
|
Mayo |
€691,059 |
|
Meath |
€868,102 |
|
Monaghan |
€414,271 |
|
Offaly |
€192,901 |
|
Roscommon |
€194,907 |
|
Sligo |
€237,289 |
|
South Dublin |
€1,202,610 |
|
Tipperary |
€902,681 |
|
Waterford City & County |
€0 |
|
Westmeath |
€233,287 |
|
Wexford |
€1,445,286 |
|
Wicklow |
€429,904 |
I expect that the 2024 funding allocations will issue shortly to local authorities. My Department has not received any applications for additional funding to date in 2024.
Housing for All commits to reviewing the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability scheme and a report on the review has been prepared by my Department. Among the areas which the review considered are the income thresholds that apply and the grant limits. On foot of my consideration of the Review report, my Department is engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform on the recommendations in the report with a view to bringing forward amendments to the relevant Regulations governing the schemes as soon as possible with a view to also publishing the final report.
Question No. 204 answered with Question No. 203.
Local Authorities
Ceisteanna (205, 206)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:205. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if extra resourcing will be provided to local authorities to allow for the hiring of additional dog wardens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23387/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraPatrick Costello
Ceist:206. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider creating a centralised funding mechanism for the dog warden service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23392/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 205 and 206 together.
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.
My Department does not have any responsibility in relation to dog wardens. Responsibility in relation to dog control matters is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Rural and Community Development.
Question No. 206 answered with Question No. 205.
Building Regulations
Ceisteanna (207)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:207. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage what additional steps he has taken in relation to the recommendations of the ‘Respiratory Health Among Residents of Oliver Bond House’ report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23397/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The management and maintenance of Dublin City Council’s (DCC’s) housing stock is strictly a matter for the Local Authority. DCC have advised that the Council has been undertaking works to improve the living conditions of the residents as well as the structure of the complex. On an ongoing basis there are four caretakers assigned to the complex. Their duties include maintaining common areas, presenting waste for collection and reporting any repairs and accidents in the complex. These caretakers are assigned to the Oliver Bond complex on a full time basis. All maintenance repair requests are responded to in accordance with Housing Maintenance procedures.
I, and my Department, met with representatives from the Oliver Bond Residents Group, the Oliver Bond Regeneration Forum, and the Robert Emmet Community Development Project (CDP) in February. The meeting afforded an opportunity to discuss the report on "Respiratory Health Among Residents of Oliver Bond House” with direct input from the author of the Respiratory Health Report and academics.
Dublin City Council (DCC) have advised me that their senior engineers have completed a number of measures that are addressing the issues in this flat complex.
All flats in the Oliver Bond House Complex were surveyed for mechanical ventilation and to date, DCC have installed vents in the majority of flats.
DCC are progressing an ongoing programme of warm-boarding units that back onto the stairwells.
In late 2023, it was agreed to upgrade all of the windows within the complex to double glazed. Following the successful completion of two pilot projects, DCC have confirmed that work has commenced and DCC have advised that the full roll-out of window upgrading is expected to be finalised by the end of this year.
My Department and I fully support the regeneration programme and have awarded funding approval to DCC to guarantee funding for the following four projects:
• Stage 1 Capital Appraisal approval issued 16th March 2022 for the redevelopment for the flats in Blocks L, M and N.
• A revised stage 1 proposal was approved in November 2023
• N29-2-1057 Oliver Bond Community Centre
• N29-2-1058 Oliver Bond Precinct Improvement Works
• N29-2-1059 Oliver Bond Social Integration
• My Department will continue to work with Dublin City Council and the wider community in advancing the Regeneration of Oliver Bond House.
Wind Energy Guidelines
Ceisteanna (208)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:208. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the last time the wind energy development guidelines were updated; if it is intended to issue revised guidelines, taking into account the increasing size of wind turbines and the need to ensure these guidelines cover offshore wind farm developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23434/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is currently undertaking a focused review of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines, which only apply to onshore wind energy development. The review is addressing a number of key aspects of the Guidelines including setback distance, noise, shadow flicker, community obligation, community dividend and grid connections.
My Department, in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) which has primary responsibility for environmental noise matters, has been working to advance guidance on the noise aspect of Guidelines, which is highly technical in nature.
The two Departments have been engaging on proposals regarding the measurement and assessment of noise from wind turbines to ensure they are robust and fit for purpose having regard to, inter alia, the revised 2030 target to generate up to 80% of our electricity from renewable sources.
Further to this engagement, DECC appointed noise consultants in May 2023 to inform any amendments to the noise aspect of the Guidelines. This work is substantially complete. My Department, in conjunction with DECC having regard to its environmental noise remit, will make any further changes to the draft Guidelines which are deemed necessary or appropriate in the wake of this work to ensure that the finalised Guidelines, once issued, are fit for purpose to provide guidance in line with renewable energy and climate targets, whilst having appropriate regard to the impacts of wind energy development, including in relation to noise annoyance and setback distance.
With regard to the finalisation of the review of the Wind Energy Development Guidelines, the Climate Action Plan 2024 sets out a timeline of Q4 2024 for publication of the final updated Guidelines and my Department is working towards meeting this commitment. When finalised, the revised Guidelines will be issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended or, subject to enactment of the Planning and Development Bill 2023, as a National Planning Statement, as appropriate. The current 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines remain in force pending the finalisation of the review.
Offshore wind development, including the preparation of any Guidelines in this regard, is the responsibility of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.
Departmental Advertising
Ceisteanna (209)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:209. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total costs incurred by his Department from 2019 to date relating to the placing of advertisements in online/digital media platforms; the names of the online platforms involved, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23449/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department frequently uses digital media platforms as part of information campaigns to bring important information to the public’s attention. Increasingly, my Department has chosen online advertising to create an effective awareness of schemes, initiatives or important public information across many areas of work.
For example, online and digital media platforms are used to raise awareness of schemes under Housing for All to support homeowners or those seeking accommodation; public consultations; and campaigns including those to raise Fire Safety awareness, and the recent campaign to raise awareness around the direct election of a Limerick mayor.
This involves spending on online advertising in areas such as social media advertising, digital display advertising and digital audio.
The records indicate the following spending on online advertising since 2019 to 20 May, set out in the table below:
|
Year |
Expenditure |
|
2019 |
€22,065.94 |
|
2020 |
€28,881.57 |
|
2021 |
€45,081.57 |
|
2022 |
€146,475.79 |
|
2023 |
€ 270,355 |
|
2024 January to 20 May |
€117,554 |
The online and digital media platforms used since 2019 are set out below.
|
Acast Agriland Audioxi Constructionireland.Ie Daft Media Ltd Daily Mail Google Adserving Google Search Integral Ad Science - Ad Verification Irish Farmers Journal Myhome.Ie - Irish Times Omg Marketplace Phd Programmatic Spotify Ltd Tiktok Tuairisc Bheo Teoranta YouTube |
National Parks and Wildlife Service
Ceisteanna (210)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:210. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of residences the NPWS owns in Killarney, County Kerry; the number of these that are currently occupied, unoccupied or uninhabitable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23464/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.
I can confirm that my Department owns 35 residential properties in Killarney, Co Kerry, all of which are controlled by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), in connection with their functions in the management of Killarney National Park. 5 of these are unoccupied as they are not habitable and are generally used for equipment storage.
State Bodies
Ceisteanna (211)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:211. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage what is required of officials working for An Bord Pleanála in respect of disclosing any connections they, either through themselves or through family members, may have to organisations or companies involved in planning or housing construction; the measures currently in place to ensure that members of An Bord Pleanála disclose any potential conflicts of interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23471/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
An Bord Pleanála is the national independent statutory body with responsibility for the determination of planning appeals and direct applications for strategic infrastructure and other developments under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, and certain other Acts.
An Bord Pleanála is required to adopt a Code of Conduct for its members under section 150 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act).
An Bord Pleanála adopted an updated Code of Conduct in June 2023. The updated Code of Conduct takes account of the principles and provisions of the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995 and 2001. In line with section 150 of the Act, it sets out the policy for such matters as disclosures of interests, including financial interests, and membership of companies. It is a robust document which is easily accessible to staff of An Bord Pleanála. A copy of the Code of Conduct can be viewed at the following link - Code of Conduct | An Bord Pleanála (www.pleanala.ie/en-ie/code-of-conduct)
Under Section 147 of the Act, Board members and prescribed employees of An Board Pleanála are required to provide an annual declaration of interests in land, and any business or involvement in dealing in or developing land. A declaration of interests made under section 147 include any interests of the person and of any nominee of the person or of any company or other body of which the person’s nominee is a member.
In addition to the disclosure requirements under the above Act, Board members and designated officials (inspectorate and administrative staff at Executive Officer level and above) are required to make a declaration of interest under the Ethics in Public Office Acts. Under these Acts, any Board member and designated official is required to to prepare an annual statement of their interests which could materially influence the person in or in relation to the performance of the person’s functions because such performance could so affect those interests as to confer on or withhold from a substantial benefit to the person, or the person’s spouse/civil partner/child.
Arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The contact email address for An Bord Pleanála in this regard is Oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie.
Wastewater Treatment
Ceisteanna (212)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:212. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the up-to-date position regarding an application submitted by a local authority (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23482/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On the 7 December 2023, I announced the successful applications that are approved funding under the Waste Water Collection and Treatment needs for villages without access to Public Waste Water Services of the Multi-annual Rural Water Programme (MARWP).
My Department has written to each of the local authorities that submitted applications advising of the decisions made including to the local authority in the details supplied.
The administration of my Department's MARWP is devolved to local authorities. Each local authority has a Rural Water Liaison Officer (RWLO) who deals with the day to day administration of the Programme and can be contacted directly at the local authority.
Housing Provision
Ceisteanna (213)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:213. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of affordable/rentable houses likely to accrue to Kildare County Council through Part 8/Part 5 of the planning process; the number of such houses completed or near completion; if 10% or 20% is the appropriate number of houses likely to be available for reletting by the planning authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23511/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 sets out the procedure for a local authority when carrying out development, including social and affordable housing, on its own land.
Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 ensures that a local authority gains a portion of the increase in the land value resulting from the local authority granting planning permission for private residential development.
The Part V provisions were amended by the Affordable Housing Act 2021 which came into operation on 3 September 2021. The effect of the amendments is to increase the Part V contribution to 20% in housing developments of 5 or more houses, and to broaden the use of Part V to cost rental as well as social and affordable purchase housing. At least half the Part V contribution must be for social housing provision. The other half of the Part V contribution will be used for the provision of affordable homes which will be made available to approved affordable housing candidates in accordance with the Affordable Housing Act 2021.
Each local authority, including Kildare County Council, has prepared and published a Housing Delivery Action Plan setting out it's plans to deliver social and affordable housing during the period from 2022 to 2026. Kildare has published its plan which is available at the following link
kildarecoco.ie/YourCouncil/Publications/Housing/Kildare%20County%20Council%20Housing%20Delivery%20Action%20Plan.pdf
My Department does not collate the figures in the format requested. However, the data may be available from Kildare County Council.