Written Answers Nos. 201-220
201. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of planning permissions refused, by county, in respect of one-off housing in rural areas affecting the indigenous population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24550/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlanning statistics are compiled by each planning authority on an annual basis for collation and publication on my Department’s website, at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/service/9e4ee-get-planning-statistics/
However, the data collected relates to the total number of applications and decisions for all developments that require planning permission, broken down by year and planning authority, and is not broken down by reason for the grant or refusal of permission, including in respect of one-off housing in rural areas affecting the indigenous population. Such information may be sought directly from the relevant planning authority.
In addition, the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical office, compiles and makes available detailed data on a number of planning related issues including permissions granted and completions by development type and county. Data in this regard is available at the following link on the CSO website:
www.cso.ie/en/statistics/construction/planningpermissions/
202. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of direct-build local authority houses started or completed in each of the past three years to date; the extent to which he expects to increase this number in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24551/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government and my Department continue to support local authorities in the delivery of new public housing, with strong recent delivery and ambitious national and local targets set for local authorities to deliver further social and affordable housing. To support this delivery, Budget 2024 provided for continued record investment in Housing with €4.25 billion in Exchequer funding for the delivery of housing programmes, comprising capital funding of €2.6 billion and current funding of €1.5 billion. The Capital provision will be supplemented by LDA investment and HFA lending resulting in an overall capital provision of over €5 billion in 2024.
This is on the back of delivery in 2023 which saw over 8,100 new social homes through the build programmes of our local authorities and those of the approved housing bodies. That 2023 output represented the highest annual output of social homes in decades. With the funding available in 2024, I expect the number of new social homes delivered via construction this year to increase again. In terms of local authority own build programme, since 2021, over 7,700 social homes have been delivered by local authorities.
To further assist local authorities in the acceleration of their own social housing build programme, the unprecedented budget package for 2024 for my Department is key as are other innovations such as the additional staff sanctioned for local authority housing teams and support for these teams through use of the Design Manual and Modern Methods of Construction which are facilitated. We have also seen the establishment of the €125m Housing for All Land Acquisition Fund in November 2022. This is managed by the Housing Agency to support the acquisition of additional sites for further public housing delivery. New local authority direct build housing projects have already commenced design and planning work on sites newly acquired through that fund.
In these ways, Housing for All is providing the necessary funding and supports for local authorities and other delivery partners, to address the housing challenges we face and to deliver a strong and sustainable housing system for the longer term.
204. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which the public housing programme is progressing in north Kildare, with particular reference to the issue of homeless families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24553/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraHousing for All is the Government’s plan to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 new homes per year, over the next decade. This includes the delivery of 90,000 social homes, 36,000 affordable purchase homes and 18,000 cost rental homes, to be facilitated by local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies, the Land Development Agency and through First Home, a strategic partnership between the State and retail banks.
All local authorities have published their Housing Delivery Action Plans on their websites, including their proposed public housing delivery for the period 2022-26. Local authorities, including Kildare County Council, are being funded to significantly increase their delivery of social housing as part of Housing for All and a strong social housing construction pipeline is already in place for local authorities and approved housing bodies both nationally and in Kildare. As a result, significant progress is being made to deliver the ambitious targets contained in Housing for All and my Department is working closely with the local authorities, approved housing bodies and other stakeholders to accelerate the delivery of social and affordable housing.
The Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR) that my Department publishes on a quarterly basis, 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. The most recent publication was for Quarter 4 of 2023. All CSRs 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 of completions, locations, approvals stage etc. at this link: data.gov.ie/dataset/social-housing-construction-status-report-q4-2023.
In areas of North Kildare, such as Kilcock, Maynooth and Leixlip over 350 new build social homes, excluding Part V home have been either delivered or in the pipeline for delivery. Ultimately, it is a matter for Kildare County Council to identify the areas of the County where the social housing need exists and respond appropriately to that need using the wide range of initiatives available from my Department.
205. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Social Protection if, in relation to the recent Supreme Court findings (details supplied) concerning the right of the bereaved partner to receive social welfare entitlements after the death of their loved one and in support of their family obligations, she will provide an update as to the specific steps the Government is taking to recognise such rights in new or amended legislation; when such legislation or amendments will be tabled; when other single-parent families to whom this judgement is relevant can expect recognition by the Department of Social Protection as to their access to State support as outlined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24480/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the law as currently enacted, entitlement to a Widows, Widowers or Surviving Civil Partner’s Contributory pension is only available to a surviving partner who was party to a marriage or civil partnership.
On Monday 22nd January, the Supreme Court delivered its judgment in relation to the entitlement of an unmarried co-habitant to a Widows, Widowers or Surviving Civil Partner’s Contributory pension. The Supreme Court judgment overruled a previous High Court decision and found in favour of the claimant and his children.
In simple terms, the Court found that section 124 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended) is inconsistent with the Constitution insofar as it excluded the claimant from the category of persons entitled to benefit from it. The Court reached that conclusion on the basis of the equality guarantee contained in Article 40.1 of the Constitution. The Supreme Court judgment notes that in order to resolve the issue raised by the judgment, a legislative amendment is required.
My officials are considering the measures necessary to respond to the Supreme Court judgment, which raised a number of complex issues, and are developing the legislative changes that are required to implement the decision. This is being done in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General. Once proposals have been finalised, these will be brought to Government for approval before the Summer recess.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
206. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if a new bus pass will be issued immediately to a person (details supplied). [24518/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Free Travel Scheme allows people who are aged 66 years or over, and who are legally and permanently residing in the State, to travel free of charge on most CIE public transport services, LUAS, Local Link, as well as on the public transport services of a large number of private operators in various parts of the country. Certain people under age 66 may also be entitled to free travel if they are in receipt of a qualifying primary payment from my Department.
The person concerned has an entitlement to Free Travel, but he had not completed the SAFE Registration process required to obtain a Public Services Card. This has now been completed and a Public Services Card, which can be used by the person concerned to avail of Free Travel, has been ordered for him. He should receive this card within the next 3-5 working days.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
207. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection the total number of primary and secondary schools in Kerry approved for the hot school meals programme; the total number actively in receipt of hot meals at this point; the total number of schools approved but not yet commenced; the total number of schools not approved yet; the number of children benefitting from the programme nationwide; her plans for further expansion of the programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24524/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe objective of the School Meals Programme is to provide regular, nutritious food to children to support them in taking full advantage of the education provided to them. The programme is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and extra educational achievement. Following the expansion of the programme in recent years, some 2,600 schools and organisations, covering 443,000 children are now eligible for funding.
The Hot School Meal option of the programme was introduced in 2019 and is currently solely available to primary schools. Since my appointment as Minister for Social Protection, I have increased the number of schools with access to the Hot School Meal option and the programme has grown significantly in recent years with over 2,000 primary schools now eligible to receive a hot meal. This is a very positive outcome considering that the scheme involved just 30 schools at pilot stage when I started expanding it.
I am committed to continuing to expand the School Meals Programme and building further on the significant extension of the programme that has taken place in recent years. In this regard, I have rolled out hot school meals to all DEIS primary schools from September 2023.
As part of this significant expansion plan, all remaining non-DEIS primary schools were contacted last year and requested to submit an expression of interest form if their school is interested in commencing the provision of hot school meals. Expressions of interests were received from over 900 primary schools in respect of 150,000 children who were then invited to participate in the programme from 8th April 2024 and all of the schools who submitted completed applications have been awarded funding.
There are currently 83 primary schools eligible for hot school meals in Co. Kerry. Of these 69 are currently in receipt of hot school meals with 14 schools yet to apply.
Nationally a total of 316,046 children are eligible for hot school meals with 260,372 children now benefitting from the scheme. There are 8,984 children in Co. Kerry currently benefitting from hot school meals.
My Department has now contacted the remaining primary schools who have not yet joined the Hot School Meals scheme asking them to submit expressions of interest to receive hot meals from September 2024. Of these schools 40 out of the 52 schools in Co. Kerry have submitted an expression of interest.
My ambition is that every primary school child in the country will be receiving a hot meal in 2025. This is well ahead of our original target to make hot meals universal in primary schools by 2030.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
208. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide a complete list of all payments from the social insurance fund, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24452/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe table below sets out all the schemes operated by my Department that are funded by the Social Insurance Fund.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
|
Schemes funded by the Social Insurance Fund: |
|
State Pension (Contributory) |
|
Widows', Widowers' / Surviving Civil Partners' Pension (Contributory) |
|
Widows', Widowers' / Surviving Civil Partners' Pension (Death Benefit) |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit (Self Employed) |
|
Deserted Wife's Benefit |
|
Maternity Benefit |
|
Adoptive Benefit |
|
Paternity Benefit |
|
Parent's Benefit |
|
Health and Safety Benefit |
|
Redundancy Payments |
|
Insolvency Payments |
|
Covid Related Layoff Payment |
|
Treatment Benefits |
|
Pandemic Unemployment Payment |
|
Illness Benefit |
|
Injury Benefit |
|
Invalidity Pension |
|
Partial Capacity Benefit |
|
Disablement Benefit |
|
Medical Care |
|
Carer's Benefit |
|
Guardian's Payment (Contributory) |
|
Widowed Parent / Surviving Civil Partner Grant (Contributory) |
|
Household Benefits Package * |
|
Fuel Allowance * |
|
Telephone Support Allowance |
|
* Depending on the primary payment, these schemes are funded by either the Vote or Social Insurance Fund. |
209. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide details on the current social insurance fund reserves and projected expenditure and revenue into the fund out to 2027; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24453/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Insurance Fund (SIF) derives its income primarily from pay-related social insurance (PRSI) contributions paid by employees, employers and self-employed persons.
The SIF finances a range of social insurance-based payments, such as jobseekers' benefits and State pension (contributory), as well as statutory redundancy/insolvency payments.
The administrative costs associated with both PRSI collection and the payment of PRSI entitlements are recoverable from the SIF.
The National Treasury Management Agency manages any surplus on behalf of the Social Insurance Fund, which may provide additional income to the fund through investments.
Table 1 outlines the currently estimated income, expenditure and surplus for the Social Insurance Fund for the period 2023 through 2027. These figures are estimates and may be subject to change depending on the prevailing economic circumstances.
|
SIF Income, Expenditure and Surplus / (Deficit) |
2023 Provisional Outturn |
2024 Estimate |
2025 Estimate |
2026 Estimate |
2027 Estimate |
|
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income |
15,723 |
16,987 |
18,430 |
19,839 |
21,336 |
|
Expenditure |
12,308 |
12,871 |
13,049 |
13,416 |
13,886 |
|
Surplus / (Deficit) |
3,416 |
4,116 |
5,380 |
6,423 |
7,451 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Surplus at start of year |
2,091 |
5,507 |
9,623 |
15,003 |
21,426 |
|
Current Year Surplus / (Deficit) |
3,416 |
4,116 |
5,380 |
6,423 |
7,451 |
|
NET Surplus / (Deficit) at end of year |
5,507 |
9,623 |
15,003 |
21,426 |
28,877 |
210. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) will receive a decision on their working family payment application. [24458/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWorking Family Payment (WFP) is a weekly in-work support which provides an income top-up for employees on low earnings with children. To qualify for Working Family Payment, the customer must be working a minimum of 38 hours per fortnight in ongoing insurable employment and have at least one qualified child who normally resides with them.
An application for WFP was received by the department on 8th May 2024. Further information was requested by the deciding officer on 24th May 2024. When the requested information is received, a deciding officer will review the claim and the person concerned will be advised in writing of the claim decision, if awarded, any payments owed will be issued as arrears to their nominated bank account.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
211. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason there are so many reviews of persons’ entitlements to carer’s allowance causing stress and some costs in preparing submissions (details supplied); her views on whether carer’s allowance plays a major role in reducing admissions to residential care and is a major saving on the State, taking into account that the majority of people want to remain at home, with supports, if at all possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24461/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to acknowledge the crucial role that Carers play in Irish society and I am fully committed to supporting all Carers in that role.
The primary objective of the Carer’s Allowance (CA) is to provide an income support to Carers whose earning capacity is substantially reduced because of their caring responsibilities.
CA is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.
For entitlement to exist, these conditions must be satisfied on an ongoing basis. This results in the need for periodic reviewing of claims to ensure that only those who continue to satisfy the conditions receive the payment. Additionally, a person can, at any stage, request a review of their entitlement.
The time taken to conduct a review is dependent on the type of review being carried out and the information available at the time of the request. Some reviews require more detailed investigation and interaction with the customer and this can lengthen the timeframe of the review.
However, at all times, every effort is made to conduct and complete reviews as quickly as possible to avoid causing any undue stress to the customer.
If there is a specific case which the Deputy would like examined, please send on the relevant details and my officials will assist as best they can.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
212. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an invalidity pension will be approved for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24471/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraInvalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and for no other reason and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.
The Department received a claim for IP from the person referred to on 1 November 2023. The claim was refused on the grounds that the medical conditions for the scheme were not satisfied. Notification issued to the person concerned on 31 January 2024 informing him of this decision, the reasons for it and of his right of review and appeal.
Following the submission of further medical evidence, a deciding officer reviewed his entitlement to IP. The person concerned has now been awarded IP from 2 November 2023 and he will receive the first payment to his nominated post office on 6 June 2024. Any arrears due from 2 November 2023 to 5 June 2024 will issue shortly. The person concerned was notified of this decision on 28 May 2023.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
213. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection to review a welfare payment (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24495/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides a suite of income supports for those unable to work due to illness or disability. These include insurance-based schemes based on Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) contributions, and means-tested social assistance schemes.
The primary social assistance scheme for people who are blind or visually impaired is the Blind Pension, which is a means-tested payment payable to those aged between 18 and 66. Blind Pension is the only income support payment designed to cater for a specific disability.
Eligibility for Blind Pension requires that a person’s vision is impaired to such an extent that they cannot perform any work for which eyesight is essential or cannot continue in their ordinary occupation. The scheme is designed to support recipients to avail of opportunities to pursue their own employment ambitions, be that self-employment or insurable employment.
Means-testing of Blind Pension is a statutory requirement under social welfare legislation. The means test plays a critical role in determining if an income need arises as a consequence of a particular contingency - be that illness, caring, unemployment or disability.
Applying a means-test not only ensures that the recipient has an income need but also that scarce resources are targeted at those who need them most.
By its nature, the means test takes account of the income a person or couple has in terms of cash, property - other than the family home - and capital. It does not take account of a person’s expenditure. In line with most social assistance payments, deductions permitted for Blind Pension include PRSI, union dues and pension contributions.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
214. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if the funeral costs associated with the death of a person (details supplied) will be paid to a local undertaker, as the deceased had no family or next-of-kin. [24509/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAccording to the records of the Department, an application for Supplementary Welfare Allowance Assistance Towards Funeral Expenses (SWA 5), and a bill for funeral costs were submitted by a person who noted himself as a friend of the deceased person on the SWA 5 form. An application for this type of assistance must be made by the deceased person’s next of kin or the person who arranged the funeral. It was not possible to consider the claim as the application submitted listed the deceased person as the applicant, and so the claim could not be progressed.
Following your representation, a SWA application pack has been issued to the friend of the deceased person. These forms should be completed by the deceased person’s next of kin or the personal representative who arranged the funeral. When all the necessary documentation has been returned to my Department, the claim can be progressed, and the applicant will be advised of the outcome in writing. If the application is successful the payment can be made directly to the Funeral Director.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
215. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if the queries from her Department relative to the State pension (non-contributory) of a person (details supplied) have been resolved; and if they are in receipt of the maximum pension. [24510/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraState pension non-contributory is a means-tested payment for people aged 66 and over, legally and habitually residing in the State, who do not qualify for a state pension contributory, or who only qualify for a reduced rate contributory pension based on their social insurance record.
The person concerned is in receipt of state pension non-contributory. Based on their assessed weekly means, they are entitled to a reduced-rate pension payment, together with a living alone increase, telephone support allowance and a fuel allowance (payable during the winter season).
A review of the person’s state pension non-contributory entitlement commenced on 11 December 2023. The Deciding Officer has spoken to the person concerned on 13 May 2024 and has also issued written communication to the person on 17 May 2024, clarifying what documentation remains outstanding in order to complete the assessment of the person's weekly means.
On receipt of the requested documentation, the review of the person’s state pension non-contributory entitlement will be completed without delay and the decision communicated in writing to the person concerned.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
216. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for carer's allowance in the name of a person (details supplied); if the appeal submitted by this Deputy has been considered; and if a positive response will be issued. [24515/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that they have been in touch with the Deputy's office in relation to this case. The time period within which an appeal may be made is up to 21 days from the date of the notification of the decision. The decision on Ms Roche's claim issued from the Department of Social Protection on the 11th of January 2024. Your correspondence was received on the 9th of April 2024 and is regrettably outside the time allowed to appeal the decision on the claim. Accordingly, this appeal has not been accepted by the Appeals Office.
If there are good reasons that explain why the appeal was late, then Ms. Roche may provide the Social Welfare Appeals Office with these reasons for consideration. There is no right to an appeal after the 21 days has expired and any appeal allowed after that time is at the discretion of the Chief Appeals Officer. Ms. Roche should provide this information as soon as possible by email to swappeals@welfare.ie or, in writing to :
Registration Section
Social Welfare Appeals Office
D’Olier House
D’Olier Street
Dublin 2
D02 XY31
It is also open to Ms. Roche to request a review of the decision on the claim from the Department at any stage.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
217. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for the fuel allowance (details supplied) will be reviewed with a view to ascertaining if other persons in the household might qualify for such payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24532/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFuel Allowance is an administrative scheme and is payable to people who satisfy the conditions of the scheme and who either live alone or only with certain qualified people.
Following a request received on the 17 April 2024, a review was undertaken on the person concerned entitlement for Fuel Allowance
Based on the information provided to the Department, this person does not qualify for the allowance as they are not living alone, and their household consists of another individual who is not on qualifying payment for receipt of Fuel Allowance
The person concerned was notified of this decision in writing on 21 May 2024.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
218. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social Protection the total amount expended to date under her Department’s humanitarian assistance scheme, activated on 19 October 2023 following storm Babet; the number of payments made, to date, to those affected by the resulting flooding in each local authority area; the number of cases, if any, still being processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24557/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is the lead Department for severe weather emergencies. My Department provides assistance to eligible households in the immediate aftermath of emergency weather events under the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme.
The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme, administered by my Department through the local Community Welfare Service, was activated to assist householders affected following Storm Babet. This scheme remains open to those affected by this weather event to apply for assistance.
The purpose of the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is to provide income- tested financial support to people whose homes are damaged and because they couldn't get insurance, are not able to meet costs for essential needs, household items and, in some instances, structural repair.
The income test for Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is more generous than that which applies in the case of social welfare schemes generally. The basic principle of the income test is that individuals and families with average levels of income will qualify for assistance, including non-Social Welfare recipients.
Arising from Storm Babet which occurred on 18th October 2023, over 1,100 payments have been made to households up to the end of April 2024, at a cost of over €3 million. My Department does not hold statistics in respect of Local Authority areas.
Less than 10 applications are currently being processed, this is due to additional information being required from the applicant or where it is necessary to involve the services of a Loss Adjuster. The Community Welfare Staff are paying close attention to all claims received and claims are being processed as quickly as is possible.
If any household affected by severe weather events needs to access these supports, they can contact the Community Welfare Service by phoning 0818 60 70 80.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
219. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection the measures that have been taken to address an issue (details supplied). [24564/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to providing a quality service to all its customers and understands the many pressures faced by people. The Department always seeks to ensure that claims and reviews are processed quickly and efficiently.
I wish to reassure the Deputy that claim processing is kept under active review, with all possible steps taken to improve processing times.? This includes prioritising applications from people in urgent situations, or those who may not already be in receipt of a payment from my Department.
In considering a request for a rate review for DA, evidence must be provided in respect of a customer's means. This evidence includes income and assets from various sources, with specific disregards and assessments. Delays occur where a person does not provide all the information required to correctly assess a person's means.
Where someone is experiencing financial difficulties, they can also contact their local Intreo Centre, as they may be eligible for a payment under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme.
Without specific customer details in the case referenced, a comprehensive response cannot be provided to address this person’s means enquiry or the reason for any potential delay in a rate review.
If the Deputy wishes to provide the details, my officials can examine this case without delay.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
220. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice when she expects the installation of the CCTV project that was sought for three schemes (details supplied) in Killarney, County Kerry, with particular emphasis on scheme 2; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24455/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCommunity safety is a top priority for my Department and everyone has the right to be safe and feel safe in their communities. This is evidenced by the establishment of Local Community Safety Partnerships in three pilot locations to date, ahead of a national roll out later this year. Community CCTV plays a vital role in achieving the goal of ensuring that everyone has the right to be safe and feel safe.
As the Deputy may be aware, since 2017, my Department has administered a grant-aid scheme supporting groups wishing to establish a community-based CCTV system in their area.
The CCTV grant scheme was extended in 2019 to cover not only new CCTV systems, but to also provide funding for the extension or upgrade of existing CCTV systems which are incomplete or obsolete. Applicants may now also seek a once-off grant of up to €5,000 for minor maintenance costs.
Grants of over €950,000 have been approved to date for 36 Community CCTV schemes. A further €1 million in funding has been made available towards the development of community-based CCTV schemes in 2024. Applications for funding are now open and can be made directly by the relevant Local Authorities. This level of funding underlines my commitment to working with communities to ensure everyone feels safe.
The legal framework which provides for the operation of community CCTV requires that any proposed scheme must:
• be approved by the local Joint Policing Committee (until JPCs are replaced by Local Community Safety Partnerships),
• have a data protection impact assessment prepared,
• have the prior support of the relevant local authority, which must act as a joint data controller with An Garda Síochána and a joint data controller agreement must be put in place, and
• have the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner.
The Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023, which was signed into law in December last year, will reform CCTV schemes. Under the Act, community groups will continue to have their say in keeping their community safe as they will be able to request schemes in their area.
I can confirm that officials in my Department have been in contact with Kerry County Council regarding the applications raised by the Deputy. Officials in the Council have informed officials in my Department that work on compliance issues associated with the application is ongoing and it is expected that the Council will fully draw down funds for the schemes referred to by the Deputy in 2024.
