Thomas Gould
Ceist:804. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether rates must be paid on a portacabin, used for storage by a business, but placed on personal land. [34426/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCommercial Rates
Ceisteanna (804)
Freagraí scríofa
Tailte Éireann is the State agency formed on 1 March 2023 following the merger of Ordnance Survey Ireland, the Property Registration Authority and the Valuation Office. All the functions previously carried out by the Property Registration Authority, the Valuation Office, and Ordnance Survey Ireland are now being performed by Tailte Éireann. Tailte Éireann is independent in the exercise of its valuation functions under the Valuation Act 2001, as amended (the Act), and as Minister, I have no function in decisions in this regard.
The Act provides that all buildings used or developed for any purpose are rateable, unless expressly exempted under Schedule 4 of the Act. The Valuation Acts are very specific about the range of exemptions that can be applied, and Tailte Éireann has no discretionary latitude to grant exemptions not covered by Schedule 4. As a matter of course, Tailte Éireann examines all properties on their individual merits by reference to the relevant statutory provisions governing the operation of the Valuation Acts.
The rateability of each property must be considered by reference to its own facts and circumstances, however, it is understood from Tailte Éireann that based on the details of the property provided, it is unlikely to satisfy any of the categories listed in Schedule 4.
All valuations are carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Valuation Act 2001, as amended, and in keeping with accepted valuation methodologies, international best practice and valuation principles and case law arising from the independent Valuation Tribunal and the higher courts and reflect, among other things, the use and location of the particular property.
There are a number of avenues of redress for an occupier of rateable property who is dissatisfied with a determination of valuation made under the provisions of the Valuation Act 2001, as amended. Firstly, before a determination is made, there is a right to make representations to Tailte Éireann in relation to a proposed valuation. Later in the process, if the occupier is still dissatisfied with the determination, there is a right of appeal to the Valuation Tribunal which is an independent body set up for the purpose of hearing appeals against determinations of Tailte Éireann. There is a right of appeal to the Higher Courts on a point of law.
Finally, Oireachtas Members may obtain information in relation to specific cases by contacting the dedicated e-mail address in respect of Tailte Éireann at oireachtas@tailte.ie. An organisation itself may contact Tailte Éireann in respect of specific cases at valuationadmin@tailte.ie.
Fire Stations
Ceisteanna (805, 806)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:805. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the timeline for the delivery of a fire station in Clonburris. [34440/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraPaul Murphy
Ceist:806. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether there are plans to deliver a fire station in Cherrywood, and if so, the timeframe. [34441/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 805 and 806 together.
The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Services Act 1981. 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 priority infrastructural projects.
In December 2020, I announced the Fire Services Capital Programme for the period 2021-2025, with a funding allocation of €61m. Following extensive engagement with fire authorities, a number of proposals for station works etc. were received. The proposals were evaluated and prioritised on the basis of the:
• Area Risk Categorisation of the fire station (population, fire risks, etc.);
• established Health and Safety needs;
• state of development of the project (suitable site acquired, etc.);
• value for money offered by the proposal; and
• the totality of requests from all authorities.
That Programme will see six new fire stations built, continued support for the construction of a further 12 new fire stations, nine fire station refurbishments as well as the allocation of 35 new fire engines. Continued investment in the fire appliance fleet has been identified as a key national priority that is why, in October 2023, I announced the allocation of an additional 40 new fire engines at a cost of €20.8m.
Dublin City Council/ Dublin Fire Brigade (DCC/DFB) have prioritised a number of infrastructural projects for progression through the Fire Services Capital Programme.
In December 2023, following consideration of an updated project appraisal and Preliminary Business Case (PBC), including cost plan, my Department approved DCC/DFB to proceed to the detailed project brief and procurement strategy on a replacement fire station for North Strand (Alfie Byrne Road) with approval-in-principle for funding of €16.4m for the project.
In early 2022 DCC/DFB submitted a Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) to the Department on the proposed improvement of fire and emergency services in West Dublin with the construction of a new fire station at Clonburris proposed. Following consideration of that SAR, my Department approved DCC/DFB to proceed to the next decision gate of the Public Spending Code life cycle and requested the submission of a Preliminary Business Case (PBC) to support a new fire station in the vicinity of Clonburris to provide enhanced fire cover in West Dublin.
In August 2024, DCC/DFB submitted the requested PBC which is currently under consideration within my Department. My Department continues to work closely with DCC/DFB colleagues to ensure this project is progressed through the appropriate steps of the Public Spending code lifecycle efficiently.
As regards to plans for a new fire station for Cherrywood, to date my Department has received no correspondence in relation to such a proposal. My Department will continue to liaise with DCC/DFB to progress their identified priority infrastructural projects.
Question No. 806 answered with Question No. 805.
Departmental Contracts
Ceisteanna (807)
Paul Donnelly
Ceist:807. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the names of external HR specialists firms his Department has used in 2023 and to-date in 2024 in tabular form. [34480/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has not engaged external HR specialist firms during the timeframe specified.
Building Energy Rating
Ceisteanna (808)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:808. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to outline the process through which BER assessments are carried out is regulated; the process when a BER assessment is found to have awarded an incorrect BER rating and if this impacts the ability of the assessor to continue to carry out assessments or if any retraining is required. [34492/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is the statutory agency responsible for the implementation and management of the Building Energy Rating (BER) Scheme in accordance with Ireland’s obligations under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (Recast).
Building Energy Rating assessors (“BER Assessors”) and Display Energy Certificate Assessors (“DEC assessors”) are persons registered with the SEAI to carry out BER/DEC assessments in line with the requirements of the Directive and it's implementing regulations which are available at the following link:www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2012/si/243/made/en/pdf
A code of practice, www.seai.ie/publications/BER-Assessor-Code-of-Practice.pdf, is in place to ensure that BER/DEC Assessors have a clear understanding of their obligations to deliver a high-quality service in the marketplace.
Assessors are obliged to undertake Continuous Professional Development. The SEAI may, at any time, suspend and/or terminate a BER/DEC Assessor’s registration if it has formed the opinion that the Assessor has ceased to be capable of performing his/her functions under the Regulations properly.
The SEAI has put in place a quality assurance system for BER/DEC Assessors, and a related disciplinary procedure pursuant to its powers under the Regulations. All registered BER/DEC Assessors are subject to audit and selection of BER/DEC Assessors for audit is on both a targeted and random basis.
The BER Quality Assurance (QA) System is used to continuously monitor the quality of BER assessments published by BER/DEC Assessors. It also ensures widespread operational compliance with the BER Assessor's Code of Practice.
The following methods are used to maintain the quality assurance of BER and DEC; entry/upstream measures such as training, induction module and mentoring, In-line delivery measures such as data input validation rules and downstream/feedback measures including auditing.
When a BER is found to be incorrect and is revoked the BER/DEC Assessor may be directed to do any or all of the following pursuant to Regulation 17(1)(h) of the 2012 Regulations:
• Inform the BER/DEC client and other affected persons of the error and revocation;
• Request the BER/DEC client to destroy all printed copies of the revoked BER/DEC certificate and accompanying advisory report;
• Re-submit a BER/DEC data file with correct values;
• Re-submit the BER/DEC for publication, at the BER/DEC assessor's own expense; and/or
• Provide the BER/DEC client with the replacement BER/DEC certificate.
The revocation of BERs may also lead to the accumulation of penalty points. Depending on the penalty points accumulated by a BER/DEC Assessor, the SEAI may form an opinion that the BER/DEC Assessor has ceased to be capable of performing his or her functions under the 2012 Regulations properly and efficiently. In these circumstances, the SEAI may decide to take disciplinary action in the form of a decision to suspend and/or terminate the registration of a BER/DEC Assessor in accordance with Regulation 16(11) of the 2012 Regulations.
Under the Regulations, the SEAI may also revoke a BER/DEC for a building compiled by a BER/DEC Assessor where it has reasonable grounds for believing that the BER/DEC was not completed or issued in accordance with the Regulations.
Full details of the Quality Assurance Process are available at the following link: www.seai.ie/publications/Quality-Assurance-System-and-Disciplinary-Procedure-New.pdf
I, as Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, have no function in relation to operational matters of the SEAI and/or the Quality Assurance of individual registered contractors.
Housing Schemes
Ceisteanna (809)
David Stanton
Ceist:809. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of cost-rental tenant-in-situ scheme requests received by each respective local authority; the number successfully processed and refused to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34659/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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, pending further policy development over the longer term, with the intention of transitioning these homes to the standard Cost Rental model.
Data for affordable housing delivery is published on a quarterly basis, similar to social housing delivery. This data is published up to Quarter 1 2024, including CRTiS figures, and is available on my Department's website: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/
Wind Energy Guidelines
Ceisteanna (810, 811, 812)
Richard O'Donoghue
Ceist:810. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to confirm the SEA of revised WEDGs has adequately assessed the potential impact on wind turbine noise on human health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34686/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraRichard O'Donoghue
Ceist:811. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the EPA is the body responsible for assessing the impact on human health of new WEDGs; if not, to confirm the competent body that is (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34687/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraRichard O'Donoghue
Ceist:812. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to confirm the revised WEDGs are at a minimum consistent with WHO standards for the protection of human health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34688/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 810 to 812, inclusive, together.
My Department is currently undertaking a focused review of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines. The review is addressing a number of key aspects including noise, setback distance, shadow flicker, community obligation, community dividend and grid connections.
As part of the review of the Guidelines, my Department has been working in conjunction with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC), which has primary responsibility for environmental noise, in advancing the noise aspects of the Guidelines. In this connection, in the context of its environmental noise remit, DECC has appointed expert noise consultants to review and advance the noise chapter of the guidelines. As part of their work, the noise consultants have assessed the impact of human health from turbine noise having regard to international best practice and standards, including the European Noise Guidelines 2018 issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
As part of the review process, and in line with EU Directive requirements, a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is being carried out on the draft Guidelines. The SEA assesses the likely significant effects on the environment, including on issues such as biodiversity, population, human health, fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets, cultural heritage (including architectural and archaeological heritage), landscape and the interrelationship between the above factors. As part of the SEA process, my Department intends to undertake a public consultation on updated draft Guidelines whereby all interested parties will have an opportunity to submit observations on the draft Guidelines
In accordance with the European Communities (Environmental Noise) (Amendment) Regulations 2021, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the designated national authority for the general supervision of the functions and actions of noise-mapping bodies and, where necessary, provides guidance and advice to such bodies and authorities, in this regard.
Question No. 811 answered with Question No. 810.
Question No. 812 answered with Question No. 810.
Housing Schemes
Ceisteanna (813, 814, 815, 816, 817, 818, 819)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:813. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of applications made to the local authority home loan scheme in respect of applicants in Galway city since January 2022; the number of these applications that have been approved; the number of these applications that have been refused; the average time from application to decision; the number of loans that have been taken up to date under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34690/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCatherine Connolly
Ceist:814. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of applications made to the local authority home loan scheme in respect of applicants in Galway county since January 2022; the number of these applications that have been approved; the number of these applications that have been refused; the average time from application to decision; the number of loans that have been taken up to date under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34691/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCatherine Connolly
Ceist:815. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total amount of money given out in loans to date under the local authority home loan scheme in Galway city since 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34692/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCatherine Connolly
Ceist:816. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total amount of money given out in loans to date under the local authority home loan scheme in Galway county since 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34693/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCatherine Connolly
Ceist:817. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total amount of money given out in loans to date under the local authority home loan scheme in each local authority since 2022; the total amount of money given out in loans to date under the local authority home loan scheme nationwide since 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34694/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCatherine Connolly
Ceist:818. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if successful applicants to the local authority home loan scheme can also avail of the help-to-buy scheme; if so, to provide the number of applicants who have done so in each of the years since 2022, in tabular form, by local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34695/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCatherine Connolly
Ceist:819. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the local authority home loan scheme can be availed of in the purchase of a local authority house; if so, to provide the number of applicants who have done so in each of the years since 2022, in tabular form, by local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34696/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 813 to 819, inclusive, together.
The Local Authority Home Loan (LAHL) is a Government-backed mortgage for creditworthy for first-time buyers and fresh start applicants who cannot get sufficient funding from commercial lenders to purchase or build a home. It has been available nationwide from local authorities since 4 January 2022. The loan can be used both for new and second-hand properties, or to self-build. The scheme can also be used for the purchase of homes through State schemes such as the Tenant Purchase Scheme and Affordable Housing Schemes. For new properties and self-builds, the Help to Buy Scheme, operated by Revenue, can be used towards the 10% deposit requirement for a Local Authority Home Loan.
The Housing Agency provides a central underwriting service that assesses valid applications for the Local Authority Home Loan on behalf of local authorities and makes recommendations to local authorities to approve or refuse applications.
The most recent figures provided by the Agency on the number of valid applications that it has assessed for the Local Authority Home Loan from 2022 to end July 2024 are set out in the below table:
|
Local Authority |
Valid Applications Assessed |
Recommended to Approve |
|
Carlow County Council |
70 |
26 |
|
Cavan County Council |
63 |
26 |
|
Clare County Council |
102 |
48 |
|
Cork City Council |
204 |
76 |
|
Cork County Council |
466 |
178 |
|
Donegal County Council |
52 |
24 |
|
Dublin City Council |
435 |
272 |
|
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council |
89 |
41 |
|
Fingal County Council |
385 |
212 |
|
Galway City Council |
110 |
69 |
|
Galway County Council |
163 |
69 |
|
Kerry County Council |
121 |
37 |
|
Kildare County Council |
213 |
97 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
95 |
53 |
|
Laois County Council |
95 |
45 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
43 |
14 |
|
Limerick City & County Council |
117 |
57 |
|
Longford County Council |
84 |
47 |
|
Louth County Council |
209 |
78 |
|
Mayo County Council |
63 |
29 |
|
Meath County Council |
252 |
174 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
78 |
21 |
|
Offaly County Council |
51 |
23 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
84 |
30 |
|
Sligo County Council |
60 |
19 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
229 |
113 |
|
Tipperary County Council |
116 |
52 |
|
Waterford City & County Council |
207 |
46 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
77 |
34 |
|
Wexford County Council |
162 |
61 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
191 |
66 |
|
Total |
4686 |
2137 |
The final decision on loan approval is a matter for the relevant local authority and its Credit Committee on a case-by-case basis. Decisions on all housing loan applications must be made in accordance with the Regulations establishing the scheme and the Credit Policy that underpins the scheme, in order to ensure prudence and consistency in approaches in the best interests of both borrowers and the lenders, the local authorities. Information on the number and value of (i) local authority loan approvals and (ii) local authority loan draw downs as well as statistics on the various Local Authority Housing schemes in place are published on my Department's website: www.gov.ie/en/organisation-information/4b293-housing-statistics/
Statistics on the source of the deposit (such as Help to Buy) used for the purchase of a property using a Local Authority Home Loan, the use of the Local Authority Home Loan for the affordable housing and tenant purchase schemes and the average processing times for loan application are not collated by my Department.
Question No. 814 answered with Question No. 813.
Question No. 815 answered with Question No. 813.
Question No. 816 answered with Question No. 813.
Question No. 817 answered with Question No. 813.
Question No. 818 answered with Question No. 813.
Question No. 819 answered with Question No. 813.
Nitrates Usage
Ceisteanna (820)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:820. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 668 of 20 March 2024, for an update on the 2023 Interim Review of the State’s current nitrates action programme; the timeline for publication of the review; if he has signed the amended GAP regulations to date; if not, when he expects to sign them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34697/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department, in close collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and with the Nitrates Expert Group have undertaken an interim review of the Fifth Nitrates Action Programme and have developed a suite of proposed additional measures that also fulfil the requirements of the Commission’s Implementing Decision on the Nitrates Derogation.
All proposed measures were screened to determine if an Appropriate Assessment (AA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) must be undertaken. This screening assessment of the draft measures identified that both assessments are legally required. As such the following steps are underway or planned in advance of the proposed additional measures being published:
A full draft Natura Impact Statement (NIS) under the Habitats Directive and a draft SEA is almost completed.
The draft NIS will be submitted for an AA Determination by the Ecological Assessment Unit (EAU) of National Parks and Wildlife Services.
A 30 (calendar) day public consultation of the proposed measures, the draft NIS and SEA will then be undertaken. This consultation is legally required a part of the AA determination process and the SEA process.
Consultation responses will be collated and inform the final measures.
Once completed I will be in a position to finalise the measures and sign the amended GAP regulations. This is likely to be in November.
Planning Issues
Ceisteanna (821)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:821. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the report (details supplied) into allegations of malpractice at An Bord Pleanála; the expected timeline for the publication of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34698/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
An Bord Pleanála (ABP) is a quasi-judicial body which carries out its statutory functions independently of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. ABP appointed the external reviewer, Ms. Lorna Lynch, Senior Counsel, to carry out a scoping investigation into certain matters. The Chairperson of ABP received the scoping investigation report prepared by Ms Lynch SC on 12 August 2024.
Ms. Lynch's scoping investigation and report is entirely a matter for An Bord Pleanála who initiated this exercise. 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.
Housing Policy
Ceisteanna (822)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:822. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997 was intended to disallow a person on a probation bond from access to the social housing list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34733/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Applications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, 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.
The oversight and management of the lists of qualified households awaiting accommodation, including the allocation and transfer of tenancies, is a matter for the relevant local authority in accordance with Sections 20 and 22 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and associated Social Housing Assessment and Allocation Regulations, respectively.
The application form for social housing support prescribed by the Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended, requires applicants to provide details of any convictions under a number of specified statutes relating to anti-social behaviour and public order offences. Section 14 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997 provides that local authorities may refuse to allocate or defer allocation of a dwelling to a person if they consider the person is, or has been, engaged in anti-social behaviour, or if the allocation of a dwelling to that person would not be in the interest of good estate management.
Section 15 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1997 provides for a housing authority to request from another housing authority or a specified person, including a member of the Garda Síochána, information in relation to any person seeking a house from the authority or residing or proposing to reside at a house provided by the authority or whom the authority considers may be or may have been engaged in anti-social behaviour.
However, it should be stated that a conviction for one of these public order offences is not necessarily proof of anti-social behaviour as defined in the 1997 Act, this is a matter for determination by the local authority in each instance in the light of all relevant circumstances.
Housing Schemes
Ceisteanna (823)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:823. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide a detailed response outlining the schedule of meetings and proposed work of the Housing and Justice interdepartmental group to consider further regulatory measures for owner management companies in the context of the interim remediation scheme for fire safety defects and the proposed statutory remediation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34746/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Multi-Unit Developments (MUDs) Act 2011 is a matter for the Department of Justice. The MUDs Act was enacted with the primary purposes of reforming the law relating to the ownership and management of common areas of multi-unit developments, and facilitating the fair, efficient and effective management of Owners' Management Companies (OMCs). Well-functioning OMCs are key to maintaining and sustaining higher-density residential developments such as apartments.
The national housing strategy, Housing for All, provides for regulations to be made under the MUDs Act relating to:
• management by OMCs of annual service charges; and
• expenditure of a non-recurring nature incurred by OMCs (i.e. ‘sinking fund’ expenditure).
My Department continues to engage constructively with the Department of Justice in relation to the production of these regulations, which are currently in draft form.
Engagement between our Departments is ongoing to ensure full and shared appreciation of the key problems and issues requiring to be addressed in this sector, and the relevant overall policy responses by Government. The interdepartmental group is chaired by the Department of Justice and the scheduling of meetings and any proposed work plan is a matter for that Department in the first instance. In the context of the interim remediation scheme for fire safety defects and the proposed statutory remediation scheme, the new regulations will seek to address such issues as the inadequacy of annual service charges and failure to provide for building maintenance/sinking funds. They will equip OMCs with specific identifiable measures to facilitate the timely and full payment of service charges. This should ensure that funding is available to maintain, enhance and replace fire protection facilities, as well as for refurbishment and upgrade projects. The design of the interim remediation scheme for fire safety defects and the proposed statutory remediation scheme is intended to take account of the evolving nature of the OMC sector and the delivery of both schemes is compatible with the MUDs Act 2011 and proposed regulations thereunder.