Written Answers Nos. 552-578
552. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if additional supports will be provided to promote the Irish language in schools and public life; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3606/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince its publication in 2010, the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010–2030 has been the cornerstone of the Government’s policy regarding the Irish language. The Strategy sets out an integrated approach to the Irish language, with 9 areas of action listed, including education, the Gaeltacht, the family, the community, the media, technology and the economy. The relevant actions under the Strategy are being implemented by various stakeholders, including my department.
The Action Plan for the Irish Language 2018-2022 (extended to 2023 due to the global pandemic) under the 20 Year Strategy was launched in June 2018. The plan provides an overview of what has been done and what is underway to address the nine areas of action set out in the Strategy. It sets out over 180 specific measures implemented in collaboration with approximately 60 stakeholders on a cross-Departmental basis to support the Irish language and the Gaeltacht. Four reports on the implementation of the plan have been published. The latest report, which covers the period from January to December 2022, is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/288794/bb02af59-88ed-401e-8883-6796a2f711c8.pdf#page=null.
The next report, due to be published shortly, will cover the period from January to December 2023. A review of the plan's implementation is scheduled to be carried out during 2025, following which a new Action Plan for the period to end 2023 will be published.
While the teaching of Irish in our schools is primarily a matter for the Minister of Education, my Department has developed and supported a number of different schemes aimed at supporting the work of her department. These include support for the Gaelbhratach Scheme administered by Gael Linn and the administration of my Department's Deis Gaeltachta and Irish Language Learners Schemes, thus supporting over 26,000 students annually to attend summer college in the Gaeltacht.
As regards the use of Irish in public life, a key element of efforts to normalise the Irish language generally and to increase the level and quality of public services provided through Irish as we move towards a bilingual public service is the implementation of the Official Languages Acts 2003 to 2021. The amended Act provides for the preparation by a statutory Advisory Committee of a National Plan for Irish Language Public Services which was published by my Department in October last year.
The Plan is the result of close collaboration at a senior level between the organisations represented on the Advisory Committee, which include my own Department as Chair, as well as the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, the Department of Education, the Department of Social Protection, the HSE, An Garda Síochána and Publicjobs, to name a few.
This National Plan, which is based on five major strategic themes, is intended to act as a roadmap for public bodies in terms of systematically increasing and improving the number and quality of Irish language public services provided. It will also provide a pathway to increasing the number of staff with Irish language competence to facilitate the provision of these services, in accordance with the target set out in the Act that at least 20% of staff recruited to public bodies will be competent in Irish by 31 December 2030. The setting of this ambitious recruitment objective will promote the use of the Irish language in schools and across the education sector generally as students see the career opportunities available to them with the language.
This National Plan is to be supported by two 3-year action plans – the first, covering the period 2025 to 2027. It is intended for that first action plan to be submitted to government for approval in the coming months.
Separately, a budget of €1.5m is available in 2025 for the provision of public service initiatives which will bolster efforts to promote use of the Irish language in public services, thus adding to the use of the language in public life.
In support of those looking to develop their Irish language skills, an Irish Language Network for the Public Sector was launched in summer 2024, with over €1m to be invested in same over the next 3 years.
Finally, planning for a largescale national awareness campaign highlighting to young people choosing their career path, the large number of diverse public job opportunities with Irish, is also at an advanced stage.
553. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the funding available for community sports facilities and recreational spaces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3607/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates two capital funding programmes for sport, the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) and the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF).
Cumulative investment from the LSSIF since 2020 now stands at €297 million, while over a quarter of a billion euro was allocated to community sports clubs and facilities from the CSFF in 2024. This funding represents the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland.
In line with previous rounds of the CSFF, a review of the current funding round will be undertaken and that review will inform the details of the next round of the CSFF.
554. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the measures his Department is taking to encourage civil servants in his Department to take or avail of special leave or career breaks, or other forms of leave, to encourage and facilitate Ireland's 2026 EU presidency, the Government "Career for EU" jobs strategy, and the Department's Gaeilge/Irish-language policy and promotion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3941/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraPreparations for Ireland’s Presidency have commenced in this Department with officials from the Department attending Inter-Departmental Groups on Presidency Policy Planning and Operational Presidency Planning.
This Department supports the Government initiative "A Career for EU”, Ireland’s strategy to increase Irish representation in the European Union's Institutions and Agencies. The Department currently has two officers in EU Attaché roles seconded to the Department of Foreign Affairs who are serving in the Permanent Representative, Brussels. Additionally, the Department has a Seconded National Expert currently serving in DG Cultural Policy Unit in European Commission and one officer is availing of special leave to work in EU translation services.
Officials from my Department regularly attend the Inter-Departmental Committee on Staffing in EU and International Organisations and continue to promote and advertise opportunities across the Department for Seconded National Expert positions and the National Expert in Professional Training scheme.
In support of the objectives outlined in the overarching 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030, various national language strategies and initiatives have been developed and initiated to promote and encourage the use of the Irish language, in the European context. The Digital Plan for the Irish Language 2023-2027 aligns with the priorities of the European Union in terms of the digital transition and provides an overview of the research required to make Irish-language linguistic resources available in the coming years.
The Department supports funding for Irish language courses in third-level institutions in Ireland and a dedicated fund to support the development of Irish language courses in third-level institutions overseas.
Additionally, the Department provides funding for terminology and technology initiatives operated by Fiontar and Scoil na Gaeilge, DCU.
The Internship Scheme in European Union Institutions is administered by the Department in co-operation with the European Commission, the European Parliament, the European Council, the Committee of the Regions and the Publications Office. The scheme is focused on the provision of opportunities for graduates to acquire work placements in the special subject field of translation and proof-reading.
The National Centre of Excellence for Careers in the EU plays a key role in having a coordinated approach to the education of students wishing to work in the EU institutions. The Centre, with the support of the Department, has translated the EPSO (European Personnel Selection Office) manual entitled ‘The Ultimate EU Test Book Administrators 2020’ into Irish. This handbook is particularly useful for candidates who wish to apply for future EPSO competitions. The Department has provided €32,790 for this project.
The ‘Aistritheoirí Óga' (Young Translators) translation competition is organised jointly by the Department and the European Commission each year. The competition has three goals: to promote a high standard of Irish, to encourage multilingualism among secondary school students and to encourage their interest in careers with Irish. The 2025 competition will take place on the 6th March 2025.
In conjunction with DG Translation of the EU Commission, the Department holds an annual seminar focusing on employment opportunities with the Irish language in the EU institutions. This event is held as part of the Oireachtas na Samhna cultural festival each year at the beginning of November and includes hands-on training from experts in fields such as translation and conference interpreting as well as presentations on aspects of the professions concerned and on life for Irish people who live and work in Brussels and Luxembourg.
555. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of requests to his Department that have been granted for various matters (details supplied); the number of such requests that have been refused; and the grounds on which they have been refused. [2499/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra632. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures his Department is taking to encourage civil servants in his Department to take or avail of special leave or career breaks, or other forms of leave to encourage and facilitate Ireland's 2026 EU presidency, the Government "Career for EU" jobs strategy, and the Department's Gaeilge/Irish-language policy and promotion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3937/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 555 and 632 together.
My Department is committed to staff development and promotes several EU related programmes each year. Staff are encouraged to apply for opportunities in the EU through the National Experts in Professional Training (NEPT) and Seconded National Experts (SNE) programmes as well as the shorter Erasmus for Officials programme. These roles are generally facilitated through special paid leave as the EU experience gained by officials is invaluable to my Department, particularly as Ireland's EU Presidency draws closer. My Department currently has two participants working in the European Commission under the SNE programme and one more staff member who is availing of special leave as their partner is working on an overseas DFA posting. A staff member who was on Special Leave while working in the European Commission's translation directorate took up a permanent role there in late 2024.
My Department has not refused any requests for special leave for these purposes.
My Department has a wide range of EU related policy areas and we look forward to playing a full and active role in the 2026 EU Presidency. Staff will be given every opportunity to get involved in the appropriate ways in the run up to and the duration of the Presidency.
My Department's training unit, through the One-Learning portal, offers training classes in professional Irish to staff during working hours. In addition my Department has assigned an Irish Language Officer and a single point of contact to conduct awareness campaigns to help staff understand their obligations under the Official Languages Act, and to encourage staff to speak the language through comhrá Gaeilge groups and cultural events.
556. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage what contacts have been made with his Department by the Northern Ireland Department for Infrastructure in relation to transboundary issues arising from plans for mining in the Sperrins; what arrangements, if any, have made been to facilitate public engagement and consultation in this jurisdiction in relation to these transboundary issues; what concerns his Department has about transboundary impacts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2899/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra559. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the Northern Ireland Department for Infrastructure has formally notified the Government of the gold mine application in the Sperrins AONB, as required under the Espoo Convention and EIA Regulations, given the shared waterways between both jurisdictions. [3305/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra560. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a formal notification has been made of the gold mine application in the Sperrins AONB; when this will be published in a national newspaper in the Republic of Ireland to ensure full public awareness, particularly regarding potential impacts on the River Finn SAC and species such as the Atlantic salmon. [3306/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra561. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps the Government will take to ensure that proper transboundary environmental impact assessments are conducted for the Sperrins AONB gold mine project, particularly concerning water quality and ecology in the River Finn SAC, as required under the Habitats Directive. [3307/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra562. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the length of time the public consultation period in the Republic of Ireland will last for the Sperrins AONB gold mine project; and what efforts will be made to engage relevant environmental authorities and the public, given the significant potential environmental and health risks associated with the proposed gold mine and its infrastructure. [3308/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 556 and 559 to 562, inclusive, together.
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive (Directive 2011/92/EU), as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU), and the UNECE Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context (the Espoo Convention) both set out the obligations of Member States/Parties to assess the environmental impact of certain activities or proposed development at an early stage of planning. They also lay down the general obligation of States to notify and consult other States on all major projects under consideration that are likely to have a significant adverse transboundary environmental impact.
My Department is responsible for ensuring that the planning system in Ireland is compliant with the State’s EU and International planning obligations, which includes the EIA Directive and Espoo Convention processes in the Irish planning system. Ensuring that the EIA Directive or Espoo Convention obligations of Promoters or potential development applicants in another jurisdiction are adhered to, is a matter for the appropriate authorities in that jurisdiction, in accordance with their respective domestic legislation transposing such EIA Directive/ Espoo Convention obligations.
In managing the State’s participation in the Espoo Convention, my Department’s role involves processing transboundary EIA notifications received from other jurisdictions concerning proposed development that may have a transboundary environmental impact in this State. Given the broad range of activities covered by the Espoo Convention, on receipt of a transboundary notification, consultation is required with the relevant competent authorities in the State whose subject matter experts will determine whether or not Ireland should participate in transboundary consultation.
I can confirm that a transboundary EIA notification was received by my Department on Thursday 30 January 2025 from the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) in Northern Ireland. This notification concerns an application received by DfI for gold mining activities including surface level development such as a processing plant and associated ancillary works, at Greencastle, Co Tyrone.
My Department is currently reviewing the notification received and will consult with appropriate State authorities (i.e. relevant Government Departments and State Agencies) in due course to determine if transboundary consultation is necessary. If the conclusion is that transboundary consultation is required, a public consultation will form part of that process. The standard timeline for such public consultations is usually six weeks from the date a notice is published in a national newspaper. During such public consultations, members of the public are provided with access to all of the relevant documentation associated with the proposed development including the planning application and any environmental reports, and are provided with an opportunity to participate by making submissions to the competent authority concerned; in the case of this application that is the DfI in Northern Ireland.
557. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to outline the work of his Department in progressing national guidelines for the development of solar farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2901/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department notes the commitment in the recently published Programme for Government 2025 – Securing Ireland’s Future to introduce planning guidelines for solar energy developments.
In light of this commitment, my Department has begun an initial scoping process to identify the component factors relevant to the preparation of planning guidelines for solar energy development, including any appropriate environmental reporting and public consultation requirements, and the possible timeframe for publication of said guidelines. Given this scoping process remains at an early stage, such guidelines, once completed, will likely issue as a National Planning Statement, subject to commencement of the relevant provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2024.
In the interim, there are currently no specific planning guidelines in place in respect of solar energy developments. Proposals for individual solar energy developments are subject to the statutory requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, in the same manner as other proposed developments, with planning applications made to the relevant local planning authority, or An Bord Pleanála on appeal. I understand from An Bord Pleanála that in 2024, there were 18 decisions made on appeals in respect of solar farms and that 17 of these were to grant planning permission.
558. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of public sector workers in each of the local electoral areas in County Clare, per sector (details supplied), in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2973/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra564. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of public sector workers in each of the local electoral areas in County Clare under headings (details supplied), in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3375/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 558 and 564 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 oversees workforce planning for the local government sector, including 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.
However, granular data, in terms of the detailed breakdown of the numbers of staff allocated to each of the local electoral areas within local authorities is not collected and consequently is not available in my Department. The relevant information would be available from the local authority concerned.
Staffing numbers for Clare County Council are available on the Public Service Numbers databank, which is hosted and maintained by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation and is available at the following link:
https://databank.per.gov.ie/Public_Service_Numbers.aspx?rep=LA
563. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of people in receipt of the housing assistance payment in County Clare for each of the years from 2020 to 2024, inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3374/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra609. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of persons in receipt of housing assistance payment in County Clare for each of the years 2020 to 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3037/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 563 and 609 together.
The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a form of social housing support available for people who have a long-term housing need. Any household assessed as eligible for social housing is immediately eligible for HAP. Eligible households can source their own accommodation in the private rental sector which should be within the HAP rent limits provided to them by the local authority.
The latest available data covers the period to the end of Q3 2024. The table below provides a breakdown of the total number of active HAP tenancies registered in Clare County Council at the end of each year from 2020-2023 and to end Q3 2024.
|
Local Authority |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
Q3 2024 |
|
Clare County Council |
1,423 |
1,347 |
1,209 |
1,160 |
1,091 |
565. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage what measures he is taking to address invasive species in Killarney National Park (details supplied). [2134/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department is responsible for the management of Ireland's network of National Parks. It continues to invest heavily in, and is committed to, tackling the spread of invasive species.
In particular, the control of Rhododendron ponticum is a priority in Killarney National Park (KNP).
This is a challenging, costly, and labour intensive activity, and is addressed as a major priority. The NPWS carries out an annual targeted programme of works across a number of sites in the Park to eliminate and manage the spread of this species.
The method of treatment has changed and evolved over the years and the current method developed in Killarney National Park is considered to be the be the most suitable solution at this time and includes cycles of monitoring, zoning, treating, clearing and reviewing.
The Park is divided into zones, (e.g. woodland, wet and dry heath and blanket bog) with invasives management plans being prepared for each zone. This allows the NPWS to develop a strategy for treatment, choosing areas for prioritising work. Treatment of rhododendron ponticum is continuous during follow up phase, with work currently underway in the western woods. These areas will be resurveyed this year and following the results, it is expected that the NPWS will be able to classify a large area as being in a clearance maintenance phase.
Over the past 5 years there has been over €3.6m spent on Rhododendron elimination and management at Killarney National Park between treatment and monitoring with more than 2,300 acres treated. Work will continue over the coming years to move zones from follow up to clearance maintenance phase with all zones being continually monitored to ensure that the clearance status is ensured.
Just as the methodology employed to control rhododendron ponticum has evolved over the years, so too have the groups, contractors and individuals involved in these efforts. This is something that the NPWS expects will continue to evolve across all our sites into the future.
Equally, the NPWS is acutely aware of the impact that non-native animal species, such as deer and goats, can have on the habitats within the Park and, in particular, on native flora.
Where appropriate, and depending on the annual count and instances of damage caused by deer to habitats, especially woodland, culls are carried out on National Park lands to ensure that deer populations do not reach levels that would have negative ecological consequences. With regard to the management of deer within Killarney National Park, culling is a regular and on-going management operation and is undertaken periodically when resources, weather and timing permit. This allows the NPWS to work towards sustainable herd management, and, as such, there is a need to remove a certain percentage of animals from the herd on an on-going basis.
Between 2019 and 2024, 461 Sika Deer were culled in the Park. During the same period, 501 Red Deer were culled. However, the management of an ecosystem – particularly where that management involves a resource and time intensive intervention such as culling – needs to be targeted and evidence-based in order to ensure maximum benefit. In 2022 a commissioned report indicated that between 2018 and 2021 there was a 13% decline in Sika Deer numbers, underlining the effectiveness of carrying out intensive culling in specific areas.
In relation to the issue of wild goats at Killarney National Park, the NPWS is monitoring the situation. In 2022 Rangers undertook a comprehensive goat survey and the Park has continued to monitor goat numbers since. It will use this information to determine any appropriate goat-specific management strategies required.
566. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the breakdown of the amount spent on addressing invasive species, broken down by national park, in each of the years from 2019 to date, in tabular form. [2135/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra567. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the breakdown of the amount spent on addressing rhododendron species, broken down by national park, in each of the years 2019 to date, in tabular form. [2136/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 566 and 567 together.
Managing invasive species within the boundaries of Ireland’s National Parks system is one of the important areas of work undertaken by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department, with a significant amount of resources devoted to this task every year. Invasive species cause grave damage to ecosystems and to conservation objectives, with invasive species colonising the environment and having significant impacts on biodiversity.
The following table outlines the funding allocated for the control of invasive species in each National Park during the 2019-2024 period. It should be noted that the figures included in this table relates to the funding specifically allocated for contracted work on invasive species projects. It does not reflect internal staff time, investment in capital equipment, current resources spent on invasive species management and voluntary effort.
Figures are not available for this date range for the newly established (2024) National Parks, Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara, County Kerry and Brú na Bóinne, Co. Meath.
|
Year |
Main species targeted |
Killarney National Park |
Connemara National Park |
Wild Nephin National Park |
Burren National Park |
Glenveagh National Park |
Wicklow Mountains National Park |
|
2019 |
Rhodendron |
€214,906.02 |
- |
- |
- |
€131,020.07 |
- |
|
2020 |
Rhodendron |
€329,150.00 |
€88,057.27 |
€64,791.00 |
- |
€255,695.93 |
- |
|
2021 |
Rhodendron |
€489,026.10 |
€323,406.11 |
- |
- |
€204,990.21 |
- |
|
Laurel Removal |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
€28,375.00 |
|
|
Scrub Control |
- |
- |
- |
€50,000.00 |
- |
- |
|
|
Sitka spruce |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
€23,550.42 |
|
|
2022 |
Rhodendron |
€251,403.31 |
€153,565.50 |
- |
- |
€308,355.31 |
- |
|
Sitka spruce |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
€4,999.68 |
|
|
2023 |
Rhodendron |
€550,974.58 |
€187,281.67 |
€232,500.00 |
- |
€223,209.18 |
- |
|
Sitka spruce |
- |
- |
- |
- |
€5,000.00 |
||
|
Montbretia |
- |
€15,935.40 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
2024 |
Rhodendron |
€1,792,974.55 |
€85,557.44 |
€247,000.00 |
- |
€303,712.84 |
- |
|
Sitka spruce |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
€2,603.90 |
|
|
Montbretia |
- |
€27,240.00 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
568. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the mechanisms, if any, available for cost rental tenants to transfer property to another cost rental unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2160/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraCost Rental housing represents a key element of affordable housing delivery under the Government's Housing For All strategy, which is being achieved through collaboration with a range of delivery partners including Local Authorities, Approved Housing Bodies, and the Land Development Agency.
At present, there is no transfer system in place for existing cost rental tenants and if they wish to apply for a different cost rental tenancy in a different development, they would need to apply in the same manner as any other applicant and be assessed under the criteria under the Affordable Housing Act 2021 and associated regulations.
569. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to abolish the means testing for the housing adaptation grant for disabled persons, the mobility aids grant, and the housing aid for older persons' grant; if he will ensure that all adaptations, appliances, new improvement works, and so on, are affordable to all persons with a disability in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2170/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra581. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether there exists an available grant for a disabled person to install an accessible upstairs bathroom. [2362/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 569 and 581 together.
My Department provides Exchequer funding to local authorities under the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People scheme, to assist people in private houses to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. The grants include the Housing Adaptation Grant for Disabled People, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People Grant, which are funded by my Department, with a contribution from the resources of the local authority. The detailed administration of the scheme including assessment, approval, prioritisation and budgetary apportionment is the responsibility of local authorities.
The Housing Adaptation Grant for Disabled People and the Mobility Aids Grant is available for the carrying out of works of adaptation that, in the opinion of the local authority, are reasonably necessary for the purposes of rendering a house more suitable for a member of the household who has an enduring physical, sensory, mental health or intellectual disability. In general, it can be used for works such as level access showers, accessible bathrooms, access ramps, stair lifts or extensions. Having considered all of the circumstances in any particular case, it is a matter for the local authority to determine grant eligibility.
My Department carried out a review of the Housing the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People scheme including a review of the Means Test, and the Report on the Review is available on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/0aac1-report-on-the-review-of-the-housing-adaptation-grants-for-older-people-and-people-with-a-disability/
The Housing (Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People) Regulations 2024 (S.I. No. 612 of 2024), which came into effect on 1 December 2024, provide the legal basis for the introduction of the recommendations set out in the review. The key changes include an increase in the grant limits of over 30% and the income thresholds by 25% whilst also revising the means test. The legislation also adjusts the burden sharing for local authorities by reducing the local authority funding contribution to 15% (from the previous 20%).
In line with the recommendations of the review, the schemes will continue to be means tested and operate on a sliding scale with the highest percentage grants available to those with the lowest incomes and vice versa. The enhanced scheme includes the introduction of additional income deductions for housing, residential and home care costs incurred. In addition, a number of payments from the Department of Social Protection are disregarded for the purpose of the means test. These disregards are designed to ensure that the provision of financial assistance for living costs or care do not disadvantage an individual applying for grant assistance under the scheme
Budget 2025 provided for an increase of €25m in the funding provision for the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People, with almost €100 million allocated for 2025. This increase will underpin implementation of the recommendations set out in the review ensuring that the grants remain fit for purpose for older and disabled people.
570. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount of funding allocated to Offaly County Council on an annual basis from 2020 to date, in tabular form. [2183/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe funding system for local authorities is a complex one, as authorities derive their income from a variety of sources including commercial rates, charges for goods and services, Local Property Tax, as well as funding from Government Departments and other bodies.
My Department has a wide and diverse business agenda, covering a broad range of functions including local authority housing, voluntary housing, homeless services, estate regeneration, energy efficiency retrofitting, housing grants, rural water schemes, urban renewal/regeneration, fire services, and natural and built heritage, each of which includes a number of funding schemes.
The funding allocated by my Department to Offaly County Council, across all schemes and funding sources since 2020 to 2024, is provided in the table below.
|
- |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
€ |
36,626,056.22 |
46,858,582.41 |
55,902,149.20 |
56,605,802.34 |
80,947,351.19 |
571. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the procedures in place for county councils to apply for additional funding during severe weather; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2185/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal authorities are designated as the lead agencies for coordinating a response to flooding and severe weather emergencies.
All local authorities have an established Severe Weather Assessment Team in place, monitoring Met Éireann weather warnings, High Tide Advisories and European Flood Awareness System (EFAS) advisory warnings. Local authorities also have Severe Weather/ Flood Plans in place to support the response to weather emergencies.
My Department undertakes the Lead Government Department role, as set out in the Strategic Emergency Management (SEM) Framework (2017), in relation to the coordination of national level responses to severe weather and flooding emergencies, where warranted. The Department's National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management undertakes this role and works closely with local authority Severe Weather Assessment Teams and Met Éireann.
Since 2009, my Department has made financial support of over €100 million available to assist local authorities in meeting the unbudgeted costs of clean-up and necessary immediate works, including for exceptional overtime payments, the hire of plant and heavy machinery, the purchase of materials required for the clean-up and the hire of contractors associated with significant severe weather emergency events.
This is in recognition of the exceptional nature of the activities carried out by local authorities in responding to these types of emergencies and the fact that the costs of these un-programmed activities could not be foreseen in annual expenditure planning. This practice is considered a vital enabler of the local authority action, providing the assurance that availability of resources is not a limiting factor in providing a very effective local response.
In the context of Storm Éowyn and the exceptional nature of the response activities carried out by local authorities, clearly the costs of these activities were not budgeted for within existing resources. As always, my Department, in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, will work with local authorities to support them over the coming months, as they co-ordinate recovery and restoration works.
It should be noted that funding of repair of public infrastructure is undertaken by the relevant Department in line with its sectoral responsibility. Capital costs associated with infrastructural damage, for example damage to the roads network and coastal protection infrastructure (where relevant), are funded under relevant sectoral arrangements.
572. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to offer additional support to preserve thatched roofs, given the additional costs associated with keeping up these homes and consequentially the incentives associated with replacing a thatched roof with another material; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2201/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department oversees a number of schemes which assist owners of thatched buildings.
A dedicated Thatching Grant is available for thatched buildings in use as homes. Applicants can avail of up to €3,810 or two thirds of the approved cost (whichever is less) towards necessary roof repair or renewal. A higher grant (up to €5,714) may be payable for houses on specified islands. For owners of qualifying thatch properties who are also Medical Card holders the maximum grant available is €6,350, or up to 80% of the approved cost (€8,252 for Islands).
Further support is available for historic thatched buildings from the National Built Heritage Service under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and the Historic Structures Fund. These schemes are administered by the local authorities and funded by my Department.
In 2023, Government introduced additional ring-fenced funding of €500,000 through the Historic Thatched Buildings stream of the BHIS, effectively doubling the dedicated funding available for thatched buildings. This scheme offers grants of up to €20,000 for thatching or other conservation work for the upkeep of historic thatched properties.
In addition, my Department offers thatch owners fire-safety advice visits free of charge, and has published extensive guidance on managing fire risk in thatched buildings. Reducing the incidence of fire in thatched buildings is essential in order to protect owners and occupiers, reduce the loss of historic buildings, and bring down insurers' losses and associated premiums. I am pleased to say that the number of fires in thatched buildings has come down from an average of 14 per year in the period 2017 to 2022, to 6 in 2023, and 5 in 2024. I hope and expect to see these improvements reflected in the insurance premiums offered to owners of thatched buildings.
573. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to report on the implementation of the Ministerial Action Plan on Planning Resources; if each of the five working groups (details supplied) has been formally established; the number of times each working group has met since it was established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2220/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 15 October 2024, my Department published a Ministerial Action Plan on Planning Resources to respond to capacity challenges in the planning sector. This Action Plan provides a detailed roadmap to increase the pool of planning and related expertise needed to ensure a planning system fit for future needs. It sets out 14 high-level actions that provide a coordinated pathway to ensure a sustainable pipeline of planning and related expertise into the future, addressing the areas of education, recruitment and retention, as well as measures to encourage greater innovation and efficiency.
Funding was secured in Budget 2025 to support delivery of the Action Plan and the Steering Group met on four occasions throughout 2024 and are scheduled to meet again in February 2025. This Steering Group will remain in place to oversee the implementation and ongoing review of the Action Plan.
The Action Plan proposes the formation of five Working Groups to progress grouped actions in the areas of education, national recruitment, international recruitment, system reform and innovation and efficiency, and identifies stakeholder organisations for each Working Group (Chapter 6 paragraph 6.3 of the Action Plan).
The working groups will be finalised in the coming weeks to progress grouped actions of the plan on a priority basis. A copy of the Action Plan can be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/51194-ministerial-action-plan-on-planning-resources-october-2024/
574. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of local authorities currently using choice-based letting to make social housing allocations. [2239/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraChoice-Based Letting (CBL) is a method that can be used by local authorities to allocate social housing, whereby available social housing stock is let by being openly advertised, allowing qualified applicants to ‘bid’ for or ‘register an interest’ in available homes. Applicants respond to available properties advertised by local authorities, rather than waiting for an authority to offer them a dwelling. This approach offers more choice, transparency and involvement for applicant households in selecting a new home, thereby reducing the likelihood of a refusal, improving re-let times and helping to build sustainable tenancies and stable communities.
To date, 19 local authorities have indicated they are currently operating CBL. These are: Clare, Cork City, Cork County, Dublin City, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Fingal, Galway City, Galway County, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Leitrim, Longford, Louth, Meath, South Dublin, Tipperary, Wexford and Waterford. My Department continues to work with the remaining local authorities to support their development of a Choice Based Letting model.
575. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of social homes purchased from financing institutions by the Housing Agency with their rolling fund in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024; the number of these properties that were then sold onto AHBs and local authorities; and the current status of the fund. [2240/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Housing Agency Acquisitions Fund (HAAF) was established in the year 2017 as a revolving €70 million fund with the objective of acquiring vacant property portfolios from banks and financial institutions that could then be used for social housing.
Information on the number of properties purchased from banks and financial institutions and sold to Approved Housing Bodies and local authorities in the years of interest is as set out in tabular form below.
|
Year |
No. of Housing Units Purchased |
No. of Housing Units Sold |
|
2020 |
23 |
18 |
|
2021 |
10 |
8 |
|
2022 |
2 |
1 |
|
2023 |
0 |
0 |
|
2024 |
0 |
0 |
By the year 2021, it had become clear that the supply of properties from the original sources that the HAAF was established to target had declined substantially and were no longer available in sufficient numbers or in terms of the suitability of properties.
Pursuant to a commitment in Housing for All, a review of the operation of the HAAF was completed in the year 2022. Subsequently, it was decided to re-purpose the Fund to support the Housing First Programme and the Cost Rental Tenant in-Situ (CRTiS) Scheme.
Housing First is a measure to tackle long-term homelessness among people with complex health needs by providing them with stable tenancies as well as health and social supports. To this end, the Housing Agency may purchase suitable properties using the Fund, which, in turn, are sold on to, primarily, Approved Housing Bodies.
CRTiS is a scheme that is available where a household faces the termination of its tenancy due to the landlord’s intention to sell the property. Where there is a risk of homelessness and following an assessment by the relevant local authority, the Housing Agency may then, using the Fund, purchase such a property.
576. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to detail the housing supports that are available to persons suffering from mental health issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2295/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraDisabled people can access social housing support through all of the available routes, namely, standard local authority housing, Rental Assistance Scheme, Approved Housing Bodies and the Housing Assistance Payment Scheme.
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. Regulation 23 of the Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011 sets out the aspects of a household's current accommodation to which the authority will have regard when determining a household's need for social housing support, which include the extent to which it meets any accommodation requirement arising from the enduring physical, sensory, mental health or intellectual impairment of a household member. The allocation of dwellings to qualified households is a matter for the local authority concerned, in accordance with their allocation scheme made under section 22 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and associated Regulations.
My Department jointly published the National Housing Strategy for Disabled People (NHSDP) 2022-2027 with the Department of Health and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in January 2022 and jointly published the National Housing Strategy for Disabled People 2022 – 2027 Implementation Plan on 22 June 2023. The Strategy and Implementation Plan may be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/60d76-national-housing-strategy-for-disabled-people-2022-2027/
577. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the issue of voter registration will be examined (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2306/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Electoral Reform Act 2022 underpinned a series of modernisations and enhancements to electoral registration including the introduction of rolling registration and the use of PPSNs in the process. This allows people to apply for inclusion in the register or update their details at any time up to 15 days before polling day via a simple online process through either checktheregister.ie or Voter.ie. In 2024 over 650,000 applications were submitted to Local Authorities through these online portals, of which over 165,000 were received in November before the closing date.
Section 96 of the Electoral Act 1992 provides for the Order which sets the date of the election and opening hours for polling stations. Specifically, it provides that the poll at a Dáil election shall be taken no earlier than the 18th or later than the 25th day (excluding Good Friday, Sundays and public holidays) after the issue of the writ by the Clerk of the Dáil.
Pre-registration for 16 and 17 year olds has also been available for over 2 years and those who use this facility are added to the register automatically when they turn 18, including if they turn 18 on polling day or in the 14 day period when the register is closed.
The continuation of this work is also incorporated in the Programme for Government – Securing Ireland’s Future which includes a commitment to make the electoral registration process more efficient and accessible for citizens.
578. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to urgently address the situation whereby old-age pensioners have seen their council rents increase, by the same amount as their pensions were increased in Budget 2025 as a cost-of-living measure, as it is unacceptable that this money is being swallowed by council rents instead of being made available to pensioners to assist with their day-to-day living expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2335/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal authorities set and collect rents on their dwellings in accordance with section 58 of the Housing Act 1966. The making or amending of such rent schemes is generally a matter for local authorities within broad principles set out by my Department, including that rent levels should be based on income and reflect tenants’ ability to pay.
Local discretion and flexibility are inherent in the devolved function of administering rent schemes. Local authorities carry out regular rent reviews to ensure that the rent payable by tenants reflects their income and their ability to pay. Any increases in income, including those from increases in the old age pension, are reflected in the rent calculated on foot of these reviews which are entirely matters for individual local authorities in line with the rent scheme it has in place. I have no role in this regard.
