Alan Kelly
Ceist:269. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount spent to date by Uisce Éireann on the water supply project eastern and midlands region. [18238/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraWater Services
Ceisteanna (269)
Freagraí scríofa
The Water Supply Project – East and Midlands Region (WSP-EMR) is a strategic national project, included in the National Development Plan, to help meet the long-term water supply requirements for the Eastern and Midlands region.
The Preliminary Business Case (PBC) received government approval on 25 June 2024 and currently moving through the next stage of the Infrastructure Guidelines, which is the planning and procurement strategy (Approval Gate 2) stage.
Uisce Éireann held an 8-week Non-Statutory Public Consultation from 7 January to 4 March 2025, to inform the public of the details of the proposed project. The project is expected to go to planning in late 2025 or early 2026.
The project will then be brought for further Government approval for the Final Business Case (Approval Gate 3) under the Infrastructure Guidelines process.
As part of the development of the PBC including detailed design options and appraisal, public consultation and other assessments, I and my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, as required under the Water Services Act 2013, have given consent for Uisce Éireann to spend up to €160.93m on the Water Supply Project - Eastern and Midlands Region to complete the remainder of the project’s planning, design, and procurement phases.
Housing Schemes
Ceisteanna (270)
Shane Moynihan
Ceist:270. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are plans to introduce affordable housing schemes for self-employed persons. [18267/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is acutely aware of the housing challenges faced by many sectors of society. Housing for All is the most ambitious and comprehensive housing plan in the history of the State. The Plan contains a suite of actions that have and continue to increase the provision of housing through accelerating supply and increasing the affordability of homes for our citizens.
A list of affordable housing supports in place is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/0d279-doors-open/, this includes information on the schemes below.
• Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme
• First Home Scheme
• Local Authority Home Loan
• Local Authority Purchase and Renovation Loan
• Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant
• Help to Buy
These schemes are primarily aimed at supporting affordability constrained middle income earners and first-time buyers, including those who are self-employed.
Housing Policy
Ceisteanna (271, 272)
Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:271. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if regulations on service charges and sinking funds, which were drafted by the Housing Agency in February 2022, will be issued by the end of Q3 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18280/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraPaul McAuliffe
Ceist:272. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has identified sufficient resources to put in place in Q4 2025 to enable the unit in the Housing Agency to regulate owners’ management companies, as envisaged in the Programme for Government, to commence its work on an administrative basis in Q1 2026. [18281/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 271 and 272 together.
I refer to my reply to Question Number 150 of the 9 April which sets out the position in this matter.
Housing Provision
Ceisteanna (273, 274, 275, 277)
Gary Gannon
Ceist:273. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his Department's position on Dublin City Council's proposal to restrict care leavers' access to social housing, particularly excluding those coming from foster care. [18294/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraGary Gannon
Ceist:274. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are plans to issue national guidelines to ensure that care leavers across all local authorities are adequately supported in accessing social housing. [18295/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraGary Gannon
Ceist:275. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps his Department is taking to support care leavers who are not eligible for housing priority under Dublin City Council's new criteria, particularly those leaving foster care, to prevent them from becoming homeless. [18296/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraGary Gannon
Ceist:277. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of Dublin City Council’s recent decision to restrict priority social housing status to care leavers coming solely from residential care, thereby excluding those transitioning from foster care; the measures his Department is taking to ensure that all vulnerable young people exiting State care, regardless of their care background, receive equitable access to social housing supports to prevent homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18303/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 273, 274, 275 and 277 together.
The allocation of local authority dwellings, including the prioritisation of certain categories of 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.
This legislation requires all local authorities, as a reserved function, to make an allocation scheme which specifies, among other things, the manner of and the order of priority for the allocation of dwellings to households on the housing and transfer lists. An allocation scheme may also contain provisions for exceptional or emergency cases, allowing immediate housing outside of normal waiting list priorities, should circumstances warrant it. Decisions on the allocation of social housing support are a matter solely for the local authority concerned.
A national Youth Homelessness Strategy was published in November 2022 and aims to help young people aged 18 - 24 who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The Strategy recognises that there are certain cohorts of young people who are particularly at risk of becoming homeless and are disproportionately represented in the young homeless population. Those leaving State care are one of six vulnerable cohorts identified. Accordingly, Action 7 within the Strategy provides for a review and update of Housing Circular 46/2014 on the Protocol on Young People Leaving State Care. The Department is working closely with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and Tulsa to revise this Protocol. A consultation with a range of key stakeholders is underway and it is anticipated that the updated Circular and Protocol will issue by end of Q2 2025. The protocol will set out the roles of Tusla and local authorities and outline the practical steps involved in assessing a young person leaving State care and managing that person's accommodation and support needs.
Question No. 274 answered with Question No. 273.
Question No. 275 answered with Question No. 273.
Housing Provision
Ceisteanna (276)
Gary Gannon
Ceist:276. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department will review planning regulations around hoarding and advertising on protected structures, such as the railway bridge at Ballybough, the only protected structure in the community, which is currently dominated by large-scale commercial advertising; if he will engage with Dublin City Council and Iarnród Éireann to explore the removal of this signage in light of its visual impact and the community’s desire to see the structure respected as part of the area’s cultural heritage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18302/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has an advisory role with regard to the protection and management of our built heritage which is set out in Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. This act gives primary responsibility to planning authorities to protect the architectural heritage in their functional area.
My Department has produced ‘Architectural Heritage Protection: Guidelines for Planning Authorities’, which are statutory guidelines for planning authorities on the protection of built heritage. Each Planning Authority must have due regard to these guidelines in making decisions in relation to individual development applications. It is a matter for the planning authority to administer these procedures and enforce any decisions reached.
Under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act, as Minister I am precluded from exercise any power or control in relation to any particular case, including an enforcement issue, with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála is or may be concerned. This is a function of Dublin City Council in this instance, with the possibility of appeal through An Bord Pleanála. Outside of planning enforcement, section 46 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 further provides for the removal or alteration of a structure or discontinuance of use in exceptional circumstances, subject to the conditions and limitations set out in that section.
It should be noted that Dublin City Council has in place a strong development plan which is aligned with the guidelines referred to above, with specific policies relating to the protection of architectural heritage. Furthermore, within Dublin City Council, there is a team of qualified Architectural Conservation Officers who implement planning legislation in respect of protected structures and make recommendations relating to the same.
Question No. 277 answered with Question No. 273.
Housing Provision
Ceisteanna (278)
Gary Gannon
Ceist:278. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the establishment of the Local Democracy Taskforce, as announced by his Department on 26 March 2025; the specific terms of reference for this taskforce; the timeline and mechanisms through which it intends to implement the Government’s commitments to rebalance power between elected councillors and executive officers, enhance the accountability of chief executives and directors of services to councillors, and increase councillors’ input and control over the development and implementation of council budgets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18304/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government commits to the establishment of a Local Democracy Taskforce with the Local Government sector to finalise a programme for the reform and strengthening of local government.
The membership of the Taskforce will include Local Authority elected member representative bodies, Local Authority executive representatives, the National Oversight and Audit Commission, my Department and a number of independent experts.
The Terms of Reference for the Taskforce are currently under development in my Department and these will have due regard to the commitments in the Programme for Government. Following further consideration and input from key stakeholders, they will be brought to Government for approval. The first meeting of the Taskforce will take place as soon as possible thereafter.
Vacant Properties
Ceisteanna (279)
Barry Heneghan
Ceist:279. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider extending eligibility for the vacant property refurbishment grant to include the conversion of vacant or underutilised retail premises such as "above the shop" units into residential accommodation, given the potential to deliver up to 20,000 additional homes as highlighted in the recent Hardware Association of Ireland report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18333/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Pathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant introduced in July 2022, provides a grant of up to €50,000 for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent. A top-up grant of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed to be derelict, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €70,000.
In order to qualify for the grant the property must be vacant for 2 years or more at the time of application. Further information and scheme eligibility can be found at the line provided here: www.gov.ie/en/service/f8f1b-vacant-property-refurbishment-grant/
The grant is currently available for the conversion of former commercial or public use buildings as well as "Above the Shop" type conversations, and the new Programme for Government contains a commitment to introduce a "Living Above the Shop" top up grant which is currently being progressed.
In conjunction with the Vacant Property Refurbishment grant other supports and grants which may be available include the Conservation Advice Grant. The grant is designed to support owners of traditional buildings where the building is a protected structure or located in an architectural conservation area. Buildings previously used for commercial purposes qualify for the grant where the intended use is a single dwelling over the shop.
Other schemes such as the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and the Better Energy Home Scheme Grant may be available in combination with the Vacant Property Refurbishment grant.
Planning regulations, introduced in 2018, which exempted certain vacant commercial premises, including ‘over the shop’ type spaces, from requiring planning permission to change to residential purposes were extended to the end of 2025. The scope of the exemption was also extended to include ‘public houses’. The exemptions support the reuse of vacant commercial buildings as homes, increasing housing supply and regenerating communities. From 2018 to the end of 2023, almost 1,200 notifications had been received from developers which could result in over 2,700 new homes being provided.
Funding is also available under the Repair and Leasing Scheme. This provides an interest free loan of up to €80,000, including VAT, for each individual home completed in a formerly vacant property. For example, where a vacant former shop is converted into 4 homes, a loan of up to €320,000 is available. The scheme is increasingly being used to convert vacant commercial properties into social housing units.
Local Authorities
Ceisteanna (280)
Barry Heneghan
Ceist:280. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the timeline for finalising and publishing the revised local authority level social and affordable housing targets for the 2025 to 2030 period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18334/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under Housing for All, last year, Government approved new national housing targets up to the year 2030. 303,000 homes will aim to be delivered in the period from 2025 to 2030, equating to an annual average of 50,500 homes, building up to 60,000 in 2030. The revised targets were informed by research and modelling by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) on population projections and long-run housing demand. The revised national housing targets will inform the revision to existing social and affordable housing targets at a local authority level.
The revised targets and annual profile aligns with the draft Revision of the National Planning Framework, which provides for around 50,000 homes per annum.
It is essential that county council’s targets align with their needs and ensure balanced regional development. The Housing Need and Demand Assessment (HNDA) and the Summary of Social Housing Assessment (SSHA) are the key tools in determining these targets. The HNDA provides evidence-based insights into housing needs across all tenures analysing demographic trends, affordability data and housing stock pressures. This framework allows local authorities to make informed decisions about future housing requirements.
Artificial Intelligence
Ceisteanna (281)
James Geoghegan
Ceist:281. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will outline the steps his Department is taking to improve data collection and database construction in anticipation of the increased data processing capacity that artificial intelligence adoption entails; if he will outline the logic behind their approach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18363/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has developed and published a data strategy. This will enable and support the wider digital transformation programme of the Department towards 2030. The strategy has five goals and a range of actions to support the better use and management of data.
The data strategy is available on my Department's website at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/data-strategy-foundations-sprint-2021-2024/.
Question No. 282 answered with Question No. 283.
Artificial Intelligence
Ceisteanna (283, 282)
James Geoghegan
Ceist:283. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will identify any projects which a body under the aegis of his Department has underway with CeADAR, Ireland’s national centre for AI; if he will send this question to the bodies for direct response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18398/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraJames Geoghegan
Ceist:282. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will identify any projects which the Department has underway with CeADAR, Ireland’s national centre for AI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18380/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 283 and 282 together.
My Department does not have any projects underway with CeADAR, Ireland’s national centre for AI.
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.
These State Bodies may be contacted directly by e-mail by members of the Oireachtas at the email addresses set out in the table below.
|
|
|
|
Bodies under the Aegis of DHLGH |
Oireachtas email |
|
An Bord Pleanála |
oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie |
|
An Fóram Uisce |
oireachtas@nationalwaterforum.ie |
|
Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority |
oireachtasqueries@ahbregulator.ie |
|
Docklands Oversight and Consultative Forum |
infodocklands@dublincity.ie |
|
Electoral Commission |
oireachtas@electoralcommission.ie |
|
Gas Networks Ireland |
oireachtas@gasnetworks.ie |
|
Heritage Council |
oireachtas@heritagecouncil.ie |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
Oireachtas@housingagency.ie |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
oireachtas.enquiries@hfa.ie |
|
Land Development Agency |
oireachtas@lda.ie |
|
Local Government Management Agency |
oireachtasmemberqueries@lgma.ie |
|
National Oversight and Audit Commission |
oireachtas@noac.ie |
|
National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee |
ntacc@housing.gov.ie |
|
Office of the Planning Regulator |
oireachtas@opr.ie |
|
Pyrite Resolution Board |
oireachtasinfo@pyriteboard.ie |
|
Residential Tenancies Board |
OireachtasMembersQueries@rtb.ie |
|
Tailte Éireann |
Oireachtas@tailte.ie |
|
Uisce Éireann |
oireachtasmembers@water.ie |
|
Valuation Tribunal |
oireachtas@valuationtribunal.ie |
|
Waterways Ireland |
oireachtas@waterwaysireland.org |
Artificial Intelligence
Ceisteanna (284)
James Geoghegan
Ceist:284. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will specify the specific policy areas where the Department is examining future use of AI; if he will identify what entities the Department is working with, public or private, in relation to this examination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18415/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has recently concluded a program of work with EY and Microsoft to assess if a Microsoft AI product, specifically Copilot for Power BI, could enhance the flexibility and capability of the Housing For All reporting service that is available through the Insights data platform. The outputs are still in evaluation internally and is not operational at present. If it is further developed and becomes operational at a later stage then it could potentially be used to inform Housing policy.
This scope of this work included testing key publicly available datasets in a secure test environment and involves a robust assessment of the results to identify any potential opportunities for the use of artificial intelligence tools. There is no decision on the use of AI beyond this initial testing and there was no associated financial cost to my Department.
Artificial Intelligence
Ceisteanna (285)
James Geoghegan
Ceist:285. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will identify any AI training offered to people working in the Department; the level of take-up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18432/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department recognises the growing importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving public services, enhancing productivity, and supporting evidence-based decision making.
My Department provides funding and encourages staff to consider AI Training to ensure they have the necessary skills and understanding to use AI responsibly and effectively.
The courses offered align with the public service transformation strategy, ‘Better Public Services’ which aims to enhance service delivery through technology and digitisation, and will equip participants with the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI), as well as its potential and implications for public service organisations.
The following table details the AI course take-up by staff in my Department since 2024:
|
COURSE TITLE |
2024 |
2025 - to date |
|
IPA: AI Essentials - Empowering Public Servants with AI Knowledge |
1 |
3 |
|
NCI: MSc in Artificial Intelligence |
1 |
0 |
|
IPA: Governance Forum event on Artificial Intelligence |
4 |
0 |
|
TOTAL |
6 |
3 |
Departmental Correspondence
Ceisteanna (286, 287)
James Geoghegan
Ceist:286. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will detail how many physical letters the Minister’s offices and the customer service team in the Department received from the public in 2024; whether those letters are digitised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18457/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraJames Geoghegan
Ceist:287. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will detail how many emails the Minister’s offices and the customer service mailbox the Department received from the public in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18474/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 286 and 287 together.
My office, and those of my colleagues, Minister of State Alan Dillon and Minister of State Malcolm Noonan, received an exceptionally high number of emails and letters in hard copy from a range of sources on a wide variety of matters in 2024.
Accordingly, it is not possible to determine the number of those emails or letters that were received from the public. However, correspondence received in each of the Ministers’ offices from members of the public, or from public representatives on behalf of members of the public, requesting information on matters directly relating to the functions of my Department are tracked in an e-Correspondence system. I can confirm that over the course of 2024 a total of 5,878 representations were received in my Department.
In addition, my Department has a dedicated Customer Service email address which is available to make enquiries on matters related to the work of the Department. A total of 5,254 emails, primarily from members of the public, were received to this email account in 2024.
All hard copy correspondence received in the Ministers’ offices and the Customer Service Unit is scanned and recorded electronically for processing and, where applicable, recorded on the eCorrespondence system mentioned above.
Question No. 287 answered with Question No. 286.
Departmental Functions
Ceisteanna (288)
James Geoghegan
Ceist:288. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will detail whether any surveys have been carried out to estimate the amount of time taken up with administrative tasks where such time could be used more efficiently; if so, in which areas of the Department has this examination been carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18491/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is committed to continuously adapting and improving its structures and processes so that its organisational structure, culture, governance, processes and technology, together with a learning culture, support the delivery of its strategic goals.
In pursuit of this commitment, over the past several years my Department has focused on delivery of several strategies and action plans, including but not limited to:
• Data Strategy – 2030;
• Digital Strategy - 2030
• Organisational Capability Review and Implementation Plan; and
• WELL – Our People Strategy
Social Welfare Schemes
Ceisteanna (289)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:289. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection in relation to invalidity pension, if a change has taken place with regard to the application criteria from ‘incapable to work for the following 12-month period’ to ‘incapable to work permanently’; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18094/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My 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.
Invalidity Pension is a weekly payment to people who are regarded as being permanently incapable of work because of a long-term illness or disability and who are covered by PRSI contributions.
To qualify, a person must satisfy both medical and social insurance (PRSI) conditions.
The medical criteria has not changed: a person must have been incapable of work for at least 12 months and be likely to be incapable of work for at least another 12 months, or must be permanently incapable of work.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment
Ceisteanna (290)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:290. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of recipients of the pandemic unemployment payment who were retrospectively deemed ineligible for the amount they received and asked to repay overpayments; the delay between each such recipient receiving their last payment and being informed that they were subsequently being deemed ineligible; the reason for this delay; the process by which his Department decided to retrospectively review eligibility; and the total amount being sought in repayment for pandemic unemployment payment overpayments by his Department. [18148/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) was introduced in 2020 in response to the unprecedented disruption caused to the Irish labour market on foot of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Some 880,000 people received at least one payment under the scheme. In total, some 30 million individual payments issued under the scheme.
The Department is undertaking a number of reviews aimed at identifying cases where claimants may not have satisfied the eligibility criteria for receipt of PUP. To date, just over 43,000 Pandemic Unemployment Payment overpayments totaling €105 million in value have been assessed by my department.
These reviews are currently focused on cases where there is an apparent overlap between PUP payment records and employer payroll returns to Revenue.
Under Section 68L (1) (d) of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended), PUP was not payable where a person was engaged in insurable employment, that is, worked as an employee. My Department has conducted an extensive analysis of Pandemic Unemployment Payments in the period since 5th August 2020 and has cross checked payments against employer payroll records submitted to the Revenue Commissioners. Where an overlap of PUP and employment has been identified, the person is contacted in relation to a possible overpayment. The Department continues to process these cases and engage with relevant customers.
When contacted about their overpayment, people are given the opportunity to provide clarification on the matter and/or submit relevant information. People are also advised of their right to seek a review of the overpayment decision and their right to appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office, which operates independently of my Department. In addition people are informed of the range of options available to them in repaying the debt, including instalment plans, direct debit, standing order or by cheque. People also have the option of repaying their debt online if they have a MyGovID account.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Schemes
Ceisteanna (291)
Pádraig Rice
Ceist:291. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Social Protection if he intends to revise the fee paid to optometrists under the PRSI benefit scheme; if so, the status of these plans; the timeline for its implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18171/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Treatment Benefit is a PRSI-based scheme which provides free dental and optical services, along with assistance towards the provision of audiological appliances and hair replacement products, to people who satisfy certain qualifying conditions, and to their dependent spouses/partners.
The Department is committed to an annual review of the Treatment Benefit Optical scheme. The Department have consulted with the relevant representative body and are engaging with relevant stakeholders to bring the review to a conclusion.
The review is a priority for the Department.
On conclusion of the review, all panelists providing services under the scheme will be contacted.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Schemes
Ceisteanna (292)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:292. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection if there is an age limit for the new baby grant concerning adoptive children; what the age limit is; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18201/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Child Benefit is a monthly payment to the parents or guardians of children under 16 years of age. Child Benefit can also be claimed for children aged 16,17 and 18 if they are in full-time education or full-time training or have a disability and cannot support themselves. Child Benefit becomes payable in respect of newborn babies in the month after their birth.
As part of Budget 2025, a new baby grant of €280 was introduced. This is paid to families of babies born on or after 1 December 2024 in addition to their regular first month’s Child Benefit payment of €140. It is a once-off payment paid to the qualified person, provided that person did not so qualify on a date later than one month after the birth or the date of placement of the qualified child.
It is important to note that, as the newborn baby grant is paid automatically with Child Benefit payments, there is no additional application for the grant, so parents and adoptive parents of new babies do not need to do anything extra to receive the grant.
Social Welfare Schemes
Ceisteanna (293)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:293. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection the new income disregard for the carer’s allowance that will come into effect on July 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18202/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is very aware of the key role that family carers play in Irish society and the challenges they face and is fully committed to supporting carers in that role.
From July 2025, the weekly income disregard for Carer's Allowance will increase from €450 to €625 for a single person, and from €900 to €1,250 for carers with a spouse or partner. This will make the scheme accessible to more people.
There have been a number of significant improvements made to the income thresholds in the means test for Carer’s Allowance in recent years. Since June 2022, there have been cumulative increases to the disregards of €292.50 for a single carer and €585 for a carer who is part of couple.
The Programme for Government has set out a timeline which commits to significantly further increasing the income disregards for Carer’s Allowance in each Budget with a view to gradually phasing out the means test during the lifetime of the Government.
I trust that this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Schemes
Ceisteanna (294)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:294. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection if the homemaker’s scheme also covers households where parents are unmarried but a qualified cohabiting couple; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18203/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Homemakers Disregard Scheme was introduced in April 1994 for use in the Yearly Average (YA) calculation of the State Pension (Contributory). This allowed an applicant to apply under the Homemaker's Scheme for those years out of the workforce since April 1994 spent caring for children under age 12 or other dependent relatives to be disregarded in the calculation under the Yearly Average calculation method.
When the interim Total Contributions Approach (TCA) to establishing the rate of pay for the State Pension (Contributory) was launched in 2018, HomeCaring periods were introduced. Up to 20 years of HomeCaring periods can be considered and this includes periods prior to 1994.
Both the Homemakers scheme (for use in the YA method) and HomeCaring periods (for use in the TCA method) would only be applied once the qualifying criteria of 520 paid contributions have been met. Since 2024, those who have provided full time care for an Incapacitated dependent for 20 years or more can apply for Long-term Carers' Contributions (LTCC). These LTCCs can be used to satisfy the qualifying criteria of 520 contributions.
The civil status of the applicant is not considered when the Homemakers Disregard, HomeCaring Periods or Long-term Carers' Contributions are awarded. Eligibility is determined when the criteria for full time care of a child/children under 12 or for an incapacitated dependent is met by the person providing the care.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.