Pádraig Rice
Ceist:302. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the level of funding provided by his Department to the Dublin Pride Festival each year since 2019, in tabular form. [33322/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraDepartmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (302, 303, 304)
Pádraig Rice
Ceist:303. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the level of funding provided by his Department to regional pride festivals each year since 2019, by festival, in tabular form (details supplied). [33323/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraPádraig Rice
Ceist:304. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he plans to make additional funding available to the Dublin Pride Festival and those in other regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33324/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 302, 303 and 304 together.
Pride is a national awareness programme, part of an international expression of identity and a campaign for equality and respect. It is organised at community level and the whole of June is considered Pride month.
2024 held significant anniversaries for LGBTQ+ group in the republic and PRIDE continues to build on this in 2025, including the 10th anniversary of the referendum on marriage equality. The Department has provided Pride Festival with an annual allocation for its national programme, and the allocations to date are as follows;
|
- |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Culture Funding |
37,812 |
11,306 |
54,000 |
54,000 |
53,882 |
54,000 |
Applications for funding include a business case submitted to the Department which is considered during the annual Estimates process. Departmental funds are allocated annually based on consideration of these proposals, competing demands and the availability and most effective use of resources.
Question No. 303 answered with Question No. 302.
Question No. 304 answered with Question No. 302.
Universal Basic Income
Ceisteanna (305)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:305. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the total cost of the basic income for the arts scheme in each year since it was introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33332/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The current pilot scheme costs approximately €35m per year based on 2000 recipients receiving €325 weekly. The net cost is likely to be less, given the high number of BIA recipients who were previously on social welfare supports prior to the BIA. A Cost Benefit Analysis currently underway should bring further insights to the overall costs and impacts of the scheme.
Including administration and other costs the outturn each year has been as follows (to nearest €,000):
2022 €11,373,000
2023 €34,508,000
2024 €34,344,000
2025 to-date €17,254,000
The total expenditure varies year-on-year due to natural attrition of participants and as administration and other costs fluctuate, for example external research costs.
Following a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 17th June, I have secured Government approval to extend the Basic Income for the Arts Pilot scheme for current participants for 6 months until February 2026 (inclusive). The cost of the 6 month extension is €16.7m.
The Programme for Government commits to assessing the Basic Income for the Arts pilot research scheme to maximise its impact. I fully appreciate the importance of the Basic Income support for artists. I know there is broad-based support for the scheme, and I met recently with the National Campaign for the Arts (NCFA) to hear its views on the scheme in detail.
Evaluation of the pilot is continuous, as participants complete a survey every six months. My Department is currently preparing a report examining the first 24 months of the scheme. A further interview research paper, written by an independent researcher, was published recently. This paper collects the experiences of 50 BIA recipients, who have been interviewed by a sociologist.
While the research phase of the pilot scheme is still ongoing, it is clear from evidence collected to date under the scheme that it is having a positive impact on participants. This data shows that the BIA payment is having a consistent, positive impact across almost all indicators - affecting practice development, sectoral retention, well-being, and deprivation. Artists in receipt of the support are typically able to devote more time to their art, produce more pieces of work, experience a boost to their wellbeing through greater life satisfaction and reduced anxiety, and are protected from the precariousness of incomes in the sector to a greater degree than those who are not receiving the support.
A Government decision will be required on a successor scheme to the pilot, and the future of the BIA will be decided when the final results of the research are available which will provide the Government with the evidence base upon which to base future policy decisions about the Basic Income for the Arts.
Departmental Staff
Ceisteanna (306)
Emer Currie
Ceist:306. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the number of people working full-time and part-time in his Department and bodies under the aegis of the Department in roles that are fully on-site, hybrid, or fully remote from 2022 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33497/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department's blended working policy requires all staff to attend a minimum of two days per week in the office.
The roles of Service Officers, Head Service Officers, Service Attendants and Civilian Drivers are not suitable for hybrid working due to the nature of these roles.
The data available relates to the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport & Media, prior to the changes in function coming into effect on 1 June.
Information relating to the years 2022 to 2025 is set out in tabular form below:
|
Date |
Total No. of Staff in Department |
Part time staff (FTE<1) |
Fully Onsite |
Hybrid |
|
31st May 2025 |
506 |
27 |
18 |
488 |
|
31st December 2024 |
483 |
27 |
16 |
467 |
|
31st December 2023 |
459 |
28 |
13 |
446 |
|
31st December 2022 |
407 |
31 |
14 |
393 |
With regard to bodies under the aegis of my Department, the information sought by the Deputy is an operational matter for those bodies and not something for which I have direct day-to-day responsibility.
Defective Building Materials
Ceisteanna (307)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Ceist:307. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will amend the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 to include the remediation of apartments impacted by defective concrete blocks. [33238/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) Act 2022 (the Act) commenced on 22 June 2023 which contains the current grant scheme and the related Regulations were adopted on 29 June 2023.
Under the DCB scheme apartments are not included for remediation.
However, with respect to defective apartments, Government has approved the drafting of legislation to support the remediation of fire safety, structural safety and water ingress defects in purpose-built apartment buildings, including duplexes, constructed between 1991 and 2013. The legislative approach proposed for remediating defects in apartments may also be applicable to apartment buildings affected by defective concrete blocks and this will be considered further in tandem with the development of the legislation.
Wind Energy Guidelines
Ceisteanna (308)
Aisling Dempsey
Ceist:308. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on the intentions of Government to bring forward new guidelines to replace the 2006 guidelines on wind energy; and if further changes to the planning process are being considered in respect of the need to ensure that the views and concerns of local communities affected by large scale wind farms and super-sized turbines are heard, analysed and given the appropriate weight in terms of their consideration. [33244/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is currently undertaking a focused review of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines. The review is addressing a number of key aspects of the Guidelines including noise, setback distance, shadow flicker, community obligation, community dividend and grid connections.
My Department, in conjunction with the Department of the Climate, Energy and Environment (DCEE) which has primary responsibility for environmental noise matters, has been working to advance guidance on the noise aspect of the Guidelines, which is highly technical in nature. The two Departments have been engaging on proposals regarding the measurement and assessment of noise from wind turbines to ensure they are robust and fit for purpose having regard to, inter alia, the revised 2030 target to generate up to 80% of our electricity from renewable sources.
Further to this engagement, DCEE, in the context of its environmental noise remit, appointed noise consultants in May 2023 to inform any amendments to the noise aspect of the Guidelines. This work is now substantially complete.
My Department, in conjunction with DCEE, will make any further changes to the draft Guidelines which are deemed necessary or appropriate in the wake of this work to ensure that the finalised Guidelines, once issued, are fit for purpose to provide guidance in line with renewable energy and climate targets, whilst having appropriate regard to the impacts of wind energy development, including in relation to noise annoyance.
The evolving policy and technical context including the new Planning and Development Act 2024, which was signed by the President on 17 October 2024, and the revision of the National Planning Framework (NPF) reinforces the need to ensure that the finalised Guidelines, once issued, are fit for purpose.
In addition to this work, and in line with EU Directive requirements, a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is being carried out on the draft Guidelines as part of the review process. In this regard, my Department intends to undertake a public consultation on updated draft Guidelines as part of the SEA process whereby all interested parties will have an opportunity to submit observations on the draft Guidelines. Finalised Guidelines will be prepared following detailed analysis and consideration of the submissions received during the consultation phase.
More generally, with regard to the planning process and ensuring that the views of communities concerning wind energy developments are heard and given appropriate consideration, I wish to highlight that public participation is a crucial element of all substantive decision-making processes under the Planning and Development Act 2000, and the recently enacted Planning and Development Act 2024. As part of the process to review city and county development plans, it is open to members of the public to make an observation or submission on the draft development plan. The development plan sets out land use zoning objectives and outlines the types of potential development, including ancillary developments, which might be suitable for a particular area, and may include objectives for wind energy development. In addition, it is open to any member of the public to make an observation or submission on a planning application, including in relation to a proposed wind energy development, and the planning authority is statutorily obliged to consider such observation or submission before making a decision on the application.
My Department notes the commitment in the recently published Programme for Government 2025 – Securing Ireland’s Future to prioritise the publication of the Wind Energy Development Guidelines, having regard to international best practice and standards. In light of this commitment, my Department is working towards concluding the finalisation of review of the Guidelines as a matter of priority, having regard to the intended public consultation and the finalisation of associated reforms and reviews including the revision of the NPF. When finalised, the revised Guidelines will be issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended or, subject to commencement of the Planning and Development Act 2024, as a National Planning Statement, as appropriate. The current 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines remain in force, pending the finalisation of the review.
Appointments to State Boards
Ceisteanna (309)
Erin McGreehan
Ceist:309. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the timeline for nominations and appointments to the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland Board. [33252/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Building Control Act 2007, as Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage I am required to required to nominate Chairpersons and ordinary members to certain boards of the registration body for architects, the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland.
A campaign is currently underway looking for expressions of interest in these positions. The closing date was 19 June 2025. The link to this is available here on my Department's website at:
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/expressions-of-interest-are-requested-for-board-positions-of-the-registration-bodies-of-the-royal-institute-of-the-architects-of-ireland-riai-and-the-society-of-chartered-surveyors-ireland-scsi/
When the process has concluded, the applications will be reviewed and I will then be in a position to make these appointments.
Energy Conservation
Ceisteanna (310)
Erin McGreehan
Ceist:310. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the housing aid for older people grant, specifically whether boiler replacements remain eligible under the scheme; and if they are no longer included, the alternative supports that are available to cover such essential upgrades. [33261/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department provides funding under the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People, to assist people in private houses to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. The suite of grants, which include the Housing Adaptation Grant for Disabled People, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People Grant, are funded by my Department with a contribution from the local authority.
The European Union (Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations 2024 (S.I. No. 749/2024) transpose Article 17(15) of Directive 2024/1275 of the European Parliament and of the Council of the 24 April 2024 on the energy performance of buildings (recast) into Irish law. The Regulations provide that from the 1 January 2025 public bodies shall not provide any financial incentives for the installation of stand-alone boilers powered by fossil fuels other than those already approved under EU funds.
As a result, grants under the Housing Aid for Older People Grant scheme can no longer be provided for the installation of new stand-alone boilers powered by fossil fuels. The grant scheme is available for applications in respect of costs relating to the repair of an existing fossil fuel boiler by a qualified contractor or the purchase and installation of a second hand fossil fuel boiler by a qualified contractor.
Grants under the scheme may also be paid in respect of the repair or replacement of all other parts of a central heating system such as new radiators, oil tanks or pipework, regardless of connection to an existing fossil fuel boiler. Grants continue to be paid in respect of non fossil fuel heating such electric or biomass heating solutions e.g. wall mounted electric heaters or wood pellet stoves etc., where either are deemed to be a suitable option in line with applicant’s circumstances. The detailed administration of the schemes is the responsibility of the local authorities, therefore the qualifying works is a matter for consideration and decision on a case-by-case basis by the local authority within the scope of the grant scheme.
Grant funding for insulation works and associated heating systems related to home energy upgrades are appropriate to the schemes available from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Further information in relation to these schemes can be found on the SEAI website at: www.seai.ie/homeenergyupgrades.
Vacant Properties
Ceisteanna (311)
Erin McGreehan
Ceist:311. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has plans to extend the croí cónaithe scheme to include shop owners and business owners in town centres. [33264/25]
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 under the Croí Cónaithe, 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.
The grant is currently available to individuals for the conversion of former commercial or public use buildings as well as "Above the Shop" type conversions.
More information on the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant can be found on my Department's website here: www.gov.ie/en/service/f8f1b-vacant-property-refurbishment-grant/.
In conjunction with the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, other supports and grants may be used to bring these properties in towns and villages into use. The Conservation Advice 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.
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 unit completed in a formerly vacant property. For example, where a vacant former shop is converted into 4 apartments, a loan of up to €320,000 is available. The scheme is increasingly being used to convert vacant commercial properties into social housing units.
The new Programme for Government includes a range of commitments to tackle vacancy, including a commitment to create an ‘Above the Shop’ living refurbishment grant by topping up the vacant and derelict refurbishment grant. My Department is currently progressing this work.
Housing Policy
Ceisteanna (312)
Conor Sheehan
Ceist:312. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the Government’s new housing plan will be published; if he will guarantee that it will be published before the Dáil summer recess to allow for immediate debate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33268/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government 2025 – Securing Ireland’s Future, commits to introducing a new, all of government national housing plan to follow Housing for All, underpinned by a multi-annual funding commitment. Work is ongoing to bring forward this Plan as early as possible.
This plan must take a whole of Government approach, as Housing for All did, and therefore my Department is engaging across Government to agree the high-level actions in the Plan, which must be underpinned by the required funding in the National Development Plan (NDP). As such the timing of the publication of the new Housing Plan will be aligned with the outcome of the NDP review process currently being undertaken by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public service Reform and Digitalisation.
National Planning Framework
Ceisteanna (313)
Conor Sheehan
Ceist:313. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the revised national planning framework will be published; if he will guarantee that it will be published before the Dáil summer recess to allow for immediate debate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33269/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On 20 June 2023, Government gave approval to commence the process of undertaking the First Revision of the National Planning Framework. The National Planning Framework (NPF), is the whole-of-Government strategy for strategic planning and sustainable development of our urban and rural areas to 2040, with the core objectives of securing balanced regional development and a sustainable ‘compact growth’ approach to the form and pattern of future development.
The revision process was approved and published by Government and the Oireachtas in April 2025. The revised NPF provides the basis for the review and updating of regional strategies and local authority development plans to reflect matters such as updated housing figures, projected jobs growth and renewable energy capacity allocations, including through the zoning of land for residential, employment and a range of other purposes. The implementation of the Planning and Development Act 2024 will also be closely aligned with the implementation of the revised NPF, with updated regional strategies and new 10-year development plans required to reflect the revised NPF as they are prepared.
A copy of the National Planning Framework – First Revision with the associated environmental documents is available to view at www.npf.ie/.
National Parks and Wildlife Service
Ceisteanna (314)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:314. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will confirm unequivocally whether he is satisfied that the current policies, priorities, decisions and actions of his Department, including in particular, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, both should and do always treat the protection of public health and safety of citizens (especially but not exclusively, children, immune-compromised, otherwise vulnerable and elderly citizens) as being more important than the protection of wild birds, in particular in high density urban settings (for example, residential, schools, nursing homes, hospitals, food premises, and so on) as distinct from in natural/protected wild bird habitats; if he is not so fully satisfied, if he will advise of any circumstances and associated justifications, where he considers and or is advised by his Department/NPWS that the protection of wild birds is of higher importance than the protection of citizens, in particular in high-density urban settings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33273/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the terms of the Birds Directive (Directive 2009/147/EC), all Member States of the EU are obliged to take measures to protect all naturally occurring wild birds and their habitats. The Directive prohibits, inter alia, the deliberate killing or capture of wild birds by any method, the removal of nests or the taking of eggs. As a member of the EU, Ireland has an obligation under this law to protect all wild birds. The Birds Directive is transposed into Irish law through the European Communities (Birds & Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011; the Wildlife Act 1976; S.I. No. 576/2023 - European Communities (Birds Declarations) Regulations 2023, and a number of other legal instruments.
The prohibitions set out under the Birds Directive include:
- (a) deliberate killing or capture by any method
- (b) deliberate destruction of, or damage to, their nests and eggs or removal of their nests
- (c) taking their eggs in the wild and keeping these eggs even if empty
- (d) deliberate disturbance of these birds particularly during the period of breeding and rearing, in so far as disturbance would be significant having regard to the objectives of this Directive
- (e) keeping birds of species the hunting and capture of which is prohibited.
It is possible to derogate from these prohibitions where there is no other satisfactory solution, including on grounds of public health and safety. Under S.I. No. 576/2023 - European Communities (Birds Declarations) Regulations 2023, the Minister may allow certain actions against certain birds under certain circumstances including in the interests of public health and safety. This declaration is reviewed and renewed each year. A link to this Declaration is available below.
www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/files/general-declaration-1-january-2025-31-december-2025.pdf.
The National Parks & Wildlife Service is responsible for the administration of these laws and I am satisfied that they carry out their functions in a balanced and measured manner in line with the legislative provisions for the protection of wild birds.
Traveller Accommodation
Ceisteanna (315)
Conor Sheehan
Ceist:315. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if an application has been submitted by Cork City Council for funding for emergency funding to replace mobile homes/caravans used for Traveller housing damaged during Storm Éowyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33274/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998 provides that the role of my Department is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist housing authorities in providing accommodation for Travellers, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding.
The Act provides that housing authorities have statutory responsibility for the assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of multi-annual Traveller Accommodation Programmes (TAPs) in their areas.
My Department, cognisant of emergencies which arise from time to time which by their nature cannot be planned for or anticipated, has a well established scheme in place to provide funding to local authorities of up to 50% to assist with the cost of purchase of emergency replacement mobiles and caravans for Travellers. It is open to local authorities to submit an application for funding for an emergency replacement mobile at any time on foot of an unanticipated emergency, e.g. such as flood/storm/fire damage, that would render a caravan uninhabitable or dangerous to live in, including in the case of storm Éowyn. Applications must be on the basis of a particular emergency explaining the circumstances involved. Applications are assessed and dealt with in a timely manner, recognising the emergency nature of the scheme.
My Department engages with the local authorities, including Cork City Council, where applications are made for emergency replacement mobiles. I understand that Cork City Council is considering its options relating to mobiles found to be damaged following storm Éowyn. Details on any planned applications by local authorities for Emergency Replacement Mobiles may be available directly from the local authorities, including Cork City Council.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (316)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:316. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on an application from Kerry County Council (details supplied);; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33290/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), I, as Minister, am specifically precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular case with which a planning authority or the Board is or may be concerned.
Defective Building Materials
Ceisteanna (317)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Ceist:317. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if individuals who accessed the defective concrete blocks scheme prior to 29 March 2024 will be eligible for any additional payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33294/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (the Act) commenced on 22 June 2023 which contains the current grant scheme and the related Regulations were adopted on 29 June 2023.
Following updated cost reports from the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) and advice from the Expert Group established to consider the matter, a further increase was provided for on 23 October 2024. The Scheme Cap has risen by 10% to €462,000. An increase in the scheme grant rates of between 7.4% and 8.7% that are set out in the 2023 Regulations was also approved on 7 November 2024.
The Act provides that any increase in the scheme cap or grant rates will apply to eligible relevant owners that are yet to receive a determination in respect of remediation option and grant amount. My Department sought legal advice that confirmed that extending these increases to a wider group of relevant owners, i.e. those who had already received a determination but were experiencing increased constructions costs during their ongoing remediation works, required amending the Act.
I can confirm I received Government approval (on 4 June, 2025) for the priority drafting of the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks (Amendment) Bill which includes details of the wider group of relevant owners that can avail of increases in the grant scheme cap and rates approved in October and November 2024.
This legislation will be prioritised and progressed as expeditiously as possible, however, it should be noted that amending the Act is a matter for the Oireachtas.
Departmental Inquiries
Ceisteanna (318)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:318. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to give a detailed response to enquiries (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33370/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I note the concerns raised in the correspondence referred to in the question and a direct reply will issue as soon as possible.
Defective Building Materials
Ceisteanna (319, 320)
Barry Heneghan
Ceist:319. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Bill will be brought before the Oireachtas Housing Committee for pre-legislative scrutiny by autumn 2025, given the urgent need to advance the implementation of the remediation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33447/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraBarry Heneghan
Ceist:320. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will ensure that the full legislative process on the Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Bill is completed by Easter recess 2026, to allow the scheme to open for applications by autumn 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33448/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 319 and 320 together.
The drafting of the Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Bill is progressing. Various issues requiring legal advice are under consideration. The Bill is included in the Government Legislation Summer Programme 2025 and I intend to seek Government approval to publish shortly. The General Scheme will be made available to undergo pre-legislative scrutiny as soon as is practicable and I would anticipate this happening in 2025.
When enacted, the Statutory Scheme will provide supports for the remediation of relevant fire safety, structural safety and water ingress defects in purpose-built apartment buildings, including duplexes, constructed between 1991 and 2013. It is envisaged that 100% of eligible remediation costs will be funded under the Scheme.
Question No. 320 answered with Question No. 319.
Local Authorities
Ceisteanna (321, 322, 323)
Liam Quaide
Ceist:321. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for the number of staff employed in Cork County Council to address vacancy and dereliction; the population size served by the local authority area of Cork county; the number of vacant or derelict properties in the local authority area issued with compulsory purchase orders in the years 2022, 2023 and 2024; and the amount of derelict site levies collected. [33457/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraLiam Quaide
Ceist:322. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of staff employed in Limerick city and County Council to address vacancy and dereliction; the population size served by the local authority area of Limerick city and county; the number of vacant or derelict properties in the local authority area issued with compulsory purchase orders in the years 2022, 2023 and 2024; and the amount of derelict site levies collected. [33458/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraLiam Quaide
Ceist:323. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for the number of staff employed in Waterford city and County Council to address vacancy and dereliction; the population size served by the local authority area of Waterford city and county; the number of vacant or derelict properties in the local authority area issued with compulsory purchase orders in the years 2022, 2023 and 2024; and the amount of derelict site levies collected. [33459/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 321, 322 and 323 together.
While my Department has a role in strategic workforce planning within the local government sector, Section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001 provides that each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he or she is responsible.
However, my Department provides funding of €60,000 per annum to support each local authority's Vacant Homes Office, including a Vacant Homes Officer (VHO), this was increased from €50,000 in 2022. This supports the commitment in Housing for All to ensure that the VHO role in each local authority is full time. The provision of central funding reinforces the capacity of local authorities, including through the important role of VHOs, to ensure a dedicated focus on tackling vacancy and dereliction. Since 2023, all 31 local authorities have a full-time VHO in place.
Under the Derelict Sites Act 1990, local authorities are required to maintain a Derelict Sites Register, which includes the name and address of each owner and occupier, where these can be ascertained by reasonable enquiry, of any land which, in the opinion of the local authority, is a derelict site.
A property can be placed on the Derelict Site Register where it is deemed by a local authority to satisfy the criteria under section 3 of the Act i.e. (i) it is in a dangerous or ruinous condition; (ii) it is in a neglected or unsightly condition; or (iii) there is a presence of litter, waste or debris on the site. Section 8(5) of the Act, provides that "The register shall be kept at the offices of the local authority and shall be available for inspection at the offices of the local authority during office hours."
Local authorities are empowered under a number of statutes to acquire land, by agreement or compulsorily, for the purposes of performing any of their functions. Specifically, the number of derelict sites acquired within their functional area by local authorities under the provisions of the Derelict Sites Act 1990 (the Act) is submitted to my Department by local authorities as part of their annual return on the operation of the Act. My Department does not however gather data on the compulsory acquisition or agreement processes initiated. The number of sites acquired under the Act by Cork County Council, Limerick City & County Council and Waterford City & County Council either by way of compulsory acquisition or by agreement, and the levies collected, in the years 2022 and 2023 are provided in the Table attached. My Department is currently engaged with the local authorities in the process of collecting and collating the 2024 annual returns.
|
- |
2022 |
2022 |
2022 |
2023 |
2023 |
2023 |
|
Local Authority |
No. of Derelict Sites acquired by agreement |
No. of Derelict Sites acquired compulsorily |
Total Amount received in respect of levies in 2022 |
No. of Derelict Sites acquired by agreement |
No. of Derelict Sites acquired compulsorily |
Total Amount received in respect of levies in 2023 |
|
Cork County |
0 |
0 |
€3,300 |
0 |
3 |
€0 |
|
Limerick City & County |
3 |
41 |
€48,382 |
0 |
29 |
€286,076 |
|
Waterford City & County |
3 |
1 |
€0 |
2 |
4 |
€0 |
Question No. 322 answered with Question No. 321.
Question No. 323 answered with Question No. 321.
Marine Protected Areas
Ceisteanna (324)
Joe Cooney
Ceist:324. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the marine protected areas Bill will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33476/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Marine Protected Areas Bill is at an advanced stage of drafting. It is intended to finalise this draft as soon as possible. However the Bill will need revision to reflect new Ministerial responsibilities and transfers of functions between Departments once these have taken place.
It should be noted that, in the context of this forthcoming transfer of the marine environment function from my Department to the Department of Climate Energy and the Environment, an exercise is being undertaken to explore how the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021 could be revised as an alternative approach, so that the overarching objectives of MPA Bill might be met through amendment of that Act.
A decision as to which is the optimal legislative approach will be taken shortly after the transfer of the marine environment function. This decision will be based on which approach will allow for the earliest designation of an ecologically coherent network of MPAs to enable Ireland to meet its target of 30% MPA coverage of our maritime area by 2030.
Heritage Schemes
Ceisteanna (325, 326)
Joe Cooney
Ceist:325. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the percentage of the 2025 budget for Historic Structure Fund that was spent in the first five months of 2025; and if he will provide corresponding figures for same period in the years of 2023 and 2024, in tabular form. [33477/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraJoe Cooney
Ceist:326. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the percentage of the 2025 Budget for built heritage investment scheme that was spent in the first five months of 2025; if he will provide corresponding figures for the same period in the years of 2023 and 2024, in tabular form. [33478/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 325 and 326 together.
The Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) are the two main grant schemes provided by my Department for the repair and conservation of protected structures and certain other historic buildings. Both schemes are administered in the main by the local authorities with funding from the National Built Heritage Service (NBHS).
The BHIS provides grants of between €2,500 and €50,000 for a wide range of conservation works, while the HSF provides grants of between €50,000 and €200,000 for similar works at a larger scale. Earlier this year I announced funding of €8.1m for 650 projects under BHIS 2025 and over €3.5 million to 28 larger projects under HSF 2025 to help repair and protect historic buildings throughout the country.
Both these schemes are offered on an annual basis, with applications being made to local authorities in the first instance, prior to approval by my Department. Once funding offers are made to successful applicants at the beginning of each year, they must undertake and complete the works during the months prior to the closing dates for their relevant local authority. The local authority only approves and pays for these works upon their completion, and subsequently applies for recoupment of these funds from my Department every November. As such, Departmental funding for these schemes is drawn down by each local authority in November / December each year.
Question No. 326 answered with Question No. 325.
Departmental Staff
Ceisteanna (327)
Emer Currie
Ceist:327. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of people working full-time and part-time in his Department and bodies under the aegis of the Department in roles that are fully on-site, hybrid, or fully remote from 2022 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33505/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Staff in my Department are employed on a full-time basis. A small number of staff elect to work on a less than 100% attendance pattern - commonly referred to as ‘Worksharing’. Worksharers may revert to a 100% pattern should they so choose. The table below shows staff numbers and percentages from 2022 to date.
|
Year |
FTE |
100% Attendance Pattern |
Worksharing |
100% |
% Worksharing |
|
2022 |
1604 |
1486 |
118 |
93% |
7% |
|
2023 |
1719 |
1609 |
110 |
94% |
6% |
|
2024 |
1783 |
1667 |
116 |
93% |
7% |
|
To 01/05/2025 |
1827 |
1716 |
111 |
94% |
6% |
My Department launched its blended working policy in June 2022, based on the centrally agreed Framework for Blended Working in Civil Service Organisations. A phased rollout of blended working arrangements took place in my Department from September 2022 to March 2023. The Blended Working Framework does not allow for fully remote work; consequently 5 days per week working from home arrangements are not available in my Department.
The majority of staff in my Department hold positions which are eligible for blended working. My Department’s blended working model specifies 3 days per week working in the office and 2 days per week working from home, with a flexible option of 2 days per week in the office and 3 days per week working from home. This flexibility is at the discretion of the Head of Business Unit and takes account of business needs to ensure service delivery and support organisational cohesion.
88% of staff are approved and availing of a Blended Working arrangement. The breakdown by year is as follows:
|
Year |
FTE |
Staff approved for Blended Working |
Staff approved for Blended Working who are worksharing |
|
2022 |
1604 |
733 |
56 |
|
2023 |
1719 |
493 |
32 |
|
2024 |
1783 |
326 |
13 |
|
To 01/05/2025 |
1827 |
64 |
12 |
My Department does not maintain the requested information in respect of the State bodies under its aegis. 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 addresses in this regard are 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 |
Social Welfare Payments
Ceisteanna (328)
Mark Wall
Ceist:328. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will initiate a review of his Departments processes for assessing the entitlement to the domiciliary care allowance, given the fact that nearly a third of rejected applications are overturned on appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33118/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Domiciliary Care Allowance is a non-means-tested payment of €360 per month to a parent or guardian for a child aged up to 16 who has a severe disability. The child must require care and attention substantially over and above that required by other children their age.
Applications for DCA are decided by a Deciding Officer on an individual case by case basis, based on the details provided in the application form by the applicant and from the child’s GP / Specialist. If any additional information or supporting documentary evidence is provided with the application, this is also considered.
All new applications for DCA are referred for the opinion of a Medical Assessor (MA) of the Department. The MA considers the severity of the child's condition, the expected duration, the child's associated care needs and provides their professional opinion in relation to the child's eligibility for DCA.
The main reason that applications for DCA are unsuccessful is that the child does not satisfy the medical criteria for the scheme. Eligibility for DCA is not based entirely on the child's disability or diagnosis, but primarily on the impact of the disability / diagnosis in terms of the associated care and attention required by the child compared to another child of the same age without their disability. Where decisions are overturned on either review or appeal this does not mean that the initial decision was incorrect. A decision can be overturned because the person requesting a review or appeal provides additional information which was not made available when the original decision was made.
My Department is committed to providing a quality service to parents and guardians of children with complex needs and has recently added the DCA scheme to MyWelfare, the Department’s online platform. In the development of the online application process, the opportunity was taken to explore how the design of the online application form might make the process easier for applicants based on their feedback. This has led to additional explanatory information being added and the use of web links to provide further information on the scheme’s criteria.
The development of the online application involved consulting with DCA recipients and national carers’ advocacy groups. This engagement process will continue to illicit feedback on the service on an ongoing basis. Information on applying for DCA is now also supported through a video to assist applicants at each stage of the process. The video and further detail is available at www.gov.ie/dca.
Social Welfare Eligibility
Ceisteanna (329)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:329. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Social Protection if there are plans to abolish the means test criteria for carers, who provide an invaluable service to their cared on behalf of the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26363/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government sets out a timeline which commits to significantly increasing the income disregards for Carer’s Allowance in each Budget with a view to phasing out the means test during the lifetime of the Government.
There have been a number of significant changes made to the Carer’s Allowance means test in recent years. Next month, there will be a further increase which will see the weekly income disregard rise from €450 to €625 for a single person, and from €900 to €1,250 for carers with a spouse/partner. This amounts to cumulative increases to the disregards of €292.50 and €585 respectively since June 2022. These increases make the scheme accessible to more people and may increase payment rates for those currently on a reduced rate.
The increases in July will mean that a carer in a two-adult household with an income of approximately €69,000 will still retain their full Carers payment and even with an income of €97,000 will retain a partial payment.
It should also be noted that my department also provides other supports for carers which are not based on a means assessment. These include the Carer’s Support Grant, Carer’s Benefit and Domiciliary Care Allowance. The Carer's Support Grant of €2,000 was paid to over 138,000 carers on 5 June.
It is important that we make progress in a way that is sustainable, and which balances the allocation of the available budgetary resources each year across all priorities. This includes funding services to other vulnerable groups. That is why we have committed to a measured and phased approach over a number of budgets.
I trust that this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Eligibility
Ceisteanna (330)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:330. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to provide for more flexibility around the TÚS scheme to allow those under 20 years and unemployed to participate, to reduce the qualifying period for those aged 20-25 to six months, to reduce the mandatory minimum period of time between TÚS placements to two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26331/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Tús is a community work placement initiative which aims to provide short-term work opportunities for those unemployed customers. The focus of Tús is on jobseekers that are unemployed for twelve months or more, and the targeted activation of this cohort aims to provide additional assistance and a renewed impetus to these jobseekers who could otherwise be in danger of falling into persistent long-term unemployment. Any changes to the qualifying period could undermine the aim of Tús which is to support those who are long term unemployed.
My Department has made a number of changes to the Tús eligibility criteria which were implemented to increase overall participant numbers on the programme: -
• a pilot project has been introduced for 18-year-olds who are fully unemployed, in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance and who have been identified as having a low probability of securing employment. They are now provided with immediate access to the Tús programme.
• the eligibility criteria was also amended to include persons 18 years of age or over and in receipt of Disability Allowance. The extension of Tús to people in receipt of Disability Allowance on a self- referral basis, opens possibilities to people who have not been able to avail of the scheme to date.
• The Beneficiary of Temporary Protection (BoTP) payable to eligible persons who resides in Designated Accommodation Centres, is now a qualifying payment for Tús. Customers in receipt of a BoTP payment may self-refer to Tús once they satisfy the 12-month eligibility criteria.
The policy changes introduced will provide disadvantaged customers with an opportunity to engage in meaningful work placements within their local communities while also assisting local Implementing Bodies (IB) with the ongoing delivery of their vital community services.
A minimum period of three years between Tús placements is in place to allow participants who have not secured employment sufficient time to actively engage with the labour market. If they remain unemployed in the year following the completion of their Tús placement, they may be eligible for further employment supports from the Department including Back to Education Allowance, Back to Work Enterprise Allowance and Community Employment. Any reduction in the three-year rule for re-participation needs to be considered in the wider context of unemployment levels and overall pressures in the labour market.
Both the Government and I remain fully committed to supporting and improving Tús and other activation schemes, to better support eligible participants and to acknowledge the important services they provide to local communities across the country. The eligibility criteria for the Tús scheme will continue to be kept under active review by my Department, to ensure the best possible outcomes for participants, while supporting the vital community services delivered through the scheme.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
School Meals Programme
Ceisteanna (331)
Cathy Bennett
Ceist:331. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Social Protection to outline her engagements regarding the hot school meals programme. [31315/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The objective of the School Meals Programme is to provide regular, nutritious food to children to support them in taking full advantage of the education provided to them. The programme is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and extra educational achievement.
The School Meals programme has grown from a small pilot of 30 schools to a nationwide programme available to all remaining primary schools this year. This means that 3,200 schools and 550,000 children will now be eligible for hot school meals from September 2025. This is an extremely progressive programme, and I am determined to ensure that we continue to build on the great success of the scheme.
In total, 3,700 schools and 682,000 children, will be eligible for the School Meals Programme in 2025. As part of the Programme for Government I plan to commence the rollout of Hot School Meals to secondary schools over the lifetime of this Government.
My department has established an interdepartmental working group, which includes the Department of Health, the Department of Education, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and the Department of Children, Equality and Disability, to oversee and make recommendations on the operation of the scheme, including nutrition, inspection and evaluation.
There is a nutritional standard in place for the School Meals Programme since it’s inception. A specific standard was set for School Meals under the Nutritional Standards for School Meals and Nutritional Standards for Hot School Meals. A technical Nutrition Sub Group comprised of Dietitians from the following organisations was involved in developing these standards:
• The Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute of Ireland,
• The HSE,
• Safefood, and
• The Food Safety Authority of Ireland.
These standards are available to all schools, organisations and suppliers and are publicly available on gov.ie
I have directed that a review of the scheme’s nutritional standards be undertaken. This will be conducted by a dietician who will be supervised by the Department of Health and in coordination with the Interdepartmental Group on School Meals. I have asked for a report on the nutritional standards be submitted to me by the end of the year.
My department also has an oversight role in relation to the school meals programme and conducts regular inspections of schools. Under the existing audit process, some 400 schools are inspected annually by my department. These inspections assist my department in ensuring standards are being met in relation to different areas of the School Meals Programme.
In the meantime, food that is high in saturated fat, sugar and salt will be removed from the school menus by September 2025. Up to now this food had been permitted once a week at most and only when selected by the child's parents.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
Social Welfare Benefits
Ceisteanna (332)
Shane Moynihan
Ceist:332. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider streamlining jobseeker's benefit claims during holidays for school bus escorts and other seasonal education workers to ensure timely payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33237/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Educational Sector Workers (ESWs), including School Bus Escorts, who wish to avail of income support while temporarily laid-off during the school breaks can apply for a jobseeker’s payment. They must satisfy all the qualifying conditions to receive a payment. This includes completing the relevant claim application forms and providing supporting documentation in a timely manner while also being available for full-time work and genuinely seeking work at each school break.
A jobseeker’s payment is only paid for days of unemployment where the person is not being remunerated for by their employer, including receipt of any holiday pay entitlement during the school break.
Those who have previously been in contact with my Department, are issued with a repeat jobseeker’s application form and a holiday entitlement form in advance of the school holiday periods. This advance process facilitates an efficient service to these customers and allows for speedy processing of their claim when the period of unemployment actually arises.
It is important to note that Educational Sector Workers, including School Bus Escorts, are still required to sign on for each period of unemployment and satisfy all the qualifying conditions for a jobseeker’s payment. As each claim is assessed individually, and each person's employment history, including previous claims is different, the payment due will also be different.
It should be noted, there is no specific scheme available for Educational Sector Workers when they are temporarily laid-off during all the school breaks. The appropriate scheme is jobseeker’s subject to the person meeting all the qualifying conditions including being available for full-time work and genuinely seeking work.
Over the last number of years my Department has dedicated teams working solely on Educational Sector Workers claims in order to minimise delays for people. However, the large volume of jobseeker's claims received at the school breaks means that some decisions on these claims may take a number of weeks to process. If any customer is in urgent financial need my Department’s Community Welfare Service can provide assistance while they wait for their claim to be processed.