Written Answers Nos. 581-600
582. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average waiting time for households on the social housing list in Cork city; the number of households waiting more than five years and more than ten years; and the measures being taken to reduce these waiting periods. [51979/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails on the number of households qualified for social housing support in each local authority administrative area is provided in the annual statutory Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA).
The most recently published summary for all counties, conducted in November 2024, is available on my Department's website, along with all summaries since 2011 at www.gov.ie/en/collection/62486-summary-of-social-housing-assessments/
The key figure reported in the SSHA is referred to as ‘net need’. Net need is the total number of households qualified for social housing support whose need for support is not being met. This total excludes duplicate applications, those in receipt of social housing support and households on a transfer list.
While the average waiting time per local authority list is not captured, details on the length of time spent on the respective lists of each local authority are included in tables 2.8 and A1.8 in the report. It does not provide a breakdown of the number of years beyond the category of more than 7 years.
The Government is committed to increasing the supply of housing, including new social homes. This is demonstrated by the record level of investment provided for the delivery of Housing in 2025, with overall capital funding available of almost €7.5 billion.
583. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of vacant local authority dwellings in Cork city as of the latest date available; the average turnaround time for re-letting; and the steps being taken to accelerate this process. [51980/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal authorities will always have a level of vacancy in their housing stock, which will fluctuate over time, as tenancy surrender and re-letting of stock is a rolling process. Therefore, ongoing data in relation to vacant local authority owned homes is not routinely collated by my Department.
Notwithstanding that, statistics in relation to social housing stock, at a point in time, are published by the National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC) in their Annual Reports on Performance Indicators in Local Authorities. These reports provide a range of information in relation to social housing stock, including levels of vacancy and average turnaround times for re-letting local authority owned properties. The most recent report for 2023 is available on the NOAC website at the following link: www.noac.ie/18-september-2024-local-authority-performance-indicator-report-2023/.
Furthermore, my intention, in accordance with the Programme for Government, is to introduce a new Voids programme which will have a renewed focus on prompt turnaround and re-letting of vacant units by focusing only on those works necessary to ensure compliance with the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019. Works identified which are not immediately necessary to address should be carried out under the local authority’s planned maintenance programme informed by stock condition surveys, whereby all housing components are on an inspection, repair and replacement cycle.
584. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the level of funding allocated to Cork city Council for housing delivery in 2023 and 2024; and the projected allocation for 2025. [51981/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSocial Housing is delivered through a range of Local Authority and Approved Housing Body (AHB) delivery programmes. Capital expenditure on the delivery of new social homes is also supported by current funding provided through the Social Housing Current Expenditure Programme (SHCEP).
My Department does not provide specific allocations to local authorities, rather funding for housing programmes is made to the local authorities as programmes and projects advance and relevant claims fall due for payment.
The funding provided in 2023 and 2024 and to end August 2025 to Cork City Council in respect of housing delivery programmes is set out in the table below.
|
Year |
Funding €m |
|
2023 |
203 |
|
2024 |
226 |
|
2025 (to end August) |
136 |
It should be noted that the above table reflects the housing funding provided directly to Cork City Council only. In addition to the funds channelled to local authorities, my Department also provides funding to other bodies, for example, the Housing Agency, for the management and operation of a broad range of housing programmes, including for the delivery of social and affordable homes.
In relation to the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), Limerick City and County Council provides a highly effective HAP transactional shared service on behalf of all local authorities. This HAP Shared Services Centre (SSC) manages all HAP related rental transactions for the tenant, local authority and landlord. The Department does not recoup individual local authorities in respect of HAP rental payments in their administrative areas but rather recoups all landlord costs via the HAP SSC.
In 2025, Government has allocated almost €7.5bn in capital investment for Housing, inclusive of Land Development Agency investment (projected up to €1.25bn) and Housing Finance Agency (HFA) lending (projected €1.65bn). The 2025 capital funding is supplemented by €1.65 billion in current funding to address housing needs.
586. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the publication of the rural housing guidelines; when publication can be expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52027/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the publication of the current Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines in 2005 (which continue to have effect in addition to subsequent clarifications and national policy changes in the National Planning Framework) there have been important changes to our planning system. Most notably, obligations under European Directives and international agreements relating to the management and protection of the environment and adapting to and mitigating climate change have become more central to the operation of the planning system.
Updated Rural Housing Guidelines are currently being considered by my Department. The updated guidelines will expand on the high level spatial planning policy of the National Planning Framework (NPF), in particular on National Policy Objective (NPO) 28 which relates to rural housing. This objective makes a clear policy distinction between rural areas under urban influence (i.e. areas within the commuter catchment of cities, large towns and centres of employment) on the one hand, and structurally weaker rural areas where population levels may be low or declining, on the other. NPO 28 is also aligned with the established approach whereby considerations of social or economic need are to be applied by planning authorities in rural areas under urban influence.
The draft Rural Housing Guidelines will set out relevant planning criteria to be applied in local authority development plans for rural housing, based on the high level policy framework set by the NPF. Extensive work to conclude a draft is still ongoing.
587. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his Department's interpretation of barring orders and exclusion orders in the context of local authority tenancies, and the consequences for a respondent named on a tenancy. [52028/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra588. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if local authorities have a statutory responsibility to remove a respondent subject to a barring order or exclusion order from a joint tenancy; and if not, the reforms that are being considered. [52029/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra589. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how barring orders or exclusion orders are disclosed to local authorities, and whether a system is in place to ensure timely communication between the Courts Service, the Gardaí and local authorities. [52030/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra590. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if local authorities are currently obliged to remove perpetrators from a tenancy where a barring order is granted; and if not, whether legislation is being considered to mandate this. [52031/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra591. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the supports that are provided to victims and their families in cases where a perpetrator refuses to voluntarily surrender their tenancy despite a barring or exclusion order. [52032/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra592. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department is considering legislative change to allow victims and families to remain in the home, with the perpetrator legally removed from the tenancy. [52033/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 587 to 592, inclusive, together.
The response to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV) is a cross-Departmental and multi-agency issue, with overall policy coordinated by the Department of Justice. Responsibility for the development and provision of services to support victims rests with my colleague the Minister for Justice working in conjunction with Cuan, the statutory DSGBV agency under the remit of the Department of Justice. My Department currently provides capital funding support for the construction of new Domestic Violence Refuges, via the Capital Assistance Scheme.
In terms of housing supports, applications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended.
It is a matter for the local authority to determine the most appropriate form of social housing support for that household in the administrative area of that local authority. Decisions on the allocation of social housing support are a matter solely for the local authority concerned. Each application must be considered on its own merits and the individual circumstances taken into account. Local authorities will prioritise allocations to those households they consider to be most in need, which can include victims of domestic violence.
In 2017, my Department issued policy and procedural guidance to local authorities relating to the role they can play to assist victims of domestic violence. The issuing of this 2017 policy and guidance was a significant action in the second national strategy on DSGBV 2016-2021, and has since played an important role in addressing the housing needs of victims and survivors of DSGBV, providing direction to local authorities in supporting victims of domestic violence. It covers a range of scenarios that may arise for victims of domestic violence currently in receipt of social housing support and those seeking social housing supports. These include provisions around the use of the Housing Assistance Payment scheme, or the Rental Accommodation Scheme, where a victim has a joint interest in the family home, or ownership of alternative accommodation, but would otherwise qualify for social housing support.
Furthermore, where a victim of domestic violence applies for social housing support in their own right while still a joint tenant, it is a matter for the relevant local authority to address the contractual issues arising in relation to the joint tenancy agreement. Accordingly, the household may transfer out of their existing tenancy and into a new tenancy agreement with the local authority or they may access an independent tenancy in the private rented sector utilising the various housing supports offered by the State.
In addition to the above supports, a new protocol was established in 2020 when the Minister for Social Protection agreed to make rent supplement more accessible to victims of domestic violence. This measure aims to ensure that they are not prevented from leaving their homes because of financial or accommodation difficulties.
In June, 2022 the Department of Justice published Zero Tolerance, the Third National Strategy on DSGBV 2022-2026. As an action in this strategy, my Department committed to a review of the 2017 Policy and Procedural Guidance for Housing Authorities in relation to assisting victims of domestic violence with emergency and long-term accommodation needs in order to ensure continuing effectiveness and consistency in responses to assist victims of domestic violence.
Work is ongoing on updating the 2017 Guidelines to clarify that housing authorities should support the victim to remain in the home or return to the home wherever possible once it is safe to do so and it is the victim’s preference.
Cuan, the new DSGBV Agency was established in January 2024 will coordinate the implementation of the Strategy. A new implementation plan for 2024 was published 1 April 2024. Under this plan, my Department is leading on updated Action 2.3.5: "Examine the current legislative position on assisting victims of Domestic Violence with emergency and long term accommodation needs. For example in cases such as joint housing tenancy. Consider what guidance can be provided and whether legislative change is appropriate".
An examination of the current housing legislative position regarding joint social housing tenancies has taken place, however further work is required to consider the implications of the review, including whether legislative change is appropriate in such cases. This is a complex area and requires detailed and careful analysis, which is ongoing.
594. Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if consideration will be given to introducing phased payments of the grant following on from the review of vacant property refurbishment grant carried out in 2024, to assist applicants with cash flow in managing such projects particularly with massive increased costs in construction (details supplied). [52137/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. The maximum grant amounts were increased in May 2023 from €30,000 and €50,000 to take account of rising costs.
The grant process involves the local authority receiving and reviewing applications to ensure that the grant conditions are met and arranging for a qualified person to visit the property to check the refurbishment work being applied for and to assess the proposed cost. Following confirmation of a successful application and the works being completed, the local authority will conduct a final property visit to review that the work has been completed in-line with the grant application. Once the local authority is satisfied, they will then pay the grant.
Payment of the grant at the end of the process is to ensure that the applicant has carried out the works applied for and for which the grant is being paid. This is also the case for grants such as the SEAI grants and Housing Adaptation Grants, which are paid when works are completed.
A review of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was undertaken in 2024, which included the matter of staged payments. That review has been completed and is under consideration.
Under the Local Authority Purchase and Renovation Loan, launched in July 2024, a first-time buyer who wishes to purchase and/or renovate a Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant eligible home but who cannot get sufficient funding from commercial lenders is now able to apply to their local authority for a loan under the scheme. The Local Authority Purchase and Renovation Loan has the potential to help first time buyers and fresh start applicants to complete the purchase and renovation of a vacant or derelict property and provides an avenue to secure the necessary finance to make the project viable.
595. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on a scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52143/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 25 April 2023, the Government approved additional measures under the Housing for All Action Plan to incentivise the activation of increased housing supply and help reduce housing construction costs, including the introduction of temporary time-limited arrangements for the waiving of local authority “section 48” development contributions and the refunding of Uisce Éireann water and waste water connection charges.
The Government recognised that measures needed to be put in place to help address cost and viability with a view to incentivising the activation of a pipeline of new housing commencements, and assisting in the delivery of supply as quickly as possible. The waiver scheme applied to all permitted residential development including multi-unit developments, self-build houses and one-off houses, student accommodation and sheltered housing.
The schemes initially applied for one year to all permitted residential development that commenced on site between 25 April 2023 (the date of the Government Decision approving the measure) and 24 April 2024, and that are completed not later than 31 December 2025. On 23 April 2024, the Government approved an extension for the waiving of local authority “section 48” development contributions in respect of residential development commenced not later than 31 December 2024 and the refunding of Uisce Éireann water and waste water connection charges in respect of residential development commenced not later than 30 September 2024.
In April 2024, the final date for the completion of development works on qualifying houses under the schemes was extended from 31 December 2025 to 31 December 2026.
I confirm there are no plans to extend or re-introduce the waiver scheme or to change any existing deadlines as conveyed previously in numerous Department communications and circulars.
597. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Social Protection why school bus escorts who have to sign on during school holidays have faced delays of up to five weeks to receive their payment; and the measures he is taking to ensure this does not occur again at future holiday periods. [52078/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraWorkers, including school bus escorts, who are not paid for holidays during the school breaks and who wish to avail of income support while temporarily laid-off can apply for a jobseeker’s payment. The person applying 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 break.
Over the last number of years my Department has dedicated teams working solely on temporary laid-off claims, including those of school bus escorts, in order to streamline processes and minimise delays for people. 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. As each claim is assessed individually, and each person's employment and claim history is different, the payment due will also be different.
In addition, my Department is working on technical enhancements that will improve the processing of these Jobseekers applications.
If any customer is in urgent financial need my Department’s Community Welfare Service may provide assistance.
I trust this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
598. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) was refused carers benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51140/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer’s Benefit is a payment for insured people who may be required to leave the workforce or reduce their working hours to care for a person(s) in need of full-time care.
To qualify, an applicant must satisfy PRSI conditions, employment conditions, show that they are providing full-time care and attention and that the care recipient requires full-time care and attention.
On the 06 January 2025, the person concerned applied for Carer’s Benefit. Their claim was disallowed as they did not meet the employment and PRSI contribution requirements for this scheme.
They were informed of this decision on 23 January 2025 and also notified of their right to a review and their right to appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). They were also advised on their right to apply for Carer’s Allowance.
A review request was received on 31 January 2025 and a request for an appeal was received on 06 February 2025. The decision remained unchanged following this review, and the SWAO also notified the person concerned that their appeal was disallowed on 13 August 2025.
The decision of an Appeals Officer is in generally final and conclusive and can only be reviewed in light of new facts or evidence, or by reason of a mistake in relation to the law or facts.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
599. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection whether her Department will review the eligibility of undocumented individuals for welfare benefits; and the safeguards which exist to ensure only lawful residents access payments. [51158/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra600. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection the measures in place to verify residency and legal status in applications for social welfare payments; and if additional safeguards are being introduced in 2025. [51171/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 599 and 600 together.
The Department is committed to ensuring that only those people who are eligible, receive welfare and other payments. Achieving this requires that robust safeguards are in place that secure our payment systems, detect possible fraud and error, and prevent possible fraudulent claiming.
All applicants must provide proof of their identity when making a claim. The applicants must verify their identity through the SAFE registration process. The SAFE registration process establishes and fully authenticates a person’s identity.
When establishing a person’s entitlement to a social welfare payment, each claim is examined in line with the statutory qualifying conditions for the scheme and the information provided by the person in support of their claim. Proof of residency and the legal status of a person is an essential condition for most schemes however, there may also be various conditions associated with a person’s rights to access public services including social welfare payments.
It is a requirement under the Immigration Act that a person obtains a letter from the Minister for Justice, granting them permission to reside in the State. They are also required to register this permission to stay in Ireland and be issued with a Irish Residence Permit (IRP). While the residency permit awarded by the Department of Justice does give the person a right to reside, there may be various conditions associated with the rights to access public services. The type of permission received is printed on the IRP card. A person covered under the Immigration Act would normally present an IRP card when making an application for a social assistance payment.
There are a number of control checks in place to ensure people in receipt of social welfare payments continue to meet the conditions for the payment they receive, including checks to ensure they are resident in the country. These checks can include in person attendance at Intreo Centres, review of scheme entitlement, and collection of payment in person at the Post Office.
All processes are kept under review in the overall context of the operation of social welfare schemes.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
