Written Answers Nos. 423-436
423. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when An Post pensioners will receive the increase that is due from January 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70920/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, the Minister for Culture, Communication and Sport with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, approves any superannuation schemes submitted by An Post. The operation of the schemes is a matter between the management of An Post, staff representatives and the trustees of the schemes.
In accordance with the Act and the relevant Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, An Post must seek Ministerial approval from both Ministers to increase pensions and deferred pensions for members of the An Post superannuation scheme. Section 2.13 of the Code of Practice for Governance of State Bodies Superannuation and Remuneration annex sets out that NewERA advice should be sought in respect of pension amendment proposals, as is appropriate in their role as commercial and financial advisors to the Ministers.
On 23 October 2025, An Post wrote to my Department requesting consent for an increase to pensions in payment and deferred pensions, arising from its agreements with employee representative groups. It is not possible, at this point, to set out the specific timeframe within which the decision-making process will be concluded by both shareholding Ministers in respect of increases submitted for consent. It should be recognised that the time taken for the pension approval process is necessary to ensure that robust governance procedures are in place.
424. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if his Department, and agencies under the Department’s remit, purchase data on the habits and activities of social media users and other platforms; if so, the reasons for purchasing such data; the amount spent in 2024 and 2025 year to date on such expenditure, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70860/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that my Department has not purchased data on the habits and activities of social media users and other platforms in the period in question.
In relation to bodies under the aegis of my Department, this is an operational matter for the bodies themselves.
425. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the position regarding any review ongoing within his Department into the requirement for age verification checks on social media platforms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70879/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra426. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the position regarding any proposals to provide for additional regulations, policies and protections to increase safeguarding of children and young adults online; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70880/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 425 and 426 together.
Significant progress has been made regarding age verification and social media platforms in Ireland. Since July of this year, under Coimisiún na Meán’s Online Safety Code, designated video-sharing platforms established in Ireland, including YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and X, are obliged to implement effective age assurance measures to ensure that, for example, adult-only video content cannot normally be seen by children. Also, since July, guidance on implementing Article 28 of the Digital Services Act, which deals with protecting minors, has been in place, setting out how platforms should address the risk of children and young people being exposed to illegal online content including by means of age verification or age assurance. Failure to adequately fulfil these obligations can lead to significant financial sanctions and continued non-compliance can lead to criminal sanctions for senior management in relevant digital platforms under the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act.
Notwithstanding this progress, I believe that more needs to be done to ensure robust age verification, given its importance to keeping children safe online. That is why my Department is working with the Government’s Chief Information Officer and his Office to look at practical technical solutions to age verification as part of the Government's Digital Wallet being developed using MyGovID. In addressing age verification, we must seek to ensure that there are trustworthy systems in place that are interoperable and respect users’ rights, including data protection rights. I am seeking the inclusion of a commitment to this effect in the Government’s updated National Digital Strategy which will be published shortly.
In addition, across Europe, Member States are examining the question of prohibiting access by children and young people to social media platforms – the so-called “digital age of majority”. It should be noted that this is a separate matter to the question of age verification. Ireland is considering its position on this matter. I believe that any decision would be better taken by the EU and EU Member States together and in that regard, it is important to note that the President of the European Commission Ursula van der Leyen announced that she would establish an expert panel to examine the issue, including the implementation of Australia’s social media age restriction policy and advise her on the best approach for Europe in taking next steps on social media regulation. However, it must be acknowledged that there are differing views across the EU on various aspects, for example, as to whether there should be an age of digital majority at all, if there is one, what age it should be, or whether it should be an outright ban or a ban subject to parental consent.
I will continue to work with all stakeholders, nationally and internationally, to ensure robust safety measures, including robust age verification, are in place to protect children and young people from inappropriate, harmful and illegal online content.
427. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the support being made available to secure the Complex Arts Centre as a centre for artists. [71120/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Complex is a multidisciplinary arts and creative venue in Dublin’s North Inner City, governed by a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. The Complex has been leasing its building from a private landlord on a site ringfenced for redevelopment.
Proposals for the development of local arts centres are a matter in the first instance for the relevant local authority. County and city development plans are drawn up by local authorities in accordance with their functions under the Planning and Development Acts. This would include policy objectives for development in that county, including the arts.
Annual support, including programming and revenue supports, is provided to arts and culture centres by local authorities and the Arts Council. The Department of Culture, Communications and Sport provides grants as a contribution towards maintaining and enhancing existing arts and culture facilities but does not provide funding for the purchase of buildings.
Officials from my Department met with the Chair of The Complex and other members of the team in December 2024 and advised them of this position. Further communication in June 2025 reiterated that position. No funding was sought from this Department for the purchase of the building by the Complex and any refurbishment support would require chargeable title to be in place.
428. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether any funding streams are available to upgrade accessibility access in an arts centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71230/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs outlined in the Programme for Government, the Government believes that culture and the arts are essential to a well-rounded society, providing opportunities for education, expression and community engagement.
A network of cultural infrastructure exists throughout the country, with the majority in the ownership of local authorities. Annual support, including programming and revenue supports, is provided to this arts and culture infrastructure by local authorities and the Arts Council. My Department focuses on providing capital grant funding to assist development and to maintain these arts and cultural facilities.
Cultural capital funding available at present in my Department includes Stream E of the Cultural Capital Scheme, where grants of up to €20,000 are available to not-for-profit dedicated arts and culture organisations at 85% grant funding rate. Larger grants of up to €50,000 are provided under Stream E at a maximum grant funding rate of 70%. Local authority owned facilities are subject to a maximum 60% grant funding rate.
I understand that the arts centre to which the Deputy refers has received capital funding of over €1.95m in the past from my Department over previous funding schemes, including €50k under Stream E. Department officials have informed me that they have also applied again for further funding under Stream E and I hope to make further announcements on this scheme shortly.
As the Deputy may be aware, in Budget 2026 my Department was allocated €6m for a new programme of capital funding for arts and culture organisations across the country, in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government. My Department is in the process of designing the specifications of the scheme, including the setting of eligibility criteria but it is envisaged that upgrading of accessibility of arts and culture facilities would be included.
429. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of plans on universal design for independent living purposes, considering that around 1,300 disabled people live in nursing homes; if he will give assurances that the State support for disabled people can and will ensure independent living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70983/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraDelivering Homes, Building Communities, published 13 November 2025, commits to ensuring that the increased supply of social homes includes homes that reflect universal design principles, fostering inclusivity.
My Department jointly published the National Housing Strategy for Disabled People (NHSDP) 2022-2027 and Implementation Plan with the Department of Health and the Department of Children, Disability, and Equality. The Strategy and Implementation Plan may be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/60d76-national-housing-strategy-for-disabled-people-2022-2027/. The Implementation Plan sets out the actions to achieve the vision of the joint Strategy for delivering housing and related supports for disabled people to 2027 operating under the new housing plan Delivering Homes, Building Communities.
Separately, my Department published a Design Manual for Quality Housing which is available on my Department’s website at the following link: [www.gov.ie/en/publication/b3e02-design-manual-for-quality-housing/]. The Manual is intended to guide local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies, and their consultants, on the design of social housing including the internal layouts of individual social homes. The manual includes guidance on the approach to ‘Housing for People with Disability’ (Section 5.3.2) and specific design approaches developed with the input of the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design. My Department is working with all local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies to utilise this Design Manual for all new build social housing projects.
Local authorities play a key role in the planning and provision of social housing in their areas, and decide on the number and types of dwellings to provide, based on identified need.
The National Disability Authority is undertaking an economic and social evaluation of the Universal Design housing model. My Department will consider this analysis when published.
In parallel, the coordination and delivery of the disability services supports is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality and the Health Service Executive.
430. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department, and agencies under the Department’s remit, purchase data on the habits and activities of social media users and other platforms; if so, the reasons for purchasing such data; the amount spent in 2024 and 2025 year to date on such expenditure, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70868/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, which includes Met Éireann and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, uses social media platforms to reach out to the public and other stakeholders with information.
This includes information on schemes like the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, the First Home Scheme, the Local Authority Home Loan, cost-rental homes, the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme, heritage and water projects and funding opportunities.
Social media is also valuable tool in getting information out to the public quickly for example; safety messages during weather events.
My Department does not purchase data on the habits and activities of social media users and other platforms.
The information requested in relation to bodies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for the individual bodies concerned. Arrangements have been put in place by each agency to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. The contact email address for each agency is set out in the following table:
|
Bodies under the Aegis of DHLGH |
Oireachtas email |
|
An Coimisiún Pleanála |
oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie |
|
An Fóram Uisce |
oireachtas@nationalwaterforum.ie |
|
Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority |
oireachtasqueries@ahbregulator.ie |
|
Construction Industry Register Ireland |
info@ciri.ie |
|
Docklands Oversight and Consultative Forum |
infodocklands@dublincity.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 |
|
Property Services Appeal Board |
psabsecretary@psab.ie |
|
Property Services Regulatory Authority |
pq@psr.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 |
431. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 516 of 25 November 2025, if being priced out of private rental options as inflation rises will in future reverse sufficiently to place persons back within reach of their income threshold (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70921/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe oversight and practical management of housing waiting lists, including the allocation and transfer of tenancies, is a matter for the relevant local authority in accordance with the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, and associated regulations. Decisions on the qualification of households for social housing support, the most appropriate form of such support that meets the households need, and the allocation of that support are a matter for the local authority concerned.
The baseline income thresholds increased by €5,000 for all local authorities with effect from 1 January 2023. The thresholds thus increased to €40,000, €35,000 and €30,000 for Bands 1, 2 and 3 respectively. These thresholds are net income thresholds, i.e. gross household income less income tax, PRSI, Universal Social Charge and Additional Superannuation Contribution. This €5,000 increase broadened the eligibility base, increasing the number of households eligible for support and lessening the impact on disadvantaged and vulnerable households of the significant increase in the cost of accommodation and cost of living generally in recent years.
My Department has been examining the existing income limits in the context of current market and household income conditions, including the suitability or otherwise of the current framework having regard to the significantly changed landscape since the standardised income limits were introduced. This includes examining the findings of research commissioned by my Department and this work is ongoing.
432. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the introduction of a new single stage process for social housing delivery; when this process will be available to local authorities; and the number of applications that have been received under this process to date. [70926/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 5 July, Cabinet approved the introduction of a single stage approval process for all for local authority and Approved Housing Body new build social housing up to a value of €200 million.
The new single approval process, which will replace the 4-Stage and existing Single Stage approval process, is designed to align particular requirements related to the delivery of social housing, providing a more seamless approval process, with a clear and intentional focus on embedding standardisation and value for money.
This new process will cover all social housing new build and major refurbishment projects up to a value of €200 million, funded via the Social Housing Investment Programme (SHIP) incorporating regeneration and remedial works schemes; and the Approved Housing Body (AHB) Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS).
The new approval process mandates the use of a standardised design approach, as per my Department’s published Design Manual for Quality Housing, and the Employer’s Requirements for Detail Design of Quality Housing, for all new build social housing projects being developed by Local Authorities and Approved Housing Bodies.
Engagement with Local Authorities and the Housing Delivery Coordination Office in the Local Government Management Agency has been underway since Q2 this year via a Sector Working Group dedicated to the single approval process.
The process is in the transition phase at this time and my Department is finalising the necessary circular, guidance notes, templates and documentation in order to ensure rollout of the new process by the end of 2025.
From January all new social housing funding proposals will follow a single approval process.
433. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he intends to publish the planning policy statement on short-term letting; and if he will give a commitment to publish the statement in draft form to allow the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing to scrutinise the statement prior to its adoption by Government. [70927/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Short Term Rental (STR) Regulation was adopted by the EU on 11 April 2024 and is applicable from 20 May 2026. This Regulation lays down harmonised rules on the collection and exchange of data on short-term rental services for member states, hosts providing short-term accommodation rental services, and online platforms that offer services to hosts providing short-term accommodation rental services within the EU.
The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (DETE) has drafted the Short Term Letting and Tourism (STLT) Bill General Scheme in full alignment with the STR Regulation. The introduction of the STLT Bill will provide a more effective legal and administrative basis to regulate short term lettings. This Bill when enacted will provide the statutory basis for the introduction of a register for all Short Term Lettings in Ireland, which will be implemented and managed by Fáilte Ireland from 20 May 2026.
Following the approval received from Government on the 15 April to generally preclude new planning permissions for STLs in large cities and towns, my Department is working to give effect to this decision. This involves a review of the current Planning Acts with a view to remove references to Rent Pressure Zones in respect of short-term lets.
To ensure that there is a clear view, both at national level and local authority level, as to the overall policy approach to determining planning applications for Short Term Lets, the Department is currently developing a National Planning Statement (NPS) for the short term letting sector to supplement and support the introduction of the STLT Bill. It will consider a variety of factors, such as existing planning legislation, the long term housing need in the local authority area, the location of the proposed short-term let and balancing housing need with the potential impact on tourism and economic development.
Under the Planning and Development Act 2024, NPSs have been introduced to replace section 28 Ministerial Guidelines issued under the Planning and Development Act 2000. These Statements will be prepared by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and ultimately subject to approval by Government.
434. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will review the regulations included in the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 to permit victims of domestic abuse to end a joint application and, with the agreement of a landlord and without delay, submit and secure a new application for the same property to ensure the victim, not the perpetrator, can stay in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70959/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn June, 2022 the Department of Justice published Zero Tolerance, the Third National Strategy on DSGBV 2022-2026. 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 local authority 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.
435. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will review the regulations included in the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 that prevent a joint HAP application from being split into two separate applications in cases of domestic abuse (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70962/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a form of social housing support for people who have a long-term housing need. In order for a household to qualify for HAP, they must first be assessed as eligible for social housing support by their local authority. Any household assessed as eligible for social housing is immediately eligible for HAP and those households must source their own accommodation in the private rental sector. The accommodation sourced by tenants should be within the prescribed maximum HAP rent limits, which are based on household size and the rental market within the area concerned. Decisions in relation to HAP, including the suitability of HAP accommodation, is a matter for the local authority concerned.
Guidance for local authorities in relation to providing assistance to those affected by domestic violence can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/publication/7e168-guidance-for-housing-authorities-for-assisting-victims-of-domestic-violence-with-emergency-and-long-term-accommodation-needs/.
The day-to-day operation of the HAP scheme is a matter for the relevant local authority. Once a household has been deemed eligible for social housing support, it is a matter for the local authority to examine the suite of social housing supports available, including the HAP scheme, to determine the most appropriate form of social housing support for that household in the administrative area of that local authority.
436. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when existing purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) developments will be permitted to reset rents to market levels under new rent control rules that come into effect in April 2026, if it has been drawn to his attention that the current wording is unclear; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70977/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 14 October 2025, the Government approved the General Scheme of the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2025, which is now the subject of priority drafting by the Office of Parliamentary Council and pre legislative scrutiny by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The Bill will amend the current system of rent controls and provide new measures to protect tenants, including stronger security of tenure, to come into effect for new tenancies created on or after 1 March 2026. The impending Bill is informed by a review of the Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) carried out by the Housing Agency, as requested by the Department.
The key elements of the General Scheme of the Bill relating to student specific accommodation (SSA) are summarised below:
• the current ability to set to market rate will continue to apply to the first rent setting for:
• a new tenancy/licence (i.e. created on or after 1 March 2026) in new SSA (i.e. development commenced on or after 10 June 2025); and
• a tenancy/licence after a substantial change to existing SSA (i.e. development commenced before 10 June 2025) that warrants a greater rent;
• SSA providers will not be able to reset to market rent in respect of existing SSA until the first rent setting on or after 1 March 2029; thereafter, rent resetting can only occur for the first rent setting after the third anniversary of the date that the rent was last set to market rent;
• in respect of new SSA, rent resetting can also only occur for the first rent setting after the third anniversary of the date that the rent was last set to market rent. For example, if a new SSA comes on stream on 3 April 2027 setting a market rent, that rent can be re-set to market rent upon the first rent setting on or after 3 April 2030. If the rent is re-set on 3 April 2030, it can be re-set on or after 3 April 2033 and so on;
• annual rent increases will be subject to a cap of 2% per annum pro rata or CPI, whichever is lower, for existing SSA at a time when rent re-setting to market rent is not allowed;
• annual rent increases will only be subject to a cap of CPI for new SSA at a time when rent re-setting to market rent is not allowed.
A detailed communications campaign by this Department, in conjunction with the RTB, will continue to publicise the new legislative measures from 1 March 2026.
Up-to-date information is available at: []www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/government-reforms-to-the-rental-sector-starting-1-march-2026/.
The information provided in this reply is based on the policy measures approved by the Government on 10 June 2025 to come into effect on 1 March 2026, in order to boost investment in the supply of homes available for rent and keep existing landlords in the market. The Residential Tenancies (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill will be published as soon as possible and will be subject to debate, and open to amendment, during the legislative process in the Houses of the Oireachtas.
