Written Answers Nos. 375-400
376. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for an update on the repeal of the Censorship of Publications Acts 1929 to 1967; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18170/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Censorship of Publications Acts 1929 to 1967 provide for a Register of Prohibited Publications from the Censorship of Publications Board, which could by order prohibit the sale and distribution of books and periodicals if found to be indecent or obscene or have an unduly large proportion of space devoted to crime. The Register, which was last updated in 2016, currently contains nine books with the earliest dating back to 1942 and the most recent from 2016. There are currently 264 prohibited periodicals (newspapers and magazines) dating from the earliest in 1930 to the most recent in 2003.
In November 2023, Government approved the repeal of the Censorship of Publications Acts. The Decision followed an examination in the Department of Justice on the role of the Censorship of Publications Board and its Appeal Board, and the limited continuing relevance and utility of the statutory provisions related to the censorship of printed publications.
On 1 August 2025, responsibility for the Censorship of Publications, as well as the Irish Film Classification Office, transferred from the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to my Department. My Department will progress the legislation to repeal the Censorship of Publications Acts in due course. The Register remains in force pending repeal of the legislation. The latest version of the register can be found on gov.ie www.gov.ie/en/department-of-justice-home-affairs-and-migration/policy-information/censorshipclassification/.
377. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when approval will be given to the 2.1% increase for Eir pensioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18212/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFurther to section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Act 1983, as amended, and section 10 of the eircom superannuation scheme rules, my Department last August received a request for a pension increase of 2.1% for Eir pensioners, in respect of both pre and post vesting day service, with effect from 01 July 2025.
My officials sought the advice of NewERA on this pension increase proposal, who submitted their report on 06 February. Having considered the report, I approved the pension increase on 12 February, after which my officials sought the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure. I am aware that the Minister for Public Expenditure gave his consent to the pension increase on 23 February. I can also confirm that the Minister for Finance gave his concurrence to the proposed increase on 03 March.
378. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to confirm that League of Ireland funding for astroturf will not be cut by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17996/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPayments to League of Ireland clubs in respect of allocations toward astroturf pitches were paused on 23 February following serious incidents at a game in Oriel Park on 20 February, 2026.
This pause was rescinded on the evening of 26 February following the publication by the Football Association of Ireland of the penalties imposed by its independent disciplinary committee and of its own additional safety measures to help guard against future such incidents. No allocations to League of Ireland clubs for astroturf developments have been reduced following this temporary pausing.
379. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if his Department plans to engage staff from the private sector who work in accountancy and corporate law firms to work in his Department during the course of the upcoming EU Presidency term; the terms under which such staff will be engaged; the number of staff his Department plans to hire; the measures planned to guard against potential conflicts of interest between his Department and parent companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18081/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the present time, the Department has no plans to engage staff from the private sector who work in accountancy and corporate law firms to work in his Department during the course of the upcoming EU Presidency term.
In planning for the EU Presidency, we anticipate a requirement for 24 temporary staff located in both Dublin and Brussels to support and manage the policy and operational strands of the Presidency.
380. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the number and names of all clubs (details supplied) awaiting a decision on relevant Department-backed capital grants to provide funding for astroturf playing facilities/surfaces; the number of existing allocations which are awaiting drawdown for the clubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18103/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently eight League of Ireland clubs who have yet to draw down funding granted under the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) in respect of allocations for astroturf pitches. These clubs are Athlone Town, Bohemians, Cobh Ramblers, Dundalk, Finn Harps, Kerry FC, Shelbourne and Sligo Rovers.
None of the above are awaiting payment decisions from my Department on these CSFF payments as any payment requests submitted to my Department have been processed or are in the process of being reviewed for payment.
381. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport following the EU ban on the sale of rubber crumb infill in artificial grass pitches from 2032, to confirm if all projects involving artificial grass pitches being grant-aided by the State, through a Sports Capital Grant or directly by his Department or another department, will be conditional on another safer infill product being used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18127/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's main role with regard to artificial pitches relates to the provision of grant assistance for the development of such facilities.
In this regard, the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Over 19,000 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998, bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1.4 billion. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the CSFF and to prioritising investment in disadvantaged areas.
It is a requirement of the CSFF that all materials purchased and development works generally comply with all relevant national and EU regulations. In September 2023, the European Commission completed the adoption of the EU REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) restriction on the sale of intentionally added microplastics in the European market, which includes rubber infill for 3G artificial pitches. The primary aim of the restriction is to eradicate, over time, the leaking of intentionally added microplastics from various sources, including artificial sports pitches, into the environment and to replace these microplastics with more environmental and sustainable alternatives.
The Commission has confirmed an eight-year transition period before the new restriction becomes effective and from October 2031, clubs will no longer be able to purchase rubber crumb within the EU.
The negotiations on the proposals were led by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The proposed measures do not specify which alternatives would be suitable or preferable, only which materials cannot be used in the future. I understand however, that the Commission is satisfied that suitable alternative materials are available. The proposed transition period for the ban on placing on the market of granular rubber infill is 8 years to ensure that a larger number of existing synthetic sports surfaces using this product can reach their natural end-of life before they need to be replaced.
If a club has any concerns or queries in this regard, they can contact my Department officials in the Sports Capital Programme unit at sportscapitalprogramme@ccs.gov.ie and my officials will assist and advise.
382. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures which will be implemented to expedite the processing and finalisation of applications in Tailte Éireann; if he is aware that such delays are causing difficulties for people finalising the sale and purchase of properties; the timelines for drawing down mortgages/loans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17930/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTailte Éireann is an independent Government agency under the aegis of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Tailte Éireann provides a property registration system, property valuation service and national mapping and surveying infrastructure for the State. Under section 8 of the Tailte Éireann Act 2022, Tailte Éireann is independent in the performance of its functions.
The continued increase in applications received for registration by Tailte Éireann year over year, and challenges in recruitment for some time, have resulted in longer processing times for certain application types, however these delays are alleviating, with significant progress achieved to date in reducing the age profile of applications on hand.
As part of Tailte Éireann's resourcing strategy, an accelerated recruitment programme was launched to address the high volume of vacancies and strengthen operational capacities in response to the increasing service demands. As a result, the Registration team within Tailte Éireann are now fully staffed with additional capacity to support ongoing improvements in the delivery of registration services and contribute to the timely processing of applications.
Outside of recruitment, every effort is being made by Tailte Éireann to further reduce application processing times, including implementation of revised procedures for more efficient handling of the large volume of applications that are lodged that do not meet the minimum requirements to proceed to registration and a targeted, organisation wide approach to reduce the age profile of applications pending registration.
Applications for registration which involve a transfer, charge or release of registered lands, where no change to the registry map is required account for approximately 60% of applications for registration. These applications are currently processed within 15 working days where the application is lodged in order.
Applications submitted electronically through eRegistration account for approximately 18% of all applications received and are processed within 10 working days. eDischarges are typically processed within 2 working days. Tailte Éireann continues to promote electronic registration services to its customers to improve processing times for all applicants.
Processing times for applications which do require a change to the map, and those requiring first registration of property, are improving due to the impact of resourcing and implemented procedural efficiencies outlined above.
It may be noted that the Registration of the legal effect of a conveyance comes at the end of the process, after the documents are executed and should, in the vast majority of cases, not lead to any delay in the conveyancing process as the purchaser is already in occupation of the property. In a recently published guide by the Law Society to [avoid delays when selling property], the seller, or their solicitor, should have all of the required deeds and documents in order prior to putting the property on the market to avoid delays.
In cases where any delay in registration could have a potential impact, Tailte Éireann make every effort to expedite applications which are in order, where valid grounds exist, and where doing so does not impose a conflict in regard to priority given to any prior lodged dealing.
Lodging parties may contact Tailte Éireann in relation to a specific case by email at info@tailte.ie. Further information in relation to specific cases may be obtained by Oireachtas members by contacting the dedicated e-mail address in respect of Tailte Éireann at oireachtas@tailte.ie.
Tailte Éireann has advised me that improvements have been made to date in throughput times and I am confident that they have the resources and procedures in place to further reduce waiting times across all application types.
383. Deputy Gillian Toole asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when Part V will be amended to include housing for people with disabilities on local authority housing lists and private home buyers. [18184/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 is for the State to capture a portion of the increase in land value resulting from the granting of planning permission for residential development on any land that is zoned as residential (either exclusively or mixed use), or is granted planning permission for houses as a material contravention of the development plan.
The Part V legislation provides for local authorities to acquire up to 20% of this land at existing use value and to use it to deliver homes to those households who qualify for social and affordable housing support. The Part V mechanism is intended to achieve integrated development by facilitating a mix of a tenure types - social, affordable and cost rental housing.
The Ministerial Guidelines on Part V issued to local authorities under section 28 of the 2000 Act, emphasise the need for consultation with developers regarding the delivery of appropriate properties, including for people with disabilities, at the earliest stage possible, preferably in advance of planning. This early consultation allows local authorities to consider the need, and the likely future need, for housing for persons who have different levels of income, as well as the need to ensure that a mixture of house types and sizes is developed to reasonably match the requirements of the different categories of households, including people with disabilities, as may be determined by the local authority.
There are a range of funding programmes available to local authorities to support achieving such a mix of property types in the context of Part V. However, neither I or my Department have a role in the process of the local authority reaching an agreement with a developer.
386. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of the threat of invasive species on commonage land in the Cooley Mountains; the steps his Department is taking to tackle the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6849/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department is responsible for the implementation of the Wildlife Acts and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, as well as the European Union (Invasive Alien Species) Regulations 2024, all of which prohibit the introduction and spread of invasive alien species.
Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) is a native species to Ireland. It is not categorized as an invasive alien species, although is very abundant and can be a nuisance species in some habitats where it may dominate. This tends to happen on mountainside (acidic moorland), field/pasture boundaries and open woodlands. The different methods to control bracken are cutting, burning, crushing/tramping, spraying and soil fertility.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is responsible for the regulation of specific noxious weeds under the Noxious Weeds Act 1936, with updated 2025 legislation. Key noxious weeds include ragwort, creeping thistle, spear thistle, docks, and blackgrass. Designation of plants as noxious weeds is a matter for that Department.
387. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total value of the vacant site levy since its inception, per annum, in tabular form; if he is content that it is having the desired impact since constituted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9541/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the provisions of the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015 (the Act), each local authority maintains a Vacant Sites Register in respect of their functional area with sites listed in such registers being liable to the vacant site levy, also introduced under the provisions of the Act. As provided for under the Act, the register in respect of each local authority is available for inspection at its offices and online on its website.
Under the vacant site levy provisions in the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015, planning authorities were empowered to apply a vacant site levy of 3% of the market valuation of relevant properties which were listed on local authority vacant site registers in 2018, which relevant owners were liable to pay in January 2019. The rate of the levy increased to 7% for sites listed on local authority vacant sites registers from 2019 onwards which site owners became liable to pay in January 2020.
Local authorities are responsible for the administration of the vacant site register in respect of their functional area, which includes identifying sites for inclusion on the register and applying the levy to same. The vacant site register of each local authority is available on their website.
As was set out in action 15.2 of Housing for All, the Residential Zoned Land Tax (RZLT) is to replace the Vacant Site Levy.
The need to ensure that land which was on a Vacant Site Register is identified on the RZLT Maps was communicated to all local authorities via the Residential Zoned Land Tax Guidelines for Planning Authorities in June 2022, and through Circulars NRUP 06/2021 and NRUP 02/2023. This was to ensure that the penalty for lack of activation continued to apply to owners of vacant and idle land.
In the interim period land continued to be placed on the Vacant Site Register and final demands for the payment of the levy for 2024 were issued by relevant local authorities in early 2025. However, no further levies will be issued as any land which remains ‘vacant and idle’ will now be subject to the Residential Zoned Land Tax.
The full total value of the vacant site levy since its inception is currently not available as a number of local authorities have yet to submit progress reports. It is expected the full information will be available shortly. The attached table sets out data on the vacant site levy received to date.
VSL Progress Report - Updates from Local Authorities to date 2018-2024
388. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the most recent meeting of the National Emergency Co-ordination Group. [12487/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Lead Government Department responsible for the response to severe weather events, my Department's National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management (NDFEM) co-ordinates the ‘whole-of-Government’ response through the National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG) in those instances where such an event has the potential for, or causes widespread impacts across the country.
Storm Chandra was named by the UK Met Office on Monday, 26 January 2026. High winds and heavy rain were experienced across the country on Tuesday 27 January, with impacts being felt especially along eastern and southern coasts. Of primary concern was the potential for flooding given the waterlogged and saturated ground in the east and south of the country, which had experienced more than four times the normally expected rainfall for this time of the year, over the previous seven days.
Flooding to homes and businesses was reported in Wexford, Wicklow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Dublin and Louth, requiring the use of defensive pumping and the deployment of flood defences, with other parts of the country experiencing flooded and closed roads, and transport disruption.
Based on initial forecasts, a Met Éireann Technical Briefing took place on Monday 26 January, 2026. This meeting was attended by representatives from all local authorities, the Principal Response Agencies, Utilities and Government Departments. Following Storm Chandra making landfall, the National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG) was convened on Tuesday 27 January, and continued to meet on a daily basis, as the east of the country moved into a period of prolonged flooding and flood risk. This enabled the coordination of the whole-of-Government response to the initial impacts of Storm Chandra and the longer-term flooding event that followed.
Sub-groups of the NECG were activated and responded rapidly. The Department of Social Protection activated its scheme for householders, with Community Welfare Officers deployed to impacted areas to provide assistance and advice. The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Scheme for Business impacted by flooding, administered by the Irish Red Cross was activated, and the qualifying criteria of the scheme extended to assist as many small local businesses as possible.
The Local Authority sector, as principal response agency were to the forefront of the response. Before the arrival of Storm Chandra, they were monitoring river levels, activating severe weather teams, crews and flood mitigation measures. As the event became more protracted, mutual aid was made available in the form of demountable flood defences, equipment, and staff to impacted communities.
As they moved into the extended flood event, local authorities had crews on the ground, pumping to protect property, filling and distributing sandbags, managing traffic, assisting homeowners and cleaning up once the flood waters receded. The Civil Defence, Irish Red Cross and other voluntary groups provided practical assistance and psychosocial support to impacted communities across the country.
Civil Defence provided transport for patients and medical staff, and assisted in standing up Community Support Centres, Rest Centres and other services.
An Post collaborated with local authorities to identify vulnerable persons and contributed actively through the Humanitarian subgroup.
A Liffey Catchment Subgroup was also activated bringing the ESB, relevant local authorities, Uisce Éireann, Met Éireann, the OPW and relevant Government Departments and Agencies together to oversee the managed release of water from the Poulaphouca reservoir to minimise flood risk further down the catchment.
On Monday 9 of February, following advice from the local authority sector, the Humanitarian Subgroup and the Liffey Catchment Subgroup, it was decided to formally stand down the NECG with the proviso that it would remain available should the need arise.
390. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether State-owned gas companies are required to report gross profit percentages or sums to him. [15321/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with section 15A of the Gas Act 1976 (as amended), Gas Networks Ireland is required to submit its annual report and financial statements to me, as the majority shareholding Minister for Gas Networks Ireland. In addition, under the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, there are reporting obligations for State bodies, including commercial bodies such as Gas Networks Ireland.
The annual reports and financial statements, which set out the activities and financial performance of Gas Networks Ireland, are required to be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas as soon as practicable following their presentation to me.
Copies of the annual reports and financial statements are available in the Oireachtas Library and on the Gas Networks Ireland website at the following link: www.gasnetworks.ie/about/model-publication-scheme/financial-information.
391. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of homeless families and single members of the Traveller community; and the length of time they have been homeless and in homeless accommodation, in tabular form. [17910/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of local authorities in addressing homelessness at a local level.
Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation and related services for homeless persons rests with individual local authorities. Decisions on the assessment of households for homeless services, the most appropriate form of such support, and the allocation of that support are a matter for the local authority concerned.
My Department currently gathers and publishes data on a monthly basis on the number of homeless persons accommodated in emergency accommodation funded and overseen by local authorities. These reports are based on data provided by local authorities, produced through the Pathway Accommodation & Support System (PASS).
The monthly homelessness report includes details of individuals, families and the dependants of these families who accessed emergency accommodation during the relevant count week of the month in question. The most recently published data is in respect of January 2026. The reports are collated on a regional basis and are available on my Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/collections/homelessness-data and are also published to the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation's open data portal data.gov.ie/.
My Department also publishes quarterly progress reports which are based on quarterly performance reports submitted by the nine regional lead authorities responsible for the administration of homeless services at local level. The quarterly performance reports include regional information on the ethnicity of new adult presentations who have entered emergency accommodation and duration of stay data for single and family households. The duration of stay data is reported as six-monthly bands ranging from less than six months to more than 24 months. These bands refer to consecutive stays in emergency accommodation and are based on a point-in-time count, informed by emergency accommodation usage on the last night in the quarter.
Progress and performance reports are available on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/collections/homelessness-data/.
The Housing Plan, 'Delivering Homes, Building Communities', commits to further enhancing reporting in relation to the use of local authority homeless emergency accommodation to allow for an expansion of the information gathered and increased analysis of the reasons driving new homeless presentations and the progress being made to support households to exit emergency accommodation to a tenancy.
392. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of applications for housing delivery office infrastructure which were received by close of deadline on 27 February 2026; the breakdown of those applications by local authority area, amount of funding requested in each application, and total number of housing units that would be activated by each application. [17921/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 21 January 2026, the Government launched a new multiannual €1 billion Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund (HIIF) to support direct investment in housing enabling infrastructure. The fund is managed by the Housing Activation Office in my Department.
The core objective of the HIIF is to unblock infrastructure constraints and activate lands that are identified for housing development. By investing directly in transport, water, electricity and other enabling infrastructure, the fund will ensure that land is properly serviced and ready to deliver homes.
Call 1 of the HIIF opened for applications from local authorities and the Land development Agency (LDA) on 21 January 2026 and closed on Friday last, 27 February 2026. Applications have been received from 30 local Authorities and from the LDA. The HAO team are actively reviewing the applications against the scheme criteria and will confirm the number of valid applications received once this review is completed. Final funding decisions and recommendations will be brought forward in accordance with the governance arrangements for the Fund.
Details of the HIIF Call 1 can be found on my Departments website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/housing-infrastructure-investment-fund-call-1-scheme-outline/
393. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 372 of 26 February 2026, if he will confirm that Lough Corrib is listed under SI 293/1988 (details supplied) as salmonid waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17923/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe River Corrib and Lough Corrib are both designated as salmonid waters under S.I. No 293 of 1988, and are both covered by the Lough Corrib SAC. The Protected Area Register under the Water Framework Directive (WFD) includes the River Corrib but not Lough Corrib. This was an administrative oversight in the transfer of the details of S.I. No 293 of 1988 into the Protected Area Register. This is currently being rectified by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The waters of the River Corrib and Lough Corrib are both meeting their water quality targets of achieving at least Good Ecological Status, as required under the WFD.
394. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the specific rules (details supplied) in applying for the Housing Adaptation Grant for Disabled People for people who wish to replace their windows and doors in the house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17945/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides funding under the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People, to assist those 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 detailed administration of the scheme including assessment, approval, prioritisation and apportionment is the responsibility of local authorities.
The Housing Adaptation Grant for Disabled People and the Mobility Aids Grant is available for the carrying out of works of adaptation that, in the opinion of the local authority, are reasonably necessary for the purposes of rendering a house more suitable for a member of the household who has an enduring physical, sensory, mental health or intellectual disability. In general, these grant schemes can be used for works such as level access showers, accessible bathrooms, access ramps, stair lifts, fixed track hoists or extensions. Grant aid may be considered for the provision of infrastructural and safety related adaptations to create appropriate space for applicants with specific sensory needs not including the provision of sensory equipment.
The Housing Aid for Older People Grant is available to assist older people living in poor housing conditions to have essential necessary repairs or improvements carried out. Qualifying works include structural repairs or improvements, upgrading unsafe electrical wiring, drylining, repair or replacement of windows and doors and the repair or provision of central heating (where no central heating exists or the existing system is broken or beyond repair).
The administration of the grants scheme, including the assessment, approval and prioritisation of grant applications under the various measures, is the responsibility of each local authority. Having considered all of the circumstances in any particular case, it is a matter for the local authority to determine grant eligibility. Local authorities, in administering the scheme, work with qualifying applicants to secure the most beneficial outcome possible in line with the applicants' financial circumstances and within the parameters of the grant scheme.
395. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 620 of 27 January 2026 and Parliamentary Question No. 200 of 18 February 2026 if a qualifying interest SAC species is declining and failing to meet its detailed site-specific conservation objectives, if he will consider that an appropriate threshold point to draw up an SAC management plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17984/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to the reply to Question No. 620 of 27 January 2026 and Question No. 200 of 18 February 2026.
As previously stated, there is no commitment to the publication of individual conservation plans for each SAC in Ireland. Conservation Measures are identified in response to threats and pressures affecting the qualifying interests of the site, and are aimed to support achievement of site specific conservation objectives. There are a number of conservation measures in place, in progress and planned for habitats and species across the SAC network.
Many of these are being delivered by landowners who are participating in schemes and programmes such as Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) under the CAP Strategic Plan, European Innovation Partnership (EIP) Scheme, NPWS Farm Plan Scheme and the LIFE programme. Participation in these is voluntary and landowner involvement is essential for their successful design and implementation at site level.
396. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will review the CAS scheme to allow it to be used for the purchase of second-hand properties for the disability sector which could then be retrofitted to suit the needs of the sector; if he will consider increasing the financial threshold so it would meet the cost of the adaptations required to meet fire regulations and HIQA and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18032/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Capital Assistance Scheme provides funding to Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) for the targeted acquisition of second-hand homes to meet the urgent accommodation requirements of priority needs categories, including persons with a disability. Accordingly, a review of the scheme is not required in this respect.
The acquisition of second-hand properties in 2026 is provided for through my Department's Social Housing Second Hand Acquisitions Programme. Some €373 million is available through the programme this year to support acquisitions for social housing qualified households in the most precarious housing situations, including homeless households; priority cohorts including persons with disabilities, older persons and care leavers; and persons at risk of homelessness. This budget includes €50 million specifically ring-fenced for use by AHBs via the Capital Assistance Scheme for acquisitions to meet the urgent accommodation needs of persons with disabilities, older persons and care leavers.
My Department provides Acquisition Cost Guidelines (ACGs) for the acquisition of second-hand properties for social housing qualified households by local authorities and AHBs. The ACGs are not absolute ceilings or limits, rather they are benchmarks for costing the acquisition of second-hand properties. The cost of adaptation and other works are supported where the combined cost of acquiring a property and the works needed thereafter are within the relevant ACG. Acquisition proposals, where the cost of acquiring the property exceeds the guidelines or which may include more extensive and costly works, are examined by my department on a case-by-case basis having regard to appropriate value for money considerations.
Ultimately, the allocation of new build and existing local authority and AHB social homes is the primary means through which social housing qualified households should be accommodated. With the social housing new build programme gathering momentum and providing more social housing, this will allow for a reduced reliance on the second-hand acquisitions over the coming years.
In this regard, up to 100% funding is available through the Capital Assistance Scheme for the delivery social homes by AHBs, including for purpose-built 'Group/Community Homes' for persons with a disability.
Overall, more €180 million is available to AHBs via the scheme this year.
397. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the options for individuals fleeing domestic violence and who are forced to leave a joint local authority tenancy for their own safety; the alternatives available to them to moving to a new local authority and rejoining the bottom of the housing list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18045/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra398. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has considered fast tracking a social housing passport style transfer option between local authorities for individuals fleeing domestic violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18046/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 397 and 398 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.
Currently, is not possible for a household previously on one social housing waiting list to carry the time spent on that list when applying to another local authority. However, and in line with a commitment in the housing plan, a protocol to allow households fleeing domestic, sexual and gender-based violence to transfer time spent on a social housing waiting list to another local authority will be established and implemented this year.
My Department has already engaged with local authorities and the County and City Management Association (CCMA) to develop this protocol. The structures to progress this commitment are in place, including a dedicated group of local authority Directors of Housing that is working with my Department to ensure that the protocol is workable, meets the needs of those who can benefit from it, and is finalised as soon as possible.
Notwithstanding this commitment, local authorities will prioritise allocations to those households they consider to be most in need at any moment in time. Local authorities may also provide for exceptional or emergency cases to qualified households, allowing immediate housing outside of normal waiting lists priorities, should circumstances require. Households may also move and relocate between housing authority areas under the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme where the household income is within the relevant income limits.
Furthermore, in 2017, my Department issued policy and procedural guidance to local authorities relating to the role they can play to assist victims and survivors 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 these households. It covers a range of scenarios that may arise for victims and survivors of domestic violence currently in receipt of social housing support and those seeking social housing supports.
In June 2022, the Department of Justice published Zero Tolerance, the Third National Strategy on DSGBV 2022-2026 which is a cross-Departmental and multi-agency plan with overall policy coordinated by the Department of Justice. 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. My Department is currently engaging with Cuan, the Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Agency in relation to this review and proposed recommendations arising from the review.
The new protocol, when developed, will add to the suite of supports available to victims and survivors of domestic violence.
399. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on his Department’s 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; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18047/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSupporting individuals and families experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness, including victims and survivors of domestic abuse, is a priority for my Department and the Government. 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.
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.
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. My Department is currently engaging with Cuan in relation to this review and proposed recommendations arising from the review. Any updates to the policy and guidance will be communicated to local authorities in due course. In the meantime, local authorities operate in accordance with the 2017 Guidance.
400. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department plans to engage staff from the private sector who work in accountancy and corporate law firms to work in his Department during the course of the upcoming EU Presidency term; the terms under which such staff will be engaged; the number of staff his Department plans to hire; the measures planned to guard against potential conflicts of interest between his Department and parent companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18089/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has no plans to engage staff from the private sector who work in accountancy and corporate law firms to work in the Department during the term of Ireland's EU Presidency.
