Written Answers Nos. 227-248
227. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when details of the Community Sports Facility Fund will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66266/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department currently preparing for the next round of the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF), which I expect to open soon.
New guidelines will be published in advance of the opening of the next round which will include eligibility, likely assessment criteria and maximum grant amounts for the next round. My aim is to have as many eligible sporting bodies as possible applying, by simplifying the application process and guide, and carrying out a wide-reaching communications campaign.
228. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the outcome of his discussions with representatives of associations (details supplied) in relation to their integration plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66262/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraGender equality across sport is a Government priority and, while not directly involved in the process, the Government is very supportive of the integration of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) and the Camogie Association into a single unified structure for Gaelic Games.
While it is disappointing that Dr. McAleese has stepped down as chair of the Steering Group on Integration, the work done under her stewardship provides a strong platform for the delivery of integration.
Minister O'Donovan and I met with the GAA, the Camogie Association and the LGFA on 9 September 2026 to discuss progress towards the integration of the three associations. During these meetings, each of the three bodies reaffirmed their commitment to achieving integration and that this process is ongoing, noting that the appointment of a new Chairperson would be a key priority in the context of the next meeting of the steering group in early October.
All parties recognised the need for greater transparency and clear communications on how the integration process is happening, both within their own organisations and more widely. In this regard, I expect that a clear overall timetable for integration will be set out by the steering group in the coming months and Minister O'Donovan and I have asked that quarterly progress updates be provided to the Department.
My Department and Sport Ireland remain available to offer any support and advice needed to support this process and look forward to further engagement on this in due course.
229. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to review a situation regarding apartments (details supplied) that have been refused access to the Fire Defects Remediation Fund; and to make a statement on the matter. [65979/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government decision of 18 January 2023 approved the development of supports for the remediation of fire safety, structural safety and water ingress defects in purpose-built apartment buildings, including duplexes, constructed between 1991 and 2013.
The Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Scheme Bill is expected to be published this year and the statutory scheme will be in place shortly thereafter. It is envisaged that 100% of eligible remediation costs will be funded.
Eligibility will be determined by reference to the scope of the scheme as approved by Government.
The Interim Remediation Scheme ('Scheme') has been in place since December 2023, to provide an acceptable level of fire safety in buildings pending introduction of the Statutory Scheme and completion of the full remedial works. Details on individual applications are not held by my Department. The Housing Agency is responsible for the administration of the Scheme and the associated operational data.
230. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if carer's allowance and carer's benefit is disregarded from income assessed for local authority housing; and the income that the local authority have discretion in relation to disregard. [66005/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraApplications 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.
The 2011 Regulations prescribe maximum net income limits for each local authority, in different bands according to the area concerned, with income being defined and assessed according to a standard Household Means Policy.
Under the Household Means Policy, net income for social housing assessment is defined as gross household income less income tax, PRSI, www.kildarestreet.com/glossary/?gl=2 Universal Social Charge and Additional Superannuation Contribution. The Policy provides for a range of income disregards, and local authorities also have discretion to decide to disregard income that is temporary, short-term or once-off in nature
Carer's Allowance, full or half rate, and Carer's Benefit are not assessable as income under the Household Means Policy, and in all cases, shall be disregarded for the purposes of assessing income.
More detail on what income is assessable and the full list of disregards is available on my Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/fb1f2-social-housing-support-household-means-policy/
231. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the review of the Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 will take place; if it will be published; if there is a timeline for publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66096/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 as amended by the Act of 2025 underpins the Grant Scheme which provides grant funding to people whose homes have been affected by Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB).
A number of amendments contained in the 2025 Act came into operation on 25 February 2026 and more recently further provisions commenced on 27 May 2026.
As per Section 51 of the 2022 Act (as amended), a review of the operation of the Act has now been commenced and is being carried out by my Department with the assistance of external expertise as necessary. The 2022 Act mandates that not later than 3 months after the completion of this review that I, as Minister, shall make a report to each House of the Oireachtas of the findings and conclusions resulting from that review.
The review is already underway. It is not possible to provide a timeframe for its completion at this point in time. However, the Government has decided that the DCB Scheme will remain open in so far as possible and existing works to homes already in train can continue while the Review is ongoing.
My Department is working closely with the Housing Agency and local authorities to ensure that homeowners at different stages of the scheme know what these changes mean for them and the Housing Agency recently issued a statement on their website regarding an update for homeowners. www.housingagency.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-What-This-Means-for-Homeowners-FINAL_V4.pdf. The information contained in this document clearly explains how homeowners at different stages of the scheme may progress at this time.
232. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department maintains a risk register; if so, if copies of the register since 2022 will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66072/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
233. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of applications approved, in progress and refused under the Land Acquisition Fund; by local authority, by year to date, in tabular form. [66026/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Land Acquisition Fund was established to fund the acquisition of developable land to underpin the delivery of housing out to 2030.
Under the housing plan, Delivery Homes, Building Communities, the Land Acquisition Fund (LAF) will be reformed, streamlined, and expanded to ensure it is fit for purpose and can support the level of ambition in the Plan. To this end, the fund will be increased from €239m to at least €500m and this increased capacity will help establish the fund as a revolving fund, providing greater flexibility and ensuring it will operate in perpetuity and help secure a sustainable pipeline of land for delivery of social and affordable housing over the long-term.
The Land Acquisition Fund is overseen by my Department and managed by the Housing Agency. The process for application and draw down of funding is set out on the Housing Agency website available at: www.housingagency.ie/land-acquisition-fund .
The table below sets out the number of applications under the fund. It is important to note that applications are not refused but are simply not approved based on information received in the application. Local authorities are encouraged to resubmit such applications with any clarifications or amendments requested, in which case the application will be reassessed. The Housing Agency actively engages with local authorities and AHBs to ensure that the Land Acquisition Fund is easily accessible within optimal timelines.
|
LA |
Year |
Received |
Approved |
In Progress |
Not approved |
|
Cavan |
2023 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2024 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2025 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2026 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Clare |
2023 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2024 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2025 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2026 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cork County |
2023 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2024 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
|
2025 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2026 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Donegal |
2023 |
10 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2024 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2025 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
|
2026 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
|
Dublin |
2023 |
12 |
2 |
0 |
10 |
|
|
2024 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2025 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
|
2026 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
DLRCC |
2023 |
5 |
2 |
0 |
3 |
|
|
2024 |
4 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2025 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2026 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Fingal |
2023 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2024 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2025 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2026 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Galway City |
2023 |
7 |
6 |
0 |
1 |
|
|
2024 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2025 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2026 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Galway County |
2023 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2024 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2025 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2026 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
0 |
|
Kerry |
2023 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2024 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2025 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2026 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Kildare |
2023 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2024 |
3 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
|
|
2025 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2026 |
3 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
Kilkenny |
2023 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2024 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2025 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2026 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Laois |
2023 |
6 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
|
|
2024 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2025 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
0 |
|
|
2026 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Leitrim |
2023 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2024 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2025 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2026 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Limerick |
2023 |
5 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
|
|
2024 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2025 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2026 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
|
Louth |
2023 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2024 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2025 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2026 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Mayo |
2023 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2024 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2025 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2026 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Meath |
2023 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2024 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2025 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2026 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Monaghan |
2023 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2024 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2025 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2026 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Offaly |
2023 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2024 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2025 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2026 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Roscommon |
2023 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2024 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2025 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
|
|
2026 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Sligo |
2023 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2024 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2025 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2026 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
SDCC |
2023 |
4 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2024 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2025 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2026 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Waterford |
2023 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2024 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2025 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2026 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Westmeath |
2023 |
6 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2024 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2025 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
|
2026 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Wexford |
2023 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2024 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2025 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
|
2026 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Wicklow |
2023 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2024 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2025 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2026 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
|
144 |
101 |
20 |
2 |
234. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether a dwelling being disposed of by a lender, receiver, mortgagee-in-possession or pursuant to a court judgment, can be acquired under the Second-Hand Social Housing Acquisitions Programme for tenancy sustainment purposes or to prevent a tenant from homelessness. [66024/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Second-Hand Acquisitions Programme is a policy tool available to local authorities to support social housing qualified households in the most challenging and precarious housing situations, helping prevent them becoming homeless and supporting those in homelessness to exit into permanent housing.
To this end, a tenant-in-situ acquisition is often a critical intervention that helps sustain a tenancy and prevent a social housing qualified household in the private rental sector from becoming homeless. However, such acquisitions are not the only, or even primary, intervention available, and they should only be used when all other options, including a tenancy in an existing or new local authority or Approved Housing Body social home, have been exhausted.
The administration of the Second-Hand Acquisitions Programme is delegated to local authorities within the terms and conditions of the programme. Accordingly, any decision to progress an acquisition, including a tenant-in-situ acquisition is a matter for the relevant local authority to determine, having regard to the local circumstances, other options available, and whether an acquisition is the appropriate policy response in those circumstances.
That said, while each case must be judged locally on its own merits, the programme criteria do not preclude the acquisition of a rented home that is being sold by a lender receiver, mortgagee-in-possession, or pursuant to a court judgement, where relevant programme requirements are adhered to by the purchasing authority or Approved Housing Body.
235. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he intends to progress section 47 of the Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66102/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2024 provides for a directly elected Mayor of Limerick with executive functions and new arrangements in Limerick City and County Council and the first Mayor took up office in June 2024. Part 6 of the 2024 Act also makes provision for a local authority to hold a plebiscite on the question of whether to have a directly elected Mayor with executive functions for their administrative area.
A plebiscite of the electors of an administrative area may be proposed in three ways:
1. where a local authority Corporate Policy Group recommends it and the elected council approves it;
2. where a petition is signed by more than 15% of the electorate and the chief executive certifies it; or
3. where the Minister directs it.
A plebiscite must then be held within 12 months. Where the outcome of a plebiscite is in favour of a directly elected mayor, the 2024 Act requires that the Minister submits a report to the Oireachtas within two years, containing proposals for legislative measures to provide for a directly elected Mayor of that administrative area.
These legislative provisions have been commenced, and supporting regulations for holding plebiscites are being developed.
In relation to local government reform more generally, the Local Democracy Taskforce Report and Implementation Plan was published on 22 July 2026. The Implementation Plan, developed in response to the Local Democracy Taskforce report, sets out a comprehensive programme of reforms designed to strengthen local democracy, empower communities and enhance the role of elected Councillors across Ireland.
236. Reply not received from Department.
237. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the departmental review on income thresholds is due to be completed. [66056/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. Income is defined and assessed according to a standard Household Means Policy.
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.
I expect that the analysis will be concluded shortly to facilitate a final determination on next steps. I am also keen to put in place a more structured and frequent process for the review of these limits going forward.
239. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to confirm that a building which was not previously used as a dwelling is eligible for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, provided it is intended for conversion to residential use; and if he will clarify that buildings such as studios or ancillary structures with historic planning references on the landholding meet the criteria once intended for refurbishment as a dwelling. [66168/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra240. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to clarify that an independent Local Property Tax (LPT) record is not required for a building applying under the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant; and that ancillary buildings forming part of a landholding already subject to LPT meet the eligibility criteria. [66164/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra241. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to confirm that an independent eircode is not required for a building to qualify for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, including in cases where the building forms part of a larger landholding. [66159/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra242. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether a building that does not have an independent land registry folio is eligible for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant; and if he will confirm that title deeds, including certified copies provided by a practising solicitor, are accepted as valid proof of ownership for the purposes of the scheme. [66157/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra243. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether a building that is the subject of a Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant application is required to be a standalone property with independent utility connections, specifically electricity and water; and if he will confirm that a standalone building without separate utility connections, or which is serviced from an existing dwelling on the landholding, meets the eligibility criteria for the grant. [66156/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 239, 240, 241, 242 and 243 together.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, funded under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund, has been a key measure in addressing vacancy and dereliction across the country. The Grant provides 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 derelict, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €70,000.
Applications for the grant can be made by named individuals who own the property for which the grant is being applied for or who are actively engaged in purchasing the property. Eligible properties must be built before 2008 and includes vacant commercial or public use buildings. Agricultural buildings are not eligible for the grant.
While the Department issues general guidance on the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, it has no direct role in deciding on individual applications. The administration of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, including the application, assessment, approval and payment to applicants, is the responsibility of the relevant local authority which must also satisfy itself as to the ownership of the property prior to the payment of the grant.
Vacant Homes Officers (VHOs) are in place in all local authorities and are available to provide advice, support and guidance to the public in relation to the schemes in place to tackle vacancy. A full list of VHOs and their contact details can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/publication/f59b3-vacant-homes-officer-contacts/
Prior to a decision being made on a grant application, the local authority reviews the application to ensure that the grant conditions are met and the required supporting documentation has been submitted. They will then arrange for a site visit to be carried out. Once this process is complete the local authority will make their decision on the grant application which is then issued to the applicant.
Where an application is not successful, the applicant can lodge an appeal with the local authority to whom the application was made. A senior local authority official who was not involved with the original decision will assess the appeal and contact the applicant with the outcome.
If, after having an appeal carried out on a grant application and the applicant is unhappy with the response received from the Local Authority, the applicant can bring a complaint to the Ombudsman. More details on the role of the Ombudsman, can be found at ombudsman.ie/en/
The Office of the Ombudsman provides a free, impartial and independent dispute resolution service and can be contacted using an online complaint form on their website www.ombudsman.ie or they can be contacted on phone number 01 639 5600.
244. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the third call under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund announced on 28 May 2024; if the funding to all local authorities announced (details supplied) was drawn down; and the number of residential units that have been provided to date. [66275/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraA flagship element of Project Ireland 2040, the €2.5 billion Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund, formerly the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), is supporting a programme of significant transformational projects that will contribute to the regeneration and rejuvenation of Ireland’s cities and other large towns, in line with the objectives of the National Planning Framework and the National Development Plan.
On 14 September last, I announced the list of 119 projects, representing a potential investment of €409m, that are being been added to this programme alongside the specific urban regeneration and development projects previously announced under Calls 1 and 2 of the former URDF.
The third round of funding (Call 3) is designed to address long-term vacancy and dereliction, and support the key objectives of Housing for All and Town Centre First. It provides a €150 million revolving fund for local authorities to acquire long-term vacant or derelict properties in eligible towns and cities. Acquired properties are then offered by local authorities for private sale at market value to those who in return will commit to bringing the property back into use. Proceeds from the sale of these properties is used to replenish the fund, allowing a local authority to establish a rolling programme to tackle long-term vacancy and dereliction without a requirement for borrowing and the associated financial risk.
In terms of funding provided under Call 3, €142.5 million has been allocated to local authorities to date. As a signal of Government commitment to this initiative local authorities received 20%, (i.e. €28.5 million) of their financial allocations by way of forward funding so that they were well resourced to begin addressing this issue.
The key objective of Call 3 is to ensure properties are brought out of vacancy and dereliction. The use of Call 3 funding to acquire properties is only one of the ways in which the programme achieves this objective. Properties approved for inclusion in the programme are not immediately acquired by local authorities. An initial engagement by the local authority with the property owner provides an opportunity for that owner to bring the property back into use in the first instance without the need for further local authority intervention.
The most recent Call 3 Report shows 1,428 properties on Local Authority's approved acquisition lists. Some 440 properties are being brought back into use by property owners in this manner and these properties will be monitored by local authorities to ensure the properties are brought back into use. Call 3 has also been a catalyst for another 93 properties being dealt with under different housing programmes. An additional 212 properties have been identified as not being vacant or derelict upon further review by the local authorities.
Additionally, 81 properties have been acquired by the Local Authorities and an additional 63 properties are currently in the process of being acquired. Taken together, this demonstrates that, of a total of 889 properties, just over 62% of the properties approved onto the programme are now either actively coming out of vacancy/dereliction or were found to not be vacant/derelict.
As it is a matter for the relevant private owners as to what use they make of these properties once they are brought back into use, I am not in a position to provide detailed and accurate figures on the precise number of residential units that are ultimately provided. What I can say is that the programme has achieved transformative outcomes for these properties at a cost to the Exchequer to date of just under €10 million. That this is being achieved primarily through local authority engagement with the original owners in bringing the properties back into use adds to this success as it incurs very little cost to the State while achieving the policy objectives.
245. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if any private investment for the Water Supply Project Eastern and Midlands Region has been sought, negotiated, or secured from Chinese or other international private investors. [66281/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUisce Éireann is wholly owned by the State with €11.7 billion in public capital investment foreseen out to 2030 under the National Development Plan. Uisce Éireann also receives income from water charges imposed on non-domestic customers and new connection charges.
Uisce Éireann’s capital investment programme by is funded solely by the Exchequer and its own resources. It is not funded by international private investors.
246. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the Water Supply Project Eastern and Midlands Region (Shannon Pipeline Project) will be structured as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) or procured wholly by the State. [66261/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUisce Éireann is wholly owned by the State. It receives income from the State and from water charges imposed on non-domestic customers and new connection charges.
Uisce Éireann does not use a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model for capital investment. Uisce Éireann’s capital investment programme including the Water Supply Project Eastern and Midlands Region (Shannon Pipeline Project) will be funded by the Exchequer and its own resources as outlined above.
247. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will give a commitment in the upcoming budget to eliminate and publish a definitive timeline to abolish the carer's allowance means test. [65993/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Carer’s Allowance is the main scheme by which the Department provides income support to carers. At the end of August there were just under 111,000 carers receiving this payment.
The Programme for Government has set out a timeline which commits to significantly increasing the income disregards for Carer’s Allowance in each Budget, with a view to phasing out the means test during the lifetime of this Government.
This process is well underway. As part of Budget 2026, I announced significant improvements to the means test that were introduced in early July 2026. The weekly income disregard increased by 60% from €625 to €1,000 for a single person, and from €1,250 to €2,000 for carers who are part of couple.
These are the largest ever increases in the income disregards mean that a carer in a two-adult household with an income of €110,000 will retain their full Carer’s Allowance payment and receive a partial payment with a household income up to €138,000. This accounts for up to 90% of couple households in the State. In addition, almost 2,700 Carer’s Allowance recipients received higher rates of payment. Virtually all carers receiving Carer’s Allowance are now paid the maximum rate available.
Removing the means test entirely represents a significant policy shift and there may be further implications beyond the cost alone. For this reason the means test is being abolished in a measured way over the lifetime of the Government.
The improvements delivered to date demonstrate the Government’s determination to meet its commitment to phase out the Carer's Allowance means test over the course of this Dáil term. Any further improvements to the means test will be considered in an overall budgetary and policy context as part of Budget 2027 having regard to overall welfare improvements.
248. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of employers that availed of the wage subsidy scheme for those with disabilities in 2025; the number of employees; and the total cost of the scheme in 2025. [65991/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Wage Subsidy Scheme gives financial support to employers who employ people with disabilities. It is a workplace support for employers from the Department of Social Protection. The scheme supports employers where a person’s disability or health condition means their job tasks or role need to be significantly adapted. The wage subsidy is paid to the employer. The employer pays the employee their normal wages.
As of the end of December 2025, there were 1,762 employers availing of the scheme and a total of 2,859 employees who were employed under the scheme.
The total cost of the scheme in 2025 was €22.11 million.
