Written Answers Nos. 88-103
88. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of croí cónaithe town grants drawn down to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18316/24]
View answer89. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the budget allocation to croí cónaithe towns refurbishment grant scheme for 2024; the target for delivery under this scheme in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18317/24]
View answer92. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an overview of the number of croí cónaithe applications have been made and processed in each local authority for 2023 and to date in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18379/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 88, 89 and 92 together.
Pathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant supports bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use as homes. A grant of up to a maximum of €50,000 is available for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent.
Where the refurbishment costs are expected to exceed the standard grant of up to €50,000, a maximum top-up grant amount of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed by the applicant to be derelict or where the property is already on the local authority’s Derelict Sites Register, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €70,000. The grant is available in respect of vacant and derelict properties built up to and including 2007, in towns, villages, cities and rural areas. The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is available to properties which have been vacant for 2 years.
The capital allocation for 2023 for the Croí Cónaithe Fund (Cities and Towns) is €50 million.
Since the launch of the Grant some 7,570 applications have been received, with over 4,390 approved and with 275 grants paid out as works are completed. At the outset, the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund aimed to deliver 2,000 homes by 2025. This has since been increased to 4,000.
My Department publishes data on applications for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant on its website on a quarterly basis, see gov.ie - Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant statistics (www.gov.ie), which includes breakdowns per local authority.
90. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the value of the development levies waived to date under the terms of the development contributions waiver scheme since the scheme’s inception in relation to Louth County Council and Meath County Council; if he will provide the figures separately for those local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18350/24]
View answerOn 25 April 2023, the Government approved additional measures under the Housing for All Action Plan to incentivise the activation of increased housing supply and help reduce housing construction costs, including the introduction of temporary time-limited arrangements for the waiving of local authority “section 48” development contributions and the refunding of Uisce Éireann water and waste water connection charges.
The schemes originally applied for 1 year to all permitted residential development that commences on site between 25 April 2023 (the date of the Government Decision approving the measure) and 24 April 2024, and is completed not later than 31 December 2025. The Government has approved an extension for the waiving of local authority “section 48” development contributions to the end of this year and the refunding of Uisce Éireann water and waste water connection charges to the beginning of October. My Department will be notifying local authorities on the detailed arrangements shortly.
Under the scheme, local authorities are invited to submit a monthly claim form to the Department in respect of the cumulative development contribution waivers approved by them in the previous month.
The information requested in respect of the payments made to Louth County Council and Meath County Council up to the end of March 2024 under the Development Contribution Waiver Scheme is provided in the table below. This table also includes detail of the claims on hand which will be paid shortly following their review.
|
Local Authority |
Total Claims Paid |
Claims on hand awaiting payment |
|
Louth |
€6,317,089.99 |
€969,800.22 |
|
Meath |
€5,674,970.20 |
€646,770.50 |
91. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the terms of the development contributions waiver scheme permits contributions due from a developer relating to a condition attached to a planning grant to fund a piece of infrastructure on public roads outside of the precise subject site/location of the development to be waived; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18351/24]
View answerOn 25 April 2023, the Government approved additional measures under the Housing for All Action Plan to incentivise the activation of increased housing supply and help reduce housing construction costs, including the introduction of temporary time-limited arrangements for the waiving of local authority “section 48” development contributions and the refunding of Uisce Éireann water and waste water connection charges.
The waiver applies to all Development Contribution Schemes as adopted by local authorities under Section 48 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act), including schemes adopted under section 48(2)(c). Supplementary development contribution schemes which are in place under Section 49 of the Act in respect of specific public infrastructure services or projects are not included in the waiver scheme.
The full details in relation to the implementation and operation of the waiver and refund arrangements were notified to local authorities by way of Department of Housing Circular Letter PL 08/2023 dated 28 April 2023, supplemented by an associated detailed guidance document. The relevant local authority - which would be familiar with the detail of their own local Development Contribution Scheme - should be contacted for clarification as to whether the waiver scheme applies to a particular piece of roads infrastructure as referred to in the question.
93. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for figures on the total spend for all forms of advertising in the years 2022 and 2023 in his Department; if figures can be provided on each Department’s spend on local media advertising (print and broadcast respectively, and broken down on that basis) for those years; if the Department used/uses an agency to place advertising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18395/24]
View answerThe information the Deputy has requested is being compiled and will be forwarded in accordance with Standing Orders.
94. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures that will be implemented to reduce considerable delays in processing applications through Tailte Éireann such as dealings in the former Property Registration Authority which may at times delay the provision of housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18415/24]
View answerTailte Éireann is an independent Government agency under the aegis of my Department. Tailte Éireann provide a property registration system, property valuation service, and national mapping and surveying infrastructure for the State. Under Section 8(6) of the Tailte Éireann Act 2022, Tailte Éireann is independent in the performance of its functions.
In common with many other public service organisations, Tailte Éireann experienced significant knock-on effects of the COVID restrictions put in place over the last number of years. In addition, an increase in staff exits through retirements and mobility transfers during this time has contributed to an accumulation of applications for registration.
In 2023, a request for an increase in the provision for staff pay in Tailte Éireann’s Vote was supported by my Department, and subsequently provided for in their Estimate for 2024.
I understand from Tailte Éireann that, while alleviating somewhat, they have experienced significant challenges in recruitment and continues to engage with the Public Appointments Service to fulfil its staffing requirements for replacement and additional staff.
Tailte Éireann has indicated that the level of property transactions has remained strong and there has been a continued increase in applications received year-on-year.
In addition, the number of applications which were lodged for registration but were not in order to proceed rose by 19% in 2023 over 2022. 33,840 applications contained errors with grounds for rejection and were returned to the lodging party, creating a substantial administrative burden for Tailte Éireann.
Notwithstanding this level of output and the robust nature of the property market, the ongoing challenges to fill remaining staffing gaps has resulted in a stabilisation, rather than reduction, of applications on hand, in particular for certain application types.
I am assured by Tailte Éireann that every effort is being made to further reduce application processing times including implementation of the following actions:
• Implementation of revised procedures for more efficient handling of applications which are not in order to proceed to registration.
• Targeted approach to reduce the age profile of applications pending registration.
• Revised internal processes aimed at reducing the volume of applications on hand which are not in order to proceed and remain under query.
• Continued promotion of digital services and uptake of eRegistration services to reduce processing times for all service users.
• An organisation-wide focus on reducing processing times with business process improvements implemented.
Improvements have been made in throughput times, in particular in relation to cases not requiring mapping. I am confident that as the required staff are successfully on-boarded, Tailte Éireann will be in a position to achieve its goal of reducing waiting times across all registration services.
It is important to note that any delays in registering applications lodged with Tailte Éireann should, in the main, have no effect on the provision of Housing. Registration of the legal effect of the deeds executed on a transfer of property occurs as the final part of the conveyancing process.
In addition, the time it takes to complete a registration would have minimal impact on the property market, as legal rights are protected on the register from the date of lodgement of the application for registered property, not the date of completion.
In cases where any delay in registration could have a potential impact, Tailte Éireann make every effort to expedite applications 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 reps@tailte.ie.
95. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Minister if his Department has at any time engaged the services of a company (details supplied) or allocated the company funding or support in any capacity; if he or his officials have engaged with personnel from the company; if so, the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18447/24]
View answerThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
96. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider increasing the household benefits package allowance for those in receipt of a pension; and if she will remove the means test for those over 66 years of age. [18133/24]
View answerThe Household Benefits Package comprises the electricity or gas allowance, and the free television licence. The Department of Social Protection will spend approximately €285 million this year on the Household Benefits Package for over 523,000 customers.
People over the age of 70 receive the Household Benefits Package, with one package provided per household. The package is also available to people living in the State aged 66-69 years who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments or who satisfy a means test. The package is available to some people under the age of 66 who are in receipt of certain welfare type payments.
In Budget 2024, the Government did provide for increases to core Social Welfare payments including increases to the weekly rate of State Pension payable, as well as once off payments of €200 for those in receipt of the Living Alone Increase and €300 for those in receipt of the Fuel Allowance payment. Budget 2024 also provided for the Christmas Bonus payment and January Cost of Living Bonus payment.
While consideration is always given to suggested improvements to the Departments schemes, any decision to enhance the Household Benefits Package further would have to be considered in the context of overall budget negotiations. I trust that this clarifies these matters for the Deputy.
97. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she plans to bring forward proposals to amend pension entitlements in order that women who had to leave work due to marriage could qualify for a pension in their own right regardless of their husband’s means. [18158/24]
View answerThe marriage bar was a legal requirement for women in the Irish civil service and some areas of the public service to retire from employment after marriage. While the legislation applied only to the civil and public sector, a similar policy was adopted by other sectors, such as the banking sector. The marriage bar for civil servants was removed from legislation in 1973.
The impact of the marriage bar on State Pension eligibility for many women varied depending on the sector they worked in and whether they returned to paid employment. Therefore, it is difficult to identify all those whose entitlement to State Pension was impacted by the marriage bar. It is also worth remembering that most civil and public servants recruited prior to 1995 are not entitled to the State Pension (Contributory) and would not have been entitled to it had they continued working as a civil or public servant, regardless of gender and marital status, due to the application of a modified PRSI rate.
The State Pension (Contributory) system currently gives significant recognition to those whose work history includes an extended period of time outside the paid workplace, often to raise families or in a full-time caring role. PRSI Credits, Homemaking Disregards and HomeCaring Periods recognise caring periods of up to 20 years outside of paid employment in the calculation of a payment rate. Since April 2019, State Pension (Contributory) applications are assessed under all possible methods with the most beneficial payment rate paid to the applicant.
In January of this year I introduced the Long Term Carers Contributions which allowed for those who provided full time care to incapacitated individuals to receive reckonable contributions for the time spent giving that care, provided they cared for at least 20 years. Those years do not need to be consecutive. Long Term Carers Contribution are considered the equivalent of paid contributions and can be used to qualify for the State Pension (Contributory).
Where a person reaches State Pension age and does not satisfy the conditions to qualify for a State Pensions (Contributory) or qualifies for less than the maximum rate, they may instead qualify for one of the following:
• The State Pension (Non-Contributory) which is a means-tested payment with a maximum payment of 95% of the State Pension (Contributory); or
• An increase for a qualified adult, amounting up to 90% of a full rate State Pension (Contributory) pension, where their spouse has a contributory pension;
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
98. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a review/appeal for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18161/24]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered on the 8th April 2024. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought.
When these papers have been received from the Department, the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral appeal hearing.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
99. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is aware that children with coeliac disease, which has an incidence rate of 1 in 100 people in Ireland, are unable to avail of the hot school meals programme; the steps her Department can take to address this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18163/24]
View answerThe objective of the School Meals Programme is to provide regular, nutritious food to children to support them in taking full advantage of the education provided to them. The Programme is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and extra educational achievement. Following the expansion of the Programme in recent years, some 2,600 schools and organisations, covering 443,000 children are now eligible for funding.
The Nutritional Standards for School Meals were developed by a working group led by the Health and Wellbeing Programme in the Department of Health, in consultation with Safefood and the Healthy Eating and Active Living Programme in the Health Service Executive.
Each school is required to provide a menu choice of at least two different meals per day and where required, provide a vegetarian/vegan option and an option that caters for students’ religious and cultural dietary requirements and medical conditions. The food provided for those with allergies/ conditions must comply with the Standards. Guidance on allergies such as coeliac disease and gluten intolerance is available from www.Safefood.net/Allergens.
Schools are responsible for choosing their own School Meals supplier on the open market in a fair and transparent manner in accordance with Public Procurement rules. Under tender documentation as stipulated by the Schools Procurement’s Unit, the menu is to accommodate those with food intolerances and allergies, from lactose-free to vegetarian to gluten-free for example. In addition, the supplier is to check with the school upon award of the contract, the details of such to accommodate those potential customers and the supplier must provide clearly visible menu boards with an allergens list.
My Department provides the funding directly to the schools, who are then required to procure the provision of the food in compliance with Government procurement rules and with relevant Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point, Food Safety regulations and the Nutritional Standards for School Meals. It is the responsibility of the school to source a supplier that can meet the dietary requirements of all of their pupils. I trust this clarifies the matter.
100. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if children's allowance benefit will continue to be paid to a person (details supplied); and if arrears will also be paid. [18167/24]
View answerChild Benefit is a monthly payment made to families with children up to the age of 16 years. From May 2024, new legislation allows the payment to continue in respect of children until their 19th birthday who are in full-time education, or who have a disability that prevents them from attending such education.
Child Benefit will resume from May for this customer and will continue until September 2024, at which time the Department will seek further details about the child's continuing education.
No arrears are due for any period between a child's 18th birthday and the resumption of the payment in May.
I trust this clarifies the position.
101. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on an application for partial capacity benefit by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18175/24]
View answerPartial Capacity Benefit (PCB) is a social welfare scheme which allows a person to return to work or self-employment and continue to receive a payment from my department. A person must be in receipt of Illness Benefit (IB) for a minimum of six months or Invalidity Pension (IP) in order to apply for PCB.
The application process for the PCB is twofold. Initially, an applicant must inform my Department of their intention to undertake employment and submit an application for PCB. Following this, the Department assesses the eligibility of the applicant and the appropriate level of PCB support. Subsequent to this assessment, the applicant is required to either confirm their decision to accept the determined PCB level and confirm their employment commencement date. The PCB team will then put the relevant payment in place.
Regarding the case in question, this individual applied for PCB on 21 March 2024 and their claim was referred to the Medical Assessment and Review Section to determine their incapacity to work. Correspondence issued to the person concerned on 18 April 2024 advising that their incapacity to work has been assessed as 'Moderate'. The person concerned will receive 50% of their underlying Invalidity Pension entitlement if they commence employment.
The applicant has been requested to specify their 'return to work date' to enable the completion of this claim. Where employment does not commence by 20 June 2024, their claim will be closed.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
102. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when illness benefit or other suitable illness payment will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18177/24]
View answerWhile my department has received medical certificates from the person concerned, we have not yet received an application for Illness Benefit. An application can be made online at MyWelfare.ie, or by submitting a physical IB1 application form which is available from their GP.
I note that the person concerned is in receipt of Widow's Contributory Pension. A person cannot receive payment of both Illness Benefit and Widow's Contributory Pension at the same time. The Widow's Contributory Pension is payable at a higher rate than Illness Benefit and, as such, the person concerned is currently better off continuing to receive this payment.
However, it remains open to them to make an application for Illness Benefit, as they may be eligible to receive PRSI credited contributions on this scheme while they are sick.
I trust this clarifies the position for the deputy.
103. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on an application for child benefit by a person in County Kerry (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18182/24]
View answerChild Benefit is a monthly payment to the parents or guardians of children under 16 years of age. Child Benefit can also be claimed for children aged 16 and 17 if they are in full-time education or full-time training or have a disability and cannot support themselves.
From May 2024, new legislation allows the payment to continue in respect of children until their 19th birthday while they are in full-time education, or who have a disability that prevents them from attending such education.
The person concerned applied for Child Benefit in June 2023. This claim was disallowed as she did not satisfy the Habitual Residence condition. The person concerned requested a review of this decision. In July 2023, a review of this decision was carried out and the decision was upheld. The person concerned was advised of their right to appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals office within 21 days of the decision letter. The decision has not been appealed.
A new claim may be submitted at any time and a decision will issue to the person concerned.
I trust this clarifies the position for the deputy.
