Tuesday, 13 Feb 2018

Written Answers Nos. 652-674

Social Welfare Appeals Status

Ceisteanna (652)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Ceist:

652. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an appeal lodged by a person (details supplied). [7285/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 14th November 2017. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. These papers have been received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 12th December 2017 and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Fuel Allowance Applications

Ceisteanna (653)

Tom Neville

Ceist:

653. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a fuel allowance application by a person (details supplied). [7314/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection

Fuel allowance is a means tested payment, payable to people who either live alone or only with certain other qualified people.

The person concerned is currently in receipt of Disability Allowance. She was in receipt of the weekly fuel allowance up to the 2 January 2018. She has been awarded the lump sum fuel allowance from the 3 January 2018. This lady was notified of this decision on the 4 December 2017 and the lump sum fuel allowance issued to her nominated payment method on the 3 January 2018.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

JobPath Programme

Ceisteanna (654)

Tom Neville

Ceist:

654. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 475 of 14 November 2017, the status of the matter. [7319/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection

As the Deputy is aware JobPath is an employment activation service that supports people who are long-term unemployed, including those working part time to secure and sustain full-time paid employment.

The person in question was referred to the JobPath programme in July 2017 and agreed a personal progression plan in August 2017 and has attended a number of appointments and workshops over the past 6 months in her search for suitable full time work.

I am advised by my officials that all appointments have been scheduled to take account of her work commitments when known, and where she has not been in a position to inform her JobPath office in advance regarding a day of employment, her appointments have been rescheduled to ensure she is able to get the full benefit of the JobPath service.

In the case of this person and all those who are underemployed with part time jobs, the focus of the service will be on options or opportunities to increase the level of employment either in their current role or in other areas, this may also involve some training, but could provide a more sustainable income and a move away from jobseekers payments. Therefore it is important that people referred to the service continue to engage with the JobPath provider.

I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.

Water and Sewerage Schemes Status

Ceisteanna (655)

Mick Wallace

Ceist:

655. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the average wait times for Irish Water to acknowledge, process and communicate final decisions regarding pre-connection applications for sewerage and water, in tabular form. [6681/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of the planning, delivery and operation of water and wastewater services at national, regional and local levels. The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides that responsibility for the independent economic regulation of the water sector is assigned to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) which has statutory responsibility for protecting the interests of customers.

In relation to pre-connection applications for sewerage and water services, the position is that these are operational matters for Irish Water, subject to independent oversight by the CRU as appropriate.

An important aspect of the CRU’s work is ensuring that Irish Water’s revenue is spent appropriately to improve services for customers. To facilitate this, in November 2016 the CRU (formerly known as the Commission for Energy Regulation) outlined a framework of 19 key performance metrics against which it would monitor Irish Water’s performance and progress over time. The metrics cover customer service, environmental performance, quality of service for water supply, security of water supply and sewerage service. Monitoring Irish Water’s performance relative to these metrics will facilitate an evaluation by the CRU of the utility’s performance. It also ensures that transparent data becomes available to customers through the publication of performance data.

If Deputies have any queries on specific issues in relation to water services Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email to [e-mail] or by telephone on a dedicated number, 1890 578 578.

Housing Adaptation Grant Applications

Ceisteanna (656)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

656. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the priority given to applications for grants under the housing adaptation grants for persons with disabilities who are in hospital or temporary nursing home care while waiting for adaptations to be given approval; if no such system is generally applied, his plans to introduce one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6683/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

The detailed operation of the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, including the amounts assigned to each scheme from within the overall funds available, is a matter for each individual local authority.  However, my Department has requested that all local authorities establish contact with the hospitals/convalescent homes in their area in relation to the administration of the schemes and has also requested local authorities to prioritise applications from eligible applicants, whose discharge from hospital is dependent on the timely adaptation of their homes.

Local Authority Staff Data

Ceisteanna (657)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

657. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the staffing numbers by local authority in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018; the new staff approvals sanctioned by local authority in 2016 and 2017; the outstanding requests pending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6684/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

My Department gathers quarterly data on staff numbers in local authorities.  The information requested for 2016 and 2017 is contained in the following table. Staffing levels for 2018 will be available at the end of each quarter during the year.

Staffing numbers for the local authority sector, as well as the broader public sector, are available on the Public Service Numbers Databank which is hosted and maintained by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and is available at the following link: http://databank.per.gov.ie/, providing access to information from 1980 onwards.

LOCAL AUTHORITY	Dec 2016 WTE	Dec 2017 WTE
Cork City	1241.21	1239.83
Dublin City	5290.15	5401.5
Galway City	421.41	419.66
Limerick City & County	1068.09	1105.48
Waterford City & County	769.17	764.48
Carlow	261.79	263.89
Cavan	372.3	389.7
Clare	719.34	744.09
Cork	1933.31	1991.76
Donegal	893.11	908.58
Dun Laoghaire	908.1	941.2
Fingal	1257.05	1278.74
Galway	751.4	732.68
Kerry	1080.88	1078.15
Kildare	848.5	869.8
Kilkenny	501.63	516.31
Laois	390.89	401.17
Leitrim	255.69	259.91
Longford	280.68	294.24
Louth	596.81	631.85
Mayo	923.81	969.91
Meath	645.91	674.7
Monaghan	386.57	383.96
Offaly	378.4	369.7
Roscommon	384.75	390.81
Sligo	380.71	401.01
South Dublin	1102.47	1122.36
Tipperary	982.83	990.15
Westmeath	438.39	438.35
Wexford	724.25	729.4
Wicklow	611.85	685.85
Total LAs	26,801.45	27,389.22

 

From 01 January 2016 to 31 December 2017, my Department has received 1,977 staff sanction requests from local authorities, of which 1,898 posts have been approved, and 79 posts are pending. The status of these requests is set out in the tables in the following links. Posts marked pending are, in general, awaiting supporting information prior to an informed decision being taken. There are a number of posts on hold pending the outcome of Workplace Relations Commission hearings.

2016 LA Applications

2017 LA Applications

Renewable Energy Generation

Ceisteanna (658, 689)

James Lawless

Ceist:

658. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the position relating to the preparation of national policy guidelines for the solar farm industry; the timeframe in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6685/18]

John Curran

Ceist:

689. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if priority is being given to ensure that sufficient planning consents for renewable energy projects in particular solar photovoltaic developments, will be in place in 2018 in order that meaningful competition will take place in the renewable energy support scheme auctions to deliver best value for consumers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7363/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

I propose to take Questions Nos. 658 and 689 together.

There are no specific planning guidelines in place in respect of solar farms. Proposals for individual solar farm developments are subject to the statutory requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, in the same manner as other proposed developments. Planning applications are made to the relevant local planning authority with a right of appeal to An Bord Pleanála.

Under the Planning and Development Act, each planning authority's development plan must set out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area concerned. Section 10 of the Act requires a development plan to include, inter alia, objectives for the provision or facilitation of the provision of infrastructure, including energy facilities, and many local authorities have developed renewable energy strategies for their areas in this context.

In making decisions on planning applications, planning authorities and the Board must consider the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, having regard to the provisions of the local development plan, any submissions or observations received and relevant Ministerial or Government policies, including any relevant guidelines issued by my Department. Planning authorities must then make their own decisions based on the specific merits or otherwise of individual planning applications. 

Under section 30 of the Act, I am specifically precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any case with which a planning authority or the Board is or may be involved.

I am satisfied that the planning code is sufficiently robust to facilitate the assessment of individual planning permission applications for solar farm developments. However, the matter is being kept under review, in consultation with my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, and his Department - which leads on renewable energy policy - in the context of the Government's White Paper on Energy Policy, published in December 2015, the development of a Renewable Electricity Policy and Development Framework, as well as the finalisation of a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS).  Where further specific planning advice or guidance is warranted, I will work with Minister Naughten and his Department in developing such guidance.

Matters relating to the proposed new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) are the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment.

Local Authority Staff

Ceisteanna (659)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

659. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the funding being allocated to cover the costs of new posts when additional posts are sanctioned to local authorities; if changes are made to local authority baselines to build in future costs of approved posts; if not, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6686/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, it is the Chief Executive of each local authority who is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the Council.

Should the need arise for additional staff, a Chief Executive must ensure that there are adequate resources available to his or her local authority prior to sanction being granted from my Department. For certain projects, including Transport Infrastructure Ireland projects, housing capital projects, local enterprise initiatives and landfill remediation work, central funding can be availed of to fund the costs of additional staff.

The funding system for local authorities is a complex one, as authorities derive their income from a variety of sources including commercial rates, charges for goods and services, Local Property Tax (LPT) as well as funding from Government Departments and other bodies. The purpose for which discretionary income is used is a matter for the elected members of the local authority. Elected members have direct responsibility in law for all reserved functions of the authority, which includes adopting the annual budget. Accordingly, it is a matter for each local authority to determine its own spending priorities in the context of the annual budgetary process having regard to both locally identified needs and available resources.

Local retention of LPT began in 2015 and is now established as an important source of funding for the local government sector, thereby reducing reliance on central funding. In accordance with decisions taken by Government regarding the distribution of LPT, every local authority has a minimum level of funding available to it, known as the baseline. There are variances across the country in terms of LPT levels but it is important that all local authorities receive at least this baseline level of funding to ensure they can deliver services. For 2017 onwards, an upward adjustment was made to the LPT baseline of each local authority, to include an additional amount equivalent to the Pension Related Deduction (PRD) income retained by local authorities in 2014. The inclusion of PRD in increased LPT funding baselines helps protect local authority income in the future. It means that, from 2017 onwards, local authorities do not retain PRD locally, thus reversing the previous approach. This was designed to negate the effects of declining PRD income being retained by local authorities from 2016 onwards as a consequence of the implementation of National pay agreements.

Commercial rates account for over a third of local authority income. The Government has decided to proceed with legislation to improve the administration of commercial rates, which will enable local authorities to achieve higher rates of collection and lower levels of arrears and debt, leading to increases in locally generated revenue.

My Department works with all local authorities to ensure the local government sector can meet existing and emerging challenges. Matters relating to LPT allocation methods and baselines for future years will be reviewed as necessary and appropriate. All such funding issues have to be considered within the parameters of the national fiscal and budgetary situation and the competing priorities presenting themselves at wider Governmental level.

Seaweed Harvesting Licences

Ceisteanna (660)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

660. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 1971 of 11 September 2017, the status of plans to sell the harvesting rights of kelp disk seaweed to a company (details supplied); if this deal has already gone through; and the way in which it will affect the County Clare coastline. [6708/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government

The role of my Department in regard to seaweed harvesting is to regulate the activity in accordance with the Foreshore Act 1933. The Act provides that a licence may be granted to remove beach material, including seaweed. Any licence granted would be temporary in nature.  The Foreshore Act does not include any mechanism under which harvesting rights may be sold to any third party.

In my reply to the Deputy in September last I advised that the named company has applied for a licence to harvest wild seaweed. During the course of assessing this and a number of other similar applications, it became clear that certain rights to harvest seaweed exist.  My Department is in the process of ascertaining, with the assistance of the Attorney General, the legal interface and relationship between these traditional harvesting rights and the current applications. 

These applications, most of which are by companies, are effectively on hold until such time as my Department is in a position to bring clarity to the regulatory regime applying to the harvesting of wild seaweed.  At that point the applications on hand will come before me for determination. Work on this complex legal issue is continuing and I hope to have made substantial progress on the matter by April this year. 

Tenant Purchase Scheme Review

Ceisteanna (661)

Colm Brophy

Ceist:

661. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when he plans to launch a new tenant purchase scheme for long-term social housing tenants; and if carer's allowance will be included as allowable income. [6712/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

The Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme came into operation on 1 January 2016.  The Scheme is open to eligible tenants, including joint tenants, of local authority houses that are available for sale under the Scheme. To be eligible, tenants must meet certain criteria, including having a minimum reckonable income of €15,000 per annum and having been in receipt of social housing support for at least one year.

The minimum reckonable income for eligibility under the scheme is determined by the relevant local authority in accordance with the detailed provisions of the Ministerial Direction issued under Sections 24(3) and (4) of the 2014 Act. In the determination of the minimum reckonable income, local authorities include income from a number of different sources and classes, such as from employment, private pensions, maintenance payments and certain social welfare payments, including pensions, where the social welfare payment is secondary to employment income. A number of income sources, including certain social welfare payments, are disregarded for the purposes of determining reckonable income. The list of income disregards includes carer’s allowance, as it is deemed not to be long-term in nature (when compared to the term over which the property is bought).

In line with the commitment given in the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness, a review of the first 12 months of the Tenant Purchase Scheme’s operation has been undertaken. The review has incorporated analysis of comprehensive data received from local authorities regarding the operation of the scheme during 2016 and a wide-ranging public consultation process, which took place in 2017 and saw submissions received from individuals, elected representatives and organisations.

The review is now complete and a full report setting out findings and recommendations has been prepared.  I expect to be in a position to publish the outcome of the review shortly.

Home Loan Scheme

Ceisteanna (662)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

662. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the detail of the self-build aspect of the home loan scheme; the way in which the value of the property at completion will be ascertained; if there will be a limit to the number of applicants to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6716/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

Following a review of the two existing local authority home loan schemes, the House Purchase Loan and the Home Choice Loan, a new loan offering - the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan - was introduced on 1 February 2018.

In terms of self-builds, where a loan applicant is building their own home on a pre-owned site with planning permission, the loan available under the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan may not exceed 90% of the build cost. Where an applicant(s) is building their own home on a site with planning permission to be purchased, funding may not exceed 90% of the site purchase and build cost combined.

Applicant(s) are required to submit with their loan application a valuation report that details the site value, cost of works and post construction market value of the completed property. The valuation report is required to be completed by an Independent Valuer and will be considered by the local authority in assessing the associated loan application.

The Housing Finance Agency (HFA) has raised €200 million from a variety of sources on a fixed rate basis for periods out to thirty years maturity. Based on the pricing achieved, local authorities can offer a first tranche of fixed rate annuity finance to eligible borrowers at rates of 2.0% and 2.25% per annum, for twenty five and thirty years respectively, up to an aggregate maximum of €200 million.

The funding will be drawn down by local authorities from the HFA to match-fund their lending to approved borrowers, on a first come first served basis, under the Loan. Further tranches of loan finance will be secured by the HFA, as necessary.

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (663)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

663. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the amount spent by his Department on photography by photographer and-or agency, public relations or communications advice external to the media officers of his Department, by agency; the use of public relations or communications advice by an agency fully funded by his Department by agency and month, in tabular form since 1 January 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6751/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

My Department did not incur any expenditure on external agency, public relations or communications advice since 1 January 2016. The engagement of external expertise is generally only considered where the issues involved require expert skills or capabilities that are not readily available within my Department. Press and Public Relations are undertaken by my Department’s Press Office.

In addition, my Department’s Press Office generally provides photographic services when required. However, on such occasions where this is not possible, a service provider is selected from the OGP panel in line with the procurement framework and procurement guidelines.

My Department has not incurred any expenditure on photography in 2018. Details of expenditure in 2016 and 2017 are set out in the following tables:

Photography 2016

Cost	Campaign	Payment to
€90.00	Photographs of Ballina-based senior managers for the Whodoeswhat.gov.ie website	Corrine Beatty Photography
€308.42	Material for public display in the reopened Custom House Visitor Centre	Maxwell Photography
€413.28	Announcement of €25m for the first phase of the Dolphin House Regeneration Project	Maxwell Photography
€430.50	Launch of the 2016-2020 Fire Services Capital Programme	Maxwell Photography
€602.70	Announcement of ERDF grant assistance to local authority capital works under the Designated Urban Centres Grants Scheme 2014 – 2020	Maxwell Photography

Photography 2017

Cost	Campaign	Payment to
€413.95	Launch of the public consultation of the NPF – Ireland 2040	Frank Fennell Photography Ltd.
€430.50	Campaign to prevent dog attacks on sheep.	Barry Cronin
€519.40	Leader announcement	Fergal Shanahan Photography
€551.04	HAP event with Dublin City Council	Maxwell Photography Ltd.
€551.04	NPF Ireland 2040 Green Schools National Poster Competition	Maxwell Photography Ltd.
€602.70	Social housing funding announcement with the EIB	Maxwell Photography Ltd.
€706.02	Social housing event	Maxwell Photography Ltd.
€4,086.64	Fire Services - Long Service Awards	Maxwell Photography Ltd.
€393.60	Good Practice in Local Government Seminar	Dylan Vaughan

In the main, the agencies operating under the remit of my Department are not exclusively funded by the Exchequer. In any event, the information sought, insofar as those agencies are concerned, is an operational matter for the agencies themselves.

Arrangements have been put in place by each agency to facilitate the provision of information by State Bodies directly to members of the Oireachtas. The contact email address for each agency is in the table:

Agency	Email address
An Bord Pleanála	[e-mail]
Ervia /Gas Networks Ireland	[e-mail]
Housing Sustainable Communities Agency	[e-mail]
Housing Finance Agency	[e-mail]
Irish Water	[e-mail]
Local Government Management Agency	[e-mail]
Ordnance Survey Ireland	[e-mail]
Property Registration Authority	[e-mail]
Residential Tenancies Board	[e-mail]
Valuation Office	[e-mail]

Local Authority Housing

Ceisteanna (664)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

664. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if an application for funding for the provision of social housing in an area (details supplied) by Longford County Council will be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6788/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

Two projects for the construction of new social housing in the area in question, have funding approval from my Department. I am very keen that the Council advances both of these projects as soon as possible. They are listed in the Social Housing Status Report that I publish quarterly, which is available at the following link: http://rebuildingireland.ie/news/quarter-3-social-housing-construction-status-report/.

Longford County Council has recently submitted a third proposal for social housing delivery in this area. My Department is awaiting further information on the proposal from the Council to enable it to be evaluated. 

Rental Sector Strategy

Ceisteanna (665)

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

665. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to rectify the lack of legislation involving short-term lettings in apartments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6828/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

I refer to the reply to Question No. 641 of 6th February 2018 which sets out the position in the matter.

Planning Data

Ceisteanna (666)

Mick Wallace

Ceist:

666. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of applications made to An Bord Pleanála to date under the fast-track planning system; the number of these applications that have been declared invalid; the number of applications that have been refused and successful respectively; and the average processing times for pre-planning decision and a final decision respectively, in tabular form. [6856/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

The Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016 provides for new streamlined arrangements to enable planning applications for strategic housing developments, of 100 housing units or more or student accommodation developments of 200 bed spaces or more, to be made directly to An Bord Pleanála (the Board) for determination.

As part of the new arrangements and prior to making a planning application, a prospective applicant must make a request to the Board to enter into mandatory pre-application consultation regarding a proposed strategic housing development.  At the end of the consultation, which also involves the local planning authority concerned, the Board issues its opinion as to whether the documents submitted with the consultation request constitute a reasonable basis for a planning application to be submitted or alternatively require further consideration and amendment in order to constitute a reasonable basis for an application.

Further to the submission of a planning application to the Board for a proposed strategic housing development, the Board is required to make a determination on such application within a period of 16 weeks of the lodging of the application.

Since the new arrangements came into operation, i.e. from 3 July 2017 up until 8 February 2018, the Board received 37 valid pre-application consultation requests in respect of which 29 opinions have issued.  The Board has subsequently received 17 planning applications and has issued decisions in respect of 3 cases to date.

The information sought in relation to the strategic housing development process, as of the 8 February 2018, is set out in the following table:

	Amount
Number of Applications Received	17
Number of Invalid Applications Received	0
Number of Applications Granted*	1
Number of Applications Refused	2
Average Time in Issuing Pre-Application Consultation Opinion	9 weeks
Average Time in Issuing Decision**	14 weeks

* Granted in part.

** Christmas period excluded

Fire Service Staff

Ceisteanna (667)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

667. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the mandatory retirement age for members of the fire service; if this retirement age may be extended for certain persons; if this dispensation is made at the discretion of the local authority concerned; if such an exemption exists, the maximum age at which fire personnel may remain in their role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6866/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

International research indicates that the retirement age of 55 is the optimum age to ensure that fire-fighters are capable of satisfactorily performing the tasks expected of them.  The retirement age of 55 years of age was introduced because of health and safety considerations related to the job. Since the enactment of the Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act 1989, underpinned by subsequent legislation, each fire authority, as an employer, has a statutory duty to avoid placing employees at risk.

A full time firefighter is statutorily required to retire at age 55 under the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004. This retirement age is set at 55 due to the physically demanding nature of the fire-fighter role. 

The retirement age for retained fire fighters is 55 with an extended period to age 58 subject to a formal application process including a compulsory medical assessment.

A collective agreement was reached between the Local Government Management Services Board and the trade unions involved (SIPTU and ATGWU) in November 2002.  This collective agreement provided, inter alia, for the appointment of an Expert Group which in turn would advise as to the retirement age for retained firefighters. The Expert Group's Report on Retirement Age recommended that the retirement age for retained firefighters remain at 55, with provision for an annual extension, subject to medical assessment, up to 58 years of age. Following the report of the Expert Group published in April 2003, a circular was issued by my Department in November 2003 setting out the age requirements in relation to retained firefighters in line with the Expert Report.

In general, any changes proposed by either management or unions are negotiated using the established Industrial Relations processes. In this regard, the matter of increasing the retirement age for firefighters was included as part of recent discussions on a wide range of issues at the Workplace Relations Commission, between the Local Government Management Agency (representing the employers) and SIPTU.

I understand that these discussions are at a preliminary stage and therefore I am unable to give an indication as to when these discussions will be completed or the likely outcome.

Housing Policy

Ceisteanna (668)

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

668. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if funding is provided to assist an approved housing body to develop; if so, the mechanism to apply for such funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6934/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

The Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness is focused on accelerating the delivery of housing, with an investment of more than €6 billion to deliver 50,000 social housing units through build, refurbishment, acquisitions and leasing, over the period to 2021. Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) have an important role to play under Rebuilding Ireland, with the capacity to contribute around a third of the new social housing units targeted over the period to 2021, using a range of delivery methods including the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS), the Capital Advance Leasing Facility (CALF) and leasing (via Payment and Availability (P&A) agreements).

In 2016, my Department also established an Innovation Fund to support Tier 3 AHBs in their development of innovative financial models that would assist in improving the capacity of the sector. Six AHBs applied to this Fund and the following four proposals were deemed eligible:

1. The Irish Council for Social Housing are establishing a sector-led financial vehicle to allow AHBs to expand and to facilitate the delivery of additional housing units.

2. Clúid is developing a set of procedures, guidelines and templates for mergers and acquisitions.

3. Oaklee is working on securing off-balance sheet funding.

4. Túath has engaged with external experts to undertake research on two schemes relating to affordable rental. 

The total amount of funding approved for these four proposals was €104,044.

While I have no plans at present to provide further supports under this Innovation Fund, pending the evaluation of the outcomes from the initiatives that are currently being funded, I will keep the matter under review, in consultation with the Housing Agency and AHBs.

Water Charges Refunds

Ceisteanna (669)

Kathleen Funchion

Ceist:

669. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number and amount of water charge refunds paid to date; the plans of Irish Water for further repayments; the way in which unspent funds will be spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6972/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

My Department issued total payments of €177,535,103 to Irish Water in 2017 to cover the costs involved in issuing a refund to some 995,000 domestic customers of Irish Water, who paid water charges in full or in part. This includes a provision of €5,869,630 in respect of administration costs.

I understand that as of as of 31 January 2018, Irish Water has issued cheques to approximately 947,000 customers at a total value of approximately €165 million.  Work to identify and refund remaining customers is continuing through February.  In keeping with the spirit of the provisions for the refund of domestic water charges under the Water Services Act 2017, and the earlier recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Future Funding of Domestic Water Services on the matter, every reasonable effort continues to be made to ensure that all domestic customers are refunded in full the amounts due to them.

In line with the Direction issued by me under Section 3C of the Water Services Act 2014, which provided for the refund of domestic water charges, Irish Water has furnished a draft report to my Department setting out details of the total payments issued and any outstanding payments at the end of January 2018.  I expect to receive a final status report on the programme for the refund of domestic charges at the end of February 2018.  Arrangements will be put in place at that stage to deal with any outstanding matters, such as unspent funds and future liabilities for outstanding refunds.

Local Authority Expenditure

Ceisteanna (670)

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

670. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the funding allocated to each local authority in 2017 for older persons, disabled persons and mobility grants for council tenants, in tabular form; when it is expected the next allocation of such funding will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7022/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

I refer to the reply to Question No. 526 of 26 September 2017 which sets out, in tabular form, the funding allocated to each local authority in 2017 under the Disabled Persons Grants Scheme.

My Department will shortly be asking local authorities to submit details of their work proposals and related funding requirements for this scheme in 2018. Funding allocations will be determined following assessment of the local authority returns.

Local Authority Expenditure

Ceisteanna (671)

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

671. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the funding allocated to each local authority in 2017 for older persons, disabled persons and mobility grants for privately owned homes, in tabular form; when it is expected the next allocation of such funding will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7023/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

My Department provides funding under the suite of Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability, in respect of private houses. There are three separate grants available and local authorities receive an overall allocation, with responsibility for the apportionment between the schemes being a matter for each local authority.

The funding provided in 2017 for the schemes was €60.5m, comprising €48.4m exchequer funding with €12.1m provided by the local authorities. Information on the exchequer funding provided by my Department to each local authority under the three schemes is available on my Department's website at the following link: www.housing.gov.ie/housing/statistics/social-and-affordble/other-local-authority-housing-scheme-statistics.

Notification of the 2018 funding allocations to individual local authorities in respect of these schemes will issue shortly. Ahead of these notifications, local authorities can continue with a commitment of up to 65% of their 2017 allocation. This interim funding provision will comfortably allow local authorities to advance the work for the early part of this year, ahead of full year allocations for 2018 being confirmed shortly.

Departmental Reports

Ceisteanna (672, 673, 674)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

672. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if a report (details supplied) will be removed from his Department's website. [7103/18]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

673. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if, following a High Court judgment (details supplied), he will revoke his predecessor's public statement of 24 April 2013, which included a quoted excerpt from a report. [7104/18]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

674. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to rescind a report (details supplied); and his plans to establish a new independent investigation regarding the compulsory acquisition of land at Charlesland, County Wicklow, by Wicklow County Council in 2004. [7105/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

I propose to take Questions Nos. 672 to 674, inclusive, together.

The conclusions and recommendations of the report referred to by the Deputy are the opinions of a specialist senior counsel who was commissioned by the then Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to undertake an independent review on a non-statutory basis of the acquisition of land at Charlesland, Co. Wicklow by Wicklow County Council.

The report, dated 8 February 2013, notes that the reviewer did not have the benefit of statutory powers to compel the production of documents or to make any binding determinations of facts. It notes also that any findings or conclusions made should be viewed in that context. However, the report further notes for the record that the reviewer obtained the full cooperation of all parties that participated in the review. 

It is important to acknowledge that the report in question was not the subject of the High Court judgment referred to in the details supplied by the Deputy. The reference to a particular element of the report in that judgment reiterates, for the purpose of context, what is actually stated in the report itself, i.e. that it is a statement of opinion rather than a legally established fact. 

Against that background, I see no basis for taking the steps referred to.