Thursday, 13 Jun 2013

Written Answers Nos. 112-116

Social and Affordable Housing Provision

Questions (112)

Tom Fleming

Question:

112. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will review the social housing assessment regulations 2011 whereby separated persons who are the joint owners of properties are currently deemed ineligible for social housing support unless they are separated under an order of a court of a competent jurisdiction or by a deed of separation in view of the fact that this regulation is too restrictive and makes it very difficult for certain separated persons with a housing need to access social housing supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28445/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan)

I refer to the replies to Question No. 634 of 16 January 2013 and Question No. 431 of 23 April 2013, which set out the position in this matter.

Socio-Economic Committees Funding

Questions (113)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

113. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the proposed costings and budget allocations for the establishment of the social economic committees; the proposed method of financing these bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28477/13]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

Administrative and secretariat support for Socio-Economic Committees will be provided by the relevant City or County Council from within existing resources. This will include activities necessary for the effective operation of the Socio-Economic Committees, including arranging, hosting and servicing meetings and any other logistical, organisational or support activities that may be required on an on-going basis. Apart from those resources, I do not envisage any additional charge on public funds to support the administration of Socio-Economic Committees.

Housing Finance Agency Funding

Questions (114)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

114. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the sums invested in the Housing Finance Agency by each local authority for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28506/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan)

Local authorities do not provide funding to or invest in the Housing Finance Agency. The Agency advances funds to local authorities to be used by them for any purpose authorised under the Housing Acts and it finances its operations by borrowing or raising funds for these purposes. The HFA also utilises its guaranteed notes programme to provide local authorities with a facility for surplus cash offering competitive interest rates.

Leader Programmes Funding

Questions (115)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

115. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when a decision will be made on a submission from West Cork Development Partnership on the proposed new Kilmurry museum-community facility; when the submission for this grant of €500,000 for this flagship project was received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28533/13]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

There are 35 Local Action Groups contracted, on my Department’s behalf, to deliver the Leader element of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 throughout the country and these groups are the principal decision-makers in relation to the allocation of project funding. Projects that request funding of €150,000 or more are required to seek final approval from my Department. I understand that the project in question was approved by the Board of West Cork Development Partnership in February 2013 but has not been submitted to my Department for final approval. West Cork Development Partnership has indicated that the necessary documentation is being finalised for submission very shortly.

Question No. 116 answered with Question No. 12.