Tuesday, 16 Jul 2013

Written Answers Nos 81-99

Local Authority Housing Maintenance

Questions (82, 95)

Seán Fleming

Question:

82. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to retrofit social housing across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33767/13]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

95. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the work he is undertaking to improve the number of houses being retrofitted with efficient insulation in the social housing stock. [33779/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 95 together.

Under my Department’s Social Housing Investment Programme, local authorities are allocated funding each year in respect of a range of measures to improve the standard and overall quality of their social housing stock. Since the introduction of the Energy Efficiency measure in 2009, funding of almost €100 million has been provided to local authorities for the retrofitting of older and substandard housing stock. Over that period, some 7,760 dwellings have been improved. Over the past two years there was a particular focus on vacant properties and my Department provided around €52.5 million for the refurbishment of some 4,770 houses and apartments. This year’s programme includes a retrofitting measure aimed specifically at improving the energy efficiency of older apartments and houses by reducing heat loss through the fabric of the building. On 1 March 2013, I announced capital allocations of €10 million to local authorities in respect of energy efficiency retrofitting works for this year.

Earlier this month, I announced a new €50 million three-year energy efficiency investment programme for local authority homes. This is a key part of the Government’s additional €150 million capital investment in the economy over 2013-2014 aimed at stimulating growth.

This programme will target the 25,000 least energy efficient local authority homes. This will result in warmer homes and lower energy bills for thousands of families and will also create around 1,000 jobs in the sector. I intend to announce capital allocations to local authorities very shortly in order that contracts can be commenced as soon as possible. This programme will operate nationwide and homes in all local authority areas will benefit under this measure. My Department met recently with housing practitioners from all local authorities with the objective of getting work started as quickly as possible. Some €10 million of the €50 million programme is available for spending in 2013.

Homelessness Strategy

Questions (83)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

83. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans for homeless services across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33647/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

I refer to the reply to Priority Question 57 on today’s Order Paper. I recently published a Homelessness Policy Statement in which I outlined the Government's aim to end long-term homelessness by the end of 2016. The statement emphasises a housing-led approach which is about accessing permanent housing as the primary response to all forms of homelessness. The availability and supply of secure, affordable and adequate housing is essential in ensuring sustainable tenancies and ending long-term homelessness. When I published the statement I announced a set of indicators which will be used to demonstrate the dynamics of homelessness as it is addressed. These indicators will give a clearer picture of homelessness in Ireland and, in quantifying its ongoing extent, will support the bringing forward of realistic and practical solutions.

Expenditure on homeless accommodation and related services of approximately €50 million will be funded by my Department and housing authorities in 2013. While it is clear that a proportion of funding must be used to provide sufficient bed capacity to accommodate those in need of emergency accommodation, it is equally important that resources are channelled to deliver more permanent responses in a more focused and strategic way. Arrangements are being put in place to provide for the delegation of homelessness funding to the lead housing authority in each of the 9 regions in 2013. These arrangements will seek to ensure that the measures being pursued by housing authorities reflect the housing-led approach, that actions are in place towards achieving the target of ending long-term homelessness by the end of 2016 and that evidence to support progress will be presented through the reports on the indicators.

Waste Management Regulations

Questions (84, 114)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

84. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a detailed update on his Department’s development of a new domestic waste policy setting out a range of proposals to significantly revise the existing regulatory regime; and when he expects this process to conclude. [33805/13]

Derek Keating

Question:

114. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a progress report on his plans to introduce legislation to provide for standards and quality of service by private contractors providing refuse collection services in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33619/13]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

I propose to take Questions Nos. 84 and 114 together.

The Government’s national waste policy, A Resource Opportunity - Waste Management Policy in Ireland, sets out a range of measures which will significantly revise the current regulatory regime for household waste collection to ensure, inter alia, that waste collected is managed in accordance with the waste hierarchy, that mandated service levels are delivered and that Customer Charters are put in place by all waste collection providers.  The work of developing new regulatory structures to give effect to these proposals is continuing and my Department is engaging with a range of key stakeholders in relation to the detailed design of the new system.

Following the publication of the waste policy, I wrote to the waste management industry in relation to the development of Customer Charters and I understand that a number of waste collection providers have already put in place a Customer Charter ahead of the development of the new regulatory regime. I also intend to initiate a public consultation process shortly on the environmental regulation of household waste collection further to inform the detailed development of the new regulatory regime. It is my intention that the new approach would deliver both enhanced environmental performance and a quality service for consumers.

Departmental Bodies

Questions (85, 89)

Micheál Martin

Question:

85. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the date of the last meeting of Comhairle na Tuaithe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33741/13]

Seán Fleming

Question:

89. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the latest date on which he attended a meeting of Comhairle na Tuaithe or the national co-ordinating committee of RAPID; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33742/13]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

I propose to take Questions No. 85 and 89 together.

Comhairle na Tuaithe (The Countryside Council) continuously supports and oversees the implementation of the National Countryside Recreation Strategy and its associated schemes, programmes and activities, including the Walks Scheme. The last meeting of Comhairle na Tuaithe was held in Dublin on 13 June 2013. On average Comhairle na Tuaithe meets 4 to 5 times a year. All of these meetings have been chaired by my Department, and I have not to date attended a meeting. I am satisfied with the level of progress being achieved by Comhairle and the number of initiatives, such as the Pilot Mountain Access Scheme and the proposed National Indemnity Scheme, being progressed on its behalf.

With regard to RAPID, the National Monitoring Committee for the RAPID programme met on 6 October 2010. My Department last met with RAPID Chairs and Co-ordinators at a conference in February 2012 as part of an extensive consultation process in the context of the development of local government reform proposals. As part of my continuing engagement with both the local development and local government sectors, I have met with many of the Chairs and Coordinators at different times and in various fora.  No meeting of the National Monitoring Committee is scheduled at present.  I am keen that a focus is continued on the RAPID areas, through the range of local and community development interventions that are available on an area basis. Enhanced alignment between local government and local development is intended to improve the targeting of such local development spend. In that context, there will be an opportunity for a stronger, collaborative focus to be put on support for RAPID areas. In implementing local government reform decisions, my Department will continue to consult as necessary with relevant stakeholders.

Question No. 86 answered with Question No. 74.

Proposed Legislation

Questions (87)

Dessie Ellis

Question:

87. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to publish legislation for the levy to fund pyrite reparation work before the summer recess; and, if not, when he will commit to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33774/13]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

I attach a high priority to putting in place the necessary structures to deliver a resolution for affected homeowners who have been waiting for a considerable period of time for effective solutions to their pyrite problems. Following Government approval on a general scheme for a Pyrite Remediation Bill, work is advancing, as a matter of urgency, on the development of the Bill and it remains my intention that it will be published and enacted in the shortest possible timeframe.

Since its establishment earlier this year, the Pyrite Resolution Board has made excellent progress on developing the scope and detail of a pyrite remediation scheme, including the terms and conditions of the scheme dealing with eligibility, assessment criteria, procedures, priorities etc. In late May, the Board launched the initial phase of its website (www.pyriteboard.ie) where it provides an outline of the proposed remediation scheme including the scope of the scheme, the application process and also detailed guidance and information for homeowners on how to identify significant pyritic damage and on the steps involved in the assessment of such damage. The next phase of the Board’s website will include an on-line application system which it is intended will be available in the next month or so. Affected homeowners can register their interest on the website now and will be notified when the application system goes live.

Question No. 88 answered with Question No. 58.

Question No. 89 answered with Question No. 85.

Planning Issues

Questions (90, 109)

Mick Wallace

Question:

90. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the timescale for the investigation of planning procedures and practices in six local authorities to be carried out by independent planning consultants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33664/13]

Dara Calleary

Question:

109. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the action he will take with regard to inquiries into planning irregularities in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33766/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 109 together.

I refer to the reply to Priority Question No. 53 on today’s Order Paper, which sets out the position on these matters.

Question No. 91 answered with Question No. 58.

Capital Assistance Scheme Funding

Questions (92)

Seán Crowe

Question:

92. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a breakdown of the way the new funds announced for disability housing will be used; and the criteria that will have to be met in order to access this funding. [33773/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

Under the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS), funding of up to 100% of the approved cost is available for the provision of accommodation to meet the needs of persons with specific categories of housing need including older people, people with an intellectual, physical or mental health disability, the homeless, returning emigrants and victims of domestic violence. My Department’s involvement with the voluntary and co-operative housing schemes relates primarily to the provision of funds for individual projects. The detailed administration of the schemes, and the certification that projects comply with the terms and conditions of the funding schemes, are the responsibility of the relevant local authority.

Last month, my Department invited local authorities to submit a programme of house purchases, to be funded under the CAS, with particular focus on the provision of accommodation which will facilitate people with a disability to live independently within communities. Local authorities have been asked to submit a prioritised list of proposals to my Department by 16 July, 2013. Approvals will be based on the prioritisation afforded to individual proposals by local authorities and the level of housing need locally. I intend to announce details of the approved projects in August.

Question No. 93 answered with Question No. 58.

Housing Assistance Payments Implementation

Questions (94, 104)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

94. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an up-to-date projected timeline for the establishment of the new housing assistance payment and the transfer of responsibility for same to local authorities; if estimations have been made of the amount of staff required to administer the new scheme; if his attention has been drawn to these figures; if pilot areas have been established and if he will provide details of the pilot schemes; if he will estimate the total cost of setting up the new system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33188/13]

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

104. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a commitment as to when the transfer of responsibility for rent supplement to local authorities will be complete; and if he will provide an update on the work needed to achieve this. [33783/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

I propose to take Question Nos. 94 and 104 together.

In March 2012, the Government approved in principle the transfer of responsibility for recipients of rent supplement with an established housing need from the Department of Social Protection (DSP) to local authorities using a new Housing Assistance Payment (HAP). My Department and the Department of Social Protection have been working closely on the legal, policy and operational issues involved in this project.

Work has also been ongoing with the County and City Managers Association (CCMA), through the Project Steering Group, in overseeing plans for the implementation of HAP. In June a Project Implementation Team was initiated, which will be responsible for detailed planning and implementation during the testing and roll-out phases. The CCMA has identified Limerick as the lead authority to drive implementation in the local government sector. The other authorities involved in the test phase are:

- South Dublin County Council

- Louth County Council

- Kilkenny County Council

- Waterford City Council

- Cork County Council

- Monaghan County Council.

A detailed business process design for HAP is currently under way which involves input from all the relevant key stakeholders. Following the completion of the business process design the implementation team will, in conjunction with my Department, develop a plan for the test phase in the above local authorities. It is intended that the test phase of HAP would be carried out in early 2014, subject to the necessary housing and social welfare legislative provisions being in place, including in regard to facilitating deduction of rents at source from welfare payments. Government approval in these regards will be sought in the near future. Once the test phase is complete, the scheme will be extended to other local authorities.

In respect of the staff resources, the CCMA, through involvement in both the Project Steering Group and the Project Implementation Team, is providing ongoing advice in relation to the resources that will be required by local authorities to implement HAP. This input will continue as the detail of the scheme is developed further this year.

Question No. 95 answered with Question No. 82.

Proposed Legislation

Questions (96)

Niall Collins

Question:

96. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the timeframe for the introduction of legislation to implement his Putting People First local government policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33769/13]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

Wide-ranging and detailed legislation is required to provide for the range of measures set out in the Action Programme for Effective Local Government. Work on drafting the Local Government Bill 2013 is proceeding satisfactorily and I am firmly committed to ensuring that the Bill will be published in good time to facilitate enactment well ahead of the 2014 local elections.

RAPID Programme

Questions (97)

Michael McGrath

Question:

97. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of money available for projects under the RAPID programme this year from the specially dedicated RAPID fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33732/13]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

I have provided funding of €2 million for the RAPID Programme in 2013 . This will be used to meet my Department’s existing contractual commitments on RAPID projects throughout the country, mainly Sports Capital top-ups and CCTV systems; these are jointly funded with the Departments of Transport, Tourism and Sport and Justice and Equality, respectively.

Dormant Accounts Fund Administration

Questions (98)

Barry Cowen

Question:

98. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he intends making any money available from the dormant accounts fund for small projects in RAPID areas this year and also for flagship projects nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33736/13]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

I have allocated €6.385 million for Dormant Accounts measures in 2013, which includes €2.835 million to be used to support labour activation measures in local authorities, with the remainder to be used to meet existing contractual commitments, including a small residual spend on the RAPID additionality measure for the 5 new towns afforded RAPID status in recent years and a jointly-funded flagship project for the development of an Integrated Services Centre in the Mitchel's regeneration area in Tralee, County Kerry.

Under the Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Act 2012, my Department is in the course of preparing a new disbursement scheme in consultation with relevant Government Departments. Every euro spent from the Dormant Accounts Fund is regarded in accounting terms as a potential Government liability and adds to Government debt levels, which have a ceiling set by the EU, the IMF and the ECB. In the current economic climate, our priority is to ensure that funding is targeted on a needs basis and spent efficiently and effectively. This applies to dormant accounts disbursements as well as to supports for the community and voluntary sector generally. I have also provided €2 million in my Department’s estimates for 2013 for RAPID, which will be used to meet existing contractual commitments on RAPID projects throughout the country, mainly Sports Capital top-ups and CCTV systems, jointly funded with the Departments of Transport, Tourism and Sport and Justice and Equality respectively. Expenditure under this heading is not reimbursed from the Dormant Accounts Fund.

Climate Change Policy

Questions (99)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

99. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there has been any contact or discussions between his Department and his Northern Ireland Assembly counterpart, Mr Alex Atwood, on climate change legislation. [33802/13]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

I refer to the reply to Question Nos. 42 and 44 of 18 September 2012. As the national climate policy and legislation development Programme matures, I look forward to sharing our experience and achievements with my counterparts in Northern Ireland, in the context of ongoing bilateral engagement and exchanges on environment policy matters.