Tuesday, 15 Oct 2013

Written Answers Nos 213-227

Motor Tax Collection

Questions (213)

Robert Troy

Question:

213. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will examine the amount people are paying for taxing cars quarterly and annually (details supplied). [43005/13]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

I have no plans to change the basis for the charging of motor tax for either three month discs or six month discs, both of which are set at a higher rate than the equivalent proportion of the annual fee to take account of the extra workload for the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) and motor tax offices, and the resultant higher administrative and printing costs. In addition, reminders are issued on each renewal.

The annual income from the increased charges for three and six month discs in 2012 was over €50m. Were changes to be introduced to charge for these discs on a pro-rata basis, the loss in income would have to be compensated for elsewhere in the motor tax system, or through the taxation system generally.

In relation to the question of making the service available through the post office network, my Department has asked the local government sector’s Programme Management Office, which is developing shared services initiatives in the sector in the context of public service reform, to include an assessment of the implications of a similar approach in the provision of motor tax services. The business case to be developed in that regard will examine service delivery options.

Election Management System

Questions (214)

Andrew Doyle

Question:

214. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the process for the selection of venues as polling booths for elections and referenda; if any guidelines are issued by his Department for the selection of venues; his views on whether community halls should be used, where available, as opposed to schools, thus allowing schools to remain open for regular days where voting is held on a week day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43050/13]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

The primary role of my Department in electoral matters is to provide an appropriate policy and legislative framework for a modern and efficient electoral system. Within that framework, local returning officers are responsible for all matters in connection with the actual conduct of elections and referendums. This includes, in accordance with section 94 of the Electoral Act 1992, the provision of a sufficient number of polling stations, conveniently distributed for the accommodation of the electors entitled to vote there.

Guidance issued to Returning Officers by my Department in advance of electoral events advises that when schools are used as polling stations, every step should be taken to ensure that schools are not closed unnecessarily and that disruption of school work should be kept to a minimum. The Guidance advises that, where possible, school halls should be used instead of classrooms and that voting compartments and other equipment should be fitted up and dismantled after school hours. The Guidance also advises that it is open to returning officers to hire a hall or other premises if they consider it to be appropriate. Electoral law provides that a returning officer may, for the purposes of taking a poll and counting the votes, use a school or any room in a school free of charge.

Local Authority Staff Redeployment

Questions (215)

Billy Timmins

Question:

215. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding a voluntary redundancy scheme for local authorities for workers in the water area who have been informed that they will be working for Irish Water and who wish to take up the voluntary redundancy scheme but, on the basis that they reached 60 years before 1 September 2013, have been informed that they are not eligible to apply for the scheme; if in view of the upcoming changes in their employment with the local authorities the 1 September 2013 date can re-examined to facilitate those who wish to apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43051/13]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

A voluntary redundancy scheme was introduced for local authorities in July 2013. The aim of the scheme is to achieve a permanent reduction in the workforce of local authorities in line with the recommendations of the work force study - Workforce Planning in the Local Government Sector, and the Action Programme for Effective Local Government - Putting People First. The scheme is funded by local authorities from existing resources.

The terms of the scheme were agreed with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and are in line with the terms of the Collective Agreement on redundancy payments to Public Servants agreed between the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Public Services Committee of ICTU in June 2012.

Under the terms of the Scheme an employee must be under preserved pension age in order to be eligible to apply. Employees over 60 years of age can only apply for the scheme if their preserved pension age is 65.

The application and closing dates for the scheme were arrived at after consultation with local authorities and there are no plans to amend these dates.

Motor Tax Exemptions

Questions (216)

Denis Naughten

Question:

216. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will review the new motor tax regulations, which came into effect on 1 July 2013, in view of their impact on collectors of vintage cars; if he will provide an alternative registration process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43065/13]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

The primary purpose of the Non-Use of Motor Vehicles Act 2013, which came into effect on 1 July 2013, was to replace the system whereby vehicles were declared off the road only when they were next being taxed with a procedure under which vehicles are declared off the road in advance.

There was a three month transition period, allowing owners to declare that the vehicle was off the road and make a second declaration that it would remain off the road for a period of between three and twelve months, which facilitated owners of vehicles, including owners of vintage cars, to provide the off-road declarations needed to ensure that there would be no liability for arrears of motor tax if and when they wished to use the vehicle on the road at some future time. To maintain this status, owners of such vehicles will be required to renew their declaration that they intend to keep it off the road within the last month of the expiry of the previous off-road declaration. It is now possible to make the declaration on-line at www.motortax.ie. In view of the benefits arising from closing off a tax evasion loophole costing an estimated €55m per annum, this requirement is not considered onerous.

The Act makes no change to motor tax liability in respect of any class of vehicle. Vintage vehicles carry a concessionary rate of tax, with owners paying rates of €56 per annum for vintage vehicles and €26 per annum for vintage motorcycles.

Departmental Funding

Questions (217)

Derek Keating

Question:

217. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide details of his Department's funding available for green projects. [43089/13]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

My Department provides funding for a range of activities in support of a better environment. Information on the various programmes, schemes and initiatives is available on my Department’s website: www.environ.ie.

I would be happy to provide more details on any of the various schemes, should the Deputy wish to seek more specific information.

Water and Sewerage Schemes Provision

Questions (218, 233)

Derek Keating

Question:

218. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when a sewage treatment facility (details supplied) in County Galway will be upgraded and available for use. [43103/13]

Derek Nolan

Question:

233. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when a sewage treatment facility (details supplied) in County Galway will be upgraded and available for use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43286/13]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

I propose to take Questions Nos. 218 and 233 together.

The Athenry Sewerage Scheme – Network and Treatment Plant Upgrade Contracts are included in my Department’s Water Services Investment Programme 2010 – 2013 as two contracts to start during the lifetime of the Programme with a combined estimated cost of over €11.6 million. My Department approved Galway County Council’s Design Review Report for the scheme in May 2012. I understand that the Council is currently finalising the Brief for the appointment of Consultants to prepare Contract Documents for the scheme.

Proposed Legislation

Questions (219, 220, 234)

Brendan Ryan

Question:

219. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the pyrite remediation enabling legislation will be brought forward; if he will expedite same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43120/13]

Brendan Ryan

Question:

220. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the date on which the Pyrite Resolution Board will accept applications for remediation; if this date will be expedited in view of the fact that many homeowners have paid in excess of €500 to have their homes assessed and are now waiting to pursue the next steps towards remediation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43121/13]

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

234. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he expects the building industry to start to contribute to the pyrite levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43302/13]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

I propose to take Questions Nos. 219, 220 and 234 together.

While it was my intention to have the legislation published and enacted in the previous Dáil term, a number of legal issues arose which have to be addressed. I am working, with my Department, to ensure that these issues are resolved as a matter of urgency, with a view to early publication of the legislation, following Government approval, which will clarify how the scheme will operate going forward. The delay in finalising the legislation has impacted on the Pyrite Resolution Board as it would not have been appropriate for the Board to begin to accept applications from eligible homeowners in the absence of necessary legislation. However, the Board is continuing to work on finalising i ts systems and proced ures including an appli cation and processing system. I will continue to attach the utmost priority to providing the structures necessary to deliver a practical resolution to the pyrite problem as early as possible.

Regeneration Projects Status

Questions (221)

Dessie Ellis

Question:

221. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding Ballymun Shopping Centre, Dublin; and the future plans for its development. [43127/13]

Written answers

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

Planning permission for the redevelopment of the privately owned Ballymun Shopping Centre and the adjoining lands owned by Dublin City Council was granted in September 2009. The proposed redevelopment did not proceed at the time due to the prevailing economic conditions. However, the provision of commercial, retail and other services in Ballymun, and at this prominent site in particular, remains an important objective within the context of the overall regeneration programme.

Dublin City Council and Ballymun Regeneration Ltd continue to liaise with the relevant parties, including NAMA and the Receiver, with the objective of progressing the proposed redevelopment of the existing shopping centre and adjoining lands.

Illegal Dumping

Questions (222)

Dessie Ellis

Question:

222. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to tackle illegal dumping. [43128/13]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

Enforcement action against illegal waste activity is a matter for the local authorities and the Office of Environmental Enforcement (OEE) of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). My role, as Minister, is to provide the legislative and policy framework under which both local authority and EPA enforcement action against illegal dumping is initiated. My Department also provides financial support to a network of local authority waste enforcement officers, as well as to the OEE. In 2012, provision of €10,360,278 was made to support the work of a network of local authority enforcement officers, while €2,100,000 was provided to support the work of the OEE.

Each local authority is required to set out an annual programme of action, detailing the enforcement activities towards which this funding will be utilised. Typically, such programmes also include actions to tackle illegal dumping. Penalties for serious dumping offences provided for under the Waste Management Acts are substantial. Persons who are found to be responsible for, or involved in, the unauthorised disposal of waste are liable to a maximum fine of €3,000 on summary conviction and/or imprisonment for up to 12 months, and to a maximum fine of €15 million on conviction on indictment and/or imprisonment for up to 10 years.

Dormant Accounts Fund Administration

Questions (223)

Dessie Ellis

Question:

223. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the funding available in 2014 through the dormant account distribution scheme; if applications for funding are being accepted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43129/13]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

I have allocated €6.385m for Dormant Accounts Measures in 2013, which includes €2.835m to cover once off costs, such as health and safety training, personal protective clothing and necessary equipment and materials, that will be incurred by local authorities providing placements in the Department of Social Protection’s (DSP’s) Local Authority Employment Initiative, with the remainder to be used to meet existing contractual commitments. The Disbursement Plan of 2009, put in place by the Dormant Accounts Board, will be replaced later this year by a new disbursement scheme in accordance with the Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Act 2012. The new scheme will be submitted to Government shortly for approval and, in accordance with the 2012 Act, laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.

The 2012 Act also provides for the preparation of an action plan to give effect to the disbursement scheme. The plan will also be subject to consultation with relevant Government colleagues and will indicate the programmes or types of projects that may apply for disbursement and the maximum funds available. Different amounts may be specified in the plan in relation to a particular class or classes of programme or project.  Once the plan is adopted, a copy must also be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. There are no programmes or measures open for application at present under the Dormant Accounts Fund.

Vehicle Registration Issues

Questions (224)

Pat Deering

Question:

224. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the way a tractor owner, who imported a tractor from the UK seven years ago and used it only for off-road purposes and now wishes to sell it or use it on the road, can regularise the situation if they do not have a tax book or an Irish registration. [43154/13]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

A vehicle that is currently unregistered can be registered with the Office of the Revenue Commissioners. In accordance with motor tax legislation, a vehicle is required to be registered prior to being used in a public place or if a notification of transfer of vehicle ownership is being made.

Water Services Provision

Questions (225)

Niall Collins

Question:

225. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider a specific water scheme for priority funding for upgrade purposes in his Department’s budgetary submission (details supplied). [43231/13]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

The Water Services Investment Programme 2010 – 2013 includes a number of Water Conservation Works Schemes for Cork County Council.

Funding for water main rehabilitation works is available for suitable projects under the Water Conservation Stage 3 Works – Water Mains Rehabilitation Project Phase 1. Cork County Council has already been given approval for the rehabilitation of approximately 28km of water mains in priority areas under this project.

In May 2012 Cork County Council submitted a proposal to my Department for Advance Water Main Rehabilitation Works countywide at a cost of €17m. My Department advised the Council that it should make a submission in line with the requirements of the Water Conservation Programme. Since June 2012 Cork County Council has submitted a number of proposals to the Department for Advance Priority Water Mains Rehabilitation Works and funding of almost €5.5m has been approved to enable the Council to undertake the works.

The Council recently indicated to my Department that it intends to make a further submission seeking funding for priority water main rehabilitation work in the county and water main rehabilitation in the Kildorrery area will be included. No such submission has been received from Cork County Council to date.

Mortgage Arrears Proposals

Questions (226, 227)

Gerry Adams

Question:

226. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update in respect of mortgage-to-let schemes; the counties in which the pilot scheme is in operation; the future plans for the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43242/13]

Gerry Adams

Question:

227. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will outline the process involved for persons seeking to access the mortgage-to-let scheme who have been deemed as having unsustainable mortgages by their lenders; if he will provide a breakdown of the counties that are currently engaged in this scheme, along with a breakdown of how many persons have applied for the scheme; the number of applications that have been approved or rejected; his views on whether the scheme serves to address the issues being faced by those families facing mortgage arrears; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43243/13]

Written answers

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 226 and 227 together.

I assume that the question refers to the mortgage to rent scheme. On foot of the recommendations of the Keane Report on mortgage arrears the Government launched a mortgage to rent scheme on a pilot basis in February 2012. This scheme was extended nationally in June 2012, targeting those low income families whose mortgage situation is unsustainable and where there is little or no prospect of a significant change in circumstances in the foreseeable future. The scheme ensures that the family remains in their home, while ownership is transferred to an approved housing body who in turn rent it to the original owners. Eligibility requirements are in line with other forms of social housing support.

To date, over 1,570 cases have been submitted by lenders. Of these, 630 borrowers have been engaged with, or are in the process of being engaged with, by the lender. 20 sales have now been completed with a further 50 sale s agreed. A pilot mortgage to rent scheme for the most acute cases of loc al authority mortgage arrears was launched earlier this year, in Westmeath County and Dublin City Councils , and has now been completed. It is intended to implement this scheme throughout the local authority sector very shortly.