Tuesday, 4 Mar 2014

Written Answers Nos. 239 - 256

Postcode Implementation

Questions (239)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

239. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 472 of 18 February 2014, when he stated his Department received correspondence from the European Commission during 2012 in relation to the procurement process for the National Postcode System, if he will state categorically whether the EU found breaches or not in the procurement process; if this is the case the way he plans to remedy them; if he was aware of them when he awarded the procurement contract; if he was aware an investigation was ongoing when he awarded the contract. [10769/14]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

My Department received correspondence from the EU Commission during 2012 in relation to the procurement process for the National Postcode System. The case was fully examined by the EU Commission which informed the Department in November 2013 that the matter had been closed by it as no breaches of the procurement framework were found.

The correspondence was still open when the award of the contract was announced on the 8th October 2013.

The case was investigated under the EU Pilot project that was introduced by the Commission with a number of volunteer Member States in 2008 with the aim of improving the cooperation between Member States and the Commission on issues concerning the conformity of national law with EU law or the correct application of EU law.

Inland Fisheries

Questions (240, 241)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

240. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will list for each of the years 2003 to 2013, inclusive, the full titles of all of the research carried out by or on behalf of Inland Fisheries Ireland or its predecessors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10833/14]

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

241. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will list the full titles of all of the research carried out by or on behalf of Inland Fisheries Ireland or its predecessors for each of the years 2003-2013 inclusive, which have not been published; the specific reasons for non-publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10834/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

I propose to take Questions Nos. 240 and 241 together.

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) was established in July 2010. All research completed by IFI from that date are publically available on the organisation's website www.fisheriesireland.ie

The information sought for the period prior to July 2010 is not readily available. I have, however, asked IFI to liaise directly with the Deputy in this matter to determine if there is a particular research area or topic of interest to him.

Inland Fisheries Ireland Remit

Questions (242, 243)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

242. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is satisfied that Inland Fisheries Ireland is carrying out all of its State functions in full compliance with the provisions of section (7)(3)(i) of the 2010 Inland Fisheries Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10835/14]

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

243. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is satisfied that all actions undertaken by Inland Fisheries Ireland or its predecessors are in full compliance with the EU Birds and Habitats Directives and with the EU Public Participation Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10836/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

I propose to take Questions Nos. 242 and 243 together.

The exercise of its functions are day-to-day operational matters for Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI). I am advised by IFI that it carries out these functions in compliance with the requirements of all relevant EU and National legislative provisions.

I am also advised that IFI operates to it's Corporate Plan 2011-15. This plan was set out in accordance with the requirements of Section 41 of the 2010 Act and outlines operational goals for the functions of IFI as described in section 7 of the Act. This plan is available on the agency's website www.fisheriesireland.ie.

IFI has a service level agreement with my Department and progress under this agreement is reviewed regularly.

Inland Fisheries Regulation

Questions (244)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

244. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will confirm that the current regime prohibiting the catching and killing of sea-trout in certain parts of the west of Ireland (details supplied) is being operated by Inland Fisheries Ireland in full accordance with current regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10837/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Fergus O'Dowd)

The current by-law prohibiting the killing of sea trout covering the three Fishery Districts Galway, Connemara and Ballinakill and part of the Bangor district was introduced following the collapse of the sea trout stocks in the area in the early 1990’s and the failure of these stocks to recover to pre-1990 levels.

I have forwarded to the Deputy a graphic illustration of the stock levels 1974 -2012 which shows this collapse and the lack of recovery.

I am advised by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) that fisheries staff enforce this by-law in the area concerned.

Inland Fisheries

Questions (245)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

245. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the actions taken by Inland Fisheries Ireland, or its predecessors, to ensure that the States management of River Districts is not adversely affecting the freshwater pearl mussel, Margaritifera margaritifera; if he is satisfied that these measures are adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10838/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Responsibility for protecting the freshwater pearl mussel falls within the remit of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). I am advised by Inland Fisheries Ireland that their management of River Basin Districts involves on-going liaison with the NPWS to ensure consistency in terms of the responsibilities of both bodies having regard to the protection of freshwater pearl mussels.

Postcode Implementation

Questions (246)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

246. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 472 of 18 February 2014, if he can confirm another tender process was started on 23 December 2013 to appoint another set of consultants to oversee the postcode contract with Capita; the amount the contract is worth for this new tender; the reason the original tender was awarded if it was not known whether the proposed Capita postcode was fit for purpose or not; when the new tender will conclude; when it will be known if the proposed Capita postcode is fit for purpose from the new consultants; and the actions he will take if it is decided that the proposed Capita postcode is not fit for purpose. [10886/14]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

I can confirm that a request for tenders issued from my Department on the 23 December 2013 for technical advice and support services to assist the Department in the implementation of the National Postcode System. The nature of the services being procured is available on the etenders procurement website at www.etenders.gov.ie. The closing date for tender proposals was 13 February 2014 and the evaluation process is still ongoing. Accordingly, I have no details on the value of this contract.

Departmental Agencies Staff Remuneration

Questions (247)

Seán Fleming

Question:

247. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the implications for agencies funded by his Department that fail to comply with consolidated public sector pay scales by continuing to make top-up payments to staff; when he expects this issue to be definitively resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10911/14]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

All bodies funded by my Department are in compliance with public sector pay scales as set down by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The provisions of the FEMPI legislation are being implemented by all the relevant bodies.

All directions issued by the Government in relation to remuneration of CEOs in Commercial State Companies are brought to the attention of the relevant State Companies under the aegis of my Department.

Tribunals of Inquiry Recommendations

Questions (248)

Patrick Nulty

Question:

248. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the steps he has taken to implement the recommendations of the Moriarty tribunal since its publication nearly three years ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10355/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

The Electoral (Amendment) (Political Funding) Act 2012, the 2012 Act , which became law in July 2012 significantly enhanced the openness and transparency of political funding in Ireland, issues that were central to the recommendations made in the Moriarty Tribunal Report which was published in March 2011. The Tribunal recommended that the income of political parties be disclosed and that political donations, apart from those under a modest threshold, be reported.

The 2012 Act brought into force restrictions on corporate donations and considerable reductions in the maximum amount that a political party or an individual can accept as a political donation. The donation limit for a political party was reduced from €6,348.69 to €2,500, while for an individual politician or candidate it fell from €2,539.48 to €1,000. A limit of €200 was placed on donations in cash. The threshold for the receipt of anonymous donations was reduced to €100. The donation threshold amount that gives rise to the requirement to open a political donations account was reduced to €100. Anonymous indirect donations were banned. The threshold at which political party donations must be reported and published was reduced from €5,078.95 to €1,500.

The 2012 Act provided that political parties will be required to submit audited annual accounts to the Standards in Public Office Commission for publication. This provision goes beyond the Moriarty Tribunal recommendation by providing that both the income and expenditure of political parties will be reported and open to public scrutiny. By restricting corporate donations, the Act also went beyond the recommendations made by the Tribunal.

Planning Issues

Questions (249)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

249. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if farmers are required to have planning permission to erect fencing on their lands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10456/14]

Written answers

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

In accordance with Schedule 2, part 3, of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, the erection of fencing by farmers on their lands is exempted from the need for planning permission subject to the following conditions and limitations:

- the fence should not be of sheet metal;

- the height of the fence should not exceed 2 metres;

- the height of any fence for the purposes of deer farming or conservation should not exceed 3 metres.

There are some exceptions to these exemptions, such as in the case where the erection of a fence is considered by a planning authority to have an adverse effect on a designated natural heritage area, or areas otherwise specified by the local authority in its development plan as areas of special amenity, or where such a fence would obstruct a public right of way.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Questions (250)

Denis Naughten

Question:

250. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the estimated cost of purchasing carbon credits to offset each tonne of CO2 emitted above our EU targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10689/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

The cost of offsetting greenhouse gas emissions in excess of Ireland’s target under the 2009 EU Effort-Sharing Decision will depend on a range of factors.  The Decision includes provision for various flexibilities, such as limited use of units created under the Kyoto Protocol.  It also provides for purchasing arrangements between Member States, if necessary. 

The cost of any units purchased will depend on market price and availability of various unit types at the time of purchase, and the volume of units required. At present, according to the latest projections by the EPA, Ireland’s cumulative distance to its 2020 target under the Effort-Sharing Decision is in the range 7-24 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. A key objective of the current Programme for the development of national climate policy and legislation is to close that potential compliance gap. To the extent that purchases may be required in 2020, the type of units that might be purchased include those currently available on the open market at approximately €0.28 per unit.

Noise Pollution

Questions (251)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Question:

251. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his Department has conducted an audit of aircraft noise levels in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 5; if so, if he deems these levels to be too high for a residential area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10763/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

The Environmental Noise Directive (END) 2002/49/EC sets out certain requirements for the assessment and management of environmental noise from transport sources, including from major airports with more than 50,000 aircraft take-off or landing movements per year.

The END was transposed into national law by the Environmental Noise Regulations 2006. The Regulations set out a two-stage process for addressing environmental noise.

Firstly, noise must be assessed through the preparation of strategic noise maps for areas and infrastructure falling within defined criteria. This is undertaken by prescribed noise mapping bodies, which includes Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) and local authorities. Secondly, based on the results of the mapping process, the Regulations require the preparation of noise action plans for each area concerned, which is undertaken by the relevant local authority, the prescribed noise action planning body. The fundamental objective of action plans is the prevention and reduction of environmental noise.

The Regulations require the review and revision of strategic noise maps and noise action plans on a five year cycle. A new round of noise mapping was conducted during 2012. Following the noise mapping exercise, the four local authorities within the Dublin Agglomeration prepared a new Noise Action Plan for the period 2013 – 2018. The plan sets out an approach to the strategic management and control of environmental noise. The plan is available on the Dublin City Council website at the following link -

www.dublincity.ie/WaterWasteEnvironment/NoiseMapsandActionPlans/Documents/DublinNoiseActionPlan2013-2018Final.pdf.

The most recent noise mapping exercise found that 200 people are exposed to undesirable night time levels above 55 dB(A) from aircraft using Dublin Airport. As compared to the previous mapping exercise in 2007, there has been an overall reduction in the number of people exposed to undesirable night time noise levels.

In 2008, Dublin Airport Stakeholders Forum set up an Environmental Working Group that works closely with Fingal County Council. This group provides an effective forum for the discussion of all environment matters concerning the development and operation of the airport that have an impact on users, customers of the airport and on people living and working in the surrounding communities.

The management of noise abatement of operational procedures at Dublin Airport is shared by the airport operator, the DAA, and the airlines operating at the airport. Under the European Communities (Air Navigation and Transport Rules and Procedures for Noise Related Operating Restrictions at Airports) Regulations 2003, the Irish Aviation Authority has the responsibility of ensuring that the airport operator has in place a system of noise monitoring.

In recognition of its responsibilities in this area, the DAA has introduced, and continues to evaluate, a number of initiatives to monitor aircraft noise levels and to mitigate their impact. A flight tracking system is now operated that allows aircraft movements to be analysed and to respond to any complaints relating to aircraft noise. The primary objective of the Noise & Flight Track Department of the DAA is to gather information on aircraft approach and departure routes and resultant noise levels at a number of key locations.

Severe Weather Events Response

Questions (252)

Noel Harrington

Question:

252. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if funding is available to compensate tourist projects that have been damaged or lost facilities due to the severe weather conditions experienced since the start of the year; if not, if he has applied for access to any European Union funds that may cover such events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10866/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

Following consideration of a report from me on the severe weather that affected Ireland in the period from mid-December 2013 to 6 January 2014, the Government decided on 11 February that a sum of up to €70 million will be made available for a programme of repair and remediation works. €62 m of this will be for local authorities in the areas worst affected by severe weather to help affected communities by restoring roads, coastal protection and other infrastructure and amenities/ facilities/ infrastructure. The Government decision was based on estimates provided by local authorities. Requests for funding of new works to protect coastal areas have been referred to the Office for Public Works and are not covered by the Government decision of 11 February 2014.

The arrangements for the drawing down of the funds by local authorities were finalised following discussions between local authorities, my Department, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, the Office of Public Works, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The local authorities which were worst affected have been notified of the sums being made available to them and have been requested to prioritise works which are significant for economic activity, with particular regard to the forthcoming tourist season.

Further considerable damage has been caused by flooding and storm events that have occurred since 27 January. Details on damage caused and estimated repair costs in relation to these more recent events will be considered by the Government when they are available.

My Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform have had initial discussions with the European Commission on possible EU funding under the Solidarity and Regional Support schemes. The purpose of the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) is to allow Member States to request financial aid in the event of major natural disasters. There is a damage threshold per Member State which is set at 0.6% of GNI. The estimated costs of damage caused by the storms between 13 December 2013 and 6 January 2014 of €61.472 m, plus other costs estimated at €10 m, are well below the non-negotiable GNI threshold of 0.6% (€770m in the case of Ireland) of the Solidarity Fund.

The possibility of a regional application has also been considered. This is also subject to a series of impact criteria, including one relating to 50% of population of a region being affected. The situations which have occurred do not appear to meet these criteria and the probability of a successful regional application appears very low.

Water Charges Introduction

Questions (253, 258, 260, 287)

Seán Fleming

Question:

253. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the Consumers Association of Ireland have a role in relation to the protection of customers and the quality of water services provided by Irish Water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10872/14]

Michael McGrath

Question:

258. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if persons living in hard-water areas or areas with high levels of manganese will be expected to pay the same water charges as those living in areas with no issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10213/14]

Terence Flanagan

Question:

260. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there will be any exemptions from water charges for persons living with illness or disability where increased water usage is necessary due to their medical condition such as frequent washing or toileting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10259/14]

Seán Fleming

Question:

287. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the acting South Tipperary county manager (details supplied) is employed on any contractual basis or in any way, either part time or full time, with Irish Water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10871/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

I propose to take Questions Nos. 253, 258, 260 and 287 together.

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce water charges based on usage above a free allowance. The Government considers that charging based on usage is the fairest way to charge for water and it has, therefore, decided that water meters should be installed in households connected to public water supplies. The Water Services Act (No. 2) 2013 provides for the transfer of water services functions from the local authorities to Irish Water. The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) has been established as the new independent economic regulator for Irish Water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for environmental regulatory matters in relation to Irish Water.

Under the European Communities (Drinking Water) Regulations 2014, which I signed last week, suppliers of drinking water are required to ensure that the water supplied is wholesome and clean. Water which is wholesome and clean is defined as water which is free from any micro-organisms and parasites and from any substances which in numbers or concentrations constitute a potential danger to human health, and which meets the quality standards specified in the Schedule to the Regulations. Hard water is not included as a parameter in the quality standards specified in the Regulations, as it does not pose as a threat to human health. An indicator parametric value of 50 micrograms per litre is set out in the regulations for Manganese. In the event of the parametric value being exceeded, the water supplier will investigate the cause and, in consultation with the EPA and, if a potential risk to human health may exist, the Health Service Executive, ensure that the appropriate remedial action is taken. The EPA is the supervisory authority with responsibility for monitoring Irish Water’s compliance with the regulations.

The 2013 Act requires the CER to perform its functions in a manner that best serves the interests of the customers of Irish Water. This is similar to the CER’s statutory role in respect of the gas and electricity sectors. I fully expect that the CER will consider compliance with statutory standards by Irish Water in fulfilling its functions.

The CER will be responsible for approving the water charges plans prepared by Irish Water, and for approving codes of practice to be prepared by Irish Water. The codes of practice will cover matters such as the standard of performance, by Irish Water, of its functions and billing by Irish Water of persons in respect of water services provided; the provision of information by Irish Water to its customers; and the making of complaints by its customers. In discharging its functions, the CER may consult with Irish Water, the public, or any other person it considers appropriate.  The Commission has already undertaken public consultations on the development of the economic regulatory framework for water services and will be undertaking further consultations during 2014. The Consumer Association of Ireland is a private body and has no statutory role in this matter.

An inter-departmental working group has been established to advise the Government on the appropriate method for addressing affordability issues which may arise with the introduction of domestic water charges. The group is examining the issues arising for those with specific medical conditions which require high water usage in the course of its work. 

The group comprises officials from my Department and from the Departments of the Taoiseach, Social Protection, Public Expenditure and Reform and Finance. A final report will be submitted for consideration by Government when the group has completed its examination of the issues involved. This will allow for decisions on the proposed approach to be taken in advance of proposed public consultation by the Commission for Energy Regulation on the approach to the design of domestic water tariffs during 2014.

Flood Relief Schemes Funding

Questions (254, 255, 298)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

254. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the details of all applications by Galway County Council and Galway City Council for funding for remedial and preventative works in the Gaeltacht and on the Islands following the storms of the last two months; the details of the projects that have been approved funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10997/14]

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

255. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the details of all applications by Galway City Council and Galway County Council for funding for remedial and preventative works following the storms of the last two months; the details of the projects that have been approved funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10998/14]

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

298. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the details of all applications by Galway City Council and Galway County Council to his Department for funding for remedial and preventative work following the storms in the past two months; details of the projects that have been approved funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10995/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

I propose to take Questions Nos. 254, 255 and 298 together.

Following consideration of a report from me on the severe weather that affected Ireland in the period from mid-December 2013 to 6 January 2014, the Government decided on 11 February that a sum of up to €70 million will be made available for a programme of repair and remediation works. €62 m of this will be for local authorities in the areas worst affected by severe weather to help affected communities by restoring roads, coastal protection and other infrastructure and amenities/facilities/infrastructure. The Government decision was based on estimates provided by local authorities, including those received from Galway County Council and Galway City Council. Requests for funding of new works to protect coastal areas have been referred to the Office for Public Works and are not covered by the Government decision of 11 February 2014.

The information available to my Department does not differentiate the damage caused in Gaeltacht and non-Gaeltacht areas. The Report on the Severe Weather from 13 December 2013 to 6 January 2014 contains details of estimates of the cost of damage caused on a county by county basis and has been published on my Department’s website ( www.environ.ie). The more detailed information being sought in the questions may be available on request from Galway County Council.

The arrangements for the drawing down of the funds by local authorities on foot of the Government decision were finalised following discussions between local authorities, my Department, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, the Office of Public Works, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

The local authority areas worst affected, including Galway County Council, have been notified of the sums being made available to them and have been requested to prioritise works which are significant for economic activity, with particular regard to the forthcoming tourist season. It is proposed to make a sum of up to €9,491,055 available to Galway County Council for a programme of repair works to roads, piers and harbours, coastal protection repairs, tourism infrastructure and other facilities which are classified as necessary community infrastructure. I expect that Galway City Council will be notified this week of an allocation, based on the estimated costs submitted by them.

Local authorities have been requested to prepare and submit a programme of works for the projects identified showing the indicative timescales and drawdown profiles. These will be submitted directly to the relevant funding Departments/ Agencies as listed above. Local authorities have been informed that there will be a degree of flexibility available for prioritising projects to include works necessary as a result of more recent storms within the sub-headings of the overall funding envelope, pending preparation of more comprehensive assessment of the impacts of these recent storms. The flexibility in prioritising projects indicated above is permissible within individual programmes (e.g. roads) and not across the various programmes. The sum of €9,491,055 for Galway is based on Galway County Council’s estimates of repair costs provided to my Department and is allocated across a number of headings, as shown in the table.

Local Authority	Roads Infrastructure	Piers Harbours and	Coastal Protection Repairs	Tourism Infrastructure	Other Facilities	Total
Galway County Council	2,773,500	1,589,500	1,144,800	1,652,500	2,330,755	9,491,055

In addition to the above funding arrangement, a once-off allocation of €477,750 is being made to Galway County Council to recoup the costs associated with the response to the storms from the period 13 Dec 2013 to 27 Jan 2014. This includes the costs of response, clean-up works and necessary immediate works which were undertaken in the aftermath of the storms. This allocation will be drawn down from my Department on provision of appropriate documentation.

Further considerable damage has been caused by flooding and storm events that have occurred since 27 January. Details on damage caused and estimated repair costs in relation to these more recent events will be assessed when they are available.

Tenant Purchase Scheme Administration

Questions (256, 272)

Derek Nolan

Question:

256. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to reintroduce the tenant purchase scheme for local authority housing; and his views on when, if at all, the replacement scheme will be put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11018/14]

Sandra McLellan

Question:

272. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when new legislation will be introduced to allow local authority tenants to purchase their homes; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10531/14]

Written answers

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 272 and 256 together.

The Government, on 17 December 2013, approved priority drafting of a Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill that will, among other things, underpin a tenant purchase scheme for existing local authority houses along incremental purchase lines. I expect that the Bill will be enacted this year, following which I will prescribe in regulations the commencement date and the detailed terms of the scheme.