Tuesday, 17 Jun 2014

Written Answers Nos. 449 - 472

Pyrite Issues

Questions (449)

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

449. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government based on reports that local authorities in the Leinster region are investigating potentially defective building blocks allegedly containing pyrite which were supplied to a number of building sites, which his Department was reportedly alerted to in April, the way his Department was alerted to this potential problem; the steps taken to determine the nature and extent of the problem by his Department; the steps taken to ensure defective concrete blocks are no longer being produced and supplied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25506/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

A potential problem concerning pyrite in concrete blocks was signalled to my Department in early April 2014 by the market surveillance authority (i.e. building control authority) in whose functional area the block manufacturer is located. Subsequently, some industry representatives also contacted my Department in relation to the issue.

Under the European Union (Construction Products) Regulations 2013, building control authorities are designated as the principal market surveillance authorities for construction products that fall within the scope of the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) and are responsible for the market surveillance of such products. Concrete blocks are covered by a harmonised European standard (EN 771-3-2011 - Aggregate concrete masonry units (dense and light weight aggregates) and therefore come within the remit of the CPR .

On being advised of the problem the relevant market surveillance authority took immediate and appropriate action under the applicable legislation to deal with this issue. The authorised officer of the market surveillance authority involved visited the premises of the block manufacturer and requested detailed information as to the precise nature and extent of the problem including where the blocks had been supplied, the actions taken or being taken by the block manufacturer to deal with the problem as well as necessary documentation to demonstrate compliance with the harmonised European standard for blocks and with the requirements of the Construction Products Regulation (EU) No 305/2011. The company is co-operating with the market surveillance authority and has supplied certain information on the extent of the problem, the actions being taken to provide for a resolution and compliance documentation. Additional information has been sought from the company to provide clarity on a number of pertinent issues.

Under the European Union (Construction Products) Regulations 2013, building control authorities have wide-ranging powers to ensure that constructions products placed on the market comply with the requirements set out in the Construction Products Regulation. Such powers include the issuing of a notice to require corrective actions to be taken by an economic operator within a specified period of time and, in the event of a serious risk being identified, to request the Minister to prohibit or restrict a construction product from being made available on the market, to withdraw it from the market or to recall it, or to make its use subject to special conditions as deemed appropriate.

My Department has written to the building control/ market surveillance authorities in whose functional areas the construction sites to which it is understood the blocks were supplied are located and advised them to visit the construction sites identified for the purposes of assessing whether the concrete blocks used in the construction works on these sites are “ proper materials” within the meaning of Part D of the Building Regulations 1997, i.e. that they are fit for the use for which they are intended and for the conditions in which they are to be used.

Part A of the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations sets out the legal requirements in relation to structure. The accompanying TGD A provides guidance on how compliance can be achieved and, in the context of block work in houses, reference is given to the appropriate masonry design and construction standards. The materials to be used, e.g. concrete blocks, wall ties etc. are required to meet the specified minimum designations, strengths and other qualities, as set out in TGD A and the referenced standards.

Part D sets out the legal requirements for materials and workmanship. It requires that all works must be carried out using “proper materials ... which are fit for the use for which they are intended and for the conditions in which they are to be used” and in a workmanlike manner to ensure compliance with the Building Regulations.

My Department is working closely with the building control/market surveillance authorities involved in dealing with this particular matter to monitor the situation. It is providing whatever advice, guidance or clarifications are required to ensure that the necessary actions are taken to resolve the problems identified and to safeguard against defective products being placed on the market.

Housing Issues

Questions (450)

Seán Fleming

Question:

450. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the projects for which his Department has given approval to local authorities to go to tender or commence construction under the Government stimulus plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25515/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

Following the inclusion of a number of housing-related measures by Government under recent stimulus initiatives, my Department has issued approvals to relevant housing authorities to invest in a range of housing programmes, details of which are set out in the following table. On receipt of Departmental approval, the relevant housing authorities act as sponsoring agencies in relation to the projects concerned and have overall responsibility for detailed planning and procurement in line with the provisions of the Public Spending Code.

Stimulus Measure	Allocation	Status (Projects under Local Authority Management )
(A) June 2013 Stimulus Package	-	-
- Local Authority Energy Efficiency	€50m	Approved
(B) Budget 2014 Stimulus Package	-	-
Social Housing Stimulus (€50m)	-	-
- Social housing construction programme in areas with high housing needs;	€15m	Approved
- Retrofitting programme for boarded-up houses to return to productive use;	€15m	Approved
- Unfinished housing developments;	€10m	Approved
- Additional €10m in private housing grants for older people/people with a disability.	€10m	Approved
(C) May 2014 Stimulus Package	-	-
Social Housing Stimulus (€70m)	-	-
- Bringing long-term local authority vacant units back into use;	€20m	Planning
- Mainstream social housing construction;	€20m	Planning
- Supporting people with a special housing need (particular focus on units for homeless people)	€10m	Approved
- Pyrite Remediation	€20m	Pyrite Resolution Board- at tender stage

Capital Programme Expenditure

Questions (451, 452)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

451. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total amount of capital spending on construction projects carried out by his Department and by bodies operating under the aegis of his Department between 2008 and to date in 2014; if he will provide the information on an annual basis in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25538/14]

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

452. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of the €311 million designated to his Department for direct Exchequer capital funding according to the Government Estimates for 2014 that is expected to go towards construction related projects; if he will list the projects; if he will provide an update on any of these projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25553/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

I propose to take Questions Nos. 451 and 452 together.

My Department is responsible for a wide range of capital programmes, including in the areas of housing, environmental protection, local government services, and community and rural development.

The following tables detail capital expenditure by my Department broken down into programme areas over the period 2008 to 2013, together with the 2014 provision as set out in the Revised Estimates Volume for this year published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform; total capital expenditure by my Department to date in 2014 is some €69.5m. Any additional capital expenditure incurred by agencies or bodies under the aegis by my Department is a matter for the agency or body concerned.

Specific data on construction-related expenditure within the total of some €8.5 billion in capital investment over the seven years concerned is not readily available in my Department. Given the significant investment involved and large volume of payments in relation to construction activities, compilation of the information requested would require a disproportionate amount of time and work. If the Deputy wishes to put down a more specific question on construction-related funding, including in relation to specific projects, I will endeavour to provide the information sought.

DECLG Capital Provision 2014

Capital Provision	€000s
Administration	4,081
A.3 - LOCAL AUTHORITY HOUSING	80,000
A.4 - VOLUNTARY & CO-OPERATIVE HOUSING	40,925
A.5 - SOCIAL INCLUSION	3,000
A.6 - ESTATE REGENERATION - SOCIAL HOUSING IMPROVEMENTS	109,400
A.7 - PRIVATE HOUSING GRANTS	38,600
A.8 - SUBSIDIES AND ALLOWANCES	899
A.9 - OTHER SERVICES	1
B.3 - WATER SERVICES INVESTMENT PROGRAMME	6,007
B.4 - RURAL WATER PROGRAMME	27,713
C.3 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY	1,375
C.4 - ENVIRONMENTAL RADIATION POLICY	400
C.8 - LANDFILL REMEDIATION	8,500
D.4 - FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES	8,000
D.5 - LOCAL AUTHORITY LIBRARY AND ARCHIVE SERVICE	1,000
D.8 - OTHER SERVICES	2,000
E.5 - RAPID	1,900
E.6 - DORMANT ACCOUNTS MEASURES	2,006
E.8 - NATIONAL RURAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES	383
E.9 - LEADER RURAL ECONOMY SUB-PROGRAMME 2007-2013	1
E.10 - PROGRAMME FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION	21,516
E.11 - INTERREG PROGRAMME	2,293
F.3 - AN BORD PLEANÁLA	500
GROSS TOTAL *	360,500
CAPITAL CARRYOVER	72,000
Total including carryover	432,500

* Includes additional €50m stimulus measure announced in Budget (€311m + €50m= €361m)

DECLG Capital Expenditure 2013

Capital Provision	€000s
Administration	1,171
A.3 - LOCAL AUTHORITY HOUSING	73,270
A.4 - VOLUNTARY & CO-OPERATIVE HOUSING	31,741
A.5 - SOCIAL INCLUSION	4,143
A.6 - ESTATE REGENERATION - SOCIAL HOUSING IMPROVEMENTS	122,052
A.7 - PRIVATE HOUSING GRANTS	38,297
A.8 - SUBSIDIES AND ALLOWANCES	998
A.9 - OTHER SERVICES	2,664
B.3 - WATER SERVICES INVESTMENT PROGRAMME	241,477
B.4 - RURAL WATER PROGRAMME	33,880
C.3 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY	1,568
C.4 - ENVIRONMENTAL RADIATION POLICY	200
C.6 - CARBON FUND	371
C.8 - LANDFILL REMEDIATION	1,108
D.4 - FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES	2,882
D.5 - LOCAL AUTHORITY LIBRARY AND ARCHIVE SERVICE	3,500
D.8 - OTHER SERVICES	3500
E.5 - RAPID	260
E.6 - DORMANT ACCOUNTS MEASURES	584
E.8 - NATIONAL RURAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES	400
E.9 - LEADER RURAL ECONOMY SUB-PROGRAMME 2007-2013	73,688
E.10 - PROGRAMME FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION	16,925
E.11 - INTERREG PROGRAMME	2,499
GROSS TOTAL	657,178
CAPITAL CARRYOVER	43,000
Total including carryover	700,178

DECLG Capital Expenditure 2012

Capital Provision	€000s
OFFICE MACHINERY AND SUPPLIES	1,913
A.3 LOCAL AUTHORITY HOUSING	116,879
A.4 VOLUNTARY & CO-OPERATIVE HOUSING	66,974
A.5 SOCIAL INCLUSION	4,000
A.6 ESTATE REGENERATION & IMPROVEMENT OF SOCIAL HOUSING STOCK	148,849
A.7 PRIVATE HOUSING GRANTS	53,417
A.8 SUBSIDIES & ALLOWANCES	1,414
A.9 OTHER SERVICES	5,664
B.3 WATER SERVICES INVESTMENT PROGRAMME	268,157
B.4 RURAL WATER	39,710
C.3 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY	1,100
C.4 ENVIRONMENTAL RADIATION POLICY	200
C.6 CARBON FUND	1,903
C.8 LANDFILL REMEDIATION	3,300
D.4 FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES	6,000
D.5 LOCAL AUTHORITY LIBRARY AND ARCHIVE SERICE	5,000
D.7 FRANCHISE	3
D.8 OTHER SERVICES	5,975
E.5 RAPID	865
E.6 DORMANT ACCOUNTS	1,357
E.8 NATIONAL RURAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME	393
E.9 LEADER - RURAL ECONOMY SUB-PROGRAMME 2007-2013	19,243
E.10 PROGRAMME FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION	13,413
E.11 INTERREG PROGAMME	2,409
E.14 OTHER SERVICES	267
GROSS TOTAL	768,405
CAPITAL CARRYOVER	34,000
Total including carryover	802,405

DECLG Capital Expenditure 2011

Capital Provision	€000s
A.5 Office Machinery & Supplies	1,179
B.1 Social Housing Provision and Support	239,202
B.2 Local Authority Estate Regeneration and Remedial Works	181,111
B.3 Private Housing Adaptation – Grants and Other Supports	64,576
C.1 Water Services Investment Programme	428,964
D.1 Environmental Protection Agency	1,000
D.2 Environmental Radiation Policy	242
D.4 Carbon Fund	4,140
D.5 International Climate Change Funding	10,000
E.2 Landfill Remediation	1,001
F.2 Fire & Emergency Services	12,250
F.3 Local Authority Library and Archive Service	6,293
F.4 Community and Social Inclusion	1,226
G.3 RAPID	1,083
G.4 Dormant Accounts Measures	360
I.2 National Rural Development Schemes	502
I.3 LEADER - Rural Economy Sub-Programme 2007-2013	38,610
J.2 Miscellaneous	15,865
GROSS TOTAL	1,007,604

DEHLG Capital Expenditure 2010

Capital Provision	€000s
A.5 Office Machinery & Supplies	1,839
B.1 Social Housing Provision and Support	552,416
B.2 Local Authority Estate Regeneration and Remedial Works	193,535
B.3 Private Housing Adaptation – Grants and Other Supports	84,115
C.1 Water Services Investment Programme	495,000
D.1 Environmental Protection Agency	1,500
D.2 Environmental Radiation Policy	304
D.4 Carbon Fund	32,870
D.5 International Climate Change Funding	23,000
E.2 Landfill Remediation	4,000
F.2 Fire & Emergency Services	18,700
F.3 Local Authority Library and Archive Service	7,300
F.4 Community and Social Inclusion	1,234
F.5 Disability Services	7,208
G.1 Heritage Council	4,500
G.2 Built Heritage	11,329
G.3 Natural Heritage (National Parks & Wildlife)	10,024
H.3 Urban Regeneration	0
I.2 Miscellaneous	14,967
GROSS TOTAL	1,463,841
CAPITAL CARRYOVER	3,277
Total including carryover	1,467,118

DEHLG Capital Expenditure 2009

Capital Provision	€000s
A.5 Office Machinery & Supplies	1,904
B.1 Social Housing Provision & Renewal	1,074,520
B.2 Affordable Housing and Other Private Housing Sector Supports	85,979
C.1 Water Services Investment Programme	512,000
D.1 Environmental Protection Agency	3,900
D.2 Environmental Radiation Policy	380
D.4 Kyoto Credits (Carbon Credits)	46,723
E.1 Recycling Services	0
E.2 Landfill Remediation	5,347
F.2 Fire & Emergency Services	20,501
F.3 Local Authority Library Services	8,420
F.4 Community and Social Inclusion	1,245
F.5 Disability Services	8,947
F.6 Economic and Social Disadvantage (Dormant Accounts)	0
G.1 Heritage Council	5,000
G.2 Built Heritage	11,548
G.3 Natural Heritage (National Parks & Wildlife)	7,858
G.4 Irish Heritage Trust	0
H.3 Urban Regeneration	720
I.2 Miscellaneous	7,509
GROSS TOTAL	1,802,501
CAPITAL CARRYOVER	6,277
Total including carryover	1,808,778

DEHLG Capital Expenditure 2008

Capital Provision	€000s
A.5 Office Machinery & Supplies	3,607
B.1 Social Housing Provision & Renewal	1,392,152
B.2 Affordable Housing and Other Private Housing Sector Supports	123,348
C.1 Water Services Investment Programme	496,374
D.1 Environmental Protection Agency	7,466
D.2 Environmental Radiation Policy	800
D.4 Kyoto Credits (Carbon Credits)	3,723
E.1 Recycling Services	9,996
E.2 Landfill Remediation	46,286
F.2 Fire & Emergency Services	23,953
F.3 Local Authority Library Services	15,273
F.4 Community and Social Inclusion	5,474
F.5 Disability Services	10,500
F.6 Economic and Social Disadvantage (Dormant Accounts)	0
G.1 Heritage Council	7,874
G.2 Built Heritage	26,034
G.3 Natural Heritage (National Parks & Wildlife)	23,294
G.4 Irish Heritage Trust	0
H.3 Urban Regeneration	11,704
H.6 Gateways Innovation Fund	0
I.2 Miscellaneous	6,832
GROSS TOTAL	2,214,690

Local Authority Funding

Questions (453)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

453. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the per capita central Government funding of local authorities ratio for each county in the State. [25583/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

I assume that the Question refers to general purpose grants from the Local Government Fund. General purpose grants are a contribution from my Department towards meeting the cost to local authorities of providing a reasonable level of services to their customers.

The information requested is set out in the table below which details the total general purpose grant allocations in 2014 from the Local Government Fund for all local authorities in each county. The amount to be paid to local authorities from the Local Government Fund for general purpose grants in 2014 is €28 2m; this figure recognises the removal of water related costs from local authorities to Irish Water in 2014.

Local authorities’ cost and income bases vary significantly from one another and calculating an appropriate distribution of these grants is complex. General purpose grants are structured to bring about equalisation over time; that is a position of balance where the financial needs of local authorities are met by their resources and they are able to provide an appropriate level of service to their customers. In determining these grants a number of factors are taken into account including the overall funding available for this purpose, the estimated cost to each authority of providing a reasonable level of services to their customers, the income each authority should generate from local sources and the necessity to provide each authority with a baseline allocation that supports its financial stability.

County	GPG 2014 €	2011 Population Census	GPG Per capita €
Carlow	5,352,469	54,612	€98.01
Cavan	8,458,415	73,183	€115.58
Clare	2,646,284	117,196	€22.58
Cork	11,495,809	519,032	€22.15
Donegal	22,720,760	161,137	€141.00
Dublin	9,770,529	1,273,069	€7.67
Galway	14,132,810	250,653	€56.38
Kerry	11,043,837	145,502	€75.90
Kildare	9,686,924	210,312	€46.06
Kilkenny	9,356,019	95,419	€98.05
Laois	7,631,324	80,559	€94.73
Leitrim	8,282,319	31,798	€260.47
Limerick	14,625,159	191,809	€76.25
Longford	8,119,493	39,000	€208.19
Louth	8,243,835	122,897	€67.08
Mayo	17,492,594	130,638	€133.90
Meath	8,799,199	184,135	€47.79
Monaghan	10,247,882	60,483	€169.43
Offaly	6,663,642	76,687	€86.89
Roscommon	9,107,439	64,065	€142.16
Sligo	9,993,352	65,393	€152.82
Tipperary	22,755,110	158,754	€143.34
Waterford	16,524,431	113,795	€145.21
Westmeath	10,115,479	86,164	€117.40
Wexford	11,888,576	145,320	€81.81
Wicklow	6,846,310	136,640	€50.10

Dormant Accounts Fund Administration

Questions (454)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

454. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on the application process for distribution of funding through dormant accounts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25610/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

Under the Dormant Accounts legislation, balances on dormant accounts with banks, building societies and An Post and the net encashment value of certain life assurance policies are paid into the Dormant Accounts Fund, which is managed by the National Treasury Management Agency. The primary purpose of the legislation is to re-unite the original account holders with their moneys, including all interest due. In addition, the legislation provides that disbursements from the fund may be made for charitable purposes or for purposes of community benefit.

The Dormant Accounts Disbursement Scheme for 2013-2016 was approved by Government in December 2013 and sets out the objectives to be achieved by making disbursements from the fund.  The 2012 Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Act also provides for the preparation of an action plan to give effect to the disbursement scheme.  My Department has been consulting with relevant Government Departments and Pobal in this regard with a view to the Action Plan being completed in the coming weeks. Once the Plan is adopted, it will be possible to commence implementation of measures under the Plan. The assessment criteria and the application procedures for Dormant Accounts will be published as will a list of the projects ultimately funded.

Industrial Relations

Questions (455)

Seán Fleming

Question:

455. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of cases before the Labour Court, Equality Tribunal, CPSA and EAT involving civil servants taking cases against his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25638/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

There are no cases before the Labour Court, Equality Tribunal, CPSA or the EAT in respect of civil servants in my Department.

Tenant Purchase Scheme Eligibility

Questions (456, 470, 471)

Seán Fleming

Question:

456. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if persons in receipt of disability allowance or other social protection payments will have their payments taken into account under the new tenant purchase scheme regarding their eligibility for a loan when it comes into operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25655/14]

Seán Fleming

Question:

470. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the income limits and thresholds in respect of persons who wish to seek a house purchase loan from the local authorities; if these go through the housing agency; if he will provide information on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25993/14]

Seán Fleming

Question:

471. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the income limits and thresholds available to persons who wish to obtain a loan via local authorities or the Housing Agency under the new tenant purchase scheme which he intends introducing; when this is expected to be in operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25994/14]

Written answers

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 456, 470 and 471 together.

The Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2014, for which Report and Final Stages will be taken in the Dáil today, will, among other things, underpin a new tenant purchase scheme to replace the 1995 scheme for existing local authority houses, which closed for new applications at the end of 2012. The new scheme will be broadly similar to the two incremental purchase schemes currently in operation, relating to newly-built local authority houses and local authority apartments respectively.

I expect that the Bill will be enacted by the summer, following which I will prescribe the commencement date and the detailed terms of the scheme.

There are currently two types of house purchase loan available from local authorities: standard annuity loans targeted at lower income first time buyers and loans under the Home Choice Loan scheme which are available to qualifying middle income first time buyers.

The terms and conditions governing the operation of annuity mortgages are set out under various Regulations such as the Housing (Local Authority Loans) Regulations 2009, the Housing (Home Choice Loan) Regulations 2009, and most recently in the Housing (Local Authority Loans) Regulations 2012. These are available on my Department’s website: http://www.environ.ie/en/Legislation/DevelopmentandHousing/Housing/.

The Regulations prescribe that the amount of a loan shall not exceed €200,000. Loans shall not be available in the case of a single borrower, where the borrower’s annual gross income is more than €50,000; or in the case of a joint application, where the combined income of the borrowers is more than €75,000.

The Housing (Local Authority Loans) Regulations 2009 provide for the issuing of written guidance in the form of a credit policy for the processing of loan applications and the making of loans by all local authorities. The credit policy, introduced with these Regulations, underpins local authority lending and ensures prudence and consistency in approach. As part of the loan application procedure, the Housing Agency provides an underwriting and support service to all local authorities. This shared central service processes loan applications, carries out credit checks and issues a recommendation to the local authority on each loan application in accordance with the credit policy. The final decision on loan approval is a matter for each local authority and its credit committee on a case-by-case basis. Accordingly, the local authority issues the loan and the Housing Agency provides an underwriting and support service to the local authority during the loan application process.

House purchase loans are not, as a general rule, available to those in receipt of unemployment/social welfare benefits. However, where there is a primary income of a permanent waged/salaried nature, and where the secondary income is from the Department of Social Protection, then long term social welfare payments can be considered, provided the long term nature of the payment is confirmed by the Department of Social Protection or other relevant Government Department.

Local Government Reform

Questions (457)

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

457. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the changes and differences in the role and functions of city and county managers vis-à-vis chief executive officers of city and county councils since the introduction of the Local Government Reform Act 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25660/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

The Action Programme for Effective Local Government – Putting People First sets out Government policy in terms of a range of local government reform measures, including matters covered in Chapter 11 to reinforce the primacy of the elected council within the local government system and to rebalance the role of the council in relation to the former position of County Manager. Building on this, the Local Government Reform Act 2014 reinforces the primacy of the elected council within the local government system, and provides a legislative basis for a stronger and more explicit statutory expression of the powers of elected members and the duty of the Chief Executive to comply with policy as set down by the elected members, together with measures to strengthen the capacity generally of the elected council to oversee the business of the authority.

The change from Manager to Chief Executive is an important aspect of clarifying, in a more modern sense, the appropriate roles of the executive in implementing the policy of the council, with the elected members acting as, in effect, the board of directors of the authority. In that context, elected members now have the power of decision over the appointment of the individual recommended by the Public Appointments Service for the Chief Executive post in their authority, while retaining the independence of the selection procedures of the Public Appointments Service.

The powers of the elected members in overseeing the implementation of policy by the Chief Executive have also been strengthened, including specific provision for -

- The requirement on the Chief Executive to submit monthly management reports;

- The requirement on the Chief Executive to report, and if requested review, the actions taken or planned to implement the directions of the council in their reserved functions, and the power to require the Chief Executive to indicate the changes in the actions intended to implement a reserved function where the elected members give reasons why they consider the actions already taken or planned are not sufficient;

- The requirement that the Chief Executive advise on the review of any policy, or the implementation of any policy, approved as a reserved function;

- The requirement on the Chief Executive to report on, and if requested review, his/her exercise of executive functions;

- A strengthened Corporate Policy Group (CPG), with the Cathaoirleach and Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) Chairs being joined by a representative of each municipal district where not otherwise on the CPG;

- The requirement on the Chief Executive to give advice and respond to requests for information to all working levels of elected members below the full council (municipal district, committees); the requirements apply to the full council only at present;

- The requirement to present draft policy proposals to the council, or the relevant SPC as appropriate, in a timely manner;

- The requirement on the Chief Executive to have regard to views of elected members as policy is being developed by them, rather than only when it is fully formed;

- Inclusion in the Corporate Plan of all policy positions of the council (which are reserved functions) not otherwise captured by policy statements.

The Local Government Reform Act 2014 also creates some important new reserved functions to be discharged by the elected members, including the adoption of integrated local economic and community development plans, and service delivery plans. The role of the elected members is also being strengthened in the context of the new system of municipal districts including in the context of the draft local authority budgetary plan.

Irish Water Expenditure

Questions (458)

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

458. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has requested from Irish Water a full explanation of an investment (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25695/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

Decisions on specific operational expenditure by Irish Water is a matter for the company and I have no role in that regard. However, costs incurred by Irish Water will be examined by the Commission for Energy Regulation as an integral element of the independent economic regulation of Irish Water. Irish Water has confirmed to my Department that it has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via an email to [e-mail] or by telephone on 1890 278 278.

Housing Issues

Questions (459)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

459. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider a redress scheme for the many home owners in County Donegal who have had structural faults confirmed on their homes due to faulty building blocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25701/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

The remediation of building defects are, in general, matters for resolution between the contracting parties, i.e. the owner, builder, manufacturer/supplier and/ or their respective insurers. In the event that the contracting parties cannot reach a settlement by discussion and negotiation the option of seeking redress through the Courts can also be considered. In addition, a significant number of new dwellings are covered by structural warranty insurance and homeowners covered by such policies may be able to get redress under the terms of the policy in respect of structural defects in their homes.

Water Charges Administration

Questions (460)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

460. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has given consideration to the likely impact of the introduction of water charges on residents associations and community groups, who maintain floral displays and green areas, due to the cost which will be involved in watering such areas; in order that such important local efforts are not discouraged or curtailed; if he will introduce a small grant scheme for water harvesting equipment for such groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25736/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

I am fully supportive of technologies which contribute to the conservation of water. Rainwater harvesting has the potential to benefit the environment and contribute to reducing the cost of water services for certain uses including domestic gardening and other horticultural and agricultural activities. However, the introduction of a grants scheme for any purpose must be managed within current budgetary constraints and, insofar as the funds administered by my Department are concerned, there are currently no plans to introduce a scheme for the installation of rainwater harvesting systems.

Question No. 461 answered with Question No. 431.

Departmental Staff Expenses

Questions (462)

Niall Collins

Question:

462. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide, in tabular, form the total amount spent per annum from 2011 to 2013, inclusive, and to date in 2014 on staff subsistence payments and staff taxi payments; if his Department has been audited for tax compliance on these payments and other benefits-in-kind; if these processes have been revised in view of concerns by the Revenue Commissioners over practices in other State bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25814/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

Expenditure on staff subsistence and taxis for my Department in the past four years is set out in the following table.

Year	Subsistence	Taxis
2011	€ 571,079.88	€ 22,691.46
2012	€ 705,249.96	€ 31,821.59
2013	€ 742,134.20	€ 37,629.03
2014 (to June 12th)	€ 229,487.29	€ 8,310.55

It is my Department’s policy that only essential business travel is undertaken and that the number of staff absent on official business is kept to an absolute minimum.

It is also the policy that taxis should only be used where no suitable public transport is available. Staff are asked to ensure that where use is made of a taxi, business requirements make it demonstrably necessary to do so; for example because the number of officers travelling make it cheaper than other forms of public transport, and/or that other forms of public transport would be impractical. Additional travel associated with Ireland’s Presidency of the EU in 2013 and preparation for it in 2012 would account for increased subsistence and taxi expenditure in those years. Staff claiming the costs of taxi journeys must submit the relevant receipts with their travel and subsistence claims.

My Department was selected by Revenue on 4 June 2009 for an audit of VAT, PAYE, PRSI and RCT (Relevant Contracts Tax) covering the period 1 January 2008 to 31 May 2009. Revenue advised on 13 November 2009 that the audit was concluded and that no further liability arises. The Department has not been audited by Revenue since. Practices and procedures in respect of these areas will, if necessary, be amended in light of any further guidance received from the Revenue Commissioners in this regard.

Questions Nos. 463 and 464 answered with Question No. 431.

Septic Tank Grants

Questions (465)

Tom Fleming

Question:

465. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will introduce a proper grants scheme for septic tanks as the existing scheme is totally inadequate and misleading and gives the impression that septic tank grants are freely available; his views on whether the general public who reside in rural areas and are not connected to public sewerage schemes are being treated unfairly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25931/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

On 25 June 2013, I signed the Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems (Financial Assistance) Regulations 2013, a copy of which are available in the Oireachtas library. The Regulations brought into operation a grants scheme to assist with the cost of remediation of septic tanks and domestic waste water treatment systems which are deemed, following inspection under the EPA’s National Inspection Plan and the subsequent issue of an Advisory Notice by the local authority, to require repair or upgrading.

The Regulations provide that, subject to the applicant meeting all qualification criteria, a local authority may pay a grant to a person who is required, following an inspection, to have repairs or upgrades to, or replacement of, a septic tank or other domestic waste water treatment system. Full details of the scheme, including eligibility criteria, are clearly set out in the explanatory leaflet and application form publi shed on my Department’s website at:

http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/Environment/Water/FileDownLoad,33607,en.pdf .

When making the Regulations I was mindful of the need to target the limited resources available towards householders who had complied with the legal requirement to register their treatment systems by the deadline of 1 February 2013 and in particular at those households on lower incomes. I have no plans to extend, or to vary the terms and conditions regarding, the existing grant scheme. Householders who do not meet the eligibility criteria included in the above regulations but wish to remediate or upgrade their on-site treatment systems may qualify for relief under the Home Renovation Incentive (HRI) Scheme introduced under Section 5 of the Finance (No.2.) Act 2013. The HRI scheme covers main residence repairs, renovations and improvements, including the repair or replacement of septic tanks. The scheme is administered by the Revenue Commissioners and full details are published on Revenue’s website (www.revenue.ie).

Question No. 466 answered with Question No. 431.

Local Authority Housing

Questions (467)

Michael McGrath

Question:

467. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the minimum period a local authority social housing unit must be vacant before the local authority can avail of or seek funding from his Department for the repair or improvement of that vacant unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25955/14]

Written answers

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

While the assessment process for this scheme did prioritise length of time dwellings were vacant, no minimum time was set for a housing unit to be vacant before it was considered for funding. Funding was allocated on an equitable and evidence based system, adjudicated and weighted under a number of criteria, including the degree of local housing need, the number of void properties, the cost effectiveness of the proposal and the length of time the property had been vacant.

Departmental Correspondence

Questions (468)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

468. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding water leaks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25969/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

The Programme for Government sets out a commitment to the introduction of 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 2013 provide for the establishment of Irish Water as an independent subsidiary within the Bord Gáis Éireann Group and assigned the necessary powers to allow Irish Water to undertake this metering programme.

Irish Water has confirmed to my Department that it was always anticipated that in the course of installing a meter, pre-existing leaks and other latent defects due to the age or condition of the water pipes would be discovered. It is important to note that these leaks are not caused by Irish Water’s contractors. The meter installation programme gives Irish Water a strong starting point for mains rehabilitation by enabling the discovery of pre-existing leaks and helping to target more effective investment in leak repair. Where a leak is identified on the public water mains, as was the case in this instance, the repairs are undertaken by the local authority, acting as agents for Irish Water, as agreed under the Service Level Agreements. The cost of these repairs is part of the operating costs of Irish Water. In the case outlined, an existing leaking water main ferrule was encountered whilst excavating outside the property. This was reported by the metering contractors and Fingal County Council, working on behalf of Irish Water, visited the location of the leak and the repair was made on 14 May 2014.

The Government has decided to introduce a “first fix free policy” to assist householders who may have leaks on their property. The scheme is estimated to cost some €51 million to the end of 2016. Details of the scheme and the conditions applying will be announced by Irish Water shortly.

Thatching Grants Eligibility

Questions (469)

Brian Walsh

Question:

469. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if grant assistance will be provided to assist in the replacement of a pitched thatched roof at the property (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25990/14]

Written answers

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

Under my Department’s grant scheme for the renewal or repair of thatched roofs a grant of up to €3,810 or two thirds of the approved cost, whichever is the lesser, may be payable in respect of necessary works to renew or repair the thatched roofs of houses. A higher grant of up to €5,714 may be payable where the house is situated on certain specified islands off the West and South coasts. In the case of medical card holders, a grant of up to €6,350, or up to 80% of the approved cost, may be payable in respect of houses situated on the mainland, rising to €8,252 where the house is situated on a specified off-shore island.

It is a condition of the grant scheme, which was introduced in 2001, that the house is occupied as the applicant’s normal place of residence on completion of the approved works, irrespective of location. No application has been received in my Department from the person in question.

Questions Nos. 470 and 471 answered with Question No. 456.

Question No. 472 answered with Question No. 428.