Written Answers Nos. 478-512
478. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total value of bonus payments made to staff under the aegis of his Department in 2013 and to date in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32269/14]
View answerNo staff member under the aegis of my Department has received a bonus payment in 2013 or in 2014 to date.
479. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of persons who have been processed by the pathway accommodation and support bed management system in each month of 2012, 2013 and 2014 broken down by location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32290/14]
View answerMy Department's role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation for homeless persons and related services rests with housing authorities.
In February 2013, at the time of publication of the Government’s Homelessness Policy Statement, a set of indicators was identified to be used to demonstrate the dynamics of homelessness as it is addressed. These indicators will give a clearer picture of homelessness in Ireland and, in quantifying its on-going extent, will support the implementation of realistic and practical solutions. The Pathway Accommodation and Support System (PASS) was extended nationally in 2013 and is now operational nationwide. It will assist lead housing authorities in each of the 9 regions to report on these indicators and 2014 will be the first year for which PASS will produce composite national data on homelessness. Quarterly reports from lead housing authorities are being published on my Department's website as soon as these are available.
Based on data recorded on PASS, a recent survey of lead housing authorities confirmed that 2,385 unique individuals utilised Section 10 funded emergency accommodation nationally during the week of 16 to 22 June 2014. A regional breakdown of this total is provided in the following table.
Unique individuals that utilised Section 10-funded emergency accommodation during the week of 16 to 22 June 2014
|
Region |
No. of unique individuals |
|
Dublin |
1,548 |
|
Mid-West |
243 |
|
South West |
202 |
|
South East |
152 |
|
Mid East |
87 |
|
Midlands |
47 |
|
North West |
47 |
|
West |
36 |
|
North East |
23 |
|
Total |
2,385 |
A further similar survey is being undertaken this week (commencing 14 July) and the results are expected before the end of the month. These data will be published on my Department's website as soon as they are available.
480. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total number of appointments to State boards since March 2011 under the aegis of his Department; the total number of appointments that have been advertised on his Department’s website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32299/14]
View answerIn the period of the Government’s term of office up to 11 July 2014, the latest date for which information is available, the appointments set out in the following Table were made to the Boards of State Bodies under the aegis of my Department.
|
Agency / Board |
Name of Appointee |
Date of Appointment |
|
An Bord Pleanála * |
Dr. Mary Kelly (Chairperson) |
29/08/2011 |
|
Mr. Conall Boland (Deputy Chairperson) |
01/01/2012 Reappointed 01/01/2014 |
|
|
Ms. Mary MacMahon |
27/11/2011 |
|
|
Mr. Michael Leahy |
14/05/2012 |
|
|
Mr. Nicholas Mulcahy |
21/05/2012 |
|
|
Mr. Gabriel Dennison |
21/05/2012 |
|
|
Mr. Paddy Keogh |
21/05/2012 |
|
|
Ms. Oznar Yucel-Finn |
28/01/2013 |
|
|
Mr. Robert Ryan |
28/01/2013 |
|
|
Mr. Paul Hyde |
01/05/2014 |
|
|
Mr. Philip Jones |
01/05/2014 |
|
|
Dublin Docklands Development Authority Executive Board** |
Prof. Niamh Brennan (Chairperson) |
01/05/2012 |
|
Mr. Niall Coveney |
01/05/2012 |
|
|
Mr. Dónall Curtin |
01/05/2012 |
|
|
Ms. Yvonne Farrell |
01/05/2012 |
|
|
Mr. Mark Griffin (Departmental staff member) |
01/05/2012 |
|
|
Mr. Brendan Malone |
01/05/2012 |
|
|
Ms. Catherine Mullarkey |
01/05/2012 |
|
|
Mr. John Tierney (Chairperson) |
01/06/2012 |
|
|
Mr. Gerry Grimes |
01/06/2012 |
|
|
Dr. Philip Matthews |
01/06/2012 |
|
|
Ms. Lucy McCaffrey |
01/06/2012 |
|
|
Mr. Charlie Murphy |
01/06/2012 |
|
|
Ms. Imelda Reynolds |
01/06/2012 |
|
|
Mr. Michael Stubbs |
01/06/2012 |
|
|
Mr. Frank Walsh |
01/06/2012 |
|
|
Environmental Protection Agency* |
Ms. Laura Burke (Director General) |
08/11/2011 |
|
Mr. Dara Lynott (Deputy Director General) |
12/07/2012 |
|
|
Mr. Gerard O'Leary |
08/05/2012 |
|
|
Mr. Mícheál Ó Cinnéide |
25/08/2013 |
|
|
Housing Finance Agency |
Dr. Michelle Norris (Chairperson) |
22/02/2012 |
|
Mr. John Hogan (Department of Finance nominee) |
22/02/2012 |
|
|
Mr. Phillip Nugent (Departmental representative) |
22/02/2012 |
|
|
Ms. Jackie Maguire (CCMA representative) |
13/03/2012 |
|
|
Mr. Colm Brophy |
13/03/2012 |
|
|
Mr. Michael Murray |
13/03/2012 |
|
|
Mr. Padraic Cafferty |
21/03/2012 |
|
|
Dr. Mary Lee Rhodes |
21/03/2012 |
|
|
Mr. Jim Miley |
30/04/2012 |
|
|
Ms. Michelle Murphy Lawless |
30/04/2012 |
|
|
Mr. Gerry Leahy |
30/04/2012 |
|
|
Mr. Barry O'Leary (CEO, ex-Officio) |
26/08/2013 |
|
|
Irish Water Safety |
Ms. Breda Collins (Chairperson) |
21/11/2011 |
|
Mr. John Considine |
21/11/2011 |
|
|
Mr. Michael Cuddihy |
21/11/2011 |
|
|
Mr. Tom Doyle |
21/11/2011 |
|
|
Mr. Brendan McGrath |
21/11/2011 |
|
|
Mr. Paul Murphy |
21/11/2011 |
|
|
Mr. Seamus O'Neill |
21/11/2011 |
|
|
Mr. Martin O'Sullivan |
21/11/2011 |
|
|
Ms. Anne Ryan |
21/11/2011 |
|
|
Ms. Lola O'Sullivan |
21/11/2011 |
|
|
Mr. Christy McDonagh |
21/11/2011 |
|
|
Mr. Tim O'Sullivan (Departmental representative) |
21/11/2011 |
|
|
Mr. Odran Reid |
27/06/2012 |
|
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
Mr. Rich Howlin (Chairperson) |
21/12/2011 |
|
Mr. Conor Skehan (Chairperson replaced Mr Rich Howlin) |
01/07/2013 |
|
|
Mr. Eddie Lewis (Departmental representative) |
21/12/2011 |
|
|
Ms. Marie McLaughlin (Department of Public Expenditure and Reform representative) |
21/12/2011 |
|
|
Mr. Peter Carey, Chief Executive, Laois County Council |
21/12/2011 |
|
|
Ms. Ann McGuinness |
21/12/2011 |
|
|
Ms. Clodagh Heneghan |
21/12/2012 |
|
|
Mr. Dermot Nolan (Department of Public Expenditure and Reform representative) |
21/12/2012 |
|
|
Mr. John O Connor |
21/12/2012 |
|
|
Mr. Donal McManus |
21/12/2012 |
|
|
Mr. Michael Layde (Departmental representative) |
01/08/2012 |
|
|
Mr. Tony O’Brien |
01/07/2013 |
|
|
Local Government Computer Services Board*** |
Mr. Eddie Breen (Chairperson), Chief Executive, Wexford County Council |
01/01/2012 |
|
Mr. Michael Malone, Chief Executive, Kildare County Council |
01/11/2011 |
|
|
Mr. Barry Quinlan (Departmental representative) |
23/11/2011 |
|
|
Mr. Enda Holland (Department of Public Expenditure and Reform representative) |
22/02/2012 |
|
|
Local Government Management Services Board*** |
Mr. Eddie Breen (Chairperson), Chief Executive, Wexford County Council |
01/01/2012 |
|
Mr. Donal Enright (Departmental representative) |
01/11/2011 |
|
|
Mr. Michael Malone, Chief Executive, Kildare County Council |
01/11/2011 |
|
|
Mr. Barry Quinlan (Departmental representative) |
23/11/2011 |
|
|
Local Government Management Agency*** |
Mr. Eddie Breen, Chief Executive, Wexford County Council |
20/09/2012 |
|
Mr. Peter Carey, Chief Executive, Laois County Council |
20/09/2012 |
|
|
Mr. Hubert Kearns, Chief Executive,Sligo County Council |
20/09/2012 |
|
|
Mr. Michael Malone, Chief Executive, Kildare County Council |
20/09/2012 |
|
|
Mr. Eddie Sheehy, Chief Executive, Wicklow County Council |
20/09/2012 |
|
|
Mr. John Tierney, Chief Executive ,Dublin City Council |
20/09/2012 |
|
|
Mr. Barry Quinlan (Departmental representative) |
24/09/2012 |
|
|
Mr. Donal Enright (Departmental representative) |
24/09/2012 |
|
|
Mr. Paul McDonald (Departmental representative) |
24/09/2012 |
|
|
Mr. Martin Riordan, Chief Executive, Cork County Council |
18/10/2012 |
|
|
Mr. Michael Walsh, Chief Executive, Waterford City and County Council |
18/10/2012 |
|
|
Mr Danny McLoughlin, Chief Executive, Westmeath County Council |
21/02/2013 |
|
|
Mr. Joe Crockett, Chief Executive, Kilkenny County Council |
19/12/2013 |
|
|
Mr. Pat Gallagher, Chief Executive, Westmeath County Council (Chair) |
19/12/2013 |
|
|
Mr. Owen Keegan, Chief Executive, Dublin City Council |
19/12/2013 |
|
|
Ms. Jackie Maguire, Chief Executive, Meath County Council |
19/12/2013 |
|
|
Mr. Conn Murray, Chief Executive, Limerick City and County Council |
19/12/2013 |
|
|
Mr. Joe McGrath, Chief Executive, Tipperary County Council |
19/12/2013 |
|
|
Mr. John McCarthy (Departmental representative) |
25/11/2013 |
|
|
Mr. Ronan Mulhall (Departmental representative) |
25/11/2013 |
|
|
Mr. David O'Connor |
25/11/2013 |
|
|
Mr. Tim Lucey |
01/05/2014 |
|
|
Private Residential Tenancies Board |
Ms. Catriona Walsh (Chairperson) |
16/04/2013 |
|
Mr. Tim Ryan |
17/02/2012 |
|
|
Ms. Tricia Sheehy Skeffington |
17/02/2012 |
|
|
Ms. Paula O’Reilly (Departmental staff member) |
22/03/2012 |
|
|
Mr. Noel Merrick |
01/04/2013 |
|
|
Mr Paul Flood (HSE) |
01/04/2013 |
|
|
Mr. John Fitzgerald |
01/04/2013 |
|
|
Ms Rhonda Donaghey |
16/04/2013 |
|
|
Mr. Noel Conroy |
02/10/2013 |
|
|
Mr. Gareth Robinson |
02/10/2013 |
|
|
Ms. Kathleen McKillion |
02/10/2013 |
|
|
Mr. James Leahy |
10/06/2014 |
|
|
Radiological Protection Institute Ireland |
Professor William Reville (Chairperson) |
16/01/2012 |
|
Dr. Maurice Fitzgerald (Dental Council) |
19/10/2011 |
|
|
Dr. Paraic James (public servant) |
16/01/2012 |
|
|
Dr. Patricia Cunningham (public servant) |
20/02/2012 |
|
|
Mr. John O'Dea |
30/11/2012 |
|
|
Ms. Darina Muckian |
30/11/2012 |
|
|
Ms. Adi Roche |
30/11/2012 |
|
|
Dr. Patrick Gilligan |
30/11/2012 |
|
|
Dr. Stephanie Ryan |
16/09/2013 |
|
|
Mr. James Fitzmaurice |
Reappointed 15/12/2013 |
|
|
Dr. Kevin Kelleher |
Reappointed 15/12/2013 |
|
|
Western Development Commission |
Mr. Paddy McGuinness |
11/12/2012 Reappointed 21/02/2014 |
|
Mr. Paul Keyes |
21/02/2014 |
|
|
Mr. Brendan Mooney |
21/02/2014 |
|
|
Dr. Katie Sweeney (Public Servant) |
21/02/2014 |
|
|
Mr. Michael Frain |
21/02/2014 |
|
|
Dr. Ann Higgins |
21/02/2014 |
|
|
Dr. Deirdre Garvey |
21/02/2014 |
|
|
Mr Gerald Mullaney |
23/06/2014 |
|
|
Mr Eugene Lavin |
23/06/2014 |
* Appointments to An Bord Pleanála and to the Board of the Environmental Protection Agency are of a full-time executive nature and are governed by statutory processes.
** The board of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority was reappointed for an additional month from 1 May 2012 and replaced by a new board from 1 June 2012 which will continue in place until 31 December 2014.
*** Appointments of the Local Authority Chief Executive members of the Boards of the Local Government Computer Services Board, the Local Government Management Services Board and the Local Government Management Agency (which was established on 1 August 2012, replacing the LGCSB and the LGMSB), are made by the County and City Chief Executives collectively.
The Public Appointments Service operates a new portal www.stateboards.ie which offers a single dedicated point of contact to all government Departments, as a support to the existing State board appointment procedures. This service provides a mechanism for Departments to advertise board vacancies and it gives prospective candidates an opportunity to register their general interest in a position on a state Board and to be alerted to upcoming vacancies.
Since July 2011, my Department has sought expressions of interest through its website, from suitably qualified and experienced persons, for consideration as members or chairpersons of the boards of State bodies under my Department’s aegis. Expressions of interest can be made at any time and will be kept on file in my Department for consideration as vacancies occur. In considering applications, due regard is had to the requirements of the position, the qualifications, experience and expertise of applicants and Government policy regarding gender balance on State boards.
All appointments are made in accordance with the appropriate legislation governing appointments to each body. In some cases statutory selection procedures must be followed or nominations must be sought from independent nominating panels before appointments are made by the Minister or the Government, as appropriate. In a number of situations, only some appointments to the body concerned are made by the Minister, or appointments are made with the consent of another Minister.
The Water Services Act 2013 provided for the establishment of Irish Water as a subsidiary of Bord Gáis Éireann (BGE) under the Companies Acts. The Memorandum and Articles of Association, provide that the appointment of directors is the responsibility of the Board of BGE, with the approval of the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government and the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. 12 directors were appointed initially for the period to July 2014, one of whom has since resigned. The remaining 11 directors have been re-appointed for a further 6 month period to 30 November 2014.
The following have been appointed to the Board of Irish Water:
|
Irish Water |
Ms. Rose Hynes (Chair) |
July 2013 |
|
Mr. Michael McNicholas |
July 2013 |
|
|
Mr. John Tierney |
July 2013 |
|
|
Ms. Margaret Rae |
July/2013 |
|
|
Mr. Philip Lee |
November 2013 |
|
|
Ms. Hilary Quinlan |
November 2013 |
|
|
Ms. Regina Finn |
November 2013 |
|
|
Mr. Colman Sheehy |
November 2013 |
|
|
Mr. Billy Moore |
November 2013 |
|
|
Mr. Brian McKeown |
November 2013 |
|
|
Mr. Sean Kelly |
November 2013* |
|
|
Ms. Jacqueline Hall |
November 2013 |
*resigned in June 2014
In addition, although not a State Board in the traditional sense, appointments to the Board of Pobal, a not-for-profit company, fall to be made by the Government having considered nominees from a range of stakeholders. The following are the appointments to the Board of Pobal that have taken effect during this Government’s term:
|
Pobal |
Mr. Séamus Boland (Chair) |
03/11/2011 |
|
Ms. Siobhan McLaughlin |
03/11/2011 |
|
|
Ms. Mai Sexton |
03/11/2011 |
|
|
Mr. Tommy Maguire |
03/11/2011 |
|
|
Mr. Liam Keane |
03/11/2011 |
|
|
Ms. Jennifer McHugh |
11/01/2012 |
|
|
Ms. Mari Hurley |
11/01/2012 |
|
|
Mr. William Cotter |
09/10/2012 |
|
|
Mr. Gerald Quain |
09/10/2012 |
|
|
Cllr. John Kelleher |
23/10/2012 |
|
|
Ms. Ann Costello |
23/10/2012 |
|
|
Ms. Mary Mooty |
05/02/2013 |
|
|
Ms. Patricia King |
08/10/2013 (Reappointed) |
|
|
Dr. Deiric O'Broin |
08/10/2013 |
|
|
Ms. Helen Keogh |
08/10/2013 |
|
|
Mr. John Walsh |
08/10/2013 |
|
|
Ms. Catherine Travers |
08/10/2013 |
|
|
Mr. John Redmond |
01/07/2014 |
The following members were appointed to the National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee;
- Dr Eoin O'Sullivan (Chairperson)
- Mr. Conor Smith
- Mr. Séamus O'Connor
- Ms. Ronnie Fay
- Mr. Eugene Cummins
- Ms. Philomena Poole
- Cllr. Finnan McCoy
- Cllr. John Kennedy
- Ms. Catherine Linehan
- Mr. Tom Coughlan
- Ms. Colette Spears
- Mr. Jim Ganley (Departmental representative)
- Ms. Mary Connors
The following members were appointed to the Building Regulations Advisory Body:
|
Mr Aidan O’Connor (Departmental Staff representative) |
19/04/2011 |
|
Paul Kelly |
19/04/2011 |
|
Conor Taaffe |
16/06/2011 |
The following members were appointed on 10 January 2014 to the Pyrite Resolution Board established under the Pyrite Resolution Act 2013:
- Mr. John O’Connor (Chair)
- Mr. Sean Balfe
- Mr. Matt Gallagher
- Ms. Caroline Gill
Finally, the following have been appointed to the new National Oversight and Audit Commission for local government:
- Pat McLoughlin (Chairperson)
- Kevin Baneham BL
- Tara Buckley
- John Buckley
- Donal Enright
- Garett Fennell
- Constance Hanniffy
- Cllr Padraig McNally
- Martina Moloney
- Michael Nolan
- Colleen Savage
- Henry Upton
481. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of chairpersons appointed to State boards under the aegis of his Department since March 2011 who have appeared before the relevant joint Oireachtas committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32314/14]
View answerSince March 2011 the Chairpersons (or equivalents) of the following Boards have met the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht:
Dr. Mary Kelly, An Bord Pleanála
Ms. Laura Burke, Environmental Protection Agency
Dr. Michelle Norris, Housing Finance Agency
Mr. Conor Skehan, Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency
Ms. Breda Collins, Irish water Safety
Ms. Catriona Walsh, Private Residential Tenancies Board
Prof. William Reville, Radiological Protection Institute Ireland
Mr. Paddy McGuinness, Western Development Commission
In addition the Committee have been notified of the recent appointment of Mr. Pat Gallagher, Chair of the Local Government Management Agency.
482. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of retired public servants who have been awarded temporary or term-time posts in his Department in 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014. [32329/14]
View answerRetired public and civil servants are engaged from time to time by my Department in areas where specific expertise is required and these staff provide a level of knowledge, experience and background compatible with such requirements. These engagements are of limited durations and the tasks carried out include time bound tasks or projects such as membership of expert groups, value for money reviews and process audits.
The abatement principle, which ensures that the fee or salary paid plus pension does not exceed the rate of pay the pensioner would receive if he/she had continued service in their former post, applies to payments as appropriate.
The information requested is set out in the following table:
|
Year |
Role |
No |
|
2011 |
Co-Chair of Nitrates Review Expert Advisory Group |
1 |
|
Internal Audit Committee Member |
2 |
|
|
Chair of Management Board of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management |
1 |
|
|
Process Auditor on Waterford Grouped Towns and Villages Sewerage Scheme |
1 |
|
|
Service Indicators Independent Assessment Panel |
1 |
|
|
Chair of the National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee |
1 |
|
|
Examination of Final Accounts of Water Services Capital Projects |
2 |
|
|
Total 2011 |
9 |
|
|
2012 |
Internal Audit Committee Member |
2 |
|
Chair of Management Board of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management |
1 |
|
|
Process Auditor on Waterford Grouped Towns and Villages Sewerage Scheme |
1 |
|
|
Service Indicators Independent Assessment Panel |
1 |
|
|
Chair of the National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee |
1 |
|
|
Examination of Final Accounts of Water Services Capital Projects |
2 |
|
|
27th Session of the Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum of the United Nations Environment Programme Nairobi (3 month contract over 2012/2013) |
1 |
|
|
Total 2012 |
9 |
|
|
2013 |
Internal Audit Committee Member |
2 |
|
Chair of Management Board of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management |
1 |
|
|
Process Auditor on Waterford Grouped Towns and Villages Sewerage Scheme |
1 |
|
|
Service Indicators Independent Assessment Panel |
1 |
|
|
Chair of the National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee |
1 |
|
|
Examination of Final Accounts of Water Services Capital Projects |
2 |
|
|
27th Session of the Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum of the United Nations Environment Programme Nairobi |
1 |
|
|
Parliamentary Drafting Expertise for Department's Legislative Programme |
1 |
|
|
24th General Council Meeting of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme Nairobi |
1 |
|
|
24th General Council Meeting of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme Nairobi |
1 |
|
|
Preparation of EIA Guidelines |
1 |
|
|
Total 2013 |
13 |
|
|
2014 |
Internal Audit Committee Member |
2 |
|
Chair of Management Board of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management |
1 |
|
|
Service Indicators Independent Assessment Panel |
1 |
|
|
Parliamentary Drafting Expertise for Department's Legislative Programme |
1 |
|
|
Independent Review of Draft Directions under section 31 of the Planning and Development Act in relation to Westmeath |
1 |
|
|
Total 2014 |
6 |
In addition to the above, a number of retired public and civil servants carry out work for my Department from time to time on a pro bono basis.
483. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the bidders for the tender to provide leak detection services; the precise contract details entered into by Irish Water and third parties in respect of leak detection services and technology; the amount that has been allocated towards this specific purpose and the amount that has been spent to date; if Irish Water considered availing of the products and services of a firm (details supplied) in County Kildare for this purpose; if so, the difference in professional fees quoted between this firm and the firm contracted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32338/14]
View answerThe Water Services Act 2013 provided 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 the metering programme and prepare for the transfer of water services functions from local authorities. These functions were transferred to Irish Water on 1 January 2014 in accordance with the provisions of the Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013.
While I have a role in consenting to capital commitments, my Department is not involved in the award of contracts, and given the volume of tenders undertaken by Irish Water in recent months, involving thousands of firms, the Department does not have details of all of the number of firms participating.
Irish Water has confirmed to my Department that it has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. They may be contacted via email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie
or by telephone on 1890 278 278. If the Deputy requires more information, or information on specific tenders, Irish Water can provide this directly through these arrangements.
484. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when businesses and community groups may expect to be able to apply and receive Leader funding under the new RDP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32355/14]
View answerAs outlined in the draft Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which has been submitted to the European Commission and is available on my Department's website at http://www.environ.ie/en/Community/RuralDevelopment/EURuralDevelopment/RuralDevelopmentProgrammeLEADER2014-2020/ , it is intended that there will be a two-step Local Action Group selection process that will ensure that all entities interested in delivering LEADER have the required capacity to do so. This process will commence in the coming weeks and it is expected that the new Local Action Groups will be in a position to accept applications in early 2015.
485. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide in tabular format the levy rate and amounts generated by the plastic bag levy per annum since its introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32357/14]
View answerThe plastic bag levy is first and foremost an economic instrument, which has as its objective the encouragement of more environmentally sustainable behaviour. In particular, the levy was introduced as an anti-litter measure designed to influence consumers by encouraging them to reduce their use of disposable plastic bags.
Section 72 of the Waste Management Act 1996, as inserted by section 9 of the Waste Management (Amendment) Act 2001, provided for the introduction of the plastic bag levy. The Waste Management (Environmental Levy)(Plastic Bag) Order 2007 and the Waste Management (Environmental Levy) (Plastic Bag) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2007 allowed for the levy to be increased from its previous level of 15 cent per bag to 22 cent per bag from 1 July 2007.
The introduction of the levy in March 2002 led to a dramatic reduction in the number of disposable plastic bags supplied to consumers, from an estimated 328 bags per person per year prior to the introduction of the levy, to 21 bags per person by the end of 2002 and a further reduction to an estimated 15 bags per person by the end of 2013.
The National Litter Pollution Monitoring System is used to measure the impact of the plastic bag levy on an ongoing basis and my Department also monitors the receipts from the plastic bag levy to monitor trends in the average per capita consumption of plastic bags. These data are used to ensure that the plastic bag levy is set at an appropriate level. The National Litter Pollution Monitoring System Report 201 3 reports that plastic bags constituted 0. 14 % of litter arising in 2013. This compares with 5% prior to the levy’s introduction.
Receipts from the plastic bag levy for each year are published in the Environment Fund Annual Accounts. The 2013 Annual Accounts will be published on my Department's website in due course after they have been audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General while copies of the Annual Accounts up to and including 2012 are available on my Department's website at the following weblink: http://www.environ.ie/en/Environment/Waste/EnvironmentFund/.
486. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount that has been drawn down by Kerry County Council for works associated with the damage caused by the 2013-14 winter storms; if more funding will be provided to County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32359/14]
View answerFollowing consideration of a report 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. €62m of this will assist local authorities in the areas worst affected by severe weather in helping affected communities by restoring roads, coastal protection and other infrastructure, amenities and facilities including piers and harbours. The Government decision was based on estimates provided by local authorities, including those received from Kerry County Council. 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: http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/Community/FireandEmergencyServices/FileDownLoad,36547,en.pdf
Requests for funding of new works to protect coastal areas have been referred to the Office of 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 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.
Local authorities, including Kerry 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 tourist season. It is proposed to make a sum of up to €2,699,991 available to Kerry 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. The sum of €2,699,991 for Kerry is allocated across a number of headings, as shown in the following table.
|
Local Authority |
Roads Infrastructure |
Piers and Harbours |
Coastal Protection Repairs |
Tourism Infrastructure |
Other Facilities |
Total |
|
Kerry County Council |
575,291 |
88,600 |
1,226,920 |
787,180 |
22,000 |
2,699,991 |
In addition to the above funding, a once-off allocation of €280,329 is being made to Kerry County Council to recoup the costs associated with the response to the storms. This includes the costs of response, clean-up works and necessary immediate works which were undertaken in the aftermath of the storms.
Arrangements are being made for payment of funds to local authorities, including Kerry County Council, for works undertaken that are due to be funded through my Department. In the case of Kerry County Council the total amount to be funded through my Department is €1,089,180 and is made up of €787,180 for tourism infrastructure, €17,000 for local authorities own infrastructure, €5,000 miscellaneous expenditure and €280,329 for response and clean-up costs mentioned above. A claim for drawdown of €280,329 for the response and clean-up costs has been received by my Department and is being examined with a view to payment as soon as possible.
The drawdown of funding for other works set out in the table above is a matter for the Council and the relevant Departments.
487. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will change the law to allow for independent scrutiny of An Bord Pleanála decisions, particularly in cases where decisions are made completely against the recommendations of inspectors; if he is concerned with the current lack of transparency in the decision making process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32364/14]
View answerSection 50 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, provides that, where a question of law arises, any person may apply to the High Court for leave to seek a judicial review of a planning decision made by An Bord Pleanála (the Board). Leave to seek a judicial review must usually be sought within eight weeks of the decision, although the High Court may extend this period where it considers that there is good and sufficient reason for doing so. The High Court may only grant leave where it is satisfied that there are substantial grounds for contending that the decision is invalid or should be quashed. The person seeking leave must also have a substantial interest in the decision and have participated in the decision making process or had good and sufficient reasons for not doing so.
Section 146 of the 2000 Act provides that a report and recommendation on any case which is before the Board for decision can be prepared to assist the Board in making its decision on that matter. The Board is obliged to consider any such report and recommendation before determining the matter but it is not bound to adopt the report in making its decision. However, subsection 34(10) of the 2000 Act in relation to planning appeals provides that in circumstances where the Board’s decision is different, in relation to the granting or refusal of permission, from the recommendation of the reporting inspector, then the Board’s decision must include a statement indicating the main reasons for not accepting the recommendation in the inspector’s report. The Board follows this practice in all cases which come before it for decision.
In June 2007, my Department issued Development Management Guidelines for Planning Authorities under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, which planning authorities and the Board must have regard to in the performance of their functions. The Guidelines contain a section in relation to planning reports, and advise that the planning report should gather together all information relevant for the proper consideration of the application and that it should structure these considerations in a way that is clear to the applicant and the wider public and that enables informed judgements to be made as to the merits of an appeal to the Board. The Guidelines also note the requirements of section 34(10)(b) of the 2000 Act and reiterate that where a final decision of a planning authority or the Board on a planning application is different, in relation to either the granting or refusal of permission, from the recommendation of the final planning report, the decision must indicate clearly the main reasons for not accepting the recommendation. The Guidelines further advise that it is best practice that the decision would address all the relevant issues raised in the final planning report and that where the decision, while not differing from the recommendation in relation to the grant or refusal, significantly varies the conditions, the reasons for this variation should also be given. The Guidelines emphasise that implementing the above procedure is vital in supporting the openness and transparency of the planning system.
I have no plans to amend the legislation in this regard at this time.
488. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide in tabular format the commitments under the programme for Government which his Department is responsible for; the progress made to date with regard to each commitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32394/14]
View answerThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
489. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding Irish Water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32404/14]
View answerThe Water Services Act 2013 provided for the establishment of Irish Water as an independent subsidiary within the Bord Gáis Éireann Group, to be formed and registered under the Companies Acts. Section 5 of the Act provides that the ownership of Irish Water is vested in the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government and the Minister for Finance. Section 5 was amended by section 46 of the Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 to prohibit either Minister from disposing of their shareholding in Irish Water, which in effect places a statutory prohibition on the privatisation of Irish Water.
The Programme for Government set 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 also assigned the necessary statutory powers to Irish Water to undertake the metering programme.
The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provided for the transfer of responsibility for the delivery of water services from the water services authorities to Irish Water with effect from 1 January 2014. In accordance with section 72 of the Water Services Act 2007, Irish Water may require any consumer of water services provided by it to take their supply through a water supply meter. The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 also provided for the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) to be responsible for the independent economic regulation of Irish Water. In particular, the CER will be responsible for approving water charges plans codes of practice prepared by Irish Water. The Act also requires the CER to perform its functions in a manner that best serves the interests of the customers of Irish Water. Irish Water is obliged to comply with all relevant national and European legislation.
490. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which records maintained by the former Department of Local Government and Public Health from 1924 to 1947 are still in the possession of local authorities; if these records contain information relating to payments made by the State to certain religious institutions in return for those institutions taking individuals deemed in need of institutional care such as that provided by mother and baby homes, Magdalen laundries, children's and orphans' homes and related institutions; if he will undertake to determine the fullest extent to which these records exist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32415/14]
View answerMy Department is participating in the Inter-Departmental Group on Mother and Baby Homes. Local Authorities are responsible for maintaining their own archives and my Department does not collect detailed information in this regard. However, based on work carried out in connection with the Report of the Inter-Departmental Committee to establish the facts of State involvement with the Magdalen Laundries and the initial examinations carried out by the Inter-Departmental Group on Mother and Baby Homes, it appears that the public health related records maintained by local authorities in the past in connection with their previous public health functions were transferred to the Health Boards on their establishment under the Health Act 1970.
The Government has agreed to the establishment of a Commission of Investigation in relation to mother and baby homes and it can be expected that the extensive process of assembling and investigating all records will be a very significant part of the Commission’s work to which, of course, my Department will fully contribute.
My Department’s own records were transferred to the Department of Health on its establishment in 1947.
491. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a detailed breakdown of local authority mortgage arrears including the number in arrears for more than 360 days, more than 720 days, etc.; if he will provide a detailed breakdown of the restructuring arrangements entered into; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32417/14]
View answerMy Department publishes a wide range of housing statistics, including the number and value of local authority mortgages with a breakdown of those in arrears for more than 90 days. The statistics are available on my Department’s website at:http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/StatisticsandRegularPublications/HousingStatistics/FileDownLoad,15295,en.xls, by clicking "Mortgage Data/Arrears in Local Authorities" under the Housing Loans contents. The information requested in relation to loans in arrears for more than 360 or more than 720 days and restructuring arrangements is not available in my Department.
My Department issued revised guidelines to local authorities for dealing with mortgage arrears within the local authority sector in June 2014 . Dealing with Mortgage Arrears – A Guide for Local Authorities is available on my Department's website at:
http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/Housing/FileDownLoad,30943,en.pdf .
492. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of residential units here owned by local authorities or voluntary housing partnerships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32450/14]
View answerMy Department collates and publishes a wide range of housing and planning statistics that inform the preparation and evaluation of policy. Data on local authority housing stock (which incorporates owned housing stock with accommodation provided under the Rental Accommodation Scheme and the Social Housing Leasing Initiative) are available on my Department's website at:
http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/StatisticsandRegularPublications/HousingStatistics/FileDownLoad,15291,en.xls, by clicking "L.A rented units by area 2003" under the Social Housing Supports contents.
The data requested in relation to the total number of residential units owned by Approved Housing Bodies (previously known as Voluntary Housing Associations or Housing Co-operatives) are not available in my Department. However, the number of units provided and financed via the Voluntary and Co-operative Housing schemes is available on my Department’s website at:
http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/StatisticsandRegularPublications/HousingStatistics/FileDownLoad,15291,en.xls, by clicking "Affordable and other social housing summary 1991 to date" under the Housing Supports contents.
493. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide separately the development levy balance held in each of the local authority areas; his views on the restrictions that local authorities face in spending these levies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32455/14]
View answerDevelopment contributions allow local authorities to recoup some of the costs to public funds of servicing land for private development. They provide a mechanism by which developers can contribute to the cost of providing public infrastructure and facilities that benefit development in the area.
The payment of development contributions is a longstanding part of the planning system, dating back to the first Local Government (Planning and Development) Act in 1963. Since the Planning and Development Act 2000, each planning authority is required to have a development contribution scheme in place setting out how development contributions are to be applied in their area and outlining the major infrastructure projects to be funded by contributions received.
Information on the monetary value of development contributions collected at year end and not spent is not available in my Department. Local authorities are obliged to include, in Note 11 of their Annual Financial Statements, data showing the closing balances, on an accruals basis, for development contributions. Accordingly, these closing balances, details of which in respect of County and City Councils at end 2012 are set out in the following table, comprise both cash and debtors elements.
Development Levy Balances of County and City Councils as at 31 December 2012
|
County Councils |
€ |
|
Carlow |
4,879,598 |
|
Cavan |
1,669,063 |
|
Clare |
3,626,538 |
|
Cork |
33,123,615 |
|
Donegal |
11,398,390 |
|
Fingal |
88,890,737 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown |
100,712,033 |
|
Galway |
1,625,265 |
|
Kerry |
14,531,772 |
|
Kildare |
19,736,071 |
|
Kilkenny |
5,277,455 |
|
Laois |
12,970,235 |
|
Leitrim |
4,348,373 |
|
Limerick |
10,202,221 |
|
Longford |
2,693,263 |
|
Louth |
34,714,758 |
|
Mayo |
3,492,055 |
|
Meath |
16,724,381 |
|
Monaghan |
8,842,966 |
|
North Tipperary |
6,229,900 |
|
Offaly |
8,369,001 |
|
Roscommon |
6,067,833 |
|
Sligo |
619,487 |
|
South Dublin |
51,331,916 |
|
South Tipperary |
13,578,397 |
|
Waterford |
5,963,698 |
|
Westmeath |
6,724,734 |
|
Wexford |
36,276,766 |
|
Wicklow |
5,423,943 |
|
County Councils |
€ |
|
Cork |
8,040,883 |
|
Dublin |
47,400,718 |
|
Galway |
7,873,710 |
|
Limerick |
4,980,128 |
|
Waterford |
180,759 |
494. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if work is still ongoing in respect of the implementation of the independent local government efficiency review group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32460/14]
View answerThe Local Government Efficiency Review (LGER) Implementation Group first met on 2 June 2011 and had its final meeting on 8 April 2013. Its two reports, which provided independent scrutiny of local authority performance in implementing the efficiency recommendations in the Report of the Local Government Efficiency Review Group (July 2010), were published in July 2012 and July 2013, and are available on my Department’s website at the following weblinks:
Local Government Efficiency Review Implementation Group Report Incl Appendices A and B (Jul 2012)
Local Government Efficiency Review Implementation Group Report Appendix C (Jul 2012)
Local Government Efficiency Review Implementation Group Report Appendix D (Jul 2012)
Local Government Efficiency Review Implementation Group Report (2013)
County and City Managers' Association - Report to Minister (2013)
County and City Managers' Association - Report to Minister (Appendices)(2013)
The recent establishment of the National Oversight and Audit Commission for local government will facilitate the review of further progress made on the efficiency agenda. The Commission represents a very significant development in public accountability, providing an element of continuity from the work of the LGER Implementation Group, but also bringing an added dimension of independent scrutiny to the efficiency with which local authorities perform their functions.
495. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of off the road declarations for private motor vehicles in the first six months of 2014; the way this compares with figures under the previous system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32498/14]
View answerThe total number of declarations of non-use of a motor vehicle in the first six months of 2014 was 47,050. Of these, 32,137 were made by owners of private vehicles.
The Non-Use of Motor Vehicles Act 2013 came into effect on 1 July 2013, replacing the retrospective system of declaring vehicles off the road with one where a vehicle must be declared off the road in advance. Comparable figures for the numbers of retrospective declarations made for the same period in 2013 are not readily available. However, an analysis of retrospectively-made Garda-witnessed vehicle licence exemptions in the 12 month period up to the end of the previous July (July 2012) showed that the total number of retrospective declarations made during that time was over 429,000; there is no breakdown for the number relating to private vehicles. On a half year basis, that would equate to some 215,000 retrospective declarations.
496. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which planning, completion of the estate or other matters remain outstanding at the waterways development, Sallins, County Kildare in view of the fact that some of the outstanding issues remain the responsibility of the local authority; if discussions have been entered into with the authorities which now have responsibility for the development with a view to bringing all outstanding issues to a satisfactory conclusion at an early date thereby removing obstacles currently impeding normal domestic and commercial activity; when it may be expected that such agreement may be reached in accordance with previous indications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32584/14]
View answerThe finalisation of any outstanding planning related matters affecting the development concerned are a matter for Kildare County Council and I have no function in such matters. Following the insertion of subsection (2A) into section 180 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, by the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010, planning authorities are not prevented from taking in charge any housing estate even if it has not been completed to the satisfaction of the planning authority in accordance with the planning permission. The decision as to whether an estate should be taken in charge is ultimately a matter for the elected members of the local authority having regard to a report prepared by the Planning Section of the local authority and the associated funding obligations of taking the estate in charge.
497. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32609/14]
View answerThe management and maintenance of the local authority housing stock, including the compilation and implementation of planned maintenance programmes and the carrying out of responsive repairs to properties is a matter for each individual local authority under section 58 of the Housing Act 1966.
My Department is committed to supporting local authorities in maintaining and improving the quality of the national social housing stock through a range of measures including large-scale urban regeneration programmes, estate-wide remedial works and improving the standard and energy efficiency of individual dwellings. Over the past 5 years around €160 million was provided to local authorities for the energy retrofitting of the social housing stock, including the necessary provision of replacement windows and doors. This year some €30 million is being provided to local authorities under the energy retrofitting programme. It is a matter for individual authorities to determine their annual retrofitting work programme and the specific properties to be improved under these programmes.
498. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the way in which local authorities will provide support for municipal district mayors in a proportionate manner to cost-effectively reflect the rebalancing of duties away from county mayor toward municipal district level; if guidelines in respect of this have been issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32622/14]
View answerNew local government arrangements came into effect on 1 June 2014 and provide for a single county-wide executive with no separate corporate entities or duplicate administrative or organisational overhead within the county. Operational resources will be fully integrated and at the disposal of both the county and municipal district elements of local government. Deployment of these resources to support the position of Cathaoirleach at local authority level and Mayor or Cathaoirleach at municipal district level, implementation of policy decisions at both levels and performance of the functions and services of local government generally, will be a matter for decision locally in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Reform Act 2014.
A wide range of material has issued to local authorities in relation to the new arrangements, including a circular providing clarification of certain matters in relation to the continued performance of civic roles in respect of municipal districts containing former city, borough or town councils during the remainder of 2014.
Further regulatory material together with statutory and other guidance will issue to local authorities, as required, on an on-going basis.
501. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide in tabular form a county breakdown of the number of households on the social housing waiting list; the number of properties identified by the National Asset Management Agency for social housing needs; the number accepted by the local authority and the number transferred to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32736/14]
View answerBy the end of June 2014 the overall total delivery nationally of social housing from NAMA-sourced units has reached 736 units (completed or contracted) since the process began, with a further 603 properties considered as being active transactions whereby terms are agreed or active negotiation is on-going by all parties concerned or where a detailed appraisal (i.e. determining the most likely delivery mechanism) is being carried out. A breakdown by local authority is provided as follows.
|
Local Authority |
Identified |
No Demand/Not Suitable |
Not Available |
Available for Consideration |
Demand Confirmed |
Complete/ Contracted |
|
Carlow Co. Co. |
137 |
54 |
6 |
77 |
77 |
55 |
|
Cavan Co. Co. |
49 |
32 |
0 |
17 |
17 |
0 |
|
Clare Co. Co. |
202 |
154 |
6 |
42 |
42 |
7 |
|
Cork City |
419 |
207 |
117 |
95 |
95 |
53 |
|
Cork Co. Co. |
471 |
85 |
262 |
124 |
124 |
79 |
|
Donegal Co. Co. |
118 |
50 |
13 |
55 |
55 |
0 |
|
Dublin City |
790 |
231 |
150 |
409 |
388 |
171 |
|
DLR Co. Co. |
321 |
49 |
142 |
130 |
130 |
77 |
|
Fingal Co. Co. |
207 |
12 |
135 |
60 |
60 |
44 |
|
Galway City |
152 |
0 |
0 |
152 |
152 |
60 |
|
Galway Co. Co. |
100 |
40 |
4 |
56 |
56 |
1 |
|
Kerry Co. Co. |
114 |
57 |
3 |
54 |
54 |
15 |
|
Kildare Co. Co. |
243 |
80 |
81 |
82 |
82 |
64 |
|
Kilkenny Co. Co. |
167 |
31 |
66 |
70 |
70 |
5 |
|
Laois Co. Co. |
98 |
56 |
36 |
6 |
6 |
0 |
|
Leitrim Co. Co. |
35 |
35 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Limerick City and Co. |
128 |
56 |
1 |
71 |
71 |
9 |
|
Longford Co. Co. |
31 |
11 |
17 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
|
Louth Co. Co. |
27 |
0 |
0 |
27 |
27 |
27 |
|
Mayo Co. Co. |
66 |
8 |
0 |
58 |
58 |
0 |
|
Meath Co. Co. |
215 |
98 |
80 |
37 |
37 |
11 |
|
Monaghan Co. Co. |
42 |
0 |
0 |
42 |
42 |
0 |
|
Offaly Co. Co. |
79 |
19 |
8 |
52 |
52 |
0 |
|
Roscommon Co. Co. |
91 |
87 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Sligo Co. Co. |
46 |
28 |
2 |
16 |
16 |
0 |
|
South Dublin Co. Co. |
575 |
0 |
18 |
557 |
50 |
40 |
|
Tipperary Co. Co. |
47 |
22 |
0 |
25 |
13 |
0 |
|
Waterford City and Co. |
72 |
26 |
0 |
46 |
46 |
8 |
|
Westmeath Co. Co. |
64 |
17 |
0 |
47 |
47 |
8 |
|
Wexford Co. Co. |
152 |
43 |
15 |
94 |
94 |
2 |
|
Wicklow Co. Co. |
36 |
16 |
13 |
7 |
7 |
0 |
|
Overall |
5,294 |
1,604 |
1,179 |
2,511 |
1,971 |
736 |
My Department continues to work closely and successfully with NAMA, the Housing Agency, local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies in relation to the delivery of social housing. Information in relation to the delivery of NAMA sourced units, including a full breakdown by county of units delivered by quarter, is available on the Housing Agency's website: www.housing.ie/NAMA
The results of the most recent statutory summary of social housing assessments, which was carried out in 2013, details the number of households on all local authority waiting lists as at 7 May 2013. The results are available on my Department's website at:
http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/Housing/FileDownLoad,34857,en.pdf.
502. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide in tabular form on a county basis the total number of water meters due to be installed; the total number of water meters installed to date; the number of homes which will not have a meter installed by the end of the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32737/14]
View answerThe Water Services Act 2013 provides for the establishment of Irish Water as an independent subsidiary within the Bord Gáis Éireann Group and assigns the necessary powers to allow Irish Water to undertake the water metering programme. The meter installation programme commenced in August 2013 and will be completed by mid-2016.
Irish Water has indicated that it will have installed at least 400,000 meters by the end of 2014, with 1.058 million properties to be metered by mid-2016. Of the estimated 1.35 million domestic properties connected to public water supplies, approximately 300,000 properties will not be metered as part of the current phase, due to the cost or technical difficulty of doing so. These properties would include apartment blocks, other multi-occupancy buildings and houses with shared service connections. Irish Water has awarded contracts on a regional basis and over 290,000 installations were completed by the end of June 2014.
Irish Water has also commissioned a study on possible approaches to metering properties that are not part of the current metering programme, including apartments and properties with shared service connections. This report was recently submitted to my Department and the recommendations of the report are being considered. In particular, the Department is exploring with Irish Water the potential to include a new phase of metering of some 48,000 apartments, which the report suggests can be easily metered as part of a separate procurement process.
Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. They may be contacted via email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on 1890 278 278.
503. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his Department's submission to the Commissioner for Energy Regulation on water charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32738/14]
View answerWith effect from 1 January 2014, Irish Water is responsible for public water services. The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides that Irish Water can collect charges from each customer in receipt of water services provided by it. The Act also provides that responsibility for the independent economic regulation of the water sector is assigned to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and the CER has been given statutory responsibility for protecting the interests of customers.
In July 2014, a policy direction was issued to the CER in accordance with section 42 of the 2013 Act on a number of matters relating to domestic water charges including the provision of free allowances and the calculation of assessed charges following on from the consideration by Government of proposals in relation to the funding model for Irish Water. A copy of the direction is available on my Department’s website. http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/Environment/Water/FileDownLoad,38403,en.pdf.
In making its decision on the approval or otherwise of Irish Water's first water charges plan, the CER must take account of the policy direction made under section 42 of the Act. I understand that the CER expect to announce the approved water charges in September 2014.
504. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide in tabular form a detailed breakdown of the name and number of ministerial special advisers in his Department; their annual remuneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32745/14]
View answerSpecial Adviser appointments will be undertaken in accordance with the Instructions on Ministerial Appointments for the 31st Dáil and the Guidelines on Staffing of Ministerial Offices (July 2014).
No Special Advisers have been formally appointed since my appointment.
505. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the gender quota targets for the boards of State bodies and agencies under their remit; the level reached to date; and their future plans to meet and maintain the targets. [32760/14]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to take steps to ensure that all State Boards have at least 40 per cent of each gender. In April 2011, a proposal brought to Government by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, was approved to allow that future vacancies on State Boards be advertised on the website of the relevant Government Department. The public advertisements inviting applications contain the following line:
“In considering applications due regard will be given to Government policy on gender balance on State Boards.”
As of 4 July 2014, the latest date for which information is available, 33% of places on Boards under the aegis of my Department were held by women.
All appointments to State Boards are made in accordance with the appropriate legislation governing appointments to each body. In considering appointments, due regard is had to Government policy regarding gender balance on State Boards.
506. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his priorities for the remainder of his term in office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32775/14]
View answerMy priority will be to continue to deliver on those commitments within the Programme for Government for which I have responsibility. As the Taoiseach and Tánaiste have clearly stated, the focus of the Government is to broaden and deepen the economic recovery so that it is felt by individuals, families and communities in their daily lives.
Among the areas which will contribute to that ongoing recovery will be publication of the outline of a new Planning Bill to support a faster recovery and higher standards in the residential and commercial construction sectors; enabling local authorities to incentivise the use and development of vacant sites; as well as the utilisation of the new network of 31 Local Enterprise Offices in the 31 local authorities to support entrepreneurship and small business activity throughout the country, along with the wider reforms of the local government system, particularly in terms of economic and community development.
The improvement of housing supply is vital to both our society and economy. I will bring forward new planning legislation to reform Part V and the local authority development contributions regime to reduce the burden on new housing development. Measures to increase the supply of social housing will be a key priority, along with housing for those on low incomes and ending homelessness and the need to sleep rough by 2016. Through the development of a new Social Housing Strategy, a public housing provision approach will be delivered that provides for those households who cannot afford to house themselves and also assists those who struggle to afford housing in the private market.
It is essential that our recovery is based on sustainable development and addresses the long term issues and I am committed to enactment of the Climate Action and Low-Carbon Development Bill, together with a new national roadmap to help Ireland meet its climate change targets.
I will also be continuing the Government’s programme of rebuilding trust in politics and bringing forward legislation for the establishment of an Electoral Commission.
In addressing this wide-ranging brief, I am committed to driving the work of my Department to ensure it plays a significant part in our country’s economic and social recovery.
507. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a copy of the briefing he received upon entering office from his Department; if he will publish the briefing; and if so, when the briefing will be published. [32790/14]
View answerI will be publishing, shortly, on my Department's website, www.environ.ie, the briefing provided to me on appointment as Minister, subject to certain redactions including in relation to information which is legally privileged, which relates to ongoing deliberative processes or which relates to meetings of the Government.
508. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will make future funding available to local authorities for the provision of grants for the elderly and persons with a disability. [32800/14]
View answerOn 16 January 2014, details of the capital allocations for the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability were announced. The schemes are funded by 80% recoupments available from my Department together with a 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority. This year €38.4 million was allocated to the grant schemes compared to an initial allocation in 2013 of €34.2m. Every local authority received increased funding for grants compared to the 2013 allocations.
The capital allocations for the grant schemes in future years will be determined in the course of the annual Estimates process.
509. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the bodies that were consulted when drafting the list of restricted breeds included in the Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 and the basis on which these particular breeds were included as opposed to any other breeds of dog. [32819/14]
View answer510. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the analysis that has been carried out by his Department as to the efficacy of the new regime in relation to restricted dog breeds that was introduced under the Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 in reducing the incidence of dog bites. [32820/14]
View answer511. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reviews his Department has conducted of the international evidence as to the effectiveness of breed specific legislation in controlling potentially dangerous dogs; if his attention has been drawn to the international trend away from breed specific dog control legislation in recent years; his views on whether the restrictions imposed by the legislation can result in serious distress, both psychological and physical, to the dogs concerned and thereby constitute a breach of accepted international animal welfare norms; his views on whether the breed specific model now needs to be replaced with a regime that places the emphasis on the owner's responsibility to keep their dogs, regardless of breed, under appropriate control and supervision at all times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32821/14]
View answer512. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will commission an independent evaluation of the domestic and international evidence regarding breed specific dog legislation with inputs from reputable bodies such as the ISPCA, Veterinary Ireland and Dogs Trust and commit to acting on the outcome of that evaluation. [32822/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 509 to 512, inclusive, together.
The Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 require that certain breeds of dogs, and other strains or crosses of those breeds, shall be securely muzzled and led by a sufficiently strong chain or leash, not exceeding two metres in length, by a person over the age of sixteen years who is capable of controlling the said dog, when it is in a public place. These specific control requirements in relation to certain breeds were introduced as a balanced and workable arrangement which recognises the rights of dog owners, while also taking account of the needs of society to be protected from dogs with a significant capability to inflict very serious injury. Consultation in relation to these regulations included the Irish Kennel Club, the ISPCA, the Irish Veterinary Association, the Irish Veterinary Union, the Association of Dog Wardens, the Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland), the Irish Guide Dogs Association and Bord na gCon.
Several jurisdictions have addressed the matter of restrictions on particular breeds of dogs in a similar way to Ireland. England, Northern Ireland, France and New Zealand all have similar restrictions on specific breeds of dog.
The overall thrust of dog control legislation in Ireland, primarily the Control of Dogs Act 1986, is to place the onus on dog owners to act responsibly by keeping their dogs under effectual control. Such responsible dog ownership is the key to reducing the incidence of dog biting and other problem behaviours.
While I do not plan at this point to launch a review of dog control legislation, I will continue to monitor the position regarding these issues, including restrictions on certain breeds, and to receive feedback on these matters.
