Barry Cowen
Question:90. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the plans for non-domestic water charges rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40953/14]
View answerWater Charges Administration
Questions (90)
Written answers
The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides for the transfer of responsibility for the delivery of water services from the local authorities to Irish Water and, with effect from 1 January 2014, Irish Water is responsible for the provision of public water services, including responsibility for the charging of non-domestic customers. The Act provides that Irish Water can collect charges from its customers 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. The local authority water tariffs that applied prior to 1 January 2014 still apply to non-domestic customers. The Commission for Energy Regulation has indicated that it will be reviewing all aspects of non-domestic water tariffs under a series of public consultations, so that an enduring tariff framework can be established for non-domestic charges. The CER will publish the time-line for this process before the end of 2014.
The local authorities, acting as agents of Irish Water have continued billing, collections and billing/metering query functions in relation to non-domestic customers. Non-domestic customer data is scheduled to migrate from local authorities to Irish Water during 2015.
Nuclear Plants
Questions (91)
Michael Moynihan
Question:91. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the communications he has had with his British counterpart with regard to the construction of Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant in Somerset; his views on nuclear energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40196/14]
View answerWritten answers
Pursuant to the legislative prohibition, under section 18 (6) of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999, on the use of nuclear energy for electricity generation in Ireland, the Government does not support the use of nuclear power within the State on grounds of public health and safety, environmental protection and security. While we do not have a nuclear power industry in this country, it is the Government’s long-standing position that, where another State chooses to develop a nuclear power industry, this should be done in accordance with the highest international standards with respect to safety and environmental protection. Ireland’s priority is the safety of the Irish people and the protection of our environment, including the shared marine environment of the Irish Sea. In this regard, the EPA’s Office of Radiological Protection (formerly the RPII), carries out an environmental radioactivity monitoring programme throughout Ireland and has regularly monitored levels of radioactivity in the Irish environment since 1982.
Ireland has been involved in the consultation process on the new-build nuclear programme in the UK, which was announced in 2009. We have written twice at Ministerial level to the UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, outlining concerns about potential environmental impacts in Ireland and in the Irish Sea from the new-build programme. The key issues of concern include the UK’s assessments of effects on the environment, the management of radioactive waste, and the rationale underpinning the proposed justification decision for new nuclear facilities.
Notwithstanding the assessment by the RPII in 2012 that the routine operation of the proposed nuclear power plants, including Hinkley Point, would have no measurable radiological impact on Ireland or the Irish marine environment, a finding backed up by the European Commission’s own assessment of the programme’s possible transboundary impacts, my Department will continue to actively engage with the UK authorities to ensure they are fully aware of any concerns arising in relation to their proposed programme.
Social and Affordable Housing Provision
Questions (92)
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:92. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a detailed report on his Department’s plans in respect of social housing provision for 2015; and the number of units to be delivered through direct construction by local authorities, through acquisitions by local authorities, through the use of the rental accommodation scheme, and from increased uptake with the roll-out of the housing assistance payment. [45866/14]
View answerWritten answers
The Social Housing Strategy 2020, approved by Government and published last week, builds on the provisions contained in Budget 2015 and sets out clear, measureable actions and targets to increase the supply of social housing, reform delivery arrangements and meet the housing needs of all households on the housing list. The total targeted provision of over 110,000 social housing units will address the needs of the 90,000 on the housing waiting list in full, with flexibility to meet potential future demand. The strategy provides a clear governance structure, which as Minister I will personally oversee, to ensure delivery of all actions. Action 1 of the Strategy requires the agreement of targets for delivery of social housing next year and in subsequent years. These specific targets will be agreed through the governance structure, in collaboration with local authorities and with input from the approved housing body sector.
The specific funding to be provided in 2015 across all the various schemes and programmes will shortly be published in the 2 015 Revised Estimates Volume. However, I expect that 7,400 new social housing units will be provided under the range of existing initiatives, broken down as follows: 3,000 units will be provided through the leasing initiative; 2,000 new Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) units will be delivered; 1,000 vacant local authority units will be returned to use through a programme of refurbishment; with a further 1,400 units to be built or acquired by local authorities and approved housing bodies through the Social Housing Investment Programme and the Capital Assistance Scheme. In addition, a further 8,400 households will be assisted through the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).
Irish Water Consultative Group
Questions (93)
Lucinda Creighton
Question:93. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on the composition, the remit and the outcomes of the Irish Water consultative group; the person responsible for appointing members of the group; if ministerial consent was required to make the appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40941/14]
View answerWritten answers
In my reply to Question Nos. 494 and 490 of 25 November 2014, I responded to queries from the Deputy on the remit and composition of the Irish Water Consultative Group. As stated in the reply, the Group was established to facilitate engagement with the Unions and staff on the roll-out of the Water Sector Reform Implementation Strategy, and had its inaugural meeting in September 2012. This joint union/management group was established to provide a mechanism for regular structured dialogue, consultation and engagement on issues arising from the implementation strategy, including service level agreements. These service level agreements signed between Irish Water and individual local authorities were based on a generic template, a copy of which is available on my Department’s website at www.environ.ie under the water services section.
Representation on the Group is a matter for each of the respective organisations rather than by appointment by the Chairman and my consent, as Minister, is not required.
The Union side is represented by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and comprises up to 8 representatives from Congress, SIPTU, IMPACT and the Local Authority Craft Group of Unions.
The Management side is represented by officials from my Department’s Water Services and Local Government (Human Resources) Divisions; representatives from the County and City Management Association, the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) and the Water Services Transition Office; and Irish Water/Ervia.
The Group is under the stewardship of an independent chair, Mr. Kevin Foley , Director of Conciliation Services at the Labour Relations Commission. The role of the Chairman is that of an impartial facilitator of discussions and conciliator of differences in the attempt to problem-solve through dialogue at the Group. The Chairman has no role as a decision maker or arbitrator.
The LGMA hosts the meetings of the Group and provides secretariat services and is responsible for holding all records of the Group. As I stated in my reply last week, and in the interests of openness and transparency, I have asked the LGMA to forward the minutes including the attendees lists directly to the Deputy.
Homeless Accommodation Funding
Questions (94)
Gabrielle McFadden
Question:94. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his Department will provide a discretionary increase in the midlands allocation from the national homelessness budget in view of the low level of national funding for the midlands and a 30% increase in demand for services in this region. [45859/14]
View answerWritten answers
Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation for homeless persons and related services rests with housing authorities. My Department provides funding to housing authorities towards the operational costs of homeless accommodation and related services under Section 10 of the Housing Act 1988. Housing authorities provide additional funding from their own resources. Funding from my Department for homeless services has been substantially protected over recent years, despite the significant pressure for reductions in Government spending across all Departments. In 2014, my Department’s funding for homelessness was maintained at the 2013 level of €45 million. Individual regional allocations were also maintained at the same level as 2013 and €649,707 was allocated in respect of the Midlands Region.
The Budget 2015 announcement confirmed that an additional €10.5 million will be available, through my Department, for homeless accommodation and related services across the country in 2015. This is an increase in funding of over 20% bringing the Exchequer contribution to €55.5 million. My Department is currently considering the appropriate allocation of this funding so as to ensure that Section 10 homelessness funding contributes to meeting the needs in the various regions. The additional funding will ensure continued progress toward the achievement of the 2016 target of ending involuntary long-term homelessness and will assist in meeting commitments outlined in the Implementation Plan on the State’s Response to Homelessness.
Offshore Islands
Questions (95)
Seán Kyne
Question:95. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the level of engagement he has had with the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht relating to funding for community development workers on, non-Gaeltacht, off-shore islands; if he has identified sources of funding to ensure the continuation of the work performed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40954/14]
View answerWritten answers
I refer to the reply to Priority Question No. 83 on today’s Order Paper. My Department’s Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP) is the largest social inclusion intervention of its kind in the State. The current Programme officially ended at the end of 2013 having operated for four years with funding of €281 million over that period. It is being implemented on a transitional basis for 2014 with a budget of €47 million pending the roll out of the new Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) in April 2015.
My Department currently provides LCDP funding to Comhar na nOileán Teoranta (the Local Development Company for the Islands) for the delivery of LCDP to off-shore islands. In terms of the successor programme (SICAP), the intention is that island areas would be eligible for inclusion within the tendering process which is currently underway and is due to be completed in February 2015. The SICAP programme funding allocations are informed by a specific Resource Allocation Model, or RAM, which focuses on relative disadvantage of individual areas.
Discussions have taken place recently between my Department and the Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht, which has lead responsibility for the islands, in response to issues raised regarding the continuation of funding for the Development Offices on a number of non-Gaeltacht Islands. This reflected the fact that the issues involved are broader than just those relating to SICAP.
I can assure the Deputy that both Departments fully understand the importance of the community development infrastructure on these islands and I and my colleague, Minister Humphreys, will be ensuring that both our Departments continue to collaborate to agree a workable solution in the matter. In the meantime, LCDP funding for the groups concerned will continue until the end of March 2015.
Irish Water Remit
Questions (96)
Brian Stanley
Question:96. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the €188 call out charge being imposed on Irish Water customers for dealing with leaks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45869/14]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Water Services Act 2007, responsibility for repair and maintenance of the internal water distribution system from the main stopcock to the house and within the house rests with the homeowner. However, the Government has agreed to provide additional funding to Irish Water for their capital investment to include a free first fix scheme. Irish Water has submitted a draft first fix policy to the Commission for Energy Regulation for approval. It is understood that the CER intend to hold a public consultation in advance of a decision and implementation of this scheme in early 2015. Householders normally engage their own plumbers or builders to address related problems on their property. This will remain the position, and other than services up to the meter and the free first fix scheme, Irish Water will not be offering such additional services (accepting that there may be circumstances where services will need to be provided in the wider public interest on grounds of public health or imminent environmental pollution). This issue is currently being considered in the context of the legislative provisions required to give effect to recent decisions made by Government in relation to domestic water charges.
Wind Energy Guidelines
Questions (97)
Catherine Murphy
Question:97. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the revised wind farm planning guidelines will be available; the number of submission received; if it is unfair for local communities and planning authorities to be operating in the dark with large-scale proposed developments in advance of the publication of the new guidelines; if it is within his power to initiate a moratorium on decisions in this area until the guidelines are published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40945/14]
View answerWritten answers
In December 2013, my Department published proposed “draft” revisions to the noise, setbacks and shadow flicker aspects of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines. These draft revisions propose:
- The setting of a more stringent day and night noise limit of 40 decibels for future wind energy developments,
- A mandatory minimum setback of 500 metres between a wind turbine and the nearest dwelling for amenity considerations, and
- The complete elimination of shadow flicker between wind turbines and neighbouring dwellings.
A public consultation process was initiated on these proposed draft revisions to the Guidelines, which ran until February 21 2014. My Department received submissions from 7,500 organisations and members of the public during this period.
The 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines continue to apply to existing planning applications. Planning authorities, and, where applicable, An Bord Pleanála must have regard to those statutory guidelines, issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) in the performance of their functions under the Planning Acts.
In relation to initiating a moratorium on decisions, I am precluded under Section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular case with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála is or may be concerned. My priority is focused on finalising the revisions to the 2006 Guidelines and I am determined to conclude that process as a matter of urgency, taking into account the large number of public submissions received.
Water Charges Introduction
Questions (98)
Joe Higgins
Question:98. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will report on any research by his Department on the prospects of future water poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41681/14]
View answerWritten answers
In January 2013, the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) was commissioned by my Department to undertake a study into water affordability and the provision of water services in Ireland. Subsequently, an Inter-Departmental Working Group was established in October 2013 to advise the Government on the appropriate method for addressing affordability issues which might arise with the introduction of domestic water charges. The Group considered the ESRI study as part of their examination of the issues. The report of the Inter-Departmental Working Group, which includes the study carried out by the ESRI, has been published on my Department’s website; details of the relevant link will be circulated with the official report. [ http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/Environment/Water/FileDownLoad,38146,en.pdf.]
In May 2014 the Government made certain decisions on the funding model for Irish Water. Subsequently, in July, the Water Charges Policy Direction 2014 issued to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) in accordance with Section 42 of the Water Services (No. 2) Act setting out the Government’s water charges policy framework. In making its decisions on the funding model and the policy framework, the Government took account of the work of the Inter-Departmental Working Group.
Following a review of the overarching water charges policy framework, the Government has made further decisions to ensure that water charges are affordable for customers. On 19 November, I announced a package of measures to ensure that a simpler, fairer, more certain and more affordable charging regime is in place for Irish Water customers. Details of these measures are also available on my Department's website; the relevant weblink will be circulated with the official report.
[http://www.environ.ie/en/Environment/Water/WaterServices/News/MainBody,39549,en.htm.]
Traveller Accommodation
Questions (99)
Dessie Ellis
Question:99. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the way the funding for traveller accommodation will be allocated; and the measures in place to ensure that there is sufficient draw down of funds. [40938/14]
View answerWritten answers
Details of funding to be provided in 2015 under individual elements of my Department’s Social Housing Investment Programme, including the allocation for Traveller-specific accommodation, will be set out in the 2015 Revised Estimates Volume to be published later this month. Thereafter, the allocation of funding for traveller accommodation to individual local authorities will be finalised, taking account of the accommodation needs of travellers specified in the accommodation programmes of each local authority, as adopted in accordance with the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act, 1998. In that regard, funding for 2015 for Traveller-specific accommodation is likely to be mainly allocated by local authorities to projects that are already under construction, due to commence construction during 2015, or projects that will be newly approved during 2015.
The implementation of the accommodation programme of each local authority, including the drawdown of funds, is thereafter a matter for the authorities themselves and they are required to review the accommodation programmes in accordance with Section 17 of the 1998 Act.
Local authorities are required to produce annual progress reports regarding Traveller accommodation which measure the provision of this accommodation in a given year against the target figure contained in their Traveller Accommodation Programme. These reports are available to the National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee which advises me in relation to general matters concerning accommodation for travellers, including the preparation, adequacy, implementation and co-ordination of traveller accommodation programmes.
The local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committees appointed by each local authority also have a role to advise on the provision and management of accommodation for travellers, including the implementation of the accommodation programmes.
Social and Affordable Housing Provision
Questions (100)
Ruth Coppinger
Question:100. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of social homes targeted to be built, in which local authority areas and the timeframe, under the Government's housing strategy. [45852/14]
View answerWritten answers
The Social Housing Strategy 2020: Support, Supply and Reform, approved by Government and published last week, builds on the provisions contained in Budget 2015 and sets out clear, measureable actions and targets to increase the supply of social housing, reform delivery arrangements and meet the housing needs of all households on the housing list. In committing to provide 35,000 new social housing units, at a projected cost of €3.8 billion, the strategy marks a fresh start for social housing in Ireland. It is estimated that this level of investment will create or sustain some 29,000 construction industry jobs. Importantly, the Strategy restores the State to a central role in the provision of social housing through a resumption of direct building on a significant scale, primarily by local authorities and approved housing bodies.
The strategy will be delivered in two phases. Phase 1 targets the delivery of 18,000 additional housing units and 32, 4 00 Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) and Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) units, by the end of 2017. In phase 2, spanning the years 2018 to 2020, the strategy targets the delivery of 17,000 additional units and 43,000 Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) and Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) units.
In the initial phase, increased Exchequer funding is necessary to underpin delivery . The Government has already committed this initial funding , through the €2.2 billion announced as part of Budget 2015 . The provision of this funding will allow time for the work to be carried out to move towards more off-balance sheet funding, through the extension to the NAMA Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), a large scale Public Private Partnership (PPP) and the establishment of a ‘Strategic Housing Fund’.
The strategy provides a clear governance structure, which as Minister I will personally oversee, to ensure delivery of all actions. Action 1 of the Strategy requires the agreement of targets for delivery of social housing next year and in subsequent years. These specific targets will be agreed through the governance structure, in collaboration with local authorities and with input from the approved housing body sector. For 2015, I expect that some 7,400 new social housing units will be provided under the range of existing initiatives broken down as follows: 3,000 units through the leasing initiative; 2,000 new Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) units; 1,000 vacant local authority units will be refurbished and brought back to use; with a further 1,400 units to be built or acquired by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies through the Social Housing Investment Programme and Capital Assistance Scheme. A further 8,400 households will be assisted through the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).
Leader Programmes Expenditure
Questions (101)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:101. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total revised allocation for project spend under the Leader programme 2007-2013; the total original allocation; the total spend to date on projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45856/14]
View answerWritten answers
The original value of the LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme 2007 - 2013 was €427 million. In late 2011, the European Commission offered Member States that were part of the Financial Stabilisation Mechanism an opportunity to avail of an increased co-financing rate from 55% up to 85%. The increased rate was to apply to 2012 and 2013 expenditure only. This reduced the Programme value to approximately €370 million and was based on the co-financing rate returning to 55% for 2014 and 2015. In December 2013, the European Commission revised their position and allowed Member States to continue to avail of the increased co-financing rate of 85% for 2014 and 2015. That had the effect of reducing the official EU Programme complement to approximately €317 million. Up to 20% of the Programme compliment can be spent on administration with the remaining 80% on animation and projects. Although the official Programme complement has been reduced, due to the more beneficial co-financing rate, my Department will honour all valid contractual obligations.
Overall expenditure under the Programme to 25 November 2014 is €315.2 million, of which €75.5 million has been paid in 2014. That expenditure includes €242.8 million for projects, €11.8 million for animation expenses and €60.6 million for administration.
Proposed Legislation
Questions (102)
Brian Stanley
Question:102. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when it is proposed to proceed with the climate change Bill. [45870/14]
View answerWritten answers
In April 2014, the Government approved the General Scheme of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill. The Bill is listed among the Bills expected to be published during the Autumn Session, as part of the Government’s Legislation Programme. Drafting of the Bill has now been finalised within the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. Accordingly, I intend to seek Government approval to publish the Bill in the coming weeks, with the objective of introducing it and progressing its passage through the Oireachtas as quickly as possible thereafter.
Water Meters
Questions (103)
Catherine Murphy
Question:103. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason the cost of water meters installation has had to be revised upwards significantly; if he will make available the precise terms of the final contracts with all agents contracted to install meters; if it is anticipated that, as a result of the changed timetable for water metering to commence, there will be any financial implications for the State under the terms of these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45850/14]
View answerWritten answers
The Water Services Act 2013 provided for the establishment of Irish Water as an independent subsidiary within the Bord Gáis Éireann Group (now Ervia) and assigns the necessary powers to allow Irish Water to undertake the water metering programme. My Department had no involvement in the award of the contracts for the water metering programme. Following a tender process, the final cost of the metering programme was determined at €539m excluding VAT. The cost reflects the outcome of the procurement process taking account of the overall logistics of a programme of this scale and complexity.
The initial estimates of the cost of the domestic metering programme were based largely on the experience of the non-domestic metering programme, the group water sector and market soundings, as there was no precedent for a programme of this scale over a very short duration. The estimate was based on much smaller scale projects than the national domestic metering programme and was not a definitive budget. As with all capital projects, estimates are refined as the detailed technical scoping of the project evolves, including matters such as appropriate risk allocation and programme management and, ultimately, it is the competitive process that determines the price. The final budget figure reflects the outcome of the detailed scoping of the project and the procurement process.
Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives and has contacted all Oireachtas members to provide details of an improved level of service which it is aiming to provide. The team can be contacted via email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on a new dedicated number, 1890 578 578.
Property Tax Rate
Questions (104)
John Halligan
Question:104. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of local authorities that have voted to reduce local property tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45865/14]
View answerWritten answers
Effective from 1 July 2014, local authorities may vary the rate of Local Property Tax (LPT) in their administrative area for the following year by up to 15% of the basic rate of the Tax. The power to vary LPT rates has been given to local authorities to further increase their autonomy. Elected members are already responsible for finalising the annual budget of the local authority – it is a reserved function for them – and the power to vary LPT rates will enable them to directly influence the level of LPT income they have to meet their expenditure requirements in the future. The decision to vary must be taken by resolution of the Council and must be notified to the Revenue Commissioners by 30 September in order to apply for the following year. For 2015, 14 local authorities availed of the opportunity to reduce the basic rate of LPT by the levels set out in the table below. The other 17 local authorities did not vary the LPT rate for 2015.
|
2015 LPT basic rate reduced by |
Local Authority |
|
1.5% |
Louth County Council |
|
3% |
Limerick City and County Council |
|
- |
Longford County Council |
|
- |
Mayo County Council |
|
- |
Westmeath County Council |
|
7.5% |
Kildare County Council |
|
10% |
Cork County Council |
|
- |
Cork City Council |
|
15% |
Clare County Council |
|
- |
Dublin City Council |
|
- |
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council |
|
- |
Fingal County Council |
|
- |
South Dublin County Council |
|
- |
Wicklow County Council |
Housing Data
Questions (105)
Bernard Durkan
Question:105. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which the precise and immediate housing requirement in each local authority has been determined; the number currently deemed to be effectively homeless; the number of homeless persons coming on to the register on a daily and weekly basis; the local authority areas including County Kildare deemed to be most seriously affected by the housing crisis; if specific proposals have been submitted to his Department to address the issue in the short term; the exact number of extra housing units currently available or likely to become available through direct acquisition in the next six months; his proposals to meet the requirements as identified by the respective local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40942/14]
View answerWritten answers
The most recent statutory Assessment of Housing Need was undertaken in May 2013. It identified 89,872 households which qualified for social housing support. Of the 89,872 households recorded as in need of housing as at 7 May, 2013, there were 2,808 households recorded having a housing need due to living in an institution, emergency accommodation or hostel. Full details of the 2013 Housing Need Assessment - including information on County Kildare - are available on my Department’s website at the following link:http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/Housing/FileDownLoad,34857,en.pdf
The 2013 figures are the most up-to-date figures available on waiting list numbers, which are subject to on-going fluctuation due to households being allocated housing and new households applying for housing support. However, the 2013 results cannot be directly compared to previous results given that this latest summary employed different methodologies and was the first to be carried out under the 2011 Social Housing Assessment Regulations.
Data on homeless households in emergency accommodation is provided through the Pathway Accommodation & Support System (PASS). Quarterly reports from lead housing authorities are being published on my Department's website as soon as these are available. In addition, lead housing authorities provide monthly reports on homelessness which identify the number of people utilising State-funded emergency accommodation on a regional and county basis. These monthly reports are also available on my Department’s website at the following link: http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/SpecialNeeds/HomelessPeople
The Social Housing Strategy 2020: Support Supply and Reform, approved by Government and published last week, builds on the provisions contained in Budget 2015 and sets out clear, measureable actions and targets to increase the supply of social housing, reform the approach to delivery, and meet the housing needs of all households on the housing list. The strategy provides a clear governance structure, which as Minister I will personally oversee, to ensure delivery of all actions. Action 1 of the Strategy requires the agreement of national targets for delivery of social housing next year and in subsequent years. These specific targets will be agreed through the governance structure, in collaboration with Local Authorities and with input from the Approved Housing body sector. For 2015, I expect that some 7,400 new social housing units will be provided under the range of existing initiatives.
The funding provided to local authorities under my Department’s Social Housing Investment Programme supports the development of new social housing units and the acquisition of units for social housing purposes. It is a matter for each local authority to identify their own priorities in this regard.
Through funding provided under the Local Authority Housing Programme, Local Authorities are currently undertaking a targeted acquisitions programme and have identified in the region of 240 units of accommodation which they intend to acquire in the coming months to accommodate people on the social housing waiting list, with particular emphasis on providing accommodation for homeless persons, people with special needs and other priority cases as identified by them.
In addition to these acquisitions, the approved housing bodies, with funding under the Capital Assistance Scheme , are acquiring in the region of 200 units of accommodation for people with special housing needs, including the elderly, persons with an intellectual or physical disability, and homeless persons. Part of this is a Special Initiative for Homeless in Dublin City which is expected to deliver approximately 60 units of accommodation. My Department will continue to work closely with all local authorities to advance these initiatives and also with regard to their targets for 2015 and beyond, within the context of the available funding nationally.
Animal Welfare
Questions (106)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Question:106. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 130 of 15 October 2014 if he will put in place guidelines from his Department regarding humane methods and procedures for the killing of dogs in pounds, guidelines that local authorities will in turn enforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40940/14]
View answerWritten answers
The humane destruction of dogs is provided for in the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 to 2010, and it is a matter for the management of dog pounds to ensure the requirement for humane destruction is complied with when dogs are destroyed. The Acts do not provide for the issuance of mandatory guidance, and there is no provision for the making of Regulations in relation to the humane destruction of dogs.
Irish Water Remit
Questions (107)
Alan Farrell
Question:107. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on allowing Irish Water to fall under the remit of the Commission for Energy Regulation for the purposes of handling customer complaint referrals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40944/14]
View answerWritten answers
The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides that responsibility for the independent economic regulation of the water sector is assigned to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and that the CER must perform its functions in a manner that best serves the interests of customers of Irish Water. Section 32 of the Act provides that Irish Water shall submit a code or codes of practice to the CER for approval and the CER may modify any such code. A code of practice made under section 32 can include, inter alia, a provision for customer complaints to Irish Water in relation to provision of water services, the standards for the performance by Irish Water of its functions and any other matter the CER considers necessary and appropriate to secure the interests of customers of Irish Water. In discharging its functions, the CER may consult with Irish Water, the public, or any other person it considers appropriate. Irish Water also has a statutory obligation to comply with any direction from the CER in relation to the approved codes. Irish Water’s approved codes of practice can be found on its website, at:
http://www.water.ie/our-customer-commitment/.
Similar to the approach it has taken in the electricity and gas industries, the CER has required Irish Water to submit a Customer Handbook outlining the minimum requirements of customer service standards they will provide to their customers. The Customer Handbook comprises Irish Water’s Customer Charter, Codes of Practice and the Terms and Conditions of supply. Following a public consultation on the document earlier this year, the CER have recently published the approved Irish Water Customer Handbook on their website, at:
http://www.cer.ie/docs/000956/CER14364%20Irish%20Water%20Customer%20Handbook.pdf.
The Government has recently approved the drafting of legislation for the Water Services Bill 2014. This Bill, which will be introduced into the Houses of the Oireachtas this week, will give effect to certain aspects of the water services package that I announced last week. The Bill includes a provision that the CER will provide a dispute resolution service for customers of Irish Water. This will be similar to the service operated by the Commission for the gas and electricity markets.
Water Charges Administration
Questions (108)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:108. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the role he sees landlords, including local authorities, playing in regard to the collection of water charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45860/14]
View answerWritten answers
Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. The occupier of a property is liable to pay the water charges bill, and legislation provides that the owner is the occupier unless the contrary is proven. Irish Water is providing landlords with the opportunity to prove that they are not the occupier by providing the tenants name. This will allow Irish Water to contact the tenant to complete the registration and to bill the tenant. The tenant will have to register with Irish Water to avail of the water conservation grant or to get lower charges than the default capped charge (€260), where they are single adult occupants or their metered usage is less than the maximum charge.
Draft legislation which I will be bringing forward will place certain obligations on landlords where the tenant has not paid charges. In the case of tenants in private rented accommodation, the legislation will seek to insert into all tenancy agreements/leases a deemed obligation on the tenant to discharge their liability for water charges. In the event of a tenant not discharging their water charges , the landlord would be entitled to withhold the amount of arrears concerned from the tenant’s deposit and would be required to remit the amount involved to Irish Water.
In the case of local authority tenants, where deposit arrangements do not apply, and where a customer is in arrears for more than 12 months and a late payment fee has accrued, Irish Water, having firstly provided the customer with the opportunity to pay the arrears or enter into a payment plan, will advise the local authority concerned of the amount of the arrears. It is envisaged that the legislation would provide for the local authority to recover the amount outstanding over a 12 month period and to remit the amount involved to Irish Water.
These scenarios can be avoided by entering into a payment plan with Irish Water. Various easypay options will be made available through post offices or other payment providers. The overall net cost for those who register is either €1.15 a week for single adult households or €3 a week for all others. Water supply will be not be reduced under any circumstance.
My Department will be consulting with the local government sector, social housing providers and landlord and tenant representatives in the course of drafting the necessary legislation to give effect to the measures proposed.
Pyrite Resolution Board Remit
Questions (109)
Charlie McConalogue
Question:109. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will permit the Pyrite Resolution Board to consider the emerging situation in County Donegal with respect to defective blocks; the plans he has to address this problem in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40946/14]
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The Pyrite Resolution Act 2013 provides the statutory framework for the establishment of the Pyrite Resolution Board and for the making of a pyrite remediation scheme. However, the provisions of the Act apply only to dwellings affected by significant damage attributable to pyritic heave consequent on the presence of reactive pyrite in the subfloor hardcore material and not to damage arising in any other circumstance. The Pyrite Resolution Board has no powers to investigate the alleged use of defective blocks in the construction of the houses in County Donegal and I have no proposals to amend the Act in this regard.
In general, building defects are matters for resolution between the relevant contracting parties, i.e. the homeowner, the builder, the supplier and/or their respective insurers and in the event that the parties cannot reach a settlement by negotiation the option of seeking redress in the Courts can be considered. In addition and where appropriate, affected homeowners should pursue their structural guarantee/insurance providers where a structural guarantee/insurance is in place.
My Department understands that legal proceedings may have been instigated in some of the cases relating to the problems in Donegal which is the appropriate course of action to take in the event that the responsible parties do not face up to their responsibilities and provide a solution to the affected homeowners.
I acknowledge the extremely difficult and distressing situations that the affected householders in Donegal face and, accordingly, my Department is prepared to review any information that can be made available in these matters (e.g. test/laboratory reports on the concrete blocks, structural reports on the affected dwellings etc) and, having regard to such information, may be in a position to offer advice which may be of assistance to affected homeowners in seeking a resolution to their difficulties . In that regard, a meeting has been arranged between my Department and a delegation of affected homeowners.
Social and Affordable Housing Provision
Questions (110)
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:110. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if legislation will be prepared by his Department to develop the off-balance sheet vehicle to provide some of the social housing provision pledged by the Government over the next three years in budget 2015. [45867/14]
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The Social Housing Strategy 2020, approved by Government and published last week, builds on the provisions contained in Budget 2015 and sets out clear, measureable actions and targets to increase the supply of social housing, reform delivery arrangements and meet the housing needs of all households on the housing list. The total targeted provision of over 110,000 social housing units will address the needs of the 90,000 on the housing waiting list in full, with flexibility to meet potential future demand. The Strategy builds on the projected delivery for 2015 and commits to providing 35,000 new social housing units over the period to 2020, at a projected cost of €3.8 billion, marking a fresh start for social housing in Ireland. The strategy will be delivered in two phases. Phase 1 targets the delivery of 18,000 additional housing units and 32,400 Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) and Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) units, by the end of 2017. In phase 2, spanning the years 2018 to 2020, the strategy targets the delivery of 17,000 additional units and 43,000 Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) and Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) units.
The Government has already committed to increased Exchequer funding to underpin delivery during the strategy’s initial phase, through the €2.2 billion announced as part of Budget 2015. The provision of this funding will allow time for the work to be carried out to move towards more off-balance sheet funding, through the extension to the NAMA Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), a large scale Public Private Partnership (PPP) and the establishment of a ‘Strategic Housing Fund’.
The strategy provides a clear governance structure, which as Minister I will personally oversee, to ensure delivery of all actions. Action 6 in the Strategy relates to the establishment of a finance working group to progress, inter alia, off-balance sheet funding mechanisms. This working group, which will be established without delay , will be resourced with appropriate expertise in order to progress the establishment of the ‘Strategic Housing Fund’ and the Public Private Partnership, including the consideration of any legislative requirements that might arise.