Written Answers Nos. 239-249
239. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to implement the recommendations made in the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht's report on River Shannon flooding published in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41053/15]
View answerWhile my Department is the lead Government Department for the response to a range of major emergency scenarios, including flooding, the Office of Public Works is the lead agency for flood prevention and flood mitigation.
In relation to the report referred to by the Deputy, the report contains no recommendations that are relevant to my Department’s areas of responsibility.
240. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number and value of mortgage loans issued under the home choice loan scheme for first-time buyers by year and by local authority in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41108/15]
View answerThe information requested in relation to Home Choice Loans is set out in the table below. No Home Choice Loans have been issued to date in 2015. A Home Choice Loan is a mortgage for First Time Buyers and is provided nationwide by four designated/regional Local Authorities: Dublin City Council; Cork City Council; Kilkenny County Council; and Galway County Council. It is available through authorised mortgage brokers.
|
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
||||
|
Local Authority |
Total value of loans HC issued |
No. of loans |
Total value of HC loans issued |
No. of loans |
Total value HC of loans issued |
No. of loans |
|
Cork City |
€364,700 |
2 |
€361,100 |
2 |
€143,400 |
1 |
|
Dublin City |
€230,000 |
1 |
€744,280 |
3 |
€410,875 |
2 |
|
Galway |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kilkenny |
€207,000 |
1 |
€100,000 |
1 |
|
|
|
Grand Total |
€801,700 |
4 |
€1,205,380 |
6 |
€554,275 |
3 |
|
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2019-2014 |
|||||
|
Local Authority |
Total value of HC loans issued |
No. of loans |
Total value of HC loans issued |
No. of loans |
Total value of HC loans issued |
No. of loans |
Total value of HC loans issued |
No. of loans |
|
Cork City |
€193,200 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
€1,062,400 |
6 |
|
Dublin City |
€483,200 |
3 |
€276,000 |
1 |
€318,000 |
2 |
€2,462,355 |
12 |
|
Galway |
€100,000 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
€100,000 |
1 |
|
Kilkenny |
|
|
|
|
|
|
€307,000 |
2 |
|
Grand Total |
€776,400 |
5 |
€276,000 |
1 |
€318,000 |
2 |
€3,931,755 |
21 |
241. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number and value of local authority housing loans issued since 2010 by year and by local authority in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41109/15]
View answerMy Department publishes a wide range of housing statistics, including the number and value of local authority mortgages. 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 by Local Authority” under the Housing Loans contents. The data illustrates a gradual reduction in the local authority housing loan book.
242. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is aware of the Bara judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union delivered last month (details supplied); if the information in any of the databases assembled and processed by his Department or by Irish Water for the administration of the water charges programme was gathered using personal data previously collected and held by the State for a different purpose; if persons whose personal data was gathered in such manner have been notified of the transfer of their data to the administration of the water charges programme; if not, his views on whether all such databases are now illegal in view of the Bara judgment; the measures he proposes to address this matter; the correspondence he has had with senior management at Irish Water concerning this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41125/15]
View answerSince 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. Customer relations and communications are a matter for the utility and I have no functions in the matters.
The Water Services Acts 2007-2013 provide Irish Water with the power to obtain information on its customers from other third parties as listed, including a local authority, the Revenue Commissioners, the Private Residential Tenancies Board, the Property Services Regulatory Authority, the Local Government Management Agency, the Minister for Social Protection or any other person or body to be prescribed by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.
Irish Water is required to manage all personal data in accordance with the Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003. Irish Water has an on-going engagement with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner which has worked closely with Irish Water to agree the process for the capture, storage and usage of customer data.
I am conscious of the importance of ensuring that personal information is protected in the processing of such data by all bodies and agencies under my Department, including Irish Water, and such processes will be kept under review to ensure that they comply with EU and national legislation.
Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. They may be contacted via email at oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on 1890 578 578.
243. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a suggested measure to address the homelessness crisis (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41128/15]
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 rests with the housing authorities.
I will arrange for the suggestion which the Deputy has received to be forwarded to the relevant local authorities for consideration.
244. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government for details of all instances from 1 January 2000 to 2015 to date where legislation introduced by him or on his behalf, which was enacted and still in force, contains a provision amending the Data Protection Acts to allow for the transfer of personal or other data collected, retained and processed by the State for a particular purpose towards another specific purpose, in tabular form; the financial cost of creating and administering such databases, by case; the projected financial cost for databases not yet complete; the specific legislative provision which enabled such data transfers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41136/15]
View answerThe information requested is not maintained by my Department in the format requested and the remit of my Department has changed on a number of occasions in the period referred to in the question. A review of the legislation enacted within the period requested for which I still have responsibility will be carried out in relation to any amendment of the Data Protection Acts and a further reply will issue to the Deputy when this is complete.
245. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his Department has received an application from Longford Tourism for funding to develop a cycle route from Killashee to Keena in County Longford; the progress of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41148/15]
View answerMy Department recently invited expressions of interest from a variety of organisations, agencies and groups in respect of the funding of recreational Infrastructure projects, should funding become available.
This initiative has generated a considerable amount of interest and I can confirm that an expression of interest was received from Longford Tourism. My Department is currently carrying out a detailed assessment of each expression of interest received. This assessment process, which I envisage will be completed over the coming weeks, will allow projects to be prioritised for any funding which is made available.
246. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of State bodies and agencies under his remit that have been established since February 2011; the number of such bodies subject to a sunset clause; the number of new public bodies being planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41269/15]
View answerThe Local Government Management Services Board and the Local Government Computer Services Board merged with the establishment of the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) in August 2012. The LGMA also took on the residual functions of An Chomhairle Leabharlanna, which has dissolved as of 1 November 2012. The LGMA is a central resource for the local government sector, providing, procuring and coordinating a range of support services and expertise which are most appropriately and efficiently delivered on a shared service basis at national level.
The Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency (HSCA) was formally established in 2012. It rationalises the functions of the National Building Agency (NBA), the Affordable Homes Partnership (AHP) and the Centre for Housing Research (CHR). The AHP and the CHR have been closed down and the NBA ceased operating in June 2011. The HSCA was set up to work with and support local authorities, approved housing bodies and my Department in the delivery of housing and housing services.
The Water Services Act 2013 provided for the establishment of Irish Water as a subsidiary of Bórd Gáis Éireann to be formed and registered under the Companies Act. The Water Services (No.2) Act 2013 provided for the transfer, in part, of water services functions from 34 water services authorities to Irish Water, which became the national water services authority from 1 January 2014.
The Pyrite Resolution Board was established on an administrative basis in February 2013 and was placed on a statutory footing in January 2014 following the enactment of the Pyrite Resolution Act 2013. The role of the Board is to oversee and direct the delivery of a cost effective pyrite remediation scheme for homeowners whose homes are affected by significant damage due to pyritic heave and where there are no other practicable options for redress. The Board will work with the Housing Agency to deliver the scheme.
None of these bodies are subject to a sunset clause but provision exits within the Local Government Services (Corporate Bodies) Act 1971 to revoke, by order, any establishment order made under the 1971 Act.
My Department’s agency rationalisation programme has seen the number of agencies reduce from 21 to 9. A further reduction to 8 will occur with the planned dissolution of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority.
There are currently no plans to establish additional agencies under my Department’s aegis.
247. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of defined benefit pension schemes listed for employees under his remit; the number that are in deficit; his plans to consolidate any of these schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41289/15]
View answerThe Defined Benefit Schemes for employees of agencies/bodies under the aegis of my Department and the local government sector are listed in the table below. None of the schemes are in deficit and there are currently no plans to consolidate these schemes.
An Bord Pleanála
|
Name of Scheme |
An Bord Pleanála Staff Superannuation Scheme 1986-2006 |
|
An Bord Pleanála Staff Spouses and Children’s Scheme 1986 |
|
|
An Bord Pleanála Chairman and Members Superannuation Scheme 1986 |
|
|
An Bord Pleanála Chairman and Members Spouses and Children’s Scheme 1986 |
|
|
Funding Position |
The Schemes are financed on a pay-as-you-go basis, that is, as part of current expenditure. |
|
Dublin Docklands Development Authority |
|
|
Name of Scheme |
Dublin Docklands Development Authority Superannuation Scheme 2000. |
|
Dublin Docklands Development Authority Spouses and Children's Pension Scheme, 2000. |
|
|
Funding Position |
The schemes are financed on a pay-as-you-go basis. |
|
Environmental Protection Agency |
|
|
Name of Scheme |
Environmental Protection Agency (Director-General and Directors) Superannuation Scheme 1996-2013. |
|
Environmental Protection Agency (Director-General and Directors) Spouses’ and Children’s Scheme 1996-2013. |
|
|
Environmental Protection Agency Staff Superannuation Scheme 2001-2013. |
|
|
Environmental Protection Agency Spouses’ and Children’s Contributory Pension Scheme 2001-2013. |
|
|
An Foras Forbartha Teo Superannuation Scheme 1975-1991 (AFF). |
|
|
Funding Position |
The schemes are financed on a pay-as-you-go basis. |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency (HSCA) |
|
|
Name of Scheme |
Approval currently being sought based on model scheme. |
|
Funding Position |
The scheme is financed on a pay-as-you-go basis. |
|
Housing Finance Agency (HFA) |
|
|
Name of Scheme |
Housing Finance Agency Pension Scheme. |
|
Funding Position |
The HFA scheme was fully funded at the last valuation in December 2014. |
|
Irish Water Safety (IWS) |
|
|
Name of Scheme |
Local Government Superannuation Scheme |
|
Funding Position |
The scheme is financed on a pay-as-you-go basis. |
|
Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) |
|
|
Name of Scheme |
Local Government (Superannuation) (Consolidation) Scheme, 1998 as amended by the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004. |
|
Funding Position |
The scheme is financed on a pay-as-you-go basis. |
|
National Building Agency (NBA) |
|
|
Name of Scheme |
National Building Agency Ltd. Superannuation Scheme |
|
Funding position |
Based on the most recent assessment, the scheme’s assets exceed the scheme’s liabilities. |
|
Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) |
|
|
Name of Scheme |
Private Residential Tenancies Board Superannuation Scheme 2011. |
|
Funding Position |
The scheme is financed on a pay-as-you-go basis. |
|
Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) |
|
|
Name of Scheme |
Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) Superannuation Scheme and Spouses and Children’s Scheme. |
|
Funding Position |
The schemes are financed on a pay-as-you-go basis. |
|
Western Development Commission (WDC) |
|
|
Name of Scheme |
Western Development Commission Employee Superannuation Scheme 2006 |
|
Funding Position |
The scheme is financed on a pay-as-you-go basis. |
|
Local Government Sector |
|
|
Name of Scheme |
Local Government (Superannuation) (Consolidation) Scheme, 1998 to 2014 |
|
Funding Position |
The scheme is financed on a pay-as-you-go basis. |
248. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cumarsáide, Fuinnimh agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha ar íocadh aon chúiteamh le hiascaire (sonraí tugtha) faoin scéim cúitimh d’iascairí bradán sruth-líonta; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [40910/15]
View answerRinne Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) an scéim cúitimh d’iascairí bradán a riaradh. Mar sin, tá na taifid maidir le daoine aonair ar bhain siad leas as an scéim á gcoimeád ag BIM agus ní ag mo Roinn-ne.
Tá oifigigh ó mo Roinn tar éis dul i dteagmháil le BIM ar an ábhar seo, agus socróidh mé go ndéanfaidh an Ghníomhaireacht teagmháil díreach leis an duine a thagraíonn an Teachta dó.
249. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the cost of altering the better homes scheme so as to reimburse the contractor rather than the household which had the work done, thereby assisting those on low incomes who have a lack of cash flow. [40963/15]
View answerThe Better Energy Homes Scheme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) under the Better Energy Programme. Better Energy Homes provides grant aid to private homeowners who wish to improve the energy performance of their homes. Fixed grants are provided towards the cost of a range of measures including attic insulation, wall insulation, heating systems upgrades, solar thermal panels and accompanying BER.
My Department and the SEAI continue to monitor ways to improve the Better Energy Homes Scheme, while ensuring that the highest standards of governance and fiscal controls are maintained. Contractors are not permitted to apply for the grant on behalf of the home owner. However, it is open to the home owner to nominate the bank account they wish to receive payment of the grant, which may be the account of the contractor.
In addition, the SEAI has partnered with energy suppliers to provide additional support to home owners to access the Better Energy Homes though appointed service providers. These service providers undertake to carry out all the work associated with applying for a grant on behalf of the homeowner. This involves: applying on-line, submitting all required documentation and forms, submitting the grant payment request to the SEAI and receiving the grant payment directly into its bank account. The homeowner pays for the balance of the cost of the works directly to the relevant service provider.
In 2015 a Voice of the Customer process was initiated by SEAI. This allows homeowners to provide feedback directly to the SEAI on how to improve the Better Energy Homes scheme and associated processes. This feedback is being considered by the SEAI as part of its on-going work to improve the Better Energy Programme.
