Written Answers Nos. 111- 125
111. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills to provide details of all external consultant reports commissioned by his Department since March 2011, in tabular form and per annum; the costs per report; the company involved; the title of the report; and the publication date. [20344/16]
View answerDetails of all consultancy payments made by the Department for the years 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 are available on my Department's website http://www.education.ie/en/Publications/Corporate-Reports/Financial-Reports/Expenditure-on-Consultancy/. Information in relation to consultancy expenditure is compiled annually in respect of the previous year. Details for the year 2016 will not be available until Quarter 1, 2017.
112. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total photography costs per annum for his Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the ministerial allowance in tabular form; the list of occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographer was used; and if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within his Department. [20374/16]
View answerThe following tabular statement contains details of photography costs incurred at my Department since I came to office. My Department adheres to appropriate procurement guidelines when engaging the use of photography services.
|
Occasion |
Photographer |
Cost Breakdown |
Total Cost |
||
|
Net |
Vat |
Gross |
|||
|
10 June 2016 - Photography for awards to recipients under the Non-mainstream Music Education Bursary Scheme 2016 |
Maxwell Photography |
406 |
93.38 |
499.38 |
|
|
03 June 2016 - Photography for announcement regarding Action Plan for Disadvantaged Schools |
Maxwell Photography |
420 |
96.6 |
516.6 |
|
|
1015.98 |
113. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills to provide, broken down per annum, the use of external public relations firms employed by his Department since coming into office, in tabular form; the external public relations firm used; to outline the internal departmental policy with regard to employing external groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20389/16]
View answerIn relation to my Department's policy for the engagement of external expertise, such engagement is considered where the issues involved require expert skills or capabilities that are not available within the Department. Any such engagement is done in accordance with the provisions of the Department of Finance "Guidelines for the Engagement of Consultants and other External Support by the Civil Service".
The following table provides details of external public relations firms engaged by the Department since January 2016.
|
Year |
Name of Firm |
Purpose |
|
2016 |
Carr Communications |
Interview board training & interview skills training |
|
2016 |
Zoo Digital D2 |
ToolTip Skills to Work website pop-up installation |
|
2016 |
Carr Communications |
To provide professional advice on communications support to develop an information campaign on reform initiatives in the second level school system |
|
2016 |
Carr Communications |
Communications/interview skills training and Communications workshop |
|
2016 |
Career Zoo |
Cost of stand space at Career Zoo, IFSC |
114. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to outline his plans to introduce a new business rates model. [20191/16]
View answerLocal authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by the independent Commissioner of Valuation under the Valuation Acts 2001-2015. The levying and collection of rates are matters for each individual local authority.
The principle of local authorities levying rates based on an independent valuation is well established and I have no plans to change this. However, the legislative basis for the levying of rates is spread over a number of enactments, some dating back to the 19th century. I have asked my Department to develop proposals for the preparation of a consolidated Rates Bill to modernise and consolidate the legislation in this area.
115. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if it has been drawn to his attention that at a meeting of Sligo County Council held on 2 November 2015 a motion (details supplied) was unanimously adopted; if it has further been drawn to his attention that when the proposed draft county development plan was presented by the chief executive to the elected members of Sligo County Council on 27 June 2016, no map or list of rights of way was included in the draft; the action a council can take when a chief executive refuses to implement a decision of the council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20115/16]
View answer116. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is aware that at a meeting of Sligo County Council held on 27 June 2016 to consider the proposed draft Sligo county development plan a motion (details supplied) was adopted; the action he will take to ensure Sligo County Council complies with the Planning and Development Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20132/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 116 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the making and varying of a development plan is a reserved function of the elected members of the planning authority for the area.
My Department’s Circular Letter of October 2012 to all planning authorities sets out their statutory obligations under Section 7 of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010, in relation to the mandatory objective in development plans for the preservation of public rights of way. The Circular Letter also outlines that planning authorities should avail of the development plan variation process, as appropriate, where a statutory development plan review is not imminent.
In this regard, it is a matter for Sligo County Council to implement such policies in the context of their development plans. As a statutory consultee, my Department, on receipt of the draft Sligo County Development Plan 2017-2023 from Sligo County Council, will provide the planning authority with advice and comments, as appropriate, on the draft development plan and which may refer to matters relating to rights of way.
My Department acknowledges the progressive adoption by planning authorities of this mandatory objective since 2012 and will continue to keep implementation of this objective under review, including giving consideration to the need for the issuing of any reminders to planning authorities in this regard, in light of the approaches being adopted in meeting this objective.
117. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will increase the income limit for families who have dependent children who apply for house purchase loans under Statutory Instrument No. 408 of 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20135/16]
View answerThe standard annuity mortgage available from local authorities is targeted at lower income first time buyers. The relevant terms and conditions applying to local authority housing loans are set out in the following regulations – the Housing (Local Authority Loans) Regulations 2012 – available at: http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2012/si/408/made/en/print.
To support local authorities in operating their housing loan schemes in a consistent and efficient manner, the Housing Agency provides a central underwriting service to local authorities. The credit underwriting process considers the impact that family circumstances may have on the loan applicant’s capacity to make loan repayments. The final decision on loan approval is a matter for the relevant local authority and its credit committee on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with the relevant statutory Credit Policy that underpins the scheme and aims to ensure prudent lending.
I will continue to keep the operation of the local authority housing loan schemes under review. I have no immediate plans to amend the income limits set out in the Regulations.
118. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to set out in tabular form the number of properties which entered into the pyrite remediation scheme with category 2 diagnosis following visual inspection from an engineer, and where the diagnosis was later reversed to category 0 following sample core testing prior to remediation taking place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20325/16]
View answerThe pyrite remediation scheme, which was first published by the Pyrite Resolution Board in February of 2014, was developed having regard to the relevant provisions of the Pyrite Resolution Act 2013 and the recommendations set out in the Report of the Pyrite Panel (June 2012). The full conditions for eligibility are set out in the scheme. It is a condition of eligibility under the scheme that an application to the Board must be accompanied by a Building Condition Assessment, carried out by a competent person in accordance with I.S. 398-1:2013 Reactive pyrite in sub-floor hardcore material – Part 1: Testing and categorisation protocol, indicating a Damage Condition Rating of 2.
As set out in the scheme, each application must first be validated by the Pyrite Resolution Board which involves an assessment of the application against the relevant eligibility criteria, and may include an audit of the Building Condition Assessment. Following validation, the application is referred to the Housing Agency for the assessment and verification stage which involves confirmation that the damage recorded in the Building Condition Assessment in respect of a dwelling is attributable to pyritic heave. Damage verification may be based on an individual dwelling or on associated dwellings. Associated dwellings may be verified on the basis of comparable damage and/or earlier tests with similar results.
My Department understands from the Pyrite Resolution Board that no dwellings have been excluded from the pyrite remediation scheme following the completion of the assessment and verification stage by the Housing Agency.
119. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he can provide details of the number of homes remediated under the clause contained in Part 3, section 17, exceptional circumstances, (3) of the Pyrite Resolution Act 2013 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20326/16]
View answerThe pyrite remediation scheme is a scheme of “last resort” and is limited in its application and scope. The full conditions for eligibility under the scheme are set out in the scheme which is available on the Board’s website (www.pyriteboard.ie). The scheme is applicable to dwellings which are subject to significant damage attributable to pyritic heave established in accordance with I.S. 398-1:2013 - Reactive pyrite in sub-floor hardcore material – Part 1: Testing and categorisation protocol. In this regard, it is a condition of eligibility under the scheme that an application to the Board must be accompanied by a Building Condition Assessment with a Damage Condition Rating of 2.
A total of five dwellings which had a Damage Condition Rating of 1 when their Building Condition Assessments were first completed have now progressed to a Damage Condition Rating of 2; these dwellings have now been included in the pyrite remediation scheme.
While dwellings with Damage Condition Ratings of 1 do not qualify under the scheme, some may be considered in accordance with the exceptional circumstance provisions set out in section 17 of the Act. As matters currently stand, no dwellings have been included in the pyrite remediation scheme under the exceptional circumstances provisions of the Act.
120. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the cost of remediation per unit and remediation per phase has increased as a result of inflation in the construction sector; if he will provide comparative costings in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20327/16]
View answerThe Pyrite Resolution Board, with the support of the Housing Agency, is responsible for the implementation of the pyrite remediation scheme. In general terms, the cost of pyrite remediation is largely dependent on the dwelling type, the number of units in a project, the floor area of the dwellings, the depth of hardcore in the units and the presence or otherwise of under-floor heating systems. Against this background, remediation costs can vary significantly and may not always be directly comparable across projects. While my Department monitors overall expenditure under the scheme, the costs associated with individual projects are determined by on-going competitive procurement processes which fall within the remit of the Housing Agency.
In this regard, dwellings which have been included in the pyrite remediation scheme are grouped into projects in order to secure the most beneficial, effective and efficient use of the funds available to the scheme. For each project, a specific programme is developed to facilitate the execution of the remedial works which, in many cases, is carried out on a phased basis. The programme commences with the appointment of an engineer to survey the dwellings, prepare remedial works plans and the tender documents necessary to procure a works contractor to remediate the dwellings in the project. The procurement of the engineer is undertaken in accordance with national procurement guidelines and EU procurement regulations. A framework panel, comprising a list of engineers already qualified to carry out this type of work, has been established by the Housing Agency for this purpose.
On completion of the remedial works plans, a separate tendering process is undertaken to engage a works contractor to remediate each of the dwellings in the project in accordance with their remedial works plans. The procurement of the works contractor is also undertaken in accordance with public procurement rules. Similar to the position with regard to the appointment of the engineer, a framework panel, comprising a list of works contractors already qualified to carry out this type of work, has been established by the Housing Agency from which tender proposals are received.
Remedial works are carried out by the successful works contractor in accordance with the remedial works plans and I.S. 398-2: 2013: Reactive pyrite in sub-floor hard core material – Part 2: Methodology for remediation works. The engineer will undertake inspections at critical points during the process in order to issue the Certificate of Remediation in accordance with Annex B of I.S. 398-2: 2013.
121. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding bin charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20329/16]
View answerPay-by-weight charging has the potential to radically change our thinking and behaviour in relation to waste and has been shown to drive waste prevention and better segregation, and indeed ultimately lower costs for many households who manage their waste more efficiently.
This type of charging system:
- is in accordance with the polluter pays principle, and will ensure a more environmentally sustainable approach to the management of waste in Ireland; and
- will result in job creation as a result of the processing of increasing quantities of recycling and organic waste.
Since the waste industry began releasing its pricing plans in relation to the nationwide roll-out of pay-by-weight charging at the start of June, the Government has highlighted its concerns regarding the reported escalation of waste bills for some customers from July, particularly in relation to proposed increases in service charges.
The Government secured an agreement with all major waste collection companies to freeze charges, so that customers pay no more than they are currently paying for waste collection over the next 12 months for the same level of service. As Minister I cannot comment on individual cases but my Department is continuing to engage with the waste industry regarding issues around the changes to the pay by weight regime.
122. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the commencement date for a new end-of-life waste tyre compliance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20334/16]
View answerWe have a serious problem with waste tyres in Ireland. In discussions prior to the adoption of the 2007 Tyre Regulations, it was made clear that this was the last opportunity for the tyre industry to embrace environmental compliance and take responsibility for the waste it produces. If the required improvement did not happen, it was made clear to the tyre industry that the system would be reviewed and replaced with a full Producer Responsibility Initiative (PRI) model.
As part of a wider review of producer responsibility arrangements completed in 2014, the structural and environmental effectiveness of all aspects of the current system for managing waste tyres was assessed. The results of this examination were stark. The report, published for consultation in November 2013 and in final form in April 2014, found:
- A non-compliance rate with the Tyre Regulations of 46%,
- A lack of consistent and accurate data,
- That the current system was not tracking data flows well, and
- Between 25% and 50% of waste tyres were not accounted for with widespread illegal dumping.
There will be no new tyre tax or levy under the new system. Consumers already pay a disposal fee to their tyre retailer whenever they buy a new tyre. The model that I am introducing will formalise a charge that tyre retailers already apply but which does not currently go towards the cost of managing the waste in all cases, as it is supposed to. It is absolutely right and fair to provide a system that ensures it is properly directed in the future so that the consumer does not pay twice: once at the point of purchase and again when the taxpayer has to meet costs incurred by local authorities for the clean-up of illegally dumped tyres.
Repak ELT replaced TRACS as the sole compliance scheme for tyres as of 1 November 2015. Repak have a long and successful track record under existing producer responsibility arrangements in the packaging area and have been instrumental in making Ireland a top EU per former in this waste stream. The new system will provide a sustainable and environmentally focused system for the management of waste tyres. Like existing systems for waste tyres elsewhere in the EU and for all other waste streams in Ireland, this system will respect the producer responsibility approach and be based on the polluter pays principle. These are long-standing environmental principles which are reflected in both European and domestic legislation.
My Department is currently drafting regulations to underpin the new Tyres and Waste Tyres Compliance Scheme and the intention is that these regulations will come into effect from 1 January 2017, which will also be the commencement date for the full PRI Scheme.
123. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans for the existing complex of flats on Dominick Street, Dublin 1, including if he will refurbish them or have them demolished, given his announcement on 29 June 2016 of the development of 72 units of social housing and community facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20399/16]
View answerI was pleased to announce the provision of €22 million to Dublin City Council last week, for the construction of 72 new social housing units on the east side of Dominick Street in Dublin 1. This new development will allow for the re-housing of some 50 households from the existing west side blocks on Dominick Street and will create 22 new units for households from the Council’s housing lists, as well as providing community facilities.
The future approach to the existing west side blocks is, in the first instance, a matter for Dublin City Council. I am supportive of the re-development of this area and my Department will work with the Council when it has developed proposals for the future of those blocks.
124. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on economical ways to create homes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20412/16]
View answerThe Building Regulations 1997 to 2014 set out the minimum statutory requirements applicable to the design and construction of new buildings, extensions to existing buildings as well as for material alterations and certain material changes of use to existing buildings and are divided in 12 parts (classified as Parts A to M). Technical Guidance Documents (TGDs) are published to accompany each of the parts and provide guidance indicating how the requirements of that part can be achieved in practice. These TGDs can be freely accessed on my Department’s website at http://www.environ.ie/housing/building-standards/tgd-part-d-materials-and-workmanship/technical-guidance-documents.
Part D of the Building Regulations deals with Materials and Workmanship and stipulates that all works are to be carried out with proper materials and in a workmanlike manner. It defines proper materials as those materials which are fit for the use for which they are intended and for the conditions in which they are to be used.
The regulations do not prescribe the use of particular products but establish minimum performance requirements that the building or the construction works must achieve. It is open to any contractor to use prefabricated panels and other types of innovative products provided that they can demonstrate that the building complies with Part D and all other relevant parts of the Building Regulations.
In the context of social housing provision, local authorities must comply with the relevant EU and domestic legislative and policy requirements as outlined under the national and EU public procurement regulations and the Capital Works Management Framework published by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. My Department understands that the Office of Government Procurement is currently developing a Rapid Delivery Housing procurement Framework which will be available to any local authority wishing to procure rapid delivery housing for pressing accommodation needs.
Separate to procurement requirements, local authorities are also responsible for ensuring that housing units are designed and constructed in accordance with all relevant regulatory requirements including building control, fire safety and planning requirements.
I am satisfied that the procurement arrangements in place allow for the consideration of innovative products and systems wherever reasonable and appropriate. All procurement opportunities which receive 50% or more of their funding from public funds are advertised openly on www.etenders.gov.ie.
While my Department has a role in funding social housing projects, it has no role in relation to the procurement or management of individual projects; these are matters for the relevant contracting authorities.
125. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is aware of any processing or system impediments that might accelerate the risks of single persons or families going into homelessness while awaiting the processing of housing assistance payment, HAP, applications; the support systems he has put in place to monitor this and support families; his views on the impact of processing waiting times and gaps of up to three weeks in provision of HAP supports when customers are transitioning from rent supplement systems to HAP systems; how this is recorded; the efforts made to streamline the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20168/16]
View answerI am not aware of any delays in relation to the processing and management of Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) applications.
Limerick City and County Council is providing a central transactional shared service to all local authorities operating the HAP scheme. The shared service centre, which is the primary administrative support to HAP local authorities, is responsible for a range of functions including monthly payments to landlords and the collection of weekly differential rent from tenants and provides a range of efficiencies to the operation of the scheme.
My Department closely monitors the operation of HAP and maintains regular contact with the pilot local authorities in order to learn from their experience of the scheme, and to address operational issues as they arise. In the case of households transferring from the rent supplement scheme to the HAP scheme, the Shared Service Centre, local authorities and the Department of Social Protection work closely together to ensure that there is no gap in support for any household. A priority for the local authority and Department of Social Protection is clear communication with the relevant households and landlords.
I am satisfied that the HAP scheme is operating well, with more than 10,700 households currently in receipt of housing support under the scheme.
