Written Answers Nos. 235 - 238
235. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if progress can be made in safeguarding the tenancy of persons the property of whom is being sold to an alternative investor with the understanding that the persons can remain in the residence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29434/17]
View answerThe Residential Tenancies Act 2004 regulates the landlord-tenant relationship in the private rented residential sector and sets out the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants. The Act provides that a landlord should allow a tenant of a rented dwelling to enjoy peaceful and exclusive occupation of that dwelling. A landlord is only allowed to enter the property with the tenant’s permission or in an emergency. The tenant should agree with the landlord a mutually convenient time to facilitate these viewings so as to minimise disruption. The Residential Tenancies Board provides a telephone-based mediation service which might be useful, if agreement on such matters between landlord and tenant proves difficult.
236. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his plans to implement planning guidelines regarding the development of solar panel PV farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29447/17]
View answer237. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his views on the need for specific planning guidelines regarding the development of solar panel PV farms. [29448/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 236 and 237 together.
There are no specific planning guidelines in place in respect of solar farms. Proposals for individual solar farm developments are subject to the statutory requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, in the same manner as other proposed developments. Planning applications are made to the relevant local planning authority with a right of appeal to An Bord Pleanála.
Under the Planning and Development Act, each planning authority's development plan must set out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area concerned. Section 10 of the Act requires a development plan to include, inter alia, objectives for the provision or facilitation of the provision of infrastructure, including energy facilities, and many local authorities have developed renewable energy strategies for their areas in this context.
In making decisions on planning applications, planning authorities and the Board must consider the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, having regard to the provisions of the local development plan, any submissions or observations received and relevant Ministerial or Government policies, including any relevant guidelines issued by my Department. Planning authorities must then make their own decisions based on the specific merits or otherwise of individual planning applications.
I am satisfied that the planning code is sufficiently robust to facilitate the assessment of individual planning permission applications for solar farm developments. However, the matter will be kept under review, in consultation with my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, and his Department - which leads on renewable energy policy - in the context of the Government's White Paper on Energy Policy, published in December 2015, the development of a Renewable Electricity Policy and Development Framework, as well as the finalisation of a new support scheme for renewable electricity by that Department, expected in late 2017.
238. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the monetary value of all work contracted out under the aegis of his Department to external agencies or consultancies for work completed or investigations undertaken in human resources and industrial relations including hiring and interviewing of staff, disciplinary procedures and workplace related issues such as allegations of bullying and so on or dignity at work issues in each of the years 2015 and 2016. [29335/17]
View answerPayments made to external agencies in the human resources and industrial relations areas for the Department of Defence in the years 2015 and 2016 are as follows:
|
Total Figure 2015 |
Total Figure 2016 |
|
€14,279.15 |
€6,384.25 |
In addition, from time to time, my Department will engage individuals to serve on interview boards.
