Written Answers Nos. 274 - 295
274. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection the areas within her Department which remain outstanding in respect of the confidence and supply agreement; the status of plans for the implementation of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30582/17]
View answerThe key areas identified in the confidence and supply agreement which are of direct relevance to my Department relate to:
- increasing rent supplement limits by up to 15% taking account of geographic variations in market rents,
- including provisions for pension increases,
- securing the future of family farms, and
- seeking to introduce a PRSI scheme for the self-employed.
Actions have been taken to deliver on each of these areas.
In relation to rent supplement, increased limits were introduced in all areas of the country with effect from 1 July 2016 at a cost of up to €12 million in 2016. In Dublin, the limits were increased by a weighted average of some 30%, whilst in Cork, Limerick and Galway increases of over 20% were provided. Outside the main urban area counties, the rate of increases varies in line with market trends with the highest increases of 25% in Roscommon and Laois. In addition, my Department continues to implement a targeted, flexible, case-by-case approach where rents may exceed the maximum limits. Some 11,600 persons at imminent risk of homelessness have been supported through increased rent supplement payments since this flexible approach was introduced in 2014.
Insofar as increases for pensioners are concerned, Budget 2017 provided for increase of €5 in the maximum weekly rate for all social welfare recipients, including pensioners, and these increases were brought into effect in March of this year.
Also with effect from March 2017, alongside the weekly increase of €5 in the rate of Farm Assist, an enhanced assessment of means from farming was introduced, whereby 70% of farm income is now assessed as means (down from 100%). Additional income disregards for claimants with children were also introduced. These changes mean that the Farm Assist means test has reverted to the position which applied prior to Budget 2012. 500 additional places have also been provided for on the Rural Social Scheme in 2017. All of these measures are designed to support farm families.
Finally, Budget 2017 provided for significant changes for self-employed social insurance contributors. Entitlement to Treatment Benefits was extended to the self-employed from March 2017, and alongside other social insurance contributors, they will gain from improvements in the Treatment Benefits scheme from October 2017. Self-employed workers will also have access, for the first time, to the Invalidity Pension scheme from December 2017.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
275. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for disability allowance by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30589/17]
View answerThis lady submitted an application for disability allowance on 27 January 2017.
The application, based upon the evidence submitted, was refused as she failed to provide information regarding her income. On this basis my department were unable to determine her means. She was notified in writing of this decision on 27 June 2017 and of her rights of review and appeal.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
276. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) should apply for and be available for employment in view of the fact that their health condition would render them a liability in employment; the steps that can be taken to ensure that a suitable disability payment becomes available to the person; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30628/17]
View answerThe person concerned submitted an application for disability allowance (DA) on 12 May 2016. The application, based upon the evidence submitted, was refused on medical grounds and the person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 27 July 2016 and of her rights of review and appeal.
The person concerned appealed to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) a decision by a deciding officer to disallow her application for DA. Following due consideration, the appeal of the person in question was disallowed by an appeals officer (AO) on 14 December 2016. An AO’s decision is final and conclusive in the absence of any fresh facts or evidence.
To qualify for Jobseeker’s Allowance in normal circumstances a client must be fit for and available for full-time employment. In cases where a client is in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance (JA) and applies for disability allowance (DA) or is appealing a DA disallowance then they may continue on JA until a decision on DA is received. Should the subsequent decision on DA or DA appeal state that the client is not substantially restricted in seeking suitable employment, by reason of a specified disability, and if the client wishes to continue on JA then they must adhere to the regulation of being available for full-time work.
The person concerned has not been found, by an AO, to be substantially restricted in seeking suitable employment and therefore remains in receipt of JA.
It is open to the person concerned to reapply for DA.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy
277. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to make an exceptional needs payment in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30631/17]
View answerFurther to PQs 23861-17 and 29433-17, according to the records of the Department, the person concerned has not submitted an application for an exceptional needs payment pertaining to the accumulation of outstanding rent arrears.
The person concerned is currently in receipt of her full entitlement to rent supplement and all payments have been made to date. Her rent supplement claim is currently suspended on foot of notification that her primary payment has ceased. The person concerned was contacted on 27/6/17 and requested to verify her current circumstances. On receipt of this information, the rent supplement entitlement in the case of the person concerned will be re-assessed accordingly.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
278. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a carer's allowance may be paid in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30633/17]
View answerI confirm that my department received an application for carer’s allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 11 May 2017. The application is currently being processed and once completed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
279. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an application for family income supplement for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30667/17]
View answerThe person concerned applied for Family Income Supplement (FIS) on 29 March 2017. However, the FIS application could not proceed at the time as further information was requested from the person concerned.
This information has been received and the person concerned has now been awarded FIS and payment will reach the recipient’s bank account next week.
All arrears will issue in due course.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
280. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection if there are courses available of a rehabilitative and educational nature to a person (details supplied) who is in receipt of disability allowance on a long-term basis in view of the fact that the illness which they suffer from is incurable as described and whereby an opportunity in terms of rehabilitation might assist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30703/17]
View answerRecipients of disability allowance can avail of FÁS mainline training course or with Specialist Training Providers (STPs), National Learning Network etc. They can also participate in a community employment scheme. Payment of disability allowance may suspend for the duration of their course and the course provider will take over payment which may include training allowances. On completion of their course, payment of disability allowance may recommence.
Further information is available on the departments’ website at welfare.ie or alternatively, they may contact their local INTREO office or citizens information centre.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
281. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for invalidity pension by a person (details supplied); if same can be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30704/17]
View answerInvalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.
To qualify for IP a claimant must, inter alia, have at least 260 (5 years) paid PRSI contributions since entering social insurance and 48 contributions paid or credited in the last complete contribution year before the date of their claim. Only PRSI classes A, E or H contributions are reckonable for IP purposes.
A claim for IP was received from the gentleman referred to on 25 April 2017. He was refused IP on the grounds that the contribution conditions for the scheme were not satisfied. He was notified on 27 June 2017 of this decision, the reason for it and of his right of review and appeal.
The gentleman in question is in receipt of disability allowance (DA) since 18 February 2015.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
282. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will examine an application for carer's allowance by a person (details supplied) regarding full-time care; and if a review of the decision will also be undertaken. [30722/17]
View answerI confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 3 February 2017.
CA is a means-tested social assistance payment, made to persons who are providing full-time care and attention to a person who has a disability such that they require that level of care.
The person concerned was refused CA on the grounds that her means were not less than the statutory limit. She was notified on 1 June 2017 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.
Carer's benefit (CARB) is a payment made to insured people who leave the workforce to care for a person(s) in need of full-time care and attention.
To qualify the carer must satisfy PRSI conditions, employment conditions and must show that they are or will be providing full-time care and attention for a person who requires that level of care.
One of the PRSI conditions requires that the carer must have paid 156 qualifying contributions between their date of entry into insurable employment and up to the date the benefit is being claimed from.
Only contributions payable at PRSI Class A, B, C, D, H and E are qualifying contributions for CARB. As the person concerned does not have 156 qualifying contributions, she does not have an entitlement to CARB.
However the person concerned may have an entitlement to the carer’s support grant (CSG) which is an annual, non means-tested payment, made by the Department to full-time carers. People who are not in receipt of a social welfare payment but who are providing full-time care and attention are eligible to apply for the grant.
The primary conditions to be satisfied are that the carer be aged 16 or over; be ordinarily resident in the State and provide full-time care for the person for at least six months (this period of care must include the first Thursday in June).
In addition, the carer must live with the recipient of care or if not resident must be contactable quickly by a direct system of communication (for example, a telephone or alarm) between their home and the home of the person to whom they are providing care.
I have arranged for an application form and information leaflet for the CSG to issue to the person concerned.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
284. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is satisfied that anti-bullying policies are in place in her Department and in each State body and agency under her aegis; if such polices are being implemented effectively; the amount paid in compensation for bullying claims in each of the past five years in her Department and in each State body and agency under her aegis in tabular form; the action has been taken to ensure such cases do not arise in future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30757/17]
View answerThe Dignity at Work policy is the anti-bullying, harassment and sexual harassment policy for the Irish Civil Service. This policy came into effect on 20 February 2015 and replaced the previous policy, ‘A Positive Working Environment’. State bodies and agencies under the aegis of this Department have similar policies in place. The Dignity at Work policy sets out the responsibilities all individuals have in ensuring a work environment free of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment. Training on the Dignity at Work policy is provided to new entrants as part of their induction programme. Training is also provided to managers at all levels as part of their management training. The Dignity at Work policy is available to all staff on the Department’s intranet site, Stór. Presentations are also given on the issue in the Departments offices around country by the Civil Service Employee Assistance Service. Representatives from the Human Resources Division in the Departments also provide such presentations.
Any allegations of bullying or harassment are treated very seriously and dealt with in line with the Policy and mediation forms a core part of the response to any complaint.
No compensation where a bullying claim has been upheld has been paid in the last 5 years.
285. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the proposed and approved rapid build housing developments; and the timeframe for each development in respect of the publication of part 8 application, the decision on part 8 approval, the contractor on site and the units tenanted for each site. [30555/17]
View answerMy Department's social housing capital programme currently includes some 500 rapid delivery homes, in addition to the 22 homes already completed and occupied in Ballymun. Details in relation to the projects concerned are set out in the following table.
|
Location |
No. of houses and scheduled completion date |
|
Cherry Orchard, Ballyfermot |
24 homes, scheduled for delivery July 2017 |
|
Mourne Road, Drimnagh |
29 homes, scheduled for delivery July 2017 |
|
St. Helena’s, Finglas |
40 homes, scheduled for delivery July 2017 |
|
Hansfield, Dublin 15 |
36 homes scheduled for delivery July 2017 |
|
Belcamp, Dublin 17 |
38 homes, scheduled for delivery September 2017 |
|
Wellview, Mulhuddart |
20 homes, scheduled for delivery November 2017 |
|
Woodbank, Rathvilly |
17 homes, scheduled for delivery end 2017/early2018 |
|
Cherry Orchard, Ballyfermot |
53 homes, scheduled for delivery end 2017/early 2018 |
|
St. Aidan’s, Brookfield |
71 homes, scheduled for end 2017/early 2018 |
|
Pinewood, Balbriggan |
25 homes, scheduled for delivery end 2017/early2018 |
|
George’s Place, Dun Laoghaire |
12 homes, scheduled for delivery in early 2018 |
|
Kilmurry Road, Firhouse |
24 homes, scheduled for delivery early 2018 |
|
St. Cuthbert's, Clondalkin |
59 homes, scheduled for delivery Q2 2018 |
|
Avondale, Mulhuddart |
44 homes, scheduled for delivery 2018( timeline subject to completion of procurement) |
|
Rochville Drive, Stillorgan |
14 homes, scheduled for delivery 2018(timeline subject to completion of procurement) |
My Department does not have comprehensive information on the Part 8 process in all cases as this is a local authority matter and, in the interests of expediting projects, it is not uncommon for the Part 8 process and my Department's approval process to operate in parallel rather than in sequence. In addition, certain rapid delivery projects are not subject to the Part 8 process; for example, some projects are being progressed under the provisions of section 179(6)(b) of the Planning and Development Act 2000. However, based on the information available from the local authorities on their social housing construction projects that have received funding approval from my Department, of the rapid delivery projects currently in the programme that are subject to the Part 8 process, all but one project has completed the process at this stage; the last project (Rochville Drive, Stillorgan) is scheduled to be progressed to Part 8 in September 2017.
My Department has asked all Local Authorities to review the social housing projects in their areas and in the interest of achieving earliest delivery, they have been requested to consider their suitability for Design and Build contracts under the Rapid Delivery Framework set up by the Office of Government Procurement. They have been asked to consider, in particular, schemes which are amenable to early commencement, particularly in terms of their approved planning status.
In relation to tenanting of new social housing units, this is a matter for the Local Authorities. However, it is clearly understood by Local Authorities that allocations should be made in respect of units ahead of completion so that units can be occupied in a timely manner as they become available.
286. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his views on the provision of wheelchair accessible homes as part of council home building programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30559/17]
View answerThe Disability Act 2005 places a statutory obligation on public bodies, including local authorities, to support access to services and facilities, for people with disabilities. Under the Act each Government Department is required to produce a Sectoral Plan which outlines actions to ensure that people with a disability have access to the quality public services that underpin life choices and experiences. Pursuant to Section 36(1)(d) of the Act, my Department is obliged to prepare a Sectoral Plan for people with disabilities which includes housing and accommodation for persons with disabilities.
The Sectoral Plan of my Department, which was developed in consultation with people with disabilities, outlines the steps to be taken to improve provision of services to people with a disability by the Department and Local Authorities and sets out national objectives and guidelines for access to services and built facilities. It also includes measures to be taken in the areas of the building and planning codes.
National Guidelines for the Assessment and Allocation Process for Housing Provision for People with a Disability, were developed by my Department and adopted for implementation by housing authorities with effect from November 2014. Furthermore, housing authorities have established Housing and Disability Steering Groups, which also include representatives from the Health Services Executive and disability representative organisations. The objective is to achieve a coordinated and integrated approach to meeting the housing needs of people with disabilities at a local level including, among other things, addressing accessibility requirements in new social housing stock. It should be noted that a number of Local Authorities have also developed their own Strategic Plans for Housing People with a Disability.
In addition, under my Department’s Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS), funding of up to 100% of project costs may be advanced by local authorities to Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to provide accommodation for people with specific categories of need, including people with disabilities.
Finally, it should be noted that all dwellings, including social housing, must comply with the Building Regulations 1997-2017, and in particular Part M, which requires dwellings to be visitable for people with disabilities.
287. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his plans to increase the upper limit under the housing adaptation grant; his further plans to increase the means test thresholds; his views on the call by an organisation (details supplied) for the maximum to be increased from €30,000 to €60,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30560/17]
View answerThe funding available for the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability was increased in 2017 by some 6%, to an overall funding availability of €59.8m nationally. Some 8,000 households benefitted under this Scheme in 2016, and with the additional funding available this year, this should increase to 10,000. I have no plans to increase the upper limit of the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability from €30,000. The average individual amount paid under these grants is already lower than the €30,000 upper limit and the current arrangement, therefore, serves to spread the benefits of the available funding to a higher number of recipients.
The income limits for the scheme were revised in 2014 arising from the recommendations of a review group and I have no plans to revise them further. A priority for the scheme is to spread the benefits as widely as possible and to ensure fairness and value for money in its operation. The scheme is therefore more sharply focussed towards households with greatest needs, especially lower income households.
288. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the details of staffing levels in each of the years 2005 to 2016 for Galway, Mayo, Donegal and Kerry county councils, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30569/17]
View answerMy Department is responsible for workforce planning for the local government sector, including monitoring of local government sector employment levels. Staffing numbers for the local authority sector are available on the Public Service Numbers Databank which is hosted and maintained by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and is available at the following link: http://databank.per.gov.ie/, providing access to information from 1980 onwards.
289. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the names of the local authorities that have undertaken adaptations and extensions to their existing social housing network in each of the years 2010 to 2016; the number of adaptations and extensions that were actually undertaken; and the value of those works for each local authority applicable, in tabular form. [30608/17]
View answerMy Department provides capital funding to all Local Authorities to undertake adaptations and extensions to their existing social housing stock under the Disabled Persons Grant (DPG) Scheme. The scheme applies to extensions that are needed to address over-crowding (families who outgrow their current dwelling) and the needs of older people or people with a disability, who may require stairlifts or the installation of a downstairs bedroom or bathroom.
The funding provided for this scheme is supplemented by the Local Authorities’ Internal Capital receipts and/or Local Property Tax, where relevant. In this regard, no Exchequer funding was provided for the scheme to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown and South Dublin County Councils in 2015 and Fingal and Galway County Councils in 2016, as they used Local Property Tax receipts to fund any works.
The programme is operated on the basis of annual funding allocations to each local authority and it is a matter for each local authority to assess the specific needs in its area and to identify and prioritise the works necessary to meet those needs. The Department does not hold detailed information on individual works carried out for the period in question but information on their DPG programmes should be available from individual Local Authorities.
Details of the funding provided from 2010-2016 in respect of the DPG scheme are set out in the following table.
|
LA |
2010 (€) |
2011 (€) |
2012 (€) |
2013 (€) |
2014 (€) |
2015 (€) |
2016 (€) |
|
Carlow |
50,000 |
433,987 |
491,828 |
166,342 |
190,068 |
249,549 |
209,276 |
|
Cavan |
93,810 |
139,831 |
76,328 |
48,468 |
151,430 |
70,450 |
242,901 |
|
Clare |
38,085 |
0 |
97,440 |
111,133 |
148,307 |
288,478 |
405,712 |
|
Cork City |
697,727 |
858,066 |
168,262 |
489,465 |
313,377 |
561,058 |
1,046,293 |
|
Cork County |
0 |
0 |
55,606 |
663,298 |
490,998 |
154,175 |
658,971 |
|
Donegal |
256,021 |
175,939 |
141,667 |
176,973 |
160,461 |
294,669 |
120,957 |
|
Dublin City |
338,183 |
430,587 |
1,661,596 |
638,764 |
610,487 |
431,668 |
1,154,041 |
|
DLR |
300,835 |
329,224 |
631,463 |
392,168 |
373,599 |
0 |
270,184 |
|
Fingal |
304,331 |
681,627 |
189,249 |
309,768 |
364,367 |
373,894 |
0 |
|
Galway City |
156,453 |
273,376 |
101,280 |
67,195 |
172,951 |
139,802 |
116,425 |
|
Galway County |
0 |
98,647 |
26,772 |
129,029 |
117,591 |
145,693 |
0 |
|
Kerry |
146,174 |
450,860 |
263,369 |
210,175 |
58,949 |
205,783 |
119,233 |
|
Kildare |
217,995 |
459,256 |
194,318 |
80,185 |
193,926 |
354,808 |
670,289 |
|
Kilkenny |
147,181 |
348,203 |
302,575 |
282,185 |
326,193 |
273,482 |
206,041 |
|
Laois |
36,421 |
183,362 |
106,504 |
92,037 |
53,957 |
117,527 |
152,486 |
|
Leitrim |
70,000 |
122,198 |
32,398 |
26,201 |
48,260 |
65,826 |
96,301 |
|
Limerick |
397,112 |
265,351 |
191,985 |
213,834 |
455,300 |
408,566 |
584,695 |
|
Longford |
115,450 |
0 |
21,247 |
0 |
40,329 |
100,751 |
73,699 |
|
Louth |
265,620 |
399,102 |
107,319 |
107,319 |
293,774 |
164,637 |
367,370 |
|
Mayo |
118,180 |
67,561 |
80,733 |
77,698 |
106,886 |
133,781 |
96,401 |
|
Meath |
120,248 |
190,112 |
155,059 |
98,872 |
298,653 |
174,132 |
715,330 |
|
Monaghan |
86,802 |
49,876 |
136,436 |
63,819 |
61,475 |
77,748 |
89,327 |
|
Offaly |
0 |
288,403 |
74,320 |
163,837 |
39,937 |
284,271 |
212,483 |
|
Roscommon |
186,445 |
94,173 |
169,628 |
106,052 |
341,853 |
99,524 |
98,964 |
|
Sligo |
0 |
47,124 |
4,897 |
11,581 |
0 |
188,391 |
21,251 |
|
South Dublin |
285,417 |
312,831 |
340,845 |
346,636 |
382,686 |
0 |
253,596 |
|
Tipperary |
113,760 |
547,410 |
476,794 |
260,461 |
256,525 |
359,498 |
522,243 |
|
Waterford |
292,712 |
225,731 |
395,748 |
274,778 |
122,270 |
381,269 |
292,125 |
|
Westmeath |
57,903 |
102,837 |
46,574 |
46,976 |
87,059 |
140,446 |
144,627 |
|
Wexford |
10,000 |
351,597 |
337,060 |
191,360 |
291,087 |
444,047 |
955,164 |
|
Wicklow |
165,850 |
158,323 |
291,973 |
391,842 |
404,186 |
454,291 |
263,121 |
290. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will publish the fire safety review that was announced by his predecessor in September 2015 and was completed in draft form 15 months ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30615/17]
View answerIn July 2015, the then Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government directed that a review be undertaken by an independent fire expert to develop a framework for general application, in the interest of supporting owners and residents living in developments where concerns regarding non-compliance with fire safety requirements arise. A Steering Group was convened to oversee the review.
The independent fire safety expert has completed his review and a report on the matter has been received by my Department from the Steering Group. The report remains under consideration pending clarification of a number of legal issues at which point it is intended that the necessary arrangements for publication will be made.
291. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will consider introducing legislation to extend the five year statute of limitations that applies to building control action in view of the fact that it often takes a period in excess of five years for building defects and fire safety defects to emerge in newer developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30616/17]
View answerSection 8(2) of the Building Control Act 1990 provides that an Enforcement Notice shall not be served in respect of building works after the expiration of the period of five years commencing on the date of the completion of the building or the works, or the material change in the purposes for which the building is used.
Section 17(6) of the Building Control Act 1990 provides that summary proceedings for an offence under the Act may be instituted within twelve months after the date of the discovery of the offence but not later than five years after the date of the completion of any building works in respect of which the offence is alleged to have been committed.
The rationale and legislative intent behind such provisions which fix a maximum time, after an event, within which legal proceedings may be initiated is to facilitate resolution within a reasonable length of time given the nature of the particular civil or criminal proceedings.
Irish law generally requires that summary offences must be prosecuted within six months before they become statute barred. However, given the unique nature of building defects this period was extended to twelve months in the Building Control Act and additional flexibility was provided so that the twelve month period does not begin until the defects are discovered. This is subject to the overarching proviso that the offence must be prosecuted no later than five years after the date of the completion of any building works in respect of which the offence is alleged to have been committed.
The Building Control reform agenda has focussed on addressing the key deficits identified in the regulatory regime in 2011 namely the lack of involvement of construction professionals on site and lack of accountability in relation to compliance with the Building Regulations.
In parallel, improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the oversight by Building Control Authorities is a key priority and safeguard to ensuring compliance with the Building Regulations. In this context my Department will, among other things, be reviewing the 5 year restriction on enforcement action under the Building Control Acts.
292. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his plans to introduce a scheme whereby all local authority housing would have chimneys cleaned on a biannual basis in the interest of safety. [30655/17]
View answerThe cleaning of chimneys in local authority properties is a matter for the relevant local authority and as such I have no direct role in the matter.
I understand that, in general, the local authority's tenants' handbook would cover this issue in terms of the responsibility of tenants for the cleaning of chimneys.
293. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his plans to publish the draft NPF; the timeframe for further consultation on the draft plan; and the timeframe for full adoption of same. [30662/17]
View answer294. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the number of submissions that were made to the NPF; and the number which were duplicate decisions. [30663/17]
View answer295. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the amount of funding which will be attached to the implementation of the new NPF. [30664/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 293 to 295, inclusive, together.
An initial draft of the National Planning Framework, entitled Ireland 2040: Our Plan, is nearing completion for consideration and approval by Government with a view to publication as a draft for public consultation over the Summer period, running into September. The NPF remains on schedule for completion by the end of this year.
Some 3,300 submissions were received on the NPF Issues and Choices consultation paper published in February within the consultation timeframe to the end of March. Excluding duplicate submissions which related to a single local boundary issue, around 660 of the submissions were specific to the NPF.
The NPF covers a broad range of issues in relation to planning for Ireland’s future over the period to 2040. While public expenditure allocations on the other hand are a matter for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, nevertheless, my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform are working closely together to ensure an effective alignment between the National Planning Framework and the mid-term review of the Capital Plan and longer-term infrastructure planning, with a view to ensuring that long-term planning objectives shape Ireland's investment and infrastructural development approach into the future.
