Written Answers Nos. 526-539
526. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when he will meet a group (details supplied); when a reply will issue to its letter on 18 October 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51955/17]
View answerThe Expert Panel on concrete blocks was established by my Department in 2016, to investigate problems that have emerged in the concrete blockwork of certain dwellings in Counties Donegal and Mayo.
The panel had the following terms of reference:
(i) To identify, insofar as it is possible, the numbers of private dwellings which appear to be affected by defects in the blockwork in the Counties of Donegal and Mayo;
(ii) To carry out a desktop study, which would include a consultation process with affected homeowners, public representatives, local authorities, product manufacturers, building professionals, testing laboratories, industry stakeholders and other relevant parties, to establish the nature of the problem in the affected dwellings;
(iii) To outline a range of technical options for remediation and the means by which those technical options could be applied; and
(iv) To submit a report within six months.
On 13 June 2017, the report of the Expert Panel was published and included eight recommendations.
My Department has prioritised the implementation of recommendations 1 and 2.
With regard to Recommendation 1, the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) Technical Committee, established to scope and fast track the development of a standardised protocol, held its inaugural meeting on 11 September 2017 and has met several times since. The standardised protocol will inform the course of action in relation to remedial works for all affected householders.
With regard to Recommendation 2, my Department has been in contact with Engineers Ireland in regard to the establishment of a register of competent engineers for homeowner/affected parties’ reference. Engineers Ireland has provided assurance that it will collaborate with the Department, the NSAI and others on measures to establish such a register.
During July this year, I visited Donegal and Mayo and met with key stakeholders, including affected homeowners, elected members and officials of the local authorities and other interested parties. I am available to hold further meetings with key stakeholders where necessary, subject to our mutual availability and where appropriate arrangements can be made.
A final reply to the correspondence referred to by the Deputy has now issued from my Department.
527. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the amount his Department has spent and the number of additional housing units delivered over the past 18 months in each category (details supplied), in tabular form. [51972/17]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is provided in the following table. In keeping with the quarterly return of housing statistics, the data covers the 15 month period from 1 July 2016 to 30 September 2017. Data in respect of quarter 4, 2017 will be finalised early in the New Year.
It should be noted that as my Department provides funding to projects as they advance, there may be significant expenditure on a social housing project in a particular year, which may not deliver completed social housing until the following year.
|
Housing Category |
Expenditure 1 July 2016 – 30 September 2017 - €m |
Units Delivered |
|
Local Authority Build & Acquisitions Programme |
447 |
2,397 |
|
Approved Housing Body Build & Acquisitions Programme |
127 |
1,308* |
|
Part V Delivery |
9 |
69** |
* Figures are provisional pending finalisation of the returns for Quarter 3 2017.
**Latest statistics for Part V units are for 2016 only. 2017 data is expected to be published very shortly.
528. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans for directly elected mayors for Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway; if Dublin's first direct election will be scheduled for summer 2019 with the European and local elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52045/17]
View answerThe Programme for Partnership Government includes a commitment to consider directly elected mayors in cities as part of a broader range of local government reform measures aimed at strengthening local democracy. In response to this commitment, a policy discussion report on metropolitan governance for Ireland's cities is at an advanced stage of preparation. It will be submitted to Government in the near future and presented to the Oireachtas thereafter.
529. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he is satisfied with the turnaround time for local authority housing when being refurbished for new tenants; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some of the times are excessive in view of the scale of the local authority housing list and the national emergency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52056/17]
View answerMy Department has been providing strong funding support to all local authorities to undertake remediation work to vacant social housing units and to re-let such housing, as soon as possible. The Voids Programme, introduced by my Department in 2014, is aimed at minimising the turnaround and re-let time of vacant units and returning them to use in a very energy efficient condition.
Since 2014, almost €100m in exchequer funding has been made available by my Department to bring over 7,000 social housing homes back into use for tenants who need them. I am satisfied that all local authorities appreciate the need to quickly remediate and re-let social homes that become vacant in an area of need.
The National Oversight and Audit Commission now monitors local authority performance in this and other areas, so that all local authorities can be benchmarked in terms of improving vacancy rates and turnaround times.
532. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to ensure that the structure that remains in the River Shannon in Tarmonbarry, County Roscommon, which inhibits the flow of water, is removed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51453/17]
View answerI am informed by Waterways Ireland that it will progress works to assess options for reinstatement and repair requirements to Tarmonbarry weir, including the removal of the temporary structure to which the Deputy refers.
533. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding provided by her Department to each member of a group (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51433/17]
View answerI am advised that in the period in question my Department provided funding totalling €32,866 to one of the groups referred to the Deputy. The funding relates to International Women's Day and FemFest for the years 2016 and 2017.
534. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of Údarás na Gaeltachta supported businesses; and the number of employees in these businesses, by Gaeltacht area in 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form. [51531/17]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy in respect of the year ending 31/12/2016 has been outlined in tabular format. I understand from Údarás na Gaeltachta that a detailed breakdown in respect of 2017 is not yet available.
|
Business |
Employees (Full Time) |
|
|
Donegal |
||
|
Ailt an Chorráin |
10 |
22 |
|
An Bun Beag |
9 |
47 |
|
An Charraig |
12 |
200 |
|
An Cheathrú Chaol |
1 |
1 |
|
An Clochán |
4 |
18 |
|
An Clochán Liath |
24 |
180 |
|
An Craoslach |
1 |
1 |
|
An Fál Carrach |
28 |
91 |
|
An Tearmann |
3 |
12 |
|
Anagaire |
15 |
99 |
|
Árainn Mhór |
2 |
6 |
|
Ard an Rátha |
3 |
207 |
|
Baile na Finne |
7 |
29 |
|
Bun na Leaca |
1 |
23 |
|
Carraig Airt |
6 |
5 |
|
Cill Charthaigh |
25 |
196 |
|
Cionn Caslach |
7 |
34 |
|
Cionn Droma |
5 |
283 |
|
Croithlí |
5 |
22 |
|
Doirí Beaga |
45 |
444 |
|
Gaoth Dobhair |
6 |
29 |
|
Gleann Cholm Cille |
11 |
17 |
|
Gort an Choirce |
10 |
29 |
|
Inis Bó Finne |
1 |
0 |
|
Leitir Mhic an Bhaird |
8 |
9 |
|
Na Dúnaibh |
7 |
33 |
|
Na Gleannta |
4 |
18 |
|
Rann na Feirste |
5 |
19 |
|
Toraigh |
6 |
7 |
|
Total |
271 |
2,081 |
|
Mayo |
||
|
An Clochar |
6 |
7 |
|
An Corrán |
13 |
12 |
|
Baile an Chaisil |
1 |
1 |
|
Barr na Trá |
7 |
28 |
|
Béal an Mhuirthead |
47 |
395 |
|
Béal Deirg |
1 |
1 |
|
Bun an Churraigh |
36 |
42 |
|
Bun na hAbhna |
1 |
2 |
|
Cuan Éilí |
3 |
3 |
|
Dumha Éige |
8 |
6 |
|
Gaoth Sáile |
10 |
7 |
|
Gleann na Muaidhe |
11 |
21 |
|
Poll an tSómais |
6 |
41 |
|
Port Durlainne |
6 |
36 |
|
Tuar Mhic Éadaigh |
15 |
38 |
|
Total |
171 |
640 |
|
Galway |
|
|
|
An Caiseal |
8 |
11 |
|
An Caisleán Gearr |
4 |
41 |
|
An Carn Mór |
5 |
98 |
|
An Cheathrú Rua |
31 |
174 |
|
An Chloch Bhreac |
1 |
0 |
|
An Choill Mhór |
1 |
6 |
|
An Fháirche |
16 |
130 |
|
An Mám |
5 |
4 |
|
An Spidéal |
48 |
672 |
|
Baile Chláir |
10 |
57 |
|
Baile na hAbhann |
25 |
320 |
|
Béal an Átha Fada |
1 |
2 |
|
Béal an Daingin |
7 |
1 |
|
Bearna |
11 |
21 |
|
Camas |
3 |
4 |
|
Carna |
28 |
84 |
|
Casla |
8 |
83 |
|
Cill Chiaráin |
22 |
93 |
|
Cloch na Rón |
1 |
0 |
|
Corr na Móna |
19 |
34 |
|
Gaillimh |
7 |
288 |
|
Gaillimh/Doirí Beaga |
1 |
9 |
|
Indreabhán |
34 |
430 |
|
Inis Meáin |
4 |
29 |
|
Inis Mór |
12 |
35 |
|
Inis Oírr |
9 |
12 |
|
Leitir Mealláin |
12 |
3 |
|
Leitir Móir |
22 |
89 |
|
Maigh Cuilinn |
27 |
67 |
|
Mionlach |
1 |
1 |
|
Na Forbacha |
17 |
69 |
|
Ros Muc |
11 |
65 |
|
Sraith Salach |
3 |
9 |
|
Total |
414 |
2,941 |
|
Kerry |
||
|
Achadh Tiobraid |
3 |
6 |
|
An Clochán |
6 |
21 |
|
An Coireán |
6 |
12 |
|
An Daingean |
95 |
394 |
|
An tImleach Mór |
7 |
23 |
|
Baile an Fheirtéaraigh |
29 |
69 |
|
Baile an Sceilg |
14 |
53 |
|
Baile na nGall |
18 |
24 |
|
Cathair Dónall |
7 |
11 |
|
Cathair Saidhbhín |
2 |
9 |
|
Cé Bhréanainn |
4 |
3 |
|
Ceann Trá |
16 |
17 |
|
Lios Póil |
13 |
20 |
|
Máistir Gaoithe |
6 |
9 |
|
Total |
226 |
671 |
|
Cork |
|
|
|
Baile Bhúirne |
15 |
266 |
|
Baile Mhic Íre |
18 |
198 |
|
Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh |
19 |
77 |
|
Cill na Martra |
13 |
46 |
|
Cléire |
5 |
12 |
|
Cúil Aodha |
6 |
55 |
|
Ré na nDoirí |
5 |
21 |
|
Total |
81 |
675 |
|
Waterford |
|
|
|
Rinn Ó gCuanach |
21 |
129 |
|
Total |
21 |
129 |
|
Meath |
|
|
|
Baile Ghib |
4 |
21 |
|
Ráth Chairn |
10 |
190 |
|
Total |
14 |
211 |
|
Grand Total |
1,198 |
7,348 |
535. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of Údarás na Gaeltachta properties located in each Gaeltacht area; and if each property was or is occupied or vacant in 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form. [51532/17]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy, given its complex nature, could not be provided in the time available. A complete reply will be issued to the Deputy, in accordance with Standing Orders.
536. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to develop a national music strategy as proposed by an organisation (details supplied) following its recent report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51763/17]
View answerMy Department has recently received the report referred to by the Deputy and will consider it in the context of the Creative Ireland Programme.
537. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of freedom of information requests received by her Department to date in 2017; the number of which that were fully or partially granted; and the number of such requests that were refused. [51848/17]
View answer538. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of freedom of information requests received by her Department to date in 2017; the number of which the period of consideration was completed within four weeks of the receipt of the request; and the number of which the period of consideration was extended by up to four weeks in view of the fact that the necessary resources to complete the request within the original timeframe were not available, in tabular form. [51865/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 537 and 538 together.
The information requested by the Deputy in respect of Freedom of Information requests received by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to date in 2017 is set out in the following table.
Of the 87 requests granted or part-granted to date, 48 were completed within the 4 week deadline while the deadline was extended in the remaining 39 cases, in accordance with the provisions of the FOI Act.
|
Number of FOI Requests received by the Dept. of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht |
Number of requests fully granted |
Number of partially granted |
Number of requests refused |
Withdrawn or dealt with outside FOI |
|
146 |
33 |
54 |
20 |
21 |
539. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason former members of the Defence Forces did not receive a centenary medal to commemorate the 1916 Rising; if the medal will be awarded to persons that served within the centenary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51511/17]
View answerThe Programme for Government provided for the award of a commemorative medal to all Defence Forces personnel, Permanent and Reserve, who were recorded as being in service in the course of 2016. This was a special acknowledgement from the Government to the members of Óglaigh na hÉireann, both Permanent and Reserve, who served during the centenary year of 2016. The 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal was awarded as a commemorative medal, personal to an individual’s service in the Defence Forces in the course of 2016.
There are no plans to award the 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal to former members of the Defence Forces. Since the foundation of the State many thousands of personnel have served in the Defence Forces. It would not be administratively possible within the resources of the Department to identify and contact all of these persons, decide on eligibility and, in the case of infirm or deceased former members resolve who should get the medal on their behalf.
At my request, however, discussions took place between the Department and the Veterans’ Organisations, the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA), the Organisation of National Ex-service personnel (ONE), and the Association of Retired Commissioned Officers (ARCO), to explore alternative means of recognition of the contribution of veterans to the centenary commemorative events in 2016. Following these discussions it was agreed that a single presentation would be made to each of the Veterans Organisations of a framed medal with an accompanying citation in recognition of the significant contribution of members of the three organisations to the 1916 centenary commemorative events and their service to the State. The medal would have a bar with the term Veteran inscribed on it.
I agreed that a plaque would be given to each of IUNVA’s 21 Posts and to each of O.N.E.’s 41 Branches. I presented one plaque to each of the three Veterans’ Organisations at the Defence Forces’ Veterans’ Day which took place in the Defence Forces Training Centre, The Curragh, on Sunday 8th October 2017. The other plaques will be presented separately.
