Written Answers Nos. 187-203
187. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if the reconfigured local electoral areas for Cork City and County Councils will be ready for the 2019 local elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3601/18]
View answerIt is my intention that reconfigured Local Electoral Areas for Cork City and County Councils will be ready for the 2019 local elections and I intend to make the appropriate arrangements in due course, informed by the work of the Cork Implementation Oversight Group.
188. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 1816 of 16 January 2018, if the issuing of BER certificates has been used in residential unit completion data; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3604/18]
View answerThe data received and published by my Department in respect of ESB connections does not include any variable which would enable matching the dataset with BER certificates and, as such, there is no direct link between the output arising and any dataset in the public domain which is based on these certificates, nor is the data received from the ESB in any way adjusted to reflect the number of BER certificates submitted at any point in time. The BER database is a useful additional data set that my Department utilises to monitor housing activity and quality across the State generally, but the EBS connections data currently provides a more timely and all-encompassing data set for the purpose of measuring housing activity. It is, however, recognised that the ESB data may include some element of reconnections, as set out in the reply to Question no. 1816 of 16th January 2018, and my Department continues to work with the Central Statistics Office and the ESB in this respect.
189. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the tenant purchase scheme sales in each of the years 2000 to 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3612/18]
View answerThe current Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme came into operation on 1 January 2016. The Scheme is open to eligible tenants, including joint tenants, of local authority houses that are available for sale under the Scheme. To be eligible, tenants must meet certain criteria, including having a minimum reckonable income of €15,000 per annum and having been in receipt of social housing support for at least one year.
Local authorities are by law (Section 63(1) of the Local Government Act 2001) independent in the performance of their functions. The operation of the Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme is a matter for the local authority concerned, in line with legislation, including the Housing (Sale of Local Authority Houses) Regulations 2015.
Relevant data for 2017 is not yet available. However, information on sale of local authority houses in previous years can be found on my Department's website at the following link:
http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/statistics/social-and-affordble/other-local-authority-housing-scheme-statistics.
Any sales during the period 2011-2015 inclusive were made under the terms of predecessor schemes to the current Scheme, namely the 1995 Tenant Purchase Scheme or the 2011 Fixed Term Tenant Purchase Scheme for long-standing Tenants.
190. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will provide a breakdown of the 9,113 voids, derelicts and two into ones that have been delivered under the voids programme by length of time vacant (details supplied). [3615/18]
View answer191. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will provide a breakdown of the 9,113 voids, derelicts and two into ones that have been delivered under the voids programme that cost amounts (details supplied). [3616/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 190 and 191 together.
Between 2014 and 2017, some 9,227 vacant units were returned to productive use. Details on the number of voids, derelicts and 2 into 1s brought back into use are set out in the table below. The purpose of the voids programme is to ensure that vacant units are actively targeted and returned to productive use as quickly as possible. Without substantial refurbishment under construction contracts, social homes would have been left vacant and not part of the active social housing stock. Therefore funding the refurbishment and bringing units back into active use means that households who would otherwise not have been housed, can actually be accommodated.
Voids are not classified by the length of time they are vacant. The programme is also designed to support the bringing back into use of units that would likely remain vacant for a significant period of time because the cost of the scale of works required could not be met by the local authority. It is a matter for each local authority to determine suitable properties for inclusion in the programmes.
Under the voids programme, local authorities can claim a maximum of €30,000 funding per unit. However, should they wish to do so, local authorities may also contribute funding from their own resources to complete these works. The derelicts and 2 into 1 programmes require greater levels of remediation with associated higher costs, in excess of the limits as set out in the voids programme. Some 96% of the units refurbished cost €30,000 or less.
Under Rebuilding Ireland, the target under the voids programmes for 2016 to 2021 is 3,459. The number of units that require significant refurbishment is reducing with the target for 2021 set at 170. It is envisaged that these programmes will diminish over time with the local authorities addressing future vacant units that arise through their own planned maintenance programmes. However, it is expected that there will always be some need for voids funding and it is important that it is continued to meet demand to avoid the situation where pre 2014, there was a build up of vacant units awaiting repair.
Voids Data 2014 to 2017: incorporating Voids, Derelicts and 2 into 1 Programmes
|
- |
Units Returned in 2014 |
Funding 2014 |
Units Returned in 2015 |
Funding 2015 |
|
Carlow |
42 |
€325,111 |
28 |
€300,650 |
|
Cavan |
23 |
€349,137 |
28 |
€307,018 |
|
Clare |
65 |
€995,831 |
96 |
€1,472,533 |
|
Cork City |
212 |
€2,872,028 |
281 |
€4,522,819 |
|
Cork County |
155 |
€1,539,363 |
199 |
€2,091,578 |
|
Donegal |
167 |
€919,797 |
146 |
€1,003,576 |
|
Dublin City |
499 |
€6,163,465 |
808 |
€11,635,088 |
|
Fingal |
163 |
€1,938,780 |
139 |
€1,624,632 |
|
South Dublin |
87 |
€627,407 |
27 |
€216,838 |
|
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown |
5 |
€89,896 |
24 |
€262,768 |
|
Galway City |
26 |
€474,050 |
25 |
€222,025 |
|
Galway County |
76 |
€958,263 |
59 |
€705,347 |
|
Kerry |
79 |
€718,938 |
127 |
€884,736 |
|
Kildare |
49 |
€503,463 |
20 |
€359,808 |
|
Kilkenny |
25 |
€484,430 |
23 |
€381,639 |
|
Laois |
43 |
€257,014 |
12 |
€61,228 |
|
Leitrim |
15 |
€229,072 |
9 |
€177,473 |
|
Limerick |
94 |
€915,969 |
52 |
€500,689 |
|
Longford |
16 |
€313,250 |
22 |
€426,535 |
|
Louth |
14 |
€113,620 |
21 |
€292,279 |
|
Mayo |
79 |
€464,508 |
174 |
€292,100 |
|
Meath |
59 |
€1,037,501 |
54 |
€855,565 |
|
Monaghan |
21 |
€92,751 |
13 |
€100,502 |
|
Offaly |
30 |
€514,000 |
55 |
€551,532 |
|
Roscommon |
34 |
€224,028 |
36 |
€258,773 |
|
Sligo |
29 |
€311,648 |
39 |
€439,924 |
|
Tipperary |
86 |
€935,801 |
115 |
€1,299,180 |
|
Waterford |
32 |
€605,428 |
56 |
€488,724 |
|
Westmeath |
56 |
€369,518 |
74 |
€650,813 |
|
Wexford |
20 |
€316,307 |
24 |
€294,811 |
|
Wicklow |
32 |
€650,204 |
43 |
€857,499 |
|
- |
2,333 |
€26,310,579 |
2,829 |
€33,538,679 |
Voids Data 2014 to 2017: incorporating Voids, Derelicts and 2 into 1 Programmes ctg.
|
Units Returned in 2016 |
Funding 2016 |
Units Returned in 2017 |
Funding 2017 |
Units Returned 2014 - 2017 |
Funding 2014 - 2017 |
|
|
Carlow |
8 |
€69,450 |
8 |
€91,750 |
86 |
€786,961 |
|
Cavan |
32 |
€307,530 |
31 |
€303,112 |
114 |
€1,266,797 |
|
Clare |
79 |
€1,329,700 |
47 |
€966,203 |
287 |
€4,764,267 |
|
Cork City |
263 |
€6,812,333 |
81 |
€1,485,357 |
837 |
€15,692,538 |
|
Cork County |
98 |
€1,270,488 |
48 |
€1,130,977 |
500 |
€6,032,406 |
|
Donegal |
89 |
€986,690 |
168 |
€1,866,898 |
570 |
€4,776,961 |
|
Dublin City |
575 |
€8,757,848 |
543 |
€8,520,549 |
2425 |
€35,076,950 |
|
Fingal |
147 |
€1,725,774 |
121 |
€1,329,300 |
570 |
€6,618,486 |
|
South Dublin |
81 |
€703,736 |
87 |
€718,446 |
282 |
€2,266,427 |
|
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown |
19 |
€183,092 |
31 |
€283,531 |
79 |
€819,287 |
|
Galway City |
29 |
€346,650 |
11 |
€124,150 |
91 |
€1,166,875 |
|
Galway County |
37 |
€472,552 |
37 |
€401,159 |
209 |
€2,537,321 |
|
Kerry |
90 |
€917,549 |
90 |
€1,101,143 |
386 |
€3,622,366 |
|
Kildare |
24 |
€485,130 |
8 |
€205,960 |
101 |
€1,554,361 |
|
Kilkenny |
14 |
€351,278 |
16 |
€307,749 |
78 |
€1,525,096 |
|
Laois |
12 |
€97,053 |
4 |
€33,170 |
71 |
€448,464 |
|
Leitrim |
51 |
€712,404 |
0 |
€0 |
75 |
€1,118,949 |
|
Limerick |
18 |
€384,250 |
13 |
€215,520 |
177 |
€2,016,427 |
|
Longford |
23 |
€506,705 |
0 |
€0 |
61 |
€1,246,490 |
|
Louth |
8 |
€91,523 |
7 |
€83,518 |
50 |
€580,940 |
|
Mayo |
25 |
€233,089 |
22 |
€261,986 |
300 |
€1,251,682 |
|
Meath |
76 |
€1,435,700 |
52 |
€768,005 |
241 |
€4,096,771 |
|
Monaghan |
47 |
€667,944 |
38 |
€505,254 |
119 |
€1,366,451 |
|
Offaly |
53 |
€846,198 |
7 |
€107,792 |
145 |
€2,019,522 |
|
Roscommon |
80 |
€808,612 |
3 |
€44,324 |
153 |
€1,335,737 |
|
Sligo |
68 |
€1,097,909 |
40 |
€909,395 |
176 |
€2,758,876 |
|
Tipperary |
102 |
€1,204,318 |
107 |
€1,324,604 |
410 |
€4,763,904 |
|
Waterford |
90 |
€1,135,973 |
52 |
€574,309 |
230 |
€2,804,434 |
|
Westmeath |
43 |
€436,062 |
40 |
€329,113 |
213 |
€1,785,506 |
|
Wexford |
17 |
€167,007 |
34 |
€428,015 |
95 |
€1,206,140 |
|
Wicklow |
10 |
€245,887 |
11 |
€276,778 |
96 |
€2,030,368 |
|
- |
2,308 |
€34,790,434 |
1,757 |
€24,698,067 |
9,227 |
€119,337,760 |
192. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the average cost per unit of the first tranche of 500 social housing units to be delivered through public private partnerships under Rebuilding Ireland; the length of time over which this cost is to be paid down; the public service benchmarking exercise underpinning the agreement; and when the five separate developments will commence. [3617/18]
View answerThe Social Housing PPP Programme involves an investment with a capital value of €300 million. It is to deliver 1,500 social housing units in total, via three bundles.
The first bundle, as referred to by the Deputy, comprises six PPP sites and will provide over 500 units in the Greater Dublin Area. Two of the sites are located in the Dublin City Council area with one each in the County Council areas of South Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow and Louth. A contract notice for this bundle was published on 12th May 2017 in the Official Journal of the European Union and expressions of interest were submitted by five candidates. Based on a detailed evaluation of these submissions, the following three candidates have been shortlisted to tender-
- BAM PPP PGGM Cooperative U.A.;
- Comhar; and
- Torc Housing Partnership.
Details regarding these tenderers are available on the National Development Finance Agency website at http://www.ndfa.ie/social-housing-bundle-1-shortlist/ .
Each individual bundle of PPP sites takes an estimated 37-48 months to deliver in total, including planning, procurement and construction. It is expected that construction on the first bundle of sites will commence later this year, with units becoming available from 2019.
The Social Housing PPP Programme is being delivered through the ‘availability’ based PPP model. Under this type of contract, as the private partner, the PPP project company designs, builds, finances and maintains public buildings on sites provided by the State, in this case through the local authority. Payment is made by the State only once construction of the buildings is complete and the units are ready to house tenants. The payment comprises a monthly ‘availability’ and performance-based payment (or unitary charge) made over the term of the 25-year contract.
The amount of the availability payment is a bid item in the selection of the preferred tender. This means that, when a bidder tenders for the PPP project, the level of monthly payment is considered in assessing the competing tenders. As the Deputy will understand, given that the tender process is currently underway, and in order to ensure that the State receives value for money, these costings are of a commercially sensitive nature.
193. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of houses to be delivered in housing developments benefitting from LIHAF funding that will cost in ranges (details supplied). [3618/18]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table.
|
Local Authority |
Project name |
Total Cost |
Projected housing delivery by 2021 |
|
Clare |
Claureen, Ennis |
3.66 |
200 |
|
Cork City |
Old Whitechurch Road |
9.89 |
600 |
|
Cork City |
South Docks |
15.50 |
620 |
|
Cork County |
Midleton (Water-rock) |
5.50 |
520 |
|
Cork County |
Carrigaline |
0.60 |
400 |
|
Cork County |
Glanmire |
5.90 |
300 |
|
Dublin City |
Dodder Bridge |
15.75 |
1500 |
|
Dublin City |
Belmayne Clongriffin |
3.00 |
850 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown |
Cherrywood |
15.19 |
2000 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown |
Clay Farm |
4.70 |
350 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown |
Woodbrook Shanganagh |
4.16 |
1242 |
|
Fingal |
Donabate Distributor Road |
15.50 |
1200 |
|
Fingal |
Oldtown Mooretown |
4.90 |
800 |
|
Fingal |
Baldoyle Stapolin |
6.18 |
500 |
|
Kildare |
Sallins |
0.93 |
250 |
|
Kildare |
Naas |
6.00 |
800 |
|
Kildare |
Maynooth |
14.50 |
800 |
|
Kilkenny |
Ferrybank |
0.62 |
200 |
|
Kilkenny |
Western Environs |
6.76 |
530 |
|
Limerick |
Mungret |
10.50 |
400 |
|
Louth |
Newtown Drogheda |
1.22 |
200 |
|
Louth |
Mount Avenue Dundalk |
3.33 |
212 |
|
Meath |
Ratoath |
3.15 |
266 |
|
Meath |
Farganstown, Navan |
5.68 |
400 |
|
South Dublin |
Kilcarbery / Corkagh Grange |
4.39 |
1000 |
|
South Dublin |
Clonburris SDZ |
3.00 |
1000 |
|
Waterford City and County Council |
Gracedieu |
1.32 |
200 |
|
Waterford City and County Council |
Kilbarry |
3.39 |
400 |
|
Westmeath |
Brawny Road, Athlone |
1.83 |
200 |
34 projects, at a total cost of €226 million, received preliminary approval for funding in March 2017 under the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF). Local authorities were allowed to proceed to design phase on all of these projects, pending final approval and sign-off of a grant agreement between my Department and Local Authorities.
To date, I have given final approval for 29 of the 34 infrastructure projects which will activate supply of almost 18,000 housing units, and grant agreements in respect of those projects have been signed. The balance of the projects are being finalised or have been moved for consideration under LIHAF 2 later in 2018.
Within the 18,000 units being advanced, it is expected that increased numbers of social housing over and above the 10% under Part V will be provided. Subject to the planning process and the eventual development applications made, it is estimated that approximately 3,000 of the 18,000 new homes will be for social housing purposes, made up of Part V units and additional social housing which will be provided on the 13 State-owned sites benefiting from the LIHAF-funded enabling infrastructure. On most of these publicly-owned sites, additional affordable housing will also be provided for sale or for rent.
As required under the scheme criteria and conditions, a key focus has been to ensure that there is a proportionate dividend for the State’s investment in infrastructure, as demonstrated by either provision of housing at scale at certain prices, a proportionate reduction in house prices across all of the homes being facilitated or a specified number of homes which will benefit from a larger price reduction. I intend to publish summary details on all the approved and advancing projects, once final positions regarding the remaining projects have been reached.
In relation to the 29 sites for which grant agreements have been signed, and subject to completion of the planning process, the number of houses committed to be delivered on each site is set out in the table below.
Based on the information provided by the local authorities in their local agreements and analysis of current house prices in the areas concerned, and recognising the commercial sensitivity around some of the details in the agreements reached, the approved projects outside Dublin are projected to have new homes for sale towards the lower end of the bands identified by the Deputy, while the projects in Dublin are projected to have starter homes available towards the middle and upper end of these bands.
194. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of the working group on short-term letting; when he plans to bring forward legislation or regulations for the sector; and the content of those regulations and-or legislation. [3619/18]
View answerUnder Action 18 of the Strategy for the Rental Sector, my Department has established a Working Group of all the major public stakeholders with a policy interest in Short-Term Letting, to develop guidance in relation to planning applications and changes of use relating to short term lettings and to examine the need for new regulatory arrangements.
The proposals under consideration by the Working Group are aimed at facilitating short-term letting of accommodation within permanent residences, known as home-sharing, while protecting existing stock of residential property in areas of high demand, safeguarding neighbourhood amenity and consumer protection, and generating revenue to address any negative externalities of short-term letting.
The Group completed the guidance for local authorities to assist them when considering planning applications relating to short-term lettings. My Department has issued a circular in this regard to all Local Authorities, a copy of which is available on my Department's website at the following link:
http://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/circular_pl10_aph3_2017.pdf .
The draft report of the Working Group is currently being finalised and I will consider its recommendations before initiating a targeted public consultation on the proposals.
195. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of the work of the cost rental expert group; the membership of same; the number of times it has met; and the nature of the work to date of this group. [3620/18]
View answerI refer to the reply to Question No. 1828 of 16 January 2018 which sets out the position in relation to this matter.
196. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of a report received by his Department on allegations of planning corruption in County Donegal; when he will publish the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3621/18]
View answerOn 12 June 2017, my Department received a report from Senior Counsel regarding his Review Into Certain Planning Matters In Respect Of County Donegal.
My Department is currently reviewing and assessing the contents of Senior Counsel’s report and I have requested the advice of the Attorney General in respect of a number of points, including the issue of publication.
When I have received the Attorney’s advice, which is expected later this month, my Department will finalise a submission for my consideration as to what further appropriate actions are open to me in this regard.
197. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if his Department has communicated to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council its plan to fund a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3622/18]
View answerI am aware of the proposal developed by councillors in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council on a cross-party basis for a social and affordable housing project at the location mentioned and my Department has been in contact with the County Council regarding the proposal.
I understand that the County Council are currently carrying out a feasibility study and once that study is available, they will then be in a position to revert to my Department to discuss potential funding mechanisms.
My Department will be happy to assist in whatever way it can to bring forward this important site. Significant funding from the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) has already been committed in order to build much-needed public infrastructure at that location which will enable the site to be activated as quickly as possible.
198. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of the delivery of affordable housing on the Poolbeg SDZ site. [3623/18]
View answerIn May 2016, the Government designated Poolbeg West as a Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) because of its potential to deliver a large proportion of the extra homes needed in the centre of Dublin. This was followed by the publication for consultation by Dublin City Council of a detailed planning scheme for the area. The Council prepared a draft planning scheme which was considered by the elected Council members in May 2017. As a statutory consultee for that process, my Department highlighted the importance of the planning scheme addressing a variety of housing needs.
The Council proposed a material amendment to the Planning Scheme in relation to the tenure mix. As a statutory consultee, my Department made further observations in this regard. The final Planning Scheme was approved by Dublin City Council on 2 October 2017.
Of the 3,500 homes planned to be delivered on these lands, it is intended that 350 units (or 10%) will be delivered as social units under Part V. In addition, a further 550 (or over 15%) will be delivered under a commercial agreement, with the majority earmarked for affordable homes but with potential for additional social housing, particularly designed for older people.
While the progression of the Planning Scheme is ultimately a matter for Dublin City Council, I am committed to working with the Council to deliver these mixed-tenure units on what is a key site for the sustainable development of Dublin City.
It should be noted that there is currently an appeal to An Bord Pleanála in relation to the Poolbeg SDZ planning scheme. The decision of the Board is awaited.
199. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of repair and leasing units and buy and renew units delivered to date. [3624/18]
View answerMy Department is currently finalising and validating data from local authorities in order to report detailed progress on the Repair and Leasing Scheme in the final quarter of 2017. This will be published shortly. By the end Quarter 3 of 2017, a total of 292 dwellings had been deemed suitable and local authorities were negotiating with properties owners; a further 231 dwellings were being inspected for suitability by local authorities; 18 Agreements to Lease had been signed.
In relation to the Buy and Renew Scheme, my Department provides funding to local authorities to acquire a range of properties for social housing use, from those in good condition to those that need remediation and may have been vacant. During 2017, provisional information shows that funding provided by my Department to local authorities supported around 70 such homes under the scheme. I expect that over the course of 2018, further progress will be made in this area as local authorities close sales on properties identify during 2017 and put in place arrangements for their remediation to make them suitable for social housing use.
Tackling vacancy continues to be a key focus and, in that context, I announced a range of improvements to the existing Repair and Leasing scheme on 22 January 2018 following the second Housing Summit with Local Authority Chief Executives. I will be publishing details of these improvements shortly.
200. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of social housing acquisitions for Q3 and Q4 2017, by local authority. [3625/18]
View answerThrough the supports made available from my Department under Rebuilding Ireland, funding is available to all local authorities to deliver additional social housing stock through new construction projects, through the acquisition of new and previously owned houses/apartments and through working with approved housing bodies under a range of delivery options.
Provisional details on social housing delivery in 2017 were published on Monday, 15 January 2018 and are available on my Department’s website at the following link: http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/rebuilding-ireland/social-housing-delivery-2017-ministers-statement.
A breakdown of these numbers across all local authority areas for 2017 will be published on my Department's website following completion of the necessary validation process. In the meantime, details in respect of delivery up to the end of quarter 3 of 2017 are currently published and available at the following link: http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/social-housing/social-and-affordble/overall-social-housing-provision.
201. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to put the new substantial refurbishment guidelines for the private sector on a statutory footing. [3626/18]
View answerI have recently announced a series of measures in relation to the rental sector, including a change plan to develop and strengthen the role of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) by giving them necessary powers and resources to better protect both tenants and landlords.
Following on from this and addressing calls from both landlords and tenants for further clarity in relation to the definition of "substantial refurbishment", the RTB published on 23 November 2017 a comprehensive set of guidelines for landlords and tenants, and those working in the rental sector, on what constitutes substantial refurbishment or renovation for the purposes of a section 34 ground for termination of a tenancy. These guidelines also clarify the situations where a landlord can claim "substantial change" in rented properties for the purposes of exemption from the rent increase restriction of 4% per year that apply in Rent Pressure Zone areas.
The guidelines, which are designed to inform the sector and improve compliance in this area, are available on the RTB website at:
https://onestopshop.rtb.ie/images/uploads/Comms%20and%20Research/RTB_Guidelines_for_good_practice_on_the_substantial_change_exemption_in_Rent_Pressure_Zones.pdf
I am confident that these new RTB guidelines will provide the requisite clarity for the sector but my Department will keep under review whether there is value in placing them on a statutory footing.
202. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when the report on the review of the tenant purchase scheme will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3662/18]
View answerThe Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme came into operation on 1 January 2016. The Scheme is open to eligible tenants, including joint tenants, of local authority houses that are available for sale under the Scheme.
In line with the commitment given in Rebuilding Ireland, a review of the first 12 months of the Tenant Purchase Scheme’s operation has been undertaken. The review has incorporated analysis of comprehensive data received from local authorities regarding the operation of the scheme during 2016 and a wide-ranging public consultation process which took place in 2017 and saw submissions received from individuals, elected representatives and organisations.
The review is now complete and a full report setting out findings and recommendations has been prepared. I expect to be in a position to publish the outcome of the review shortly.
203. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the sources of funding available through her Department for documentary makers that require support to complete their work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3593/18]
View answerPrimary responsibility for the support and promotion of film making in Ireland, in respect of both the indigenous sector and inward productions, is the responsibility of the Irish Film Board.
Detailed information on the supports including documentary development loans, Production funding is available from the Film Board at the following link https://www.irishfilmboard.ie/funding. Other logistical information, including film locations and studios, can be found on the website of the Irish Film Board at www.irishfilmboard.ie . You can also contact the Irish Film Board directly by emailing info@irishfilmboard.ie.
The Irish Film Board is independent in its day-to-day operations and funding decisions are a matter for the Board.
Film tax credit under Section 481 of the Taxes Consolidation Act is also available for certain documentaries called creative documentaries. These are defined in the Schedules 2 and 3 of the Film Regulations 2015 (S.I. 4 of 2015). Applications for this tax credit are made to the Revenue Commissioners in the first instance.
