Written Answers Nos. 641-667
641. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when the additional funding request of €500,000 for Kildare County Council to fund housing adaptations for social housing tenants under category A (category 1) and category B (category 2) will be approved (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43252/19]
View answerThe Disabled Persons Grants (DPG) Scheme applies to works that are necessary to address the needs of older people or people with a disability in local authority housing. This may involve minor adaptations such as stair-lifts, grabs-rails, showers, wet-rooms, ramps etc. It also provides funding for more major adaptations such as extensions, for example in the case of overcrowding, or the installation of a downstairs bedroom or bathroom.
Some €15 million has been made available under the scheme in 2019, an increase of over €1 million on 2018 levels. On top of this exchequer funding, the local authority makes a further 10% contribution in respect of these grants. It is a matter for local authorities to prioritise the works to be funded under the scheme in their area, in the context of available funding and in line with the terms of the DPG scheme.
The available funding in 2019 was apportioned across all local authorities having regard to individual funding requests. Kildare County Council was granted an initial allocation of €450,000, which was supplemented by the allocation of a further €450,000, all of which has been drawn down in full. My Department is currently reviewing expenditure under the programme across all local authorities and the Council's request for further funding, along with all requests for supplementary funding, are being considered in the context of available funding.
642. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the funding which will be provided to local authorities in 2020 in lieu of the loss of commercial rates from Irish Water properties; and the funding provided in 2019. [43286/19]
View answerThe Government is providing €156 million to support local authorities through the exchequer contribution to the Local Government Fund (LGF) in 2020.
Support for local government in 2020 has been realigned, largely as a result of the valuation of Irish Water as a global utility liable for commercial rates. From 2014 to 2019 compensation was paid to local authorities in lieu of commercial rates from Irish Water. Irish water is liable for commercial rates from 2020 and the need for compensation in lieu of commercial rates ceases. The apportionment of the valuation of Irish Water among local authorities from 2020 will be based on population, similar to other global utility companies with national networks.
It is expected that the local authority sector will collect a broadly similar amount through commercial rates as was received in previous years through exchequer funded water rates compensation. I expect that in some cases, individual local authorities will receive more in commercial rates than they received in compensation, and that some local authorities will receive less. My Department is actively monitoring the financial impact of this transition on local authorities, in the context of their overall financial position.
643. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the consultancy service providers engaged by his Department from 1 January 2018 to 1 January 2019; the costs associated with each (details supplied); the reason for each service engagement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43317/19]
View answerConsultancy service providers are only engaged by my Department where specific expertise is required which is not available in the organisation at the relevant time. The consultancy expenditure by the Department in 2018, together with the purpose of each service engagement and the expenditure programme concerned, are set out in the following table. It is the general practice in the Department that the cost of individual consultancy services is met from the dedicated budgets for the relevant programme area.
|
Consultant |
Purpose of Consultancy |
2018 Expenditure (Programme Area) |
|
AECOM |
Develop cost optimal calculations and gap analysis for buildings in accordance with Article 5 of Directive 2010/31/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 May 2010 on the energy performance of buildings. |
€104,174 (Housing Programme) |
|
AECOM |
Development of Modelling and Cost Data Services for Part L, Conservation of Fuel and Energy - Dwellings. |
€78,973 (Housing Programme) |
|
Capita Transformation |
Business Process Mapping Project. |
€117,033 (Housing Programme) |
|
Concept to Print |
Graphic Design for Bringing Back Homes guidance document |
€12,961 (Housing Programme) |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency/PACEC |
Independent Review of funding for Traveller-specific Accommodation since 2000 in the context of the delivery and implementation of Local Authority Traveller Accommodation Programmes. |
€21,941 (Housing Programme) |
|
O’Briain Beary |
Standard Layouts for Social Housing |
€35,363 (Housing Programme) |
|
Tom Dwyer |
Copy Editing - Bringing Back Homes |
€675 (Housing Programme) |
|
ESRI |
Housing Economics research collaboration between the Department and the Institute |
€198,687 (Housing Programme) |
|
Behaviour and Attitudes |
Market survey as part of a cross departmental project examining the housing circumstances and attitudes of mature home owners |
€85,000 (Administration –Research) |
|
IPSOS/MRBI |
Market survey as part of a cross departmental project examining the housing aspirations and preferences of renters. |
€22,416 (Administration – Research) |
|
Optimize |
Socio-economic study in relation to marine litter as part of OSPAR obligations. |
€18,388 (Water Programme) |
|
RPS Group |
Prepare a Water Life Integrated Project Proposal |
€77,769 (Water Programme) |
|
RPS Group |
River Basin Management Plan 2018-2021: Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment. |
€61,130 (Water Programme) |
|
RPS Group |
To prepare a strategic environmental assessment/appropriate assessment in relation to Ireland’s fourth Nitrates Action Programme |
€107,736 (Water Programme) |
|
Ryan Hanley Consulting Engineers |
Study on use of best available techniques and best environmental practice to develop sustainable and cost effective solutions to reducing and preventing sewage and storm water related waste entering the marine environment |
€30,535 (Water Programme) |
|
Treanbeg Marine Consulting (Shellfish) |
Carry out an OSPAR Marine Litter Survey |
€5,560 (Water Programme) |
|
RPS Group |
Guidance Document for Planning Authorities on River Basin Management Plans 2018-2021 |
€112,422 (Water Programme) |
|
GMIT |
Production of background document in relation to proposed microbeads legislation |
€4,305 (Water Programme) |
|
CAAS Ltd |
A Strategic Environmental Assessment of the review of the Wind Energy Development Guidelines. |
€31,840 (Planning Programme) |
|
Des Johnson |
Independent Review of Draft S31 Direction in Arklow & Environs Local Area Plan 2018-2024 |
€3,088 (Planning Programme) |
|
Irwin Carr |
Peer review of the noise material for the Wind Energy Development Guidelines |
€4,613 (Planning Programme) |
|
Irwin Carr |
Additional peer review of the noise material for the Wind Energy Development Guidelines |
€3,998 (Planning Programme) |
|
KPMG |
Financial advice on issues relating to the establishment and operation of the LDA |
€49,616 (Planning Programme) |
|
RPS Group |
Specialist input to NPF team on Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA). |
€73,249 (Planning Programme) |
|
Arthur Cox |
Legal advice on state aid, procurement and drafting primary legislation relating to the LDA |
€171,146 (Planning Programme) |
|
Ernst and Young |
Auditing expertise to provide service to Local Govt Audit Service |
€119,556 (Administration- salaries, wages etc.) |
|
Artefact Ltd |
Prepare Brand Guide Document for Met Éireann Logo |
€2,091 (Administration - Consultancy Services) |
|
Total Expenditure |
€1,554,264 |
644. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the details of each value for money and policy review conducted by his Department from 1 January 2018 to 1 January 2019; the cost of each exercise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43334/19]
View answerGovernment Departments regularly review expenditure programmes under the established system of value for money and policy reviews (VFMs). Departments also undertake the related focused policy assessments (FPAs) as part of this initiative.
In the period under question my Department was engaged in conducting one VFM review of Exchequer spending on the provision of homeless services and one FPA on housing adaptation grants. The VFM review is close to completion and the FPA was finalised in August of this year. As the reviews are undertaken by Department officials, no external costs arise.
Separately to this category of reviews, the Local Government Audit Service (LGAS) of my Department carries out VFM studies on local authority operations, with a view to identifying best practice and recommending ways of improving existing procedures, practices and systems and thereby promoting efficiency and cost effectiveness. As above, these reports are undertaken internally and no external costs arise. Reports issued in 2018 are listed below.
1. VFM Report No. 31 Coroner Service in Local Authorities, published in February 2018;
2. Progress Report No. 8 – Progress on the implementation of the recommendations contained in VFM Report No. 30 Corporate Estate Management and Maintenance in Local Authorities, published in December 2018;
3. An Overview Report of Commercial Rates in Local Authorities, published in December 2018;
4. An Overview Report of Pension Income and Costs in Local Authorities, published in December 2018;
In addition to the above formal reviews, my Department reviews its schemes and programmes on an ongoing basis to ensure that they are fit for purpose.
645. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if bespoke housing supports for those who are homeless and pregnant are being provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43345/19]
View answerMy Department's role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation and related services for homeless persons rests with the housing authorities. Decisions on the range of accommodation and support services to be provided are a matter for the individual housing authorities in consultation with the statutory Management Group of the relevant regional joint Homelessness Consultative Forum.
Rebuilding Ireland, the Government’s Action Plan on Housing and Homelessness, includes a specific commitment to deliver a dedicated facility for pregnant women experiencing homelessness in the Dublin Region. A facility to cater for pregnant women and their babies is now operational.
646. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to amend the Planning and Development (Amendment) Regulations 2007 to lift the current 12 sq. m restriction on domestic rooftop solar. [43356/19]
View answer648. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to amend the Planning and Development (Amendment) Regulations 2007 to lift the current 12 sq. m restriction on domestic rooftop solar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43479/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 646 and 648 together.
Under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, all development, unless specifically exempted under the Act or associated Regulations, requires planning permission. Section 4 of the Act and Schedule 2 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended, set out various exemptions from the requirement to obtain planning permission. Any such exemptions are subject to compliance with any general restrictions on exemptions set out in the Act or the Regulations and to the specific conditions set out in each class of exempted development in Schedule 2 of the Regulations.
With regard to exemptions for solar panels, Class 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 2 of the Regulations provides an exemption for "the installation or erection of a solar panel on, or within the curtilage of a house or any buildings within the curtilage of a house", subject to certain siting and size conditions.
Class 56 of Part 1 of Schedule 2 of the Regulations provides an exemption for "the installation or erection on a business premises or light industrial building, or any ancillary buildings within the curtilage of such premises or building, of solar panels (thermal collector or photo-voltaic), subject to certain siting and size conditions.
Furthermore, Class 18 of Part 3 of Schedule 2 of the Regulations provides an exemption for "the installation or erection on an agricultural structure, or within the curtilage of an agricultural holding, of solar panels (thermal collector or photo-voltaic)", again subject to a number of conditions.
My Department is currently undertaking a review of the solar panel exemptions, and is actively engaging with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and other key stakeholders, with a view to bringing forward amending Regulations, as may be required - for example, to reflect technical developments in the sector - before the end of 2019. As required under planning legislation, any such proposed exempted development regulations must be laid in draft form before the Houses of the Oireachtas and receive a positive resolution from both Houses before they can be made.
647. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if additional resources will be provided to Dublin City Council to allow its choice-based letting scheme to resume. [43396/19]
View answerChoice Based Letting (CBL) is a method whereby available social housing stock is let by being openly advertised by local authorities to persons on the social housing waiting list. This allows qualified applicants to 'register an interest' in available homes.
Applicants can act on their own initiative to respond to adverts and express an interest in dwellings that they would like to live in, rather than waiting for an authority to offer them a dwelling. This approach offers more choice and involvement for applicant households in selecting a new home, thereby reducing the likelihood of a refusal, and helping to build sustainable tenancies and stable communities.
The Social Housing Allocation (Amendment) Regulations 2016 required all local authorities, if they had not already done so, to provide for CBL as a method of allocation for social housing in their allocation schemes. The way in which CBL is implemented, including decisions on which properties are to be offered through it, is a matter for the individual authority concerned. However, it must be done in accordance with the relevant regulations and their own scheme of priority.
I am advised by Dublin City Council that they are currently operating a manual paper CBL model for selected units and have indicated their intention to implement a fully integrated online CBL system in the near future.
Given the clear benefits offered by CBL, my Department continues to liaise with the local authorities to ensure that it is implemented as widely as possible across the country. My Department intends to meet with local authority Directors of Housing in November to examine the potential to increase the rollout and use of CBL by local authorities and all aspects of its operation will be discussed, including any perceived barriers. We will continue to support its use and expect that local authorities will also continue efforts to implement CBL in their areas.
649. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if the €40 million allocated under the budget 2020 allocation to families with pyrite affected homes will now be available to families in Dublin, north Leinster, County Mayo and Limerick city and county in addition to families with mica affected homes in County Donegal; if these are demand-led funding schemes; and if the budget will be substantially increased if necessary. [43522/19]
View answerLast year, the Government agreed in principle to introduce a scheme to support affected homeowners in the counties of Donegal and Mayo to carry out the necessary remediation works to dwellings that have been significantly damaged due to defective concrete blocks.
Budget 2020 provides funding of €40 million to fund the operation of the pyrite remediation scheme and this new scheme to address the issues identified in Donegal and Mayo.
Funding for future years will be agreed on an annual basis as part of the normal Estimates process and additional funding can be provided should it be required.
The full terms and conditions of the scheme are currently being finalised in consultation with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, including the development of the necessary regulations.
This process takes account of the engagement that my Department is currently having with both Donegal and Mayo County Councils, who will operate and administer the scheme.
In this regard, my Department continues to meet with both local authority teams to conclude implementation arrangements for the scheme. Further engagement will take place over the coming weeks.
The aim will be to complete the outstanding work without delay in order to ensure that the scheme can get underway as early as possible.
Separately, the Pyrite Resolution Act 2013 provides the statutory framework for the establishment of the Pyrite Resolution Board and for the making of a pyrite remediation scheme to be implemented by the Board with support from the Housing Agency. The pyrite remediation scheme was first adopted in February 2014.
The provisions of the Act apply only to dwellings affected by significant damage attributable to pyritic heave consequent on the presence of reactive pyrite in the subfloor hardcore material and not to damage arising in any other circumstance, e.g. such as pyrite in concrete blocks.
The Pyrite Remediation Scheme is a scheme of “last resort” for affected homeowners who have no other practical option to obtain redress 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 latest figures available indicate that 2,504 applications have been received under the pyrite remediation scheme. Of these, 2,022 dwellings have been included in the scheme and the applicants notified accordingly. A further 114 applications have been validated and referred to the Housing Agency for the Assessment and Verification Process, while another 199 applications are at the initial Application and Validation Process. 169 applications under the scheme were not successful.
Of the 2,022 dwellings that have been included in the pyrite remediation scheme:
58 are at remedial works planning stage,
13 are at tender / tender analysis,
219 are under remediation, and
1,732 are complete.
Funding provided to my Department under Budget 2020 will support 300 affected homeowners with dwellings that have been significantly damaged due to pyrite problems under the Pyrite Remediation Scheme next year.
In regard to Limerick, my Department understands that the Pyrite Resolution Board is aware of pyrite in the hardcore in a number of dwellings in Limerick and is in the process of making a proposal to include Limerick City and County Council area in the Pyrite Remediation Scheme.
Any amendments which the Board consider are required to the scheme will be given full consideration should they be submitted to me in accordance with the requirements of the Act.
650. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when the final report of the review of the tenant purchase scheme will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43527/19]
View answerIn line with the commitment given in the Government's Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan on Housing and Homelessness, a review of the operation of the first 12 months of the Tenant Purchase (Incremental) Scheme has been completed and a full report has been prepared setting out findings and recommendations.
I intend to bring a comprehensive package of social housing reform measures to Government in the near future and the relevant recommendations made in the Review of the Tenant Purchase Scheme will be progressed as part of that process. Following consideration of a number of implementation issues arising, in that context, I expect to be in a position to publish the Review.
651. Deputy Pat Casey asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the contact his Department has had with EUROSTAT on the classification of the Land Development Agency as being on balance sheet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43549/19]
View answerMy Department was invited by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) to meet with, and brief, EUROSTAT in relation to the Land Development Agency (LDA) as part of a routine EUROSTAT European Deficit Procedure (EDP) Dialogue visit to EU member states on 26 February 2019.
In relation to the classification of the LDA, it is understood that the CSO will not take a definitive view on this matter, until it can undertake a full analysis of the business plan and financial model of the LDA in the context of the primary legislation establishing the LDA as a commercial body. Pending this review, the LDA has been classified by the CSO as a body within Government and I further understand that EUROSTAT concurred with this interim approach.
652. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the supports he plans to launch to assist households with additional costs arising from new building regulations on BER ratings for extensions and renovations in homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43550/19]
View answerThe recently signed amendments to Part L of the Building Regulations give effect to Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) and Major Renovation to cost optimal level where it is technically, functionally and economically feasible. The cost optimal energy performance level for a typical dwelling is equivalent to a B2 BER.
While there are no specific grants available for compliance with building regulations, homeowners who are undertaking certain retrofitting works may be eligible for grants from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. A range of grants are available to householders to suit their circumstances and the scale of work they wish to undertake.
The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme provides 100% grants to those on lower incomes who are in receipt of certain payments from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. These works include attic and wall insulation & ventilation, draught proofing, energy efficient lighting and window replacements and/or heating upgrades, in high priority circumstances.
Partial grants are available for those who can invest some of their own funds. The measures covered by this scheme, such as cavity wall, attic insulation, solar thermal, heating controls and a BER certificate, have been progressively expanded over the last year to include deeper measures like external wall insulation and heat pumps. In 2019 €21m has been allocated to this scheme.
The Climate Action Plan commits to reviewing and redesigning the existing grant schemes to ensure alignment with Government climate objectives and value for money. A taskforce chaired by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment is overseeing this.
In addition my Department is currently funding local authorities in their undertaking of an ambitious programme of insulation retrofitting of the least energy efficient social homes.
Building an extension will not automatically trigger additional works on an existing dwelling. Major renovation requirements are only triggered where more than 25% of the surface envelope of the existing dwelling undergoes renovation.
These regulations implement actions of the All of Government Action Plan. The main benefits of the new regulations are: reduced energy bills and alleviation of fuel poverty: the new regulations are expected to result in reduced fuel bills for new or majorly renovated dwellings compared to bills for existing dwellings; health improvements: initial studies on NZEB show that Nearly Zero Energy Dwellings are alleviating respiratory illnesses and occupants are reporting fewer visits to the doctor.
653. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when section 2 of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2018 will come into force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43621/19]
View answerSection 2 of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2018 commenced on enactment of the Act, on 19 July 2018.
654. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his views on recent reports of a slowing down of activity in residential construction during 2019. [43644/19]
View answerIncreasing the supply of housing, private and public, is essential to address many of the core challenges in the housing sector.
Housing supply lead indicators provide a basis for confidence that there will be continued expansion. The rolling annual total of planning permission for residential dwellings has exceeded 30,000 units for the first time since early 2010, up more than 21% year on year. There has been particularly strong growth in apartment planning permission, which is very welcome given the policy thrust toward more compact urban growth.
In the year to end June 2019, the number of new homes becoming available for use increased to 22,609. In the same period, the number of new homes in respect of which commencement notices were served reached 24,226, a 29% year on year increase.
Notwithstanding this evidence of strong output growth, the pace of delivery must be sustained over the coming years, and my Department will continue to monitor lead indicators and housing output accordingly.
655. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the allocation made in each of the years 2016 to 2019 to the island scholarship scheme; and the budget 2020 allocation in tabular form. [42954/19]
View answerUnder the measure: ÁRAINN Gaeltachta, to which the Deputy refers and which has been in place since 2007, up to 30 post-primary students in total can avail of the opportunity to attend one of the participating post-primary schools on the Aran Islands for an entire school-year while residing with a household registered under the Department's Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge.
The post-primary schools in question are Coláiste Éinne, Inis Mór; Coláiste Ghobnait, Inis Oirr; and Coláiste Naomh Eoin, Inis Meáin. In line with the conditions of the measure, each of the 3 schools is allocated a maximum of 10 students and a daily subvention of €27 per student is payable by my Department to the participating households.
In March 2019 I approved a three-year allocation of up to €450,000in support of the measure in respect of the 2019/20, 2020/21 and 2021/2022 school-years - equivalent to up to €150,000 per school-year.
Full details regarding the measure - which aligns with action 2.15 of the Government's Plean Gníomhaíochta 2018-2022, can be found on the following link:
https://www.chg.gov.ie/ga/allowance-of-up-to-e450000-granted-by-minister-of-state-kyne-for-the-benefit-of-post-primary-schools-on-the-aran-islands/
The following table sets out the expenditure in respect of each year from 2016 to date:
|
Year |
Expenditure under the measure |
|
2016 |
€135,000 |
|
2017 |
€125,037 |
|
2018 |
€152,103 |
|
2019 (to date) |
€85,779 |
656. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if schools in the Gaeltacht were notified of the clár na gcluichí gaelach scheme or the way in which to apply; the way in which the schools were chosen for funding under this scheme; the reason no schools in the Gaeltacht areas on the east side of Galway city were chosen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43008/19]
View answerThe objective of Clár na gCluichí Gaelacha is to further support participating Gaeltacht schools in providing language acquisition and enrichment opportunities to school pupils. The measure is one of a suite of actions being currently implemented by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in support of the language planning process and the Policy on Gaeltacht Education 2017-2022, the implementation of which is being spearheaded by the Department of Education and Skills.
Since 2005, GAA's Connacht Council, who contribute 33% of the overall cost of the programme, have administered the programme in the Galway Gaeltacht region. Schools participating in the Gaeltacht Education Scheme and wishing to avail of the programme in the Galway region should contact the Connacht Council in relation to possible participation.
While the schools participating in the scheme have remained broadly the same since its establishment, my Department, on an ongoing basis, seeks ways to further develop existing programmes using available resources in the overall context of further underpinning the language as a vibrant community and family language in Gaeltacht regions.
It is in that overall context that my Department will continue to seek to further develop Clár na gCluchí Gaelacha in partnership with the Connacht Council.
657. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of progress of the Grand Canal greenway project between Hazelhatch, Celbridge, County Kildare and the 12th lock in Lucan, County Dublin; the timeline for completion of the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43078/19]
View answerWaterways Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is working closely with Local Authorities and The National Transport Authority along the route of the Royal and Grand canals to advance development of the canal towpaths into long distance Greenways for walking and cycling.
There is planning permission in place since late Spring 2019 for the upgrade of the Grand Canal towpath from the 12th Lock in Lucan to Hazelhatch, Celbridge, Co. Kildare (approximately 4km) to cycle standard.
Although the area was part of a wider greenway funding application made by Waterways Ireland to the Department for Transport, Tourism and Sport earlier this year, no funding was granted for this particular section.
In the meantime, I am keeping this matter under ongoing review and examining potential sources of funding.
658. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to the fact that interpretations of GDPR are inhibiting the work of some heritage centres nationally, particularly in the case of genealogy; and if advice will be provided on the implications of GDPR for genealogical research. [43112/19]
View answerI am advised that no concerns have been brought to the attention of my Department regarding the work of heritage centres in relation to genealogical research due to the coming into effect of GDPR legislation, as referred to by the Deputy. My officials will however be happy to respond to any such queries if received.
The Deputy will also be aware that the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner has published a range of information and guidance in relation to the operation of the GDPR legislation and this is available on the web at https://www.dataprotection.ie/.
659. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the purchase of the lands at Booterstown Marsh for An Taisce will be explored to ensure that when the lease runs out in 2020 the bird sanctuary will continue as a public amenity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43165/19]
View answerBooterstown Marsh is part of South Dublin Bay and River Tolka Estuary Special Protection Area (SPA) (site code: 004024). While my Department is responsible for the designation of SPAs under the Birds Directive, the bird sanctuary at Booterstown Marsh is in private ownership, managed by An Taisce. The level of protection afforded to the site as an SPA will not change should there be a transfer of ownership. My Department has no plans at present to purchase the site.
660. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her Department provides funding to a body (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43190/19]
View answerAs far as I am aware, my Department has not been formally approached by the organisation in question and consequently has no funding relationship in place. My Department remains open to communication from all cultural bodies.
661. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her Department has provided funding for an event (details supplied) which is due to take place here in April 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43191/19]
View answerI am not aware of any formal approach to my Department by the organisation in question for the event cited and consequently has no funding relationship in place. My Department remains open to communication from all cultural bodies.
662. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the consultancy service providers engaged by her Department from 1 January 2018 to 1 January 2019; the costs associated with each (details supplied); the reason for each service engagement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43310/19]
View answerThere was no expenditure committed or incurred on Consultancy Services under the Administrative Budget (vii) Consultancy Services and Value for Money and Policy Reviews for the period from 1 January 2018 to 1 January 2019.
663. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the details of each value for money and policy review conducted by her Department from 1 January 2018 to 1 January 2019; the cost of each exercise; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43327/19]
View answerThe IGEES Evaluation Unit in my Department produced two peer-reviewed papers between 1 January 2018 and 1 January 2019, as follows:
- Review of the Implementation of Recommendations of the Value for Money and Policy Review of the Arts Council.
- Review of Subsidised Ferry Services to Offshore Islands.
As these reviews were both conducted in-house by my Department there were no external costs incurred.
Both of these reviews are available on my Department's website at:
https://www.chg.gov.ie/about/finance-evaluation/evaluation/focused-policy-assessments-2/
664. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 371 and 372 of 3 October 2019, the number of times in the past four years her Department has allocated additional funds to a body under its aegis for a specific purpose; the body in each case; the amount allocated in each case in proportion to its overall allocation for that year; if the additional funding was granted prior to the commencement of the financial year as part of the financial allocation to the body for that year; the rationale for the ring-fencing of such additional funding in view of the independent statutory remit of these bodies; if ring-fencing of additional funding will cease from 2020 onwards to ensure the statutory independence of bodies under the aegis of her Department is upheld; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43476/19]
View answerWith further reference to my response to the Deputy of 3rd October last, I wish to re-state that all allocations of funding to bodies under the aegis of my Department are made on the basis that the allocation of such funds is a matter for the board of the body concerned in accordance with its statutory obligations and remit.
Any additional allocations made to such bodies are, and will continue to be, made on foot of submissions made by, and/or discussions with, the relevant body.
As previously advised, details of funding provided to those bodies under the aegis of my Department are published annually in the Revised Estimates Volumes (REV) https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/e20037-revised-estimates while information in respect of expenditure, including variations in outturns against REV allocations, are set out in the Department's Appropriation Accounts which can be found on my Department's website at https://www.chg.gov.ie/about/finance-evaluation/appropriation-account/ .
If the Deputy requires further information in relation to the funding of the bodies under the aegis of my Department, my officials will be happy to assist him with any specific queries he may have.
665. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the way in which the €460 million announced as part of Project Ireland 2040 will be allocated to the national cultural institutions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43493/19]
View answerUnder Project Ireland 2040 - the National Development Plan, €1,188 million in capital expenditure has been allocated to my Department for 2018-2027. The detailed breakdown of this investment programme is set out in my Department’s sectorial capital plan, Investing in our Culture, Language and Heritage.
Under this plan, €460 million is being provided to support an ambitious programme of redevelopment and renovation projects across all of our National Cultural Institutions (the ‘NCIs’). The indicative investment levels for each NCI are set out in the following table. Additionally, it is envisaged that the NCIs will generate additional funding to support the projects through philanthropic efforts.
|
Cultural Institution |
Indicative investment |
|
NCI annual capital allocation |
€40m |
|
National Gallery of Ireland |
€54m |
|
National Concert Hall |
€78m |
|
Irish Museum of Modern Art |
€36m |
|
Chester Beatty Library |
€20m |
|
National Museum of Ireland |
€85m |
|
National Library of Ireland |
€23m |
|
National Archives |
€22m |
|
Abbey Theatre |
€80m |
|
Crawford Art Gallery |
€22m |
Major capital projects under the National Cultural Institutions Investment Programme are appraised, planned, designed, implemented and evaluated in line with the Public Spending Code and best practice guidance outlined in the Capital Works Management Framework published by the Office of Government Procurement.
666. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if there will be a streamlined application process through which the national cultural institutions can apply for funding from the €460 million announced for capital investment under Project Ireland 2040; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43494/19]
View answer667. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the way in which applications for funding by the national cultural institutions from the €460 million announced under Project 2040 will be prioritised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43495/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 666 and 667 together.
Under Project Ireland 2040 - the National Development Plan, €1,188 million in capital expenditure has been allocated to my Department for 2018-2027. The detailed breakdown of this investment programme is set out in my Department’s sectorial capital plan, Investing in our Culture, Language and Heritage. Under this plan, €460 million is being provided to support an ambitious programme of redevelopment and renovation projects across all of our National Cultural Institutions (the ‘NCIs’).
Capital projects undertaken by bodies under the aegis of my Department are appraised, planned, designed, implemented and evaluated in line with the Public Spending Code and best practice guidance outlined in the Capital Works Management Framework published by the Office of Government Procurement.
My Department is working with the NCIs to progress individual capital projects through the project life-cycle of the Public Spending Code. Decisions with regard to sequencing of investment in the NCIs are subject to the progress of each project through the project life-cycle of the Public Spending Code and are managed in the context of the multi-annual capital allocations available to my Department.
