Written Answers Nos. 1219-1241
1219. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the views of the European Commission on the delayed timetable for upgrading a number of the non-compliant plants as detailed in the media (details supplied) in view of the ongoing European Commission enforcement proceedings against Ireland with respect to the breaches of the urban wastewater directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8993/20]
View answerMy Department wrote to the European Commission in January this year to outline progress on the programme of measures to address the 2019 Court of Justice of the European Union judgment on Ireland's non-compliance with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive. A response has not been received from the Commission. My Department will continue to update the Commission on progress on this case on a regular basis.
Irish Water continues to develop and implement a long-term investment perspective in order to strategically address the deficiencies in the public water and waste water system. Building water and waste water treatment plants, as well as upgrading or building new water and waste water networks, requires significant and sustained investment. The National Development Plan 2018-2027 provides for significant investment in public water and wastewater infrastructure over the course of the plan to ensure the continued operation, repair and upgrading of Ireland’s water and waste water infrastructure to support social and economic development across the State and ensure compliance with EU Directives.
1220. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to ensure the expansion of the housing first scheme to reduce the demand for emergency accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9018/20]
View answerHousing First enables homeless individuals with high levels of complex needs to obtain permanent secure accommodation with the provision of intensive housing and health supports to help the individuals concerned maintain their tenancies.
The National Implementation Plan for Housing First was published in September 2018. The Plan includes an overall target of 663 tenancies in the period 2018-2021, with annual targets for each local authority. The Plan is a joint initiative of my Department, the Department of Health, the HSE and the local authorities. A copy of the National Implementation Plan is available on my Department's website at the following link
https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/housing_first_implementation_plan_2018.pdf.
In line with the National Implementation Plan, Housing First is being delivered on a regional basis by the local authorities and the HSE. Contracts for the delivery of services have been put in place in each of the nine regions responsible for the delivery of homeless services with tenancies now in place in every region.
Regional targets were agreed by local authorities based on a review of homelessness data and a national survey of the support needs of homeless individuals conducted with service providers. The survey results, national targets, and regional targets are available in the Housing First National Implementation Plan document. In this regard, it is important to note that the majority of individuals in emergency accommodation do not require the level of supports provided by Housing First.
1221. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the local authorities which have not to date sought funding for Covid-19 support measures for Travellers since the circular issued by his Department on 18 March 2020. [9019/20]
View answerIn response to the COVID-19 health emergency, I and my Department have engaged with all local authorities and Traveller representative groups to put a responsive plan in place to address identified and emerging health risks to the Traveller population nationwide, particularly as some members of the Traveller community, such as those living on sites with limited facilities, may be particularly vulnerable.
Details of local authorities who have formally applied for funding are set out in the following table below. The response from each local authorities varies depending on the needs they have identified. Some local authorities have provided support measures from their own resources and others have projects in the pipeline for which they have not yet formally requested funding, such items are not included in the in the below table.
There are a number of options available to local authorities to address the needs identified including the provision of social housing which do not require Traveller-specific funding.
|
Local Authority |
Approved Spend related to COVID-19 (approx.) |
|
Carlow |
|
|
Cavan County |
€14,400 |
|
Clare |
€108,640 |
|
Cork City |
€68,600 |
|
Cork County |
€2,150 |
|
Donegal |
€12,810 |
|
Dublin City |
€132,370 |
|
DLR |
€125,860 |
|
Fingal |
€60,160 |
|
South Dublin |
|
|
Galway City |
€46,310 |
|
Galway County |
€380,060 |
|
Kerry |
|
|
Kildare |
|
|
Kilkenny |
|
|
Laois |
|
|
Leitrim |
|
|
Limerick City & Co. |
€175,000 |
|
Longford |
|
|
Louth |
€41,810 |
|
Mayo |
|
|
Meath |
€37,500 |
|
Monaghan |
€45,650 |
|
Offaly |
€46,360 |
|
Roscommon |
€52,670 |
|
Sligo |
€200,000 |
|
Tipperary |
€102,090 |
|
Waterford City & Co |
|
|
Westmeath |
€113,740 |
|
Wexford |
€24,010 |
|
Wicklow |
|
|
Total Approved |
€1,790,190.00 |
1222. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of mobile home units in each case that the local authorities have or are in the process of obtaining for self-isolation as per HSE Covid-19 guidelines (details supplied). [9020/20]
View answerIn response to the COVID-19 health emergency, I and my Department have engaged with local authorities and Traveller representative groups to put a responsive plan in place to address identified and emerging health risks to the Traveller population nationwide, particularly as some members of the Traveller community, such as those living on sites with limited facilities, may be particularly vulnerable. My Department is in regular contact with the local authorities and is ensuring that funding approvals, where appropriate, are granted as a matter of priority.
To date, the Department has approved funding for the provision of 62 mobiles to deal with over-crowding and for self-isolation purposes, as part of this response. Local authorities are also providing accommodation through a variety of social housing solutions.
1223. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the plans the local authorities are implementing to mitigate against Covid-19 infection amongst Traveller families (details supplied). [9021/20]
View answer1224. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the services and facilities the local authorities have put in place for Traveller families during the Covid-19 pandemic (details supplied). [9022/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1223 and 1224 together.
In accordance with the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998, housing authorities have statutory responsibility for the assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of multi-annual Traveller Accommodation Programmes (TAPs) in their areas. My Department’s role is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist the authorities in providing such accommodation, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding. It is a matter for each local authority to assess the adequacy of provisions on sites (both authorised and unauthorised) and implement measures as necessary, taking into consideration advice from the HSE, fire safety guidelines, local area plans, public procurement guidelines and any other considerations relevant to their area.
In response to the COVID-19 health emergency, I and my Department have engaged with local authorities and Traveller representative groups to put a responsive plan in place to address identified and emerging health risks to the Traveller population nationwide, particularly as some members of the Traveller community, such as those living on sites with limited facilities, may be particularly vulnerable. My Department is in regular contact with the local authorities and is ensuring that funding approvals, where appropriate, are granted as a matter of priority.
1225. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the details of the ongoing work of the Land Development Agency; the details of the members appointed to the board; the qualifications of each; and the date of appointment of each. [9046/20]
View answer1226. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if there are members of the board of the Land Development Agency with qualifications in architecture, town planning and planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9047/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1225 and 1226 together.
The Land Development Agency (LDA) was established on an interim basis in September 2018, by way of an Establishment Order (S.I. 352 of 2018, as amended by S.I. 603 of 2018) made under the Local Government Services (Corporate Bodies) Act 1971, pending the enactment of primary legislation when it will be established as a commercial State agency.
A General Scheme of the Land Development Agency Bill to establish the LDA as a commercial state body on a primary legislative basis was approved by Government for publication, consideration for pre-legislative scrutiny and priority drafting in July 2019. The pre-legislative scrutiny process is now complete and the Committee's report has been received by my Department and is being considered in the context of the further development of the proposed legislative provisions.
In January 2019, I appointed an interim Board of the LDA under the chairmanship of Mr. John Moran, former Secretary General at the Department of Finance. The composition of the interim Board is drawn from the private and public sector and provides a good mix of skills and expertise. In line with Article 6 of the LDA Establishment Order, it includes representatives of my Department, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the local government sector, the Housing Agency and other persons that are considered appropriate.
On enactment of the primary legislation, a permanent board and Chairperson for the LDA will be appointed in accordance with the Guidelines on the Appointment to State Boards.
The membership of the interim Board is as follows:
John Moran - Chair
Michael Stone - Chairman of the North East Inner City Regeneration Implementation Board
Timothy Bouchier Hayes - Solicitor and construction law expert
Michelle Norris - UCD Professor of Social Policy
Conn Murray - Former Limerick City and County Council Chief Executive
John Coleman – Chief Executive, LDA
John O'Connor – Chief Executive, Housing Agency
Clare Costello - Principal Officer, Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
Caroline Timmons – Principal Officer, Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government
Summary Biographies of the Board members are available on www.lda.ie
On establishment, the LDA had access to an initial tranche of 8 sites that have near term delivery potential for 3,000 new homes. The sites concerned are as follows:
1. Central Mental Hospital Site, Dundrum
2. Hampton, Balbriggan
3. Hacketstown, Skerries
4. Devoy Barracks, Naas
5. Former Meath Hospital, Dublin City Centre
6. St. Kevin's Hospital, Cork
7. Columb Barracks, Mullingar
8. Dyke Road, Galway
In addition, in partnership with Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, the LDA have submitted a planning application for the development of 597 homes on a site in Shanganagh. It is also working in partnership with other local authorities around the country. It is running a design review of the Sandy Road Regeneration Project in Galway which has the potential for up to 1,000 homes. It is also working with Limerick City and County Council on a site near Colbert Station in Limerick, funding a masterplan of the site which consists of lands owned by the Council, CIE, the Department of Education and the HSE.
As with all State bodies operating under the aegis of my Department, arrangements have been put in place by the LDA through which Oireachtas members can request information directly from the Agency in relation to operational matters - in this regard, the LDA may be contacted directly at oireachtas@lda.ie.
1227. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the average approval offering by each local authority of the 1,550 Rebuilding Ireland home loan approvals made in 2019; the number of loans drawn down in each local authority; and the average amount of the drawn down loans in tabular form. [9057/20]
View answerMy Department publishes information on the overall number, value and average values of (i) local authority loan approvals and (ii) local authority loan drawdowns. Local authority approval means that an official letter of offer has been sent to a borrower (and therefore relates to a specific property and loan amount).
Information on the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan for 2019, including the number and value of mortgage approvals and drawdowns, as well as average loan amounts, are available on my Department's website at the following link:
https://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/statistics/house-prices-loans-and-profile-borrowers/local-authority-loan-activity.
1228. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the reason for the delay in issuing approval to county councils for housing loans; and if the matter will be expedited. [9075/20]
View answerAs part of the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan application process the Housing Agency provides a central support service which assesses applications for the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan on behalf of local authorities and makes recommendations to the authorities to approve or refuse applications. Housing Agency recommendations are then considered by the Credit Committee in each local authority, which issues loan approvals. My Department does not issue loan approvals for the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan.
Each local authority must have in place a Credit Committee and it is a matter for the Committee to make the final decision on applications for loans, in accordance with the regulations and credit policy, and having regard to the recommendations made by the Housing Agency.
1229. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the remaining policy, legislative or regulatory obstacles that are preventing credit unions from being able to provide funding for social housing through investments in approved housing bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9102/20]
View answerThe Programme for a Partnership Government recognises the potential role that Credit Unions can play in housing finance and supported the efforts of the Registrar of Credit Unions at the Central Bank to gradually lift current investment restrictions as appropriate, including for housing.
Credit Union bodies have set out proposed means by which funding could be provided by the sector to Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) for the development of social housing. This follows on from the amendments introduced by the Central Bank to the regulatory regime within which Credit Unions operate. As such, since 1 March 2018, Credit Unions are permitted to provide funding, through a regulated investment vehicle, to Tier 3 AHBs for the provision of social housing.
My Department referred the Credit Union representative bodies to the Irish Council for Social Housing (ICSH) with a view to both sectors sharing, as far as practical, the benefits of their respective work in this area, including the work undertaken by the ICSH on the development of special purpose vehicles for social housing financing purposes. The work of the ICSH was supported by grant funding from my Department. In addition, my colleague, Damian English, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, and I have met with the Credit Union movement and the AHB sector on this matter. The Department of Finance has also met with the Credit Union representative bodies.
The ICSH, along with six Tier 3 AHBs, have worked with specialist financial advisors to establish a funding mechanism or vehicle which would identify suitable sources of non-state finance to fund the delivery of social housing by AHBs, based on best value for money. Market testing undertaken revealed good interest in lending to the AHB sector from various lenders including banks, institutional investors and the Credit Union sector. So far, one AHB has set up an SPV and several AHBs have sourced finance from private institutions. As such, the work in this area is ongoing and has led to individual AHBs establishing SPVs for financing social housing.
The Credit Union sector is one potential funder whose terms are assessed as part of the process of market testing to establish best value for money and optimum terms and conditions from lenders. While my Department will continue to be available to provide any clarifications that may be required in relation to social housing delivery, it falls to the relevant parties, i.e. the AHBs, on the one hand, and potential investors on the other, to agree a workable and mutually acceptable approach in order to bring potential investment possibilities to a successful conclusion.
1230. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will direct local authorities to accept emails in lieu of stamped salary certificates as is the policy of the commercial lenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9106/20]
View answerThe Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan is designed to enable credit-worthy first-time buyers to access sustainable mortgage lending to purchase new or second-hand properties in a suitable price range. The scheme is targeted at first-time buyers who have access to an adequate deposit and have the capacity to repay a mortgage, but who are unable to access a mortgage sufficient for them to purchase their first home.
As part of the application process for the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan scheme, applicants must provide an original salary certificate from their employer. I have no plans to change this requirement at present.
It is recognised that current applicants for a Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan may be experiencing difficulties arising out of COVID-19 restrictions, including, for example, accessing financial documents; property visits and valuations; solicitors visits etc. Therefore, local authorities are being asked to show flexibility when dealing with applicants at all stages of the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan process from application through to approval, drawdown and (where relevant) appeal and should extend the time periods as necessary to accommodate those who may be experiencing difficulties arising out of COVID-19 restrictions.
The final decision on loan approval is a matter for the relevant local authority and its credit committee on a case-by-case basis. Decisions on all housing loan applications must be made in accordance with the Regulations establishing the scheme and the credit policy, that underpins the scheme, in order to ensure prudence and consistency in approaches in the best interests of both borrowers and the lending local authorities.
1231. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when a decision will be made on a funding application to develop the northern port access route in Drogheda, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9138/20]
View answerLouth County Council recently submitted an application for funding support for this project under Call 2 of the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund. The final date for the submission of applications under Call 2 was last Friday, the 29th May. The application in question will be considered in due course.
1232. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 1368 of 20 May 2020, if section 146B of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended, which relates to strategic infrastructure development alterations, also applies to strategic housing developments; and the procedure for amendments to approved strategic housing development schemes, by which the changes are not considered material alterations. [9154/20]
View answerStrategic Housing Developments (SHD) are classed as Strategic Infrastructure Developments within the definition of ‘strategic infrastructure development’ through Section 13 of the Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016 which updated Section 2 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act). The process for proposing an amendment to a SHD permission is prescribed in Section 146B of the Act, summarised as follows:
- The Developer makes a proposal to the Board to alter the terms of the development the subject of a planning permission, approval or other consent granted under the Act.
- The Board decides whether the proposal would constitute a material alteration of the development as already approved.
- Prior to making this decision, the Board may invite submissions on the proposed alteration.
- Where the Board considers that the changes would not constitute a material alteration of the development, it shall alter the original planning permission, approval or other consent accordingly.
- The Board shall then notify the requester and the relevant planning authority of its decision.
1233. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to provide public housing in County Monaghan through the local authority and approved housing bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9198/20]
View answerAll local authorities, including Monaghan County Council, are being funded to significantly increase their delivery of social housing in line with their Rebuilding Ireland targets and a strong social housing construction pipeline is already in place for local authorities and approved housing bodies both nationally and in Monaghan.
Information on social housing delivery is published by my Department on a quarterly basis at the following link: https://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/social-housing/social-and-affordble/overall-social-housing-provision.
Progress by each local authority against the Rebuilding Ireland targets is also published, most recently in respect of 2019 outputs, which data is available at https://rebuildingireland.ie/news/details-of-social-housing-delivery-on-a-local-authority-basis-for-2019/. This information shows that Monaghan County Council has delivered new social housing at or above the targets set and support continues to be available to them to sustain this good delivery.
In addition, a Social Housing Construction Status Report is published quarterly which provides scheme level detail on new build activity under Rebuilding Ireland for the different local authorities, including Monaghan. The most recent publication covers the period up to the end of Quarter 4 of 2019 and is at the following link:
https://rebuildingireland.ie/news/minister-murphy-publishes-social-housing-construction-status-report-for-q4-2019-2/.
1234. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the local authorities that have requested additional finding under the Traveller accommodation programme to address the needs of Traveller families that are homeless or at risk of homelessness but unable to access emergency accommodation and therefore not on the PASS system. [9267/20]
View answerIn accordance with the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998, housing authorities have statutory responsibility for the assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of multi-annual Traveller Accommodation Programmes (TAPs) in their areas. My Department’s role is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist the authorities in providing such accommodation, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding.
My 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 for the provision of accommodation and related services rests with individual housing authorities. Under the Housing Act 1988 it is a matter for the local authority concerned to determine whether a person is regarded as homeless; section 2 of the Act sets out the requirements in this regard. My Department has increased the budget available to local authorities to deliver homeless services to €166m this year, an increase of €20m on 2019. This increased funding will support increased numbers of households experiencing homelessness with the necessary supports to exit from homelessness to a home.
1235. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the measures put in place across the four Dublin local authorities and funded by his Department for homeless families and for those not registered on the PASS system in view of the lack of availability of self-accommodation during Covid-19. [9268/20]
View answerThe role of my Department in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of local authorities in addressing homelessness at local or regional level. Responsibility for the provision of emergency accommodation and related services for homeless persons is a matter for the local authorities, and the Dublin Regional Homelessness Executive (DRHE) in the Dublin region.
As part of the response to COVID-19, my Department is working closely with the DRHE and the HSE to ensure the necessary arrangements are in place to protect individuals and families accessing emergency accommodation. This has included regular meetings and conference calls with the DRHE and the Chief Executives of homeless NGOs. My Department is also working with the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) subgroup for vulnerable persons.
Over 1,000 additional beds have introduced in the Dublin region to allow for social distancing in emergency accommodation and to provide capacity for individuals in emergency accommodation who are required to self-isolate. During the COVID-19 response, the DRHE continues to work to support households experiencing homelessness, or at risk of homelessness, to find a home.
1236. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the allocation sought by Cork City Council under the Traveller accommodation programme to fund projects (details supplied). [9269/20]
View answerIn accordance with the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998, housing authorities have statutory responsibility for the assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of multi-annual Traveller Accommodation Programmes (TAPs) in their areas. My Department’s role is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist the authorities in providing such accommodation, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding.
In 2020, to facilitate ease of access to such funding, my Department is no longer allocating specific budgets to individual local authorities. Instead, it is open to all local authorities to apply for and drawdown funds at any time through the year from the €14.5m in funding available overall. In 2020 to date, Cork City Council has drawn down €1.3m in funding for Traveller accommodation projects. In addition to this, the Council has received approval for a further €68,600 in funding for Covid related measures.
1237. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the measures put in place and funded by his Department for Traveller families in north County Cork and Fermoy who have still not been supplied with water or toilets since the Covid-19 outbreak. [9270/20]
View answerIn accordance with the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998, housing authorities have statutory responsibility for the assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of multi-annual Traveller Accommodation Programmes (TAPs) in their areas. My Department’s role is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist the authorities in providing such accommodation, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding. It is a matter for each local authority to assess the adequacy of provisions on sites (both authorised and unauthorised) and implement measures as necessary, taking into consideration advice from the HSE, fire safety guidelines, local area plans, public procurement guidelines and any other considerations relevant to their area.
In response to the COVID-19 health emergency, I and my Department have engaged with local authorities and Traveller representative groups to put a responsive plan in place to address identified and emerging health risks to the Traveller population nationwide, particularly as some members of the Traveller community, such as those living on sites with limited facilities, may be particularly vulnerable. My Department is in regular contact with the local authorities and is ensuring that funding approvals, where appropriate, are granted as a matter of priority.
To date, Cork County Council have applied for €2,150 funding from the Department for facilitation works to reduce overcrowding as part of their COVID response.
1238. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to give direction to private landlords of third-level on-campus accommodation to issue rent rebates or provide credits to students who have been unable to avail of their accommodation due to the Covid-19 crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9318/20]
View answerWith effect from 27 March 2020, new emergency measures were introduced into law to protect tenants during the COVID-19 emergency period. Tenants cannot be forced to leave their rental accommodation, other than in exceptional circumstances, during this period. Initially, these emergency laws will apply for a period of 3 months, but they may be extended if the Government considers it necessary.
My Department recently published a Guidance Document on Covid-19 supports for landlords and tenants which sets out the emergency rental measures and income and other supports available to tenants and landlords during the emergency period. The Guidance document is available at:
https://onestopshop.rtb.ie/images/uploads/general/COVID_Update_Guidance_Document_final.pdf
and a list of Frequently Asked Questions has been developed and is available at:
https://onestopshop.rtb.ie/images/uploads/Comms%20and%20Research/FAQs_on_Emergency_Legislation_Final.pdf.
The Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2019 provide for minimum notice periods to be served by tenants and landlords for tenancy terminations – for example, a student must provide 28 days notice to end a tenancy of less than 6 months duration or 35 days to end a tenancy of more than 6 months but less than 1 year.
The Acts do not prescribe specific terms and conditions regarding the payment of rents or deposits for inclusion in individual letting agreements in the private rental market including the student-specific accommodation sector. Contract law governs such arrangements.
The specific terms associated with an individual student’s rights and obligations are likely to be set out in a written contract signed by both the student and the landlord. Engagement between the parties to clarify the respective contractual obligations of the student and the landlord is key in establishing whether a breach of contract had occurred.
Students may wish to contact their third level education providers to seek any assistance that they might be in a position to provide. If a student cannot come to an agreement with their accommodation provider, they might wish to contact the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) regarding their concerns – https://www.rtb.ie/– or to refer a dispute for resolution with regard to the non-refund of their deposit.
The RTB was established as an independent statutory body under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 to operate a national tenancy registration system and to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants. Due to the quasi-judicial nature of work of the RTB, it would be inappropriate for me, as Minister, or my Department to comment on or intervene in the specifics of any individual case, or to meet with anyone that may be party to a dispute lodged with the RTB.
I understand that the Department of Education and Skills is working with representatives from the higher education sector to address the challenges faced by students in this difficult time. The Department of Education of Skills understands, based on the information available to it, that the majority of students in university-owned accommodation will receive pro-rata refunds if they vacate their accommodation. The Minister for Education and Skills has indicated that he would wish to see this principle applied in the case of students who were residing in privately owned student accommodation. However, it is not within the remit of the Department of Education and Skills nor of my Department to direct any accommodation provider to offer rent rebates or credits.
1239. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when the guidelines required to facilitate the mica redress scheme to open for applications will be published by his Department; the reason for the delay in publishing the guidelines; the date on which he expects the scheme to open for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9335/20]
View answerI made Regulations under sections 2 and 5 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1979, with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, to provide for a grant scheme of financial assistance to support affected homeowners in the counties of Donegal and Mayo to carry out the necessary remediation works to dwellings that have been damaged due to defective concrete blocks. Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks in Construction (Remediation) (Financial Assistance) Regulations 2020.
The regulations came into operation on 31 January 2020, and my Department has now finalised guidelines which issued to the relevant local authorities last Friday 29 May. These guidelines will facilitate, promote and support a consistent approach to the operation and administration of the defective concrete blocks grant scheme by Donegal and Mayo County Councils. The aim now is for the relevant local authorities to commence the receipt of applications without delay, and by 30 June at the latest.
The scheme is targeted at assisting a restricted group of homeowners in the counties of Donegal and Mayo, who have no other practicable options to access redress. It is not a compensation scheme and the regulations apply only in respect of qualifying works that have not commenced prior to confirmation of grant approval being issued in respect of a dwelling by the relevant local authority. Homeowners cannot seek the recoupment of costs associated with the remediation of a dwelling undertaken either prior to the commencement, or outside, of the scheme. This is in line with how similar Government schemes operate or have operated in the past, where prior approval is a key eligibility requirement.
Budget 2020 provides funding of €40 million to fund the operation of the pyrite remediation scheme and the defective concrete blocks grant scheme. 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. Mindful that the scheme is being funded from the Exchequer the scope of the scheme cannot be open ended. The funding available must be used prudently to achieve the most efficient and cost effective outcomes.
1240. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of persons with disabilities on social housing lists for each local authority from January 2016 to April 2020 in absolute and percentage terms relating to the total list in tabular form. [9369/20]
View answerDetails on the number of households qualified for social housing support in each local authority area are set out in the statutory Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA). Since 2016, the Summary process has been carried out on an annual basis and generally takes place in June of each year. The purpose of the SSHA is to capture the total number of households qualified for social housing support across the country whose social housing need has not yet been met, in order to better understand the level of need for such support.
The SSHA includes breakdowns by each local authority across a range of categories, including disability. Disability is categorised under four main headings; physical, intellectual, sensory, mental health.
The SSHA is a snap shot at a point in time of the housing lists of 31 local authorities. The number of persons with disabilities on social housing lists for each local authority for the years 2016 to 2019 is attached in tabular form.
A breakdown of the four main categories of disability in the most recently published summary, which sets out the position at 24 June 2019, is available in Table A 1.5 of the summary publication, which is available on my Department's website at the following link: https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/sha_summary_2019_dec_2019_web_1.pdf.
The position at 11 June 2018 is available in Table A 1.5 of the summary publication, which is available at the following link:
https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/summary_of_social_housing_assessments_2018_-_key_findings.pdf
The position at 28 June 2017 is available in Table A 1.5 of the summary publication, which is available at the following link:
https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/sha_summary_2017.pdf.
The position at 21 September 2016 is available in Table A 1.5 of the summary publication, which is available at the following link:
https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/summary_of_social_housing_assessments_2016.pdf.
In accordance with the vision and strategic aims of the National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability (NHSPWD), to achieve a coordinated and integrated approach to meeting the housing needs of people with a disability at local level, Housing and Disability Steering Groups (HDSGs) have been established in all local authority areas. These are chaired by the Directors of Housing with membership including the HSE and disability representatives.
Each HDSG has prepared a local Strategic Plan for its own City/County area, to develop specific local strategies to meet the identified and emerging housing needs of people with disabilities in their areas. All Plans are now operational in each local authority. These Plans, along with the Summary of Social Housing Assessments, allow local authorities to plan more strategically for the housing needs of people with a disability and will support the delivery of accommodation using all appropriate housing mechanisms.
Further information is available at the following link:
1241. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the instances in which he or a Minister of State in his Department made decisions contrary to the advice of the Office of the Planning Regulator in tabular form; and if he will provide a brief rationale for each instance. [9370/20]
View answerTo date, there have been no instances in which I, or a Minister of State in my Department, have made decisions contrary to the advice of the Office of the Planning Regulator (the Office).
The Office has a statutory role under Section 31P of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended (the Act), in the evaluation of matters relating to county and city development plans, variations to development plans, local area plans and regional spatial and economic strategies. The Office has a statutory function to inform the Minister if, in the opinion of the Office, any such plan or strategy is not consistent with its observations and recommendations.
To date, the Office has informed the Minister in relation to one such matter, and as that process is currently ongoing, I am not in a position to comment further.
In evaluating matters relating to the above plans/strategies, the Office must have regard to provisions set out in the Act including, but not limited to, the National Planning Framework, regional spatial and economic strategies, the principles of proper planning and sustainable development, relevant guidelines issued under Section 28 of the Act, relevant legislative policies and directives, and other provisions as set out in the Act.
Should there be an instance in which the Minister does not agree with the recommendations of the Office, the subsequent procedure is set out in Section 31AN of the Act:-
The Minister shall:
(i) prepare a statement in writing of his or her reasons for not agreeing,
(ii) cause that statement to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas, and
(iii) as soon as practicable, make that statement available on the website of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.
