Written Answers Nos. 1029-1054
1029. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will address a series of matters (details supplied) relating to planned changes to the pandemic unemployment payment; the new payment in respect of each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11555/20]
View answerPeople in receipt of Jobseekers Transition, One Parent Family Payment, Working Family Payment and Carers payment can receive the COVID 19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) as well as their primary payment. PUP effectively acts as a replacement for the loss of employment income in these cases.
Where a person’s previous gross weekly earnings were €200 or higher there will be no change to their rate of PUP payment. If a person’s previous gross weekly earnings were under €200 the rate of their PUP will be adjusted to €203. This change will take effect in the payments made from Tuesday 7 July. This change to the structure of the payment means that it continues to be a strong support which is also fair and targeted.
To determine the gross weekly earnings for the purpose of calculating the rate of PUP, my Department will examine the employee’s average gross weekly earnings in 2019 and in January and February 2020, and the higher figure will be used. For example, if an employee’s average gross weekly earnings in 2019 were €195 and €210 in 2020, the figure of €210 will be used. Similarly if the employee’s average gross weekly earnings in 2019 were higher than in 2020, the 2019 figure will be used.
For self-employed people their gross average weekly income for 2018 will be used to calculate the rate of the pandemic unemployment payment, the last tax year for which verifiable data on self-employed income is available.
I trust that this clarifies the matter.
1030. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the new plans, initiatives and actions being put in place to address the high levels of youth unemployment arising from the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11573/20]
View answerGovernment policy to reduce youth unemployment, is twofold:
- to create an environment in which business can succeed and create jobs; and
- to ensure that as many of these new jobs and other vacancies that arise in our economy are filled by people taken from the Live Register, including young people.
This policy approach was effective in reducing youth unemployment from a peak of over 30% in 2012 to 12.6% by December 2019.
Against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic and resulting labour market conditions, youth unemployment has risen to 13.5% in May, with the Covid-adjusted rate recorded by the CSO at just over 50%.
My Department recently published a Working Paper ‘The Impact of Covid-19 on Ireland’s Labour Market’ which highlights that those who have lost their jobs in the sectors most severely impacted as a result of Government restrictions and consumer reaction (retail and hospitality) are more likely to be younger than the general population. In addressing the prospects for economic recovery, it is important to consider the opportunities for forging an entry path for new, young entrants to the labour market. Equally, it is necessary to reach out to disadvantaged youths who were unemployed prior to the Pandemic, including those who already face significant barriers to work; low levels of education and/or no prior work experience.
Building and sustaining skills in the labour force will require a key focus as the labour market recovers, with a particular emphasis on skills which will be in demand. The Intreo Public Employment Service which provides job search and activation supports will maintain a close relationship with SOLAS and the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) in order to identify and referral to appropriate re-skilling and upskilling opportunities for young jobseekers.
I convened a Labour Market Advisory Council earlier this year to provide advice to Government on the policy responses required to support labour market and business recovery. Comprising experts from the world of academia, industry and civil society, the Advisory Council will be an important vehicle in providing guidance on employment and labour market issues and in developing the public policy responses that will support labour market recovery and assist us to retrain, re-energise and re-employ all those who have been disrupted by the pandemic, including young people. A Policy Paper, prepared by the Council, outlining public policy and labour market responses needed to advance economic recovery, is currently under consideration.
Work is underway within my Department on the revised Pathways to Work strategy to ensure that positive labour market outcomes are achievable for all groups in society, including young people, and that the Irish labour force is well positioned to respond to both on-going and future economic challenges.
1031. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of young persons under 25 years of age who are in receipt of jobseeker's benefit, jobseeker's allowance and signing for credits in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11574/20]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy in respect of the number of young persons under 25 years of age that are in receipt of jobseeker's benefit, jobseeker's allowance and signing for credits is detailed by age and scheme in the tabular statement.
Young persons under 25 years of age that are in receipt of jobseeker's benefit, jobseeker's allowance and signing for credits at the end of May 2020
|
Age |
Jobseeker’s Transition |
Jobseeker’s Allowance |
Jobseeker’s Benefit |
Jobseeker’s Credits |
Total |
|
18 |
|
1,538 |
2 |
3 |
1,543 |
|
19 |
|
2,565 |
19 |
2 |
2,586 |
|
20 |
|
2,675 |
108 |
4 |
2,787 |
|
21 |
|
2,586 |
305 |
9 |
2,900 |
|
22 |
3 |
2,649 |
538 |
14 |
3,204 |
|
23 |
8 |
2,599 |
760 |
23 |
3,390 |
|
24 |
49 |
2,489 |
841 |
18 |
3,397 |
|
25 |
86 |
2,996 |
862 |
19 |
3,963 |
|
Grand Total |
146 |
20,097 |
3,435 |
92 |
23,770 |
1032. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of young persons under 25 years of age who are in receipt of jobseeker’s benefit, jobseeker’s allowance and signing for credits in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11576/20]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy in respect of the number of young persons under 25 years of age that are in receipt of jobseeker's benefit, jobseeker's allowance and signing for credits is detailed by age and scheme in the tabular statement.
Young persons under 25 years of age that are in receipt of jobseeker's benefit, jobseeker's allowance and signing for credits at the end of May 2020
|
Age |
Jobseeker’s Transition |
Jobseeker’s Allowance |
Jobseeker’s Benefit |
Jobseeker’s Credits |
Total |
|
18 |
|
1,538 |
2 |
3 |
1,543 |
|
19 |
|
2,565 |
19 |
2 |
2,586 |
|
20 |
|
2,675 |
108 |
4 |
2,787 |
|
21 |
|
2,586 |
305 |
9 |
2,900 |
|
22 |
3 |
2,649 |
538 |
14 |
3,204 |
|
23 |
8 |
2,599 |
760 |
23 |
3,390 |
|
24 |
49 |
2,489 |
841 |
18 |
3,397 |
|
25 |
86 |
2,996 |
862 |
19 |
3,963 |
|
Grand Total |
146 |
20,097 |
3,435 |
92 |
23,770 |
1033. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if further consideration has been given to a domestic violence rent supplement payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11579/20]
View answerLead responsibility for the development and provision of services to support victims of domestic violence rests with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. The co-ordination of the services addressing the needs of these customers is managed by The Child and Family Agency, Tusla. Victims of domestic violence accommodation needs are met through this joined-up service delivery model provided by Tusla with the close involvement of the various housing authorities nationwide.
In response to a proposal from Safe Ireland, I am introducing a relaxation of the means-test normally required to qualify for Rent Supplement - support with deposit payments and rent costs - for an initial three months for victims of domestic violence. After three months, the individual’s ongoing entitlement will be reviewed based on the normal means-test for the scheme. After six months, the claimant can apply to their local housing authority for an assessment of their housing needs and, if eligible, will be able to access HAP or other social housing supports.
An agreed protocol will be drawn up with TUSLA to enable services funded by the agency to make referrals to my Department for access to rent supplement for victims of domestic violence through a dedicated channel. My Department will also accept direct referrals through nominated contact points in An Garda Siochána, Tusla and the HSE.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1034. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of young persons aged 25 years of age and under who are in receipt of the full rate of jobseeker’s allowance of €203 per week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11580/20]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy in respect of the number of young persons aged 25 years of age and under, that are in receipt of the full rate of jobseeker’s allowance of €203 per week is detailed in the tabular statement.
The number of young persons aged 25 years of age and under, that are in receipt of the full rate of jobseeker’s allowance of €203 per week by age at the end of May 2020.
|
Age |
Recipients |
|
18 |
78 |
|
19 |
149 |
|
20 |
217 |
|
21 |
298 |
|
22 |
367 |
|
23 |
453 |
|
24 |
587 |
|
25 |
2,801 |
|
Total |
4,950 |
1035. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the position regarding the terms of reference, membership and meetings held to date of the labour market council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11594/20]
View answer1037. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the policy matters which the labour market council is working on at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11598/20]
View answer1038. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the way in which the membership of the labour market council is determined; if there is a public call for expressions of interest to join the council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11601/20]
View answer1040. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the labour market council will engage in and provide opportunities for public consultation on policy matters before providing advice to Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11644/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1035, 1037, 1038 and 1040 together.
I convened the Labour Market Advisory Council earlier this year at a time when the economic landscape and outlook was very different to the conditions we are facing today. The key challenge facing my Department and the Intreo Service at that time was how to increase participation rates in an economy that was at full employment, as generally understood. Against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic and the resultant disruption to Ireland’s labour market, the focus has turned to implementing an economic recovery agenda.
The Labour Market Advisory Council[1] is an advisory body to my Department and the Government and its membership brings together a disparate group of members from industry, academia, business and civil society.
I set the Terms of Reference and before finalising them received some valuable input from Council members. The overarching objective of these terms of reference is to provide advice to the Department and Government on the efficient operation of the labour market with a particular view to increasing participation rates, minimising unemployment levels and reducing average unemployment durations. The Council will have regard to UN Sustainable Development Goal 8 which promotes ‘sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all’.
The Advisory Council has met on three occasions to date (24 April, 8 May and 22 May) with senior officials from my Department and across Government attending on an Ex-Officio basis. On occasion, I envisage that the Council may invite a representative body or expert to discuss issues pertinent to the Council’s work programme.
The first task assigned to the Advisory Council was to develop, as a matter of urgency, proposals for actions to tackle the labour market challenges arising as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. A Policy Paper, prepared by the Council in response to this mandate, outlines a series of recommendations for public policy and labour market responses needed to tackle the labour market challenges arising as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. This Paper is currently being considered. The Advisory Council has also recently published a Working Paper examining the initial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Irish labour market.
Building and sustaining skills in the labour force will require a key focus as the labour market recovers, with a particular emphasis on skills which will be in demand. Furthermore, consideration must be given to how best to retain and rehire skilled labour and resume operations. The Council will be an important vehicle in providing guidance on these issues and in assisting with the development of public policy responses that will support labour market recovery and assist us to retrain and re-employ all those whose employment has been disrupted by the pandemic.
The Council will also provide advice and guidance on the successor employment services strategy to replace Pathways to Work, covering the period 2020-2025. Work is underway within my Department on the revised strategy to ensure that positive labour market outcomes are achievable for all groups in society and that the Irish labour force is well positioned to respond to both on-going and future economic challenges.
The Council recognises that there are a range of further challenges facing Ireland’s labour market. These include fast-tracking digital transformation in response to the Covid-19 crisis; the impact of the Covid-19 crisis on particular cohorts of the labour market including young people, women, and ethnic minorities; the challenges posed to many vulnerable sectors and regions by Brexit; climate change; population ageing; ensuring the availability of decent work for all – in particular for groups with low participation rates – and the implications of the changing world of work. It is proposed to deal with these topics in future Policy Papers.
[1] See LMAC Webpage: www.gov.ie/en/publication/656a27-labour-market-advisory-council/.
1039. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the cost of increasing the jobseeker's allowance for those young persons under 25 years of age who are currently on the weekly rate of €112.70 by €45.15 per week to €157.85; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11604/20]
View answerThe age-related jobseeker’s allowance rate of €112.70 generally applies to young jobseekers aged 18-24 to incentivise them to engage in education or training which will improve their chances of obtaining full time sustainable employment. Where a young jobseeker participates in education or training they can receive the maximum weekly personal rate of up to €203. In addition where a young jobseeker participates in the Youth Employment Support Scheme (YESS), a voluntary work experience programme for18-24 years olds who are long-term unemployed or face barriers to employment, they can receive a maximum weekly payment of €229.20. This scheme continues to be available despite the current restrictions of movement and arrangements for social distancing.
The full year cost of increasing the weekly rate of €112.70 by €45.15 per week to €157.85 for young persons under 25 years of age on the age-related reduced rates of jobseeker’s allowance, based on the existing number of recipients, would be approximately €35 million.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1041. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of young persons under 25 years of age on jobseeker's allowance who were previously on the €112.70 weekly rate but have now transitioned to date to the €203 weekly rate arising from the decision in budget 2020 to increase the rate for those on jobseeker's allowance under 25 years of age if they are living independently and in receipt of a State housing support such as rent supplement, RAS or HAP; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11645/20]
View answerA reduced rate of €112.70 generally applies for younger jobseeker’s allowance recipients aged 18-24 to protect them from welfare dependency by providing them with a strong financial incentive to participate in education or training to improve their chances of obtaining sustainable full time employment. Currently the weekly personal rate for jobseeker’s allowance recipients aged 18-24 years is €112.70. If a young jobseeker participates in education or training they will receive the maximum personal rate which is €203 per week. Reduced rates do not apply to all young people under 25 including those with a qualified child and those who were in the care of the Child and Family Agency, or TUSLA, during the 12 months before they reached 18. For this reason I am advised that it is not possible to identify current recipients receiving the personal rate of €203 per week solely due to living independently and receipt of a housing support.
In Budget 2020 I increased the rate of jobseeker's allowance for 18-24 year olds who are living independently and in receipt of State housing supports including rent supplement and the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP). The measure which was implemented on 1 January 2020 provides significant financial support towards the housing costs of these young jobseekers who are eligible as their weekly jobseeker’s allowance rates will increase by €90.30.
185 jobseekers aged under 25 who previously received a reduced rate of jobseeker's allowance had an increase in their payments on or after January 1st.
1042. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the amount her Department spent on social media monitoring in 2018 and 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11841/20]
View answerThe Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection has not procured a social media monitoring service and therefore, no costs have been incurred in 2018 or 2019.
1043. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the impact the raw sewage that is being released into the sea by the wastewater treatment plant in Ringsend is having on the water quality in Dublin Bay and the surrounding environment; and if the sewage releases from the wastewater treatment plant are contributing to the increase of the algae ectocarpus on Sandymount Strand in view of the fact it is not believable that the raw sewage released into Dublin Bay is having no impact on the environs. [10784/20]
View answerDublin Bay is a complex eco-system. The EPA has classified the water quality in Dublin Bay as ‘good’ under the water framework directive for the period 2013 to 2018, an improvement on the ‘moderate’ status achieved during the 2007 to 2009 period.
Significant investment in waste water infrastructure continues and is provided for in the Irish Water Strategic Funding Plan. It is estimated that €1.9bn will be invested in waste water projects between 2019 to 2024. It is well known that our waste water networks require ongoing and sustained investment to bring these up to the required standard of treatment; to deal with population growth; and to adapt to the impacts of climate change. Ringsend wastewater treatment plant was originally designed and built to treat wastewater for a population equivalent of 1.64 million and is now overloaded. In response, Irish Water is currently undertaking a major upgrade of the plant to ensure that the wastewater is treated to the required standard, to reduce nutrient discharges, and to improve the water quality in the Lower Liffey Estuary. Irish Water is installing a novel Aerobic Granular Sludge (AGS) technology which is an advanced nutrient removal process that is designed to consistently produce high-quality treated waste-water which can be safely discharged into Dublin Bay. This upgrade will increase the capacity of the plant to cater for the growing population of the Greater Dublin Area and will address compliance with EU law. Planning permission was granted for the project in April 2019, and will be completed in two phases; bringing the plant up to compliance with EU law in 2022 and a capacity upgrade by 2024.
There are instances of bathing water quality issues in some areas of the Bay. There are multi-faceted sources of pollution that may be impacting on the bathing water quality in Dublin Bay. This includes sewer misconnections to surface water drains and streams, sewer storm water overflows, wildlife and dog-fouling. The Dublin local authorities are working together to diagnose the root-causes and put in place programmes to solve these issues.
It should be noted, that any water that is released from storm-water overflows into Dublin Bay happens after heavy or prolonged spells of rain, and has been heavily diluted with rainwater.
1044. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he has considered whether raw sewage being released into Dublin Bay has Covid-19; if there is a process for testing if it has Covid-19; and if the sewage can be tested if that is not already being done. [10785/20]
View answerIreland is following the advice of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the advice of our own health authorities. As this is a novel virus, evidence and information on COVID-19 is increasing on a daily basis. According to the most recent guidance from the WHO, published 23 April 2020, the main routes of transmission are respiratory droplets and direct contact. The risk of transmission of the COVID-19 virus from the faeces of an infected person appears to be low.
Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local level. In that role, Irish Water is in contact with water and waste water utility companies across Europe to exchange international experience and information on responding to the operational and other risks associated with COVID-19.
The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre and the Directorate General for Environment are jointly organising a waste water based monitoring system for the prevalence of COVID-19 in the populations and had looked for other member states to participate in this programme. UCD has recently been awarded funding from the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), and will be working in collaboration with Dublin City Council, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council and Irish Water, with testing beginning from the Ringsend plant. This research will be used to determine if the monitoring of RNA traces of the coronavirus in sewage is useful to detect the circulation of the virus among the population in support of other public health monitoring and testing mechanisms.
1045. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans regarding commercial rates; and if an extension is envisaged to the existing three month waiver. [10788/20]
View answer1047. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he has considered requesting the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to remove commercial rates for empty places of entertainment and warehousing of event equipment. [11453/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1045 and 1047 together.
The levying and collection of rates are legally matters for each individual local authority. Local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes, in accordance with the provisions of the Valuation Acts. In certain circumstance, vacant properties may receive a partial waiver of rates, at the discretion of the relevant local authority.
In order to support the local government sector, my Department is continuing to keep local authority income, expenditure and cash flow generally under review and will work with all local authorities on both collective and individual issues arising. In addition, my Department has engaged with the Departments of the Taoiseach, Public Expenditure and Reform, Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Employment Affairs and Social Protection, and Transport, Tourism and Sport in relation to commercial rates and local authority funding issues, as well as the role that local authorities may be in a position to play in supporting economic recovery.
To that end, on 2 May 2020, the Government announced that a waiver of commercial rates will apply to all businesses that have been forced to close due to public health requirements, from 27 March 2020, for a three-month period. These costs will be met by the Exchequer. The administration by local authorities of this measure will be by way of a credit in lieu of commercial rates. My Department is currently preparing further guidance on the scope and application of the waiver for local authorities.
Government has also decided that the position following the end of the 3 month waiver will be reviewed at a later date, as part of a wider review of options to support enterprise and employment, and associated local authority funding implications, once the unwinding of public health restrictions has advanced.
1046. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if a regulatory framework exists which planning authorities must adhere to for granting extensions of permitted working hours on construction sites; and if planning authorities are required to consult with affected residents and stakeholders before granting an extension. [11274/20]
View answerSection 34(4)(h) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act), provides for the attaching of conditions to planning permissions by planning authorities “for determining the sequencing and timing in which, and the time at which, development works shall be carried out”. Further to this, conditions regulating construction working hours are generally attached to planning permissions for development.
Within the conditions attached to a planning permission, these may be include provision for derogation and local agreement regarding construction conditions, to allow for the undertaking of particular activities outside "normal" operating hours (e.g. a continuous pour of concrete on a large site).
As you are aware, the Government published its Roadmap for Re-Opening Society and Business on 1 May last with a view to gradually easing the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions on a phased basis. The Roadmap is aimed at keeping the level of transmission as low as possible while balancing continuing restrictions proportionately with the positive social and economic benefits which will be brought about by easing restrictions to facilitate, amongst other things, the country’s economic recovery from the pandemic.
In the context of the return to work of the construction sector on 18 May last under Phase 1 of the Roadmap, my Department issued Circular Letter PL 06/2020 to planning authorities on 15 May last relating to working hours conditions attached to planning permissions. Having regard to the exceptional circumstances faced arising from the pandemic and the consequential need to facilitate, where reasonable, the splitting of shifts for separating trades and activities required to achieve physical distancing on construction sites in accordance with relevant public health/ health and safety advice and protocols, while simultaneously seeking to balance this with the need to ensure output and productivity by the sector, the Circular Letter requested each planning authority to determine and agree, in the context of a national civil emergency, a reasonable extent of discretion in respect of the hours of operation of construction sites in excess of those specified by planning condition and, where applicable, to reach agreement in respect of derogation, for all or some of the period to 9 November 2020.
Noting that all sites are different, the Circular Letter advised that decisions to extend working hours on construction sites should be applied on a case-by-case basis by planning authorities, having regard to individual local circumstances including factors such as:
- the nature, scale, extent and location of the construction site i.e. rural/urban, smallscale/major development, single/multi storey etc;
- in particular, the proximity of the construction site to occupied homes and other types of premises or land uses that may be potentially sensitive receptors in the area concerned i.e. number, distance and type;
- the likelihood of noise, dust or other emissions, traffic and local parking impacts, and any proposed ameliorative measures, including management/monitoring;
- cumulative impacts i.e. where there is more than one site in close proximity, particularly in urban areas;
- the proposed hours of construction beyond those conditioned and their frequency and duration;
- the adequacy of site construction, management procedures, including any community liaison plan;
- any other relevant factors, including stage of construction (external & internal works etc).
As indicated, the operation of derogations and allowing for the extension of working hours on construction sites is a matter for individual planning authorities to determine on a case by case basis having regard to the criteria outlined above. Under section 30 of the Act, I am precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular case with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála is or may be concerned, except in specified circumstances, which do not apply in this case.
1048. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to deal with lifeguard shortages for coastal areas nationwide in locations in which persons swim during the summer months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10544/20]
View answerUnder section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he or she is responsible.
My Department oversees workforce planning for the local government sector and it is a requirement that approval is sought for any additional post outside of agreed workforce plan numbers. It is open to the local authorities to submit staff sanction requests and each is examined on a case by case basis.
Most local authorities have a delegated sanction to employ lifeguards on an annual/seasonal basis. Where sanction is required, I understand that all requests from local authorities have been approved.
1049. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the regulations relating to property rentals in circumstances (details supplied); if there is a register of the beneficial owner who can be held accountable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10564/20]
View answerSection 12 and 16 of the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2019 sets out the obligations of landlords and tenants, respectively. Under section 15, a landlord owes to each person who could be potentially affected a duty to enforce the tenant’s obligations and subject to certain conditions, such a person can refer a complaint for resolution to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) under section 77 where a landlord's obligation under section 15 has been breached. Section 77(3) provides for the RTB to furnish the name and address of the landlord or his or her authorised agent of the dwelling to facilitate a prospective complainant to contact the landlord in question on the matter arising, prior to referring a complaint to the RTB for resolution.
Since 4 June 2019 on foot an amendment provided by section 24 of the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2019, the name and address where the landlord ordinarily resides is required when a landlord registers a tenancy of a dwelling with the RTB. This new information requirement builds on the requirement already in place for each tenancy registration application to include any other address for correspondence the landlord may wish to provide and the personal public service number (if any of the landlord) and where the application is made by his or her authorised agent, the name, address for correspondence and personal public service number (if any) of the agent.
The RTB cannot include information in its published register that would disclose the identity of the landlord or the tenant relating to a tenancy of a particular dwelling.
Further information can be obtained on the RTB’s website at www.rtb.ie.
1050. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the arrangements relating to the proposed cost-rental sector; the person or body that will ultimately be the owners of these properties; if they will be in State ownership or ownership of some other organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10565/20]
View answerAcknowledging that renters in Dublin and other major urban centres are facing significant housing access and affordability challenges, the Government is committed to the introduction of Cost Rental in Ireland. In this context, Cost Rental is defined as housing where the rents charged cover the cost of delivering, managing, and maintaining the homes only. Rents are not set by the market according to supply and demand. It represents a new form of rental tenure for Ireland and a new State intervention into the rental market.
A working group involving my Department, the Land Development Agency (LDA), the Housing Agency, local authority representation and other stakeholders is developing the policy framework for a broad Cost Rental model. The group is examining how a sustainable financing and implementation structure can be established to deliver Cost Rental units at the necessary scale. Detailed operational and eligibility criteria for Cost Rental will be informed by this evidence building and policy work.
This work is being assisted by research which has been commissioned by the European Investment Bank (EIB) on behalf of the Department. The EIB has extensive international experience in providing support for affordable housing and is providing technical assistance in assessing the potential market for Cost Rental in Ireland. Fundamental aspects such as the ownership of potential units delivered under Cost Rental will depend on the eventual model chosen as a result of this policy work.
Formulation of Cost Rental policy is also being supported by two designated pilot projects, at Enniskerry Road, Stepaside, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and at Emmet Road, Inchicore, Dublin City (the former St. Michael’s Estate). The Enniskerry Road development has already commenced construction, supported by EIB funding, and the first homes are anticipated to come on stream from 2021. The Cost Rental homes delivered under this model at Enniskerry Road will be owned and managed by two Approved Housing Bodies, Tuath and Respond. Plans for the Emmet Road site are at the planning and design and stage, through under the proposed model it is expected that these homes will be owned by Dublin City Council.
Additionally, the LDA and other local authorities are actively considering Cost Rental as an option for sites within their land portfolios. An example of this can be seen in the planning application which has been submitted for a site at Shanganagh in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, where the LDA is working in partnership with the County Council. In this case, it is currently envisaged that these Cost Rental units will be owned and managed by the LDA. On its own portfolio of sites, the LDA may develop Cost Rental housing in order to fulfil the Government’s Public Lands Affordability Requirement. This requires that at least 30% of the housing potential of surplus Government land should be delivered as affordable housing, either Affordable Purchase or Cost Rental.
1051. 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 2018; the number of loans drawn down in each local authority; and the average amount of the drawn down loans in tabular form. [10592/20]
View answerMy Department publishes information on the overall number and value of (i) local authority loan approvals and (ii) local authority loan drawdowns in 2018. 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 2018 can be found on my Department's website at the following link - www.housing.gov.ie/housing/statistics/house-prices-loans-and-profile-borrowers/local-authority-loan-activity.
The information can be found under local authority loans approved and local authority loans paid. These figures are not detailed by loan type although the vast majority relate to Rebuilding Ireland Home Loans. In addition loan approvals are not broken down by local authority.
1052. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if the design standards for build to rent apartment developments as per the 2018 mandatory design guidelines are deemed acceptable by him for social housing delivery by local authorities, approved housing bodies, the Land Development Agency and Part V development; the difference in size, dual aspect and storage requirements; and the difference between the standard departmental social housing design template and those in the build to rent standards in tabular form. [10598/20]
View answerThe Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments; Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2018) set the minimum design standards for both private and social apartments developments.
The Guidelines also make provision for ‘Build-To-Rent’ (BTR) development to provide greater choice and flexibility in the overall housing mix. The Guidelines define ‘Build-To-Rent’ as “Purpose-built residential accommodation and associated amenities built specifically for long-term rental that is managed and serviced in an institutional manner by an institutional landlord.” The Guidelines as drafted, envisage BTR as a commercial undertaking, to which Part V provisions apply to BTR in terms of social housing provision.
Accordingly, the Guidelines clearly set out the six types of Part V agreement that may be made. Given the particular circumstances of BTR, the Guidelines recommend that BTR project promoters engage closely with the relevant planning authority with regard to how best to discharge the Part V agreement, prior to lodging any planning application.
While the Apartment Guidelines allow for some limited design flexibility in BTR developments, both the minimum apartment size standard and dual aspect ratio are identical to those set out as a requirements for other apartment developments, both private and social. In addition, while the application of design flexibility is not mandatory, BTR development must, in accordance with a Specific Planning Policy Requirement (SPPR 7), include proposals for both:
- "Resident Support Facilities", identified as facilities relating to the operation of the development for residents, including laundry, concierge and management facilities, maintenance/repair services and waste management; and
- "Resident Services and Amenities", identified as facilities for communal recreational and other activities by residents, including sports facilities, shared TV/lounge areas, work/study spaces, function rooms for private dining.
The more flexible BTR standards are not applicable to social housing delivery more generally i.e. to non-BTR development.
The following table compares social housing apartment standards as set out in Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments; Guidelines for Planning Authorities and Build to Rent standards as also set out in the guidelines.
Table 1: Comparison between Social Housing Apartment Standards and Build to Rent Standards
|
Design consideration |
Non-BTR Apartment Standards (Private and Social) |
Build to Rent Apartment Standards |
|
|
Space Standard |
Studio Minimum |
37 sqm |
37sqm |
|
|
1B/2P Minimum |
45 sqm |
45 sqm |
|
|
2B/3P Minimum |
63 sqm (Max 10% of units) |
63 sqm (Max 10% of units) |
|
|
2B/4P Minimum |
75 sqm |
75 sqm |
|
|
3B/5P Minimum |
90 sqm |
90 sqm |
|
|
Majority of units 10%> than minimum |
Majority of units 10%> than minimum |
Not applicable |
|
Storage |
Studio Minimum |
3 sqm |
Flexibility to a proportion* |
|
|
1B/2P Minimum |
3 sqm |
Flexibility to a proportion* |
|
|
2B/3P Minimum |
5 sqm |
Flexibility to a proportion* |
|
|
2B/4P Minimum |
6 sqm |
Flexibility to a proportion* |
|
|
3B/5P Minimum |
9 sqm |
Flexibility to a proportion* |
|
Amenity/Private open Space |
Studio Minimum |
4 sqm |
Flexibility to a proportion* (Specific design requirements for Ground floor) |
|
|
1B/2P Minimum |
5 sqm |
Flexibility to a proportion* |
|
|
2B/3P Minimum |
6 sqm |
Flexibility to a proportion* |
|
|
2B/4P Minimum |
7 sqm |
Flexibility to a proportion* |
|
|
3B/5P Minimum |
9 sqm |
Flexibility to a proportion* |
|
Communal Amenity Open Space |
|
Same minimum area as private open space Play space for children required |
Flexibility* |
|
Communal Facilities |
|
May be provided but not imposed |
Resident Support Facilities & Resident Services and Amenities |
|
Mix |
|
Up to 50% One Bed/Studios, No minimum 3 bed |
No restriction |
|
% of Dual Aspect |
|
33% Urban 50% Greenfield |
33% Urban 50% Greenfield |
|
Apartments/Core |
|
12 |
Maximum shall not apply |
|
Car Parking |
|
Urban – minimised or eliminated Peripheral – 1/apartment + 1/3-4 |
Default of minimal or significantly reduced car parking provision |
*Subject to the provision of alternative, compensatory communal support facilities and amenities within the development.
1053. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the measures put in place for those who were in the process of buying a home but now find themselves on the temporary wage subsidy scheme. [10621/20]
View answerMy Department has responsibility for the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan, which 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.
It is recognised that current applicants for a Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan may be experiencing difficulties arising out of COVID-19. Local authorities are being asked to show flexibility when dealing with applicants at all stages of the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan process from application and approval, to drawdown and appeal and should extend the time periods as necessary to accommodate those who may be experiencing difficulties arising out of COVID 19 restrictions.
Nevertheless, local authorities are also required to be prudent with their lending, both for the protection of the lender and the borrower, and ensure that mortgages are only advanced based on up to date financial and employment data from applicants as appropriate, having regard to the implications that COVID-19 has had for many businesses and employers. My Department has issued guidance to local authorities in this regard.
The final decision on loan approval is a matter for each 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 statutory credit policy that underpins the scheme, in order to ensure prudence and consistency of treatment for all applicants.
Loan applicants who are dissatisfied with a loan application decision of a local authority Credit Committee may appeal that decision to the local authority. Details of the appeals process can be obtained from the relevant local authority.
1054. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to a judicial review (details supplied) in April 2020 of a planning decision made by An Bord Pleanála; if so, his plans to make changes to the planning process or planning legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10663/20]
View answerI am aware of the judicial review proceedings to which the Question refers, which is a High Court judgment delivered on 24 April 2020. It should be noted that I, as Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, was not a party to the case concerned.
There are no plans at present to amend planning legislation in respect of this case. As this matter is still subject to ongoing legal proceedings, it would no be appropriate for me to comment further.
