Tuesday, 14 Jul 2020

Written Answers Nos. 433-457

Commercial Rates

Questions (433)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

433. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the estimated cost to the Exchequer due to revenue lost in rates and non-rates by local authorities due to Covid-19. [15741/20]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

In order to support the local government sector, my Department continues 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.

The County and City Management Association (CCMA) has estimated the loss of non-rates income for 2020 to be in the region of €91 million. This is under consideration by my Department as part of the revised estimates under preparation.

It is not possible to accurately calculate the loss of income from commercial rates in 2020 at this stage in the year, due to the range of payment plans available to ratepayers and the variety of payment patterns from different sectors of ratepayers. This is coupled with the fact that the second moiety has only been due since 1 July and is payable until the end of the year. Furthermore, Government is considering the treatment of rates for the remainder of 2020, in line with the commitment in the programme for Government.

I intend to continue supporting measures taken by my Department to assist local authorities with the financial difficulties they are experiencing since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Traveller Accommodation

Questions (434)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

434. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans for the implementation of the recommendations of the expert group on Traveller accommodation published in July 2019. [15742/20]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

There are 32 recommendations in the Traveller Accommodation Expert Review Report, including proposals aimed at:

- addressing research deficiencies, including how information is gathered and used;

- removing any potential delays and obstacles in the planning system in terms of delivery;

- increasing resources and delivery capacity; and

- strengthening governance arrangements.

The recommendations have been categorised into separate streams reflecting recommendations that can be completed within my Department, recommendations that require the assistance of other Government Departments and Agencies and recommendations that will require the commission of further independent research.

I plan to establish a dedicated Programme Board led by my Department and including all the necessary representatives to drive implementation of the Report. The work will be informed by input from key stakeholders, including those representing Travellers.

My Department has already been able to progress a number of short term recommendations and working groups are already working on others. For example, a review has been concluded of the arrangements for the disbursement of funding for the provision and refurbishment of Traveller specific accommodation and a new process implemented for the 2020 allocation of funding process.

Meetings have taken place with working groups within my Department and with other Government agencies and Departments. Officials from my Department are reporting progress on the implementation of the recommendations of the Expert Group report at the NTACC meetings along with seeking input from them as major stakeholders.

Rental Accommodation Standards

Questions (435)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

435. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the amount allocated to each local authority for rental property inspections to date in 2020; and the projected increase in funding for this purpose for 2021 and 2022. [15743/20]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

Between 2005 and 2019, over €43 million was paid to local authorities to assist them in the performance of their functions under the Housing Acts, including the inspection of rented accommodation. Over 298,000 inspections were carried out during this period.

The Rental Strategy recognises the need for additional resources to be provided to local authorities to aid increased inspections of properties and ensure greater compliance with the Regulations. Provision has been made for €6 million of Exchequer funding to be made available to local authorities in 2020 for this purpose, with the intention of providing a further increase in 2021 to facilitate a targeted inspection rate of 25% of rental properties annually at that stage. Funding is provided on the basis of inspections carried out rather than through advance allocations.

Detailed information in relation to inspections carried out by each Local Authority since 2005, can be found on my Department's website at the following link:

https://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/statistics/house-building-and-private-rented/private-housing-market-statistics

Details of the amounts paid to each local authority in 2020 are set out in the table below:

Local Authority	Total payment to-date 2020
Carlow	€49,200
Cavan	€15,400
Clare	€42,450
Cork County	€52,450
Donegal	€115,500
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown	€75,300
Fingal	€340,050
Galway	€82,150
Kerry	€88,350
Kildare	€62,000
Kilkenny	€50,450
Laois	€40,200
Leitrim	€18,500
Limerick	€82,600
Longford	€9,550
Louth	€52,400
Mayo	€45,100
Meath	€105,950
Monaghan	€17,150
Offaly	€23,700
Roscommon	€24,750
Sligo	€60,850
South Dublin	€114,500
Tipperary	€65,600
Waterford	€54,050
Westmeath	€21,000
Wexford	€93,700
Cork City Council	€51,950
Dublin City Council	€490,098
Galway City Council	€49,000
TOTALS	€2,393,948

Due to the Covid-19 restrictions it has not been possible for all local authorities to submit inspection data for Q1 as yet. Q2 returns will be processed and paid in due course.

Social and Affordable Housing

Questions (436, 437, 438)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

436. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the expenditure on HAP in 2019 and to date in 2020. [15744/20]

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

437. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the expenditure on SHCEP in 2019 and to date in 2020. [15745/20]

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

438. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the expenditure on RAS in 2019 and to date in 2020. [15746/20]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

I propose to take Questions Nos. 436 to 438, inclusive, together.

The expenditure under HAP; RAS and SHCEP in 2019 and up to end June 2020 is set out in the table below.

Scheme	Total Expenditure 2019	Total Expenditure to End June 2020
HAP	€382m	€215.2m
RAS	€134.3m	€47.2m
SHCEP	€139.1m	€52.8m

Housing Adaptation Grant

Questions (439)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

439. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the total allocation and drawdown of housing adaptation grants in 2019 and to date in 2020. [15747/20]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

The following table contains details of the 2019 exchequer funding drawn down by local authorities for housing adaptation grants up to 31 December 2019, and up to 30 June 2020. Each local authority provides an additional 20% own contribution.

Local Authority	Exchequer Drawdown to 31 December 2019	Exchequer Drawdown to 30 June 2020
Carlow	€1,337,450	€483,281
Cavan	€992,380	€181,975
Clare	€2,399,552	€0
Cork	€4,323,799	€744,336
Cork City	€981,908	€186,807
Donegal	€1,333,144	€458,247
Dublin City	€7,395,113	€2,497,418
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown	€1,159,572	€288,691
Fingal	€2,043,228	€479,363
Galway	€1,695,312	€566,522
Galway City	€807,777	€267,888
Kerry	€2,549,136	€947,815
Kildare	€2,497,750	€409,619
Kilkenny	€1,526,314	€604,864
Laois	€820,976	€46,120
Leitrim	€154,738	€82,961
Limerick	€2,659,000	€624,758
Longford	€575,984	€68,954
Louth	€1,176,836	€323,687
Mayo	€1,853,661	€496,847
Meath	€2,000,215	€427,130
Monaghan	€1,451,430	€1,023,648
Offaly	€1,294,412	€0
Roscommon	€1,075,381	€52,750
Sligo	€1,162,243	€152,557
South Dublin	€1,785,306	€931,033
Tipperary	€2,944,856	€1,005,290
Waterford	€1,220,152	€454,325
Westmeath	€1,043,669	€184,889
Wexford	€1,896,870	€718,836
Wicklow	€1,108,370	€292,541

For 2020, a total of €73.75 million has been provided for the scheme, and notification of individual local authority allocations will issue shortly. In the interim, all local authorities have been advised that they can expend an amount equal to 65% of their 2019 allocation.

Energy Efficiency

Questions (440)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

440. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the average cost of retrofitting a social home in 2019. [15748/20]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

My Department has provided funding for an Energy Efficiency Retrofitting Programme for local authority homes since 2013. The Programme has two phases: Phase 1- which covers the bulk of the work undertaken to date - focuses on delivering immediate improvements such as cavity wall and attic insulation. Phase 2 targets higher cost measures, such as fabric upgrades, window and door upgrades and the installation of photovoltaic panels and heat pumps. To date under the programme, some €151m has been spent nationally, with over 72,000 social housing homes upgraded

The cost of carrying out an energy retrofit on a social housing home varies considerably depending on factors such as dwelling size, year of construction, dwelling condition and construction type. In 2019 expenditure under the programme was €22.4million with 3,803 social homes upgraded. This can be broken down further into 2,468 units under Phase 1 with expenditure of €4,916,529, an average of €1,992 per unit and 1,335 units upgraded under Phase 2 with expenditure of €17,512,869, an average of €13,118 per unit.

The Exchequer funding available to local authorities under the social housing retrofit programme for 2019 was up to a maximum €19,800 for a mid-terrace house or apartment and €22,800 for a property that is end-terrace, detached, semi-detached or a bungalow. This funding has increased for 2020 up to a maximum of €30,100 for a mid-terrace house or apartment and €34,600 for a property that is end-terrace, detached, semi-detached or a bungalow.

Rent Data

Questions (441)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

441. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when the research being conducted by the ESRI on rental debt during the Covid-19 crisis will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15774/20]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

My Department and the Economic and Social Research Institute operate a programme of collaborative research principally focused on housing economics. Under this programme, researchers from the Institute and my Department prepared a research paper exploring the short-run implications of the Covid-19 pandemic on the private rental market. The research paper is focused on rental payment affordability and the potential incidence of arrears during the first three months of the pandemic among non-supported private market renting households, that is, among renting households which do not receive a housing subsidy. Changes in consumption patterns arising from public health measures are also considered in the paper.

The research paper is currently undergoing governance and review processes; finalisation and publication is anticipated during the coming weeks.

Homeless Persons Supports

Questions (442)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

442. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if staff working in private homeless services and hostels are required to be Garda vetted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15838/20]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

My Department's role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the statutory role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level.

A National Quality Standards Framework for homeless services has been implemented to ensure a consistent approach in how local authorities and service providers respond to the needs of those experiencing homelessness and to improve the quality of services provided. The Framework includes the provision that service providers must ensure that staff recruitment and selection procedures comply with statutory vetting requirements.

Arising out of a commitment made in Rebuilding Ireland, a specific course on child protection was developed in partnership between the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) and Tusla. The DRHE has been providing child protection training to Private Emergency Accommodation staff, which covers their legal responsibilities under child protection legislation. Child protection booklets have been distributed to operators of private emergency accommodation.

Building Regulations

Questions (443)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

443. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if the building regulations will be changed in order to ensure that each new building has a non-fossil fuel heating system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15842/20]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

The European Union (Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations 2019 set higher building energy performance standards for dwellings, in accordance with the Nearly Zero Energy Building requirements (NZEB) contained in the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.

These Regulations apply to works in connection with the design and construction of a new dwelling, where the relevant works commence or take place, as the case may be, on or after 1 November 2019 except where –

- an application is made on or before 31 October 2019 for planning permission or approval pursuant to the Planning and Development Act 2000 and where substantial work has been completed by 31 October 2020; or

- a notice pursuant to the provisions of Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 has been published on or before 31 October 2019 and where substantial work has been completed by 31 October 2020.

These regulations will continue to support the phase out of fossil fuel boilers in new dwellings by advancing the energy and carbon dioxide emissions performance requirements of new dwellings to Nearly Zero Energy Buildings standards and by requiring that the nearly zero amount of energy required in new buildings is covered to a very significant extent by energy from renewable sources.

The NZEB requirements make it more attractive for builders and homeowners to further incorporate renewable technologies and move away from traditional fossil fuels. The Central Statistics Office analysis of Building Energy Rating data demonstrates this shift away from fossil fuels; electrical systems make up 44% of heating systems in new dwellings with this percentage growing steadily each year. Solid fuel boilers are no longer installed as main heating systems and the installation of oil boilers in new dwellings has dropped from an average of 37% to 4% in recent years. The installation of gas boilers in new dwellings is expected to follow a similar trend in the coming years as a result of these recently introduced NZEB regulations.

Similarly, Part L the Building Regulations 2017 has set higher building energy performance standards for Buildings other than Dwellings, in accordance with the Nearly Zero Energy Building requirements (NZEB) contained in the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.

These Regulations apply to works in connection with the design and construction of a new building, where the relevant works commence or take place, as the case may be, on or after 1 January 2019 except where –

- an application is made on or before 31 December 2018 for planning permission or approval pursuant to the Planning and Development Act 2000 and where substantial work has been completed by 1 January 2020; or

- a notice pursuant to the provisions of Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 has been published on or before 31 December 2018 and where substantial work has been completed by 1 January 2020.

These regulations will also support the phase out of fossil fuel boilers in new buildings other than dwellings by advancing the energy and carbon dioxide emissions performance requirements to Nearly Zero Energy Buildings standards and by requiring that the nearly zero amount of energy required in new buildings is covered to a very significant extent by energy from renewable sources.

The performance requirements in building regulations are set at the cost optimal level which ensure that the best energy performance is obtained for the lowest lifecycle cost taking account of capital cost and operating costs. A range of solutions can be used to achieve these performance requirements. The advanced performance requirements in the current regulations combined with a mandatory renewables requirement, is creating a rapid transition to low carbon heating systems in new buildings.

The cost optimal calculations are reviewed every 5 years and regulations will be amended if performance levels deviate off cost optimal. This regular assessment and flexibility provides opportunities to capture the benefits of innovation and economies developed in industry over time in regulations.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (444)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

444. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the actions that have been taken to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in apartment complexes; if property management companies are required to implement protection measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15887/20]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

The Department of Health provides guidance and advice on preventing the spread of COVID-19, which can be found at:

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/472f64-covid-19-coronavirus-guidance-and-advice/. 

A Covid-19 public information booklet was delivered to all households as part of the Government efforts to suppress the spread of the virus. Stay Safe Guidelines at Home are available at the link above along with various Covid-19 information posters for use in homes, including apartment complexes.

Property Management Companies are directly contracted by Owner Management Companies to undertake certain specified management functions in apartment complexes, as agreed in a Contract for Service.

Question No. 445 answered with Question No. 408.

Housing Assistance Payment

Questions (446)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

446. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the breakdown of the HAP payments being paid on a weekly basis by family dynamics and county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16026/20]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

At the end of Quarter 4 2019, there were more than 52,500 households having their housing needs met via HAP and over 30,000 landlords and agents in receipt of HAP payments.

Under the HAP scheme, tenants source their own accommodation in the private rented market. The accommodation sourced by tenants should be within the prescribed maximum HAP rent limits, which are based on household size and the rental market within the area concerned. The list of HAP rent limits for each local authority are available on the Irish Statute Book website at:

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2017/si/56/made/en/print

A summary of the proportion of household types supported by the HAP scheme at end Q4 2019 is set out below:

- Single / Single Sharing - 28%

- Couple / Couple Sharing - 4%

- Lone Parent with Children - 42%

- Couple with Children - 26%

Details of the number of active tenancies and the average monthly landlord payment by local authority area at the end of Q4 2019 are set out in the table below.

Local Authority	Average Landlord Payment	Active tenancies as at end December 2019
Carlow County Council	€561	730
Cavan County Council	€464	342
Clare County Council	€480	1,369
Cork City Council	€802	2,749
Cork County Council	€748	3,431
Donegal County Council	€398	1,805
Dublin City Council	€1,279	3,602
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council	€1,351	562
Fingal County Council	€1,355	1,898
Galway City Council	€817	1,723
Galway County Council	€735	1,229
Kerry County Council	€527	1,236
Kildare County Council	€933	2,195
Kilkenny County Council	€595	867
Laois County Council	€599	888
Leitrim County Council	€419	254
Limerick City and County Council	€598	2,308
Longford County Council	€415	330
Louth County Council	€876	3,046
Mayo County Council	€512	1,280
Meath County Council	€957	2,089
Monaghan County Council	€514	586
Offaly County Council	€528	883
Roscommon County Council	€470	421
Sligo County Council	€514	758
South Dublin County Council	€1,279	2,726
Tipperary County Council	€500	1,778
Waterford City and County Council	€523	1,952
Westmeath County Council	€565	901
Wexford County Council	€540	1,377
Wicklow County Council	€1,012	1,448
Dublin Region Homeless Executive*	N/A	5,766
Average monthly landlord payment	€848	52,529

* Average monthly landlord payments for tenancies set up by the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive on behalf of the four Dublin local authorities are recorded against the individual local authority.

Rental Sector

Questions (447)

Emer Higgins

Question:

447. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the supports available to renters unable to acquire a mortgage to purchase a home; his plans to provide further supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16115/20]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

My Department operates the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan, which is targeted at first time buyers who wish to own their own home, 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 eligibility criteria applicant(s) of the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan must have received insufficient offers of finance from two mortgage lenders to apply for a Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan. The loan enables credit worthy first time buyers to access sustainable mortgage lending to purchase new or second-hand properties in a suitable price range.

Single applicants for the loan must not be earning greater than €50,000 gross per annum. The combined income of joint applicants must not be greater than €75,000 per annum. There are no set minimum income limits; however, applicants do need to have sufficient borrowing and repayment capacity and must be capable of repaying the mortgage in accordance with the statutory credit policy underpinning the loan. With a Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan, applicants can borrow up to 90% of the market value of a residential property. There is also a cap on the maximum value of the property that can be purchased under the scheme. In the greater Dublin area, Cork, and Galway, the maximum market value is €320,000. In the rest of the country, this limit is €250,000.

The availability of the Help To Buy Scheme for first-time-buyers, which is a policy of the Department of Finance, offers additional assistance to purchasers of newly built properties. Up to 5% of the purchase price of properties below €400,000 could be available, which represents a significant contribution towards these deposit requirements. This should alleviate some of the challenges faced by first-time buyers in accessing the 10% deposit of the market value of the property. The initiative has been designed to provide immediate and targeted support for first-time buyers in meeting their deposit requirements and encouraging the construction of new housing units. Further information on this scheme is available on www.revenue.ie.

More generally, there are other proposals to support renters.

As confirmed in the Programme for Government 'Our Shared Future', this Government is committed to the introduction of Cost Rental housing in Ireland. This recognises that renters in Dublin and other major urban centres are facing significant housing access and affordability challenges. Cost Rental is a fundamentally different housing proposal and represents a new tenure option. It is defined as housing where the rents charged cover the cost of delivering, managing, and maintaining the homes only.

Initial work on Cost Rental is underway and in 2019 an inter-departmental multi-agency Cost Rental Working Group was convened in order to assess methods for the consistent and sustainable delivery Cost Rental at scale. This work will be assisted by a recently initiated research consultancy sponsored by the European Investment Bank on behalf of my Department. The EIB has extensive experience in supporting the delivery of affordable housing across Europe. The final Report is scheduled for completion in December.

The first Cost Rental pilot development in Ireland is currently under construction at Enniskerry Road, Stepaside, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. The mixed-tenure development comprises 50 Cost Rental homes alongside 105 social housing homes. The cost-covering rent for a two-bedroom apartment is projected to be €1,200 per month, which represents a significant discount on equivalent market prices in the area. Construction began in July 2019 with delivery scheduled for Q3 2021 (pre-Covid).

Two other Cost Rental projects are also under development, at Emmet Road, Inchicore (the former St Michael’s Estate), and at Shanganagh Castle, Shankill, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. At the former site, Dublin City Council are proposing to construct 375 Cost Rental units alongside 109 social housing units, and they have recently appointed an architect-led integrated design team to progress the project through the planning and construction phases. At Shanganagh, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is working in partnership with the Land Development Agency to develop approximately 300 Cost Rental homes alongside approximately 200 social housing homes and 100 homes for sale under the Affordable Purchase scheme. A planning proposal was lodged with An Bord Pleanála in January 2020.

The selection of further sites for cost rental consideration will be informed by emerging policy and by the financial and operational model that will develop from the evidence building that is currently underway. In the long term, the intention is that the development of a Cost Rental model will significantly enhance affordability for moderate-income earners within the rental housing sector.

Public Inquiries

Questions (448)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

448. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of tribunals, public investigations and commissions of investigations in process; the length of time each has been under way; when each will conclude; the cost to date of each; and the estimated cost of each at completion. [16136/20]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

There are no tribunals, public investigations or commissions of investigation currently underway in relation to functional areas relevant to my Department.

There are still claims and payments being processed following the completion of the Tribunal into Certain Planning Matters and Payments (Mahon Tribunal) in 2012. It is estimated that this process will be completed in 2022. The Tribunal has cost €136.3 million to date, with an estimated total cost on completion to be in the region of €140 million, depending on the resolution of outstanding claims.

Northern Ireland

Questions (449)

Alan Kelly

Question:

449. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans for a border poll in the lifetime of this Government. [15140/20]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The approach of any Irish Government in relation to Irish unity is guided by Article 3 of the Constitution, as amended by the people in 1998. The Government respects everyone’s right on this island to make the case for the constitutional future they wish to see for Northern Ireland - whether the continuation of the union with Great Britain or a sovereign united Ireland. The Good Friday Agreement - and the two sovereign Governments - explicitly recognise and validate the legitimacy of both of these constitutional positions, which are deeply held.

The holding of a referendum in this jurisdiction is connected with the calling of a border poll, under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, in Northern Ireland. The decision to hold such a poll in Northern Ireland rests with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

The full implementation and effective operation of the Good Friday Agreement is a priority for this Government. The principle of consent and the possibility of change in the constitutional status of Northern Ireland are fundamental elements of the Good Friday Agreement, endorsed by the people of this island of Ireland, North and South.

Under the Good Friday Agreement, the Irish and British Governments “recognise the legitimacy of whatever choice is freely exercised by a majority of the people of Northern Ireland with regard to its status, whether they prefer to continue to support the Union with Britain or a sovereign united Ireland” and should such a choice be made in the future, it will be a binding obligation on both Governments to introduce and support in their respective Parliaments legislation to give effect to that wish.

The Government will continue to listen to and engage with the views of everyone on this island, both on rights issues and on the constitutional future that they wish to see for Northern Ireland. These are extremely important issues which naturally require very careful and serious consideration and the Government will continue to engage and reflect on them. It is for that reason that the Programme for Government has committed to establishing a Unit within the Department of An Taoiseach to work towards a consensus on a shared island. This unit will examine the political, social, economic and cultural considerations underpinning a future for this island in which all traditions are mutually respected.

Foreign Birth Registration

Questions (450)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

450. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when applications for the foreign births register will be allowed again. [15160/20]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Foreign Births Registration (FBR) team was reassigned to our consular services at the beginning of the current public health emergency to operate a COVID-19 crisis call centre, assisting our citizens abroad.

Foreign Births Registration, by its nature, can be a detailed and complex process, often involving official documentation related to three generations and issued by several jurisdictions. The Department has seen an increase in the number of applications received, from approximately 6,000 applications in 2015 to over 32,000 in 2019. Almost 10,000 applications have been submitted to date this year. There are currently 27,000 applications waiting to be processed.

Applications that have been sent to the FBR team are being held securely and will be processed when normal services resume later in the summer. The expected processing time for FBR applications is between 12 and 18 months.

Northern Ireland

Questions (451)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

451. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to implement the commitments made in the New Decade, New Approach agreement in Northern of Ireland and the commitments made by Ireland in relation to building and funding the A5 road and the expansion of the Magee campus in Derry. [15383/20]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

On 9 January 2020, the then Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I published the proposed New Decade, New Approach agreement, which was the basis for the political parties in Northern Ireland to resume operating the power-sharing Executive and Assembly.

The Irish and British Governments, at the same time, each announced a series of financial and other commitments in support of the resumption of the power-sharing institutions at Stormont and the work of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC). These commitments are annexed to the proposed agreement, but do not form part of it.

The Irish Government’s commitments under New Decade, New Approach include working through the NSMC to help deliver infrastructure that will benefit people across the island, to achieve greater connectivity, North and South, and investing in the North West region and in Border Communities, including a total of £75 million up to 2022 for the A5 road project.

There is also a commitment in principle to contributing to capital investment to support expanded provision at Ulster University Magee Campus, alongside the commitment made in the context of this agreement by the British Government.

I and my Government colleagues are looking forward to meetings of the North South Ministerial Council resuming as soon as possible, with a full plenary meeting of the Council followed by the regular pattern of Ministerial meetings across the NSMC’s twelve sectors of cooperation.

These Ministerial meetings will provide opportunities to discuss and to work together with Northern Ireland Executive colleagues on advancing the implementation of the commitments made by the Government in the context of the New Decade, New Approach agreement, as well as other areas of practical co-operation that are to our mutual benefit.

The Government is committed to playing its full part in the delivery of these projects. The funding requirement in the years ahead will depend on the timing and details for projects being agreed on a North/South basis, and will need to take account of necessary discussions with the Executive through the North South Ministerial Council, the progress of implementation of each project, and, where relevant, our engagement with the British Government.

The Government has recognised that the North West region is in particular need of strategic investment. In this regard, the North West Strategic Growth Partnership, established in 2016 through the North South Ministerial Council, brings together senior Government officials from Government Departments North and South and other stakeholders to engage with Donegal County Council and Derry City and Strabane District Council to deliver on strategic priorities aimed at bringing real and positive change for the region.

The Government remains committed to continuing to support the work of the North West Strategic Growth Partnership and in the context of New Decade, New Approach is committed in principle to providing further funding of up to €2.5m to the North West Development Fund in collaboration with the Northern Ireland Executive.

The North West Strategic Growth Partnership will also provide an important forum through which discussions with relevant regional stakeholders can be advanced.

The Government welcomes the development of plans for ambitious new higher education provision at the Magee Campus to Derry, including in the context of the British Government’s City Deal and Inclusive Future Fund initiative which is being advanced by Derry City and Strabane District Council. This investment can support more access to third-level education for young people on a cross-border basis, enable further cooperation between third-level institutions in the North West including in research and innovation, and underpin broader economic development and opportunities in the region.

International Agreements

Questions (452)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

452. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland has joined or plans to join the Covid-19 technology access pool initiative led by Costa Rica and the World Health Organization; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15916/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Ireland welcomes Costa Rica’s leadership on the Covid-19 Technology Access Pool. We note the leadership role of the EU and its Member States in drafting the Resolution, which recognises extensive immunisation against Covid-19 as a global public good for health, and in funding the Access to Covid-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator. We share the objectives for the initiative to achieve a common outcome in public health for the benefit of all.

Ireland has championed coherence, and coordinated and collaborative responses to the global public health challenges which we currently face, with a focus on ensuring that the needs of poorest and most vulnerable are served by our collective effort. The proposal touches on the work of a number of Government Departments and other stakeholders. My Department is consulting with relevant stakeholders with a view to considering practical engagement which will evolve as the WHO releases further details of the initiative.

Brexit Preparations

Questions (453)

Brendan Smith

Question:

453. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the preparations for a post-Brexit deal between the European Union and the United Kingdom; the measures in place specifically if no deal is reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15794/20]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Government has always been clear that Brexit will mean change. Whatever the outcome of the EU-UK future relationship negotiations, the UK will leave the Single Market and the Customs Union at the end of the transition period. Therefore, even the best possible FTA between the EU and UK will impact supply chains and trade flows and will involve checks and controls in both directions on EU-UK trade.

With less than six months until the end of transition, work to ensure Government, business and citizens are prepared is of the utmost importance. Yesterday I brought a Brexit Memo to Government including a comprehensive update on Brexit Readiness and Contingency Planning across Government. Given the limited progress in negotiations between the EU and the UK on a future partnership agreement, we have intensified preparations across all Departments on the basis of two scenarios: (i) a limited FTA (and accompanying fisheries agreement), or, (ii) no trade deal (i.e. a hard Brexit ). While Ireland fully supports the closest possible relationship between the EU and UK, prudence dictates that we approach our planning on this basis.

In focusing on the two scenarios set out above, we will continue to undertake this work in three distinct but overlapping streams: work for which the Government is the lead; addressing the needs of sectors and business impacted by the UK’s departure; and societal and citizen focused issues.

Since 2018, significant investment has been made in the infrastructure and systems required for the additional checks and controls for trade in both directions with the UK, at Dublin Port and Rosslare Europort, as well as at Dublin Airport. The work at Dublin Airport is now complete. Substantial work is also complete on a number of projects at Dublin and Rosslare Ports and further facilities will come on line by the end of 2020 to further enhance the capacity already in place.

The UK landbridge will continue to be of paramount strategic importance to EU operators, especially Irish operators, as a means of accessing the EU Single Market. Working with our partners, progress has been made on addressing concerns over checks and controls on goods moving under transit, including recently in relation to SPS checks under the new Official Controls Regulation. Even with these issues addressed, the way in which traders use the landbridge will change. A communications programme is planned to advise traders of these new processes.

Brexit comes at a time when businesses and the economy are already heavily impacted by the COVID19 crisis. The Government acted swiftly and decisively in terms of COVID-related supports to businesses. Brexit preparation will necessarily be part of a wider business recovery agenda and we will look at how best business supports can be deployed in support of Brexit readiness.

Our approach to readiness work will continue to be underpinned by a strong communications and stakeholder engagement programme. Central to this will be supporting business readiness for the new trading environment at the end of transition. I will continue to chair the Brexit Stakeholder Forum, which will meet again in the coming weeks.

On 29 May, the Government approved the preparation of a scheme for a new Brexit Omnibus Bill to ensure appropriate legislative underpinning of necessary mitigation measures. I expect this Bill will be brought before the Oireachtas in the autumn.

Preparations are also ongoing at EU level. On 9 July the Commission published a Communication on Readiness at the end of the transition period, focusing on the preparations that will be required for the changes inevitably arising in all scenarios when the UK will no longer participate in the EU's Single Market and Customs Union. The European Commission is currently updating its 102 readiness notices to provide useful advice to businesses and citizens on how to prepare for Brexit. These are available on the European Commission website.

The Withdrawal Agreement, including the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland, will apply at the end of the transition period regardless of the outcome of the EU-UK future relationship negotiations.

Preparing for the change that Brexit will bring is a key priority across Government. This work has intensified and will continue in the period ahead. We remain committed to doing everything we can to ensure that citizens and businesses are as ready as they can be for the end of transition.

Diplomatic Representation

Questions (454)

Seán Crowe

Question:

454. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the diplomatic missions, such as embassies and consulates, that were closed and not reopened as part of cost saving measures in the past ten years; if a cost analysis has been carried out on reopening the missions; and if so, the cost. [14660/20]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Ireland’s diplomatic Missions around the world play a critical role in promoting and advancing Ireland’s interests through international engagement. A range of factors is taken into account in considering representation overseas, including political, economic, foreign policy, trade and development priorities, as well as the availability of resources. The Mission network performs a wide range of functions in support of Ireland’s wider foreign policy interests, including representing and advancing Government policies, in particular in the context of the European Union and at the United Nations, economic and cultural promotion and development co-operation. They work very closely with State Agencies in the promotion of exports, tourism and inward investment. They provide frontline consular and passport services to citizens overseas, engaging with and supporting Irish communities overseas.

In 2011, the then Government decided that it was necessary to close Ireland’s Embassy in Iran, due to the acute budgetary pressures the country was under at that time. This decision was taken following a comprehensive review of our overseas diplomatic network in which particular attention was paid to the promotion of our economic interests. The Embassy of Ireland in Ankara is now accredited on a non-residential basis to Iran and supports our broad policy objectives, including the development of political relations, trade relations and supporting the needs of Irish businesses operating or hoping to operate there. Ireland is also represented in Iran by an Honorary Consul. Honorary Consuls are an important element of the State’s global engagement and provide consular services and assistance, as well as a range of other supports to citizens.

A decision was taken to close our Representative Office in Dili, Timor Leste in 2011. Ireland continues to have a very strong bilateral relationship with Timor Leste, through our Embassy in Singapore which is accredited to Timor Leste, and through Ireland’s Partnership Strategy for Small Island Developing States.

In 2014 the Embassy of Ireland in the Kingdom of Lesotho was closed following a decision taken in the context of a review of Ireland’s overall overseas diplomatic network. Ireland continues to have rich bilateral engagement with Lesotho, including in respect of development cooperation, through our Embassy in the Republic of South Africa which is accredited the Kingdom of Lesotho.

The network of resident Irish diplomatic Missions overseas will continue to be kept under review, including in the context of the commitment, set out in the Programme for Government, to Global Ireland 2025, and its aim to double the impact of our global footprint, having due regard to available resources.

Foreign Conflicts

Questions (455, 456)

Neasa Hourigan

Question:

455. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the recent steps taken by Ireland, the EU and the international community to address the ongoing instability in Yemen; his plans to increase Irish Aid funding in view of the looming food insecurity crisis in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14680/20]

Róisín Shortall

Question:

456. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the response by Ireland to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen; the actions he plans to take to offer support to the population of Yemen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14735/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 455 and 456 together.

Driven by the continued conflict, and worsened by the spread of COVID-19, Yemen remains the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with 80 per cent of the population in need of humanitarian assistance.

Ireland has so far this year provided €5 million in funding to the United Nations Yemen Humanitarian Fund (YHF). This Fund mobilises and channels funding to NGOs and UN agencies which have the capacity and are best placed to deliver lifesaving assistance to the most vulnerable. In total Ireland has given over €27 million in humanitarian aid directly to Yemen since 2015.

Ireland also provides significant humanitarian funding to Yemen through our contribution to global funds, including to the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund. Ireland is one of the top ten contributors to the CERF since its establishment in 2006. In 2019, the CERF provided €32 million in funding to Yemen. Funding has also been given to WHO and UNHCR specifically for their Global COVID-19 response.

As a Member State of the EU, Ireland also contributes to the EU response to the crisis in Yemen. Since the beginning of the conflict in 2015, the EU has allocated €484 million in humanitarian aid.

The roots of the humanitarian crisis in Yemen lies in conflict. Ireland and the EU fully support the efforts of the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, to bring about a political resolution to the conflict.

In particular, I welcome efforts made towards a Joint Declaration between the Government of Yemen and the Houthis that would commit the parties to a nationwide ceasefire, bring forward a number of economic and humanitarian measures, and resume a political process. However, despite the Special Envoy’s efforts over the last three months, agreement has not been reached and the cycle of violence continues and has even increased in some areas.

Ireland calls again on the parties to the conflict to comply fully with their obligations under international humanitarian law, and to continue their engagement with the Special Envoy with a view to agreeing a declaration and ceasefire that will be in the best interests of the people of Yemen. Full, secure and unimpeded access for humanitarian and health workers and supplies to all of Yemen, in the spirit of Resolution 2532, would allow lifesaving assistance to reach those in greatest need.

Ministerial Responsibilities

Questions (457)

Alan Kelly

Question:

457. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide a copy of the departmental briefings received by him and each Minister of State in his Department upon taking up each individual role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14804/20]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I refer to my previous reply to Parliamentary Question 14526/20. My Department will be arranging for the publication of briefing material, in accordance with the usual procedures, provided to me upon taking up my role as Minister for Foreign Affairs and to the Ministers of State assigned to this Department.