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Tuesday, 8 Sep 2020

Written Answers Nos. 370-392

Heritage Projects

Questions (370)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

370. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the specific historic towns engaged in programmes of heritage-led regeneration by her Department in 2019; and the amount provided to each town in funding. [21920/20]

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Written answers

The Historic Towns Initiative (HTI) is a joint undertaking between my Department and the Heritage Council which aims to promote the heritage-led regeneration of Ireland’s historic towns. This initiative includes works to significant historic buildings, streetscape conservation and the public realm and demonstrates the effective way that heritage can be used to regenerate urban centres.

Funding of €1 million was shared by six towns under the 2019 programme as follows

Town

Amount Awarded

Kilrush Co. Clare

€190k

Letterkenny Co. Donegal

€200k

Ballina, Co. Mayo

€140k

Navan, Co Meath

€160k

Boyle, Co. Roscommon

€140k

Nenagh Co. Tipperary.

€170k

I recently announced that a further €1m funding is being awarded this year to be shared between the following towns

- Tralee, Co Kerry

- Ramelton, Co. Donegal

- Ballina, Co. Mayo

- Roscommon, Co Roscommon

- Sligo, Co Sligo

- Clones, Co. Monaghan

These towns were selected following a competitive process inviting local authorities to propose projects for heritage-led regeneration in one historic town in their area.

Island Communities

Questions (371)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

371. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the specific contracts agreed to ensure ferry, cargo and air services to the offshore islands; and the specific per month number of passengers or tonnage carried by each contracted service in 2019. [21921/20]

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Written answers

My Department holds 26 contracts with ferry, bus, air and cargo operators to ensure that the offshore islands have reliable, year round, cargo ferry and air services. These services provide life line support for the island populations in terms of providing mainland access while also supporting local economies through the tourism sector.

In 2019, these services carried 523,828 ferry and bus passengers, 31,100 air passengers and 26,351 tonnes of cargo. Details of all of these contracts, including holders and values of contracts, are available on my Department's website at the following link:

https://www.chg.gov.ie/app/uploads/2019/12/26-11-2019-subsidised-transport-services-and-airstrip-management.pdf.

Details of passenger numbers and cargo carried are set out in the attached tables.

Arts Policy

Questions (372)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

372. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the reason the target set by her Department for events with Irish artists abroad in 2019 was not met; and the steps she has taken to ensure future targets are met. [21922/20]

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Written answers

Culture Ireland's remit is to promote Irish arts worldwide. This is achieved through a Showcasing Programme which generates new opportunities for Irish artists and a Grants Programme which offers travel support for artists to present their work globally. Culture Ireland fully expended its allocation in 2019 supporting 453 projects in 56 countries reaching an audience of 6 million, an increase on previous years. Projects were supported in visual arts, theatre, literature, music, dance, opera, film, circus and architecture. 219 international programmers were supported to engage with artists in Ireland. 21 showcase industry events and 76 artists/companies were supported to present at showcase events. Success is not measured in these metrics alone as qualitative elements are paramount and it is notable that the 2019 programme reached more territories and higher audience than before

While COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on global arts events with most events arts events with a physical presence being cancelled since mid March, Culture Ireland continues to operate these two Programme to support artists and maintain Ireland's strong reputation for creativity .

Recent elements in the Showcase Programme include Culture Ireland preparing and supporting Irish theatre companies, who were due to present at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, to pitch their work online to international presenters. The Philadelphia Folk Festival presented 18 bands on a designated Culture Ireland stage in August which reached audiences beyond the US including music programmers. Upcoming events includes theatre companies pitching to international presenters at Dublin Fringe Festival and Dublin Theatre Festival and Ireland Music Week which involves 50 bands who are currently filming performances which will reach global music promoters online in early October.

The Grants Programme continues to offer support for presentation of work online and Irish Cultural Centres in New York, Paris and London are being supported for reimagined online seasons.

Culture Ireland has developed new initiatives such as Ireland Performs, which supported the presentation of 120 music concerts online reaching a global audience of almost one million to date.

Gaelcholáistí Issues

Questions (373)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

373. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the details of the issue of paying bean an tí (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22016/20]

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Written answers

The Deputy will be aware that in May this year my Department approved a once-off emergency measure worth €4.7m to support the stabilisation of the Gaeltacht Irish summer college sector.

The measure followed the cancellation, on 20th April 2020, of Irish summer college courses by my Department in the interests of protecting public health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the stabilisation package, up to €3.1m is being directed at enabling college authorities to refund fees/deposits to parents in full in respect of 2020 courses, while a further €1.6m is being allocated towards supporting the c. 700 certified Gaeltacht householders who normally provide accommodation to the approx. 26,000 students who attend one of the 42 recognised colleges during the summer months. The majority of this funding has now been paid out by my Department.

The standard rate payable under the stabilisation package is up to 40% of the daily payment of €10 normally payable by my Department under Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge (SFG). This works out at €4 per student per night. The total payment per household has been based on the number of students in respect of whom SFG was paid for the period from April to August 2019. In seeking to make this payment, my Department has taken due account of the significant investment made by householders in meeting the standards (e.g. fire safety compliance and additional sleeping space) required for recognition under the terms of the scheme.

The stabilisation fund is being provided as a specific once-off measure with the overall objective of ensuring the ongoing viability of the sector - thereby enabling it to continue to contribute to the systematic effort being made to support the language and Gaeltacht regions in line with the overarching objectives of the Government’s 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 and the accompanying 5-Year Action Plan for the Irish Language 2018-2022.

Based, not least, on the broadly positive feedback regarding the measure from relevant stakeholders within the Irish summer colleges sector, I am satisfied that the measure is proving to be effective.

Hare Coursing

Questions (374)

Paul Murphy

Question:

374. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht her plans for the issuing of hare coursing licences; and her further plans to fully suspend the issuing of same. [22110/20]

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Written answers

An application has been received from the Irish Coursing Club, on behalf of their affiliated clubs, for licences under the Wildlife Acts to net and tag hares for the 2020/21 hare coursing season. A decision will be made on the application in due course by the appropriate Minister following the transfer of functions.

Tourism Data

Questions (375)

Joe McHugh

Question:

375. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the estimated number of tourists who visited Sliabh Liag, County Donegal in summer 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22119/20]

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Written answers

I trust the Deputy is referring to numbers passing through the Sliabh Liag Visitor Centre. In that regard, neither my Department nor Fáilte Ireland has any role in the running of this visitor centre. Rather, I understand that the operation of the Sliabh Liag Visitor Centre – and, therefore, related statistics are matters for Donegal County Council.

Question No. 376 answered with Question No. 357.

Value Added Tax

Questions (377)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

377. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht if the case has been made by her officials to the Department of Finance for labour for arts and entertainment to be treated equally to other services in terms of VAT. [22281/20]

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Written answers

My Department has made representations to the Minister for Finance for supports through the general taxation system for the arts and culture sector, encompassing different measures, including VAT measures. These representations did not include the treatment of VAT on labour in arts and entertainments vis-a -vis other sectors.

My Department on an ongoing basis gives consideration to measures that will support the sector.

Commemorative Events

Questions (378)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

378. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht her plans for the Decade of Centenary State commemorations between 2021 and 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22284/20]

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Written answers

As we navigate through the most challenging and sensitive phase of the Decade of Centenaries, the Government's approach to commemorations will continue to be underpinned by the principles and guidance of the Expert Advisory Group on Centenary Commemorations; and in consultation with the All Party Consultation Group on Commemorations, which I will reconvene shortly. My Department is currently developing specific proposals and indicative plans for a co-ordinated, cross-governmental commemorative programme for the remainder of the Decade of Centenaries. The objectives of the commemorative programme for the forthcoming period (2021 – 2023), which includes the centenary of the Struggle for Independence, the Civil War, the Foundation of the State and Partition, will be:

- To focus on themes of remembrance and reconciliation and on the commemoration of all of those who suffered and lost their lives during this period;

- To encourage reflection about the multiple identities, traditions and perspectives that are part of the overall Irish historical experience.

- To respond with sensitivity to the local historical context, acknowledging that there was no uniform experience within counties or across the island of Ireland.

- To further reconciliation on the island of Ireland and between Ireland and Britain - a core element of reconciliation is acknowledgement of the legitimacy of all of the traditions on the island that draw their identity and collective memory from our shared history.

It is envisaged that the commemorative programme will comprise four thematic strands:

- A State Ceremonial Strand, which will comprise a limited number of symbolic acts of national commemoration focusing on themes of remembrance and reconciliation and on the commemoration of all those who lost their lives during this period.

- A Historical Exploration Strand, which will comprise a diverse range of activities, in collaboration with State partners and other stakeholders, designed to encourage authentic historical enquiry about this period and promote the use of primary archival sources. Initiatives will be developed in collaboration with State partners, National Cultural Institutions, institutions of learning, and other stakeholders. Historical accuracy, academic integrity and archival discovery will be key tenets of the commemorative programme for the forthcoming period.

- A Community Strand, which will involve a collaborative approach – similar to that adopted for the 1916 centenary commemorations - between the State, local authority network and community organisations, including appropriate cross-border initiatives. Local authorities will continue to have a leading role in supporting and driving community-led commemoration, augmented with appropriate State assistance and participation, which will be determined on a case by case basis.

- The Creative Imagination Strand, which will continue to encourage artistic and creative expression in remembrance of the significant historical events of the period from 1921 to 1923 and all of those who lost their lives. Artistic and creative endeavours will have an important role in encouraging reflection, exploration and debate, allowing people of all traditions to reflect on challenging and sensitive issues.

Commemorative Events

Questions (379)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

379. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the funding which is allocated to Decade of Centenaries commemorations and other commemorative events by her Department for 2020. [22285/20]

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Written answers

As the Minister with responsibility for leading the Decade of Centenaries commemorative programme, my priority is to ensure that the Government's approach to the remembrance of the significant historical events and related themes of the period from 1920 to 1923 is appropriate, measured, respectful, inclusive and sensitive to the different perspectives that persist on the events of this period.

The public health emergency caused by Covid-19 has impacted significantly on the scope for 'in-person' commemorative events and my Department is engaged with our partners and stakeholders to address the challenges presented in order to continue to deliver the Decade of Centenaries programme in a safe and meaningful way.

Notwithstanding the challenges presented by the pandemic, the approach taken to programme development and delivery will continue to be informed by the guidance of the Expert Advisory Group on Centenary Commemorations - specifically, the principles laid down in the Advisory Group's Second Statement (https://www.chg.gov.ie/app/uploads/2020/01/expert-advisory-group-second-phase-mission-statement.pdf) which was published in October 2017, and also the most recent specific guidance from this Group (https://www.chg.gov.ie/app/uploads/2019/01/decade-of-centenaries-guidance.pdf), published in January 2019. The guidance informs the Government's approach to the remembrance of specific historical events over the coming years, including the Struggle for Independence, the Civil War, the Foundation of the State and Partition. The Expert Advisory Group's Second Statement of Principles have been widely commended for providing clarity and a broad template to support all involved in developing and delivering authentic, citizen-focused and meaningful commemorations at national and local level over the remainder of the Decade.

The All-Party Consultation Group on Commemorations also has a significant contribution to make and will be instrumental in promoting an authentic, consensus-based and inclusive approach. I look forward to continued positive engagement and consultation with both groups over the coming period.

My objective in developing the State Commemorative Programme for the years from 2020 – 2023 is to ensure that, in remembering this complex period in our history, we promote a deeper understanding of the significance of these events, which accepts that the shared historical experience of those years gave rise to very different narratives and memories. The Programme will also take account of sensitivities across communities in Northern Ireland and continue to recognise that very different perspectives persist on many of these events.

This Programme is based on a four strand approach comprising:

- A State Ceremonial Strand which comprises a limited number of symbolic acts of national commemoration focusing on themes of remembrance and reconciliation and on the commemoration of all of those who lost their lives during this period.

- An Historical Strand which comprises a diverse range of activities designed to encourage authentic historical enquiry about this period and promote the use of primary archival sources. Initiatives will be developed in collaboration with State partners, National Cultural Institutions, institutions of learning and other stakeholders.

- A Community Strand, which involves a collaborative approach – similar to that adopted for the 1916 centenary commemorations – between the State, local authority network and community organisations, including in Northern Ireland where appropriate.

- The Creative Imagination Strand, which continues to encourage artistic and creative expression in remembrance of the significant historical events of the period from 1920 to 1923 and all of those who lost their lives.

For 2020 the allocation from my Department to the Decade of Centenaries 2012-2023 programme is comprised of €2m in current funding and a further €790k in capital funding.

Question No. 380 answered with Question No. 342.

Wildlife Control

Questions (381)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

381. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht her Department's plans regarding management of seagull species in urban areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22351/20]

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Written answers

The State Wide Declaration for the period up to 30 April 2021 allows the killing and capturing of certain wild bird species where they are causing damage to crops, livestock and fauna or represent a threat to public health or safety. The Declaration is published on the website of the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department at https://www.npws.ie/legislation/irish-law/eu-birds-directive-derogations. The Declaration includes methods to control seagull species in a specific area in North Dublin for public safety reasons. The control method involves the removal of eggs and nests only and the culling of seagulls is not permitted.

ANIAR Ecology were appointed by my Department to undertake a comprehensive review of the derogation process under Article 9 of the EU Birds Directive and published their report in October 2018. In line with the recommendations in the consultant’s report a Consultative Committee was established to undertake a review of the issues surrounding the impact of gulls in urban areas, with an independent chair, whose membership includes representatives of the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department, Fingal County Council, a local Community Committee and BirdWatch Ireland.

The remit of the Consultative Committee was not confined to one particular urban area given the widespread range of seagulls. The Committee was formed in June 2019 and has published its first interim report.

Cúrsaí Oidhreachta

Questions (382)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

382. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Meán, Turasóireachta, Ealaíon, Cultúir, Spóirt agus Gaeltachta cad iad na pleananna atá ag an rialtas chun comóradh a dhéanamh ar 1500 bliain ó rugadh Naomh Colmcille agus ar an ról lárnach a bhí aige mar nasc idir oidhreacht na hÉireann, na hAlban, agus na hEorpa; cén tacaíocht a thabharfaidh an rialtas don chlár Colmcille 1500 atá á eagrú ar bhonn comhpháirtíochta ag Foras na Gaeilge agus Bòrd na Gàidhlig in Albain. [22469/20]

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Written answers

Bhuail Foras na Gaeilge le hoifigigh mo Roinne chun a gcuid moltaí a phlé maidir le conas a d'fhéadfaí comóradh 1,500 bliain ó bhreith Naomh Colmcille a mharcáil i mí na Nollag seo caite, agus choinnigh siad an Roinn cothrom le dáta maidir le forbairt a bpleananna le linn na héigeandála sláinte poiblí de bharr Covid-19. Cé go bhfuil srian ar rannpháirtíocht an phobail i gcuimhneacháin sna cúinsí reatha, tá sé tábhachtach go leanfar de dhátaí agus imeachtaí suntasacha stairiúla a aithint agus a mharcáil mar is cuí.

Sa chomhthéacs sin, leithdháil mé maoiniú ar Mhúsaem Chontae Dhún na nGall le déanaí faoi Scéim Thaispeántais na Músaem Réigiúnaigh (leithdháileadh €5,850) agus Scéim Mhaoinithe Thuaisceart Éireann (leithdháileadh €15,000) a riarann mo Roinn chun tacú le taispeántas chun comóradh a dhéanamh ar chothrom 1,500 bliain ó bhreith Cholmcille. Tá uasteorainn €15,000 in aghaidh an iarratasóra ar an gcistiú a bhronntar faoi gach scéim agus ní mheastar ach iarratas amháin in aghaidh an chomhlachta in aghaidh na scéime.

Tacaíonn Scéim Thaispeántais na Músaem Réigiúnaigh le músaeim áitiúla, réigiúnacha agus speisialaithe, chun margaíocht na n-institiúidí seo a chur chun cinn agus a fheabhsú trí mhaoiniú a sholáthar do chostais chaipitil taispeántas. Feidhmíonn an Scéim ar bhonn cistithe comhmhaoinithe, áit a gcaithfidh an t-iarratasóir 25% ar a laghad de na costais atá beartaithe a sholáthar.

Cuireann an Scéim Mhaoinithe Thuaisceart Éireann tacaíocht mhaoinithe ar fáil do thionscadail a fhéachann le healaíona, cultúr, ceol, scannáin nó oidhreacht Oileán na hÉireann a fheabhsú, a cheiliúradh nó a chomóradh ar bhonn Thuaidh/Theas.

Departmental Offices

Questions (383)

Denis Naughten

Question:

383. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the number of vacant desk spaces available in accommodation allocated to her Department in Civil Service accommodation outside Dublin city; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22486/20]

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Written answers

As the Deputy will be aware staff of my Department are located in offices throughout the country including Na Forbacha, Killarney, Wexford and Ballina as well as the various regional locations operated by the National Parks and Wildlife Services such as the six National Parks as well as Nature Reserves and other shared offices. In excess of 400 staff are based in these locations.

I am advised that, at this time, there are 26 desks currently available in office accommodation allocated across the Department's main administrative buildings located outside Dublin.

My Department regularly liaises with OPW to ensure that all available office space is used at an optimum level and, also operates sharing agreements established with other decentralised government departments in shared locations.

Ministerial Advisers

Questions (384)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

384. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht if she will provide a schedule of advisers, special advisers and seconded civil servants working in her Department appointed and-or recruited and-or in an acting capacity; the roles and responsibilities attributed to each; and the salary scale for each role in tabular form. [22534/20]

View answer

Written answers

On the commencement of every Dáil, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform issues guidelines setting out the arrangements for the staffing of Ministerial Offices. The appointment of Special Advisers is subject to section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997.

The appointment of individual Special Advisers is a matter for each Government Minister subject to the terms set out in the aforementioned guidelines, although the appointments are also subject to formal Government approval. As permitted, two Special Advisers are being appointed to my Department.

One of these two advisors, Mr Juno McEnroe commenced working as a Special Adviser in my Department on 1st September.

The salaries to be paid in all cases for Special Advisers will be published in due course on the website of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

No civil servants have been seconded to my Department since the formation of the 33rd Dáil.

Ministerial Advisers

Questions (385)

Alan Kelly

Question:

385. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the number of special advisers who will be hired by her Department. [22779/20]

View answer

Written answers

On the commencement of every Dáil, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform issues guidelines setting out the arrangements for the staffing of Ministerial Offices. The appointment of Special Advisers is subject to section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997.

The appointment of individual Special Advisers is a matter for each Government Minister subject to the terms set out in the aforementioned guidelines, although the appointments are also subject to formal Government approval. As permitted, two Special Advisers are being appointed to my Department.

Water Services

Questions (386)

Patricia Ryan

Question:

386. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when a referendum on the public ownership of water services will be held. [20982/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Programme for Government provides that the Government will refer the issue of the environment, including water, and its place in the Constitution, to a relevant Joint Oireachtas Committee for consideration. I and my Department look forward to engaging with the relevant Committee when work proceeds on this issue.

Housing Adaptation Grant

Questions (387)

David Cullinane

Question:

387. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the estimated cost of increasing the housing adaption grants by 10%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21390/20]

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Written answers

In 2020, a total of €73.75 million is available for the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability Scheme, in respect of private houses. This is made up of €59 million Exchequer funding, which is an increase of some 3.5% on 2019, with the balance of €14.75m being contributed by the local authorities. The suite of grants include the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People.

Increasing funding by 10% would cost an additional €5.9 million to the Exchequer, with a further €1.475 million to be contributed by the local authorities.

Further consideration will be given to this funding over the coming years in the context of the range of housing supports and provisions available and also considering the Housing Options for Our Ageing Population - Policy Statement (Actions 4.1/4.2), which is available on my Department's website at the following link:

https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/housingoptionsforanageingpopulationeng_web.pdf.

Planning Issues

Questions (388)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

388. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if planning guidelines exist in respect of a matter (details supplied). [21583/20]

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Written answers

Individual military installations may have a variety of different functions; therefore, no specific set of guidelines exists regarding development in close proximity to military installations. Planning applications should be considered by a planning authority on a case by case basis taking all relevant factors and statutory requirements into account. It is open to a military installation or the Minister for Defence, on payment of the prescribed fee, to make a submission or observation in writing to a planning authority in relation to a planning application in respect of development in proximity to a military installation where it may have concerns regarding any such proposed development, which shall be taken into account by the planning authority in its consideration of the application.

It should also be noted that where a planning permission has been granted by a planning authority, the Minister for Defence under Section 44A(1) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, may request the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, and with the approval of the Government, to make an order revoking or modifying a grant of planning permission where the carrying out of development to which the grant of permission relates is likely to be harmful to the security or defence of the State and the revocation or modification concerned is necessary in the public interest.

Home Loan Scheme

Questions (389)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

389. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will reconsider the decision to suspend Rebuilding Ireland home loans for applicants in receipt of the temporary wage subsidy scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21632/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan scheme remains open for business. All local authorities are receiving and processing RIHL applications and are incorporating increased flexibility to accommodate applicants during the COVID 19 Pandemic.

As is the case with any lender, local authorities must lend mortgages on a prudent basis, taking into account the most recent income and employment data available. This is both for the protection of the lender and the borrower, in particular to seek to ensure that borrowers are not left with unsustainable debt burdens, as a mortgage is a long-term commitment. It would not be appropriate to lend when there is an identifiable risk that the person’s income and ability to pay might not return to the level required to support the borrowing requested.

The Covid-19 situation has had an unprecedented economic impact and unfortunately some applicants for the RIHL have been affected. In order to address this issue, my Department has issued guidance to local authorities on the process for dealing with applicants already in the application/approval process whose economic circumstances have changed for the worse. These options could include reducing, suspending or withdrawing the amount that can be borrowed. However, there is no one size fits all approach, it depends on the individual circumstances.

Nevertheless, the fact that an applicant’s income is supported by the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) is a factor that must be taken into account. As noted on Revenue’s website, employers’ participation in the scheme is ‘a declaration which states that, based on reasonable projections, there will be, as a result of disruption to the business caused or to be caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, a decline of at least 25% in the future turnover of, or customer orders for, the business for the duration of the pandemic and that as a result the employer cannot pay normal wages and outgoings fully but nonetheless wants to retain its employees on the payroll.’ This approach also applies to the successor scheme the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) which is now operational, where a decline of at least 30% in future turnover is projected for the period 1 July 2020 to 31 December 2020 for a participating business.

Given that the ability to repay a mortgage is based upon a careful assessment of an applicant’s employment situation, the fact that their employer has declared that they are unable to pay normal wages must be taken into consideration.

Therefore, on 6 July, my Department issued a Circular including additional guidance on the treatment of persons whose employers avail of the TWSS as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Where such persons are approved for a RIHL loan, draw down would not commence until their unsupported income post TWSS has returned to the level specified in the original application for a period of time, usually up to three months. This is line with the requirement to lend prudently. Local authorities can, however, use their judgement and knowledge of local employers to advance loans to applicants before the end of this three-month period, where appropriate.

There are exceptions to this approach. In the case of a joint application where only one party is on TWSS, the application can also proceed to drawdown if repayment capacity can be assured based on the other person’s income.

For applicants whose post-TWSS income is lower (e.g. due to reduced hours) than stated on their application, their application can be re-assessed to determine the most appropriate borrowing amount for them. In addition, persons currently on the TWSS can continue to apply for a RIHL mortgage based on their pre-TWSS 19 Income. This will provide clarity to applicants regarding their eligibility for the loan and will enable them to commence the property search.

Registration of Title

Questions (390)

Niall Collins

Question:

390. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if consideration of a submission on the registration of the title of a property (details supplied) on Main Street, Croom, County Limerick, by the Property Registration Authority will be expedited in view of the fact the delay is holding up a village renewal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21696/20]

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Written answers

In relation to any specific cases with the Property Registration Authority (PRA), arrangements have been put in place to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. Further information in relation to the specific case referred to may be obtained by contacting the dedicated e-mail address in respect of the PRA at reps@prai.ie.

I understand from the Property Registration Authority that the application is being treated as an ‘Expedite Case’ and that they will contact the lodging Solicitor, as soon as possible.

Building Regulations

Questions (391)

James Browne

Question:

391. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding regulations on installation of replacement domestic gas central heating boilers; if the regulations contain a provision on existing back boilers; the reason a householder should be told that their existing, professionally installed and grant aided back boiler must be decommissioned and if justification for same can be given; if an exception can be given to the householder that wishes to retain the option of a back boiler for occasional use in view of the fact that this is only a replacement of gas boiler and not a new systems installation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22103/20]

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Written answers

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) regulate all gas installers who carry out domestic work through the Registered Gas Installer (RGI) scheme, which is managed by the Register of Gas Installers of Ireland (RGII). It is a legal requirement that any work carried out on domestic gas installations must only be carried out by a Registered Gas Installer. Gas boilers and solid fuel appliances should be installed in accordance Irish Standards IS 813 for gas boilers and IS 258 and BS 8303 for solid fuel appliances.

The Building Regulations provide for the safety and welfare of people in and about buildings. The requirements of the Building Regulations are set out in 12 parts classified as Parts A to M.

In relation to replacement boilers in existing dwellings;

- Part J of the Building Regulations (Heat Producing Appliances) sets out a range of legal requirements associated with heat producing appliances, including air supply, discharge of the products of combustion, warning of carbon monoxide and protection of the building from fire in consequence of their use etc. Part J applies to both new and replacement installations.

- Part L of the Building Regulations (Conservation of Fuel and Energy) sets out minimum efficiencies for replacement oil and gas boilers in existing dwellings. Detailed guidance for dwellings using a wide range of space and water heating systems is contained in a supporting document Heating and Domestic Hot Water Systems for Dwellings – Achieving compliance with Part L and Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations 2019 https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/heating_and_domestic_hot_water_systems_for_dwellings.pdf

The Building Regulations do not apply retrospectively to buildings or dwellings. The decision to replace a boiler is a matter for the homeowner in consultation with their competent professional adviser (in the case of domestic gas installations this must be a Registered Gas Installer) in accordance with the appropriate national safety standards.

Homeless Persons Supports

Questions (392, 440)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

392. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans as part of the annual cold weather homeless initiative. [22829/20]

View answer

Patricia Ryan

Question:

440. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the cold weather initiative for rough sleepers will be introduced; the increased capacity of same by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22414/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 392 and 440 together.

My Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation and associated services for homeless persons rests with individual housing authorities.

The cold weather arrangements involve the introduction of additional bed capacity to ensure that there is shelter available for individuals experiencing homelessness who may be at risk of rough sleeping. Depending on the particular local requirements, local authorities may also introduce additional measures such as extended opening hours of homeless facilities and extended outreach services. The cold weather arrangements are typically introduced in November and additional funding is provided by my Department to meet the additional costs associated with these measures. Since my appointment, I have been working closely with the local authorities, including the Dublin Region Homeless Executive, on a range of homeless issues, including the arrangements for winter period.

The overriding objective is to provide long-term homes for all individuals experiencing homelessness. Individuals accessing homeless services are supported by local authorities and their NGO service delivery partners to secure a home, utilising the various social housing supports.

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