Written Answers Nos. 111-135
111. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if recreational shooting within 5km of a person's home comes under the exercise exemption as set out within level 5 of the Covid-19 restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34255/20]
View answerAt the outset I must clarify that I have no statutory function in relation to the recreational shooting of game. Game hunting is not recognized as a sporting activity by my Department or by Sport Ireland, the statutory agency responsible for the development of Irish sport.
The control of firearms is a matter for the Minister for Justice and An Garda Siochana. All recreational shooters must comply with the guidance and regulations issued by the Department of Justice and An Garda Siochana.
I understand that An Garda Síochána have clarified that recreational hunting does not fall under the any of the exemptions for exercise as provided for in the Health Act 1947 (Section 31a - Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No. 8) Regulations 2020. The Garda statement has also clarified that recreational hunting does not come under any permissible exemptions for travel outside of the home.
112. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of approved applications under the Fáilte Ireland Covid-19 adaption grant as of 31 October 2020; the amount drawn down at that date; her plans for unspent funding in the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34357/20]
View answerThe administration of the Covid-19 Adaptation Grant scheme for tourism businesses is an operational matter for the Board and management of Fáilte Ireland. It should be noted that the scheme has just closed and assessments are ongoing and the use of any potentially unspent funds is subject to public financial management principles and procedures. I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for further information and direct reply regarding the other operational details requested. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
113. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding one-to-one music lessons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34373/20]
View answerThe Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19 was published by the Government on 15 September, 2020. Until 1 December, Ireland is at Level 5 of the Plan. Under this level the public health risk means that we are all being asked to stay at home and one to one music tuition should take place online with certain exceptions. Information on the public health measures in currently in place in relation to the different Levels can be found at www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/resilience-recovery-2020-2021-plan-for-living-with-covid-19/.
The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A-Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No.8) Regulations 2020, which give effect to the level 5 restrictions under the Plan, provides a list of essential retail and essential services which may operate under level 5 restrictions. This list does not include private or commercial music, drama or dance classes.
Education is considered an essential service under the regulations. Under Part 2 of the schedule to the regulations, essential education encompasses primary and post-primary schools, and higher and further education where remote learning is not possible. Where a service provider considers that they fall into the essential education category e.g. as part of the national curriculum or as part of a specific, state-sponsored course of study, they should refer to the Department of Education’s guidance in relation to the operation of education services under Level 5 restrictions.
https://www.education.ie/en/covid-19/
Separately, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has published guidance to support the funded youth work sector. Where a service provider meets the definition of youth work, as defined under Section 3 of the Youth Work Act 2001 and is part of the state funded youth work sector, they should refer to that Department’s guidance.
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/58393-guidance-for-youth-organisations-on-resuming-full-services-after-covid-19/
114. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will undertake to facilitate meetings within her Department, FAI and Louth County Council to support discussions on the provision of a long overdue municipal football and sports stadium for Drogheda, County Louth (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34407/20]
View answerThe Large Scale Sport infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) was launched in 2018 to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects with at least €100m being made available over the period to 2027. Provisional allocations totaling €77.4m for 25 projects under Stream 2 (construction) of the LSSIF were announced on 10 January 2020. On 13th January additional provisional allocations of €5m for a further 7 projects under Stream 1 (design) of the LSSIF were announced.
In relation to the applications received, the FAI sought financial assistance to design a new football stadium and training facility in Drogheda. Unfortunately, the project did not achieve a sufficiently high score following assessment stage to be awarded a provisional grant under the first set of allocations. In relation to the availability of future funding, the priority in the short term is on advancing the projects allocated funding last January. While it is not proposed to open the LSSIF for new applications at present, it is planned to review progress on existing grants in 2021 when the question of whether or not it would be appropriate to seek new applications will be considered.
My Department is available to meet with the FAI and Louth County Council to discuss the matter further if such a request is received.
115. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the sports capital scheme will reopen to applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34480/20]
View answerThe Sports Capital Programme (SCP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCP and to prioritise the investment in disadvantaged areas.
The most recent (2018) round of the SCP attracted a record 2,337 applications. Allocations were announced in January, May and November of last year with a total of over €56 million awarded to 1,648 different projects. All unsuccessful applicants were given the opportunity to appeal the Department’s decision. In relation to the capital grants announced in November, a total of 122 appeals were submitted by the December deadline. The review of these appeals was completed in April with 6 new allocations approved.
With regard to future rounds of the programme, a full Review of the 2018 round of the SCP has now been completed and the terms and conditions of the next round of the programme will be based on the recommendations in the Review. Work on these terms and conditions is now being finalised and an announcement in relation to the timing of the next round and the funding available will be made in the coming weeks.
116. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if guidelines have been issued to date to local authorities in relation to council meetings convened in a virtual space or on an online platform; if there are plans to issue guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34288/20]
View answer117. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the details of training or plans for training in relation to the use of virtual space or online platforms for councillors and local authority staff conducting council-related business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34289/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 117 together.
On 20 October 2020, I signed the Civil Law and Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2020 (Section 29) (Local Authorities) (Designation) Order 2020 (S.I. No. 445 of 2020). This Order designates local authorities under Section 29 of the Civil Law and Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2020, allowing for council meetings and meetings of local authority committees to be held remotely.
Having consulted with councillor representative organisations, the County and City Management Assocition (CCMA) and other stakeholders in recent weeks, my Department issued a circular on 30 October 2020 setting out guidelines for supplementary Standing Orders regulating the proceedings of remote meetings of the Council. These are intended as a useful guide to elected councils in formulating their own supplementary standing orders for remote meetings.
Since 2010 every local authority is required to adopt an annual Training and Development Programme for elected members, the objective of which is to support in a structured way the development needs of elected members. Under section 142(5)(A) of the Local Government Act 2001, as amended, an annual training budget is provided to cover necessary relevant training for members on the basis that attendance at training events is of benefit both to individual councillors and the people they represent. A decision in relation to attendance at a training event is a reserved function of the elected Council.
It is a matter for the local authority to assess the training needs of its staff and meets those needs insofar as possible within available resources.
118. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will address a matter (details supplied) in relation to alternative and remote working; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34365/20]
View answerFurther to the increasing phenomenon of people working remotely from home arising from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and the likelihood that this practice will continue into the future, I can confirm that my Department will undertake a review of planning matters relating to home offices, including the exempted development provisions in this regard.
As per to the reply to your Dáil Question no. 145 answered on 13 October 2020, a wide range of exemptions from planning permission are already provided for under Section 4 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended and under Schedule 2 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 as amended. Such exemptions are provided for when they are considered to be consistent with proper planning and sustainable development.
In the meantime, if a person wishes to establish whether or not planning permission is required for a specific development proposal, they can seek a declaration from their local authority under section 5 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended.
119. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of deaths that occurred in homeless accommodation, emergency accommodation and among rough sleepers by county in each of the years 2017 to 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form; if he will provide additional information where available such as age groups and nationality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34376/20]
View answerMy Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at the local level.
My Department publishes a detailed monthly report on homelessness, based on data provided by housing authorities. The Report outlines details of individuals utilising State-funded emergency accommodation arrangements that are overseen by housing authorities. The Reports are available on my Department's website at the following link: http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/homelessness/other/homelessness-data.
While my Department does not collate the data requested by the Deputy I am acutely aware of the tragic deaths in recent days and months of individuals who have been accessing homeless services. I offer my sincere condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives. While every situation is unique, at an overall level, it is vital we continue to deliver the appropriate measures to ensure that all individuals experiencing homelessness are supported to exit homelessness into permanent housing solutions and that those with complex health and mental health needs are supported.
The latest quarterly report shows that 1,350 adults and their dependants exited homelessness into tenancies in the third quarter of 2020, with 1,485 having exited in quarter two. In the year to date, a total of 4,401 exits from homelessness have been achieved.
These quarterly exit figures can be viewed in the broader context of overall homeless numbers. The numbers accessing homeless accommodation have reduced considerably in recent times. At the end of quarter three 2020 there were 8,656 individuals accessing emergency accommodation, a reduction of 43 individuals on the previous quarter, and a decrease of 1,741 individuals (16.7%) on the 10,397 total recorded at end of quarter three 2019.
The Programme for Government commits to reducing and preventing homelessness and since becoming Minister I have secured significant additional resources. Budget 2021 makes provision for €218m in funding for homeless services next year. The original budget allocation for 2020 was €166m with a further €30m already secured in July of this year.
The increased funding will allow for a greater focus on preventing homelessness in the first instance while also ensuring that pathways out of homelessness for those individuals and families in emergency accommodation are secured as quickly as possible. This reflects the priority that I as Minister and this Government is rightly giving to homelessness.
For those experiencing homelessness the additional funding will support the provision of additional outreach services for rough sleepers and the expansion of Housing First targets, which is a commitment in the Programme for Government. Housing First provides homes for rough sleepers and long-term users of homeless accommodation and provides them with the wrap around housing and health supports that they require to sustain a tenancy.
120. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of applicants on social housing waiting lists in County Donegal; the number of tenants in receipt of HAP and RAS or rent supplement in County Donegal in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34377/20]
View answerDetails on the number of households qualified for social housing support in each local authority area is provided in the annual statutory Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA).
The most recent summary, conducted in June 2019, shows that 68,693 households were assessed as qualified for and being in need of social housing support. This represents a decrease of 3,165 households or 4.4% on the last assessment in June 2018. Since 2016, the numbers have decreased from 91,600 to 68,693, a reduction of 25%.
Below is the link to the summary report for 2019 which includes breakdowns by each local authority, across a range of categories.
https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/sha_summary_2019_dec_2019_web_1.pdf
The SSHA 2019 shows that there were 926 households on the Donegal County Council social housing waiting list.
While the SSHA is normally conducted in or around June, given the impact of the Covid-19 crisis on local authorities and nature of the work involved in conducting the SSHA, the SSHA for 2020 was deferred to allow local authorities to continue to focus their resources on immediate priorities. However, recognising that the SSHA is a very important part of the evidence base for housing policy at both local authority and national level, I have directed local authorities to carry out the SSHA 2020 in November 2020.
In relation to the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), at the end of quarter 2 2020, Donegal had 1,858 households in receipt of HAP.
In addition, as of the end of quarter 2 2020, there were 510 tenancies supported under the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) in County Donegal. RAS continues to be an effective and secure form of social housing support, and remains a significant part of the suite of social housing options currently available to those who are assessed as being in need of housing support.
The Department of Social Protection is responsible for Rent Supplement and as such my Department does not have figures for this payment.
121. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to reduce the delays in the planning and application process for both on-shore and off-shore windfarms which are needed to meet our 2030 energy targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34400/20]
View answerProposals for onshore wind farm developments are subject to the statutory requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act), in the same manner as other proposed developments. In the case of wind farm development proposals comprising not more than 25 turbines or having a total output not greater than 50 megawatts, planning applications are made to the relevant local planning authority, with a right of appeal to An Bord Pleanála. Wind farm development proposals in excess of these thresholds are classified as Strategic Infrastructure Developments under the Seventh Schedule of the Act in respect of which more streamlined arrangements apply and where such planning applications are required to be made directly to the Board. Wind farm development proposals can be quite complex in nature, having to comply with relevant EU environmental and habitats related reqiurements, resulting in some delays in the determination of such planning applications and appeals by the Board. However, concerted efforts are made by the Board to prioritise wind farm cases so that determinations are made in as timely a manner as possible in the circumstances.
Offshore windfarms are not provided for under the terrestrial planning regime and are instead currently legislated for under the Foreshore Act 1933, as amended. In this regard, my Department is leading the development of a new Marine Planning and Development Management (MPDM) Bill which will provide the legislative basis for Ireland's new marine planning regime including offshore wind farm developments. The MPDM Bill is somewhat modelled on the terrestrial planning regime while also having regard to relevant EU and UN requirements in relation to marine developments and the marine area.
In order to deal with offshore renewable energy (ORE) developments in respect of which planning applications have been submitted under the pre-existing Foreshore Act provisions but which have not yet been determined, a transition protocol has been developed in association with the Department of Environment, Communications and Climate to enable the transfer of such development proposals to the new regime being developed under the MPDM Bill. Once the MPDM Bill is enacted, my Department will develop planning guidelines for ORE with the aim of supporting ORE development.
122. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide clarity regarding planning enforcement issues (details supplied) in a local authority area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34409/20]
View answerSection 31 of the Local Government Act 2019 (the Act) provides for the management of planning application and development contribution scheme matters in the context of the redrawing of the boundary between the functional areas of Cork City and Cork County Councils. In this connection, it provides that Cork County Council will complete any planning enforcement proceedings commenced prior to the transfer day within the area now transferred to Cork City Council.
Responsibility for the detailed planning and implementation of the reorganisation process rests primarily with the two local authorities, subject to guidance and oversight by the Oversight Committee and compliance with the Implementation Plan provided for in section 19 of the Act. The Oversight Committee is in the process of completing its final report on all matters relating to the reorganisation, and I expect this report in the coming weeks.
123. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the condition to be residing in council accommodation for two years will be eased when requesting a transfer in cases in which medical circumstances are an issue as in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34423/20]
View answerThe oversight and practical management of housing waiting lists, including the allocation and transfer of tenancies, is a matter for the relevant local authority in accordance with the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, and associated regulations.
Section 22 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 requires all local authorities, as a reserved function, to make an allocation scheme determining the order of priority to be accorded in the allocation of dwellings to households qualified for social housing support and to households approved for a transfer, the allocation of which would, in the opinion of the authority, meet the accommodation needs and requirements of the households.
It is the local authority which assesses housing applicants, taking into account factors such as the condition and affordability of existing accommodation, medical and compassionate grounds, etc. The authority then prioritises the needs of approved applicants in accordance with its allocation scheme. It is a matter for the local authority to decide the conditions to be met in relation to transfer applications.
As Minister, I am precluded by law from becoming involved in individual cases.
124. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps he plans to take to ensure that local authorities take the effect that large scale developments in Gaeltacht areas will have on the vibrancy of the Irish language as a spoken living language into account in planning decisions; if he plans to issue a circular to the relevant local authorities setting out standards that have to be adhered to where planning conditions are put on planning permissions reserving properties for Irish speakers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34447/20]
View answerThe ongoing implementation of the language planning process has a statutory footing under the Gaeltacht Act 2012, which is the primary driver in support of the commitment to the achievement of the objectives set out in the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010 to 2030.
This is recognised in the National Planning Framework (NPF), which refers to the preparation and implementation of language plans at community level. Objective 29 of the NPF “supports the implementation of language plans in Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas, Gaeltacht Service Towns and Irish Language Networks”.
Separately, the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended, sets out mandatory objectives for local authorities, which must be addressed in the drafting of their County Development Plan governing local development policies. Section 10(2) of the Planning and Development Act includes a requirement that, where there is a Gaeltacht area within the planning authority’s territory, the development plan must include provisions and objectives for “the protection of the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Gaeltacht including the promotion of Irish as the community language”.
To provide further guidance in preparing appropriate policies, my Department produced ‘Development Plans, Guidelines for Planning Authorities ’, to address this mandatory objective of the Planning and Development Act. These guidelines refer to linguistic and cultural heritage and the needs of the community in land-use terms for housing, community facilities, employment, tourism and design, including advertising and signage.
Individual development plans may also oblige applicants for planning permission to submit certain particulars or information to accompany development proposals in Gaeltacht areas, such as assessments of the linguistic impact of the proposed development, in order for it to be assessed against relevant policies of the development plan.
Since April 2019, the assessment of all local authority development plans and local area plans is undertaken by the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR). The oversight role of the OPR includes ensuring consistency with relevant national or regional policies, including those set out in the NPF and addressing all relevant mandatory objectives for County Development Plans set out in the Planning and Development Act, including the provision of Gaeltacht-specific objectives, where required.
This statutory functions of the OPR may ultimately include a recommendation to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to direct a planning authority to amend or revoke a statutory plan, under procedures set out in Section 31 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. Such circumstances include where local authorities fail to adopt policies that reflect the overall national policy position or are in breach of the statutory requirements under Section 10 of the Act.
With respect to any particular case with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála may be concerned, i.e. consideration of any planning application, I am subject to limitation in exercising any power or control, which includes commenting or making statements, under Section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. This includes the competence, or otherwise, of individuals to prepare relevant documentation or plans as part of a planning process.
However, I can generally advise that a planning authority must notify the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (currently the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts , Gaeltacht, Sports and Media) and Údarás na Gaeltachta, to invite their views in relation to planning applications for developments which, in the opinion of the authority “might materially affect the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Gaeltacht, including the promotion of Irish as the community language” in accordance with Article 28 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended).
The decision to grant or refuse planning permission in such cases, and to assign conditions, including conditions relating to language where appropriate, to a grant of planning permission, is ultimately a matter for the relevant planning authority or An Bord Pleanála. This includes development proposals such as housing estates or holiday homes. I am confident that the local authorities are fully aware of their responsibilities in relation to assigning conditions to a grant of planning permission and I do not intend to issue a circular at this time.
I am of the view that considering the unique spatial and linguistic circumstances relating to each of our Gaeltacht areas, with local variation between communities and the contexts in which the Irish Language is spoken, that the relevant planning authorities are best placed to implement the framework of legislation, policy and guidance as set out above. I am also satisfied that there are appropriate planning oversight mechanisms and safeguards in place, which include the Office of the Planning Regulator and An Bord Pleanála.
However, a number of Irish language groups, including Conradh na Gaeilge, have raised these matters with me and I have undertaken to meet with Conradh na Gaeilge this week to discuss this more generally.
125. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funding provided to local authorities by local authority in 2019 and to date in 2020. [34451/20]
View answerThe funding provided to local authorities from my Department, as it was configured at the time, is set out in the attached spreadsheet. It should be noted that the vote payments to Limerick City and County Council include the HAP payments for the entire country.
126. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funding provided for voids to local authorities in 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form. [34452/20]
View answerUnder the Voids Programme funded by my Department, 1,503 vacant social housing homes were returned to productive use in 2019. This figure does not include homes which were returned to productive use by local authorities using funding from their own resources. Exchequer funding of some €26.7m was provided supporting local authorities in preparing vacant units for re-letting as detailed in the table below.
In March 2020, as part of the normal voids programme a call for proposals also issued for COVID-19 related voids funding to local authorities. To date, 401 vacant properties under the Covid subheading and 358 under the normal programme have already been returned to productive use at a cost of €8.9m and this work continues as a priority.
In addition, under the July stimulus a further €40m in funding was made available to support local authorities with their work in this area. This additional funding will see 2,500 vacant properties brought back into use. Work is progressing well with 1,527 properties already completed. All efforts are now being made by local authorities to refurbish and allocate the other homes.
My Department will continue to work with local authorities to ensure that as many vacant local authority homes as possible are refurbished and allocated this year. Final figures and the breakdown across each funding stream for the return of vacant units in relation to 2020 will be availabe in early 2021 and full details will be made available at that point.
|
Local Autority |
Units Returned in 2019 |
Funding 2019 |
|
Carlow |
14 |
€219,500 |
|
Cavan |
9 |
€117,161 |
|
Clare |
62 |
€2,194,139 |
|
Cork City |
69 |
€586,109 |
|
Cork County |
70 |
€1,653,333 |
|
Donegal |
43 |
€657,775 |
|
Dublin City^ |
495 |
€12,137,116 |
|
Fingal |
22 |
€219,738 |
|
South Dublin |
89 |
€914,084 |
|
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown |
83 |
€778,172 |
|
Galway City |
3 |
€29,590 |
|
Galway County |
39 |
€462,756 |
|
Kerry |
61 |
€635,306 |
|
Kildare |
11 |
€157,429 |
|
Kilkenny |
13 |
€157,130 |
|
Laois |
23 |
€204,617 |
|
Leitrim |
22 |
€269,262 |
|
Limerick |
75 |
€1,439,616 |
|
Longford |
19 |
€276,465 |
|
Louth |
5 |
€72,053 |
|
Mayo |
5 |
€15,664 |
|
Meath |
22 |
€303,197 |
|
Monaghan |
13 |
€110,638 |
|
Offaly |
18 |
€228,253 |
|
Roscommon |
2 |
€49,094 |
|
Sligo |
40 |
€476,358 |
|
Tipperary |
72 |
€937,644 |
|
Waterford |
55 |
€608,714 |
|
Westmeath |
7 |
€71,893 |
|
Wexford |
29 |
€449,690 |
|
Wicklow |
13 |
€235,309 |
|
1,503 |
€26,667,805 |
127. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the original loan amount and the outstanding loan repayments due by local authorities for loans received between 2008 and 2010, in tabular form. [34453/20]
View answerA significant change to local government structures took place in 2014 when town and borough councils were amalgamated with their county authorities. Information on borrowings sanctioned between 2008 and 2010 to each of the 88 local authorities is not readily available and its compilation would involve a disproportionate amount of time and work.
The table below gives an indication of the level of new loans for the relevant years for the 88 authorities combined, along with the level of repayments due for the years in question.
|
Year |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
|
New Loans |
€1,177,118,572 |
€789,714,251 |
€403,843,925 |
|
Repayment of Principal |
(€146,641,952) |
(€221,512,405) |
(€202,450,741) |
|
Early Redemptions |
(€370,731,741) |
(€118,933,367) |
(€392,846,512) |
In addition, the Local Government Audit Service undertakes an annual audit of the annual financial statements of each local authority. An overview of its findings is available at the following link:
https://www.housing.gov.ie/search/archived/current/category/local-government-audit-service/sub-type/annual-report/topic/activity/type/publications.
128. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of vacant commercial units registered with local authorities by local authority in tabular form. [34486/20]
View answerThe information requested in respect of the number of vacant commercial units registered with local authorities is not held by my Department.
129. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if all recommendations of the Moriarty tribunal have been implemented; the recommendations that are outstanding; when they will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34513/20]
View answerPolicy responsibility for the areas that are the subject of recommendations made by the Moriarty Tribunal crosses a number of Departments, including my own. Following the publication of the Tribunal Report Into Payments to Politicians and Related Matters in March 2011, my Department examined and considered the recommendations in the Report in relation to political funding which falls within the remit of my Department. In very broad terms, the Morairty Tribunal recommended that the income of political parties be disclosed and that all political donations, apart from those under a modest threshold, be reported.
The Electoral (Amendment) (Political Funding) Act 2012 (the "2012 Act"), which was enacted on 28 July 2012, significantly enhanced the openness and transparency of political funding in Ireland. These were issues that were central to the recommendations made in the Moriarty Tribunal Report. Ultimately, the 2012 Act comprehensively addressed these core issues while also having regard to Government commitments at that time as well as recommendations from the Council of Europe Group of States Against Corruption (GRECO) and the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO) on other related matters.
The Tribunal recommended that all political donations, apart from those under a modest threshold, be reported and published. Under the 2012 Act, which amended the Electoral Act 1997 (and the Local Elections (Disclosure of Donations and Expenditure) Act 1999), the threshold at which donations must be declared by a political party to SIPO fell from €5,078.95 to €1,500. The declaration threshold for a donation received by a candidate or an elected representative was reduced from €634.87 to €600. In addition, a limit of €200 was placed on donations in cash.
The threshold for the receipt of anonymous donations was reduced to €100. The donation threshold amount that gives rise to the requirement to open a political donations account was also reduced to €100. Anonymous indirect donations were banned under the 2012 Act. There was a reduction from €5,078.95 to €200 in the threshold at which donations must be reported by companies, trade unions, societies and building societies in their annual reports or returns. In addition, the threshold for donors other than companies, trade unions, societies and building societies, in reporting donations to SIPO was reduced from €5,078.95 to €1,500 for aggregate donations given in the same year.
The Moriarty Tribunal in its Report also noted that the desirability and feasibility of a complete ban on private political funding is pre-eminently a matter for the Houses of the Oireachtas and for public debate and consideration, having regard to constitutional issues that might arise, and to the national financial exigencies. With reference to this comment in the Tribunal Report, a noteworthy provision in the Act is the introduction of a ban on the acceptance of donations over €200 for political purposes from a corporate donor unless the donor has registered with SIPO. In this instance, the objective was to restrict the influence of corporate donors. Such donations also need to be accompanied by a statement confirming that the donation has been approved by a general meeting of the members of the body corporate, or by its trustees. By restricting corporate donations in this manner, the 2012 Act went beyond the recommendations made by the Tribunal.
The 2012 Act provides for a reduction in the maximum amount that can be accepted as a political donation by an individual from €2,539.48 to €1,000. This €1,000 limit applies in respect of donations to a member of either House of the Oireachtas, a Member of the European Parliament or a member of a local authority, as well as a candidate at a Presidential, Dáil, Seanad, European Parliament or local election. The maximum amount that can be accepted as a donation by a political party, an accounting unit of a political party or a third party has been reduced from €6,348.69 to €2,500.
In addition, the 2012 Act provides that political parties are required to submit audited annual accounts to SIPO for publication. These requirements first applied for the year 2015. This requirement also goes beyond the Moriarty Tribunal recommendation by providing that both the income and expenditure of political parties is reported, audited and open to public scrutiny.
130. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the timeline for the completion and publication of the 2018 review of income eligibility limits for social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34519/20]
View answerApplications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended.The 2011 Regulations prescribe maximum net income limits for each local authority, in different bands according to the area concerned, with income being defined and assessed according to a standard Household Means Policy. The 2011 Regulations do not provide local authorities with any discretion to exceed the limits that apply to their administrative areas.Under the Household Means Policy, which applies in all local authorities, net income for social housing assessment is defined as gross household income less income tax, PRSI, Universal Social Charge and Pension-Related Deductions within the meaning of Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009. The Policy provides for a range of income disregards, and local authorities also have discretion to decide to disregard income that is temporary, short-term or once-off in nature.The income bands are expressed in terms of a maximum net income threshold for a single-person household, with an allowance of 5% for each additional adult household member, subject to a maximum allowance under this category of 10%; and 2.5% for each child, subject to a maximum allowance under this category of 10%. The income bands and the authority area assigned to each band were based on an assessment of the income needed to provide for a household's basic needs, plus a comparative analysis of the local rental cost of housing accommodation across the country. It is important to note that the limits introduced at that time also reflected a blanket increase of €5,000 introduced prior to the new system coming into operation, in order to broaden the base from which social housing tenants are drawn, both promoting sustainable communities and also providing a degree of future-proofing.Given the cost to the State of providing social housing, it is considered prudent and fair to direct resources to those most in need of social housing support. The current income eligibility requirements generally achieve this, providing for a fair and equitable system of identifying those households facing the greatest challenge in meeting their accommodation needs from their own resources.However, as part of the broader social housing reform agenda, a review of income eligibility for social housing supports in each local authority area is underway. The review will also have regard to current initiatives being brought forward in terms of affordability and cost rental and will be completed when the impacts of these parallel initiatives have been considered.
131. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised views against the refoulement of Syrians to Lebanon and Syria with his EU counterparts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34203/20]
View answer132. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised views against the refoulement of Syrians to Lebanon and Syria with his EU counterparts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34205/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 132 together.
The EU is firmly opposed to refoulement. All EU Member States are parties to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, which sets out the core principle of non-refoulement. In addition, the principle of non-refoulement is enshrined in EU law, under the EU's Charter of Fundamental Rights. As such, all EU countries are bound by the principle of non-refoulement.
The EU regularly makes its position on non-refoulement clear, and reminds other States of their obligations. At the most recent meeting of UNHCR's Executive Committee in October, the EU delivered a statement that "the EU and its Member States recognise the importance to safeguard the right to seek asylum and the principle of non-refoulement, as enshrined in the 1951 Refugee Convention and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights."
The EU recognises the generosity of Lebanon in hosting over 1 million Syrian refugees, despite facing its own challenges including an economic crisis and COVID-19. The EU has consistently provided support to Lebanon's efforts, including over €660 million in humanitarian assistance since 2011.
On a national basis, Ireland's response to the Syria crisis has been its largest single response to any humanitarian emergency. Ireland has provided over €168 million in humanitarian assistance since the start of the crisis, including over €30 million in humanitarian assistance to Lebanon.
133. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the situation of 17 Irish teachers owed money by a school (details supplied); the consular assistance provided by his Department to these Irish teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34208/20]
View answerI am aware of this dispute between seventeen Irish teachers and the privately-owned and operated International School of the Martyrs (ISM) in Tripoli, which I know is of great concern to the individuals involved and their families.
Officials in my Department have engaged with officials in the Department of Education on this issue. From the perspective of the Department of Foreign Affairs, our concern has been to offer any assistance we can to help achieve a resolution to this contractual dispute.
The Irish Embassy in Rome which is also accredited to Libya made direct representations to both the ISM and to the Libyan Government on this matter when the issue was first drawn to our attention in 2013. We also requested the assistance of the Libyan Foreign Ministry to ensure the outstanding contractual obligations to the Irish teachers were met.
Regrettably, the context for engagement in Libya has been challenging as the country has been in a state of civil war since 2014 following the uprising and large scale violence of 2011 which forced these teachers to leave Libya.
My Department remains willing, in consultation with the Department of Education, to provide further assistance as may be possible within our remit.
134. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department will continue to process passport applications during the current lockdown given that the right to enter and leave the State of which one is a citizen is a basic human right and Ireland has not declared, formally at least, declared a state of emergency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34222/20]
View answerIn response to the move to Level 5 on the National Framework for living with COVID-19, the Passport Service is operating an essential, emergency service at this time. This has allowed us to make our staff available for temporary reassignment to critical areas including contact tracing for the HSE and to the Department Social Protection.
The Passport Service continues to process passports for our citizens at home and abroad who require it. A same day emergency service is available for those who are required to travel due to the death or serious illness of a family member or because the applicant requires emergency medical treatment. In addition, an urgent service is in place for citizens who require a passport for urgent but not emergency reasons.
The Passport Service has a comprehensive plan in place to resume the normal processing of passport applications. At Level 4, processing of Passport Online applications will resume. At Level 3, processing of paper based Passport Express and Foreign Birth Registration applications will resume. The Passport Service is confident that any backlog will be cleared quickly.
135. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if advice will be provided in relation to matters raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34237/20]
View answerIn response to the move to Level 5 on the Government's National Framework for living with COVID-19, the Passport Service is operating an essential, emergency service at this time. Applicants can apply using Passport Online and processing will resume at Level 4.
In cases where an applicant's most recent passport has expired by more than five years, i.e. their last passport application was made more than 15 years ago, the new passport application will have the same documentary requirements as a first time application. The Passport Service has advised that the applicant should apply for her Irish passport as a first time applicant using the Passport Online service. The awarding-winning Passport Online service is the cheapest and most convenient way to apply for a passport. This will take 20 working days once the supporting documentation is received.
Alternatively, the applicant can apply using the paper based Passport Express system. This will resume at Level 3. The same documentation is required from the applicant and it will take 6-8 weeks to process the application.
