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Tuesday, 17 Nov 2020

Written Answers Nos. 339-358

Heritage Sites

Questions (339)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

339. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the way in which she plans to support sites (details supplied) beyond 31 December 2020 from a tourism-related perspective; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36634/20]

View answer

Written answers

Budget 2021 included a number of substantial measures to support and strengthen the tourism sector and are supplemented by the economy-wide business supports and social welfare measures.

As part of the Budget package of measures, €55 million has been provided for Business Continuity Schemes for strategic tourism businesses to help them survive through the pandemic and be there to help drive the recovery.  This funding will be administered by Fáilte Ireland and focused on those strategic businesses.  Fáilte Ireland are currently engaging with those tourism sectors in the design of funding schemes taking into account the effect of other horizontal funding measures. 

I would encourage the entity responsible for the management of the sites concerned to liaise with Fáilte Ireland on what State supports might be available, although as they are in State ownership this may impact on their eligibility.

Question No. 340 answered with Question No. 333.
Question No. 341 answered with Question No. 332.
Question No. 342 answered with Question No. 333.

Departmental Budgets

Questions (343)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

343. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the way in which her Department's annual amount for contingent liability is set; the factors considered when setting contingent liability; if forecasting is undertaken regarding setting future amounts; the contingent liability figure for her Department for 2020; and if the contingent has been utilised to date in 2020. [36913/20]

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Written answers

Details of contingent liabilities for my Department are published in the Annual Appropriation Account and subject to audit by the Comptroller & Auditor General. The 2019 Appropriation Account for the Department is available at:

 https://www.audit.gov.ie/en/Find-Report/Publications/2020/Vote-33-Culture-Heritage-and-the-Gaeltacht.pdf

 Details of 2020 contingent liabilities for my Department will be published in the 2020 Annual Appropriation Account which will be subject to audit by the Comptroller & Auditor General.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (344)

Kieran O'Donnell

Question:

344. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of eligible businesses and the number of applications in process and completed to Fáilte Ireland's Covid-19 adaptation fund, by county and in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36926/20]

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Written answers

The administration of the COVID-19 adaptation fund for tourism and hospitality businesses is an operational matter for the Board and management of Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to them for further information and direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Fáilte Ireland

Questions (345)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

345. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the protocol her Department has in place with Fáilte Ireland to ensure parliamentary questions she refers to it for detailed reply are answered within ten days; when a reply will issue for Parliamentary Question No. 557 of 3 November 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37007/20]

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Written answers

In relation to Parliamentary Questions referred to them for direct reply, Fáilte Ireland is required to provide a reply to the Deputy within ten working days. Fáilte Ireland has advised that a reply to Parliamentary Question No. 557 of 3 November 2020 issued to the Deputy  on 13th November.

Where a reply is not received within the specified timeframe, a written explanation is obtained from the body in question by the Department. The Department's Management Board monitors the level of compliance with the specified timeframe.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (346)

Imelda Munster

Question:

346. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she has considered the inclusion of children's swimming lessons as a sport or activity allowed under level 3 Covid-19 restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37080/20]

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Written answers

The Government's Resilience and Recovery Plan 2020-2021 provides for indoor individual training only at Level 3. It also states explicitly that there should be no exercise or dance classes at this level. My Department has issued guidance to the sports and leisure sector confirming that group swimming lessons are not permitted in Level 3. Only one-to-one swimming instruction is permitted in Level 3.

While the Government fully understands the benefits that sport brings to peoples overall health and well-being, the measures in place to suppress the disease transmission are intended to minimise the risks to public health while striking the right balance in prioritising and protecting some activities over others. Such activities include health and social care services, education and other essential needs, work and economic activity, and other key societal interests (in so far as possible) such as sports and important family gatherings.

Each level of the framework contains a “basket” of measures which are intended, collectively, to contribute to lowering risk of transmission in alignment with the risk level at that time. The set of measures, individually, do not comprise a list of activities or places which are equally safe. Instead, they are “baskets” of measures which are informed by public health understanding of the disease. The measures in place for each level reflect the prevailing disease situation and recognise that we can and must prioritise some activities over others.

While I am pleased to note that COVID-19 data indicates improvements across a range of indicators, which gives us hope that the epidemiological situation is once again coming under control, it is too early at this point to consider the easing of restrictions, including those currently applying to swimming pools.

Legislative Programme

Questions (347)

Imelda Munster

Question:

347. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when she plans to bring the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2019 to Committee Stage; if she plans to amend its provisions in a significant way, in particular, sections relating to putting the licence fee out to private tender; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37081/20]

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Written answers

I have two pieces of legislation concerning Broadcasting Regulation currently underway, namely the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2019, which is at Committee stage and the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill, for which the General Scheme was published in January 2020.  I will shortly bring additional Heads of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill to Government for approval and inclusion in the General Scheme. Both pieces of legislation amend the Broadcasting Act 2009, and the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill also transposes the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD). I am currently giving consideration to how the intersection between the two pieces of legislation might best be managed and plans to bring the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill to committee stage will be considered in that context.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (348)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

348. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she has received a report in relation to indoor sport during level 3 restrictions (details supplied); and when she will issue a response to the organisations involved. [37090/20]

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Written answers

The Government's Resilience and Recovery Plan 2020-2021 provides for indoor individual training only in Level 3. It also states explicitly that there should be no exercise or dance classes in this level.

While I am pleased to note that COVID-19 data indicates improvements across a range of indicators, which gives us hope that the epidemiological situation is once again coming under control, it is too early at this point to consider the easing of restrictions.

The draft guidance to which the Deputy refers was developed by the Expert Group on the Return to Sport, which was established by my Department in May 2020. Guidance in draft form has been shared with other relevant Departments. Following completion of the consultation process, it is my expectation that this guidance can be published in the near future, in sufficient time for its application under the appropriate level of the Government’s Resilience and Recovery plan.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (349)

Gerald Nash

Question:

349. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason the Irish step dance community is unable to operate indoor solo classes by following a pod system and adhering to strict social distancing guidelines at levels 3 and 4 of the plan for living with Covid-19; her views on whether this is fair given that similar and comparable artistic and athletic activities such as stage school, gymnastics and drama for children have been allowed to continue; her further views on whether this inconsistency is both unfair and may potentially put Irish step dance under threat if prolonged; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37117/20]

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Written answers

I wish to assure the Deputy that I understand the frustration of individuals and businesses who are anxious to continue the normal day-to-day social,  professional and creative activities which are integral to how we live in society.   The Framework for Restrictive Measures is a risk management strategy designed to allow individuals, families, businesses and services to better understand, anticipate and prepare for the measures Government might introduce to prevent escalation of the transmission of Covid-19.  Each level of the framework contains a “basket” of measures which are intended, collectively, to contribute to lowering risk of transmission in alignment with the risk level at that time.  The set of measures, individually, do not comprise a list of activities or places which are equally safe.  Instead, they are baskets of measures which are informed by public health understanding of the disease and recognise that we can and must prioritise some activities over others. 

The Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19 was published by the Government on 15 September, 2020.  At present, Ireland is at Level 5 of the Plan. The public health risk at level 5 means that we are all asked to stay at home, with limited exceptions.  Information on the public health measures 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 give effect to Level 5 restrictions under the Plan.  The Regulations list essential retail and essential services which may operate under Level 5 restrictions.  This list does not include private or commercial dance classes.  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.

Similarly, The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No.7) Regulations, which applied when the country was under Level 3 of the Plan for Living with COVID-19, did not allow any exercise or dance classes, regardless of the form e.g. Irish, ballet, jazz etc.  The only exceptions to this are for individual training or for classes to take place outdoors with a maximum of 15 people attending.  It should also be noted that the regulations specifically prohibit the opening of dance studios, other than insofar as they provide gymnasium facilities for use by persons taking exercise on an individual basis. Gyms were also allowed to provide for individual training only under the No. 7 Regulations, they were not allowed to run exercise or dance classes.

At present the Government has made no decision regarding which level or particular restrictions will apply after 1 December as that will depend on the epidemiological situation at the time.  The impact of any and all restrictions for every sector, including dance, will be considered carefully as the Government seeks to balance the public health risk posed by COVID with economic, social and wellbeing considerations.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (350)

Gerald Nash

Question:

350. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason for the closure of outdoor sporting facilities for athletics available for all but exempted activities; her views on whether it is fair that such outdoor sporting facilities remain closed while other local sporting facilities operated by other similar organisations (details supplied) remain open; her views on whether the same rules should be applied for all similar and comparable facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37118/20]

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Written answers

Given the current epidemiological situation with high incidence of disease, widespread community transmission, and considerable numbers of hospitalisations and deaths, it has been necessary to put in place very significant restrictions to arrest the current trajectory of the disease and break transmission chains. This means asking people to stay at home and eliminating as much activity and contacts as is possible to ensure that opportunities for the virus to transmit are minimised, while allowing essential activities to continue. Unfortunately, this means minimising discretionary activities including sporting activity.

Currently, in Level 5 sporting competition is not permitted except for defined exempted athletes and teams, as set out in the public health regulations. In addition to this, non-contact outdoor sports training, including athletics, is permitted for school aged children in pods of up to 15. Other members of the community are asked to exercise alone or with members of their household, within 5km of their homes.

While I am pleased to note that COVID-19 data indicates improvements across a range of indicators, which gives us hope that the epidemiological situation is once again coming under control, it is too early at this point to consider the easing of restrictions.

While the Government fully understands the benefits that sport brings to peoples overall health and well-being, the measures in place to suppress the disease transmission are intended to minimise the risks to public health while striking the right balance in prioritising and protecting some activities over others. Such activities include health and social care services, education and other essential needs, work and economic activity, and other key societal interests (in so far as possible) such as sporting activity and family gatherings.

Mortgage to Rent Scheme

Questions (351)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

351. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if time limits will be put on the processing of mortgage to rent applications by financial institutions to prevent further distress being placed on borrowers and their families (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36533/20]

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Written answers

The Mortgage to Rent (MTR) scheme introduced in 2012 is targeted at supporting households in mortgage arrears who: have had their mortgage position deemed unsustainable by their lender under the Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process (MARP); agree to the voluntary surrender of their home and are deemed eligible for social housing support. The property in question must also meet certain eligibility criteria.

Up to the end of October 2020, 825 households with unsustainable private mortgages have completed the MTR scheme since its introduction nationally in 2013.  The 825 households in the scheme represent 1,400 adults and 1,325 children who have remained living in their homes and communities.  There are currently 1,334 active cases being progressed under the scheme. 

Given the nature of the individual property transaction underpinning MTR, the decision to purchase a property under the MTR scheme is a matter for the MTR provider which can be either an Approved Housing Body or a private company. 

A Review of the Mortgage to Rent Scheme (MTR) for borrowers of commercial private lending institutions published in February 2017 explored the avenues and impediments to participation in the scheme and identified a number of actions to make the scheme work better for borrowers.

The eligibility requirements of the scheme were widened in 2017 and 2019 to include a greater number of borrowers and a larger number of property types and new structures and arrangements have been put in place to encourage a greater number of entities to take part. Subsequently, there was an upward trend in the number of completed cases from late 2018. 

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to strengthen the Mortgage to Rent Scheme and ensure that it is helping those who need it. Building on the significant improvements already made to the scheme since 2017, my Department is currently working closely with the Housing Agency to identify any further improvements required to the scheme. I expect an update on this work before year end.

Where a MTR application is active, it is important that borrower(s) continue to engage with their lender on their application.

Rights of Way

Questions (352)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

352. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to extend the latest date by which old non-registered rights of way have to be registered with the Property Registration Authority, in view of the Covid-19 pandemic and the disruption caused by the various lockdowns; the present latest date for lodging such applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36951/20]

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Written answers

There appears to be a misapprehension regarding the dates for registering rights of ways acquired by prescription on foot of amendments made by Parts 12 and 13 of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011 to the provisions relating to acquisition of easements and profits by prescription contained in Part 8 of the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009.  

I understand from the Property Registration Authority (PRA) that the following is the position: 

1.  The extension of the transitional period originally prescribed by Section 38(b) of the 2009 Act (3 years) by the aforementioned 2011 Act (extending the period to 12 years) relates simply to the period when a claim to a prescriptive right can be made by reliance on the 'old' law replaced by the 2009 Act.  From 2021, reliance must be made on the 'new' law introduced by the 2009 Act; in particular, reliance must be made on the new single and shorter period of 12 years.  There is no question of a cut-off point occurring in 2021 when a claim to a prescriptive right can no longer be made.  All that changes in 2021 is the basis on which the prescriptive right can be claimed.

2.  The new procedure for registration of a prescriptive right introduced by Section 41 of the 2011 Act is not subject to a time limit.  It is a permanent procedure and, in particular, does not cease to be available in 2021.  The only change which occurs in 2021 is the basis on which an application must be made to the PRA.  As pointed out in (1) above, from 2021, the application will have to be grounded on the 'new' law introduced by the 2009 Act and reliance on the 'old' law repealed by that Act will cease to be possible.

This procedure is only for easements (including rights of way) acquired by prescription.  If all parties agree to the registration of an easement, an application should be made by lodging the appropriate Deed of Grant.

Finally, a Practice Direction Easements and Profits à Prendre Acquired by Prescription under Section 49A is available on the PRA’s website (www.prai.ie) that covers the process relating to the registration of prescriptive easements.

Budget 2021

Questions (353, 366)

Gerald Nash

Question:

353. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount of additional ring-fenced funding to be provided to domestic violence services under budget 2021 in order that services can respond adequately to the increased incidence of domestic violence through the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37132/20]

View answer

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

366. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the additional ring-fenced funding to be provided by his Department to domestic violence services in budget 2021 in order that services can respond adequately to the shadow pandemic of domestic violence through the Covid-19 crisis and beyond; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36346/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 353 and 366 together.

Support provided by my Department towards domestic violence services is in relation to the capital cost for the development of refuges. This funding support is delivered through the local authorities to housing associations delivering such facilities, using the Capital Assistance Scheme.

There is sufficient funding provision to support projects that are under development and planned. Capital funding remains available for local authorities and housing associations to advance refuge projects.

Lease Agreements

Questions (354)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

354. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 91 of 10 September 2020, the number of housing units leased in 2019 and to date in 2020, using the same tabular format; the average cost in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36132/20]

View answer

Written answers

Details of the number of homes delivered under the Social Housing Leasing Programme in 2019 and to end Q2 2020 are set out in Tables 1 and 2. 

Leasing delivery data for Q3 2020 is being collated at present and will be published on my Department's website as soon as that process is finalised.

The total expenditure for leasing in 2019 and up to end October 2020, together with the average cost of a new unit in 2020, is set out in Table 3. There are some further claims due into my Department in respect of 2019 and 2020 delivery.

  Table 1: Leasing Delivery by Local Authority 2019

 

LA Leasing

AHB Leasing

Total Leasing

Carlow

6

2

8

Cavan

2

3

5

Clare

17

9

26

Cork City

27

10

37

Cork County

16

12

28

DLR

82

1

83

Donegal

21

18

39

Dublin City

95

20

115

Fingal

64

21

85

Galway City

0

2

2

Galway County

50

4

54

Kerry

33

44

77

Kildare

1

23

24

Kilkenny

13

2

15

Laois

6

5

11

Leitrim

3

0

3

Limerick

28

22

50

Longford

5

3

8

Louth

22

21

43

Mayo

58

4

62

Meath

1

35

36

Monaghan

1

3

4

Offaly

16

16

32

Roscommon

15

1

16

Sligo

3

0

3

South Dublin

35

14

49

Tipperary

24

11

35

Waterford

79

5

84

Westmeath

48

14

62

Wexford

35

8

43

Wicklow

6

16

22

Total

812

349

1,161

Table 2: Leasing Delivery by Local Authority to end Q2 2020

 

LA Leasing

AHB Leasing

Total Leasing

Carlow

3

3

6

Cavan

0

1

1

Clare

7

4

11

Cork City

11

0

11

Cork County

2

5

7

DLR

1

0

1

Donegal

0

1

1

Dublin City

71

6

77

Fingal

15

4

19

Galway City

0

0

0

Galway County

2

1

3

Kerry

14

7

21

Kildare

21

11

32

Kilkenny

7

1

8

Laois

6

2

8

Leitrim

0

0

0

Limerick

15

12

27

Longford

10

1

11

Louth

2

0

2

Mayo

38

1

39

Meath

0

0

0

Monaghan

0

1

1

Offaly

2

0

2

Roscommon

8

0

8

Sligo

0

0

0

South Dublin

13

2

15

Tipperary

13

0

13

Waterford

15

7

22

Westmeath

20

1

21

Wexford

12

1

13

Wicklow

4

3

7

Total

312

75

387 

Table 3: Leasing Expenditure 2019 and 2020 

Total Leasing Expenditure 2019 

Total 2020 Leasing Expenditure to End October 2020

Average Annual Leasing Cost (New Unit) 2020 

€62,909,976

€40,335,644

 €13,111 

Social and Affordable Housing

Questions (355)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

355. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a value for money evaluation has been carried out with respect to leasing of social housing; if so, if he will publish same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36133/20]

View answer

Written answers

A spending review and analysis of capital and current expenditure on housing supports has been carried out by the Irish Government Economic & Evaluation Service (IGEES) staff within the Department of Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform, published in July 2018.  This report focuses on the comparative analysis of delivery streams particularly related to cost effectiveness, including leasing. This report can be found at the following link:

 https://igees.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/19.-Current-and-Capital-Expenditure-on-Social-Housing-Delivery.pdf

This Report found that the net present cost (NPC) of delivery through leasing varies nationwide and can, in specific areas, be above or below the NPC of delivery through construction or acquisition.  There are a number of factors to consider, along with cost, when considering whether leasing is good value in the long term for the State, such as the overall mix of delivery, the speed of delivery, the quality and appropriateness of the accommodation, sectoral capacity and flexibility, the availability of capital and the availability of land. 

While the Government's priority is to accelerate the social housing build programme, it remains the case that more homes can be provided by including leasing programmes, than could reasonably be expected to be delivered under construction and acquisition programmes alone.

Social and Affordable Housing

Questions (356)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

356. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there has been a policy change with regard to Part V housing; if so, the details of the changes; if a change has occurred (details supplied); if changes have been made to the financial calculation of Part V in 2020; if so, the details of same; if long leasing is a substitute for Part V purchases; if so, the guidance his Department has given to local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36147/20]

View answer

Written answers

There has been no policy change with regard to Part V housing and no changes have been made to the financial calculation of Part V in 2020.  A review of the Part V provisions is ongoing in light of the Programme for Government commitments in relation to the delivery of affordable homes through Part V.

The Part V Guidelines issued in January 2017 under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 set out that the priority option which should normally be pursued by local authorities is the acquisition of social housing on the development site, by means of transfer of ownership to the local authority or to an Approved Housing Body.  There has been no change to this policy. However, in certain circumstances, including in the case of build to rent developments, it may be more practicable for a local authority to enter into a leasing arrangement for Part V units.  It should be noted, however, that the decision is one for the local authority, as per the provisions of Section 96(3)(c) and (h) of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended).

Local Government Fund

Questions (357)

Seán Canney

Question:

357. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Galway County Council receives one of the lowest revenue allocations; if the matrix by which the Local Government Fund is calculated in each local authority will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36193/20]

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Written answers

The funding system that applies to local authorities is a complex one, as authorities derive their income from a variety of local sources including commercial rates, charges for goods and services and funding from Central Government.

Central Government funding of local authorities similarly presents a complex picture, with transfers, both current and capital, coming from a wide range of Departments and Offices, not solely from my Department, for a variety of purposes. Some streams of funding are delivered directly from funding departments to local authorities, while others are routed through departmental agencies.

Additional detail on Central Government funding of local authorities is provided in the Comptroller and Auditor General's Annual Report, accessible at the following link: 

https://www.audit.gov.ie/en/Find-Report/Publications/2020/2019-Annual-Report-Chapter-2-Central-government-funding-of-local-authorities.pdf

Across all schemes and funding sources my department, as it was configured at the time, provided €46.8m and €51.1m to Galway County Council in 2018 and 2019 respectively.

A once off allocation of €1m for Galway County Council has also been approved in recent weeks. This funding is linked to the operation of municipal districts and is subject to a small number of requirements, including that the funding be divided equally among the municipal districts. The allocation in question is for 2021.

The current Local Property Tax (LPT) local retention policy began in 2015 and since then 80% of the estimated LPT liability in each local authority area for a given year is retained in that area to fund public services, notwithstanding any local variation decisions. The remaining 20% of LPT is re-distributed to provide equalisation funding to those local authorities that have lower property tax bases, due to the variance in property values and density across the country. Local authorities also have the option of varying the local rate of LPT in order to increase the funding available. I note that Galway County Council has not exercised this option in recent years. Detailed information on the LPT retention system, including equalisation funding and allocations is published by my Department on an annual basis and is available at the following link:

https://www.housing.gov.ie/search/archived/current/category/housing/sub-topic/local-property-tax/sub-type/funding-allocation/topic/chargestaxes/type/publications?query.

Social and Affordable Housing

Questions (358, 372)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

358. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the ongoing review of income eligibility for social housing supports in each local authority area will be complete; the details of same made available to the local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36221/20]

View answer

Sorca Clarke

Question:

372. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding the review of income thresholds for social housing support eligibility; and when the review is due to take place. [36395/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 358 and 372 together.

Applications 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.

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