Written Answers Nos. 280-299
280. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his ministerial regulations allow a single person who requires an apartment on their own on medical grounds, for example, cystic fibrosis, access a higher level of housing assistance payment than is normal for a single person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41548/20]
View answerHousing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a form of social housing support for people, including people with disabilities, who have a long-term housing need. The Housing Assistance Payment (Amendment) Regulations 2017 prescribe maximum rent limits for each housing authority, according to prescribed household classes, and the Regulations incorporate rent limits for a single household.
If a household has been deemed eligible for social housing support, it is a matter for the local authority to examine the suite of social housing supports available, including the HAP scheme, to determine the most appropriate form of social housing support for that household in the administrative area of that local authority.
A key principle of the HAP scheme is that eligible households source their own accommodation in the private rented sector, which best suits their needs, in their area of choice. In cases where there is a distinct on-going dependent relationship, or where additional requirements are necessary in order to assist a person with a disability, local authorities may consider the individual circumstances of each case.
281. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the new guidance will be issued to local authorities in relation to co-living as a delay will allow developers to submit co-living planning applications to avoid any proposed ban on such developments. [41699/20]
View answerI have indicated in a circular letter dated 23rd November 2020 to all local authorities, An Bord Pleanála and the Office of the Planning Regulator, that my preferred approach is to restrict commercial co-living development, through an update of the Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments, Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2018 document, with a Specific Planning Policy Requirement (SPPR) for a presumption against granting planning permission for Co-Living/Shared Accommodation Development.
This will require a technical update of the Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments, Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2018 document, in relation to the ‘Shared Accommodation’ (Co-living) aspects of the guidance. This process must include requisite environmental considerations including Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), screening for which commenced on 23rd November 2020 and will take a minimum of 4 weeks to complete.
When this process is complete, an updated document will be issued as Ministerial guidance under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and will replace the previous 2018 apartment guidelines document. Planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála are required to have regard to Ministerial guidelines in the course of carrying out their functions, and are required to comply with Specific Planning Policy Requirements, where included within such guidelines.
The Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments, Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2018 document must continue to apply until such time as updated Section 28 guidelines are issued by my Department. Any current valid planning applications, appeals or strategic housing development applications to An Bord Pleanála made prior to the date of issue of updated Section 28 guidelines, must be considered in accordance with the 2018 guidelines.
Any planning applications and consequent appeals, or SHD applications made on or after the date of publication of the updated guidelines, will be subject to the updated guidelines.
This does not mean that current planning applications or appeals assessed in accordance with the 2018 guidelines will necessarily be subject to a grant of planning permission, noting that this is a matter for planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála to determine. My officials reported in respect of co-living applications and appeals that were ‘live’ in mid-October 2020 and at that stage there were a theoretical maximum of approximately 1,670 co-living bedspaces that could be permitted, including those that had already been granted planning permission. Since then, 400 of those proposed bedspaces have either been refused planning permission, or quashed by Court decision.
The circular letter issued on 23 November 2020 was published on the same day on my Department’s website, together with the report on the review of co-living prepared by my officials and accompanying appendices. These are available at the following links:
- Letter: https://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/private-rented-housing/circular-issued-local-authority-chief-executives-bord-pleanala-and
- Report and Appendices: https://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/private-rented-housing/co-living-shared-accommodation-report.
282. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will publish national figures on homeless deaths. [41750/20]
View answer283. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if consideration has been given to a national task force on homeless deaths. [41751/20]
View answer284. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the fact that homeless deaths nationally are not reported and that this is causing distress to many of those working in the sector. [41752/20]
View answer286. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of persons using homeless services that have died to date in 2020 and in the same period over the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41940/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 282, 283, 284 and 286 together.
There have been a number of deaths, in recent months, of people who had been sleeping rough or accessing homeless services. Each of these deaths is a tragedy and I extend my sympathies to the families concerned.
The deaths of people availing of homeless services are a concern. In order to provide a better understanding on this matter, the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) and the HSE have jointly commissioned a detailed review of recent deaths in homeless services. It is important that we establish the facts concerning the circumstances involved, and that we base our response as policy makers and elected representatives on the best knowledge and evidence available.
It is vital that we continue to deliver the appropriate measures to ensure that all individuals experiencing homelessness are supported to exit into permanent housing solutions and that those with complex health and mental health needs are provided with the supports they need. My Department is working closely with the Department of Health, the HSE and local authorities in respect of these issues.
The Programme for Government includes measures targeted specifically at those experiencing homelessness with complex needs. It commits to the continued expansion of Housing First, and, importantly, ensuring that health and mental health supports are provided. The provision of addiction and mental health supports has featured prominently in meetings of the High Level Homelessness Task Force that I established and in my regular interactions with the Minister for Health. The issue of deaths in homeless services has also been discussed at the Task Force.
Engaging with rough sleepers is vital. This engagement is first and foremost to encourage those rough sleeping to avail of shelter. But critically, it also allows their health needs to be assessed and provided for.
As we move further into the winter months, cold weather arrangements are in place nationally. My Department is providing funding to allow for an increase in the overall bed capacity, the provision of 24 hour services in facilities with meals provided, and enhancements to outreach operations. The DRHE, which has responsibility for over 70% of all homeless persons nationally, has assured me that sufficient capacity exists in services to ensure that no person should sleep outside for the need of an emergency bed.
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.
While the information requested by the Deputies is not collated by my Department, I understand that the Department of Health has commissioned the Health Research Board to undertake a one-year feasibility study to collect data on deaths among people who were homeless. I have been advised that the research will apply the methodology used to compile the National Drug Related Deaths Index, which is a census of drug-related deaths and deaths among drug users and those who are alcohol dependent in Ireland. The data collection for 2019 deaths, including deaths among people who were homeless, commenced earlier this year and will review approximately 17,000 files from all Coroner districts.
285. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 239 of 26 November 2020, when applicants for funding can expect to hear from the NPWS; if the funding set aside will be enough to cover the applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41922/20]
View answerApplications for the emergency funding scheme for zoos, announced on the 21st November, have been received to date from 64 establishments. Under the scheme, these zoos and aquaria are allocated an amount of funding based on the size and costs involved in maintaining the welfare of their animal collections.
€500,000 has been set aside for small and medium zoos while an amount of €1.1 million will be divided between Dublin Zoo and Fota Wildlife Park, reflecting the large scale of their operations and their importance both nationally and internationally.
Provision of funding is contingent on establishments being in compliance with the zoo licensing standards as set out by the Zoo Regulations and the Irish Standards of Modern Zoo Practice.
Virtual inspections are being carried out by my Department at the moment and I understand that these should be concluded next week. My Department is working hard with the zoos and aquaria so that the necessary paperwork is in place with the Department to ensure that grant payments can be processed before the end of the year. Applicants will be notified by the NPWS when their grant has been processed and is ready for payment. Should they require an update in the meantime, applicants may contact the Zoo Licensing Section of the NPWS at zoos@chg.gov.ie.
287. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he plans to launch the next call of the urban regeneration and development fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42016/20]
View answerThere have been two calls for proposals under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, which was launched in 2018. The URDF is providing part-funding for applicant-led projects that will enable a greater proportion of residential and mixed-use development to be delivered within the existing built-up footprints of our cities and large towns, while also ensuring that more parts of our urban areas can become attractive and vibrant places in which people choose to live and work, as well as to invest and to visit.
In 2019 approval in principle and provisional funding allocations issued in respect of 87 major projects across the country which were approved under Call 1. The URDF supported capital programme has been very well received, and already the URDF is providing assistance for this pipeline of major projects that will contribute to the regeneration and rejuvenation of Ireland’s five cities and other large towns.
Under Call 2 of the URDF, which was launched earlier this year, 76 proposals were received, with every local authority submitting at least one application.
Many of the proposals are of significant scale and complexity and require careful assessment. This assessment process is in train at present, and I intend to soon announce a new tranche of approved projects, which will augment the existing pipeline of projects from Call 1 and contribute to the achievement of Programme for Government commitments and the objectives of the National Planning Framework and Project Ireland 2040.
Pending the conclusion of the assessment of applications for the second call, planning for a third call has not yet commenced.
288. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the disadvantage being experienced by prospective housing assistance payment, HAP, tenants from County Meath competing in County Meath with prospective HAP tenants from Dublin local authority areas, particularly in the Dublin hinterland; the basis on which this disadvantage arises, for example, if it relates to different HAP rates, council differential rent rates, homeless HAP rates, top-ups or other; his plans to address this disadvantage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42022/20]
View answer289. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of households on housing assistance payment, HAP, in County Meath that are on social housing waiting lists in Dublin rather than County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42023/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 288 and 289 together.
Guidelines on inter-authority movement were issued to local authorities to facilitate the movement of Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) households from one local authority area to another in cases where a HAP tenant wishes to access rented accommodation, with HAP support, in another local authority area. Inter authority movement is, however, subject to certain conditions, such as the relevant Social Housing Income Eligibility Bands and confirmation that the applicant's income is below the threshold in the new local authority.
HAP tenants that avail of inter authority movement continue to be dealt with by their originating local authority. However, the rent limits applicable are those that apply in the local authority where the property is situated.
Each local authority has statutory discretion to agree to a HAP payment up to 20% above the prescribed maximum rent limit in circumstances where it is necessary, because of local rental market conditions, to secure appropriate accommodation for a household that requires it. It is a matter for the local authority to determine if the application of the flexibility is warranted on a case by case basis. Additional discretion of up to 50% above rent limits is available to assist in housing homeless households in the Dublin Region only.
While there is no legislative provision precluding HAP supported households contributing towards their monthly landlord rent, local authorities have a responsibility to ensure that tenancies are sustainable and are advised not to provide HAP support to tenancies where the household would not be in a position to meet the rental costs involved.
Each local authority has its own separate differential rent scheme made under section 58 of the Housing Act 1966. The Programme for Government commits to bringing forward a package of social housing reforms, which includes standardising the differential rents regime across the country to ensure fairness. Work on the review of the current rent schemes has been ongoing and I have asked my Department to prepare recommendations regarding the potential for a standardised local authority rents system, which I will consider in due course as part of a package of social housing reforms.
There are currently 216 active tenancies that were originally setup by the Dublin local authorities, who are now receiving HAP support in Meath.
290. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 362 of 6 October 2020, if he will extend the pyrite remediation scheme to County Clare as the submission has now been received and he recently extended the scheme to County Limerick. [42032/20]
View answerThe Pyrite Resolution Act 2013 provides the statutory framework for the establishment of the Pyrite Resolution Board and for the making of a pyrite remediation scheme to be implemented by the Board with support from the Housing Agency.
The provisions of the Act apply only to dwellings affected by significant damage attributable to pyritic heave consequent on the presence of reactive pyrite in the subfloor hardcore material and not to damage arising in any other circumstance, e.g. such as pyrite in concrete blocks.
Any proposal to amend the scheme is, in the first instance, a matter for the Pyrite Resolution Board and any such proposal would require detailed consideration of the evidence. The recommendations of the Pyrite Panel, which informed the establishment of the pyrite remediation scheme, were premised on a number of pertinent factors.
As a minimum, in order to consider the appropriateness or otherwise of amending the scheme, I understand that the Board would require a report addressing the following information:
the extent and severity of damage to dwellings in the local authority area caused by pyritic heave in the subfloor hardcore;
- verification, if available, that the damage has been caused by pyrite;
- the background to the occurrence of the damage;
- details of any structural warranty policies for the dwellings;
- the history of the estate’s construction, numbers, type of dwellings etc;
- the source of the hardcore supplied to dwellings in the estate; and
- any supporting geological assessments.
In addition to the above, the Board may also make such further enquiries as it considers necessary in order to assist it in considering the matter. In this regard, it would be advisable for the residents to confirm the nature of the pyrite problems in the area and that any problems identified stem from reactive pyrite in the subfloor hardcore material which is giving rise to pyritic heave and consequential significant pyritic damage.
As I understand it, no such report or submission has been received by the Board in respect of pyrite in the hardcore in dwellings in County Clare.
I would encourage the relevant parties to fully engage with the Board, which is independent in the performance of its functions, as early as possible to facilitate this process. The Board may be contacted by phone at Lo call 1890 252842 or by email to: info@pyriteboard.ie , or alternatively at: oireachtasinfo@pyriteboard.ie.
I will consider any amendments or extensions which the Pyrite Resolution Board consider are required to the Scheme once submitted to me in accordance with the requirements of the Act. I fully intend on ensuring that ultimately all eligible homeowners of dwellings affected by significant damage attributable to pyritic heave can have their homes remediated under the scheme.
291. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount of capital funding owed by his Department to each local authority by capital funding type, that is, social housing, retrofitting, maintenance, adaptation grants and so on, in tabular form. [42035/20]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the link below:
This represents the current position in respect of housing capital expenditure claims from local authorities which are at various stages of processing in my Department.
My Department provides funding to local authorities on an ongoing basis as housing projects are progressed. As such, the position in respect of claims changes on a daily basis as claims are received, validated and processed for payment.
Total expenditure on capital and current housing programmes to date in 2020 is €2.17 billion.
292. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number and location of properties in each town, village and rural area within each local authority area approved under the repair and lease scheme and the buy and renew scheme since inception to date in 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42039/20]
View answerThe Repair and Leasing Scheme (RLS) and the Buy and Renew Scheme (B&R) are complementary schemes which were developed to assist private property owners and local authorities or approved housing bodies (AHBs) to harness the accommodation potential that exists in vacant dwellings.
At end Q2 2020, a total of 185 dwellings had been brought back into use under the RLS scheme. Up-to-date data in relation to dwellings delivered by each local authority under RLS is available on my Department's website at the following link:
https://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/social-housing/social-and-affordble/overall-social-housing-provision.
Since it was introduced, local authorities have delivered over 600 new social homes through the Buy and Renew Scheme. The table below sets out details of the number of homes acquired to date by each local authority.
|
Carlow |
32 |
|
Cavan |
1 |
|
Clare |
28 |
|
Cork City |
43 |
|
Cork County |
28 |
|
DLR |
13 |
|
Donegal |
1 |
|
Dublin City |
56 |
|
Fingal |
31 |
|
Kerry |
40 |
|
Kildare |
9 |
|
Kilkenny |
6 |
|
Laois |
15 |
|
Leitrim |
6 |
|
Limerick |
66 |
|
Longford |
10 |
|
Louth |
83 |
|
Mayo |
4 |
|
Meath |
51 |
|
Monaghan |
19 |
|
Offaly |
5 |
|
Roscommon |
2 |
|
Sligo |
1 |
|
Tipperary |
15 |
|
Waterford |
44 |
|
Westmeath |
3 |
|
Wexford |
13 |
|
Wicklow |
1 |
More granular data in relation to individual properties under each scheme is held by the local authorities.
294. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to review or support An Bord Pleanála structures and performance in view of the concerning number of times the board’s decisions are quashed in the High Court (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42041/20]
View answerAn Bord Pleanála was established in 1977 under the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1976 and is an independent statutory body with responsibility for the determination of planning appeals and direct applications for proposed strategic infrastructure including strategic housing development and other matters under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and certain other Acts.
I wish to explain at the outset that the role of the Minister in relation to the planning system is, primarily, to provide a policy and legislative framework under which the planning authorities, An Bord Pleanála and the Office of the Planning Regulator (the OPR) perform their statutory planning functions. Under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, as Minister, I am specifically precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular case with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála is, or may be concerned.
The day-to-day operation of the planning system is a matter for the planning authorities, and for the Board in relation to direct applications and planning appeals. Under section 143 of the Planning and Development Act, An Bord Pleanála is required to have regard to the policies and objectives of the Government, a state authority, the Minister, planning authorities and any other public authority whose functions have, or may have a bearing on the proper planning and sustainable development of cities towns or other areas, whether urban or rural.
Sections 50, 50A and 50B of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, codify the statutory right of judicial review of any decision of An Bord Pleanála. While there has been an increase in applications for judicial review over the last number of years, the number of Board decisions that are subject to judicial review constitute a very small percentage of the number of planning cases disposed in any given year. There were 41 judicial review applications in 2018 out of 2847 cases disposed and in 2019 there were 55 judicial review applications out of 2971 cases disposed.
An Bord Pleanála takes full cognisance of any settled legal adjudication in relation to its decisions and seeks to apply any principles from those to its application of its statutory decision making role.
Finally, I am satisfied that the Board has the necessary resources to deliver effectively and efficiently on its important statutory mandate and functions and this is kept under review.
295. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the action he proposes to take to tackle advertised rental properties which consist of less than the 29 square metres per person as recommended in the report furnished to him by his Department’s planning division on co-living shared accommodation. [42080/20]
View answerThe regulations governing the minimum standards in rented accommodation - The Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019 - specify requirements in relation to a range of matters, such as structural condition, sanitary facilities, food preparation, storage and laundry, the availability of adequate heating, lighting and ventilation, the safety of oil, electricity and gas installations, fire safety and refuse facilities.
All landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties, regardless of tenancy type, comply with these regulations. Responsibility for the enforcement of the Regulations rests with the relevant local authority.
The Regulations do not specify a minimum size for rental accommodation.
The report referred to in the question relates solely to new co-living developments as was referred to in the Apartment Guidelines 2018 and is not directly related to the issue raised by the Deputy.
296. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the action he will take to ensure that priority is given to residential developments that are within 15 minutes' walk or 15 minutes morning peak hour public transport accessibility of a high density employment cluster, defined as 500 workers per hectare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42081/20]
View answerThe ‘15 minute city’ has gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic. The idea of the 15 minute city has been championed by the Paris mayor, Anne Hidalgo, to promote communities in which people can live and access most of their daily needs within 15 minutes of active transport, i.e. walking or cycling. This approach has been interpreted within the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) for the Southern Regional Assembly area as 10 Minute City and Town Concepts, in particular Regional Policy Objective (RPO) 176. A 10 Minute Towns – Accessibility and Framework Report has been produced to support the RSES RPO.
Planning through various national polices and regional polices has been supporting more compact, mixed use and self-sustaining forms of urban development in recent decades. Ministerial guidelines on residential density have been in place since 1999 and subsequent supplementary Ministerial Guidelines, including the Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas 2009, have sought to increase residential densities in close proximity to city and town centres on existing or planned public transport links.
This includes optimising residential densities within and adjacent to well-connected area of high intensity employment which employ more than 500 workers per hectare. The formation of mixed use higher density residential/high intensity employment clusters in Dublin Docklands and Sandyford are a reflection of these Ministerial Guidelines, as enabled through the relevant city and county development plans.
My Department is further assisting the formation of well-connected, mixed use and compact urban clusters in other cities nationally via funding mechanisms such as the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) which includes areas such as Cork City Docklands, Limerick Georgian Core and Waterford North Quays under Call 1, with funding also being considered for a range of projects that would support the 15 city/10 minute town concept under Call 2 of the URDF. I hope to soon announce details of successful applications.
Against this backdrop, and to support the implementation of the NPF objective to encourage compact growth and quality urban environments, I will be updating the Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas guidelines in 2021. This would be an opportunity to provide updated guidance on a number of issues related to the formation of 15 minute cities/10 minute such as access to transport, local services and amenities, via the application of Transport Orientated Development (land use and transport integration) principles.
298. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the percentage or number of staff working with a disability within his Department and the agencies under his aegis in 2018, 2019 and 2020; and the actions being undertaken by his Department to actively recruit and retain persons with disabilities. [42147/20]
View answerUnder the Disability Act 2005, public service bodies have a duty to promote and support the employment of people with disabilities and to ensure that at least 3% of their employees are people with disabilities. In addition the Department has a statutory requirement to maintain accurate records on the number of staff with disabilities in the Department. To meet this requirement, on an annual basis, staff are requested to declare, confidentially, if they have a disability.
The percentage of staff working with a disability within my Department in 2018 and 2019 are outlined below:
|
- |
2018 |
2019 |
|
Percentage of staff who have declared a disability |
6% |
5.7% |
Data relating to 2020 is not currently available.
Some specific measures to support employees with disabilities within my Department include:
- My Department has been involved in the Willing Able Mentoring (WAM) programme since 2018 offering graduates with disabilities a 6 month work placement within the Department.
- My Department supports the Job Shadow Day initiative on an annual basis, as part of the national project with brings people with disabilities and local employers together for one day; for the last number of years we have teamed with the Walkinstown Association for People with an Intellectual Disability (WALK). Due to Covid-19 we were not asked to participate this year.
- My Department recently introduced its Universal Design and Accessibility Policy and Action Plan, which aims to demonstrate the Department’s commitment to accessibility, the principles of Universal Design and reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities.
- This year my Department has run Disability Awareness Training and Autism Awareness Training, supporting our commitments under the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021.
In addition, my Department has a Disability Liaison Officer who provides additional support to staff with disabilities on an ongoing basis, providing reasonable accommodations as appropriate. We also have a mentoring programme open to all staff.
My Department complies with all central policy and guidance, including equality of opportunity in all of our employment practices.
The details requested in relation to bodies under the aegis of my Department are a matter for the individual bodies concerned. Arrangements have been put in place by each Agency to facilitate the provision of information by State Bodies directly to members of the Oireachtas. The contact email address for each agency is as below:
|
State Body |
Contact E-mails |
|
An Bord Pleanála |
oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie |
|
An Fóram Uisce (the Water Forum) |
info@nationalwaterforum.ie |
|
Docklands Oversight and Consultative Forum |
infodocklands@dublincity.ie |
|
Ervia |
oireachtas@ervia.ie |
|
Gas Networks Ireland |
oireachtas@ervia.ie |
|
Heritage Council |
oireachtas@heritagecouncil.ie |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
oireachtas.enquiries@hfa.ie |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
publicreps@housingagency.ie |
|
Irish Water |
oireachtasmembers@water.ie |
|
Land Development Agency |
oireachtas@lda.ie |
|
Local Government Management Agency |
corporate@lgma.ie |
|
National Oversight and Audit Commission |
info@noac.ie |
|
National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee |
ntacc@housing.gov.ie |
|
Office of the Planning Regulator |
oireachtas@opr.ie |
|
Ordnance Survey Ireland |
Oireachtas@osi.ie |
|
Property Registration Authority |
reps@prai.ie |
|
Pyrite Resolution Board |
oireachtasinfo@pyriteboard.ie |
|
Residential Tenancies Board |
OireachtasMembersQueries@rtb.ie |
|
Valuation Office |
oireachtas.enquiries@VALOFF.ie |
|
Valuation Tribunal |
info@valuationtribunal.ie |
|
Water Advisory Body |
info@wab.gov.ie |
|
Waterways Ireland |
ceoffice@waterwaysireland.org |
299. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if it will be ensured that all the requirements of the work safely protocol issued on 20 November 2020, are implemented with particular reference to the contents of section D3 (details supplied) in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42605/20]
View answerMy Department will ensure that all the requirements of the Work Safely Protocol issued 20 November 2020, are implemented, as appropriate, with particular reference to the contents of section D3 of that Protocol.
My Department has introduced a COVID-19 Response Plan which was formulated after extensive consultation with all staff, including Lead Worker Representatives. This plan has given significant consideration to physical distancing and face coverings in the workplace, in line with prevailing public health and governmental guidance.
