Written Answers Nos. 282-301
282. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the specific funding streams available to local authorities to apply for; the amount that has been given by county; the amount awarded under each scheme in each of the years 2018 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4064/21]
View answerMy Department provides supports to Local Authorities under a range of schemes across its remit. Details of allocation under these schemes and funding provided to Local Authorities in each of the years 2018 to 2020 and to date in 2021 are set out in the link below. Details in respect of individual schemes can be made available to the Deputy by my officials on request.
283. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the support a business (details supplied) can avail of, given that it was refused the Covid restrictions support scheme it does not have a fixed premises; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4103/21]
View answerBudget 2021 provided a significant package of tax and fiscal measures to build the resilience of the economy and to help vulnerable but viable businesses across all sectors. These measures are in addition to the July Stimulus measures, including the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme, tax warehousing, low cost loans and commercial rates waivers.
A key measure in Budget 2021 was the provision of an additional €55m in Business Continuity funding to support strategic tourism businesses. This funding will be administered by Fáilte Ireland who are considering all sectors within tourism and are particularly mindful of those that have not been able to avail of other Government supports. I understand that Fáilte Ireland expect to be in a position to announce details of the scheme in February.
284. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the current financial supports available to a business (details supplied). [4120/21]
View answerThe Sports Capital and Equipment Programme is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country.
Grants are available to voluntary, not-for profit sports clubs, community groups, NGBs, and local authorities.
The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritise the investment in disadvantaged areas. On 30th November, Minister Catherine Martin and I announced that a new 2020 round of the Programme was opening with applications accepted from 11th December. The closing date for applications is the 1st March. At least €40 million is available and it is planned to make allocations later in 2021.
All applications have to be made on the programme's website www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie and information on how to make an application is also available on the website.
285. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding a tech hub in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4148/21]
View answerI am informed by Údarás na Gaeltachta that the proposed gteic@Baile an Sceilg will comprise of a 567 m2 development on the existing Údarás na Gaeltachta estate on the outskirts of Dún Géagáin, Baile an Sceilg, Co Chiarraí.
This is one of 30 hubs being developed by Údarás na Gaeltacht across the Gaeltacht nationally. The facility will be constructed to NZEB standard, with LEEN certification, incorporating long-term energy efficiency and carbon reduction capacity, and the project will incorporate the upgrading of the waste water treatment system on the site to service the entire estate.
Planning permission has been sought from Kerry County Council for this development. The decision to grant permission has been made and, in compliance with planning and development regulations, a final notice of decision is expected from the local authority in mid-February.
Gteic@Baile an Sceilg will provide work space for approx. 50 people when completed and represents a critical development in further supporting enterprise and employment development opportunities in the Uíbh Ráthach Gaeltacht. Facilities at the gteic will include fixed line fibre broadband, up to date technologies and IT platforms, space for training programmes with a focus on enterprise, upskilling, rural development and local capability development, and the development will be enabled appropriately to facilitate virtual conferencing as well as safe physical gatherings.
The development of the hub aligns with the key objectives of the of Tascfhórsa Idirghníomhaireachta Uíbh Ráthaigh - a collaboration of state, educational and community organisations - established in 2017 in response to socio-economic and demographic challenges in Gaeltacht Uíbh Ráthaigh and being spearheaded by Údarás.
In a broader context, the Deputy may be interested to note that a lack of space suitable for enterprise establishment and location in the area has been identified by the Tascfhórsa as a limiting factor to economic growth and population rejuvenation in the area. In order to address this, an invitation to the public to register potentially suitable work spaces with the Tascfhórsa was launched in March 2020 but had limited success with only seven responses received to date. While property registered under the initiative included warehouse and light industrial space in addition to potential office accommodation, it is understood that many of the properties would need substantial renovation.
286. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the funding allocated to Culture Ireland for the promotion of Irish arts globally in 2019, 2020 and 2021, in tabular form. [4208/21]
View answerThe funding allocated to Culture Ireland for the promotion of Irish arts globally in the years 2019, 2020 and 2021 is as follows:
|
Year |
Amount |
|
2019 |
€4.6m |
|
2020 |
€4.6m |
|
2021 |
€4.6m |
287. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will address a query raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4212/21]
View answerThe gravity of the current epidemiological situation is such that it does not permit Government consideration at this time of the reopening of golf courses. The Government's clear message at the present time is for people to stay in their homes, unless necessary for those essential reasons set out in the public health regulations. Sporting activity, including the playing of golf, is not considered essential in this context.
The Government to keen to facilitate the maximum possible level of sporting activity at the earliest possible date once the public health circumstances have improved to the extent required. In preparation for the resumption of sporting activity, my Department and Sport Ireland continues to engage with the various sporting bodies to inform a review of the broader COVID-19 measures for sporting activity, which will be considered by Government at the appropriate time. I can assure the Deputy that the Government wishes to ensure that sport can continue to play the maximum possible role in sustaining people’s physical and mental wellbeing and consequently their general morale.
In December 2020 , I wrote to all National Governing Bodies of sport seeking submissions on what key modifications, in particular to Level 3 of the Government Framework, can be safely introduced to bring the most benefit to sport. Additional correspondence and templates to gather information was also provided by Sport Ireland. The sector has welcomed this engagement and to date a total of 42 submissions have been received from sporting bodies. Review and analysis of these submissions is currently under way.
288. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an féidir cóip de dhialann an Aire Stáit a bhaineann leis an tréimhse ó ceapadh é mar Phríomh-Aoire agus Aire Stáit na Gaeltachta agus an Spóirt i mí Iúil 2020 go dtí an lá inniu, a chur chugam; agus an gcuirfear dialann an Aire Stáit ar fáil go poiblí ar líne as seo amach. [4215/21]
View answerMar a mholtar roimhe seo ba mhaith liom a chur in iúl don Teachta gur oifig an phríomh-aoire i Roinn Taoisigh a dhéanann bainistíocht ar dhialann an Aire Stáit maidir le réimse Spóirt agus Gaeltacht faoi láthair.
Socróimid go seolfar cóip chuig an Teachta go luath.
289. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the budgetary analysis being carried out to plan for long Covid-19 impacts in her Department and each State agency under the remit of her Department in tabular form. [4496/21]
View answerThe sectors under the aegis of my Department have been among the most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic across our economy. In particular, the crisis has utterly changed the operating landscape for the Tourism, Sport, Arts and Culture, and Live Entertainment sectors.
In terms of economic impact, tourism is undoubtedly amongst Ireland’s most important indigenous economic sectors. It is a significant employer, supporting 260,000 jobs prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. It is estimated that 180,000 of those jobs are either lost or vulnerable. Fáilte Ireland estimate that some 40% of tourism businesses have closed.
Similarly, our arts, culture and live entertainment sectors have seen their businesses effectively closed since March of last year. This includes a range of sole-traders and small enterprises which are at the heart of communities across the country.
Across the Gaeltacht, businesses and communities alike have suffered a significant reduction in economic activity, job losses, a lack of tourism and educational visitors. Many businesses are also now facing the double-impact of Brexit, particularly in those Gaeltacht areas in the North Western region. In 2020, Údarás reported a net job reduction of 6% (481) in full-time jobs in the Gaeltacht, the majority of which relate to tourism and related sectors.
All sporting activities are also effectively suspended at this level of the Plan for living with COVID-19, other than some limited events being held behind closed doors. In addition to the wellbeing impacts of this suspension of activities, the pandemic continues to severely financially impair national governing bodies of sport, particularly those that depend on spectator revenue.
There has also been an impact on the broadcasting sector, with declining commercial revenues as a consequence of the crisis. I have engaged directly with this sector and measures have been introduced to support broadcasting across radio and television platforms.
Officials from my Department have been in regular communication with the bodies in these sectors and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the devastating and unprecedented impact of COVID-19 and my colleague, Minister of State Chambers and I continue to engage in this ongoing process. Efforts have centred around how best to stabilise sectors and ensure their future viability. This has resulted in the provision of additional gross funding of just over €200 million in 2020 compared to 2019 and further additional gross funding of almost €79 million in 2021 compared to 2020. The detailed breakout of this for the Department and the bodies under the aegis of the Department is published in the Revised Estimates volume for 2020 www.gov.ie/en/collection/e20037-revised-estimates/#2020 and the Revised Estimates volume for 2021 www.gov.ie/en/collection/e20037-revised-estimates/#2021.
The position as we begin to emerge from COVID-19 restrictions in 2021 will continue to be monitored closely to ensure the sectors for which I have responsibility are supported at this difficult time. In addition to a range of bespoke measures that I have introduced to support these sectors, the provision of horizontal supports of the PUP, EWSS and CRSS are essential short term supports for the survival of these sectors.
I am also working with stakeholders to support recovery and enhance resilience in our tourism, hospitality and arts and culture sectors. I have published two recovery task force reports and will continue to support the sectors as we move from pandemic to recovery.
290. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the absolute and relative number of persons with disabilities employed by her Department in each of the years 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2020; if these persons are in full-time or part-time roles; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4536/21]
View answerMy Department is obliged to report every year to the National Disability Authority (NDA) on the number of persons with disabilities employed at 31st December. This information is published on the website of the NDA - nda.ie.
My Department was formed in its current configuration in 2020. The relevant statistics for 2020 are currently being collated to meet statutory reporting deadlines in 2021.
I am informed that statistics for previous configurations of my Department for the years 2015 to 2018 have been published and, for 2019, have been returned to the NDA. The table below shows the relevant information for each previous iteration of my Department in the years 2015 to 2019. It should be noted that the numbers listed below only reflect persons that have declared a disability, and that the declaration of a disability is voluntary. Statistics for 2015 to 2019 relating to the tourism, sport, and media functions are included in the returns to the NDA from, respectively, the then Departments of Transport, Tourism and Sport, and Communications, Environment and Climate Change.
My Department strives to create a culture where the employee feels comfortable to declare their disability. This ensures any reasonable accommodations can be met, if required. Anonymity and confidentiality are crucial to a high rate of survey returns and the information gathered is only used for statistical purposes. Personal details such as name and work pattern are not recorded, therefore I cannot provide a breakdown of persons working full-time or part-time.
|
Year |
Department |
No. Employees with Disabilities |
% workforce with Disabilities |
|
2015 |
Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs |
18 |
3.1 |
|
2016 |
Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht |
20 |
3.2 |
|
2017 |
Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht |
20 |
3.1 |
|
2018 |
Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht |
20 |
3.1 |
|
2019 |
Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht |
26 |
3.8 |
291. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of State and semi-State board appointments that fall under the aegis of her Department made since this Government took office including the name of the board or agency and the remuneration level associated with the board position in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4559/21]
View answerAs Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media I have responsibility for appointments to 21 State Boards under the aegis of my Department. You may wish to note that information in respect of the membership of these State Boards and others is available from www.StateBoards.ie.
In respect of appointments and reappointments since I became Minister, the table below outlines 19 appointments (14 re-appointments & 5 first time appointments) to six State Boards to date, including remuneration.
In addition to these appointments, there were two re-appointments and eight first time appointments by the North South Ministerial Council, to the Board of Foras na Gaeilge.
|
State Agency |
Board Members |
Board Fees Applicable |
Type of Appointment |
|
Broadcasting Authority of Ireland |
4 |
€5,985 (Ordinary Member) |
JOC Nominees |
|
Irish Museum of Modern Art |
4 |
Nil |
PAS Appointments |
|
National Concert Hall |
4 |
Nil |
PAS Appointments |
|
National Museum of Ireland |
2 |
Nil |
PAS Appointments |
|
Sport Ireland |
3 |
€11,970 (Chair) €7,695 (Ordinary Member) |
PAS Appointments |
|
TG4 |
2 |
€12,600 (Ordinary Member) |
JOC Nominees |
292. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide a list of all State and semi-State boards that fall under the aegis of her Department; the level of remuneration being paid to each board member including chairpersons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4572/21]
View answerAs Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media I have responsibility for the State Boards listed below. You may wish to note that the level of fees, where applicable to Chairpersons and Board Members, is set by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with reference to the pay of the organisation’s CEO.
Reference to remuneration for chairs and members of Boards relates to the level of fee to which they are entitled and does not infer the fee was drawn down by individual members. Where public servants are appointed to Boards, under the One Person One Salary principal, no fees are payable.
|
State Board |
Chairperson Fee |
Ordinary Member Fee |
|
Arts Council |
€8,978 |
€5,985 |
|
Broadcasting Authority of Ireland |
€8,978 |
€5,985 |
|
Compliance Committee of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland |
€8,978 |
€5,985 |
|
Contract Awards Committee of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland |
€8,978 |
€5,985 |
|
Crawford Art Gallery |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Foras na Gaeilge |
€11,970 |
€7,695 |
|
IMMA |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Irish Manuscripts Commission |
Nil |
Nil |
|
National Archives Advisory Council |
Nil |
Nil |
|
National Concert Hall |
Nil |
Nil |
|
National Gallery of Ireland |
Nil |
Nil |
|
National Library of Ireland |
Nil |
Nil |
|
National Museum of Ireland |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Fáilte Ireland (National Tourism Development Authority) |
€20,520 |
€11,970 |
|
Radio Telefís Éireann |
€31,500 |
€15,750 |
|
Screen Ireland |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Sport Ireland |
€11,970 |
€7,695 |
|
Teilifís na Gaeilge |
€21,600 |
€12,600 |
|
Tha Boord o Ulster Scotch |
€11,970 |
€7,695 |
|
Tourism Ireland |
€11,970 |
€7,695 |
|
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
€11,970 |
€7,695 |
293. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the amount of funding allocated by her Department to the Covid-19 communications strategy since the beginning of the pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4764/21]
View answerI have been informed by officials in my Department that no funding has been allocated to the Covid-19 communications strategy since the beginning of the pandemic. My Department is actively engaged in delivering Covid-19 communications with the public and with stakeholders through various channels. This work is carried out in-house by the communications team and other teams within the Department. A strong communications strategy is very important at this time and cost effectiveness is always a factor in my Department’s plans. As part of its policy response to the crisis, my Department has supported a range of measures to provide for content which would normally be presented to live audiences, to be made available online.
294. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the amount of funding spent by her Department on the Covid-19 communications strategy since the beginning of the pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4775/21]
View answerI have been informed by officials in my Department that no funding has been spent on the COVID-19 communications strategy since the beginning of the pandemic.
My Department is actively engaged in delivering COVID-19 communications with the public and with stakeholders through various channels. This work is carried out in-house by the communications team and other teams within the Department. Strong communications is very important at this time and cost-effectiveness is always factored into considerations in my Department’s plans.
As part of its policy response to the crisis, my Department has supported a range of measures to provide for content which would normally be presented to live audiences, to be made available online.
295. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps he is taking to address the illegal capture and live sale of endangered wild animals at a national, Europe-wide and international level; if he has had discussions with his counterparts in other countries on this matter, particularly given that the previous SARS and current Covid-19 outbreaks are reportedly linked to the sale of live wild animals at so-called wet markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3729/21]
View answerThe Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2018 are the primary statutes designed to afford protection to the various species in the State and which set out the framework for dealing with wildlife crime. In addition, the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 include provisions affording strict protection to a number of species. International trade in endangered species is regulated by CITES, to which Ireland is a party and which is implemented in the European Union via the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations.
Trapping protected species for illegal trade is a form of wildlife crime. Within my Department, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has responsibility for species protection and biodiversity at national level, and the implementation of EU nature legislation.
Conservation rangers stationed around the country deal with enforcement matters under the Wildlife Acts. Their work includes the monitoring of compliance with national and European law in relation to nature conservation and wildlife crime across the country. The team also conducts patrols and site visits to enforce the law and investigate reports of illegal activity.
My Department works closely with An Garda Síochána who are also specifically empowered under the Acts to investigate alleged wildlife crime offences and to prosecute as they see fit. My Department will establish a dedicated Wildlife Crime Unit this year which will enhance our ability to better deal with all aspects of wildlife crime.
Ireland is a party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). In its capacity as the national CITES Management Authority, NPWS is responsible for the regulation of trade in CITES listed species and for meeting Ireland's obligations under the Convention as well as under the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations, which implements CITES in the EU context.
In this capacity, NPWS participates actively at EU and international level on CITES matters, including issues around illegal trade in listed species. Concerted action by EU Member States, including Ireland, is important in strengthening the protection afforded to endangered species such as, for example, rhinos and elephants, both of which can be targeted by the illegal wildlife trade, for their horn and ivory respectively. Other species, such as cetaceans, pangolins and several species of bat are also included on the CITES appendices and are subject to trade restrictions.
The EU Biodiversity Strategy launched in May 2020, recognised the linkages between biodiversity loss and zoonotic diseases which can lead to pandemics such as the current Covid-19 pandemic. The Strategy highlights the links between human health and the health of ecosystems. It also points to the need for sustainable supply chains and consumption patterns, protecting and restoring biodiversity and well-functioning ecosystems key to boosting our resilience and preventing the emergence and spread of future diseases. My Department continues to engage with colleagues at national level, across the EU and with the European Commission on implementation of the Strategy. Finally, officials of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine have participated in discussions at the OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health) in relation to wildlife and wet markets. I understand there has also been EU engagement with the OIE on this issue.
296. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the action he is taking to address unauthorised quarries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4511/21]
View answer361. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the action he is taking to address unauthorised quarries; the estimated cost to his Department and local authorities in pursuing unauthorised quarry activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4510/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 296 and 361 together.
Under planning legislation, enforcement is a matter for the relevant planning authority, which can take action if a development does not have the required permission, or where the terms of a permission have not been met.
There are extensive enforcement provisions provided for in Part VIII of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (the Act), with a view to ensuring that works pertaining to permitted developments are carried out in accordance with the planning permission granted and any associated conditions and that no unauthorised development takes place. This includes unauthorised quarries. In addition, any person or a planning authority may seek a court order under section 160 of the Act in relation to unauthorised development with a view to ensuring that the development works in question are not carried out or continued.
There is no cost to my Department in regard to pursuing unauthorised quarry activity. The management of local authority expenditure is a function of the local authority's Chief Executive Officer.
Where enforcement action is taken by a local authority, provision to recoup costs is made under section 154 of the Act. If an enforcement notice is disregarded by the person(s) served and the planning authority enters the land to take such steps, including the removal, demolition or alteration of any structure, the planning authority may recover any expenses reasonably incurred by them in that behalf. An enforcement notice shall require the person(s) served with the notice to refund to the planning authority the costs and expenses reasonably incurred by the authority in relation to the investigation, detection and issue of the enforcement notice, any warning letter and costs incurred in respect of employees, consultants and advisers.
If required, any expenses reasonably incurred by a planning authority may be recovered as a simple contract debt in any court of competent jurisdiction from the person(s) on whom the notice was served. Alternatively, costs incurred by a local authority may be secured by charging the land under the Registration of Title Act, 1964, or an instrument vesting the ownership of the land in the authority subject to a right of redemption by the owner within five years.
Under section 30 of the Act, I am specifically precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular case, including an enforcement issue, with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála is or may be concerned.
297. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average construction and all-in development cost of social housing tender approvals for local authorities (details supplied) in each of the years 2017 to 2020; and the items included in the construction costs and the non-construction costs in tabular form. [3569/21]
View answerThe relevant details are being compiled and will be provided to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
298. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the new serviced sites fund limit per unit of accommodation as agreed in December 2020. [3570/21]
View answerSince the initiation of the Serviced Sites Fund (SSF) the maximum funding available towards the cost of facilitating infrastructure is €50,000 per affordable home delivered.
The Programme for Government 'Our Shared Future' contained a commitment to improve the delivery of affordable homes and to extend the SSF in this regard. To inform that process, I have met with the Chief Executives of local authorities and sought their views in relation to amendments to the scheme that may improve the capacity to deliver more affordable homes in a shorter time-frame. It is my intention to use the experience to date of local authorities with that of my own Department in managing the SSF, to bring forward any amendments to the scheme's operation I consider necessary.
299. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the delivery of social and affordable housing in Poolbeg strategic development zone, SDZ; his views on whether the failure of his Department to purchase land within the SDZ will make the delivery of these homes more difficult or more expensive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3571/21]
View answerThe regeneration of Poolbeg West is the next important step in transforming the Docklands area, given its strategic location east of Grand Canal Dock, with close proximity to important bridge connections to Dublin Port and North Lotts.
In relation to the activation of these lands it is this Department’s understanding that, having decided to embark on the competitive tendering process, on 22 December 2020, the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) announced the completion of a comprehensive process to select an investment partner for the development of this site within Poolbeg West Strategic Development Zone.
I understand that NAMA has named a consortium of Ronan Group Real Estate (RGRE) and Colony Capital (Colony) as the Preferred Bidder to acquire the 80% shareholding. NAMA will retain a 20% shareholding.
The planning scheme, as modified by An Bord Pleanála on 9th April 2019, states that prior to commencement of development, subject to confirmed funding and value for money considerations, a commercial agreement shall be entered into between Dublin City Council, my Department and the owners/developers of the residential element of the Planning Scheme for the delivery of 15% of the residential units approved on the lands included in this Planning Scheme for social and affordable housing purposes. These units shall be additional to the 10% statutory under Part V arrangements still stands and is applicable.
As NAMA progresses this site, my Department remains ready to work with Dublin City Council, any relevant Approved Housing Bodies and the receiver and/or developers of the SDZ area to progress this site, subject to agreement on all the normal and relevant terms, including value for money aspects.
300. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the programme for Government commitment to establish a commission on housing; the proposed members of the commission; the terms of reference of the commission; the duration of same; the engagement of the commission with Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3572/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government provides that the Government will establish a Commission on Housing to examine issues such as tenure, standards, sustainability, and quality of life issues in the provision of housing.
Further scoping is necessary as to the most appropriate type of structure for the Commission and to flesh out the issues that it will be tasked with examining. The establishment of the Commission will occur when these issues have been appropriately considered.
301. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the report he commissioned into the deaths of persons experiencing homelessness; when the report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3573/21]
View answerThere 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 report the Deputy is referring to has been commissioned by the Department of Health who have asked the Health Research Board to undertake a one-year feasibility study to collect data on deaths among people who were homeless. 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, is reviewing approximately 17,000 files from all Coroner districts.
I have been informed by the Department of Health, that provided there is not significant delay in inquests being held and that data collection can continue in accordance with Government guidelines in relation to COVID-19, the report should be completed in the last quarter of 2021.
Separate to this, the Dublin Region Homeless Executive and the HSE have jointly commissioned a detailed review of recent deaths in homeless services. This report is expected to be completed by the end of February 2021.
