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Thursday, 4 Feb 2021

Written Answers Nos. 57-79

Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman

Questions (57)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

57. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the average cost of resolving each complaint submitted to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman. [6232/21]

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Written answers

Firstly, I must point out that the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO) is independent in the performance of his statutory functions.  I have no role in the day to day workings of the office or in the decisions which he takes.

The Ombudsman has informed me that the manner in which complaints are dealt with and the resources deployed in managing individual complaints varies considerably, depending on the stage in the FSPO’s processes in which complaint is closed. For this reason, is it not possible to determine the “average cost” of managing individual complaints.

However, the full operating costs of the FSPO are set out in the FSPO’s Annual Report, following completion of an audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General, and published on the FSPO’s website at www.fspo.ie.

Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman

Questions (58, 59, 60, 61)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

58. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the number of complaints submitted to the Financial and Services Pension Ombudsman since 1 March 2020. [6233/21]

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Pearse Doherty

Question:

59. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the number of complaints submitted to the Financial and Services Pension Ombudsman between 1 March 2019 and 1 March 2020. [6234/21]

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Pearse Doherty

Question:

60. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the number of complaints made against banks submitted to the Financial and Services Pension Ombudsman since 1 March 2020. [6235/21]

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Pearse Doherty

Question:

61. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the number of complaints made against insurance companies submitted to the Financial and Services Pension Ombudsman since 1 March 2020. [6236/21]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 58, 59, 60 and 61 together.

As the Deputy is aware, the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO) is independent in the performance of his statutory functions and I have no role in the day to day workings of the office or in the decisions which he takes.

The FSPO informs me that:-

- The number of complaints received by the FSPO from 1 March 2020 to 2 February 2021 is 4,902.

- The number of complaints received by the FSPO from 1 March 2019 - 29 February 2020 is 5,405.

- The number of Banking complaints received by the FSPO from 1 March 2020 to 2 February 2021 is 2,581.

- The numbers of Insurance complaint received by the FSPO from 1 March 2020 to 2 February 2021 is 1,511.

I am advised by the FSPO that the data contained in this response is extracted from a live database and therefore depicts complaint information at a specific moment in time. Data in this database is subject to ongoing verification and data categorisation as the understanding of the specific complaint is developed. The data is correct as of 2 February 2021.

Customs and Excise

Questions (62)

Matt Carthy

Question:

62. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Finance the basis on which the Revenue Commissioners amended previous advice that tariffs would not apply to used imported vehicles from the UK from 1 January 2021 to the current position that tariffs would apply; if he plans to have this position reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6251/21]

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Written answers

I am advised by Revenue that the position regarding customs tariff duty rates for imports from the UK post-Brexit was not confirmed until the trade deal was agreed between the EU and the UK on 24 December 2020. The advice provided by Revenue prior to this has been consistently on the basis that the actual position as regards the operation of tariffs from 1 January 2021 was subject to the availability of the text of the trade deal agreement.

The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), eliminated tariff duties for trade between the EU and Great Britain where the relevant rules on origin are met. The customs tariff duty on the import of vehicles of UK origin is 0%. However, where the vehicles being imported from the UK are not of UK origin then customs tariff duties apply. The tariff rate in any given instance depends on the type of vehicle being imported. For example, passenger cars of non-UK origin are liable to a customs tariff rate of 10%. Customs tariff duty, if applicable, applies on the customs value of the vehicle. The customs value is the invoice price plus the cost of transport and insurance.

Customs is an EU competence and is governed by EU legislation including the recently negotiated trade agreement with the UK. This legislation applies in all Member States, and it is not possible for Ireland to implement any measures that are not in compliance with the TCA.

Customs and Excise

Questions (63)

Matt Carthy

Question:

63. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Finance the tariff rate applied on agricultural equipment imported from the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6252/21]

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Written answers

The UK is no longer part of the European Union and since January 1, following the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020, the UK has been outside the EU Single Market and Customs Union.  This means that imports from the UK (excluding Northern Ireland) may incur additional charges including customs duties and VAT.

I am advised by Revenue that VAT is chargeable on all imports from Great Britain that are greater than €22. Customs duty may be chargeable on imports over €150, depending on the origin of the goods.

The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement has eliminated customs duties for goods imported from Great Britain where the goods are of UK origin under the Rules of Origin in the agreement. Importers of goods to Ireland must claim the preferential tariff rate of 0% on the import declaration and must be able to prove that the goods they are importing are of UK preferential origin. The exporter in the UK should be able to provide the required proof. Goods of non-UK origin imported from the UK will be liable to customs duty.

Customs duty is normally calculated as a percentage of the customs value of the goods. The percentage rate of duty varies depending on the type of goods being imported. Regarding the customs duty rate on agricultural equipment, the rate varies depending on the classification of the goods and additional information is necessary in order to determine the category of equipment and the associated customs duty rate that applies. The customs value on which customs duty is calculated is the cost of the goods plus the transport costs, any insurance fees and any handling charges to deliver the goods to the EU.  

The EU TARIC database, which is available via the Revenue website, can be used to determine the classification of goods and the 3rd country customs duty rate that applies on imports into the EU. Further information on the classification process is available on the Revenue website at https://www.revenue.ie/en/customs-traders-and-agents/importing-and-exporting/classification/index.aspx. Importers having difficulty in determining the product classification code for a particular product should contact the Revenue Tariff Classification Unit through Revenue’s secure MyEnquiries service or email: tarclass@revenue.ie for guidance. A detailed description of the product should be included to assist with classification.

Banking Sector

Questions (64)

Brendan Smith

Question:

64. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if there have been recent discussions with a bank (details supplied) in view of the need to retain its banking services and retain employment in its branch network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6325/21]

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Written answers

As the Deputy will be aware, I have met with representatives from both Ulster Bank and its parent company, NatWest in recent months. My most recent meeting was with the Chair of NatWest on the 17 December where I emphasised that Ulster Bank is an important part of the Irish banking landscape and I reiterated the importance of timely and direct communication between staff, their representatives and management throughout the review, especially if there are any developments. I outlined that I expected that any decisions arising from the review will be swiftly communicated to staff, customers and other stakeholders.

I also met with representatives of Ulster Bank on 21 October. Ulster Bank has confirmed that the strategic review is ongoing and that no decisions have yet been taken. Ulster Bank also confirmed that there is no set timetable for this review and that it is fully aware of the strategically important role that Ulster Bank plays in the provision of financial services to the Irish market.

I emphasised the importance of Ulster Bank to the Irish financial services market, to the wider economy and to the communities it serves. News of the review is, of course, unsettling for all stakeholders, especially the staff and customers. 

The continued presence of a viable and active Ulster Bank in the Irish market would be the most welcome outcome.  However, as the Deputy will be aware, I have no formal role in the commercial decisions of Ulster Bank, these are a matter for the Board and Management of the Bank and its parent company, NatWest.  

While I will have further engagement with the bank as the review process continues, I would like to emphasise that I have no role in the review or any commercial decisions arising from it. My officials will continue to monitor developments.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (65)

Gerald Nash

Question:

65. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the view of local authorities have been sought in advance of a submission to the recovery and resilience facility of the European Commission; his plans for consultation with local authorities to enable same to contribute to the formulation of the national recovery and resilience plan ahead of it being finalised for the European Commission; if the submission will specifically address the provision, maintenance and enhancement of local infrastructure, housing, community and other amenities and facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6120/21]

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Written answers

On 18 December 2020 political agreement was reached between the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament on the draft Regulation establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility.  It is expected that the final Regulation will be formally adopted in February.

The Department of Public Expenditure & Reform is responsible for preparing Ireland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan.  Development of the plan is now underway in conjunction with the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Finance and the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment, as well as other Government Departments as appropriate. The plan must be submitted to the European Commission by the end of April.

In line with the requirements of  the Recovery and Resilience Facility regulation, and to assist in the preparation of Ireland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan, a public consultation process is underway.  This is open to all including local and regional authorities, social partners, civil society organisations, youth organisations, and other relevant stakeholders.

The focus of  the consultation is to seek feedback on identifying Ireland’s priorities in the context of the national plan. Details on this consultation can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/consultation/6760e-public-consultation-on-irelands-national-recovery-and-resilience-plan/. The consultation process is open until 22 February 2021.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (66)

Joe O'Brien

Question:

66. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has given consideration to requesting a spending review of the Department of Justice citizenship division in view of a recent report (details supplied) that highlighted processing delays for citizenship and naturalisation applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6197/21]

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Written answers

I note that the recent ESRI/Pathways to Citizenship Through Naturalisation Report in Ireland (ESRI Research Series Number 116, December 2020) found that Ireland has more favourable conditions for acquiring citizenship by naturalisation than many other EU Member States. The report also points to some issues and areas for potential improvement that have been highlighted by some NGOs and in parliamentary debate. As regards how to build further upon Ireland's existing strengths in this area and how to address remaining issues and challenges, including through the use of spending reviews, these are matters that fall within the remit of the Minister for Justice and the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service.

Sustainable Development Goals

Questions (67)

Marc Ó Cathasaigh

Question:

67. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department’s new statement of strategy will support the implementation of the sustainable development goals; if specific goals and sub-targets have been identified as being particularly relevant to his Department's work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6218/21]

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Written answers

My Department published its Statement of Strategy 2021-2023 on 19 January 2021.  It is available on the gov.ie website at this link: 

https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/7e2cea-statements-of-strategy-2011-2019/

The Strategy has been informed by my priorities and relevant commitments in the Programme for Government and the overall strategic context in which my Department operates.  

The Department’s Mission for 2021-2023 will be to serve the public interest through sound governance of public expenditure and by leading and enabling reform across the Civil and Public Service.  In support of this mission, it will pursue two strategic goals, as follows:

- To manage public expenditure at sustainable levels in a planned, balanced and evidence informed manner, in order to support Ireland’s economic, social and climate goals; and

- To drive reform and innovation across the Civil and Public Service to improve service delivery to the public, and to enhance strategic policy making and public governance structures.

These goals, and the actions underpinning them, have been set at a relatively high level and provide a robust framework to support the implementation of the Department's broad remit, including its role in respect of the Sustainable Development Goals.  Details of the specific actions to be undertaken by the Department in respect of the Sustainable Development Goals are set out in the Government’s National Implementation Plan, which is available on the gov.ie website, at this link:  

https://assets.gov.ie/19344/32f9bdd2aae2464caae37760edd1da04.pdf

Sustainable Development Goals

Questions (68)

Marc Ó Cathasaigh

Question:

68. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the policies and plans through which his Department will be working towards the achievement of the specific sustainable development goals targets that fall under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6223/21]

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Written answers

The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Group specifically leads on two specific sub-actions under Sustainable Development Goals 9 and 12. These sub-actions relate to the delivery of resilient and sustainable infrastructure, and promoting of sustainable public procurement practices respectively. The following sections provide an update on the latest guiding policies and work programmes that are being progressed to meet the requirements of the Sustainable Development Goals.  

Sub-action under SDG goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

Update on building resilient and sustainable infrastructure

The current guiding policy is Project Ireland 2040, which consists of my Department’s National Development Plan (NDP) 2018 – 2027 and the National Planning Framework as led by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The current NDP sets out total investment of approximately €116 billion across all sectors and this will allow Ireland to move close to the top of the international league table for public investment.

Climate Action and Sustainability were core to the design of both the NDP and the National Planning Framework. Both policies address 10 key National Strategic Objectives, with one of the strategic outcomes identified being “Transition to a Low Carbon and Climate Resilient Society”. As a result, €21.8 billion has been prioritised for investment in the low carbon transition, with a further €8.6 billion allocated for investment in sustainable public transport. Specific investments identified include flagship investment programmes such as supports for energy efficiency and retro-fitting, to the delivery of major new public transport projects such as MetroLink and BusConnects. In addition, the €500 million Climate Action Fund is also providing funding on a competitive basis for initiatives that contribute to the achievement of Ireland’s climate and energy targets or offer the potential for innovative interventions in these sectors. More generally the approach to sustainable compact growth that is set out in the National Planning Framework and the NDP will support a more balanced pattern of development across the country. This will put an end to the urban sprawl of the past and support greater sustainability and climate resilience.

As you may be aware, I have commenced a review of the NDP that is taking place currently. In line with the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals, this review will be focussed on how can Project Ireland 2040 be further supported to deliver on the policy priorities in the Programme for Government, particularly climate action. Also, the NDP Review will focus on balanced regional growth and alignment with Ireland's spatial strategy of NPF. Overall, timelines include a Phase 1 report to be published by the end of Q1 2021, which will form part of the evidence base for finalising the drafting of the revised NDP; and Phase 2, which will be a revised NDP setting ten year capital ceilings out to 2030 alongside five year rolling departmental capital ceilings and priorities would be published in Q2 2021.

Sub-action under SDG goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

Update on the promotion of sustainable public procurement practices

Metrics are key to enable monitoring and verification of any measures introduced aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of public works projects.  In this regard the Office of Government Procurement is currently engaged with the International Construction Measurement Standard (ICMS) coalition in the development of an international reporting system for whole life carbon in the built environment.  The ICMS coalition anticipate that ICMS 3rd Edition, incorporating Life Cycle Analysis, will be available for public consultation by September 2021. 

In addition to the work on developing standard metrics, consideration is also being given to the following:

- The incorporation of Life Cycle Analysis into the design stage,

- The availability of open source Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) to industry,

- Development of award criteria for assessment of tenders incorporating Life Cycle Analysis,

- Development of guidance for the incorporation and evaluation of Life Cycle Analysis in public procurement.  

The Office of Government Procurement (OGP) published an Information Note on Incorporating Social Considerations into Public Procurement in late 2018. This note helps policy makers and practitioners understand how procurement can be used to facilitate the advancement of existing social policy objectives, including environmental sustainability, as well as the wider context and implications of including them in particular procurement projects. In conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, the OGP has introduced reforms that require all Departments to consider including green criteria in public procurement processes. Circular 20/2019 also requires Departments to incorporate relevant green procurement measures into their planning and reporting cycles and highlights the possibilities for Departments to deliver wider social and environmental aims through public procurement. The OGP also assisted the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in developing training in this area aimed at procurement practitioners and have contributed to the upcoming EPA Green Public Procurement Guidance. The OGP also established a cross Departmental Social Considerations Advisory Group in March 2019, now called the Strategic Procurement Advisory Group, bringing together officials from policy Departments with procurement practitioners to share best practice and to facilitate the process of incorporating social and environmental considerations into public procurement.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (69)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

69. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of an application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6137/21]

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Written answers

Minister Catherine Martin and I announced the allocation of an €85 million funding support package for the Irish sport sector in November and December.

The funding, which was allocated by Sport Ireland, will address the existential threat to National Governing Bodies and their club networks, allowing sports organisations to offset significant losses incurred and add a semblance of certainty to their planning for 2021. 

The funding package includes COVID-19 funding of €70 million, to provide support for the three main field sports organisations (the FAI, GAA and IRFU), a Resilience Fund to support the National Governing Bodies of Sport, a Sports Club Resilience Fund to support clubs, and a Sports Restart and Renewal Fund. 

In total, €2.83 million was allocated to Golf Ireland (formerly the Confederation of Golf in Ireland), comprising €2.7 million under the NGB Resilience Fund, €30,000 under the Sports Restart and Renewal Fund and €100,000 under the Sports Club Resilience Fund. 

Funding for individual clubs under the Sports Club Resilience Fund is being delivered directly by the National Governing Bodies through programmes established by each of the National Governing Bodies in receipt of funding. I have no role in the process.

The club mentioned by the Deputy should contact Golf Ireland in relation to the status of their application.

Sports Capital Programme

Questions (70)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

70. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if a deadline will be set for the announcement of the recipients of sports capital allocations for 2021 after the deadline closes. [6178/21]

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Written answers

The 2020 Sports Capital Programme will close for applications on 1 March 2021 and it is intended that the assessment of applications will begin immediately after this date.  Under the last round of the Programme, a record 2,337 applications were received. 

It is not possible to predict how many applications will be submitted and the timeframe for completing the assessment process will be dependent on this. 

I can assure the Deputy that there will be no undue delay in completing the assessment process and it is intended to make allocations as early as possible.

Fáilte Ireland

Questions (71)

Denis Naughten

Question:

71. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the Shannon master plan and the Beara Breffni master plan will be published by her Department in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland; if she plans to develop a similar master plan for the Dublin-Galway greenway once the route is finalised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6239/21]

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Written answers

The matters raised by the Deputy are operational matters for Fáilte Ireland.  Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to them for further information and direct reply to the Deputy.  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

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (72)

Seán Canney

Question:

72. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will request that Fáilte Ireland disburse the €75 million funding it has been allocated to tourism and hospitality-related businesses that cannot access the Covid restrictions support scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6246/21]

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Written answers

Budget 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. A key measure in the Budget was the provision of additional business continuity funding to support strategic tourism businesses, to be administered by Fáilte Ireland.

The details of the first phase of the scheme was announced on 1st February and it will contribute to the fixed costs of identified strategic tourism businesses that are not eligible for CRSS to support their survival.  It will provide an equitable level of payment to the CRSS for qualifying businesses such as tourism attractions, activity providers, and caravan and camping sites.

I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for further details on the scheme.  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

Product Labelling

Questions (73)

Matt Carthy

Question:

73. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she plans to direct that commercial products labels be published in a bilingual format, that is, Irish and English; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6302/21]

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Written answers

For some time now, my Department and Foras na Gaeilge have been working to support businesses in the introduction of bilingual packaging. Foras na Gaeilge have, for example, launched a book entitled 'Bilingual Packaging: a guide for best business practice' to assist businesses in introducing bilingual packaging.  Foras na Gaeilge also runs a Business Support Scheme, supporting small and medium-sized commercial enterprises to promote Irish in their businesses through signage, packaging, websites and marketing material - both printed and digital.

In addition, my Department provides funding to organisations such as Gael-Taca in Cork;  Gnó Mhaigh Eo in Mayo;  Gaillimh le Gaeilge in Galway, and more recently, Cill Dara le Gaeilge in Kildare,  to support and encourage businesses in the use of Irish.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (74, 75, 77)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

74. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if all house building projects due for completion by 31 January 2021 and not completed will be allowed continue work to completion in view of the continued lock down under level 5 of Covid-19 restrictions and the critical shortage of houses; if other projects whose completion date would have fallen due in February 2021 will be allowed to recommence building to completion at this stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6207/21]

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Seán Canney

Question:

75. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to reopen the construction industry, particularly housing given that many persons are building and purchasing houses as first-time buyers and they have mortgage approval which is time limited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6308/21]

View answer

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

77. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a building project can be deemed essential if the homeowners are dependent on the project staying on schedule in order to move into the property to avoid homelessness in which the projected finish date is beyond 31 January 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6084/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 74, 75 and 77 together.

The Government announced that additional public health restrictions would apply under Level 5 of the Plan for Living with COVID-19 on 6 January 2021. The additional restrictions required all construction activity to cease from 6pm on Friday 8 January, with a number of exceptions. These measures are set out in Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No. 10) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2021 (S.I. No. 29 of 2021).

With regard to private housing development, the Regulations provide that housing and construction works ongoing on 8 January could continue where the works required to render the property capable of occupation were scheduled for completion by 31 January 2021

On 26 January, the Government announced that the current level 5 restrictions will remain until 5 March 2021. Accordingly, no extension has been provided beyond 31 January in respect of private housing development. These restrictions on construction will remain in place until 5 March.

Archaeological Sites

Questions (76)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

76. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the efforts his Department will carry out to protect and preserve the archaeological heritage of west County Wicklow including sites (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6068/21]

View answer

Written answers

My Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service monitors designated sites through its own staffing resources and, in conjunction with other public authorities as appropriate, investigates activity within these sites in accordance with the provisions of the Wildlife Acts, the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 and site specific regulations.

A number of the monuments referred to are national monuments in my ownership or guardianship, as Minister, under the National Monuments Acts, 1930-2014.  Such monuments are conserved and managed on a day-to-day basis by the Office of Public Works, in close cooperation with my Department's National Monuments Service, to ensure their long-term preservation and safeguarding.  All recorded archaeological monuments are fully protected under the provisions of the National Monuments Acts.

For the avoidance of doubt, to the extent that this question might in fact relate to any active planning case, I am precluded from any comment in such matters.

Question No. 77 answered with Question No. 74.

Planning Issues

Questions (78)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

78. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the Planning and Development (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2018 will be extended beyond the end of 2021; if so, when they will expire; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6155/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Planning and Development (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2018, which came into operation on 8 February 2018, provide for an exemption from the requirement to obtain planning permission in respect of the change of use of certain vacant commercial premises, including vacant areas above ground floor premises, to residential use.

This measure is aimed at facilitating the productive re-use of qualifying vacant commercial buildings as homes, while also facilitating urban renewal and the bringing on stream of increased housing supply.

The Regulations operate for a limited period until 31 December 2021, which has now been extended to 25 February 2022 arising from the Covid-related shutdown of the planning system for 8 weeks during the period March to May 2020, which extended all planning timelines by 8 weeks.

The exemptions provided for in the Planning Regulations are kept under regular review. While I have no current plans to amend this Regulation, it will be reviewed before its expiry and if an extension to the timeframe for its operation is deemed appropriate, I will bring forward the necessary legislative amendments. Amendments to exempted development regulations require the approval of both houses of the Oireachtas before they can be signed into law.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (79)

Bríd Smith

Question:

79. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of persons that have sought protection from evictions or notice of termination under measures introduced in December 2020, that is, rent arrears as a result of the Covid-19 crisis; the number who have received assistance and advice from MABS as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6185/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) was established as an independent statutory body under the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2020, to operate a national tenancy registration system and to facilitate the resolution of disputes between landlords and tenants.   

The Clerk of the Dáil requested that arrangements be put in place to facilitate the provision of information by State Bodies to members of the Oireachtas.  Following the issue of Circular LG (P)05/16 on 20 September 2016 from my Department, the RTB set up a dedicated email address for this purpose. The RTB may be contacted at OireachtasMembersQueries@rtb.ie to establish the extent to which it may hold the information sought.  

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