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Wednesday, 10 Nov 2021

Written Answers Nos. 83-101

Public Appointments Service

Questions (83)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

83. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when a decision will be made for Irish-speaking executive officers from the 2020 panel (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54814/21]

View answer

Written answers

As the Deputy will be aware, the Public Appointments Service (PAS) is the independent, statutory body that provides professional recruitment and selection services to the civil service.

In relation to the recruitment of fluent Irish speakers to the civil service, such speakers can apply for competitions that specifically require fluency in the Irish language.  They can also apply for competitions that do not require fluency in the Irish language and express and, in doing so, indicate their fluency in Irish that may be taken into consideration for assignments to posts that may be vacant should they subsequently come under consideration for appointment.  There is nothing to preclude candidates from applying from more than one competition provided they meet all eligibility criteria set out in the respective competition.

PAS forms panels for general civil service positions that candidates are assigned from as and when vacancies are notified to PAS by civil service employers.  The number of positions available to any particular panel depends on the demand from Departments/Offices and adherence to their pay and numbers allocations.  While every effort is made to endeavour that panels are not large, candidates are advised that placement on a particular panel is no guarantee of appointment to a position arising from their participation in a particular competition.

In relation to the Irish Executive Officer panels formed from the 2019 competitions, my Department has recently authorised PAS to extend the expiry date of the current Irish Executive Officer panels to 31 December 2021.  My Department is advised by PAS that a notification to this effect issued via the publicjobs.ie Messageboard system on 3 November to all candidates remaining on the current panel.  A new Irish Executive Officer competition is due to be undertaken by PAS in January 2022 from which all future assignments will be made.  I consider this an appropriate timeframe in terms of striking a balance between how long candidates may remain on panels against the need to refresh panels by allowing applications from those either not eligible at the closing date or who did not meet the standard at a point in time for a particular competition.

The Deputy will be aware that the Official Languages (Amendment) Bill, currently before the Houses of the Oireachtas, proposes a 20% Irish language fluency target for all new hires to the public service by 2030 in line with Programme for Government commitments.   The implementation of the Government’s Rural Development Strategy “Our Rural Future” that was launched in March by the Minister for Community and Rural Development, may also provide enhanced opportunities for Irish-speaking roles in the public service in the years ahead.

Question No. 84 answered with Question No. 81.
Question No. 85 answered with Question No. 81.

Departmental Advertising

Questions (86)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

86. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total amount spent by his Department on advertisements, including traditional forms of advertisement and online advertising, in each of the past ten years and to date in 2021. [54913/21]

View answer

Written answers

The information requested by the Deputy for my Department and the Office of Government Procurement, which is also part of my Department, is set out in the following tables.

  Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Year

Advertising Costs

2021 (to date)

€15,910

2020

€5,258

2019

€57,048

2018

€199,760

2017

€221,293

2016

€9,060

2015

€7,123

2014

-

2013

-

2012

-

2011

€3,720

`

Office of Government Procurement

Year

Advertising Costs

2021 (to date)

-

2020

€5,324

2019

€5,553

2018

€4,281

2017

-

2016

-

2015

-

2014

-

The OGP commenced operations in 2014.

Schools Building Projects

Questions (87)

Joe Carey

Question:

87. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will respond to a query (details supplied) regarding a school project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55057/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Office of Public Works is nearing completion of the analysis of options and costs related with the provision of  temporary accommodation for this project.  It is expected that this information will be submitted to the Department of Education in the very near future.

Sports Funding

Questions (88)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

88. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if there are supports for a club (details supplied) that is not in profit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55140/21]

View answer

Written answers

On 5 October 2021, Minister Martin and I were delighted to announce that additional current funding of up to €65 million will be available to support the sport sector this year. Allied to the additional current expenditure of €26.3 million already provided to Sport Ireland, a total of €91.3 million will have been allocated in additional current funding to support the sport sector in 2021.

This package is intended to support National Governing Bodies of Sport and sports clubs arising from the significant impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the sports sector, by providing specific funding support for the following sectors:

- Field Sport funding to support the main field sports, i.e. the FAI, the GAA and the IRFU;

- A Resilience Fund to support the other National Governing Bodies of Sport;

- A Sports Club Resilience Fund to support clubs from all sports;

- A Swimming Pools/Facilities Fund;

- A Resumption of Sport & Physical Activity Fund.

The funding will be invested through new grant schemes developed by Sport Ireland and the funding will be disbursed through the National Governing Bodies of sport.

Following the announcement, Sport Ireland invited applications for funding from National Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Sports Partnerships. The applications are now being reviewed by Sport Ireland and funding allocations will be announced in December.

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 directly.

Sports Funding

Questions (89)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

89. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if there are supports or grants available to air sports in rural areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55141/21]

View answer

Written answers

Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards, including the allocation of funding across its various programmes.

I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply in relation to any supports or grants that are available to air sports. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.

In relation to financial supports that are available for the sport sector due to Covid, on 5th October 2021, Minister Martin and I announced that additional current funding of up to €65 million will be available to support the sport sector this year. Allied to the additional current expenditure of €26.3 million already provided to Sport Ireland, a total of €91.3 million will have been allocated in additional current funding to support the sport sector in 2021.

This package is intended to support National Governing Bodies of Sport and sports clubs arising from the significant impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the sports sector, by providing specific funding support for the following sectors:

- Field Sport funding to support the main field sports, i.e. the FAI, the GAA and the IRFU;

- A Resilience Fund to support the other National Governing Bodies of Sport;

- A Sports Club Resilience Fund to support clubs from all sports;

- A Swimming Pools/Facilities Fund;

- A Resumption of Sport and Physical Activity Fund.

The funding will be invested through new grant schemes developed by Sport Ireland and the funding will be disbursed through the National Governing Bodies of sport.

Following the announcement, Sport Ireland invited applications for funding from the National Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Sports Partnerships. The applications are now being reviewed by Sport Ireland and funding allocations will be announced in December.

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 sports referred to by the Deputy should contact their National Governing Body directly or their Local Sports Partnership.

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

Sports Organisations

Questions (90)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

90. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her attention has been drawn to the fact that Sport Ireland is insisting that all players must be vaccinated to participate in games indoors (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54791/21]

View answer

Written answers

At its meeting on 19 October 2021, and following consideration of the public health advice, Government agreed that additional aspects of society can reopen only with the full range of protective measures in place. As such, current restrictions under the Government’s plan state that organisers of indoor and outdoor group activities should ensure that appropriate protective measures are in place. For indoor sports, this means:

- Where individuals have mixed immunity status, pods of up to 6 participants will be permitted (excluding adult coaches/instructors).

- Multiple pods will be permissible subject to protective measures.

- The overall number of pods will have regard to the size of venue and there should be substantial social distance between individual pods.

- For Vaccinated individuals no fixed capacity limits apply to these activities.

- For spectators, the use of the EU Digital COVID Certificate (vaccine or recovery certificate) will be required for accessing indoor sporting activities and events.

- Vaccinated spectators attending indoor sporting events should be fully seated.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that Government agreed last week to widen the range of sporting opportunities for young people which enables under 18 indoor sports games and competitions in sports such as basketball to go ahead. On foot of this, updated guidance has been provided by Sport Ireland to sporting organisations to allow children under 18 years of age to participate in indoor games and competition activities according to the ordinary rules and limits of the sport concerned. The full guidance can be accessed on the Sport Ireland website at:

www.sportireland.ie/covid19/return-to-sport-and-physical-activity

Sports Organisations

Questions (91)

Imelda Munster

Question:

91. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of efforts by an organisation (details supplied) to improve corporate governance structures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54808/21]

View answer

Written answers

Sport Ireland is the statutory body with responsibility for governance oversight of recognised National Governing Bodies of Sport.

Sport Ireland has been engaging with the organisation mentioned by the Deputy in relation to governance procedures within the organisation. I am informed by Sport Ireland that the organisation has taken steps to improve its governance significantly over the last few years and that a range of actions have been undertaken which have been supported by Sport Ireland.

I am further informed that, to address ongoing concerns, the organisation requested Sport Ireland to sponsor an independent governance review. That review is underway and involves a comprehensive consultation process. I understand that the review is expected to be completed by the end of December.

As governance oversight is a matter for Sport Ireland, I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 working days.

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

Departmental Advertising

Questions (92)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

92. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the total amount spent by her Department on advertisements, including traditional forms of advertisement and online advertising, in each of the past ten years and to date in 2021. [54917/21]

View answer

Written answers

The full information requested by the Deputy is not readily available.

I have asked my officials to gather and collate the relevant data and I will forward the information to the Deputy in accordance with the timelines set out in Standing Orders. 

Water Services

Questions (93)

Ciaran Cannon

Question:

93. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the person or body that is responsible for the design and delivery of new sewage treatment infrastructure for towns and villages that have no such infrastructure in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54787/21]

View answer

Written answers

My Department builds its strategic water policy and infrastructure delivery programmes around the National Planning Framework 2018-2040 and the National Development Plan 2018-2027. Investment is primarily delivered through Irish Water while my Department operates the Rural Water Programme directly.

Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. Irish Water takes a strategic, nationwide approach to asset planning and investment, and meeting customer requirements. The prioritisation and progression of individual projects and programmes is a matter for determination by Irish Water.

As part of Budget 2022, I secured funding of over €1.5 billion to support water services. This includes €1.4 billion in respect of domestic water services provision by Irish Water. This overall investment will deliver significant improvements in our public water and waste water services, support improved water supplies right across Ireland, including rural Ireland, and support a range of programmes delivering improved water quality in our rivers, lakes and marine area.

The Programme for Government supports the uptake of Irish Water's Small Towns and Villages Growth Programme 2020-2024, which will provide water and waste water growth capacity in smaller settlements that would otherwise not be provided for in Irish Water's capital investment plan.  I understand from Irish Water that an allocation of almost €100 million for this programme was approved by the CRU. Irish Water is working with local authorities across the country in ensuring the investment supports the growth of identified settlements where these are prioritised in line with the local authority development plans.

Complementary to Irish Water’s Small Towns and Villages Growth Programme 2020-2024, my Department is currently examining waste water requirements in the context of villages and similar settlements that do not have access to public waste water infrastructure.   

I have instructed the relevant officials in my Department to prepare a report on this topic at a national level. This report will include the analysis of a baseline survey of all rural local authorities, to quantify and qualify the number of villages and similar settlements concerned.  This process is at an advanced stage, and I will be in a position to consider the matter further in relation to these villages and similar settlements, as identified in the survey, once I have received the final report.

Vacant Properties

Questions (94)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

94. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of vacant homes in County Louth that Louth County Council applied for voids funding to bring back into use in each of the years 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021; the number of units Louth County Council has successfully brought back into use over the same period which are now occupied or ready for allocation; if a breakdown of the figures between north Louth, mid Louth and south Louth will be provided to compare the number of units applied for against the total number of available vacant units in council stock; the number of vacant council homes across the county at present by location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54801/21]

View answer

Written answers

The management and maintenance of local authority housing stock, including pre-letting repairs to vacant properties, the implementation of a planned maintenance programme and carrying out of responsive repairs, are matters for each individual local authority under Section 28 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provision) Act 2009.

Notwithstanding this, under the Voids Programme, my Department provides funding support to local authorities to supplement their own budgetary provisions for the management and maintenance of their housing stock and for the preparation of vacant homes for re-letting. This funding was introduced originally to tackle long term vacant units and is now increasingly targeted to support authorities to ensure minimal turnaround and re-let times for vacant stock. 

The following table outlines submissions, approvals and remediation numbers for Louth County Council for the period 2019-2021. Please note that the number of properties remediated for 2021 will not be known until the end of the year when the programme has been closed and reconciliation complete.

Submissions, approvals and remediation numbers for Louth County Council for the period 2019-2021

Year

Total No. of Units Sought

Total No. of Units Approved 

Total Units Remediated

2019

11

11

5

2020

107

94

94

2021

138

125

TBC

A breakdown of vacancy by region within Louth is not available from my Department.

Local authorities will always have a level of vacancy in their housing stock. This will fluctuate over time, as tenancy surrender and re-letting of stock is an ongoing process. Therefore, ongoing data in relation to vacant local authority owned homes are not collated by my Department.

However, statistics in relation to social housing stock, at a point in time, are published by the National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC) in their Annual Reports on Performance Indicators in Local Authorities. These reports provide a range of information in relation to social housing stock, including levels of vacancy in local authority owned properties. The most recent report, relating to 2020, is available on the NOAC website at the following link:

noac.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/NOAC-Local-Authority-Performance-Indicator-Report-2020.pdf

It is important to note that my Department and local authorities supported by the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) are working to transition from a largely response and voids based approach to housing stock management and maintenance to a planned maintenance approach as referenced in Housing for All, policy objective 20.6. This will require the implementation of centrally hosted ICT system within the LGMA to support the completion of stock condition surveys by all local authorities and the subsequent development of strategic and informed work programmes which will be supported by my Department’s stock improvement funding programmes. It is envisaged surveys will commence early in 2022.

Departmental Reports

Questions (95)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

95. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the date on which he, his predecessor and his officials last engaged with a person (details supplied) in respect of a Review Into Certain Planning Matters in Respect of Donegal County Council; and if he will expedite the publication of the report. [54805/21]

View answer

Written answers

I am considering the report, entitled 'A Review Into Certain Planning Matters in Respect of Donegal County Council', by Mr. Rory Mulcahy S.C., and will bring this matter to Government for consideration in due course.

In this regard, the decisions of the Commissioner for Environmental Information (CEI/18/0019) of 13 February 2019 and the Information Commissioner (OIC-59426-Q8D7T8) of 27 February 2020 in relation to requests to publish this report will also be taken into account. Both decisions are publicly available on those bodies' websites.

It should be noted that in each of these cases, both the Commissioner for Environmental Information and the Information Commissioner decided not to grant access to the report. The Office of the Information Commissioner decision stated "placing the details concerned in the public domain would significantly breach the rights to privacy of identifiable individuals." Therefore, this is a matter that requires careful consideration.

Officials in my Department last engaged with Mr. Rory Mulcahy S.C. in respect of the report on the 7th of December 2018.

Domestic Violence

Questions (96, 97)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Question:

96. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage if domestic violence is provided for in national legislation as an antisocial behaviour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54809/21]

View answer

Violet-Anne Wynne

Question:

97. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage if domestic violence is provided for under the Housing Acts 1966 to 2014 as a form of antisocial behaviour; if not, the mechanisms his Department will put in place to include same in order for perpetrators of domestic violence to be taken off local authority tenancy agreements; if so, if it is within the remit of local authorities to implement this distinction and remove perpetrators of domestic violence from tenancy agreements and reform an agreement with the survivor in order that they can reoccupy the primary residence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54810/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 97 together.

The response to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV) is a cross-Departmental and multi-agency issue, with overall policy coordinated by the Department of Justice. Responsibility for the overall legal definition of domestic violence rests with my colleague the Minister for Justice.

In relation to Housing legislation, the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997, as amended, provides for the definition of anti-social behaviour as follows:

‘ anti-social behaviour ’ includes either or both of the following, namely —

(a) the manufacture, production, preparation, importation, exportation, sale, supply, possession for the purposes of sale or supply, or distribution of a controlled drug (within the meaning of the Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977 to 2007),

(b) any behaviour which causes or is likely to cause any significant or persistent danger, injury, damage, alarm, loss or fear to any person living, working or otherwise lawfully in or in the vicinity of a house provided by a housing authority under the Housing Acts 1966 to 2014 or Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 or a housing estate in which the house is situate and, without prejudice to the foregoing, includes —

(i) violence, threats, intimidation, coercion, harassment or serious obstruction of any person,

(ii) behaviour which causes any significant or persistent impairment of a person’s use or enjoyment of his or her home, or

(iii) damage to or defacement by writing or other marks of any property, including a person ’ s home; '

The definition of anti-social behaviour in the Acts covers a range of behaviours that would be considered serious anti-social behaviour. Certain types of domestic violence may be covered by the definition, including behaviours directed at the person e.g. violence, threats, intimidation, coercion and harassment etc.

The Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 provides for tenancy agreements to be drawn up between the local authority and their tenants. The tenancy agreements include the condition not to engage in anti-social behaviour.

Local authorities are responsible under the Housing Acts for the management and maintenance of their housing stock and the management of their estates, including taking appropriate measures to counter anti-social behaviour. The powers of local authorities in this area were significantly enhanced by Part 2 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014, which provides for the issuing of a tenancy warning requiring that tenants cease any anti-social activity. Part 2 of the 2014 Act also gives local authorities the power to recover possession of their dwellings from households or individuals in serious breach of their tenancy agreements, including engaging in anti-social behaviour. In addition, the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997 gives local authorities the power to secure court orders excluding individuals engaged in anti-social behaviour from local authority owned houses and local authority estates.

Domestic Violence

Questions (98)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Question:

98. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the sequence of events that transpire after a woman presents in a domestic violence refuge; the pathway at present to provide her with access to secure social housing after the fact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54813/21]

View answer

Written answers

The response to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV) is a cross-Departmental and multi-agency issue with overall policy coordinated by the Department of Justice. Responsibility for the development and provision of services to support victims rests with my colleague the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. Statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of DSGBV rests with Tusla, the Child and Family Agency.

My Department’s role is to support the work of local authorities and NGOs who provide accommodation support to victims of DSGBV, including capital funding support for the development of new refuges. Under Housing for All, the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) will continue to support the provision of new refuges.

In terms of social housing services, in 2017, my Department issued policy and procedural guidance to housing authorities relating to the role they can play to assist victims of domestic violence. The guidance is also a useful reference for service providers, highlighting where they can be of greatest assistance to their clients, covering a range of scenarios that may arise for victims of domestic violence currently in receipt of social housing support and those seeking social housing supports. These include provisions around the use of the Housing Assistance Payment scheme, or the Rental Accommodation Scheme, where a victim has a joint interest in the family home, or ownership of alternative accommodation, but would otherwise qualify for social housing support.

In addition, where a victim of domestic violence applies for social housing support in their own right while still a joint tenant, it is a matter for the relevant local authority to address the contractual issues arising in relation to the joint tenancy agreement. Accordingly, the household may transfer out of their existing tenancy and into a new tenancy agreement with the local authority or they may access an independent tenancy in the private rented sector utilising the various housing supports offered by the State.

The guidance was introduced with the objective of supporting a partnership approach by statutory agencies in respect of the delivery of domestic violence services, particularly in relation to helping to prevent and reduce the occurrence of related homelessness and facilitating the provision of long term accommodation for victims of domestic violence.

In addition to the above long-term supports, a new protocol was established in 2020 between the Department of Social Protection and Tusla, whereby a victim of domestic violence can apply for Rent Supplement, which is a short-term income support, on referral by Tusla or by Tusla-funded service providers. Where an application is made, Rent Supplement will be provided for an initial three months and will not require a means test. Further information is available at www.gov.ie/en/service/fb3b13-rent-supplement/ .

Departmental Advertising

Questions (99)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

99. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total amount spent by his Department on advertisements, including traditional forms of advertisement and online advertising, in each of the past ten years and to date in 2021. [54911/21]

View answer

Written answers

The information requested by the Deputy is currently being compiled and will be forwarded in accordance with Standing Orders.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
Press and public relations functions are generally undertaken by my Department's Press Office and my Department undertakes public information campaigns where there is important information to be brought to the public’s attention. The advertising campaigns generally comprise traditional advertising methods including TV, radio, online and print as well as social media.
Out of the figures below, significant expenditure was incurred by the Franchise Unit of my Department. This was for public information campaigns on electoral issues such as the annual Register of Electors Awareness campaign, the modernisation of the Electoral Register project and information for, and connected with, electors with a physical disability.
In addition, my Department’s National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management also incurred expenditure on a suite of important public health and safety campaigns such as National Fire Safety Week.
Details of the expenditure by my Department on various public relations, promotions and advertising activities since 1 January 2011 to date are set out in the table below.

Year

Total

2011

€646,522

2012

€683,153

2013

€514,028

2014

€559,844

2015

€461,408

2016

€456,753

2017

€485,425

2018

€381,302

2019

€476,495

2020

€391,790

To date 2021

€310,329

Electoral Process

Questions (100)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

100. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will publish a report on the public consultation on modernisation of the electoral register process which concluded on 15 March 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54923/21]

View answer

Written answers

A report on the public consultation on the modernisation of the electoral registration process, which ran from December 2018 to March 2019, was published on my Department’s website on 27 December, 2019. 

Overall, respondents were very positive towards the proposals.  The report is currently available to view at  www.housing.old.gov.ie/local-government/voting/register-electors/modernisation-electoral-register-ireland-report-public

Departmental Reviews

Questions (101)

Francis Noel Duffy

Question:

101. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the working group to review Irish planning legislation will be established; when the terms of reference will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54958/21]

View answer

Written answers

Housing for All sets out a number of objectives with the aim of improving the functioning of the planning system including the comprehensive review and consolidation of planning legislation. The review forms one of the actions in Housing for All and is set in the context of the broad policy outlined therein.  The review is being overseen by the Attorney General and he has established a working group of professionals with planning law expertise to assist him in this work.  It is intended that it will be completed by December 2022. 

My Department is currently establishing a Planning Advisory Forum which will be a key element of the planning review.  It will manage the stakeholder engagement through the process and will be chaired by me. 

The primary aim of the Forum will be to engage with stakeholders on themes to input into the review.  The Forum will have a wide stakeholder membership to input to the evolving policy and legal agenda, with representatives from a broad range of sectors, including representation from the public sector, business, environmental, social and knowledge based sectors. My Department will shortly be contacting various groups and interested bodies to ask to seek a nomination to the Forum. 

It is intended that the first meeting of the Forum will take place shortly and it is my intention that the terms of reference for the Forum will be published once they have been approved at this meeting.

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