Written Answers Nos. 23-42
23. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the steps he has taken to improve ventilation in the office buildings of his Department; if air cleaning and or purification systems have been installed in 2021; and if not, the plans to install same in 2022. [59730/21]
View answerI am committed to ensuring that all of my Department's offices provide a safe environment for staff and the citizen. The Department is acutely aware of the importance ventilation in reducing the transmission of COVID-19 and has taken the following steps to improve ventilation in our office buildings:
- Where natural ventilation is available Staff have been advised to open windows when attending the office to maximise ventilation and to allow for a quick exchange of air.
- Signage has been installed on all windows indicating which windows should be opened.
- Regular communications including the information above is being shared with staff through various communication channels.
- Staff have been instructed not to use desk or portable fans.
24. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Finance if there are plans to allow all amputees to qualify for the primary medical certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59639/21]
View answerThe Disabled Drivers & Disabled Passengers Scheme provides relief from Vehicle Registration Tax and VAT on the purchase and use of an adapted car, as well as an exemption from motor tax and an annual fuel grant.
The Scheme is open to severely and permanently disabled persons as a driver or as a passenger and also to certain charitable organisations. In order to qualify for relief, the applicant must hold a Primary Medical Certificate issued by the relevant Senior Area Medical Officer (SAMO) or a Board Medical Certificate issued by the Disabled Driver Medical Board of Appeal. Certain other qualifying criteria apply in relation to the vehicle, in particular that it must be specially constructed or adapted for use by the applicant.
To qualify for a Primary Medical Certificate an applicant must be permanently and severely disabled, and satisfy at least one of the following medical criteria, in order to obtain a Primary Medical Certificate:
- be wholly or almost wholly without the use of both legs;
- be wholly without the use of one leg and almost wholly without the use of the other leg such that the applicant is severely restricted as to movement of the lower limbs;
- be without both hands or without both arms;
- be without one or both legs;
- be wholly or almost wholly without the use of both hands or arms and wholly or almost wholly without the use of one leg;
- have the medical condition of dwarfism and have serious difficulties of movement of the lower limbs.
The current medical criteria were included in the Finance Act 2020, by way of amendment to Section 92 of the Finance Act 1989. This amendment arises from legal advice in light of the June 2020 Supreme Court judgement that the medical criteria in secondary legislation was not deemed to be invalid, nevertheless it was found to be inconsistent with the mandate provided in Section 92 of the Finance Act 1989 (primary legislation).
As the Deputy will appreciate this Scheme confers substantial benefits to eligible persons and changing the medical criteria to more general mobility-focused criteria, would raise the already considerable cost of the Scheme in terms of tax foregone to the Exchequer. Any increase in the cost of the Scheme would require a concomitant increase in tax, reduction in public expenditure, or increase in the Exchequer deficit.
While I am very aware of the importance of this scheme to those who benefit from it, I am also aware of the disquiet expressed by members of this house and others in respect of the difficulties around access to the scheme.
Accordingly, I gave a commitment to the House that a comprehensive review of the scheme, to include a broader review of mobility supports for persons with disabilities, would be undertaken.
In this context I have been working with my Government colleague, Roderic O’Gorman, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. We are both agreed that the review should be brought within the wider review that was commenced in March 2020 under the auspices of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy, to examine transport supports encompassing all Government funded transport and mobility schemes for people with disabilities. Its work was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Minister O’Gorman has confirmed that he has asked his officials to reconvene the working group established to carry out that review at the earliest opportunity and we are both agreed that this is the most appropriate forum for the review. With this in mind, officials from both my Department and Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth have met recently to discuss proposals for progressing the Disabled Drivers Scheme review within the wider review. My officials will continue to work closely with officials from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, to progress this review, and on foot of that will bring forward proposals for consideration.
25. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Finance when the full review of the primary medical certification scheme will be completed on foot of the Supreme Court Judgement 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59548/21]
View answerThe Disabled Drivers & Disabled Passengers Scheme provides relief from Vehicle Registration Tax and VAT on the purchase and use of an adapted car, as well as an exemption from motor tax and an annual fuel grant.
The Scheme is open to severely and permanently disabled persons as a driver or as a passenger and also to certain charitable organisations. In order to qualify for relief, the applicant must hold a Primary Medical Certificate issued by the relevant Senior Area Medical Officer (SAMO) or a Board Medical Certificate issued by the Disabled Driver Medical Board of Appeal. Certain other qualifying criteria apply in relation to the vehicle, in particular that it must be specially constructed or adapted for use by the applicant.
To qualify for a Primary Medical Certificate an applicant must be permanently and severely disabled, and satisfy at least one of the following medical criteria, in order to obtain a Primary Medical Certificate:
- be wholly or almost wholly without the use of both legs;
- be wholly without the use of one leg and almost wholly without the use of the other leg such that the applicant is severely restricted as to movement of the lower limbs;
- be without both hands or without both arms;
- be without one or both legs;
- be wholly or almost wholly without the use of both hands or arms and wholly or almost wholly without the use of one leg;
- have the medical condition of dwarfism and have serious difficulties of movement of the lower limbs.
The current medical criteria were included in the Finance Act 2020, by way of amendment to Section 92 of the Finance Act 1989. This amendment arises from legal advice in light of the June 2020 Supreme Court judgement that the medical criteria in secondary legislation was not deemed to be invalid, nevertheless it was found to be inconsistent with the mandate provided in Section 92 of the Finance Act 1989 (primary legislation).
While I am very aware of the importance of this scheme to those who benefit from it, I am also aware of the disquiet expressed by members of this house and others in respect of the difficulties around access to the scheme.
Accordingly, I gave a commitment to the House that a comprehensive review of the scheme, to include a broader review of mobility supports for persons with disabilities, would be undertaken.
In this context I have been working with my Government colleague, Roderic O’Gorman, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. We are both agreed that the most appropriate forum for the review of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme (DDS) is to bring it under the auspices of National Disability Inclusion Strategy working group. As per Action 104 of that Strategy, the working group is tasked with examining transport supports encompassing all Government funded transport and mobility schemes for people with disabilities. Its work commenced in March 2020 but was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minister O’Gorman has confirmed that he has asked his officials to reconvene the working group established to carry out that review at the earliest opportunity. Officials from both my Department and Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth have met recently to discuss proposals for progressing the DDS review within the wider Action 104 NDIS review. My officials will continue to work closely with officials from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, to progress the DDS review, and on foot of that will bring forward proposals for consideration.
26. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that the employment wage subsidy scheme supports at their current levels are retained until at least up until April 2022. [59557/21]
View answerThe objective of the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) is to support employment and maintain the link between the employer and employee insofar as is possible. The EWSS has been a key component of the Government’s response to the Covid-19 crisis.
In money terms, the overall support provided to-date (25th November) by EWSS is almost €6.5 billion comprising direct subsidy payments of €5.58 billion and PRSI forgone of €877 million to 51,700 employers in respect of over 690,300 employees.
Government policy has been that there will be no cliff edge to the support, at the same time it is necessary to gradually unwind and phase out this temporary emergency support measure. That is why, on Budget Day, I announced the extension of EWSS in a graduated form until 30 April 2022. This ensures there will be no sudden end to the EWSS and also provides clarity and certainty to business.
Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Government has adopted a proactive and dynamic approach to supporting businesses and individuals insofar as possible during this challenging time.
As regards the EWSS and the current circumstances, the Government continues to monitor developments closely and will consider if any response is required at an appropriate time.
Finally, I would draw the Deputy’s attention to the comprehensive package of other business and employer supports that have been made available over the course of the last 18 months or so – including the Covid Restriction Support Scheme (CRSS), the Business Resumption Support Scheme (BRSS), the Credit Guarantee Scheme, the SBCI Working Capital Scheme, Sustaining Enterprise Fund, and the Covid-19 Business Loans Scheme. Details of the supports are available on the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment’s website at the following link - enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.
27. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the areas which have been included within the living cities designation; the volume of works undertaken; and the value of tax refunds granted in each case. [59577/21]
View answerThe Living City Initiative (LCI) (provided for in Finance Act 2013 and commenced on 5 May 2015) is a tax incentive aimed at the regeneration of the historic inner cities of Dublin, Cork, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick and Waterford. The scheme provides income or corporation tax relief for qualifying expenditure incurred in refurbishing/converting qualifying buildings which are located within pre-determined 'Special Regeneration Areas' (SRAs).
I am advised by Revenue that the available information in respect of the Living City Initiative is the number of claimants (rather than number of properties) and the tax foregone. Revenue also advise me that information in respect of 2019 is not yet available, nor can Revenue provide a breakdown by location.
Relevant information is published on the Revenue website for all years up to 2018 at the following link:
www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/tax-expenditures/property-reliefs.aspx .
Using the data provided at the above link, the average value of claims for each may be calculated as per the relevant column of the table below.
|
Year |
Amount claimed (€) |
No. of claimants |
Average claim (€)* |
|
2018 |
500,000 |
27 |
18,500 |
|
2017 |
400,000 |
23 |
17,400 |
|
2016 |
500,000 |
15 |
33,300 |
|
2015 |
500,000 |
13 |
38,500 |
*figures rounded to the nearest €100.
The following are links to maps of the special regeneration areas:
Cork
corkcity.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=11c7f0c591974583b488905969baa8b3
Dublin
mapzone.dublincity.ie/MapZoneLCI/MapZone.aspx?map=LCI
Galway
www.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=9b5a8d7cd7094dd3820d953f2960cafa&extent=-9.0701,53.2684,-9.0384,53.2791
Kilkenny
www.kilkennycoco.ie/eng/services/planning/conservation/living-city-initiative.html
Limerick
www.limerick.ie/sites/default/files/media/documents/2017-04/map-limerick_city_special_designated_areas.pdf
Waterford
waterfordcouncil.maps.arcgis.com/apps/SimpleViewer/index.html?appid=9dcb9cf5b99e415680225f0dded386ff
28. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the derogation under which Ireland enjoys a reduced rate of VAT on energy for households; the conditions that are attached to this derogation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59596/21]
View answer29. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance his views on the European Union toolbox on energy on tackling energy prices statement that member states may decide to apply reduced VAT rates on energy products as long as they respect the minima laid down in the European Union VAT Directive and they consult the European Union VAT Committee and that the right to a reduced rate is a general albeit conditional one and not one that requires a derogation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59597/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 29 together.
I am advised by Revenue that the VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. The VAT Directive obliges each Member State to have a standard rate of VAT and also allows that a Member State may choose to have no more than two reduced rates of VAT, which may be no less than 5%, and which may be applied to certain goods and services: any of those listed in Annex III of the Directive. Within this framework, Ireland currently applies a standard rate of 23% and two reduced rates of 13.5% and 9%.
The EU Directive permits derogations from the general rules to allow an individual Member State to continue certain historic tax treatments, such as the application of one of their reduced rates to particular goods and services which are not included in Annex III. Ireland, in line with the VAT Directive and by way of special derogation from the general rule, maintains several “standstill” provisions and derogations that allow us to maintain reduced rates to certain supplies for historical reasons. It is on this basis that Ireland applies its 13.5% reduced rate of VAT to the supply of fuel, gas, oil, and electricity services for both domestic and commercial use. The current 13.5% VAT rate applied to energy products is a ‘parked rate’, governed by Article 118 of the VAT Directive and standstill provisions from 1991 and cannot be reduced below 12%.
Article 102 of the VAT Directive provides that, after consultation with the EU VAT Committee, a Member State may choose to apply a reduced rate (no less than 5%) to the supply of natural gas, electricity, or district heating on a temporary basis. The EU Commission recently indicated that this provision could now be used by Member States without the requirement to consult the VAT Committee in advance.
Under its existing provisions, Ireland already applies a reduced VAT rate to a broader range of energy products (including the supply of fuel, gas, oil and electricity services) than would be allowed under Article 102, which is restricted only to supplies of natural gas, electricity, district heating.
Because a Member State may only have a maximum of two reduced rates, if Ireland were to consider introducing a new reduced rate, even on a temporary basis, for the supply of natural gas, electricity and district heating as allowed under Article 102 of the Directive, then it would not be permissible to also continue both of our existing reduced rates of 9% and 13.5%. This would mean that one of those existing rates would have to be removed and the goods and services covered by those rates would have to move either to one of the other reduced rates or to the standard rate. However, there is a significant restriction on this, as the services to which the 13.5% reduced rate applies on a historic basis (i.e. the “parked” services) cannot be moved to a rate below 12%. Therefore, depending on the reduced rates chosen, this restriction could mean that the services that are currently at the ‘parked rate’, would have to move to the standard rate of 23%.
30. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Finance if he has plans to modify the accumulated rates of VRT, NOX surcharges and tariffs that apply to the importation of vehicles from Northern Ireland which is causing a disproportionate hardship to persons in the Border region by driving up the price of second-hand vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59690/21]
View answerVRT is a tax chargeable on the registration of vehicles in the State and is levied as a percentage of the open market selling price (OMSP) of the vehicle. It is a nationwide tax paid upon registration of a vehicle in the State, based on its emissions profile. A VRT surcharge based on nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions levels was introduced in Budget 2020 in recognition of the negative externalities these emissions have on public health and the environment. The NOx pollutant is generally emitted in greater quantities by older diesel cars. Budget 2021 saw an adjustment to the VRT rates structure to underpin the environmental rationale of the tax and incentivise the uptake of cleaner cars.
Customs Duty need not be paid on a vehicle first registered in Northern Ireland (NI) after 1 January 2021 where it meets the following conditions:
- the registration in NI was the first registration of the vehicle in the United Kingdom (UK)
- the vehicle has never been exported and, or re-registered in, Great Britain (GB) or any other country outside the European Union.
A vehicle brought into Northern Ireland before 1 January 2021, and which has remained there since, can be registered in the State with no customs obligations. However, proof of the vehicle’s status in Northern Ireland prior to 1 January 2021 will be required.
Vehicles first registered in GB, and subsequently registered in NI after 31 December 2020, will be subject to additional requirements if imported into the State. The same additional requirements will also apply to vehicles imported from GB to Ireland via NI. These additional requirements must be completed prior to presenting the vehicle for registration at an NCTS centre.
Where a vehicle has been declared to NI customs on import into NI, including payment of any customs duties, there will remain a liability to Irish VAT on import into the State. VAT will apply at the standard rate (currently 23%) and must be discharged before the vehicle can be registered.
In such cases, a Supplementary Import Declaration Form – VAT on Import on Used Vehicles, must be filed and the associated VAT on Import liability must be paid.
To avail of this procedure, the declarant must be able to provide proof of the NI customs declaration on import into NI. Such proof must clearly identify the vehicle and the date of import.
If the importer does not have proof of declaration to Customs in NI then an Irish customs declaration is required. Customs duty (if applicable), and VAT on the import value of the vehicle are payable. This must be done before presenting the vehicle for registration.
31. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the amount incurred by the State in respect of charges and fees regarding the account of a company (details supplied) to date since the account was established. [59694/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will know, in April 2018, the Minister for Finance and Apple Sales International Limited and Apple Operations Europe Limited entered into an escrow framework deed giving legal effect to arrangements for the recovery of the alleged State aid to Apple. The deed provides that each party pays its own fees and expenses incurred in respect of the drafting of the deed. Therefore it is not possible for the State to recoup costs incurred by it in the establishment of the escrow fund.
Of the total, costs of approximately €8.7 million (including VAT) which have been incurred to end 2020 in the Apple case, approximately €4 million relates to the recovery process i.e. in relation to the escrow account .
This €4m includes all legal costs, consultancy fees and any other associated costs incurred by all State parties involved in the process. These fees have been paid by the Department of Finance, the Revenue Commissioners, the NTMA, the Central Bank of Ireland, the Attorney General's Office, and the Chief State Solicitor's Office.
32. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the amount expended by his Department in each of the past five years to date in 2021 on lighting and heating costs in tabular form. [59702/21]
View answerThe amount expended on Light & Heat by the Department of Finance in each of the past five years up to end November 2021 is as follows:
|
|
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
|
Light & Heat Costs |
130,422.80 |
115,759.74 |
138,807.68 |
135,404.05 |
106,788.12 |
33. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the steps he has taken to improve ventilation in the office buildings of his Department; if air cleaning and or purification systems have been installed in 2021; and if not, the plans to install same in 2022. [59720/21]
View answerMy Department continues to implement measures to improve ventilation across the buildings under its remit. The measures to improve natural ventilation of buildings includes the following; the opening of windows, a reduced onsite workforce facilitated through working from home, and the revision of the maximum occupational capacity of offices to ensure a safe physical distancing of staff. To minimise the effects of bad ventilation, any form of desk fan and portable fan operated heating devices have been removed.
In relation to mechanically operated ventilation systems, where relevant, the Office of Public Works (OPW) were contacted to conduct an examination of our Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning System (HVAC) and Air Handling Units (AHU). The OPW confirmed that ventilation systems in all OPW occupied premises under my Department's remit are in compliance with current World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.
My Department has not installed additional air cleaning or purification systems in buildings under its remit, and does not envisage the installation of additional systems, unless otherwise advised by the OPW.
34. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount in interest accumulated annually by the national lottery in respect of the account that holds the unclaimed prizes fund annually in the past five years to date; and the amount accumulated from the account that holds jackpot funds in the same time period. [59693/21]
View answerI have referred this query to the National Lottery Regulator, who will respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
35. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount expended by his Department in each of the past five years to date in 2021 on lighting and heating costs in tabular form. [59708/21]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the tables below, with one table for my Department and another for the Office of Government Procurement (OGP), which is also part of my Department.
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
|
Year |
Costs |
|
2021 (to date) |
€122,488 |
|
2020 |
€176,370 |
|
2019 |
€160,827 |
|
2018 |
€149,769 |
|
2017 |
€152,031 |
Office of Government Procurement (OGP)
|
Year |
Costs |
|
2021 (to date) |
€13,248 |
|
2020 |
€29,448 |
|
2019 |
€55,483 |
|
2018 |
€44,675 |
|
2017 |
€51,447 |
With the exception of 2021, the costs shown incorporate the full electricity costs incurred by my Department during the period specified, as it is not possible to accurately identify what percentage of these costs are applicable to lighting costs only.
It should be noted that the 2021 figures for the OGP offices currently reflect the costs paid to date. Due to the shared tenancy arrangements at the OGP's office locations between the OGP and other public bodies, the final distribution of costs has yet to be finalised by the Office of Public Works.
36. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps he has taken to improve ventilation in the office buildings of his Department; if air cleaning and or purification systems have been installed in 2021; and if not, the plans to install same in 2022. [59726/21]
View answerMy Department continues to implement measures to improve ventilation across its office buildings. The measures to improve the natural ventilation of buildings include the opening of windows, a reduced onsite workforce facilitated through working from home and the revision of the maximum occupational capacity of offices to ensure a safe physical distancing of staff. Additionally, all forms of desk fans and portable fan operated heating devices have been removed to maximise the quality of the air ventilation.
In relation to mechanically operated ventilation systems, where relevant, the Office of Public Works (OPW) have conducted an examination of the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning System (HVAC) and Air Handling Units (AHU). The OPW has confirmed that ventilation systems in all OPW occupied premises used by my Department remit are in compliance with current World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.
My Department has not installed additional air cleaning or purification systems and does not envisage the installation of additional systems, unless otherwise advised by the OPW.
With the exception of mechanically operated ventilation systems, this information also applies to the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) and the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) which are both part of my Department and located in Spencer Dock in Dublin. I have been informed that these systems are maintained on a six monthly interval and set on full fresh air as recommended by the OPW and in compliance with the current WHO guidelines. The system in the OGP's Cork Office has been recently surveyed by the OPW and improvement works are due to commence shortly.
37. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the current position in respect of the release of monies under the 2018 Sports Capital Programme and in particular the funding due to a club (details supplied) in view of the fact that all the outstanding legal issues have now been resolved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59600/21]
View answerThe Club referred to by the Deputy was provisionally allocated a grant of €86,018 under the 2018 Sports Capital Programme (SCP) for the upgrading of fencing and netting at their facility. In accordance with the terms and conditions of the SCP, a number of legal formalities need to be finalised before grants can be paid. In this regard, I understand that my Department’s legal advisor, the Chief State Solicitor's Office (CSSO), has recently been in contact with the club’s solicitor in relation to some documentation which remains outstanding.
It will not be possible to provide formal approval for the provisionally allocated grant until the CSSO confirms that all legal formalities have been completed. Once the CSSO confirmation is received, there will be no undue delay in progressing the allocation to formal approval stage and subsequently paying the grant subject to the other necessary documentation being submitted by the club.
38. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the amount expended by her Department in each of the past five years to date in 2021 on lighting and heating costs in tabular form. [59711/21]
View answerThe information sought by the Deputy in relation to expenditure by my Department on heating and electricity costs, including lighting, during the specified period is set out in the table below.
The Deputy will wish to note that figures for the period 2017-2019 also include costs incurred in respect of Heritage functions. Responsibility for Heritage transferred to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage as part of the reconfiguration of Departments in 2020.
|
Year |
Electricity € |
Heating € |
|
2017 |
163,044 |
81,032 |
|
2018 |
151,306 |
70,586 |
|
2019 |
153,234 |
74,719 |
|
2020 |
58,687 |
30,562 |
|
2021 (to date) |
70,223 |
36,525 |
|
Total |
596,494 |
293,424 |
39. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the steps she has taken to improve ventilation in the office buildings of her Department; if air cleaning and or purification systems have been installed in 2021; and if not, the plans to install same in 2022. [59729/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware the provision of office accommodation for my Department falls within the remit of the Office of Public Works. My Department continues to follow public health advice and liaise with the OPW in relation to all relevant issues including ventilation. The Deputy will also appreciate that following the recent Government decision my Department currently requires staff to work from home other than where office attendance is deemed necessary.
The most recent Work Safely Protocol COVID-19 National Protocol for Employers and Worker published on 18 November states that: "Reoccupying workplaces should not, in most cases, require new ventilation systems but improvements to ventilation will help increase the quantity of clean air and reduce the risk of exposure to airborne concentrations of the virus."
Those buildings currently occupied by my Department are subject to natural ventilation and do not employ mechanical ventilation systems. As part of its COVID-19 Response my Department has adopted a policy of controlling staff attendance at offices in line with social distancing requirements and requiring staff to open windows and doors to ensure adequate ventilation. My Department has no plans to install any additional air cleaning or purification systems in its offices other than as set out below.
The Deputy may also wish to note that air conditioning units with HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters are used in the National Archives. These were installed prior to the onset of COVID-19 to facilitate the conservation of documents which forms a core part of the work of the National Archives. I am advised that CO2 monitors have been installed in public and shared areas of the National Archives offices in Bishop Street during the year.
40. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will ensure the retention of the current local authority commercial rates waiver until June 2022. [59557/21]
View answerThe objective of the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) is to support employment and maintain the link between the employer and employee insofar as is possible. The EWSS has been a key component of the Government’s response to the Covid-19 crisis.
In money terms, the overall support provided to-date (25th November) by EWSS is almost €6.5 billion comprising direct subsidy payments of €5.58 billion and PRSI forgone of €877 million to 51,700 employers in respect of over 690,300 employees.
Government policy has been that there will be no cliff edge to the support, at the same time it is necessary to gradually unwind and phase out this temporary emergency support measure. That is why, on Budget Day, I announced the extension of EWSS in a graduated form until 30 April 2022. This ensures there will be no sudden end to the EWSS and also provides clarity and certainty to business.
Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Government has adopted a proactive and dynamic approach to supporting businesses and individuals insofar as possible during this challenging time.
As regards the EWSS and the current circumstances, the Government continues to monitor developments closely and will consider if any response is required at an appropriate time.
Finally, I would draw the Deputy’s attention to the comprehensive package of other business and employer supports that have been made available over the course of the last 18 months or so – including the Covid Restriction Support Scheme (CRSS), the Business Resumption Support Scheme (BRSS), the Credit Guarantee Scheme, the SBCI Working Capital Scheme, Sustaining Enterprise Fund, and the Covid-19 Business Loans Scheme. Details of the supports are available on the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment’s website at the following link - enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.
41. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans for affordable purchase, cost rental and social housing on the Kildonan lands, Finglas, Dublin 11; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59573/21]
View answerMy Department provides both capital and current funding to local authorities across a range of funding initiatives to assist them in providing homes for families and individuals on their social housing waiting lists. To provide transparency on the new social housing projects being advanced, each quarter my Department publishes a Social Housing Construction Status Report and updated Social Housing Delivery statistics for all years from 1999. The report for Quarter 2, 2021 is available at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/d7709-social-housing-construction-projects-status-report-q2-2021/.
These quarterly reports provide details of the social housing construction schemes completed and those in the pipeline for all local authorities including Dublin City Council (DCC).
DCC is currently progressing plans for the redevelopment of the 6.1 hectare site at Kildonan Road which includes the Abigail Women’s Centre and Tús Núa facility with a view to constructing 166 homes, a Men’s Shed and a Crèche.
On receipt of a Stage 1 Capital Appraisal my Department issued Stage 1 Approval-in-Principle in May 2020 for the construction of the 75 Social Housing units under Phase 1 of this project.
Dublin City Council have advised that they are working on a revised phasing strategy for this site. The initial phase is expected to prioritise the delivery of general social housing units and units for older persons. Existing and additional services are expected to be included in subsequent phases.
No applications have been received by my Department in relation to affordable housing delivery including cost rental and affordable purchase. My Department will consider any such applications for from the Council or any Approved Housing Body when received.
42. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of properties which have been listed as derelict by local authorities; the number which have been served notices to remedy dereliction in the most recent year for which he has data available; if he is satisfied that this legislation is an effective policy instrument to address problems of neglected vacant property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59574/21]
View answerThe information requested is outlined in the table below, as per the most recent returns from local authorities relating to the year 2020.
recent returns from local authorities 2020
Addressing vacancy and maximising the use of the existing housing stock is a primary concern of this Government, as demonstrated by one of the four pathways dedicated solely to this priority area in the new Housing for All strategy.
In addition to the powers given to local authorities under the Derelict Sites Act 1990 and under the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015 (Vacant Sites Levy), work is underway by the Department of Finance through the current Local Property Tax returns for the purpose of assessing and obtaining comprehensive data on the present vacancy situation and once collated and analysed, this data will contribute to an assessment of the merits and impact of introducting a vacant property tax. In addition, there are a number of policy initiatives outlined in Housing for All focussed on addressing vacancy in the existing stock, including:
- A new local authority-led programme to help local authorities buy or compulsory purchase 2,500 vacant homes in their areas which can then be sold on the open market to ensure homes do not lie vacant.
- Reform of the Fair Deal Scheme to remove disincentives to selling or renting unused homes.
- The Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund will be delivered by local authorities for the provision of serviced sites for housing, to attract people to build their own homes and to support the refurbishment of vacant properties, enabling people to live in small towns and villages, in a sustainable way.
These will be advanced in the context of the Town Centre First policy to be shortly be announced by Government, and which is already factored into ta number of the investment approaches under the National Development Plan.
My Department continues to liaise with local authorities on the implementation of the Derelict Sites Act with a view to improving its effectiveness, and continues to keep the relevant provisions under review.
