Wednesday, 19 Jan 2022

Written Answers Nos. 533-553

Vacant Properties

Questions (533)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

533. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of vacant habitable dwelling units and vacant derelict residential dwelling units in the ownership of or in part ownership of or under the control of each Department and agencies under the remit of same; the county in which each unit is located; the length of time each unit has been vacant in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1598/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Addressing vacancy and maximising the use of 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. The most recent figures available from Census 2016 indicate that there were 183,000 vacant homes nationwide, a 20% reduction on figures reported in Census 2011 (230,000).

Work is underway by the Department of Finance through the current Local Property Tax returns to assess the present vacancy situation and once collated and analysed this data will provide a new data set on vacant homes.

Local authorities, as the main owner of property under the aegis of my Department, 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.

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

On the broader front, in the context of the Housing for all Action on activating State owned vacant properties for residential development, my Department has written to each Department requesting them to review their portfolio of properties and assess which, if any, may be suitable for housing. Once this initial exercise is completed in the near future, my Department remains available to assist in the prompt release of any properties identified as potentially suitable for housing, and no longer required for current uses.

National Parks and Wildlife Service

Questions (534)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

534. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a copy of the National Parks and Wildlife Service Review led by persons (details supplied) and submitted to him in June 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1630/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I refer to the reply to Parliamentary Question 59 of the 2nd of December 2021. The NPWS Review process is still underway. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) paper referred to is close to completion following the extensive research, consultation, orientation and feedback work. This  punctuates that part of the Review process and creates the conjunction to the next phases. Meanwhile, the remainder of the Review process is proceeding apace.

The next phases of the review process are in train. Firstly, the Reflect Phase as I and my Department consider the outcomes of this work and then synthesize the resourcing gains of the past 18 months with a detailed, expert analysis of governance, organisational structures, communications, data systems and future resourcing, and outline the NPWS’ specific requirements across those areas. The final, Renew Phase will detail the objectives and prioritised actions required to equip the NPWS to continue to deliver on the ambitious goals, objectives and targets emerging from our Programme for Government – Our Shared Future , the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2030, Heritage Ireland 2030 and the new National Biodiversity Action Plan.

Housing Schemes

Questions (535)

Richard Bruton

Question:

535. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the progress made to date in establishing the working arrangements with financial institutions to put the first home scheme into operation; and when he expects that it will be possible for buyers to apply to purchase under the scheme. [1633/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Part 4 of the Affordable Housing Act 2021 provides the statutory basis for the establishment of the First Home scheme. 

The First Home scheme will support first-time buyers on moderate incomes to buy a new-build home. The banking sector has confirmed it is committed to working with the State to develop and deliver this scheme. Budget 2022 allocated €44 million to my Department for First Home. The banking sector has agreed in principle to match State equity funding in order to increase the pool of funding available to potential new homeowners under the scheme. Subject to the necessary approvals by all parties, it is anticipated that the First Home scheme will operate for the period 2022 to 2026 utilising overall funding of c.€400m. 

It is intended that the scheme will be operated by a newly-established Designated Activity Company. Significant work is continuing on the detailed design and parameters of the scheme, and full scheme details will be confirmed on completion of this work. It is anticipated that initial activity on key areas of work, including public communications, will begin in Q1, and in advance of First Home’s first receipt of applications and deployment of equity support, scheduled for Q2 this year.

Property Registration

Questions (536)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

536. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on the fact that a distortion can occur in data conversion of two mapping projects in which each has a particular scale and format and, consequently, that non-conclusive mapping may remain containing negligent, inaccurate and inconsistent data; if he has full confidence that the Property Registration Authority digitisation protocol guarantees a reliable process that recognises and corrects all distortion between the two mapping projects; and if so, if he will explain the way in which; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1642/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I am informed that under the Property Registration Authority (PRA) Digital Mapping Project (2005-2010), Land Registry plans and boundaries were transferred from the paper maps to the digital map. This digitisation was carried out in accordance with the guidelines as set out in the PRA Digitisation Protocol Document, which was validated by eminent international mapping/land administration experts and shown to be fit for purpose.

I am further informed that all matters relevant to the transfer of mapping data from both the Cassini (County Series) map projection and the Irish Grid map projection are adequately dealt with within the body of the PRA Digitisation Protocol Document (available at: www.prai.ie/digitisation-protocol/ ).

Property Registration

Questions (537)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

537. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on information disclosed to a newspaper (details supplied) with respect to Land Registry mapping errors; and the amount of compensation that has been paid to date. [1643/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Property Registration Authority (PRA) maintains a title register and the Land Registry map is not, except as provided by legislation, conclusive as to boundaries or extent. A specific note to that effect appears on the National Land Register. This has been the position since the inception of the title registration system in 1891.

The registration mapping framework maintained by the PRA is underpinned by its link to Ordnance Survey Ireland topographical data. However, all registrations effected in the PRA are based on the original documents and application map lodged for registration.

The digitisation of the PRA map record in 2005 transformed property registration in Ireland. It also, in the main, revealed rather than caused non-conformities which were already on the original paper-based mapping system. Once online searching became accessible to all, there was an expected and exponential increase in public queries.

The PRA receives ongoing enquiries about mapping issues, and each query brought to its attention is investigated fully. The PRA has established a dedicated and robust process for the ongoing evaluation of all mapping and other queries. Original legal deeds and documents of title (including the original map lodged) are retrieved and reviewed to establish if an actual error arises and its origins. There are statutory provisions governing the correction of any errors identified, depending on whether the origins of the error are internal to the PRA or due to an issue arising externally.

Digitisation of the PRA Map was completed in 2010 and, to date, compensation payments made under Section 120 of the Registration of Title Act 1964, which specifically relate to digital mapping errors, amount to €59,615.

Housing Policy

Questions (538)

Michael Ring

Question:

538. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason persons (details supplied) whose only source of income is social welfare have been deemed ineligible for social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1665/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Decisions on eligibility for social housing support are a matter solely for local authorities with reference to eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011 (as amended). 

The Regulations prescribe maximum net income limits for each local authority, with income defined and assessed according to a standard Household Means Policy. The Policy defines net income for social housing assessment purposes as gross household income less income tax, PRSI, Universal Social Charge and Additional Superannuation Contribution. The Policy also provides for a range of income disregards, and local authorities may also disregard income that is temporary, short-term or once-off in nature. However, with limited exceptions, income from social insurance and social assistance payments, allowances and benefits, and occupational and social welfare pensions (from whatever source, including from abroad) is assessable.

Accordingly, applicants whose net income, including income from pensions, exceeds the prescribed income limits will not be eligible for social housing support.

More detail on what income is assessable and the full list of disregards is available on the Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/fb1f2-social-housing-support-household-means-policy/ 

Defective Building Materials

Questions (539)

Dara Calleary

Question:

539. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has had discussions with his Ministerial colleagues or if his officials have had discussions with other relevant officials in relation to the position of insurance companies either refusing to quote, including for existing customers or penalising homeowners whose homes have been shown to have either pyrite or MICA within their blocks through no fault of their own in the context of his review of the defective concrete blocks scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1683/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage (Deputy Darragh O'Brien)

While there has been no specific discussions of the kind described, as the Deputy will be aware, the policy area of insurance falls under the remit of my colleague, Mr Paschal Donohue, TD, Minister for Finance.

Question No. 540 answered with Question No. 527.

Social Media

Questions (541)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

541. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount spent on social media by his Department and agencies under his remit in 2021; and the platforms the monies were spent on in tabular form. [1703/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Communicating effectively with the public and stakeholders is an essential part of my Department’s work. My Department utilises social media channels (Twitter, Facebook and Instagram) with this objective in mind, promoting the schemes and initiatives managed by us, and utilising the reach afforded by these channels to inform the public of the wide range of activity of our Department.

My Department occasionally uses the advertising functions of these platforms to deliver public information campaigns, often in support of public consultations. In 2021, examples of advertising on social media include:

- Fire Safety week

- The Check the Register campaign to encourage voter registration

- Promotion of the Housing for All strategy

- Support for marine planning activities in the Department

- Commemoration of the Burning of the Custom House.

The amount spent per platform in 2021 is:

Platform	Amount (2021)
YouTube	1,473.16
Twitter	1,705.10
Facebook	2,293.24
Instagram	633.45

The information requested in relation to bodies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for the individual bodies concerned.  Arrangements have been put in place by each Agency to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas.  The contact email address for each agency is set out in the following table:  

State Body	Contact E-mails
An   Bord Pleanála	[e-mail]
An   Fóram Uisce (the Water Forum)	[e-mail]
Docklands   Oversight and Consultative Forum	[e-mail]
Ervia	[e-mail]
Gas   Networks Ireland	[e-mail]
Heritage   Council	[e-mail]
Housing   Finance Agency	[e-mail]
Housing   and Sustainable Communities Agency	[e-mail]
Irish   Water	[e-mail]
Land   Development Agency	[e-mail]
Local   Government Management Agency	[e-mail]
National   Oversight and Audit Commission	[e-mail]
National   Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee	[e-mail]
Office   of the Planning Regulator	[e-mail]
Ordnance   Survey Ireland	[e-mail]
Property   Registration Authority	[e-mail]
Pyrite   Resolution Board	[e-mail]
Residential   Tenancies Board	[e-mail]
Valuation   Office	[e-mail]
Valuation   Tribunal	[e-mail]
Water   Advisory Body	[e-mail]
Waterways   Ireland	[e-mail]

Departmental Contracts

Questions (542)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

542. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount spent on consultancy services by his Department in 2021; the reason for each consultancy; and the name of the consultancy in tabular form. [1721/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The expenditure by my Department in 2021 on consultancy services was some €1.8 million. The costs of Consultants appointed, together with the reason for each consultancy and the name of the consultancy are set out in the following table. Consultancy service providers are only engaged by the Department where specific expertise is required which is not available in the organisation at the relevant time. 

 

Consultant Name	Reason	Cost in 2021
Maeve Thornberry & Assoc	Provision of two Work Page 5.6 reports for Oceanwise INTERREG project to reduce the impact of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) and Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) as marine litter - (1) a report to identify and assess policies, incentives and producer responsibility schemes relating to the use, disposal and recycling of EPS & XPS from around the world and (2) a life cycle analysis of EPS/XPS products used for packaging food or food related products.	€41,006
O Maille Group	Facilitator Marine Protected Areas consultation process stakeholder workshops	€2,460
Maeve Thornberry & Assoc	Provision of OceanWise  final report (Work Package 8) "set of solutions and sustainable alternatives" to reduce the impact of EPS and XPS as marine litter	€34,502
Dr Christine Morrow	Supporting expertise and co-ordination in the development of 6 status assessments prepared in advance of the OSPAR Deep sea habitats workshop (6 – 8 September 2021) and in post-workshop finalisation of the  status assessments.	€5,250
University College Cork	Provision of marine research and surveys for  Phase II of DECC-led ObSERVE Programme (Note: this project is co-funded by Marine Environment Section DHLGH, NPWS and DECC- this relates to Marine Environment Section element of funding only)	€300,000
DBFL Consultant Engineers Ltd	Preparation of draft report in respect of the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme "High level Preliminary Overview of Four Specific Areas".	€4,920
TOBIN Consulting Engineers	For the provision of research and information on the Rural Water Sector, to support the Rural Water Working Group in carrying out its work.	€125,600
Fehily Timoney & Company Ltd	Provision of Guidance for Public Authorities on the Provisions of Article 6(3) and Article 6(4) of the Habitats Directive	€67,650.00
UCD-Katestone	Guidance in relation to the assessment of the impacts of atmospheric nitrogen deposition (incl. ammonia) on Natura 2000 sites and biodiversity.	€1,688
Dr Carol Westrik	Chair of Expert Advisory Group to assess and advise on UNESCO World Heritage Site Tentative List.	€5,000
Dr Will Megarry	Ordinary member of Expert Advisory Group to assess and advise on UNESCO World Heritage Site Tentative List.	€2,100
Dr Alison Sheridan	Ordinary member of Expert Advisory Group to assess and advise on UNESCO World Heritage Site Tentative List.	€3,000
Ms Jane Jackson	Ordinary member of Expert Advisory Group to assess and advise on UNESCO World Heritage Site Tentative List.	€1,550
Chris Blandford	World Heritage Strategy Project	€14,925
KPMG (FAC)	To conduct a socioeconomic impact study regarding implementation of the EU LIFE14/NAT/IE/000032 raised bog restoration project	€3,935
Governance Ireland	Review of governance arrangements for the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA)	€22,878
Marine & Environmental Resource Conservation Consultants	Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Trinity Wharf	€7,380
Marine & Environmental Resource Conservation Consultants	Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Celtix Connect	€11,993
Ove Arup & Partners Ltd ( Consulting Engineers)	Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Codling	€17,848
Ove Arup & Partners Ltd ( Consulting Engineers)	Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Drogheda Port Company Dredging of River Boyne	€15,746
Ove Arup & Partners Ltd ( Consulting Engineers)	Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Energia Site Investigation off Wexford Coast	€15,314
Ove Arup & Partners Ltd ( Consulting Engineers)	Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Energia SI for offshore windfarm	€14,637
Ove Arup & Partners Ltd ( Consulting Engineers)	Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Loughs Agency Sea Monitor Project	€5,929
Ove Arup & Partners Ltd ( Consulting Engineers)	Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Cheekpoint Boat Owners Association Pontoon	€14,127
Ove Arup & Partners Ltd ( Consulting Engineers)	Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - America Europe Connect 2 Transatlantic Cable	€21,033
Ove Arup & Partners Ltd ( Consulting Engineers)	Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Cork County Council Dredging for Courtmacsherry Pier	€15,264
Roughan & O'Donovan Ltd	Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Statkraft	€16,445
Roughan & O'Donovan Ltd	Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Foynes Jetty Extension	€44,219
Roughan & O'Donovan Ltd	Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Gibbon's Quay	€10,590
Roughan & O'Donovan Ltd	Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Morrison's Island Flood Relief	€20,572
Roughan & O'Donovan Ltd	Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Glengarriff Pier	€11,009
Roughan & O'Donovan Ltd	Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Simply Blue (Emerald) ORE Site Investigations	€14,871
RPS Consulting Engineers Ltd	Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Review of Fenit Harbour Dredging	€13,329
RPS Consulting Engineers Ltd	Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Coiste Forbaithe na Sceilige Pontoon	€5,692
RPS Consulting Engineers Ltd	Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Greenlink Interconnector	€15,990
RPS Consulting Engineers Ltd	Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Ion Organics Ltd	€5,904
RPS Consulting Engineers Ltd	Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - AMETS Floating Wind Test Site Investigations	€9,164
RPS Consulting Engineers Ltd	Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Greenlink Interconnector DHPLG Foreshore Panel	€5,220
RPS Consulting Engineers Ltd	Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - DCC Dredging at Magheraroarty Pier	€11,839
RPS Consulting Engineers Ltd	Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Reen Pier	€9,213
RPS Consulting Engineers Ltd	Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Enniscorthy Flood Defence Scheme	€3,486
Arthur Cox	Legal Fees in relation to the Transitional Protocol	€15,514
Arthur Cox	Legal Fees in relation to Arklow Banks windfarm	€7,406
Padraic Thornton	Report to DHLGH in relation to the Marine Planning (Development Management) Bill 2019	€10,950
Version 1 Consulting	To carry out an independent R12 Oracle FMS upgrade assessment	€22,180
Economic and Social Research Institute	The consultancy is a 3 year housing economics research collaboration agreement, which began in 2017 and which was renewed for a further 3 years in September 2020.	€200,000
Indecon	Review of Local Authority Mortgage Protection Insurance	€70,110
UCD	Conduct research into the local authority role of social workers and liaison officers employed to assist Travellers with their accommodation needs.	€42,046
Niall Crowley	Paper on best practice on Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committees.	€1,845
Ordinance Survey Ireland	Development of a GIS Information Tool for local authorities to enable better planning of housing for older people	€104,550
Bruce McCormack Consulting	To carry out a review of EIA screening thresholds in the Planning and Development Regulations 2001-2022	€3,840
Marine Institute	Scientific and advisory services provided by the Marine Institute including MSP data discovery and collation, processing and anaylsis of marine spatial data, providing datasets and metadata for MSP digital tool and preparation of maps.	€447,146
RPS Consulting	Environmental Assessments (SEA and AA) of National Marine Planning Framework	€17,671
TOTAL		€1,848,882

Question No. 543 answered with Question No. 523.

Local Authorities

Questions (544)

Mark Ward

Question:

544. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount of funding allocated to each local authority for the local authority home loan scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1779/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Local Authority Home Loan (LAHL) Scheme has been available nationwide from local authorities since 4 January 2022 and replaces the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan scheme. The scheme can be used for the purchase of new or second-hand residential properties and for self-builds.

Allocations for 2022 are currently being finalised and will be based on activity during 2021 provided to my Department by local authorities.

Local authorities will be notified of their allocation once this process has been completed.

Question No. 545 answered with Question No. 456.

Departmental Data

Questions (546)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

546. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a schedule of all client and or customer facing and or orientated services that his Department provide via a contracted service provider; the contractor that provides the service; and the cost of same for the past five years to date in 2022. [1803/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

In the main, the services provided by my Department are provided directly or in partnership with local authorities and State agencies.  My Department does not contract service providers for the sole purpose of delivering services on its' behalf.

There may, however, be contractors (to my Department) that have some element of customer-facing activities but these are not the main purpose of the contract and quantification of such elements would involve a disproportionate amount of time and work.

Waterways Issues

Questions (547)

Duncan Smith

Question:

547. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding a project (details supplied) in County Kildare. [1818/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The project mentioned by the Deputy is a significant initiative which will support communities, and create exciting opportunities for recreation and ways to experience interesting places from new perspectives.    

Project updates are published regularly by Kildare County Council on its website.  

Waterways Ireland was granted planning permission for the development of the existing towpath from Lowtown to Athy, a distance of approximately 46km in 2019.

The project objectives are to:

(1) Provide upgraded and new physical infrastructure in accordance with planning permission;

(2) Provision of infrastructure to achieve ‘Accredited Blueway’ status for the route; and

(3) Co-ordinate marketing activity to maximise the potential of the Blueway.

Work commenced on site in the late summer of 2020 with completion of works by Waterways Ireland expected in late 2022.

To ensure the Barrow Navigation remains navigable and as accessible as possible into the future, Waterways Ireland's priorities include the delivery of the 46km Blueway route from Lowtown to Athy in partnership with Kildare and Laois County Councils and the development and approval of a five-year strategic maintenance programme to the planning authorities.

Wastewater Treatment

Questions (548)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

548. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he expects to launch the new pilot scheme for the provision of sewerage infrastructure in villages that are currently unsewered. [1864/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

My Department is currently examining waste water requirements of villages and similar settlements that do not have access to public waste water infrastructure. My Department is at an advanced stage of preparing a report for me on the issue which I will be in a position to consider shortly. I will make a further announcement once I have finalised my consideration of the report.

Question No. 549 answered with Question No. 471.

Rental Sector

Questions (550)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

550. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount that has been spent on rent subsidies including rent supplement, the housing assistance payment, the rental accommodation scheme and long-term leasing each year over the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1867/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) and Long-term Leasing are forms of social housing support for people who have a long-term housing need.

Exchequer funding on these schemes for the period 2011 to 2021, is set out in the following table:

Year	Long-Term Leasing	HAP	RAS
	€m.	€m.	€m.
2011			115.9
2012			125.4
2013			130.9
2014		0.4*	133.5
2015		15.6	136.6
2016		57.7	144.9
2017		152.7	144.3
2018		276.6	143.3
2019	26.8**	382.4	144.3
2020	37.2	464.7	143.0
2021	55.4	541.7	122.0

*The HAP scheme was rolled out to local authorities in four waves between September 2014 and March 2017.

**The amount paid for long-term leasing is included within the overall Social Housing Current Expenditure Programme spend. A breakdown was not available prior to 2019. The values provided include Local Authority long term leasing, Approved Housing Body Leasing and Enhanced Leasing.

Under Housing for All, the Government plans to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 homes per year over the next decade, including an average of 10,000 new build social homes. As new build supply of social housing ramps up, there will be reducing reliance on the HAP and RAS schemes.

Long Term Leasing will be phased out by 2025. This phasing out process will involve my officials engaging with local authorities, to ensure that the correct processes are put in place to ensure a managed end to leasing.

Responsibility for the Rent Supplement Scheme falls within the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection.

Housing Provision

Questions (551)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

551. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the Commission on Housing including the membership of same; the number of applicants; the names of the unsuccessful applicants; the terms of reference; the work programme; and the timeline for the modules being considered. [1875/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Commission on Housing is now established and held its first meeting on 12th January 2022.

Mr. John O’Connor has been appointed as chair of the Commission on Housing. The Commission comprises of 12 Members, including the Chair. I appointed nine members following a public campaign seeking expressions of interest in membership of the Commission and appointed a further two international experts.

Members of the Commission on Housing include:

- Pat Doyle, CEO Peter McVerry Trust

- Sorcha Edwards, Secretary General Housing Europe (International)

- Paddy Gray, Professor Emeritus of Housing, Ulster University (International)

- Patricia King, General Secretary Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU)

- Ronan Lyons, Associate Professor, Department of Economics, Trinity College Dublin

- Kathryn Meghen, CEO Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI)

- Michelle Norris, Director of the Geary Institute for Public Policy and Professor of Social Policy UCD

- David O'Connor, Consultant and Former County Manager of Fingal County Council

- John O'Connor, Chair of the Commission on Housing

- Michael O'Flynn, Chair and CEO of O'Flynn Group

- Brian O'Gorman, Chief Executive Cluid Housing

- Ailbhe O'Neill, Barrister and Trinity College Dublin School of Law

A total of 76 applicants submitted an Expression of Interest. In keeping with our obligations under data protection legislation to protect the rights and privacy of individuals, we are not in a position to disclose the details of unsuccessful candidates which under the terms of the assessment process are treated as strictly confidential.

The Terms of Reference are available on the Commissions website - www.gov.ie/housingcommission/

I understand that the Commission is developing its programme of work over the coming weeks. It should be noted that the Commission on Housing is independent from my Department. The Commission will be publishing information on their website as provided above, including agendas and minutes of meetings.

Housing Schemes

Questions (552)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

552. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of HAP, RAS and privately owned long-term leases at the end of 2021; and the cost to the Exchequer of each scheme in 2021, in tabular form. [1876/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The number of Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) and long-term leasing units at the end of Quarter 3, 2021; and the related cost to the Exchequer for each scheme, is set out in the following table:

Scheme	No. of  Active Tenancies/Leases	Cost to the Exchequer
Long-term Leasing*	3,800	€23.2 million
HAP	62,337	€394.2 million
RAS	17,318	€75.6 million

*includes Local Authority Long-term Leasing, Approved Housing Body Leasing and Enhanced Leasing.

Under Housing for All, the Government plans to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 homes per year over the next decade, including an average of 10,000 new build social homes.   As new build supply of social housing ramps up, there will be reducing reliance on the HAP and RAS schemes.

Long Term Leasing will be ended by 2025 through phasing out new entrants. This phasing out process will involve my officials engaging with local authorities, to ensure that the correct processes are put in place to ensure a managed end to leasing.

Housing Schemes

Questions (553)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

553. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of social housing leases in place at the end of 2021, by lease type, that is, approved housing body lease to own, mortgage to rent, National Asset Residential Property Services, private sector lease and so on; and the cost to the Exchequer of each of these categories of leases; and the cost as of the end of 2021, in tabular form. [1878/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Social Housing Current Expenditure Programme (SHCEP) supports the delivery of social housing by providing financial support to Local Authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) for the leasing of houses and apartments. The SHCEP budget funds the ongoing current costs of homes delivered using a variety of different delivery mechanisms through the Housing Leasing Programmes, including:

- Leasing -Direct and Enhanced Leasing, AHB and Private Mortgage to Rent (MTR), the Repair and Leasing Scheme (RLS);

- Build - Capital Advance Leasing Facility (CALF) Build, CALF Part V, Part V Lease; and

- Acquisition - CALF Acquisition, Housing Agency Acquisitions (HAA).

Dwellings made available under the programme are used to accommodate households from local authority waiting lists.

At end 2021, a total of 22,191 dwellings, secured by the various mechanisms listed, were supported under SHCEP. Table 1 below gives a breakdown of this figure into the various categories, also including the total spend for 2021.

Table 1: Dwellings Supported Under SHCEP Year End 2021

Source	Dwellings   Supported	2021   Cost
AHB Owned (CALF Build, Acq. & HAA)	11,243	€158,196,256
Mortgage to Rent (AHB & Private)	1,303	€14,843,059
NARPS	1,250	€11,847,413
Private Leasing (LA & AHB)	6,179	€73,501,989
Repair and Leasing Scheme (LA &   AHB)	177	€1,201,046
Unsold Affordables	2,039	€6,971,739
Total	22,191	€266,561,502