Written Answers Nos. 61-83
61. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the details of the tendering process used by his Department for State contracts granted in relation to Covid-19 since the beginning of the pandemic; the name of each company, the services involved; the amount paid to each company in each of the relevant years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3938/22]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that a deferred reply will be issued to her in respect of this Parliamentary Question, in line with Standing Order 51B
62. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the criteria for musicians and artists to be included on the Culture Ireland list for performing abroad and at State functions. [3687/22]
View answerCulture Ireland operates a Regular Grant Programme 6 times per annum for the support of Irish professional artists, arts organisations and international presenters to present work by Irish artists at significant international venues and festivals. This is an open applications system and Culture Ireland publishes the list of artists supported under each Regular Grant Round on its website.
In order to be eligible for consideration the following eligibility criteria apply:-
1. the application must be in respect of an Irish professional artist/s or arts organisation2. the application must be in respect of an art form defined under the Arts Act 20033. only international events are supported (i.e., outside the island of Ireland)4. the event must be accessible to an open public audience and fees must be payable to the artist/s or arts organisation.
Eligible applications are then assessed under the following criteria:-
1. artistic quality of work and track record of artist/s or arts organisation2. financial and operational viability of the event (including fees and level of support from presenter/venue/other partners)3. profile of international venue/festival4. proven capacity of applicant, artist/s or arts organisation to present work internationally5. wider promotional and media impact.
In the case of State functions taking place abroad, Culture Ireland may be involved in planning the presentation of a cultural event to mark the visit working with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of the Taoiseach or the Office of the President as appropriate. The event is designed and artists are selected to suit the scale and nature of the event with the agreement of the parties involved.
63. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the response by her Department on the challenges facing local media; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3784/22]
View answerThe local media sector has faced a fall in revenue arising from the COVID-19, but also faces longer term challenges as a result of changing patterns of media consumption, technology and shifts in advertising revenue to online services. I recognise the essential role that the local media plays and the particular value of local and regional newspapers in sharing reliable and relevant local news and bringing communities together.
Since I assumed formal responsibility for the media sector in September 2020, I have met key stakeholders including NewsBrands Ireland, Local Ireland and the National Union of Journalists (NUJ). In relation to the local radio sector, I have received quarterly reports from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) analysing the impact of COVID-19 on the commercial radio sector.
The Government has put in place a range of supports for all businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which are available to local newspapers and local radio stations, such as the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme and the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme.
Support for the production of audiovisual and audio content for Irish audiences is provided through the Sound and Vision Scheme, which is established under the Broadcasting Act 2009, administered by the BAI. The Sound and Vision Scheme is funded through the allocation of 7% of net licence fee receipts per annum. Under section 156 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, I as Minister may allocate additional Exchequer funding to the Sound and Vision Scheme.
In recognition of challenges facing the independent radio sector and its important contribution to society as a whole, in December 2020 I allocated additional funding of €4.9 million for the Sound and Vision Scheme, €2.5 million of which was to support the independent radio sector and €1.4 million to support the live music sector. The €2.5 million was awarded in April 2021 as part of a €2.58 million Sound and Vision Scheme funding round to support all 32 radio stations in the independent radio sector. This funding was in additional to traditional Sound and Vision Scheme funding rounds.
The loss the local media sector – newspapers and radio - has suffered from the impact of the restrictions has also been addressed by the public health advertising placed by the Government and HSE totalling at least €17.14m from March 2020 to date. A breakdown of this spend is as follows:
- €6.71m on regional / local radio and €3.67m on regional/local print in 2020, and
- €4.88m on regional / local radio and €1.88m on regional/local print in 2021.
I am also ensuring that advertising campaigns organised by my Department include a local print media element. Last year, the campaign for Cruinniú na nÓg, a day of free creative events for young people, included a spend of €187,000 on local print advertising.
My officials continue to engage with relevant stakeholders in order to explore the issues arising and build an understanding of the range of challenges facing the sector at present and appropriate solutions for the future.
64. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if the Minister has a view on whether a person should be entitled to the use of their name as Gaeilge on official documentation without a change by deed poll. [3800/22]
View answerThe aim of the Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021 is to increase and improve, in a planned manner over a period of time, the quantity and quality of services provided for the public through the Irish language by public bodies. This includes the matter referred to by the Deputy. In this regard, a process has been laid out under Section 9 of the Act in relation to the use of names in the Irish language on official documentation.
Section 9A of the Act sets out the duties of public bodies regarding names, addresses and titles in the Irish language. That section inter alia provides that a public body that is prescribed by the Minister shall ensure that the information and communications systems, and any other systems (whether electronic or otherwise), that are used by the body in its communications with the general public, or a class of the general public, as may be appropriate, are configured in a manner that—
1. permits a person’s name (including the patronymic or matronymic form of the name), address or title (including the option to use no title), in the Irish language, to be correctly recorded and used by such systems in relation to the services offered or provided by the body in respect of which it is so prescribed, and
2. facilitates the use of the length accent in Irish language text.
Section 9 of the Act further states that the Minister shall, not later than 3 months after the commencement of section 4 of the Act, prepare and issue guidelines to assist public bodies in complying with their obligations under that section.
I am currently working with officials of my Department to give effect to the provisions of this new legislation, which was enacted on 22 December 2021. To this end, officials of my Department are currently developing a work plan which will set out the various steps to be taken in the coming months.
65. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the details of the tendering process used by her Department for State contracts granted in relation to Covid-19 since the beginning of the pandemic; the name of each company, the services involved; the amount paid to each company in each of the relevant years in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4237/22]
View answerThe following table sets out the contracts awarded and amounts paid by my Department in 2020 and 2021 in relation to COVID-19:
|
Name of company |
Purpose of contract |
Amount€ |
Year |
Tendering Process |
|
SLUA Event Safety Consultancy |
Review COVID-19 related guidance documents |
24,000 |
2020 |
Competitive tender |
|
Eamonn O'Boyle and Assoc (EOBA) |
Review COVID-19 related guidance documents |
15,920 |
2020 |
Competitive tender |
|
Indecon Economic Consultants |
Consultancy work on the delivery of the Tourism Recovery Plan 2020-2023. |
92,543 |
2020 |
OGP Framework |
|
SLUA |
Review COVID-19 related guidance documents |
20,000 |
2021 |
Competitive tender |
|
EOBA |
Review COVID-19 related guidance documents |
16,400 |
2021 |
Competitive tender |
|
EOBA |
Review plans and findings from Pilot Events |
20,000 |
2021 |
Competitive tender |
|
TPG Interactive (Ireland) Ltd |
Development and Maintenance of online application portals for MEBAS, ESCSS, CECGS, LPSS Phase 3 schemes |
41,881 |
2021 |
Negotiated procedure |
66. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the Public Appointments Service can advise on when a permanent chief executive will be appointed to Galway County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3654/22]
View answerI am still considering the position in relation to timing of the filling of the post of the Chief Executive of Galway County Council on a permanent basis. I hope to bring clarity on the intended approach over the coming weeks.
There is a requirement for all Chief Executive posts for Local Authorities to be advertised openly on the www.publicjobs.ie website operated by the Public Appointments Service (PAS).
67. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the date on which the last permanent chief executive retired in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Galway County Council, Kildare County Council and Limerick City and County Council, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3655/22]
View answerThe date of expiry of contracts for the most recent permanent chief executives of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Galway County Council, Kildare County Council and Limerick City and County Council are listed in the table below.
|
Local Authority |
Date of expiry of Chief Executive contract |
|
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council |
11/05/2021 |
|
Galway County Council |
04/07/2014 |
|
Kildare County Council |
31/08/2021 |
|
Limerick City and County Council |
14/08/2019 |
Where a Chief Executive vacancy arises, section 145(6) of the Local Government Act 2001 provides for the appointment of a temporary Chief Executive. Such an appointment is made pending a permanent appointment to the position following the completion of an open advertised competition and process conducted through the Public Appointments Service.
68. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount in funding his Department has provided to the Local Government Management Agency since the agency was established. [3657/22]
View answerMy Department has provided funding to the Local Government Management Agency since its establishment in 2012 as per the tabular statement below.
|
Year |
Amount of Funding (€) |
|
2012 |
939,022 |
|
2013 |
2,313,463 |
|
2014 |
3,078,085 |
|
2015 |
4,816,986 |
|
2016 |
3,955,465 |
|
2017 |
2,415,596 |
|
2018 |
3,852,730 |
|
2019 |
3,289,736 |
|
2020 |
2,755,730 |
|
2021 |
2,875,909 |
|
Total |
30,292,722 |
69. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the way in which he oversees the funding he extends to the Local Government Management Agency in order to ensure that the agency is fully complaint with its corporate governance responsibility. [3658/22]
View answerThe Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies (Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, 2016) provides a framework for the application of best practice in corporate governance in both commercial and non-commercial State bodies, including the oversight role of the parent Departments.
With respect to non-commercial State bodies such as the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA), the Code of Practice mandates, among other matters, that parent Departments have in place oversight and performance delivery agreements with the State bodies under their aegis. Every year, my Department enters into such agreements with the LGMA to reflect:
- the legal framework of the LGMA;
- the environment in which it operates;
- the purpose and responsibilities of the LGMA;
- the LGMA's level of compliance with the Code of Practice;
- the key programmes of activity for the LGMA, including for each individual expenditure programme;
- the key outputs specified in quantiative, measurable terms; and
- arrangements for oversight, monitoring and reporting on conformity with the agreements.
In addition, my Department's Local Government Audit Service audits the annual financial statements of the LGMA as a primary expression of public accountability with respect to the financial performance, position and cash flows of the LGMA.
70. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current position and expected timeline for funding and the delivery of the collaborative town health check in which Drogheda, County Louth currently sits first on the Heritage Council phase 1 waiting list (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3662/22]
View answerThe Collaborative Town Centre Health Check is an initiative of the Heritage Council. Arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The contact email address for the Heritage Council is oireachtas@heritagecouncil.ie
71. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason the application for affordable housing by Wexford County Council cannot be progressed (details supplied); if there is an alternative scheme that can be put in place in this area under the new Housing for All programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3671/22]
View answerThe Housing for All Strategy delivers on the Programme for Government commitment to step up housing supply and put affordability at the heart of the housing system, with an ambitious target of 300,000 homes over the next decade for social, affordable and cost rental, private rental and private ownership housing.
Measures to deliver this housing are supported by over €4 billion in funding annually, representing the highest ever level of Government investment in building social and affordable housing. 54,000 affordable homes interventions will be delivered between now and 2030 to be facilitated by local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies, the Land Development Agency and through a strategic partnership between the State and retail banks.
The delivery of affordable housing, in accordance with the schemes set out in the Affordable Housing Act, 2021 and the funding being made available, will be underpinned by local authorities' housing Delivery Action Plans. Local authorities submitted their Plans to me, to include social and affordable housing, last month. In drawing up their plans, each local authority assesses the level of demand with affordability constraint in their area based on the Housing Need and Demand Assessment (HNDA) and plans provision accordingly.
With regard to Wexford County Council, I understand that the local authority's Housing and Planning teams are currently working on their Housing Need and Demand Assessment, along with their current housing strategy. This is expected to be completed and submitted to me shortly. It is possible for local authorities, including Wexford County Council, to undertake HNDA analysis at sub county level to determine whether a need for Government funded affordable housing schemes is evident in specific towns/areas.
72. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of households that have had HAP payments ceased due to arrears in 2020 and to date in 2022, by local authority; the average length of time the households were in arrears before payment was ceased; and the average rental arrears owed by households at the time HAP payments ceased. [3759/22]
View answerTenants in the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme are required to sign a rent contribution agreement to pay a weekly rental contribution to the relevant local authority, in line with the local authority’s differential rent scheme. As set out in the rent contribution agreement, this weekly rental contribution must be paid by them so that they remain eligible for the HAP scheme. HAP recipients are required to set up automatic electronic rent payment arrangements.
The HAP Shared Services Centre (SSC) manages the collection of all HAP tenants’ differential rents, on behalf of the relevant local authority, and the payment of all HAP rents to landlords on behalf of tenants supported by the HAP scheme. The HAP SSC follows a clear communication policy if rental arrears issues arise. This policy includes regular and early written communication with tenants, landlords and the relevant local authority.
The approach taken by the HAP SSC has been very effective with minimal levels of rent arrears arising for HAP tenants. In 2019, the scheme had a 96% differential rent collection rate, with minimal arrears arising for tenants or local authorities. At Q3 2021, the scheme had a 98% differential rent collection rate. Therefore, only a very small number of tenants have fallen into difficulty with their differential rent.
During the Covid-19 emergency, the HAP Debt Management Process (DMP) was suspended from March 2020 and partially re-commenced in October 2020. This meant non-payment of differential rent by a tenant during that time did not affect payments to HAP landlords. Tenants were, however, expected to continue to pay their rent with supports available for those financially impacted by Covid measures in place.
The payment of HAP in respect of tenancies that had already entered the cessation stage of the DMP prior to the suspension of the process in March 2020 remained suspended, and local authorities were advised to proceed in ceasing those tenancies. In 2020, 18 tenancies have had their HAP support ceased for non-payment of differential rent, after the debt management process was fully completed.
Following on from the successful roll out of the COVID vaccine programme and the reopening of society it was agreed to re-instate the full DMP, from September 2021. From 6 September 2021, the debt management process as applied pre COVID was applicable to tenants entering into arrears from that date. For tenants in arrears prior to that date, these tenants were given additional time to engage with the HAP SSC Debt Management Unit to assist them in remaining in the HAP scheme and preventing the suspension/cessation of their landlord’s HAP payment. In 2021, 42 tenancies had their HAP support ceased for non-payment of differential rent, after the debt management process was fully completed. Information on cessations is collated on a quarterly basis, therefore, 2022 data is not yet available.
In relation to the average time in, and amount of, arrears outstanding at the time of cessation, the SSC advise that this information is not readily available from their "live" operating system. Information is only recorded on the current balance, which could have changed since the tenancy was ceased, if a write-off of the amount outstanding had been approved or if the tenant began to pay off the arrears.
HAP tenants in arrears should contact their local authority and the HAP SSC to discuss the options that are available to them to ensure the continuation of their HAP support.
73. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of tenants in receipt of HAP who have transferred to a local authority or approved housing body tenancy since 2014, by local authority in tabular form. [3760/22]
View answerWhile the Department does not hold information on the number of Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) tenancies that moved directly into a social housing property, data is available in relation to the number of tenancies that moved from HAP to other forms of social housing support. The majority of these transfers would have been to local authority or approved housing body social housing.
The following table details the number of HAP tenancies that transferred to other forms of social housing, by local authority in the period 2016 – end Q3 2021. Information in relation to 2014 and 2015 is not available.
|
Local Authority |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
Q3 2021 |
|
Carlow County Council |
9 |
27 |
25 |
113 |
80 |
84 |
|
Cavan County Council |
0 |
1 |
10 |
27 |
20 |
33 |
|
Clare County Council |
17 |
74 |
76 |
75 |
95 |
85 |
|
Cork City Council |
14 |
32 |
20 |
66 |
130 |
148 |
|
Cork County Council |
32 |
73 |
119 |
119 |
252 |
261 |
|
Donegal County Council |
24 |
75 |
137 |
147 |
130 |
113 |
|
Dublin City Council |
0 |
4 |
64 |
145 |
131 |
277 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council |
0 |
0 |
12 |
39 |
23 |
27 |
|
Fingal County Council |
1 |
2 |
21 |
31 |
117 |
86 |
|
Galway City Council |
0 |
13 |
9 |
13 |
37 |
110 |
|
Galway County Council |
1 |
8 |
15 |
45 |
45 |
77 |
|
Kerry County Council |
0 |
0 |
13 |
39 |
67 |
117 |
|
Kildare County Council |
1 |
26 |
67 |
114 |
269 |
213 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
20 |
26 |
51 |
76 |
103 |
102 |
|
Laois County Council |
0 |
1 |
29 |
18 |
56 |
82 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
0 |
1 |
5 |
9 |
21 |
7 |
|
Limerick City & County Council |
35 |
41 |
72 |
57 |
91 |
102 |
|
Longford County Council |
0 |
2 |
3 |
12 |
16 |
28 |
|
Louth County Council |
16 |
47 |
115 |
209 |
275 |
267 |
|
Mayo County Council |
2 |
14 |
23 |
38 |
65 |
38 |
|
Meath County Council |
3 |
28 |
115 |
185 |
302 |
219 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
16 |
32 |
43 |
71 |
88 |
85 |
|
Offaly County Council |
3 |
6 |
24 |
50 |
58 |
68 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
0 |
1 |
12 |
38 |
35 |
58 |
|
Sligo County Council |
1 |
11 |
29 |
42 |
44 |
32 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
0 |
2 |
18 |
100 |
139 |
133 |
|
Tipperary County Council |
12 |
42 |
86 |
103 |
116 |
120 |
|
Waterford City & County Council |
33 |
37 |
83 |
217 |
211 |
182 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
0 |
0 |
1 |
12 |
41 |
63 |
|
Wexford County Council |
0 |
0 |
21 |
75 |
77 |
153 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
0 |
1 |
4 |
29 |
119 |
99 |
|
Total |
240 |
627 |
1,322 |
2,314 |
3,253 |
3469 |
74. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the annual cost of all long-term leased social housing by local authority in 2021; the number of long-term leases owned by each local authority; and the number of long-term leased social houses purchased by each local authority in 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form. [3789/22]
View answer75. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the annual amount spent on maintenance of all long-term leases by each local authority in 2021; and the ownership of the units at the end of the lease term. [3790/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 74 and 75 together.
The Social Housing Current Expenditure Programme supports the delivery of social housing by providing financial support to local authorities for the leasing of houses and apartments. Dwellings under the scheme come from a number of different sources including private owners, Part V and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs).
Long term lease arrangements, including the enhanced lease, of privately owned dwellings can be entered into by either local authorities or AHBs. Under these arrangements the local authority or AHB acts as the landlord to the tenant. The terms of these agreements are set out in standard template agreements provided by my Department which must be used by all local authorities and AHBs. Agreements may be entered into for periods of between 10 to 25 years in duration.
Under the long term leasing arrangement, the dwelling can be sold by the owner during the lease term, subject to the leasehold interest and the consent of the local authority or AHB. As such, the owner of the property changes but the lease, and the tenant, are unaffected. There is no current option to purchase the property under the long term lease or enhanced lease arrangements; however, an option to purchase may have been included in some long term leases by local authorities in the early stages of the leasing programme.
It is a matter for each local authority to identify appropriate units for acquisition in line with the criteria set out in Circular 02/2022 Social Housing Acquisitions, which was issued in January 2022. My Department does not record details of social housing acquisitions that may have been previously covered by a lease agreement.
Details of the number of homes delivered under the Social Housing Leasing Programme from 2020 and up to the end of Q3 2021, broken down by local authority, can be found on my Department's website at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/?referrer=http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/social-housing/social-and-affordble/overall-social-housing-provision#leasing
Leasing delivery data for Q4 2021 is being collated at present and will be published as soon as that process is finalised.
A breakdown by local authority of the total spend on long-term leasing in 2021 to the end of Q3 can be found in Table 1 below:
Table 1: Total Long-term Leasing Spend – End Q3 2021
|
Local Authority |
Spend |
|
Carlow County Council |
€293,734.00 |
|
Cavan County Council |
€89,082.00 |
|
Clare County Council |
€846,784.00 |
|
Cork City Council |
€876,615.00 |
|
Cork County Council |
€252,688.00 |
|
DLR County Council |
€1,350,900.00 |
|
Donegal County Council |
€964,313.00 |
|
Dublin City Council |
€3,384,367.00 |
|
Fingal County Council |
€2,641,550.00 |
|
Galway City Council |
€26,741.00 |
|
Galway County Council |
€390,501.00 |
|
Kerry County Council |
€773,744.00 |
|
Kildare County Council |
€1,335,992.00 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
€134,463.00 |
|
Laois County Council |
€387,285.00 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
€0.00 |
|
Limerick City & County Council |
€948,646.00 |
|
Longford County Council |
€25,250.00 |
|
Louth County Council |
€1,725,434.00 |
|
Mayo County Council |
€15,817.00 |
|
Meath County Council |
€666,656.00 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
€0.00 |
|
Offaly County Council |
€10,980.00 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
€17,749.00 |
|
Sligo County Council |
€261,760.00 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
€3,641,597.00 |
|
Tipperary County Council |
€598,077.00 |
|
Waterford City & County Council |
€618,649.00 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
€133,699.00 |
|
Wexford County Council |
€688,483.00 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
€133,582.00 |
|
Total |
€23,235,138.00 |
The figures provided in Table 1 above covers spend in respect of Long-term Local Authority Leasing, AHB Private Leasing and the Enhanced Leasing Scheme.
Under Long Term Leasing arrangements; internal maintenance and repairs of social housing leased properties are the responsibility of the local authority or AHB entering into the lease, while structural maintenance of the property remains the responsibility of the property owner over the life of the lease agreement. Local authorities recoup the cost of lease payments from the Department, but do not claim any additional costs in relation to maintenance. As maintenance costs are borne by the local authority or AHB, details of the annual costs associated with long-term leased social housing units are not held by my Department.
Under Enhanced Leasing arrangements; the maintenance of social housing leased properties is the responsibility of the lessor.
76. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if she will engage with Waterways Ireland in respect of the provision for a ramp to make a canal location (details supplied) wheelchair accessible. [3801/22]
View answerWaterways Ireland is operationally independent in regard to its management of the inland waterways under its remit, therefore I do not have any function in this regard.
However, I am informed that Waterways Ireland would welcome the opportunity to engage directly with the person(s), organisation or community group to gain a greater understanding of the nature and extent of this infrastructure request.
WI can be contacted about this matter via email at ceooffice@waterwaysireland.org, and his office is anticipating the contact.
77. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the next Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme 2022-2024 will open for applications. [3808/22]
View answerIn April 2018, a Working Group was established to conduct a review of the wider investment needs relating to rural water services. The Group's aim is to recommend measures to ensure an equality of outcome between those who receive water services from Irish Water and non-Irish Water customers.
The terms of reference of the review provide for a two-strand approach. Strand 1 is considering the composition and distribution of funding for the upcoming Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme. Strand 2 is considering the more complex longer-focus issues surrounding the long-term future resourcing of the Rural Water Sector.
The Working Group is currently finalising a report on Strand 1 of its deliberations. The report, to be finalised in coming weeks, will make recommendations on the measures to be considered for funding under the upcoming multi-annual programme. Once I have received the report and had an opportunity to consider its recommendations, I expect to announce details of the programme priorities and an invitation to local authorities to submit bids will follow.
78. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the income thresholds for supports for social housing applications will be adjusted to reflect the recent €5 increase in social welfare payments. [3846/22]
View answerHousing for All – A New Housing Plan for Ireland was published in September 2021 and, as part of a broad suite of social housing reforms, committed to reviewing income eligibility for social housing.The review, which examined inter alia the efficiency of the current banding model and income limits applicable to local authorities, was completed in Q4, 2021. I expect to make a decision on proposed changes and recommendations imminently.
79. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the next call for applications under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3944/22]
View answerThe Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) was launched in 2018 to support more compact and sustainable development. The Fund is providing part-funding for projects that will enable a greater proportion of residential and mixed-use development to be delivered within the existing built-up footprints of our cities and large towns, while also ensuring that more parts of our urban areas can become attractive and vibrant places in which people choose to live and work, as well as to invest and to visit.
In keeping with the aims of the National Planning Framework and Project Ireland 2040, the URDF demonstrates a new and more tailored approach to the provision of Government support. Over its planned duration up to 2030, URDF support will be targeted in an integrated, dynamic and responsive way to support the regeneration and rejuvenation of our towns and cities.
Already, the URDF is providing assistance for major projects that will contribute to the regeneration and rejuvenation of Ireland’s five cities and other large towns, in line with the objectives of the National Planning Framework and National Development Plan.
Through the URDF, successful applicants are receiving targeted integrated support for innovative holistic solutions to the issues that have hindered the regeneration and rejuvenation of our large towns and cities.
To date there have been two Calls for proposals under the URDF with a total of almost €312m allocated so far in respect of the 87 projects approved under Call 1, while in March 2021 I announced URDF funding support of €1.3 billion in respect of a countrywide programme of 45 proposals approved under Call 2.
At this stage my Department's immediate focus is on ensuring early progress on these important projects and in this regard my Department recently engaged in a series of meetings with local authorities to consider the advancement of the current programme of 132 URDF-supported regeneration and development projects.
The next call for proposals under the URDF will be arranged later this year.
80. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason that the compulsory mortgage-protection element of the local authority home loan scheme, formerly Rebuilding Ireland, involves just a single State-appointed insurer; the way in which and the reason that insurer was appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3949/22]
View answerThe local authority mortgage protection insurance (MPI) scheme has applied to all house purchase loans approved by local authorities after 1 July 1986, including the Local Authority Home Loan introduced on 4 January 2022.
It is important to note that there are a number of differences between the local authority MPI scheme and standard MPI products available on the market. Most notably, the current local authority MPI covers mortgage repayments in case of borrower disability, which is not part of standard MPI. In addition, the local authority MPI scheme offers a single group rate per €1,000 sum assured to all participants in the scheme as opposed to standard MPI products that are individually priced based on a member’s age, amongst other factors.
In summary, the local authority scheme provides benefits not typically available under standard MP products;
Mortgage repayments are paid if there is a valid claim as a result of disability;
Separate to life cover, an additional €3,000 is payable in the event of a member’s death
Members are covered for death up to age 75, where as standard MPI cover usually ceases at the age of 65.
The scheme is subject to periodic review and competitive tendering in accordance with the terms of EU Directives relating to the award of public service contracts. This is to ensure that the most appropriate cover at the best value for money is secured for local authority borrowers over the entire life of their mortgages.
The most recent public procurement competition for the provision and administration of this MPI scheme was conducted by the Local Government Management Agency. The contract resulting from this open tender competition came into effect from 1 January 2022 and is due to expire on 31 December 2022. My Department will review the provision and administration of the MPI scheme prior to that date
81. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will examine if and the way in which the compulsory mortgage-protection element of the local authority home loan scheme, formerly Rebuilding Ireland, can be at a minimum five times greater than the current market rates (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3950/22]
View answerThe local authority mortgage protection insurance (MPI) scheme has applied to all house purchase loans approved by local authorities after 1 July 1986, including the Local Authority Home Loan introduced on 4 January 2022.
It is important to note that there are a number of differences between the local authority MPI scheme and standard MPI products available on the market. Most notably, the current local authority MPI covers mortgage repayments in case of borrower disability, which is not part of standard MPI. In addition, the local authority MPI scheme offers a single group rate per €1,000 sum assured to all participants in the scheme as opposed to standard MPI products that are individually priced based on a member’s age, amongst other factors.
In summary, the local authority scheme provides benefits not typically available under standard MP products;
Mortgage repayments are paid if there is a valid claim as a result of disability;
Separate to life cover, an additional €3,000 is payable in the event of a member’s death
Members are covered for death up to age 75, where as standard MPI cover usually ceases at the age of 65.
The scheme is subject to periodic review and competitive tendering in accordance with the terms of EU Directives relating to the award of public service contracts. This is to ensure that the most appropriate cover at the best value for money is secured for local authority borrowers over the entire life of their mortgages.
The most recent public procurement competition for the provision and administration of this MPI scheme was conducted by the Local Government Management Agency. The contract resulting from this open tender competition came into effect from 1 January 2022 and is due to expire on 31 December 2022. My Department will review the provision and administration of the MPI scheme prior to that date.
82. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the details of the tendering process used by his Department for State contracts granted in relation to Covid-19 since the beginning of the pandemic; the name of each company, the services involved; the amount paid to each company in each of the relevant years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4233/22]
View answerMy Department maintains a contracts register for contracts with a value in excess of €25,000 (excl. VAT). Details of the contracts granted, including the tendering process used, in relation to Covid-19 since the beginning of the pandemic are set out in the attached table.
The procurement regulations and guidelines in place throughout the pandemic enabled contracting authorities to respond urgently to the many unforseeable challenges presented by Covid-19.
83. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the level of funding provided by his Department to programmes which help students from developing countries to remain in education for longer which is an objective of the Global Island Strategy. [3675/22]
View answerA Better World, the Government's policy for international development, committed to the scaling up of Irish Aid support for education.
In 2018, my Department made a pledge to provide €250 million in support to education up to 2023. By the end of 2020, Irish Aid had allocated over €113 million in assistance to education. The final outturn for 2021 is currently being calculated. These funds are supporting students in developing countries to complete primary and secondary education, as well as to move on to technical and vocational training or higher education.
Irish Aid’s education support has a strong focus on equity and inclusion. Irish Aid puts a particular emphasis on girls’ education, knowing that girls, especially as they reach adolescence, are more likely to have their education cut short. In 2020 Ireland launched a global call to action – the Drive for Five - calling on all governments and stakeholders to commit to transformative actions to get all adolescent girls into school and learning in safe, supportive, and healthy environments.
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted education across the globe. Schools closed in 194 countries and 1.6 billion students missed on classroom instruction, many for months. During the early days of the pandemic, Irish Aid helped countries to ensure continuity of education for all children, especially girls. We are now supporting partners to safely reopening schools, with improved facilities, and interventions to make up for learning losses.
The Global Partnership for Education (GPE) is Irish Aid’s largest education partner and is supporting over 67 developing countries to sustain learning and mitigate the education impacts of the pandemic. Ireland contributed €25 million to the GPE between 2018 and 2020. Last year, I made a new pledge to contribute €60 million to the GPE over five years, €10 million of which is earmarked for girls' education.
Children and youth in humanitarian emergencies or protracted crises are most vulnerable to missing education or dropping out completely. Ireland has a history of supporting education in emergencies, particular for Palestinian children through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. Irish Aid also funds non-governmental organisations to provide education support for refugee and displaced children in the Sahel, in Central African Republic, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon, Jordan, South Sudan, Sudan and Somalia.
In A Better World, the government committed to scaling up our support for education in emergencies. In 2019 Ireland joined Education Cannot Wait, a global fund dedicated to supporting education in situations of war, forced displacement, natural and man-made, disasters and pandemics. To date, Ireland has contributed €8.85 million to Education Cannot Wait, and has committed an additional €3 million in 2022.
