Thursday, 3 Mar 2022

Written Answers Nos. 246-295

Taxi Regulations

Questions (249)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

249. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding a matter (details supplied) affecting taxi drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12308/22]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the setting of fares, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.

March 18th 2022 is a new public holiday occurring only in 2022.  Therefore, it was not included in the Taximeter Installer Technical Guidelines relating to the current maximum fare order, effective from 15 September 2017.  Taximeter calibration is completed by a private taximeter installer of the licence holders choice, and the verification of taximeters is completed by the Legal Metrology Service (LMS). Taximeter programmers, retailers and installers are private commercial operations and are not licensed or regulated by NTA or LMS.  

As the Deputy may be aware, Government announced a new permanent bank holiday in celebration of St Bridget, which will fall on the first Monday in every February, starting from 2023.  It is expected that the new permanent public holiday will be included in future maximum fare orders made by the NTA.

In view of the NTA 's responsibility in this area, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for attention.  Please notify my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten days.  

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

Financial Services

Questions (250)

Neale Richmond

Question:

250. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Finance the efforts that have been made to ensure all Irish financial institutions are clear of Russian influence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12177/22]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

I understand the Deputy's question refers to Russian State influence and to Irish Banks. 

The Deputy will be aware that the EU has published details of further sanctions in response to the crisis in Ukraine (see www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/sanctions/restrictive-measures-ukraine-crisis/). I am advised by the Central Bank of Ireland that the Bank has a dedicated webpage where supervised entities can access relevant information on these sanctions:

www.centralbank.ie/regulation/how-we-regulate/international-financial-sanctions/changes-to-the-russia-ukraine-regulations.

The Central Bank has also issued communiques to the Irish banks outlining the following:  

- It is imperative that firms have processes in place to operationalise these sanctions as they pertain to the business. Firms should be monitoring the situation closely given the potential for further sanctions.

- Firms are reminded of their obligation to ensure that they have robust controls in place, including policies and processes, to ensure that risks to the business are effectively identified, monitored and mitigated on an ongoing basis.

- Firms need to be aware of the significantly increased cyber threat landscape resulting from Russia's invasion into Ukraine. Firms need to be on heightened alert for cyber-attack and have measures in place to detect, defend and recover as needed, to both protect and ensure continuity of their operations. 

- Firms should assess their exposure to cyber risks, including indirect exposures via third parties, and keep a watching brief for advisories from the National Cyber Security Centre.  In particular, firms should review the below advisory which provides recommendations on actions firms should be already taking: www.ncsc.gov.ie/pdfs/TLP_WHITE_Heightened_Threats_Feb22.pdf.

I can further inform the Deputy that there is a robust framework in place known as the Fitness and Probity Regime that was introduced by the Central Bank Reform Act 2010.  It is critical to the protection of the public interest and to ensuring there is public trust and confidence in the financial system.

The core function of the Fitness and Probity Regime is to ensure that individuals in key and customer facing positions - referred to in the legislation as Controlled Functions (CFs) and Pre-Approval Controlled Functions (PCFs) - within a Regulated Financial Service Provider (Regulated Firm) are competent and capable, honest, ethical and of integrity and also financially sound.

The Central Bank's vision for the Fitness and Probity Regime is that Regulated Firms and individuals who work in these firms are committed to high standards of competence, integrity and honesty, and are held to account when they fall below these standards.

Irish Bank Resolution Corporation

Questions (251)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

251. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a schedule of legal fees incurred by him in respect of the liquidation of the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation historically; and if he will provide a schedule of legal fees incurred by the special liquidators of the corporation historically. [12243/22]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

Please see below schedule of legal fees incurred by the Minister for Finance in respect of the liquidation of IBRC:

Date	Amount
2012	€ 724,878.64
2013	€ 417,760.88
2014	€  23,829.59
2020	€ 151,737.63
Total	€ 1,318,206.74

Regarding the schedule of legal fees incurred by the Special Liquidators ("SLs") of the corporation historically, the SLs have advised they are currently compiling this schedule however are not in a position to finalise this within the given timeframe. As a result, I will provide this information directly to the Deputy once it is received from the IBRC SLs.

Insurance Coverage

Questions (252)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

252. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to a report (details supplied) in particular the recommendations for Government; the steps he is taking to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12270/22]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

I note that the question refers to research conducted on behalf of the Irish Cancer Society in relation to the experience of people affected by cancer when accessing financial products and services. I am aware of this research, and the issue of access to financial services for this particular group. It is important to note that neither I, nor the Central Bank of Ireland, can intervene in the provision or pricing of insurance products. This position is reinforced by the EU framework for insurance (the Solvency II Directive).

I note the recommendations of the Report prepared for the Irish Cancer Socirety, particularly in relation to legislating for the concept of a “Right to be Forgotten”. I am aware that a number of EU Member States have implemented such a policy, and my officials have examined the approach taken in these jurisdictions. With respect to home ownership, which is recognised as a challenge within the report, officials have been considering issues around access to insurance, such as mortgage protection cover, for individuals who have recovered from cancer, and have consulted Insurance Ireland on this matter.

Insurance Ireland has advised that life insurance must be underwritten on a case-by-case basis, and that different types of cancers present different risks, which is reflected in current underwriting practices. Insurers must be able to use relevant statistical, medical, and actuarial data to make underwriting decisions to ensure terms and conditions of insurance are appropriate in the interests of all policyholders.

Separately, as the Deputy may be aware, this matter is being considered at EU level, and the European Commission’s Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, published last year, includes an initiative for 2021-2023 to “Address fair access for cancer survivors to financial services (including insurance), via a code of conduct and a reflection on long-term solutions”. My Department has examined this development, and will closely monitor any outputs from this work, as it continues to consider relevant issues in this area. 

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (253)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

253. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Finance if he will urgently review the case for a business (details supplied) in respect of its employment wage subsidy scheme eligibility given that the company is facing closure following the latest eligibility decision that was in contrary to their earlier acceptance on the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12307/22]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

The Employee Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) is operated on a self-assessment basis with the onus on applicants to satisfy themselves that they fully meet the eligibility criteria for the scheme as set down in the legislation and to self-declare to Revenue that they correctly qualify. The eligibility conditions for the scheme, requires that a business has tax clearance and that a minimum 30% decline in business turnover/orders has occurred due to the impact of COVID-19.

The eligibility criteria set down in the legislation provides that where a business started trading in 2019, but not later than 1 November 2019, it must be able to demonstrate at least a 30% reduction in either turnover or customer orders by comparing the trading months in 2019 to the equivalent months in 2021. To be considered a ‘new business’ for the purpose of EWSS, a business should have started trading from or after 1 November 2019. Changes to a business model after 1 November 2019 does not constitute a new business for the purpose of EWSS.  

The legislation enacted by the Oireachtas places the administration of the wage subsidy schemes under the care and management of the Office of the Revenue Commissioners. 

I understand that a comprehensive review of the case in question was carried out by Revenue and that the outcome of this was conveyed to the agents of the employer by letter on 15 February 2022. 

According to Revenue’s records, the business operated prior to 1 January 2019 and as such is required to use the period 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019 as its reference period to determine if a 30% reduction in turnover or customer orders occurred in 2021, for pay dates on or between 1 July 2021 and 30 April 2022.  The fact that the business adapted its trading model after 1 November 2019 does not change this requirement.

Flood Risk Management

Questions (254)

Matt Carthy

Question:

254. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide funding to resolve flooding in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12255/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Local flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address. All Local Authorities, may carry out flood mitigation works, using either their own resources, or by applying for funding under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme which was introduced by my Office in 2009.

The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to local authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised fluvial flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. The works to be funded are carried out under local authority powers and ongoing maintenance of the completed works is the responsibility of the Council.

Under the scheme, applications are considered for projects that are estimated to cost not more than €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects.  Applications are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a cost benefit ratio and having regard to the availability of funding for flood risk management. Full details of this scheme are available on www.gov.ie/opw.

Since 2009, the OPW has approved funding to Monaghan County Council for 27 Minor Works Schemes with a total approval value of €2,495,359. Information of schemes approved for funding is available on he OPW website at www.gov.ie/en/collection/893cd1-minor-flood-mitigation-works-and-coastal-protection-scheme-lists-of-/.

The OPW also has statutory responsibility for and carries out a programme of Arterial Drainage Maintenance. These maintenance works relate to arterial drainage schemes completed by the OPW under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945, with the primary purpose of improving the drainage of agricultural lands.

The OPW’s annual Arterial Drainage Maintenance Works Programme includes the following river catchments in the Monaghan area: Blackwater, Glyde and Dee.

The Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme, the largest ever flood risk study carried out in the State, culminated with the launch in 2018 of 29 flood risk management plans which propose 118 new outline flood relief projects on top of the major projects already completed and the schemes that were ongoing at the time within the existing capital works programme of the Office of Public Works (OPW).  All of these projects are to be funded under the Government's 10 Year flood risk investment programme of almost €1.3 billion under the National Development Plan 2018 – 2030. 

As it is not possible to progress all proposed new schemes at once, an initial phase of 50 flood relief projects throughout the country was announced which included the five largest schemes identified in the Plans and 31 small or minor projects with estimated construction budgets under €1 million which are being progressed directly by local authorities. The remaining projects in the initial phase of implementation were selected on the basis of those projects which would provide the greatest benefit in terms of the greatest number of properties protected on a regionally.

While the three proposed schemes in County Monaghan, for Ballybay, Iniskeen and Monaghan town, are not in the first tranche of projects to be progressed, the OPW and Monaghan County Council will work closely to ensure that they will be commenced as soon as possible within the lifetime of the programme of investment.

Flood Risk Management

Questions (255)

Matt Carthy

Question:

255. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the applications that have been received by Monaghan County Council for flood alleviation measures; the funding that has been allocated each year since 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12256/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Local flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each local authority to investigate and address. All local authorities may carry out flood mitigation works, within their own capital works programme and using their own resources, or by applying for funding under the Office of Public Works Minor Flood Mitigation Works Scheme. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding within their areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. Under the scheme, applications are considered for projects that are estimated to cost not more than €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects. Applications are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, social and environmental criteria of the Scheme, including a cost benefit ratio.

The yearly approval of funding to Monaghan County Council under the Minor Works Scheme from 2016 to 2022.

Year	Funding
2016	€200,130
2017	€58,500
2018	€459,900
2019	€500,000
2021	€76,500
2022	€0

The OPW guidelines for funding applications under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, together with a full list of funding approvals since 2009 is available on the OPW website at www.gov.ie/en/collection/893cd1-minor-flood-mitigation-works-and-coastal-protection-scheme-lists-of-/.

Flood Risk Management

Questions (256)

Matt Carthy

Question:

256. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the funding towards flood alleviation measures that has been allocated to each local authority area in each of the years 2010 to 2021; the proposed allocation for 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12257/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Local flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each local authority to investigate and address. All local authorities may carry out flood mitigation works, within their own capital works programme and using their own resources, or by applying for funding under the Office of Public Works Minor Flood Mitigation Works Scheme.

The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding within their areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. Under the scheme, applications are considered for projects that are estimated to cost not more than €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects. Applications are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, social and environmental criteria of the Scheme, including a cost benefit ratio.

The OPW on average profiles annual approvals in the order of €4m, but the actual approvals are dependent on demand for the scheme. The yearly approval of funding to all Local  Authorities under the Minor Works Scheme from 2010 to 2021 is as follows;

Year	Approval
2010	€16m
2011	€4.623m
2012	€4.446m
2013	€1.509m
2014	€1.266m
2015	€2.672m
2016	€4.374m
2017	€3.060m
2018	€5.702m
2019	€4.751m
2020	€3.999m
2021	€2.244m
2022*	€0.277m

* until end of Feb 2022

Further information on the breakdown of these annual approved allocations is available at www.opw.ie.

Commemorative Plaques

Questions (257)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

257. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if consideration will be given as part of the Decade of Centenaries project to erecting a memorial to the persons who lost their lives fighting the War of Independence in Headford, County Kerry (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12202/22]

Written answers

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

My role as Minister with responsibility for leading the co-ordination of the Decade of Centenaries Programme (2012-2023) is to help ensure that the challenging events of this important and formative period in our history and related themes, are meaningfully, proportionately and sensitively remembered. In December, I announced funding of €2 million for local authorities in 2022, to support their leading role in developing community-led commemorative activities, for the final phase of the Decade of Centenaries Programme.

The provision or maintenance of memorials, erection of monuments, plaques, busts or statues and the production of commemorative medals or pins are not currently supported under my Department's funding allocation. My Department has developed comprehensive guidance for the allocation of funding to assist local authorities.  However, it is, of course, within the discretion of individual local authorities to provide support from within their own resources to local communities who wish to erect and maintain monuments, where this is deemed the appropriate approach. 

It is anticipated that local authorities will receive a number of requests from commemorative committees and community groups seeking support for the erection of monuments and other memorials as we navigate through the sensitive forthcoming period of commemorations. 

While it is recognised that these incidents and actions are undoubtedly of great local significance in the narrative of the part played by individual counties during the Struggle for Independence and Civil War, this is just one element within the Community Strand of the overall Decade of Centenaries programme. Our approach is aligned with the guidance of the Expert Advisory Group on Centenary Commemorations, which advocates that initiatives which will serve as ‘living legacies’ for the Decade of Centenaries would be particularly beneficial, such as those that highlight the importance of original research and scholarship at national and local level, promoting free, public access to authentic historical sources. 

The Expert Advisory Group advises that local commemorative endeavours could helpfully focus on acknowledging the significance of the event or action, rather than on the individual personalities involved, which would be a matter for personal commemoration and personal remembrance. The Group advocates that the emphasis must always be on remembrance and commemoration of locally significant historical events and the avoidance of any sense of celebration. 

Sports Funding

Questions (258)

Emer Higgins

Question:

258. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when an organisation (details supplied) can expect to receive its successful funding under the sports capital grant 2020. [12191/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

The club to which the Deputy refers, was provisionally allocated a grant of €7,641 last August for the purchase of sports equipment under the 2020 round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme. The necessary documentation was subsequently received to allow the grant to be formally approved.

In relation to the drawdown of the funding, I understand that while material was submitted by the club, some additional clarification is required and my Department was in touch with the designated club contact earlier this week. Once this clarification is received, there will be no undue delay in processing the request and issuing the payment to the club.

Sports Facilities

Questions (259)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

259. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the development status of facilities (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12213/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the National Digital Database of Sport and Recreation Facilities, currently being developed by Sport Ireland, is entering phase 2 of its development. The project aims to collect authoritative data on Sport and Recreation Amenities, provide clear and concise information to the public and facilitate national and local policies. This database will be a digital portal, which will provide a base registry of sports and recreation amenities in Ireland. It will also provide improved data quality and data management for stakeholders; meet open data requirements (EU Directive July 2021) as well as access to additional data from other stakeholders and sources. The database will also provide tools for audits, condition surveys and assessment as well as options for public feedback for live reporting on conditions or issues.

This is a major, multi-annual project involving the integration of multiple datasets. It is the aim to have it substantially completed around the end of 2023.   

Sports Facilities

Questions (260)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

260. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the engagements between organisations (details supplied) regarding the expansion of the National Database of Sport and Recreation Amenities to an all-island basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12214/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

The creation of a National Digital Database of Sport and Recreation facilities is a multi-phased development project, led by Sport Ireland, that allows for expansion to all-island coverage. Some data will already cover the 32 counties, particularly information on clubs from National Governing Bodies who operate on an all-island basis. The Sport Ireland project development team is working with relevant agencies in Northern Ireland to harmonise data models, in order to allow for data sharing and to explore opportunities for further collaboration in future phases.

Sports Facilities

Questions (261)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

261. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the position regarding the examination of including the location of defibrillators in in the National Database of Sport and Recreation Amenities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12215/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

A key principle of the National Digital Database project, the development of which is being led by Sport Ireland, is the necessity to source and accept data from authoritative sources, in order to ensure the accuracy, reliability and sustainability of the system and its data. Such sources include, in particular, Local Authorities, State Agencies and National Governing Bodies of Sport. There has been initial engagement with the bodies who collect information on defibrillators in Ireland and best efforts are being made to show defibrillator coverage across the country. The integrity and accuracy of the data provided will be made a priority to ensure information provided is valuable to users.

Invasive Species Policy

Questions (262)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

262. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the costs related to the removal of one hectare of rhododendron in Ireland’s national parks that are managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12249/22]

Written answers

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

The National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department has a long standing and ongoing practice of invasive species management.  In particular, Rhododendron management has been a feature of work practices in Killarney National Park since the 1980s.

In 2021, my Department allocated more than €1.3m for invasive species removal across 15 of our sites in the parks and reserves network, with close to €500k allocated to the Southern Division for works at Killarney National Park and Glengarriff Nature Reserve.

The cost of removal of rhododendron per hectare varies according to local conditions (density, age and growth of plant, accessibility and location etc).  €2,457 per hectare would be a reasonable estimate. 

Planning Issues

Questions (263)

Holly Cairns

Question:

263. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the progress in addressing action 60 of the Rural Development Policy 2021-2025 (details supplied). [8664/22]

Written answers

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

The Planning and Development (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2018, which came into operation on 8 February 2018, provide for an exemption from the requirement to obtain planning permission in respect of the change of use of certain vacant commercial premises to residential use, including the conversion of vacant areas above ground floor commercial premises to residential use. This measure was aimed at facilitating the productive re-use of qualifying vacant commercial buildings as homes, while also facilitating urban renewal and the bringing on stream of increased housing supply.

Both Our Rural Future – Rural Development Policy 2021 to 2025 and the recently published Housing Plan for Ireland - Housing for All commit to reviewing and extending the 2018 regulations to the end of 2025.

New regulations entitled the Planning and Development Act (Exempted Development) Regulations 2022 (S.I. No. 75 of 2022) were signed into law by Minister O'Brien on 21 February last, thereby delivering on this commitment.

Housing Policy

Questions (264)

James O'Connor

Question:

264. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if an update will be provided on the work of the Housing Commission. [12114/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Programme for Government contained a commitment to establishing a Commission on Housing to examine issues such as tenure, standards, sustainability and quality-of-life issues in the provision of housing. This should include the efficient functioning of the markets for housing construction and provision. As further set out in Housing for All – A New Housing Plan for Ireland, the Commission will also bring forward proposals on the Referendum on Housing referred to in the Programme for Government.

The Commission on Housing is now established and held its first meeting on 12th January 2022. The Commission consists of 12 Members, including the Chair John O’Connor who was appointed by the Minister in May 2021. The 9 ordinary Members were appointed by the Minister following the campaign seeking expressions of interest in membership of the Commission. A further two international experts were appointed by the Minister.

I understand that the Commission has now met 4 times. It should be noted that the Commission on Housing is independent from the Department. The Commission will regularly be publishing information on its website - https://www.gov.ie/housingcommission/ including agendas and minutes of meetings.

Derelict Sites

Questions (265)

Steven Matthews

Question:

265. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding the number of properties on the derelict sites register in Wicklow County Council; his views on the merits of updating elected representatives within the local authority area on a quarterly basis on the latest statistics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10093/22]

Written answers

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

On 31 December 2020, which is the latest date for which data is available in my Department, Wicklow County Council had 4 sites listed on its Derelict Sites register. Data in respect of the end of 2021 is due to be collected in the coming months.

While the Derelict Sites Act 1990 does not require local authorities to publish their Derelict Sites Registers on their websites, section 8(5) provides that the register shall be kept at the offices of the local authority and shall be available for inspection at the offices of the local authority during office hours. The issue of elected members being updated of the latest statistics on derelict sites in their functional area on a quarterly basis is a matter for local authorities.

Planning Issues

Questions (266)

Steven Matthews

Question:

266. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to delays in the roll-out of an e-planning system for local authorities which is now set to be completed by the end of 2022; the steps that are being taken to ensure that there are no future delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10094/22]

Written answers

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

The e-Planning project was commenced with the aims of developing a relatively simple system closely aligned to the already developed Building Control Management (BCMS) system. However, as the detailed analysis for the project progressed, the differences between the standalone nature of the BCMS system and the complexity of e-Planning, including the level of integration required with the different systems already operated by local authorities, highlighted that a divergent approach would be required.

The approach from the outset was to, build on, rather than replace existing systems for cost and time efficiency reasons. The planning system itself is complex with many different processes, scenarios and timelines so the development of a solution that takes account of the complex planning code together with the required integration of the developed system with 3 existing back-end planning systems and 8 existing document management systems across 31 planning authorities was not a straightforward process.

However, following initial system development and a re-scoping exercise carried out in 2020, a revised project schedule for agreed functionality was agreed. This schedule committed to delivering online planning in two pilot local authorities by the end of 2021. The National Online Planning Portal (http://planning.localgov.ie) went live in Tipperary County Council and Galway County Council in Q4 2021 and is progressing well, with already over 35% of planning applications received in both these counties being received online.

The development of remaining functionality which includes the facility to make online submissions to planning applications and part 8 proposals is well advanced and is scheduled for completion by the end of May, after which time this aspect will also be piloted in Tipperary County Council and Galway County Council.

It is envisaged that the rollout of the National Online Planning Portal enabling both the making of online planning applications and the making of online submissions will begin across all remaining local authorities on a phased basis, including the integration necessary to enable planning applications for all local authorities, who may use different systems, to be received via the National Portal.

At present Cork City Council, Cork County Council and Kildare County Council are in the process of replacing their planning system after which they will complete the integration necessary to enable planning applications to these local authorities to be received via the National Portal.

The project is advancing in line with the programme agreed in 2020 and it is envisaged that e-planning functionality will be further rolled out across local authorities during the current year.

Vacant Properties

Questions (267, 268)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

267. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of social housing units refurbished under the voids stimulus programme announced in May 2021 in the area covered by Galway City Council; the number of these refurbished social housing units which have been re-let as social homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12170/22]

Catherine Connolly

Question:

268. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of social housing units refurbished under the voids stimulus programme announced in May 2021 in the area covered by Galway County Council; the number of these refurbished social housing units which have been re-let as social homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12171/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I propose to take Questions Nos. 267 and 268 together.

The management and maintenance of local authority housing stock, including pre-letting repairs to vacant properties, the implementation of a planned maintenance programme and carrying out of responsive repairs, are matters for each individual local authority under Section 58 of the Housing Act 1966.

Since 2014, Exchequer funding has also been provided through my Department's Voids Programme to support local authorities in preparing vacant units for re-letting. This funding was introduced originally to tackle long term vacant units and is now increasingly targeted to support authority's to ensure minimal turnaround and re-let times for vacant stock.

From 2014 to 2021, expenditure of some €261 million was recouped to local authorities under the Voids Programme which funded the return to productive use of 18,527 properties nationwide. Local authorities also provide significant funding from their own resources to address the level of vacancy within the social housing stock.

There has been extensive funding provided particularly over the last two years under the Voids programme which not only catered for standard relets but also for vacant properties requiring more extensive works prior to relet. It is up to each local authority to submit a programme of works based on their individual allocation or targets.

In 2020, €56.4m exchequer funding was provided to bring a total of 3,607 vacant homes back into productive use within the social housing stock. This represents the highest ever yearly spend and the highest number of homes to be refurbished under the voids programme. Within this programme local authorities had the opportunity to remediate long term vacant properties (houses vacant over 12 months) the funding for which was uncapped. Again in 2021, the Voids programme catered for a non-standard refurbishment option which allowed local authorities claim an average of €50,000 funding in this category (no vacancy limit).

In relation to the announcement in May 2021 it is important to note this was not a stimulus Voids Programme but rather a normal Voids Programme. The Voids stimulus programme was announced in July 2020 and made available to local authorities in recognition of the very challenging financial circumstances which they were experiencing with a very real risk that the vacant homes, which would normally be refurbished by local authorities using their own resources, would be significantly impacted in 2020.

Full details in relation to output of Galway County Council, Galway City Council and all other local authorities is available on the link below.

www.gov.ie/en/collection/0906a-other-local-authority-housing-scheme-statistics/#voids-programme.

My Department will continue to support local authorities in their work in this area in 2022, however, as result of the significant investment by the Department in the Voids Programme, local authorities should also now be in a strong position to begin the transition to a strategic and informed planned maintenance approach to stock management and maintenance. To that end my Department and local authorities are working to transition from a largely response and voids based approach to housing stock management and maintenance to a planned maintenance approach. This will require the completion of stock condition surveys by all local authorities and the subsequent development of strategic and informed work programmes in response. My Department will support these work programmes by ensuring that the funding available under the various stock improvement programmes are aligned with this approach.

It is also of note that Local authorities will always have a level of vacancy in their housing stock. This will fluctuate over time as tenancy surrender and re-letting of dwellings is an ongoing process. Details in relation to the number of voids are not collated by my Department, however, statistics in relation to social housing stock, at a point in time, are published by the National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC) in their Annual Reports on Performance Indicators in Local Authorities. These reports provide a range of information in relation to social housing stock, including levels of vacancy in local authority owned properties. The most recent report, relating to 2020, is available on the NOAC website at the following link:

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

Question No. 268 answered with Question No. 267.

Planning Issues

Questions (269, 270, 271)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

269. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the promised national town centre first office; the timeline for the establishment of the office; the number of staff allocated to the office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12207/22]

Catherine Connolly

Question:

270. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the recruitment of a national director for town centre first; when he expects the position to be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12208/22]

Catherine Connolly

Question:

271. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the national oversight and advisory group for town centre first; the membership of the group; the terms of reference of the group; if the group has met to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12209/22]

Written answers

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 269 to 271, inclusive, together.

The Town Centre First (TCF) policy, jointly developed by my Department and the Department of Rural and Community Development, sets out 33 actions which will provide a co-ordinated framework across established national policy objectives (in particular the National Planning Framework, Housing for All and Our Rural Future) to address the decline in the health of our towns and sets out actions to regenerate and revitalise them.

One of the key actions of the policy is the establishment of a TCF National Office to drive and coordinate the implementation of the policy across the whole Country.

The County and City Management Association will play a key role in delivering these structures and discussions with my Department are at an advanced stage in this regard.  On foot of these discussions, it is expected that the post of National TCF Co-ordinator, the key leadership post in the National TCF Office, will be advertised shortly for secondment at Director of Services level within the local government sector. 

Other posts within the National TCF Office will be established further to the finalisation of the key national implementation structures, but it is expected that the National Office will comprise a team of up to 5-6 people.

Appropriate governance and oversight structures to support the work of the National TCF Office will be developed through the National Oversight and Advisory Group. It is intended that this group will set the agenda, prepare a high level action plan and ultimately oversee the implementation of the overall TCF programme. This group will be made up with representation from local government/government departments, agencies & wider expert representation. It is intended that recruitment to this group will take place once the National TCF Office is established.

Question No. 270 answered with Question No. 269.

Question No. 271 answered with Question No. 269.

Bord na Móna

Questions (272)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

272. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if Bord na Móna has availed of funding under the bog rehabilitation scheme to rehabilitate the Derryadd, Derryarogue and Derrycashel bogs in County Longford; if so, if the National Parks and Wildlife Service carried out an assessment on whether all proposed improvements optimise climate, environmental, ecological and hydrological benefits; if so, if the NPWS has advised his Department regarding the allowed costs for enhanced rehabilitation improvements that may be recouped by Bord na Móna under the scheme; if so, if the NPWS has ensured that all enhanced rehabilitation improvements carried out under the scheme are in line with the objectives of the scheme and that costs have been appropriately incurred by Bord Na Móna; if so, if the NPWS ensured that there is no overlap between enhanced rehabilitation improvements and any obligations that Bord na Móna may have under the terms of its IPC licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12229/22]

Written answers

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

The Enhanced Decommissioning Rehabilitation and Restoration Scheme (EDRRS) approved by the Government in November 2020 encompasses work on approximately 33,000 hectares of Bord na Móna peatlands previously harvested for peat extraction for electricity generation. €108 million National Recovery and Resilience funding for the project has been approved for this large-scale peatlands project to rehabilitate these Bord na Móna peatlands by the EU on condition of meeting agreed milestones and targets.

The Scheme is administered by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and it is regulated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of this Department. Bord Na Móna are the Operators of the Scheme and they are under the aegis of the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications.

In April 2021, in its role as scheme Regulator, the NPWS reviewed the Derrycashel Bog EDRRS rehabilitation plan as submitted by Bord na Móna, to ensure that it met the scheme‘s objectives. The NPWS approved the Derrycashel Bog rehabilitation plan once it was satisfied that the plan met the schemes objectives to rehabilitate the peatlands in accordance with peat rehabilitation best practice. Submitted by Bord na Móna as part of the Derrycashel Bog rehabilitation plan, the NPWS also reviewed the projected cost plan for the rehabilitation works at Derrycashel Bog to ensure that the projected costs were allowable costs which may be recouped under the scheme.

The EDRRS rehabilitation works are still ongoing on Derrychashel Bog. In its role as scheme Regulator, the NPWS has undertaken a field visit to monitor these works and to ensure that the ongoing works are in line with the approved bog rehabilitation plan. Bord na Móna also provides regular weekly updates to NPWS as regards the progress of all ongoing work on the EDRRS bogs. As scheme regulator, the NPWS has also reviewed all EDRRS costs claimed by Bord na Móna to date to ensure that all such costs are allowable under the scheme and that costs across all the bogs where work has begun are in line with projected costs.

As EDRRS Regulator, the NPWS must ensure that there is no replication between rehabilitation work carried out and paid for under the scheme and any remediation obligations that Bord na Móna may have under the terms of its Integrated Pollution Control licenses granted by the EPA. The NPWS undertakes this check when reviewing the costs claimed by Bord na Móna under the scheme.

To date, Bord na Móna has not yet submitted EDRRS rehabilitation plans to the NPWS for review for Derryadd Bog or Derryarogue Bog.

Water Services

Questions (273)

Martin Browne

Question:

273. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to applicants being refused mortgages on houses in estates due to the fact that they cannot be taken in charge by local authorities due to the lack of an agreement between Irish Water and local authorities on the transfer of developer provided water and wastewater infrastructure; the actions he is taking to resolve this in view of the housing crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12231/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Housing estates which are not taken in charge by Planning Authorities and do not have their water services connected to the public network rely instead on treatment infrastructure - called Developer Provided Water Services Infrastructure (DPI) - which was provided by the estate developers. Housing estates with DPI are a small subset of estates nationally awaiting taking in charge by Planning Authorities.

Under Section 180 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), it is a matter for the relevant Planning Authority to take housing estates in charge.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Irish Water and local authorities addresses the arrangements necessary for taking in charge of estates provided they are connected to the public (Irish Water) network. I assume that this is the agreement that the Deputy is referring to.

My Department is supporting the progressive taking in charge of estates with DPI and is not aware of applicants being refused mortgages on houses in such estates. I secured funding of €68.5 million under the National Development Plan has for period 2021-2025 for water legacy issues in relation to lead pipe remediation and the Developer Provided Water Services Infrastructure Resolution Programme (DPI) to underpin this support.

My Department introduced a multi-annual programme to provide funding for the progressive resolution of housing estates with legacy DPI. The focus of this first tranches of funding is on estates in towns and villages where the resolution is to connect their water services to the public networks. The MoU agreement allows for this.

In September 2020, I announced the first tranche of funding under the multi-annual programme. Just over €3.36 million was made available for 26 estates across 10 counties with almost 950 households to benefit.

The Expert Panel is currently considering further bid submissions from local authorities and this, subject to my approval, will lead to a further wave of funding allocations in Q2, 2022. These projects, together with a major study being undertaken by Irish Water, will inform future policy and funding needs on resolving sub-standard developer provided water services infrastructure in the areas involved.

Housing Provision

Questions (274, 275, 276, 279)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

274. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of local authority housing starts proposed by each county with particular reference to County Kildare and adjoining counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12286/22]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

275. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of housing starts to facilitate those seeking affordable houses that are expected in each county throughout 2022; the extent to which housing plans can be accelerated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12287/22]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

276. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of affordable housing starts proposed in 2022 in each county based on present proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12288/22]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

279. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of affordable housing to be created in each county throughout the country based on success to date with particular reference to those counties currently facing an acute housing problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12291/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I propose to take Questions Nos. 174, 275, 276 and 279 together.

The Affordable Housing Act 2021, the first ever standalone affordable housing legislation, established a basis for four new affordable housing measures. These measures will deliver on the Programme for Government commitment to put affordability at the heart of the housing system and prioritise the increased supply of affordable homes through (1) delivering affordable homes on local authority lands, (2) the introduction of a new form of tenure in Cost Rental, (3) a First Home shared equity scheme and (4) expanding Part V planning requirements to increase the 10% contribution requirement to 20% and to apply it to cost rental as well as social and affordable housing.

This Act, supported by the unprecedented levels of funding committed to in the Housing for All strategy, averaging over €4 billion annually, will underpin the delivery of affordable housing targets. Specifically, 54,000 affordable homes for purchase or rent will be delivered between now and 2030 by local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies, the Land Development Agency and through the First Home Scheme, a strategic partnership between the State and retail banks.

A Housing Delivery Action Plan was submitted by each local authority in December, currently being prepared by each Local Authority, will underpin delivery targets to 2026. Local authorities submitted the first iteration of their plans in December and my officials have now met with each authority. I expect that the final Delivery Action Plans will be published in Q2 and these will contain projected delivery over the years 2022 to 2026.

Housing Provision

Questions (277, 280, 285)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

277. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the degree to which he has plans to meet the housing requirements of those currently on local authority housing waiting lists with particular reference to County Kildare and adjoining counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12289/22]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

280. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of applicants on the local authority lists of counties throughout Leinster that are currently facing a serious housing shortage at present; the extent to which he plans to deal with those on the lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12292/22]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

285. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he expects to be in a position to dramatically shorten the waiting times for local authority built houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12297/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I propose to take Questions Nos. 277, 280 and 285 together.

Housing for All is the Government’s plan to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 per year over the next decade. This includes the delivery of 47,600 new build social homes in the period 2022-2026. Housing for All is supported by an investment package of over €4bn per annum, through an overall combination of €12bn in direct Exchequer funding, €3.5bn in funding through the Land Development Agency (LDA) and €5bn funding through the Housing Finance Agency.

In September 2021, I issued social housing targets for build and long-term lease to all local authorities for 2022-2026. The targets for Kildare are set out in table below.

Target 2022 Build & Lease	Target 2023 Build & Lease	Target 2024 Build	Target 2025 Build	Target 2026 Build
632	486	409	440	449

Details on the number of households qualified for social housing support in each local authority administrative area is provided in the annual statutory Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA). The SSHA captures the total number of households qualified for social housing support across the country whose social housing need has not yet been met and helps better inform policy and plan for the delivery of the right types of social housing support. The most recently published summary, conducted in November 2020, shows 61,880 households assessed as qualified for and needing social housing support. This is a decrease of 6,813 households, or 9.9%, on the assessment in June 2019. The 2020 summary is available at the following link:

www.gov.ie/en/publication/970ea-summary-of-social-housing-assessments-2020-key-findings/#:~:text=The%20Summary%20of%20Social%20Housing,is%20not%20currently%20being%20met.

The 2021 SSHA process is underway and I expect to publish the summary report later this month.

Housing Provision

Questions (278)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

278. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which it is expected to speed up the process of local authority housing loans having particular regard to the housing crisis faced by those on local authority waiting lists or currently renting high-rent properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12290/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The introduction of the Local Authority Home Loan was announced as part of Housing For All. This is the successor to the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loans Scheme. It has been available nationwide from local authorities since 4 January 2022 for for people on modest or low incomes who cannot get sufficient funding from commercial banks to purchase or build a home. The loan can be used both for new and second-hand properties, or to self-build. It is available for first-time buyers and fresh start applicants. The Local Authority Home Loan can also be used for the purchase of homes through State schemes such as the Tenant Purchase Scheme and Affordable Housing Schemes, with the exception of the First Home Scheme.

The Scheme supports home ownership amongst lower to moderate income households by reducing the cost of mortgage finance and increasing the level of financing available, particularly for single applicants in urban areas.Further details can be found on the following websites localauthorityhomeloan.ie/ and https://www.gov.ie/en/service/00500-local-authority-home-loan-scheme/.

My Department does not collect data on the average time taken by local authorities to process Local Authority Home Loans.

In order to support local authorities, the Housing Agency has been tasked to provide a central support service which assesses applications for local authority loans on behalf of local authorities and makes recommendations to the authorities to approve or refuse applications. The Agency has confirmed the average turnaround time for applications to be assessed (from date received to date returned with recommendation) in October 2021 was 5 working days. However, some applications may take longer to assess due to the need to verify aspects of the application etc.

The application and associated recommendation is then forwarded to the relevant local authority to process. Each local authority must have in place a Credit Committee and it is a matter for the Committee to make the final decision on applications for loans, in accordance with the regulations, and having regard to the recommendations made by the Housing Agency.

Question No. 279 answered with Question No. 274.

Question No. 280 answered with Question No. 277.

Housing Provision

Questions (281, 286, 287, 288)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

281. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of housing units proposed in each county throughout 2022 with particular reference to those counties experiencing population growth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12293/22]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

286. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which he and his Department can exceed the proposed number of new, local authority and affordable houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12298/22]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

287. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he expects to be in a position to identify a specific date within which it is intended to meet housing needs with particular reference to those on local authority waiting lists, those trying to raise a deposit and those affected by the low threshold for qualification for local authority loans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12299/22]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

288. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which he has considered additional measures to address the housing crisis with particular reference to the rapidly escalating house prices, the increasing number of persons seeking to purchase an affordable house and the number of applicants on local authority housing waiting lists; his plans to introduce radical measures to address the situation which is for many persons an emergency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12300/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I propose to take Questions Nos. 281, 286, 287 and 288 together.

Housing for All, the Government's housing plan for Ireland is a radical one that sets out four pathways to a sustainable housing system. Affordability and the chance to own a home are at the heart of this Government’s housing policy. It recognises that significant new supports are needed so that those who want to own their own home can do so, and that those who wish to rent are able to do so at an affordable rate.

While many housing issues are complex to tackle, a simple lack of supply to meet demand is a significant part of the problem. Housing for All addresses this and aims to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 homes per year over the next decade. Over 300,000 new homes will be built by the end of 2030, including a projected 90,000 social homes, 36,000 affordable purchase homes, and 18,000 cost rental homes. 

To help support this ambitious delivery, Housing for All is backed by historic levels of investment with in excess of €20bn through the Exchequer, the Land Development Agency (LDA) and the Housing Finance Agency over the next 5 years. This will provide the sector with the certainty and stability it needs. 

There is a targeted approach right across the country to supply housing where it is needed most. A key action of Housing for All is that local authorities will develop and submit Housing Delivery Action Plans to include details of social and affordable housing delivery. The Plans set out details of both social and affordable housing delivery as appropriate over the period 2022 - 2026, in line with targets set under Housing for All. 

All local authorities submitted their Housing Delivery Action Plans to me in December. My Department is now working closely with each local authority and the Housing Delivery Coordination Office to review the Plans, having regard to the targets and policy objectives set out in Housing for All. This will require further engagement with local authorities in the coming weeks. It is intended to publish the Plans in Quarter 2 of 2022 when this process of assessment and engagement has concluded.

There are a number of encouraging indications of increased construction activity at this early stage. We are seeing a strong supply pipeline, with Commencement Notices data showing a total number of 30,724 residential dwellings commenced in 2021. This is a 42% increase when compared to the number of residential dwellings commenced in 2020 (21,686). The 2021 total is almost equal to the combined totals for 2016 and 2017 (30,816).

New figures shows that in the past twelve months (February 2021 to January 2022), Commencement Notices for 31,201 new homes were received. This is the highest rolling 12-month total since comparable data was first published. The breakdown, by local authority area, is available in the Statistics Dashboard of the Housing for All campaign page at following weblink:www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/dfc50-housing-for-all/#.

With regard to the number of homes built, there were 20,433 new dwellings completed in 2021. Completions for 2022 and 2023 are projected to exceed the Housing for All targets of 24,600 and 29,000 respectively. The Central Bank forecasts that some 27,000 and 31,000 homes will be completed in 2022 and 2023 respectively.

Increasing the supply of housing as set out in Housing for All is the top priority for me and the Government and we have made a good start on our path towards this goal. However, I acknowledge that we are coming from a low base of supply and that it will take some time before the full benefits of the plan are tangible to our citizens. There are however a number of key schemes and initiatives that will support the delivery of affordable homes at scale:

The Local Authority Affordable Homes scheme and the First Home scheme are primarily focused on supporting first-time buyers purchasing newly built homes. Both of these schemes will be targeted at households constrained by the maximum mortgage and deposit available to them. The gap between the market value and what the household can afford (including with the assistance of the ‘Help to Buy’ incentive) will be bridged via the provision of equity support. The equity support can subsequently be redeemed at any time at the home-owners discretion, or remain outstanding until the home is sold or passed on.

Changes have also be made to the current Local Authority Home Loan Scheme which enable first-time buyers, on middle incomes, to access sustainable mortgages to purchase new or second-hand properties, or to self-build. The product has been changed by lowering the interest rate for new borrowers by 0.25% and raising the maximum income ceiling for single persons to €65,000 in counties Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Louth, Meath and Wicklow. 

New Cost Rental homes are now becoming available as we speak. Under Cost Rental, homes will be provided at rents that are set to cover only the cost of financing, building, managing and maintaining the homes. Over the period to 2026, it is intended that approximately 10,000 Cost Rental homes will be delivered in our urban centres that will provide affordable rental homes in the order of 25% below market rents.

The LDA also has a key role to play, including through “Project Tosaigh” aimed at accelerating the delivery of up to 5,000 homes. The first delivery stream of this LDA initiative to bring privately developed units to market affordably and quickly was launched on 12 November 2021. The LDA issued a call for Expressions of Interest for advance purchase agreements to developers, with a target scheme scale in excess of 150 units per development, in the Greater Dublin Area, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford. The Expressions of Interest submitted are currently being assessed by the LDA with their priority focus and engagement being on schemes with potential delivery in 2022 and 2023. These homes will be targeted at those middle-income households that do not qualify for social housing, but struggle to afford open market housing, i.e. household incomes of broadly €45,000 to €80,000 per annum.

The Affordable Housing Fund has replaced the Serviced Sites Fund. The Fund has been open for applications from 1 September 2021. My Department is actively engaging with the Local Authorities to support and encourage them to develop and submit proposals. The homes that Local Authorities deliver under the Affordable Housing Fund will be sold at least 15% below open market value in respect of Affordable Purchase homes and in the order of 25% below open market value prices in respect of Cost Rental homes.

The housing challenge remains immense, and continues to be affected by ongoing challenges including COVID-19 related delays, supply chain difficulties and inflationary pressure. The cost of housing – for those buying or renting will continue to be a challenge in the short-term. Narrowing the gap between supply and demand through the implementation of Housing for All will ultimately result in a moderation of prices and provide greater certainty to buyers and the sector alike.

Finally, in terms of tracking progress on Housing for All the Government has committed to publishing a report each quarter throughout the lifetime of the plan.

The first of these progress reports, for Q3 2021, was published on 20 October 2021 and can be accessed at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/44df1-housing-for-all-q3-2021-progress-report/.

The second progress report, for Q4 2021, was published on 26 January 2022 and can be accessed at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/84e61-housing-for-all-q4-2021-progress-report/.

Housing Policy

Questions (282, 283, 284)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

282. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if it is expected that the requirement for a deposit can be waived in cases in which persons living in high-rent properties are having difficulty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12294/22]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

283. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider waiving most of the deposits required for those in high-rent properties who wish to purchase an affordable home notwithstanding the Housing for All proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12295/22]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

284. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the degree to which he can assist those currently on housing waiting lists or awaiting affordable housing throughout the greater Dublin area with particular reference to the need for a deposit given that the local authorities have responsibilities as housing authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12296/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I propose to take Questions Nos. 282 to 284, inclusive, together.

The Housing for All strategy is the Government’s plan to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 per year over the next decade. Our annual targets include the delivery of 90,000 new social homes and 54,000 new affordable homes in the period 2022-2030. Housing for All is supported by an investment package of over €4bn per annum, through an overall combination of €12bn in direct Exchequer funding, €3.5bn in funding through the Land Development Agency (LDA) and €5bn funding through the Housing Finance Agency and through a strategic partnership between the State and retail banks.

In relation to increased delivery of social homes and the reduction of housing waiting lists, there is a target to build 9,000 new social homes in 2022 and there is a strong pipeline in place to support this delivery. The Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR) published each quarter provides scheme level detail on social housing new build activity in each local authority, including those delivered by Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs). The most recent report for Quarter 3 2021 shows that there were 9,746 social homes under construction onsite with an additional 9,559 homes at various stages of design and procurement.

Through Housing for All, we are also strengthening the capacity of local authorities to initiate, design, plan, develop and manage housing projects. I approved over 200 new staff for local authority housing delivery teams in December 2021. These posts will increase the capacity of local authorities to initiate, manage and deliver new build housing schemes.

In relation to affordable housing, the Affordable Housing Act 2021, the first ever standalone affordable housing legislation, established a basis for four new affordable housing measures. These measures will deliver on the Programme for Government commitment to put affordability at the heart of the housing system and prioritise the increased supply of affordable homes through (1) delivering affordable homes on local authority lands, (2) the introduction of a new form of tenure in Cost Rental, (3) a First Home shared equity scheme and (4) expanding Part V planning requirements to increase the 10% contribution requirement to 20% and to apply it to cost rental as well as social and affordable housing.

This Act, supported by the unprecedented levels of funding committed to in the Housing for All strategy, averaging over €4 billion annually, will underpin the delivery of affordable housing targets. Specifically, 54,000 affordable homes for purchase or rent will be delivered between now and 2030 by local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies, the Land Development Agency and through the First Home Scheme, a strategic partnership between the State and retail banks.

A Housing Delivery Action Plan currently being prepared by each Local Authority will underpin delivery targets to 2026. Local authorities submitted the first iteration of their plans in December and my officials have now met with each authority. I expect that the final Delivery Action Plans will be published in Q2 and these will contain projected delivery over the years 2022 to 2026.

In relation to deposits, in the first instance deposit requirements are set in line with current mortgage regulations which were introduced and are governed by the Central Bank of Ireland, Any review of the macro prudential rules and first-time buyer regulations are a matter for the Central Bank as an independent body.

The Central Bank referenced these requirements in its recently published Financial Stability Review 2021 II. This report is available at the following link; www.centralbank.ie/docs/default-source/publications/financial-stability-review/financial-stability/financial-stability-review-2021-ii.pdf?sfvrsn=4.

In this report, the Central Bank concluded that these limits are reducing systematic financial risk, as well as preventing credit dynamics from increasing house prices further than the levels recently experienced.

The Help-to-Buy incentive helps support first-time buyers in meeting deposit requirements for newly-built houses or apartments, as well as self-build homes, and it can be used in conjunction with the Local Authority Affordable Purchase and First Home schemes. Subject to the level of income tax and DIRT paid over the previous 4 years, the Help-to-Buy scheme provides a maximum benefit to first-time buyers of €30,000 or 10% of the cost of the newly constructed home. The Help-to-Buy scheme has already helped over 30,000 first-time buyers achieve the deposit required for a new home.

Question No. 283 answered with Question No. 282.

Question No. 284 answered with Question No. 282.

Question No. 285 answered with Question No. 277.

Question No. 286 answered with Question No. 281.

Question No. 287 answered with Question No. 281.

Question No. 288 answered with Question No. 281.

Housing Policy

Questions (289, 290)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

289. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the degree to which his Department continues to monitor house price inflation; the action that is in-hand or likely to be taken to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12301/22]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

290. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the action in hand to discourage house price increases that currently make it difficult or impossible for first-time house buyers to build or acquire a home of their own; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12302/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I propose to take Questions Nos. 289 and 290 together.

Housing for All is the Government’s plan to increase the supply of housing over the next decade. Greater supply will be key to meeting demand, helping moderate property price increases, and addressing affordability pressures facing renters, homeowners and potential buyers in the coming years.

Housing for All includes unprecedented direct investment in social and affordable housing, reforms to ensure availability of land, removal of obstacles to and supporting viability of development, and ensuring there is sufficient investment and capacity to support construction. The plan also commits to reducing the cost of construction.

Recent analysis by the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland indicates that construction build costs account for c.47% of total apartment development costs. These have risen considerably over recent years through a combination of the increased cost of regulatory compliance and general increases in labour and materials costs. As a result, new-builds, especially apartments, are beyond the reach of many first-time buyers. Improved productivity in construction will help address this imbalance.

Housing For All commits the State to a more central role in leading and funding structures to ensure levels of productivity and innovation materialise. The most recent Progress Report for Housing for All (Q4 2021) provides an update on the significant progress being made on delivering this integrated set of policies, as well as on the considerable level of collaboration across Government, the actions being taken to increase capacity and efficiency of delivery of both public and private sectors, and the continued collaborative engagement with the construction sector and other important stakeholders, who are pivotal to its success.

The Progress Report is available at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/84e61-housing-for-all-q4-2021-progress-report/.

Question No. 290 answered with Question No. 289.

Planning Issues

Questions (291)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

291. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of planning permissions applied for and refused by county in each of the past three years to date; the way such figures will inform housing policy going forward with particular reference to giving the local population a chance to live in their local area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12303/22]

Written answers

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

Planning statistics are compiled by each planning authority on an annual basis for collation and publication on my Department’s website, at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/service/9e4ee-get-planning-statistics/.

The data collected relates to the total number of applications and decisions for all developments that require planning permission, broken down by year and planning authority. However, 2021 planning statistics are expected to be published in Q2 2022. It is apparent that almost 9 out of every 10 planning applications made (89%) were granted planning permission in 2020.

Since 2018, the National Planning Framework (NPF) is the national planning policy document providing overall strategic policy for the future development of Ireland through specific National Policy Objectives (NPOs) that support the overall rural and small town pattern of development in Ireland.

In policy terms, NPO 19 of the NPF aims to ensure that a distinction is made between areas experiencing significant overspill development pressure from urban areas, particularly within the commuter catchment of cities, towns and centres of employment, on the one hand, and other remoter and structurally weaker rural areas where population levels may be low and or declining, on the other. NPO 19 is also aligned with the established approach whereby considerations of social (intrinsic part of the community) or economic (persons working full or part time) need may be applied by planning authorities in rural areas under urban influence.

Under the Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Rural Housing 2005, which were issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended, planning authorities are required to frame the planning policies in their development plans in a balanced and measured way that ensures the housing needs of rural communities are met, while avoiding excessive urban-generated housing.  The Guidelines are available on the Government’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/23809-sustainable-rural-housing-development-guidelines/.  

Updated Rural Housing Planning Guidelines are currently being prepared that will continue to allow for the development of homes in rural areas while also highlighting the need to manage certain areas around cities and towns in order to avoid over-development of those areas.  Given the complexity of the issues involved, the need for environmental assessment and both internal and external consultation, the updated Rural Housing Guidelines, which are at an advanced stage of drafting, will expand on the high level policy of the NPF and will continue to allow county development plans to provide for rural housing in line with the Guidelines.

Subject to the need for any environmental assessment that may be required such as Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) or Appropriate Assessment (AA), the draft guidelines will be the subject of public consultation. The timeline for publication of the draft guidelines will be dependent on whether “full” SEA or AA of the guidelines are required.

In relation to the granting of permissions by local authorities, in making a decision in respect of an application for planning permission, planning authorities (and An Bord Pleanála in relation to planning appeals) are required to consider such applications in the context of the relevant Development Plan, or Local Area Plan where one exists for the area, as well as any relevant Ministerial Guidelines.

It is noteworthy that there has been strong delivery of single new homes in rural areas nationally in recent years, comprising around one in three of all houses (i.e. excluding apartments), completed in the 5 years between Q4 2016 and Q3 2021.

Foreign Conflicts

Questions (292)

Neale Richmond

Question:

292. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will expel the Russian Ambassador and all Russian diplomats from Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12179/22]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Ireland has condemned in the strongest possible terms Russia's illegal, immoral and unjustified invasion of Ukraine. Ireland’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, and its right to choose its own foreign and security policy path, is unwavering.

To date, four broad packages of EU sanctions have been adopted. My Department has published information on all of the sanctions as details become available, accessible on the DFA website.

The first package of 23 February included:

1. Sanctions against individuals and entities, including members of the Russian Parliament;

- Restrictions on economic relations with the two breakaway regions in Donetsk and Luhansk, mirroring the restrictions imposed on Crimea in 2014; and

- Restrictions on Russia’s access the EU’s capital and financial markets.

The second package of 25 February sought to further weaken Russia’s economy and financial system, and reduce its access to cutting-edge technology. The sanctions comprised five pillars:

1. Financial measures, including prohibitions on lending and buying of securities to all five of the major state-owned banks, as well as two private banks; a prohibition on new listings of shares of Russian state-owned enterprises on EU stock markets; a prohibition on lending to and purchase of securities of certain state-owned enterprises; a prohibition on acceptance of deposits over a certain amount from Russian individuals in EU banks; a prohibition on EU central securities depositories from holding accounts from Russian clients, and a prohibition on the sale of EUR-denominated bonds to Russians;

2. Energy Sector measures, focusing on goods and technology relating to oil refineries and preventing the upgrade of Russian refineries to the latest European standards;

3. Transport sector measures, focusing on the aviation and space sector, prohibiting the sale, supply, transfer or export of aircraft, aircraft parts and equipment to Russia, and related services;

4. An extension of listing criteria, to facilitate sanctioning additional individuals participating in or benefitting from the current situation. New listings on this basis included President Putin and Foreign Minister Lavrov;

5. A significant expansion of the scope of goods and technologies subject to export controls by EU Member States.

The third package, adopted on 27 February, comprised:

1. The freezing of the assets of the Central Bank of Russia in Europe, to restrict its capacity to engage in EU markets;

2. A prohibition on Russian aircraft landing in, taking off from or overflying the EU; and

3. Additional listings  of ministers and politicians, oligarchs, the Chairman of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, figures involved in disinformation and military leaders, as well as an insurance company that insured projects related to annexed Crimea.

The fourth package, adopted on 1/2 March, comprised:

1. Measures limiting the ability of two Russian broadcasters, Sputnik and Russia Today, from broadcasting in the EU, to limit disinformation;

2. A prohibition on investment, participation or contribution to projects co-financed by the Russian Direct Investment Fund;

3. A prohibition on the sale, supply, transfer or export of euro denominated banknotes to Russia or to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia, including the Government and the Central Bank of Russia, or for use in Russia; 

4. A prohibition on the provision of specialised financial messaging services to seven named Russian banks (i.e. removal from SWIFT system);

5. Additional listings of 22 individuals connected with the Belarussian military and Ministry of Defence; and

6. Sectoral measures limiting trade between the EU and Belarus.

Other measures, including those referred to by the Deputy, remain under review. Our approach remains to take action on a coordinated basis with our EU partners.

Foreign Conflicts

Questions (293)

Neale Richmond

Question:

293. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the full list of sanctions agreed by European Union leaders against Russia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12180/22]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

To date, four broad packages of EU sanctions have been adopted. My Department has published information on all of the sanctions as details become available, accessible on the DFA website.

The first package of 23 February included:

1. Sanctions against individuals and entities, including members of the Russian Parliament;

2.  Restrictions on economic relations with the two breakaway regions in Donetsk and Luhansk, mirroring the restrictions imposed on Crimea in 2014; and

3.  Restrictions on Russia’s access the EU’s capital and financial markets.

The second package of 25 February sought to further weaken Russia’s economy and financial system, and reduce its access to cutting-edge technology. The sanctions comprised five pillars:

1. Financial measures, including prohibitions on lending and buying of securities to all five of the major state-owned banks, as well as two private banks; a prohibition on new listings of shares of Russian state-owned enterprises on EU stock markets; a prohibition on lending to and purchase of securities of certain state-owned enterprises; a prohibition on acceptance of deposits over a certain amount from Russian individuals in EU banks; a prohibition on EU central securities depositories from holding accounts from Russian clients, and a prohibition on the sale of EUR-denominated bonds to Russians;

2. Energy Sector measures, focusing on goods and technology relating to oil refineries and preventing the upgrade of Russian refineries to the latest European standards;

3. Transport sector measures, focusing on the aviation and space sector, prohibiting the sale, supply, transfer or export of aircraft, aircraft parts and equipment to Russia, and related services;

4. An extension of listing criteria, to facilitate sanctioning additional individuals participating in or benefitting from the current situation. New listings on this basis included President Putin and Foreign Minister Lavrov;

5. A significant expansion of the scope of goods and technologies subject to export controls by EU Member States.  

The third package, adopted on 27 February, comprised:

1. The freezing of the assets of the Central Bank of Russia in Europe, to restrict its capacity to engage in EU markets;

2. A prohibition on Russian aircraft landing in, taking off from or overflying the EU; and

3. Additional listings  of ministers and politicians, oligarchs, the Chairman of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, figures involved in disinformation and military leaders, as well as an insurance company that insured projects related to annexed Crimea.

The fourth package, adopted on 1/2 March, comprised:

1. Measures limiting the ability of two Russian broadcasters, Sputnik and Russia Today, from broadcasting in the EU, to limit disinformation;

2. A prohibition on investment, participation or contribution to projects co-financed by the Russian Direct Investment Fund;

3. A prohibition on the sale, supply, transfer or export of euro denominated banknotes to Russia or to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia, including the Government and the Central Bank of Russia, or for use in Russia; 

4. A prohibition on the provision of specialised financial messaging services to seven named Russian banks (i.e. removal from SWIFT system);

5. Additional listings of 22 individuals connected with the Belarussian military and Ministry of Defence; and

6. Sectoral measures limiting trade between the EU and Belarus.

Preparatory work continues on additional sanctions. Ireland has made clear that it will support the widest possible sanctions, as a concrete demonstration of our solidarity with Ukraine and in order to bring about a change in behaviour on the part of President Putin. Sanctions are not cost-free for Ireland or other EU Member States. However, Russia’s illegal and indefensible actions leave us with no choice.

Foreign Conflicts

Questions (294)

Neale Richmond

Question:

294. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the humanitarian supports that the Government will be donating to the people of Ukraine following the Russian invasion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12181/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs

I am extremely concerned by the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked attack is causing immense suffering for the people of Ukraine. Russia’s war is illegal and immoral, and Ireland’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is unwavering. Ireland will do all it can to support the humanitarian response both in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries.

As an Taoiseach announced last week, a €10 million Irish Aid Ukraine humanitarian package has been put together to enable organisations on the ground, including the UN and the Red Cross Movement, to provide life-saving assistance to the people of Ukraine. Ireland is also sending urgent medical supplies, including protective suits and masks and disinfectants, in response to a request from Ukraine via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM).

In addition, Ireland contributes to global funds and core funding to key agencies that are allocating funding to Ukraine, including WHO, OCHA, UNHCR, IFRC, ICRC and the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). Ireland was the 9th largest donor to the CERF in 2021. Last week, the CERF allocated more than €17.8 million to Ukraine. This year we will increase our annual contribution to the CERF from €10m to €11.5m, as I announced at the CERF pledging conference in December.

My officials are coordinating closely with our EU partners and at UN level on the rapidly evolving situation in Ukraine and the related humanitarian response. 

Passport Services

Questions (295)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

295. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12195/22]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued a passport to the applicant.