Written Answers Nos. 29-50
29. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Finance if he has considered increasing the research and development tax credit rate from 25% to 35%, up to a reasonable threshold; the estimated cost of doing same up to a threshold of €500,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26785/22]
View answerI am informed by Revenue that, on the basis of R&D relief claimed in respect of the year 2020, the most recent year for which tax returns data are available, the cost of increasing the rate of R&D credit from 25% to 35%, up to a threshold of the first €500,000 of allowable expenditure, would be in the region of €40 million. This estimate does not include the impact of any behavioural change resulting from the change to the tax credit.
A review of the R&D tax credit is taking place this year, alongside a review of the Knowledge Development Box (KDB). As part of the review, my officials published a public consultation relating to the operation of both reliefs.
The purpose of this public consultation is to consider the current challenges facing firms who are active in the R&D and IP space, as well as the implications of recent domestic and international tax reforms for these two reliefs. The consultation document also includes questions on the interaction by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with the R&D tax credit. All input will be considered in the context of this year’s Budget and Finance Bill. This consultation will run until 30 May 2022 and it is available on www.gov.ie.
It is intended that the review will be published on or before Budget Day, this October. The review and consultation will inform policy in respect of the R&D tax credit, taking account of feedback provided by stakeholders. As the Deputy will appreciate, I cannot comment on tax policy considerations ahead of the annual Budget in October.
The Deputy may also be interested in Revenue’s published information in respect of the research and development tax credit which is available at: www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/tax-expenditures/r-and-d-tax-credits.aspx Data on the cost and claimants of the credit in 2020 recently became available.
30. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Finance the steps that he is taking to reform mortgage protection practices to prevent financial institutions putting excessive and unreasonable stipulations on home buyers. [26927/22]
View answerMortgage lenders are required to comply with the relevant legal and regulatory requirements governing the provision and operation of mortgage credit agreements entered into by consumers. This includes the relevant provisions of the Consumer Credit Act 1995, the European Union (Consumer Mortgage Credit Agreements) Regulations 2016, the Central Bank of Ireland Consumer Protection Code 2012 and the Code of Conduct Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears 2013.
In addition, other more general consumer protection legislation, such as the European Communities (Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts) Regulations 1995, will also apply where relevant to mortgage contracts entered into by consumers.
Through its consumer protection role, the Central Bank sets out requirements in its codes of conduct which detail how regulated firms should deal with and treat their customers. The Central Bank expects all regulated firms to take a consumer-focused approach and to act in their customers’ best interests at all times. If a mortgage applicant or mortgage borrower is not satisfied with how a regulated firm is dealing with them, or they believe that the regulated firm is not following the requirements of the Central Bank’s codes and regulations or other financial services law, they should make a complaint directly to the regulated firm.
If a mortgage applicant or mortgage borrower is not satisfied with the response from the regulated entity to that complaint, a person may then submit the matter to the statutory and independent Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman.
31. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the average annual salary of a person at principal officer level grade. [26617/22]
View answerThe grade of Principal Officer (PO) encompasses pay-scales at PO Standard Scale and PO Higher Scale. In total, there are 4 levels as both scales include members appointed before April 1995 where no pension contribution is required (Non PPC) and those appointed after April 1995 where a personal pension contribution is required (PPC Scales).
Table 1 shows the numbers in each category and is broken down by grade point. The average for each grade is shown. The figures are based on information extracted from the Civil Service Payscale System operated by the National Shared Service Office NSSO)
32. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his attention has been drawn to buildings in County Clare in the ownership of the Office of Public Work in which pyrite has been detected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26688/22]
View answerPyrite has been detected in one building in the ownership of the Office of Public Works (OPW) in County Clare.
A routine inspection earlier this year raised concerns in respect to cracking observed in the external façade. The OPW appointed external consultants to investigate the cause of this cracking and the consultant’s report has confirmed the presence of pyrite in the external leaf of the building.
Further in-depth testing is currently underway to determine the extent of pyrite present. the OPW will assess the remediation options available, when the results of these additional investigations are complete.
Based on the professional advice to date, the building is safe to occupy. The situation is being closely monitored with regular inspections scheduled.
33. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide the acreage of lands maintained by the OPW that are designated as bio-diverse areas. [26764/22]
View answerAdditional time is needed to collate the required information. The OPW will respond to the Deputy directly on the matter.
34. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of women who were affected by the marriage bar before it was abolished in 1973; the number of women who have a reduced or no public service pension due to them having to leave their public-sector employment with the marriage bar; and the estimated cost of providing a public service pension to these women. [26959/22]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that I have primary responsibility for Civil Service pensions only. The responsibility for other Public Service pensions rests with the relevant Minister.
Therefore this department would not have the full information requested by the Deputy in respect of on all individuals who left the public service. The Deputy would need to seek that information separately from each public service entity.
However for the Civil Service, records show 1,240 marriage gratuities were paid in the period 1962-1973. There are no records prior to this date. This figure does not include officers who resigned on marriage but who did not have the requisite service to qualify for the gratuity as such records were not kept at the time. This figure does not take account of individuals who resigned with a marriage gratuity, subsequently returned to work in the public service and opted to repay the marriage gratuity in order to reckon prior service.
Prior to 1974, the law required female employees to resign on marriage. In such cases, employees under pension age who had at least five years’ service (six years prior to 1 January 1968) qualified for marriage gratuities of 1/12th of salary per year of service, subject to a maximum of one year's salary, in lieu of any pension benefits. Following the abolition of the marriage bar, any officer appointed before 1974 has the option of resigning within two years of marriage and a) receiving a marriage gratuity and forfeiting any pension entitlement, b) preserving benefits when he/she resigns, or c) remaining in employment. Officers who received a marriage gratuity and who are subsequently reappointed in an established capacity may refund the gratuity and have all prior service aggregated with subsequent service for superannuation purposes. The refund of a marriage gratuity is subject to interest in certain circumstances.
As the Deputy will be aware, a key principle of Public Service Pensions Policy is that pension entitlements are based on reckonable service.
35. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the overdue updated wind energy guidelines will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26583/22]
View answerMy Department is currently undertaking a focused review of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines. The review is addressing a number of key aspects including noise, setback distance, shadow flicker, community obligation, community dividend and grid connections.
Guidance on the noise aspect is currently being finalised by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, which has primary responsibility for environmental noise matters. Significant work has been undertaken on the noise elements and engagement between the two Departments is ongoing to discuss new developments in this regard including consideration of the impact of the revised 2030 target to generate up to 80% of our electricity from renewable sources and the need to ensure that proposals regarding the measurement and assessment of noise from wind turbines are fit for purpose. Following this inter-departmental engagement, I will be in a better position to provide an update on the expected publication date of the revised Guidelines, the finalisation of which remains a priority.
It should also be noted that the review and finalisation of the Guidelines has been included as a specific action in the recently published Climate Action Plan.
When finalised, the revised Guidelines will be issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. Planning authorities and, where applicable, An Bord Pleanála, must have regard to guidelines issued under section 28 in the performance of their functions generally under the Planning Acts. In the meantime, the current 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines remain in force.
36. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide details on Kildare County Council’s return to his Department regarding the Progress Report on Implementation of the Vacant Site Levy requested pursuant to Circular letter PL 03/2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26598/22]
View answerUnder the vacant site levy provisions in the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015 (the Act), planning authorities were empowered to apply a vacant site levy of 3% of the market valuation of relevant properties which were listed on local authority vacant site registers in 2018, which relevant owners were liable to pay in January 2019. The rate of the levy increased to 7% for sites listed on local authority vacant sites registers from 2019 onwards which site owners became liable to pay in January of the following year.
My Department recently issued Circular Letter PL 03/2022 requesting the submission of a further progress report on the implementation and collection of the levy by local authorities.
In it's progress report in response to this Circular, Kildare County Council indicated that 6 sites were considered liable for the levy in 2021 in respect of 2020. However, due to appeals to the Valuation Tribunal and the submission of details of planning permissions refused during 2020, no levy demands in respect of these sites were issued.
The Council further indicated that 13 sites are liable for the levy in 2022 in respect of 2021. Demands will issue shortly in respect of 6 of these sites with a market valuation attached of €701,050.00.
A further 5 sites have recently had appeal determinations made by An Bord Pleanála. These 5 sites are currently being valued as a result. In addition, following the submission of legal correspondence and sworn undertakings in respect of 2 of the sites that were under appeal, the Council is now satisfied that they should be considered exempt from the application of the levy for the period 2020 and have consequently now been removed from their Vacant Site Register.
It should be noted that under section 19 of the Act, unpaid levies due remain a charge on the land in question until they are paid. My Department will continue to engage proactively with local authorities to ensure that all vacant site levies due are paid and that the measure can achieve its full potential.
37. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to incentivise right-sizing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26603/22]
View answerHousing for All (published in September 2021) provides a new housing plan for Ireland to 2030 with the overall objective that every citizen in the State should have access to good quality homes through a steady supply of housing in the right locations, with economic, social and environmental sustainability built into the system. The strategy sets out, over four pathways, a broad suite of measures to achieve its policy objectives together with a financial commitment of in excess of €4 billion per annum.
The Housing for All policy objective to make more efficient use of existing housing stock includes the development of a national policy on rightsizing and to explore options to support and incentivise rightsizing on a voluntary basis. Work is underway through my Department to inform and progress the development of national policy on rightsizing this year.
38. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount allocated to each local authority for home adaptation grants through the housing aid for older people scheme in each of the past three years in tabular form. [26604/22]
View answerMy Department provides funding under the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, to assist people in private houses to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. The grants include the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People Grant, each of which are 80% funded by my Department, with a 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority. The administration of the schemes, including assessment, approval and prioritisation, is the responsibility of local authorities. Local authorities receive an overall allocation, with the responsibility for the apportionment between the three schemes being a matter for each authority given their knowledge of local need.
Details of the allocations and drawdowns for all local authorities up to 2021 are available on my Department's website at the following link:
www.housing.gov.ie/housing/statistics/social-and-affordble/other-local-authority-housing-scheme-statistics
39. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide details on the Croí Cónaithe cities scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26605/22]
View answerAddressing the current housing shortage requires short, medium and long-term action to stimulate housing supply. The Croí Cónaithe (Cities) Scheme is one measure within Housing for All that will help to kick-start apartment developments that might not otherwise be developed.
The Croí Cónaithe (Cities) Scheme supports the building of apartments for sale to owner-occupiers. The Scheme aims to bridge the current “Viability Gap” between the cost of building apartments and the market sale price (where the cost of building is greater).
To achieve the national strategic outcome of more compact growth and vibrant liveable cities, the State must offer a greater range of options for both owner-occupiers and renters in cities, at all income levels. A key focus of Housing for All is to ensure that those who wish to purchase a home have sufficient location choice. This is particularly the case for the core areas of our cities, towns and villages.
The complementary objectives of tackling climate change and delivering more compact growth require action to ensure that we see developments at scale in our cities, particularly close to public transport nodes and existing infrastructure. There is therefore a strong public policy imperative to encourage the development of housing in our cities.
Funding for Croí Cónaithe (Cities) Scheme will only be made available for suitable apartment developments where there is a demonstrated viability gap. Unless bridged, this gap will lead to the apartments not being built or being built but not available for purchase by owner-occupiers. Open book accounting will be required for all developments to make sure that the funding support provided only targets the viability gap in question resulting in a reduction of cost for home-buyers and increased supply into the market.
The scheme launched on the 10th May and will be managed and administered by the Housing Agency on behalf of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The Housing Agency will assess eligibility and carry out detailed due diligence and an open book assessment on eligible proposals.
Further details of the scheme and the assessment process are set out in the Expressions of Interest document linked here: Expression of Interest (EOI) Call Croí Cónaithe Cities_.pdf (housingagency.ie)
40. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funding given to the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive in 2021 and 2022, respectively. [26613/22]
View answerMy Department's role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of homeless services rests with individual housing authorities.
My Department does not fund any homeless service directly but provides funding to housing authorities towards the operational costs of homeless accommodation and related services under Section 10 of the Housing Act, 1988. Under Exchequer funding arrangements, housing authorities must provide at least 10% of the cost of services from their own resources. Furthermore, housing authorities may also incur additional expenditure on homeless related services outside of the Exchequer funding arrangements provided by my Department.
Exchequer funding for homeless services is provided by my Department on a regional basis. The Dublin Regional Homeless Executive provides a shared service of behalf of the four local authorities in the Dublin Region. Some €173m was provided in Exchequer funding from my Department to the Dublin Region in 2021 with €50m in funding recouped to date in 2022.
41. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will extend homeless HAP nationally given rising homeless rates. [26614/22]
View answerThe Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme plays a vital role in housing eligible families and individuals. At the end of Q4 2021, over 100,000 HAP tenancies had been set-up since the scheme commenced, of which there were more than 61,900 households actively in receipt of HAP support and over 33,000 separate landlords and agents providing accommodation to households supported by the scheme.
Under HAP, tenants source their own accommodation in the private rented market. However, additional supports are available under HAP for homeless households or households at risk of homelessness. While eligible households or individuals may source accommodation for themselves under the Homeless HAP scheme, a dedicated resource, the Place Finder Service, has been established nationwide to provide assistance. The Place Finder Service can assist qualified households in finding suitable tenancies by ensuring that any additional supports that may be needed are put in place. The operation of local homeless services, including the Place Finder Service, is a matter for each local authority.
Each local authority has statutory discretion to agree to a HAP payment up to 20% above the prescribed maximum rent limit in circumstances where it is necessary, because of local rental market conditions, to secure appropriate accommodation for a household that requires it. It is a matter for the local authority to determine if the application of the flexibility is warranted on a case by case basis. Additional discretion of up to 50% above rent limits is available to assist in housing homeless households in the Dublin Region only.
Under Housing for All, my Department was tasked with undertaking an analytical exercise to examine whether an increase in the level of the 20% discretion available to local authorities under HAP is required, in order to maintain adequate levels of HAP support.
The Housing Agency undertook to carry out this analytical exercise on behalf of my Department. The review has been submitted and is undergoing analysis by my Department. I expect to receive recommendations following that analysis, which will conclude shortly.
42. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has requested that Cork City Council collate figures on premature deaths of single adult homeless population. [26615/22]
View answerMy Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at the local level.
My Department publishes a detailed monthly report on homelessness, based on data provided by housing authorities. The Report outlines details of individuals utilising State-funded emergency accommodation arrangements that are overseen by housing authorities. The Reports are available on my Department's website at the following link: www.housing.gov.ie/housing/homelessness/other/homelessness-data
While the Dublin Region Homeless Executive records death notifications from all its funded residential and outreach services, in line with procedure agreed with the HSE, my Department does not collate information relating to deaths of homeless individuals and has not requested Cork City Council to collate such figures.
A pilot study on data collection of homeless deaths nationally is being undertaken by the Health Research Board (HRB) on behalf of the Department of Health. It is hoped that the HRB will be in a position to publish the study shortly. The research is applying the methodology used to compile the National Drug Related Deaths Index, which is a census of drug-related deaths and deaths among drug users and those who are alcohol dependent in Ireland. The data collection for 2019 deaths, including deaths among people who were homeless, involves the review of approximately 17,000 files from all Coroner districts. My Department will engage with the Department of Health on completion of this study.
It is vital that we continue to deliver the appropriate measures to support all individuals experiencing homelessness. My Department is working closely with the Department of Health, the HSE and local authorities in doing this.
43. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funding given to each local authority in 2022 to tackle dereliction. [26616/22]
View answerThe options in relation to vacant or derelict housing are addressed in Pathway 4 of Housing for All which notes that at a time of such high housing need, we have to ensure that the houses we already have are being fully used.
Under Housing For All, there are a suite of measures to address vacancy and dereliction through efficient use of existing stock including the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund which will be delivered by local authorities to support the refurbishment of vacant properties, enabling people to live in small towns and villages, in a sustainable way. Work in relation to the operation of the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund is at an advanced stage, including the scope and appropriate timeframes, and it will be launched shortly.
Local authorities have discretion within their overall annual budget to apply funding in this area from their own resources which is a matter for each individual local authority to determine having regard to their finances. The proceeds from the derelict site levy are retained by local authorities and may be used for this purpose.
Funding to tackle dereliction in major towns and cities may be made available through the integrated projects being supported by the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund which was launched in 2018. This fund is targeting financial support in an integrated, dynamic and responsive way to support the regeneration and rejuvenation of our towns and cities.
In addition, funding of the acquisition of derelict sites by local authorities, whether through compulsory purchase under the provisions of the Derelict Sites Act or otherwise by agreement, is related to the purpose for which the local authority uses the site. For example, my Department provides full funding to local authorities for sites that are used for social housing developments, while other Departments may support sites used for programmes that they support in line with the functions of the local authority.
44. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of whole-time equivalent staff that he plans to employ in the vacant homes' unit; and if he considers this sufficient. [26618/22]
View answerI refer to the reply to Question No. 164 of 5 May 2022.
The full time staff complement of the Vacant Homes Unit will involve further staffing, the specific resourcing requirements of which remains under ongoing review, to support the dedicated full-time Principal Officer and Assistant Principal Officer.
45. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if funding is available for persons seeking to remove and replace asbestos water tanks from former Cork City council homes. [26641/22]
View answerMy Department does not have any grant available specific to the removal of asbestos from homes.
The Housing Adaptation Grant for Older People and People with a Disability scheme provides a range of grants for necessary improvement works or adaptations to houses in order to facilitate the continued independent occupancy of their own homes by older people and people with a disability. These schemes cover works reasonably necessary for the purposes of rendering a house more suitable for the accommodation of applicants, and could in those circumstances include the removal of asbestos.
The schemes are administered by local authorities and it is a matter for each local authority to determine how the funding is apportioned between the various grant measures and to manage the operation of the schemes in their areas from within the capital allocations provided by my Department.
For private home owners, it is recommended that expert advice should be sought in dealing with asbestos materials and if removal is necessary it should only be done by a competent contractor with the required training. The safe removal of asbestos is governed by legislation and the Health and Safety Authority www.hsa.ie can provide further information in relation to the safe removal of asbestos.
46. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he will expand the rent pressure zone to the entire country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26659/22]
View answerThe Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016 introduced the Rent Predictability Measure to moderate rent increases in those parts of the country where rents are highest and rising fastest. The Residential Tenancies (No. 2) Act 2021 introduced measures in July 2021 to extend the operation of Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) until the end of 2024 and prohibiting any necessary rent increase in a RPZ from exceeding general inflation, as recorded by the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP). The Act also provides that rent reviews outside of RPZs can, until 2025, occur no more frequently than bi-annually. This provides rent certainty for tenants outside of RPZs for a minimum 2 year period at a time.
To address the rent affordability challenges building on foot of the unexpectedly fast rising inflation rate, as recorded by HICP (CSO data for April 2022 shows HICP inflation of 7.3% p.a.), the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2021 was enacted to provide, from 11 December 2021, a cap of 2% per annum pro rata on rent increases in RPZs where the inflation rate is higher.
In all cases, section 19(1) of the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2021 prohibits the setting of a rent that exceeds market rent.
Section 24A of the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004, as amended, provides that the Housing Agency, in consultation with housing authorities, may make a proposal to the Minister that an area should be considered as a RPZ. Following receipt of such a proposal, the Minister requests the Director of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) to conduct an assessment of the area to establish whether or not it meets the criteria for designation and to report to the Minister on whether the area should be designated as a RPZ.
The criteria to be satisfied by an area under section 24A(4) of the Residential Tenancies Act for designation as an RPZ are as follows:
- the information relating to the area, as determined by reference to the information used to compile each RTB Rent Index quarterly report, shows that the annual rate of increase in the average amount of rent for that area is more than 7% in each of at least 4 of the 6 quarters preceding the period immediately prior to the date of the Housing Agency's proposal, and
- the average rent for the area in the last quarter, as determined by reference to the information used to compile each RTB Rent Index quarterly report, is –
- in the case of counties Kildare, Meath and Wicklow or a local electoral area (LEA) in any one of those counties, above the average rent in the State, excluding rents in the 4 Dublin Local Authority areas, or
- in the case of any LEA outside of the Greater Dublin Area (i.e. Dublin, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow), above the average rent in the State, excluding rents in the Greater Dublin Area.
Each RTB quarterly Rent Index Report includes a table of the data used to establish whether each LEA fulfils the criteria for designation as a RPZ. This ensures transparency in relation to the position of individual areas in terms of average rent levels and increases.
Having regard to the constitutionally protected property rights of landlords, a blanket extension of the RPZ rent predictability measure to rental properties across the entire country is considered legally questionable and highly vulnerable to legal challenge.
The Housing Agency and the RTB will continue to monitor national rents and if any area meets the designation criteria it will be designated as a RPZ.
47. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will review documentation and advise on the assistance that will be offered to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26727/22]
View answerIreland, like all European Member States, is bound in law by the requirements of the EU Nature Directives which are designed to ensure the protection of certain habitats and species within sites designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs). The sites chosen for designation under the Directives are those which are significant from a conservation perspective not just at a national, but at a European level.
The designation of sites under the Nature Directives is a formal, legal process, with a number of steps, which are set out in full in the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011.
Identification of the appropriate geographical area of the site is done by scientific analysis. Once draft boundaries are proposed, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage notifies landowners and the public of his intention to designate the site, and provides an opportunity for objections or appeals on the proposed site boundaries.
Advertisements are published in local media and notices are displayed in local Government offices, Garda stations and public libraries. Landowners within the proposed site, where their identities are known, are notified directly in writing, with detailed information including a map of the site and information about why that site is being proposed for designation and details of compensation that may be available.
As stated in previous correspondence, the site referred to in the Deputy’s question was proposed for designation as an SPA in November 2007. A three-month period was allowed for the lodging of any appeals before the site was formally designated by Statutory Instrument in November 2012.
The de-designation of a European site is not a national policy decision but a matter of European law, requiring the consent of the European Commission and must be based on scientific grounds.
It is important to note that there is no blanket prohibition on development within designated sites, however, in order to protect the ecological integrity of such sites, there is a requirement to obtain the consent of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for activities listed as requiring consent for a particular site before work commences; or the consent of another public authority, where applicable.
In relation to forestry developments, the competent authority is the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine who will be best placed to provide further information in this regard.
The Hen Harrier Programme provides financial support to farmers who take steps on their lands to protect hen harrier populations. It is a locally-led scheme that encourages farmers to manage their fields in ways that benefit the environment. Further information is available at www.gov.ie/en/service/82e360-hen-harrier-programme/.
48. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on progress with regard to fixed track ceiling hoists being funded under local authority housing grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26825/22]
View answerThe Housing Adaptation Grant for Older People and People with a Disability scheme is underpinned by secondary legislation. The provisions of Regulation 7 of the Housing (Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability), Regulations 2007 set out the types of mobility aids that the grant can be used for, including accessible showers, access ramps, grab rails, stair lifts and other minor works to facilitate the mobility needs of a member of a household. The funding of ceiling hoists are not provided for under the scheme.
My Department is engaging with the Department of Health and the HSE on this issue of hoists with the objective of reaching a suitable resolution on the funding of hoists as soon as possible.
49. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will ensure that all allegations of conflicts of interest, allegations of inappropriate decisions and behaviour and allegations of inappropriate relationships with planning or potential planning applicants by members of An Bord Pleanála are included in a report by a person (details supplied) commissioned on these matters by him. [26868/22]
View answerMy Department published the terms of reference (attached) for Senior Counsel Remy Farrells "Report into the management of conflicts of interest and relevant disclosures by the Deputy Chairperson of An Bord Pleanála in relation to certain Decisions of that Board and related matters" on 12 May 2022.
While the purpose of the report is to provide an opinion from Senior Counsel on specific matters of concern, in considering the issues and preparing his report, Counsel will have regard to such material and information as he considers relevant to the matters of concern. In accordance with the terms of reference Senior Counsel "shall exercise such discretion in relation to the scope of his examination of the matters of concern as he considers necessary and appropriate, having regard to the general purpose of the report". I will consider the Senior Counsel's report, when submitted, to determine further appropriate measures.
50. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide the details of funded housing programmes including social housing, affordable purchase housing, cost rental housing, private sector activation schemes broken down by scheme, funding allocation, funding drawdown, delivery targets and actually delivery in each of the years 2016 to 2021, in tabular form. [26869/22]
View answerMy Department publishes comprehensive programme level statistics on a quarterly basis on social housing delivery activity, including details by individual local authority. This data, including high level delivery targets, is available to the end of 2021, and is published on the statistics page of my Department’s website, at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/6d316-local-authority-housing-scheme-statistics/?referrer=http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/social-housing/local-authority-housing-scheme-statistics
The details of funding allocations for each Housing Subhead are outlined annually in the Revised Estimates Volumes (REVs). The REVs for each year 2016 – 2021 are available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/e20037-revised-estimates/?referrer=/en/rev/
In addition, further details in respect of individual Housing programmes are also contained in the annual Budgetary Expenditure Reports which are available as part of the Budgetary information at the links below:
2016: www.gov.ie/en/collection/38a07-budget-2016/
2017: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6f94c-budget-2017/
2018: www.gov.ie/en/collection/51d1c-budget-2018/
2109: www.gov.ie/en/collection/df7d1-budget-2019/
2020: www.gov.ie/en/collection/b4c8d-budget-2020/
2021: www.gov.ie/en/collection/4e0ff-budget-2021/
The breakdown of Housing expenditure for each year over the period 2016 – 2021 is set out in the table below.
|
Delivery Streams |
2016 Expenditure |
2017 Expenditure |
2018 Expenditure |
2019 Expenditure |
2020 Expenditure |
2021 Expenditure |
|
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
Build |
172.89 |
337.24 |
744.92 |
835.98 |
1,031.62 |
1,075.29 |
|
Acquisition |
233.38 |
377.49 |
417.51 |
495.97 |
280.5 |
327.51 |
|
Lease |
55.82 |
87.27 |
106.4 |
149.87 |
206.5 |
287.49 |
|
Total Build, Acquisition & Lease |
462.09 |
802 |
1,268.83 |
1,481.82 |
1,518.62 |
1,690.29 |
|
RAS |
130.99 |
142.84 |
143.34 |
134.29 |
132.96 |
122 |
|
HAP |
57.7 |
152.69 |
276.6 |
382.41 |
464.65 |
541.69 |
|
Homelessness |
88.68 |
109.24 |
139 |
165 |
270.9 |
223.5 |
|
Other Capital Programmes |
133.77 |
118.28 |
140.64 |
180.19 |
147.3 |
171.45 |
|
Other Current Programmes |
69.74 |
83.44 |
92.48 |
95.78 |
97.3 |
105.68 |
|
TOTAL |
942.97 |
1,408.49 |
2,060.89 |
2,439.49 |
2,631.70 |
2,854.61 |
In relation to housing activation schemes, funding of almost €200 million was approved in principle under the Serviced Sites Fund in support of 40 infrastructure projects in 14 local authority areas, to assist in the delivery of almost 4,200 affordable homes. The Affordable Housing Funding (AHF) scheme, has now replaced the Serviced Sites Fund and local authorities were advised of this by Circular in June 2021.
The changes introduced by the AHF include expanding the scope of costs covered to subvent the all-in development cost of delivering the housing, which may include land purchase costs; taking applications as they are developed on a rolling basis as opposed to time constrained funding calls; and, allowing funding support to now exceed the current maximum of €50,000 per affordable dwelling on a stepped scale to €100,000, based on location and density.
To clarify the position in respect of SSF commitments, the Department wrote to the 13 local authorities with approved SSF projects in respect of the 36 SSF projects approved in principle asking them to identify their intended course of action in respect of existing SSF project including information on:
- if they wish to continue with the Serviced Sites Fund approval in place, to set out key revised deliverables, timelines and projected milestone dates for the projects; or
- their intention to re-apply under the Affordable Housing Fund which will be assessed under new eligibility criteria.
A breakdown of the projects is set out below:
- 14 projects will remain with SSF: and one has been completed (Enniskerry Road); two are under construction (Dun Emer, Lusk and Boherboy Road, Cork), and the remaining 11 commencing construction in 2022 and 2023;
- 21 projects will move to AHF. Applications in respect of nine of these projects have been received; and
- Five projects have withdrawn from the SSF process completely.
In relation to cost rental, the table below sets out a breakdown of funding, expenditure and delivery.
|
Scheme |
2021 Allocation* |
2021 Drawdown |
2021 Target |
2021 Delivery |
|
CREL |
€35m |
€9,252,854 |
350 |
65 |
*Several projects approved under the CREL 2021 call have completed and/or will draw down funding in 2022.
