Written Answers Nos. 149-171
150. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he will publish the report on increasing the social housing income limits nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47418/22]
View answerThe Report referred to in the question is now available at the link below on my Departments website:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/c49a0-review-of-income-eligibility-for-social-housing-support/
The background to the report is the commitment in Housing for All, which was published in September 2021 to review income eligibility for social housing.
The review, which examined inter alia the efficiency of the current banding model and income limits applicable to local authorities, has been completed and I have recently approved implementation of its recommendations. This included the commissioning of work to scope and develop options for a revised or new social housing income eligibility model. This work will commence shortly under the aegis of the Housing Agency who have been tasked with commissioning it. It is expected that the work will be complete by the end of 2022.
Pending completion of this work, I have also approved changes to the social housing income eligibility bands. Five local authorities - Carlow, Clare, Galway County, Laois and Westmeath - will be moved from Band 3 to Band 2. Accordingly, the baseline income eligibility threshold for these areas will increase from €25,000 to €30,000. The change reflects the movement in rents in recent years in these areas and will ensure local authority areas with similar accommodation costs continue to be grouped together in the respective bands. The changes will come into effect from 1 October 2022.
It is now appropriate to await the report I referred to before considering the appropriate income threshold levels for all counties, and the potential impact of any changes that might arise.
151. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of affordable purchase and cost-rental housing units that will be delivered in 2022; the individual project targets for 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47419/22]
View answerUnder Housing for All, the Government will deliver 54,000 affordable homes between now and 2030, to be facilitated by local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), the Land Development Agency (LDA) and through the First Home Scheme. Under Housing for All, targeted affordable delivery for 2022 is 4,100 and for 2023 is 5,500. Government has signalled that homes will be provided broadly on a 2:1 affordable purchase to cost rental basis over the course of the plan.
2022 represents the first year of this very ambitious programme. Significant funding has been secured and is being made available to support delivery of affordable housing. Based on a Housing Need and Demand Assessment each City and County Council has developed a Housing Delivery Action Plan to underpin its delivery of social, affordable purchase and cost rental housing in the period to 2026. These plans have been made available on Council websites.
I have provided a range of funding schemes and programmes to help achieve delivery targets. This includes the Affordable Housing Fund for local authorities, the Cost Rental Equity Loan for Approved Housing Bodies, LDA capital funding and the First Home Scheme. Taken together, these interventions are intended to actively encourage affordable housing delivery across all public and private providers.
Local authorities have been asked to begin collating information on delivery of affordable homes in their area in the same manner as is currently undertaken for social housing. It is intended that information on delivery across all delivery streams will be gathered by my Department and I expect that my Department will be in a position to begin reporting on affordable delivery in national quarterly delivery statistics later this year.
152. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount expended on the engagement of a person (details supplied) to investigate and produce a 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; and if he will provide the third-party costs, if any, associated with the investigation and final report. [47462/22]
View answerTotal costs submitted to my Department by Mr. Remy Farrell Senior Counsel in relation to the completion of the 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 are set out in the table.
|
Fee note |
€41,089.69 (inclusive of VAT at 23%) |
|
Associated expenses (stenographer services, searches etc.) |
€2,528.20 (VAT not applicable) |
155. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if measures will be implemented across Departments and statutory agencies in co-operation with counterparts in Northern Ireland to deal with an emerging ecological problem (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47561/22]
View answerMy Department is responsible for the implementation of the Wildlife Acts and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, both of which prohibit activities to introduce or spread invasive species. In addition to national legislation, EU Regulation 1143/2014 on Invasive Alien Species also provides for a range of concerted EU wide measures to be taken with respect to listed species of Union concern (the 'Union list').
Public bodies, departments and agencies throughout the country work within this framework, in the context of species listed both nationally and on the list of invasive alien species of Union concern to manage, control and, where practicable, eradicate these species. Nuttall’s waterweed (Elodea nuttallii) is listed on both the national and Union lists.
Under Article 13(1) of the EU Regulation on Invasive Alien Species, Member States are required to carry out comprehensive analysis of the pathways of unintentional introduction and spread of invasive alien species and identify the pathways which require priority action. For the priority pathways, Pathway Action Plans are developed.
The purpose of Pathway Action Plans is to prevent or minimize the risk posed by the pathways using measures such as raising public awareness and setting out actions to prevent unintentional introductions by minimizing the contamination of goods, commodities, vehicles, and equipment by invasive alien species, and ensuring appropriate border checks.
Three action plans are a priority for development in Ireland for the following pathways:
- Angling (Finalized April 2022)
- Recreational boating and watercraft (Finalized May 2022)
- Movement of soil and spoil (in Draft)
Both the Angling and Recreational boating and watercraft plans list Nuttall's Waterweed as a priority concern species. The Loughs Agency, a cross-border body, was a member of the Working Groups for both published plans. Implementation of the Plans, led by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, is underway.
The Plans can be accessed at the following link: invasives.ie/biosecurity/pathway-action-plans/
156. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will ensure allocations to local authorities for 2023 under the Local Government Fund will be increased to deal adequately with increasing costs across all services provided by councils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47562/22]
View answerMy Department is very cognisant of the current financial environment in which local authorities are operating, and the pressures facing them in respect of general inflation and higher energy costs in particular. My officials are in regular and ongoing contact with the sector on the issue of increased energy costs, and my Department recognises the serious impact of these financial challenges. In this regard, additional support of €60m has been secured to assist local authorities in meeting the increased costs across a wide range of services. In line with the public sector generally, local authorities will also need to seek to reduce their energy consumption and I know that work is already underway in that regard.
In addition to this package, the Government is making a significant contribution of €333 million in 2023 to support local authorities. A large portion of this figure (€199 million) will be towards assisting local authorities with the cumulative effect on pay costs arising from the National Pay Agreements and the unwinding of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) legislation. This allocation will ensure that local authorities will have the necessary resources, in terms of people, to perform their functions and provide essential public services to our citizens; in excess of one thousand services in fact. Furthermore, as has happened in previous years, we will be engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in respect of any additional pay increases that are confirmed for 2023.
Across all schemes and funding sources, my Department provided €3.98 billion in 2020, €4.07 billion in 2021 and over €2.03 billion so far in 2022 (as at end August) to all local authorities. Included in this is the unprecedented level of support provided by central Government to local authorities in 2020 and 2021 during the COVID -19 pandemic. A more targeted rates waiver scheme was in place for Q1 2022, and payments to local authorities in respect of this scheme will be an additional c €61m.
As committed to in the Programme for Government - Our Shared Future, the move to 100% retention of Local Property Tax (LPT) will take place in 2023. All Equalisation funding will now be met by the Exchequer, to ensure that all authorities receive, at a minimum, an amount equivalent to their Baseline. This increased equalisation requirement will come to €118m in 2023. In addition, a move to this model will lead to an increased surplus for those authorities with LPT income above their funding baseline. These authorities shall now retain a greater proportion of that surplus for their own use in 2023; an increase from 20% of the overall yield this year to 22.5% next year. It is intended to commence a comprehensive review of the current LPT baselines in the coming months. This review could not commence in time for the 2023 LPT allocation process without reliable and up-to-date data primarily the detailed census data.
I am very aware of the funding pressures facing all local authorities and the provision of additional support of €60m is in recognition of those pressures. My Department will continue to engage with the sector on the issue.
157. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps he is taking concerning the shooting season and the potential to further spread highly pathogenic avian influenza. [47577/22]
View answerMy Department officials are in regular contact with colleagues in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in relation to the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and they are keeping the situation under very close review.
On a number of previous occasions, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (together with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine), examined the benefits of introducing wild bird hunting restrictions to help limit the spread of avian influenza. It was concluded that generally hunting wild birds, does not significantly increase the risk for immediate long distance spread of avian influenza infected wild birds. These activities represent a very low risk of increasing (above existing levels) the geographic spread of wild birds infected with avian influenza over long distances or into new areas.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine are the lead for Avian Influenza advice and any decisions are considered and reached jointly with them.
158. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which housing developments are in hand in each local authority throughout the country, as well as in County Kildare, with a view to alleviating the waiting list for local authority and affordable housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47603/22]
View answer160. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of houses allocated to each local authority throughout the country, including County Kildare, by way of Part 5 provision arising from private ongoing developments; the extent to which this has reduced numbers on waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47605/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 158 and 160 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. 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 to each local authority for the period 2022-2026. The targets for Kildare County Council include the delivery of 2,068 new build social homes, 348 social homes through long-term leasing and 226 affordable homes between 2022 and 2026.
A key action under Housing for All was the preparation of Housing Delivery Action Plans by local authorities. These Plans set out details of social and affordable housing delivery over the period 2022-2026, in line with targets set under Housing for All. The plans have been published on the relevant websites of the local authorities.
My Department publishes comprehensive programme level statistics on a quarterly basis on social housing delivery activity, including Part V delivery. This data is available to the end of Quarter 1 2022, and is published on the statistics page of my Department’s website, at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/
My Department also publishes the Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR). The CSR provides details of social housing developments that have been completed, are under construction or are progressing through the various stages of the design and tender processes. The most recent publication was for Quarter 1 2022 and is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/6912a-social-housing-construction-projects-status-report-q1-2022/. A version of the CSR file can also be downloaded for analysis at this link: data.gov.ie/dataset/1071704e-a426-4e66-834b-56c385f249bb/resource/258afc57-e66a-4c64-ba44-125ef4ea9370
Under Housing for All, the Government will deliver 54,000 affordable homes between now and 2030, to be facilitated by local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), the LDA and through a strategic partnership between the State and retail banks.
2022 represents the first year of a very ambitious programme of delivery of affordable housing. Significant funding has been secured and is being made available to support delivery of affordable housing for purchase or for cost rental by local authorities, AHBs and by the LDA. Local authorities have been asked to begin collating information on delivery of affordable homes in their area in the same manner as is currently done for social housing. It is intended that information on delivery across all delivery streams will be gathered by my Department and I expect that my Department will be in a position to begin reporting on affordable delivery in national quarterly delivery statistics later this year.
159. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if plans will be put in place to arrange for modular or chalet-type wooden housing as a means of addressing the severe housing shortage, as well as the shortage of accommodation for asylum seekers, with a view to reducing the dependence on highly priced rental accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47604/22]
View answerHousing 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. 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.
Under Housing for All, the Government will deliver 47,600 new build social homes; 3,500 social homes through long-term leasing and 28,500 new affordable homes in the period 2022-2026. Over the same period to 2026, the Housing for All strategy commits to delivering 10,000 Cost Rental homes and 18,000 Affordable Purchase homes which will be delivered by Approved Housing Bodies, local authorities, the LDA and the First Home shared equity scheme.
Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) has been identified as a key measure to address the different housing needs in Ireland and methods to support the development of MMC in Ireland are set out in Housing for All Pathway 5 Section 5.3.2. All new dwellings must comply with building regulations, the aim of which is to provide for the safety and welfare of people in and about buildings, and in addition achieve a 60-year durability for all key elements.
The development of MMC, which will improve productivity and increase efficiency in construction, and the coordination of activities to promote the development of MMC, is being led by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE). DETE has recently established a MMC Leadership and Integration Group. The Group’s leadership aim to ensure a coordinated approach, and that those emerging innovations and new technologies being developed and deployed by the industry in Ireland and abroad, and promoted by the public sector, can be showcased and demonstrated in a coordinated and timely manner, particularly (but not exclusively) by the Demonstration Park for MMC, and could also inform the design of construction training modules.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) is responsible for meeting the immediate and short-term accommodation needs of persons arriving in Ireland from the conflict in Ukraine. My Department is supporting the national response in a number of ways, including working with the Local Authority sector to identify multi-unit vacant buildings that might be suitable for refurbishment. In addition, OPW, with DCEDIY as the overarching Department, is leading on a project to secure the provision of modular homes to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection from the Ukraine.
161. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if planning requirements will facilitate the building of wooden or chalet-type houses in specified areas on a temporary basis to alleviate the housing shortage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47606/22]
View answerUnder the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act), all development, unless specifically exempted under the Act or associated Regulations, requires planning permission. Exemptions from the requirement to obtain planning permission in respect of specific forms of development are provided for, when they are considered to be consistent with proper planning and sustainable development. These exemptions provided for in the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (the Regulations) are kept under regular review.
Class 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 2 of the Regulations provides for an exemption in respect of the construction, erection or placing within the curtilage of a house of any tent, awning, shade or other object, greenhouse, garage, store, shed or other similar structure. This exemption is subject to conditions and limitations as set out in the Regulations, including that the structure shall not be used for human habitation or for any other purpose other than a purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the house as such. The use of such structures for the purpose of human habitation would be subject to planning permission under Section 34 of the Act.
Under Class 1 of Part 3 of Schedule 2 of the Regulations, an exemption provides for the temporary use of any land for the placing of any tent, campervan or caravan or for the mooring of any boat, barge or other vessel used for the purpose of camping. This exemption is subject to a time limit of a period of not greater than ten days. Where any person wishes to place a mobile home on land for a period of greater than 10 days, planning permission is required in accordance with section 34 of the Act.
In accordance with Section 34 of the Act a Planning Authority shall make its decision on a planning application within 8 weeks, except in cases where further information under article 33 of the regulations is sought from the Applicant.
If a person wishes to establish whether or not planning permission is required for a particular development proposal, they can seek a declaration from their local planning authority under Section 5 of the Act.
Under planning legislation, enforcement of planning control is a matter for the planning authority concerned which can take action if a development does not have the required permission or where the terms of a permission have not been respected. Under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, the Minister is specifically precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular case in which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála is or may be concerned, except in very specific circumstances, which do not apply in this case.
162. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which the Housing for All programme is expected to meet its targets in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47607/22]
View answer163. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the degree to which housing policy can be modified to deliver the product at an accelerated pace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47608/22]
View answer166. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the way urgent housing needs can be best met in all areas throughout the country within a reasonable time; if emergency measures may be considered to achieve these targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47611/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 162, 163 and 166 together.
Increasing housing supply and delivering sustainable, affordable homes for people is the Government’s top priority. Housing for All is the Government’s ambitious housing strategy with annual targets to deliver 300,000 new homes between now and 2030. Guaranteed State investment of over €4 billion a year in housing is aimed at increasing supply, which in turn will help increase access to affordable homes to buy or rent.
The Government’s target of 24,600 new build homes for 2022 is on track to be met. To ensure we continue to meet our annual targets, and as committed to in September 2021 when Housing for All was published, the Government is currently reviewing and updating the actions in the plan. This will allow us to respond to external global challenges and redouble our efforts on prioritising measures to activate and accelerate the delivery of housing supply.
Furthermore, a number of additional measures will be brought forward as part of this review and Budget 2023.
Despite the above mentioned external global challenges – from COVID-19-related construction sector shutdowns, supply chain difficulties and rising inflation due to the war in Ukraine - there is robust housing delivery, a positive pipeline and activity in the housing market. The data show that:
- Just under 25,000 homes were completed in the year to the end of June 2022. There were 53.4% more homes completed in Q2 2022 (7,654) compared to the same quarter last year (4,990).
- In the 12 months to end June 2022, Commencement Notices were received for the construction of almost 28,450 new homes.
- 44,715 units granted planning permission in the year to July 2022.
- House purchases have doubled from 25,000 in 2011 to 55,000 in 2021, with the highest level of mortgage drawdowns since 2008.
- Over 167,000 people now work in the construction sector, 20,000 more than pre-pandemic levels and 40,000 more than this time last year.
Ultimately, my focus, and that of the Government as a whole, is on tackling supply, across all tenures, as well as addressing affordability and viability issues. We have a strong social housing build programme, and affordable purchase schemes and cost rental homes are now being delivered. These, along with the ‘First Home’ shared equity scheme will improve access to homes for first-time buyers and address affordability in the rental market.
164. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the quality and size of housing developments that is sufficient to modern requirements and standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47609/22]
View answerStatutory ‘Section 28’ ministerial guidelines for planning authorities on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas (the ‘Sustainable Residential Development Guidelines’) were last issued in 2009. The aim of these guidelines is to set out the key planning principles which should be reflected in development plans and local area plans, and which should guide the preparation and assessment of planning applications for residential development in urban areas. The guidelines emphasise the role of development plans and local area plans in setting out policies and standards for residential development. The guidelines also set out core principles of design and placemaking to be applied in order to create places of high quality, at the level of district or neighbourhood, housing scheme and individual dwelling.
Further, related guidance has been subsequently issued in the form of updates to the Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments Guidelines for Planning Authorities, updated in 2015, 2018 and more recently 2020. These guidelines set mandatory standards for apartment development including standards in relation to minimum floor areas, dwelling mix, aspect, storage space and amenity space.
The standards in these guidelines have been carefully considered in order to form a balance between the need to ensure a high standard of residential amenity while facilitating the provision of new housing development.
My Department is currently undertaking a review to update the Sustainable Residential Development Guidelines with new Sustainable and Compact Settlement Guidelines (SCSG). A preliminary draft of the new guidelines has been prepared and a working group has been convened to work through a number of key issues, including issues relating to density and development standards. It is envisaged that draft Guidelines will be placed on display for a focused period of public consultation in Q4 2022. Following a period of review and with any subsequent changes made, the guidelines will be submitted to the Minister for approval to publish. Once issued, Planning Authorities and An Bord Pleanála will be required to have regard to the Guidelines in carrying out their functions.
Separately, in July 2022 my Department published a Design Manual for Quality Housing. This manual provides guidance on the design of Social Housing developments and is aimed at local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies. The manual sets out urban design and place making priorities and guidance on internal layouts of individual dwellings. The design principles set out in the manual could equally be applied to any residential development.
165. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of applicants on the various housing lists held by the various local authorities throughout the country as of 1 June 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47610/22]
View answerDetail on the number of households qualified for social housing support in each local authority administrative area is published by my Department in the annual statutory Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA).
The most recent summary for all counties, conducted in November 2021, is available at:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/f6119-summary-of-social-housing-assessments-2021-key-findings/
The SSHA exercise for 2022 will take place in November 2022 and the summary published in 2023.
167. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps, if any, that can be taken to improve the planning process in terms of more rapid determination of applications and appeals to An Bord Pleanála, having regard to the situation in respect of backlogs and waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47612/22]
View answerAn Bord Pleanála (the Board) is the national independent statutory body with responsibility for the determination of planning appeals and direct applications for strategic infrastructure and other developments under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, (the Act) and certain other Acts.
Section 126 of the Act provides that it shall be the duty and objective of the Board to decide appeals as expeditiously as may be and, for that purpose, to take all such steps as are open to it to ensure that, insofar as is practicable, there are no avoidable delays at any stage in the determination of appeals.
Intensive work is underway on the review and consolidation of the Planning and Development Act 2000, which is being led by the Office of the Attorney General. All provisions of the Act are being examined in the context of this review. Whilst a key principle of the review is to avoid unnecessary change to aspects of the current planning system that are operating effectively, the review is examining the timelines involved in the planning application stage, with an aim of ensuring optimum efficiency whilst maintaining sufficient time for the appropriate levels of public participation in planning processes.
My Department is acutely aware of the necessity for the board to have the resources available to it to perform its statutory functions as expeditiously as possible. This is determined through appropriate workforce planning. In October 2021, my Department approved the 2021-2022 An Bord Pleanála Workforce Plan which provides for an additional 24 posts across a range of technical and administrative grades including the setting up of a new Marine and Climate Unit to implement the role assigned to the Board under the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021 and associated projects under the Climate Action Plan 2021. These additional 24 approved posts increase overall approved Board staffing by 13% from its previous total of 183 staff (excluding board members). In addition, the Board advertised on 25 March 2022 for qualified individuals to apply to be members of external specialist consultancy panels to advise the Board e.g. ecologists, ornithologists, hydrologists etc.
Following an updated assessment by the Board of resourcing issues likely to emerge as a result of planning applications for the National Development Plan and other infrastructure projects as well as legislative changes, a new workforce plan for 2022-2023 seeking additional resources was submitted to my Department by the Board earlier this year and this subsequently supplemented by a specific marine resourcing plan. I am happy to say that additional funding is being provided to the Board in 2023 to enable the recruitment of substantial levels of additional staff. These will also include ensuring that procedures are kept under review to ensure that full advantage is taken of the potential impact of the digital agenda, to improving efficiencies.
168. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the level of advice or guidance his Department has provided to county councils or the EPA, having regard to the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1993, the European Union Water Framework Directive and the European Communities (Water Policy) Regulation 2003 (SI 722 of 2003), to assist them when assessing all existing renewals and new wastewater treatment licences, given the State's legal commitment to climate change and biodiversity protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47710/22]
View answerThe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the chief statutory body in Ireland for protecting and improving Ireland’s environment. The EPA plays key roles in environmental regulation and the provision of knowledge and advocacy for the environment. The EPA investigates complaints of pollution, and enforces environmental laws, both directly and by way of its oversight of the environmental functions of local authorities. Details of all prosecutions taken by the EPA for pollution incidents and details of its enforcement activities are published on the EPA's website www.epa.ie/enforcement/).
Local Authorities and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) each have legal responsibility for the control of pollution through the regulation of emissions to the environment. Effluent discharges to waters are regulated by the EPA or local authorities through licensing depending on the type, nature and size of the discharge.
All discharges to the aquatic environment from sewerage systems owned, managed and operated by Irish Water require a waste water discharge licence or certificate of authorisation from the EPA. Irish Water?is required to apply to the EPA for a licence or certificate of?authorisation?for all agglomerations.
The authorisation process requires the EPA to undertake a rigorous assessment and place appropriate conditions on the operation of such discharges to prevent pollution. In overall terms, the aim is to achieve good surface water and ground water status in addition to complying with standards and objectives established for associated protected areas in accordance with relevant European legislation including the Water Framework Directive and the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
An application for a waste water discharge (WWD) licence (or review of a licence) must satisfy legislative requirements, largely set out in the European Union (Waste Water Discharge) Regulations 2020. The EPA produces its own guidance notes as necessary to assist licensees fulfil the requirements of its licensing processes. Details are available on www.epa.ie/publications/
Trade discharges to water are licensable under the Local Government Water Pollution Act 1977 (as amended). The Local Authority Services National Training Group, through its Water and Environment Groups, coordinates the development and delivery of training to the best international standards for local authority staff involved in the provision of services.
169. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on concerns in relation to human rights in Bahrain (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47381/22]
View answer170. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide the details of the Government's response to the continued detention of a person (details supplied) in Bahrain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47443/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 169 and 170 together.
I note with concern the details in the case referred to by the Deputy.
Respect for human rights is an integral part of Ireland’s foreign policy and we consistently seek to raise our concerns on human rights issues through the most appropriate and effective channels.
Ireland urges all States to safeguard the human rights of prisoners and detainees, including provision of healthcare services, as set out in the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, also known as the Mandela Rules.
Officials from my Department have raised concerns over the human rights situation in Bahrain directly with the Bahraini authorities, including the issues of freedom of expression, detention of human rights defenders, and conditions in prisons.
Officials from my Department have also met with the family of Mr Hasan Mushaima and have
raised the concerns of his family directly with the Embassy of Bahrain in London.
Ireland also engages on the issue of human rights in Bahrain as a member of the European Union. At the most recent EU-Bahrain Human Rights Dialogue in February 2021, issues of concern raised by the EU included rule of law, prison conditions, right to a fair trial, freedom of expression, freedom of association, the death penalty, and torture.
The EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Eamon Gilmore, has made representations to the Bahraini authorities on the detention of a number of individuals, including that of Mr Hasan Mushaima.
Ireland will continue to monitor developments in Bahrain, and calls on the Bahraini Government to deliver on its stated commitment to make progress in relation to human rights.
171. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport issue will be resolved for an Irish citizen (details supplied) who lives in France; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47495/22]
View answerWith regard to the representation to which the Deputy has referred, the Passport Service is reviewing the issue and will respond directly to the applicant in the coming days.
