Written Answers Nos. 234-243
234. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the income eligibility limits for local authority housing in areas such as counties Cavan and Monaghan will be increased, given present limits are unrealistic and deny many low-income families the opportunity to apply for social housing; if these income limits will be increased without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55954/22]
View answerI am currently considering potential changes to the social housing income eligibility model.
In the meantime, I have approved proposals to scope and develop options for a new income eligibility model. This work will commence shortly under the aegis of the Housing Agency who have been tasked with commissioning it and I expect that the work will complete by end Q4 2022.
I have also recently approved changes to the social housing income eligibility bands. Five local authorities - Carlow, Clare, Galway County, Laois and Westmeath - have moved from Band 3 to Band 2. Accordingly, the baseline income threshold for these areas has increased 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 came into effect from 1 October 2022.
235. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has considered making legislative changes to allow certain holiday homes to be used as full-time residences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55955/22]
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.
In some cases, when the initial planning permission for a holiday home is sought, planning authorities have additionally specified by way of planning condition (such as an occupancy clause) that such holiday homes cannot be used for permanent residential purposes. It is considered that a change of use of a holiday home to a place of permanent residence would be a material change of use requiring planning permission. The carrying out of a material change of use from holiday home to a place of permanent residence without obtaining planning permission could be considered unauthorised development and subject to enforcement proceedings by the relevant planning authority under planning legislation.
If the owner of a holiday home proposes that the premises be used as place of permanent residence, they may lodge a planning application to the relevant planning authority for a change of use from holiday home to residential use. It is a matter for the planning authority to decide such applications on a case by case basis. When considering an application for planning permission for residential development or change of use, the planning authority is required to consider the local housing needs requirements policy as set out in the authority's Development Plan.
It should be noted that holiday homes are often located in more remote areas and/or may be on land which is specially zoned for such development in the Development Plan and/or Local Area Plan, e.g. a “resort” zoning, and which therefore may not be suitable for permanent residential development. Different design layouts and standards may also be applied to holiday homes than to permanent residential development and the planning authority’s policies on rural housing may also apply differently to holiday homes than to permanent residential development, all of which the planning authority would have to consider when making a decision on a change of use application. Consequently, a proposal to change a holiday home to permanent residential housing could be found to be contrary to the principles of proper planning and sustainable development of the area in question.
I have no plans to amend the existing provisions in this regard at this point in time.
236. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the conditions under which land designated as an SAC can be taken out of the SAC; if it is intended to change this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55983/22]
View answerEU Member states are required to designate areas as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) to protect a variety of habitats and species under the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) .This Directive is transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 477 of 2011).
The designation of SAC sites under the Directive 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.
Site boundaries are determined on scientific grounds, based on the protected habitats and species for which the site is to be designated.
The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage undertakes a public notification of his intention to designate any site as an SAC. From the date of this notification, the site becomes a Candidate SAC. Every owner or occupier within the proposed site, where their identities are known, is notified directly in writing. They are provided with detailed information including a map of the site and information about why that site is being proposed for designation.
Advertisements are published in local media and notices are displayed in local Government offices, Garda stations and public libraries. Owners and occupiers are given an opportunity to lodge objections on the proposed site boundaries, on scientific grounds. A three-month period is allowed for the lodging of any appeals before the sites are formally designated by Statutory Instrument.
De-designation of a European Site or part of a site is permitted only in very limited circumstances, and is not a national policy decision but a matter of European law . Any proposal to de-designate a European Site, or part of a site must be based on scientific grounds alone, and requires the consent of the European Commission.
237. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the way he is supporting and encouraging tenants of local authorities and approved housing bodies to avail of the rent-a-room scheme; the number availing of the scheme in the respective local authorities and approved housing bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56002/22]
View answerThe tenancy agreement between the tenant and the local authority or the Approved Housing Body, who is their landlord, sets out the conditions of the tenancy, the rules by which the tenant must abide, including those related to sub-letting or participation in schemes such as the Rent a Room Scheme operated by the Revenue Commissioners, and the responsibilities and obligations of both parties to the agreement.
Accordingly, decisions regarding sub-letting are a matter for individual local authorities and AHBs as part of their day-to-day management of the social housing system and in line with the conditions of the tenancy agreements in place. I have no role in this regard.
238. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a landlord should provide an RTB notice of termination as requested by their HAP tenant who has decided to move out of the property due to a change in family circumstances; if not, if this will impact the tenant's request to change their circumstance on their housing application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56071/22]
View answerOnce approved for the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), the local authority will expect the tenant to stay in the same property for at least two years. However, a tenant may be able to apply to their local authority for a new HAP payment for another property sooner if their circumstances change. For example, if they receive a job offer in another area, or if their family changes in size and the property is no longer suitable.
Where a person has a change of circumstances, including a loss or increase in income, they should notify the relevant local authority. The local authority can reassess those tenants and adjust their differential rent accordingly.
The day-to-day operation of the HAP scheme is a matter for the relevant local authority.
239. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the training of Ukrainian soldiers is in contravention of Ireland’s neutrality; his views on whether it will damage Ireland’s stance as a neutral state; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55930/22]
View answerRussia’s appalling military aggression against Ukraine has highlighted more than ever the importance of solidarity and cooperation amongst like-minded partners in upholding the rules based international order. While we are militarily neutral, the Government has been clear that Ireland is not politically neutral in terms of our response to Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified aggression against Ukraine.
As part of the EU’s ongoing support to Ukraine, EU Foreign Ministers agreed on 17 October to establish an EU Military Assistance Mission to provide specialised training to the Ukrainian Armed Forces and coordinate existing Member State training activities. Ireland fully supported the establishment of the Mission and an Irish contribution is under active examination.
The provision of any such support would not contravene Ireland's policy of military neutrality. In practical terms, as practised by successive Governments, this policy means that Ireland does not participate in military alliances or common or mutual defence arrangements. However, our approach has never been one of isolationism; rather our neutrality has informed our active approach towards UN and EU peace support operations and crisis management, and our contributions to conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
In this context, Ireland has been a long-standing supporter of the EU’s Common, Security and Defence Policy and an active participant in the EU’s civilian and military CSDP missions and operations around the globe, including EU Military Assistance Missions focused on providing training to third countries, at their request.
240. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the report submitted to the UN General Assembly by the UN special rapporteur on the right to adequate housing concerning the destruction of Palestinian homes, military incursions, closures, state-backed settler attacks, home demolitions, and destruction of property; in this context, if he agrees with many human rights experts that Israel is committing the crime of apartheid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55940/22]
View answerIreland has been consistently forthright in expressing concern regarding the unequal treatment of Palestinians and the application of different standards in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. In particular, Ireland has been proactive in highlighting many of the issues raised, including demolitions and settler violence, at the UN Security Council during our current term.
At the most recent meeting of the Council on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, on 28 October, Ireland expressed concern regarding increased settler violence in the West Bank and called on Israel to cease all settlement activities.
Ireland has taken careful note of the report of the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing in relation to Palestine. The work of the UN Human Rights Council, as well as that of UN Special Rapporteurs and civil society organisations, constitute an important input in shaping the approach that we take. We are firmly focused on seeking ways to change the reality on the ground with regard to the issues raised in this report, and to protect and encourage a peace process that can deliver a two-State solution, which is the Government's priority.
Ireland will continue to raise our concerns regarding discriminatory practices towards the Palestinian people on a regular basis directly with the Israeli authorities, including during visits to the region, as well as at EU and UN level.
241. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport with an estimated due date of 3 June 2022 will issue (details supplied); if the requested documents can be returned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55974/22]
View answerWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has contacted the applicant's parent in relation to the application. All supporting documents have been returned.
242. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of the most recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland regarding the need to have the assembly and Executive restored and fully functioning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56016/22]
View answerI have regular meetings and telephone contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton Harris. Our last conversation was yesterday, 9 November, in advance of the Secretary of State's statement to the House of Commons announcing his intention to extend the period for Executive formation. We will remain in close contact in the period ahead.
My discussions with the Secretary of State are within the framework of by our shared commitment to the full functioning of Northern Ireland's political institutions. I firmly believe that by working together in a spirit of cooperation we can jointly find solutions to the range of issues facing Northern Ireland.
It is of paramount importance that the institutions of power-sharing are allowed to function. The Government’s views on this have been clear and consistent. The people of Northern Ireland voted for, and expect, an Assembly and Executive that works for them in these challenging times.
I welcome yesterday’s announcement by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland of his intention to extend the period during which the Northern Ireland parties can form an Executive on the basis of last May’s Assembly election. Furthermore, I welcome the Secretary of State’s commitment to provide clarity on a budget for Northern Ireland and on the ability of Northern Ireland Government Departments to make limited decisions essential to the continued functioning of services.
The Secretary of State’s announcement provides further space for early substantive progress in discussions between the EU and UK on the issues of most concern to people and business in NI. I urge the UK authorities to make use of this renewed opportunity to engage positively, and with real urgency, in the knowledge that the European Commission has listened carefully to the concerns of people across Northern Ireland, including and especially Unionists.
243. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department’s attention has been drawn to public comments in Britain in relation to the issue of Irish passports (details supplied); if he will clarify the veracity of same; the number of passports issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56017/22]
View answerThe Passport Service is unable to provide the number of Irish passports held by individuals referenced by the Deputy as the profession of applicants is not captured as part of the application process. The Passport Service does not compile statistics according to the elected status of an applicant.
The number of passport applications from applicants residing in Great Britain in the years 2016 to date are outlined as follows in tabular form. This table also outlines the number of applications from applicants living in Northern Ireland. The majority of these applications were processed in the Passport Offices in Ireland. A relatively small number of applications such as some counter appointments and emergency passports are processed in the Irish Passport Office in London.
|
Year |
No. of applications from applicants residing in Great Britain |
No. of applications from applicants residing in Northern Ireland |
Total no. of applications from applicants residing in Great Britain and Northern Ireland |
Total no. of all applications |
|
2016 |
63,480 |
67,719 |
131,199 |
772,746 |
|
2017 |
83,138 |
75,701 |
158,839 |
826,156 |
|
2018 |
97,993 |
79,215 |
177,208 |
863,197 |
|
2019 |
124,217 |
104,141 |
228,358 |
956,258 |
|
2020 |
72,950 |
48,160 |
121,110 |
499,941 |
|
2021 |
86,847 |
55,883 |
142,730 |
772,772 |
|
2022 to date |
101,605 |
120,429 |
222,034 |
1,074,979 |
