Written Answers Nos. 276-298
276. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the current position on the national Garda station building plan; and the new Garda stations that are currently under construction across the State. [3112/23]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that the Garda Capital Investment Programme 2022-2030 is currently being finalised. The Office of Public Works will collate a response to the second part of the Deputy's question.
277. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he plans any changes to the additional superannuation contribution for public servants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3163/23]
View answerAdditional Superannuation Contribution (ASC) is provided for under the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017 (No. 34 of 2017) - the “2017 Act” and is a statutory deduction. ASC is chargeable on pensionable remuneration of pensionable public servants and different rates apply depending on whether a public servant is a member of a standard accrual pension scheme, a fast accrual pension scheme or the Single Public Service Pension Scheme.
ASC secures substantial funding towards the cost of public service pensions. This permanent source of revenue helps to defray the cost of providing pensions to public servants into the future and places public service pensions on a more sustainable footing in light of the significant accrued liabilities that exist.
There are currently no plans to change ASC and the applicable rates remain as provided for in the 2017 Act.
278. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the details of each publicly funded Government contract awarded to a company (details supplied); the exact value and location of each contract, including the tendering procedures involved, the number of other companies and entities tendering for the same contracts since June 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3297/23]
View answerThe Office of Public Works manages in excess of 2,500 properties across the country. To ensure the continuing operation of these properties, for both the occupiers and visitors, the OPW retains the services of many hundred contractors annually. The information requested by the Deputy is considerable and ranges across five years and would not be readily available.
The OPW will commence an exercise to collate the information requested and will reply directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
279. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform what delay pertains to sanctioning the offer devised by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science as recommended by the Labour Court; and if he will outline a timeline for the resolution of any such delay (details supplied). [3361/23]
View answerThe terms and conditions of Adult Education Tutors employed by Education and Training Boards are a matter in the first instance for both the Department of Education and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. The particular matters raised in the proposals are complex and raise significant policy, legal and exchequer cost issues which are being considered by my Department. My officials will continue to engage with the relevant Departments on these matters.
280. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total monetary amount of non-repayable moneys provided by his Department through grants, funding supports, tax breaks or other means to businesses in each of the years 2020, 2021 and 2022, in tabular form. [3387/23]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that there were no measures of the nature specified provided by my Department to businesses from 2020 to 2022.
281. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of persons who are employees of all the Údarás na Gaeltachta-supported businesses in the Cloghane and Brandon, County Kerry Gaeltacht area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2699/23]
View answerAccording to the latest employment figures provided by Údarás na Gaeltachta there are 755 people currently employed in Údarás-assisted businesses in the Kerry Gaeltacht.
An tÚdarás does not provide a breakdown of this figure for the various regions within the Kerry Gaeltacht. That being said, it is estimated that Údarás provides support to circa 10 businesses employing approx. 20 people in the Cloghane and Brandon regions.
It should also be noted that An tÚdarás provides current funding to Comharchumann Forbartha an Leith Trúigh Teo., which employs up to 3 full-time and a number of part-time staff. This co-operative delivers a range of community services to both young and old with the assistance of this support. These services include after-school services, employment schemes, meals-on-wheels and office accommodation as well as refuse and recycling services and language supports.
282. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the amount of Exchequer funding provided to an organisation (details supplied) in 2021, 2022 and 2023, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2777/23]
View answerThe funding provided to the organisation referred to by the Deputy is provided in tabular form below for the years 2021 to 2023. These figures are published each year by the Department of Expenditure and Reform in the Revised Estimates Volume.
|
Year |
Amount €m |
|
2021 |
30.093 |
|
2022 |
36.743 |
|
2023 |
37.946 |
283. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of persons employed in the Irish film industry; if the conditions of employment of workers and performers in the Irish film industry are improving; if the film industry producers benefitting from section 481 tax credit system are meeting the requirements for quality and fair employment and training and sustainable industry development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2778/23]
View answerGovernment policy supports the film and television sector in a number of ways to create an attractive environment for film production, including through international film co-production treaties, the section 481 tax credit and funding for Screen Ireland.
Screen Ireland is the national development agency for the Irish film, television and animation industry, investing in talent, creativity and enterprise with a mission to support and promote Irish film, television and animation through fostering Irish artistic vision and our diverse creative and production talent, growing audiences, and attracting filmmakers and investment into the country.
The Audiovisual Action Plan sets an ambitious target to grow employment in the sector. Work has been ongoing on an inter-departmental and inter-agency basis and has put in place appropriate conditions in which the industry can flourish. A key emphasis is placed on developing workers in the sector with significant focus on career paths through lifelong learning and upskilling.
An Economic Analysis of the Audiovisual Sector in the Republic of Ireland by Olsberg SPI with Nordicity Report in 2017 showed that there were a total of 11,960 employed in the category of Film, TV and animation.
Screen Ireland compiles statistics on the numbers of cast, crew, trainees and extras employed on Screen Ireland funded projects. This data is available at: www.screenireland.ie/industry-insights/screenireland-data
The section 481 tax relief is available to qualifying films, to film producer companies on particular expenditure provided certain conditions, as laid out in statute and regulations, and as specified in the film certificate issued by my Department, are met. It is a relief calculated on the basis of eligible expenditure incurred in the production of a film and applicant companies who meet the requirements of the scheme can claim a payable tax credit of up to 32% of eligible expenditure. Applicants are required to provide a commitment to quality employment as part of the application process and it is a standard condition of each certificate issued that both the producer company and qualifying company must continue to comply with the conditions of the undertaking whilst producing the film. Recipients of the relief must also comply with obligations in relation to upskilling to be provided to workers over the course of the production.
Quality employment is employment which complies in all material aspects with all applicable laws including but not limited to all obligations in the field of environmental, social and employment law that apply at the place where the Services are provided, that have been established by EU law, national law, and collective agreements. It also requires that the employer is in compliance with employment, remuneration, taxes, immigration and work permits for all personnel and has in place written policies and procedures on grievances, discipline and dignity at work (including harassment, bullying and equal opportunity) as well as ensuring that any Workplace Relations Commission findings relating to the employer and to any related companies are being followed. Where an applicant fails to satisfy or comply with a condition or obligation specified in a certificate, any credit claimed subsequent to that certificate may be an unauthorised amount and may be subject to recoupment by Revenue.
Where individuals believe they are being deprived of employment rights, they may make a formal complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) where the matter will be dealt with by way of mediation or adjudication leading to a decision that may be enforceable through the District Court.
WRC inspectors can also be asked to investigate breaches of employment legislation or complaints arising from alleged breaches. Complaints can be submitted online. Both the WRC and the Labour Court operate under the aegis of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Last year, I launched Safe to Create which is a Dignity at Work programme aimed at bringing change on the culture and practices of the arts sector in Ireland. It is a framework of supports to assist organisations to provide safer working conditions for artists and arts workers. The programme is managed by the Irish Theatre Institute, on behalf of the Department and in partnership with the Arts Council, Screen Ireland and Minding Creative Minds. The planned outcome of the Programme is to transform culture and practices through training, information, voluntary compliance and certification, and provide key support for victims/survivors in the areas of reporting, counselling, and legal advice. I also announced funding towards this Programme under Budget 2023.
The Safe to Create website marks the start of this programme of work by providing a Dignity at Work Toolkit for organisations and individuals in the creative sector and this can be accessed at this link: www.safetocreate.ie/. This is a resource-rich website, featuring practical information, guidance, toolkits and templates for artists, arts workers and organisations regarding ‘Dignity at Work’ rights and responsibilities.
There is a 24-hour wellbeing and support programme provided to all of the arts, culture and creative sectors by Minding Creative Minds. It now has been enhanced to feature specialist trauma and abuse counselling for victims of harmful behaviour. The programme includes a free 24/7 dedicated phone line; confidential one-to-one counselling; and access to legal advice.
A training programme has been developed specifically for the arts and creative sectors on ‘Dignity at Work’ issues, including topics of tackling bullying and harassment, bystander training and unconscious bias (created in partnership with Screen Ireland).
284. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the total number of applications received in respect of the live performance support scheme strands I and II, by county, over the course of the pandemic; the total number of applications refused, by county; the total number of appeals that were subsequently submitted, by county; the total number of appeals that were successful, by county, in tabular form; if there are plans to establish a national theatre to encourage indigenous musical theatre production growth as global attractions, as is the case in the UK with the West End, London and in North America with Broadway, given the enormous talent evident in musical and theatrical societies across Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2779/23]
View answerThroughout the pandemic I have been very cognisant of the challenges the restrictions caused for the arts, culture and live entertainment industry. In 2021 an allocation of €25m was made available for the Live Performance Support Scheme (LPSS 2021). I was delighted to be in a position to fund 237 successful applications under this scheme, the details of which are available on my Department’s website. This scheme provided thousands of days of employment to hundreds of actors, musicians, crew and technicians in tandem with a pipeline of high quality on-line much needed entertainment for Irish audiences. The grants awarded helped to support employment and wellbeing opportunities across all genres including theatre, music and circus performance.
As part of a €50m suite of supports for the live entertainment sector for 2022, €5m was allocated for the LPSS- Strand II to support pantomime and seasonal musical theatre impacted by the Covid restrictions in place in December and January. This scheme closed for applications on 31st January with a total of 17 applications submitted. Grants have been offered to 9 applicants through this scheme.
In addition, the Live Performance Support Scheme – Phase 3 was launched to support events due to be staged in December 2021 and January 2022 which had to be curtailed, cancelled or rescheduled due to the imposition of restrictions on audience capacity in live performance to 50% of seated capacity, with all indoor events concluding by 8pm.
The details requested by the Deputy in relation to these schemes are set out at the link:
Live Performance Support Scheme table
With respect to the Deputy's question on theatre and arts centre supports, the Arts Council currently provides programming and revenue supports to almost fifty arts centres throughout the country. This includes the Abbey Theatre- our national theatre, the National Opera House, the Gate and Smock Alley. Critical to the support provided by the Arts Council is the support provided by local authorities which ensures opportunities to engage with and participate in the arts around the country. Record funding of €130m annual funding for the Arts Council continues to be in place for the third year running.
Recent decades have also seen the development of a nationwide infrastructure of arts centres that include venues , many initiated and funded by local authorities and supported through the Department’s capital schemes. Under the National Development Plan for a culture and creativity investment programme, we can expect to see the delivery of significant redevelopments in our National Cultural Institutions including the Abbey Theatre and the National Concert Hall as well as investments in regional arts and culture facilities.
285. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her views on the introduction of a bedroom tax for visitors to hotels in Dublin. [2955/23]
View answerWhile taxation matters are ultimately the responsibility of the Minister for Finance, the introduction of a tax on short-term stays in paid accommodation is not a straightforward matter from a tourism perspective.
The tourism sector generates very significant revenues for the Exchequer and the potential increase in costs that this could present would need to be considered very carefully given the importance of inbound international tourism to Ireland's economy.
An accommodation taxation measure would have to take account of issues such as who would pay the tax; for example, whether it would be limited to international visitors or would it be extended to all tourists including domestic visitors. The geographic scope of such a measure would also need to be considered carefully.
Other issues around such a tax include the tax collection mechanism and its potential impact on the administrative burden on accommodation providers. The purposes to which the revenue raised might be applied would also have to be examined.
286. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide an update on DEIS Gaeltacht scholarships for 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3338/23]
View answerThe DEIS Gaeltachta initiative first commenced in 2019 with an allocation of €50,000 in order to assist in providing the opportunity to post-primary students attending DEIS schools to attend recognised Irish summer colleges.
The initiative is administered by the Galway and Roscommon Training Board (GRETB) on behalf of the Department.
In order to further support the objectives of the measure and indeed generate downstream benefits for the Irish-colleges sector, additional funding totalling €400,000 was allocated to the initiative in 2022 and this allocation will again be provided in the current year.
Over 420 DEIS students availed of the initiative in 2022.
In order to further clarify how the DEIS Gaeltachta measure operates and to further assist those wishing to apply to the scheme, GRETB will shortly publish an FAQ section on its website.
287. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the total monetary amount of non-repayable moneys provided by her Department through grants, funding supports, tax breaks or other means to businesses in each of the years 2020, 2021 and 2022, in tabular form. [3391/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, my Department operates a significant range of funding mechanisms across all Sectors, under my Department's remit, including supports to businesses to which the Deputy refers. Details of these funding mechanisms, including eligibility criteria, rates of payments and how to apply are published on my Department's website: www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-tourism-culture-arts-gaeltacht-sport-and-media/
Details of funding allocations and awards are also published on my Department's website from time to time. An overview of each year’s funding activity is contained in my Department’s Annual Report. In common with all Government Departments, details of annual expenditure are also included in the annual Appropriation Accounts.
The Deputy will be aware, my Department provides this funding, to the various Sectors, primarily through the work of a large number of Agencies such as, Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland, the Arts Council, Screen Ireland, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Sport Ireland, and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI). Details of expenditure by these bodies, including supports to businesses, are available on the websites of the respective bodies concerned and also in their published Annual Accounts, which are subject to audit by the Comptroller & Auditor General.
I would also like to advise that details of 2023 allocations, across all Programmes for my Department, are available as part of the 2023 Revised Estimates and are published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: www.gov.ie/en/collection/e20037-revised-estimates/#2023
With regard to taxation initiatives, details of these initiatives, such as the reduced VAT Rate for Tourism Digital Gaming Tax Credit, are also available on my Department’s website.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the disruption arising from the international situation, since the invasion of Ukraine last year, have had a significant impact on the operating landscape for the Sectors which my Department supports. In response to this, my officials and I have worked with a broad range of Stakeholders to ensure that the appropriate supports are in place to assist organisations, including businesses, in meeting these challenges. As outlined above, details of Programmes, Schemes and Initiatives, under my Department, have been published on my Department’s website and on the respective administering Agency websites. Businesses operating within those Sectors have also been able to access a range of horizontal business supports made available by the Government to enterprises across the economy.
Expenditure under additional schemes to support the live entertainment, arts and culture sectors introduced during the period specified by the Deputy, that are administered directly by the Department is summarized in the table below.
|
Programme/Scheme |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
Music Industry Stimulus Package (MISP) |
€1.7m |
- |
- |
|
Music and Entertainment Business Assistance Scheme (MEBAS – MEBAS, MEBAS 2, Phase 2, MEBAS 2022). |
- |
€3.07m |
€2.3m |
|
Live Performance Support Scheme (LPSS – Pilot, 2021, Strand II & Phase 3). |
€5m |
€25m |
€9.7m |
|
Live Performance Restart Grants Scheme (LPRGS). |
- |
- |
€14.8m |
|
Events Sector COVID Support Scheme (ESCSS). |
- |
€13.7m |
- |
|
Commercial Entertainment Capital Grants Scheme. |
€1.7m |
€1.9m |
|
|
Night Time Economy Support Scheme. |
- |
- |
€2m |
I trust that this information is of assistance to the Deputy. Should the Deputy have any specific query in relation to funding provided to a particular business entity, my officials will seek to assist upon receipt of the relevant details.
288. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of households in receipt of HAP in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3267/23]
View answerThe Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme is a flexible and immediate housing support that is available to all eligible households throughout the State. At end Q3 2022, over 106,700 HAP tenancies have been set-up since the scheme commenced, with almost 59,700 active tenancies being supported under the HAP Scheme. Over 31,890 landlords or agents were providing accommodation to households supported by the scheme.
At end Q3 2022, there were 1,229 active HAP tenancies in Co. Clare.
The HAP scheme continues to be an effective and secure form of social housing support and remains part of the suite of social housing options currently available across the country.
Housing for All is the Government’s plan to increase the supply of new homes to an average of 33,000 per year over the next decade. This includes the delivery of 90,000 social homes, 36,000 affordable purchase homes and 18,000 cost rental homes. As new build supply of social and affordable housing ramps up, there will be reducing reliance on the HAP scheme.
289. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the need for more compact development of homes to meet population growth in a sustainable manner calls for a change in the way new public facilities are planned, as the planning and delivery of the NDP-type project in transport, health and education fall under the remit of his Department. [3273/23]
View answer290. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the need for more compact development of homes to meet population growth in a sustainable manner calls for a change in the way new public facilities are planned. [2209/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 289 and 290 together.
My Department is preparing updated guidance for planning authorities to address the need for more compact development of homes to meet population growth in a sustainable manner. Sustainable and compact urban settlement guidelines will be completed for public consultation during Q1 2023 and are intended to replace the current urban development guidelines dating from 2009.
While the form and location of housing development is relevant to and influences the delivery of the NDP-type projects in transport, health and education these projects do not fall directly under the remit of my Department. In preparing planning guidance for urban development, there are clear overlaps with the provision of transport, health and education infrastructure and facilities, in terms of overall provision, location and design, however.
Accordingly, my Department is working bilaterally with the relevant Departments and agencies to ensure that where these and other areas interact with spatial planning and in particular the location and form of housing and planned new housing areas, there are appropriate mechanisms to ensure timely delivery in a planned manner. This requires alignment between plans at local authority and at Agency/ Departmental level, to support 'plan-led' development.
The concept of plan-led development also underpins the new Planning and Development (amendment) Bill, to be published this week. This is to enable planned development to occur in tandem with public investment in transport, health and education.
291. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if consideration is being given in the overhaul of An Bord Pleanála of allowing observations on and-or objections to planning permissions to be submitted online, as is the case in most planning departments of local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2744/23]
View answerAn Bord Pleanála is a quasi-judicial body which carries out its statutory functions independently of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The contact email address for An Bord Pleanála is Oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie.
An Bord Pleanála (the Board) has informed my Department that the development and roll-out of the Board’s ICT systems to better enable e-planning remains a significant priority and the current phase of development aims to facilitate applications and appeals to be made online, linking in with the planning authorities’ own e-Planning initiative.
The Board introduced an online facility to accept observations relating to Strategic Housing Development Applications with the required fee in November 2020.
In April 2021, the Board launched its new upgraded website, which is more user-friendly, informative and will further help to improve communications and interaction between the Board and the public. To assist with the continued development and enhancement of online services, an external company obtained specific feedback from targeted user groups such as the public, agents, and local authorities which led to additional improvements to be made to the website including advanced search facilities through maps and a generally more user friendly presentation of the search facility.
Since December 2021 the Board can now accept online observations with fee payment for both Strategic Infrastructure Development Cases and Normal Planning Appeal cases. The Board is fully co-operating with the current LGMA e-planning pilot, which went live in Tipperary County Council and Galway County Council in Q4 2021, and is accepting planning authority documentation from both authorities in digital format on a pilot basis.
Since October 2022 the Board can now accept online observations with fee payment for Large Scale Residential Development (LSRD) cases.
The Board is currently gathering requirements for an integrated Digital Services Hub (DSH) on its website which will consolidate the existing online facilities in one location and provide a simple and user friendly way of interacting electronically with the Board ultimately across its full range of statutory functions.
292. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department possesses projections as to the number of hotels that are not expected to renew State contracts to host refugees in 2023; and his plans to ensure any shortfall in accommodation is made up. [2747/23]
View answerContracting of hotel accommodation for both refugees and beneficiaries of temporary protection is a matter for the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. My Department has no function in this matter.
293. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider raising the income thresholds for joint applicants for the local authority home loan (details supplied); and if he will consider raising this given the variations in income levels and rising house prices. [2786/23]
View answerThe Local Authority Home Loan was launched in January 2022. It is a Government backed mortgage for those who cannot get sufficient funding from commercial banks to purchase or build a home. It is available to first-time buyers and fresh start applicants to purchase a new or second-hand property, or to self-build. The Local Authority Home Loan has a maximum annual gross income limit for single applicants of €65,000 in Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Louth, Meath and Wicklow and €50,000 in the rest of the country and a combined maximum of €75,000 for joint applicants for all counties.
My Department is currently reviewing these limits to ensure that the scheme remains relevant in the current housing market and will take this into consideration as part of that review. Decisions on all housing loan applications must be made in accordance with the Regulations establishing the scheme and the credit policy that underpins the scheme, in order to ensure prudence and consistency in approaches in the best interests of both borrowers and lending local authority. The final decision on Local Authority Home Loan applications is a matter for the relevant local authority. Further information can be found on the dedicated website: localauthorityhomeloan.ie/
294. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the increase in the number of applications for social housing support, such that local authorities are not able to access all applications within the 12-week deadline; if there are any other options for those applicants who may be in vulnerable and precarious housing situations to get support while they wait for their application to be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2817/23]
View answerThe Social Housing Assessment Regulations require local authorities, subject to certain conditions, to process applications within 12 weeks of receipt. However, different timeframes can apply where a local authority requires additional information from an applicant, with a potential extension to the 12-week deadline for completing the application and assessment process in such cases.
Generally, local authorities prioritise housing needs assessments for those in greatest need and ensure such applications are dealt with within timeframes significantly shorter than the statutory maximum.
Rent Supplement may be available for households in the private rented sector pending processing of applications by local authorities and the allocation of a dwellings to qualified households.
Moreover, any household assessed as homeless may be provided temporary emergency accommodation without having to undergo a social housing assessment. This provides local authorities with the flexibility essential to responding quickly and effectively to the various needs of cases that may arise.
295. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will set up a housing assistance payment fraud unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2844/23]
View answerHousing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a form of social housing support for people who have a long-term housing need. In order for a household to qualify for HAP, they must first be assessed as eligible for social housing support by their local authority. Any household assessed as eligible for social housing is immediately eligible for HAP and those households must source their own accommodation in the private rental sector. The accommodation sourced by tenants should be within the prescribed maximum HAP rent limits, which are based on household size and the rental market within the area concerned.
Limerick City and County Council provides a highly effective HAP transactional shared service on behalf of all local authorities. The HAP Shared Services Centre (SSC) manages the collection of all HAP tenants’ differential rents, on behalf of the relevant local authority, and the payment of all HAP rents to landlords on behalf of tenants supported by the HAP scheme.
Once a HAP application has been received and confirmed as valid by the relevant local authority, it is entered on the system by the local authority and then submitted for processing and payment by the HAP SSC.
Local authorities are responsible for the design, implementation and maintenance of an internal control system to prevent and detect errors and suspected fraud. In addition, the Local Government Audit Service undertakes an annual audit of the HAP SSC.
My Department also carries out control reviews to identify the incidence of error and suspected fraud in payments. This has involved the adoption of formal procedures for liaising with both the HAP SSC and local authorities to check randomly selected HAP tenancies on a monthly basis.
296. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a full review of the HAP case of a person (details supplied). [2862/23]
View answerTenants in the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme are required to sign a rent contribution agreement to pay a weekly rental contribution to the relevant local authority, in line with the local authority’s differential rent scheme. As set out in the rent contribution agreement, this weekly rental contribution must be paid by them so that they remain eligible for the HAP scheme.
Limerick City and County Council provides a highly effective HAP transactional shared service on behalf of all local authorities. This HAP Shared Services Centre (SSC) manages all HAP-related rental transactions for the tenant, local authority and landlord.
The approach taken by the HAP SSC has been very effective with minimal levels of rent arrears arising for tenants. At Q3 2022, the scheme had a 99% differential rent collection rate. Therefore, only a very small number of tenants have fallen into difficulty with their differential rent.
During the Covid-19 emergency, the HAP Debt Management Process (DMP) was suspended from March 2020 and partially re-commenced in October 2020. This meant non-payment of differential rent by a tenant during that time did not affect payments to HAP landlords. Tenants were, however, expected to continue to pay their rent with supports available for those financially impacted by Covid.
Following on from the successful roll out of the Covid vaccine programme and the reopening of society, the normal DMP was reinstated from 6 September 2021.
Tenants that incurred arrears during the Covid-19 emergency were given additional time to engage with the HAP Debt Management Unit to clear their arrears, as well as access to payment plans as a specific Covid measure. Under the normal HAP DMP payment plans are not offered or available to tenants at this stage of the process. The HAP SSC has now resumed the standard debt management process.
HAP tenants in arrears should contact their local authority and the HAP SSC to discuss the options that are available to them to ensure the continuation of their HAP support.
The administration of the HAP scheme is a matter for the relevant local authority and it is the responsibility of the local authority to make a decision in each individual case. As Minister, I am precluded from involvement in individual cases.
297. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of full-time vacant home officers currently in place in each respective local authority and who work exclusively on vacant home-related issues, per capita, for each local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2869/23]
View answerI refer to the reply to Question No. 587 of 18 January 2023, which sets out the position in this matter.
298. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to a matter regarding local authority-owned properties (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2883/23]
View answerThe Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme is open to eligible tenants, including joint tenants, of local authority homes available for sale under the scheme.
Local authorities may, within the provisions of the Housing (Sale of Local Authority Houses) Regulations 2015, exclude certain houses which the authority considers should not be sold for reasons such as proper stock or estate management. This may be the case, for example, where the need for a particular property type, such as one-bed houses, outweighs supply. It is a matter for each individual housing authority to administer the scheme in line with the governing legislation and in a manner appropriate to its housing requirements.
