Holly Cairns
Question:418. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps he is taking to ensure the protection of hedgerow habitats. [12802/23]
View answerWildlife Protection
Questions (418)
Written answers
Restrictions on cutting hedgerows are set out in Section 40 of the Wildlife Act 1976, as amended. This Act stipulates that it is an offence to destroy vegetation on uncultivated land between the 1st of March and the 31st of August each year. It is a significant legal protection for our hedgerows and recognises the importance of this habitat for many bird and other species and as wildlife corridors.
My Department continues to vigorously enforce this legislation. Suspected breaches are investigated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department and An Garda Síochána. The NPWS has sent 34 section 40 cases to the Chief State Solicitors Office since the beginning of 2022.
The NPWS also has a Farm Plan Scheme, which, inter alia, supports the creation and enhancement of hedgerows and other linear/connective landscape features of value to wildlife.
My Department is currently conducting a review of wildlife legislation. This is an extensive review and is a multi-year project, taking in every facet of our wildlife laws. It will entail extensive public consultation. It will examine closely the effectiveness of our legislation in protecting wildlife and regulating activities that adversely impact on wildlife and biodiversity. The protection afforded to hedgerow habitats under our legislation is one of the issues that will be closely examined as part of this project.
Housing Schemes
Questions (419, 430, 431, 447, 451, 459, 461, 462, 478, 495, 497, 499)
Richard Bruton
Question:419. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider relaxing the rules in relation to the bedrooms required in order that purchasing a property with a tenant in situ could be more widely used. [12817/23]
View answer
Patrick Costello
Question:430. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the breakdown, by local authority for the number of tenant in-situ properties bought by local authorities since the measure was introduced, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12969/23]
View answerPatrick Costello
Question:431. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount being provided to allow local authorities to purchase tenant in-situ properties, by each local authority, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12970/23]
View answer
Ivana Bacik
Question:447. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to amend the tenant in situ scheme to introduce mandatory local authority purchase for certain tenants who are supported through the housing assistance payment or rental accommodation scheme. [13105/23]
View answer
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:451. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will outline any constraints, price or otherwise to the county council's acquisition programme and the tenant in situ programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13167/23]
View answer
Mairéad Farrell
Question:459. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will publish the number of properties sold to the State through the tenant in-situ scheme, by local authority in each month since October 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13258/23]
View answerPatrick Costello
Question:461. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the maximum number of units which will be purchased under the tenant-in-situ scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13272/23]
View answerPatrick Costello
Question:462. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount of additional funding that will be made available to each local authority to purchase homes under the tenant-in-situ scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13273/23]
View answer
Thomas Gould
Question:478. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether local authorities that utilise the tenant in situ scheme will be able to request additional funding for increased maintenance costs. [13454/23]
View answer
Pearse Doherty
Question:495. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if, following statements by him on 12 March 2023 (details supplied) his Department will require revised Estimates for 2023; if so, the increased allocation that will be required; and if not, the capital allocation that will be reallocated within his Department’s estimates. [13734/23]
View answer
Paul Murphy
Question:497. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the actions the Government will take to ensure that local authorities are purchasing properties under the tenant purchase scheme, given reports that only 13 homes were bought by Dublin local authorities, even though 400 were offered to local authorities by landlords exiting the market; his views on whether this scheme should be implemented alongside an extension to the eviction ban; and his views in response to an article in the media (details supplied). [13770/23]
View answer
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:499. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide in tabular form information on tenant-in-situ applications by local authorities including applications, rejected applications, applications at valuation stage applications with legal departments of councils, applications where offers have been made and sales closed; and to provide totals for all questions. [13784/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 419, 430, 431, 447, 451, 459, 461, 462, 478, 495, 497 and 499 together.
Housing for All is the Government’s plan to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 per year over the next decade. This includes the delivery of 90,000 social homes, 36,000 affordable purchase homes and 18,000 cost rental homes. 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 and €5bn funding through the Housing Finance Agency.
Under Housing for All, the Government will deliver 47,600 new build social homes and 3,500 social homes through long-term leasing in the period 2022-2026. Our clear focus is to increase the stock of social housing through new build projects delivered by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs).
Under Housing for All, there was provision for 200 social housing acquisitions each year. However, with increased pressures on housing and the exit of landlords from the market, my Department reinstated delegated sanction to local authorities in April 2022 to acquire social housing properties for a number of specific categories which included:
- One-bedroom units to deliver on Housing First and meet the short supply in this category;
- Other properties that allow persons/families to exit homelessness; and
- Specific housing required for/suitable for individuals with a disability or other particular priority needs;
For 2023, the Government has agreed that there will be increased provision for social housing acquisitions and my Department will fund local authorities to acquire up to 1,500 social homes and my Department will keep this number under review. The additional acquisitions will be focused on properties where a tenant in receipt of social housing supports has received a Notice of Termination due to the landlord’s intention to sell the property. A circular letter issued to all local authorities on 14 March, setting out details of these arrangements. I have requested local authority chief executives to be proactive in this area.
Local authorities have delegated sanction to deliver the 1,300 additional acquisitions, subject to those acquisitions being within Acquisition Cost Guidelines issued by the Department. However, my Department will also consider proposals for acquisitions where the cost exceeds the costs set out in the Guidelines.
The associated funding to support the delivery of additional homes through increased social housing acquisitions in 2023 will come from within the Department’s overall capital envelope assigned under the National Development Plan (NDP). Local authority acquisitions will be funded from within the Local Authority Housing budget with AHB acquisitions to be funded from the CALF and CAS budgets. The costs of delivering these acquisitions will be kept under review through 2023. No specific financial allocation has been made to individual local authorities. In relation to maintenance cost, the acquisition of the property will allow a local authority to collect differential rent on a property, which will support increased allocations to the maintenance budget of the local authority.
My Department publishes comprehensive programme level statistics on a quarterly basis on social housing delivery activity in all local authorities, including information on social housing acquisitions. This data is available until the end of Quarter 3 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/ Data for Quarter 4 is currently being collated and will be published shortly. Data published to date does not include a breakdown of properties acquired where a tenant has received a Notice of Termination due to the landlord’s intention to sell the property. For 2023, an amendment is being made to my Department's statistical returns to collect information in this regard.
The allocation of a property acquired by the local authority is a matter for the local authority under its own allocation scheme. The making of a scheme for the allocation of social housing, is a legal function of local authorities under section 22 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009. Local authority schemes set out the order of priority for the allocation of dwellings and schemes will generally include provision for the allocation of dwellings to address homelessness. In this regard, it will also be a matter for a local authority to determine if the acquisition of a property will be appropriate to meet the housing need of a relevant household.
Rental Sector
Questions (420)
Michael Collins
Question:420. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on a series of matters in relation the renting of holiday homes in rent pressure zones (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12873/23]
View answer
Awaiting reply from Department.
Rental Sector
Questions (421)
Seán Canney
Question:421. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware that landlords whose property is located within a rent pressure zone and where the rent was historically low cannot now raise the rent to match other rented properties in the area and are being penalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12874/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016 introduced the Rent Predictability Measure to moderate rent increases in those parts of the country where rents are highest and rising fastest. The Residential Tenancies (No. 2) Act 2021 introduced measures in July 2021 to extend the operation of Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) until the end of 2024 and prohibit any necessary rent increase in an RPZ from exceeding general inflation, as recorded by the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP). The Act also provides that rent reviews outside of RPZs can, until 2025, occur no more frequently than bi-annually. This provides rent certainty for tenants outside of RPZs for a minimum 2 year period at a time.
To address the rent affordability challenges building on foot of the unexpectedly fast rising inflation rate, as recorded by HICP (CSO data for February 2023 shows HICP inflation of 9% p.a.), the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2021 was enacted to provide, from 11 December 2021, a cap of 2% per annum pro rata on rent increases in RPZs where the inflation rate is higher. In all cases, section 19(1) of the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2022 (RTA) prohibits the setting of a rent that exceeds market rent.
I recognise that some landlords were charging a rent that was below market rent at the time of the designation of their area as a RPZ. It was not appropriate to provide advance notice to landlords of the introduction of the targeted rent controls. To do so would have had an inflationary impact on rents and counter the intent of the measure. The concerns of landlords in this regard are understood but the overall common social good and the need to restrict rent increases in high rental demand areas and prevent homelessness remains paramount. The Government seek to avoid any measure that might give rise to significant and unaffordable rent increases for tenants.
In general, a rent in respect of a dwelling cannot be reviewed more frequently than annually in a Rent Pressure Zone (RPZ), or bi-annually outside of a RPZ. In reviewing a rent, a landlord must complete the Notice of Rent Review (available, with related information, on the RTB’s website – www.rtb.ie) which must be served on the tenant at least 90 days before the new rent becomes payable and requires details of the rent last set for the dwelling and, if the dwelling is in an RPZ, comply with procedures providing for the rent increase restriction and use the RTB’s Rent Pressure Zone calculator, to ensure compliance with the rent setting laws.
The RPZ calculator can be accessed on the RTB’s website at the following link: www.rtb.ie/calculator/rpz
As set out in the Housing for All Action Plan Update (published in November, 2022), my Department has commissioned a comprehensive review of the private rental sector. This review will take into account the significant regulatory changes over the past several years will report on how our housing system could provide an efficient, affordable, safe and secure framework for both landlords and tenants.
This review will include a thematic review of the principal and relevant elements of the Rental Market and the Government will act on its recommendations. Its conclusion will be utilised to inform future policy direction for the Rental Market.
The review will be concluded as early as possible and will include a public consultation, as well as targeted engagement of various external stakeholders.
Sustainable Development Goals
Questions (422)
Denis Naughten
Question:422. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the progress made by his Department in respect of targets and goals set out in sustainable development goals of the 2030 United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development under the policy remit of his Department; and if these targets and goals will be met by their respective deadlines. [12906/23]
View answerWritten answers
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a significant and ambitious framework. A whole-of-Government approach to its implementation has been taken in Ireland.
Ireland’s Second National Implementation Plan for the Sustainable Development Goals, 2022 – 2024 was published in October 2022. The Plan was developed by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications in collaboration with all Government Departments, key stakeholders, and based on input from two public consultation processes. A key objective of the Plan is to achieve greater policy coherence for Sustainable Development (PCSD) with the aim of accelerating achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at all levels of Government.
The Plan is supplemented by two supporting documents: an SDG policy map which identifies the lead Departments and relevant national policies for each of the 169 SDG targets; and a Policy Update document which provides policy updates for each of the SDG targets. These documents are available at www.gov.ie/sdgs
The SDG Policy Map enhances the ability of stakeholders to track Ireland’s implementation of specific SDGs and associated targets, and to assess Ireland’s response to the SDGs for potential policy gaps. It also supports and enhances cross-Government engagement in implementing each of the Goals and Targets.
My Department has responsibility for leading on the following targets:
- SDG 1 ‘No Poverty’ Target 1.5.
- SDG 6 ‘Clean Water and Sanitation’ Targets 6.1, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5 & 6.6
- SDG 11 ‘Sustainable Cities and Communities ’ Targets 11.1, 11.3, 11.7, 11.a & 11.b
- SDG 14 ‘Life below Water ’ Targets 14.1, 14.2, 14.3 & 14.5
- SDG 15 ‘Life on Land ’ Targets 15.3, 15.4, 15.5, 15.6, 15.7, 15.8, 15.9, 15.a & 15.c
My Department also has input into the following targets where another Department leads:
- SDG 2 ‘Zero Hunger ’ Targets 2.4 & 2.5
- SDG 9 ‘Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure ’ Targets 9.1 & 9.4
- SDG 11 ‘Sustainable Cities and Communities ’ Target 11.4
- SDG 12 ‘Responsible Consumption and Production ’ Target 12.8
- SDG 13 ‘Climate Action ’ Targets 13.1 & 13.2
- SDG 14 ‘Life below Water ’ Targets 14.4, 14.6 & 14.c
- SDG 15 ‘Life on Land ’ Targets 15.1, 15.2 & 15.b
All Departments share responsibility under Goal 17 - Partnerships for the Goals.
My Department oversees the operation of the local government system, providing the policy framework within which local authorities work and deliver services to the communities that they represent and serve. My Department also supports local government in its role of promoting the well-being and quality of life of citizens and communities through the efficient performance of functions and delivery of good-value services at local level.
SDGs cover a breadth of areas in which local government is active. Individual aspects of SDGs are incorporated into the relevant policy agendas of local authorities, e.g. City and County Development Plans.
Further detail on my Department’s progress in respect of SDG targets and goals is set out in the attached table and also in the Policy Map on
www.gov.ie/en/publication/e950f-national-implementation-plan-for-the-sustainable-development-goals-2022-2024/
The Central Statistics Office (CSO), in collaboration with all Government Departments, has prepared as series of statistical publications which monitor and report on how Ireland is progressing towards meeting its targets under the 17 SDGs. Reports are available for SDGs 1 – 16 and can be found on the CSO website at the following link: www.cso.ie/en/statistics/unsustainabledevelopmentgoals/ .
Ireland will present its second Voluntary National Review (VNR) to the United Nations High-Level Political Forum in July 2023. The VNR report will comprise a high-level data section and a more detailed appendix reporting on progress in respect of achieving the SDGs and related targets.
Housing Schemes
Questions (423, 433)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:423. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide details of the new initiatives for which he has recently got approval from Cabinet (details supplied) that will assist those with eviction notices to buy their own homes or for their homes to transfer to cost-rental; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12919/23]
View answerRichard Boyd Barrett
Question:433. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to the announcement of the end to the eviction ban and his statement in Dáil Éireann (details supplied), if he will outline the new mechanism referred to; and when it will be put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12993/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 423 and 433 together.
On the 7 March last the Government decided that the “Winter Emergency Period”, under the Residential Tenancies (Deferment of Termination Dates of Certain Tenancies) Act 2022, will cease on the 31 March. This will see deferred tenancy terminations taking effect over a staggered period from 1 April to 18 June 2023.
In addition to the on-going and additional measures taken to put in place increased options, including the tenant in situ scheme, to mitigate the impact of the end of the emergency period, Government has now also agreed on a number of new measures.
This includes developing a legislative provision which may require a landlord selling a property to offer “First Right of Refusal” to a tenant. In order that tenants would have as full an opportunity as possible to purchase the home, I have also issued a request to the First Home scheme Designated Activity Company to expand its eligibility so that in instances where tenants have received a notice of termination they would be eligible for support under that scheme.
In addition, I am developing proposals for a bespoke cost rental model which would see a provider, such as an Approved Housing Body, avail of this First Right of Refusal to purchase the property and allow tenants who have received a notice of termination, and who are at risk of homelessness but not on social housing supports, continue to reside in the property. I intend that the cost rental tenant in situ backstop will be applied on an administrative basis from 1 April 2023 prior to legislative enactment with a view to supporting households at risk of homelessness.
The details of these schemes are in the process of being advanced and information will be available in due course.
Housing Schemes
Questions (424)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:424. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a breakdown of data (details supplied) under several sub-headings for each the past ten years, in tabular form. [12920/23]
View answerWritten answers
Housing for All is the Government’s plan to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 per year over the next decade. This includes the delivery of 90,000 social homes, 36,000 affordable purchase homes and 18,000 cost rental homes. 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 and €5bn funding through the Housing Finance Agency.Under Housing for All, the Government will deliver 47,600 new build social homes and 3,500 social homes through long-term leasing in the period 2022-2026. Our clear focus is to increase the stock of social housing through new build projects delivered by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs).
My Department publishes comprehensive programme level statistics on a quarterly basis on social housing delivery activity. This data is available to the end of Quarter 3 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/Data on the number of private rented tenancies registered with the RTB from 2005-2021 is available on the RTB website at the following link: www.rtb.ie/data-hub/rtb-private-tenancy-registration-statistics. Information can also be obtained from the RTB’s dedicated Oireachtas Members’ email address OireachtasMembersQueries@rtb.ie. Data on Approved Housing Body (AHB) tenancies registered with the RTB is also available from the RTB website at the following link: www.rtb.ie/data-hub/approved-housing-bodies
My Department does not hold details of the number of homes that are owned as a principle private residence, or details of tenancies in local authority or AHB properties. My Department has no role in Rent Supplement, which is a matter for the Minister for Social Protection.
Housing Schemes
Questions (425)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:425. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will extend the shared equity scheme to any home that comes under the price threshold and not just designated affordable homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12952/23]
View answerWritten answers
The First Home Scheme, launched on 7 July 2022, supports eligible first-time buyers in purchasing new houses and apartments in the private market through the use of an equity share model. It also supports other purchasers who have previously owned a home, under the 'Fresh Start' principle. Support available under the First Home is targetted at new build homes as a key policy objective of the scheme is to encourage and increase the supply pipeline for new homes.
Homes are not specifically designated as eligible under the First Home Scheme, since all new-build homes on the private market are eligible purchases, subject to the revised regional price ceilings which came into effect on 1 January this year.
The scheme is administered by the First Home Scheme Ireland DAC, which is responsible for governance and operations. Further information on the scheme, including scheme conditionality, is available on the official website at: www.firsthomescheme.ie.
Departmental Reviews
Questions (426, 468)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:426. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 298 of 7 March 2023, if there is a timeframe for his consideration of the report; and when recommendations will be made. [12959/23]
View answer
Patricia Ryan
Question:468. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider raising the grant threshold for housing adaptation given materials have become more expensive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13292/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 426 and 468 together.
Housing for All commits to reviewing the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability. Among the areas which the review considered are the income thresholds, the grant limits, the application and decision making processes, including supplementary documentation required. A report on the review of the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability has been prepared by my Department. I will be giving careful consideration to the review report and expect to make a decision on the recommendations in the report as soon as possible.
Housing Provision
Questions (427)
Patrick Costello
Question:427. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the breakdown, by local authority area which outlines the locations for each of the housing units mentioned by An Taoiseach in Leaders Questions on 7 March 2023 (details supplied), in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12966/23]
View answerWritten answers
Housing for All is the Government’s plan to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 per year over the next decade. This includes the delivery of 90,000 social homes, 36,000 affordable purchase homes and 18,000 cost rental homes. 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 and €5bn funding through the Housing Finance Agency.
My Department publishes comprehensive programme level statistics on a quarterly basis on social housing delivery activity, including data on build, acquisition, lease and voids programmes. This data is available to the end of Quarter 3 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/. Data for Quarter 4 is currently being collated and will be published in the coming weeks.
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 procurement processes. The most recent publication was for Quarter 3 2022. The report is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/2b4cd-social-housing-construction-projects-status-report-q3-2022/
The Department's role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the statutory role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of emergency accommodation and related services for homeless persons rests with individual housing authorities.
The Department does not fund any homeless services directly but provides funding to housing authorities towards the operational costs of homeless accommodation and related services under Section 10 of the Housing Act, 1988. Under the funding arrangements, housing authorities must provide at least 10% of the cost of services from their own resources. Housing authorities may also incur additional expenditure on homeless related services outside of these funding arrangements with the Department.
Under the Exchequer funding arrangements in place between the Department and housing authorities, decisions on the funding, organisation and range of accommodation services to be provided are a matter for the individual housing authorities in consultation with the Statutory Management Group of the relevant regional Joint Homelessness Consultative Forum, and the Department has no function in relation to operational matters. It is a matter for the Management Group to bring forward proposals to the Department that meet the needs of homeless individuals in their administrative area.
Local authorities opened some 500 new emergency beds in the past number of months predominantly in the Dublin Region.
In September 2022 the Department asked all Regional Lead authorities to ensure that that cold weather arrangements were in place throughout the country. The table below outlines the most recent data on the number of additional beds made available.
|
Local authority |
Beds |
|
Dublin Region |
40 |
|
Kildare County Council |
23 |
|
Meath County Council |
6 |
|
Limerick |
17 |
|
Louth |
17 |
|
Carlow |
2 |
|
Waterford |
2 |
|
Cork City |
30 |
|
Galway City |
33 |
|
National Total |
170 |
Other local authorities indicated that they would be able to accommodate the expected demand for emergency accommodation over the cold weather period within existing services.
Homeless Accommodation
Questions (428, 465)
Patrick Costello
Question:428. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures he will put in place to assist emergency accommodation providers to expand the capacity to accommodate people presenting to homeless services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12967/23]
View answerPatrick Costello
Question:465. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount of additional funding that will be made available to each local authority to increase the level of emergency accommodation provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13277/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department's role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of homeless services rests with individual housing authorities.
My Department does not fund any homeless service directly but provides funding to housing authorities towards the operational costs of homeless accommodation and related services under Section 10 of the Housing Act, 1988. Under Exchequer funding arrangements, housing authorities must provide at least 10% of the cost of services from their own resources. Furthermore, housing authorities may also incur additional expenditure on homeless related services outside of the Exchequer funding arrangements provided by my Department.
A homelessness consultative forum has been established in each region in accordance with Chapter 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2009. Decisions on the range of emergency accommodation services and funding required in each region are a matter for individual housing authorities in consultation with the Management Group of the relevant regional joint Homelessness Consultative Forum. It is a matter for the Management Group to bring forward proposals to my Department that meet the needs of homeless individuals in their administrative area and the funding requirements will be considered in this context.
Funding for all required homeless services including the provision of emergency accommodation will be provided this year.
Rental Sector
Questions (429, 446, 484)
Patrick Costello
Question:429. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the timeline for when legislation will be introduced to give tenants first refusal on purchasing their home if the landlord is selling it, or failing that, offered for purchase by an approved housing body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12968/23]
View answerIvana Bacik
Question:446. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if proposals to give first refusal to tenants, where their landlord seeks to sell their property, will include measures to offer second refusal to local authorities. [13104/23]
View answer
Sorca Clarke
Question:484. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide further details on the plan recently announced in the media, of a scheme similar to the tenant in situ for households that are above the social housing income limits. [13538/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 429, 446 and 484 together.
On 7 March last the Government decided that the “Winter Emergency Period”, under the Residential Tenancies (Deferment of Termination Dates of Certain Tenancies) Act 2022, will cease on the 31 March 2023. This will see deferred tenancy terminations taking effect over a staggered period from 1 April to 18 June 2023.
In addition to the on-going and additional measures taken to put in place increased options, including the tenant in situ scheme, to mitigate the impact of the end of the emergency period, Government has now also agreed on a number of new measures.
This includes developing a legislative provision which may require a landlord selling a property to offer “First Right of Refusal” to a tenant. In order that tenants would have as full an opportunity as possible to purchase the home, I have also issued a request to the First Home scheme Designated Activity Company to expand its eligibility so that in instances where tenants have received a notice of termination they would be eligible for support under that scheme.
In addition, I am developing proposals for a bespoke cost rental model which would see a provider, such as an Approved Housing Body, avail of this First Right of Refusal to purchase the property and allow tenants who have received a notice of termination, and who are at risk of homelessness but not on social housing supports, continue to reside in the property. I intend that the cost rental tenant in situ backstop will be applied on an administrative basis from 1 April prior to legislative enactment with a view to supporting households at risk of homelessness.
The details of these schemes are in the process of being advanced and full information will be available in due course.
Question No. 430 answered with Question No. 419.
Question No. 431 answered with Question No. 419.
Road Projects
Questions (432)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:432. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when a response will issue to proposed amendments that were submitted by Galway County Council to the heritage section of the National Parks and Wildlife Service in September 2022 for approval in relation to the method statements for the upgrade of the road from Bunakill to Claremont on the N59 in accordance with the planning permission for this project; the reason for the delay in reverting to the County Council on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12989/23]
View answerWritten answers
Staff of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department have been working with Galway County Council in relation to this project.
A method statement prepared by Galway County Council, which outlined the methodology for the topographical survey along the N59 (Bunnakill to Oughterard) as part of the overall N59 Maam Cross-Oughterard Project, was approved in July 2022.
Further method statements, one relating to ground investigation and a second, relating to archaeological investigations were submitted in September 2022. These are being considered by the NPWS. This is a complex case in a designated area. Accordingly, great care is being exercised in giving the matter full and due consideration. The NPWS will revert to Galway County Council as soon as possible.
Question No. 433 answered with Question No. 423.
Defective Building Materials
Questions (434, 511)
John Lahart
Question:434. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if homes within an apartment complex (details supplied) qualify under the defective apartments redress scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13000/23]
View answer
Michael Ring
Question:511. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there is any update on a scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13953/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 434 and 511 together.
I received Government approval on 18 January to draft legislation to establish supports for the remediation of fire safety, structural safety and water ingress defects in purpose-built apartment buildings, including duplexes, constructed between 1991 and 2013. This legislation will provide a statutory basis for the establishment of a remediation scheme aimed at protecting the safety and welfare of those living in apartments or duplexes with such defects.
Work is underway to draft the required legislation which will include the scope, eligibility and conditions of the remediation scheme which will become operational following implementation of the required legislation. Subject to the legislative process, it is intended that a scheme would be in place in 2024.
There are no plans to include houses in this scheme.
Separately, however, in response to the difficulties that homeowners are facing due to the presence of deleterious material in their houses, my Department has put other measures in place to support homeowners including providing considerable financial assistance to remediate their homes. In this regard, the Pyrite Remediation Scheme and the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme are both underpinned by legislation.
Defective Building Materials
Questions (435)
John Lahart
Question:435. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he expects the defective apartments redress scheme to be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13001/23]
View answerWritten answers
I received Government approval on 18 January 2023 to draft legislation to establish supports for the remediation of fire safety, structural safety and water ingress defects in purpose-built apartment buildings, including duplexes, constructed between 1991 and 2013. This legislation will provide a statutory basis for the establishment of a remediation scheme aimed at protecting the safety and welfare of those living in apartments or duplexes with such defects.
Work is underway to draft the required legislation which will include the scope, eligibility and conditions of the remediation scheme which will become operational following implementation of the required legislation.
While I am working on the development of the scheme as a matter of priority, sufficient time is required to draft the legislation to ensure that the scheme is fit for purpose, provides value for tax payer’s money and contains appropriate oversight and governance measures. Subject to the legislative process, it is intended that a scheme would be in place in 2024.
Legislative Measures
Questions (436)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:436. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he will consider the amendments made to the Wildlife Bill 2016 in Seanad Éireann; when he will complete his consideration of the Bill; when he will propose to Government that permission be sought to have this Bill restored to the order paper for Dáil Éireann’s final consideration; the reason for the more than four year delay in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13013/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2016 gives legal effect to the proposed reconfiguration of the raised bog Natural Heritage Area network arising from the 2014 review of the raised bog Natural Heritage Area network.
The Bill had completed its passage through the Seanad, and had been returned to the Dáil so that amendments made by the Seanad could be considered, when the Bill lapsed with the dissolution of the 32nd Dáil in January 2020.
My Department has fully considered the amendments made in the Seanad in consultation with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel (OPC), from a legal and drafting perspective, and alternative amendments have been drafted. It has also worked closely with the Bills Office to clarify matters in respect of a lapsed Bill. I plan to bring a Memorandum to Government in the coming weeks seeking approval to have the Bill restored to the Order Paper.
Derelict Sites
Questions (437)
Thomas Gould
Question:437. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the derelict sites levies, levied, collected, owed and cumulatively owed; and the number of sites on the register on 31 December 2022 and to date in 2023, by each local authority, in tabular form. [13018/23]
View answerWritten answers
Local Authorities are required to submit an annual return to my Department providing information on the operation of the Derelict Sites Act 1990 in their functional areas. The derelict sites returns have been collected in Q2 of the following year. My Department recently issued Circular Letter PL 02/2023 requesting the submission of returns on the operation of the Derelict Sites Act in 2022 by end of Q1 2023.
The table below contains the information requested regarding the operation of the derelict sites levy, as per the most recent returns from local authorities relating to the year 2021.
|
Local Authority |
No. of Derelict Sites on Register at 31 December 2021 |
Amount levied during the year |
Amount received in respect of sites levied during 2021 |
Cumulative amount of levies outstanding at 31 December 2021 |
|
Carlow |
25 |
€122,068.00 |
€5,000.00 |
€256,731.00 |
|
Cavan |
21 |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
|
Clare |
39 |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
|
Cork County |
67 |
€32,200.00 |
€ - |
€32,200.00 |
|
Cork City |
95 |
€1,740,000.00 |
€570,000.00 |
€4,200,000.00 |
|
Donegal |
18 |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
|
Dublin City |
79 |
€1,540,971.00 |
€417,447.00 |
€4,756,429.00 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown |
10 |
€159,250.00 |
€17,500.00 |
€737,324.00 |
|
Fingal |
5 |
€ - |
€ - |
€7,500.00 |
|
Galway City |
9 |
€11,900.00 |
€ - |
€23,900.00 |
|
Galway County |
1 |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
|
Kerry |
65 |
€19,250.00 |
€ - |
€255,490.00 |
|
Kildare |
23 |
€125,800.00 |
€3,300.00 |
€313,738.00 |
|
Kilkenny |
13 |
€ - |
€ - |
€12,450.00 |
|
Laois |
13 |
€ - |
€ - |
€108,300.00 |
|
Leitrim |
36 |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
|
Limerick City & County |
266 |
€482,541.00 |
€41,138.00 |
€1,063,290.00 |
|
Longford |
36 |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
|
Louth |
4 |
€13,500.00 |
€ - |
€50,040.00 |
|
Mayo |
253 |
€96,953.00 |
€10,383.00 |
€86,570.00 |
|
Meath |
30 |
€122,111.00 |
€ - |
€580,352.00 |
|
Monaghan |
30 |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
|
Offaly |
19 |
€ - |
€ - |
€120,240.00 |
|
Roscommon |
3 |
€ - |
€ - |
€4,200.00 |
|
Sligo |
26 |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
|
South Dublin |
13 |
€ - |
€ - |
€212,533.00 |
|
Tipperary |
42 |
€38,150.00 |
€ - |
€93,938.00 |
|
Waterford City & County |
33 |
€ - |
€ - |
€ - |
|
Westmeath |
85 |
€357,958.00 |
€32,250.00 |
€1,849,386.00 |
|
Wexford |
53 |
€168,140.00 |
€ - |
€627,721.00 |
|
Wicklow |
3 |
€26,950.00 |
€ - |
€32,100.00 |
|
Total |
1415 |
€5,057,742.00 |
€1,097,018.00 |
€15,424,432.00 |
Grant Payments
Questions (438)
Thomas Pringle
Question:438. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 306 of 7 March 2023, in which it was stated that the registration date of 2013 helped to ensure that an estimated 95% of systems were registered before that date; if he will provide further information on the septic tank grant; if he will provide the details of the way this estimation was arrived; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13025/23]
View answerWritten answers
The estimated figure achieved of 95% of septic tanks registered is based on a comparison against the total number of septic tanks as provided by the CSO 2016 Census figures. A more up to date figure will be prepared when the 2022 Census data is available.
Further information on the grants available can be found at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/6cc1e-domestic-waste-water-treatment-systems-septic-tanks/
Rental Sector
Questions (439)
John Brady
Question:439. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the engagement his Department has had with local authorities, in particular Wicklow County Council, in order to plan for the impact of the lifting of the eviction ban; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13032/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Residential Tenancies (Deferment of Termination Dates of Certain Tenancies) Act 2022 was a time limited enactment which provided for a stay on eviction notices up to 31 March 2023, with deferred tenancy terminations taking effect over a staggered period from 1 April to 18 June.
The Government and I considered a number of courses of action in advance of the ending of the winter moratorium period and believe that a focus on additional new supply is the best way forward.
On 7 March, I announced further measures to increase the supply of social homes to mitigate the impact of the end of the winter emergency period including:
- an increase in the number of social housing acquisitions to 1,500 in 2023 to reduce the number of households at risk of homelessness;
- an additional 1,000 homes through Targeted Leasing initiatives in 2023 and 2024; and
- the amendment of the Capital Advance Leasing Facility used by Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to assist them in their efforts in delivering social homes.
The Government has recently agreed on a number of new measures to give tenants the opportunity to buy their home. This includes developing a legislative provision which may require that a landlord selling a property to offer “First Right of Refusal” to a tenant. Furthermore, I have issued a request to the First Home scheme Designated Activity Company to expand its eligibility to encompass such instances as where tenants who have received such a notice would be eligible for support under that scheme. In addition, I am developing proposals for a bespoke cost rental model which would see a provider avail of this First Right of Refusal to allow tenants who have received such a notice and who are at risk of homelessness, but not on social housing supports, continue to reside in the property. The details of these schemes are in the process of being advanced and information will be available in due course.
On 14 March 2023, a circular letter was issued to all local authorities in relation to arrangement for social housing acquisitions for 2023. The circular advises local authorities of the increase of the number of social housing acquisitions from 200 per annum to 1,500 per annum. These acquisitions are to focus on homes where a HAP or RAS tenant has received a Notice of Termination, due to the sale of the property. Wicklow County Council have an initial target of 30 acquisitions. Local authorities are best placed to make decisions on acquisitions. Individual local authorities have the flexibility to identify suitable acquisitions in line with local circumstances, value for money and their social housing allocations policy.
I have also reiterated the importance of being proactive in acquiring properties where a HAP or RAS tenant has received a Notice of Termination, both in correspondence and in person with Local Authority Chief Executives at the recent Housing Summits. My Department will be monitoring activity in this area closely through 2023 and will continue to work with all local authorities to ensure sufficient funding is made available to support those at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
Housing Schemes
Questions (440, 441)
Holly Cairns
Question:440. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the limits on the first home scheme will next be reviewed. [13056/23]
View answerHolly Cairns
Question:441. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps he is taking to ensure that the limits for the first home scheme are being consistently applied in all local authorities. [13057/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 440 and 441 together.
The First Home Scheme, launched on 7 July 2022, supports first-time buyers in purchasing new houses and apartments in the private market through the use of an equity share model. Further information is available at: www.firsthomescheme.ie.
The scheme is overseen and managed independently by the First Home Scheme DAC. The rules of the scheme have been agreed by all of the scheme founders, including the participant banks (AIB (including EBS and Haven), BOI and PTSB) and the State. It is the responsibility of the First Home Scheme to apply all rules consistently and fairly to all applicants and without exception. The rules of the scheme are contained in the First Home Scheme brochure, which is available at: www.firsthomescheme.ie/media/3fidiubp/first-homes-brochure-2023.pdf.
First Home operates on the basis of providing support within house price ceilings using local authoity area geographical boundaries. At its launch in July 2022, it was announced by the First Home Scheme DAC that a review of price ceilings would be undertaken within 6 months. First Home has confirmed that this review was conducted towards the end of 2022 on the basis of the most up to date Residential Property Price Index data on the sales prices of new homes sold as published by the CSO, as well as a study of the prices of new homes available on the market, and also factored in an increase in construction costs over the period.
That review is now complete, and the revised price ceilings have been in place since 1 January 2023. The revised price ceilings are available at: www.firsthomescheme.ie/about/property-price-ceilings/ . First Home has confirmed that a review of price ceilings will take place every 6 months to ensure they remain fit for purpose.
Question No. 441 answered with Question No. 440.
State Bodies
Questions (442)
Ivana Bacik
Question:442. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on delays in response times by the Residential Tenancies Board; his further views on how current delays compare with wait times in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13100/23]
View answer
Awaiting reply from Department.
State Bodies
Questions (443)
Ivana Bacik
Question:443. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has plans to allocate additional staff to the Residential Tenancies Board. [13101/23]
View answer
Awaiting reply from Department.
Referendum Campaigns
Questions (444)
Ivana Bacik
Question:444. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the proposed referendum on housing will be held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13102/23]
View answerWritten answers
In line with commitments in the Programme for Government and Housing for All: A New Housing Plan for Ireland, the Housing Commission was established by Government in December 2021 to independently examine and review the housing system in Ireland.
The Commission’s Terms of Reference cover a wide range of issues connected to housing, one of which is to consider the complex constitutional issues arising in this area and to make recommendations as to the appropriate wording for a referendum on housing.
The proposed timeline for a referendum on housing will be a matter for Government to consider following receipt of the proposed wording from the Commission.
It should be noted that the Commission on Housing is independent from my Department. The Commission will regularly be publishing information on its website - www.gov.ie/housingcommission/
Equality Issues
Questions (445)
Ivana Bacik
Question:445. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to collate and publish data on LGBTQ+ homelessness in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13103/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department currently publishes data on a monthly basis on the number of homeless persons accommodated in emergency accommodation funded and overseen by housing authorities. These reports are based on data provided by housing authorities, produced through the Pathway Accommodation & Support System (PASS). The reports are collated on a regional basis and are available on my Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/80ea8-homelessness-data/ and are also published to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform's open data portal data.gov.ie/.
The monthly homelessness report includes details of individuals, families and the dependants of these families who accessed emergency accommodation during the relevant count week of the month in question. My Department does not collate the data sought in the Question and there are no plans to ask housing authorities to collect such data.