Written Answers Nos. 339-350
339. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider allowing council tenants to apply for the housing aid for older persons grant and the disabled persons grants to speed up the process following long delays with local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19430/23]
View answerMy Department provides funding to local authorities under the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability scheme. The scheme assists eligible applicants living in privately owned homes to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. The detailed administration of the grants including their assessment, approval and prioritisation, is the responsibility of each local authority.
My Department provides funding separately to local authorities under the Disabled Persons Grants scheme to carry out works on social housing stock to address the needs of older people, people with a disability or overcrowded situations. Each scheme operates independently of the other with Disabled Person Grants applicable to local authority owned homes and the Housing Adaptation Grants available for homes in private ownership.
I am satisfied that the discrete statutory operation of both schemes provides adequately and satisfactorily for grants provision for both private and social housing.
340. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if additional details will be provided on the housing in situ scheme for counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19446/23]
View answerUnder 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).
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. My Department issued a circular letter to all local authorities in 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. Cavan and Monaghan have an initial allocation to acquire 10 social houses each and this number may be increased if necessary.
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 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/.
341. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the circular with details of the 1 May changes to the vacant property grant will issue to local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19474/23]
View answer348. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the croí cónaithe refurbishment grant scheme will be extended to include properties for rent; and how landlords can apply for this. [19520/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 341 and 348 together.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is being expanded from 1 May to build on the success of the scheme to date and further increase the number of vacant and derelict properties brought back into use. Details of the expansion are as follows:
i. The inclusion of one property which will be made available for rent, by the owner, in addition to one grant for a property which will be a principal private residence of the applicant i.e. a maximum of two applications for a grant will be available;
ii. Changing the eligibility date, which is currently 1993 for the build date, to include vacant and derelict properties built up to and including 2007; and
iii. Increase of the current maximum grant rates from €30,000 to €50,000 for vacant properties and from €50,000 to €70,000 for derelict properties
My Department is currently finalising the updated scheme documentation and revised guidance including a circular will be issued to local authorities shortly.
342. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on whether the enforcement of wildlife crime should now become a greater priority following the successful agreement of a UN Action Plan for Biodiversity at COP 15 and following the report of the Irish Citizens' Assembly on Biodiversity Loss; how he envisages that the greater enforcement of wildlife crime will help Ireland to meet it's '30 x 30' goals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19498/23]
View answer343. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide, in statistical form, a record of wildlife crimes, by county, registered, prosecuted and convicted in Ireland in each year over the past decade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19499/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 342 and 343 together.
The agreement reached at COP 15 for a UN Action Plan for Biodiversity including the ‘30x30’ targets is historic. The global biodiversity framework will assist in halting and reversing biodiversity loss. I now look forward to working with our colleagues and partners on putting these outcomes into action through implementation of the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 and Ireland's new National Biodiversity Action Plan which will be published this year.
I also strongly welcome the publication of the report of the Irish Citizens Assembly on Biodiversity Loss and am grateful to members of the Assembly for their dedication and commitment to the process. The Assembly agreed 159 recommendations, including 73 high level and 86 sectoral specific recommendations, reflecting the depth and breadth of the topics discussed including the safeguarding of wildlife.
The recommendations of the assembly will now be deliberated by the relevant committee in the Houses of the Oireachtas. The Committee will, in turn, bring its conclusions to the Houses for debate. The Government will provide in the Houses of the Oireachtas a response to each recommendation of the Assembly and, if accepting some or all of the recommendations, will indicate the timeframe it envisages for implementing those recommendations.
Enforcement is a priority in my Department. The National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department (NPWS) is working across all regions of the country to address wildlife crime. Staff in NPWS are designated as Authorised Persons under the Wildlife Acts and Authorised Officers under the EC (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 and in that context they have powers of enforcement to deal with wildlife crime.
My Department works closely with An Garda Síochána and other enforcement bodies, as appropriate, to investigate and prosecute wildlife crime in Ireland. On an ongoing basis NPWS staff conduct patrols and site visits to enforce the various provisions of national and EU legislation, as required. They also investigate reports of breaches of legislation and progress cases for prosecutions as necessary.
Detailed data on the numbers of wildlife crime investigations and prosecutions taken by enforcement organisations other than the NPWS are not presently collated by, and consequently is not available in, my Department.
The information requested regarding the number of wildlife crimes investigations, prosecutions by the NPWS per year and county since 2014, when records are readily available, is currently being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The Strategic Action Plan for NPWS will equip it with the organisational capability and supporting structures to enable it to deliver its mandate in protecting our natural heritage. Additional resources are being recruited across all grades and specialisms in NPWS and I have secured agreement to increase the number of conservation rangers to 120 with recruitment already underway to achieve this.
The NPWS is also working to review, consolidate and modernise the Wildlife Act and the Birds and Habitats Regulations. The updates to this legislation will be wide-ranging but will have a particular focus on deterrence and on improving the enforceability of wildlife laws.
344. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he intends to use legislation to protect tenants of purpose-built retirement villages to ensure they cannot be evicted, unless a tenant breaches the tenancy agreement; if he will ensure that purpose-built retirement villages remain retirement villages under planning law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19511/23]
View answerThe Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2022 (the RTA) regulate tenancies in the residential rental sector covering private renters, cost renters, social renters with Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) as well as regulating tenancies and licences in student specific accommodation, in addition to setting out the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants. The RTA applies to every dwelling that is the subject of a tenancy, subject to a limited number of exceptions which are provided for under section 3(2) of the RTA. The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) was established as an independent statutory body under the RTA to operate a national tenancy registration system and to facilitate the resolution of tenancy disputes between landlords and tenants.
Where the owner of a dwelling enters into a letting agreement with a person for the occupation of that dwelling, it is a private contractual matter between the parties as to whether that agreement is a licence agreement or a tenancy agreement. Accommodation arrangements in a particular retirement village would need to be examined to determine whether they fall within the remit of the RTA. If a dispute arises as to whether a purported licence agreement is in fact a tenancy agreement, the RTB can determine on the matter. If the accommodation arrangement is determined to be a tenancy agreement, the RTA protections apply.
Under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act), all development, unless specifically exempted under the Act or associated Regulations, requires planning permission. An application for planning permission is made to the relevant planning authority under section 34 of the Act.
It is possible under the Act to apply for planning permission for the change of use of a building or buildings which have been previously been granted planning permission, including purpose built retirement villages. Any proposal for a change of use to another use would be subject to assessment by the relevant planning authority as part of the planning application process. It is a matter for the relevant planning authority to consider each such application on a case-by-case basis and to decide to whether to grant permission, subject to or without conditions, or to refuse permission.
Under section 30 of the Act, as Minister with responsibility for planning, I am specifically precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular case with which a planning authority or the Board is or may be concerned.
345. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the options available to a person whose income takes them over the social housing threshold but is not enough to meet the criteria for repayments of a local authority home loan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19513/23]
View answerHousing for All, the Government’s housing plan, puts affordability at the heart of the housing system and places priority on the supply of affordable homes to persons on moderate incomes and above the social housing income eligibility threshold. The plan aims to increase new housing supply, support home ownership, and increase affordability. It commits to the delivery of 54,000 affordable homes by 2030. The plan can be accessed at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/ef5ec-housing-for-all-a-new-housing-plan-for-ireland/#view-the-plan.
The Affordable Housing Act 2021 provides a robust legislative basis for a range of affordability schemes that are now operational in line with Housing for All and will increasingly provide a range of affordable options for eligible prospective homeowners. Delivery is being facilitated nationwide by local authorities, approved housing bodies, the Land Development Agency, and via the First Homes scheme.
The Affordable Housing Fund enables local authorities to develop Affordable Purchase Schemes whereby homes are sold at a price below the market value in return for a commensurate equity stake retained by the local authority, which can be redeemed by the purchaser at any time, subject to certain conditions. Relevant homes are advertised on each local authority’s website as they become available and eligible applicants may apply for affordable homes in all local authority areas operating the scheme.
Similarly, the First Home Scheme uses an equity share model to support first-time buyers in purchasing new houses and apartments in the private market. Full details of the First Home Scheme are available on the scheme website: www.firsthomescheme.ie.
The Revenue Help-to-Buy incentive supports First-time Buyers in meeting the deposit requirements for newly-built houses or apartments, as well as self-build homes and may be used in combination with the Affordable Purchase or First Homes schemes.
Other affordable options include the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, available as part of the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund. The grant benefits those who wish to turn a formerly vacant house or building into their principal private residence. It is important to note that this grant has now been extended to eligible vacant properties in cities and remote rural locations in addition to towns and villages. A further option available under the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund is the Ready to Build scheme whereby local authorities will make serviced sites in towns and villages available at a discount on the market value. The purchaser may then use the site to build their own home.
Finally, for those whose circumstances may be more suited to renting a home, the Government has introduced a new form of long-term sustainable home rental in the form of Cost Rental tenancies. This scheme aims to provide households with a net income of up to €53,000 who cannot afford to purchase or rent their own home with secure affordable tenancies in sustainable, long-term homes. Under the Cost Rental model, rents for homes are set to cover only the cost of delivering, managing and maintaining the homes.
These affordable options are now in place, are already being availed of and delivery is being scaled up.
346. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will an update on any plans of proposed changes to reduce the voting age to 16 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19518/23]
View answerThe Programme for Government – Our Shared Future - contains a specific commitment to "Examine the Scottish experience of reducing the voting age to 17, in order to draw conclusions" within the lifetime of the current Dáil. The Programme for Government also committed to the establishment of a statutory, independent Electoral Commission. This was established on the 9 February this year and is known as An Coimisiún Toghcháin.
Under Chapter 9 of Part 2 of the Electoral Reform Act 2022 An Coimisiún will conduct research on electoral policies and procedures with a view to making recommendations to the Minister and the Government as may be required from time to time. Following its recent establishment, An Coimisiún will be well placed to examine, among other matters, the prospect of reducing the age at which a person would be entitled to vote at elections and referendums held in the State having particular regard to the experience in Scotland as well as in other countries where a reduction in the voting age has taken place.
Any reform of our electoral laws in the future concerning the voting age will have regard to the outcome of any work carried out by An Coimisiún in due course.
347. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to allow Irish-born citizens living outside Ireland to vote in Irish elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19519/23]
View answerUnder electoral law, in order to be able to vote at elections in Ireland, a person's name must be entered in the register of electors for a constituency in the State in which the person ordinarily resides. With some exceptions (mainly postal and special voters) all persons must attend in person to vote at their local polling station.
Subject to a limited number of exceptions, Irish citizens resident outside the State do not have the right to vote at elections or at referendums held in the State. The Programme for Government - Our Shared Future - commits to holding a referendum on extending the franchise at presidential elections to Irish citizens resident outside of the State. My Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs have been working closely on this issue and, on 16 September 2019, the Thirty-ninth Amendment of the Constitution (Presidential Elections) Bill 2019 was initiated in Dáil Éireann by the then Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to facilitate the holding of a referendum on this issue.
While the Bill lapsed with the dissolution of the 32nd Dáil Éireann, in support of the Government commitment, the Bill has been restored to the Dáil Order Paper. If the Bill is passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas, section 10 of the Referendum Act 1994 requires that I, as Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage make an order appointing the day upon which the poll for the proposed referendum will take place. The Act provides that the polling day shall be not less than thirty days and not more than ninety days after the date of the order.
While electoral law is kept under ongoing review, proposals for the extension of voting rights to Irish citizens resident outside the State at other elections or at referendums are not currently under consideration.
349. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware that Louth County Council has 'suspended receipt of applications for the various DPG schemes due to the vast over subscription which exceeds both budgets and capacity to manage and process applications'; if his Department intends to provide additional budget and capacity to Louth County Council in 2023 in order for them to deal with the applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19558/23]
View answer350. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number and total value of contracts his Department has had over the past 12 months with KPMG; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20033/23]
View answerDetails of the number and total value of contracts my Department has had over the past 12 months with KPMG are set out in the attached table.
|
Year |
Firm |
Description |
Duration (Months) |
Contract Value (ex VAT) |
Contract Value (ex VAT)Contract Spend (ex VAT) (01/04/2022 – 20/04/2023) |
|
2021 |
KPMG |
Provision of support to draft the 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan |
18 Months |
€189,901 |
€112,304 |
|
2022 |
KPMG |
To produce a report relating to costs as part of the Review of Part B of the Building Regulations |
2 Months |
€7,260 |
€7,260 |
|
2022 |
KPMG |
To conduct an independent expert review of a Preliminary Business Case for the URDF Clonburris Strategic Infrastructure project as part of the External Assurance Process for Major Public Investment Projects. |
3 months |
€46,721 |
€46,721 |
