Written Answers Nos. 268-304
268. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education if additional time is to be granted to Ukrainian students sitting Junior and Leaving Certificate examinations to ensure that they can make all necessary translations. [20143/23]
View answerThe State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations.
In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
269. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education when a second level school place will be offered in the case of a student (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20172/23]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
My department is committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential. My department strives to ensure that every child has access to an educational experience that is appropriate to their needs and supports both their academic and personal development.
As part of Budget 2023, my department’s budget was substantially increased, by over 10%, meaning that for 2023 the department will spend over €2.6 billion on special education. This level of educational funding and support is unprecedented and represents in excess of 27% of the department’s total allocation for 2023. This includes additional teaching and care supports.
Additional funding is also being provided to allow the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) recruit additional staff, including Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs). These additional resources should ensure that the NCSE can better support parents and schools in relation to the provision of special education needs places.
Our policy, which is set out in the Education of Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 (EPSEN) is that children with special educational needs should be educated in mainstream placements with additional supports provided as appropriate.
Where children require more specialised educational settings, such as special classes or special schools, the department and the NCSE ensures that the necessary resources and supports for such placements are provided in line with the needs of the child.
We have made a lot of progress over the last three years in terms of providing special classes and special school places with over 600 new special classes sanctioned at primary level, almost 300 new special classes sanctioned at post-primary level and five new special schools established over the last three years.
There are a total of 2,537 special classes opened nationwide. Of the 2,537 special classes, there are 1798 at primary level and 739 at post primary level. We want to continue this level of progress to ensure that there are sufficient places in special classes and special schools for children who need them.
Just recently on 12 April, Minister Foley and l announced the establishment of two new special schools as part of a comprehensive update on enhanced education provision for students with special educational needs. These two new special schools will be established in Carrigtwohill, east Cork and Dublin 7 for the 2023/24 school year.
Along with the two new special schools, I also confirmed that 218 new special classes have been sanctioned by the NCSE for opening in the coming school year 2023/2024, with more to be confirmed in the coming weeks – 126 at primary and 92 at post-primary level.
In Co. Kildare, 5 new special classes will open for 2023/24, 3 at primary level and 2 post-primary level, bring the total number of classes in Co. Kildare to 110. Also capacity will be expanded in 11 other special schools around the country.
The NCSE has advised my department that it continues to work with schools to ensure all students identified as requiring places in the special class meet the Department of Education’s criteria for enrolment in a special class.
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes. The local SENOs remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list.
Information on the list of schools with special classes, the types and locations of these classes is published on the NCSE website and is available at www.ncse.ie.
I want to reassure you also that my department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.
As your query refers to an individual placement case, I will arrange to have it referred to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
270. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education when admission to a special autism class might be referred in the case of a person (details supplied) her condition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20176/23]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
My department is committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential. My department strives to ensure that every child has access to an educational experience that is appropriate to their needs and supports both their academic and personal development.
As part of Budget 2023, my department’s budget was substantially increased, by over 10%, meaning that for 2023 the department will spend over €2.6 billion on special education. This level of educational funding and support is unprecedented and represents in excess of 27% of the department’s total allocation for 2023. This includes additional teaching and care supports.
Additional funding is also being provided to allow the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) recruit additional staff, including Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs). These additional resources should ensure that the NCSE can better support parents and schools in relation to the provision of special education needs places.
Our policy, which is set out in the Education of Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 (EPSEN) is that children with special educational needs should be educated in mainstream placements with additional supports provided as appropriate.
Where children require more specialised educational settings, such as special classes or special schools, the department and the NCSE ensures that the necessary resources and supports for such placements are provided in line with the needs of the child.
We have made a lot of progress over the last three years in terms of providing special classes and special school places with over 600 new special classes sanctioned at primary level, almost 300 new special classes sanctioned at post-primary level and five new special schools established over the last three years.
There are a total of 2,537 special classes opened nationwide. Of the 2,537 special classes, there are 1798 at primary level and 739 at post primary level. We want to continue this level of progress to ensure that there are sufficient places in special classes and special schools for children who need them.
Just recently on 12th April, Minister Foley and l announced the establishment of two new special schools as part of a comprehensive update on enhanced education provision for students with special educational needs. These two new special schools will be established in Carrigtwohill, east Cork and Dublin 7 for the 2023/24 school year.
Along with the two new special schools, I also confirmed that 218 new special classes have been sanctioned by the NCSE for opening in the coming school year 2023/2024, with more to be confirmed in the coming weeks – 126 at primary and 92 at post-primary level.
In Co. Kildare, 5 new special classes will open for 2023/24, 3 at primary level and 2 post-primary level, bring the total number of classes in Co. Kildare to 110. Also capacity will be expanded in 11 other special schools around the country.
The NCSE has advised my department that it continues to work with schools to ensure all students identified as requiring places in the special class meet the Department of Education’s criteria for enrolment in a special class.
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes. The local SENOs remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list.
Information on the list of schools with special classes, the types and locations of these classes is published on the NCSE website and is available at www.ncse.ie.
I want to reassure you also that my department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.
As your query refers to an individual placement case, I will arrange to have it referred to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
271. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 260 of 23 March 2023, if her Department’s school transport section will contact the family (details supplied) and provide them with an update on their request; if a permanent arrangement can be put in place with the bus service provider to facilitate the dropping-off of the child concerned to the centre for the ongoing dates as required while the child is attending school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20177/23]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 147,900 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
In addition, school transport scheme services are being provided in the current school year for over 3,800 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
The National Council for Special Education acts in an advisory role to the Department of Education on the suitability of placements for children with special educational needs. Under the terms of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, the Department will consider the report of the Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO). School transport is provided to children with special educational needs who are attending the nearest school to their place of residence that is or can be resourced to meet their educational needs, as identified by the SENO.
School Transport Section has recently further sanctioned additional drop off and collections to and from a respite centre for the pupil in question on an additional number of days during the period April to June 2023.
272. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education if she will provide a list of contracts her Department currently has with a company (details supplied); and the estimated value of those contracts. [20181/23]
View answerThe Planning & Building Unit of my Department has not identified any current contracts with the construction company referred to by the Deputy.
273. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education when a building project (details supplied) will proceed to the next stage; if she will ensure that this project progresses as quickly as possible in view of the urgent need to provide additional accommodation at this school for the next school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20203/23]
View answerI am pleased to advise the Deputy that approval has issued for provision of 1 x SEN and 1 x MCR at the school referred, to cater for enrolments.
The project is being delivered under the Department’s Devolved SEN Reconfiguration and Modular Accommodation programme. This approach supports accelerated delivery of the accommodation and maximises assistance to the school for this brief, the project will be delivered from the Department’s Procurement Frameworks.
A Project Management company will be appointed, from the Department’s Framework, to design and tender the project. This consultant will lead the project through the various stages of planning process and construction.
The School Authority has overall responsibility for delivery of the project.
274. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the building works programme for a school (details supplied); if she can commit to prioritising this school based on health and safety matters; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20204/23]
View answerI am pleased to advise the Deputy that approval has issued for the provision of additional accommodation at the school in question.
The project is being delivered under the Department’s Devolved SEN Reconfiguration and Modular Accommodation programme. This approach supports accelerated delivery of the accommodation and maximises assistance to the school for this brief, the project will be delivered from the Department’s Procurement Frameworks.
A Project Management company is appointed, from the Department’s Framework, to design and tender the project. This consultant will lead the project through the various stages of planning process and construction.
The School Authority has overall responsibility for delivery of the project.
275. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the building works programme for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20205/23]
View answerThe school to which the Deputy refers was granted approval under my Department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme for 4 General classrooms, 1 Construction Studies/Woodwork room & 1 Construction studies/ Woodwork prep area.
A Stage 1/2A Report was submitted in August 2022 and was reviewed by my Department's Professional and Technical Team. Subsequently in November 2022 comments arising from this review issued to the school along with approval to proceed to the planning stage.
It is currently with the school Authorities to progress this project in this regard.
276. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the grant aid opportunities available for sport equipment (details supplied) for children who need special, and therefore, more expensive visual aids, so as to allow them to participate in their chosen sport; if there are any plans to provide more grant aid opportunities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19940/23]
View answerIn terms of my Department's responsibilities, the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Over 13,000 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998, bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1.15 billion. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritising investment in disadvantaged areas.
Under the last round of the SCEP (2020), €16.6 million was allocated to fund equipment; a record-breaking sum. While the Programme prioritises applications that will benefit persons with any disability, unfortunately it is not possible to fund equipment which can only be used by a specific individual. This requirement is in order to use limited resources to deliver maximum usage and participation. My Department is however, always willing to consider applications from a sports club for equipment that could benefit any group of users with particular needs.
In relation to future calls for proposals, I hope to announce the opening of a new round of the SCEP shortly. My Department has conducted a full review of all aspects of the 2020 round of the SCEP and a draft of the Review has been provided to me. I hope to publish this Review shortly. Any recommendations arising from the Review will be reflected in the next round. My officials are engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure , NDP Delivery and Reform in relation to the launch of the next cycle of the SCEP. Once this engagement is concluded, I will announce the exact dates from which new applications will be accepted.
277. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media how sporting bodies will be held accountable for not reaching the 40% quota for female representation on their boards by the end of 2023; the person or body responsible for examining whether the quota has been reached; how penalties for not reaching the quota will be discharged; if penalties will include restrictions on funding and by how much; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19968/23]
View answerAddressing women’s participation at all levels in sport is an important element of the National Sports Policy and a core priority for me and Minister Catherine Martin. That includes women in leadership positions such as board members of National Governing Bodies (NGBs).
The Sports Action Plan sets a target for all NGBs to achieve 40% gender representation on their boards by the end of this year. It is a priority to enable women to take more leadership positions in sport and the 40% target reflects this prioritisation.
The most recent Board Composition Snapshot, which was published by Sport Ireland in December 2022, shows that the average percentage of women on boards of NGBs has increased from 24% in 2019 to 36% in 2022. The Snapshot also highlights that 33 sporting organisations have already achieved 40% or more female representation on their boards.
Sport Ireland will continue to provide support to NGBs towards achieving the target of 40% and will monitor and report on progress.
Failure by sporting organisations to achieve 40% gender balance on their boards by the end of this year will have significant funding implications. Officials in my Department will be engaging with Sport Ireland to provide clarity on what these funding implications will mean in practice. In that context, I have asked that all supports and funding streams – both current and capital – that are currently available to sporting organisations via Sport Ireland and my Department be examined as part of this process.
278. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide information and or a date for when payment of the sports capital funding will be issued to a sports club (details supplied) given that all bank details and information have been provided to her Department. [20044/23]
View answerWith regard to all grants under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP), in order for a payment to issue, the grantee must first make a payment request on the Department's online grant management portal (OSCAR). I am informed that the club in question has not yet submitted a payment request.
I am further informed that an official from SCEP Division has been in contact with the club to advise what documentation is required to make a valid payment request. Once this documentation is submitted, there will be no undue delay by my Department in issuing the payment.
279. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will consider altering the restrictions on the Decade of Centenaries Historical Strand expenditure (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20046/23]
View answerMy role as Minister with responsibility for leading the coordination of the Decade of Centenaries Programme 2012-2023 is to help ensure that the challenging events of this important and formative period in our history and related themes, are meaningfully, proportionately and sensitively remembered. The Government's approach to commemorations continues to be underpinned by the guidance of the Expert Advisory Group on Centenary Commemorations (EAG) and informed by consultation with the All-Party Consultation Group on Commemorations.
I have allocated almost €2m in funding for local authorities in 2023 under the Decade of Centenaries Programme 2012-2023 to support their leading role in developing community-led commemorative activities during this final year of the Decade of Centenaries.
My Department has developed comprehensive guidance for the allocation of funding to assist local authorities, which is very flexible and wide-reaching. This guidance, together with the supportive framework of guiding principles laid down by the Expert Advisory Group has resulted to date in inclusive and diverse programming across the country. Local communities have fully engaged with the Programme and have led initiatives, including ceremonial events, creative exploration of various themes relating to the Decade, academic research, digitisation of records, imaginative programmes with children and young people – all designed to connect the public with this period of our history.
In addition to the funding provided by my Department, it is, of course, within the discretion of individual local authorities to provide support from within their own resources to local communities who wish to hold events or projects which may fall outside of the departmental guidance.
280. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if free public golf greens and pitch-and-putt holes will be included in the forthcoming round of the sports capital and equipment programme as eligible projects, such as a facility (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20087/23]
View answerAs Minister with responsibility for sport, my priority is to increase participation in sport and boost physical activity throughout the population. The Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Over 13,000 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998, bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1.15 billion. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritising investment in disadvantaged areas.
Grants are available to both pitch and putt and golf clubs provided they do not charge excessive membership fees. Local authorities can also apply for assistance towards suitable public sports facilities.
With regard to the timing and the terms and conditions of the next round, following completion of the appeal process, my Department commenced a full review of all aspects of the 2020 round of the SCEP. A draft of the Review has been provided to me and I hope to publish the Review shortly. While the terms and conditions of the next round are not fully finalised, I expect projects similar to the one highlighted to be eligible for funding.
My officials are engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in relation to the launch of the next cycle of the SCEP. Once this engagement is concluded, I will announce the exact dates from which new applications will be accepted. In relation to the funding available to allocate, I will continue to engage with my colleague, Minister Paschal Donohoe to maximise the total funding envelope available for the Programme in the years ahead. Clearly the level of demand will be a key determinant but every effort will be made to fund as many worthwhile projects as possible while providing a sufficient level of grant to ensure the projects are viable.
281. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide a list of contracts her Department currently has with a company (details supplied); and the estimated value of those contracts. [20193/23]
View answerI am advised that my Department does not currently have any contracts with the specified company.
282. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the specific policy or piece of legislation that prevents the afforestation of lands designated as geological sites in county development plans with species composition comprising 80% conifer and 20% broadleaves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20114/23]
View answer283. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the specific policy or piece of legislation that prevents the afforestation of land designated in the County Galway development plan as a county geological site with species composition comprising 80% conifers and 20% broadleaves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20115/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 282 and 283 together.
While I am precluded from commenting on any particular case by virtue of section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, I can advise generally that in accordance with Section 10(3) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, the First Schedule of the Act sets out purposes for which objectives may be indicated in a Development Plan.
Part IV of the Schedule indicates that this includes objectives for protecting and preserving (either in situ or by record) places, caves, sites, features and other objects of archaeological, geological, historical, scientific or ecological interest. Where such objectives are included in a development plan, the planning authority has a general duty under section 15 of the Act to take such steps within its powers as may be necessary for securing these objectives. The planning authority is also required under section 34(2) to have regard to the provisions of the development plan when making its decision in relation to any planning application that may come before it.
A protected geological area designation may also be informed by legal protection as a European Site under the Habitats or Birds Directives (e.g. a Special Area of Conservation or Special Protection Area), or as a Natural Heritage Area under the Wildlife Acts.
284. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of units permitted under the lease and repair scheme, by local authority, in the past two years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19927/23]
View answerDelivery under the repair and leasing scheme in respect of all local authorities to end 2022 is published on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/#repair-and-leasing-scheme-rls.
285. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department will build modular homes in any location to mitigate the effects of the housing crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19928/23]
View answerHousing for All, is the Government’s plan to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 per year over the next decade. This includes the delivery of 90,000 social homes by 2030. 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.
The Housing for All Action Plan Update, which was published on 2 November 2022, includes a new action to develop a roadmap with targets for increased use of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) in public housing. MMC encompasses fully factory built modular units In addition to panelised systems, such as those manufactured from light gauge steel frame or timber frame. My Department is now working closely with the local authorities to increase the use of MMC in social and affordable housing.
286. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide details of the waiting time for accessing funds from the clearing house fund; if he will provide a breakdown of the funds paid out; the average length of time from application to decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19935/23]
View answerThe Housing Supply Clearing House measure was established to facilitate consideration of matters which might warrant action being taken by my Department, local authorities or other State agencies, in order to expedite the delivery of housing which has the benefit of planning permission. The Housing Supply Clearing House was not established as a fund or payment scheme. No funds have or will be paid out, therefore the information requested would not be available in my Department.
287. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if it is intended to replicate in the Draft Planning and Development Bill 2022 the provision of the current Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2021 which in s.10(2) requires that the plan include objectives for the preservation of public rights of way which give access to seashore, mountain, lakeshore, riverbank or other place of natural beauty or recreational utility, given that s.51(2) of the draft Bill published by his Department includes these in a list of objectives which are optional but not mandatory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19937/23]
View answerIt is intended that there will be no substantive changes to provisions in the draft Planning and Development Bill 2022 (the Bill) pertaining to public rights of way compared to the provisions in the current Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) (the Act of 2000).
Section 51(2)(g) of the draft Bill restates section 10(2)(o) of the Act of 2000 without substantive modification. My Department continues to work closely with the Office of the Attorney General to prepare the final Bill for publication and the nature of this objective will be further considered in this context.
The draft Planning and Development Bill 2022 was published in January and the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage has undertaken a significant pre-legislative scrutiny process on it, over the past two months. I expect to receive their report shortly and will fully consider its recommendations, along with submissions on the Bill received from stakeholders, when preparing the final Bill. The final Bill, when published, will be accompanied by an Explanatory Memorandum provide information on the provisions in the Bill and will highlight the rationale for any substantial changes made to the current Act. The Bill will then proceed before the Houses of the Oireachtas, subject to the Oireachtas schedule.
288. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide his response to a report (details supplied) from the Heritage Council's CTCHC Programme, Tipperary Town Revitalisation Task Force, and Tipperary County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19950/23]
View answerI note the Tipperary Town Collaborative Town Centre Health Check (CTCHC) Report and welcome that it clearly sets out the value of bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use, delivering housing, regenerating communities as well as meeting sustainability objectives.
Tackling vacancy is a key priority for this Government. Housing for All, sets out a suite of measures to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock. Significant progress is being made in the following areas:
• The government launched the Town Centre First policy, a major new policy initiative that aims to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and breathe new life into our town centres.
• A €150 million Urban Regeneration Development Fund is being made available for local authorities to acquire vacant or derelict properties and sites for re-use or sale.
• Full-time Vacant Homes Officers are now in place across 30 local authorities.
• The Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund is successfully supporting the refurbishment of vacant and derelict properties through Vacant Homes Refurbishment Grant and the provision of serviced sites for people to build their own homes through the Ready to Build Scheme.
• Planning regulations that exempt certain vacant commercial premises from requiring planning permission to change of use for residential purposes have been extended.
The Vacant Homes Action Plan, which I launched in January, outlines all of the progress that has been made in addressing vacancy along with the actions that are being pursued to return as many vacant properties back to viable use as possible. As part of the Plan, my Department recently launched a new CPO Activation Programme, which provides for a planned, proactive and systematic approach to bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use. This Programme includes guidance and supports for local authorities to actively use their legislative powers to compulsorily acquire vacant and derelict properties, where engagement with owners has been unsuccessful.
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
The work being undertaken to address vacancy and dereliction in towns and villages around the country will continue to play a vital role in delivering homes and revitalising local communities.
289. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there is any level of discretion applied to the €53,000 household net annual income limit for the cost rental tenant in-situ-scheme, such as for a one-off bonus; if the reckonable income is based solely on 2022 or over a longer period; if overtime is not included in reckonable income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19959/23]
View answerI recently introduced the Cost Rental Tenant In-Situ (CRTiS) Scheme, as an interim measure developed on an administrative basis, which is intended to address the immediate circumstances of the ending of the 'Winter Emergency Period' on 31 March 2023. This temporary scheme is available where a tenant faces the valid termination of a tenancy due to the landlord’s intention to sell the property. The scheme is available if the tenant household:
• does not intend to purchase the property from the landlord,
• does not own other residential property,
• is assessed by the Local Authority to be at risk of homelessness,
• is not in receipt of social housing supports (i.e. the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) or the Residential Accommodation Scheme (RAS)), and
• has an annual net household income of no more than €53,000.
Rents are set at the current rate paid by the tenant to the previous landlord. It is the longer-term intention, however, to transition these tenancies and homes to the standard framework for Cost Rental, where rents are set at a level to meet the costs of acquiring, managing, and maintaining the home. It is for this reason that the net household income limit of €53,000 (gross income less income tax, PRSI, USC and superannuation contributions) aligns with the standard income limit for Cost Rental.
In practical terms, bonuses and overtime are included in the assessment of gross income from employment. PAYE employees should be prepared to furnish their Revenue statement of liabilities for the previous tax year (in this case 2022) plus their two most recent payslips, while self-employed persons should be prepared to provide accounts for at least the previous year, along with an up-to-date tax balancing statement and preliminary tax receipt.
290. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to address radon exposure in housing stock; and if he will report on his communications with the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications in respect of radon. [19989/23]
View answerAwaiting reply from the Department.
291. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a breakdown by category of the €1 billion underspend on housing, compared with the budget for 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20001/23]
View answerAwaiting reply from the Department.
292. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the exact date on which the first-home affordable purchase shared equity scheme will be open for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20003/23]
View answerThe First Home Scheme, which launched on 7 July 2022, assists first-time buyers in purchasing new houses and apartments in the private market through the use of an equity share model.
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. Following the ‘Winter Emergency Period’ coming to an end, the Board of First Home agreed to extend eligibility of the scheme, making the scheme available to sitting tenants who have been issued a Notice of Termination and offered first right of refusal. Tenants seeking to avail of the First Home Scheme can be advised in this regard by the Housing Officer at their relevant Local Authority. The same eligibility criteria will apply and this element of the Scheme has been open for qualifying applicants since 17 April.
Full details of the First Home Scheme, including eligibility criteria, details of the revised price ceilings that came into effect on 1 January 2023, and how to apply are available on the scheme website:www.firsthomescheme.ie.
293. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a protocol has been put in place to facilitate inter-council tenant-in-situ purchases in cases where the tenant is living in a council area other than where their social housing list is based. [20006/23]
View answerAwaiting reply from the Department.
294. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of affordable housing units delivered via the Cost Rental Equity Loan, the Affordable Housing Fund and Project Tosaigh in the Constituency of Dublin south west in each of the years, 2016 to 2022; and the number planned to be delivered in 2023; the breakdown of units per scheme; and the average price of unit by unit size, in tabular form. [20053/23]
View answerUnder Housing for All, the Government will deliver 54,000 affordable homes between now and 2030, to be facilitated by local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), the Land Development Agency (LDA) and through a strategic partnership between the State and retail banks.
With 2022 representing the first full year of affordable housing delivery under the schemes introduced in the Affordable Housing Act 2021, local authorities have begun to submit data returns and information on delivery of affordable homes in their area to my Department, in the same manner as is done for social housing. The 2022 process is now complete and statistical data on delivery across all delivery streams has been validated and published on the Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/#affordable-housing-delivery.
Following the publication of Housing for All in September 2021, I asked all local authorities to prepare Housing Delivery Action Plans. Each local authority was asked to assess the level of housing demand with affordability constraint projected for their area based on the Housing Need and Demand Assessment Tool and plan their provision accordingly. A copy of each Council’s Housing Delivery Action Plan is available on their individual websites. Local authorities with the highest levels of affordable housing need were set five-year Affordable Delivery Targets.
2022 represented the commencement of a very ambitious programme of delivery of affordable housing. This momentum will continue with delivery increasing significantly this year. A strong pipeline of affordable housing delivery is in place and under continuous development by local authorities, by Approved Housing Bodies using the Cost Rental Equity Loan and by the Land Development Agency.
In addition, the First Home Scheme, which was launched in July 2022, supports first-time buyers in purchasing new houses and apartments in the private market through the use of an equity share model. The Scheme aims to support in the region of 8,000 households in acquiring new homes in the private market in the years 2022 to 2026 with an overall budget of €400 million. The scheme is available nationwide. Full information on the scheme is available on the First Home Scheme dedicated website, www.firsthomescheme.ie.
Finally, the new Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is also available nationwide and it provides for grants for refurbishment of vacant and derelict properties. I also announced last year, a new Ready to Build serviced sites scheme under the Fund where local authorities will provide sites at a discount to people who want to build their own home. Information on both of these schemes is available directly from local authorities.
295. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 267 of 20 April 2023, if he will instruct all local authorities to provide the total number of construction technical professionals, including architects, engineers, quantity surveyors and so on, employed by each local authority to perform functions such as overseeing construction projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20082/23]
View answerThe information sought is available directly from each local authority and is not held by my Department. The matter of assignment of individual staff members to particular work areas in a local authority is the role of the Chief Executive and I have no role in this regard.
296. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures he plans to put in place to compensate for the loss of 27,000 homes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20109/23]
View answerAn Bord Pleanála is an independent statutory body with responsibility for decision-making in respect of planning appeals and certain types of planning applications, including Strategic Housing Developments (SHD).
Under section 30 of the Act, as Minister, I am precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular case with which the Board is or may be concerned. As such it would not be appropriate to comment in relation to any SHD applications awaiting decision.
In accordance with section 9(2) of the Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016, in considering the likely consequences for proper planning and sustainable development in the area in which it is proposed to situate an (SHD), An Bord Pleanála (the Board) shall have regard to, inter alia, the provisions of the development plan for the area. Similar provisions apply to non-SHD applications under section 34(2) of the Planning and Development Act 2000.
The County Development Plan is the plan that is in force at the time of the decision, being the plan most recently adopted by the elected members of the planning authority concerned. There are currently just under 27,000 housing units in applications for SHD development before the Board, and some, but not all, may be affected by changes to County Development Plans since the submission of the application.
It is for An Bord Pleanála to make an assessment on a case by case basis as to whether or not the legislation or policy, including the adopted development plan, in place on the date of the decision being made permits the granting of permission for development in each individual case. As Minister, I have no role in the specific applications being considered by the Board, including whether any changes to legislation or policy since the submission of the application would prevent permission from being granted for such development.
I acknowledge the recent challenges faced by An Bord Pleanála with regard to the capacity of the Board and the inspectorate to process decisions in a timely manner and in this regard, significant efforts have been made to facilitate additional board members and increases in staffing. SHD applications remaining before the Board are currently being addressed in addition to LRD (Largescale Residential Development) applications, with 4,300 units having been determined in the past month, most of which have been permitted, including almost 1,200 affordable and social homes in two LDA development proposals. My Department will continue to engage with the Interim Chairperson of the Board to support efforts to clear the backlog of cases, including SHD applications.
The Programme for Government and Housing for All committed to not extending the Strategic Housing Development arrangements, which were a time limited measure under section 4 of the 2016 Act. The Planning and Development (Amendment) (Large-scale Residential Development) Act 2021 has introduced new procedural arrangements for large-scale residential developments.
297. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the flow rate measurements north and south of Athlone and Meelick weirs over the past 30 days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20120/23]
View answerThe monitoring and recording of flow rates north and south of Athlone or Meelick weirs is carried out and managed by the Office of Public Works. My Department does not hold the information requested in the Question.
298. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a list of contracts his Department currently has with a company (details supplied); and the estimated value of those contracts. [20188/23]
View answerMy Department does not currently have any contracts with the company referenced.
299. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress made on proposed new legislation which would give workers who have been laid off a higher rate of jobseeker's allowance depending on their previous income in the period following their loss of employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20146/23]
View answerThe Programme for Government and the Economic Recovery Plan include commitments to consider a pay-related jobseeker’s benefit scheme. Pathways to Work further commits to using the experience from the Pandemic Unemployment Payment to inform the design of such a scheme that may be developed. The introduction of a pay-related benefit for jobseekers would bring Ireland in line with the majority of EU Member States.
The core rationale for the introduction of a pay-related benefit which would align income support with a person’s prior recent employment income is twofold. First, to provide a tangible return to people who make social insurance contributions as a means of better reflecting the contributory principle and strengthening the solidarity principle, both of which are at the heart of the social insurance system. Second, to better cushion people against the ‘income shock’ that arises on loss of employment.
I published a Strawman document in December 2022 which sets out the broad parameters of a possible new approach to a pay-related jobseeker's benefit. The objective of the Strawman is to elicit feedback through a national public consultation process to develop a preferred policy design. The closing date for written submissions was 28th February and officials in my Department are currently in the process of analysing responses from that recently completed public consultation to inform the design of any proposal that may be brought to Government.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
300. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on whether those who lose their driving licence due to a diagnosis of epilepsy or breakthrough seizures should be automatically given access to a free travel pass; if so, if she will ensure that this is actioned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19996/23]
View answerThe Free Travel scheme provides free travel on the main public and private transport services for those eligible under the scheme. There are over one million customers with direct eligibility. The estimated expenditure on free travel in 2023 is €95 million.
It is important to note that, in general, access to a free travel pass for those aged under 66 is a secondary benefit linked to a person being in receipt of certain primary Social Protection payments such as Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Carer’s Allowance, Blind Pension and Partial Capacity Benefit. As many illnesses or physical conditions have an impact ranging from mild to severe, entitlement to these social welfare schemes is not provided on the basis of a diagnosis but on the basis of the impact of that diagnosis on the individual concerned and in the case of Disability and Carer's allowance to an assessment of their means. In this way, resources can be targeted to people in most need.
I am aware of an ongoing campaign by Epilepsy Ireland. I fully recognise the issues and difficulties that can arise due to a person being diagnosed with epilepsy and who is unable to drive as a result of their condition.
I have met with representatives of Epilepsy Ireland to discuss its proposal in detail and following the meeting I asked my Department officials to examine the issues raised in relation to access to the Free Travel scheme.
My officials advise me that they are currently finalising the report and I expect to receive it shortly. Thereafter, I will carefully consider its contents and any recommendations that it may contain.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
301. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will address the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20022/23]
View answerCarer's benefit (CARB) is a payment made to insured people who leave the workforce or reduce their working hours to care for a child or an adult in need of full-time care and attention. Carer’s Benefit is payable to a carer for up to a maximum of 104 weeks in respect of a care recipient.
To qualify, the carer must satisfy PRSI conditions, employment conditions, show that they are providing full-time care and attention and show that the care recipient requires full-time care and attention.
An application for CARB was received from the person concerned on the 11 August 2022 in respect of their daughter.
CARB was disallowed as the person concerned was considered as exceeding the maximum allowable remunerative working hours of 18.5 weekly to be eligible for receipt of Carer’s Benefit. A decision letter to this effect was issued on 19 October 2022.
Since that time, further information and documentary evidence has been provided by the person concerned. As a result, several reviews were conducted with no change to the original decision.
However, a further review has now been completed and I can confirm that the claim has been awarded from 1 September 2022 to 30 August 2023. A letter has issued to the person concerned informing them of the decision and confirming that they will receive their first payment via their chosen payment method on 4 May 2023. Any arrears due to the person are also due to be issued on the same date.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
302. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection when a carer's allowance appeal will issue in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20036/23]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 20 December 2022. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection.
These papers were received on 17 February 2023 and the case was assigned to an Appeals Officer on 28 March 2023. However, the Social Welfare Appeals Office were advised by the Department on 27 April 2023 that the decision under appeal has been revised and as a result the appeal has now been withdrawn.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
303. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Social Protection if there is an obligation on a participant of a CE scheme to continue to engage with Turas Nua whilst being on the scheme if they are working 19 hours per week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20068/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Community Employment (CE) Scheme is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long-term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a temporary, fixed term basis to improve their prospect of returning to employment. Participation on CE is for 19.5 hours per week.
The Intreo Partners service, comprising the National Employment Service (NES) and the Local Area Employment Service (LAES) is an approach to employment activation which caters mainly for people who are long-term unemployed to assist them to secure and sustain full-time paid employment or self-employment. In the case of the person concerned the Intreo Partners National Employment Service is provided by Turas Nua Limited.
A person attending NES is permitted to undertake a placement on CE providing they satisfy the eligibility criteria for CE and maintain their engagement with the NES provider. This enables people engaged with the service to continue to receive the personalised employment counselling and job search support provided by personal advisors, while also availing of a CE placement which will provide valuable occupational activity, training and work experience.
The NES service will be adapted to cater for those who opt to take up CE and all meetings and activities will be scheduled to take account of the scheme commitments. For example if a person is committed to participate on CE for five mornings, any meetings with a personal advisor and other interventions will be scheduled for the afternoons.
This will have a number of benefits both for the vital services provided at a local level by participants on CE and directly for the Department’s customers.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
304. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection when an invalidity pension application will be processed for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20110/23]
View answerThe person referred to has been awarded Invalidity Pension with effect from 27 October 2022 and will receive his first payment to his nominated bank account on 27 April 2023. Any arrears due from 27 October 2022 to 26 April 2023 will issue shortly. The person in question was notified of this decision on 13 April 2023.I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
