Written Answers Nos. 393-411
393. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will clarify the position on defective building materials; the agency responsible for oversight in this area; if he will further clarify the protections that are available to new homeowners in terms of current house building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22424/23]
View answerThe Construction Products Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 (CPR) sets out rules for the marketing of construction products in the EU. Where a construction product covered by a harmonised standard is being placed on the EU market, the CPR requires the manufacturer to draw up a ‘declaration of performance’ and affix a ‘CE’ marking to the product. In order to do so, manufacturers must test and declare the performance of their construction products using a common technical language prescribed in the harmonised standard.
The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) is Ireland’s official standards body and is an autonomous body under the aegis of the Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment. NSAI has produced additional guidance to some harmonised standards, under the CPR, in the form of Standard Recommendations which set out appropriate minimum performance levels for specific intended uses of certain construction products in Ireland.
Ultimately, the manufacturer is responsible for compliance with the CPR and in particular for the Declaration of Performance/CE marking of the construction product it is placing on the market, having full knowledge of the raw material (as is legally required by the CPR via the relevant harmonised European Standards) and having regard to the end product’s suitability for use in construction works in accordance with the relevant Standard Recommendations published by the NSAI.
While the CPR came into force and has direct legal application across the entire European Union since 1 July 2013, each Member State is responsible for regulating for its own market surveillance activities in accordance with the specific requirements of the CPR and the broader overarching requirements of Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 on market surveillance and compliance of products.
Under the European Union (Construction Products) Regulations 2013, as amended, each of the building control authorities (local authorities) have been designated as the principal market surveillance authorities for construction products that fall within the scope of the CPR, within their administrative areas.
In addition, in order to strengthen market surveillance, I appointed Dublin City Council as a competent authority for the purposes of carrying out the functions of a market surveillance authority for all related construction products on a nationwide basis under the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (Consequential Provisions) Act 2020 (Construction Products – Market Surveillance) Regulations 2020. The National Building Control and Market Surveillance Office (NBCMSO) has been established for this purpose.
The overarching purpose of the NBCMSO is to lead and co-ordinate the national delivery of market surveillance of construction products by training and supporting the local authority market surveillance authorities who liaise with the NBCMSO to support compliance with the CPR and to determine appropriate action on enforcement matters, as they arise.
The Building Regulations apply to the design and construction of a new building (including a dwelling) and certain works to an existing building. The minimum performance requirements that a building must achieve are set out in the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations. These requirements are set out in 12 parts (classified as Parts A to M). Technical Guidance Documents (TGDs) are published to accompany each part indicating how the requirements of that part can be achieved in practice. These Technical Guidance Documents can be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/d9729-technical-guidance-documents/
The primary responsibility for compliance with the Building Regulations rests with the designers, builders and owners of buildings. Enforcement of the building control system is a matter for the 31 local building control authorities, who are independent in the exercise of their statutory powers.
There is an overarching requirement under Part D (Material and Workmanship) of the Building Regulations which requires that all works should be carried out:
• Using proper materials which are fit for the use for which they are intended and for the conditions in which they are to be used.
• With a proper standard of workmanship and the appropriate use of any material to achieve compliance with the requirements of the Regulations.
• By competent persons with sufficient training, experience and knowledge appropriate to the nature of the work he or she is required to perform and having particular regard to the size and complexity of such works so as to ensure a proper standard of workmanship.
I continue to deliver on a range of building control reforms which focus on ensuring strong and effective regulation in the building control system and of the construction industry and on improving compliance with Building Regulations. These include:
a. implementation of the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2014.
b. the creation of the National Building Control Management Project and the establishment of the National Building Control & Market Surveillance Office to provide oversight, support and direction for the development, standardisation and implementation of Building Control as an effective shared service in the 31 Building Control Authorities.
c. The enactment in July 2022 of the Regulation of Providers of Building Works and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022. This Act develops and promotes a culture of competence, good practice and compliance with the Building Regulations in the construction sector. In January this year the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) was appointed as the statutory registration body for the Construction Industry Register Ireland.
In addition, work has commenced on considering the policy options around the establishment of an independent Building Standards Regulator. My objective is to ensure that an independent Building Standards Regulator has sufficient breadth of scope, effective powers of inspection and enforcement and an appropriate suite of sanctions.
394. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a list of all stalled capital advance loan facility-funded social housing projects, indicating the local authority in which they are located and the number of homes involved in each location; the measures he intends to take to get these projects up and running; and if he will ensure that other projects are not delayed due to excessive red tape imposed by his Department on social housing projects. [22435/23]
View answerIn recent years, the main source of funding to Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) for social housing delivery, is through borrowings and support from local authorities through the Capital Advance Leasing Facility (CALF) and Payment and Availability (P&A) programme. The P&A-CALF model has shown itself to be an integral part of social housing delivery and has contributed significantly to social housing development since its introduction. The loan (capital advance) is available up to a maximum of 30% of the value of the acquisition or construction of the dwellings and it is repayable at the end of the term which can be up to 30 years. The balance of the investment required is borrowed separately by the AHB, and in the main, from the Housing Finance Agency (HFA). AHBs can only avail of this funding if they enter into a P&A agreement with the local authority for the same period, making the relevant properties available for social housing - providing accommodation for people on the relevant local authority’s waiting list, for the same period of time.
As with all exchequer-supported projects, my Department as sanctioning authority, assesses each project proposal for suitability as determined by the local authority, value for money and compliance with the various requirements of the funding programme.
The current turnaround time for CALF applications is approximately 6 weeks, from receipt of application by the Local Authority to decision reached by my Department.
As of May 2023 the Department has been made aware of a small number of projects which are on hold. A project submitted for CALF funding can be placed on hold for a myriad of reasons, it should be noted that none of these projects are on hold as a result of applications not being processed by the CALF team in my Department:
|
Local Authority Area |
Number of Projects |
Number of homes |
|
Carlow |
1 |
37 |
|
Cork City |
1 |
21 |
|
Dublin City |
2 |
134 |
|
Galway County |
2 |
30 |
|
Laois |
1 |
39 |
|
Louth |
2 |
66 |
|
Mayo |
2 |
50 |
|
Tipperary |
2 |
92 |
|
Westmeath |
1 |
130 |
|
Wicklow |
1 |
58 |
395. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 337 of 25 April 2023, when he will issue a circular to local authorities setting out the guidelines for the tenant-in-situ scheme for common situations where a tenant receives their HAP payment from one local authority, but it is a different local authority that wishes to purchase the property (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22436/23]
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. 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. As the Deputy has referenced, my Department issued a circular letter to all local authorities in March, setting out details of these arrangements and each local authority was provided with a provisional allocation for social housing acquisitions in 2023. This allocation will be kept under review.
Where a household is on the housing list in one local authority but has secured a HAP tenancy in another local authority area, the arrangements in place will support the acquisition of the property, where appropriate. The City and County Management Association (CCMA) has assured me that local authorities are collaborating on such situations and my Department will work closely with local authorities on this measure. I understand that the CCMA has prepared guidance for the sector to support the prevention of homelessness and co-ordinate on tenant-in-situ acquisitions across boundaries, where required and where possible for the period of the current Tenant in Situ acquisitions. My Department has not yet issued a circular or guidance on this matter but is liaising closely with local authorities (as part its ongoing engagement with the Cross-Sectoral Steering Group on Acquisitions) to identify those elements of the current process, if any, which are proving challenging and would benefit from further guidance from the Department.
Details of social housing acquisitions will be published as part of the comprehensive programme level statistics published by my Department on a quarterly basis. This data is available for all local authorities to the end of Quarter 4 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/. While 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, from Q1 2023 an amendment has been made to my Department's statistical returns to collect information in this regard.
396. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a list of all organisations and individuals that have made a submission to his Department’s review of Part B of the building regulations. [22479/23]
View answerThe public consultation on proposed amendments to Part B of the Building Regulations and the associated Technical Guidance Document relating to fire safety closed on 21 April 2023. 163 submissions were received (including 12 received from individuals) and these are currently being examined by my Department. In line with Action 21.1 of the Housing for All Action Plan Update, the review of Part B of the Building Regulations (Fire Safety) is due to be completed and published in Q4 2023.
A list of the organisations that made submissions is set out below. Some organisations made more than one submission.
|
AA Fire Safety |
|
Amvic Ireland |
|
Apartment Owners Network |
|
ARUP |
|
Arxada |
|
Atas |
|
Atkins Global |
|
Bakkala Engineers |
|
Balcas |
|
BB7 |
|
BCP Capital |
|
Berry Global |
|
CABE |
|
Carroll Joinery |
|
Ceramic House Ltd |
|
Citifab |
|
Clare County Council |
|
COFORD |
|
Coillte Forest Industries Ireland |
|
Commission for Regulation of Utilities |
|
Comsec |
|
Construction Industry Federation |
|
CORA |
|
Cork County Council |
|
Crossflow |
|
CS Consulting |
|
Dormakaba |
|
DRes Properties |
|
DTE Manufacturing |
|
Dublin City Council |
|
Dublin Fire Brigade |
|
Enterprise Ireland |
|
Eurosprinkler |
|
Fast House |
|
Fingal County Council |
|
FM Global |
|
Galway Fire Service |
|
Glennon Brothers |
|
Glenveagh |
|
GPDA |
|
Grangegorman Development Agency |
|
Guild of Architectural Ironmongers |
|
Gyproc |
|
Halt |
|
Hardware Association Ireland |
|
Health Service Executive |
|
Henry J Lyons Architects |
|
Hibernia Real Estate Group Ltd |
|
Hilti Ltd |
|
HIQA |
|
I3PT |
|
IBEC |
|
IJM Timber Frame |
|
Institute of Fire Engineers |
|
IPUT |
|
Irish Fire |
|
Irish Green Building Council |
|
Irish Institutional Property |
|
Irish Safety Systems |
|
Irish Timber Frame Manufacturers Association |
|
Irish Timber Growers Association |
|
Jensen Hughes |
|
Jones Engineering |
|
Keenan Timber Frame |
|
Kerry County Council |
|
Kerry Fire and Rescue Service |
|
Kevin Rooney Associates |
|
Kildare County Council |
|
Kingspan |
|
Lock-iT Security |
|
Louth County Council |
|
Malachy Walsh & Partners |
|
Maurice Johnson & Partners |
|
Mayo County Council |
|
MCORM |
|
Michael Slattery Associates |
|
Monaghan County Council |
|
Murray Timber Group |
|
National Disability Authority |
|
National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers |
|
National Insulation Association of Ireland |
|
NBS Enterprises Ltd |
|
Newell Consulting Engineers |
|
NSAI |
|
O’Connor Sutton Cronin |
|
O’Mahony Pike |
|
OMD Design Ltd |
|
Quality Positive |
|
Rockwool |
|
Ronan Group Real Estate |
|
Royal Institute of Architects Ireland |
|
Ryan Consulting |
|
Scott Tallon Walker Architects |
|
Seadec |
|
Siderise Insulation |
|
State Claims Agency |
|
Technological University Dublin |
|
The Keystone Group |
|
Third Eye Technology |
|
Timber Engineering Research Group University College Galway |
|
Tipperary County Council |
|
Urban Land Institute |
|
Waterford City County Council |
|
Waugh Thistleton |
|
Wexford County Council |
|
William Cox |
|
Wood Panel Industries Federation |
|
Wood Technology Ireland |
|
Woodfab Timber Ltd |
|
Writech Ltd |
397. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department’s policy to remove a social housing applicant from choice-based letting for a year following a first refusal of a housing offer and to remove the applicant from the housing waiting list for a year following a second refusal of a housing offer, or if this is up to the discretion of individual local authorities; if he will point to the legislative basis for such a policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22499/23]
View answerChoice based letting (CBL) is a mechanism to facilitate the efficient allocation of social dwellings by local authorities and help reduce delays in reletting of properties by local authorities. CBL is provided for in the Social Housing Allocation Regulations 2011, made under section 22 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009.
As per Regulation 10, a household that refuses a “reasonable” offer for a bid for a dwelling under CBL may not apply for another tenancy under the CBL system for one year from the date of refusal.
However, such a refusal does not constitute a refusal for the purposes of offers made under the non-CBL system. Refusals of non-CBL offers is covered by Regulation 12, which provides that a household that refuses two reasonable offers of such tenancies in any twelve-month period will receive no further offers for one year from the date of the second refusal. The latter period of one year is not reckonable when determining the household’s relative priority for another social housing tenancy.
Local authorities are obliged to apply the Regulations fully. Given the benefits offered by CBL, including fewer refusals and greater choice for qualified households, my Department continues to liaise with the local authorities to support as wide a roll-out of CBL as possible across the country.
398. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the specific supports available to those accessing homelessness services and who are in employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22509/23]
View answerMy 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 a local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of homeless accommodation and related services rests with individual housing authorities.
My 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 my Department.
Under the Exchequer funding arrangements in place between the Department and housing authorities, decisions on the funding, organisation and range of accommodation and other 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 my Department has no function in relation to operational matters. 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.
Under the Housing Act 1988 it is a matter for each local authority to determine whether a person is regarded as homeless; section 2 of the Act sets out the requirements in this regard. When a household has been assessed as homeless, section 10 of the Housing Act 1988, provides that a local authority may provide accommodation and related services to that household. Any household assessed as homeless may be placed into temporary emergency accommodation without the requirement to undergo a social housing assessment, allowing local authorities the flexibility that is essential to respond quickly and effectively to the various needs of cases that may arise. This applies to all households regardless of their employment status.
My Department is fully committed to supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The budget for 2023 makes provision for €215m in funding for homeless services, an increase from €194m in 2022. The extra funding for Homelessness reflects the priority that this Government is giving to Homelessness. This funding will ensure that the local authorities can provide the best possible supports to those individuals and families experiencing homelessness, until they can be assisted to secure a more sustainable housing solution to their needs.
My Department will continue to work with local authorities to ensure sufficient funding is made available to support those at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
399. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the Government’s plans for the abolition of rates, in view of the recommendation of the Commission of Taxation for the abolition of rates; if a review of commercial rates is being carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22541/23]
View answerLocal authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by Tailte Éireann under the Valuation Acts 2001 to 2015.
A large body of case law is well established and local authorities and ratepayers are, in the main, very familiar with, and generally accepting of, the operation and practice of the rating system. Rates are also a stable source of financing for local government and make the largest single contribution to the provision of essential local services.
The Report of the Commission on Taxation and Welfare: Foundations for the Future recommended that a Site Value Tax (SVT) applicable to all land that is not subject to the Local Property Tax (LPT) should be introduced, replacing the existing system of Commercial Rates, and that there should be differential treatment in the application of SVT to agricultural land.
The recommendations in the Report will serve to inform the Government’s deliberations on such matters, however, there are currently no plans to replace commercial rates with a site value tax.
400. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on whether it is fair that commercial rates have to be paid to local authorities by businesses that are getting no services for them (details supplied); if he plans to examine the rateable valuation considering that the recent restructuring of rates has put a lot of pressure on small businesses; the steps he plans to take in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22549/23]
View answerLocal authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by Tailte Éireann under the Valuation Acts 2001 to 2015.
While some property and land is exempt from rates (the full list of exempted properties is set out in Schedule 4 of the Valuation Acts 2001 to 2015), most commercial properties are subject to commercial rates. Rates are generally payable by the occupier of a commercial or industrial property.
The amount of rates liable on a property is determined by multiplying the valuation of the property set by the Valuation Office by the Annual Rate on Valuation (ARV) set by the local authority. The ARV is decided by the elected members of each local authority in their annual budget and its determination is a reserved function of a local authority. I have no role in this regard.
Commercial rates income makes a significant contribution to the funding of local government, providing between 14% and 47% of total funding for local services at individual local authority level, averaging 27% nationally. Rates income is a very important contribution to the cost of services provided by local authorities such as roads, footpaths, the public realm, litter management, public lighting, development control, parks and open spaces; all essential elements to create the environment in which businesses can prosper.
Tailte Éireann is currently conducting a national programme of revaluation to provide consistent, up-to-date valuations so that rates are equitably distributed. Revaluation results in a redistribution of the commercial rates liability between ratepayers. While an individual occupier’s rates liability may increase or decrease, the revaluation will not increase the overall commercial rates income of the local authority. It is not the purpose of a revaluation to increase the commercial rates collected.
After a revaluation of a local authority area, the Minister is required to make a Rates Limitation Order (RLO) to ensure that the overall rates collected in that area for the following year, does not increase beyond normal inflation and buoyancy to take account of new valuations. RLOs have been made for each of the 23 local authorities that have undergone a revaluation to date and will be made in the coming months in respect of the seven local authorities where revaluations are concluding this year.
At all stages of the process, ratepayers are consulted and informed and can bring relevant information to bear on the valuation. Ultimately ratepayers have a right of appeal to the Valuation Tribunal. In terms of revaluations to date, I understand that the trend is that approximately 60% of ratepayers have experienced a decrease.
401. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has plans to assist people who are building houses and who started prior to 25 April 2023 and waiver water charges due to the increase costs that have put serious pressure on people over the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22575/23]
View answerOn 25 April 2023, the Government approved additional measures under the Housing for All Action Plan to incentivise the activation of increased housing supply and help reduce housing construction costs, including the introduction of temporary time-limited arrangements for the waiving of local authority “section 48” development contributions and the refunding of Uisce Éireann water and waste water connection charges.
These temporary time-limited arrangements apply for 1 year to all permitted residential development –
• that commences on site between 25 April 2023 and 24 April 2024, and
• is completed not later than 31 December 2025.
My Department is currently working on the detailed arrangements in relation to the operation and administration of the development contribution waiver scheme and the Uisce Éireann connection charge refund scheme.
These temporary arrangements are being applied irrespective of the date of planning permission for the residential development.
402. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has considered creating a housing information office to provide a centralised space for people to go to when seeking information about the various Government housing schemes and options available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22591/23]
View answerHousing for All - a New Housing Plan for Ireland is the Government’s housing policy to 2030. Comprehensive information regarding Government housing schemes and accompanying options is available online on our dedicated webpage at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/dfc50-housing-for-all/ . This includes an area named ‘available supports’ which provides information and further supports on a number of key schemes and initiatives introduced since the publication of Housing for All.
Detailed progress reports are published quarterly. The seventh of these reports, covering progress in Q1 2023, was published on 25 April. These reports can be accessed on www.gov.ie/en/collection/9d2ee-housing-for-all-quarterly-progress-reports/
The Department also regularly communicates the details of available schemes via its various social media channels. Additionally, we have promoted a number of schemes via multi-media (including print, broadcast and digital) public information campaigns and we are currently planning further advertising to publicise other schemes.
403. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider amending the regulations underpinning the tenant purchase scheme to expand eligibility for persons in receipt of long-term disability and invalidity allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22612/23]
View answerThe Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme provides for the purchase by eligible tenants, or joint tenants, of local authority homes available for sale under the scheme.
To be eligible, applicants must meet certain criteria, including the minimum annual reckonable income of €12,500. The minimum income requirement has a dual purpose. It ensures the scheme remains sustainable and the tenant purchasing the house has the financial means to maintain and insure the property for the duration of the charging period.
For these reasons, certain income is not considered reckonable when determining an applicant's primary income. This includes the disability allowance and invalidity pension which, for those without dependents, is currently below the minimum reckonable income threshold.
Changes in relation to reckonable income are being considered by my Department, together with other potential changes to the scheme, as part of the work on the broader social housing reform agenda.
404. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider amending the regulations around cost rental to allow people marginally under the current income threshold to access cost rental schemes, where affordability can be demonstrated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22613/23]
View answerThe policy intent of developing a Cost Rental sector in Ireland is to support the housing needs of those on moderate incomes for whom high open market rents are unaffordable and who do not qualify for social housing supports. The Government’s Housing for All plan targets the delivery of 18,000 Cost Rental homes by 2030, primarily through delivery by Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), Local Authorities, and the Land Development Agency (LDA). Funding has been allocated by my Department to AHBs through the Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL) scheme, and to Local Authorities through the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF).
All Cost Rental providers are legally obliged to make Cost Rental homes available in line with the provisions of Part 3 of the Affordable Housing Act 2021 and associated Regulations. My Department has no direct role in advertising homes, assessing applications, or the allocation of Cost Rental tenancies, which is the responsibility of the landlord who has arranged for the cost rental designation of the homes.
Eligibility and income parameters are a key tool in targeting State-supported homes at those who fall within the moderate income cohort and are considered most in need of affordable housing interventions. The primary eligibility condition for accessing Cost Rental housing is a maximum net annual household income (less income tax, PRSI, USC and superannuation contributions) of €53,000.
All Cost Rental properties must be leased to a tenant whose household falls within prescribed eligibility conditions, but because rents must cover costs on an ongoing basis, a landlord must be assured that a prospective tenant can be expected to reliably pay the monthly rent. Therefore, a designated cost rental landlord has final discretion on whether to enter into a tenancy agreement.
405. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if supplemental funding could be increased to enable a community water connection (details supplied) to proceed in order that these households can have access to a water supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22633/23]
View answerI refer to the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 822 of 18 April 2023.
My Department continues to await a further submission from Mayo County Council on the matter.
406. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the engagement, if any, he has had with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and the Dublin Region Homeless Executive regarding the process of providing interim services to IPAS applicants experiencing homelessness whilst awaiting accommodation. [22650/23]
View answerMy Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of local authorities in addressing homelessness at a local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of homeless accommodation and related services rests with individual local authorities.
The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS), a division of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY), is responsible for the provision of accommodation and related services to people in the International Protection (asylum) process. While my Department has no role in this regard, officials from my Department have recently engaged with DCEDIY, the County and City Management Association (CCMA) and Dublin Regional Homeless Executive, to provide support and assistance.
I can confirm that, in order to assist IPAS alleviate the current situation, the CCMA has identified potential facilities which may be suitable for accommodation and have shared those details with IPAS. My Department has also shared contact details for current homeless service providers with IPAS to allow them to discuss the potential to set up additional services directly between IPAS and those providers. I understand that the DRHE has also agreed to meet with IPAS to offer advice in this regard.
My Department will continue to engage with DCEDIY and provide support where possible.
407. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the revised guidelines and application forms for the croí cónaithe scheme will be released following recent announcements to update the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22681/23]
View answer433. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if flexibility will be granted on the 24-month vacancy criteria for the refurbishing vacant home grant scheme for an application by a person (details supplied) with Dublin City Council, given that this person will be living in the home as their principal primary residence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23169/23]
View answer435. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a person who has a pending vacant property refurbishment grant application as their principal residence submitted to their local authority can transfer to the rental option; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23183/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 407, 433 and 435 together.
Pathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock. The Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund is a key initiative which underpins the policy objectives set out in Pathway Four of Housing for All.
In July 2022 the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was launched 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. The grant, which was initially launched in respect of vacant properties in towns and villages, was expanded to include eligible vacant properties in both cities and rural areas from 15 November, 2022.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is being further expanded from 1 May to build on the success of the scheme to date and increase the support being provided to bring 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, with a maximum of one of these for a rental property;
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. Increasing the current maximum grant rates from €30,000 to €50,000 for vacant properties and from €50,000 to €70,000 for derelict properties
From 1 May 2023, a grant of up to a maximum of €50,000 is available for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent, including the conversion of a property which has not been used as residential heretofore, subject to appropriate planning permission being in place.
Where the refurbishment costs are expected to exceed the standard grant of up to €50,000, a maximum top-up grant amount of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed by the applicant to be derelict (i.e. structurally unsound and dangerous) or if the property is already on the local authority’s Derelict Sites Register, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €70,000.
In order to be eligible, properties must be built up to and including 2007 and the property must be vacant for two years or more at the time of grant approval. As part of the scheme, properties considered for inclusion must be for residential occupation as a principal private residence or made available for rent. Currently, there are no plans to revise the scheme condition relating to the required period of vacancy.
An applicant with a pending application for the grant who wishes to apply for a rental property instead of a principal private residence must inform the local authority of their intention to do so and submit a new application form. In doing do, the applicant must submit all relevant documentation and ensure they comply with the specific grant conditions in respect of properties that are refurbished to be made available to rent.
The updated scheme documentation and revised guidance, including a circular, outlining changes to the grant have issued to local authorities and have been published on my Department's website.
When the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund was launched, a commitment was given that the schemes funded by it would be kept under ongoing review. A comprehensive review and evaluation of the schemes under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund will be undertaken by mid-2024.
408. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide details of the progress made in establishing a democratically-elected mayor for Limerick; when the people of Limerick can anticipate voting in such an election; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22726/23]
View answerAwaiting reply from Department.
409. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason citizens completing register-to-vote forms are now required to pay for postage, when previously such forms could be sent via freepost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22727/23]
View answerThe Electoral Reform Act 2022, enacted on 25 July, delivers the legislative underpinning for a range of significant electoral reforms set out in the “Programme for Government – Our Shared Future”. Provisions commenced on 13 October under S.I. No. 512 of 2022, included those provisions necessary for the introduction of the new processes in relation to electoral registration. These provisions include the introduction of rolling (continuously updated) registration; the simplification of forms and the overall registration process, including the provision of an online option; and the use of PPSNs to enable cross-checking of information provided by applicants.
To ensure that the benefits of the new modernised registration processes provided for under the legislation are available across the country, the www.checktheregister.ie site was upgraded and rolled out for public use in October 2022. The upgraded site enables people to submit applications to register, confirm or update their own details quickly and easily online with their PPSN, date of birth and Eircode. Voters in the Dublin region have the additional option of Voter.ie to register or update their details using MyGovID authentication.
With the shift to individual and online registration the original Household Form (RFA), which did not require an envelope or stamp when returned to a local authority, has now become obsolete and is no longer in use. Paper forms are however still an option for those who wish to, or have to use them. I understand that some local authorities currently accept forms that are returned without a fixed stamp and have freepost written on the envelope. As local authorities are liable for the freepost charges I intend shortly to survey all the local authorities on the matter, following which the issue will be reviewed.
To raise awareness of the new process and the need for everyone to engage with their local authorities in respect of the register, a national awareness campaign took place in November 2022. It encouraged the public to visit the checktheregister website to either confirm or update their details. As of the 10th May over 72,500 applications to register or update details across all 31 local authority areas have been received via checktheregister. A further awareness campaign is in planning for the summer months.
410. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will urgently intervene to ensure that a property is prepared and allocated by a housing body (details supplied). [22751/23]
View answerThe ongoing management and maintenance of Approved Housing Body (AHB) properties is a matter for the each AHB in conjunction with the relevant Local Authority. It is critical that Local Authorities take an active oversight role on the condition and tenanting of all AHB properties in their area, as it is they who manage the allocations for such properties with the AHBs, including responding to situations where properties are vacant.
I understand from Westmeath County Council that in the case of the property referred to in the question, a nomination is in place and the delays referenced are a result of specific works required due to the particular needs of the family allocated to the property. I further understand that Westmeath County Council met with the AHB last week who provided a commitment to complete works within the next month, allowing the tenant to move into the property.
411. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of applications and approvals for the first home scheme that have been made in counties Kerry, Cork, Limerick, Clare and Tipperary in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22797/23]
View answerThe 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. Full details of the First Home Scheme are available at: www.firsthomescheme.ie
The Scheme is overseen and managed by the First Home Scheme Ireland Designated Activity Company (First Home DAC), on behalf of scheme founders (the State and participating mortgage lenders). This body is responsible for collating and issuing statistical information as it pertains to the scheme. The First Home DAC has published its Q1 2023 Public Update covering the period from 7 July to 31 March, which can be found on its website at: www.firsthomescheme.ie/about-the-company/quarterly-updates/.
