Written Answers Nos. 353-370
353. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the date on which the National Housing Strategy for Disabled People Implementation Plan will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29657/23]
View answer354. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the National Housing Strategy for Disabled People Implementation Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29719/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 353 and 354 together.
My Department jointly published the National Housing Strategy for Disabled People (NHSDP) 2022-2027 with the Department of Health (DoH) and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) in January 2022. It may be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/press-release/1c6c5-new-national-housing-strategy-for-disabled-people-2022-2027-launched/
The Strategy sets out the vision for the cooperation and collaboration of Government Departments, state agencies and others in delivering housing and the related supports for disabled people over the next five years. The Strategy operates within the framework of Housing for All – A New Housing Plan for Ireland which is committed to ensuring that affordable, quality housing with an appropriate mix of housing design types provided within social housing, including universally designed units, is available to everyone in Irish society, including those with disabilities and older people.
My Department has been developing the Implementation Plan further to ensure its up to date robustness in advance of providing it to me, having very recently assumed responsibility in this area including overseeing implementation. The finalisation of the Plan has been a key priority and an urgent matter for me as Minister. My Department has engaged further with the DoH and DCEDIY, with the objective of publishing it and I, along with my colleagues, Minister Darragh O'Brien and Minister of State Anne Rabbitte, jointly launched the Implementation Plan, in conjunction with the launch of an awareness campaign, on 22 June 2023. The Implementation Plan is available on my Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/d356f-national-housing-strategy-for-disabled-people-2022-2027-implementation-plan/
In parallel, the Housing Agency is developing a communication strategy on the National Housing Strategy for Disabled People and its accompanying Implementation Plan and is progressing much of the work contemplated in the Implementation Plan in advance of its finalisation.
355. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if properties currently under construction at a location (details supplied) have been acquired by an approved housing association for social, affordable and cost rental homes; and if locals will be afforded the opportunity to apply for these homes. [29068/23]
View answerHousing for All, the Government’s housing plan to 2030, is a multi-annual, multibillion euro plan, which commits to increasing the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 per year. Over 300,000 new homes will be built by the end of 2030, including a projected 90,000 social housing homes, 36,000 affordable purchase homes, and 18,000 cost rental homes.
A number of Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) have proposed social, affordable and cost rental projects within the Fingal County Council area. These proposals are currently under consideration, and the necessary financial and commercial arrangements in relation to these projects are still to be completed. When these commercially sensitive arrangements are concluded, details of these projects will be made available to the public.
Approved social housing projects provide accommodation for people on the relevant local authority’s waiting list. Decisions on the qualification of specific persons for social housing support, the most appropriate form of any such support, and the allocation of that support is a matter for the local authority concerned.
Cost Rental supports the housing needs of those on moderate incomes who cannot affordably access homes in the private rental market and who do not qualify for social housing supports. All Cost Rental homes must be made available to a tenant whose household falls within prescribed eligibility conditions. 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.
Under the relevant Regulations, all Cost Rental properties must be advertised online by the landlord for a period of at least 7 days, during which households can express their interest in leasing the properties. In the event that the number of eligible applicants exceeds the number of homes available, the provider must consider the applications in a random order, using an auditable lottery system, in order to provide an equitable opportunity for all eligible applicants. The Cost Rental eligibility criteria remain under review to ensure they remain fit for purpose in targeting support at those who cannot affordably access homes for rental on the private market.
356. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total amount of approved housing body and local authority borrowings for social and affordable housing that was drawn down and accounted for in the Governments expenditure for 2022. [29137/23]
View answerI refer the Deputy to the reply to Question No. 185 of 2023 which sets out the position in relation to loan advances by the Housing Finance Agency (HFA) to local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) for social and affordable housing.
This amounted to €1,156 million in 2022.
357. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current status of the Fire, Emergency, Management and Public Safety Bill; when this Bill will move to the next stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29146/23]
View answerA General Scheme of a Bill to update the Fire Services Acts, 1981 and 2003 is being prepared within my Department. This has been informed by consultation with the relevant sectors likely to be impacted by its provisions. The shape of the Bill has been considered on a number of occasions by the Board of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM). The Board comprises Chief Executive Officers from local authorities, the Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) as well as other Government Departments and supports the general approach being taken in the Bill. However, there is still a need for further consultation with stakeholders and our other Government partners to ensure the Bill brought forward is both comprehensive and robust.
The intention of the Bill is to support and strengthen the role of local authorities. The provision of fire services in local authority areas, including the establishment and maintenance of fire brigades, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of premises, is a statutory function of each individual fire authority. The work of local authority fire services has, to a large degree, been underpinned by the Fire Services Act 1981 and 2003 for over 40 years. While this legislation has served the country well, and key indicators such as fatalities from fire per million of population have been reduced consistently to the point where they are at their lowest for forty years, it is appropriate now to ensure that the underpinning legislation fully reflects the changes is society and the expanded and more dynamic roles that our local authority fire services have taken on in recent years. For that reason, the opinions of the local government sector have been sought as to the shape this legislation should take and preliminary opinion has also been received from the Local Government Management Agency.
Like all legislation, this is a complex piece of work, which necessitates consideration of multifaceted issues that impact on a number of sectors. The current Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003 have stood the test of time for 40 years. I want to ensure that its replacement also stands the test of time and when my Department is satisfied that the legislation being brought forward is appropriate, balanced, complete and robust, a Memorandum will be brought to Government on the issue in due course, followed by publication of the Bill.
358. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how many new units of Traveller-specific accommodation were provided in 2022. [29164/23]
View answerThe Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998 provides that the role of my Department is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist housing authorities in providing accommodation for Travellers, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding.
The Act provides that housing authorities have statutory responsibility for the assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of multi-annual Traveller Accommodation Programmes (TAPs) in their areas.
A total of 177 new units were provided under the Traveller-specific accommodation programme in 2022, composed of 6 new halting site bays, 6 new group houses, 29 acquisitions, 28 mobiles, 22 Covid mobiles and 86 caravan loan approvals. This does not however reflect the full extent of the work undertaken by local authorities in improving and refurbishing Traveller accommodation during 2022, which when included, brings total outputs in 2022 to 197.
359. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the review of the Adaptation Grant for Older People and People with a Disability Scheme for private houses will be published. [29165/23]
View answer378. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the estimated cost to the Exchequer of increasing the housing adaptation grant from €30,000 to €60,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29319/23]
View answer393. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the flexibility that local authorities have when it comes to introducing caps on amounts awarded under housing adaption grants for persons with a disability, such as caps based on room size; if local authorities have the autonomy to introduce caps to limit the amounts being awarded despite what is outlined as regards amounts available under these grants, as per the application form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29726/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 359, 378 and 393 together.
My Department provides funding under the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, in respect of private houses. There are three separate grants available, including the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, with responsibility for the apportionment between them being a matter for each local authority. Any increase in the existing grant limits would have to be considered in the context of the full suite of grants. The information sought with respect to this costing is not readily available within my Department.
Local authorities are responsible for the detailed administration of the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability scheme for private houses, including the assessment, approval and payment of grants to applicants under the various measures.
Guidance issued by my Department recommends that local authorities assemble a schedule of standard costs for each element of works available for funding under the scheme, which accurately reflects the market costs within the local authority area. It is also recommended that local authorities should review their schedule of standardised cost on a twice yearly basis using the services of a Quantity Surveyor. The standardisation of costs is intended to improve consistency and have a cost stabilisation effect on grant levels in each local authority area. Recognising, however, that individual homes may differ local authorities can approve a grant in excess of their own standard costings, up to the maximum grant caps, if the local authority considers that a higher cost is justified.
Housing for All commits to reviewing the Housing Adaptation Grants and a report on the review has been prepared by my Department. The review was informed by engagement with external stakeholders, including the Department of Health, the HSE, the Disability Federation of Ireland and the Irish Wheelchair Association. Among the areas which the review considered are the income thresholds and the grant limits. I have received the Review report and on foot of the careful consideration, I have asked my Department to engage with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform on the recommendations in the Review report.
360. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason the Céide Fields lost its place on UNESCO's tentative list for world heritage status, considering its significance as a world-renowned heritage site and its historical evidence of Ireland's first farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29174/23]
View answer383. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason the Céide Fields no longer appear on Ireland’s UNESCO world heritage tentative list; and if an application for inclusion was received for the site during the most recent application process. [29375/23]
View answer391. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason that a site (details supplied) was not included on a new list as announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29701/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 360, 383 and 391 together.
In line with UNESCO advice that World Heritage Tentative Lists be reviewed and updated at least every ten years, my Department launched a call for applications in January 2019 to a new Tentative List for Ireland. The Tentative List is essentially an inventory of potential sites that Ireland intends to nominate for inclusion on the World Heritage List. Each site on the Tentative List must demonstrate potential Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), integrity, authenticity, long-term protection and management frameworks, and evidence of local stakeholder support - all critical components of a future nomination dossier.
My Department's policy is for applications to be sponsored by the relevant local authority or key stakeholders/landowners in order to ensure continuity throughout the process. This is crucial in order to facilitate public consultation and wider stakeholder engagement, particularly in light of the requirement under UNESCO Operational Guidelines for participatory planning and public consultation.
Before and during the call for applications, my Department contacted the Chief Executive Officers of each of the County or City Councils involved with properties on the 2010 Tentative list to advise that the list was under review. My Department received six applications for inclusion on a new Tentative List by the deadline of 30 June 2021, as follows:
1. The Cultural Landscape of the Burren Uplands, County Clare;
2. Iniscealtra (Inis Cealtra / Inishcaltra / Holy Island), County Clare;
3. Trans-Atlantic Cable Ensemble: Valentia, County Kerry &Heart's Content, Newfoundland, Canada;
4. The Royal Sites of Ireland;
5. The Passage Tomb Landscape of County Sligo; and
6. Glendalough Valley, County Wicklow.
No application was received in respect of the Céide Fields, in effect removing itself from consideration for inclusion on the current Tentative List, but does not preclude it from being included in future iterations.
After an extensive twelve month review, the new Tentative List for Ireland was announced in July 2022 and a comprehensive Technical Valuation was published which sets out how each site was evaluated and the basis for its inclusion in the new list. That report can be found at worldheritageireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/World-Heritage-Tentative-List-Technical-Evaluation.pdf.
It is envisaged that Ireland’s Tentative List process will be reopened for review within the next five years to allow my Department assess other sites that may be proposed and which may demonstrate potential OUV. This may include sites on the 2010 Tentative List - such as the Céide Fields - for which applications were not submitted in 2021. The World Heritage Unit of my Department is available at all times to advise prospective applicants on the Tentative List process.
The Céide Fields are rightly recognised as a unique and extensive Neolithic archaeological site, celebrated for the hugely complex and extensive remains of ancient field systems and habitations. Fáilte Ireland, the Office of Public Works and my Department together have invested over €2.6million in a new immersive experience at the Céide Fields visitor centre, which opened last summer that will ensure that the Céide Fields and north Mayo are a must visit destination along the Wild Atlantic Way route.
361. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the review of the game bird open seasons Order; if he will provide an update on the progress of meetings held between key stakeholders and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, as well as a list of any potential changes or recommendations that have emerged from the review and public consultation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29181/23]
View answer362. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage concerning the review of the game bird open seasons Order, if he will provide a list of key stakeholders and other organisations of interest within the game shooting fraternity that have been invited to engage the National Parks and Wildlife Service as part of the review and public consultation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29182/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 361 and 362 together.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) held a public consultation on the Open Seasons Order from 22nd March to 3rd May 2023. The public consultation will inform any review of the Open Seasons Order and the bird species listed on it. Consideration will also be given to the actions needed to improve the management of the Open Seasons Order, with a view to ensuring that hunting of these species is on a sustainable footing. Following recently reported declines in populations at the EU level, an EU Taskforce on the Recovery of Bird Species has been established to consider actions to reverse the decline in bird species, and to review the sustainability of their hunting in the Member States. The NPWS are engaging with this forum.
The Open Seasons Order public consultation was open to everyone to put their views forward on an individual or organisational basis. In addition, a productive stakeholder engagement meeting was held in Dublin on the 21st April, with stakeholder groups invited across various interests such as hunting, farming and environmental NGOs. All of these interests were represented at the meeting, including the National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC) and other hunting groups.
Results of the public consultation are currently being analysed. No decisions have been taken with regard to any potential changes in the Open Seasons Order.
363. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the review of the rental accommodation scheme will be published. [29211/23]
View answerUnder Housing for All my Department is undertaking a review of the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS), which will consider its role in the private market, taking account of the impact of the Housing Assistance Payment scheme (HAP) and Approved Housing Body (AHB) participation.
A consultation process with all local authorities has been completed. As part of this process, my Department undertook a series of meetings with local authorities to discuss their submissions and these meetings have now concluded. A separate public consultation phase has also been concluded. The information received from both of these consultation processes will inform the final report and its recommendations. Upon receipt of the final report, which is currently undergoing a final period of internal consultation within my Department, I will give due consideration to its contents and recommendations.
364. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to outline clearly his Department's plans regarding the open seasons Order; to outline the reason a position paper and plans by the NPWS Management Board (dated September 2022) were not referenced during the public consultation process held between March and May 2023; the reason two options were outlined in these plans and set out before the consultation process began; the reason those engaging in the consultation process were not made aware of the options as set out by the NPWS; if he will address the concerns by game hunting clubs in relation to their lack of confidence in this consultation process given the position of the NPWS; if he will outline what the "other" options being considered are as they are not referenced in the paper; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29212/23]
View answerThe National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) recently held a public consultation on the Open Seasons Order. The public consultation will inform any review of the Open Seasons Order and the bird species listed on it. Consideration will also be given to the actions needed to improve the management of the Open Seasons Order, with a view to ensuring that hunting of these species is on a sustainable footing. Following recently reported declines in populations at the EU level, an EU Taskforce on the Recovery of Bird Species has been established to consider actions to reverse the decline in bird species, and to review the sustainability of their hunting in the Member States. The NPWS are engaging with this forum.
A presentation was made to the NPWS Management Board in September 2022 by the internal NPWS Open Seasons Order working group. The presentation involved a review of the requirement of the Birds Directive; discussions of the EU Task Force on the Recovery of Bird Species; the available scientific data; potential framework in relation to certain Annex II species on the Open Seasons Order; and developing a draft framework for the consultation process with stakeholders.
The public consultation process – comprising both online surveys and in person meetings - allowed stakeholders and the general public to provide their views on policy issues. The preliminary outline deliberations of the NPWS working group were not fed into the public consultation process, as to do so would have influenced the views of either the general public or of the specific stakeholders involved. The results of the public consultation are currently being analysed and no decisions have been taken with regard to any potential changes in the Open Seasons Order.
365. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will make publicly available the information that the open season Order for 2023 was based on. [29230/23]
View answerWith regard to Ireland’s wild bird populations including those listed on the Open Seasons Order, the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department is significantly involved in the collection of data leading to the estimation of population sizes, ranges and trends. This data, feeds into our regular reporting under Article 12 of the EU Birds Directivities (Directive 79/409/EEC), which allows for an assessment of whether the requisite measures have been taken to maintain the population of bird species referred to in Article 1 of that Directive. In addition to Ireland’s latest Article 12 Report covering the period 2013 – 2018, the following resources are relevant to those bird species on the Open Seasons Order:
The status of Red Grouse in Ireland and the effects of land use, habitat and habitat quality on their distribution. Irish Wildlife Manuals, No. 50. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin, Ireland.
Countryside Bird Survey: Status and trends of common and widespread breeding birds 1998-2016. Irish Wildlife Manuals, No. 115. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Ireland.
Irish Wetland Bird Survey: Waterbird Status and Distribution 2009/10-2015/16. Irish Wildlife Manuals, No. 106. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Ireland.
Irish Wetland Bird Survey (I-WeBS)
Bird Atlas 2007-11: the breeding and wintering birds of Britain and Ireland. Thetford: BTO; 2013.
The New Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland: 1988-1991. Author(s): Gibbons, D.W., Reid, J.B. & Chapman, R.A.. Published: January 1993 Burke B, Lewis LJ, Fitzgerald N, Frost T, Austin G, Tierney TD.
Estimates of waterbird numbers wintering in Ireland, 2011/12–2015/16. Irish Birds. 2018;11:1-2. Gilbert, Gillian, Andrew Stanbury, and Lesley Lewis.
Birds of conservation concern in Ireland 4: 2020–2026."Irish Birds 43 (2021): 1-22.
birdwatchireland.ie/app/uploads/2021/04/BOCCI-2020-2026.pdf
366. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department recognises the contribution of gun clubs to conservation efforts in Ireland in light of his Department engaged with game hunters and gun clubs prior to making the decision on the open season Order last year. [29231/23]
View answer367. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his Departments plans to meet with gun clubs ahead of the start of open season 2023. [29232/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 366 and 367 together.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department works in tandem with members of gun clubs in many conservation projects across Ireland, including through predator control activities, and I recognise the contribution that such gun clubs make to our national conservation efforts.
The National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC) and other hunting, shooting and game management associations attended the open stakeholder meeting that was held by the NPWS to discuss the review of the Open Seasons Order on 21 April 2023. Many representatives from the sector also engaged with the survey that issued in relation to same, giving valuable insight and feedback, which will all be taken into account in the ongoing review of the Order. Stakeholders will be invited to any further public meetings that may be held in relation to the OSO, where their input will be welcomed.
368. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage why an application has been deemed ineligible for a scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29235/23]
View answerWith respect to individual cases, the relevant designated local authority has responsibility for the detailed administration of the current Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) Grant scheme and the Enhanced DCB Grant Scheme upon its commencement in the very near future. This includes the assessment of applications and payment of grants to successful applicants under the specific remediation option approved. Neither myself nor my Department have any role in this regard.
369. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of cost rental tenant in situ referrals to the Housing Agency to date; the number of cost rental tenant in situ applications submitted by landlords; the number rejected by the Housing Agency; the number at valuation stage; the number at inspection stage; the number at legal/conveyancing; the number of offers made; and the number of properties purchased, in tabular form. [29237/23]
View answerThe Cost Rental Tenant In-Situ (CRTiS) Scheme was introduced, initially on an administrative basis, to address the immediate circumstances of the ending of the 'Winter Emergency Period' on 31 March 2023. This scheme is available where a tenant faces the termination of a tenancy due to the landlord’s intention to sell the property. The scheme is available if the tenant household:
• is not able to or intending 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.
The CRTiS Scheme was launched in April and is in the initial stages of its establishment. I expect that my Department will be in a position to give a report on the scheme later in the year.
370. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the engagements he has had with local authorities regarding the Framework Transformation Document of June 2022 relating to the transformation of water services to Uisce Éireann; if it is the position of Government that this agreement should be honoured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29252/23]
View answerAlongside its many other functions, the local government sector has provided water services since the formation of the State, and it is necessary to ensure that local authorities remain properly resourced to continue to deliver on other important key functions and services.
My Department has worked closely with local authorities and Uisce Éireann in progressing the operational provisions of the Framework since it was published last year.
The Government and I, have every confidence that the Framework document is the right way forward and that all parties will continue to honour the provisions of the document to see this transformation through to its conclusion in 2026.
