Written Answers Nos. 230-245
230. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance to outline the public policy rationale for the changes made in the Finance Act 2022 in relation to the obligations of tenants and collection agents of non-resident landlords; if he will provide details on the number of non-resident landlords recorded by the Revenue Commissioners in 2020, 2021 and 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32433/23]
View answerI am advised by Revenue that the changes made in Finance Act 2022 to the obligations of tenants and collection agents of non-resident landlords are intended to reduce the administrative burden on both tenants and collection agents and to simplify the process to comply with their tax obligations. It is also anticipated that the new system, which launched on 1 July 2023, should lead to better compliance and customer service in this area. The information provided as part of the new requirements will allow Revenue to identify the non-Irish resident landlord and correctly allocate a withholding tax payment to the relevant landlord. The information will also assist Revenue in pursuing any issue of non-compliance.
Tenants (and other parties such as local authorities) who make rental payments directly to non-resident landlords have been obliged for many years to deduct and remit to Revenue withholding tax at 20% from such payments. Finance Act 2022 made minor amendments to this existing system. Previously, such persons were required to remit the amount due to Revenue using a paper Form R185. The changes introduced by Finance Act 2022 did not alter the requirement for such persons to deduct tax.
They do, however, change the method by which the tax deducted is remitted to Revenue. They also require the provision of certain information regarding the landlord, the rental property, and the rental payment. As part of this new system, instead of completing a paper Form R185, tenants of non-resident landlords will complete rental notifications (‘RNs’) and remit the tax deducted online using ROS or MyAccount, using the new “non-resident landlord withholding tax” (NLWT) system.
As well as changes to the requirements for payments made directly to non-resident landlords, Finance Act 2022 also amended the requirements for collection agents acting for such landlords. A collection agent for a non-resident person is assessable and chargeable to tax for the income of that person, which means the agent is required to file a tax return and pay the tax due on that income. It is still open to collection agents to continue to follow that practice, which means they must file a tax return and pay relevant liabilities, including preliminary tax. However, the new provisions give them an alternative. A collection agent will not be chargeable and assessable for such income, provided that the agent deducts and remits to Revenue withholding tax (also at 20%) from rental payments and provides information on the landlord and the tenancy. Collection agents will also complete the new RN and remit the withholding tax online.
Revenue records indicate that in 2020, there were approximately 18,766 non-resident landlords, of which 213 were corporate landlords, and during 2021, there were approximately 20,974 non-resident landlords, of which 251 were corporate landlords. I am advised that figures for 2022 are not yet available.
231. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Finance if he will give positive consideration to introducing tax relief measures for parents who have to take extended leave from work to care for young babies who, owing to an acute shortage of places for those under 12 months of age, cannot avail of childcare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32441/23]
View answerI acknowledge the cost pressures on parents with young children. In recognition of these pressures, a number of support measures are already in place to ease the burden on working parents. These include various tax-exempted financial supports provided by the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to assist parents to offset the costs of early learning and childcare and measures such as the Working Family Payment provided by the Minister for Social Protection.
With regard to taxation measures intended to increase the availability of childcare facilities more generally, I would note that:
• The Accelerated Capital Allowances scheme for Childcare Services encourages employers to develop childcare facilities onsite for their employees. It allows for 100% wear and tear allowances in respect of the capital expenditure incurred on childcare equipment for the year in which the equipment is first used. An accelerated industrial buildings annual allowance of 15% over 6 years and 10% in year 7 can also be claimed for capital expenditure incurred on the construction of a childcare services facility.
• Individuals who provide child-minding services in their own home may claim childcare services relief each year, provided that they do not receive more than €15,000 income per annum from the child-minding income.
I also note the findings of the Interdepartmental Working Group on Future Investment in Childcare in Ireland, which published their report in July 2015. Having considered the option of a tax credit that would be available to those who incur childcare costs, the Group recommended against introducing such a measure. The Group had concerns that a tax credit would not be equitable, would have possible high dead-weight, could end up being fully absorbed in the cost of childcare, and might not have a meaningful impact on a parent's decision on whether to join or to return to the labour market. Estimates produced at the time also suggested that the annual Exchequer cost of such a measure could be very substantial.
A number of tax credits are available to parents caring for dependent children, for instance:
• An Incapacitated Child tax credit of €3,300 is available to the parent or guardian of a child who is permanently incapacitated, where there is a reasonable expectation that the child will be unable to support themselves when over 18 by earning an income from working.
• A Single Person Child Carer tax credit is payable to any single parent or guardian to a child, other than a foster child or a child in residential care, which they support and maintain at their own expense. The child must be under 18 years of age or over 18 years of age if in full time education or permanently incapacitated. €1,650 is available as a credit as well as a standard rate band increase of €4,000.
• A Home Carer tax credit of up to €1,700 is available for those earning under €10,600 during 2023 who are married or in a civil partnership and care for one or more dependent persons, which may include a child for whom they receive the child benefit payment.
As Minister for Finance, I receive many requests for the introduction of new tax reliefs and the extension of existing ones. In considering these, I must be mindful of the public finances and the many demands on the Exchequer and I must have regard to budgetary constraints and the equitable treatment of all tax-payers. Tax reliefs, no matter how worthwhile in themselves, reduce the tax base and make general reform of the tax system that much more difficult.
I do not currently have any plans to introduce any further tax relief measures for parents along the lines suggested.
232. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance the historical State savings rates for the past 20 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32464/23]
View answerI am advised by the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) who manage State Savings, that when setting interest rates historically, the NTMA has sought to ensure that products remain competitive in the savings market generally, whilst providing good value to the Exchequer in terms of borrowing costs.
The following table outlines the Historical State Savings Rates for the past 20 years (2003-2023):
|
Product |
Date of issue |
Date of cessation |
Issue number |
Maturity Rate |
|
Savings Certificates - 5 Year |
23/12/1998 |
31/07/07 |
16 |
16.00% |
|
01/08/2007 |
15/12/12 |
17 |
21.00% |
|
|
16/12/2012 |
01/06/13 |
18 |
15.00% |
|
|
02/06/2013 |
07/12/13 |
19 |
11.00% |
|
|
08/12/2013 |
04/10/14 |
20 |
10.00% |
|
|
05/10/2014 |
04/06/16 |
21 |
7.00% |
|
|
05/06/2016 |
23/01/21 |
22 |
5.00% |
|
|
24/01/2021 |
26/03/23 |
23 |
3.00% |
|
|
27/03/2023 |
To Date |
24 |
5.00% |
|
|
Product |
Date of issue |
Date of cessation |
Issue number |
Maturity Rate |
|
Savings Bond - 3 Year |
23/12/1998 |
31/07/07 |
11 |
8.00% |
|
01/08/2007 |
15/12/12 |
12 |
10.00% |
|
|
16/12/2012 |
01/06/13 |
13 |
7.00% |
|
|
02/06/2013 |
07/12/13 |
14 |
4.00% |
|
|
08/12/2013 |
04/10/14 |
15 |
4.00% |
|
|
05/10/2014 |
04/06/16 |
16 |
2.50% |
|
|
05/06/2016 |
To Date |
17 |
1.00% |
|
|
Product |
Date of issue |
Date of cessation |
Issue number |
Maturity Rate |
|
Instalment Savings - 6 Year Term |
23/12/1998 |
31/07/07 |
8 |
15.00% |
|
01/08/2007 |
15/12/12 |
9 |
20.00% |
|
|
16/12/2012 |
01/06/13 |
10 |
17.00% |
|
|
02/06/2013 |
07/12/13 |
11 |
14.00% |
|
|
08/12/2013 |
04/10/14 |
12 |
10.00% |
|
|
05/10/2014 |
04/06/16 |
13 |
7.00% |
|
|
05/06/2016 |
23/01/21 |
14 |
5.50% |
|
|
24/01/2021 |
26/03/23 |
15 |
3.50% |
|
|
27/03/2023 |
To Date |
16 |
5.50% |
|
|
Product |
Date of issue |
Date of cessation |
Issue number |
Maturity Rate |
|
National Solidarity Bond (NSB) - 10 Year Term |
01/05/2010 |
15/12/12 |
1 |
50.00% |
|
16/12/2012 |
01/06/13 |
2 |
45.00% |
|
|
02/06/2013 |
07/12/13 |
3 |
35.00% |
|
|
08/12/2013 |
04/10/14 |
4 |
30.00% |
|
|
05/10/2014 |
04/06/16 |
5 |
25.00% |
|
|
05/06/2016 |
23/01/21 |
6 |
16.00% |
|
|
24/01/2021 |
26/03/23 |
7 |
10.00% |
|
|
27/03/2023 |
To Date |
8 |
16.00% |
|
|
Product |
Date of issue |
Date of cessation |
Issue number |
Maturity Rate |
|
National Solidarity Bond (NSB) - 4 Year Term |
31/01/2011 |
15/12/12 |
1 |
15.00% |
|
16/12/2012 |
01/06/13 |
2 |
12.00% |
|
|
02/06/2013 |
07/12/13 |
3 |
8.00% |
|
|
08/12/2013 |
04/10/14 |
4 |
6.00% |
|
|
05/10/2014 |
04/06/16 |
5 |
4.00% |
|
|
05/06/2016 |
To Date |
6 |
2.00% |
|
|
Product |
Effective Rate |
Rate Change |
Deposit Rate |
|
|
Deposit Account |
01/08/2007 |
15/12/12 |
1.00% |
|
|
16/12/2012 |
04/06/16 |
0.25% |
||
|
05/06/2016 |
23/01/21 |
0.15% |
||
|
24/01/2021 |
To Date |
0.05% |
||
|
Product |
Effective Date |
Deposit Rate |
||
|
Prize Bonds |
01/06/1999 |
2.75% |
||
|
01/09/2003 |
2.40% |
|||
|
01/08/2007 |
3.00% |
|||
|
01/12/2012 |
2.25% |
|||
|
01/05/2013 |
1.75% |
|||
|
01/12/2013 |
1.60% |
|||
|
01/11/2014 |
1.25% |
|||
|
01/06/2016 |
0.85% |
|||
|
01/07/2017 |
0.50% |
|||
|
01/01/2021 |
To Date |
0.35% |
233. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Finance what resources, such as x-ray scanners and detector dog units, are currently available to the Revenue Commissioners to combat smuggling at the nation’s ports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32499/23]
View answerI am advised by Revenue that its approach to combatting the importation of prohibited and restricted goods and targeting illicit activities involves the use of analytics and detection technologies and ensuring the optimum deployment of resources on a risk-focused basis. In that context, I understand that operational requirements and arrangements regarding the deployment and use of detection technology and resources, including x-ray scanners and dog detector teams, are kept under regular review by Revenue having regard to ongoing risk assessment of smuggling and criminal activities and evolving operational needs.
Revenue currently operates twenty-three Detector Dog teams, which operate in tandem with the broad suite of detection equipment and technologies deployed by Revenue to target fraud, illicit trade, smuggling and criminality, such as scan technology.
The suite of X-Ray scanners available to officers at the main points of entry, range from handheld scanning devices to scan small packages, baggage scanners for the scanning of passenger luggage and parcels and mobile scanners to scan vehicles and containers. Revenue’s X-ray container scanning capacity of three mobile units, allows for the deployment to any port or other relevant location, such as warehouses, throughout the country, having regard to risk and operational needs.
Alongside the detection equipment and technologies deployed at the main points of entry, Revenue has a dedicated Maritime Unit and operates two cutters (patrol vessels). The Revenue Maritime Unit has a national remit to patrol and monitor internal waters, territorial seas and adjacent waters. These patrol and monitoring activities are aimed at the prevention, detection, interception and seizure of illegal importations and exportations of prohibited and restricted goods, including drugs.
Detection equipment and technologies deployed by Revenue are in addition to the application of the comprehensive legal framework in place as set out in relevant tax and customs legislation. Intelligence development and electronic risk analysis tools, including an advanced maritime risk assessment tool used by the Revenue Maritime Unit, form part of Revenue’s overall suite of measures and complement the deployment of detection technologies and equipment, including X-ray scanners and dog detection units.
Revenue keeps its operational requirements under continuous review, having regard to ongoing risk evaluation and evolving operational needs. The necessary funding for emerging detection technology and equipment comes from a combination of State resources and available EU funds. I remain open to consider any proposals from Revenue that will support its work in combatting fraud, illicit trade and smuggling.
234. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Finance if he has received the pre-Budget 2024 submission from group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32520/23]
View answerIn advance of the Budget, as Minister for Finance I receive a large number of pre-budget submissions on a wide range of issues. All submissions are acknowledged by my department on receipt.
I can confirm the pre-Budget submission to which the Deputy refers was received Wednesday 28 June.
The contents will be considered in the context of the forthcoming Budget and the Deputy will be aware that it is a long-standing practice of the Minister for Finance not to comment, in advance of the Budget, on any matters that might be the subject of Budget decisions.
235. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Finance the steps he is taking in response to a recent increase in interest rates for people with mortgages on their family homes. [32527/23]
View answerThe formulation and implementation of monetary policy is an independent matter for the European Central Bank (ECB) and, as the Deputy is aware, the ECB has increased official interest rates over the past year as it attempts to combat inflation.
While the level of official interest rates influences the overall level of interest rates throughout the economy, the setting of retail lending rates by individual lenders is a commercial matter for that lender and I have no function or role in such decision making matters by financial institutions. However, a number of measures are in place to support households facing rising interest rates and the cost of living more generally. From a regulatory perspective, the Central Bank has introduced a number of increased protections for variable rate mortgage holders which can which help mortgage holders identify lower cost mortgage options.
Firstly, it made changes to the Consumer Protection Code to require mortgage creditors to explain to borrowers how their non-tracker variable interest rates have been set and to clearly identify the factors which may result in changes to variable interest rates.
Secondly, it also increased the level of information lenders are required to provide their customers including where there is a possibility for the borrower to move to a lower ‘loan to value’ interest rate band and to signpost the borrower to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission's mortgage switching tool.More recently, the Central Bank wrote to all regulated firms last November to set out its expectations on how regulated firms should support their customers at this difficult time. The Central Bank is continuing to work with all regulated firms to ensure that borrowers facing financial difficulties are supported with alternative repayment arrangements where appropriate and, for borrowers who should be able to switch mortgage product or provider, are supported should they wish to do so.
With respect to mortgages, the Central Bank is especially focused on ensuring that firms have the resources and arrangements in place to assess applications from new or switching borrowers in a manner that is timely and based on prudent lending standards applied consistently across all mortgage applicants.It should also be noted that the Government has responded swiftly and decisively to help to offset the most severe impacts of inflation, with a particular focus on protecting the most vulnerable. Overall, €12 billion in direct relief has been provided to counter the effects of inflation and to support households more generally, with the policy response designed to avoid generating second round effects that could lead to an inflationary spiral.
This fiscal support has helped many households, including mortgaged households, with the increased costs of living.
236. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Finance if consideration can be given to the introduction of a Government savings scheme similar to the special savings investment scheme which ran previously. [32563/23]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that I have no plans to introduce a SSIA type of saving product at this time.
237. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Finance if he has received the letter from a person (details supplied); his views on the letter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32622/23]
View answerThe Deputy should note at the outset that I have received the letter in question.
It is also important to be aware that I am very conscious of the limitations of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme (DDS) as was my immediate predecessor.
Consequently, the National Disability Inclusion Strategy Transport Working Group (TWG), comprising members from a range of Departments, agencies and Disabled Persons Organisations, was tasked under Action 104 to review all Government-funded transport and mobility supports for those with a disability, including the DDS. The NDIS TWG final report was published on 24th February 2023 and welcomed the proposal put forward by my Department that the DDS should be replaced with a needs-based, grant-aided vehicular adaptation scheme, i.e. to provide direct financial assistance to individuals needing vehicle adaptations according to their needs, to meet their personal transport requirements and ultimately to facilitate independence and participation in society.
The NDIS TWG final report also noted both the outdated approach of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme and the fact that the scheme needed to be addressed as a matter of priority. The Working Group agreed that proposals in this regard was a clear deliverable on which work could begin in the relatively near future.
You should also be aware that the Taoiseach’s recently indicated that he would convene all the relevant Departments to develop meaningful proposals arising from the NDIS Working Group’s final report. The first meeting of this group was held on 3 July 2023.
238. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Finance his plans to ensure that Budget 2023 is published in a format that is clear, accessible and in plain English, in order to ensure that the document is accessible for disabled people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32629/23]
View answerPlanning for Budget 2024 is well underway and officials from the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform are working towards bringing it before the Oireachtas in the autumn.
The process behind each annual budget is comprehensive and includes a range of different publications and events that include the National Economic Dialogue and the Summer Economic Statement. On budget day itself there are a number of publications shared beyond the budget book itself. These include speeches, taxation measures and a guide for people which provides a high level overview of the measures being introduced and outlining how money will be raised in the year in question.
There is a dedicated section of the gov.ie website under the Department of Finance devoted to each budget containing all of the relevant documents and material. The link to that site, which covers Budget 2023 and previous years is available here; www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/budget/.
All of the publications for the budget are produced using the templates for government documents and using the public service plain English style guidelines and are informed by the communications toolkit for the public service.
This is done to make the budget and its implications as readily understandable for people as possible. The guidance for the public service has been developed under an approach promoted by the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design at the National Disability Authority.
The process by which the budget is produced and shared is currently being reviewed by officials in my Department in collaboration with the OGCIO and the Oireachtas. This is being done to take account of some of the changes that were necessitated during the pandemic which disrupted the traditional process of sharing the budget with members of the Oireachtas. Officials are also investigating opportunities to make the overall process more efficient, accessible and sustainable. As part of that process accessibility for people with different abilities is being considered.
239. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if the tendering process for a replacement customs cutter vessel has been completed. [32684/23]
View answerI am advised by Revenue that a Request for Tender for the design, supply and commissioning of a Customs cutter (patrol vessel) was published in the Official Journal of the EU in October 2022. Tenders were received in February 2023 and evaluation of the tenders was completed in June 2023.
A preferred bidder has been identified and tenderers have been informed of the outcome. The standstill period, in accordance with the Remedies Directive (2007/66/EC) and the implementing Irish Regulations (S.I. No. 130 of 2010 and S.I. No. 192 of 2015) passed on the 3rd of July. It is expected that contracts will be concluded before the end of Q3 2023.
240. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider abolishing any capital gains tax arising from the sale of a residential property to tenants in situ; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32726/23]
View answerIt is important to consider the potential impacts and unintended consequences of providing preferential tax treatment to the proceeds of a sale of a property by a landlord to their tenant.
As you are aware any tax exemption has the potential to distort the market, and this can certainly be the case with the property market. Such an exemption could further increase house prices for purchasers, and could reduce considerably the number of houses available to rent. Previous experience with tax incentives in this area has demonstrated a considerable potential for unexpected consequences to such changes, which can end up being unhelpful to the broader market. In addition there is the potential to subsidise disposals that might have occurred in any event, resulting in deadweight cost to the State and taxpayers.
However, I am very conscious of the need to address the housing and rental crisis by all means available. CGT, as with all taxes is subject to ongoing review, consideration and assessment of the rate of CGT and the relevant reliefs and exemptions and is considered as part of the broader tax strategy and the normal Budget process.
241. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 128 of 22 June 2023, how many applications were received and accepted or refused under a scheme (details supplied), in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32848/23]
View answer242. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Finance how many applications were refused and the reasons for each refusal under a scheme (details supplied), in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32849/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 241 and 242 together.
The Disabled Drivers & Disabled Passengers Scheme (DDS) provides relief from VRT and VAT on the purchase and use of an adapted car, as well as an exemption from motor tax and an annual fuel grant.
The Scheme is open to severely and permanently disabled persons who also meet one of six specified medical criteria, as a driver or as a passenger and also to certain organisations. In order to qualify for relief, the applicant must hold a Primary Medical Certificate issued by the relevant Senior Area Medical Officer (SAMO) or a Board Medical Certificate issued by the Disabled Driver Medical Board of Appeal. Certain other qualifying criteria apply in relation to the vehicle, in particular that it must be specially constructed or adapted for use by the applicant.
The Deputy should note that the number of applications for a Primary Medical Certificate, the number of those that were successful and the reasoning for decisions made are a matter for the HSE. The below table outlines the PMC assessment data for 2021 and 2022 as supplied by the HSE.
Primary Medical Certificates - data at December 2022
|
CHO Area |
Number of applications for a primary medical certificate received in 2022 |
Number of applications for a primary medical certificate approved in 2022 |
Number of applications for a primary medical certificate which were not approved (application not successful) in 2022 |
Number of people waiting to be assessed for a primary medical certificate at December 2022 |
|
CHO 1 |
388 |
192 |
116 |
67 |
|
CHO 2 |
540 |
285 |
208 |
60 |
|
CHO 3 |
521 |
286 |
167 |
51 |
|
CHO 4 |
551 |
282 |
229 |
22 |
|
CHO 5 |
324 |
153 |
115 |
68 |
|
CHO 6 |
241 |
197 |
37 |
11 |
|
CHO 7 |
292 |
142 |
102 |
31 |
|
CHO 8 |
444 |
239 |
166 |
32 |
|
CHO 9 |
320 |
238 |
41 |
32 |
|
Total |
3,621 |
2,014 |
1,181 |
374 |
Primary Medical Certificates - data at December 2021
|
CHO Area |
Number of applications for a primary medical certificate received in 2021 |
Number of applications for a primary medical certificate approved in 2021 |
Number of applications for a primary medical certificate which were not approved (application not successful) in 2021 |
Number of people waiting to be assessed for a primary medical certificate at December 2021 |
|
CHO 1 |
285 |
170 |
80 |
75 |
|
CHO 2 |
498 |
430 |
247 |
46 |
|
CHO 3 |
401 |
229 |
172 |
87 |
|
CHO 4 |
680 |
287 |
315 |
82 |
|
CHO 5 |
309 |
149 |
97 |
63 |
|
CHO 6 |
170 |
125 |
40 |
5 |
|
CHO 7 |
241 |
135 |
108 |
21 |
|
CHO 8 |
440 |
232 |
134 |
69 |
|
CHO 9 |
249 |
186 |
49 |
5 |
|
Total |
3,273 |
1,943 |
1,242 |
453 |
243. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if his Department will be issuing a public tender or inviting tenders for the construction of two-storey modular homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32476/23]
View answerIn 2022, the Office of Public Works (OPW) was asked by Government to develop a pilot programme of an initial 500 rapid build homes on behalf of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY). That number was subsequently increased to 700 late last year.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) was asked to assist in identifying sites that might be suitable by seeking information from public authorities on potential sites in their ownership.
The OPW had already begun liaising with the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) relating to the possible use of modular housing units to provide durable accommodation solutions. Those discussions considered the potential capacity of the modular manufacturing industry in Ireland to produce a product at scale and to the appropriate standard.
In conjunction with the CIF and the modular manufacturing industry, the OPW developed an exemplar design and specification to ensure Building Regulation compliance. The modular prototype that was designed is a highly energy efficient durable single storey unit (with a useful life of 60 years). The units will be fully fitted out and transported onto sites around the country.
Following a procurement procedure, the OPW selected John Sisk & Son (Holdings) Limited as the main contractor. Once appointed, the main contractor engaged with rapid build homes manufacturers, and competitively tendered to the market for the supply of rapid build homes, using the specifications for an innovative exemplar model, quality and assurances, etc developed by the OPW. The contractor established a framework of five suppliers, with the capacity to produce the homes to the required standard.
Production is continuing at pace. Work is already well underway on the first phase of seven sites, with the installation of units continuing on a contemporaneous schedule. The first of the sites (Mahon in Cork) with 64 units was completed for handover to DCEDIY on 31 May 2023. Handover dates for 4 further sites will be over the summer into July, 2023. An additional 8-9 sites are being assessed and surveys ongoing, so as to achieve delivery of 700 units.
As part of the next phase, the option of a higher density larger modular home is being considered. A number of options are being assessed to develop a proof of concept for a potential exemplar of modular housing delivery, including for social housing.
244. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the number of times he has met with or corresponded with the Director General of RTÉ since he took office; and the dates upon which such meetings or correspondences took place. [32166/23]
View answerSince taking office as Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform on December 17 2022 I have not met with or corresponded with the Director General of RTÉ.
245. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the number of times he has met with or corresponded with members of the board of RTÉ since he took office; and the dates upon which such meetings or correspondences took place. [32170/23]
View answerSince taking office as Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform on December 17 2022 I have not met with or corresponded with members of the board of RTÉ.
