Written Answers Nos. 81-111
81. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education the reason for the delay in the provision of school transport for a child (details supplied) attending a special ASD unit; the supports available to parents to meet alternative transport costs; when it is expected transport as approved will be available for the check; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51191/23]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2022/2023 school year, over 149,000 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
In addition, school transport scheme services were provided for over 5,400 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
The National Council for Special Education acts in an advisory role to the Department of Education on the suitability of placements for children with special educational needs. Under the terms of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, the Department will consider the report of the Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO). School transport is provided to children with special educational needs who are attending the nearest school to their place of residence that is or can be resourced to meet their educational needs, as identified by the SENO.
An application for school transport with a change of address was recently made by the parent and the pupil in question has been deemed eligible for school transport.
Bus Éireann has advised that the pupil can be accommodated on existing SEN service in the morning. A double trip is required in the afternoon as the pupil is attending school on a junior day and arrangements for this have been made with the contractor. Bus Éireann will liaise directly with the parent shortly to make necessary arrangements.
In the meantime, the family may avail of the Special Transport Grant towards the cost of making private transport arrangements.
This grant is a once off payment. The interim grant is offered from the date of application to assist with the cost of private transport arrangements that families have to put place until a transport service is ready to commence.
The family do not need to make an application; the School Transport Section in the Department of Education will email them directly with further details of the grant.
Bus Éireann has put in place a dedicated customer care call centre to assist families specifically with School Transport queries during this period. Families that have queries can contact the call centre on: LoCall 0818 919 910. Operating hours are usually 9.00am – 5.00pm Monday to Friday.
Families can also submit queries via the ‘contact form’ which can be found on their website (buseireann.ie/schooltransport).
82. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Education her plans to restrict gambling industry-funded talks and programmes in schools. [51194/23]
View answerSchools have a role to play in supporting their students to develop the key skills and knowledge to enable them to make informed choices when faced with a range of difficult issues, including drugs, alcohol and gambling. This is mainly done through the SPHE programme. SPHE forms part of the mandatory Wellbeing area of learning at Junior Cycle. Wellbeing in Junior Cycle is about young people feeling confident, happy, healthy and connected, and it is one of the principles that underpins Junior Cycle education.
An updated Junior Cycle SPHE specification was published by the NCCA in May 2023 and is being rolled out for first years in all schools from last September. It places a strong focus on the development of important life skills that young people need growing up in a fast changing and complex world. The learning outcomes of the Making Healthy Choices strand in the updated specification include that students should be able to "discuss societal, cultural and economic influences affecting young people when it comes to making healthy choices about smoking, alcohol and other addictive substances and behaviours, and how harmful influences can be overcome in real-life situations". In the specification’s Glossary of Key Terms, addictive behaviours are defined as including “gaming, gambling and social media addictions” .
As part of the redevelopment of SPHE/RSE curricula, in line with the programme for Government, work is ongoing to develop an updated SPHE specification for Senior Cycle. In the course of consultation on the Background Paper and Brief for redevelopment of Senior Cycle SPHE, which took place last year, participants commonly talked about addictive substances and behaviours such as alcohol use and gambling and the need for students to be enabled to recognise addiction and the impact of addiction on emotional wellbeing, on decision-making and on family and friends. A draft specification has now been developed, which addresses this learning, which was open for consultation until 3 November last.
It would not be appropriate that resources or materials produced or funded by the gambling industry, for education and awareness on gambling, to be in use in our schools. There are protocols in place to ensure that strict criteria are observed by schools when inviting external agencies to address students about particular issues. The Department provides clear guidance to schools on the engagement of outside speakers and on the use of external resources to assist in delivering the curriculum. These guidelines are most recently outlined in updated circular 0042/2018 for primary schools and 0043/2018 for post primary schools. Programmes delivered by visitors or external agencies must use appropriate evidence-based methodologies with clear educational outcomes.
These circulars also require that all materials proposed for use by external providers must be approved in advance by the principal and Board of Management, be age and stage appropriate for pupils and be in line with the ethos of the school, and the principles of the Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) curriculum. This applies both to resources such as literature, and to workshops that may be held in schools.
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) provides guidelines for teachers in choosing resources for use in their SPHE programme. In these guidelines the NCCA encourages teachers to question the origin and funding of such resources as well as the evidence base used in their production. If, for example, resources are funded by parties with conflicts of interests, then they should not be used in schools.
83. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 194 of 19 October 2023, if she will arrange for staff at the building unit at the Department to meet persons on a matter (details supplied) relating to the issues raised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51261/23]
View answerAs has been previously advised, the school to which you refer applied for funding under my Department's Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) to carry out roof works to the school building. The works were deemed to be extensive and outside the scope of the emergency works scheme and the application was refused in that context.
However to assist the school address the problems in the interim the school have been advised to appoint a Roof Detection Leaks specialist to identify the leaks within the existing roof and once the leaks have been detected, the necessary repairs can be carried though the EWS until a more permanent solution can be carried out under the Summer Works Scheme. The leak detection test will be funded under the EWS
The EWS has limited funding which is made available in emergency situations and is limited to a minimum scope of works to address the emergency situation as an interim solution. It is then open to the school to make an application under the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) for further and more extensive works to address the long term issues.
84. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education when she expects the new special school announced by her Department for Carrigtwohill, County Cork, to open; the proposed location of the school; the number of students who will be able to attend the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51285/23]
View answerEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for me as Minister for Special Education & Inclusion, for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.
For 2023, the spend by my department on special education has been substantially increased by over 10% on last year, meaning that for 2023 my department will spend over €2.6 billion on special education. Further progress has been made in Budget 2024 where 26% of my department’s budget will be dedicated to providing supports for children with special educational needs, representing a 5% increase on Budget 2023.
This includes funding to support children with special educational needs in mainstream classes; funding for new special classes and new special school places; additional special educational teachers, special needs assistants (SNAs) and funding for the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS).
In 2023, the number of teaching and SNA posts in our schools will increase with an additional 686 teachers and a further 1,194 SNAs. In 2024, a further 744 teachers, and 1,216 SNAs will be added to deliver up to 2,700 new places for children with special educational needs. This will mean we will have over 41,500 qualified and committed people in our schools who are focused wholly and exclusively on supporting children with special educational needs.
The NCSE has the responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs.
Over the last number of years, my department and the NCSE have introduced a number of strategic initiatives to plan for and provide sufficient special class and special school places.
These initiatives are bearing fruit with almost 1,300 new special classes sanctioned and seven new special schools established over the last four years.
My department engage intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places. This forward planning work is well underway ahead of the 2024/25 school year. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, an analysis of available school accommodation, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.
As a result of this forward planning, earlier this year, Minister Foley and l announced the establishment of two special schools for the 2023/24 school year, with further capacity being expanded in 11 other special schools.
Along with the two new special schools, 387 new special classes – 253 at primary and 134 at post-primary level – have been sanctioned by the NCSE for opening in the 2023/24 school year.
In relation to the school referred to by the Deputy, Carrigtwohill Community special school has completed their enrolment process and appointed a new school principal. The school is progressing the recruitment of teaching and SNA staff. Building works to complete the school are also progressing. Work is ongoing to open the school as soon as is possible once recruitment is progressed and building works are completed.
The school under the patronage of Cork ETB, will open initially in available accommodation on a new campus development in Carrigtwohill. A longer-term location for the school is being progressed by the department. The school has initially enrolled 18 students for this school year. This is the third special school under the patronage of Cork ETB.
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes. Local special educational needs organisers (SENOs) remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: www.ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list.
My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.
85. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Education the position regarding application for capital funding, under the additional school accommodation scheme from school (details supplied) for special class accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51314/23]
View answerI wish to confirm to the Deputy that my Department is in receipt of an application from the school in question under the Department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme.
The purpose of my Department’s ASA scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream classroom accommodation and accommodation for pupils with special education needs is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year, where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation.
The main focus of my Department’s resources over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of critical additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics. However, my Department is working towards an increasing focus on the upgrade and refurbishment of the existing school stock, with particular focus on climate action goals.
The application is currently in the final stages of assessment and when finalised the school authority will be contacted directly with a decision.
86. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education the number of ASD places available in secondary schools in Tipperary in September 2024, in tabular form. [51333/23]
View answerEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for me as Minister for Special Education & Inclusion, for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.
For 2023, the spend by my department on special education has been substantially increased by over 10% on last year, meaning that for 2023 my department will spend over €2.6 billion on special education. Further progress has been made in Budget 2024 where 26% of my department’s budget will be dedicated to providing supports for children with special educational needs, representing a 5% increase on Budget 2023.
This includes funding to support children with special educational needs in mainstream classes; funding for new special classes and new special school places; additional special educational teachers, special needs assistants (SNAs) and funding for the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS).
In 2023, the number of teaching and SNA posts in our schools will increase with an additional 686 teachers and a further 1,194 SNAs and in 2024 a further 744 teachers, and 1,216 SNAs will be added to deliver up to 2,700 new places for children with special educational needs. This will mean we will have over 41,500 qualified and committed people in our schools who are focused wholly and exclusively on supporting children with special educational needs.
The NCSE has the responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs.
Over the last number of years, my department and the NCSE have introduced a number of strategic initiatives to plan for and provide sufficient special class and special school places.
These initiatives are bearing fruit with almost 1,300 new special classes sanctioned and seven new special schools established over the last four years.
My department engage intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places. This forward planning work is well underway ahead of the 2024/25 school year. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, an analysis of available school accommodation, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.
As a result of this forward planning, earlier this year, Minister Foley and l announced the establishment of two special schools for the 2023/24 school year, with further capacity being expanded in 11 other special schools.
Along with the two new special schools, 387 new special classes – 253 at primary and 134 at post-primary level – have been sanctioned by the NCSE for opening in the 2023/24 school year.
In Tipperary, 14 new special classes have been sanctioned for the 2023/24 school year, 5 at primary level and 9 at post-primary level, bringing the total number of special classes in Co. Tipperary to 120.
Of the 120 special classes in Co. Tipperary, 44 are at post-primary level. The vast majority of these classes are autism classes which have a teacher-pupil ratio of 1:6.
The attached document provides a breakdown of the post-primary schools with autism classes in Co. Tipperary for the 2023/24 school year. Planning for special classes and places in Tipperary and nationwide is currently underway ahead of the 2024/25 school year.
Information on the list of schools with special classes, the types and locations of these classes is published on the NCSE website and is available at: www.ncse.ie/special-classes.
As demand for new special classes at post-primary level is expected to increase significantly over the next few years, due to increasing demographics and increasing prevalence rates, my department and the NCSE have engaged with post-primary stakeholders in relation to the provision of special classes.
In October of last year, my department wrote to all post-primary schools to advise them of the need to begin planning to provide additional special classes. It is envisaged that all post-primary schools will be required to provide special classes over the next 3 to 5 years, with an approximate average of 4 special classes in each school.
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes. The local special educational needs organisers (SENOs) remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: www.ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list.
The NCSE is committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements will be available for children for this school year and future years.
My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.
87. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education the estimated cost of providing one additional guidance counsellor position for schools with over 575 pupils. [51334/23]
View answerThere are 358 schools with enrolments in excess of 575 pupils. The estimated cost of awarding an additional guidance post to these schools is €20 million per annum.
88. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education when a replacement taxi driver will be put in place for a taxi service (details supplied) given that it is now over three weeks since the service ceased; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51443/23]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2022/2023 school year, over 149,000 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
In addition, school transport scheme services were provided for over 5,400 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
The National Council for Special Education acts in an advisory role to the Department of Education on the suitability of placements for children with special educational needs. Under the terms of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, the Department will consider the report of the Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO). School transport is provided to children with special educational needs who are attending the nearest school to their place of residence that is or can be resourced to meet their educational needs, as identified by the SENO.
Bus Éireann has advised that the service referred to by the Deputy ceased operation on 27th October 2023 due to the resignation of the contractor. A new contractor has now been sourced, the service will commence operation on the 21st November 2023. The family have been informed accordingly.
89. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which potential growth opportunities for business tourism in this country continue to be identified. [51324/23]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, my Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy and implementation of that policy is a matter for the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, as well as certain other bodies.
My Department is progressing the development of a new national tourism policy that will seek to establish Ireland as a leading tourism destination, excelling in sustainable development practices that deliver better environmental, social and economic outcomes for all. Opportunities for balanced growth in all areas of the tourism ecosystem will be considered as part of this ongoing work.
With regards to the particular matter of identifying growth opportunities for business tourism, the Deputy will be aware that this is an operational matter for both Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland through the “Meet in Ireland” business tourism brand for the island of Ireland.I have referred the Deputy's question to both Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland and asked them to reply directly to the Deputy with further information on this matter. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
90. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update in relation to the review of the Derelict Sites Act initiated in November 2021; when the report will be finalised; when the report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51163/23]
View answerThe Derelict Sites Act 1990 (the Act) imposes a general duty on every owner and occupier of land to take all reasonable steps to ensure that the land does not become, or continue to be, a derelict site. The Act also imposes a duty on local authorities to take all reasonable steps, including the exercise of appropriate statutory powers, to ensure that any land within their functional area does not become, or continue to be, a derelict site.My Department initiated a review of the Derelict Sites Act in November 2021 and invited local authorities to make initial submissions on potential improvements to the legislative provisions and the way they are applied. A focused working group of nominated staff members from a number of local authorities was subsequently established. It is expected that the report of the group will be finalised shortly. I will consider the recommendations contained in the report once it is received.
The scope for the engagement of additional staff resources in local authorities to assist in the more effective enforcement and implementation of the provisions of the Act is also being explored in my Department in the context of an ongoing review of the staff resourcing needs of local planning authorities generally.
91. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to rapidly scale-up the building of affordable housing (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51214/23]
View answerHousing for All, the Government’s housing plan, puts affordability at the heart of the housing system with an ambitious target to increase the supply of housing by delivering 300,000 homes for social, affordable and cost rental, private rental and private ownership housing purposes over the nine year period to 2030. The plan commits to the delivery of 54,000 affordable homes by 2030 while also placing priority on the delivery of purpose built student accommodation. The plan can be accessed at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/ef5ec-housing-for-all-a-new-housing-plan-for-ireland/#view-the-plan. Importantly, Housing for All is updated on an annual basis, to respond to changing circumstances and to ensure the focus remains firmly on delivery. In this regard, the second annual update of the plan was published on 14 November 2023, and can be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/97015-housing-for-all-action-plan-update-and-q3-2023-progress-report/.
Policy and funding in relation to the delivery of purpose-built student accommodation is a matter for the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science who, in line with Housing for All, has received Government approval for a strategy and funding plan to address the difficulties faced by students in accessing affordable student accommodation.
In relation to rental market inspections, the Government is committed to ensuring that a stock of high quality accommodation is available for students and all those who live in the private rented sector. Housing for All sets a target for the inspection of 25% of all registered private residential tenancies. A total of €9 million in Exchequer funding is being made available by my Department to local authorities this year to help them meet their private rental inspection targets.
Last year local authorities conducted an all-time high of over 49,000 inspections of private rented dwellings, up from circa 25,000 in 2020 and 20,000 in 2021, when pandemic restrictions had impacted on inspections. Figures from Q1 to Q3 2023 show that the number of inspections have continued to increase significantly this year with over 48,000 conducted to the end of Q3.
There are no plans to introduce NCT-type certification requirements for rental accommodation. Legal obligations on landlords as specified in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019 are kept under continuous review.
I also understand that the Minister for Justice has given a commitment to bring forward amendments to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill 2023 which is currently before the Dáil.
Overall, a range of affordability schemes are now in place under the Affordable Housing Act 2021 that will increasingly provide a growing number of affordable options for eligible prospective homeowners and renters. Delivery is being facilitated and scaled-up nationwide by local authorities, approved housing bodies, the Land Development Agency, and via the First Homes scheme.
92. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the date on which homeowners with building defects can apply for emergency funding for interim fire safety and other structural defects remedial work in advance of the introduction of the full defective building redress scheme; and when the emergency funding will be paid. [51227/23]
View answerSince the receipt of Government approval in January of this year, I have been working hard to progress the various programmes of work that are required to place the apartment remediation scheme on a statutory footing.
Bespoke legislation is needed to underpin the remediation scheme, the cost of which is estimated at more than €2 billion. The Government are entirely focused on establishing a scheme that is fit for purpose and works for the people impacted.
Key to this has been the publication last July of a Code of Practice for the Remediation of Fire Safety Defects to support the development of a reasonable and practicable approach to resolving fire safety defects. The provisions of this Code of Practice will also ensure a consistent approach nationwide to remediation. My Department is currently working with the Housing Agency on advice and guidance on the steps Owners’ Management Companies (OMC) should take when carrying out such life-safety works.
The Housing Agency has now appointed a Programme Manager to coordinate the scheme and a web portal has been opened, where OMCs can indicate their potential interest in the future remediation scheme by inputting information on their developments. The Housing Agency presented a one-hour webinar on Monday, 13 November 2023 to assist users on how to use the web portal. I believe this shows continued progress in meeting the concerns of apartment owners.
My Department is also working closely with the Housing Agency and key stakeholders to facilitate the provision of funding for interim fire safety measures on an administrative basis. Further details of this will be published in the coming weeks.
While this work is progressing, work is advancing to draft the required legislation to place the remediation scheme on a statutory footing. It is expected the draft legislation will be published in 2024. It is intended that subject to the legislative process, the statutory scheme will be in place shortly thereafter.
93. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for a report on the number of vacant and derelict croí cónaithe applications that have been made per local authority with a breakdown per local authority. [51234/23]
View answerPathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock. In July 2022 the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was launched to support bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use. 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 or where 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. The grant is available in respect of vacant and derelict properties built up to and including 2007, in towns, villages, cities and rural areas.
In light of the success of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant to date, and the number of applications received, last week the Government agreed to double the amount of homes assisted under the scheme – raising the target to 4,000 homes to be delivered by 2025.
Demand has been incredibly strong, with over 5,100 applications made to local authorities to date. Of these, over 2,400 have been approved. Payment is made by local authorities, when works are completed and verified (approximately 12 months).
My Department publishes data on applications for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant on its website on a quarterly basis, which can be accessed at the following link:www.gov.ie/en/collection/4bbe4-vacant-property-refurbishment-grant-statistics/#:~:text=A%20grant%20of%20up%20to,property%20up%20to%20%E2%82%AC70%2C000.
94. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are provisions within the local authority housing system to enable a separated person accessing the housing list if they have a stake in a former family home which they cannot access as a result of their separation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51281/23]
View answerApplications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, as amended, and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011.A household shall be ineligible for social housing support if that household has alternative accommodation it could reasonably be expected to use to meet its housing need. However, where an applicant for social housing support owns accommodation occupied by a spouse, from whom they are formally separated or divorced, a deed of separation is sufficient to set aside this ineligibility ground. It is not necessary to await judicial separation or divorce to get a decision on social housing support in these cases. Local authorities may provide households with social housing support under the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) or the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme until ownership of the family home is resolved in a formal separation or divorce settlement.Support in these circumstances will be reviewed by the local authority at prescribed intervals. The household will not be able to transfer to other forms of social housing support while ownership of the family home remains to be determined. If the household ultimately qualifies for the full range of social housing supports, the length of time it was supported under RAS or HAP will be reckonable for the purposes of determining the household’s relative priority for a transfer should they so wish to do so.
95. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the WTE staff, by job title, working in the Office of Planning Regulator; the number of vacancies, by job title, in the Office; and when each of those vacancies will be filled, in tabular form. [51337/23]
View answerArrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The contact email address for the Office of the Planning Regulator is oireachtas@opr.ie.
In order to be of assistance, my Department requested the information from the Office of the Planning Regulator who have provided the information in the table below.
|
Grade / Role |
Filled |
Vacant |
|
Assistant Secretary / CEO |
1 |
|
|
Principal Officer / Director |
4 |
|
|
Assistant Principal / Assistant Director |
4 |
1 - vacancy currently in recruitment |
|
Engineer Grade I / Senior Planner |
6 |
|
|
Engineer Grade II / Planning Officer |
5 |
1 - vacancy currently in recruitment |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
8 |
|
|
Executive Officer |
7 |
1 - vacancy currently in recruitment |
|
Clerical Officer |
1 |
1 - recruitment to commence shortly |
96. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the provisions of the incremental purchase scheme 2010 remain in force; how many homes have been made available for sale under this scheme in 2022, 2022 and 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51373/23]
View answerThe Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme for Newly Built Houses 2010 is underpinned by the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the Housing (Incremental Purchase) Regulations 2010. I can confirm that the regulations underpinning this scheme remain active. The scheme applies to the purchase of newly built local authority houses only. The scheme is one of a number of purchase options intended to meet the needs of those requiring long-term housing support and supports existing low-income tenants in making a start on the route to home ownership.
Statistical information on the number of houses sold under the Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme for Newly Built Houses from 2015 until the end of 2022 may be found on my Department’s website, and can be located at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/0906a-other-local-authority-housing-scheme-statistics/. Information for sales to date during 2023 is not yet available.
97. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the guidance which has been provided to local authorities in request of acquisition cost guidelines in the cost-rental tenant-in-situ scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51382/23]
View answerI refer to the reply to Question No. 673 of 7 November 2023 which sets out the position in this matter.
98. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of people that his Department, or associated agencies, has assisted that vacated Gaza since the onset of the most recent Israeli attacks; the supports that have been provided to these citizens by her Department and associated agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51503/23]
View answerOn 17 November, the Department of Foreign Affairs advised my Department that a number of citizens arriving from Gaza were in need of housing support.
The provision of social housing supports, as well as emergency accommodation for homeless persons, rests with individual housing authorities. Details in relation to accommodation requirements were provided to the County and City Management Association (CCMA) and to the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE).
The DRHE has informed my Department that accommodation has been provided to those households who required it.
My Department does not maintain the requested information in respect of the State bodies under its aegis. These bodies may be contacted directly by e-mail by members of the Oireachtas, as set out in the Table below.
|
State Body |
Contact E-mail Address |
|
An Bord Pleanála |
oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie |
|
An Fóram Uisce (the Water Forum) |
info@nationalwaterforum.ie |
|
Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority |
oireachtasqueries@ahbregulator.ie |
|
Docklands Oversight and Consultative Forum |
infodocklands@dublincity.ie |
|
Ervia |
oireachtas@ervia.ie |
|
Gas Networks Ireland |
oireachtas@ervia.ie |
|
Heritage Council |
oireachtas@heritagecouncil.ie |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
publicreps@housingagency.ie |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
oireachtas.enquiries@hfa.ie |
|
Land Development Agency |
oireachtas@lda.ie |
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Local Government Management Agency |
corporate@lgma.ie |
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Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) |
info@mara.gov.ie |
|
National Oversight and Audit Commission |
info@noac.ie |
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National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee |
ntacc@housing.gov.ie |
|
Office of the Planning Regulator |
oireachtas@opr.ie |
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Pyrite Resolution Board |
oireachtasinfo@pyriteboard.ie |
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Residential Tenancies Board |
OireachtasMembersQueries@rtb.ie |
|
Tailte Éireann |
reps@tailte.ie |
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Uisce Éireann |
oireachtasmembers@water.ie |
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Valuation Tribunal |
info@valuationtribunal.ie |
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Waterways Ireland |
ceoffice@waterwaysireland.org |
99. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for clarification (details supplied) relating to SI 216/2004 and Circular Letter LG(P) 06/09; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51514/23]
View answerCircular LG(P) 06/09 "Local Government Act 2001 (Section 161) Order 2004" is based on S.I. No. 216 of 2004 and also reflects the provisions of Circular 09/2009 "Civil Servants and Political Activity".
The order provides that a local authority employee, whose maximum salary on the latest date for receipt of nominations at a local election does not exceed the maximum salaryfor the post of Clerical Officer, may become a member of a local authority. While Circular LG(P) 06/09 refers to ‘salary’, the associated statutory instrument (S.I. No. 216 of 2004) refers only to ‘remuneration’. The latter is considered to include all earnings.
Any calculation to determine full remuneration received by a local authority employee must include all elements received either directly or indirectly from the employer in respect of employment. That would include base salary payments, allowances and call out/incident attendance payments in determining eligibility under the relevant statutory instrument.
Accordingly, reflecting the different constituent parts of the annual earnings of retained firefighters, in such instances where a retained firefighter wishes to pursue nomination for local elections, the total earnings for the previous year will be used to determine eligibility under the provisions of LG(P) 06/09 to ensure a transparent and equitable approach for retained firefighters vis á vis other local authority employees.
100. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has considered extending the mortgage-to-rent scheme to require vulture funds which seek repossession of family homes to offer long-term tenancies as an option for those borrowers in arrears; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51558/23]
View answerThe Mortgage to Rent (MTR) scheme was introduced in 2012 for borrowers of all commercial lending institutions and is targeted at those households in mortgage arrears who have had their mortgage position deemed unsustainable by their lender under the Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process (MARP), who agree to the voluntary surrender of their home and who have very limited options, if any, to meet their long-term housing needs themselves. In addition, the household must be deemed eligible for social housing support. The concept of the scheme is that a household with an unsustainable mortgage goes from being a homeowner to being a social housing tenant.
Under the scheme, the borrower voluntarily gives up ownership of their home to their mortgage lender. An approved housing body (also known as housing associations or voluntary housing associations) or private company can buy the property after it is surrendered to the lender. The borrower no longer owns their home but continues to live there as a tenant of the local authority or approved housing body. They pay an affordable rent based on their income. To qualify for the Mortgage to Rent scheme, an applicant’s mortgage, property and household income must all meet the eligibility criteria. An individual’s mortgage lender is the main point of contact for this scheme and potential applicants should discuss the scheme with their lender to see if it is a possible solution to their situation.
A guide to the Mortgage to Rent scheme, which details the eligibility criteria for the scheme, is available on the Mortgage to Rent website https://mortgagetorent.ie/ . The guide also provides details on the application process and steps involved.
101. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a recent application for fuel allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) can be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51160/23]
View answerFuel Allowance is a means-tested payment to assist householders on long term social welfare payments with their heating needs.
The current weekly threshold for the fuel allowance means test for a single person under age 70 years is €465.30.
It was decided on 1st November 2023 that the person concerned was not entitled to a fuel allowance as her income, derived from a private pension, was in excess of the current income threshold. The person concerned was notified of the decision in writing.
Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, Additional Needs Payments may be made to help meet an essential, once-off cost which customers are unable to meet out of their own resources, and this may include exceptional heating costs. Decisions on such payments are made on a case-by-case basis.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
102. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on a working family payment application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51228/23]
View answerWorking Family Payment (WFP) is a weekly in-work support which provides an income top-up for employees on low earnings with children. To qualify for Working Family Payment, the customer must have at least 1 qualified child who normally resides with them and the customer must be working a minimum of 38 hours per fortnight in ongoing insurable employment.
A review of WFP for the person concerned has been completed and the claim has been awarded from 9th November 2023.
Arrears due to the person concerned from the date of renewal have been issued.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
103. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a review of eligibility to the back to education allowance will be undertaken in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51298/23]
View answerThe Back to Education Allowance scheme (BTEA) is an educational opportunities scheme for customers in receipt of certain social welfare payments wishing to pursue second or third level courses of education, subject to meeting the qualifying conditions. The objective is to raise educational and skills levels to enable them to better access the labour market.
In certain limited circumstances BTEA can be approved where the customer proposes to undertake a course of study leading to a qualification at either QQI Levels 5 or 6 where the customer already holds qualification at the same level or lesser level, including a requirement that the customer worked for a period of at least three years and has paid PRSI contributions, including S contributions, (156 cons).
The person concerned made an application for BTEA dated 16/08/2023 and this was disallowed on 11/10/2023 on the grounds that the person holds a qualification at the same level and did not work for a period of up to three years and did not pay the required PRSI contributions.
The person concerned has been notified of the decision and has been offered support to meet with a member of the employment services team to explore options.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
104. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost of making the entitlement to fuel allowance automatic for persons aged over 80 years. [51342/23]
View answerThe Fuel Allowance is a payment of €33 per week for 28 weeks (a total of €924 each year) from late September to April, at an estimated cost of €412 million in 2023. The purpose of this payment is to assist these households with their energy costs. Only one allowance is paid per household.
It is not possible for my Department to provide an estimate of the cost of the measure outlined by the Deputy. The additional cost to the scheme will depend on a number of factors including if it was intended to award Fuel Allowance to all persons aged over 80 years, irrespective of whether Fuel Allowance is already in payment in a household or that the person aged over 80 years is resident in a dwelling such as a nursing home where their heating needs are provided for.
Any estimate will also need to take account of the significant expansion of the Fuel Allowance scheme announced in Budget 2023 and in particular those measures extending the Fuel Allowance to the over 70s.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
105. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for the one-parent family payment; the number of applications rejected; the number of families receiving the payment, broken down per month, over the past five years, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51359/23]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy on the One-Parent Family Payment is shown in the attached tabular statement. "Recipients" is the number of families receiving the payment at the end of a month; "Registered" is the number of new applications registered during a month; and "Rejected" is the number of claims decided during a month that have a rejected outcome.
|
Month |
Recipients |
Registered |
Rejected |
|
October 2018 |
39,196 |
1,068 |
72 |
|
November 2018 |
39,303 |
1,009 |
72 |
|
December 2018 |
39,265 |
651 |
51 |
|
January 2019 |
39,365 |
1,088 |
88 |
|
February 2019 |
39,357 |
949 |
61 |
|
March 2019 |
39,357 |
1,003 |
58 |
|
April 2019 |
39,417 |
917 |
75 |
|
May 2019 |
39,656 |
983 |
81 |
|
June 2019 |
39,570 |
846 |
67 |
|
July 2019 |
39,606 |
1,060 |
66 |
|
August 2019 |
39,665 |
961 |
82 |
|
September 2019 |
39,510 |
1,090 |
84 |
|
October 2019 |
39,416 |
1,083 |
70 |
|
November 2019 |
39,635 |
981 |
89 |
|
December 2019 |
39,533 |
664 |
53 |
|
January 2020 |
39,535 |
1,089 |
73 |
|
February 2020 |
39,679 |
1,009 |
99 |
|
March 2020 |
39,596 |
839 |
72 |
|
April 2020 |
39,478 |
532 |
60 |
|
May 2020 |
39,480 |
560 |
62 |
|
June 2020 |
39,444 |
670 |
59 |
|
July 2020 |
39,360 |
922 |
70 |
|
August 2020 |
39,402 |
858 |
47 |
|
September 2020 |
39,379 |
1,094 |
93 |
|
October 2020 |
39,262 |
1,026 |
90 |
|
November 2020 |
39,565 |
852 |
102 |
|
December 2020 |
39,446 |
537 |
59 |
|
January 2021 |
39,285 |
668 |
42 |
|
February 2021 |
39,190 |
712 |
61 |
|
March 2021 |
39,088 |
761 |
66 |
|
April 2021 |
39,106 |
770 |
64 |
|
May 2021 |
39,171 |
798 |
66 |
|
June 2021 |
39,182 |
797 |
62 |
|
July 2021 |
39,177 |
819 |
72 |
|
August 2021 |
39,348 |
826 |
64 |
|
September 2021 |
39,533 |
994 |
82 |
|
October 2021 |
39,656 |
929 |
61 |
|
November 2021 |
39,836 |
989 |
77 |
|
December 2021 |
39,926 |
663 |
65 |
|
January 2022 |
39,844 |
752 |
58 |
|
February 2022 |
39,979 |
855 |
74 |
|
March 2022 |
39,872 |
981 |
67 |
|
April 2022 |
39,690 |
1,078 |
53 |
|
May 2022 |
39,827 |
1,816 |
79 |
|
June 2022 |
39,996 |
1,355 |
87 |
|
July 2022 |
40,155 |
1,305 |
71 |
|
August 2022 |
40,184 |
1,288 |
68 |
|
September 2022 |
40,271 |
1,095 |
87 |
|
October 2022 |
40,503 |
1,237 |
83 |
|
November 2022 |
40,734 |
1,281 |
105 |
|
December 2022 |
40,847 |
788 |
76 |
|
January 2023 |
40,957 |
1,093 |
64 |
|
February 2023 |
41,049 |
1,014 |
96 |
|
March 2023 |
41,235 |
1,201 |
104 |
|
April 2023 |
41,343 |
839 |
74 |
|
May 2023 |
41,543 |
1,064 |
86 |
|
June 2023 |
41,558 |
1,145 |
95 |
|
July 2023 |
41,614 |
1,102 |
79 |
|
August 2023 |
41,650 |
1,262 |
63 |
|
September 2023 |
41,650 |
1,223 |
102 |
|
October 2023 |
41,880 |
1,259 |
119 |
106. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on a domiciliary care allowance application (details supplied) which has been processing for a number of months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51393/23]
View answerDomiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is payable to a parent / guardian in respect of a child aged under 16 who has a severe disability requiring continual or continuous care and attention substantially in excess of the care and attention normally required by a child of the same age and the level of that disability is such that the child is likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 months.
As part of the decision process, all applications for DCA are referred on receipt to a departmental Medical Assessor (MA) for their professional opinion. In cases where an applicant subsequently requests a review of a deciding officer's decision and / or appeals the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO), and where the applicant provides further new or additional (medical) evidence that is relevant, this further evidence is also referred for a departmental MA opinion. The deciding officer has regard to the MA opinion in the decision process.
An application for DCA in respect of their child was received by my Department from the person concerned on 1 June 2023.
A deciding officer disallowed the applicant's claim as per decision dated 3 July 2023. Based on the information provided, their child was not considered to satisfy the conditions for DCA. This determination also considered the supporting documentary (medical) evidence that was provided by the person concerned in their application.
A request for a review of the decision was received on behalf of the applicant. Following a review of their application in respect of their child, including all information and evidence available at the time of the original decision and the further additional information provided in support of their review request, a Deciding Officer decided not to revise the original decision as per review decision dated 18 July 2023.
A request for a further review of entitlement to DCA in respect of the relevant child was received on behalf of the person concerned. Following a re-examination of their application, including the further new evidence that was provided in support of their review request, a deciding officer decided not to revise the original decision, as per further decision dated 26 July 2023.
The applicant subsequently requested a further review and submitted further new evidence and information for consideration. As part of the review process, the further new (medical) evidence and information provided was referred to a MA for an opinion on 17 August 2023 and a response is currently awaited.
The person concerned also appealed the Department's decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO).
On receipt of the MA opinion, a further review of their entitlement to DCA in respect of their child will be completed by a deciding officer and the person concerned will be notified of the decision in writing.
If the original decision remains unchanged following the further review, the applicant's appeal file will be submitted to the SWAO for consideration by an appeals officer.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
107. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51459/23]
View answerThe National Intreo Contact Centre (NICC) was established within my Department to respond efficiently and effectively to telephone calls made to Intreo Offices nationally. Between June 2021 and May 2022, the NICC replaced all Intreo centre main telephone numbers. It aims to deliver a cohesive cross regional service and to provide the best possible experience for customers through the provision of a centralised point of contact for Intreo customer queries. It acts as a virtual Intreo reception, with staff based around the country, providing information, advice, and referrals to customers.
Staff also assist with Public Service Card replacements and extensions. They aim to provide query resolution at the first point of contact where possible, or, if necessary, escalate onward to the relevant Intreo Centre, including to the Community Welfare Service (CWS).
All Intreo staff are committed to prioritising NICC follow-up requests. These are dealt with in real time and, in instances where CWS queries are deemed to be emergencies, these calls are prioritised and escalated to the Duty Community Welfare Officer line.
The department does its utmost to provide a positive customer experience and outcome. The provision of an in-person service to customers and access to Intreo Centres continues, while supports for vulnerable customers remain available locally and continue to be an important part of service delivery.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
108. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people that her Department has assisted who vacated Gaza since the onset of the most recent Israeli attacks; the supports that have been provided to these citizens by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51502/23]
View answerMy Department is part of the response providing support to Irish citizens arriving from Gaza to Ireland. During 18th and 19th November, my officials from the Community Welfare Service were at Dublin airport to meet and assist, where necessary, persons arriving from Gaza. This participation will remain ongoing for the duration of these arrivals. The role of the Community Welfare Service is to provide immediate support to persons arriving from Gaza into Ireland and in this regard some persons at the airport were provided with financial support to assist with their immediate personal needs on arrival. Arrangements were also put in place for persons to access PPSNs and primary payments from my Department in the coming days. Other Departments and agencies involved are providing health, housing and other services as necessary.
109. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Social Protection regarding the case of a person (details supplied), who has been on jobseekers allowance for five years was moved to illness benefit following surgery and is now deemed ineligible for the fuel allowance despite being on interrupted social protection payments for five years, if discretion can be used in this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51517/23]
View answerFuel Allowance is a payment of €33.00 per week for 28 weeks from September to April. The allowance represents a contribution towards the energy costs of a household. It is not intended to meet those costs in full. One allowance is paid per household.
Qualifying payments for Fuel Allowance are those payments that are considered long term payments and an applicant must also satisfy a means test.
The person concerned is in receipt of Illness Benefit. Illness Benefit is a short-term payment for those who are certified by their GP as needing to take time out from their employment due to illness and, accordingly, is not a qualifying payment for Fuel Allowance.
Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, Exceptional Needs payments may be made to help meet an essential, once-off cost, which customers are unable to meet out of their resources, and this may include exceptional heating costs. Decisions on such cases are made on a case by case basis.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
110. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Social Protection if, with regard to applications for carer’s allowance benefit, she will clarify the reason people already in receipt of another social welfare payment are cut off from receiving that payment immediately from the date of their application for the carer’s allowance, as carer’s allowance applications are currently taking a minimum of 12 weeks to process, with applicants being advised to apply for supplementary welfare allowance in the interim, which is itself taking a minimum of six weeks to process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51553/23]
View answerCarer's Allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.
It should be noted that if a person is in receipt of another social welfare payment in their own right (other than a Jobseeker's payment or Supplementary Welfare Allowance) or is being claimed as a qualified adult on their spouse / partner's payment, a half-rate CA can be paid to the person, as long as all the normal conditions for receipt of CA are satisfied. An applicant for CA is not available for full time work and, as a result, they do not meet the eligibility criteria for a Jobseekers payment.
My Department is committed to providing a quality service to all its customers, ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are made as quickly as possible.
There are no delays in processing claims once all of the necessary information is provided to establish entitlement to CA. The target processing time for CA is to process 75% of new claims within 10 weeks. At the end of September 2023, 89% of applications were completed within the expected timeframe and the average time taken to award a CA claim is 6 weeks.
Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) provides immediate assistance for those in need who are awaiting the outcome of a claim or an appeal for a primary social welfare payment or who do not qualify for payment under other State schemes.
The current average time to award a basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance is one week. Fully completed applications, where the required documentation is supplied, are processed promptly. Where an application cannot be finalised promptly, the delay is normally due to the need for additional information or documentation and the time it takes for the information to be provided. Upon receipt of this information, the application is then processed immediately without delay.
If the Deputy has a query on an individual case, the details can be forwarded to my Department and will be examined by an officer.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
111. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Justice when form 13 (details supplied) will be granted to an Irish citizen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51204/23]
View answerI am advised by the Citizenship Division of my Department that a Form 13 for the person referred to by the Deputy has been processed and will issue shortly.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at INISOireachtasMail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
