Thursday, 23 Nov 2023

Written Answers Nos. 228-255

Sports Funding

Questions (228)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

228. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the up-to-date position regarding the latest Sports Capital and Equipment Programme; the number of applications received, per county; the estimated total value of applications from each county; the estimated total value of applications nationwide; the estimated total value of applications under the equipment only, local and regional categories, per county; the total overall budget available for this round of the programme; the anticipated timelines for the announcement of allocations under equipment only, local and regional categories; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51801/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

The Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Over 13,000 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998 bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1.15 billion. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritising investment in disadvantaged areas.

The latest round of the SCEP (2023) closed for applications on Friday 8 September. A preliminary examination of the submitted applications is now underway but it is clear that the Programme has again generated a very large number of applications and it is likely that the total number will exceed the previous record 3,106 applications submitted under the last (2020) round.

Work is now underway on finalising the "Scoring Assessment and Assessment Manual" for the 2023 round and I hope to have this published shortly. Simultaneously, I also plan to publish the full list of all applications received by county including the relevant sport type for each application received. Once these documents are published, the detailed assessment work can commence. In this regard, it is planned to assess the "equipment-only" applications first and announce these grants in the coming months. Work will then commence on the assessment of the capital applications with the allocations likely to be announced later in 2024.

Television Licence Fee

Questions (229)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

229. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she believes enough is being done to promote the importance of paying the TV licence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51813/23]

Written answers

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

The TV licence funds a broad range of public service content, enabling essential news and current affairs programming, as well as supporting the creation of a high quality content on culture, sport, entertainment, music and more. It supports not only RTÉ, but also content created and broadcast by many independent producers on a range of national and local broadcasters. As such it remains critically important that people continue to pay the TV Licence fee. It is not only required by law, it underpins availability of public service content which is of paramount importance to our democracy and society.

This was seen very clearly during the COVID-19 pandemic and in ongoing efforts to tackle disinformation through the availability of trusted content.

The Broadcasting Act 2009 provides the statutory basis for the TV licence, including provisions on the obligation to be in possession of a TV licence. The legislation also provides for An Post acting as the statutory issuing agent for licence fee collection.

In fulfilling this role, An Post, makes every effort to promote the importance of purchasing a TV Licence, ensure compliance and reduce evasion. An Post issues a number of reminder notices to householders and in 2022 conducted 427,303 visits. While it is an offence not to possess a TV licence, prosecution through the courts is a last resort. An Post also offer a number of payment channels and options to facilitate households in purchasing or renewing their TV licence.

Although RTÉ is not the TV licence issuing agent, nor the sole beneficiary of TV licence receipts, RTÉ also plays an active role in the promotion of the purchase of TV Licences. RTÉ airs adverts to remind the public of this statutory obligation to purchase a TV licence, and more importantly the high-quality content which the licence fee supports.

Government has committed to reform of the TV Licence and to making it a secure and sustainable source of revenue for public service media, but until those reforms have been enacted, the current legislation remains in force.

I have stated very clearly on many occasions that not only is there a legal obligation to have a television licence, but I have also underlined the benefits which public service media brings to our society. I also believe that is important that all public representatives should highlight the important role that the TV licence plays in funding the continued free-to-air availability of quality public service content for Irish audiences across a range of broadcasters.

Electoral Process

Questions (230)

Holly Cairns

Question:

230. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide details on the actions he has taken to address the Committee on the Rights of the Child's concluding observations on the combined fifth and sixth periodic reports of Ireland recommendation 18 (d): Act on the State party's previous commitments to hold a referendum on lowering the voting age to 16 years and ensure that a decision to lower the voting age is supported by active citizenship and human rights education, and measures to prevent undue influence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51651/23]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Article 16 of the Constitution states that those who have reached the age of 18 shall have the right to vote at an election for members of Dáil Éireann. Articles 12 (relating to the President) and 47 (relating to referendums) state that citizens eligible to vote in Dáil elections are eligible to vote in such polls. Part II of the Electoral Act 1992 provides that a person must be 18 years of age and registered on the register of electors in order to vote in any electoral events. 

The Programme for Government – Our Shared Future – contains a commitment to an examination of the Scottish experience of reducing the voting age, in order to draw conclusions.   

In July, I wrote to An Coimisiún Toghcháin and outlined a number of issues that An Coimisiún might include in its initial research programme, including the commitment in the Programme for Government relating to the voting age. An Coimisiún’s draft research programme, published on 10 November 2023, includes a proposal to examine the issue of the voting age.  I will review this policy area once An Coimisiún has considered and made recommendations on the issue.

Local Authorities

Questions (231)

Pauline Tully

Question:

231. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage with whom responsibility rests for the replacement of broken windows on a local authority-owned property which occurred due to antisocial behaviour that was not connected to the tenant of the property. [51683/23]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The management and maintenance of local authority housing stock, including the implementation of planned maintenance programmes and the carrying out of responsive repairs for tenants living in social housing, is a matter for each individual local authority as part of its day to day management of the social housing system. I have no function in the prioritisation of repair works nor can I direct the local authority in this regard.

All local authority tenancies are subject to tenancy agreements made between the tenant and the local authority, as the landlord. These agreements set out the responsibilities and obligations of both parties to the agreement including where the respective responsibilities of the local authority and the tenant lie in relation to the maintenance and repair of the dwelling.

Departmental Schemes

Questions (232)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

232. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the fresh start loan scheme will be available for renovations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51699/23]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I understand the Question refers to the extension of the Local Authority Home Loan to derelict and non-habitable properties.

The Local Authority Home Loan is a Government-backed mortgage for those who cannot get sufficient funding from commercial banks to purchase or build a home. It has been available nationwide from local authorities since 4 January 2022 for first-time buyers and fresh start applicants. The loan can be used both for new and second-hand properties, or to self-build.A ‘Fresh Start’ principle applies for applications to the Local Authority Home Loan. The following categories of persons are eligible to apply for the Local Authority Home Loan under the Fresh Start principle:

• Applicant(s) who previously purchased or built a dwelling, together with a spouse, a civil partner or a person with whom he or she was in an intimate and committed relationship are eligible under the Fresh Start principle where this relationship has ended, and they have divested themselves of their interest in the previous property.

• Applicant(s) that previously purchased or built a residential property, but has been divested of this through insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings, are eligible to apply. However a separate assessment of creditworthiness will be conducted by the underwriters. This applies when the applicant has exited the insolvency/bankruptcy proceedings

On 14 November 2023, the Government agreed to broaden the Local Authority Home Loan to financing the purchase and/or renovation of derelict or non-habitable properties, providing a means for eligible individuals and families to finance viable renovation projects on their own initiative. For clarity, the extension applies to all eligible applicants, not just Fresh Start applicants.

My Department, working closely with local authorities and other stakeholders, will now develop the details of the extension of the Local Authority Home Loan in advance of its expected implementation in Q2 2024.

Departmental Schemes

Questions (233)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

233. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are plans to amend the incremental tenant purchase scheme 2016 to allow tenants of social homes acquired since 1 January 2016 to pursue a purchase of their home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51766/23]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme 2016 is open to eligible tenants, including joint tenants, of local authority houses that are available for sale under the scheme.

The scheme is governed by the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 and Housing (Sale of Local Authority Houses) Regulations 2015. While the regulations provide for specified classes of houses to be excluded from sale, they do not prohibit the sale of houses acquired after a specified date.

That said, local authorities may, within the provisions of the regulations, exclude houses which they consider should not be sold for reasons such as proper stock or estate management. Such decisions are matters solely for local authorities having regard to their respective housing requirements.

Local Authorities

Questions (234)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

234. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to confirm the number of Section 179A social housing planning applications that are currently under way; and to provide a table, by local authority, listing the individual planning proposals and number of social homes involved and where decisions have been made or are pending. [51787/23]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Legislation enacted in December 2022 amended the Planning and Development Act. The provisions under sections 3, 13 and 14 of the Planning and Development and Foreshore (Amendment) Act 2022 which insert section 179A into the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, have commenced.  These provisions provide that housing development by, on behalf of, or in partnership with a local authority which commences construction before the end of 2024 will be exempt from planning permission and from the Local Authority ’Part 8’ process, subject to a number of specific conditions. Where a development does not satisfy the conditions set out in section 179A, the normal Local Authority own development arrangements under the ‘Part 8’ process will apply.

As the period ending 30 June 2023 is the first reporting period under article 39A of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended, it is anticipated that numbers of units proposed will progress as local authorities identify potential developments to utilise the exemption for commencement prior to 31 December 2024. The table below indicates the number of units where site notices have been issued by each local authority as of the end of 30 June 2023. Data for Q3 2023 has been requested from local authorities and will be available in due course.  

County Council	No. of Social Homes
Cork County Council	23
Dublin City Council	92
Fingal County Council	121
Kilkenny County Council	49
Laois County Council	3
Limerick City & County Council	85
Mayo County Council	21
Offaly County Council	4
Roscommon County Council	23
Wicklow County Council	80
Total	501

Housing Provision

Questions (235)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

235. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has had engagement with Kerry County Council regarding the process of having the Annagh Banks Development in Castlemaine, County Kerry, taken on as a turn-key development; if the 14-unit development will be successful in this regard (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51793/23]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage (Deputy Darragh O'Brien)

I refer to the reply to Question No. 181 of 21 September 2023 which sets out the position in this matter.

Planning Issues

Questions (236)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

236. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether there is provision for standalone timberframe houses in planning legislation, taking into account that the cost would be in the region of one third that of a traditional block build, the energy rating would be close to passive and the environmental impact of construction is hugely lessened by the fact that the construction takes place largely off-site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51797/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act), there is no specific provision in relation to the development of standalone timber frame buildings as a housing type. All development works, unless specifically exempted under the Act or associated Regulations, requires planning permission. Any person may lodge an application for permission to a planning authority in accordance with section 34 of the Act for the construction of a house (which may be a standalone timber frame house). It is a matter for the relevant planning authority to consider each application on a case-by-case basis and to decide whether to grant the permission, subject to or without conditions, or to refuse permission.In making their decision, planning authorities shall have regard to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, the policies of Government, Ministerial Guidelines and any submissions or observations received on the application during the public participation process in accordance with section 34 of the Act.

Housing Provision

Questions (237)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Question:

237. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 676 of 7 November 2023, if he will increase the targets previously issued in line with the deepening housing crisis; if he is satisfied the targets issued are high enough; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51800/23]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Housing for All, is the Government’s plan to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 per year over the next decade. This includes the delivery of 90,000 social homes and 54,000 affordable homes by 2030. Housing for All is supported by an investment package of over €4bn per annum, through an overall combination of €12bn in direct Exchequer funding, €3.5bn in funding through the Land Development Agency and €5bn funding through the Housing Finance Agency.

The Government’s Housing for All plan is a living plan with an in-built flexibility to review actions and targets, as needed. The plan currently sets out annual targets of overall housing delivery to 2030. A review and refresh of housing targets has commenced. The work will be underpinned by independent, peer-reviewed research by the ESRI. It will inform national and local housing targets, as well as subsets of social, affordable and private housing, and will ensure we provide enough of the right type of homes, in the right locations, to meet overall need. This work will have regard to detailed Census 2022 data published by the CSO. The ESRI research and analysis will be finalised in Q1 2024.

Significant progress is being made in delivering the ambitious targets contained in Housing for All and my Department is working closely with the local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies and other stakeholders to accelerate the delivery of social and affordable housing.

Public Transport

Questions (238)

David Stanton

Question:

238. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is aware that a fee is charged online to free travel pass holders when an allocation of bookings for free travel pass or valid ticket holders is fully booked on Irish Rail InterCity services; if such a fee is charged when a free travel pass holder is looking to purchase a ticket in similar circumstances in person; when such a fee was introduced; if the imposition of such a fee is compatible with the free travel scheme operated by her Department; her plans, if any, to remove the fee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51644/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Free Travel Scheme is available to all persons aged over 66 and those under age 66 on certain qualified payments, who are living legally and permanently in the State. The scheme permits those who are eligible to travel for free on most CIE public transport services, Local Link, LUAS and a range of transport services offered by some 75 private operators countrywide. Under the Free Travel scheme, there is no requirement or impediment for transport operators to provide additional services such as a seat booking service. Some travel operators have introduced online booking services for customers who wish to guarantee their seat on a particular service. This is entirely a matter for the transport operator concerned. Customers wishing to avail of Free Travel do not have to pre-book services with any operator participating in the Free Travel Scheme. They can continue to present on their preferred day of travel and avail of Free Travel using their Public Services Card.

It is open to any Free Travel customer who wants to be guaranteed a seat on a particular service to book their seat in advance, where a pre-booking facility exists. My Department has no control over the fee a transport company may charge for their seat pre-booking facility.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Payments

Questions (239)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

239. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will address the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51689/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Carer'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.

To support the carer in their transition from their caring role when their care recipient passes away, CA continues to be paid for a further 12 weeks from date of death.

Further support for carers who wish to receive assistance in the transition from the role of carer is provided by our Intreo Service. The local Intreo Office is a single point of contact for all employment and income supports and services. An appointment with their local Intreo Centre allows them to get advice about opportunities for employment and training, as well as information about income support payments.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Appeals

Questions (240)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

240. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an appeal for carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51734/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions.

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, decided to disallow the appeal of the person concerned. Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of an Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed in the light of additional evidence or new facts.

I am advised that the person concerned has submitted additional evidence and that the Appeals Officer has agreed to review the case. The person concerned will be contacted when the review of her appeal has been finalised.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Benefits

Questions (241)

Seán Haughey

Question:

241. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider applying the same eligibility criteria for rental income as are applied to investment income in respect of qualification for the benefit payment for 65-year-olds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51783/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Benefit Payment for 65 Year Olds, provided under the Jobseeker's Benefit schemes, is available to address the position of people who are required to or who choose to retire at age 65 before pension age of 66.

A Jobseeker's Benefit (Self-Employed) claim may be disallowed on the grounds that a claimant is engaged in self-employment by virtue of unearned rental income on which Class S PRSI self-employment contributions have been paid.

However, a person who has ceased their usual self-employment but who continues to be a self-employed contributor by virtue of their rental income only may receive Benefit Payment for 65 Year Old's if the person is considered to be engaged in subsidiary employment. Among the conditions for employment to be considered as subsidiary is that the income does not exceed approximately €7,500 per annum.

I have no plans to amend this position. Any person aged 65 who does not qualify for the benefit payment may apply for the means tested Jobseeker's Allowance.

I trust that this clarifies the position.

Social Welfare Payments

Questions (242)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

242. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of households in each county that are receiving the €300 fuel allowance lump sum payment this week, in tabular form. [51805/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Fuel Allowance scheme is a means tested payment to assist pensioners and other long-term social welfare dependent householders with their winter heating costs. The payment is a contribution towards heating costs. The payment is made over the winter season at the weekly rate of €33.00 or, if preferred, by way of two instalment payments. Only one Fuel Allowance is payable per household. Those who qualify for the payment do not need to reapply annually.

Some 409,000 households are receiving the Fuel Allowance, and these households will get an additional €300 payment this week.

This suite of lump sum payments means that people will have extra money in their pockets, which will ease the pressure and stress that many households are facing.

The latest Fuel Allowance figures available are to the end of October 2023. The records in the table below indicate the number of recipients of fuel allowance per county at the end of October 2023 that are receiving the €300 payment this week:

County	Recipients
Carlow	6,781
Cavan	7,431
Clare	10,986
Cork	43,508
Donegal	20,387
Dublin	87,202
Galway	21,682
Kerry	15,455
Kildare	14,083
Kilkenny	7,876
Laois	6,840
Leitrim	4,126
Limerick	18,928
Longford	5,346
Louth	13,670
Mayo	15,869
Meath	12,705
Monaghan	5,954
Offaly	7,702
Roscommon	6,595
Sligo	7,133
Tipperary	18,081
Waterford	13,289
Westmeath	8,449
Wexford	17,797
Wicklow	11,510

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Payments

Questions (243)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

243. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of households in each county that are receiving the €400 disability support grant this week, in tabular form. [51806/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

This week, my Department will issue a once-off Cost of Living Lump Sum payment of €400 to recipients of Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension and the Blind Pension.

Based on current recipient numbers, this means that the payment will be made to 219,461 people.

This figure is an estimate and may change as new applications are received and claims are closed.

The breakdown by county of this estimated number of recipients of the once-off payment is shown in Table 1 below.

Estimated recipients of the Cost of Living Lump Sum payment for people in receipt of a disability payment, by county

County	Recipients
Carlow	3,706
Cavan	3,190
Clare	5,101
Cork	26,910
Donegal	8,030
Dublin	51,079
Galway	11,154
Kerry	7,795
Kildare	8,773
Kilkenny	4,034
Laois	4,017
Leitrim	1,693
Limerick	11,865
Longford	2,515
Louth	6,585
Mayo	6,022
Meath	6,726
Monaghan	2,397
Offaly	4,430
Roscommon	3,118
Sligo	3,363
Tipperary	9,265
Waterford	6,367
Westmeath	4,926
Wexford	8,437
Wicklow	6,082
Other	1,881
Total	219,461

Social Welfare Payments

Questions (244)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

244. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of households in each county that are receiving the €400 lump sum working family payment this week, in tabular form. [51807/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Working Family Payment (WFP) is a weekly in-work support which provides an income support for employees on low earnings with children. To qualify for Working Family Payment, the customer must be working a minimum of 38 hours per fortnight in ongoing insurable employment and have at least one qualified child who normally resides with them.

Budget 2024 included the provision of a once off €400 cost of living lump sum payment to all WFP recipients and is due to be paid on 23rd November 2023.

The following is a breakdown of Working Family Payment Recipients by County as at 20th November 2023:

County	Recipients
DUBLIN	11,338
CORK	4,401
DONEGAL	2,253
KILDARE	2,047
GALWAY	2,002
LIMERICK	1,973
WEXFORD	1,952
LOUTH	1,893
MEATH	1,755
TIPPERARY	1,709
WATERFORD	1,579
KERRY	1,337
MAYO	1,258
WICKLOW	1,008
WESTMEATH	932
CAVAN	923
CLARE	890
MONAGHAN	868
LAOIS	854
OFFALY	787
CARLOW	747
KILKENNY	728
ROSCOMMON	612
LONGFORD	590
SLIGO	573
LEITRIM	283
Total	45292

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Prison Service

Questions (245)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

245. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 389 of 17 October 2023, when a person (details supplied) can expect to return to Ireland, having regard to the fact that the British authorities have now processed the application for transfer to complete their sentence in an Irish prison, and that their father has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51682/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I am advised by my officials in the Irish Prison Service that they have received an application from the named person in recent weeks, to transfer their sentence from the United Kingdom to Ireland.

Transfers from the United Kingdom take place under the Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons, and accordingly require the consent of both the UK and Irish authorities, and the person themselves. Before considering whether to consent to a transfer, legal advice must be sought on the enforceability of the sentence in Ireland and, in particular, on the effect of a transfer on the amount of time a person may expect to serve in custody.

Due to the complexity of the documentation and practical arrangements required to effect a transfer, the process of information exchange and verification can be time consuming. However, every effort is made to process each application as quickly as possible.

Once the application has been fully assessed, it is provided to me, as Minister for Justice, for decision on whether to consent to the transfer. Thereafter, if all parties have consented, an application is made to the High Court for the issue of a warrant to authorise the transfer of the sentenced person into this State.

My officials in the Irish Prison Service have advised they are working with the necessary stakeholders to process this application in as timely a manner as possible. They further advise that depending on the circumstances of the individual case, applications can take several months to come to completion due to the process of gathering and exchanging accurate information between all parties to ensure that the sentence is applied correctly in this country.

Legislative Measures

Questions (246)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

246. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice if she will carry out a health impact assessment on the Sale of Alcohol Bill 2022; the planning that has taken place to ensure that there are adequate resources across a number of areas (details supplied); the additional funding that will be made available in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51713/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

My Department has engaged in an extensive consultation process with representative bodies in the licensed trade, businesses, public health bodies and advocacy groups, consumers and communities in relation to the proposed legislation. A public consultation, including an online survey and a request for submissions, ran from November 2021 until January 2022. More than 5,000 responses were received. These included responses from Alcohol Action Ireland; Ballymun Local Drugs and Alcohol Task Force; The College of Psychiatrists of Ireland; The Health Service Executive Alcohol Programme; Institute of Public Health; Irish Community Action on Alcohol Network and National Suicide Research Foundation.

My Department continues to have ongoing engagement with An Garda Síochána, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and other stakeholders in respect of the Bill.

In addition, a webinar and panel discussion event was held on 10 March 2022. The consultation process demonstrated that there is a strong demand for reform and modernisation of the law in this area.

In January 2023, the Bill underwent pre-legislative scrutiny. Presentations were made at this by Alcohol Action Ireland, the Institute of Public Health and the Irish Community Action on Alcohol Network made presentations to the Committee.

My Department will continue to work with all stakeholders in developing the Bill. We are committed to considering potential health impacts which these bodies have highlighted throughout this process and can assure you that public health is a factor for the Department when considering the introduction of reforms with regard to the sale of alcohol. However, the Department of Justice has no role in resourcing for emergency departments, public transport, local authority cleaning services etc.

My Department continues to engage with An Garda Síochána in relation to the Sale of Alcohol Bill to ensure that it contains a full suite of enforcement powers to meet their policing needs. The Government is committed to taking action to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour. Budget 2024 provides a budget of €2.3 billion to An Garda Síochána, which is a 23% increase since 2020. This is allowing for sustained and ongoing recruitment and investment in new equipment, facilities and vehicles.

Legislative Measures

Questions (247)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

247. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice if she intends to put a system in place to monitor changes in the night time economy and collate data for future reviews following enactment of the proposed Sale of Alcohol Bill 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51714/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The General Scheme of the Sale of Alcohol Bill intends to modernise permitted opening hours, in line with the expectations and needs of today’s society and encourage the development of a modern and diverse night-time economy. The proposed legislation endeavours to strike a balance between maintaining strict controls and safeguards while providing much needed support to those involved in our night-time culture and economy.

The Department of Justice participates in the Night-Time Economy Taskforce which is administered by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. The taskforce conducts intensive and ongoing stakeholder engagement with all relevant sectors and interested parties who have a significant role and interest in progressing the development of a vibrant and diverse night-time economy. This is to ensure that all views and ideas are considered in every aspect of this work, including the reform and modernisation of licensing laws. The taskforce will keep developments in the night-time economy under review.

My Department will continue to work with the Night-Time Economy Taskforce Implementation Group and key stakeholders operating in the Night-Time Economy to guage the impact of changes to licensing following the enactment of the proposed Sale of Alcohol Bill 2022.

The Department also engaged in an extensive consultation process with representative bodies in the licensed trade, businesses, public health bodies and advocacy groups, consumers and communities in relation to the proposed legislation. A public consultation, including an online survey and a request for submissions, ran from November 2021 until January 2022, where more than 5,000 responses were received. In addition, a webinar and panel discussion event was held on 10 March 2022.

While work on this Bill is progressing, it is my intention to bring forward, in the coming months, a shorter Bill to provide for key reforms including a Cultural Amenity Licence. The Cultural Amenity Licence is aimed at supporting the reinvigoration and expansion our night time economy sector in order to provide more diverse offerings reflective of contemporary Irish society.

My Department is actively working with colleagues in the Department of Tourism, Culture, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media in relation to cultural amenity licences, and in particular, definitions, processes, standards and parameters of these licences and how they will operate within the sector.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (248, 249)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

248. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if, in the context of section 50 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023, persons below the rank of chief superintendent can be appointed and or seconded to An Garda Síochána from other police services outside of this jurisdiction. [51776/23]

Catherine Murphy

Question:

249. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide an update in respect of permitting police officers from other jurisdictions to transfer to An Garda Síochána at and below inspector rank. [51777/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I propose to take Questions Nos. 248 and 249 together.

Currently, admission to the Garda trainee programme is governed by the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 2013 (as amended), appointment to the rank of Inspector and Sergeant is governed by the Garda Síochána (Appointment to the Ranks of Inspector and Sergeant) Regulations 2021 and to the rank of Assistant Commissioner, Chief Superintendent and Superintendent by the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (Appointments to the ranks of Assistant Garda Commissioner, chief superintendent and superintendent) Regulations 2016. Section 50 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill deals with the appointment of persons to ranks below the rank of Chief Superintendent. This section provides that the Garda Commissioner may appoint, in accordance with regulations made under section 254 of the Bill, persons to any rank below the rank of Chief Superintendent. In the context of the Deputy's question, these provisions will include the ranks of Garda, Sergeant and Inspector. The broad nature of this provision is intended to facilitate the implementation of a number of recommendations contained in the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland report. These relate to direct entry routes into An Garda Síochána, at appropriate levels, for suitable candidates with experience from outside of the policing sphere or with relevant policing experience in other jurisdictions.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Síochána Act 2005 already allows for the recruitment to An Garda Síochána of officers from other police services, including in particular, the Police Service of Northern Ireland and this will continue to be the case until new regulations to give effect to the CoFPI recommendations are made.

Question No. 249 answered with Question No. 248.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (250)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

250. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of policer officers seconded to An Garda Síochána from other jurisdictions on an annual basis from 2013 to date in 2023. [51778/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Unfortunately, the information was not received in time. I will contact the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.

Departmental Data

Questions (251)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

251. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice the up-to-date position regarding the possible posthumous pardoning in historic cases (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51785/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, a detailed application for posthumous Presidential pardons for the two individuals referenced by the Deputy was submitted by the Castleisland District Heritage incorporating the Michael O’Donohue Memorial Project in December 2021.

The application has completed an internal review within the Department, and an independent expert in trial law was engaged to further examine and review the case of the two individuals in question. This independent expert review of the case has been completed and is now under consideration and a decision on how best to proceed will be taken in due course.

Road Traffic Accidents

Questions (252)

Martin Kenny

Question:

252. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Justice to provide, in tabular form, the number of road traffic collisions involving farming vehicles per year between 2017-2023. [51810/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the enforcement of road traffic legislation. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the figures requested by the Deputy are not maintained in the format requested and that to compile this information would involve a disproportionate expenditure of Garda resources.

Road traffic legislation is enforced as part of the day-to-day duties of members of An Garda Síochána, as well as through a programme of high-visibility road safety and enforcement operations, carried out in partnership with other State agencies, including Government Departments, the Road Safety Authority, the National Roads Authority, and the community, in order to make our roads safer for all.

The Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, is responsible for the compilation and publication of all crime statistics including the number of road deaths (fatalities) and the number of injured/casualties on the roads in Ireland each year.

These statistics are prepared by the Road Safety Authority following analysis of the fatality reports provided to the RSA by An Garda Síochána and are available at the link below:

data.cso.ie/product/rsars.

Provisional data is also available on the RSA website at the following link:

www.rsa.ie/road-safety/statistics/road-traffic-collision-data.

Road Traffic Accidents

Questions (253)

Martin Kenny

Question:

253. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Justice to provide, in tabular form, the number of road traffic collisions involving HGVs per year between 2017-2023. [51811/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the enforcement of road traffic legislation. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the figures requested by the Deputy are not maintained in the format requested and that to compile this information would involve a disproportionate expenditure of Garda resources.

Road traffic legislation is enforced as part of the day-to-day duties of members of An Garda Síochána, as well as through a programme of high-visibility road safety and enforcement operations, carried out in partnership with other State agencies, including Government Departments, the Road Safety Authority, the National Roads Authority, and the community, in order to make our roads safer for all.

The Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, is responsible for the compilation and publication of all crime statistics including the number of road deaths (fatalities) and the number of injured/casualties on the roads in Ireland each year.

These statistics are prepared by the Road Safety Authority following analysis of the fatality reports provided to the RSA by An Garda Síochána and are available at the link below:

data.cso.ie/product/rsars.

Provisional data is also available on the RSA website at the following link:

www.rsa.ie/road-safety/statistics/road-traffic-collision-data.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (254)

Martin Kenny

Question:

254. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Justice to provide, in tabular form, the number of arrests made during the most recent Operation Twin Tracks (November 2023). [51812/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes all operational and investigative Garda matters. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.

I am informed by Garda Authorities that Operation Twin Tracks is a Community Engagement and Rail Safety Policing Initiative conducted by Gardaí in partnership with other public transportation stakeholders. The purpose of the operations is to provide high visibility policing of rail and light rail transport within Dublin and nationwide, and to deliver crime prevention advice.

A Day of Action as part of Operation Twin Tracks aimed at preventing and detecting anti-social behaviour on DART, LUAS and Irish Rail Services took place on 15 November.

With the support of personnel from both public transport providers, Gardaí conducted high visibility, proactive patrols of LUAS and DART services across the Dublin region throughout the day, as well as on several intercity Irish Rail services.

Local Crime Prevention Officers and Community Policing Gardaí were present in Pearse Street, Connolly and Heuston stations, and a number of regional stations to engage with commuters and provide guidance on crime prevention. LUAS Red and Green Line and DART services in Dublin were patrolled as well as Irish Rail routes. The operation focused on eight intercity routes, which were:

• Mayo/Roscommon/Longford

• Galway

• Sligo/Leitrim

• Kildare/Carlow

• Wicklow/Wexford

• Limerick and Tipperary

• Cork City, North and West

I am informed by Garda authorities that a search of the PULSE database was conducted on 21 November 2023 for custody logs associated with incidents associated with Operation Twin Tracks Organisation codes during 2023. The total number of custody logs created for this period is 16.

State Bodies

Questions (255)

Michael Lowry

Question:

255. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to review and address correspondence (details supplied) concerning operational inefficiencies in the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland; to provide an update on the postponed issuance of letters of offer for the TAMS 3 solar PV grant as this delay is greatly impacting businesses and farmers, as these concerns are causing significant financial strain and affecting the efficacy of these key environmental schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51637/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The issue raised concerning operational matters in the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland is not a matter for my Department.

The Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) provides grants to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holdings. There is an indicative budget of €370 million available for the period 2023-2027, and all investments must be linked to Climate, Environment or Animal Welfare.

Tranche 1 of TAMS 3 closed on 30 June 2023. Of the total of 8,241 applications submitted (almost four times the average number received per tranche under TAMS II), more than 750 were submitted under the Solar Capital Investment Scheme.

In order to facilitate the processing of this record number of files, 100% of eligible applications will be approved for funding, in keeping with my commitment to assist farmers to address climate and sustainability targets.

Applications received across all the measures in Tranche 1 are currently being processed. Once the initial processing is completed, all applications will be subject to a ranking and selection process, which is a regulatory requirement for all TAMS 3 applications.

All eligible applications will then proceed to further detailed processing, with approvals issuing to successful applications shortly, on a scheme-by-scheme basis, starting with the Solar Capital Investment Scheme.