Written Answers Nos. 441-460
441. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason Tusla/CAS social housing units delivered by AHBs for care leavers are not included in his Departments social housing target and delivery figures. [55120/23]
View answerHousing delivered for care leavers by way of funding provided to AHBs through my Department's Capital Assistance Scheme forms part of the overall social housing targets and delivery as reported.
442. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his main policy and legislative priorities for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55211/23]
View answerThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
444. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of persons who have exited emergency accommodation in each year since his Department commenced publishing homelessness reports, in tabular from; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55224/23]
View answerMy Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of local authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. While responsibility for the provision of accommodation for homeless persons rests with individual housing authorities, the administration of homeless services is organised on a regional basis.
My Department publishes a detailed quarterly performance report on homelessness, based on data provided by regional lead local authorities. The report includes details of individuals exiting State-funded emergency accommodation arrangements that are overseen by local authorities and is provided on a regional basis. The reports are available on my Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/80ea8-homelessness-data/.
445. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of homes purchased by the Housing Agency under the tenant in situ cost rental scheme for eligible tenants; and what options exist in the case of a family (details supplied). [55239/23]
View answerI refer to the reply to Question No. 222 and No. 224 of 7 December 2023 which set out the position in this matter.
446. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has issued any guidelines for the development of regional spatial and economic strategies and how they are coordinated with the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive III, including the roll-out of renewable acceleration areas as well the identification of renewable energy hubs currently being carried out by EirGrid and ESBN and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55242/23]
View answerThe statutory arrangements related to the preparation and adoption by the three Regional Assemblies of Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies, which must be consistent with the National Planning Framework and must have regard to any relevant guidelines issued under section 28 of the Act, are set out in sections 21 to 25 (inclusive) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). The process of revising the National Planning Framework (2018) is currently underway, and the revision process will include consideration of changes in climate policy since 2018.
The Renewable Energy Directive (RED) III was adopted by Council on 9 October 2023, published in the Official Journal of the European Union on October 31, and entered into force 20 days after that date. Some provisions in RED III have a transposition date of 1 July 2024, with other provisions having a transposition date of 18 months after entry into force of the Directive. My Department is currently reviewing the permitting measures included in the Directive that will require transposition into Irish planning law with a view to completing that transposition by the applicable deadlines set out in the Directive. The need for any associated guidance will also be considered in conjunction with the transposition of the legislation.
With regard to guidelines on renewable energy development, my Department is currently undertaking a focused review of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (D/ECC) which has primary responsibility for environmental noise matters. Both Departments are engaging on proposals regarding the measurement and assessment of noise from wind turbines to ensure they are robust and fit for purpose having regard to, inter alia, the revised 2030 target to generate up to 80% of our electricity from renewable sources. My Department, in conjunction with D/ECC, will make any further changes to the draft Guidelines which are deemed necessary or appropriate to ensure they support the existing and emerging policy and legislative framework, both at national and EU level. When finalised, the revised Guidelines will be issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, or subject to enactment of the Planning and Development Bill 2023, as a National Planning Statement, as appropriate. In the meantime, the current 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines remain in force.
The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications has policy responsibility for and oversight of the electricity system, including the operators of the system.
447. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will clarify the role local authorities have in respect of persons presenting as homeless who have an income above the housing list threshold. [55250/23]
View answerMy Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the statutory role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of emergency accommodation and related services for homeless persons rests with individual housing authorities.
Under the Housing Act 1988 it is a matter for each local authority to determine whether a person is regarded as homeless; section 2 of the Act sets out the requirements in this regard. When a household has been assessed as homeless, section 10 of the Housing Act 1988 provides that a local authority may provide accommodation and related services to that household.
448. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will extend the right to a postal vote to voters that will be in late stage of pregnancy (or early stage after birth) in time for the upcoming referenda on care and definition of the family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55258/23]
View answerElectoral law provides for postal voting for a number of different categories of people including the following - whole-time members of the Defence Forces, members of An Garda Síochána, Irish diplomats serving abroad and their spouses/civil partners, electors living at home who are unable to vote because of an illness or a disability, electors whose occupation, service or employment makes it likely that they will be unable to vote in person at their local polling station on polling day, full-time students registered at their home who are living elsewhere while attending an educational institution in the State, prisoners and certain election staff employed at the poll outside the constituency where they reside.
In addition, Section 93 of the Electoral Reform Act 2022 provides for anonymous registration and a postal vote where a person’s safety (or a member of their household) may be compromised by publication of their details on the electoral register. Where a person is registered as an anonymous voter, that person is only able to vote by post.
Furthermore, the Electoral Reform Act 2022 provided for a wide-ranging modernisation of our electoral structures and processes, including significant changes to postal voting arrangements. Under the provisions of Part 3 of the Act, the introduction of a rolling electoral registration process (in contrast to the former annual registration process) means that people can register or update their registration details, including postal voting applications, at any time of year up to the usual deadlines in advance of an electoral event.
The Act also provided for the extension of existing postal voting facilities to persons with mental health difficulties that were previously only available to persons with physical health difficulties. The voter’s certifying medical practitioner no longer needs to provide the nature of their illness or disability but can indicate an expected duration, which the registration authority will have regard to when assigning a postal voting arrangement. This means that for those postal voters with longer term or ongoing issues, annual renewal will not be required.
The Electoral Reform Act 2022 included provisions for the establishment of an independent, statutory Electoral Commission, entitled An Coimisiún Toghcháin. An Coimisiún has been given a new research, advisory and public information function, which will see it carry out research on electoral policy and procedure. An Coimisiún is also empowered to advise and make recommendations to the Minister and the Government in relation to any proposals for legislative change, or any other policy matters concerning electoral and legislative proposals.
The Programme for Government - Our Shared Future contains a commitment to examine the use of postal voting, with a view to expanding its provision. In support of this commitment I wrote to An Coimisiún in July, 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 postal voting. An Coimisiún’s draft research programme, published on 10 November 2023, includes a proposal to examine the issue of postal voting. An Coimisiún is seeking submissions (until 12 January 2024) on its draft research programme. I will review this policy area once An Coimisiún has considered and made recommendations on the issue.
449. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the provision for a new Fire Station in Rathdowney, County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55273/23]
View answerThe provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Services Acts, 1981 and 2003. My Department supports the fire authorities through setting general policy, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding for equipment and priority infrastructural projects.
In December 2020, I announced the Fire Services Capital Programme for the period 2021-2025, with a funding allocation of €61m. Following extensive engagement with fire authorities, a number of proposals for station works etc. were received.
Any proposal received by my Department requesting further support from the Fire services capital programme is considered with regard to national priorities and the totality of requests from fire authorities countrywide.
Project consideration stages in my Department include submission of preliminary and detailed appraisals; submission of design brief; selection of a site; application for approval in principle; appointment of design consultants; submission of a preliminary design; planning application; submission of a preliminary cost plan, detailed design and cost plans; and tender process and construction stages - each step subject to approval from my Department.
At that time Laois County Council had indicated that a new fire station at Stradbally to be their number one priority. Approval in principle for a new fire station at Stradbally was conveyed to the Council in November 2022 and subsequently the Council were approved to tender for design consultants for the project in March 2023.
I understand that there was an historic project application in relation to the fire station in Rathdowney that did not eventually progress as proposed and that, in 2017, Laois County Council put in place an extension on to Rathdowney Fire Station, consisting of separate male and female toilets, a shower cubicle and a new muster bay.
Laois County Council have previously indicated that the replacement of Rathdowney Fire Station to be their second priority going forward. While this project is not currently included in my Department's Fire Services Capital programme, all projects in the capital programme may be reassessed on an annual basis to maximise available capital programme funding and priority may be adjusted to bring forward projects offering best value-for-money and to take account the state of readiness of the projects, based on ongoing engagement with local authorities in respect of prioritisation.
450. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if it is a prerequisite for local authorities to insist on applicants for the vacant home refurbishment grants to supply full details and professional and technical reports on the condition of the existing septic tank of the property before they consider processing the vacant homes grant application; if applicants can seek funding under this scheme to provide for an upgrade of the septic tank system; if not, if the funding opportunity comes solely under the septic tank renewal grant which is due to be increased in 2024; if all local authorities are ‘at one’ in how they interpret the vacant homes grant on the issue of funding of septic tanks across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55276/23]
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.
The objective of the grant scheme is to support the carrying out of refurbishment works to bring existing vacant and derelict properties back into use. While works in respect of septic tanks are not included in the works which can be supported by the grant, houses with septic tanks are not precluded from eligibility for the grant. It is not a condition of the scheme that applicants supply details and professional and technical reports on the condition of any existing septic tank on the property to the relevant local authority before they process a grant application. Communications have issued to all local authorities regarding the grant conditions and support and guidance is provided to local authorities administering the grant by the Housing Agency and by the Vacant Homes Unit in Department.
When the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund was launched, a commitment was given that the schemes funded by it would be kept under ongoing review. It is intended that a comprehensive review and evaluation of the schemes under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund will be undertaken and completed by mid-2024.
In relation to funding for upgrading septic tank systems, under the Water Services Acts 2007 and 2012, it is the responsibility of the owners to ensure that their domestic waste water treatment system (septic tank) is fit for purpose, operational and kept in good order. Owners of septic tanks are also responsible for their maintenance and repair.
My Department does provide financial assistance with three dedicated grants available to households in circumstances where works are required to septic tanks to protect human health and the environment.
I recently announced substantial improvements to the terms and conditions of all three grants. I approved the increase of the grant amount available to €12,000 from €5,000 and also made it is easier for households to qualify, removing the requirement to have registered the tank with the local authority.
Details of the grant schemes are available on my Department’s website at :
www.gov.ie/en/publication/6cc1e-domestic-waste-water-treatment-systems-septic-tanks/
451. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how, and to what extent, the Land Development Agency will be funded in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55315/23]
View answer452. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the additional capitalisation for the Land Development Agency, including whether the funding will be provided via ISIF, HFA, Exchequer revenue or a combination of these and other sources; how much additional capitalisation is expected; and when a decision will be made on this matter. [55318/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 451 and 452 together.
Exchequer funding of €3.8 million is being provided to the Land Development Agency (LDA) in 2024 to cover expenditure associated with their non-commercial functions. This is further broken down into €3m for Capital and €800,000 for Current funding.
These functions are detailed under Section 29 of the LDA Act 2021 and include the maintenance of the Register of Relevant Public Lands, the development of a report to Government on relevant public lands and any functions associated with the development of a Strategic Development Zone as provided for under Part IX of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended.
The LDA currently has access to €1.25bn of equity capital from the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) and a further €1.25bn of borrowings as provided for under the LDA Act. Of the €1.25bn available through ISIF, the LDA has to date drawn down €625m of this funding - €100million on establishment, and a further €525million paid over two tranches in H1 2023. Approval was granted for the drawdown of a further €300m in early November 2023.
The LDA has sufficient funding at present and has a balance of €300m equity capital to be drawn down as required. The LDA has so far not availed of its borrowing powers.
Importantly, the LDA is advancing its key work - developing social and affordable housing on vacant or underutilised state lands. The transfer of agreed lands to the LDA is well underway and the LDA is growing a housing delivery pipeline from those lands, actively developing 12 sites, capable of delivering some 6,000 homes.
In addition, Project Tosaigh has delivered its first cost rental and affordable purchase homes. The scale of delivery is ramping up and 2023 delivery and pipeline for 2024, 2025 and 2026 is strong. A process to establish a panel of delivery partners with the intention of scaling up and accelerating delivery through this channel has also commenced. It is anticipated that the panel will be established in early 2024.
The LDA is also progressing a number of key, strategic, large-scale housing schemes supporting and partnering with local authorities, such as Shanganagh, Shankill (597 homes); St Teresa’s Gardens (543 homes); Cromcastle, Coolock (143 homes); and Cherry Orchard (673 homes).
Discussions are ongoing between my Department, the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform and the Department of Finance to determine the level and source of funding required to ensure that the LDA can sustainably deliver social and affordable housing in line with targets set out in their business plan 2024-2028.
453. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of applications made for the vacant property refurbishment grants in each county in each month since July 2022; the number of drawdowns for the same grant in each county in the same period; and the average value claimed overall in each county. [55322/23]
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. To date the total value of grant payments that have been issued by local authorities to persons who have completed works is €3,406,178.
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: Vacancy grant statistics
454. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to introduce a standalone scheme for persons living in a home built prior to 1991 which has construction defects; and the existing reliefs for such persons. [55326/23]
View answerThe Programme for Government sets out a number of commitments in respect of the important policy area of addressing building defects. It commits to an examination of defects in housing, having regard to the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing’s report "Safe as Houses?”
In response to the difficulties that homeowners are facing due to the presence of deleterious material in their houses, my Department has put measures in place to support homeowners including providing considerable financial assistance to remediate their homes. In this regard, the Pyrite Remediation Scheme and the Enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme are both currently in operation and are underpinned by legislation.
Furthermore, on 11 December I announced the opening of the Interim Remediation Scheme for the funding of emergency fire safety defect works in apartments and duplexes, constructed between 1991 and 2013. The Scheme will provide for the full funding of interim measures in order to provide an acceptable level of fire safety in buildings, pending completion of the full remedial works.
Full remedial works, which will include all necessary fire safety measures as well as those related to water ingress and structural damage, will be funded under a statutory scheme. I expect the draft legislation to be published in 2024. It is intended that subject to the legislative process, the statutory scheme will be in place shortly thereafter.
Homes built prior to 1991 are eligible to be included in both the Pyrite Remediation Scheme and Enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Schemes provided they meet the terms and conditions of these Schemes.
There are currently no plans to introduce a further standalone scheme for homes not covered by any of the three Schemes I have referenced.
455. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of Housing First tenancies that have materialised as targeted under 3.4 of Housing For All; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55327/23]
View answerHousing First recognises that a stable home provides the basis for recovery in other areas. With Housing First, the priority is to support a person who has experienced homelessness into permanent housing as quickly as possible, without any preconditions around addiction or mental health treatment. Then, intensive work continues on these issues once they are housed. Housing First is a key element of Government homelessness policy.
Housing for All - a New Housing Plan for Ireland committed to the further expansion of Housing First. A new National Implementation Plan, which provides for a further 1,319 tenancies covering the period 2022-2026, was published in December 2021. The new Plan outlines the targets for each region and in each year.
Data on the number of Housing First tenancies created are published every three months as part of my Department's Homeless Quarterly Progress Reports. The most recent report, for Q3 2023, can be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/274911/5ec39432-f69e-4deb-9215-acf90a5c2380.pdf#page=null
Up to the end of Q3 2023, a total of 445 Housing First tenancies have been created since the launch of the 2022-2026 National Implementation Plan.
456. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the expansion of data-sharing arrangements between the Residential Tenancies Board and the Revenue Commissioners under target 2.6 of Housing For All; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55328/23]
View answerOn 24 October 2023, the Government approved the General Scheme of the Residential Tenancies (Right to Purchase) Bill for priority drafting and publication during this Oireachtas session.
The Bill proposes, inter alia, a number of technical amendments to enhance the operation of the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004 to 2022, the outcomes thereunder and the operational efficiencies of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). The General Scheme provides for data exchange from Revenue Commissioners to the RTB to help discharge its functions under the Acts.
457. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on the practice of developers not commencing construction after they have received planning permission; and his plans to ensure that approved planning permissions result in the timely construction of homes. [55329/23]
View answerSince the publication of Housing for All, the Government has focused on the activation of permissions and land for housing.
The Residential Zoned Land Tax (RZLT) is a new tax introduced in Finance Act 2021 which seeks to increase housing supply by encouraging the activation of lands which are suitably zoned and appropriately serviced.
Draft maps were published by local authorities on 1 November 2022, supplemental maps on 1 May 2023 and final maps of lands in scope were published on 1 December 2023. Liability to the tax will commence on 1 February 2025, subject to enactment of the Finance Bill 2023.
Where development is not commenced on the identified land, the landowner will be subject to a tax of 3% of market value annually, administered by the Revenue Commissioners.
The tax will therefore incentivise landowners to either develop land, or to sell it to someone who will develop it, with the benefit of planning permission, to ensure they are not subject to an annual tax liability on their land.
The tax will operate in conjunction with amendments in 2021 to Section 42 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 which mean that the 5-year duration of a planning permission can only be extended once commencement of development has occurred and substantial works have been undertaken, introducing a requirement to ‘use’ a planning permission in order to avoid the permission lapsing.
On 25 April 2023, the Government approved additional measures to incentivise the activation of permissions, through the introduction of temporary time-limited arrangements for the waiving of local authority “section 48” development contributions and the refunding of Uisce Éireann water and waste water connection charges. These temporary time-limited arrangements apply for 1 year to all permitted residential development -1) that commences on site between 25 April 2023 (the date of the Government Decision approving the measure) and 24 April 2024, and2) is completed not later than 31 December 2025.
458. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department is aware of a confidentiality clause being signed within Waterways Ireland (details supplied); if this process is legal, given public money funds Waterways Ireland; if this development will be subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55352/23]
View answerWaterways Ireland is a North South Body responsible for the management and maintenance of more than 1000km of Ireland's inland waterways. They include the Shannon, Shannon Erne Waterway, Erne System, the Barrow, the Royal and Grand Canals and the Lower Bann Navigation. It is funded by my Department and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland.
The information requested is not held in my Department, however arrangements 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 Waterways Ireland is ceoffice@waterwaysireland.org
Waterways Ireland operates under the Freedom of Information Code of Practice which applies to North South Bodies. The primary objective of the Code is to facilitate access by members of the public to information held by such Bodies. The rights to request and access information are subject to certain exemptions set out in the Code. Further information is available on the Waterways Ireland website at www.waterwaysireland.org/freedom-of-information.
459. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of HAP tenancies where there is a family relationship between the landlord and the tenant. [55430/23]
View answerThe Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Scheme is deemed to be a social housing support under the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014. As a long term housing support, an assessment of housing need must be completed in order for a household to qualify for HAP. Any household with an identified housing need is eligible for HAP.
In order for housing assistance to be provided under the Act the housing authority must be satisfied that the tenancy concerned is or would be a tenancy in good faith. Where there is a family relationship between the tenant and the landlord, the housing authority may seek evidence of a previous landlord and tenant relationship between a landlord and HAP applicant. This evidence may include:
• Proof of rent payments;
• A lease or tenancy agreement for the property; and
• Registration of the tenancy with the Residential Tenancies Board.
In order for a housing authority to be satisfied that a tenancy is or would be in good faith; the onus is on the applicant and landlord to prove that what is being proposed is a bona fide tenancy.
HAP support is available to tenants in rent a room scheme arrangements; however, the rental of a room to a civil partner, son or daughter are excluded from this scheme. HAP cannot be paid where the tenant is seeking to rent within the family home. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the housing authority to make a decision in each individual case.
My Department does not hold the information requested in relation to the number of HAP tenancies where there is a family relationship between the landlord and the tenant.
460. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how many landlords where such HAP tenancies currently exist, had other tenancies previously been registered with the RTB, prior to the commencement of current 'family relationship' tenancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55431/23]
View answerThe Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) was established an independent statutory body under the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2022 (RTA), to operate a national tenancy registration system and to facilitate the resolution of disputes between landlords and tenants and as such, the registration of tenancies is an operational matter for the RTB.
My Department does not hold the details sought by the Deputy. However, arrangements have been put in place to facilitate the provision of information by State Bodies to members of the Oireachtas. The RTB has set up a dedicated email address for this purpose and may be contacted at OireachtasMembersQueries@rtb.ie to establish the extent to which it may hold the information sought.
