Written Answers Nos. 282-302
282. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of craft apprentices currently working in each local authority, disaggregated by apprenticeship typology in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4771/24]
View answerUnder section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he or she is responsible.
My Department oversees workforce planning for the local government sector, including the monitoring of local government sector employment levels. To this end, my Department gathers aggregate quarterly data on staff numbers in each local authority on a whole time equivalent basis. However, granular data, in terms of the specific role and function of each individual staff member is not collected and consequently is not available in my Department. The relevant information would be available from individual local authorities.
I am aware that the local government sector participates in the employer-led national apprenticeship programme which falls under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
283. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the results of the focused review of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines relating to minimum setback distance for wind turbines from homes and residential areas will be released; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4792/24]
View answerI refer to my reply to Dáil Question No. 334 on 30 January which sets out the position.
284. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has engaged with ESB Networks in relation to seeking a more affordable cost of reconnecting a derelict or vacant home in the context of efforts being made to bring such properties back into use through initiatives such as Croí Cónaithe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4797/24]
View answerPathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was launched under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund to support bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use. 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 commercial or public use 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 property must be vacant for two years or more at the time of grant application and proof of vacancy is required to support grant applications.
While works in respect of services (including plumbing; heating; ventilation; power; lighting; telecommunications; smoke/CO2detection) can be supported by the grant, my Department has no role in relation to network reconnections. Properties disconnected over 2 years are treated as new connections by ESB Networks. The Network provides information on their website in relation to the process to apply for a new domestic connection as well as a statement of charges for new domestic connections - see the following link: www.esbnetworks.ie/existing-connections/restoring-electricity-supply-to-a-disconnected-property
285. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total amount of funding provided to each local authority for capital investment in water services infrastructure in each of the years 2020 to 2023; the allocation for 2024 for each local authority, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4843/24]
View answerMy Department provides funding directly to Local Authorities for capital investment in water services infrastructure through the Multi-annual Rural Water Programme and Developer Provided Water Services Infrastructure Resolution Programme.
Details of funding I have approved under these programmes are available at the following links:
www.gov.ie/en/circular/cf807-circular-l219-approval-of-schemesprojects-under-the-multi-annual-rural-water-programme-2019-2021-and-grant-allocations-to-local-authorities-for-2019/
www.gov.ie/en/circular/7ec47-circular-ldpi01-2020-approval-of-projects-residential-estates-under-the-developer-provided-water-services-infrastructure-under-the-multi-annual-developer-provided-water-services-infrastructure-resolution-programme-2019-2021/
www.gov.ie/en/press-release/bb844-minister-obrien-announces-multi-annual-funding-to-connect-developer-provided-water-services-to-public-uisce-eireann-network/
My Department also provides funding to Uisce Éireann for domestic customers for capital investment in water services infrastructure. However, my Department does not hold the information requested as Uisce Éireann has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. The scope, prioritisation and progression of individual projects is a matter for Uisce Éireann and is approved through its own internal governance structures.
Uisce Éireann has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on a dedicated number, 0818 578 578
286. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage with reference to the compulsory purchase order activation programme which his Department launched in April 2023, the targets that have been set for each local authority for the number of identified vacant and derelict properties to enter the programme; the number of such properties in each local authority that have been brought back to use under the programme; the number of properties in each local authority where the owners could not be identified or where they were unwilling to engage and where the available legislative powers have been used or are in the process of being used to compulsory purchase such properties, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4844/24]
View answerPathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock. Many areas of cities, towns and villages of all sizes face the blight of vacant properties, which, if brought back into use, could add real vibrancy and provide new accommodation in those areas. While the reasons for vacancy are often complex, the re-use and regeneration of vacant properties in cities, towns, villages and rural areas can provide much needed housing while also transforming areas and the communities living in them.
The Vacant Homes Action Plan, which was launched in January 2023, outlines the progress that has been made in addressing vacancy, along with the actions that are being pursued to return as many vacant properties back into use as possible.
Under this Action Plan, my Department launched the CPO Activation Programme in April 2023, which provides for a planned, proactive and systematic approach by local authorities to bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use. Targets have been set for each local authority for the number of identified vacant and derelict properties to enter the Programme. Overall, there is a target of 4,000 properties entering the Activation Programme in 2023. These are based on levels of vacancy in the local authority area. Of these, a target of 400 has been set for properties to enter the compulsory acquisition process, where engagement with the owner has not resulted in the vacant or derelict property being brought back into use, to be subsequently used for social housing or made available for sale on the open market. This Programme includes guidance and supports for local authorities to actively use their legislative powers to compulsorily acquire vacant and derelict properties, where engagement with owners has been unsuccessful.
The 2023 Activation Programme and targets for each local authority are available on my Department's website here: assets.gov.ie/261571/63028ee9-1259-4abc-98fb-c953a4aecba4.pdf
Each local authority will be required, to provide data in relation to the properties entering the Programme, activity undertaken and progress made, along with outcomes. My Department will report on the 2023 targets in Q2 2024.
The most efficient home to deliver is one which already exists. I firmly believe that the commitment this Government has made to addressing vacancy and dereliction will continue to play a vital role in delivering homes and revitalising local communities.
287. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which LIHAF road and bridge proposals for Maynooth, County Kildare have been held up for almost ten years with resulting constant frustration of traffic movements in and around Maynooth (details supplied); if urgent action will be taken to bring these delaying factors to a conclusion and set in place the necessary arrangements to carry out the extensive works given that the funding required was allocated ten years ago but has yet to be spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4863/24]
View answerI refer to the reply to Question No. 206 of 26 October 2023 which sets out the position on this matter.
The position remains unchanged.
288. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will amend the criteria pertaining to the assessment of means for eligibility for social housing and exclude payments under the working family payment which is available for some low paid workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4895/24]
View answerThe Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended, prescribe maximum net income limits for each local authority in different bands according to the area concerned, with income defined and assessed according to a standard Household Means Policy.
The policy provides for a range of income disregards and local authorities have discretion to disregard income that is temporary, short-term or once-off in nature. All income from social assistance payments, allowances and benefits, including working family payment, is assessable.
The payments included in the Policy were last reviewed in 2021. As it was found that the majority of working family payment recipients are in receipt of the payment for more than one year, it was recommended that the working family payment should not be considered short term in nature and, therefore, should remain as assessable income.
However, my Department keeps the Household Means Policy under regular review in order to ensure that it continues to be appropriate.
In addition, following a review conducted by my Department in 2022, the Government agreed to my recommendation to increase the baseline social housing income thresholds by €5,000 for all local authorities with effect from 1 January 2023. The thresholds increased to €40,000, €35,000 and €30,000 for bands 1, 2 and 3 respectively.
Notwithstanding these changes, my Department is awaiting detailed research examining the existing income limits in the context of current market and population conditions and the suitability or otherwise of the current framework having regard to the significantly changed landscape since it was introduced. This has been commissioned by the Housing Agency and I understand this work is near completion.
When it is available, my Department will undertake a further review, including consultation with stakeholders. This review will examine, inter alia, how the social housing income limits system interacts with other housing supports and ensure that they continue to target households correctly.
289. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funding available for the Voids Programme for 2024 and when allocations will be made to local authorities for this year's programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4896/24]
View answerThe management and maintenance of local authority housing stock, including pre-letting repairs to vacant properties, the implementation of a planned maintenance programme and carrying out of responsive repairs, are matters for each individual local authority under Section 58 of the Housing Act 1966.
Since 2014, Exchequer funding has also been provided through my Department's Voids Programme to supplement the local authority funding available for the preparation of vacant properties for re-letting. The funding was introduced originally to tackle long term vacant units and is now increasingly targeted to support authorities to ensure minimal turnaround and re-let times for vacant stock.
Budget 2024 has provided €31 million to the programme this year and funding allocations under Planned Maintenance/Voids will be announced in due course. Notwithstanding the voids funding being provided by my Department, local authorities have a responsibility to provide adequate housing maintenance budgets for 2024 and this parallel work by local authorities is essential for the development of the planned maintenance approach, which is an objective of Housing for All.
To that end, my Department and local authorities are continuing to transition from a largely response and voids-based approach to housing stock management and maintenance, to a planned maintenance approach as referenced in Housing for All, policy objective 20.6. This will require the completion of stock condition surveys by all local authorities and the subsequent development of strategic and informed work programmes in response.
292. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage what qualifications are required on recruitment and what further in-house training is given to the administration and field staff of NPWS to effectively carry out the function of implementation and enforcement of the various wildlife-related legislation, including the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2018, the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, the European Communities (Wildlife Act 1976)(Amendment) Regulations 1986 and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats)(Restrictions on the use of Poison Bait) Regulations 2010. [4902/24]
View answerThe National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department employs a range of administration, professional and technical and industrial staff across a number of grades. The Public Appointments Service (PAS) is responsible for conducting the recruitment process for both administration and professional and technical staff. My Department conduct the recruitment process for all industrial staff, under licence from the PAS. The qualifications required for each appointment are set out in the booklets that issue as part of the respective recruitment campaigns and are a matter of public record..
My Department and the NPWS make available a range of general, specific and professional training to all staff, including induction training and on the job training. Training on wildlife related legislation is provided to staff, as appropriate, by the Ecological Guidance Advisory Unit within the NPWS. Staff are also facilitated in and encouraged to pursue further educational and professional qualifications.
293. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 400 of 30 November 2023, if a water and-or wastewater caretaker employed by Uisce Éireann is entitled to become a member of a local authority. [4911/24]
View answer294. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if Circular LG(P) 06/09 "Local Government Act 2001 (Section 161) Order 2004", S.I. No. 216 of 2004 or Circular 09/2009 "Civil Servants and Political Activity" applies to a water and-or wastewater caretaker employed by Uisce Éireann. [4912/24]
View answer295. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a water/wastewater caretaker employed by Uisce Éireann is considered a civil servant in the craft or State industrial and manual grade employee; and if so, which grades in Uisce Éireann are considered below that of a civil service clerical officer. [4913/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 293, 294 and 295 together.
Uisce Éireann was established as a company under Part 2 of the Water Services Act, (No. 6 of 2013) as a subsidiary of Ervia. The subsequent Water Services (Amendment) Act, (No. 39 of 2022) separated Uisce Éireann from Ervia and established it as the standalone national authority for water services. Uisce Éireann workers are not considered civil servants as defined in the Civil Service Regulation Act, 1956, this includes water/wastewater caretakers.
Water/wastewater caretakers employed by Uisce Éireann are not considered civil servants, therefore they are not subject to the provisions of Circular LG(P) 06/09. Should an Uisce Éireann employed caretaker wish to engage in political activity, this is an internal matter for Uisce Éireann to address.
296. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the up-to-date position regarding the joint application by Ireland and Canada for UNESCO world heritage site status for the Trans-Atlantic Cable project between Valentia Island, County Kerry, and Heart's Content, Newfoundland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4943/24]
View answerThe process to inscribe a Tentative List site on the World Heritage List takes a number of years (minimum of five years) and is dependent on various factors. Each Tentative List site is different and, depending on its complexity, will progress through the nomination process at a different pace. As the Transatlantic Cable Ensemble Tentative List site is a "serial transnational" application with Canada, it will be progressed jointly by Ireland and Canada at both national/federal level and local/provincial level. My Department has met a number of times with both Parks Canada and Kerry County Council to discuss how the nomination should proceed. We are currently in the process of finalising a Memorandum of Understanding between my Department and Kerry County Council that will set out the overarching nomination structure, key milestones on the journey to inscription, and key responsibilities.
My Department recently published ‘A Guide to World Heritage Nomination’. Based on UNESCO’s Operational Guidelines and on international best practice, this is a non-statutory guide to assist local authorities, the public and key stakeholders understand the various World Heritage processes, timelines and requirements in an Irish context. This publication can be found at the link below:
www.worldheritageireland.ie/publication/a-guide-to-world-heritage-nomination-world-heritage-advice-series-no-1/
297. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps a school should take in circumstances (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4795/24]
View answerThe objective of the School Meals Programme is to provide regular, nutritious food to children to support them in taking full advantage of the education provided to them. The programme is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and extra educational achievement. Following the expansion of the programme in recent years, some 2,600 schools and organisations, covering 443,000 children are now eligible for funding.
I am committed to continuing to expand the School Meals Programme and building further on the significant extension of the programme that has taken place in recent years. As part of this significant expansion plan, all remaining primary schools were contacted last year and requested to submit an expression of interest form if their school is interested in commencing the provision of hot school meals.
Expressions of interests were received from over 900 primary schools in respect of 150,000 children and late last year these schools were invited to participate in the Hot School Meals Programme from April 2024. There will be an opportunity for the other primary schools who had subsequently expressed an interest, to do so formally during this year.
All schools who wish to avail of the School Meals Programme are responsible for choosing their own School Meals supplier on the open market in a fair and transparent manner in accordance with Public Procurement rules. In circumstances where a school is unable to secure a hot meals supplier due its location, I would suggest they reach out to local caterers or supermarkets within its area. If a school is still unsuccessful in securing a supplier, they should then try to source a local supplier that could instead provide a lunch with drink as an alternative to a hot meal.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
298. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection why a person's (details supplied) jobseeker's payment was stopped recently. [4661/24]
View answerThe Person Concerned failed to collect payments issued on the 7th, 14th and 21st of November 2023. All Jobseekers Claims automatically suspend once expired payment register on our payment system. As the Person Concerned did not make contact with the Department following these expired payments their Jobseekers claim automatically closed in November 2023.
The Person Concerned reapplied for Jobseekers on the 19/12/2023 and a decision to disallow this application was issued on the 12/01/2024. The Person Concerned was disallowed for two reasons, firstly they indicated on their Jobseekers application that they are unavailable for full time work and secondly they are attending a full time course of study.
An appeal application form has issued to the person concerned should they wish to appeal the decision.
299. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Social Protection in light of the recent Supreme Court ruling (detailed supplied), whether there are plans in place to legislate for where an unmarried partner is entitled to a partner's pension in the event of their death; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4667/24]
View answerUnder the law as currently enacted, entitlement to a Widows, Widowers or Surviving Civil Partner’s Contributory pension is only available to a surviving partner who was party to a marriage or civil partnership.
On Monday 22nd January the Supreme Court deliverd its judgment in relation to the entitlement of an unmarried co-habitant to a Widows, Widowers or Surviving Civil Partner’s Contributory pension. The Supreme Court judgment overruled a previous High Court decision and found in favour of the claimant and his children.
In simple terms the Court has found that section 124 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended) is inconsistent with the Constitution insofar as it excluded the claimant from the category of persons entitled to benefit from it. The Court reached that conclusion on the basis of the equality guarantee contained in Article 40.1 of the Constitution. The Supreme Court judgment notes that in order to resolve the issue raised by the judgment, a legislative amendment is required.
My officials and the Office of the Attorney General are now considering the very detailed judgment, including the legislative changes required to respond to this decision. This will be done with all expediency.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
300. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons who have received a deportation order from the Department of Justice and continue to be in receipt of a social welfare payment or payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4675/24]
View answerThe Department of Justice regularly notifies my Department with details of persons who are subject to deportation orders. The details are matched against social welfare records and if a person is in receipt of a payment, the scheme area is notified, and the payment is stopped.
A person who is subject to a deportation order is considered not to satisfy the habitual residence condition as they do not have an unqualified legal right of residence in the State. If a person does not satisfy the habitual residence condition, they are ineligible for social assistance payments.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
301. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason the carer's allowance was payable to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4682/24]
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.
An application for CA was received from the person concerned in September 2015 and payment was awarded on 1 February 2016 with effect from from 1 October 2015.
Correspondence issued to the person concerned on 17 January 2024 stating that the CA Claim was to be suspended effective from 25 January 2024. This decision was based on a Social Welfare Inspector’s (SWI) report that the person concerned failed to reply to items of correspondence that issued on 19 December 2023 and 9 January 2024.
On 26 January 2024, following a review on receipt of documentation provided to the SWI, the CA claim was unsuspended. The CA rate remains unchanged and payment will issue to their nominated bank account on 1 February 2024.
The person concerned was notified on 26 January 2024 of this decision, the reason for it and of their right of review and appeal.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
302. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the delay in processing a pension application for a person (details supplied) which was originally lodged in July 2023; if the application will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4729/24]
View answerThe person concerned has been awarded a State Pension (contributory) at the maximum weekly rate of €277.30 from 27 January 2024, the date they reached 66. The first payment will issue to the persons nominated financial institution on 2 February 2024.
The person concerned also applied for the Increase for a Qualified Adult allowance (IQA) on their State Pension (contributory). This is a means-tested payment, payable to a claimant whose spouse, civil partner or cohabitant is being wholly or mainly maintained by them, and where that qualified adult’s personal means from any source does not exceed a means test income limit.
Where a qualified adult has weekly means of less than €100, the maximum rate of IQA is payable. Where their weekly means are over €100 and not more than €310, a tapering reduced rate of IQA is payable. If the qualified adult has means of more than €310 per week, this exceeds the means limit and there is no entitlement to an IQA payment.
The application for IQA was referred to a local Social Welfare Inspector (SWI) for further clarification. On receipt of the completed report from the SWI, the application will be processed without delay and the person concerned will be notified of the decision.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
