Written Answers Nos. 201-228
201. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which this country’s workforce continues to have the increased skills necessary to meet modern market requirements; the extent to which this issue continues to be examined and addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5979/24]
View answerIreland’s skills development policy is framed by Ireland’s National Skills Strategy 2025, which was published in 2016. This ushered in significant reforms in the education and training sector, resulting in a responsive National Skills Architecture, which aims to ensure that education and training provision is optimally aligned with identified skills needs within the enterprise base. This Strategy has recently been reviewed by the OECD, the recommendations from which will inform the development of a new National Skills Strategy, upon the expiration of the current strategy in 2025.
Ireland’s skills architecture is overseen by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. The architecture draws on the labour market intelligence of the Skills and Labour Market Research Unit of SOLAS and the enterprise skills demand forecast studies of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, the Secretariat for which is based in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. This research informs the work of the National Skills Council. The Council is comprised of the chief skills policy stakeholders from across the public and private sectors and advises on the allocation of resources to address identified and emerging skills needs, while also working to maximise the responses to these needs by education and training providers.
The work of the Council is also informed by the activities of the network of nine Regional Skills Fora, which work to address the skills needs of regional enterprise by enhancing linkages and engagement between local education and training providers and employers, and by helping employers better understand and access the full range of services available across the education and training system. In particular, the Fora have facilitated the roll out of the Skills for Growth skills audit tools for regional enterprise, and its Enterprise Ireland strand, Spotlight on Skills workshops, a partnership with the Irish Management Institute, which have supported employers in understanding and planning for the skills needs of their enterprises.
202. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of job opportunities for women likely to emerge in the manufacturing or services sectors over the next twelve months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5980/24]
View answerThe Programme for Government committed to promoting higher female labour market participation, as well as less commuting and greater regional balance, through increased remote, flexible and hub-working arrangements to support families in their parenting and childcare choices.
According to the latest available data from the Central Statistics Office’s Labour Force Survey, female labour force participation is at a record high. In Q3 2023, the female participation rate stood at 60.9 percent, a more than 10 percentage point increase on the pandemic driven low of 50.1 percent in Q2 2020, and a 4.5 percentage point increase over the pre-pandemic rate in late 2019.
The female participation rate has grown significantly more than the male rate since Q4 2019, just prior to the pandemic, closing the gender gap in the workforce. The male participation rate has increased by 1.7 percentage points during this time, to 70.6 percent.
The number of women in employment is now 183,200 higher than in Q4 2019, compared with growth in male employment of 121,700. The total number of women in the labour force is now over 1.3 million, of which 1.26 million are in employment, with women representing 47.1 percent of the labour force.
As well as continued funding increases for early learning and childcare, the period since publication of the Programme for Government has encompassed the launch and implementation of Making Remote Work, Ireland’s National Remote Work strategy, which aims to ensure that remote work is a permanent feature in the Irish workplace, in a way that maximises economic, social and environmental benefits.
The strategy is setting out to create a conducive environment for remote working, developing and leveraging a remote work infrastructure, and building a remote work policy and guidance framework. The strategy is a key instrument for government in addressing obstacles to labour market inclusion, and female participation in particular, due to the disproportionate burden of unpaid care work undertaken by women. It is enabling improved access to the workplace through greater flexibility in terms of time management, childcare and commuting options.
The Government’s labour market activation strategy Pathways to Work 2021-2025 is also working to support greater female labour market participation. Its commitments include development and implementation of a new ‘Returners’ programme, to help integrate those who left or have been outside the workforce for some time, increasing the number of children in receipt of State supports for Early Learning and Care and School Age Funding Programmes, and ensuring that the particular circumstances of lone parents are considered in the assessment of a Working Age Payment.
Through continued implementation of these strategies, as well as the broader commitment to ensuring a resilient labour market and sound enterprise environment for job creation set out in the White Paper on Enterprise, the Government aims to build on this momentum in female labour market participation, and close the gender participation gap even further.
203. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn den Aire Oideachais an bhfuil cinneadh déanta maidir le líon na sraithphictiúir atá le déanamh ag daltaí atá ag ullmhú don Ardteist; an bhfuair a Roinn aon chomhfhreagras ó dhaltaí ag léiriú míshástacht faoin mbrú a chuireann an 20 sraithphictiúir reatha orthu; agus cén iarrachtaí atá ar bun aici chun an brú i measc an chúigiú agus an séú bliain a laghdú [5817/24]
View answerTá na sraitheanna pictiúr mar chomhpháirt den Bhéaltriail Ghaeilge d’iarrthóirí Ardleibhéil agus Gnáthleibhéil, agus 40% de na marcanna iomlána don Ghaeilge san Ardteistiméireacht ag dul don Bhéaltriail.
Mar fhreagra ar cheisteanna a d’ardaigh an CNCM agus COGG faoin sraith pictiúr agus faoi ghnéithe comhrá den Bhéaltriail Ghaeilge, thug Coimisiún na Scrúduithe Stáit isteach coigeartuithe ar struchtúr an Bhéaltriail Chomónta do scrúduithe 2020 agus ina dhiaidh sin. Tá sé mar aidhm acu seo deiseanna breise a chruthú don idirghníomhú idir an iarrthóir agus an scrúdaitheoir agus dá réir sin scóip a thabhairt don iarrthóir a inniúlacht a léiriú ach cothromaíocht a choinneáil ag an am céanna idir na codanna éagsúla den bhéaltriail. Níor tharla na béaltrialacha in 2020 mar thoradh ar an bpaindéim.
Ó shin i leith rinneadh coigeartuithe ar shocruithe measúnaithe do na scrúduithe Stáit i bhfianaise thionchar na paindéime ar an teagasc agus ar an bhfoghlaim. Rinneadh na hathruithe agus aird chuí tugtha ar phrionsabail an chomhionannais, na cothroime agus an ionracais, maidir le comparáidí scoláire le scoláire, ábhar-le-hábhar, agus bliain le bliain. Maidir le Gaeilge na hArdteistiméireachta, i measc na gcoigeartuithe seo tá laghdú ar an líon sraitheanna pictiúr nach mór do gach iarrthóir a ullmhú, ó 20 go 10. Ar an 16 Bealtaine, d'fhógair mé go mbeadh na coigeartuithe sin i bhfeidhm arís in 2024.
Níl cinneadh déanta go fóill maidir le coigeartuithe measúnaithe do 2025. Cuirfear sonraí aon choigeartuithe measúnaithe a d’fhéadfadh a bheith i gceist do scrúduithe 2025 in iúl do na scoileanna a luaithe a bheidh cinneadh déanta, agus iarrfar ar scoileanna a chinntiú go gcuirtear gach scoláire ar an eolas faoi na hathruithe seo.
Tá comhfhreagras ar an ábhar seo faighte ó mhic léinn, mar a tharlódh le raon ábhar ó am go ham, agus tá an seasamh mar atá leagtha amach anseo léirithe sna freagraí a thugtar go díreach do na mic léinn.
204. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education when a person (details supplied) can expect to hear the outcome of their application to have their salary increments reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5839/24]
View answerThe criteria for the award of incremental credit are set out in the Department’s Circulars 10/2001 for Primary teachers, 29/2007 and 29/2010 for Post-Primary teachers. The criteria for the award of incremental credit to recognised teachers was agreed under the auspices of the Teachers Conciliation Council (TCC).
To qualify for an award of incremental credit, a teacher and their prior work experience being claimed must satisfy the eligibility criteria set out in the relevant circular. An award of incremental credit cannot be made where the eligibility criteria is not satisfied.
When an application for incremental credit is received in the Department, it is checked to ensure that it is fully completed. Applications are managed in date received order.
Applications can take up to 20 weeks to be fully processed but most are dealt with well within this timeframe. Factors that impact on this processing time include incomplete application forms and conflicting information on the application form. Please be advised that if a teacher meets the criteria set out in Circulars 10/2001 for Primary teachers, 29/2007 and 29/2010 for Post-Primary teachers, incremental credit will be awarded and any monies due paid accordingly.
The person named has submitted an application for an award of incremental credit to my Department. However, not all the information required in support of the application has been received by my Department to date. The relevant personnel in my Department are in communication with the person named in relation to this issue and my Department will continue to process the application once all required information has been received.
205. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education when a response will issue to communication regarding school transport for a child (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5891/24]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 161,600 children, including over 135,000 pupils traveling on primary and post primary services, 19,800 pupils with special educational needs, and 6,800 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.
There has been an overall increase in both applications and tickets issued for the 2023/2024 school year in comparison to the 2022/2023 school year.
Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
At Primary level, eligibility for school transport is to the nearest school, having regard to ethos and language.
The school to which the pupil currently attends is deemed to be an English speaking school.
A minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, are required before consideration may be given to the establishment or retention of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.
Any remaining seats left after eligible children are accommodated are being allocated to concessionary children in the usual way. Where the number of applications for transport on a concessionary basis exceeds the number of seats available, Bus Éireann will determine the allocation of the tickets using an agreed selection process.
Applications for school transport are received through the Bus Éireann portal. The on-line portal is expected to open for new applications in the coming weeks. The deadline for new applications is usually the last Friday in April of each year. Any new applications made after the closing date are considered late applications and families will not be guaranteed a seat.
The family to whom the Deputy refers can make an on-line application to the new school of attendance for the 2024/25 School year on the Bus Éireann portal at www.buseireann.ie/schooltransport.
206. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education if an environmental grant is available for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6011/24]
View answerAs part of the Schools Photovoltaic Programme, which rolled out to over 1,600 schools last November, installations will be for a maximum of 6 kWp (approximately 16 solar panels) in size and will be fully funded by the Government’s Climate Action Fund.
Schools in the following areas were invited to participate in the first phase: Co. Clare, Co. Donegal, Dublin City Council area, Co. Galway, Co. Kerry, Co. Kilkenny, Co. Leitrim, Co. Limerick, Co. Offaly, Co. Waterford and Co. Wicklow.
This scheme can only be used to support installations of up to 6 kWp (kilowatt peak) in size on existing building rooftops.
This was specifically chosen such that the grid connection process is covered under the ESB Networks ‘NC6 inform and fit’ notification process. Unlike the NC7 and NC8 mini and small-scale generator connection processes (which covers installations greater than 6 kWp), there are no additional costs for schools under the NC6 process and there are no grid restrictions limiting export.
Schools will be able to choose an energy supply company offering the best value tariffs for both the import and export of electricity, with the opportunity to maximise their remuneration during the summer months and other times when the school is not occupied under the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) scheme.
Schools wishing to install a larger array cannot be funded under the Schools PV Programme. Such schools may be able to avail of the SEAI’s NDMG grant to assist with the cost of these larger systems.
It is expected that all 4,000 schools will have the opportunity to avail of the Schools Photovoltaic Programme by the end of this year.
207. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if she will give an update in relation to the development of upgrading/provision of new schools at primary and second level in Naas, County Kildare; the degree to which plans are in hand to cater for the expanding population with particular reference to September 2024; the extent to which a solution has been found to facilitate the continuation of works on site at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6023/24]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, for school planning purposes, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System (or GIS) to anticipate school place demand. Information from a range of sources, including Child Benefit Data, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity is used for this purpose. In addition, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform the Department’s projections of school place requirements.
Having considered the projected requirements in each school planning area, including Naas, my Department then makes an assessment of the existing capacity and identifies any requirement for additional provision. Additional provision is made as necessary, where the existing capacity is insufficient for future needs.
My Department is aware of pressures for school places in Naas. A critical next step for the Department is to establish the actual number of additional first year places required for 2024 in order for an appropriate solution to be put in place. In that context, schools in a number of areas of enrolment pressure, including Naas, have been requested to share data on applications for admissions. This data has been received by my officials and is currently being analysed with a view to establishing the actual requirement for places. Preliminary assessments indicate that duplications of applications, and applications from outside the local area, are contributing to enrolment pressures in the town.
My Department is working to clarify the actual requirement for additional school places and to identify particular further capacity requirements for 2024 and forthcoming years. My Department will engage with schools and patrons to put any required solutions in place - beyond those that are already in train - to ensure sufficient school places to meet the needs of students in the area.
My Department has invested significantly in schools in County Kildare over recent years. Under the National Development Plan, a total of almost €250m has been invested in schools in County Kildare over the last five years. This investment has focused on provision of additional capacity to cater for its increasing population and there are further significant projects in our pipeline including for the Naas area.
These projects include recently completed new school buildings in Naas. Additionally, a number of further new school buildings and extensions are at construction or planned in Naas School Planning Area.
The Capital Programme details the school projects that are being progressed under Project Ireland 2040. The current status of large-scale projects being delivered under Project Ireland 2040, may be viewed on my Department's website at, www.gov.ie and this information is updated regularly. In addition, a list of large-scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.
The project to which the Deputy refers has been devolved to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for delivery as part of a programme of school building projects. This school is in the bundle referred to as ‘Project Boyne’
The project is currently at Stage 2b of the architectural planning process. The planning permission for the project was granted by Kildare County Council in Quarter 1 2023.
When Stage 2b has been approved, the next stage is tendering for a contractor and then onwards to construction. At this stage in the delivery process, it is not possible to give a date for its completion. The NDFA will be engaging directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress.
I can assure the Deputy that the Department will continue to work with schools and patrons to ensure that there is appropriate provision for all students in Naas and across the county for the 2024/25 school year and into the future.
208. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which it has been found possible to meet the pupil accommodation requirements in all schools throughout Kildare north, an area of rapid population expansion with particular reference to the need to ensure an adequacy of school places in time for enrolment in September 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6031/24]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, my Department is aware of pressures for school places for the 2024/25 school year in North Kildare.
A critical next step for my Department is to establish the actual number of additional first year places required for 2024 in order for an appropriate solution to be put in place. In that context, schools in a number of areas of enrolment pressure, including North Kildare, have been requested to share data on applications for admissions. This data has been received by my officials and is currently being analysed with a view to establishing the actual requirement for places. Preliminary assessments indicate that duplications of applications, and applications from outside the local area, are contributing to enrolment pressures in North Kildare.
My Department is working to clarify the actual requirement for additional school places and to identify particular further capacity requirements for 2024 and forthcoming years. My Department will engage with schools and patrons to put any required solutions in place - beyond those that are already in train - to ensure sufficient school places to meet the needs of students in the area.
I can assure the Deputy that Department officials will continue to actively engage with schools and patrons to ensure that there is appropriate provision for all students across North Kildare for the 2024/25 school year and into the future.
209. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she has she received a proposal from RTÉ for the removal of its plus one channels and its digital radio stations, as outlined in its New Direction strategy, as required under section 103 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 (details supplied); if he received RTÉ's proposal, when she plans to commence her decision making process under the Act; and if that process will include taking submissions from the public. [5850/24]
View answerAs provided for in the Broadcasting Act 2009, RTÉ or TG4 may, with the consent of the Minister, vary the number of television or sound broadcasting channels operated. The process established under Section 103 of the Act requires consultation with the broadcaster on the proposal, consultation with Coimisiún na Meán as to the sectoral impact of the proposal, and consideration of the public value of any such proposal.
As part of its Strategic Vision, which was published in November last year, RTÉ has proposed ceasing the broadcast of RTÉ One+1 and RTÉ2+1 by 2028. RTÉ state that their investment in digital services will allow the content on these services to be available more widely through on-demand services and that closing the plus one channels will allow them to reduce the cost of traditional broadcast distribution and prioritise delivery of live and on-demand content through digital platforms.
To date, no proposal from RTÉ has been received and when it is forthcoming, the merits of the proposal will be assessed, as outlined above, prior to any decision being made.
210. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of summonses applied for, and the number of cases brought to court, respectively, with respect to non-payment of the TV license in each of the years 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. [5895/24]
View answerPart 9 of the Broadcasting Act, 2009 makes provision for the administration of the TV licence fee system.
As statutory collection agent, operational issues regarding collection and enforcement are primarily a matter for An Post, who make every effort to promote the purchasing of a TV licence and thereby ensure compliance. This includes issuing of reminders and undertaking household visits to confirm possession of a TV licence or otherwise. While it is an offence not to possess a TV licence, prosecution through the courts is a last resort.
The number of summons issued by An Post and the number of cases brought to court are as follows:
|
Year |
Number of Summons Issued |
Cases Brought to Court |
|
2020 |
9,555 |
4,581 |
|
2021 |
7,7507 |
4,328 |
|
2022 |
14,915 |
9,610 |
|
2023 (to 30th November) |
13,137 |
8,612 |
* 2023 figures up to 30th November inclusive, final figures for 2023 are not yet available.
The figures provided for 2020 and 2021 reflect reduced operational activities due to the impact of necessary public health restrictions.
It is to be noted that not all summonses sought in any given year are brought to court in the same calendar year and may not be heard until the following year. Timing of court hearings and details of prosecutions and sentencing are a matter for the Courts Service.
Possession of a valid TV licence is not only a legal obligation, it also provides vital funding to enable the provision of high quality public service content to Irish audiences. It is important to note that in addition to providing funding to RTÉ, TV licences receipts also enable funding to a wider range of broadcasters including local commercial radio through the Sound and Vision scheme, as well as providing significant support for the independent production sector.
211. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media where the results of the national swimming strategy survey of 2022 can be accessed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5960/24]
View answerBoth the National Sports Policy 2018-2027 and the Sports Action Plan 2021-2023 commit to the development of a National Swimming Strategy. A public consultation on its development closed in October 2022 and work on the analysis of the very large number of responses is now complete.
Work on developing the National Swimming Strategy is nearing completion and I hope to be in a position to publish it in the coming period. A report detailing the findings of the public consultation process will be made available in tandem with the publication of the Strategy.
212. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media what follow-up she gave to correspondence relating to allegations of historic bullying within RTÉ (details supplied); if she or a representative has engaged with the individual with a view to resolving the matter; how she intends to deal with similar cases surfacing in relation to RTÉ; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5970/24]
View answerIn accordance with the statutory independence of RTÉ, neither I nor my officials have any role in day to day operational matters, this includes issues relating to individual members of staff and contractors.
With regard to the specific case referred to by the Deputy, this and any such matters that are brought to the attention of my Department are forwarded to the Director General of RTÉ for direct attention, given that human resources and staffing issues are a matter for the Director General. I understand that the Director General has responded directly to the individual.
213. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the up-to-date weekly figures regarding TV licence renewal and purchase of TV licences for January 2024 versus January 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5996/24]
View answerThe first table below shows the number of first time licence sales and licence renewals in January 2024, as reported by An Post.
|
Week |
Sales |
Renewal |
First Time Licence |
|
Week 1 |
12,198 |
10,779 |
1,419 |
|
Week 2 |
13,095 |
11,609 |
1,486 |
|
Week 3 |
13,956 |
12,069 |
1,887 |
|
Week 4 |
12,697 |
11,230 |
1,467 |
|
Week 5 |
10,386 |
8,968 |
1,418 |
By way of comparison, the below table shows the number of first time licence sales and licence renewals in January 2023.
|
Week |
Sales |
Renewal |
First Time Licence |
|
Week 1 |
13,979 |
11,880 |
2,099 |
|
Week 2 |
17,212 |
14,473 |
2,739 |
|
Week 3 |
15,299 |
12,895 |
2,404 |
|
Week 4 |
13,426 |
11,615 |
1,811 |
|
Week 5 |
7,848 |
6,846 |
1,002 |
Public service content is crucial to our democracy and society as a whole and therefore, as I have stated on numerous occasions, it is vital that people continue to pay the TV licence fee. Not only is it required by law but the funding provided through TV licence fees enables essential news and current affairs programming. Through the Sound and Vision Scheme, it supports commercial and community radio and the broadcasting sector as a whole, including the independent production sector. The latter also benefits from RTÉ's external commissioning of programmes.
214. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her Department contributes in any way to the monetary cost of the advertisement of the TV licence fee on platforms; if she will outline details of such expenditure; if she and her Department contribute to the formulation of messaging in any such advertising; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5997/24]
View answerGiven RTÉ's statutory independence under section 98 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, neither I, nor the officials in my Department, have any role in day to day operational matters including issues relating to advertising.
RTÉ is not the TV licence-issuing agent, nor the sole beneficiary of TV licence receipts, however it does undertake advertising campaigns to remind the public of the statutory obligation to be in possession of a valid TV licence, as well as the wide range of public service content which it supports.
The content, timing and frequency of TV licence advertisements is entirely an operational matter for RTÉ. The costs are fully borne by RTÉ and no additional financial provisions are made by my Department for such advertising.
215. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to outline what action is being taken to implement the recommendation of the Citizens Assembly on Biodiversity that Ireland adopt the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment and the recommendation that the legal rights of nature be recognised via a constitutional referendum. [5957/24]
View answer216. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether he intends to establish an expert group with resources to design and draft the potential question or questions on the rights of nature as recommended by the Joint Oireachtas Committee in its report on the Citizens Assembly on Biodiversity. [5958/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 215 and 216 together.
The Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss (CABL) was convened as a commitment in the Programme for Government, in recognition of the vital role that biodiversity plays in the continued health of our society, economy, species and planet. The Assembly agreed 159 recommendations, including 73 high level and 86 sectoral specific recommendations, reflecting the depth and breadth of the topics discussed. The recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly were then deliberated by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment and Climate Action, who held a series of engagements with stakeholders. The Joint Oireachtas Committee published their report in December 2023, containing 86 recommendations which the Committee feel are vital to ensure that the biodiversity crisis in Ireland is addressed in a meaningful way.
The 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan 2023-2030 was launched in January and addresses a number of the key recommendations of both the Citizens’ Assembly and the Joint Oireachtas Committee. The Plan provides for a mechanism by which the recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly will be considered by Government, including an action for the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to explore the ways in which the rights of nature could be formally recognised. A report outlining departmental responses to the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss will be laid before the Oireachtas in the coming months.
217. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide details of the review conducted as part of the NDP review process and supply a list of villages and settlements in each county that do not currently have access to public wastewater infrastructure, including those specific for County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5789/24]
View answerI can confirm that in April 2022, my Department in conjunction with the local authorities completed a report on waste water needs of villages not served by public waste water collection systems.
Included in the Report is a nationwide listing of all villages and similar settlements without access to public waste water infrastructure. My Department will provide a full list of these locations, including those in County Mayo, directly to the Deputy.
218. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average wait time for a Residential Tenancies Board mediation session after application and the subsequent wait time for a dispute session when mediation ends in no resolution. [5851/24]
View answerThe Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) was established a quasi-judicial independent statutory body under the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2022, to operate a national tenancy registration system and to facilitate the resolution of disputes between landlords and tenants and as such, the dispute resolution process 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.
219. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will ensure in the future that historically significant vessels, such as LÉ Éithne and the Naomh Éanna, will be evaluated and feasibility studies carried out by his Department to consider potential heritage options are fully considered before any decisions about their future are made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5886/24]
View answerThe future use of naval vessels currently in service or that have been decommissioned is a matter for the Department of Defence. My Department would of course consider any request by the Department of Defence to assist with undertaking a heritage feasibility study.
It should be noted that the primary responsibility of my Department in relation to maritime heritage (under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014) is the protection and preservation of wrecks and archaeology lying on, in or under the sea bed or on or in land covered by water.
220. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide current guidelines and policy documents in respect of his Department's policy and advices to local authorities with regards to tenant transfers between local authorities on compassionate or exceptional grounds particularly with respect to elderly persons and senior citizen housing (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5896/24]
View answerRequests for housing transfers are considered solely by the relevant local authority concerned in accordance with that authority’s allocation scheme, which is made by the elected members under section 22 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and in compliance with Social Housing Allocation Regulations 2011, as amended.
Local authorities are responsible for assessing housing applicants, taking into account factors such as the condition and affordability of existing accommodation, medical and compassionate grounds, etc. The authority then prioritises the needs of approved applicants in accordance with its allocation scheme. Ultimately, it is a matter for the local authority to decide the conditions to be met in relation to transfer applications.
Some local authorities, including Dublin City Council have provisions in their allocation schemes for inter authority transfers for sitting tenants whereby the authority is prepared to accommodate applications for inter authority transfers provided certain criteria are met. Such arrangements are entirely a matter for the local authorities concerned.
221. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the delayed actions that his Department is leading on as part of the Climate Action Plan 2023; the proportion that have been completed; the proportion that are delayed; if any are still outstanding from the 2021 Climate Action Plan; the expected timeline for delivery for all delayed actions; the estimated emissions impact of delayed actions; the impact on carbon budgets; what measures he is taking to mitigate these impacts and make up any possible shortfalls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5905/24]
View answerMy Department is working hard to achieve our shared goals of achieving net-Zero emissions no later than 2050, and a 51% reduction in emissions by the end of this decade. This Department has a broad remit over the built environment, planning, the marine environment and national biodiversity policy, as well as Met Éireann’s role in climate science and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Many of our actions are high-impact and play an important role in the delivery and implementation of the Climate Action Plan. Examples of actions delivered by my Department under the Climate Action Plan 2023 include establishment of the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority and the retrofit of approximately 2,400 Local Authority homes.
The Department of the Taoiseach oversees the reporting process that monitors the progress made against the actions and associated measures listed in the Annex {of Actions, which is published to accompany the Plan}. Quarterly progress reports are submitted to the Government before being published on the gov.ie/climateaction website at this link - www.gov.ie/en/publication/7bd8c-climate-action-plan-2023/?referrer=http://www.gov.ie/climateaction/. To retain accountability, any delayed high impact actions from CAP23 will roll-over for delivery and progress reporting in Q1 2024 and beyond. They will appear in quarterly reports as delayed actions until they are completed. A legacy report will be published alongside the Q4 2023 Progress Report that will identify delayed high impact actions and close off, with explanation, any lower impact actions.
222. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to confirm that the proposed stakeholder forum on the sustainable hunting of protected wild birds will include all relevant stakeholders in its membership, including game conservation organisations (details supplied). [5914/24]
View answerI have committed to the establishment of a stakeholder forum on the sustainable hunting of wild birds. All relevant stakeholders will be invited to take part such as hunting organisations (including the organisations referenced). , eNGOs, Government Departments and farming organisations.
223. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for a breakdown in tabular form of the number of staff, and their grade currently, employed within An Bord Pleanála, highlighting if they are employed on a part-time or full-time basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5935/24]
View answer224. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for a breakdown in tabular form of the number of vacant staffing positions and their grade within An Bord Pleanála; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5936/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 223 and 224 together.
An Bord Pleanála (the Board) is the national independent statutory body with responsibility for the determination of planning appeals and direct applications for strategic infrastructure and other developments under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, and certain other Acts.
There are now more people working at the Board than at any time previously. Since October 2021, my Department has agreed to 117 new staffing posts in the Board. The Board has advised that as of 31 December 2023 there were 254 individuals working in the Board including Board Members. The Board received approval and sanction from my Department for a total of 313 posts for 2023.
Details of staffing are an operational matter for individual agencies. 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 An Bord Pleanála in this regard is Oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie .
225. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware that local authorities are establishing designated activity companies as special purpose vehicles, thereafter disposing of lands for the purpose of development under a service level agreement; if this is considered good practice; if he has concerns about such activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6014/24]
View answerLocal authorities are independent statutory bodies with their own democratically elected councils, and management and governance structures.
Under Section 63 of the Local Government Act 2001, a local authority is "independent in the performance of its functions". The disposal and acquisition of land are local authority functions.
Section 183 of the 2001 Act provides for the procedure to be followed in relation to the disposal of land held by a local authority. Under Section 183 it is a reserved function of the elected council to reject the disposal of land.
Part 9, Chapter 1 of the Local Government Act 2001 (as amended), in setting out the general functions of a local authority, provides that such functions include taking "such action as it considers necessary or desirable to promote the community interest..." Section 66(4)(i) of the 2001 Act provides that, in promoting the interests of a local community, a local authority may "enter into such contracts and make such other arrangements (including the incorporation of one or more than one company) as the authority considers necessary or expedient either alone or jointly with any other local authority or public authority or any other person".
226. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he expects to bring forward the required amendments to the section 25 (2) (b) (II) of the Housing (Regulation of Approved Housing Bodies) Act 2019. [6015/24]
View answerThe priority drafting of the necessary amendments to the Housing (Regulation of Approved Housing Bodies) Act 2019 has been approved by Government. These amendments will shortly begin the legislative process as part of the upcoming Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill.
227. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the review of the rental accommodation scheme will be published. [6018/24]
View answerMy Department is undertaking a review of the future of the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) which considers the role of RAS in the private market, taking account of the Housing Assistance Payment scheme and Approved Housing Body participation.
The draft report was submitted to me on 6 October 2023 in order to note the contents and recommendations. My Department is currently in the process of considering the draft report’s recommendations in terms of costs and implications before the implementation phase of the review begins. Publication of the report will be considered when this process is complete.
228. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will comment on concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6022/24]
View answerConstitutional recognition of local government provides the basis for a separate local government system, distinct from national government. Local authorities are independent statutory bodies with their own democratically elected councils and management structures. Subject to law, a local authority is independent in the performance of its functions.
The elected council is the primary oversight body of a local authority, served by a chief executive who is required to support the elected council in the performance of its functions. Elected councils have extensive powers to request information, issue directions, and oversee the work of the chief executive. The chief executive is accountable to the elected council in the delivery of his or her executive functions. Ultimately, the council is responsible for appointing the chief executive and may suspend or instigate their removal from their position by resolution.
Under the Local Government Act 2001 (as amended), the organisation of and proceedings at council meetings are functions reserved for decision by the elected council.
The role of the Minister is primarily to ensure a framework of policy and legislation in relation to the local government system, including its structures, human resources, financing and broad oversight as set out in the provisions of the Local Government Act 2001, the Minister does not have a role in relation to individual decisions made by local authorities, except in a limited number of circumstances where there may be specific statutory provision for Ministerial approval within the Department’s own particular areas of responsibility (i.e. housing, planning and heritage).
In relation to allegations of breaches of the Local Government Act, any allegations of a criminal nature should be brought to the attention of An Garda Síochána for investigation, as appropriate. Allegations of breaches of ethics rules by a member or employee of a local authority should be dealt with in accordance with the Ethics Framework for Local Government as set down in Part 15 of the Local Government Act 2001 (as amended). The 2001 Act confirms the oversight role of the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO), which has investigatory and reporting functions as to both breaches of the Local Government and Ethics Acts at local authority level. There is no statutory role for the Minister in such matters.
