Written Answers Nos. 321-340
321. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the total number of prizes won by prize bond holders on a monthly basis in each of the past two years to date; the extent to which ongoing supervision and monitoring of the draws take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15409/24]
View answerIn response to the Deputy's question the NTMA have supplied me with the attached table setting out the total number of prizes won by prize bond holders on a monthly basis in each of the past two years to date. The number of prizes is determined by the interest rate applied to the value of the Prize Bonds outstanding.
The NTMA also informs me that the Prize Bond winners are selected in a computerised draw each week. The numbers are randomly generated by a computer and every draw is observed by an official from the National Treasury Management Agency. The results of every draw are independently analysed to confirm the randomness of the draw.
323. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which insurance costs in Ireland compare with such costs across Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15411/24]
View answerIt is my understanding that it is difficult to obtain reliable data to compare the cost of insurance here to that in other European jurisdictions. I am informed that international organisations, such as the OECD and Eurostat, do not publish comparative data on the cost of insurance between countries. It should also be noted that while EIOPA – the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority – does collect data in relation to insurance premiums, this is primarily “Gross Written Premium” by Member State and is not broken down further to reflect costs. It also includes cross-border business.
Eurostat publishes Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) data with regard to insurance, but this only provides a comparison of the rate of inflation for different types of insurance such as motor and travel. Accordingly, it is not possible to compare the underlying cost of each insurance type. In any event, any international comparisons based on price alone would not take into account relevant factors such as the various regulatory environments and liability systems in place in different jurisdictions. I would note that according to the latest Eurostat HICP for February 2024, the price of motor insurance in Ireland rose by 4.1 per cent year-on-year – which is below the EU average of 9.7 per cent.
Increased availability of data in relation to insurance, and understanding the factors that influence insurance costs, is important. In this regard, the National Claims Information Database (NCID) is unique in Europe in terms of the transparency it provides into the Irish insurance sector. To date, the Central Bank of Ireland has published NCID reports on private motor insurance and employers’ liability, public liability and commercial property insurance. These reports contain a wealth of information regarding the key insurance markets for consumers and businesses, including data on claims costs and average earned premiums.
The NCID is continually seeking to improve the transparency and insight that can be provided through these reports, and each data collection has been amended to include more information. As such, I believe that it will continue to serve a vital role in helping us to understand the impact of market developments on insurance costs into the future. In addition, over time the NCID should enable stakeholders to assess the impact of the wide range of Government reforms already undertaken to improve the affordability of insurance, and will enable us to better tailor any future measures to increase the competitiveness of this sector.
324. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he will take action to discourage house price increases that currently make it difficult or impossible for first-time house buyers to build or acquire a home of their own; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15412/24]
View answerMy Department continues to monitor all aspects of the housing market, including the rate of property price inflation. As of January 2024, annual property price inflation was 5.4 per cent.
The Government’s primary response to mitigating residential price inflation is to increase supply. I am encouraged by the momentum in housing delivery at present. Last year, there were 32,695 new residential homes completed according to the Central Statistics Office. This is 10 per cent higher than the number of new homes built in 2022.
The pipeline of future housing delivery is also encouraging. In the 12 months to February 2024, construction commenced on 35,752 new homes, the highest number of commencements in any 12 month period since the series began in 2014. Planning permission was also granted for the construction of 41,225 new homes in 2023, which is 21 per cent higher than the previous year.
We are also seeing progress on the delivery of social housing, with 11,939 new social homes delivered via various means by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies in 2023, an increase of 16 per cent on the previous year.
Of course, further progress is required and that is why the addition of new and affordable homes continues to be supported through Government action. In Budget 2024, €2.6 billion of capital investment was allocated to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for housing. This capital provision will be supplemented by Land Development Agency investment and Housing Finance Agency lending, resulting in an overall capital provision for housing of over €5 billion for 2024. As part of Budget 2024, I increased the Vacant Homes Tax to five times the property’s existing basic Local Property Tax rate to help tackle vacancy.
The Government also continues to support first-time buyers. To that end, last year I extended the Help to Buy scheme to the end of 2025 which will provide further support to first-time buyers with the deposit they need to buy or build a new house or apartment. The First Home Scheme was also established to help first-time buyers to bridge the gap between their mortgage, deposit and the price of a new home. As of the end of 2023, 3,196 buyers have been approved by the scheme. This progress is making a real difference to first-time buyers. Data from the Banking & Payments Federation show that in 2023, first-time buyers accounted for 25,591 mortgage drawdowns, the highest level in a single year since 2007.
The only long-term sustainable solution to rising prices is to increase the supply of all types of homes - social, affordable, rental and owner-occupier. I will continue to work with my Government colleagues to ensure supply targets are achieved.
325. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he has identified particularly vulnerable sectors for specific continued assistance post-Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15413/24]
View answerMy Government colleagues and I have remained alert to the challenges and the potential economic impacts arising from Brexit, including paying particular attention to the effective implementation of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) and to the Withdrawal Agreement, which includes the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Building on its early and extensive contingency planning and analysis, the Government dedicated substantial resources to preparing for Brexit. We invested significantly in new infrastructure, systems and staff; engaged extensively with stakeholders; and provided a range of financial, upskilling and advisory supports for impacted sectors and businesses.
My Department, the Central Bank and the NTMA have worked closely in recent years to ensure the financial system was well prepared for Brexit. The nature, scale and complexity of Ireland’s international financial services sector is changing in a number of ways as a result of firms relocating within the single market, and the sector is broader and more diverse with more firms carrying out a greater range of regulated activities than at any time. The full impact of Brexit for Ireland’s international financial services sector may not materialise for some years. The Joint EU-UK Financial Regulatory Forum met for the first time in October 2023 and a second meeting will take place on 22 May. This is intended to facilitate information-sharing and manage inevitable divergence over time. It is a positive step towards maintaining financial stability and market integrity, and reduced further the potential impact of Brexit on Ireland’s financial services.
Brexit will have a negative impact on the Irish economy compared to when both Ireland and the UK were members of the European Union. That said, the disruption to the domestic economy from Brexit is playing out more slowly than the fast-moving shocks we have also experienced in terms of Covid-19 and the impact of the situation in Ukraine. While the Trade and Cooperation Agreement provides for tariff-free trade between the EU and the UK, non-tariff barriers – such as regulatory checks – will weigh on cross-border trade. The phasing in of UK import controls began in January 2024, with further phases due in April and October. The pragmatic approach of the UK government is welcome, however readiness of UK authorities is of concern to Irish agri-food exporters and this is being monitored across government.
The Government is committed and remains focused on protecting our economic and financial interests, and will continue to work to minimise the disruption that Brexit will have on the economy and peoples’ livelihoods to the greatest extent possible. A number of government departments and agencies continue to provide advice, support and schemes to support sectors in managing the impact of Brexit.
326. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the degree to which he can forecast economic prospects over the next five years, in view of the variety of potential challenges globally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15414/24]
View answerMy Department produces, and publishes, two set of macroeconomic projections each year – its spring forecasts (set out in the annual Stability Programme Update) and its autumn forecasts (set out in the Economic and Fiscal Outlook that accompanies the Budget). Under European law, both sets of forecasts are subject to independent endorsement by the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council.
In April 2023, my Department extended out the forecast horizon for key economic indicators to 2030. As part of the forthcoming Stability Programme Update 2024, which will be published later this month, my Department will once again produce macroeconomic forecast out to 2030.
Over the near term the forecasts will take into account the most recent economic developments, particularly the significant easing in inflation over recent months. This easing in inflation is expected to be sustained throughout the rest of this year, as wholesale energy price cuts pass through to consumers. Along with the continued strong performance of the labour market, the reduction in inflation should support the purchasing power of households and underpin real consumer spending growth. This should drive momentum in the economy into next year.
Beyond the near-term, the economy is facing into a period of structural change characterised by simultaneous economic challenges in the form of decarbonisation, demographic change, digitalisation and de-globalisation – collectively the ‘4 Ds’. Over the medium-term economic prospects will be determined by the availability of capital and labour, as well as how effectively they are combined (i.e. productivity) to produce outputs. Work undertaken by the Department shows that the growth in the ‘supply-side’ of the economy will slow from the second half of this decade, in line with inter alia an ageing population and a structural easing in productivity growth. Over the second half of this decade output, as measured by GNI*, is projected to grow at an average annual rate of 2½ per cent, a moderation on recent decades. The medium-term outlook for investment is more positive. The National Development Plan and private sector requirements for investment in ‘greening’ should see overall growth in investment remain strong compared to historic standards. Overall, the projected medium term growth rates remain robust relative to other advanced economies.
327. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the steps which can be taken to encourage lenders, directly or through the medium of the Central Bank, when dealing with borrowers in arrears to take into account the willingness of the borrowers to make reasonable repayments in line with their circumstances rather than liquidation, particularly in circumstances in which the family home or small business is concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15415/24]
View answerThe Government is aware of the pressure that the rising interest rate environment may have on borrowers. I convened a meeting with lenders active in the mortgage market on 31 August of last year. The Central Bank of Ireland, the Insolvency Service of Ireland, the Citizens Information Board and Money Advice and Budgeting Service also attended.
Following this meeting, on 6 September the Banking & Payments Federation of Ireland (BPFI)'s second phase of its Dealing With Debt campaign was launched to highlight new and existing supports available for mortgage customers. One of the initiatives to which I would draw the Deputy's attention is the work between Credit Servicing Firms and MABS on a streamlined customer engagement framework to accelerate the agreement of sustainable repayment plans for customers in financial difficulty.
The consumer protection framework provides the same protections for borrowers regardless of the regulated entity with whom they are dealing, be that a bank, retail credit firm (RCF) or credit servicing firm (CSF). These regulated entities must be authorised and supervised by the Central Bank, and are subject to the full suite of relevant regulatory requirements and financial services legislation, including the Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears (CCMA).
There are a broad range of measures in place to protect mortgage holders who are experiencing difficulty with their repayments. The CCMA outlines how a lender must act if a borrower is in or facing mortgage arrears. The CCMA sets out the process that entities must follow when a borrower is experiencing difficulties with their mortgage payments. Due regard must be given to the fact that each case is unique and needs to be considered on its own merits.
Regulated entities must explore all of the options for alternative repayment arrangements (ARAs) in order to determine which ARA, if any, is appropriate and sustainable for a distressed borrower’s individual circumstances. The range of sustainable solutions being offered to consumers has expanded significantly including the use of new ARAs, mortgage-to-rent and personal insolvency arrangements.
The CCMA provides for an appeals mechanism, including where the entity declines to offer an ARA, where the borrower is not willing to enter into the ARA offered or where the entity classifies the borrower as not co-operating. Appeals can ultimately be referred to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO).
The CCMA must be complied with under the law and the Central Bank has the power to take enforcement action against any regulated entity which does not act in compliance with the CCMA. The Central Bank continues to supervise compliance with the CCMA and will investigate any issues that arise, including patterns of behaviour which suggest that the CCMA process is not being followed.
Under the CCMA the lender must:
1. Contact the consumer about their mortgage arrears in a timely, clear, and consumer-friendly manner;
2. Get information from the consumer about their financial situation;
3. Assess whether a suitable alternative repayment arrangement can be made; and
4. Resolve the case by offering an alternative repayment arrangement or not.
This CCMA has been designed to protect consumers and regulated lenders are legally obliged to comply with it. The Code requires lenders to:
• Provide dedicated and specially trained staff in their Arrears Support Unit to manage cases. This includes having any meetings with consumers in private and referring them to their online or hardcopy information.
• Follow the Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process (MARP) which sets out how lenders must communicate with consumers, assess their situation with the aim of coming to a resolution. It includes having an appeals process in place so consumers can appeal certain decisions of their lender.
328. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the degree to which working capital is being provided by the various lending institutions for the farming and business sectors, with particular reference to the need to ensure the ability of productive sectors to have ready access to competitively priced credit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15416/24]
View answerSmall and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a significant role in the Irish economy, representing 99.8% of the total enterprise population in 2021. Additionally, they contributed to 69.2% of the total persons employed in 2021. Their key role in Ireland's economy is why my Department conducts the SME Credit Demand Survey and has been doing so biannually since 2011.
The SME Credit Demand survey is a report of great importance, as it offers valuable insights into the credit availability and demand among SMEs, along with other related issues. This independent and statistically significant survey provides a comprehensive understanding of the credit landscape for SMES.
As the Deputy is aware, the latest SME Credit Demand Survey was published on 27 January 2023 and the full report is available online. Key results include that demand for bank credit has fallen steadily since the series commenced, with requests in the period falling from 39% of those surveyed in September 2012 to 17% in the most recent result (6 months to September 2022).
However, the recent growth in non-bank finance activity as a source of credit for SMEs is a contributing factor. The 5% of SMEs who stated they applied for non-bank finance in the 6 months to September 2022 is notable and reflects a growing market share for this source of finance, with further expected future demand.
The Deputy will be aware that in my role as Minister for Finance I have no direct function in the relationship between the banks and their customers and the decisions made by individual lending institutions at any particular time, which are taken by the board and management of the relevant institution. This includes decisions in relation to products and lending. However, there are a number of Government-backed initiatives that have been introduced to assist SMEs and farmers with access to credit.
In relation to those businesses refused credit, the Credit Review was established to assist SMEs and farm borrowers that have had credit applications of up to €3 million refused or an existing credit facility withdrawn or amended by the participating bank. SMEs can apply to Credit Review after exhausting the banks' internal appeals process.
Two loan guarantee schemes for SMEs were announced in Budget 2023; the Ukraine Credit Guarantee Scheme and the Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme. These aim to facilitate access to credit at competitive prices in these areas important to SMEs and Government, namely challenges arising from invasion of Ukraine by Russia, growing businesses and investing in sustainability. These credit guarantee schemes are being delivered through the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland.
The Ukraine Credit Guarantee Scheme opened for applications on 20 March 2023. This €1.2 billion scheme provides low cost funding to qualifying SMEs, including farmers and fishers and small Mid-Caps affected by the rising costs of carrying out business, resulting from the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. By the end of March 2024, 3,007 loans were approved to the value of €278.7 million; with €238.3 million of this amount drawn down to date.
The Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme launched on 19 September 2023. This scheme for SMEs, including primary producers and small Mid-Caps, makes €500 million in loan funding available to enable investment in growth and sustainability. A total of 30% of the lending volume under the scheme is reserved for investment in sustainability and energy efficiency. These green loans also attract a special discount interest rate. An amount of 391 applications were approved by the end of March 2024 to the value of €62.8 million, with €32.8 million of this amount drawn down to date.
329. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which he continues to monitor the levels of bank charges being imposed by various banks; the basis for such charges, nationally and internationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15417/24]
View answerThe charging of fees is a commercial decision for regulated entities, within the parameters of the regulatory framework.
Under Section 149 of the Consumer Credit Act, 1995 (as amended) (the Act), credit institutions (which includes all banks operating in the Republic of Ireland and retail credit firms since 2022) must notify the Central Bank if they wish to introduce any new customer charges or increase any existing customer charges, in respect of the provision of any of the following services:
• making and receiving payments;
• providing foreign exchange facilities;
• providing and granting credit; or
• maintaining and administrating transaction accounts.
Each notification received by the Central Bank is assessed and robustly challenged in accordance with the specific criteria set out in Section 149 of the Act. The Central Bank may either approve (in full or at lower levels than requested) or reject a credit institution’s application under Section 149.
In fulfilling its statutory role under Section 149, the Central Bank assesses these notifications in accordance with the following specific assessment criteria as set out in the legislation:
• the promotion of fair competition;
• the commercial justification;
• the effect new charges or increases in existing charges will have on customers; and
• passing on costs to customers.
Approvals are issued in the form of a letter of direction and the entity is legally bound to comply with this letter of direction. The letter of direction sets out the maximum amount the credit institution is allowed to charge.
Credit institutions are free to impose any pricing differentials for the service up to the permitted maximum and are free to waive fees at their discretion for commercial or competitive reasons.
The letter of direction also sets out that credit institutions must publish the charges to be imposed on notices, leaflets, and promotional material etc. which should be made available to customers and on the credit institutions website if appropriate (the withdrawal of the fees will also be notified to the relevant customers prior to withdrawal).
Where credit institutions impose fees, provision 4.54 of the Consumer Protection Code (the Code) requires that prior to providing a service to a consumer, regulated entities must provide the consumer with a breakdown of all charges which will be passed on to the customer.
In addition, provision 4.56 of the Code requires regulated entities to display a schedule of fees on their website and in their public offices. Furthermore, the European Union (Payment Services) Regulations 2018 also requires payment service providers to make information available to consumers regarding charges payable by them.
Where a regulated entity intends to introduce new charges or increase any existing charges, under provision 6.18 of the Code, it must give notice to affected consumers of the introduction of any new charges or of increases in charges, specifying the old and new charge, at least 30 days prior to the charge taking effect.
If customers are unhappy with their current account provider for any reason, including cost, they have the right to switch to a different provider. The Central Bank’s switching code (Code of Conduct on the Switching of Current Accounts with Credit Institutions) sets out protections for consumers who switch payment accounts.
330. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the number of unused or derelict Garda stations in County Clare; if he has any plans for the use of same in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15256/24]
View answerDuring 2012 and 2013, 139 Garda stations were closed as part of An Garda Síochána’s rationalisation programme.
The table below outlines the Garda stations in County Clare that were closed as part of this programme and the status of each:
|
Garda Station |
Current Status |
|
Broadford |
Sale agreed. Sold at public auction. |
|
Carrigaholt |
Disposed. Sold by private treaty. |
|
Doonbeg |
Disposed. Sold at public auction. |
|
Inagh |
Disposed by Intra State transfer to Clare County Council. |
|
Kilmihil |
Re-opened as a Garda station. |
|
Labeeshada |
Disposed. Sold by private treaty. |
|
Lahinch |
Disposed. Sold at public auction. |
|
Mountshannon |
Assigned to An Garda Síochána. |
|
Quin |
Assigned to An Garda Síochána. |
Should An Garda Síochána advise the OPW that a Garda station is no longer operational and surplus to requirements, the OPW’s policy is as follows:
Identify if the property is required/suitable for alternative State use by either Government Departments or the wider public sector.
1. If there is no other State use identified for a property, the OPW will then consider disposing of the property on the open market if and when conditions prevail, in order to generate revenue for the Exchequer.
2. If no State requirement is identified or if a decision is taken not to dispose of a particular property, the OPW may consider community involvement (subject to a detailed written submission, which would indicate that the community/voluntary group has the means to insure, maintain and manage the property and that there are no ongoing costs for the Exchequer).
Kilmihil Garda Station closed on 31 January 2013. In 2015 due to the expiry of a Lease and title issues associated with the Garda station at Lissycasey, a decision was taken to reopen Kilmihil Garda station and close Lissycasey Garda station. The former Garda station and residence at Lissycasey will be prepared for disposal in accordance with the aforementioned policy, when the title issues associated with the property have been resolved.
331. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the funding received by Ireland in relation to peace initiatives since 1998; the source of funding, by year, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13644/24]
View answerStarting in 1995, successive iterations of the European Union’s cross-border PEACE programmes had by the end of 2020 committed some €2.3 billion in support of shared peace and prosperity on the island of Ireland. For the current 2021-27 EU programming period, the new PEACEPLUS programme is now investing a further €1.145 billion across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland and a number of calls for project applications are currently open.
With the exception of the first PEACE programme (1995-99), these programmes run on seven year funding cycles, in line with the EU’s Multi-Annual Financial Framework. In the case of each programme, a core funding allocation is provided from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), with the balance provided through national match funding.
The total funding allocation for each PEACE programme and its sources is provided in tabular form below.
|
Programme |
Programme Period |
ERDF* Funding |
National Match Funding |
Programme Total |
|
PEACE I |
1995-99 |
€500m |
€167m |
€667m |
|
PEACE II |
2000-06 |
€609m |
€386m |
€995m |
|
PEACE III |
2007-13 |
€225m |
€108m |
€333m |
|
PEACE IV |
2014-20 |
€229m |
€41m |
€270m |
|
PEACEPLUS |
2021-27 |
€916m |
€129m |
€1.145bn |
*For PEACEPUS this includes UK ERDF equivalent
The PEACE programmes, as well as the EU’s cross-border North South INTERREG programmes, have been developed and managed since 1999 by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), a cross-border North South Implementation Body established under the Good Friday Agreement and jointly sponsored by my Department and the Department of Finance in Northern Ireland.
The SEUPB maintains the PEACE Programmes Learning Platform, an online repository of archives and key records relating to the programmes.
332. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the total value of estates, or partial estates, which were inherited by the State as the ultimate intestate successor under section 73 of the Succession Act 1965 in each year from 2000 to date; the number of individual deceased persons from whose estates these amounts were inherited; to outline any amounts which were waived under the provisions of section 73; the policy considerations taken into account when making such a decision to waive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13770/24]
View answerEstates of those who have died intestate and without known next of kin vest in the Minister as Ultimate Intestate Successor under Section 73 of the Succession Act, 1965.
Where an estate falls to the State under Section 73, it is administered by the Chief State Solicitor under the direction of the Attorney General. The proceeds of such estates are remitted to the Intestate Estates Funds Account which is under the control of the Department of Finance. The role of the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform is to approve waivers in accordance with Section 73 and to perform functions and to give instructions, as necessary, in his capacity as Minister in whom the property is vested.
My Department has consulted with the Chief State Solicitor’s Office and the Department of Finance on identifying material for reply to this question. The answer is based on the information available to and accessible by this Department. It has not proved possible to source and retrieve the totality of the information sought by the Deputy.
The table below shows the net funds for intestate estates received in the years 2004- 2024
|
- |
€ |
|
2004 |
498,596 |
|
2005 |
13,072 |
|
2006 |
531,861 |
|
2007 |
190,606 |
|
2008 |
446,919 |
|
2009 |
76,971 |
|
2010 |
125,426 |
|
2011 |
164,125 |
|
2012 |
504,603 |
|
2013 |
673,908 |
|
2014 |
1,299,459 |
|
2015 |
-105,338* |
|
2016 |
824,011 |
|
2017 |
138,715 |
|
2018 |
97,022 |
|
2019 |
44,424 |
|
2020 |
19,376 |
|
2021 |
414,924 |
|
2022 |
175,295 |
|
2023 |
801,750 |
|
2024 (end-March) |
189,355 |
|
Total |
7,125,079 |
*this is a minus figure because of significant payments in respect of a waiver and to next of kin who emerged subsequent to the proceeds of an estate having being been remitted to the Account and which exceeded the funds lodged in 2015
According to the information available to the Department the number of estates on which the above table is based is over 500. These include a large number of remittances from HSE institutions most of which are for small or trivial amounts.
Under Section 73 of the Succession Act, 1965, the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Deliver and Reform has power to waive the State's interest in escheated estates. Every application for waiver is referred to the Office of the Chief State Solicitor for consideration. The CSSO, in consultation with the Attorney General's Office, as appropriate, deals with the legal issues involved. The Minister makes his decision on an application for waiver following consideration of the advice of the Attorney General.
The considerations taken into account include:
(a) Where the applicant performed essential services or substantial acts of kindness for the deceased person;
(b) Where the deceased person left a document of a testimatory character which was not valid as a will and under which if valid the applicant would be a beneficiary;
(c) Where there existed between the applicant and the deceased person, over a long period, an association which was similar to some close blood relationship;
(d) Where the deceased person made his or her home with the applicant for an appreciable period and became regarded as a member of the applicant’s family;
(e) Where there are other exceptional circumstances.
The records available to my Department show that since 2004 there have been 51 waivers given in accordance with Section 73 of the Act. The records also show that €1.3m (monetary property) and other property (land and buildings) was waived.
333. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the number of properties that are owned and rented by the State through the Office of Public Works; the number of these properties that are vacant; the length of time each property has been vacant; and the location of each. [13797/24]
View answer335. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the number of properties either owned or leased by his Department, which are currently vacant; the length of time the properties have been vacant for; and the location of the properties, in tabular form. [13829/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 333 and 335 together.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility on behalf of the State for managing and maintaining a substantial and complex estate of approximately 2,500 properties.
This extensive and diverse portfolio of State properties includes office accommodation for all Government Departments, the property estate for An Garda Síochána and numerous properties for many State Agencies. The portfolio also encompasses specialised spaces such as public offices, laboratories and cultural institutions, in addition to warehouses, heritage properties, visitor centres and sites.
In any major portfolio, there will always be a certain level of surplus vacant or non-operational properties. It is normal to have an amount of space vacant, or vacant properties, at any given time as the portfolio could not function without the flexibility that it provides. Not all vacant properties will be deemed surplus to the State’s requirements or suitable for disposal.
The OPW, like other State bodies, is obliged to follow central Government policies on the disposal of surplus properties and the arrangements involved are set out in the following Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform (DPENDR) Circulars:
• Circular 11/2015: Protocols for the Transfer and Sharing of State Property Assets
• Circular 17/2016: Policy for Property Acquisition and for Disposal of Surplus Property
As a matter of policy, no property is disposed of until there is absolute certainty that there is no alternative State use for that property.
The OPW’s approach to managing vacant, surplus properties is firstly, to establish if the property is required for alternative State use, including the potential for it to be re-purposed for either Government Departments or the wider public service. A number of strategic properties are retained in anticipation of potential State use/development in line with service demands arising from Government policy changes to public service provision.
Secondly, if no State use is identified, the OPW considers if open market disposal is an option, depending on prevailing market conditions.
Thirdly, the OPW may consider community involvement, subject to a detailed submission that demonstrates that the community or voluntary group seeking to use the property has the means to insure, maintain and manage it in order to reduce costs to the Exchequer.
In line with the above policy, the OPW has provided a list of its surplus vacant properties, including former Garda station properties, to the Land Development Agency, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, and the relevant Local Authorities so that they could assess them for suitability for social or humanitarian housing purposes or for other State use.
In addition, there are a limited number of sundry residential dwellings that are intrinsic to the estates of parks and gardens as part of the national historic properties managed by the OPW and for that reason would not be appropriate for disposal. In general, these properties are allocated to staff in specific posts, such as Park Superintendents, Deer Keepers, etc. where there is a requirement for them to be present on the ground.
There are currently 52 vacant properties (buildings). Four of these properties are currently sale agreed (Contracts for Sale are executed). A further 16 of these properties are in the process of being transferred to Local Authorities or to other State bodies.
There are also 23 vacant and surplus sites. Six of these sites are either under consideration or in the process of being transferred to Local Authorities or to other State bodies:
A list of the current vacant properties (buildings) (52) and sites (23) and the length of time, if known, that each unit has been vacant is attached at Appendix 1. This does not include those properties that are an intrinsic part of heritage estates or gardens that would not be considered to be surplus to requirements or part of the OPW's disposal programme.
The OPW is not in a position to provide data on any leased buildings that may be held by other State bodies where those bodies have entered into an agreement directly with a landlord.
334. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the amount spent by his Department on travel and accommodation costs associated with Ministerial visits abroad to date in 2024, in tabular form. [13811/24]
View answerThe information is set out in the following table.
|
St Patrick's Day Travel |
|
|
Minister |
695.43 |
|
Private Secretary |
448.73 |
|
Special Adviser |
744.31 |
|
Total |
1,888.47 |
Please see the total travel costs associated with visits I made abroad as Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform . In my capacity as Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform travelled to Paris and Sofia between March 12 and 16 as part of the Government's St. Patrick's programme. The costs in the table above show costs for myself, my special adviser and private secretary and are inclusive of air and rail travel. The costs also includes the costs of flights to Brussels on the morning of March 11 where I travelled for a meeting of the Eurogroup. On March 12 I travelled from Brussels to Paris via the Eurostar.
The costs above do not include hotel stays in Paris and Sofia as my office is awaiting invoices from the respective embassies. However, I will ensure that the Deputy is provided with the updated costs as soon as my office receives them.
336. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if the payment request made by Ireland regarding the Recovery and Resilience Fund is still active, or whether it was cancelled following the submission of a modified plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13840/24]
View answerIreland is to receive €914m in grants over the lifetime of the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). To access this funding, Ireland has developed the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). The RRF is a performance-based instrument with payment contingent on the satisfactory achievement of milestones and targets. Following the submission of the modified plan, Ireland’s NRRP is now based on 23 projects and their associated 105 milestones and targets covering the green, digital and social priorities. The delivery of the plan is well underway.
Ireland’s first payment request was formally submitted on 7 September 2023. There are 40 milestones and targets with a value of €324m in this request. The plan is undergoing detailed assessment by the Commission and other Member States through the Economic Policy (EPC) and the Economic and Financial (EFC) committees of ECOFIN.
337. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform whether he is satisfied that the organisation is moving with all necessary alacrity on the unification of the lands at Castletown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13880/24]
View answerIt has long been the policy of the OPW to seek to reunite the historic demesne lands of Castletown Estate. The Commissioners of Public Works acquired Castletown House and 13 acres of land in 1994. In 1997, one hundred acres south of the house was acquired. The farmyard adjacent to the house was acquired in 2001. In 2006, lands associated with the Batty Langley Lodge were acquired with former Coillte lands to the north and east of the House acquired in 2007. Since 2008, the OPW has managed and conserved the reassembled 227 acres of the original 580 acres of land which formed the historic demesne.
As a member of the working group the Deputy will be aware of the efforts made by the OPW to unify the historic Castletown demesne. However, a property transaction requires a willing seller and a willing buyer. The OPW is a willing buyer.
The OPW remains open at all times to discussing a new licence with the landowner or to negotiate a sale of part or all of the subject lands, albeit that any transaction would need to be in compliance with the public spending code in order to ensure adherence to value for money for the taxpayer.
The landowner has the right to choose how they manage their land and whether or not to sell their lands or a portion of their lands.
338. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if the OPW has received any communication from a local authority on the issue of acquiring a property to protect the history of the building (details supplied). [13949/24]
View answerThe Office of Public Works was made aware by a Local Authority, in 2021, that this property had been placed on the Derelict Sites Register. The building referred to is a registered property, and is in the ownership of a company which remains live on the Companies Register. The Commissioners of Public Works therefore have no legal interest in this building, and are not aware of any attempt by the Local Authority to compulsorily acquire the property.
339. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the measures that are taken to ensure that successful companies are meeting their environmental obligations under their contracts (details supplied); if these checks are carried out during or at the end of contracts; what penalties/consequences exist for failure to comply with these; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13970/24]
View answerIt is the responsibility of each contracting authority to outline green and sustainable requirements, and to ensure a contractor meets those obligations. The Department does not have an oversight or governance role and therefore cannot provide specific details regarding any contracting authority.
340. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform how his Department checks the adherence of companies to the requirement as part of Brexit that UK companies are entitled to tender for public procurement contracts but they must be in compliance with EU legislation, as it is clearly outlined that the onus is on these companies to ensure their compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13971/24]
View answerIt is the responsibility of each contracting authority to ensure that their procurement process is compliant with EU legislation. The Department does not have an oversight or governance role.
