Wednesday, 22 Jan 2025

Written Answers Nos. 697-716

Artificial Intelligence

Questions (697)

Malcolm Byrne

Question:

697. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her Department and agencies under the aegis of her Department have policies on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) within the Department and those agencies; whether training has been provided to staff on the use of AI; if her Department has used AI, including large language models, in the preparation of legislation or statutory instruments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1590/25]

Written answers

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media (Catherine Martin)

My Department is guided by relevant legislation, policies and the National Cyber Security Centre in respect of all matters related to the use or operation of AI. All applications and platforms used or operated by my Department must be in line with relevant policies and be consistent with advice provided by the National Cyber Security Centre. The use of AI by bodies under the aegis of the Department  would be an operational matter for the respective body.

The EU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, which recently entered into force on 01 August 2024 has direct effect in all Member States. Future central Government guidance supporting the implementation of the Act, policies and cross-government engagement will continue to inform the Department’s approach to the use of AI. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is the lead Department for Government policy in relation to AI and its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, AI Here for Good (refreshed in November 2024), sets out the ambition for Ireland to be an international leader in using AI to benefit our economy and society, through a people-centred, ethical approach to its development, adoption and use.

Sports Funding

Questions (698)

Robert Troy

Question:

698. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to outline any grants available through her Department to assist a sports club in developing a five-year development plan. [1642/25]

Written answers

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

My Department operates two capital funding programmes for sport, the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) and the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). The  Department does not have a funding programme to assist clubs with development plans. 

Cumulative investment from the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund since 2020 now stands at €297 million, while over a quarter of a billion euro was allocated to community sports clubs and facilities, from the CSFF in 2024. This funding represents the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland.

Departmental Properties

Questions (699)

James Geoghegan

Question:

699. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the full address and Eircode of each property that is directly occupied by her Department where that address is located in Dublin, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1773/25]

Written answers

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media (Catherine Martin)

My Department shares occupancy in two office buildings in Dublin and fully occupies one other.  Details are set out in the table below:

23 Kildare Street, Dublin 2, D02 TD30   Shared with Dept Enterprise

Joyce House, 8-11 Lombard Street East, Dublin 2 D02 Y729  Shared with HSE

National Archives,  Bishop Street, Dublin 8,  D08 DF85

Departmental Funding

Questions (700)

Michael Cahill

Question:

700. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to urgently address the lack of available funding for dancers who have made it to the World Cup, but who have to forfeit their place as there is a lack of funding available to assist with travel and accommodation costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1788/25]

Written answers

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media (Catherine Martin)

Culture Ireland operates within the Department to support Irish artists in presenting and promoting their work to audiences around the world.  In that context, Culture Ireland provides support to Irish professional dancers and dance companies for the international presentation of their work. 

The Department provides funding to professional Irish artists to present work at key international venues and events within their field, with grants primarily assisting with travel and travel-related costs.  Events of a competitive nature are not eligible for Culture Ireland funding as supports are focused on assisting professional Irish artists to work on a global stage.

Official Travel

Questions (701)

Aidan Farrelly

Question:

701. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide a schedule of all foreign travel undertaken by her and their accompanying officials in 2023 and 2024, including flight, hotel, transfers and other miscellaneous costs. [1870/25]

Written answers

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media (Catherine Martin)

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below.

Details of my expenses are also published on my Department's website www.gov.ie/en/organisation-information/e9c55-ministerial-expenses/#2024 

These include travel and subsistence costs in respect of domestic and foreign travel. Personal expenses incurred by accompanying officials are claimed by the individual officers in accordance with applicable Civil Service procedures.

All flights relating to these trips were booked in accordance with Government Guidelines. My Department makes an annual payment to the Climate Action Fund scheme, administered by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications to offset emissions for travel on commercial flights, in accordance with Circular 01/2020 (D/PER).

Dates of Travel	Event	Transport Costs	Accommodation Costs paid by D/TCAGSM	Total in Travelling Party (inc. Minister)
30 August-2 September 2024	Paralympic Games 2024 Paris, France	€1,373	€2,173	4
25-29 July 2024	Olympic Games 2024 Paris, France	€1,056	€1,125	4
3-18 June 2024	Cricket World Cup 2024 Miami, USA	€4,921	€3,290	4
16-18 May 2024	Cannes Film Festival 2024 France	€1,308	€3,289	4
08-14 March 2024	Saint Patrick’s Day Mission 2024 Nashville, Austin, USA	€11,147	€2,097	4
19-22 November 2023	League of Nations Centenary New York, USA	€2,616	€1,125	4
28 September - 2 October 2023	Ryder Cup Rome, Italy	€3,767	-	5
22-24  September 2023	Rugby World Cup Paris, France	€4,390	€2,040	5
10-11 March 2023	Saint Patrick’s Day Mission 2023 San Diego, USA	-	€981	4
8-9 & 11-16 March 2023	Saint Patrick’s Day Mission 2023 Los Angeles, USA	€6,293	€5,859	4

Sports Facilities

Questions (702)

Pa Daly

Question:

702. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to outline what measures have been taken to improve sporting facilities in Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2001/25]

Written answers

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

On 25 September 2024, €230 million in grants for sports clubs and facilities were announced, under phase 2 of the Community Sport Facilities Fund ('CSFF'). 

In total, in taking account of the earlier equipment-only allocations announced under phase 1 of the CSFF amounting to €26 million, over a quarter of a billion euro was allocated to community sports clubs and facilities in 2024. This represents the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland.

In addition, on 5 November 2024, €173 million in grants were announced under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund ('LSSIF'). 35 projects across Ireland have benefitted from the initial allocations announced under the LSSIF. 

In relation to LSSIF applications which have not received an allocation, it should be noted that a reserve list is being prepared by the Department, on which all remaining valid applications will be assessed and placed in a prioritised order such as this project. As additional LSSIF funding becomes available, projects on the reserve list should then be able to be funded.

Details of allocations under LSSIF, including the relevant counties,  can be found in the following links on the Department's website  gov.ie - Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) 2024 and gov.ie - Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) 2018   

Details of all allocations under the 2023 round of the CSFF, including a breakdown by county, can be found by using this link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/3f9fa-community-sport-facilities-funding/. Details of allocations under previous rounds of the CSFF (formerly the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme)  can be accessed by using this link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/471ed5-sports-capital-allocations/.

Departmental Contracts

Questions (703)

Holly Cairns

Question:

703. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide details of any public contracts in her Department provided to companies or individuals who do not pay tax in Ireland, including the names of the contractor, value of the contract and purpose of the contract, in tabular form. [2044/25]

Written answers

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media (Catherine Martin)

In accordance with the Directive on Public Procurement and the European Union (Award of Public Authority Contracts) Regulations 2016, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media follows the principle of competitive tendering for Government contracts for the acquisition of goods and services.

In order to allow fair competition between suppliers it is open to companies and individuals who are tax resident outside of Ireland to participate in tender competitions. Successful tenderers are required to comply with all EU and domestic tax laws for the duration of a contract.

For the processing of payments, payees must be tax compliant and must supply an address and a Tax Registration Number. However, these details do not provide information relating to the tax residency of suppliers.

As such, I wish to advise the Deputy that the details sought are not available.

Departmental Contracts

Questions (704)

Holly Cairns

Question:

704. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide details of any public contracts issued to a company (details supplied) over the last 10 years, including the value of the contract and the purpose of the contract, in tabular form. [2062/25]

Written answers

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media (Catherine Martin)

My Department in its current configuration was established in September 2020. I am advised that my Department has not entered into any contracts with the companies in question in the period since its establishment and to the present date.

Sports Funding

Questions (705)

Mark Wall

Question:

705. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the plans for another round of sports capital grants this year; the possible timeframe involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2116/25]

Written answers

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

On 25 September 2024, Minister Martin and I announced €230 million in grants for sports clubs and facilities under phase 2 of the Community Sport Facilities Fund.

Over a quarter of a billion euro was allocated to community sports clubs and facilities in 2024, taking account of the earlier equipment-only allocation of €26 million. This represents the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland.

In line with previous rounds of the programme a review of the current funding round will be undertaken and that review will inform the timing of the next round of the Community Sport Facilities Fund.

Departmental Staff

Questions (706, 708)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

706. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of civil servants in his Department, and in agencies under the aegis of his Department, who were on career break in 2023 or 2024, by month and grade, and by length of career break; the number of civil servants in his Department and in agencies under the aegis of his Department who were on career break for longer than five years or longer than six years in 2023 or 2024, by month, grade, and length of career break, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46194/24]

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

708. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an assurance that no civil servant has had their career break extended beyond five years where there is a suitable vacancy in their home Department or agency; that, where a civil servant has had their career break extended beyond five years on account of there being no suitable vacancy in their home Department or agency, that they have been placed on a redeployment panel; that, where a civil servant has had their career break extended beyond six years, consideration has been given to facilitating them on a supernumerary basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46230/24]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I propose to take Questions Nos. 706 and 708 together.

I am satisfied that my Department properly implements the provisions of Circular 4/2013 in respect of staff returning from career breaks.  Staff returning from career breaks are included in workforce planning considerations with a view to filling any appropriate existing or forthcoming vacancies in my Department.  The Department has reassigned any staff returning from career breaks during this period without any undue delays.  Any extensions to career breaks granted were requested by staff members.

The information requested in respect of staff on career breaks in 2023 and 2024 is set out in tabular form below.  One staff member was on a career break for longer than 5 years in 2023 but subsequently resigned in 2024.

Grade	End 2023	Length of Career Break	End 2024	Length of Career Break
HEO	2	7 yrs 5 mths 2 yrs 3 mths	0	Both staff members resigned during 2024
AO	3	2 yrs 2 mths 1 yr 4 mths 6 mths	3	3 yrs 2 mths 2 yrs 4 mths 1 yr 6 mths
EO	3	9 mths 6 mths 1 mth	7	1 yr 9 mths 1 yr 6 mths 1 yr 1 mth 8 mths 4 mths 4 mths 2 wks
CO	3	2 yrs 9 mths 2 yrs 11 mths	5	3 yrs 9 mths 2 yrs 10 mths (Ended October 2024) 1 yr 11 mths 10 mths 3 weeks
Meteorological Officer	1	2 mths	2	10 mths (Ended August 2024) 1 yr (Started 2nd January 2024)
Meteorologist	0		1	6 mths (Ended October 2024)
Conservation Ranger	0		1	1 mth
Total	12		21

The details requested in relation to bodies under the aegis of my Department are a matter for the individual bodies concerned.  Arrangements have been put in place by each Agency to facilitate the provision of information by State Bodies directly to members of the Oireachtas. The contact email addresses for each agency are set out in the table below:

Bodies under the Aegis of DHLGH	Oireachtas email
An Bord Pleanála	[e-mail]
An Fóram Uisce	[e-mail]
Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority	[e-mail]
Docklands Oversight and Consultative Forum	[e-mail]
Electoral Commission	[e-mail]
Gas Networks Ireland	[e-mail]
Heritage Council	[e-mail]
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency	[e-mail]
Housing Finance Agency	[e-mail]
Land Development Agency	[e-mail]
Local Government Management Agency	[e-mail]
National Oversight and Audit Commission	[e-mail]
National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee	[e-mail]
Office of the Planning Regulator	[e-mail]
Pyrite Resolution Board	[e-mail]
Residential Tenancies Board	[e-mail]
Tailte Éireann	[e-mail]
Uisce Éireann	[e-mail]
Valuation Tribunal	[e-mail]
Waterways Ireland	[e-mail]

Departmental Staff

Questions (707)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

707. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of vacancies, by month and by grade, in his Department, and in agencies under the aegis of his Department, in 2023 and 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46212/24]

Written answers

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

As part of its ongoing workforce planning processes my Department keeps staffing matters under constant review in order to ensure all priority vacancies are filled in a timely manner and that resource allocations are balanced across the Department to meet key priorities as necessary. 

My Department's latest round of formal workforce planning will get under way in the coming months following the recent confirmation of the budget for 2025. The outcome of this process will determine the estimated number of vacancies in my Department across all grades, administrative, professional/technical, due to arise going forward.

The Department has been generally successful in filling roles advertised or falling vacant. From time to time, some technical and professional roles can take more time to recruit.

During 2023 my Department appointed 266 staff to various administrative and professional and technical and industrial roles. 251 staff were appointed during 2024.  A breakdown of these appointments by grade is provided in tabular form below.

2023

Grade	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec	Total
CO	5	2	1	1	6	2	1	0	3	9	1	0	31
EO	4	5	7	4	10	7	7	5	1	3	2	1	56
AO	1	0	0	1	1	0	0	0	1	2	1	0	7
HEO	4	1	2	0	1	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	10
AP	3	0	3	1	4	1	5	1	4	0	9	1	32
PO	2	1	1	1	1	1	0	0	0	0	2	0	9
Asst Secretary	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	2
Service Officer	0	1	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2
Sr Fire Adviser	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	2
Asst Environmental Planning Manager	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	1
Asst Auditor	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1
Local Govt Auditor	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	1
ICT Apprentice	0	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3
Planning Adviser	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1
Quantity Surveyor	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	1
Sr Archaeologist	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1
Archaeologist Grade III	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	1
Archaeologist Grade II	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	2
Architectural Conservation Adviser	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2
Community Engagement Officer	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	2
Conservation Ranger	0	1	1	0	0	3	2	3	2	7	2	0	21
Education Guide	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	1	2	0	5
General Operative Band 2	0	0	0	0	0	2	1	0	0	0	0	0	3
GIS Officer	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	3
Head Guide	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	0	0	0	2
Visitor Guide	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	2	0	0	5
Craft Chargehand	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1
District Conservation Officer	0	2	8	4	2	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	18
Photographic Archive Assistant	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	1
Project Research Officer	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1
Wildlife Inspector Grade 2	0	0	0	0	1	0	2	0	1	0	0	0	4
Wildlife Inspector Grade 1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	1
Hydrometeorologist	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1
Meteorological Officer	2	0	0	0	0	2	1	1	0	0	0	0	6
Meteorologist	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1
Principal Meteorological Officer	2	2	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	5
Post Doctoral Researcher (Met Eireann)	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	0	0	4
Sr Meteorological Officer	1	0	0	2	3	1	1	0	4	1	2	1	16
Chief Hydrometeorologist	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1
TOTAL	30	18	28	14	32	21	22	15	25	27	27	7	266

 2024

Grade	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec	Total
CO	8	5	1	5	3	4	1	8	1	2	5	2	45
EO	2	2	1	5	2	1	2	2	6	1	2	0	26
AO	2	2	1	0	0	3	3	1	4	1	0	0	17
HEO	0	1	0	1	0	1	2	0	0	1	4	1	11
AP	3	1	0	1	3	0	1	4	1	1	0	0	15
PO	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	1	3
Asst Secretary	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	1
Advisory Counsel Grade 2	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	1
Head Services Officer	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1
Service Officer	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	2	0	3
Local Govt Auditor	0	1	1	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	3
Principal Auditor	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1
Sr Water Adviser Adviser	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	2
Sr Marine Adviser	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	1
Archaeologist Grade I	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	2
Archaeologist Grade III	2	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3
Architectural Conservation Adviser	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1
Ecohydrologist	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1
Ecologist	0	1	0	1	0	0	0	2	3	1	0	0	8
Conservation Ranger	13	3	2	1	0	0	1	0	0	2	0	0	22
Rural General Operative Grade 2	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	1	1	3	0	0	6
General Operative Band 2	0	0	0	4	1	7	5	2	1	0	0	0	20
Visitor Guide	1	0	2	0	1	0	0	2	1	5	1	0	13
District Conservation Officer	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	0	0	0	1	0	3
Regional Manager	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	1
Wildlife Inspector Grade 3	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1
Wildlife Inspector Grade 1	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1
Hydrometeorologist	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	1
Meteorological Officer	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	6	1	2	0	10
Meteorologist	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	4	1	0	0	6
Principal Meteorological Officer	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	1
Post Doctoral Researcher (Met Eireann)	1	1	0	1	0	0	1	0	1	0	1	0	6
Sr Meteorological Officer	6	1	2	2	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	12
Sr Meteorologist	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	1	3
TOTAL	39	18	11	25	12	20	22	24	31	22	21	6	251

The details requested in relation to bodies under the aegis of my Department are a matter for the individual bodies concerned. Arrangements have been put in place by each Agency to facilitate the provision of information by State Bodies directly to members of the Oireachtas. The contact email addresses for each agency are set out in the table below:

Bodies under the Aegis of DHLGH	Oireachtas email
An Bord Pleanála	[e-mail]
An Fóram Uisce	[e-mail]
Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority	[e-mail]
Docklands Oversight and Consultative Forum	[e-mail]
Electoral Commission	[e-mail]
Gas Networks Ireland	[e-mail]
Heritage Council	[e-mail]
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency	[e-mail]
Housing Finance Agency	[e-mail]
Land Development Agency	[e-mail]
Local Government Management Agency	[e-mail]
National Oversight and Audit Commission	[e-mail]
National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee	[e-mail]
Office of the Planning Regulator	[e-mail]
Pyrite Resolution Board	[e-mail]
Residential Tenancies Board	[e-mail]
Tailte Éireann	[e-mail]
Uisce Éireann	[e-mail]
Valuation Tribunal	[e-mail]
Waterways Ireland	[e-mail]

Question No. 708 answered with Question No. 706.

Defective Building Materials

Questions (709)

Robert Troy

Question:

709. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider an expansion to the mica redress scheme to allow for non-principal primary residences to be included (details supplied). [46258/24]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I commenced the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (the Act) on 22 June 2023 which contains the enhanced grant scheme and adopted the related Regulations on 29 June 2023.

The Grant Scheme applies to the owners of dwellings located in designated local authorities, which are damaged due to the use of defective concrete blocks and provided the dwelling is the owner’s principal private residence, or a rented dwelling registered with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) on or before 1 November 2021 subject to a maximum of one rental property per household.

My Department’s Your Questions Answered (YQA) document outlines that a dwelling may be deemed the individual's principal private residence where the dwelling previously had been, but ceased to be such solely by virtue of the damage to the dwelling arising out of, or in connection with, the use of defective concrete blocks in its construction.

The detailed operation of the Scheme is a matter for the designated local authorities and queries such as this should be addressed to the relevant local authority in the first instance.

Housing Policy

Questions (710)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

710. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the decision of a local authority to withdraw the one adult and one child rate of HAP from separated parents with part access to their child when the child reaches 18 years is a policy of his Department or a decision for the local authority; if he agrees with such decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46312/24]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a form of social housing support available for people who have a long-term housing need. Any household assessed as eligible for social housing is immediately eligible for HAP.

Under the HAP scheme, tenants source their own accommodation in the private rented market. The accommodation sourced by tenants should be within the prescribed maximum HAP rent limits, which are based on household size and the rental market within the area concerned. The tenancy agreement is between the tenant and the landlord and is governed by the Residential Tenancies Act.

The day-to-day operation of the social housing system is a matter for the relevant local authority, and ultimately, it is the responsibility of the local authority to make a decision in each individual case.

Local Authorities

Questions (711)

John Connolly

Question:

711. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to detail the budgeted level of funding provided to each local authority through the Local Government Fund for 2025. [46335/24]

Written answers

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

The Revised Estimates Volume for the Public Service (also called ‘the REV’) provides details on the exchequer contribution and expected Local Property Tax (LPT) income during 2025. The Estimate of Income and Expenditure of the Local Government Fund (LGF) for 2024 and 2025 is available on page 169 of the Revised Estimates Volume published on the website of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform at the following link; www.gov.ie/en/collection/e20037-revised-estimates/#2024 . The exchequer contribution to the LGF for 2025 will be €591m.

The LGF is used mainly to allocate local property tax, and to assist the sector with increased pay and pension costs arising from the implementation of national pay agreements since 2016.

Local Property Tax allocations for 2025 are available on my Department’s website at the following link: assets.gov.ie/309841/3a51263d-4728-476a-86b2-fe055c13ed33.pdf

As regards Pay and Pensions support, a total of €458m has been allocated for 2025 to cover the impact of national pay agreements. Local Authorities have been advised of their provisional allocations, as set out in the below table. As with previous allocations, the final amount payable will be subject to vouching for actual additional payroll costs incurred in 2025.

Provisional Payroll Allocation 2025
Local Authority	€
Carlow County Council	4,730,276
Cavan County Council	6,428,454
Clare County Council	12,085,302
Cork County Council	33,557,356
Cork City Council	23,602,060
Donegal County Council	14,651,728
Dublin City Council	94,888,757
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council	16,015,503
Fingal County Council	20,458,821
Galway County Council	12,688,403
Galway City Council	6,637,304
Kerry County Council	17,089,176
Kildare County Council	13,338,101
Kilkenny County Council	8,592,518
Laois County Council	6,954,898
Leitrim County Council	4,308,240
Limerick City & County Council	18,956,078
Longford County Council	5,043,045
Louth County Council	9,357,975
Mayo County Council	14,956,644
Meath County Council	11,119,804
Monaghan County Council	6,107,554
Offaly County Council	6,813,495
Roscommon County Council	6,367,839
Sligo County Council	6,900,470
South Dublin County Council	16,743,626
Tipperary County Council	16,400,335
Waterford City & County Co	12,663,582
Westmeath County Council	7,009,882
Wexford County Council	12,423,400
Wicklow County Council	10,813,810
Eastern & Midlands Regional Assembly	84,463
Southern Regional Assembly	143,685
Northern & Western Regional Assembly	104,494
Total	458,037,077

For 2025, the LGF will also support the stranded costs associated with the water services transformation process. Local authorities may claim up to a total of €85m for relevant stranded costs. Claims made by local authorities are subject to the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding between my Department and the County and City Managers Association (October 2024). The breakdown of funding available to individual authorities is set out in the table below.

Provisional Allocation for Stranded Costs 2025
Local Authority	€
Carlow County Council	1,304,365
Cavan County Council	1,246,263
Clare County Council	2,825,931
Cork City Council	2,802,961
Cork County Council	7,309,636
Donegal County Council	4,275,648
Dublin City Council	10,146,304
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council	2,630,407
Fingal County Council	5,271,160
Galway City Council	1,266,865
Galway County Council	2,527,551
Kerry County Council	3,308,550
Kildare County Council	2,223,682
Kilkenny County Council	1,572,261
Laois County Council	1,152,721
Leitrim County Council	1,087,320
Limerick City & County Council	4,092,765
Longford County Council	1,149,329
Louth County Council	1,989,753
Mayo County Council	4,050,816
Meath County Council	1,875,800
Monaghan County Council	1,243,656
Offaly County Council	1,559,866
Roscommon County Council	2,279,451
Sligo County Council	1,236,063
South Dublin County Council	2,790,607
Tipperary County Council	3,058,033
Waterford City & County Co	2,531,439
Westmeath County Council	1,022,163
Wexford County Council	3,388,448
Wicklow County Council	1,748,941
Total	84,968,755

Finally, the fund also supports a number of smaller projects (i.e. Miscellaneous Schemes) across the local government sector, with €25.7m being provided for this purpose in 2025.

Departmental Reports

Questions (712)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

712. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the Q3 social and affordable housing delivery report will be published. [46343/24]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

My Department publishes comprehensive programme-level statistics on a quarterly basis on social housing delivery activity by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) in each local authority. This data is available to the end of Q3 2024, and is published on the statistics page of my Department’s website, at the following link:www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/.

My Department also publishes the Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR). The CSR provides details of social housing developments and their location that have been completed, are under construction or are progressing through the various stages of the design and tender processes. The most recent publication was for Quarter 3 2024. All Construction Status Reports are available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/cb885-social-housing-construction-projects-status-reports/.

The CSR and Q3 2024 social housing delivery statistics were published on 20 December 2024.

Departmental Funding

Questions (713)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

713. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status the interim fire safety defects funding; if funding has now been approved; the amount and for what projects; and when all other approved developments can expect to be able to secure funding for the interim fire safety works. [46345/24]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Interim Remediation Scheme for Fire Safety Defects in Eligible Apartments and Duplexes (‘Scheme’) provides for the funding, through Owner Management Companies (OMCs), of emergency fire safety defect works in order to provide an acceptable level of fire safety in affected buildings pending completion of the full remedial works. 

As of 31st December 2024, 193 applications to the Interim Remediation Scheme have been validated, meeting the required eligibility criteria, and are being progressed across 28 local authority areas, representing a total of 18,495 residential units, with circa 78% of units affected located in the four Dublin local authority areas.

The Scheme application process is broken into eight phases, of which Phase 3 requires significant input from OMCs, involving engagement of a Competent Professional (CP) to carry out a thorough fire safety investigation, identify required works and engage with Local Authority Fire Services (LAFS) in the preparation of an Interim Remediation Works Plan.  Once Phase 3 is completed, and with confirmation of continued eligibility, a Grant Agreement can then be issued to the OMC and funds can be drawn down as works are completed and certified in due course.  

To support the implementation and increase the efficiency of the Scheme, four pathfinder projects are currently underway.  The projects have been selected from applications made to the Scheme, representing 595 residential units.  The pathfinder process is facilitating the development of templates and standards for documents to be prepared by CPs, including proposals for fire safety assessments, fire safety risk assessments, interim measures remedial work plans, and other project-related paperwork. The process has also allowed LAFS to engage in detail with CPs regarding the development of satisfactory remediation proposals.

Two of the pathfinder projects have completed their engagement with Local Authority Fire Services and have successfully advanced to Phase 4, awaiting confirmation of continued eligibility and the issue of a Grant Agreement.

There are currently no delays in funding being issued, subject to eligibility criteria and Grant Agreement conditions being met.

Applicant OMCs do not have to wait for the completion of the pathfinder projects to progress their applications, 191 of which have advanced to Phase 2/3.

Departmental Funding

Questions (714)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

714. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the retrospective funding for remediation of Celtic tiger era defects in multi-unit developments. [46346/24]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Government has approved the principle of allowing remediation costs already incurred or levied to be covered under the forthcoming statutory remediation scheme, once such costs fall within the scope and defined parameters of the latter. The details and mechanics of such retrospective funding are being addressed as the legislation is drafted. To this end, a pathfinder exercise from a representative sample of multi-unit developments has been established to identify and develop a potential appropriate process to address retrospective issues, based on fire safety remedial works completed.

Specifically, it will be necessary to fully examine and build a robust process around:

• Alignment with existing Interim Remediation Scheme process;

• Supporting Documentation and Timeframe;

• Certification, Standardisation of Evidence;

• Verification and Payment Processes.

This exercise should identify a process that provides a streamlined approach, ease of engagement by applicants and ensures good governance regarding Exchequer funding. It will then be a matter for Government to proceed with in an appropriate manner regarding the payment of monies to relevant Owner Management Companies. 

Departmental Reviews

Questions (715)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

715. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to conduct a review of the financing and delivery of cost rental schemes and the rent setting of these schemes in light of the growing number of applicants denied access to cost rental accommodation who, despite meeting the income eligibility criteria, are refused on the grounds that they do not meet the affordability criteria whereby rents cannot be more than a third of their take-home pay. [46404/24]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Housing for All targets the delivery of 18,000 new Cost Rental homes to 2030. A strong pipeline is in place and under continuous development by Local Authorities, Approved Housing Bodies the Land Development Agency, and now also private providers under the Secure Tenancy Affordable Rental (STAR) scheme.

The Cost Rental model ensures rents are based on the costs of delivering, managing, and maintaining the homes, providing financial sustainability and security for tenants.  Where State funding is provided to support delivery of homes, rents typically start at least 25% below those for comparable homes in the private market.

Eligibility for Cost Rental homes is determined by a maximum net annual household income of €66,000 in Dublin and €59,000 elsewhere, as set out under the Affordable Housing Act 2021 and associated Regulations.

However, Cost Rental landlords also need to be reasonably certain that eligible tenants can reliably sustain the rent payments, since rents must always cover costs in order for the model to work. The legislation therefore provides landlords with discretion to consider the suitability of eligible tenants.

My Department continues to monitor the delivery and operation of the Cost Rental schemes to ensure it remains effective and accessible to those who need it most.

Housing Schemes

Questions (716, 729, 763, 773)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

716. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the tenant purchase scheme for local authority tenants is currently suspended (i.e., for December); if so, the reason therefor; and if not, when it will be. [46406/24]

Niamh Smyth

Question:

729. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the case of a person (details supplied) will be reviewed at length regarding the tenant purchase scheme with a local authority; and if advice will be provided on this issue. [46694/24]

Eoghan Kenny

Question:

763. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of people that availed of the tenant (incremental) purchase scheme 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1057/25]

Malcolm Byrne

Question:

773. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the criteria under which a tenant may purchase a home that they are renting from a local authority; the criteria if the property is a detached dwelling or bungalow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1234/25]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I propose to take Questions Nos. 716, 729, 763 and 773 together.

The Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme 2016 came into operation on 1 January 2016 and allows tenants of local authority houses to apply to purchase their home. The scheme is governed by the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 and Housing (Sale of Local Authority Houses) Regulations 2015, as amended, and is open to eligible tenants of local authority houses that are available for sale under the scheme.

In order to be eligible to purchase a house under the Scheme, tenants must have a reckonable annual income of €11,000 and have been in receipt of social housing supports for at least 10 years, as determined by the local authority in accordance with the rules of the scheme. Social housing supports include HAP, RAS or 10 years tenancy of a local authority dwelling, or a combination of these supports. In the case of joint applications, only one tenant is required to have been in receipt of social housing supports for a period of 10 years.

While the Regulations provide for specified classes of houses to be excluded from sale, they do not specifically exclude the sale of detached houses or bungalows, and the purchase criteria for these houses is as described above. That said, local authorities may, within the provisions of the regulations, exclude houses which they consider should not be sold for reasons such as proper stock or estate management. Such decisions are matters solely for local authorities having regard to their respective housing requirements.

The method for determining a purchase price is set out in the Housing (Sale of Local Authority Houses) Regulations 2015. The Act also includes provision for a housing authority to take into consideration any material improvements made to the house by tenants, where written permission has been obtained in advance of these material improvements taking place. Prior written consent is not required for minor improvements, such as decorating.

Section 63(3) of the Local Government Act 2001 provides that, subject to law, a local authority is independent in the performance of its functions. The operation of and any decisions made in respect of the Scheme are, therefore, entirely a matter for the local authority concerned and it would not be appropriate for me to comment on individual cases.

Further information regarding the criteria under which a local authority tenant may purchase their home may be found on my Department's website: gov.ie - Incremental Tenant Purchase Scheme for existing local authority houses .

Statistical information regarding the number of homes sold under the Scheme, from the beginning of the Scheme until the end of 2023, broken down by local authority area, is also available from my Department’s website: www.gov.ie/en/collection/0906a-other-local-authority-housing-scheme-statistics/#sale-of-local-authority-houses . Data for 2024 is being collected and collated.

The Act and the Regulations underpinning the Scheme remain in force at this time, and my Department has not suspended the Scheme.