Written Answers Nos. 908 - 925
908. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of water meters that have been installed to date; and the percentage of meters that have been installed as against the target. [1066/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels including the delivery of water services capital infrastructure. This includes responsibility for the domestic metering programme. The first phase of the domestic metering programme began in August 20 13 and will be completed by mid- 2016. Approximately 33,000 meters are installed, on average, every month. By the end of 2014 almost 540,000 meters had been installed, which exceeds the anticipated target for the end of the year by almost 90,000 or approximately 20%. By the end of 2016, 1.1 million homes will be metered, representing over 80% of all domestic customers and will include 48,000 apartments that can be easily metered.
909. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the stated view of Dublin City Council that primary legislation is required to regulate the carrying of passengers by rickshaws in the City of Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1071/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Traffic Acts, responsibility for which rests with my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, rickshaws are considered to be pedal cycles when used on the road. As issues arising in relation to the carrying of passengers by rickshaws on public roads are understood to be primarily of a road safety nature, any question of strengthening the legislation in this area, either through substantive legislative provisions or enhanced powers for local authorities to regulate such matters in their areas, should be addressed in the context of policy relating to road traffic and road safety generally.
910. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when a Leader funding application for a community group (details supplied) in County Mayo will be processed; the reason for the delay in the application process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1079/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that the Mayo North East LEADER Partnership (MNELP) have received documentation in relation to this project from the promoter and will shortly be in a position to submit a claim to my Department for assessment.
Question No. 911 answered with Question No. 883.
912. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the targets he has set for the provision of social and affordable housing for each of the next five years; the number of social and affordable housing units provided or funded by his Department in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1147/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Housing Strategy 2020 builds on the provisions contained in Budget 2015 and sets out clear, measurable actions and targets to increase the supply of social housing, reform delivery arrangements and meet the housing needs of all households on the housing list.
The total targeted provision of over 110,000 social housing units, through the delivery of 35,000 new social housing units and meeting the housing needs of some 75,000 households through the Housing Assistance Payment and Rental Accommodation Scheme, will address the needs of the 90,000 households on the housing waiting list in full, with flexibility to meet potential future demand.
Details of targets and timelines for delivery of social housing units are set out in tables 1 and 2 in the Strategy, which is available on my Department’s website at the following link:
http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/Housing/FileDownLoad,39622,en.pdf.
The strategy will be delivered in two phases. Phase 1 targets the delivery of 18,000 additional housing units and 32, 4 00 Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) and Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) units, by the end of 2017. In phase 2, spanning the years 2018 to 2020, the strategy targets the delivery of 17,000 additional units and 43,000 Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) and Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) units.
It is estimated that some 6,000 units have been delivered for social housing use in 2014 and 7,400 are targeted for delivery in 2015.
Action 1 of the Strategy requires the agreement of national targets for delivery of social housing on a local authority by local authority basis this year and in subsequent years. These specific targets will be set by the relevant groups under the Strategy’s governance structures with input from the approved housing body sector.
The Government’s 2011 Housing Policy Statement announced the standing down of all affordable housing schemes.
913. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government where liability for payment lies with regard to Irish Water charges where the house is occupied solely by students attending third level institutions; if his attention has been drawn to the possible charging difficulties surrounding the differences between the academic year and the charging year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1149/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith effect from 1 January 2014, Irish Water is responsible for public water services. The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides that Irish Water shall collect charges from its customers in receipt of water services provided by it. The Act also provides that responsibility for the independent economic regulation of the water sector is assigned to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and the CER has been given statutory responsibility for protecting the interests of customers.
The Act defines a customer as the occupier of the premises in receipt of water services. As such, third level students who have moved away from home to an alternative primary residence will be liable for water charges for the period they occupy the premises. Management companies of student accommodation are already categorised as non-domestic customers for water services. Local authorities, acting as agents of Irish Water, continue to bill non-domestic customers and therefore continue to bill such companies who recover this cost via the fees charged for the accommodation. Students who are tenants in private rented accommodation will be liable for water charges, similar to other utility supplies, but will also be eligible to claim the water conservation grant being provided by Irish Water.
Irish Water is currently undertaking a customer verification exercise to obtain the details of customers in receipt of services from Irish Water. This process gives tenants, including students, the opportunity to register with Irish Water and avail of the water conservation grant, full details of which will be provided by my Department and the Department of Social Protection in due course.
914. Deputy Ray Butler asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which Meath County Council has sought funding from his Department to meet current and emerging housing needs in the county in the short-to-medium term; the methodology to be used to address the issue either by way of purchase of existing units or direct build; his plans to address the issue of homelessness; the commitments entered into to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1162/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraSocial housing is a key priority for Government, as evidenced by the increased provision made for the area in Budget 2015. The overall social housing funding provision for 2015 has been increased by in excess of €200 million, with capital funding increasing by €180 million, which will allow for significant expansion in social housing provision. The Social Housing Strategy 2020: Support, Supply and Reform builds on the provisions contained in Budget 2015 and sets out clear, measurable actions and targets to increase the supply of social housing, reform delivery arrangements and meet the housing needs of all households on the housing list.
The Strategy provides for a total targeted provision of over 110,000 social housing units, through the delivery of 35,000 new social housing units and aims to meet the housing needs of some 75,000 households through the Housing Assistance Payment and Rental Accommodation Scheme, consequently addressing the needs of the 90,000 households on the housing waiting list in full, with flexibility to meet potential future demand.
In committing to provide 35,000 new social housing units, at a projected cost of €3.8 billion, the Strategy marks a fresh start for social housing in Ireland. Action 1 of the Strategy requires the agreement of targets for delivery of social housing for 2015 and subsequent years. These specific targets will be agreed through the Strategy’s governance structure, which is currently being put in place, in collaboration with local authorities and with input from the approved housing body sector. I expect that, nationally, some 7,400 new social housing units will be provided under a range of initiatives for 2015.
Local authorities are responsible for the detailed planning of social housing provision based on the needs of their areas. Accordingly, it is a matter for Meath County Council to set its target and plan for its delivery through, for example, local authority/approved housing body social housing developments, built, acquired, leased, etc. My Department is working with Meath County Council and all other local authorities within the context of the increased funding now available to support them and provide appropriate funding to address their housing need locally and to meet the Social Housing Strategy targets for 2015 and beyond.
As regards the issue of Homelessness, on 20 May 2014, the Implementation Plan on the State's Response to Homelessness was published in which the Government's approach to delivery on its objective of ending involuntary long-term homelessness by the end of 2016 was outlined. A copy of this plan is available on my Department's website at:
http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/SpecialNeeds/HomelessPeople.
In addition, on 4 December 2014, my Department hosted a special Summit on Homelessness to reaffirm the Government's commitment to end involuntary long-term homelessness. The Summit was attended by Oireachtas members, elected members and officials from the four Dublin Local Authorities, representatives from Government Departments, State Agencies and the NGO sector, and the Catholic and Church of Ireland Archbishops of Dublin.
A number of actions arising from the Summit were considered at the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy and Public Service Reform on 8 December and were then formalised into an Action Plan to Address Homelessness which was noted by the Government at its meeting on 9 December 2014. A copy of this Plan is also available on my Department's website at the link provided above.
Question No. 915 answered with Question No. 883.
916. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government the date by which statutory instruments will be made to commence the new local authority differential rent framework. [1313/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra917. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government if he will provide specific examples of the way the new local authority differential rent framework will be more equitable. [1314/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra918. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government if local authority rents will increase following the introduction of the new local authority differential rent framework. [1315/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra919. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government if he will provide the rent levels that will apply after the new local authority differential rent framework transitional period has concluded. [1316/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra920. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government the action he will take in the event a majority of elected representatives of a local authority vote against the implementation of the new differential rent framework and retain the existing arrangements. [1317/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 916 to 920, inclusive, together.
Section 31 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, as amended, provides for the introduction of a national differential rents framework that will result in a significant harmonisation of local authority differential rent levels nationally, while retaining some discretion for individual authorities in setting rents in their areas.
The rationale for the new rent framework is to introduce a more equitable rental model for local authority rents and rent contributions, by providing that households throughout the country in similar circumstances should pay broadly the same amount in rent, while also ensuring that local authorities receive sufficient rental income to manage and maintain their housing stock into the future.
In accordance with the timelines outlined in the Government’s Social Housing Strategy 2020, published in November 2014, the necessary order and regulations to initiate the new rent framework will be made in the first quarter of this year. The elected members of each local authority will then have a number of months to make the first rent scheme under the 2009 Act and I expect that they will comply with the law in this matter.
Section 31 rents are expected to be introduced on 1 July 2015 with housing authorities having a 2-year transition period during which they will continue to set rents at their discretion for their own housing stock and for leased properties, including dwellings provided under the Rental Accommodation Scheme. The introduction of the rent framework will mean that, on the expiry of the 2 year transitional period, the amount of rent payable by some households may be lower in some cases, and higher in others, than the rent currently payable under section 58 of the Housing Act 1966. The transition period will give housing authorities the opportunity to move in incremental steps towards the rent levels that will apply on expiry of the transition period.
The details of the new rent framework are being finalised in the context of the drafting of the forthcoming Regulations.
921. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government his plans to put in place a new tenant purchase scheme for local authority houses; if and when this will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1322/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra927. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government when the new tenant purchase scheme which was announced will become operational; the terms and conditions thereof; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1485/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 921 and 927 together.
Part 3 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 provides for a new scheme for the tenant purchase of existing local authority houses which will replace the 1995 scheme and the once–off 2011 scheme, which closed in June 2014 and June 2013, respectively.
The Social Housing Strategy 2020, which was published in November 2014, includes a commitment to introduce the new tenant purchase scheme by the second quarter of this year. The scheme will operate along the lines of the incremental purchase model currently operating for local authority apartments and certain new local authority houses, which involve discounts for purchasers linked to household income and a discount-related charge on the property that reduces to nil over a period, unless the house is resold or the purchaser fails to comply with conditions of the sale. Where the tenant purchaser resells the property before the end of the charge period, he or she will be required to pay back to the housing authority a portion of any profits arising from the sale, thereby compensating the State for its loss on the original sale of the property and generating funds for the local authority to invest in new social housing or the refurbishment of existing housing.
Full details of the new scheme will be set out in regulations that I will make as part of the introduction of the scheme.
922. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Comhshaoil, Pobail agus Rialtais Áitiúil bunaithe ar an treoir a thug an Roinn Caiteachas Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe do gach Roinn, cad é líon agus cad iad gráid na bpost dá mbeidh státseirbhísigh atá inniúil sa Ghaeilge agus sa Bhéarla ag teastáil; cad é líon na bpost sin a bhfuil duine leis an gcumas cuí Gaeilge agus Béarla iontu cheana féin, arna bhriseadh síos de réir gráid; cén cháilíocht Ghaeilge atá riachtanach do na poist sin; i gcás nach bhfuil an treoir ón Roinn Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe comhlíonta, cad é údar na moille agus cén uair a dhéanfar an scrúdú; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [1430/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMar chuid dá Phleanáil d’Fhórsa Saothair, rinne mo Roinn imscrúdú ar líon na bpost ina bhfuil inniúlacht sa Ghaeilge agus sa Bhéarla ag teastáil. Fuarthas nach bhfuil poist den chineál sin sa Roinn, ag an am seo, agus dá bhrí sin níl aon phoist faoi leith ainmnithe le riachtanas dátheangach. Tá é seo tugtha le fios don Roinn Caiteac hais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe. Mar chuid de phleanáil leanúnach d’fhórsa saothair, déantar monatóireacht agus athbhreithniú ar an gcás ar bhonn rialta
Tá thart ar 2 6 ball foirne faoi láthair i mo Roinn atá inniúil ar a chuid nó a cuid oibre a dhéanamh trí mheán na Gaeilge agus is féidir na baill seo a dhíriú chuig réimsí oibre faoi leith ina bhfuil gá le Gaeilge agus / nó Béarla nuair is gá. Leanfaidh mo Roinn ag soláthar deiseanna do bhaill foirne a gcuid scileanna Gaeilge a fheabhsú trí oiliúint teanga ag leibhéil éagsúla a chur ar fáil.
923. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide in tabular form the total photography costs for his Department per annum from 2011 to 2014, inclusive; the costs incurred from the use of the ministerial allowance; a list of occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; a breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographer was used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1443/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department engaged the services of photographers on a number of occasions since February 2011. The details of the engagements are set out in the table below:
|
Year |
Event |
Photographer |
Cost |
|
2011 |
Ireland’s Best Kept Towns Ceremony |
Maxwell Photography |
€932 |
|
2011 |
Tidy Towns National Awards ceremony |
The Picture Rooms |
€600 |
|
2011 |
Meeting of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management |
Lensmen Photography |
€302 |
|
2012 |
Launch of Framework for Sustainable Development |
Maxwell Photography |
€485 |
|
2012 |
Putting People First launch |
Maxwell Photography |
€363 |
|
2012 |
Launch of Commission on Economic Development of Rural Areas |
Maxwell Photography |
€170 |
|
2012 |
Visit to NAMA properties, Scotch Hall, Drogheda |
Paul Connor Photography |
€172 |
|
2012 |
Long Service Awards for Fire Personnel, including cost of providing print copies to 200+ award recipients |
Maxwell Photography |
€3,429 |
|
2013 |
EU Presidency: Informal Council of EU Environment Ministers - Clean Tech Cluster Forum and Expo, Wood Quay |
Maxwell Photography |
€103 |
|
2013 |
EU Presidency : Group Photo Dublin Castle |
Maxwell Photography |
€224 |
|
2013 |
EU Presidency: Senior Officials Meeting of Water and Marine Directors, Dublin Castle |
Maxwell Photography |
€308 |
|
2013 |
Ireland’s Best Kept Town Ceremony |
Maxwell Photography |
€448 |
|
2013 |
Visit to Fingal CoCo housing insulation retro fit project in Corduff, Blanchardstown |
Maxwell Photography |
€362 |
|
2014 |
Launch of the New Social Housing Strategy |
Maxwell Photography |
€551 |
My Department’s Press Office generally provides photographic services when required. However, if external photography services are required, they are obtained in line with the Whole-of-Government Optional Framework for Photography Services, details of which are available from the Office of Government Procurement.
924. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide in tabular form the use of external public relations firms employed by his Department per annum from 2011 to 2014, inclusive; a list of uses of the external public relations firm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1451/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo public relations firms were engaged by my Department for the years 2012, 2013 or 2014. As part of the promotion of a sponsorship campaign for the Tidy Towns competition, Pembroke Communications was engaged in 2011.
In relation to my Department’s policy for the engagement of external expertise, this is generally only considered where the issues involved require expert skills or capabilities that are not readily available within my Department.
925. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding building regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1462/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to the reply given to Questions Nos. 541 and 542 of 18 December 2014 which comprehensively addresses this matter and which remains the up-to-date position.
