Written Answers Nos. 1073-1094
1073. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the actions his Department is taking in response to recent reports by ALONE that one older person became homeless every three days in March 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17281/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Under section 10 of the Housing Act 1988, statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of homeless accommodation and related services rests with individual housing authorities.
The Government’s Homelessness Policy Statement, which was published in February 2013, outlines the Government's aim to end long-term homelessness by the end of 2016. A range of measures are being taken to secure a ring-fenced supply of accommodation to house homeless households and mobilise the necessary supports in order to deliver on the Government's target of ending involuntary long-term homelessness. These measures have been identified in the Government's Implementation Plan on the State's Response to Homelessness (May 2014) and in the Action Plan to Address Homelessness (December 2014). Progress in implementing these plans is reported through the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy and Public Service Reform. The plans and progress reports are available on my Department's website at the following link:
http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/SpecialNeeds/HomelessPeople/
1074. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of meetings he has attended since January 2015 at which the increasing number of homeless persons was considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19223/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Cabinet Committee on Social Policy and Public Sector Reform, which is chaired by the Taoiseach, meets generally on a monthly basis and the issue of homelessness has been an agenda item at each meeting to date in 2015.
In addition, both I and my Department liaise with Government Departments, State Agencies, local authorities and a range of stakeholders on an ongoing basis in relation to homelessness issues.
1075. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount that will be allocated in 2015 to local authorities for mobility aid grants, housing adaptation grants and housing aids for older persons; and the amount for each of the past four years. [22061/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra1081. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide details, in tabular form, in respect of funding for grant aided schemes, housing aid for older people, housing adaptations and disability grants, in each local authority area, for each year from 2000 to 2014 and in 2015 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22275/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1075 and 1081 together.
The Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability were introduced on 1 November 2007. Information on Exchequer funding provided by my Department to each local authority for these schemes is available on my Department’s website at the following link: http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/StatisticsandRegularPublications/HousingStatistics/ by selecting ‘Social and Affordable Housing’, ‘Housing Adaptation Grants by Area 2008 to date’. Details of the 2015 allocations are contained on my Department’s website at the following link: http://www.environ.ie/en/GeneralNews/MainBody,41581,en.html.
1076. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on the funding stream from his Department to the Irish Deaf Society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22203/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra1077. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding funding of deaf advocacy services provided by the Irish Deaf Society; if funding is in place to continue these services when the current programme expires; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22204/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1076 and 1077 together.
The funding Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO) in the community and voluntary sector aims to provide multi-annual funding to national organisations towards core costs associated with the provision of services. Applications for a new round of funding, which commenced on 1 July 2014, were subject to an appraisal process. 55 applications were approved for funding for the two-year period from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2016. A number of previously funded organisations were not approved for funding on this occasion.
On 18 July 2014, it was announced that bridging funding of €1.4million would be allocated for a twelve month period to a number of previously funded health, disability and other organisations that were not approved for funding under the new scheme, pending the carrying out of a review of the public funding of national organisations in the health and disability sector.
On 25 May 2015 I announced that funding will be provided from 1 July this year to 30 June 2016 to a number of health, disability and other organisations, including the Irish Deaf Society following a review in relation to the impact of the cessation of their current funding on 30 June 2015.
Funding of €1.32 million is being made available for this 12 month period to organisations, currently funded under a bridging scheme which was put in place to support the majority of organisations who were unsuccessful in their applications under the Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO) but had received funding previously from it up to 30 June 2014 and submitted a valid application in 2014. This further support will be based on current levels of funding to the organisations in question and is being provided through a Developmental Scheme to Support National Organisations. The funding to be provided to each organisation is set out in the table below.
It is envisaged that the new Scheme to Support National Organisations will be advertised in early 2016 and all groups will be required to apply for funding under the Scheme and meet the criteria required for funding.
|
Funding allocated under Developmental Scheme to Support National Organisations 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2016 |
|
|
Arthritis Ireland |
53,882 |
|
Asperger Syndrome Association of Ireland Ltd |
41,448 |
|
Asthma Society of Ireland |
41,448 |
|
Breaking Through Limited |
58,028 |
|
Chronic Pain Ireland Limited |
37,304 |
|
Dyslexia Association of Ireland |
62,172 |
|
Genetic and Inherited Disorders Organisation Ltd |
16,580 |
|
GROW in Ireland |
16,580 |
|
Huntington's Disease Association of Ireland Limited |
19,066 |
|
Irish Deaf Society The National Association of the Deaf Limited |
62,172 |
|
Irish Heart Foundation |
41,448 |
|
Irish Mountain Rescue Association |
58,028 |
|
Irish National Council of Attention Deficit Disorder Support (INCADDS) |
33,158 |
|
Irish Stammering Association |
24,868 |
|
Migraine Association of Ireland Ltd |
29,014 |
|
Motor Neuron disease Association |
24,868 |
|
MOVE Ireland |
41,448 |
|
Muintir na Tíre |
70,462 |
|
Muscular Dystrophy Ireland |
37,304 |
|
National Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Ireland Limited |
37,304 |
|
New Communities Partnership (NCP) Ltd |
74,606 |
|
Peter Bradley Foundation Limited |
41,448 |
|
Post Polio Support Group Limited |
24,868 |
|
Safe Ireland |
74,606 |
|
Show Racism The Red Card Limited |
29,014 |
|
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland |
62,172 |
|
The Carers Association Limited |
62,172 |
|
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland |
49,738 |
|
The Neurological Alliance of Ireland |
49,738 |
|
The Union of Voluntary Organisations of People with Disabilities |
45,592 |
1078. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the legislation underpinning the Irish Water pipe maintenance responsibility graphics (details supplied), which indicate that drains outside of the property boundary of a home are the responsibility of the residents connected to that drain; if he will confirm that this is the case for drains running under public roads and pathways, and that should any such drain block or collapse, it is the responsibility of the property owners to make such repairs to drains under public roads and pathways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22207/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra1079. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason information service responsibility of environmental health officers was not amended during the legislative process to introduce Irish Water, and in view of the charge for waste water services; the reason Irish Water is responsible for the water mains under the public path entering the property, but not the drains under the public path leaving the property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22211/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1078 and 1079 together.
The Water Services Act 2007 provides that the property owner is responsible for the maintenance and replacement of any water or wastewater pipes, connections or distribution systems which are connected within the boundary of their property. Responsibility for the repair of pipes under publicly owned roadways and pathways is a matter for Irish Water.
If the Deputy wishes to provide clarification in relation to the EHO issue referred to, I will consider the matter.
1080. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is satisfied that the present guidelines in respect of the set-back of wind turbines from houses comply with the World Health Organization guidelines on wind farms; the details of such guidelines in terms of flicker, noise and set-back; if he intends changing the present legislation on the set-back of wind turbines from houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22255/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines are the present guidelines in place in relation to wind farms. In addition to providing appropriate day and night time noise limits, of either a lower fixed limit of 45 decibels or a relative fixed limit of 5 decibels over background noise together with a fixed night time limit of 43 decibels, the existing Guidelines also provide for a setback distance from a wind turbine of 500m in this context.
In December 2013, my Department published proposed “draft” revisions to the noise, setbacks and shadow flicker aspects of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines.
These draft revisions proposed:
- the setting of a more stringent day and night noise limit of 40 decibels for future wind energy developments,
- a mandatory minimum setback distance of 500 metres between a wind turbine and the nearest dwelling for amenity considerations, and
- the complete elimination of shadow flicker between wind turbines and neighbouring dwellings.
The proposed noise limit takes account of the World Health Organisation’s 2009 Night Noise Guidelines for Europe, which recommend s an outdoor limit of 40 decibels for night time noise.
During the public consultation process on these proposed draft revisions to the Guidelines, my Department received submissions from 7,500 organisations and members of the public.
My Department is considering the submissions received in relation to this focused review. It is intended that the revisions to the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines will be finalised as soon as possible.
1082. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide details, in tabular form, of the funding for social housing in each local authority for the years 2000 to 2014 and in 2015 to date; the number of new units built in each year and the category of housing units built; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22276/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder my Department’s Social Housing Capital Investment Programme, funding is provided to housing authorities to increase their supply of social housing stock through the construction and acquisition of houses and apartments. Details of the funding provided to local authorities from 2004 to 2014 are readily available in my Department and are outlined in the tables below. Details of the funding for the years 2000 to 2003 inclusive will be collated and provided to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Social housing is a key priority for this Government, evidenced by the additional €2.2 billion in funding announced for it in Budget 2015 and the publication of the Social Housing Strategy 2020 in November 2014. I expect that, nationally, some 7,400 new social housing units will be provided under a range of initiatives for 2015.
In relation to the number of units delivered as a result of the Social Housing Capital Investment Programme in the period 2000-2014, my Department collates and publishes a wide range of housing and planning statistics that inform the preparation and evaluation of policy. It includes data on the number of social housing units delivered, broken down by year, and those data are available on my Department’s website at:
http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/StatisticsandRegularPublications/HousingStatistics/FileDownLoad,15291,en.xls by clicking “Social Housing Outputs” under the Social Housing Supports heading.
|
Local Authority |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
|
Carlow County Council |
€10,033,406 |
€17,380,145 |
€17,160,917 |
|
Cavan County Council |
€13,194,464 |
€13,414,102 |
€4,341,705 |
|
Clare County Council |
€14,939,255 |
€10,543,201 |
€16,434,628 |
|
Cork County Council |
€28,663,636 |
€52,361,428 |
€45,862,349 |
|
Cork City Council |
€39,852,985 |
€46,521,589 |
€96,680,792 |
|
Donegal County Council |
€27,573,243 |
€39,226,225 |
€41,540,514 |
|
Dublin City Council |
€97,698,699 |
€67,483,759 |
€114,093,708 |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
€13,777,690 |
€12,789,729 |
€27,048,001 |
|
Fingal County Council |
€27,952,793 |
€24,368,466 |
€27,995,183 |
|
Galway City Council |
€5,505,648 |
€9,459,538 |
€15,601,162 |
|
Galway County Council |
€8,641,778 |
€11,511,253 |
€24,026,713 |
|
Kerry County Council |
€22,874,892 |
€30,510,163 |
€24,448,210 |
|
Kildare County Council |
€13,367,473 |
€32,931,623 |
€32,455,893 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
€10,430,559 |
€13,505,521 |
€21,802,726 |
|
Laois County Council |
€18,928,645 |
€28,607,308 |
€20,683,328 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
€4,954,531 |
€4,163,003 |
€3,585,817 |
|
Limerick City Council |
€5,954,018 |
€3,752,870 |
€5,639,342 |
|
Limerick County Council |
€13,879,017 |
€15,801,959 |
€12,087,827 |
|
Longford County Council |
€15,395,695 |
€18,243,464 |
€20,283,180 |
|
Louth County Council |
€27,332,413 |
€27,478,718 |
€37,012,348 |
|
Mayo County Council |
€8,772,854 |
€7,568,014 |
€11,647,887 |
|
Meath County Council |
€16,509,078 |
€14,391,320 |
€12,439,395 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
€4,478,303 |
€11,608,607 |
€9,167,114 |
|
Offaly County Council |
€5,717,889 |
€11,345,490 |
€15,063,444 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
€4,003,921 |
€14,983,940 |
€8,581,962 |
|
Sligo County Council |
€12,122,677 |
€17,612,476 |
€14,495,066 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
€54,974,728 |
€79,054,691 |
€44,153,230 |
|
Tipperary North County Council |
€10,649,884 |
€8,016,813 |
€7,666,685 |
|
Tipperary South County Council |
€8,690,595 |
€8,144,504 |
€19,457,852 |
|
Waterford City Council |
€8,398,107 |
€8,599,762 |
€19,893,091 |
|
Waterford County Council |
€8,094,124 |
€15,035,858 |
€16,167,595 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
€7,644,924 |
€9,686,630 |
€13,136,297 |
|
Wexford County Council |
€20,603,194 |
€24,744,562 |
€23,081,960 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
€26,080,898 |
€29,748,262 |
€28,356,680 |
|
Local Authority |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
|
Carlow County Council |
€13,205,480 |
€11,508,816 |
€6,998,420 |
|
Cavan County Council |
€9,828,080 |
€14,374,871 |
€10,699,523 |
|
Clare County Council |
€16,749,464 |
€18,000,000 |
€15,919,414 |
|
Cork County Council |
€69,849,788 |
€65,230,833 |
€65,000,000 |
|
Cork City Council |
€63,414,337 |
€71,909,300 |
€54,685,899 |
|
Donegal County Council |
€27,896,254 |
€30,786,342 |
€22,511,401 |
|
Dublin City Council |
€104,472,179 |
€155,192,333 |
€54,122,424 |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
€17,579,242 |
€28,957,802 |
€19,765,854 |
|
Fingal County Council |
€20,286,211 |
€24,877,234 |
€19,408,528 |
|
Galway City Council |
€29,713,483 |
€27,853,820 |
€13,105,900 |
|
Galway County Council |
€26,133,352 |
€24,000,000 |
€14,202,580 |
|
Kerry County Council |
€32,767,143 |
€29,964,970 |
€19,759,277 |
|
Kildare County Council |
€42,470,447 |
€50,939,859 |
€32,512,380 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
€25,440,810 |
€25,414,208 |
€15,447,976 |
|
Laois County Council |
€24,025,665 |
€20,000,610 |
€9,483,834 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
€2,878,855 |
€4,481,652 |
€2,848,920 |
|
Limerick City Council |
€10,309,767 |
€17,989,258 |
€18,253,467 |
|
Limerick County Council |
€16,001,690 |
€14,992,260 |
€11,477,955 |
|
Longford County Council |
€16,598,155 |
€16,495,900 |
€12,852,409 |
|
Louth County Council |
€38,675,133 |
€37,509,847 |
€30,692,108 |
|
Mayo County Council |
€13,523,924 |
€19,968,908 |
€13,964,216 |
|
Meath County Council |
€24,516,358 |
€25,074,863 |
€20,417,555 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
€11,289,738 |
€13,484,937 |
€14,079,244 |
|
Offaly County Council |
€20,495,070 |
€17,643,490 |
€14,516,566 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
€9,948,388 |
€8,000,000 |
€7,976,049 |
|
Sligo County Council |
€19,910,737 |
€21,686,665 |
€13,070,734 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
€74,724,269 |
€32,387,306 |
€35,473,732 |
|
Tipperary North County Council |
€8,170,276 |
€12,260,633 |
€6,481,407 |
|
Tipperary South County Council |
€21,653,599 |
€20,999,933 |
€10,724,523 |
|
Waterford City Council |
€22,000,000 |
€20,788,244 |
€15,144,773 |
|
Waterford County Council |
€15,574,763 |
€12,499,999 |
€9,658,054 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
€16,614,915 |
€15,827,034 |
€14,123,900 |
|
Wexford County Council |
€33,990,137 |
€34,018,521 |
€23,610,753 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
€28,584,095 |
€32,426,977 |
€21,335,402 |
|
Local Authority |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
|
Carlow County Council |
€4,220,000 |
€1,069,097 |
€1,900,711 |
|
Cavan County Council |
€3,694,879 |
€1,116,877 |
€1,360,702 |
|
Clare County Council |
€5,620,420 |
€1,420,897 |
€979,207 |
|
Cork County Council |
€42,822,737 |
€6,585,702 |
€8,389,441 |
|
Cork City Council |
€22,257,380 |
€1,546,225 |
€1,871,352 |
|
Donegal County Council |
€12,490,305 |
€5,744,975 |
€1,902,596 |
|
Dublin City Council |
€53,384,302 |
€20,929,685 |
€9,861,345 |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
€19,716,708 |
€4,611,178 |
€12,673,635 |
|
Fingal County Council |
€6,434,304 |
€8,355,797 |
€4,808,767 |
|
Galway City Council |
€6,614,733 |
€1,593,731 |
€2,587,123 |
|
Galway County Council |
€6,972,073 |
€4,035,823 |
€1,939,128 |
|
Kerry County Council |
€9,700,950 |
€2,396,769 |
€1,304,258 |
|
Kildare County Council |
€15,795,789 |
€2,901,449 |
€4,114,913 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
€10,104,029 |
€4,566,591 |
€6,090,448 |
|
Laois County Council |
€6,466,501 |
€2,738,481 |
€1,567,167 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
€1,429,056 |
€116,308 |
€304,954 |
|
Limerick City Council |
€11,873,208 |
€3,586,290 |
€1,216,646 |
|
Limerick County Council |
€7,003,199 |
€1,616,243 |
€869,055 |
|
Longford County Council |
€3,820,875 |
€758,309 |
€1,227,029 |
|
Louth County Council |
€13,279,097 |
€5,375,852 |
€10,203,632 |
|
Mayo County Council |
€5,423,522 |
€1,101,258 |
€804,563 |
|
Meath County Council |
€9,960,630 |
€4,962,456 |
€2,377,523 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
€4,539,127 |
€3,256,000 |
€1,731,686 |
|
Offaly County Council |
€13,171,128 |
€2,478,979 |
€1,708,186 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
€3,255,095 |
€847,340 |
€1,044,332 |
|
Sligo County Council |
€6,365,034 |
€2,750,919 |
€2,052,179 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
€18,069,760 |
€6,292,681 |
€6,461,093 |
|
Tipperary North County Council |
€8,938,683 |
€2,176,078 |
€956,844 |
|
Tipperary South County Council |
€5,541,249 |
€725,829 |
€780,778 |
|
Waterford City Council |
€5,507,854 |
€1,394,419 |
€3,303,585 |
|
Waterford County Council |
€3,832,007 |
€564,485 |
€3,683,959 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
€6,022,684 |
€2,249,432 |
€2,916,450 |
|
Wexford County Council |
€10,379,914 |
€3,333,130 |
€2,947,720 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
€11,624,095 |
€4,800,000 |
€8,741,271 |
|
Local Authority |
2013 |
2014 |
|
Carlow County Council |
€1,046,542 |
€1,780,037 |
|
Cavan County Council |
€1,947,374 |
€1,133,043 |
|
Clare County Council |
€1,404,067 |
€2,048,836 |
|
Cork County Council |
€3,808,461 |
€2,240,139 |
|
Cork City Council |
€1,051,597 |
€1,975,001 |
|
Donegal County Council |
€1,453,503 |
€2,705,303 |
|
Dublin City Council |
€17,910,771 |
€17,433,621 |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
€3,253,979 |
€1,344,179 |
|
Fingal County Council |
€6,110,592 |
€8,002,730 |
|
Galway City Council |
€835,238 |
€985,283 |
|
Galway County Council |
€2,853,496 |
€2,967,036 |
|
Kerry County Council |
€1,356,402 |
€1,220,027 |
|
Kildare County Council |
€3,801,389 |
€4,197,992 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
€1,888,413 |
€1,038,686 |
|
Laois County Council |
€604,893 |
€3,102,882 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
€902,126 |
€72,338 |
|
Limerick City Council |
€1,400,028 |
€315,819 |
|
Limerick County Council |
€752,635 |
|
|
Longford County Council |
€576,033 |
€288,768 |
|
Louth County Council |
€1,942,919 |
€1,696,304 |
|
Mayo County Council |
€295,791 |
€709,620 |
|
Meath County Council |
€4,960,841 |
€1,718,365 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
€1,159,804 |
€790,036 |
|
Offaly County Council |
€797,832 |
€2,013,591 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
€656,348 |
€196,462 |
|
Sligo County Council |
€906,040 |
€2,602,707 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
€10,295,596 |
€7,898,881 |
|
Tipperary North County Council |
€618,979 |
€1,223,564 |
|
Tipperary South County Council |
€598,592 |
|
|
Waterford City Council |
€904,103 |
€3,766,130 |
|
Waterford County Council |
€669,850 |
|
|
Westmeath County Council |
€531,658 |
€2,088,810 |
|
Wexford County Council |
€1,049,837 |
€1,525,724 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
€3,442,935 |
€1,050,720 |
1083. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to reform the commercial rates system to ease the significant burden on small to medium sized business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22289/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by the independent Commissioner of Valuation under the Valuation Act 2001. The Commissioner for Valuation has sole responsibility for all valuation matters. The levying and collection of rates are matters for each individual local authority.
It is important to acknowledge that commercial rates, as a local tax, and the rating system generally are deeply embedded in the local government system. A large body of case law is well established and local authorities and ratepayers are, in the main, very familiar with, and generally accepting of, the operation and practice of the rating system. Rates are also a stable source of financing for local government which is not affected unduly by short-term changes in economic circumstances.
I am more than aware of the demands the economic downturn has placed on the commercial and business sector. My Department has, in recent years, requested local authorities to exercise restraint in setting, and where possible to reduce, Annual Rates on Valuation (ARVs) and they have responded positively in this regard. The national average ARV decreased each year from 2010 to 2014; 2015 is not directly comparable due to the local authority mergers and the necessity to harmonise rates across new local authority areas.
The Local Government Reform Act 2014 gave effect to the reorganisation of local governance structures, set out in the Action Plan for Effective Local Government – Putting People First. A key objective of the reform programme is to reduce the burden on ratepayers and indeed taxpayers generally, by reducing cost and maximising efficiency.
The new structures of local government, including the establishment of municipal districts, provide an opportunity to achieve a more coherent approach to rates and charges on a county-wide basis having regard to funding requirements and the need to support employment and business competitiveness. The Act provides for rates harmonisation, to cater for differences between ARVs of towns and counties, to be achieved over a ten year period.
The Act also provided for the removal of the liability that is placed on new occupiers of properties for up to two years of outstanding rates of the previous occupier. This is a strong indication of the Government’s commitment to removing any barrier to enterprise development and to support business start-ups and those existing businesses wishing to expand or relocate.
A relatively low level of analysis has been carried out in respect of the impact of rates on business costs but what has been completed concludes that commercial rates represent a small portion of overall business overheads compared to energy, rents, payroll and other inputs. The figures vary from sector to sector but the research from Forfás, IBEC and local authorities all indicate that commercial rates are, on average, less than 5% of business costs.
I will continue to keep the approach to rates by local authorities under active review, and am determined that every avenue will be pursued to optimise efficiency and contain costs in the local government sector.
1084. Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans for each of the following regeneration projects that were previously subject to public private partnerships and that collapsed under the previous Administration, namely, O'Devaney Gardens in Dublin 7; Dominick Street and Seán Mac Diarmada Street in Dublin 1; and Croke Villas in Dublin 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22311/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the collapse of the Public Private Partnership arrangements for the delivery of a number of regeneration projects in the Dublin city area, Dublin City Council established a taskforce to examine alternative options for projects originally included under the PPP process. My Department is continuing to work with the City Council to advance proposals to regenerate the various areas concerned.
In relation to O’Devaney Gardens, it is a matter for the City Council to submit proposals for the regeneration of this complex. A capital appraisal for the redevelopment of Dominick Street has been submitted to my Department by the City Council and has been subject of further discussions with the Council and a response on the matter will issue shortly.
Having regard to Sean McDermott Street, it is a matter for the City Council to develop proposals for the possible regeneration of this area. However, last October my Department approved funding for the provision of 18 housing units by Sophia Housing Association in Sean McDermott Street under my Department’s Capital Assistance Scheme. Work on this scheme is well advanced and due to be completed later this year.
Dublin City Council is currently engaged in negotiations with the GAA in relation to the possibility for a joint redevelopment approach in Croke Villas area. I understand from the City Council that these negotiations are at an advanced stage. My Department will continue to work with the Council to advance the planning of this scheme. In this context, my Department has agreed to part-fund the refurbishment of four houses on Ballybough Road to provide accommodation for residents who wish to remain in the locality. This scheme is currently at planning stage, and the City Council has advised that work will commence early in 2016.
1085. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide the details of the funding under the scheme to support national organisations that has been granted for the coming year; the exact figures and organisations this will cover; if a more permanent arrangement has been put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22352/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe funding Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO) in the community and voluntary sector aims to provide multi-annual funding to national organisations towards core costs associated with the provision of services. Applications for a new round of funding, which commenced on 1 July 2014, were subject to an appraisal process. 55 applications were approved for funding for the two-year period from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2016.
It is envisaged that the new Scheme to Support National Organisations will be advertised in early 2016 and all groups will be required to apply for funding under the Scheme and meet the criteria required for funding.
The table outlines the allocation to each organisation.
|
Applicant Name |
Allocated amount over 24 month period 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2016 |
|
Childrens Rights Alliance - Republic of Ireland Limited |
175,958 |
|
EAPN Ireland |
155,856 |
|
Cherish Limited T/A One Family Limited |
175,958 |
|
Dub Travellers Educ Dev Group Ltd |
175,958 |
|
I.N.O.U. Limited |
140,962 |
|
Community Workers' Limited |
151,829 |
|
National Traveller Women's Forum Limited |
168,185 |
|
Irish Traveller Movement Ltd |
156,407 |
|
Irish Men’s Sheds Association Ltd. |
175,950 |
|
National Youth Council of Ireland Limited |
153,447 |
|
Parents Plus Limited |
158,059 |
|
Irish Council for Social Housing |
49,581 |
|
Barnardos - Republic of Ireland Ltd |
169,142 |
|
Carmichael Centre for Voluntary Groups |
140,221 |
|
Simon Communities of Ireland |
169,175 |
|
The Rape Crisis Network Ireland Limited |
156,107 |
|
Special Olympics Ireland |
175,958 |
|
Partners In Mission Limited |
151,324 |
|
Disability Equality Specialist Support Agency Limited |
170,367 |
|
Community Action Network Limited |
169,889 |
|
National Collective of Community Based Women's Networks Ltd |
160,122 |
|
Irish Refugee Council Ltd |
126,119 |
|
Migrant Information Centre Limited |
175,958 |
|
The Men's Development Network Ltd |
165,377 |
|
Down Syndrome Ireland |
163,551 |
|
Irish Rural Link IRL |
148,764 |
|
Age Action Ireland Ltd |
84,286 |
|
Inclusion Ireland – National Association for People with an Intellectual Disability |
162,156 |
|
Women’s Aid Limited |
157,914 |
|
Threshold Limited |
112,340 |
|
Rotha Teoranta |
175,958 |
|
Care Alliance Ireland |
170,394 |
|
Free Legal Advice Centres Limited FLAC |
42,416 |
|
Active Retirement Network Ireland |
108,888 |
|
Immigrant Council of Ireland Limited |
162,335 |
|
European Network Against Racism (ENAR) Ireland |
116,801 |
|
Social Analysis And Action For Justice Ireland Limited |
136,137 |
|
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BUILDING CO-OPERATIVES (NABCo) SOCIETY LIMITED |
101,084 |
|
The Irish Red Cross Society |
134,901 |
|
G.L.E.N. Limited |
144,321 |
|
Irish Foster Care Association Ltd |
116,680 |
|
Volunteer Ireland |
104,705 |
|
Mental Health Reform |
171,461 |
|
Community Creations Limited |
130,374 |
|
Cuan Mhuire Teoranta |
181,588 |
|
National Womens Council of Ireland Limited |
151,382 |
|
Educate Together/AG Foghlaim Le Cheile |
151,324 |
|
Children in Hospital Ireland |
151,324 |
|
Business In The Community Ltd |
103,984 |
|
Caring for Carers Ireland Limited |
181,588 |
|
Malta Charities |
110,322 |
|
Medical Research Charities Limited |
139,933 |
|
Irish Association of Supported Employment |
180,000 |
On 18 July 2014, it was announced that bridging funding of €1.4million would be allocated for a twelve month period to a number of previously funded health, disability and other organisations that were not approved for funding under the new scheme, pending the carrying out of a review of the public funding of national organisations in the health and disability sector.
On 25 May 2015, I announced that funding will be provided from 1 July this year to 30 June 2016 to a number of health, disability and other organisations. Following a review in relation to the impact of the cessation of their current funding on 30 June 2015.
Funding of €1.32 million is being made available for this 12 month period to organisations, currently funded under a bridging scheme which was put in place to support the majority of organisations who were unsuccessful in their applications under the Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO) but had received funding previously from it up to 30 June 2014 and submitted a valid application in 2014. This further support will be based on current levels of funding to the organisations in question and is being provided through a Developmental Scheme to Support National Organisations. The funding to be provided to each organisation is set out in the table below.
It is envisaged that the new Scheme to Support National Organisations will be advertised in early 2016 and all groups will be required to apply for funding under the Scheme and meet the criteria required for funding.
|
Funding allocated under Developmental Scheme to Support National Organisations 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2016 |
|
|
Arthritis Ireland |
53,882 |
|
Asperger Syndrome Association of Ireland Ltd |
41,448 |
|
Asthma Society of Ireland |
41,448 |
|
Breaking Through Limited |
58,028 |
|
Chronic Pain Ireland Limited |
37,304 |
|
Dyslexia Association of Ireland |
62,172 |
|
Genetic and Inherited Disorders Organisation Ltd |
16,580 |
|
GROW in Ireland |
16,580 |
|
Huntington's Disease Association of Ireland Limited |
19,066 |
|
Irish Deaf Society The National Association of the Deaf Limited |
62,172 |
|
Irish Heart Foundation |
41,448 |
|
Irish Mountain Rescue Association |
58,028 |
|
Irish National Council of Attention Deficit Disorder Support (INCADDS) |
33,158 |
|
Irish Stammering Association |
24,868 |
|
Migraine Association of Ireland Ltd |
29,014 |
|
Motor Neuron disease Association |
24,868 |
|
MOVE Ireland |
41,448 |
|
Muintir na Tíre |
70,462 |
|
Muscular Dystrophy Ireland |
37,304 |
|
National Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Ireland Limited |
37,304 |
|
New Communities Partnership (NCP) Ltd |
74,606 |
|
Peter Bradley Foundation Limited |
41,448 |
|
Post Polio Support Group Limited |
24,868 |
|
Safe Ireland |
74,606 |
|
Show Racism The Red Card Limited |
29,014 |
|
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland |
62,172 |
|
The Carers Association Limited |
62,172 |
|
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland |
49,738 |
|
The Neurological Alliance of Ireland |
49,738 |
|
The Union of Voluntary Organisations of People with Disabilities |
45,592 |
1086. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views that sufficient funding to tackle homelessness has been awarded to the region encompassing County Kildare, as the lead partner, and County Wicklow and County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22365/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation and related services for homeless persons rests with individual housing authorities. My Department does not fund any service directly but provides funding to housing authorities on a regional basis towards the operational costs of homeless accommodation and related services. The purposes for which housing authorities may incur expenditure in addressing homelessness are prescribed in Section 10 of the Housing Act 1988. Under Section 10 funding arrangements, responsibility for assessment and decision-making in relation to the funding of particular services rests with the housing authorities.
Annual allocations for homelessness are made on a regional basis. Kildare County Council is the lead authority for the Mid-East Region, which also encompasses Meath and Wicklow. Under Section 10 of the Housing Act, I recently confirmed a 2015 allocation of €934,267 for the Mid-East Region, which represents an increase of over 15% on the 2014 allocation of €811,275. The needs of the various regions are kept under review on an on-going basis.
1087. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reporting requirements that are in place for local authorities, in respect of the breakdown of their spending on costs of housing and emergency housing services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22367/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of a robust monitoring and reporting framework, local authorities report to my Department on a regular basis on outputs and expenditure under the various housing programmes. The expenditure details under each housing subhead, as set out in the Revised Estimates for Public Services, are provided by my Department to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
In the context of the implementation of the Social Housing Strategy, ambitious targets have been set for local authorities for the period 2015 – 2017 with the announcement on 1 April 2015 of over €1.5 billion to be invested in a combination of building, purchase and leasing schemes, to accommodate 25% of those currently on the social housing waiting lists and with €312m approved for the first tranche of building 1,700 social housing units.
Specifically in relation to expenditure on homelessness, delegated funding arrangements provide for overall homelessness funding allocations to be aligned to specific categories of expenditure to reflect housing-led approaches and to ensure that prevention, sustainment and resettlement are the underlying imperatives in service delivery. Performance reports have been incorporated within these arrangements and these have been designed so as to facilitate lead housing authorities in providing details about the actions being taken in addressing homelessness in the region, including the actions being taken to implement the housing-led approach and to meet the target for ending long-term homelessness.
1088. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views that it is permissible for a housing authority to refuse to provide emergency accommodation for families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22368/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra1090. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government what obligations of a local authority are set down in processes to facilitate the timely assessment of a homeless case; how those needs are quantified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22370/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra1091. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if it is obligatory to register a case of homelessness on his Department’s pathway accommodation and support system, once a local authority is aware of the status of the homelessness of the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22372/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra1092. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is confident that his Department has awarded sufficient funding to provide emergency accommodation to deal with the housing crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22376/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra1093. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views that the responsibility of the requirement of the provision of emergency accommodation to homeless persons rests within the Housing Act 1988; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22377/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra1094. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views that the responsibility for the requirement of the provision of emergency accommodation to homeless persons rests within the Housing Act 1988; that this aspect of the Housing Act has not been amended since it failed to cater for the complications of the new and escalating homelessness crisis, mainly encompassing family groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22378/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1088 and 1090 to 1094, inclusive, together.
My Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of temporary accommodation and related services for homeless persons rests with individual housing authorities.
Under the Housing Act 1988, it is a matter for the housing authority concerned to determine whether a person is regarded as homeless. Any person regarded as homeless by a housing authority may be placed into temporary emergency accommodation, which the housing authority may arrange itself or which may be operated by a State-funded service provider, without the requirement to undergo a social housing assessment and be approved for social housing supports. I am not considering any amendment to the existing arrangements which give housing authorities the flexibility that is essential to respond quickly and effectively to the various needs of cases that may present to them.
In order to qualify for social housing support, a household’s long-term housing need and eligibility must be determined by a housing authority through a social housing assessment under section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and associated Regulations. Housing authorities are required to deal with completed applications for support within 12 weeks of receipt or within 6 weeks of receiving additional information but are permitted a further 14 weeks to decide on applications in individual cases.
The Pathway Accommodation and Support System (PASS) is provided through Dublin City Council as a national shared service whereby statutory and non-governmental homelessness service providers throughout the country can avail of the software package without the requirement for costly individual support and licence arrangements and with Dublin City Council providing user support. PASS records the details of homeless services that are funded through housing authorities under Section 10 of the Housing Act 1988 and whereby the individuals using such services are defined as homeless under Section 2 of that Act. The usage of PASS by service providers has been established by housing authorities as a requirement for the provision of State funding in respect of homeless services.
With regard to funding, I have made an additional €10.5 million available nationally for homeless accommodation and related services in 2015. This is an increase in funding of approximately 20% over the initial allocation in 2014, bringing the Exchequer contribution to €55.5 million. Housing authorities were recently informed of regional funding allocations. The needs of the various regions will be kept under review on an on-going basis.
1089. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to lift the embargo specifically in respect of local authority staff resourcing to assist areas where staffing to manage homelessness is critically lacking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22369/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department works closely with all local authorities and all have been invited to submit staffing sanction requests to facilitate the delivery of the Government's Social Housing Strategy. Each staffing sanction request is examined on a case by case basis having due regard to the continued delivery of key services in the context of staffing and budgetary constraints. To date in 2015, my Department has received and approved in excess of 200 housing related staffing requests.
Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for staffing and organisation arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible.
