Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:740. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the actions he will take to deal with the housing crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5399/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraHousing Policy
Ceisteanna (740)
Freagraí scríofa
A shortage of supply is at the heart of the challenges in housing and the construction sector is currently not building enough residential units to meet demand in a country with a growing population and economy. Where the estimated requirement is 25,000 new units per annum the construction sector is currently delivering around half that. The supply issue is putting upward pressure on rents which in turn is pushing vulnerable persons into emergency accommodation.
A number of important measures have been taken already aimed at improving housing viability and increasing supply, through the actions set out in Construction 2020 and the Social Housing Strategy 2020. While I am satisfied that a solid foundation has been laid to ensure that the problems in housing can be overcome it will take an on-going and increased commitment from all stakeholders to deal with the issues comprehensively .
In order to stimulate the extra supply of houses, in line with the Government’s Construction 2020 Strategy, which is available at http://www.merrionstreet.ie/en/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Construction-Strategy-14-May-20141.pdf, a number of important measures have already been taken. The measures are aimed at improving housing delivery viability and increasing supply. The measures include:
- the introduction of a vacant site levy;
- reductions in development contributions and a targeted development contribution rebate scheme in Dublin and Cork to encourage large scale developments at affordable prices;
- revised Part V provisions;
- initiatives to improve financing;
- implementation of new apartment guidelines; and
- legislative amendments to introduce greater flexibility and streamlining to the Strategic Development Zone provisions of the Planning and Development Acts.
It is estimated that the measures taken to reduce input costs have decreased the cost of building new residential units by between €20,000 and €40,000, depending on whether apartments or houses are being constructed. The measures should make more housing developments viable at more affordable prices.
In addition, NAMA is aiming to deliver 20,000 residential units before the end of 2020, with 90% of these units to be in the greater Dublin area.
With regard to the supply of social housing, the Social Housing Strategy 2020 includes targets and actions to increase the supply of social housing by 110,000 additional units, with 35,000 new units to be delivered by local authorities and approved housing bodies and 75,000 households to be supported mainly through the Housing Assistance Payment Scheme.
The Social Housing Strategy 2020 can be found on my Department’s website at the following link: http://www.environ.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/social_strategy_document_20141126.pdf
.
The Social Housing Strategy is being supported through the sanctioning of more than 450 new housing staff for local authorities and the provision of €4 billion in funding. The funding of €1.7 billion already provided for under Budgets 2015 and 2016 supported the delivery of 13,000 social housing units in 2015 and is supporting the achievement of an ambitious target of 17,000 in 2016. The 2015 output represents an increase of 86% on the circa 7,000 units delivered in 2014.
The report, Social Housing Output in 2015, which I published on 26 January 2016, is available on my Department’s website at the following link: http://www.environ.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/social_housing_output_in_20150.pdf
.
With regard to protecting those renting privately we have significantly strengthened the rights of tenants through the changes introduced under the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2015, enacted last December.
The Rapid Build Housing Programme will provide solutions, in the shortest possible timeframe, to support families who find themselves in emergency accommodation. The houses in question are high quality, A-rated homes, which, if delivered on a sufficient scale, offer real hope for people in the immediate term.
While a lot has been achieved, it is clear that further sustained effort is required. To ensure that supply increases on the scale required, all key stakeholders will need to work together to continue to deliver on the two strategies referred to above and to deal with issues such as input costs, investment in key facilitating infrastructure, further legal protections for those renting privately and land prices.
In relation to legal protections for those renting and land prices, in particular, in my view there may need to be a further debate on the relevant provisions of the Constitution to examine whether we have the right balance between the protected and legitimate rights of individuals, as property owners, and the wider needs of society, including housing needs.
Cuanta agus Céanna
Ceisteanna (741)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:741. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Comhshaoil, Pobail agus Rialtais Áitiúil cén plé a bhí aige nó ag a Roinn ó Dheireadh Fómhair seo caite leis an Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta agus le Comhairle Contae na Gaillimhe maidir le forbairt na céibhe in Inis Oírr; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [5404/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Mar is eol don Teachta, thug an Rialtas €8m d’fhorbairt na céibhe ar Inis Oírr sa Phlean Caipiteal 2016-2021.
Is féidir liom a chur in iúl don Teachta gur chas oifigigh ó mo Roinn le Príomh-Fheidhmeannach Chomhairle Contae na Gaillimhe agus lena chuid oifigigh, ar mhaithe leis an tionscadal seo a thosú agus a chur chun cinn. Bhí mo Roinnse i dteagmháil leis an Roinn Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta chomh maith, maidir le nithe ag éirí as.
Ceapaim go bhfuilimid uile ar aon tuairim gur áis iontach dár phobail oileánda a bheidh sa bhforbairt céibhe atá beartaithe.
Severe Weather Events Expenditure
Ceisteanna (742)
Dara Calleary
Ceist:742. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount each local authority requested to repair damage as a result of all storms since Storm Desmond in December 2015; the amount he has granted to each authority; the amount each local authority has drawn down as of 11 March 2016 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5425/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is making €18m additional funding available to local authorities to support them in meeting the costs associated with the flood response and clean-up activities arising from the severe storms that took place since December 2015. This funding is being provided to local authorities in acknowledgement of the exceptional nature of the work undertaken in protecting homes and property from flooding and in the post-flooding clean-up works.
To date, my Department has made payments to local authorities totalling €8m to assist them in meeting the costs of the response, clean-up and necessary immediate works related to the flooding; €6.35m of which was in respect of local authority costs incurred up to 19 December 2015 (see Table 1 below), with €1.65m relating to local authority costs incurred since 19 December 2015 (see Table 2 below). My Department is currently liaising with individual local authorities in relation to the recoupment of the remaining costs.
My Department is not involved in funding repair to public infrastructure damaged as a result of severe weather and flooding that lies outside its remit or funding of flood protection works. However, as part of the co-ordinated response in relation to the recent flooding, my Department wrote to the local authorities and asked them to provide estimates of the cost of damage to public infrastructure. The damage reported was principally to the roads network and details were passed to the relevant Government Departments for follow up action with local authorities, as appropriate. I am advised that the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport is making funding available to address the damage to transport infrastructure arising from recent storms and flooding and is liaising directly with local authorities in this regard.
Table 1
DECLG – Amount claimed and payments to Local Authorities for costs incurred up to 19 December 2015
|
Local Authority |
Claimed |
Paid |
|
Carlow |
21,886.00 |
21,886.00 |
|
Cavan |
41,526.00 |
41,526.00 |
|
Clare |
900,000.00 |
900,000.00 |
|
Cork County |
135,226.00 |
135,226.00 |
|
Donegal |
763,300.54 |
763,300.54 |
|
Fingal |
6,800.00 |
6,800.00 |
|
Galway City |
39,387.00 |
39,387.00 |
|
Galway County |
980,418.00 |
980,418.00 |
|
Kerry |
244,447.00 |
244,447.00 |
|
Kildare |
30,452.58 |
30,452.58 |
|
Leitrim |
477,640.00 |
477,640.00 |
|
Limerick |
328,839.92 |
328,839.92 |
|
Louth |
37,889.00 |
37,889.00 |
|
Longford |
85,513.00 |
85,513.00 |
|
Mayo |
980,000.00 |
980,000.00 |
|
Monaghan |
45,500.00 |
45,500.00 |
|
Offaly |
76,735.53 |
76,735.53 |
|
Roscommon |
285,000.00 |
285,000.00 |
|
Sligo |
297,000.00 |
297,000.00 |
|
Tipperary |
52,000.00 |
52,000.00 |
|
Waterford |
253,400.00 |
253,400.00 |
|
Westmeath |
241,309.00 |
241,309.00 |
|
Wexford |
30,000.00 |
30,000.00 |
|
Total |
6,354,269.57 |
6,354,269.57 |
Table 2
DECLG – Amount claimed and payments to Local Authorities for costs incurred after 19 December 2015
|
Local Authority |
Claimed |
Paid |
|
Carlow |
291,686.34 |
|
|
Cavan |
91,128.00 |
|
|
Cork City |
297,000.00 |
|
|
Cork County |
1,764,907.00 |
|
|
Donegal |
200,000.00 |
200,000.00 |
|
Galway County |
2,118,494.00 |
|
|
Kerry |
290,779.00 |
290,779.00 |
|
Kildare |
28,619.00 |
28,619.00 |
|
Kilkenny |
407,500.00 |
|
|
Laois |
145,935.80 |
145,935.80 |
|
Leitrim |
294,840.00 |
|
|
Limerick |
554,339.21 |
|
|
Louth |
146,328.00 |
146,328.00 |
|
Longford |
334,487.00 |
334,487.00 |
|
Meath |
79,755.00 |
|
|
Monaghan |
96,232.25 |
|
|
Offaly |
350,331.55 |
|
|
Roscommon |
601,343.04 |
|
|
Sligo |
120,000.00 |
|
|
Tipperary |
729,857.00 |
|
|
Waterford |
403,558.00 |
|
|
Westmeath |
677,548.00 |
|
|
Wicklow |
499,000.00 |
499,000.00 |
|
Total |
10,523,668.19 |
1,645,148.80 |
Question No. 743 answered with Question No. 733.
Election Management System
Ceisteanna (744)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:744. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) in relation to payments made to election officials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5482/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The primary role of my Department in electoral matters is to provide an appropriate policy and legislative framework for a modern and efficient electoral system. Within that framework, local returning officers are responsible for all matters in connection with the actual conduct of elections and referendums, including the selection, appointment and training of polling station and count staff in accordance with the relevant provisions of electoral law.
My Department issues guidance to Returning Officers in advance of each election and referendum. The guidance emphasises that the smooth conduct of polls is dependent on maintaining a cadre of sufficiently skilled and experienced people. Having regard to that overall objective, returning officers are advised to employ competent and efficient persons as polling staff and asked to give consideration, where possible, to employing suitable persons who are unemployed, particularly when seeking to fill the post of Polling Clerk, where the responsibilities of the post can be fulfilled under the guidance of the Presiding Officer.
Scheme to Support National Organisations
Ceisteanna (745)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:745. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to ensure funding is available for an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5487/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The organisation in question is currently funded through the Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO) which aims to provide multi-annual funding to national organisations towards core costs associated with the provision of services. The current round of funding was advertised for applications in early 2014. Pobal was asked to undertake an assessment of the applications received, given that organisation's significant experience and expertise of both the design of assessment criteria and completion of assessment functions.
The current round of funding commenced on 1 July 2014, for a two year period. The organisation in question was allocated €175,950 for the 24 month period to 30 June 2016.
A new round of funding was advertised in January this year, with applications due for submission in February. These applications are currently being assessed by Pobal and it is expected that recommendations will be submitted to my Department in May, with the new scheme expected to commence from 1 July 2016. All organisations currently in receipt of funding and who have applied for further funding under the new Scheme will be contacted before the end of their current funding period.
Library Projects
Ceisteanna (746)
Tony McLoughlin
Ceist:746. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to consider the construction of a new library at a location in Sligo town for the Sligo central library, given the condition of its current building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5502/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The provision of premises and facilities in the public library service is generally a matter for each local authority in its capacity as a library authority. Notwithstanding this, my Department recently announced a new Libraries Capital Investment Programme for the period 2016-2021. Some €22m will be available to local authorities under the programme as a contribution towards the cost of 16 capital library projects and the mainstream roll-out of the ‘Open Libraries’ service.
Unfortunately, the value of proposals received from local authorities was substantially greater than the funding available to the programme. It was necessary, therefore, to rank proposals and prioritise funding on the basis of an objective assessment of each proposal. While Sligo Central Library was identified as priority investment for Sligo County Council, it was not ranked high enough to be included in the programme. The programme will be kept under review, however, with funding allocated to the remaining proposals as it becomes available.
Local Authority Housing Data
Ceisteanna (747)
Tony McLoughlin
Ceist:747. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of local authority housing units that are vacant in the Sligo County Council and Leitrim County Council areas; the amount of funding he has made available to each of these local authorities to fix vacant housing units; the number of housings unit repaired and made available to tenants since 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5503/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Information in relation to ‘Total Social Housing Dwellings Stock’ including ‘Percentage Vacant’ is available on a local authority basis on the website of the National Oversight and Audit Commission at the following link: http://noac.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/NOAC-Performance-Indicators-Report-2014.pdf . The most recent published information covering all local authorities is as at 31/12/2014.
The routine turnaround of vacant social housing stock is a matter for each local authority and is carried out under their on going maintenance programme. In addition to this activity on routine re-lettings, my Department also supports local authorities to tackle stock that is vacant and in need of remediation to allow it to be re-let. Funding under this programme was introduced in 2014, when a total of 2,300 units were supported nationally for return to use. A further 2,700 units were returned to use in 2015 with exchequer support at a cost over the two years of €59.7m.
The following is the funding and number of social housing units supported under this programme in 2014, when the programme was first available, and in 2015 in respect of counties Sligo and Leitrim.
|
2014 |
2014 |
2015 |
2015 |
|
|
Funding |
Units |
Funding |
Units |
|
|
Leitrim |
€229,072 |
15 |
€177,474 |
9 |
|
Sligo |
€311,648 |
29 |
€439,924 |
39 |
Tourism Promotion
Ceisteanna (748)
Tony McLoughlin
Ceist:748. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to provide funding to enable Sligo County Council to hire a skilled and qualified tourism promotion officer, which is drastically needed to allow County Sligo to reach its tourism potential, further to the recent funding for 12 new temporary road maintenance positions that was allocated to allow Sligo County Council for road repairs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5505/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department works closely with Sligo County Council in relation to the Council’s overall staffing requirements. However, under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, it is the Chief Executive of the Council who is responsible for staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority. My Department has not received a sanction request from Sligo County Council for a Tourism Promotion Officer.
The matter of funding for a post of this nature is the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.
Social and Affordable Housing Provision
Ceisteanna (749)
Tony McLoughlin
Ceist:749. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the starting dates of the two housing schemes in County Sligo that he announced in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5507/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The advancement of the two social housing construction projects in Co. Sligo which I approved in 2015, including the dates they will start on site, is a matter for Sligo County Council which is managing both projects. My Department has made funding provision for these and other social housing proposals by Sligo County Council and I am very keen to see them advanced to tendering and site commencement as soon as possible.
Local Authority Funding
Ceisteanna (750)
Tony McLoughlin
Ceist:750. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the local authority block grant funding his Department provided to Sligo County Council in each of the years 2010 to 2016 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5522/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I assume that the Question refers to General Purpose Grants from the Local Government Fund. General Purpose Grants were a contribution from my Department towards meeting the cost to local authorities of providing a reasonable level of services to their customers. The amount paid to local authorities from the Local Government Fund for General Purpose Grants in 2014 recognised the removal of water related costs from local authorities to Irish Water in that year and are therefore not comparable to previous years. In 2015 General Purpose Grants to Local Authorities were replaced by Local Property Tax allocations.
The table below details the payments made to Sligo County and Borough Councils from 2010 to date in 2016.
|
Year |
Sligo County Council |
Sligo Borough Council |
Total |
|
2010 |
€15,022,723.84 |
€2,631,231.51 |
€17,653,955.35 |
|
2011 |
€13,916,895.76 |
€2,269,402.39 |
€16,186,298.15 |
|
2012 |
€13,307,871.30 |
€2,095,432.52 |
€15,403,303.82 |
|
2013 |
€13,584,307.00 |
€2,000,541.00 |
€15,584,848.00 |
|
2014 |
€ 9,243,352.00 |
0 |
€ 9,243,352.00 |
|
2015 |
€ 9,993,352.12 |
0 |
€ 9,993,352.12 |
|
2016 (to date) |
€ 2,997,784.00 |
0 |
€ 2,997,784.00 |
The 2015 figure includes a payment of €1m in additional funding to assist the council to take the steps necessary to move to a more sustainable financial position. The payment of this additional funding for 2015 was fully conditional on a realistic and achievable financial plan, which charted a path to long term financial sustainability, being agreed between my Department and the Council.
Similarly for 2016, €1m has been set aside in addition to the Local Property Tax allocation of €8,993,352. Payment of this additional €1m is conditional on the council achieving financial targets as profiled in the agreed financial plan.
The Local Property Tax allocations for 2015 and 2016 also include equalisation funding of €5,646,509 and €5,861,427 respectively.
Social and Affordable Housing Provision
Ceisteanna (751)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:751. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 522 of 22 March 2016, the average turnaround times of social housing stock from vacancy to re-occupation, by local authority, in each of the years 2013 to 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5523/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Information on the ‘Average Re-letting Time’ for social housing is set out on the website of the National Oversight and Audit Commission. The most recent published information covering all local authorities is in respect of 2014 and is available at the following link: http://noac.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/NOAC-Performance-Indicators-Report-2014.pdf.
Information in respect of 2013 is at the following link: http://www.lgma.ie/en/service-indicators-local-authorities-2013.
Proposed Legislation
Ceisteanna (752)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:752. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the rights of a person who believes that trees growing on a neighbour's private property represent a danger to that person's personal safety and to that person's property; if he plans to introduce legislation to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5561/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Planning legislation places no specific restrictions on the height of trees, nor does it make any particular provision for remedy from any other nuisance which may be caused by trees in an urban residential area. However there is currently a civil remedy available concerning branches or roots of neighbouring trees encroaching on a person’s property.
The previous Minister of State for Housing and Planning wrote to the Minister for Justice in June 2012 to explore the possibility of providing a broader civil law remedy for parties affected by high trees and hedges on adjoining properties. In this regard, advice was sought on the possibility of legislative provision being made whereby a person substantially deprived of the enjoyment of their property, such as the deprivation of light caused by high trees on a neighbouring property, could apply to the Courts for an order, and that the Courts could make an order as they see fit, e.g. to cut the trees back to an appropriate height. Safety considerations relating to overhanging trees could also potentially be addressed in any such provisions.
The Minister for Justice responded in July 2012 suggesting that disputes of this nature between neighbours could perhaps be more appropriately dealt with through mediation – which is being increasingly used internationally as a tool for the resolution of civil disputes - rather than through the Courts. In this regard, I understand that the Department of Justice is giving consideration to a Mediation Bill which would assist in speeding up the resolution of civil disputes of this nature, reduce legal costs and ameliorate the stress of contested court proceedings.
Mortgage to Rent Scheme Data
Ceisteanna (753)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:753. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of the 150 successful applications that were successfully accepted onto the mortgage to rent scheme by year, by bank and by the housing association that was the beneficiary of the housing stock to rent back as a mortgage to rent property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5575/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Tenant Purchase Scheme Administration
Ceisteanna (754)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Ceist:754. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason for the delay in the commencement of a new scheme (details supplied). [5591/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The new incremental tenant purchase scheme for existing local authority houses came into operation on 1 January 2016 in accordance with the provisions of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 and the Housing (Sale of Local Authority Houses) Regulations 2015.
In November 2015 local authorities were circulated with details of the regulations accompanied by associated explanatory notes and detailed guidance on the new Scheme. An information seminar on the Scheme was also held for local authority staff in November.
A sample tenant application form, letter of notification and a detailed information booklet for tenants have also been issued to local authorities.
The implementation of the Scheme, including its application on a local basis in accordance with the provisions of the underpinning legislation, is now a matter for each local authority. Local authorities have been requested to write to tenants of houses, in their areas of responsibility, that are available for sale under the new Scheme, notifying them of its commencement.
Water and Sewerage Schemes Funding
Ceisteanna (755)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:755. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to provide funding for a group water scheme (details provided) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5650/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Kerry County Council has included the Group Water Scheme in question in its application to my Department for funding under the new Rural Water Multi-Annual Funding Programme for the period 2016 to 2018. My Department is currently considering local authorities' bids for funding and allocations to authorities for funding under the new programme will be provided shortly.
Social and Affordable Housing Provision
Ceisteanna (756)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:756. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has corresponded with Tipperary County Council in respect of the purchase of a property (details supplied) in County Tipperary; if a copy of all correspondence will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5666/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has received no proposal for funding from Tipperary County Council In relation to the property referred to. As the provision of social housing services is a matter for each local authority, in its capacity as the housing authority for its area, the authorities identify their areas’ social housing needs and respond as required. This includes delegated sanction from my Department to acquire suitable properties for social housing.
Accordingly, it is a matter for Tipperary County Council to determine if the acquisition of a particular property is suitable for the social housing need in their area.
Social and Affordable Housing Provision
Ceisteanna (757)
John Brassil
Ceist:757. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to examine and expedite the building of a house for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry as a matter of urgency, given that work has been unnecessarily delayed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5692/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The advancement of this social housing project is a matter for Kerry County Council following on from the approval -in-principle my Department has given it. I am keen to see this and all other social housing projects advanced as soon as possible and in that regard, I am pleased to note that the Council sought and received pre-tender approval from my Department earlier this year. I expect a report on the tender costings to be prepared by the Council once that process is complete, ahead of the project proceeding to construction.
Planning Issues
Ceisteanna (758)
Thomas Byrne
Ceist:758. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the planning guidelines in place at national level in respect of the development of solar panel farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5700/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There are no specific planning guidelines in respect of solar farms and I have no proposals to bring forward such guidelines at the present time. However, the matter will be kept under review, in consultation with my colleague the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in the context of the Government’s recently published White Paper on Energy Policy entitled Ireland’s Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future.
Under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, each planning authority’s development plan must set out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area concerned. Section 10 of the Act requires a development plan to include, inter alia, objectives for the provision or facilitation of the provision of infrastructure including energy facilities and many local authorities have developed renewable energy strategies for their areas in this context.
Social and Affordable Housing Expenditure
Ceisteanna (759)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:759. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the housing crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5709/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Social housing is procured by housing authorities or by approved housing bodies in accordance with the relevant EU and domestic legislative and policy requirements as outlined under the National Public Procurement Policy Guidance and Capital Works Management Framework published by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. Housing authorities/bodies are also responsible for ensuring that housing units are designed and constructed in accordance with all relevant regulatory requirements including building control, fire safety and planning requirements. I am satisfied that the procurement arrangements in place allow for the consideration of innovative products and systems wherever reasonable and appropriate. All procurement opportunities which receive 50% or more of their funding from public funds are advertised openly on www.etenders.gov.ie.
While my Department has a role in funding social housing projects, it has no role in relation to the procurement or management of individual projects.
Emergency Accommodation Provision
Ceisteanna (760)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:760. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the enormous stress that families housed in hotel rooms are experiencing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5734/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am very aware that living in emergency accommodation in hotels in the medium to long-term causes stress for family life, and is particularly inappropriate for children. Local authorities, the HSE and Tusla (the Child and Family Agency) try to practically support families in emergency accommodation as much as possible so as to minimise any detrimental effects. In addition, 25 additional staff have recently been added to Focus Ireland’s Family Homeless Action Team.
Because of the lack of social housing available and a tightening rental market, move-on options for families in hotels are limited until a reasonable supply of accommodation becomes available under the Social Housing Strategy 2014-2020. In order to help address this, in September 2015 Government specifically approved the initiation of a rapid-delivery housing programme for 500 units for homeless families across Dublin. This programme of rapid-delivery housing provision is being implemented to provide appropriate family accommodation for homeless families currently residing in hotels. The units will provide temporary accommodation in the first instance, offering a greater level of stability, while move-on options to long-term independent living are identified and secured. Furthermore, such arrangements will facilitate more coordinated needs assessment and support planning for access to all required services, including welfare, health and housing services.
Social and Affordable Housing Funding
Ceisteanna (761)
Thomas Pringle
Ceist:761. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to meet with representatives of the Irish League of Credit Unions to discuss social housing funding proposals as part of its Six Strategic Steps strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5774/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I and my colleague, Minister Paudie Coffey, met with the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) on 1 December 2015 to discuss a submission setting out a proposed means by which funding could be provided to Approved Housing Bodies, by credit unions, for the development of social housing. My Department has since had a further meeting with the ILCU to address technical aspects of its proposal.
Conscious of the independence of the Central Bank in its regulatory role in respect of credit unions, bilateral engagement has taken place between my Department and the Department of Finance to consider the potential regulatory and legislative implications of credit union involvement in the social housing sector.
The Central Bank commenced a number of new regulations for credit unions on 1 January 2016. Prior to their commencement, following careful consideration, the Central Bank made a number of modifications including to Regulation 25(2) which makes reference to the fact that the Central Bank may prescribe, in accordance with section 43 of the Credit Union Act 1997, further classes of investments for credit unions which may include investments in projects of a public nature. The effect of these modifications is that regulation 25(2) now provides that investment in projects of a public nature can include, but are not limited to, investments in social housing projects.
I acknowledge the recent modifications made by the Central Bank and the willingness of credit unions to actively seek a role in financing the delivery of social housing. I look forward to the ILCU’s further engagement with the Central Bank on foot of the regulatory changes made and my Department will continue to engage constructively with the ILCU in relation to their proposal.
Inniúlacht sa Ghaeilge sa Státseirbhís
Ceisteanna (762)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:762. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Comhshaoil, Pobail agus Rialtais Áitiúil cad é an líon iomlán foirne atá fostaithe ina Roinn faoi láthair; cé mhéad duine acu siúd atá ag feidhmiú i bpoist atá daingnithe, i scéim teanga, nó ar aon bhealach eile, mar phoist a bhfuil riachtanas Gaeilge ag baint leo; an bhfuil sé i gceist aon phoist eile de chuid na Roinne a aithint mar phoist a bhfuil riachtanas Gaeilge ag baint leo; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [5822/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Tá 719 fostaithe i mo Roinn ar bhonn coibhéiseach lánaimseartha, agus níl éinne acu i bpost atá ainmnithe le riachtanas Gaeilge. Mar chuid dá Phleanáil d’Fhórsa Saothair, rinne mo Roinn imscrúdú ar líon na bpost ina bhfuil inniúlacht sa Ghaeilge 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 Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe. Mar chuid de phleanáil leanúnach d’fhórsa saothair, déantar monatóireacht agus athbhreithniú ar an gcás ar bhonn rialta.
Tá thart ar 26 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.
Inniúlacht sa Ghaeilge sa Státseirbhís
Ceisteanna (763)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:763. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Comhshaoil, Pobail agus Rialtais Áitiúil an bhfuil sé mar dhualgas oifigiúil ar bhaill foirne aonair ar leith de chuid a Roinne seirbhís a sholáthar trí Ghaeilge d’aon duine a lorgaíonn í nó an ar bhonn deonach amháin a thoilíonn baill foirne a Roinne seirbhís trí Ghaeilge a sholáthar; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [5838/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Tá mo Roinn tiomanta seirbhísí den scoth a sholáthar dá custaiméirí i nGaeilge nó i mBéarla agus i nGaeilge. Cuireadh an triú Scéim Ghaeilge de chuid na Roinne, arna ullmhú de réir Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003, i bhfeidhm ar 16 Meán Fómhair, 2013.
Réitíonn an scéim le prionsabail na Seirbhíse Ardchaighdeáin do Chustaiméirí agus déanann sé deimhin de go n-éascófar le daoine ar mian leo a ngnó a dhéanamh i nGaeilge leis an Roinn.
Cinntíonn an Roinn go bhfuil foireann atá inniúil ar an nGaeilge ar fáil d'fhonn a bheith in ann seirbhís a sholáthar trí Ghaeilge chomh maith le seirbhís a sholáthar i mBéarla.
Má tá seirbhís trí Ghaeilge á iarraidh ag custaiméir agus nach bhfuil oifigeach áirithe in ann seirbhís a sholáthar trí Ghaeilge, cuirfear an custaméir i dteagmháil le h-oifigeach atá inniúil ar an nGaeilge chun teacht i gcabhair ar an gcustaiméir sin.
Cuireann an scéim leis an dul chun cinn atá bainte amach le linn an chéad dhá scéim foilisithe go dtí seo.
San triú Scéim, leagtar amach gealltanais thar ceann na Roinne agus thar cheann na fóirne chun cur leis na seirbhísí atá ar fáil trí Ghaeilge faoi láthair; aithnítear chomh maith réimsí áirithe a bhféadfaí feabhsú ó thaobh leibhéal na seirbhíse de a sholáthraíonn an Roinn trí mhéan na Gaeilge sna blianta beaga amach romhainn.
Tá cóip den scéim ar fáil ag http://www.environ.ie/sites/default/files/migrated-files/ga/Foilsiuchain/SeirbhisiCorparaideacha/SeirbhisdoChustaimeiri/FileDownLoad%2C20707%2Cga.pdf .
Voluntary Housing Sector
Ceisteanna (764)
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:764. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is aware that a housing association (details supplied) is increasing the rent for a number of its residents; if he will intervene on this matter as he did in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5976/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am aware of the background to this particular social housing development including recent developments in relation to rents. In the first instance, the issue of rents charged by the approved housing body that manages the development is a matter on which they consult with Dublin City Council, as well as with the tenants.
I understand that Dublin City Council will be arranging to meet with the approved housing body to discuss the matter shortly.
Approved Housing Bodies
Ceisteanna (765)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:765. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the assistance he can provide to a group (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5978/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992 enables housing authorities to provide assistance to Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) for the provision of housing. Section 6 (6) of the Act empowers me, as Minister, to grant approved status for this purpose.
AHBs are independent, not-for-profit organisations. They provide affordable rented housing for people who cannot afford to pay private sector rents or buy their own homes; or for particular groups, such as older people or homeless people.
AHBs also include housing co-operatives, which are housing organisations controlled by their members/tenants who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions.
Applications for approved status will be considered from the following: Limited Companies formed by guarantee of their members and not having a shareholding, registered under the Companies Act 2014; Societies registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts 1893-2014; Trusts incorporated under the Charities Acts.
A body seeking to obtain, and to retain, approved status must: have as its goal, the relief of housing needs, to assist with cases of poverty or hardship, including the welfare of Travellers, and the delivery and management of housing; have in its Memorandum and Articles of Association or registered rules, provisions preventing the distribution of any surplus, profit, bonus or dividend to its members; ensure that its assets are applied solely towards its objects.
Further information on becoming an AHB can be found on my Departments website at: http://www.environ.ie/housing/social-housing/voluntary-and-cooperative-housing/approved-housing-bodies-ahbs.
Tenant Purchase Scheme
Ceisteanna (766)
Pat Deering
Ceist:766. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to consider a tenant purchase scheme for tenants of voluntary housing associations. [6038/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the terms of these various funding schemes supporting the delivery of social housing by approved housing bodies (AHBs), AHBs are the de facto owners of the properties and are required to make them available for social renting for the duration of the mortgage or, as the case may be, the availability agreement. My Department cannot unilaterally make provision for their sale to tenants. Any such decision would have to involve the AHB and have regard to the mortgage on the property. On expiry of the mortgage period and subject to compliance with the terms of the funding agreement, the AHB becomes the owner of the property.
Section 45 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 does provide for the sale by housing authorities and AHBs of designated new houses to eligible households, subject to specified terms and conditions. However, any such sales would have to be progressed by the AHBs. There are currently no proposals or plans for a tenant purchase scheme in relation to AHB houses.
Voluntary Housing Sector
Ceisteanna (767)
Michael Creed
Ceist:767. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has received a copy of the report of the independent review group on organisational matters in An Bord Pleanála; if he has considered its recommendations; the legislative changes required arising from these recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6049/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Report of the Independent Review Group on the operations of An Bord Pleanála was published on 14 March 2016. The review was undertaken to ensure that An Bord Pleanála was appropriately positioned and fit for purpose from an organisational perspective to fulfil its legislative mandate, taking account of considerations including an anticipated increase in construction activity, the increasingly complex legislative and policy context within which the Board operates, and the increase in functions assigned to the Board.
The report is a comprehensive document and contains over 100 recommendations relating to:
- simplification and streamlining of the planning legislation;
- more open arrangements for Board membership;
- improvements to the processes, systems and practices of An Bord Pleanála;
- access to environmental and other specialist advice;
- mandatory pre-application discussions for all potential Strategic Infrastructure Development projects; and
- changes to the statutory objective timeframes for the work of the Board.
My Department is currently reviewing the contents of the Report. An Bord Pleanála has also been asked to provide its views on the report and its recommendations. Given its importance and the number of recommendations contained in the report, some of which would require legislative underpinning, my Department intends to shortly engage with An Bord Pleanála on the practical implementation of the report’s recommendations.