Written Answers Nos. 257-277
257. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has identified serviced or serviceable and zoned or unzoned lands adjacent to towns and villages in local authority areas experiencing severe housing shortages, which have long housing waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11860/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Housing Agency, in consultation with my Department and local authorities, is updating data and developing a detailed database and GIS map of all local authority owned lands, as well as the Land Aggregation Scheme lands, showing their location, size, boundaries and other information. This map will be updated over the course of the Social Housing Strategy to record the development and use of these lands.
Accordingly, sites that have either been transferred to the Housing Agency under the Land Aggregation Scheme or comprise of other suitable local authority lands will be amongst those first considered in order to support the implementation of the Strategy.
Furthermore, in 2014, my Department, in conjunction with Local Authority Planning Departments, carried out a national survey of all lands zoned for residential development in statutory local authority development plans and local area plans across Ireland. This exercise, The Residential Land Availability Study, determined the location and quantity of lands that may be regarded as being undeveloped and available for residential development purposes at 31st March 2014. The results of the survey indicated that there was 17,434 hectares of residential zoned lands nationally which could theoretically enable the construction of over 414,000 dwellings. My Department’s www.myplan.ie web browser contains a detailed map of the residential land availability study.
In relation to housing in the Dublin Region the Government published Construction 2020 - A Strategy for a Renewed Construction Sector (May, 2014) which included a commitment to establishing a Housing Supply Coordination Taskforce for Dublin with an immediate focus on addressing supply-related issues(Action 2 of the Strategy). This Task Force was convened by my Department and includes representatives of the four Dublin local authorities. More recent date from Task Force concluded that across the four Dublin authorities there is land immediately available with planning permission for development of 27,000 housing units at Q4 2015.
I can therefore assure the Deputy that suitable lands for the provision of housing by all housing providers, whether they are in the public or private housing sectors have been identified.
Availability of sites is therefore not the key issue constraining supply, which points to a range of wider structural issues concerning the viability of development and the funding capacity of providers.
Recognising these structural issues and in line with the Programme for Government commitment on this issue, by mid-summer I intend to finalise an action plan for housing which will look at all options to accelerate delivery of supply and ensure that we are building the right mix of housing types in the right locations and for the various categories of people that need housing both through the provision of publicly funded housing programs and a properly functioning private housing construction sector.
259. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government how he can accelerate access to available or potentially available housing units for families in emergency accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11862/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI will prepare and publish a comprehensive ‘Action Plan for Housing’ within this Government’s first 100 days. Ultimately, a shortage of supply of houses and apartments to buy and rent is at the heart of the challenges in the housing sector. The plan will build on what the previous Government has already done and will draw on the work of the Special Oireachtas Committee on Housing and Homelessness. The Plan will include further actions to expedite and boost supply of all types of housing in the immediate, medium and longer-terms.
Under the Social Housing Strategy 2020, targets have been set for each local authority out to 2017. Importantly, local authorities and approved housing bodies have a strong pipeline of construction, turnkey and acquisition projects, which will deliver some 3,900 homes, with approved budget costs of some €680 million. It is my ambition that the delivery of these homes will be accelerated and that the targets will be exceeded.
In addition, a programme of rapid-delivery housing provision is also being implemented to mitigate the acute issues associated with homelessness. The units will provide accommodation for those families currently in hotels in the first instance, offering a greater level of stability while move-on options to long-term independent living are identified and secured. Again, it is my ambition to accelerate and expand the rapid delivery programme.
These and a range of other measures required to address the overall issue of housing supply will be set out in the finalised “Action Plan for Housing”.
260. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will review the operation of shared ownership housing schemes which, as currently constructed, cause severe hardship to families who are forced to accept an annual increase on the rental equity of 4.7%; if he can enable such mortgage holders to buy out the remaining equity under the terms of a purchase scheme such as was previously available to local authority tenants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11863/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra261. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is aware of the hardship caused to families holding shared ownership loans arising from the annual rental increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11864/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 260 and 261 together.
My Department, together with the Housing Agency, the Housing Finance Agency and local authorities has considered the affordability issues facing some borrowers who purchased properties under the Shared Ownership (SO) schemes and devised a more affordable long-term path towards full home ownership. A range of measures have already been taken to reduce the monthly repayments of these borrowers.
The Index Linked Shared Ownership Scheme which operated from 1999 until 2002 has been revised with regard to the annual indexation of the rental equity balance and rental payments. The amendments, which came into effect on 1 July 2015, reduce the monthly cost for these borrowers and avoid existing rental equity balances increasing for the remaining term. My Department has issued directions to local authorities outlining the measures and I understand that these changes are being applied to individual loan accounts.
In addition, the Local Authority variable mortgage interest rate was cut by 0.20% and this has helped many Share Ownership borrowers. The rate cut brought the variable mortgage interest rate charged to local authority borrowers down to 2.55% with effect from 1 July 2015, saving borrowers around €17 per month on a typical mortgage of €100,000.
An innovative Shared Ownership Restructuring Option has been available to Shared Ownership borrowers from 1 April 2016 and is being offered to borrowers by local authorities. This new restructuring option involves rolling-up all outstanding debt under a SO arrangement into a single annuity loan - i.e. the new restructured loan principal will comprise any outstanding annuity loan balance; rental equity balance, plus any arrears - with an all-sums-owing mortgage charge applying to the property. The term of the annuity loan will be determined by the amount of the monthly repayment deemed to be affordable and sustainable for each SO borrower. This restructuring option allows the borrower to have a regularised, restructured repayment solution which is more easily understood. The restructuring option can lead to full homeownership for the borrower and as such allows for up or down sizing to suit household needs. This arrangement may be of particular benefit to those SO borrowers who are nearing the end of their annuity term but who have not made sufficient provision for the repayment of their Rental Equity balance. The feasibility of this new option for each SO borrower will be determined by their local authority, and may not be appropriate in all cases. For example, in some instances, continuing with the current SO arrangement may be the best option for both the SO borrower and the local authority, or in other cases where the outstanding debt may not be sustainable for the borrower in the long-term, the Local Authority Mortgage to Rent (LAMTR) option might ultimately be the appropriate solution.
In every case both in a restructured or standard arrangement repayment of SO loans is facilitated by local authorities and no penalties apply.
Local authority borrowers are encouraged to engage with their local authority at the earliest opportunity if they are having difficulty making the repayments on their Shared Ownership arrangement. Information in relation to local authority mortgage arrears, the local authority mortgage arrears resolution process (MARP) and the help available to borrowers is also available on my Department’s website: http://www.environ.ie/housing/home-ownership/mortgage-arrears/local-authority-mortgage-arrears-help-available.
262. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if adequate funding is available for housing adaptation grants, particularly for those local authorities facing the highest demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11865/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 2 February 2016, funding of €56.25 million was announced for the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability which is an increase of 10% on the previous year’s allocation. This funding will see over 8,000 homes receiving grant aid in 2016.
Through careful management of my Department’s housing budget in 2015, additional funds were made available to local authorities with high levels of grant activity and the same approach will be followed for 2016.
264. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his Department has examined the number of group water schemes in place or pending in all areas with a view to ascertaining if reliable provision and structures can be put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11867/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraDuring 2015, my Department established a working group involving key stakeholders in the rural water sector, which includes group water schemes, to address the development of the sector within the overall water reform programme to ensure that the programme responds effectively to current and future needs. Local authorities, the Water Services Transition Office, Irish Water, the National Federation of Group Water Schemes and my Department are represented on the working group. The tasks of the group include the development of a multi-annual approach to targeting funding to meet priority needs of the sector and to ensure that there is appropriate integration of the Department's Rural Water Programme and Irish Water's Capital Investment Programme so as to fully support rural development and address any environmental issues that may arise. The compilation of a full dataset of group water schemes across the country including the mapping of such schemes is a critical aspect in the development of this sector.
The working group is also considering a number of areas where there are potential boundary issues with Irish Water or legacy issues which need to be addressed and new approaches in this area will be informed by a number of demonstration projects or pilot schemes.
In January 2016, my Department wrote to local authorities advising them of a new multi-annual approach to the funding of group water schemes for 2016 and beyond under the rural water programme. This will ultimately lead to the development of appropriate prioritised lists of schemes for funding and a series of demonstration projects which will assist in further evolving the programme of investment. Details of the new multi-annual programme are available on my Department’s website at http://www.environ.ie/en/Environment/Water/WaterServices/RuralWaterProgramme/.
My Department is currently considering local authorities' bids for funding and allocations to authorities under the new programme will be provided shortly.
265. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the progress achieved in resolving outstanding issues of planning compliance or otherwise determining outstanding matters at the waterways in Sallins, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11868/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe finalisation of any outstanding planning related matters affecting the development concerned is a matter for Kildare County Council and one in which I have no function. Under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, I am specifically precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular planning case with which a planning authority, including An Bord Pleanála, is or may be concerned.
266. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he monitors and identifies air pollutants; if they are increasing; the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11869/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAir quality monitoring in Ireland is carried out by the Environmental Protection Agency to meet the requirements of EU Directive 2008/50/EC on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe, known as the CAFÉ Directive. The Directive requires that certain minimum levels of monitoring are carried out for the purposes of assessment and management of air quality. The EPA monitors a range of atmospheric pollutants, based on data obtained from the 31 monitoring stations that form the national ambient air quality network.
The EPA publishes an annual report on air quality, primarily based on the monitoring requirements of the CAFÉ Directive. The most recent report, Air Quality in Ireland 2014 – Key Indicators of Ambient Air Quality, was published in September 2015 and provides an assessment of air quality in Ireland for 2014, compared to the CAFÉ Directive standards, as well as assessments in relation to more stringent World Health Organisation (WHO) air quality guidelines for the protection of human health and the European Environment Agency (EEA) estimated reference levels.
The report indicates that NOx values, arising primarily from the transport sector, are showing a slight increase over 2013 figures at some locations, and indicates a risk that growth in economic activity will lead to an increase in NOx levels. Similarly, the report indicates that levels of particulates (PM 2.5) and compounds (PAH) have increased at some stations.
Notwithstanding these points, I welcome the fact that no levels above the EU limit value were recorded at any of the ambient air quality network monitoring sites in Ireland in 2014. However, I also note that Ireland exceeds WHO air quality guideline values for particulate matter (PM) in some areas. Particulate matter levels are of concern, particularly during the winter heating season in some areas where the sale of smoky coal is permitted. Because of this, levels of particulate matter in smaller towns can often be similar to, or higher than, those in cities where the sale and use of smoky coal is banned. To help protect our good air quality, consumers must become more aware of their choice in home heating fuel and the potential impact that this choice can have on local air quality and on human health.
To this end, my Department has commenced work on the first ever national Clean Air Strategy which will provide an overarching strategic policy framework within which clean air policies can be formulated and given effect in a manner consistent with national, EU and international policy considerations and priorities. The Strategy will set a progressive vision for managing and improving Ireland’s air quality across the broad range of Government Departments and Agencies, and will seek to integrate such considerations into future sectorial policy and expenditure decisions. The development of the Strategy is especially timely, in the context of the EU’s Clean Air Package, as it will act as a policy framework for the implementation of the provisions of the Package in Ireland, but it will also complement and add value to it, by having a particular focus on national priority areas not addressed by EU legislation.
The Clean Air Strategy will target priority air pollutants in Ireland in an integrated manner, addressing the relevant sectors including transport, industry, agriculture and residential heating with the aim of identifying cost-effective short, medium and long-term goals and action for reducing air pollutant levels. The Strategy will seek to ensure continued and on-going compliance with current and future EU legislation, but also improved health outcomes and wider environmental benefits. Importantly, the Strategy will also aim to align relevant sectorial strategies, in particular, climate change and clean air policies, to ensure complementary actions to avoid policy conflict, maximising co-benefits and thus cost effectiveness.
267. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the average of cost of one, two, three, and four bed local authority new build units on the basis of costings submitted to his Department by local authorities over the past 12 months. [11873/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following table contains the average costs for the range of differently sized social housing units as sought by the Deputy, in terms of both construction costs and 'all- in' costs. These are based on the analysis of returned data from tendered social housing schemes over an extended period. Construction cost is reflective of building costs to include VAT inclusive of normal site works and site development. All-in cost reflects a composite figure to include the addition of site purchase cost, design team fees, utilities, site investigations, surveys, etc. as appropriate. Abnormal costs are excluded from these figures.
|
1-Bed. |
2-Bed. (1 storey) |
2-Bed. (2 storey) |
3 - Bed. |
4 - Bed. |
|||||
|
Construct. |
All-in |
Construct. |
All-in |
Construct. |
All-in |
Construct. |
All-in |
Construct. |
All-in |
|
129,826 |
165,250 |
135,188 |
171,382 |
142,741 |
179,585 |
151,385 |
189,271 |
160,024 |
199,029 |
In general, information on the average cost of current social housing developments of various sizes is preliminary at this stage, pending a greater number of projects having completed the tender stage. At that point, the likely cost of the projects of different scale will be on a more reliable footing. While substantial numbers of new social housing construction projects have been approved, these must all proceed through the planning process and this and other factors will have a direct impact on the projects in terms of house type, timing for advancement and costs.
Other factors that will directly influence the cost of new social housing developments of different scale will be their geographic location and land costs and conditions. The prevailing economic conditions at present suggest that housing costs, including social housing costs, are more likely to rise rather than fall during 2016. This is due to the fact that, in general, housing supply currently falls significantly short of housing demand and that construction input costs are subject to inflationary pressures as the construction industry transitions from under-activity over an extended period to significant growth in all sectors (i.e. residential, commercial and civil construction).
Information on capital-funded construction projects that have been announced since the launch of the Social Housing Strategy is available on my Department’s website at the following links: http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/News/MainBody,41340,en.htm, http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/News/MainBody,42225,en.htm
http://www.environ.ie/housing/social-housing/ministers-kelly-coffey-announce-further-1000-social-housing-units .
268. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the details of the 35,000 social housing units outlined in the social housing strategy 2020 by tenancy type, including local authority units that are refurbished, purchased on the open market, Part V, new build, leased where the local authority owns the units and leased where the units remain in private ownership; approved housing bodies units that are refurbished, purchased on the open market, Part V, new build by local authority, leased where the approved housing bodies own the units and leased where the units remain in private ownership; and units under the rental accommodation scheme. [11874/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Housing Strategy 2020 targets the provision of some 111,000 social housing units, through the delivery of 35,600 new social housing units and meeting the housing needs of some 75,400 households mainly through the Housing Assistance Payment.
I anticipate that the 35,600 units will be delivered as follows: some 22,300 units to be built and acquired, including Part V units, by local authorities and approved housing bodies, utilising both current and capital moneys; 11,000 units to be leased by local authorities and approved housing bodies; and over 2,300 units to be supplied through the refurbishment and bringing back in to use of vacant local authority stock.
Social housing targets have been set for each local authority out to 2017 and are available on my Department’s website, along with the associated provisional funding allocations, at the following link: http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/News/MainBody,41016,en.htm.
Over 13,000 social housing units were delivered in 2015, the first full year of implementation of the Strategy. This represents an 86% increase in unit delivery above 2014. It was achieved in a very difficult operating environment and represents a good start to the Strategy’s implementation. The target for 2016 is 17,000 units. I am committed to meeting that target and my ambition is to exceed it, if possible.
The Social Housing Output in 2015 report, which was published in January 2016, details how the 13,000 units were delivered across all the social housing programmes last year. The report is available on my Department’s website at the following link: http://www.environ.ie/housing/social-housing/social-housing-strategy/social-housing-output-2015.
Additional data on the breakdown of output in 2015, across all social housing delivery programmes, by local authority, is available on my Department’s website at the following link: http://www.environ.ie/sites/default/files/attachments/1a2-sh-2015-brkdn_1.xlsx.
Information regarding on-going output in 2016 is being gathered and will be collated and published in due course.
269. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if jobseeker's benefit is an eligible payment under the rural social scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11177/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe rural social scheme (RSS) provides income support for farmers and fishermen who have an entitlement to specified social welfare payments. One of the key criteria for participation on the scheme is that the participant must be underemployed in their primary activity i.e. either farming or fishing, and that their earnings are insufficient to support their family circumstance. The scheme currently provides work opportunities for around 2,600 participants and 130 supervisory staff to provide certain services of benefit to rural communities.
Jobseeker’s Benefit is not a qualifying payment for the RSS. However, it is open to those on Jobseeker’s Benefit to apply for Jobseeker’s Allowance or Farm/Fish Assist which are qualifying payments for the scheme.
270. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) was refused permission to accept a position within a community employment scheme while participating in JobPath, considering that the aim of JobPath is to find employment for the long-term unemployed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11178/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder current Community Employment rules, a person under 55 years of age is limited to a maximum period of 3 years on the scheme.
The person concerned has already spent 3 years on the scheme and is therefore precluded from further participation until he reaches 55 years of age.
JobPath is a new approach to employment activation that supports people who are long-term unemployed and those most distant from the labour market to secure and sustain full-time paid employment. JobPath is one of the range of activation supports, including schemes such as Community Employment, catering for long-term unemployed jobseekers.
In March 2016 the person concerned was referred to JobPath. He expressed an interest in a course (horticulture and hard landscape construction) and this was supported by his JobPath adviser. He has been placed on the waiting list for this course.
While on JobPath the citizen concerned will receive intensive individual support to help him tackle barriers to employment and to assist him in finding full-time paid employment. On JobPath each person is assigned to a personal adviser who assesses a person’s skills, experience, challenges and work goals. The personal adviser and the participant draw up a personal progression plan that includes a schedule of activities, actions and job-focused targets. Participants are also provided with a range of training and development supports including online modules, career advice, CV preparation and interview skills. They spend a year on JobPath and if they are placed into a job they will continue to receive support for at least three months and up to twelve months while in employment.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
271. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 62 of 28 January 2016, to review the decision announced in budget 2013 to abolish the redundancy rebate, given that its abolition not only affected profitable foreign owned companies, which seems to have been the intention, but has had a disproportionate negative effect on indigenous small and medium sized enterprises, many of which had contributed to the fund for decades; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11193/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraUp to 2014, the State paid a rebate to all employers who provided statutory redundancy payments, regardless of a company’s ability to pay. As a result, very significant amounts were paid out in redundancy rebates to employers from the social insurance fund (SIF).
While the SIF is constituted primarily from employer contributions, the taxpayers’ contribution is also significant. One of the factors which influenced the Government’s decision in Budget 2013 to abolish the rebate was the high cost of these payments, which in turn were often benefitting profitable companies who were choosing to move operations abroad.
I acknowledge the contribution made by these enterprises in the creation of employment. However, the cost to the SIF of redundancy rebates would be very significant and could only be considered by Government having regard to the resources available in future Budgets.
272. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection how his Department assessed the means of persons (details supplied); and if he will review this case. [11204/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing a review of the disability allowance (DA) payment to the person concerned, an increase has been awarded with effect from 18 May 2016. First payment of the new rate will be on 25 May 2016. Notification of this decision issued to the person in question.
The supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) rate being paid to the person in question’s spouse has also been reviewed. This review resulted in an increase from 18 May 2016, to reflect the change in the household income.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
273. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason his Department declined an application by a person (details supplied) under the carer's allowance scheme; if the will review the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11249/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI confirm that my Department received an application for Carer’s Allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 29 May 2015. It is a condition for receipt of a CA that the person being cared for must have a disability whose effect is that they require full-time care and attention.
This is defined as requiring from another person, continual supervision and frequent assistance throughout the day in connection with normal bodily functions or continuous supervision in order to avoid danger to him or herself and likely to require that level of care for at least twelve months.
The evidence submitted in support of this application was examined and the deciding officer decided that this evidence did not indicate that the requirement for full-time care was satisfied.
The person concerned was notified on 19 October 2015 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal. The person concerned requested a review of this decision and submitted additional evidence in support of her application. Following this review the decision remained unchanged
The person concerned has appealed this decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). All the necessary papers were submitted to the Social Welfare Appeals Office for determination on 2 March 2016. The SWAO will be in touch with the person concerned in relation to the progress of the appeal.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
274. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Social Protection if students availing of the back to education allowance are permitted to work during the summer period when not in college; if, by doing so, they will lose their entitlement to the allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11260/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll back to education allowance (BTEA) recipients must re-establish their entitlement to an underlying qualifying payment at the beginning of each academic year in order for BTEA to be approved. Earnings from employment during the summer will not impact on the BTEA payment amount if the employment has ceased before recommencing BTEA. Confirmation that the employment has ceased (in the form of a Revenue cessation certificate - form P45) must be provided to the Department before the commencement of the new academic year.
BTEA participants who are in employment during the academic year will be assessed in accordance with the conditions of their underlying primary payment.
275. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a review for a person (details supplied) under the family income supplement scheme, including if he will consider the clarification in relation to hours from the person's employer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11295/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order to qualify for Family Income Supplement (FIS) an applicant must be engaged in full-time remunerative employment as an employee for at least 38 hours per fortnight (19 hours per week).
This claim for FIS was refused as the information provided indicated that the person was not working the required hours to qualify for FIS.
An appeal of the Department’s decision from this person was registered on the 14 April, 2016 and a letter of clarification of the decisions was issued to them on 20 May 2016. They still have the right of appeal if not satisfied with the clarification.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
276. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason rent allowance is not allowed for victims of domestic violence who have had to leave their private home because of a crime on their person and if this can be changed. [11300/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra287. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to raise limits under the rent supplement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11469/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra338. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Social Protection if the rent supplement scheme is fit for purpose; and if he is aware of the difficulties for persons trying to find and secure properties that fail to comply with his Department's thresholds. [11826/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 276, 287 and 338 together.
Supports in relation to housing and the provision of financial supports, such as the rent supplement scheme currently supporting some 56,800 recipients at a cost of €267 million in 2016, are a key priority for Government and are being considered by the Cabinet Committee on Housing in the context of the Programme for Government housing commitments. My Department is currently examining the rent limits in the context of the Government commitment and it is my intention that revised rent limits will be introduced as early as possible, subject to agreement by Government.
At this time of constrained supply, the Department continues to implement a targeted, flexible, case-by-case approach where rents exceed limits. This ensures that people at risk of homelessness or loss of their tenancy are supported under the rent supplement scheme where increased rental payments are required. Currently, over 8,000 households are supported through this approach.
The strategic policy direction of my Department is to return rent supplement to its original purpose of being a short-term support scheme mainly for unemployed people, addressing long-term support needs through Government initiatives such as the Rental Accommodation Scheme and the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Scheme. HAP is being implemented on an incremental basis and is currently available in 19 local authorities across the country.
Where HAP is not in operation, in order to qualify for a rent supplement a person must have been residing in private rented accommodation or accommodation for homeless persons or an institution (or any combination of these) for a period of 183 days within the preceding 12 months of the date of claim for rent supplement. A person may also qualify for rent supplement where an assessment of housing need has been carried out within the 12 months preceding the date of claim and the person is deemed by a local authority to be eligible for and in need of social housing support. In all other cases, a new applicant who wishes to apply for rent supplement is referred, in the first instance, for an assessment of eligibility for social housing support by a housing authority. Only when the person has been assessed as being eligible for and in need of social housing support, does the person become eligible for consideration for rent supplement.
Where a person’s safety and well-being are at risk due to domestic violence, Department officials operating the rent supplement scheme have discretionary powers to expedite the award of a payment to the person in question.
This Department may also make a single exceptional needs payment (ENP) to help meet essential, once-off and unforeseen expenditure. It is expected that the expenditure on the ENP scheme in 2016 will be in excess of €30 million. ENPs are payable at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case, including those in a domestic violence situation, in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance.
277. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) is not in receipt of any social protection payment and as a result does not receive a medical card. [11304/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis client presented to the Cork Street Intreo Centre on Tuesday 17 May to make an application for basic supplementary welfare allowance. Her application is pending award as the Designated Person handling her case is awaiting additional information that the person has been asked to supply. When this information is provided to the Department a decision can be made on her application. Matters relating to medical card application and entitlement are a matter for the HSE.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
