Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:224. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will extend the designated rent pressure zones to County Louth as a matter of urgency. [4926/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraRent Controls
Ceisteanna (224)
Freagraí scríofa
The Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016 amends the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 to provide that the Housing Agency, in consultation with housing authorities, may make a proposal to the Minister that an area should be considered as a Rent Pressure Zone.
Following receipt of such a proposal, the Minister requests the Director of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) to conduct an assessment of the area to establish whether or not it meets the criteria for designation and to report to the Minister on whether the area should be designated as a Rent Pressure Zone. For an area to be designated a Rent Pressure Zone, it must satisfy the following criteria set out in section 24A(4) of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 (as amended by section 36 of the Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016):
(i) The annual rate of rent inflation in the area must have been 7% or more in four of the last six quarters; and
(ii) The average rent for tenancies registered in the area with the RTB in the last quarter must be above the average national rent (the National Indicative Rent in the RTB s Rent Index Report) in the last quarter.
Following the enactment of the Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016, the Housing Agency reviewed the rental markets in certain counties nationally and identified nine housing authorities containing electoral areas that could potentially be Rent Pressure Zones. The Housing Agency consulted with the relevant housing authorities regarding their views on the rental markets, including housing demand and supply, and their experiences in relation to the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS), the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), trends in relation to both general housing needs and homelessness and other relevant issues.
On the basis of this analysis, five housing authority areas were examined in more detail by the Housing Agency to identify local electoral area s with significant rental pressures. The areas of Galway County, Limerick City and County, Louth and Waterford City and County were excluded by the Housing Agency from this more detailed analysis, as the preliminary analysis had indicated that these areas would not currently meet the criteria for designation as Rent Pressure Zones.
On 24 January 2017 the Housing Agency proposed that 15 Local Electoral Areas in the following five housing authority areas should be considered for designation: Cork County, Galway City, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow. On foot of the proposal from the Housing Agency, and i n accordance with section 24A(2) of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 (as amended), I requested the Director of the RTB to make a report to me as to whether these areas met the criteria for designation as Rent Pressure Zones.
On 26 January 2017, I received a report from the RTB confirming that 12 out of the 15 Local Electoral Areas examined met the criteria. As required by section 24A(5) of the Act, I made Orders designating the 12 Rent Pressure Zones on 26 January 2017. The Orders came into effect on 27 January 2017. Details of the areas that met the criteria and have been designated as Rent Pressure Zones are available on my Department s website at the following link:www.housing.gov.ie/housing/private-rented-housing/coveney-designates-new-rent-pressure-zones.
The Local Electoral Areas of Cobh, Maynooth and Greystones were found not to meet the criteria.
Under the Act, I have no further role or discretion in proposing areas for designation as Rent Pressure Zones or in deciding whether they should be designated. The designation process is independent and based on clear objective criteria and quantifiable evidence.
The Housing Agency will continue to monitor the rental market and may recommend further areas for designation. Where, following the procedures set out in the Act, it is found at a future date that additional areas meet the criteria, they will be designated as Rent Pressure Zones.
Commissions of Investigation
Ceisteanna (225)
Robert Troy
Ceist:225. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the final cost to the Exchequer of the work of each commission of investigation that has been completed to date in his Department, in addition to the estimated costs to date of ongoing commissions of investigation. [5305/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There have been no Commissions of Investigation completed by my Department since the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004 came into effect, nor are there any ongoing Commissions of Investigation in my Department. There are therefore no relevant costs arising for the Exchequer.
Carer's Allowance Payments
Ceisteanna (226)
John Brady
Ceist:226. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) will receive their carer's allowance payment awarded in November 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4756/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
An application for carer s allowance (CA) was received from the person concerned on 5 January 2016.
As a result of an appeals officer's decision, CA was awarded to the person concerned on 26 January 2017 and the first payment will issue to her nominated post office on 2 February 2017. Arrears for the period 7 January 2016 to 1 February 2017 will issue shortly.
The person concerned was notified of the outcome on 26 January 2017.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Carer's Allowance Appeals
Ceisteanna (227)
Robert Troy
Ceist:227. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will grant an application (details supplied) for a carer's allowance that is currently under both appeal and review. [4791/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Carer's allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment, made to persons who are providing full-time care and attention to a person who has a disability such that they require that level of care.
A person can be considered to be providing full-time care and attention where they are engaged in employment, self-employment or on training courses outside the home for a maximum of 15 hours per week, provided that they can show to the satisfaction of a deciding officer that adequate care has been provided for the care recipient in their absence.
The person concerned was refused CA on the grounds that he was not providing full-time care and attention as required. He was notified on 16 August 2016 of this decision, the reason for it and of his right of review and appeal.
The person concerned requested a review of this decision and submitted additional evidence in support of his application. Following this review the decision remained unchanged.
The person concerned appealed this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office and submitted further evidence in support. Following a review of this latest information, CA was awarded to the person concerned on 30 January 2017 and the first payment will issue to his nominated bank account on 9 February 2017. Arrears for the period 5 January 2017 to 8 February 2017 will issue shortly.
The person concerned was notified of the outcome on 30 January 2017.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Benefits Eligibility
Ceisteanna (228)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:228. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the total entitlement to a full rate of disability allowance and invalidity pension in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4800/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This gentleman submitted an application for disability allowance on 7 July 2016.
The application was refused on the grounds that the person failed to supply information requested by my department on various dates. The person in question was notified in writing of this decision on 10 January 2017 and of his rights of review and appeal. No request for review or appeal has been received to date.
Invalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.
The department received a claim for IP for the gentleman concerned on 5 October 2016. In order to establish medical suitability, forms for completion issued to him on 7 October 2016. Despite the issue of reminders on 28/10/2016, the completed medical forms have not been returned to the Department to date. If the gentleman concerned is now in a position to return the completed forms his application will be processed as quickly as possible.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Rural Social Scheme
Ceisteanna (229)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:229. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding changes to the rural social scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4802/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The rural social scheme (RSS) provides opportunities for low income farmers and fishermen who are currently in receipt of specified social welfare payments to work to provide certain services of benefit to rural communities. While communities benefit from the skills and talents of local farmers and fishermen, participants also have the opportunity to improve existing skills, or develop new skills, while performing valuable work in their local communities.
In recognition of the significant work undertaken in rural communities under the RSS, I announced, as part of the social welfare budget package for 2017, an additional 500 places for the scheme. These places are available with effect from 1st February 2017 which brings the total overall number on RSS to 3,100 participants.
Eligibility for participation on the scheme will continue to be limited to those in receipt of certain specified social welfare payments and all participants must also be actively engaged in farming or fishing. In future, all participants commencing on the RSS will have to be over 25 years of age. I believe this is appropriate as it will give younger people an opportunity to explore other training or education options before entering a long-term work programme such as the RSS.
It should be noted that almost 50% of the current participants have been on the RSS for over 10 years. As a result, opportunities for new people to go on the scheme are very limited. It is in this context that I have introduced a maximum six year participation limit on the scheme for participants commencing on or after 1st February 2017. The six years can be continuous provided the participant remains eligible for the underlying payment. The six year limit will ensure that there will be a throughput of places available. In addition income support will still be available to eligible farmers and fishermen who are not on RSS in the form of Farm or Fish Assist.
Existing RSS participants will remain on the scheme as long as they continue to satisfy the eligibility conditions of the scheme. The new conditions outlined above will only apply to RSS participants who commence on the scheme on or after 1st February 2017.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Services for People with Disabilities
Ceisteanna (230)
Martin Heydon
Ceist:230. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Social Protection the supports available from his Department for new wheelchair users in rural areas who have difficulty in accessing public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4833/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department provides an annual funding contribution of €1.5 million towards the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) which is administered by the National Transport Authority. That programme provides services to people whose travel needs are not met by existing bus or train services. The Programme aims to enhance and sustain nationwide accessibility, through community based participation, particularly for those at risk of social exclusion.
Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme (SWA) my Department may award a travel supplement in any case where the circumstances of the case so warrant. The supplement is intended to assist with ongoing or recurring travel costs that cannot be met from the client s own resources and are deemed to be necessary. Every decision is based on consideration of the circumstances of the case, taking account of the nature and extent of the need and of the resources of the person concerned.
The Government decided that the detailed preparatory work required for a new Transport Support Scheme and associated statutory provisions should be progressed by the Minister for Health. I am informed that the Minister for Health is seeking a solution which would best meet the aim of supporting people with severe disabilities who require additional income to contribute towards the cost of their mobility needs, while remaining within the available budget and satisfying all legal and equality concerns.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy. If you require any further assistance with this query please do not hesitate to contact Philip in my office.
EU Funding
Ceisteanna (231)
Barry Cowen
Ceist:231. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the potential investment projects his Department put forward to the Department of Finance task force for the European Fund for Strategic Investments. [4871/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has not been involved in putting forward projects to the Department of Finance task force in relation to the European Fund for Strategic Investments.
Social Welfare Appeals
Ceisteanna (232)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:232. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an appeal of a decision in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4885/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 5th January 2017. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When these papers have been received from the Department, the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral appeal hearing.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Invalidity Pension Payments
Ceisteanna (233)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:233. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an invalidity pension for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4893/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The gentleman referred to has been awarded invalidity pension with effect from the 15 December 2016. Payment will issue to his nominated bank account on the 09 February 2017. Any arrears due from 15 December 2016 to 08 February 2017 (less any overlapping social welfare payment and/or outstanding overpayment) will issue in due course. The gentleman in question was notified of this decision on the 30 January 2017.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Rent Supplement Scheme Data
Ceisteanna (234)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:234. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of family units that are recipients of the rent allowance within each local authority area and county by location within that authority area or county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4899/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The rent supplement scheme plays a vital role in housing families and individuals, with the scheme currently supporting approximately 47,100 tenants for which the Government has provided €253 million for in 2017. A breakdown of rent supplement recipients by county is provided in the attached tabular statement, this information is not maintained by local authority area or family unit.
As the Deputy will be aware, the implementation of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a key Government priority and a major pillar of the Social Housing Strategy 2020 and the Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness – Rebuilding Ireland has committed to an accelerated target of 15,000 HAP tenancies during 2017. Under HAP, responsibility for the provision of rental assistance to those with a long-term housing need transfers from my Department to local authorities, under the auspices of the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government.
From 1st December 2016, the HAP scheme is now operational in 28 of the 31 local authority areas. It is expected that HAP will be fully rolled out to the remaining Dublin administrative areas from 1st March 2017. Rent supplement will continue to be paid to households who are already in the private rented sector but who, generally because of a loss of income through unemployment, require a short term income support to pay their rent.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Table 1: Rent Supplement Recipients by County as at end January 2017
|
COUNTY |
RECIPIENTS |
|
CARLOW |
582 |
|
CAVAN |
388 |
|
CLARE |
402 |
|
CORK |
4,839 |
|
DONEGAL |
402 |
|
DUBLIN |
20,315 |
|
GALWAY |
2,418 |
|
KERRY |
1,511 |
|
KILDARE |
2,543 |
|
KILKENNY |
305 |
|
LAOIS |
868 |
|
LEITRIM |
267 |
|
LIMERICK |
951 |
|
LONGFORD |
388 |
|
LOUTH |
830 |
|
MAYO |
1,039 |
|
MEATH |
968 |
|
MONAGHAN |
184 |
|
OFFALY |
550 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
550 |
|
SLIGO |
265 |
|
TIPPERARY |
835 |
|
WATERFORD |
577 |
|
WESTMEATH |
1,255 |
|
WEXFORD |
1,946 |
|
WICKLOW |
1,935 |
|
TOTAL |
47,113 |