John Brady
Ceist:581. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of households in receipt of mortgage income supplement in 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30069/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMortgage Interest Supplement Scheme Data
Ceisteanna (581, 582)
John Brady
Ceist:582. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Social Protection the provisions being put in place for persons in receipt of mortgage income supplement who will no longer receive this assistance after 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30070/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 581 and 582 together.
The original purpose of the mortgage interest supplement scheme was to provide short-term support to eligible people who are unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments in respect of a house which is their sole place of residence due to temporary unemployment or loss of earnings. The scheme was discontinued to new entrants from 1st January 2014. Customers availing of this support prior to 1st January 2014 have been able to retain entitlement to the scheme up to 1st January 2018. There are currently approximately 1,700 people in receipt of the scheme, for which Government has provided over €4 million in 2017.
The most appropriate way in which customers experiencing mortgage difficulties can be supported is through on-going engagement with their lender to explore sustainable solutions. The payment of this supplement on an indefinite basis does not address the longer term issues for people in serious mortgage arrears. It is expected that the customers in receipt of this support will continue to exit the scheme through sustainable solutions being put in place with their lenders; securing employment; or exit strategies such as the Mortgage to Rent Scheme.
The Deputy may be aware that the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS), under the aegis of the Citizens Information Board, provides assistance to people who are over-indebted and need help and advice in coping with debt problems, in particular those on low incomes or living on social welfare payments. As part of its free services, MABS provides help and advice to those in mortgage arrears.
The role of MABS was expanded in 2015 with the establishment of a Dedicated Mortgage Arrears MABS service (DMA MABS) across the MABS network, to help people specifically with home mortgage arrears. There are 32 specialist DMA advisors working across 27 locations countrywide, assisting borrowers to assess the options available to them and, where required, negotiating with lenders on their behalf. To date, the DMA service has helped almost 3,870 such borrowers.
Additionally, MABS provides a national network of court mentors who attend each listed repossession Court hearing countrywide. The mentors provide support to distressed borrowers who are facing the loss of their home and signpost them to the appropriate services. To date, over 1,400 borrowers have been referred onward to MABS advisors through the court mentor service.
In 2016, a further initiative was announced by Government, known as Abhaile. This scheme further extends the free services already available to borrowers through the DMA MABS service and the court mentor service. The new voucher based scheme, for which MABS is the gateway, provides access for people, who are insolvent and in home mortgage arrears, to access independent expert financial and/or legal advice and assistance, free of charge. To date, approximately 7,670 vouchers for services have been issued, in respect of over 4,500 principle private residences.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Free Travel Scheme Data
Ceisteanna (583)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:583. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department keeps an individual record of a person's use of the free travel scheme such as the journeys the person has taken and cost to the State thereof; if so, the purpose of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30083/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There are currently in excess of 882,000 customers in receipt of free travel. The scheme permits travel for free on most CIE public transport services, Luas and some 80 private operators are also participating in the scheme. Free travel is also available on cross border journeys and within Northern Ireland to those eligible customers over age 66.
Travel operators participating in the scheme are not paid on a per journey basis so all information on an individual’s specific journey or the associated cost is not available. It is possible, however, to collect some non-identifying data on overall usage where the integrated ticketing system (ITS) is enabled by participating transport operators and customers are using the new Public Services Card Free Travel (PSC-FT) variant rather than the old form of paper free travel pass.
The rollout of the ITS by the National Transport Authority to travel operators is ongoing. In parallel with that programme, my Department continues to replace the old paper pass with the new PSC-FT variant. The new pass has been issued already to over 80% of customers who have a free travel entitlement. The completion of these programmes will allow for more comprehensive data to be collected on usage of free travel.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Domiciliary Care Allowance Applications
Ceisteanna (584)
Pat the Cope Gallagher
Ceist:584. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the considerable time delays in approving domiciliary care allowance applications; her plans to improve the timeframe for processing applications in view of 18-week delays; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30122/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Processing times for Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) are currently not meeting the target of having 70% of applications processed within 15 weeks. At present it is taking up to 18 weeks on average to finalise an application. There are a number of factors that have contributed to the extended time required to process claims.
First, there is a significant increase in the volume of applications being received. The numbers applying for DCA have doubled since 2010, when the Department took over administration of the scheme from the HSE. The increase in volume over recent years has been consistently in the 15-20% range year on year.
Second, following a High Court ruling in 2016, there is now a need for the Department’s medical assessors to provide the deciding officer with a more detailed opinion on the child’s eligibility for the scheme and for the deciding officer in turn to provide more detailed reasons for their decision when communicating this to the customer. These factors have resulted in the time taken to finalise applications increasing significantly and as a result the numbers being processed have reduced and the timescale to finalise each application has increased.
In response to the current situation, additional deciding officers are being assigned to the scheme and will take up their positions shortly. Once these extra resources are in situ and operational, the extra processing capacity should allow for an improvement in processing times. The position is being monitored closely.
Solar Energy Guidelines
Ceisteanna (585)
Thomas Byrne
Ceist:585. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his views on the need for planning guidelines regarding the development of solar photovoltaic, PV, farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29453/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There are no specific planning guidelines in place in respect of solar farms. Proposals for individual solar farm developments are subject to the statutory requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, in the same manner as other proposed developments. Planning applications are made to the relevant local planning authority with a right of appeal to An Bord Pleanála.
Under the Planning and Development Act, 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.
In making decisions on planning applications, planning authorities and the Board must consider the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, having regard to the provisions of the local development plan, any submissions or observations received and relevant Ministerial or Government policies, including any relevant guidelines issued by my Department. Planning authorities must then make their own decisions based on the specific merits or otherwise of individual planning applications.
I am satisfied that the planning code is sufficiently robust to facilitate the assessment of individual planning permission applications for solar farm developments. However, the matter will be kept under review, in consultation with my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, and his Department - which leads on renewable energy policy - in the context of the Government's White Paper on Energy Policy, published in December 2015, the development of a Renewable Electricity Policy and Development Framework, as well as the finalisation of a new support scheme for renewable electricity by that Department, expected in late 2017.
Wind Energy Guidelines
Ceisteanna (586, 587)
Pat Casey
Ceist:586. Deputy Pat Casey asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will review the onshore wind farm policies in terms of minimum distances, in view of the planning applications of large industrial wind farms in south County Wicklow and the large opposition to these developments by local residents and communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29725/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Carol Nolan
Ceist:587. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his views on the recent court case whereby homeowners were compensated for wind farm noise; if he will consider amending the wind farm guidelines in view of the judgment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29735/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 586 and 587 together.
My predecessor as Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, in conjunction with my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment recently announced a "preferred draft approach" to the review of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines. A copy of the announcement is available on my Department’s website at the following link: http://www.housing.gov.ie/planning/guidelines/wind-energy/coveney-and-naughten-announce-key-development-review-wind-energy-development-guidelines.
The “preferred draft approach” has been developed to address a number of key aspects of the targeted review which include: Sound/Noise, Visual Amenity and Setback Distances, Shadow Flicker, Consultation Obligations on Developers, Community Dividend and Grid Connections.
As part of the overall review, a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) will be undertaken on the "proposed draft approach" to the revised Guidelines before they come into effect. This is in accordance with the requirements of EU Directive 2001/24/EC on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment, the SEA Directive. SEA is a process by which environmental considerations are required to be fully integrated into the preparation of plans and programmes which act as frameworks for development consent, prior to their final adoption, with public consultation as part of that process.
It is envisaged that the SEA process will take approximately 9 months. In light of the SEA requirements, it is expected that the Guidelines will be finalised and come into effect in Q1 2018. In the meantime, the current Guidelines remain in force.
When finalised, the revised Guidelines will be issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. Planning authorities, and, where applicable, An Bord Pleanála must have regard to guidelines issued under Section 28 in the performance of their functions generally under the Planning Acts.
I am aware of a number of newspaper articles reporting a recent court case relating to wind turbine noise. However, as this is a legal matter between the operators of a particular wind farm and a number of households living in close proximity to it, it would not be appropriate for me to make any comment on the matter.
Water Charges Refunds
Ceisteanna (588, 620)
Brendan Ryan
Ceist:588. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government when refunds for water charges will be given; if there is a timeframe for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29991/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:620. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government when reimbursements of water charges will issue to persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29830/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 588 and 620 together.
The report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Future Funding of Domestic Water Services was published on 12 April 2017 and approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas. The Committee recommended that in respect of the most cost efficient mechanism of adhering to the principle of equity of treatment for those who have paid and have not paid water charges, such households should be compensated in an equitable manner.
The Government approved the priority drafting of a Bill to give effect to the relevant recommendations set out in the Committee's report on 30 May 2017. My Department is working with the Attorney General's Office on the drafting of the Bill with a view to it being published as soon as possible.
Homeless Persons Supports
Ceisteanna (589)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:589. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if Leap cards will continue to be available to homeless persons accommodated in hubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30015/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan on Housing and Homelessness outlined an initiative to provide homeless families residing in hotel accommodation in the Dublin Region with access to free public transport for family travel and for school journeys, with the Dublin Region Homeless Executive overseeing the arrangements.
Five separate 24-hour family Leap cards were made available to all homeless families residing in hotels in the Dublin Region during 2016; these cards were to facilitate family days out and were valid for use on all Dublin transport systems. This year, specifically tailored Leap cards were made available, via the Family Homelessness Action Teams, to all homeless families residing in hotels in the Dublin Region allowing for free public transport for school journeys for school children, and accompanying adults where necessary.
As the 2016/2017 school year draws to a close this week, my Department is considering the arrangements that will apply for homeless families accommodated in enhanced supported temporary accommodation and family hubs for the 2017/2018 school year.
Planning Issues
Ceisteanna (590)
Josepha Madigan
Ceist:590. Deputy Josepha Madigan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if there are arrangements to zone residential areas exclusively for older persons who may need special arrangements to cater for their changing lives as they advance in years. [29494/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Local authority development plans prepared under Section 9 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) must include objectives for the zoning of land for particular purposes, including residential uses, where and to such an extent as the proper planning and sustainable development of an area requires such uses to be indicated.
While there is no express provision to zone residential development land for specific types of residential development, such as housing for older persons, Section 94 of the Act requires planning authorities to prepare and include a Housing Strategy as part of their statutory development plans. In preparing such Strategies, section 94(3) of the Act requires planning authorities to take into account the need to ensure that a mixture of housing types and sizes is developed to reasonably match the requirements of different categories of households, including the special requirements of older persons and persons with disabilities.
Therefore, where the relevant Housing Strategy so provides, it is open to planning authorities to ensure that housing proposals coming forward in their areas provide a variety of housing types, including for older persons, matching the requirements set out in their housing strategy.
Planning Issues
Ceisteanna (591)
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:591. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if an archaeological report has been submitted to his Department further to condition No. 34 of the Louth County Council planning decision No. 08/1, issued on 12 August 2008; if so, if a copy can be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29515/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I understand that planning permission was granted in relation to the development referred to by An Bord Pleanála in May 2009, following a third party appeal to the Board of Louth County Council's previous decision to grant permission for the development concerned. The Board granted permission subject to a number of conditions, which included a requirement for the submission by the developer of an archaeological report to the planning authority, prior to the commencement of work on the development, but not to my Department.
Under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, I am precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular case with which a planning authority or the Board is or may be concerned. This is a matter for the Board and Louth County Council and one in which I cannot intervene.
Homeless Persons Supports
Ceisteanna (592)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:592. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the way in which the place finder system is working across the four Dublin local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29536/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Homeless Pilot of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme has been operational since February 2015 across the four local authorities in the Dublin Region, i.e. Dublin City Council, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Fingal County Council and South Dublin County Council, and is being implemented through the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE). The Place Finder service has been operating in the Dublin local authorities since 2015 also, and more recently in the Cork City Council area. The focus of the scheme is to transition qualified households from emergency accommodation, including hotels, into private rented tenancies.
While eligible homeless households may source accommodation for themselves, a dedicated placement team, the Place Finder Service assists homeless households in areas where there is a high demand for properties but low levels of supply which makes the rental market very challenging, and where the provision of such a service is justified.
The Place Finder service seeks out potential properties suitable for households currently identified as homeless. The service liaises with individual households to establish their specific needs and to ensure that any additional supports which may be needed are put in place; it establishes relationships with local property agents and landlords and it assists the household in securing the tenancy.
Additional discretion of up to 50% above HAP rent limits is available to the Dublin local authorities to assist in housing homeless households in the Dublin area. The Place Finder Service can also pay a deposit and two months rent in advance on behalf of the tenant, meaning that homeless households are provided with the best chance of finding a new home with the security that HAP provides.
The Place Finder Service is a particularly important service for households currently residing in emergency accommodation in the Dublin region and has been utilised very successfully with more than 1,500 households currently being supported by the Homeless HAP scheme. The DRHE are providing HAP support to an average of 32 households a week through the homeless HAP scheme in 2017. This includes homeless families exiting emergency accommodation into sustainable tenancies, as well as supporting households who are at immediate risk of homelessness.
Social and Affordable Housing Provision
Ceisteanna (593)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:593. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government further to Part V legislation, his views on whether the 10% social housing requirement should be 10% of floor space, 10% of units, 10% of the land or all three; his views on whether there should be a mix of 1, 2, 3 and 4-bedroom houses and apartments within the 10% of social housing; if there are requirements for disabled access units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29537/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 there are a number of options for a Part V agreement including transfer of land at existing use value, transfer of housing units or lease of housing units.
Section 96(3)(b) of the Act provides that whichever option a local authority pursues the “net monetary value” of the property transferred, or the reduction in the rent payable by the local authority over the term of a lease, must be equivalent to the net monetary value of the land that the local authority would receive if the Part V agreement had provided for a transfer of land under section 96(3)(a). The “net monetary value” here is defined as the market value less the existing use value.
As stated in the Guidelines on Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 issued in January 2017 under section 28 of the Act, the net monetary value will normally be achieved where the planning authority acquire 10% of the units, in cases where the units are approximately of equal size. The Guidelines also state that where the net monetary value would not be achieved by the local authority by taking 10% of units of the preferred kind (e.g. 2- bedroom units), the balance should be achieved through an increased discount being given by the developer on those units and that the developer should not be required to transfer more than 10% of the units via a Part V agreement where he/she does not wish to do so. While the implementation of Part V is a matter for the local authorities, they are required to have regard to these section 28 Guidelines when carrying out their Part V functions.
The type of units to be sought is a matter for the individual local authority itself in accordance with its social housing needs and its Housing Strategy. Section 94 of the Act provides that a planning authority must include a housing strategy in its development plan for the purpose of ensuring that the proper planning and sustainable development of the area provides for the housing of the existing and future population of the area in the manner set out in the strategy.
In preparing a housing strategy, a planning authority must have regard to the most recent summary of social housing assessments prepared under section 21(a) of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 that relate to the area of the development plan, and must include an estimate of the amount of social housing that will be required during the period of the development plan.
A housing strategy must also take into account -
(a) the existing need and the likely future need for social housing,
(b) the need to ensure that housing is available for persons who have different levels of income,
(c) the need to ensure that a mixture of house types and sizes is developed to reasonably match the requirements of the different categories of households, as may be determined by the planning authority, and including the special requirements of elderly persons and persons with disabilities, and
(d) the need to counteract undue segregation in housing between persons of different social backgrounds.
The Guidelines referred to above emphasise the importance of consulting with each developer at the earliest stage in the formulation of the development proposal so that the developer is informed of the social housing requirements for the site and this can be taken into account in the design of the development.
Homeless Accommodation Provision
Ceisteanna (594)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:594. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will report on his meeting with the Dublin local authorities regarding the housing crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29538/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On Monday 19 June, I met with the Chief Executives of the four Dublin Local Authorities regarding the Government’s commitment to only use commercial hotels and B&Bs for homeless families in exceptional circumstances from July onwards. While the Local Authorities are showing exceptional commitment in working to find solutions for all homeless families, I emphasised to them the importance of exiting as many families as is possible out of hotels and asked them to ensure that all required logistical and practical arrangements be put in place to support the transition of families into their new accommodation.
There were 695 homeless families in commercial hotels and B&Bs in Dublin at the end of April and while the emphasis must be on exiting as many of these families as possible by end June, it would also be important that any families remaining, other than in exceptional circumstances, are notified of the pathway out of hotels envisaged for them over the coming weeks. The Dublin Region Homeless Executive are coordinating this process.
I met with the Chief Executives again last Friday, 23 June and received an update on progress. I have asked that they remain in close ongoing contact with my Department on this issue and asked them to bring forward proposals for a number of further family hubs as soon as possible.
Housing Policy
Ceisteanna (595, 605, 606)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:595. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his plans for an affordable housing scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29539/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:605. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his plans to put in place cost rental and cost purchase housing or affordable housing models. [29659/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraDonnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:606. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his plans to ensure persons whose incomes are above the maximum levels for local authority housing, but for whom mortgages are out of reach, can find housing that is affordable and long term. [29660/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 595, 605 and 606 together.
The Government recognises the housing affordability pressures in certain areas and is determined to see increases in the supply of high quality social and affordable homes, to buy or rent, as quickly as possible, particularly in the major urban areas where demand is greatest. This is one of the issues I will be considering in the context of the recently announced review of Rebuilding Ireland, one year on from its publication, with an emphasis on building on the progress made, strengthening the measures already in place and identifying new initiatives that add value and raise ambition.
As part of the review process, my Department will focus in particular on the broad issue of housing affordability, building on the measures already being advanced, for example through initiatives to use State lands to deliver mixed-tenure housing. In this context, my Department intends to consult with local authorities and other key stakeholders in the coming weeks, as part of the broader review process.
At a strategic level, under the new 20-year National Planning Framework, there will be an emphasis on managing and utilising State lands to deliver housing and to ensure an active and healthy market for development land. In this regard, an important policy intervention in the delivery of new housing supply under Pillar 3 of Rebuilding Ireland is the development of State-owned lands for mixed-tenure housing, particularly in the major urban areas, where demand is greatest. On 27 April 2017, details of some 2,000 hectares of land in public ownership were published, with the potential to deliver up to 50,000 homes nationally. In practical terms, the development of sites such as these will mean accelerating social housing delivery and securing more homes for sale and rent at lower and more affordable price points.
Rebuilding Ireland also commits to the introduction of an affordable rental scheme to enhance the provision of affordable accommodation for households currently paying a disproportionate amount of disposable income on rent. As set out in the Strategy for the Rental Sector, this commitment is now to be progressed through kick-starting supply in rent pressure zones. Lands held by local authorities in such zones are to be brought to market on a competitive tendering basis, with a view to leveraging the value of the land to deliver the optimum number of units for rent, and in particular targeting middle-income households, in mixed-tenure developments.
In relation to cost rental, a range of measures to improve the supply of rental accommodation that meets the needs of ordinary households are being progressed under the Strategy for the Rental Sector including:
- build to rent models;
- use of State-owned lands to deliver affordable rental in areas of high demand;
- measures to increase the supply of dedicated student accommodation to free-up units in the general rental market;
- supports to bring vacant stock into use;
- consideration of tax and fiscal incentives to encourage additional supply.
In addition to these measures, the Strategy for the Rental Sector noted that the Programme for a Partnership Government contains a commitment to develop a "cost rental" option, taking account of work already completed in this area, including by NESC and others.
In line with this commitment, Action 12 of the Strategy for the Rental Sector provides that my Department will lead an expert group to develop a cost rental model for the Irish rental sector, addressing issues such as funding mechanisms, the need to grow the necessary institutional capacity, particularly within the AHB and not for profit sector (whether through mergers, new entrants or strategic partnerships), the households to be targeted and the appropriate regulation mechanisms. The expert group will assess the benefits that a larger and more developed not-for-profit segment would bring to the rental sector and the housing system, and examine the feasibility and effectiveness of different approaches to achieve the desired change. A proposal to establish the Expert Group - including membership and terms of reference - is currently being prepared in my Department.
There are currently two house purchase loan offerings available to lower income first-time buyers from local authorities. The first is a standard annuity mortgage available from all local authorities. A first-time buyer unable to get adequate loan from a building society or a bank, may be eligible for a mortgage from the local authority concerned to purchase a new or second hand property or build their own home in cases where the gross income (before tax) is €50,000 or less for a single income household or €75,000 or less in the case of a double income household. The loan can be up to 97% of the price of the house subject to a maximum loan of €200,000.
The second option for first-time buyers unable to secure adequate loan finance from a bank or building society to purchase a new or second-hand property or build their own home is the Home Choice Loan. Home Choice Loan provides up to 92% of the market value of a property purchased, subject to a maximum loan amount of €285,000.
Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund
Ceisteanna (596)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:596. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the requirements for affordable homes in developments in receipt of LIHAF funding; his plans to enforce the €300,000 maximum price in Dublin; if not, the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29540/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The aim of the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) is to relieve critical infrastructural blockages in order to enable the accelerated delivery of housing on key development sites in urban areas with high demand for housing. These public infrastructure projects will be key to the early delivery of 23,000 housing units over the next four years. There is further potential for approximately 46,000 additional homes on these 34 sites in the longer term, bringing the projected yield up to 69,000 homes once sites are fully built out. LIHAF will facilitate additional social housing of 2,300 housing units in the short term through the 10% Part V social housing dividend, with a further potential of 4,600 housing units in the longer term. Furthermore, a number of the projects, such as those which include lands in local authority ownership, will deliver more than the mandatory levels of social housing under Part V.
In relation to the issue of the affordability requirements for developments in receipt of LIHAF funding, it is important to note that the funding under LIHAF goes to the local authorities rather than to individual developers, to enable them to deliver infrastructure, through a normal public procurement process, on sites that were not being developed due to lack of key public infrastructure. The early delivery of the infrastructure will in turn enhance the ability of the developer to build on the site as the infrastructural blockage has been removed and the developer's viability is improved, particularly where multiple land owners are involved.
In return, the State receives a dividend in the form of accelerated housing supply, land for the infrastructure, and much needed social housing under Part V. In addition, developers are required to provide increased affordability on site for purchasers of private housing. On the seven sites where State lands are involved, the local authorities are going to provide additional dividends in the form of either additional social housing, affordable rental housing or housing for the disabled or elderly, depending on the requirements in that particular local authority area.
In seeking to secure improved affordability for the purchaser of private housing, it was initially proposed that a capped price point would be set on a percentage of the housing. However setting a cap in 2016 for housing that would be developed up to 2021 is problematic and it could adversely impact the viability of the development of some sites, potentially stalling development, with consequential negative impacts on supply, including the Part V social housing element.
Therefore, a more proportionate way to recognise the contribution of LIHAF that will encourage housing supply and also deliver an affordability dividend has been put in place. Essentially, two options are available to local authorities in seeking to reach agreements with developers, one which sets a minimum number of houses to be offered at 10% below market cost, including under €300,000 in Dublin, and a second option where a reduction in cost related to the relative contribution of LIHAF to the project could be spread over the housing development as a whole. The second option means a smaller reduction in price over a greater number of houses, giving more purchasers a potential saving but not affecting the viability of the development and more accurately reflecting the contribution of LIHAF.
My Department has included the requirement for the local authorities to have secured the requisite affordability agreements in a grant agreement and the local authorities which were successful in receiving approval in principle for LIHAF funding in March 2017 are now putting local agreements in place with developers so they can sign up to that grant agreement. No drawdown of funding can occur until those grant agreements have been signed and it is expected that all the agreements involved will be finalised by the end of July 2017.
NAMA Social Housing Provision
Ceisteanna (597)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:597. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his plans to discuss with the Minister for Finance a change to the mandate of NAMA to include a greater transfer of residential property and building land from NAMA to local authorities to alleviate the continuing and escalating housing crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29541/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
NAMA was established as an independent commercial body to operate under the direction of its Board of Directors, in accordance with the NAMA Act. Under Section 10 of the NAMA Act, NAMA is mandated to act in a commercial manner to obtain the best financial return for the State. As such, NAMA's dealings with its debtors, as well as the management, funding and sale of assets are all commercial decisions taken with consideration to NAMA's commercial obligations. It should be noted that NAMA acquired loans, not property, and control over the property securing its loans rests with its debtors and receivers. NAMA does not have powers to transfer assets belonging to its debtors and receivers to other parties. All transactions must be on a commercial and arm’s length basis.
Following proactive engagement between NAMA, the Housing Agency and my Department, a process was established to ascertain whether residential properties controlled by NAMA borrowers and receivers are suitable for social housing.
The properties under consideration are part of the security for loans that NAMA has acquired. In the majority of cases, properties remain in the ownership of the original borrowers. The remaining properties are controlled by receivers appointed by NAMA. Once a demand has been identified, NAMA makes contact with the relevant property owner/receiver to determine if the properties are still available and to discuss how these properties can be best utilised.
Properties that are deemed suitable may be leased or purchased by local authorities or Approved Housing Bodies (housing associations and co-operatives) through engagement with the property owners or, on their behalf, appointed insolvency practitioners, facilitated by NAMA. This is a continuous process and additional properties have been added and offered as they become available over the last number of years. To end March 2017, 2,390 properties have been secured for social housing under this initiative. A further 390 properties are at Terms Agreed/Active Negotiation/Pre-Appraisal stages. While NAMA is consistently mindful of identifying properties which may be suitable for social housing, the pool of such properties is reducing in line with the reduction in the NAMA loan portfolio and at this stage it is unlikely that significant numbers of additional properties will be identified. However, the Steering Group remains active and will continue to work through any potential units that may become available.
In addition to this Social Housing initiative, NAMA is making a very substantial contribution, on a commercial basis, to the increased supply of new homes through its residential delivery programme. Against the background of major supply shortage in urban areas, NAMA has undertaken to fund, if commercially viable, the delivery of up to 20,000 residential units by 2020. Residential developments funded by NAMA are subject to the same planning and regulatory requirements as all other developments. This includes policies relating to Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 and as such, it is expected that a minimum of 10% of the anticipated output of this investment by NAMA, or about 2,000 units, will become available for social housing through this statutory mechanism over this period.
Homeless Persons Data
Ceisteanna (598)
Clare Daly
Ceist:598. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the number of persons being housed in hotel rooms as emergency accommodation; and the progress made to bring to an end the use of hotels for emergency accommodation. [29559/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As of the end of April 2017, there were 695 homeless families in Dublin being accommodated in commercial hotels and B&Bs. This total is a considerable reduction on the 871 such families recorded at the end of March. Based on figures provided to my Department by the Dublin Region Homeless Executive, over 830 families have exited hotel and B&B arrangements since Rebuilding Ireland was published last July, while over 400 families were prevented from entering hotels by securing new tenancies under the homeless pilot of the Housing Assistance Payment scheme before they had to enter homeless emergency accommodation.
Given the number of exits being achieved by the Dublin housing authorities on an ongoing basis and also the significant volume of new family-oriented supported temporary accommodation coming on stream in the coming weeks, I expect the overall figure for homeless families accommodated in hotel and B&B arrangements to further reduce over the coming period. I have requested that the four Dublin housing authorities continue to treat this as a key priority and while the emphasis must be on exiting as many homeless families as possible, I have requested that any remaining families, other than in exceptional circumstances, are notified by end June of the pathway out of hotels envisaged for them over the coming weeks.
Last week, I announced my intention to make available €10 million for further new family-oriented supported temporary accommodation facilities. Currently, fifteen such facilities are being developed at a total estimated cost of €25 million to provide accommodation for upwards of 600 families. The additional funding will add accommodation for at least another 200 families.
Social and Affordable Housing Data
Ceisteanna (599)
Barry Cowen
Ceist:599. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the average construction cost for completed social housing units in each of the years 2011 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form; the estimated future average cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29593/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The following are the average costs for the range of differently sized social housing units 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.
Due to the very low level of capital investment in social housing construction during many of the years in question it is not possible to provide a representative average figure for each year.
The construction cost figure is reflective of building costs (including VAT) and also includes normal site works and site development. All-in cost includes cost of construction, land cost, professional fees, utility connections, site investigations/surveys, archaeology where appropriate, VAT and contribution to public art. Abnormal costs are excluded from these figures.
My Department will continue to maintain a clear focus on delivering overall value for money on both the construction and all-in costs of social housing projects.