Thursday, 7 Dec 2017

Written Answers Nos. 267-276

Motor Tax Yield

Ceisteanna (267)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

267. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the amount collected in motor tax receipts by each local authority in 2016 and to date in 2017. [52454/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

Gross motor tax receipts for each licensing authority for 2016 and for January to November 2017 are set out in the following tables.  The online receipts figures include vehicle licences and arrears. Motor tax office receipts figures incorporate vehicle licences, arrears, miscellaneous receipts, trade plates, and goods vehicles trailer licences.

January-November 2017

Licensing Authority	MTO Receipts (€)	Online Receipts (€)	Total (€)
Carlow	5,885,381	7,826,583	13,711,964
Cavan	5,229,132	10,209,386	15,438,518
Clare	8,827,384	16,471,740	25,299,124
Cork	27,242,666	85,321,239	112,563,905
Donegal	14,842,638	15,146,157	29,988,795
Dublin	37,943,900	203,062,707	241,006,607
Galway	16,650,359	36,030,088	52,680,447
Kerry	8,751,753	23,725,099	32,476,852
Kildare	9,548,024	36,445,424	45,993,448
Kilkenny	6,763,901	13,522,948	20,286,849
Laois	6,875,539	9,313,719	16,189,258
Leitrim	2,524,422	4,212,234	6,736,656
Limerick	13,025,503	26,622,614	39,648,117
Longford	3,634,275	4,648,961	8,283,236
Louth	8,274,994	14,137,628	22,412,622
Mayo	10,394,002	17,976,789	28,370,791
Meath	8,504,011	32,110,870	40,614,881
Monaghan	5,561,895	7,538,474	13,100,369
Offaly	5,860,669	9,959,426	15,820,095
Roscommon	6,678,550	8,046,035	14,724,585
Sligo	5,522,427	7,866,231	13,388,658
Tipperary	10,904,244	25,227,012	36,131,256
Waterford	8,186,670	16,224,243	24,410,913
Westmeath	8,182,025	10,482,220	18,664,245
Wexford	11,074,266	23,397,558	34,471,824
Wicklow	7,794,223	24,281,160	32,075,383
TOTAL	264,682,853	689,806,545	954,489,398

2016

Licensing Authority	MTO receipts (€)	Online receipts (€)	Total (€)
Carlow	6,814,097	8,290,941	15,105,038
Cavan	6,029,327	10,680,064	16,709,391
Clare	10,252,804	17,727,771	27,980,575
Cork	32,682,181	91,748,508	124,430,689
Donegal	17,459,261	15,878,437	33,337,698
Dublin	45,426,953	221,450,439	266,877,392
Galway	19,990,309	38,457,921	58,448,230
Kerry	10,231,237	25,532,662	35,763,899
Kildare	11,389,716	39,174,306	50,564,022
Kilkenny	7,975,519	14,476,768	22,452,287
Laois	7,821,727	9,774,712	17,596,439
Leitrim	3,054,633	4,416,296	7,470,929
Limerick	15,149,511	28,653,379	43,802,890
Longford	4,280,575	4,849,878	9,130,453
Louth	9,911,461	14,991,338	24,902,799
Mayo	12,312,247	18,718,178	31,030,425
Meath	10,190,525	33,812,426	44,002,951
Monaghan	6,464,394	7,641,237	14,105,631
Offaly	6,907,040	10,419,900	17,326,940
Roscommon	7,403,707	8,536,460	15,940,167
Sligo	6,388,795	8,358,811	14,747,606
Tipperary	12,860,867	26,886,852	39,747,719
Waterford	9,442,251	17,359,263	26,801,514
Westmeath	9,741,470	11,016,293	20,757,763
Wexford	12,923,450	24,402,896	37,326,346
Wicklow	9,207,520	26,065,131	35,272,651
Total	312,311,577	739,320,867	1,051,632,444

Planning Guidelines

Ceisteanna (268, 269)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

268. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when the new section 28 guidelines for apartment developments will be published; his views on whether it was a mistake to announce the intention to change the guidelines so far in advance of their implementation; and if this has had an impact on the number of new planning applications for apartment development being lodged. [52455/17]

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

269. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if his Department, or a body under its aegis, has undertaken research of the effect of changes to section 28 guidelines for apartment standards on planning permission applications for new developments; and if there is evidence that changes to the guidelines, such as those on minimum size standards introduced in December 2015 lead to a number of applications being withdrawn. [52456/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

I propose to take Questions Nos. 268 and 269 together.

My Department is not aware of any significant withholding of applications or withdrawals as a result of the introduction of the Guidelines in 2015.  The intention of the focussed review of the current Guidelines is to examine the scope for any further planning measures that could be deployed in relation to the viability of apartment development in our cities and towns, in the context of achieving more compact urban development. 

I have therefore recently established a working group, whose role is to undertake a focused, time-bound review to ensure the maximum continuity of new apartment proposals coming forward for consideration, commensurate with the need to address technical aspects in need of adjustment in light of the practical experience in the application of existing 2015 Guidelines, with a view to encouraging greater supply.  It has held several meetings to date and formed a number of sub-groups to examine specific elements in relation to apartment planning and building height policies.

The work of the group is scheduled to conclude in the coming weeks with the aim to update both the 2015 Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments – Guidelines for Planning Authorities and the 2007 Development Plans - Guidelines for Planning Authorities, both of which are available at the following links:

www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/apartment_guidelines_21122015.pdf.  www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/migrated-files/en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/Planning/NationalSpatialStrategy/FileDownLoad%2C14468%2Cen.pdf. 

Planning Guidelines

Ceisteanna (270, 271)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

270. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the minimum permitted size for a bedroom in terms of floor area, defined as the location in which a person or persons sleep, under statutory provisions; and the minimum permitted bedroom size for the private rented sector if different. [52457/17]

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

271. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the minimum permitted size for ceiling height for occupied dwellings, not just new dwellings; and the minimum permitted ceiling height for the private rented sector if different. [52458/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

I propose to take Questions Nos. 270 and 271 together.

My Department’s publication Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities (2007) for local authorities, sets out the principles and criteria that are important in the design of social housing, in order to facilitate the delivery of better homes, better neighbourhoods and better urban spaces. The guidelines provide appropriate guidance on space requirements and room sizes in both dwellings and apartments, having regard to the number of potential occupants, to facilitate the provision of good quality living environments for residents.  It should be noted that these are guidelines not regulatory requirements and local authorities themselves have, in some cases, set minimum space requirements for houses within their local county/city development plans.

The apartment minimum sizes specified in the Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments - Guidelines for Planning Authorities, published in December 2015, are mandatory for all local authorities. The sizes for 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments are not new standards but a restatement of the minimum apartment sizes for such apartments set out in previous statutory guidelines published in 2007.

In relation to floor to ceiling height, all new buildings and extensions or material alterations to existing buildings must comply with the legal minimum performance standards set out in the Building Regulations 1997 - 2017. Guidance on minimum floor to ceiling height of generally 2.4m is given in relation to ventilation. In addition, it is a specific planning policy requirement that ground level apartment floor to ceiling heights shall be a minimum of 2.7m. Applicants and their designers should consider the potential for increasing floor-to-ceiling heights where practicable.

All landlords have a legal duty to ensure that their rented properties comply with certain minimum physical standards. These minimum standards are set out in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2017. Whilst these regulations do not specify minimum room sizes or floor to ceiling heights, they specify requirements in relation to a range of matters, such as structural repair, sanitary facilities, heating, ventilation, natural light and safety of gas and electrical supply so that tenants are provided with safe, healthy and comfortable dwellings.

Housing Assistance Payment Data

Ceisteanna (272, 274)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

272. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the outcome of the review of HAP rates and maximum rent levels undertaken in summer 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52470/17]

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

274. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he has systematically collated data in order to understand the current barriers facing a single person household securing a tenancy in a one bedroomed apartment within the proscribed HAP limits for renting a property on the private rented market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52472/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

I propose to take Questions Nos. 272 and 274 together.

The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Scheme plays a vital role in housing eligible families and individuals. There are currently more than 30,000 households having their housing needs met via HAP and over 20,000 landlords and agents in receipt of HAP payments. HAP is a flexible and immediate form of social housing support that is available to all eligible households across the State. A summary of the household classes supported by the HAP scheme at the end of Q3 2017 is set out below, which indicates that single and single sharing households are able to access accommodation suitable to their needs in the private rented market via HAP:

- Single/ Single Sharing - 30%

- Couple/ Couple Sharing - 4%

- Lone Parent with Children - 40%

- Couple with Children - 26%

The increased rent limits introduced by this Government last year, together with the additional discretion available to local authorities to exceed the maximum rent limit where necessary, are allowing  HAP households to find suitable accommodation and willing landlords.  Particular additional targeted supports are available to homeless households in the Dublin and Cork City regions to assist them in finding accommodation in the private rental market, with the support of HAP.

From available data, at the end of Q3 2017, approximately 20% of the total number of households being supported by HAP were benefiting from the additional flexibility that was provided to local authorities to exceed the maximum rent limits. When the additional discretion available to homeless households in the Dublin Region is removed, 14.4% of households nationally were benefiting from the additional flexibility. In those cases, the average rate of discretionary payment being used was 14.9% above rent limits provided.

The Strategy for the Rental Sector, published in December 2016, recommended the introduction of a Rent Predictability Measure to moderate rent increases in those parts of the country where rents are highest and rising - where households have greatest difficulties in finding accommodation they can afford. The Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016 provided for the Rent Predictability Measure and for areas, called Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs), where rents can now only rise by a maximum of 4% annually for a period of three years.

This measure was implemented immediately in the four Dublin local authority areas and in Cork City as these areas already met the criteria for a Rent Pressure Zone in December 2016. A further 12 Local Electoral Areas (LEAs) were designated in January 2017, with the measure further extended to Maynooth and Cobh LEAs in March 2017 and to Drogheda and Greystones LEAs in September 2017.

My Department and I are constantly monitoring HAP data, as well as other key information relating to the private rental market. Indications are that the current HAP rent limits and the flexibility to exceed those rent limits provide local authorities with sufficient capacity to assist households in securing rented accommodation that meets their needs. Increasing the HAP rent limits in particular local authority areas could have further inflationary effects on the private rented sector, which could have a detrimental impact on the wider rental market, including for those households who are not receiving HAP support. Based on the data outlined above, I am currently satisfied that the maximum rent limits, together with the additional flexibility available to local authorities, are generally sufficient to meet the demand of the rental market in these areas.

I am satisfied with how the HAP scheme is currently operating and I consider it to be a key vehicle for meeting housing need and fulfilling the ambitious programme under Rebuilding Ireland. My Department will, of course, continue to keep the operation of the HAP scheme under review.

Homelessness Strategy

Ceisteanna (273)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

273. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if a statistical analysis has been carried out on the number of occasions adults are presenting to support organisations (details supplied); the number of these persons noted as accessing or needing wrap around services; the way in which this is recorded; the strategic planning undertaken to deal with identified growing demand; the department or organisation taking the lead on collating such data; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52471/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of homeless accommodation and related services rests with individual housing authorities. For the purposes of funding under section 10 of the Housing Act 1988 and the delivery and coordination of services, lead authorities are in place in nine regions countrywide.  Housing authorities operate the Pathway Accommodation & Support System (PASS), which records details in relation to persons presenting to homeless services, and the various services that are provided to them. 

In the Dublin Region, the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) operates across the four housing authorities as a shared service, which includes the Central Placement Service.  It is a matter for the relevant housing authorities and the DRHE to identify and liaise as necessary with other State agencies and NGO service providers on services and supports required.  Such information and details are recorded by them on PASS and, given the confidential nature of this information and data protection requirements, such information is not shared with my Department.

My Department's role with respect to Threshold is limited to providing funding for their research work. I understand that statistics on the number of households they engage with each year in relation to particular housing issues can be found in their annual reports which are available on their website.

With regard to the Residential Tenancies Board  (RTB), my Department does not hold or collate the data referred to by the Deputy. The RTB was established as an independent statutory body under the Act to operate a national tenancy registration system and to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants. Due to the quasi-judicial role of the RTB, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the specifics of cases submitted to the RTB.

The RTB’s customer service centre provides information to customers in relation to their rights and responsibilities, as well as information on their dispute resolution services. Further details on the numbers and types of calls received by the RTB can be obtained from the RTB Annual Reports at: www.rtb.ie/media-research/publications/annual-reports.

The Clerk of the Dáil has requested that arrangements be put in place to facilitate the provision of information by State Bodies to members of the Oireachtas.  Following the issue of Circular LG (P)05/16 on 20 September 2016 from my Department, the RTB has set up a dedicated email address for this purpose, at [e-mail].

Question No. 274 answered with Question No. 272.

Housing Issues

Ceisteanna (275)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

275. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he has undertaken to assess the inter-county movement barriers between counties assessed as being in tier 1, 2 and 3; the changes he plans to make; the collation of data that has been undertaken in his Department to assess the impact of previously implemented amendments to permit some inter-county changes within certain tiers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52473/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

The Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011 prescribe maximum net income limits for each housing authority, in different bands according to the area, with income being defined and assessed according to a standard Household Means Policy.

The income bands and the authority area assigned to each band are based on an assessment of the income needed to provide for a household's basic needs, plus a comparative analysis of the local rental cost of housing accommodation across the country. The limits also reflect a blanket increase of €5,000 introduced prior to the new system coming into operation, in order to broaden the base from which social housing tenants are drawn and thereby promote sustainable communities.

As part of the broader social housing reform agenda, a review of the income eligibility limits for social housing supports has commenced. I would expect the results of this review to be available for publication in the middle of 2018. Among other objectives, this review is to consider the barriers that may exist by virtue of having three separate income bands and an assessment of the feasibility of introducing a formal transfer system that would allow social housing applicants move across county borders and income thresholds.

It is important to note that inter county movement is facilitated, to some degree, for those in receipt of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).

The flexibility of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) as a social housing support is one of the scheme’s key characteristics and was one of the primary benefits envisaged at the outset of the scheme. The new arrangements for movement between local authorities, introduced in April 2017, have increased equality of access by allowing households eligible for social housing support to avail of HAP in any local authority area, subject to the current Social Housing Eligibility Income Bands. Such flexibility removes administrative barriers and delays, better utilises all private rental stock for social housing purposes and provides for maximum activation potential of HAP households by removing geographical barriers to employment, such as loss of housing support or loss of time on a transfer list.  

The following table provides details of the inter-authority movement since April (when the option was made available) to October 2017:

Summary of Inter-LA Movement (as at 24th Oct 2017)
Intra Dublin	583
Dublin to other Local Authorities	55
All other inter-local authority movement	322
Total	960

Homeless Persons Supports

Ceisteanna (276)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

276. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the progress that has been made since 2014 to implement a fully functioning homeless persons unit in counties Kildare, Wicklow and Meath; the strategic planning that has been undertaken to deal with the identified demand for such a unit; the way in which the data is being collated; the other stakeholders involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52474/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

My Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation and the day-to-day delivery of services for homeless persons, which the Deputy refers to are a matter for individual housing authorities. 

It should be noted that homeless services are administered at regional level across the country and the counties of Kildare, Meath and Wicklow form the mid-east region. In each region a Joint Homelessness Consultative Forum exists, which includes representation from the relevant State and non-governmental organisations involved in the delivery of homeless services in the particular region.  A statutory Management Group exists for each regional forum consisting of representatives from the relevant housing authorities and the Health Service Executive, and it is the responsibility of the Management Group to consider issues around the need for homeless services and to plan for the implementation, funding and co-ordination of such services. 

In relation to the collation of data, the Pathway Accommodation and Support System (PASS) is operated nationally in all State-funded emergency accommodation arrangements that are overseen by housing authorities.  Housing authorities produce reports on homelessness on a monthly basis which are collated and published to my Department's website:

www.housing.gov.ie/housing/homelessness/other/homelessness-data.