Written Answers Nos. 532-551
532. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if an assistant secretary in his Department gave a commitment later in the first quarter of 2015 when he or she met with the chief executive and management team of the council that he or she would find a way of getting the allocation back to Sligo once the financial plan for the council had been approved (details supplied). [53391/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra533. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if a meeting with the chief executive of the council on 7 September 2016 when the issue of repayment was again raised, an assistant secretary of his Department referred to his or her recollection of the matter being that on approval of the financial plan and adherence by the council to the terms of the plan over a two-year or three-year period, the money would be refunded. [53392/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra534. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if the change to the criteria was never communicated to Sligo County Council in view of the fact it is now two years since the signing of the plan and the agreed adjusted targets have been achieved; and if the €750,000 will be remitted to Sligo County Council immediately. [53393/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra548. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if the Secretary General and assistant secretary of his Department attended a meeting with a person (details supplied); if Secretary General or the assistant secretary of his department gave a commitment at the meeting to remit the previously withdrawn €750,000 local government fund allocation to Sligo County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53175/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 532 to 534, inclusive, and 548 together.
It is a matter for each local authority, including Sligo County Council, to determine its own spending priorities in the context of the annual budgetary process having regard to both locally identified needs and available resources. The elected members of a local authority have direct responsibility in law for all reserved functions of the authority, which include adopting the annual budget, and are democratically accountable for all expenditure by the local authority.
During 2014, my Department engaged with Sligo County Council on the need to address the unsustainable revenue deficit in that local authority. In this regard, an engagement began between my Department and Sligo County Council in relation to putting in place a financial plan to improve the finances of the Council. As part of this process, my Department agreed to the payment of €1m to Sligo County Council, subject to the preparation of a financial plan, which charted a path to long-term financial sustainability, being agreed between my Department and the Council prior to the end of 2014. Following a meeting with my Department on 27 March 2014, wherein a draft financial plan was submitted, it was decided to provide Sligo County Council with €250,000 of this €1m. In the absence of a detailed plan being finally agreed before the end of 2014 no further payment was made to Sligo in respect of 2014. This withdrawal of the remaining €750,000 was formally confirmed to Sligo County Council by the then Minister in a meeting with officials and elected members of Sligo County Council on 3rd February 2015. No commitment to remit this €750,000 was subsequently given either at the meeting of 7 September 2016 or in the intervening period or at any time since.
A similar amount of €1m was included in the 2015 Local Property Tax allocation to Sligo County Council. Payment of this again remained conditional on a plan being agreed and discussions with the Council, in this context, continued. A financial plan was subsequently agreed and an additional €1m was paid in December 2015.
On 7 July 2016, eight months after the plan was agreed, Sligo County Council advised my Department that its surplus target for 2016 would not be met, and that the surplus would fall short of the €2.3 million target agreed the previous November by €1.092 million. My Department accommodated this change, with the target for 2016 revised down from €2.3m to €1.598m. Sligo County Council confirmed, in its letter of 13 October 2016, that it had the ability to meet the revised target for 2016 but would not be able to meet the target of €3.41 million planned for 2017. On 4 November 2016 it confirmed that it was budgeting for a surplus for 2017 of €1.6m. On 20 December 2016 it further reduced the surplus envisaged for future years to a maximum of €1.6m per annum, and requested that timescales be reviewed. In its letter of 12 April 2017 it advised that the maximum annual sustainable surplus was €600k, and outlined three options for adjustments to timescales. My Department accepted a timescale to 2027 which would see surpluses of €600k generated each year between 2018 and 2027, notwithstanding the fact that this represents a considerable reduction on the original targets proposed of €3.11 million for 2018 and €2.81 million for 2019.
An additional €1m was paid by my Department in both December 2016 and December 2017 when revised targets were met. My Department has provided for further payment of €200k per annum additional funding to Sligo County Council each year over a 10 year period from 2018 subject to Ministerial approval and any possible changes in Government policy over the intervening period. Overall, this amounts to a total of €5.25m additional funding to Sligo County Council.
535. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if a reply will issue to a query (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52596/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIrish citizens are entitled to vote at Presidential, Dáil, European Parliament and local elections as well as in referendums. In general, to exercise their right to vote, all such persons must be ordinarily resident in the State, have reached the age of 18 years and be registered on the register of electors for the constituency or local electoral area in which they ordinarily reside.
In relation to the residency requirement, a person shall be deemed not to have given up their ordinary residence if they intend to resume residence within eighteen months after giving it up, under section 11(3) of the Electoral Act 1992. However, section 149 of the Electoral Act 1992 provides that a person who is included in a register of electors that is currently in force but who is not entitled to be so included in the register shall be guilty of an offence if they vote. There is a responsibility on each individual who votes to ensure that they are entitled to do so.
In response to the evolving needs of Irish society and its relationship with the wider Irish diaspora, the Government agreed in March of this year to accept in principle the main recommendation in the Fifth Report of the Convention on the Constitution that Irish citizens resident outside the State, including citizens resident in Northern Ireland, should have the right to vote at Presidential elections and that a referendum would be held to amend the Constitution to give effect to this.
In order to inform public discourse on this significant policy change, an Options Paper was published on 22 March 2017 by my Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Options Paper sets out a range of options as well as many of the legal, policy and logistical challenges associated with extending voting rights to Irish citizens resident outside the State. The Options Paper also provided a basis for the discussion on voting rights which took place at the Global Irish Civic Forum in Dublin on 5 May 2017. These discussions will inform the Government’s decision on a preferred option to be put to the people in a referendum.
Even if a referendum was held immediately and passed, it would not be feasible to have comprehensive arrangements in place for an extension of the franchise to have effect for any presidential election to be held before 2025 as this will require modernisation of the voter registration process and the introduction of arrangements to facilitate those eligible to vote to exercise their franchise from outside the State. In this regard, my Department has commenced work to effect improvements in, and to modernise, the process for the registration of voters. All aspects of voter registration will be reviewed as part of this project.
The Government announced on 26 September 2017 that it has agreed indicative dates for the holding of referendums in 2018 and 2019, subject to the timely passage of Constitution Amendment Bills by each House of the Oireachtas. Included in the list is the proposed referendum on extending the franchise at presidential elections to Irish citizens resident outside the State which it is intended will be held on the date of the local and European elections in June 2019. My Department will bring forward an appropriate Constitution Amendment Bill on extending the franchise at Presidential elections to Irish citizens resident outside the State in good time for the holding of the referendum.
536. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if a landlord is obliged at the request of an existing tenant to sign up to the housing assistance payment scheme in respect of a tenancy which is already in place; if that obligation changes over time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52642/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a form of social housing support provided by all local authorities. HAP addresses many long standing issues raised by landlord groups in relation to the operation of Rent Supplement. The HAP payment is made directly to landlords on the tenant's behalf and all payments are made electronically - the landlord does not have to collect the rent. There are minimal barriers to setting up HAP, and tax compliance and private rental inspections can follow the setting up of a HAP tenancy. In 2016, the scheme had a 99% differential rent collection rate, with minimal arrears arising for tenants and local authorities, and a 99% rent payment rate with virtually no difficulties arising for landlords. Furthermore, any household assessed for social housing support is immediately eligible for housing support through the HAP scheme. HAP recipients can avail of full-time work and retain their housing support, with an adjustment in their differential rent; under Rent Supplement, these households would lose their housing support payment.
A landlord or an agent acting on behalf of a landlord is not legally obliged to enter into a tenancy agreement with a HAP recipient. However, since 1 January 2016, a person cannot be discriminated against when renting because they are in receipt of certain housing related payments, including HAP. If a person feels that they have been discriminated against by a landlord or their agent, they can make a complaint under the Equal Status Acts to the Workplace Relations Commission. Further information is available on the Commission's website, https://www.workplacerelations.ie.
A number of cases have been taken under the 'housing assistance' ground of the Equality Act against landlords. I believe that the body of case law that the Workplace Relations Commission is building in this regard complements the clarity that my Department is working to provide to landlords and agents in relation to the operation of the HAP scheme. It is clear that such cases are rare and the vast majority of landlords are happy to engage in the scheme, and adhere to the terms and conditions. In fact, the average number of new additional tenancies being supported by HAP per week over the last number of months is close to 350.
Misunderstanding of the scheme can arise and this highlights the need for the State to continue to explain and outline the many benefits of HAP to landlords. My Department and local authorities have been involved in a range of national and local actions to clarify the operational benefits of HAP to landlords and agents.
HAP is working for both recipients and landlords. Over 30,700 eligible households are currently being supported across the State with over 20,000 individual landlords and agents providing accommodation via the scheme and receiving housing assistance payments. HAP will continue to be a flexible support available to assist people with their long term housing needs immediately their need arises. My Department continues to keep the operation of the HAP scheme under review. In general, I am satisfied with the operation of HAP and I consider it to be a key vehicle for meeting housing need and fulfilling the ambitious programme outlined under the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness.
537. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he plans to conduct a review or plans revisions to the local government boundaries or distribution of seats within existing boundaries in advance of the 2019 local government elections. [52704/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for a Partnership Government sets out a number of commitments in relation to local government reform to ensure that local government funding, structures and responsibilities strengthen local democracy into the future. In particular, the Programme includes a commitment to consider reducing the size of local electoral areas (LEAs).
The preparatory work in support of a review of local electoral area boundaries is being advanced in my Department. It is anticipated that the independent committees to be established to complete the review of LEAs will invite submissions from the public to consider as part of their deliberations. I expect that the review will be completed in good time before the 2019 local elections.
538. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the amount allocated from the local infrastructure housing activation fund to County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52719/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe first call for proposals under the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) was issued to all local authorities in August 2016 and 34 projects received preliminary approval in March 2017.
Wexford County Council submitted one project under the call in October 2016, for the construction of the Whitemill/Clonard to Coolcotts inner orbital road in Wexford town. However, the project did not receive funding as it was assessed as low priority, given the LIHAF objectives and the range of other projects submitted for funding.
As part of Budget 2018, I announced an additional €50 million funding which will be available for a second LIHAF call and which will again be subject to matching funding of 25% by local authorities. This capital funding will facilitate the provision of more public infrastructure to unlock further sites and activate more housing supply.
A further call for proposals under LIHAF is likely early in 2018 and it will be open to all local authorities to submit new projects or resubmit previous unsuccessful projects for consideration at that time.
539. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of the taking in charge of an estate (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52741/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn December 2015, my Department made a call for local authorities to supply details of relevant estates that required to be taken in charge in order to draw up a national list of housing estates not taken in charge. This exercise was carried out under the National Taking-in-Charge Initiative (NTICI) to provide a list of estates not yet taken in charge. The list is available at the following link: http://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/initiative_to_accelerate_taking_in_charge_of_residential_estates_-_initial_list_0.pdf.
Louth County Council, the relevant planning authority in this case, supplied information to my Department in this regard. A list of 190 estates to be taken in charge was provided by Louth County Council, 75 of which at that time, had valid taking-in-charge applications with the local authority. The estate in question was listed as an estate to be taken in charge that had a valid application.
Subsequently, my Department announced a funding stream under the NTICI for which the local authorities could make applications. Louth County Council did not make an application to my Department for funding under this programme.
Earlier this year, an update on estates to be taken in charge was requested by my Department from all local authorities. A response is awaited from Louth County Council. The Deputy may wish to consult with Louth County Council directly to determine the status of the taking-in-charge of this estate.
540. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of a report on the NTICI being finalised by his Department which will include findings and recommendations on sustaining progress on the taking in charge of estates issues; the amount of the €10 million in funding for taking in charge issues that was allocated to Louth County Council; if this funding can be used for estates other than ghost estates in which no bond is in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52746/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra541. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of housing estates in each county that have not been taken in charge by local authorities in view of the fact that no bond is in place; the estates, by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52759/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 540 and 541 together.
The taking-in-charge of housing estates is a matter for the relevant local authority under section 180 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).
In an attempt to enhance learning and systems development and to accelerate the taking-in-charge process of housing estates, my Department launched the National Taking-in-Charge Initiative (NTICI) in April 2016. The Initiative was set up on a time-bound basis in order to both better understand and stimulate the taking-in-charge process, due to the backlog of estates waiting to be taken in charge.
Under the terms of the NTICI, which was underpinned by €10m in funding, developments subject to valid taking-in-charge applications were eligible for inclusion in the call for funding proposals. €7.7 million of the allocated funding was paid to local authorities in respect of 330 developments, containing some 13,400 units.
Louth County Council did not make an application to my Department for funding under this programme.
It is important to note that the NTICI was not intended to establish a rolling annual funding programme to take-in-charge all estates not yet taken-in-charge, but was instead intended to develop better knowledge and systems to support the taking-in-charge of further estates over time. Therefore, there is no corresponding funding line after 2016.
A report on the 2016 NTICI is currently being finalised by my Department which will help to inform future taking-in-charge plans. It is envisaged that the report will be published in Q1 2018.
With regard to the number of housing estates in each county that have not yet been taken in charge due to no bond being in place, I expect that data of this nature will be published as part of the 2016 NTICI report.
542. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to review regulations whereby the proposed layout of houses submitted for planning are published online and in public and instead allow them to be viewed in local authority planning offices by persons who have signed a log or record in advance in view of the ongoing burglaries throughout the country and with a view to make it more difficult for burglars. [52762/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraPublic participation is a crucial element of all substantive decision-making processes under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended and a requirement under the UN Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters as well as the EU Environmental Impact Assessment Directives in relation to certain types of developments.
The current arrangements for members of the public to view planning applications and related documents in local authority offices and, increasingly, on-line, contribute significantly to the openness and transparency of the planning process. Restricting or limiting access to these documents in the manner suggested by the Deputy would not be in line with the policies and progress made in facilitating public participation to the greatest extent possible, and accordingly, I have no proposals to amend the regulations in this regard.
543. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 520 of 5 December 2017, the number of housing first tenancies in existence prior to the launch of Rebuilding Ireland in July 2016; and the number of new housing first tenancies commenced since July 2016 to date in 2017. [53001/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy 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.
Rebuilding Ireland, the Government's Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness, committed to increasing the target for tenancies by the 'Housing First' teams in Dublin to 300. My Department has been advised by the Dublin Region Homeless Executive that as of 8th December 2017 a total of 195 tenancies had been created under the initiative of which 113 were created since July 2016.
544. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the local authorities that are operating the choice-based letting, CBL, system for housing allocations; the number of persons approved to use the CBL; the number of those approved persons that have not yet logged in or used the CBL system, in tabular from; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53057/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe allocation of social housing support is a matter for the relevant local authority in accordance with the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and associated regulations. Section 22 of the 2009 Act requires all housing authorities, as a reserved function, to make an allocation scheme determining the order of priority to be accorded in the allocation of dwellings to households qualified for social housing support and to households approved for a transfer, the allocation of which would, in the opinion of the authority, meet the accommodation needs and requirements of the households.
On 30 September 2016, the Social Housing Allocation (Amendment) Regulations 2016 were made, which required that all local authorities must, if they had not already done so, provide for Choice Based Letting (CBL) as a method of allocation in their housing allocation schemes by 31 December 2016.
Where a local authority, having included a provision on CBL in its allocation scheme, decides to operate a CBL scheme, it must implement it in accordance with Regulations 6–11 of the 2011 Regulations. Decisions on which properties are to be included under a CBL scheme is a matter for individual authorities.
Following a recent survey undertaken by my Department, 16 local authorities, as set out in the Table, indicated they are currently operating a choice based lettings model as part of their allocation scheme. A further two have indicated their intention to implement a pilot CBL scheme in the near future.
|
Local Authority |
CBL Scheme in use |
|
Cavan |
Yes |
|
Cork City |
Yes |
|
Cork County |
Yes |
|
Donegal |
Yes |
|
Dublin City |
Yes |
|
Dun Laoghaire / Rathdown |
Yes |
|
South Dublin |
Yes |
|
Kerry |
Yes |
|
Kilkenny |
Yes |
|
Leitrim |
Yes |
|
Longford |
Yes |
|
Louth |
Yes |
|
Meath |
Yes |
|
Sligo |
Yes |
|
Tipperary |
Yes |
|
Waterford |
Yes |
|
Galway City |
Pilot |
|
Limerick City and County |
Pilot |
545. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Irish Water refunds are being issued in cheques from a bank (details supplied) and local post offices will not facilitate changing a cheque from the bank; that if a person tries to cash the cheque in the bank he or she is asked for a driving licence or passport and the bank will not accept a public services card as identification; and his plans to resolve same. [53069/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Water Services Act 2017 (No. 29 of 2017), which was enacted on 17 November 2017, reflects the recommendations of the report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Future Funding of Domestic Water Services, which was published in April 2017 and approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas. The Act provides for the discontinuance of domestic water charges for dwellings as set out in the Water Services Act 2014 and for the refund of domestic charges paid by customers.
Irish Water is endeavouring to refund its customers as efficiently and securely as possible. Cheques are the most effective method available to process the refunds, while also ensuring that the total amount paid is refunded directly to the account holder.
As the refund cheques are crossed ‘account payee only’ the cheques cannot be cashed and they must be lodged into the customer’s account. This is for security reasons to ensure that the right person is refunded the money.
Irish Water had extensive engagement with the Banking and Payments Federation of Ireland, the Irish League of Credit Unions and An Post regarding this approach and this contact is continuing as the utility processes almost one million cheques. Irish Water was also in contact with Age Action, Citizens Information, the NCBI and other representative organisations, particularly those who represent vulnerable customers for advice and support in this matter.
The means by which cheques can be lodged to accounts may vary between one bank and another. Irish Water has been advised that the means of identification accepted by banks must be in line with laws pertaining to money laundering and fraud. If customers are experiencing difficulties lodging their cheque, they should contact their bank or other financial institution such as Post Office or Credit Union in the first instance or call Irish Water on 1850 448 448 for advice.
546. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding fire regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53090/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003 assign responsibility for fire safety in premises of all kinds, other than dwellings occupied as a single dwelling, to the 'person having control' over premises to take all reasonable measures to guard against the outbreak of fire on such premises, and to ensure as far as is reasonably practicable the safety of persons on the premises in the event of an outbreak of fire. Further, section 18(3) of the Acts provides that it “shall be the duty of every person, being on premises to which section 18 of the Acts applies, to conduct himself in such a way as to ensure that as far as is reasonably practicable any person on the premises is not exposed to danger from fire as a consequence of any act or omission of his”.
Standards for the design and construction of buildings, including fire safety standards, are regulated under the Building Control Acts 1990 to 2014 and the primary responsibility for compliance with the requirements of the Building Regulations, including fire safety, rests with the designers, builders and owners of buildings.
As outlined above, the State regulates fire safety responsibility through its Building Control legislation and Fire Services Acts and associated regulations. A range of enabling powers, including extensive powers of inspection and enforcement, are provided for local authorities under the Building Control Acts 1990 to 2014 and the Fire Services Acts, 1981 and 2003.
Fire safety is achieved through the “Prevent, Protect, Respond” paradigm which is part of an overall fire risk management approach. Local authorities provide a range of services aimed at enhancing fire safety in their communities by preventing fires from happening in the first instance, and ensuring appropriate fire protection measures are in place in buildings, in addition to providing an operational response.
The fire prevention/protection work falls into two categories known as Community Fire Safety and Technical Fire Safety. Community Fire Safety involves fire authorities working in partnership with relevant agencies and the community sector to provide safety measures such as domestic smoke alarms for those perceived as most vulnerable to fire in the home. It also includes the Primary Schools Program whereby every third class in primary school receives age-appropriate education on fire safety issues. The shift of emphasis to Community Fire Safety is seen as contributing to the overall downward trend in fire fatalities which reached a 40 year record low in 2016. In relation to the Technical fire safety work, local authority fire services review and make recommendations in relation to applications for Fire Safety Certificates under Building Control legislation. They also provide the fire safety input under various licensing systems. They undertake inspection programmes in accordance with their established priorities (such as nursing homes) and they respond to complaints about fire safety in specific premises, using the various enforcement powers as appropriate.
In April 2016, my Department published the report of the first External Validation process undertaken in relation to local authority fire services including fire safety, which was titled "Local Delivery - National Consistency". This report is available on my Department's website at the following link: http://www.housing.gov.ie/local-government/fire-and-emergency-management/fire-services-ireland-local-delivery-national.
In response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy in June this year and in recognition of fears expressed for fire safety, on 27 June 2017, my Department’s National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management was tasked with convening and coordinating a high-level Task Force to lead Ireland’s re-appraisal of fire safety. The Task Force is reviewing existing arrangements and systems for fire safety and related issues which impact on fire safety in Ireland. As it carries out its work, the Task Force is taking into account information and developments arising in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire.
In addition to establishing the Task Force, local authorities were requested to undertake a number of initial actions and the Task Force was requested to oversee and report on a review of fire safety in both social housing and fire safety in medium to high rise buildings. This initial work has been carried out and all local authorities have reported back to my Department as requested. The Fire Safety Task Force is analysing the returns received currently and is preparing an initial report which I expect to be submitted by early January 2018.
547. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to introduce a statutory requirement for local authorities to provide timely and substantive responses to representations made by local elected representatives and councillors to their respective local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53140/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Local Government Act 2001, as amended, each local authority has an elected council. The elected council is the policy-making arm of the local authority, who act by what are termed 'reserved functions'. These comprise mainly decisions on important matters of policy and finance.
The day-to-day management of each local authority is vested in a full time Chief Executive to whom 'executive functions' are assigned.
The division between reserved and executive functions is such that the Chief Executive operates within a framework of policy laid down by the elected members. As such it is a matter for the elected members to hold the Chief Executive to account with regard to issues such as timely and substantive responses to representations made by the elected members to the Chief Executive and other local authority staff.
The Local Government Act 2001 (Section 237A) Regulations 2003 set out statutory provisions for local authorities and their dealings with members of the Houses of the Oireachtas. The Regulations provide that each local authority must deal with requests for access to information by Oireachtas members "as expeditiously as may be and in accordance with a proper level of customer service". In this regard, local authorities are required to put in place arrangements to ensure that systems, procedures and time frames equivalent to those used by them in relation to correspondence from local authority elected members also apply in respect of parliamentary representatives.
Local authorities are independent statutory bodies. It is a matter for individual local authorities to decide the specific measures to be put in place to satisfy their statutory obligations under the Regulations.
549. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the claims by Sligo County Council that it submitted details of a wind farm (details supplied) to the Valuation Office for revision in 2005; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the executive of Sligo County Council claims it was unable to levy rates on the wind farm since it became operational 11 years ago due to the fact that the council did not receive the valuation from the Valuation Office until January 2017; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Sligo County Council lost approximately €24,000 income in rates from the wind farm each year due to the delay in it being valued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53176/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra550. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the claims by Sligo County Council that it submitted details of a wind farm (details supplied) to the Valuation Office for revision in 2004; if his attention has been further drawn to claims by the executive of Sligo County Council that it was unable to levy rates on the wind farm since it became operational seven years ago due to the fact that the council did not receive the valuation from the Valuation Office until January 2017; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Sligo County Council lost approximately €89,000 income in rates from the wind farm each year due to the delay in it being valued. [53177/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra551. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the claims by Sligo County Council that it submitted details of a wind farm (details supplied) to the Valuation Office for revision in 2004; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the executive of Sligo County Council claims it was unable to levy rates on the wind farm since it became operational 11 years ago due to the fact that the council did not receive the valuation from the Valuation Office until January 2017; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Sligo County Council lost approximately €24,000 income in rates from the wind farm each year due to the delay in it being valued; if he will intervene to ensure that properties are valued promptly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53178/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 549 to 551, inclusive, together.
Local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by the independent Commissioner of Valuation under the Valuation Acts 2001 to 2015. The levying and collection of rates are matters for each individual local authority.
The Commissioner of Valuation has responsibility for valuation matters, including determination under the Act of relevant property for the purposes of rates. The Valuation Acts 2001 to 2015 come under the aegis of the Minister for Justice and Equality.
It is a function of a local authority to apply to the Commissioner of Valuation for the appointment by the Commissioner of an officer of the Commissioner to carry out a revision of valuation under Part 6 of the Valuation Acts 2001 to 2015. My Department has no role in this process.
