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Gnáthamharc

Wednesday, 21 Feb 2018

Written Answers Nos. 201-218

Library Services

Ceisteanna (201)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

201. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress to date in respect of the public library strategy 2018 to 2022; his plans in this regard for the future to ensure a multi-functional library service as a centre for information, learning, local culture and community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8972/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The new Public Library Strategy 2018-2022 is being developed my Department together with local authorities and the Local Government Management Agency.

The Strategy is expected to focus on three thematic programmes - Reading and Literacy Development, Learning and Information, and Community and Culture. These programmes will seek to build on progress under previous strategies and focus on strengthening relationships with local partners to develop public libraries as essential multi-functional facilities accessible to all.  

The strategic programmes will be underpinned by six strategy enablers that reflect the elements to be developed under the Strategy.  These include inter alia, new and redeveloped library buildings, improved ICT capacity and continued service and resource development.

An extensive consultation process has recently been completed.  This included public focus groups with key users as well as workshops with library staff, elected members and senior managers of public libraries and local authorities.  The process concluded with a broad public consultation on the strategic themes and priorities with more than 200 responses and submissions received by my Department. 

The draft Strategy is well advanced and I expect to bring it to Government for approval in the coming weeks.

Telecommunications Services Provision

Ceisteanna (202)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

202. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which he expects to be in a position to assist urban or rural communities directly by way of grant aid or indirectly through the improvement of telecommunications, with particular reference to the identification of particular blackspots in respect of broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8973/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the Government policy initiative which aims to deliver high speed broadband to every citizen and business in Ireland. Policy responsibility for the NBP is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment.

However, my Department is working closely with the Minister’s Department and with other key Departments and stakeholders to identify solutions to broadband and mobile phone coverage problems around the country and to investigate how better services could be provided to consumers before the State broadband intervention commences under the NDP. This work builds on the recommendations of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce which published its report in December 2016. The Minister of State at my Department, Sean Kyne T.D., co-chairs with Minister Denis Naughten an Implementation Group to oversee the deliver of the Taskforce’s recommendations.

Earlier today, Minister's Naughten and Kyne published the 2017 Annual Review on the implementation of the recommendations contained in the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce report.

The Annual Review outlines progress made in 2017 on actions aimed at accelerating the delivery of telecommunications infrastructure. Of the 40 actions identified by the Taskforce, 29 actions have been completed. Work remaining to be completed on 11 actions which will carry into the 2018 work programme. A further 23 new measures have been identified for delivery in 2018. The report can be accessed through the following link:

http://drcd.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/Implementation-Review-2017-PDF-with-cover.pdf.

As part of the delivery of the Taskforce’s recommendations, my Department has co-funded the assignment of Broadband Officers in each of the 31 Local Authorities to act as the single point of contact for engagement with telecoms operators to assist with the rollout of broadband and mobile phone services. In addition, my Department is supporting Local Authorities with the development of local Digital Strategies and has appointed Indecon consultants to assist with this initiative.

A further initiative being supported by my Department is in relation to mobile phone blackspots. The aim of this pilot initiative is to identify problem areas in conjunction with Local Authorities and service providers, and utilise any infrastructure that could potentially be used to improve mobile coverage in these blackspot areas.

Town and Village Renewal Scheme

Ceisteanna (203)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

203. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which he plans to develop the town and village renewal scheme further in order to improve and enhance the standard of living communities for rural Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8974/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Town and Village Renewal Scheme was launched in 2016, with funding of €10 million allocated for that year. An enhanced Town and Village Renewal scheme was announced in 2017, with an emphasis on projects that would have a sustainable and visible impact on towns or villages and their environs, and could demonstrate economic impact or potential.

In October 2017, I announced the allocation of €21.6 million to 281 projects in towns and villages across rural Ireland under the scheme.  

Under Budget 2018, I have secured an allocation of €15 million for this year's Town and Village Renewal Scheme.  I am planning to launch the 2018 scheme in the first half of the year and will again be placing an emphasis on projects that can demonstrate strong economic benefits for towns, villages and their environs.

In addition, a pilot scheme to encourage residential occupancy in rural towns and villages is currently being developed as part of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. The pilot will consider ways in which properties that are currently not in use in town centres can be renovated to allow them to be used for residential purposes.  This will help to rejuvenate town centres while also contributing to the housing needs of individuals. 

Following initial discussions between my Department and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, I have now established a Steering Group to accelerate and oversee the design and delivery of the pilot scheme.  The Steering Group is chaired by my Department, and involves a number of other key Departments and agencies, including the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the Department of Finance, and the County and City Management Association which provides representation from the Local Authority sector.  

The first meeting of the Steering Group will take place shortly and I will be briefed on its progress on an on-going basis.

Carer's Allowance Payments

Ceisteanna (204)

Willie O'Dea

Ceist:

204. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when arrears will issue in relation to a carer's allowance for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8831/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Carer's allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a person who has such a disability that they require that level of care.

Once claims are in payment, the Department periodically reviews them to ensure that there is continued entitlement. Depending on the circumstances in each case and to make best use of resources, a review may only concentrate on a specific condition of entitlement.

Following a review of means, it was determined that the person in respect of whom CA was being paid, was entitled to an increase in payment. The person concerned was notified on 11 January 2018 of these details.

Arrears for the period 13 July 2017 to 17 January 2018 are expected to issue to the nominated bank account of the person concerned on 22 February 2018.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

State Pension (Contributory)

Ceisteanna (205)

Tom Neville

Ceist:

205. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason a maximum rate of a pension has not been awarded in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8835/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

According to the records of my Department the person concerned has a social insurance record of 703 full rate insurance contributions and credits covering the period 1965 to the end of December 2014. The person concerned is in receipt of a reduced rate state pension (contributory) based on their assessed yearly average of 15 contributions. In arriving at this yearly average account was taken of the Homemaking periods of the person concerned.

In addition to the full rate insurance record, the person concerned has a modified insurance record and has an entitlement to a mixed insurance pro rata state pension (contributory). However the monetary value of this pension is lower than a pension based on full rate insurance and was therefore not awarded.

The person concerned is in receipt of the correct rate of contributory pension based on their social insurance record.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Public Services Card Availability

Ceisteanna (206)

Aindrias Moynihan

Ceist:

206. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the locations of the offices in which the public services card may be applied for; her plans to expand the number of offices in which persons can apply for the card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8940/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

There are over 100 of the Department’s offices nationally where customers can complete in-person registration to SAFE level 2. Details of the offices are provided in tabular form below.

SAFE level 2 is the minimum level for the issue of a Public Services Card as a physical token of authenticated identity. There is at least one SAFE location in every county and it would be the intention, in due course, that in-person SAFE registration would be available at all DEASP locations.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

List of DEASP offices where in-person SAFE2 registration is available (February, 2018)

County

Branch

Address

Phone Number

Carlow

Intreo Centre Carlow

Kennedy Avenue, Carlow

(059) 9170170

-

Muine Bheag Branch Office

Regent Street, Muine-Bheag

(059) 9722940

-

Tullow Branch Office

Abbey Street, Tullow

(059) 9152500

Cavan

Ballyconnell Branch Office

Unit 5 The Conall Building, Main Street, Ballyconnell

(049) 9527670

-

Intreo Centre Cavan

Dublin Road, Cavan

(049) 4331909

Clare

Intreo Centre Ennis

Kilrush Road, Ennis, County Clare

(065) 6867800

-

Ennistymon Branch Office

Bogbere, Ennistymon, Co. Clare

(065) 7072528

-

Kilrush Branch Office

Vandeleur Street, Kilrush, Co. Clare

(065) 9080030

Cork

Intreo Abbey Court House

Georges Quay (Cork City South of the River Lee and Ballincollig)

(021) 4943100

-

Intreo Hanover Street

Hanover Street (Cork City North of the River Lee, Blarney and Glanmire)

(021) 4806800

-

Bandon Branch Office

96 North Main Street, Bandon Co. Cork

(023) 8820200

-

Bantry Branch Office

Bridge Street, Bantry, Co. Cork

(027) 20820

-

Clonakilty Branch Office

Unit 2, Supervalu Shopping Centre, Faxbridge, Clonakilty

(023) 8821210

-

Intreo Centre Cobh

Lynch's Quay, Cobh

(021) 4908010

-

Kinsale Branch Office

Market Lane, Kinsale

(021) 4702910

-

Mallow Branch Office

72 Off Main Street, Mallow

(022) 30934

-

Midleton Branch Office

Enterprise Park, Dwyer Road, Midleton, Cork

(021) 4621200

-

Newmarket Branch Office

Main Street, Newmarket

(029) 22110

-

Skibbereen Branch Office

Mardyke Street, Skibbereen; Co. Cork

(028) 40300

Donegal

Ballybofey Branch Office

Unit 1 Garvan Court, Main Street, Ballybofey, Co Donegal

(074) 9130490

-

Intreo Centre Buncrana

McCarter's Road, Ardaravan, Buncrana, Co.Donegal

(074) 9364600

-

PSC Centre Donegal Town

DSP, Public Services Centre, Donegal Town, Co. Donegal

(074) 9740070

-

Intreo Centre Dunfanaghy

Main Street, Dunfanaghy, Co Donegal

(074) 9136750

-

Intreo Centre Dungloe

Public Service Centre, Gweedore Road, Dungloe, Co Donegal

(074) 9561030

-

Letterkenny LO

High Road, Letterkenny, Co Donegal

(074) 9160460

Dublin

Intreo Centre Balbriggan

Gallens Mill, Mill Street, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin

(01) 6984300

-

Intreo Centre Ballyfermot

Rossmore Ave, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10

(01) 6160300

-

Intreo Centre Ballymun

Main Street, Ballymun, Dublin 9

(01 )8940000

-

Intreo Centre Bishop Square

Redmonds Hill, Dublin 2

(01) 4763500

-

Intreo Centre Blanchardstown

Westend House, Snugborough Road Extension, Dublin 15

(01) 8581300

-

Intreo Centre Clondalkin

9th Lock Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

(01) 4030000

-

Intreo Centre Coolock

Northside Civic Centre, Bunratty Road, Dublin 17

(01) 6125400

-

Intreo Centre Cork Street

Guild Building, Cork Street, Dublin 8

(01) 8526700

-

D'Olier House PSC Centre

D'Olier House, D'Olier Street, Dublin 2

(01) 7040520

-

Intreo Centre Dun Laoghaire

18-21 Cumberland Street, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin

(01) 2145540

-

Intreo Centre Finglas

Mellowes Road, Finglas, Dublin 11

(01) 8581100

-

Intreo Centre Kilbarrack

Greendale Shopping Centre, Kilbarrack, Dublin 5

(01) 8063830

-

Intreo Centre Parnell Street

197/199 Parnell Street, Dublin 1

(01) 8899500

-

Intreo Centre Navan Road

Navan Road, Dublin 7

(01) 8823100

-

Intreo Centre Nutgrove

Nutgrove Shopping Centre, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14

(01) 6732000

-

Intreo Centre Tallaght

The Square, Tallaght, Dublin 24

(01) 4629400

-

Tallaght PSC Centre

Unit 247, Level 2, The Square Shopping Centre, Tallaght, Dublin 24

(01) 4629496

-

Intreo Centre Swords

Mainscourt, 23 Main Street, Swords, Co. Dublin.

(01) 4164190

Galway

Ballinasloe Branch Office

Unit 1-2, Riverview, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

(090) 9631800

-

Intreo Centre Clifden

Galway Road, Clifden, Co Galway

(095) 22210

-

Intreo Centre Galway

Intreo Centre Galway, Sean Duggan Centre, Fairgreen, Galway

(091) 500800

-

Gort Branch Office

Loughrea Road, Gort, Co Galway

(091) 630210

-

Intreo Centre Loughrea

Railway House, Station Road, Loughrea, Co Galway

(091) 576870

-

Tuam Branch Office

Church View, Tuam, Co Galway

(093) 70940

Kerry

Intreo Centre Cahirciveen

St. Brendans Terrace, Cahirciveen, Co. Kerry

(066) 9473440

-

Intreo Centre Kenmare

Bridge Street, Kenmare, Co. Kerry

(064) 6640050

-

Intreo Centre Killarney

Park Court, Beech Road, Killarney, Co. Kerry

(064) 6678500

-

Intreo Centre Listowel

The Square, Listowel, Co. Kerry

(068) 50030

-

Intreo Centre Tralee

Godfrey Place, Tralee, Co. Kerry

(066) 7149500

Kildare

Athy Branch Office

Leinster Street, Athy, Kildare

(059) 8640250

-

Intreo Centre Newbridge

Moorefield Road, Newbridge, Co. Kildare

(045) 491500

Kilkenny

Intreo Centre Kilkenny

Government Buildings, Hebron Road, Kilkenny

(056) 7715100

Laois

Portlaoise Branch Office

Church Street, Portlaoise,Co Laois

(057) 8678010

Leitrim

Intreo Centre Carrick-on-Shannon

Leitrim Road, Carrick-On-Shannon

(071) 9650070

-

Intreo Centre Manorhamilton

Sligo Road, Manorhamilton

(071)-9820030 

Limerick

Kilmallock Branch Office

Charleville Road, Kilmallock

(063) 20900

-

Intreo Centre Limerick

Dominick Street, Limerick

(061) 212200

-

Intreo Centre Newcastlewest

Gortboy, Newcastle West

(069) 24600

-

Pery Court PSC Centre

Pery Court, Upper Mallow Street, Limerick

(061) 436050

Longford

Intreo Centre Longford

Government Buildings, Ballinalee Road, Longford

(043) 3340000

Louth

Intreo Centre Drogheda

Custom House Quay, Drogheda, Co Louth

(041) 9871130

-

Intreo Centre Dundalk

Government Buildings, Saint Alphonsus Road, Dundalk, Co Louth

(042) 9392600

Mayo

Intreo Centre Achill

Achill Sound, Co Mayo

(098) 45050

-

Intreo Centre Ballina

Government Buildings,Ballina, Co Mayo

(096) 80500

-

Intreo Centre Belmullet

American Street, Belmullet, Co Mayo

(097) 81029

-

Intreo Centre Castlebar

Micheal Davitt House, Castlebar, Co Mayo

(094) 9063700

-

Intreo Centre Westport

James Street, Westport, Co Mayo

(098) 53800

Meath

Kells Branch Office

Bective Square, Kells, Co. Meath

(046) 9280490

-

Intreo Centre Navan

Kennedy House,Kennedy Road, Navan

(046) 9037900

-

Trim Branch Office

Haggard Street, Trim, Co. Meath

(046) 9481040

Monaghan

Monaghan PSC Centre

Floor 1, Teach O'Cleircin, Old Cross Square, Monaghan, Co. Monaghan

(042) 6823543

Offaly

Birr Branch Office

Green Street, Birr, Co. Offaly

(057) 9169040

-

Intreo Centre Tullamore

Castle Buildings, Tara Street, Tullamore, Co Offaly

(057) 9318500

Roscommon

Boyle Branch Office

Elphin Street, Boyle, Co. Roscommon

(071) 9664033

-

Castlerea Branch Office

Main Street, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

(094) 9625510

-

Roscommon PSC Centre

Government Buildings, Convent Road, Roscommon

(090) 6632980

Sligo

Intreo Centre Sligo

Government Offices, Cranmore Road, Sligo

(071) 9148200

-

Tubbercurry Branch Office

Humbert Street, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo

(071) 9138633

Tipperary

Cahir Branch Office

Market Yard, The Square, Cahir, Co. Tipperary

(052) 7445200

-

Carrick-on-Suir Branch Office

55 New Street, Carrick-On-Suir Tipperary South

(051) 601190

-

Intreo Centre Clonmel

Harbour House, New Quay, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary

(052) 6170220

-

Nenagh Branch Office

Church View, Nenagh, Tipperary North

(067) 50902

-

Intreo Centre Thurles

Stradavoher, Thurles, Co. Tipperary

(0504) 25900

-

Tipperary Town Branch Office

8 Church Street, Tipperary

(062) 80230

Waterford

Intreo Centre Waterford

Government Buildings, Cork Street, Waterford

(051) 356000

Westmeath

Intreo Centre Athlone

Government Offices, Grace Park Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath

(090) 6449600

-

Intreo Centre Mullingar

Blackhall Street, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath

(076) 6285100

Wexford

Intreo Centre Wexford

Anne Street, Wexford

(053) 9165400

Wicklow

Intreo Centre Arklow

Castle Park, Arlow, Co Wicklow

(0402) 20420

-

Intreo Centre Bray

Civic Offices, Main Street, Bray, County Wicklow

(01) 2117937

-

Wicklow PSC Centre Murrough

Government Buildings, The Murrough, Wicklow Town Co. Wicklow

(0404) 20400

Exceptional Needs Payment Data

Ceisteanna (207)

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

207. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 618 of 30 January 2018, the number of ENP applications made in each county; the number that were refused; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8954/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Under the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme, my Department may make a single exceptional needs payment (ENP) to help meet essential, once-off expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. The Department may make an urgent needs payment (UNP) to a person who may not normally qualify for SWA but who have an urgent need which they cannot meet from their own resources or an alternative is not available at that time. The Government has provided over €36.4 million for ENPs and UNPs in 2018.

Statistics are maintained relating to payments under the ENP and UNP schemes, however they are not maintained on the number of applications or the outcome of those applications. There were over 103,000 ENPs and UNPs issued under the scheme in 2017.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Disability Allowance Appeals

Ceisteanna (208)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

208. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an appeal for a disability allowance by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9006/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

This lady submitted an application for disability allowance on 23 August 2017. The application, based upon the evidence submitted, was refused on medical grounds and this lady was notified in writing of this decision on 23 October 2017. She was also notified the reason for it and of the option to submit further medical evidence in support of her application for review and of her right to appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO).

To date no request for an appeal or review has been received from this lady.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Community Employment Schemes Supervisors

Ceisteanna (209, 210)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

209. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to bring forward a pension scheme for community employment supervisors. [9017/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Robert Troy

Ceist:

210. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to implement a Labour Court recommendation (details supplied) which sought to provide a redundancy payment deal for community employment workers and those formerly employed through FÁS. [9018/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 209 and 210 together.

Community Employment (CE) scheme supervisors are employees of private companies in the community and voluntary sector. The State is not responsible for funding pension arrangements for such employees even where the companies in question are reliant on State funding. It is open to individuals to make provision for a pension by way of PRSA which all employers are obliged to facilitate.

However, it should be noted that the issue of CE supervisors’ pension provision is currently being examined by a Community Sector High Level Forum, chaired by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. My Department is represented on this group, as are the unions, Pobal and other relevant Government Departments.

The Forum last met on 23 November 2017 and I understand that a paper outlining the costs involved was presented. Following on from this, I understand a meeting is being arranged in the coming weeks between the unions and my colleague, Paschal Donoghue T.D., Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

If circumstances arise where a CE supervisor is made redundant by their employer (the sponsoring organisation), and qualifies for a payment under the Redundancy Payments Acts 1967-2007, the supervisor would be entitled to statutory redundancy at a rate of two weeks’ pay per year of service, plus a further week’s pay (subject to an earnings limit of €600.00 per week).

My Department (and previously FÁS) have consistently maintained that the only circumstances in which it will fund enhanced redundancy packages to CE supervisors is where the redundancy arises because of the actions of the Department due to restructuring of the CE programme e.g. mainstreaming schools-based CE schemes to the Department of Education in 2001 or the reduction in the overall numbers on CE, such as happened in the late 1990s/early 2000s due to reduced numbers of long-term unemployed on the Live Register. Enhanced redundancy packages under the above circumstances were only funded by FÁS/DEASP where the sponsor/employer did not have the ability to fund the enhanced package.

This does not apply where the employer is the instigator of the redundancy e.g. no longer wanting to run the CE scheme, closure due to Company Registration Office strike-off, or where the sponsor organisation does not comply with the terms of their contract (maintain participant numbers etc.) and it is necessary for the Department to discontinue funding for the scheme/supervisor/assistant supervisor positions.

My Department has not made a decision to reduce the overall number of CE places or to mainstream CE places in the case of any CE scheme closures in recent times. Therefore, in these circumstances, there is no liability on my Department to pay enhanced redundancy.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Foreshore Issues

Ceisteanna (211)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

211. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if a matter will be addressed regarding the purchase of land in the case of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8945/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The persons named have made an offer to purchase an area of reclaimed foreshore occupied by them for many years without consent. However, my Department has informed them that the nature of the offer made could not be recommended for approval by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.  

Development Contributions

Ceisteanna (212)

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

212. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the local authorities that remain non-compliant with the 2013 development contribution guidelines in relation to taskforce action number 8 and the progress report of the taskforce implementation group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9012/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Development contributions applied by local authorities are levied on the basis of a development contribution scheme adopted by the elected members which sets out how contributions are to be applied in respect of developments in their respective functional areas. The level of contribution and the types of development to which development contributions should apply, including any exemptions from charging in specific circumstances if that is deemed appropriate, are therefore determined at local authority level, in accordance with the powers vested in elected members in this regard.

For the purpose of supporting and incentivising economic development, including the roll-out of broadband infrastructure, my Department issued statutory guidelines to planning authorities in January 2013 under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act on the implementation of development contribution schemes to which planning authorities are required to have regard in the performance of their planning functions. For the purpose of ensuring consistency in the adoption and implementation of development contribution schemes by local authorities, the guidelines recommended that all local authorities should include a specific waiver for broadband infrastructure (e.g. masts and antennae) in their schemes.

Most development contribution schemes adopted by planning authorities currently provide for such waivers. In this regard, 23 local authorities have adopted schemes which include a full exemption for broadband infrastructure. Six local authorities do not specify a waiver for such infrastructure in their current schemes; however, as there is no provision included in their current schemes to charge for telecommunications infrastructure generally, the practice adopted is not to do so.

My Department has been engaging with the remaining two local authorities regarding the incorporation of explicit waivers in their schemes. Both local authorities have since prepared draft schemes that incorporate waivers for broadband infrastructure, which are currently out for public consultation. Notwithstanding the fact that the adoption of these schemes is a reserved function of the locally elected members, I anticipate that these schemes as finally adopted will comply with the 2013 guidelines in this regard.

Water and Sewerage Schemes

Ceisteanna (213, 216)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

213. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 768 of 6 February 2018, the work in his Department to deal with the problem of residents that live in an end of terrace home in which the private sewage line for a group of houses ends and such residents are continually faced with the problem and expense of having blockages in the line dealt with; if the attention has been drawn to the burden the lack of legislation in this area places upon such persons, the tensions this causes between neighbours and the frequent public health risks that arise in circumstances in which disputes arise; the grants available to persons to deal with such expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8907/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

216. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the powers available to State bodies to take enforcement action against a person that fails to take steps to resolve a sewage leak emanating from their property onto a public footpath or roadway; the State bodies that have such enforcement powers; the specific legal provisions under which enforcement action can be taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9008/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 213 and 216 together.

The Water Services Act of 2007 sets down the obligations and responsibilities of water services authorities and property owners in respect of wastewater infrastructure. Section 70 places a general duty of care on the owner or occupier of a premises to ensure that wastewater from the premises does not cause nuisance or risk to human health or the environment and to refrain from putting anything into a drainage system that would block or damage it.  It also provides a means of redress through the courts for a water services authority (i.e. a county or city council with a statutory function in relation to water services and, pursuant to section 7 of the Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013, Irish Water) or any person affected by a breach of duty of care by a third party.   

Section 8 of the Act of 2007 gives a water services authority the power to prosecute offences under the Act, including an offence under section 70.

While the legal position is set out in the Act of 2007, I recognise the importance of local authorities and Irish Water working together in setting out clearly the responsibilities of Irish Water and property owners in relation to water supply and waste water infrastructure.  My Department is engaging with Irish Water and local authorities in this regard.

 

Local Authority Housing Eligibility

Ceisteanna (214)

Timmy Dooley

Ceist:

214. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to increase the income levels to qualify for social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8944/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

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 income eligibility for social housing support has commenced and will be finalised later this year.

Local Authority Housing Mortgages

Ceisteanna (215)

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

215. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the way in which the calculation of net disposable income works in relation to the Rebuilding Ireland home loan; the living expense allowances that apply, for example, in respect of a couple for food, heat and other essential living expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8978/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Following a review of the two existing local authority home loan schemes, the House Purchase Loan and the Home Choice Loan, a new loan offering - the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan - was introduced on 1 February 2018. 

Rather than applying a Loan to Income (LTI) limit to the new loan, a maximum permissible Net Disposable Income (NDI) ratio of 35% is used which more accurately reflects the benefits of the low fixed rate available for the full term of the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan.  

The calculation for NDI is based upon after tax allowable income percentages, taking account also of the Universal Social Charge.  An applicant’s NDI ratio is calculated from the annual repayments on all loans, including the current application, and any maintenance payments, as a % of their Net Disposable Income.  The maximum ratio permitted is 35%.  This means that loan repayments in total cannot exceed 35% of a borrower’s after tax monthly income.

Question No. 216 answered with Question No. 213.

Gorse Burning

Ceisteanna (217, 218)

Tom Neville

Ceist:

217. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position in relation to extending the spring gorse burning season; if the season for controlled burning in low risk areas beyond 1 March 2018 will be extended in view of adverse weather conditions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8900/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Peter Burke

Ceist:

218. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a person can apply for an extension to the hedge cutting period at the end of February 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8930/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 217 and 218 together.

Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts 1976, as amended, prohibits the cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction of vegetation, with certain strict exemptions, from 1 March to 31 August.

Following a review of Section 40, which involved, inter alia, consideration of submissions from interested parties, proposals were announced in December 2015 to introduce legislation to allow for managed hedge cutting and burning at certain times within the existing closed period on a pilot two year basis.  The legislation required to allow for these pilot measures is included in the Heritage Bill 2016, which was published in January 2016.  

The Bill has completed its passage through Seanad Éireann and has completed Second Stage in Dail Éireann.  A date for Committee Stage in the Dail is awaited.

In the meantime, the existing provisions relating to Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts remain in force.

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