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Tuesday, 20 Mar 2018

Written Answers Nos 1034-1050

Water Charges Data

Ceisteanna (1034, 1037, 1038)

Joan Collins

Ceist:

1034. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the amount of commercial water charges debt that has been written off as bad debt by Irish Water or local councils since 2007. [12247/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Joan Collins

Ceist:

1037. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the revenue raised by commercial water charges versus general taxation spend on water services since 2007. [12257/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Joan Collins

Ceist:

1038. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the non-payment levels for commercial water charges since 2007. [12258/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1034, 1037 and 1038 together.

The consolidated local authority Annual Financial Statements (AFS) compiled by my Department from the audited financial statements published by each local authority provide a summary of major revenue collections, including in respect of commercial water, at Appendix 7. The AFS are available on my Department’s Website at: http://www.housing.gov.ie/search/archived/archived/archived/current/type/publications?query=Local%20Authority%20Financial%20Statement. The AFS information as presented in its current form commenced in 2009; accordingly, the consolidated information requested prior to 2009 is not available in my Department.

Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels, including the collection of non-domestic water charges.

Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email at oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on a dedicated number, 1890 578 578.

Irish Water reports on commercial charges under the heading Non-Domestic Revenue in its annual financial statements. These figures include revenue from new connections and non-domestic revenue. The amounts reported as Non-Domestic Revenue by Irish Water for 2014-2017 are as follows:

Year

Non-Domestic Revenue

€’000

2014

248,000

2015

219,872

2016

231,755

2017

261,217

The average non collection rate for non-domestic users is approximately 11%, which is provided for as a bad debt provision in the annual financial statements from 2014-2017. This provision is calculated based on collection trends, and review and application of relevant accounting standards. It should be noted that these figures reflect bad debt provisions and not amounts written off the debtor book.

The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides that responsibility for the independent economic regulation of the water sector is assigned to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) which has been given statutory responsibility for protecting the interests of customers. The CRU is undertaking a review of all aspects of non-domestic water tariffs and in conjunction with Irish Water will establish an enduring non-domestic tariff framework. Information Notes are published by the CRU from time to time to inform and update customers and all stakeholders on the broad approach being pursued and setting out the proposed timeframe for the overall project and outlining details of papers to be published by the CRU for public consultation and corresponding timelines.

Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund

Ceisteanna (1035)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

1035. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 37 of 27 February 2018, the amount that has been drawn down and spent; and the amount that is committed to contribution obligations of the €266 million allocated under phase 1 of the local infrastructure activation housing fund. [12252/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) is a key element Rebuilding Ireland: An Action Plan for Housing & Homelessness. The objective of the fund is to provide public off-site infrastructure to relieve critical infrastructure blockages. Funding of €200 million was originally  provided under LIHAF, of which €150 million is funded by the Exchequer and local authorities fund €50 million. Further funding was made available as part of Budget 2018, bringing the total fund to €266 million and there will be a second call for proposals in 2018 in order to allocate the additional funds.

The total cost of the 34 projects which received preliminary approval under LIHAF in March 2017 was €226 million. When approving proposals, it was considered prudent to approve in excess of €200 million available at the time to allow for instances where a proposal does not proceed due to planning issues or unforeseen delays or where potential savings are secured through tendering or other efficiencies.

To date, I have given final approval for 30 of the 34 infrastructure projects under LIHAF, which will activate supply of almost 20,000 housing units on previously inactive sites, and grant agreements in respect of those projects have been signed. The cost of these projects is €195.7 million, of which €146.7 million will be funded by my Department and €49 million will be funded by local authorities. The remaining four projects are being moved for consideration under LIHAF2 later in 2018.

Funding of €1.67 million was drawn down in respect of LIHAF projects in 2017, which was mainly in respect of design costs. It is expected that this will increase substantially in 2018 as projects move to the construction stage.

Funding for LIHAF is ring-fenced within the overall housing budget and will be available for local authorities to drawdown over the lifetime of the projects involved.  Through proactive management of the broader housing programme, the LIHAF underspend in 2017 was diverted to other housing activities, ensuring that the funding available in 2017 was fully applied to housing priorities.

Social and Affordable Housing Eligibility

Ceisteanna (1036)

Tony McLoughlin

Ceist:

1036. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied); his further views on whether consideration can be given by local authorities to take into account the amount of funding which these fathers are paying in maintenance payments; if this amount can be removed from the calculation in which local authorities are making decisions on housing applications or loan applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12254/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011 prescribe maximum net income limits for each local 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 were 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.

Under the Household Means Policy, which applies in all local authorities, net income for social housing assessment is defined as gross household income less income tax, PRSI and the universal social charge. The Policy provides for a range of income disregards, and local authorities also have discretion to decide to disregard income that is temporary, short-term or once off in nature. There is no provision in the policy to deduct any other regular outgoings, such as maintenance paid in respect of family members, from gross household income for the purposes of the income threshold.

As part of the broader social housing reform agenda, a review of income eligibility for social housing supports has commenced and I expect the results of this review to be available for publication later this year.

In relation to loan applications, 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 percentage 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.

As with the previous local authority loan offerings, the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan is available to first time buyers only. This is to ensure the effective targeting of limited resources.  Applicants who are separated or divorced may be treated as first-time buyers if they meet certain conditions including: 

- they are separated or divorced under a court order or by a separation agreement;

- the property being purchased is the first property since leaving the family home;

- they have left the family home and retain no interest in it; and

- the other party has remained in the family home.

The option currently available for non-first time buyers is to seek home loan facilities from one of the commercial lending institutions.

Detailed information on the new mortgage is available on the dedicated www.rebuildingirelandhomeloan.ie website, from the helpdesk at 051 349720, or directly from local authorities.  

Questions Nos. 1037 and 1038 answered with Question No. 1034.

Water Supply

Ceisteanna (1039)

Joan Collins

Ceist:

1039. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the income from extraction charges for bottled water companies that extract spring water from the ground and sell it for profit; and the amount of water that is being extracted. [12285/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Water Supplies Act 1942 governs the abstraction by local authorities of water for public drinking supply.  There are at present no legislative provisions in Ireland dealing with the abstraction of water by parties other than local authorities.

However, the Water Framework Directive requires that abstractions of surface water or ground water which are likely to have a significant effect on water status must be regulated.  In November 2017, the Government approved the commencement of work on a General Scheme of a Water Environment (Abstractions) Bill which will govern the abstraction of water in a proportionate and efficient way.

I expect that a proportionate abstraction control regime can be developed to effectively manage risks and pressures without imposing an unnecessary regulatory burden.  Such a regime would focus on the most significant abstraction volumes and pressures, in the context of the appropriate management of our water resources.   I intend to initiate a thorough public consultation on this matter in the coming months.

Commercial Rates

Ceisteanna (1040)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

1040. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to create a commercial rates rebate scheme for areas in which significant traffic disruption has taken place due to road works or underground utilities upgrades. [12328/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Local authorities are required by legislation 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 annual rate on valuation (ARV), which is applied to the valuation for each property determined by the Valuation Office to obtain the amount payable in rates, is decided by the elected members of each local authority in the annual budget and its determination is a reserved function.    

As provided for under section 66 of the Local Government Act 2001, local authorities may decide to offer assistance or money in kind in order to promote the interests of the local community, which includes, inter alia, the economic or general development of the administrative area (or part of it) of the local authority concerned.  Also, local authorities work closely with ratepayers experiencing difficulty in the payment of commercial rates.  In this regard, local authorities facilitate the payment of commercial rates by instalments, and work with businesses to put in place flexible payment options that reflect capacity to pay.

Furthermore, my Department has developed legislative proposals to modernise and consolidate the legislation governing commercial rates, and last year the Government approved the drafting of a Commercial Rates Bill.  Among the measures included in the General Scheme of the Bill are provisions to allow a local authority to introduce rates alleviation schemes to support the implementation of policy objectives, including: local economic and community plans; objectives contained in Development Plans and Local Area Plans; and national planning policies. The Bill is currently with the Attorney General’s office for drafting, with a view to its introduction as soon as possible.

Local Elections

Ceisteanna (1041)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

1041. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to establish a commission to examine local electoral boundaries in Cork City and County for the 2019 local elections. [12333/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The recommendations of the Cork Implementation Oversight Group as contained in their Report entitled Proposal for delineation of extended boundary of Cork City have been accepted by the Government in their decision of 12 December 2017.  Against this background, it is my intention that the local electoral areas in Cork City and County Councils will be reviewed in advance of the 2019 local elections and I intend to announce the arrangements for the review shortly.

Question No. 1042 answered with Question No. 1032.

House Purchase Schemes

Ceisteanna (1043)

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

1043. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of applications that have been received for the Rebuilding Ireland home loan scheme; the number of these applications that have been successful and unsuccessful to date respectively; the number that were unsuccessful as a result of income earned through overtime payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12368/18]

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, known as the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan, was introduced on 1 February 2018.

As with the previous local authority home loan offerings, the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan is a local authority product and loan applications are made directly to the local authority in whose area the property proposed for purchase is situated. My Department does not collect information on the number of enquiries to local authorities regarding the loan, the number of complete loan applications received by local authorities, or the reasons as to why a loan application may be declined.

As is currently the case, my Department will continue to publish information on the overall number and value of (1) local authority loan approvals and (2) local authority loan drawdowns on its website at the following link - http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/statistics/house-prices-loans-and-profile-borrowers/local-authority-loan-activity.  This information is currently updated to end Q3 2017; Q4 data will be published shortly.

House Purchase Schemes

Ceisteanna (1044, 1046)

Seán Fleming

Ceist:

1044. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if persons who owned a house and have gone through a legal divorce are eligible to apply for a loan under the Rebuilding Ireland home loan scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12397/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

1046. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if there are circumstances in which a couple might quality for the Rebuilding Ireland home loan in circumstances in which one of them previously had a mortgage in their name; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12438/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1044 and 1046 together.

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 made available on 1 February 2018. The new loan will enable credit worthy first-time buyers to access sustainable mortgage lending to purchase new or second-hand properties in a suitable price range. The low rate of fixed interest associated with the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan provides first-time buyers with access to mortgage finance that they may not otherwise have been able to afford at a higher interest rate.

As with the previous local authority loan offerings, the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan is available to first-time buyers only. There is no change to this regard. This is to ensure the effective targeting of limited resources. Applicants who are separated or divorced may be treated as first-time buyers if they meet certain conditions, including: 

- they are separated or divorced under a court order or by a separation agreement;

- the property being purchased is the first property since leaving the family home;

- they have left the family home and retain no interest in it; or

- the other party has remained in the family home.

The option currently available for non-first-time buyers is to seek home loan facilities from one of the commercial lending institutions.

Detailed information on the new mortgage is available on the dedicated  www.rebuildingirelandhomeloan.ie website, from the loan helpdesk at 051 349720, or directly from local authorities.

Emergency Planning

Ceisteanna (1045)

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

1045. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he is satisfied that there is clarity regarding the colour-coded weather warnings system used during times of extreme weather events; if his attention has been drawn to the confusion regarding the meaning of the different colour warnings in practical terms; his plans to ensure there is better clarity in relation to the warning systems particularly for employers and the working population; if he will clarify the situation for those workers who were unable to attend work due to the severe weather or did not travel to work due to the red alert weather warnings issued recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12413/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the National Meteorological Service, Met Éireann issues colour coded weather alerts and warnings for a range of weather hazards, including wind, rain, snow, fog, thunderstorms, low/high temperatures, and coastal winds. These are based on meteorological ‘threshold’ parameters with impact considerations taken into account and the system is aligned with the European MeteoAlarm system. The concept behind the coloured levels of weather alerts and warnings is simple:

- Status Yellow, weather alert – Be Aware;

- Status Orange, weather warning – Be Prepared;

- Status Red, severe weather warning – Take Action.

The issue of Status Red severe weather warnings is a comparatively rare event and indicates that recipients should take action to protect themselves and/or their properties, but the Met Éireann weather warnings do not specify what that action should be.

The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management in my Department works closely with Met Éireann and monitors the alerts and warnings in place and recommends a range of actions which it judges appropriate for the circumstances. If necessary, the National Directorate will convene a National Emergency Coordination Group on behalf of my Department in its role as the Lead Government Department for the response to severe weather events. Having considered the weather forecasts, the timing of likely impacts and other relevant factors, the National Emergency Coordination Group may issue specific public safety advice where it deems this appropriate, or more general safety messages as appropriate for the anticipated conditions. Severe weather warnings issued by Met Éireann and the public safety advice issued by the National Emergency Coordination Group should not be conflated.

It is for individuals and organisations to decide what action to take in response to Met Éireann severe weather warnings or specific National Emergency Coordination Group public safety advice such as advice to remain indoors. I am satisfied that, on the two occasions when a National Emergency Coordination Group issued such public safety advice, it was disseminated effectively and that, in general, individuals and organisations responded appropriately, notwithstanding the challenges that this posed in a number of cases.

It is appropriate for organisations to review their experience of recent events and to include learning points in their business continuity planning which will enable them to judge appropriate actions better for future weather events. Each sector will have its own specific issues.

In general, I understand from my colleague the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation that employment legislation does not impose any obligation on employers as regards the issue of payment of wages for workers who are unable to attend work due to a severe weather warning or safety advice.  The Workplace Relations Commission has developed some general guidance for employers and employees in the context generally of inability to attend work due to unforeseen circumstances. I understand this is being reviewed and updated.  The current text of the advice is available at: https://www.workplacerelations.ie/en/news-media/Workplace_Relations_Notices/Extreme_Weather_Events.html.

Met Éireann’s weather warnings are intended to give the public advance warning of a forecasted weather event, allowing people to take action to prepare for and to mitigate the effects of the weather conditions. Determination as to whether it is appropriate for businesses and organisations to remain open, and/or for essential personnel to attend, following the issuing of a Status Red severe weather warning by Met Éireann, requires local judgement based on forecast conditions and the circumstances. The public safety advice issued by National Emergency Coordination Group is more relevant in such decisions.

I am satisfied that Met Éireann’s current weather warning system, which is aligned fully with European best practice and with the MeteoAlarm system, provides sufficient clarity on the predicted type, timing, extent and track of weather hazards and of severe weather. The need for clarity with regard to the distinction between Met Éireann’s meteorological 'threshold' based weather warnings and public safety advice being issued by the National Emergency Coordination Group during the pre-event and response phase of a severe weather event will be highlighted by my Department in its review report on recent severe weather events. I propose incorporating the review of the recent snow event with the review report on ex-Hurricane Ophelia and three other episodes of flooding - Donegal, Mountmellick and Galway City - before bringing a composite report to Government in due course.

Question No. 1046 answered with Question No. 1044.

Vacant Properties Data

Ceisteanna (1047, 1048, 1049, 1050)

John Curran

Ceist:

1047. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the average cost to each local authority to refurbish a vacant property in order for it to return to housing stock, by local authority, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12458/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

John Curran

Ceist:

1048. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the average target time for refurbishment of vacant properties in each local authority area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12459/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

John Curran

Ceist:

1049. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the amount each local authority spent on the refurbishment of vacant properties in their areas in 2016 and 2017, and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12460/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

John Curran

Ceist:

1050. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of vacant properties that have been refurbished and have returned to the housing stock in each Dublin local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12461/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1047 to 1050, inclusive, together.

Between 2014 and 2017, my Department provided funding to local authorities to return some 9,227 vacant units to productive use. Details on the number of voids, derelicts and 2 into 1s brought back into use are set out in the table. The purpose of the voids programme is to ensure that vacant units are actively targeted and returned to productive use, as quickly as possible. My Department does not keep statistics on the average time for refurbishment of vacant properties.

Under the voids programme, local authorities can claim up to €30,000 funding per unit. However, should they wish to do so, local authorities may also contribute funding from their own resources to complete these works. The derelicts and 2 into 1 programmes require greater levels of remediation with associated higher costs, in excess of the limits as set out in the voids programme. My Department does not keep data on the average cost to each local authority to refurbish a vacant property. Based on the funding provided by my Department and the units delivered between 2014 and 2017 outlined below, the overall average cost to refurbish a vacant property is approximately €13,000. This does not take into account monies paid by local authorities themselves on refurbishing vacant properties.

Voids Data 2014 to 2017: incorporating Voids, Derelicts and 2 into 1s Programmes

-

Units Returned in 2014

Funding 2014

Units Returned in 2015

Funding 2015

Units Returned in 2016

Funding 2016

Units Returned in 2017

Funding 2017

Units Returned 2014 - 2017

Funding 2014 - 2017

Carlow

42

€325,111

28

€300,650

8

€69,450

8

€91,750

86

€786,961

Cavan

23

€349,137

28

€307,018

32

€307,530

31

€303,112

114

€1,266,797

Clare

65

€995,831

96

€1,472,533

79

€1,329,700

47

€966,203

287

€4,764,267

Cork City

212

€2,872,028

281

€4,522,819

263

€6,812,333

81

€1,485,357

837

€15,692,538

Cork County

155

€1,539,363

199

€2,091,578

98

€1,270,488

48

€1,130,977

500

€6,032,406

Donegal

167

€919,797

146

€1,003,576

89

€986,690

168

€1,866,898

570

€4,776,961

Dublin City

499

€6,163,465

808

€11,635,088

575

€8,757,848

543

€8,520,549

2425

€35,076,950

Fingal

163

€1,938,780

139

€1,624,632

147

€1,725,774

121

€1,329,300

570

€6,618,486

South Dublin

87

€627,407

27

€216,838

81

€703,736

87

€718,446

282

€2,266,427

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown

5

€89,896

24

€262,768

19

€183,092

31

€283,531

79

€819,287

Galway City

26

€474,050

25

€222,025

29

€346,650

11

€124,150

91

€1,166,875

Galway County

76

€958,263

59

€705,347

37

€472,552

37

€401,159

209

€2,537,321

Kerry

79

€718,938

127

€884,736

90

€917,549

90

€1,101,143

386

€3,622,366

Kildare

49

€503,463

20

€359,808

24

€485,130

8

€205,960

101

€1,554,361

Kilkenny

25

€484,430

23

€381,639

14

€351,278

16

€307,749

78

€1,525,096

Laois

43

€257,014

12

€61,228

12

€97,053

4

€33,170

71

€448,464

Leitrim

15

€229,072

9

€177,473

51

€712,404

0

€0

75

€1,118,949

Limerick

94

€915,969

52

€500,689

18

€384,250

13

€215,520

177

€2,016,427

Longford

16

€313,250

22

€426,535

23

€506,705

0

€0

61

€1,246,490

Louth

14

€113,620

21

€292,279

8

€91,523

7

€83,518

50

€580,940

Mayo

79

€464,508

174

€292,100

25

€233,089

22

€261,986

300

€1,251,682

Meath

59

€1,037,501

54

€855,565

76

€1,435,700

52

€768,005

241

€4,096,771

Monaghan

21

€92,751

13

€100,502

47

€667,944

38

€505,254

119

€1,366,451

Offaly

30

€514,000

55

€551,532

53

€846,198

7

€107,792

145

€2,019,522

Roscommon

34

€224,028

36

€258,773

80

€808,612

3

€44,324

153

€1,335,737

Sligo

29

€311,648

39

€439,924

68

€1,097,909

40

€909,395

176

€2,758,876

Tipperary

86

€935,801

115

€1,299,180

102

€1,204,318

107

€1,324,604

410

€4,763,904

Waterford

32

€605,428

56

€488,724

90

€1,135,973

52

€574,309

230

€2,804,434

Westmeath

56

€369,518

74

€650,813

43

€436,062

40

€329,113

213

€1,785,506

Wexford

20

€316,307

24

€294,811

17

€167,007

34

€428,015

95

€1,206,140

Wicklow

32

€650,204

43

€857,499

10

€245,887

11

€276,778

96

€2,030,368

2,333

€26,310,579

2,829

€33,538,680

2,308

€34,790,434

1,757

€24,698,067

9,227

€119,337,760

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