John Brady
Ceist:263. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if 1916 medals will be presented to those in the fire service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21762/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCommemorative Medals
Ceisteanna (263)
Freagraí scríofa
The provision of fire services in local authority areas is a statutory function of the individual fire authorities under the provisions of the Fire Services Acts, 1981 and 2003. My Department supports the fire authorities through setting general policy and through a range of service development programmes.
The issuing of 1916 - 2016 commemorative medals was a commitment in ‘A Programme for Partnership Government’ for the Defence Forces, and therefore did not include staff in local authority Fire Services.
However, my Department is commissioning medals in recognition of the role played by staff working in the Fire Services in relation to the 1916 commemorations. It is envisaged that all Fire Services staff serving in April 2016 will be eligible to receive the medal.
A tender process is being undertaken as part of procurement and my Department will be in contact with all fire authorities in relation to this matter in the coming weeks.
Rental Sector
Ceisteanna (264)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:264. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if receivers are bound by the Tyrrellstown Amendment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21784/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Sections 38 to 40 of the Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016 amend the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 to provide, inter alia, that, where a landlord proposes to sell 10 or more units within a single development at the same time (i.e. defined as within a 6-month period), the sale will be subject to the existing tenants remaining in situ, other than in exceptional circumstances. The Residential Tenancies Act 2004 defines a landlord as the person for the time being entitled to receive (otherwise than as agent for another person) the rent paid in respect of a dwelling by the tenant thereof.
The appointment of a receiver to a dwelling can cause confusion and distress to tenants and, in circumstances where a receiver is appointed to a rented dwelling, it is essential that the rights of tenants are protected. Under Action 5 of the Strategy for the Rental Sector, my Department has established a working group with the participation of the Departments of Justice and Equality; Finance; and Business, Enterprise & Innovation, to examine the scope for amending legislation to provide for greater protection of tenants’ rights during the receivership process.
The objective is to protect the rights of tenants during the receivership process by ensuring that persons appointed as receivers will be required to fulfil the obligations of a landlord. To inform its work, the Working Group has sought legal opinion on the feasibility of amending legislation to provide greater protection of tenants’ rights during the receivership process. I understand that the Working Group expects to finalise its report shortly, and I will consider its analysis and findings in identifying the appropriate next steps.
Advertising Regulation
Ceisteanna (265)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:265. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the steps he is taking to curb the practice of developers advertising residential units as price on application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21800/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I refer the Deputy to the reply to Questions Nos. 594 and 599 of 15 May 2018 which sets out the position in relation to this matter.
Departmental Communications
Ceisteanna (266)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:266. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the details of the complaints made to media organisations, voluntary sector organisations or other organisations or persons regarding unfavourable or critical comment or coverage since he was appointed in tabular form. [21812/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
No complaints have been made by me or my Department to media organisations, voluntary sector organisations or other organisations or persons regarding unfavourable or critical comment or coverage since my appointment.
On occasion, should factually incorrect or inaccurate material be published, my Department may contact the organisation concerned bringing the relevant inaccuracy to their attention and requesting that it be amended to reflect the true position.
Ministerial Meetings
Ceisteanna (267)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:267. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the meetings held between him, his departmental officials and a company (details supplied) regarding its affordable housing proposal; if details of proposals made directly to him regarding the delivery of affordable housing will be published; and the subsidies requested by or offered to the company, for example, State land, access to the capital advanced leasing facility, CALF, funding and so on. [21813/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I met with the company concerned in July 2017 and my Department has met with them on a number of occasions since. In addition, my Department received a submission from the company in the context of the review of Rebuilding Ireland.
My Department will be meeting the company again in the coming weeks, together with representatives from other bodies associated with their proposal regarding the delivery of affordable housing. After this meeting, my Department will be better placed to analyse and assess the proposal and identify the next steps to be taken, where appropriate, for my consideration and decision.
Homeless Persons Data
Ceisteanna (268)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:268. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the local authorities whose initial homeless figures for March 2018 were amended; the number of families removed from the initial figures; the number of adults and children included in these families; and the type of temporary or permanent accommodation arrangements for the families by each local authority in tabular form. [21814/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
During the compilation of the March Homeless Report, in the course of examining data from local authorities, my Department established that a number of local authorities had miscategorised individuals accommodated in houses and apartments owned or leased by the local authorities, including in some instances people renting in the private rented sector but in receipt of social housing supports, as being in emergency accommodation. A total of 247 adults and 331 children were removed from the report with the agreement of the relevant authorities. My Department does not have details of the numbers of families involved. In the case of Louth and Dublin, the accommodation consisted of private houses/apartments rented by the local authorities; in the case of Waterford, Limerick and Kerry, the accommodation involved was local authority housing.
My priority as Minister is to ensure that families and individuals are moved from emergency accommodation, such as hostels, hotels and family hubs, into housing. I am satisfied that individuals and families who are being accommodated in publicly funded houses or apartments, whether it be social housing or homes leased from the private rented sector, should not be considered as living in emergency accommodation.
The issues which have emerged indicate clearly to me that we need improved reporting in this area in order to accurately reflect the numbers of households in emergency accommodation so that we can measure our progress and target our further policies and actions. My Department is examining the current reporting arrangements with a view to ensuring that the best possible data is available to support policy making. No decision has been taken on amending the existing arrangements at this stage.
Mortgage Insurance
Ceisteanna (269)
Joan Collins
Ceist:269. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the reason applicants for local authority mortgage loans source their own mortgage protection insurance in view of the fact that this adds unnecessary expense to an applicants mortgage (details supplied). [21842/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It is a statutory requirement that mortgage protection insurance (MPI) is taken out in respect of all local authority housing loans.
The Local Authority Mortgage Protection Insurance scheme is a group scheme and is designed to provide an appropriate level of insurance cover to those who wish to avail of the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan. It is overseen by the Mortgage Protection Insurance Committee, a sub-committee of the County and City Management Association (CCMA) with representatives from the CCMA, local authorities and the Housing Finance Agency, as well as my Department.
The local authority MPI offers a number of additional features over and above the standard MPI products available on the market. Standard MPI products are individually priced, based on a member’s age, amongst other factors, whereas the local authority MPI scheme is a group arrangement, offering a single group rate per €1,000 sum assured to all participants in the scheme. The scheme also provides other benefits over standard MPI products. These include the payment of mortgage repayments if there is a valid claim as a result of disability; an additional payment of €3,000 in the event of a member’s death, separate to life cover; and members are also covered for death up to age 75 rather than 65 as is the case under standard MPI cover.
The scheme has applied to all house purchase loans approved by local authorities after 1 July 1986. One of the conditions of the scheme, which is a group policy, is that it is obligatory for all borrowers who meet the eligibility criteria to join the scheme. Altering this condition would have a negative impact on the scheme and increase the cost for all existing borrowers.
The insurance scheme is subject to periodic review and competitive tendering, in accordance with the terms of EU Directives relating to the award of public service contracts. This is to ensure that the most appropriate cover at the best value for money is secured for local authority borrowers over the entire life of their mortgages.
Regarding the information available to prospective applicants on the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan website, I am aware of previous issues concerning the inclusion of the cost of MPI in the on-line calculator. This has recently been amended in order to take the cost of mortgage protection insurance into account, and will therefore give potential applicants a clearer indication of the amount that they could be eligible to borrow under the scheme.
National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability Strategy
Ceisteanna (270, 271)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:270. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of social housing units under the national housing strategy for persons with a disability delivered during the period 2015 to 2017 in the four Dublin counties and nationally. [21854/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThomas P. Broughan
Ceist:271. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of social housing units under the national disability inclusion strategy which will be delivered by Rebuilding Ireland in 2018 to 2021. [21855/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 270 and 271 together.
Section 63(3) of the Local Government Act 2001 provides that, subject to law, a local authority is independent in the performance of its functions. The provision and allocation of social housing are matters for local authorities in accordance with their allocation scheme. Accordingly, my Department does not collect data from local authorities on their allocations to individual categories of applicant.
Planning authorities are however required, under section 94 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, to include a housing strategy in their development plans which must outline the authorities’ plans for the existing and future housing needs of the population of their areas. The strategy must include provisions to ensure that a mixture of house types and sizes is developed to reasonably match the requirements of the different categories of households including the special requirements of people with disabilities. Housing strategies must also have regard to relevant policies or objectives of the Government. In that context and building on the Programme for Partnership Government commitment to meet the housing needs of people with a disability, the National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability (NHSPWD) 2011-2016 was affirmed in Rebuilding Ireland and extended to 2020 to continue to deliver on its aims.
In accordance with the vision and strategic aims of the NHSPWD to achieve a coordinated and integrated approach to meeting the housing needs of people with a disability at local level, Housing and Disability Steering Groups (HDSGs) have been established in all local authority areas. These are chaired by the Directors of Housing with membership including the HSE and disability representatives. Each HDSG has prepared a local Strategic Plan for its own City/County area, to develop specific local strategies to meet the identified and emerging housing needs of people with disabilities in their areas with a view to developing annual targets for the delivery of housing to people with a disability on their housing waiting lists. All Plans are now operational in each local authority with the majority already published on the relevant local authority websites. These Plans, along with the annual Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA), will allow local authorities to plan more strategically for the housing needs of people with a disability and will support the delivery of accommodation using all appropriate housing mechanisms. I have instructed all local authorities to be cognisant of the needs identified under the SSHA process as they work on delivery to meet the targets set for them by my Department over the lifetime of Rebuilding Ireland.
Rebuilding Ireland contains specific commitments to meet the housing needs of the vulnerable in our society. The needs of people with disabilities and older people are specifically addressed through targeted funding such as the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS). This scheme provides funding of up to 100% of project costs advanced by local authorities to Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to provide accommodation for specific categories of people, including people with a disability. A provision of €88.8 million is available for the scheme this year. My Department also provides funding for necessary adaptations, repairs or improvement works to the houses of people with disabilities and older people in order to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs, and to facilitate the continued occupancy of their own home for as long as possible. Rebuilding Ireland has committed to increasing the funding available for these grants and funding has increased year on year since 2014. A total of €66.25 million is available for these schemes in 2018, comprising €53 million exchequer funding, which is an increase of 11% on the 2017 figure, with the balance of €13.25 million coming from local authority resources. Further consideration will be given to increasing this funding over the coming years. In addition, under the Disabled Persons Grants (DPG) scheme, funding is provided to local authorities for adaptations and extensions to the existing social housing stock to meet the needs of older local authority tenants and people with a disability. In 2017 funding of €13.1 million was recouped to local authorities supporting improvements in over 1,300 homes. Local authorities have recently submitted details of their work proposals and related funding requirements for this scheme in 2018. These are currently being assessed and funding allocations will be notified to local authorities shortly.
The supports put in place since the launch of the NHSPWD in 2011, together with the commitments and substantial funding provided by my Department under Rebuilding Ireland, point to continuing tangible progress being made in respect of housing for people with disabilities and accord with the Programme for Government commitment to improve the lives of people with a disability.
Approved Housing Bodies
Ceisteanna (272)
Darragh O'Brien
Ceist:272. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of his Department's steps to address the classification of approved housing bodies as part of general Government expenditure; the timeframe for actions to be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21896/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, the Minister for Finance has recently published the Draft Stability Programme Update for 2018. This included an analysis of the financial impact of the Eurostat decision to reclassify the majority of Tier 3 Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) as part of the local government sector. This was an important first step in the Government's assessment as to the impact of the Eurostat decision.
Following the completion of this analysis, which has defined the scope of the financial implications of this decision for the Exchequer, my Department will be engaging closely with the Department of Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform to ensure that AHBs can continue to fulfil their full potential in the delivery of the targets set out in the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness. In that context, arrangements are being made for further discussions on the next stage of this process, which will take place in the coming weeks.
I am also aware that the AHB sector has engaged its own research into this important issue and my Department is evaluating the work undertaken in this regard.
The Government continues to see a central role for the voluntary housing sector in contributing to delivery of social housing under Rebuilding Ireland, and is committed to using all mechanisms and schemes, including through the AHB sector, to ensure that we maintain the momentum towards meeting the ambitious 50,000 social housing target under the Action Plan.