Written Answers Nos. 593-611
593. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the consultancy services, value for money and policy review expenses incurred by his Department in the year ending 31 December 2017. [22175/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhere possible, my Department avails of in-house staffing resources to undertake value for money, policy review and other similar work in support of achievement of business objectives. Consultancy services are only engaged by the Department where specific expertise is required which is not available in the organisation at the relevant time. The expenditure incurred by the Department on such services in the year ending 31 December 2017 was €436,138.
594. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the circumstances under which it is possible to obtain a postal vote for elections and referenda. [22199/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra595. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if consideration has been given to broadening the rights to have a postal vote and amending the circumstances in which a postal vote is available. [22200/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 594 and 595 together.
Postal voting is provided for in electoral law in respect of a number of categories of electors - whole-time members of the Defence Forces, members of An Garda Síochána, Irish diplomats serving abroad and their spouses/civil partners, electors living at home who are unable to vote because of a physical illness or a physical disability, electors whose occupation, service or employment makes it likely that they will be unable to vote in person at their local polling station on polling day, full-time students registered at their home who are living elsewhere while attending an educational institution in the State, prisoners and certain election staff employed at the poll outside the constituency where they reside. Potential voters falling into these categories who were not already postal voters had until 28 April 2018 to apply to their registration authorities for inclusion in the supplement to the postal voters list to avail of a postal vote in the forthcoming referendum.
596. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of proposed legislation to cease the practice of early voting on offshore islands prior to the date of polling on the mainland; the reason little progress has been made to date to end the practice; the voting arrangements for the islands with respect to the upcoming referendum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22240/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Electoral (Amendment) (No 3) Bill 2014 (a Private Members Bill) contains proposals to cease the practice of early voting on off-shore islands prior to the date of polling on the mainland. This Bill is progressing through the Oireachtas and was supported by the Government at second stage on 6 December 2016.
On 14 November 2017, at the invitation of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government, officials from my Department engaged with the Committee in detailed scrutiny of the Bill. The Committee is to prepare a report, which is awaited.
Voting arrangements for the islands for the forthcoming referendum are a matter for Local Returning Officers. However, I understand that these arrangements are now in place and can be viewed at www.referendum.ie.
597. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if a directive will be issued to Wicklow County Council within the prescribed 40-day timeline to bring Bray's 2018 local area plan into line with the now mandatory 2009 planning system and flood risk management guidelines. [22285/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with my role as a statutory consultee, my Department made submissions to Wicklow County Council on the Draft Bray Municipal District Local Area Plan 2018-2024 and the Material Alterations to the Draft Bray Municipal District Local Area Plan 2018-2024 on 15 September 2017 and 9 March 2018, respectively. These submissions are available to view on Wicklow County Council's website at the following link: https://www.wicklow.ie/Living/Services/Planning/Development-Plans-Strategies/Local-Area-Town-Settlement-Plans/Bray/Bray-Municipal-District-Local-Area-Plan-2018.
My Department is now examining the Bray Municipal District Local Area Plan 2018-2024 which was adopted on 14 May and, as Minister, I have up to four weeks after that date to decide whether I consider there is a need to require the planning authority to take any further measures in relation to the matter. As this process is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.
598. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if all sections of the Registration of Deeds and Title Act 2006 are in effect; if not, the sections that have yet to be commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22302/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll sections of the Registration of Deeds and Title Act 2006 have been commenced and details regarding the relevant Statutory Instruments and their commencement dates are available on the Irish Statute Book at http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/isbc/2006_12.html.
599. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the amount of money spent on family hubs in 2017; the estimated amount in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22330/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra600. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of recipients of family hubs in 2017; the estimated number in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22331/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 599 and 600 together.
My Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation and associated services for homeless persons rests with individual housing authorities.
Family hubs offer family living arrangements with a greater level of stability than is possible in hotel accommodation, with the capacity to provide appropriate play-space, cooking and laundry facilities, communal recreation space, while move-on options to long-term independent tenancies are identified and secured.
There are currently 20 family hubs in operation (17 in Dublin, 2 in Limerick and 1 in Kildare) providing almost 500 units of family accommodation. My Department is working with local authorities to bring further facilities on stream in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway.
Capital payments amounting to €14.2 million were made in respect of the then 18 operational hub facilities during 2017. The funding to be provided in 2018 will be dependent on the progress made by local authorities on the development of further family hubs over the rest of the year.
In relation to the operational funding for the family hubs, my Department provides funding to housing authorities on a regional basis towards the operational costs of homeless accommodation and related services. Under the funding arrangements, housing authorities must provide at least 10% of the cost of services from their own resources. Housing authorities may also incur additional expenditure on homeless related services outside of the funding arrangements with my Department. Therefore, the exact amounts spent by housing authorities on homeless services, as well as the types of accommodation and the service providers engaged, are a matter for those authorities. Financial reports from each of the regions, setting out expenditure in each region, are published on my Department's website at the following link: http://www.housing.gov.ie/node/5498.
601. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the amount spent on the housing assistance payment per annum since its establishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22334/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra602. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of recipients of the housing assistance payment since its inception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22335/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 601 and 602 together.
The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme is funded through a combination of Exchequer monies and tenant differential rents collected in respect of HAP tenancies. Budget 2018 has increased the Exchequer funding for the HAP scheme by €149m to €301 million. This will allow for the continued support of existing HAP households and also enable the additional 17,000 households targeted under Rebuilding Ireland to be supported by HAP in 2018.
In relation to the Deputy's query regarding the amount spent on, and the number of households in receipt of, the Housing Assistance Payment on an annual basis, the relevant details are set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Additional Households supported at end of year |
Expenditure €M |
|
2014 |
485 |
0.394 |
|
2015 |
5,680 |
15.64 |
|
2016 |
12,075 |
57.69 |
|
2017 |
17,916 |
152.69 |
There are currently over 36,150 households in receipt of HAP and over 21,000 separate landlords and agents providing accommodation to households supported by the scheme.
I am satisfied with how the HAP scheme is currently operating and I consider it to be a key vehicle for meeting housing need and fulfilling the ambitious programme under Rebuilding Ireland. My Department will, of course, continue to keep the operation of the HAP scheme under review.
603. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when members of the fire and rescue service across the State will receive 1916 commemorative medals. [22366/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
604. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will report on the enforcement of Part IV of the Housing Act 1966; the number of notices served under section 65 in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22388/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnforcement of Part IV of the Housing Act 1966, which deals with overcrowding, is a matter for each local authority in its role as housing authority for its relevant functional area. The information requested by the Deputy is not collected by my Department.
Under that Act, a housing authority may request information from the owner or occupier of a house such as will allow that authority to determine if a house can be deemed to be overcrowded, having regard to section 63 of the Act.
The housing authority may serve notice on the owner of a house, specifying the maximum number of persons that may occupy a house without causing overcrowding and, where the owner of a house is causing or permitting the house to be overcrowded, may require the owner to desist from causing or permitting such overcrowding within a period not exceeding 21 days.
Any person who neglects or refuses to comply with these requirements is guilty of an offence. Overcrowding may give rise to concerns in respect of fire safety, and may lead to enforcement action by fire authorities. Situations of overcrowding should be reported to the relevant local authority.
605. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the action he plans to take on foot of the recommendation in the report of the expert advisory group on local government arrangements in Galway in view of the fact that the revenue funding of both Galway County Council and Galway City Council requires urgent and substantial adjustment upwards towards the current average for comparator authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22404/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra606. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when a decision will be made on the recommendation of the expert advisory group on local government arrangements in Galway that Galway city and county councils be amalgamated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22405/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 605 and 606 together.
The recent report of the Expert Advisory Group on Local Government Arrangements in Galway is under active consideration and an appropriate announcement will be made after this process has been completed.
607. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will investigate with officials in Sligo County Council the reason advice is being issued by the council that no new applications are being accepted by it for housing adaptation grants in view of the fact that a significant allocation of funding was made to Sligo County Council on 3 May 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22526/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recently announced funding of €66.25 million nationally for the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, which includes €1,367,534 for Sligo County Council, comprising Exchequer funding of €1,094,027, along with €273,507 from the local authority. Details of the allocations are available on my Department’s website at the following link: http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/special-housing-needs/minister-english-announces-eu6625-million-funding-improve-homes-older.
The detailed administration of the Housing Adaptation Grants scheme in each of the 31 local authority areas is a matter for the individual authorities. My Department encourages a rolling programme for this scheme whereby it should be kept open on an ongoing basis. I would encourage the active engagement of Councillors in the oversight of the scheme to ensure that quality customer service is provided within the funding that is available, especially in view of the 11% increase in the scheme's funding for 2018.
608. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will report on the progress made with the assessment of the submissions received under the Rebuilding Ireland enhanced social housing long-term leasing proposals; when a decision will be made on these submissions; the target date for completion of the assessments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22530/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraA range of housing options are necessary to ensure a supply of accommodation to meet different types of social housing need. Harnessing the off-balance sheet potential of private investment in social housing is an important objective of the Government and the social housing targets set out in Rebuilding Ireland over the period to 2021 reflect the ambition in that regard.
Of the 50,000 social housing homes to be delivered under Rebuilding Ireland, 10,000 are targeted to be leased by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) under leasing arrangements from a range of different sources, including 3,500 homes targeted using the Repair and Lease Scheme (RLS), and 6,500 homes using a combination of the existing social housing leasing arrangements, and the new Enhanced Leasing Scheme. All homes delivered under leasing arrangements will be funded under my Department’s Social Housing Current Expenditure Programme (SHCEP). It is intended that up to 2,000 units will be leased by Local Authorities in 2018 through the range of leasing schemes in place.
The new Enhanced Leasing Scheme has been developed by my Department, together with the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA), the Housing Agency and local authorities, in order to harness the potential of private sector interest in social housing delivery in a new set of long-term leasing arrangements, in a manner designed to leverage off-balance sheet funding opportunities in accordance with Rebuilding Ireland objectives. The Scheme is targeted at new build or new to the market properties to be delivered at scale and will complement the existing long-term leasing arrangements, which will continue to be available. There are, however, a number of key differences between the existing long term lease and the enhanced lease, the purpose of which is to facilitate larger levels of private investment in social housing while ensuring that the capital investment is off balance sheet in respect of Government expenditure.
The scheme will be governed by my Department and operated by local authorities. The Housing Agency will manage and administer the scheme on behalf of my Department and will act as a national co-ordinator.
A call for proposals was launched on 31 January 2018 and the Housing Agency accepted submissions from interested parties until 12 April 2018. All proposals are subject to a range of criteria as set out in the “Calls for Proposals for Enhanced Long Term Social Housing Leasing Scheme” and the proposals will be assessed and marked in accordance with the terms set out therein. This document sets out the various assessment stages and the expected minimum associated timeframes (Appendix 4). The Call for Proposals is available on the Housing Agency website at the following link: https://www.housingagency.ie/News/Current-News/Enhanced-Long-Term-Social-Housing-Leasing-Scheme.aspx.
A total of 33 submissions were received from interested parties which represents strong interest from the market. The Housing Agency is currently reviewing the proposals and will complete the initial review process (Stage 1) in the coming weeks. The total number of units proposed is still being worked through as part of the assessment process and will be the subject of an agreement between the individual Local Authorities and proposers.
Further information with respect to the numbers and locations of the units proposed for leasing under the Scheme will be available when the individual proposals have been assessed, marked and accepted in accordance with the terms and methodology set out in the Calls for Proposals document.
609. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the amount of funding allocated to local authorities for disability grants, mobility grants and adaptation grants in each of the years 2006 to 2017, inclusive, in tabular form. [22535/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra610. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the amount of funding allocated to local authorities under the improvement works in lieu of housing scheme in each of the years 2006 to 2017, inclusive, in tabular form. [22536/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra611. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the amount of funding allocated to local authorities under the extensions to local authority housing scheme in each of the years 2006 to 2017, inclusive, in tabular form. [22537/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 609 to 611, inclusive, together.
The Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability were introduced on 1 November 2007. The schemes provide a range of grants for necessary improvement works or adaptations to houses in order to facilitate the continued independent occupancy of their own homes by older people and people with a disability.
Information on Exchequer funding provided by my Department to each local authority for these schemes for the years up to 2017 is available on my Department’s website at the following link: http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/statistics/social-and-affordble/other-local-authority-housing-scheme-statistics. Details of the allocations for 2018 are available at the following link: http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/special-housing-needs/minister-english-announces-eu6625-million-funding-improve-homes-older.
Under the Disabled Persons Grants (DPGs) scheme, my Department also provides local authorities with capital funding for adaptations and extensions to existing social housing stock to meet the needs of local authority tenants. The scheme applies to adaptations that are necessary to address the needs of older people or people with a disability who may require stair-lifts; grab-rails; showers; wet-rooms and ramps etc. It also provides funding for extensions such as the installation of a downstairs bedroom or bathroom or in the case of overcrowding. Under the DPG scheme, funding is also provided to Local Authorities for Improvement Works In Lieu (IWILs) to enable them to repair, improve or extend privately owned houses that are occupied by approved housing applicants as an alternative to the provision of Local Authority housing.
Funding provided by my Department from 2006-2017 in respect of the DPG Adaptations/DPG Extensions/IWIL schemes is set out in the table.
|
Adaptations (€s) |
Extensions (€s) |
IWILs (€s) |
Total (€s) |
|
|
2006 |
3,112,197 |
12,265,259 |
5,083,847 |
20,461,303 |
|
2007 |
2,810,538 |
8,523,687 |
3,287,383 |
14,621,608 |
|
2008 |
797,699 |
3,918,098 |
2,782,877 |
7,498,674 |
|
2009 |
2,086,849 |
8,395,789 |
1,856,264 |
12,338,902 |
|
2010 |
1,151,039 |
4,806,351 |
3,500,567 |
9,457,957 |
|
2011 |
3,240,853 |
5,567,560 |
1,369,189 |
10,177,602 |
|
2012 |
4,070,776 |
4,208,070 |
424,083 |
8,702,929 |
|
2013 |
4,500,485 |
2,342,984 |
216,338 |
7,059,807 |
|
2014 |
4,970,054 |
2,944,122 |
129,764 |
8,043,939.7 |
|
2015 |
9,458,445 |
2,188,737 |
44,000 |
11,691,182 |
|
2016 |
8,519,860 |
2,764,950 |
29,511 |
11,314,321 |
|
2017 |
9,458,445 |
3,596,237 |
96,455 |
13,151,137 |
|
Total |
54,177,239 |
61,521,844 |
18,820,278 |
134,519,362 |
