Tony McLoughlin
Ceist:203. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if funding will be provided for a new library for Sligo town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22892/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraLibrary Services Funding
Ceisteanna (203)
Freagraí scríofa
The provision of premises and facilities in the public library service is generally a matter for each local authority in its capacity as a library authority under the Local Government Act 2001. Accordingly, the development of a new library in Sligo town is primarily a matter for Sligo County Council.
My Department does fund a Libraries Capital Investment Programme, announced in 2016, that will invest some €23m in 17 or so projects, as well as the My Open Library service, over the period 2016 to 2021. The programme was developed on the basis of priority proposals submitted by local authorities. Unfortunately, the value of proposals received from local authorities was substantially greater than the funding available to the programme. It was necessary, therefore, to rank proposals and prioritise funding on the basis of an objective assessment of each proposal.
While Sligo Town Library was identified as priority investment for Sligo County Council, it was not ranked high enough to be included in the programme. Sligo County Council has been advised that the development of Sligo Central Library and all other proposals on hand for funding will be reconsidered should additional capital monies become available.
Action Plan for Rural Development
Ceisteanna (204)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:204. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of persons who applied to schemes (details supplied); and the number of approved applicants in each of the years 2016 to 2018, in tabular form. [23029/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department delivers a suite of programmes referred to by the Deputy which provide direct financial support for the sustainable development of rural areas. These programmes were highlighted in the Action Plan for Rural Development which focuses on supporting sustainable communities, enterprise and employment, maximising rural tourism and recreation potential, fostering culture and creativity in rural communities, and improving rural infrastructure.
Applications for funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, the CLÁR programme and the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) are not accepted from individuals, but rather through the Local Authorities and various stakeholder organisations.
Details of the projects approved for each of these schemes since 2016 are available on my Department’s website - www.drcd.gov.ie. Further approvals made during 2018 will also be published on the website.
The LEADER programme is administered by Local Action Groups (LAGs) which deliver funding in accordance with Local Development Strategies that have been agreed for each LEADER area. €220 million of the €250 million approved for LEADER under the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014-2020 has already been allocated to each LAG area. Each LAG is responsible for deciding how their allocation is distributed to LEADER projects over the duration of the programme, based on the objectives in their Local Development Strategies. As of 21 May 2018, 973 projects with a value of €28 million had been approved for LEADER funding by the LAGs while a further 342 projects with a value of €19 million are at various stages in the approval process. Details of individual projects approved are available on my Department’s website on a county by county basis.
The Walks Scheme is currently operating on 39 trails supported by 1,905 landowners. The Scheme is managed and administered by 16 Local Development Companies around the country on behalf of my Department.
Rural Development Programme Data
Ceisteanna (205)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:205. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the financial allocations on an annual basis under the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 per measure 19, support for LEADER local development; the annual amount expended on the programme in each year of the RDP and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23032/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
LEADER, which is referred to at EU level as Measure 19, forms part of Ireland's Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 and has a total budget of €250 million over the period in question. €220 million of this funding has been allocated to the Local Action Groups (LAGs) throughout the country who deliver the LEADER programme. The remaining €30 million is available for schemes which will be delivered at a national level.
The €220 million funding which has been allocated to the LAGs is provided for the duration of the Programme, rather than on an annual basis. This provides greater flexibility to the LAGs in managing their resources.
Table 1 details the funding allocations provided to LAGs by county under the 2014-2020 LEADER programme. The LEADER areas are, in the main, aligned with the county boundaries. However, County Cork includes three LEADER sub-regional areas.
Table 2 details the overall expenditure incurred each year to date under the 2014-2020 LEADER Programme.
Expenditure under the programme commenced in 2015 and, for that year, relates to preparatory support payments for the preparation of Local Development Strategies. Funding Agreements for the current LEADER programme were, for the most part, signed with the LAGs in the second half of 2016 and the programme effectively became operational from that date from the point of view of project commencement.
Expenditure under the Programme to date includes the cost incurred by the LAGs to develop their Local Development Strategies, the administration costs of the LAGs and the cost of their engagement with communities to generate projects, and expenditure on individual projects.
Project approvals under LEADER have increased significantly and I understand that a total of 973 projects have been approved by the LAGs, with a combined value of approximately €28 million. A further 342 projects with a combined value of €19 million are currently within the approvals process. The level of expenditure under the programme is therefore expected to increase significantly as payment claims are submitted to my Department through the LAGs in respect of these projects.
Table 1: LEADER 2014-2020 Allocations per County
|
County |
Programme Allocation (€) |
|
Carlow |
6,416,803.43 |
|
Cavan |
8,522,285.84 |
|
Clare |
8,920,224.65 |
|
Cork |
13,938,823.22 |
|
Donegal |
12,913,877.86 |
|
Dublin |
6,370,438.43 |
|
Galway |
12,195,883.61 |
|
Kerry |
10,219,868.29 |
|
Kildare |
5,261,600.01 |
|
Kilkenny |
7,791,572.91 |
|
Laois |
7,124,586.86 |
|
Leitrim |
5,998,474.74 |
|
Limerick |
9,276,593.96 |
|
Longford |
7,597,623.07 |
|
Louth |
6,101,862.01 |
|
Mayo |
11,121,431.88 |
|
Meath |
6,903,123.57 |
|
Monaghan |
7,592,719.51 |
|
Offaly |
8,036,763.90 |
|
Roscommon |
8,852,659.22 |
|
Sligo |
7,655,647.81 |
|
Tipperary |
10,103,443.28 |
|
Waterford |
7,522,796.18 |
|
Westmeath |
7,384,206.22 |
|
Wexford |
9,840,140.56 |
|
Wicklow |
6,336,549.00 |
|
TOTAL |
€220,000,000 |
Table 2: LEADER 2014-2020 Expenditure broken down per year
|
Year |
Total |
|
2015 |
€1,251,185.25 |
|
2016 |
€1,260,920.54 |
|
2017 |
€12,123,851.06 |
|
2018 (to date) |
€4,834,479.23 |
Registration of Marriages
Ceisteanna (206)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:206. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the regulations appertaining to permission to marry their fiancé in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23068/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Legislation governing marriage in Ireland is provided for in Part 6 of the Civil Registration Act 2004, as amended.
Persons wishing to be married in the State are obliged to give a minimum of three months’ notice of the intention to marry to a registrar [Section 46(1)(a)]. This notification must be accompanied by the prescribed fee which is currently set at €200.00 [Section 46(3)].
Section 46(3A) of the Act provides that in the case where one, or both, of the parties to the marriage are foreign nationals, the notification must be accompanied by documents regarding the immigration status of the foreign national(s).
The parties to the marriage must attend at the office of the registrar and make a declaration that there is no impediment to the marriage.
Further details can be found on the website of the Civil Registration Service https://www.hse.ie/eng/births-deaths-and-marriages/how-to-get-married-in-ireland/.
Details of Civil Registration Offices can be found on the same website at: https://www.hse.ie/eng/births-deaths-and-marriages/civil-registration-services/hse-civil-registration-service-births-deaths-and-marriages.html.
Community Employment Schemes Administration
Ceisteanna (207)
Robert Troy
Ceist:207. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if Tús or community employment personnel will be made available to a group (details supplied) in view of the fact that changes have been enacted which will see an increase in the number of participants in such schemes. [22941/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Community Employment (CE) programme and Tús are community centred labour market initiatives established for the purposes of social inclusion and activation, to help long-term unemployed people and other vulnerable groups to enter the workforce by breaking their experience of unemployment through a short term return-to-work routine. The programmes also assist people to enhance and develop both their technical and personal skills, which can then be used in the workplace.
The Tús initiative is delivered through the network of local development companies and Údarás na Gaeltachta in Gaeltacht areas which operate as the Implementing Bodies (IBs) for the programme. The CE programme is sponsored by voluntary organisations and public bodies involved in not-for-profit activities for the benefit of the local community. Requests for the placement of Tús participants are made to the relevant local IB and for CE participants, applications are made to CE sponsoring organisations.
Eligible work placements under both Tús and CE are those which:
- Respond to an identified community need;
- Provide development for participants in areas involving heritage, arts, culture, tourism, sport and the environment;
- Have the agreement of relevant trade unions;
- Do not displace or replace existing jobs;
- Offer valuable work experience for participants.
Placements which are not eligible are those which:
- Are politically or commercially orientated;
- Involve a significant trading element;
- Enhance private property;
- Result in private gain.
Placement of Tús and/or CE participants to work in these clubs is not permitted as:-
- Private member sports clubs are not part of the not-for profit community and voluntary sector.
- Work placements in these clubs would not meet the eligibility criteria as outlined above.
The Department keeps all aspects of its activation programmes under review to ensure the best outcomes for participants and communities.
Disability Allowance Payments
Ceisteanna (208)
John McGuinness
Ceist:208. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a payment of disability allowance is due to a person (details supplied). [22966/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A revised decision in this gentleman’s case has resulted in an overpayment being assessed against him in respect of DA payments he received while absent from the State from 13 March 2016 to 01 November 2016.
An appeal against this decision is currently with the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) and an oral appeal hearing is being scheduled. The person concerned will be informed when arrangements for the oral hearing have been made.
My department is obliged to recoup any debt to it in an appropriate and timely manner and this includes the setting off of arrears due against the debt. Arrears of allowance due from 02 November 2016 to 19 September 2017 cannot be processed until the person in question has had their appeal heard and entitlement has been established.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Appeals
Ceisteanna (209)
John McGuinness
Ceist:209. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the decision taken in the case of a person (details supplied) will be reviewed immediately based on medical evidence provided; and if an oral hearing will be arranged. [22968/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, decided to disallow the appeal of the person concerned by way of a summary decision on 27 April 2018. Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by the Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts, or where there has been a change of circumstances which has come to notice since the date of the Appeals Officer's original decision.
I am advised that if the person concerned submits additional evidence that the Appeals Officer has agreed to review the case. The person concerned will then be contacted when the review of his/her appeal has been finalised.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
One-Parent Family Payment Payments
Ceisteanna (210)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:210. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a one-parent family allowance and other payments can be restored in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23064/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person concerned is currently in receipt of a one parent family payment. The person concerned incurred an overpayment of €43,529 as their entitlement to a one parent family payment was disallowed from 17/3/2011 to 30/10/2014. The person concerned also had means of €47.50 per week assessed from 01/07/15 to 31/12/2015. The decision to raise this overpayment was appealed to the Social Welfare Appeals Office and this decision was upheld.
A deduction of €28.20 per week against the one parent family payment of the person concerned is currently in place to recoup this overpayment. On 3/1/18, the person concerned contacted the Social Welfare Appeals Office to appeal the decision regarding the repayment of debt. The appeals officer concluded ‘that the initial decision should stand and as a consequence, the overpayment, as assessed, also stands.’
The person concerned is also in receipt of child benefit payments.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Disability Allowance Applications
Ceisteanna (211)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:211. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application for disability allowance refused and refused on appeal can be re-examined in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23065/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person concerned submitted an application for disability allowance (DA) on 18 April 2017. Their application, based upon all the evidence submitted was refused on habitual residency as she was not found to be habitually resident in the state. The person concerned appealed to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) the decision by a deciding officer to disallow her application for DA.
Following due consideration, the appeal of the person in question was disallowed by an appeals officer (AO) on 11 May 2018 and she was notified of this decision in writing on the same date.
An AO’s decision is final and conclusive in absence of any fresh facts or evidence. It is open to the person in question to reapply for DA.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Benefits Eligibility
Ceisteanna (212)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:212. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason disability benefit and allowance was disallowed in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23067/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Illness Benefit is a payment for people who cannot work due to illness and who satisfy the Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions. While the maximum continuous period of payment is 624 days this is subject to the actual number of contributions the person has paid.
In this case the person concerned has received all Illness Benefit payments due to them - they were entitled to 312 days of payment based on their contribution history. The person concerned would have been entitled to receive further credited contributions after the payment had expired but no further medical certs were received by my Department. However the person concerned has since made an application to the Community Welfare Officer for assistance under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.
Exceptional Needs Payment Eligibility
Ceisteanna (213)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:213. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an exceptional needs payment can issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23070/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
According to departmental records no application for an exceptional needs payment has been received from the person concerned. An officer of the Department will contact the person concerned today to discuss their circumstances.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Jobseeker's Payments
Ceisteanna (214)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:214. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the serious hardship caused in the case of a person (details supplied); if the case can be urgently examined with a view to early intervention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23071/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person concerned had a reduced Jobseekers payment from 02/05/2018 to 15/05/2018 due to their non-attendance at meetings with their Jobpath Provider. On 15/05/2018 the person re-engaged with the Jobpath Provider and returned to their full Jobseekers payment.
The person concerned has been contacted by my Department and has agreed to submit documentary evidence to explain the reasons for their non-attendance at meetings. On receipt of this information, the person’s claim will be reviewed.
If there is any immediate hardship, an application for an Exceptional Need Payment under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme may be made by contacting the Community Welfare Officer for their area direct at 087 2950536.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Approved Housing Bodies
Ceisteanna (215)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:215. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the legislative measures and-or public procurement guidelines in place to ensure that public funds and the ownership of State or council lands used in the provision of social housing built or acquired by approved housing bodies is secured for the State or local authority and-or is recoverable in the event of the insolvency and-or winding up of an approved housing body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22901/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, approved housing bodies (AHBs) have a critically important role to play in achieving the targets set out in the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan For Housing and Homelessness. Currently, housing bodies are granted approved status by me as Minister, under Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992 for the purpose of being able to receive funding from local authorities, to provide social housing. An AHB seeking to obtain, and to retain, approved status in its memorandum or articles of association must:
- Have as primary objectives the relief of housing needs, or poverty or hardship or the welfare of travellers, and the provision and management of housing;
- Have provisions prohibiting the distribution of any surplus, profit, bonus or dividend to members and requiring the assets of the body be applied solely towards its objectives;
- Have a winding-up clause which states that, in the event of winding up or dissolution of the company, there remains any property whatsoever, it shall be given or transferred to some other institution having objectives similar to the objectives of the company.
This arrangement has been in place since 1992 and the Government acknowledges that a more modern regulatory system needs to be put in place to oversee a sector which has developed significantly since then. My Department is currently working on new legislation which will establish a Statutory Regulator to oversee, more effectively, the governance, financial management and performance of voluntary and co-operative housing bodies that provide housing in accordance with the Housing Acts.
In the interim, the Government established an Interim Regulation Committee for the AHB sector under the auspices of the Housing Agency, which, supported by a Regulation Office based within the Agency, oversees implementation of a voluntary regulation code (VRC) for AHBs. Since the Code was put in place, any AHB applying for housing funding from my Department and local authorities must furnish proof of compliance with the Voluntary Code. Only those AHBs that have undergone a satisfactory assessment as part of the annual assessment process by the Regulation Office are considered eligible for funding local authorities for the provision of social housing.
There are a number of schemes under which AHBs can seek to access funding through borrowing from local authorities for the provision of housing. In addition to the oversight regime in relation to the governance and financial stability of the sector, AHBs seeking such funding have to enter into contracts with local authorities under the terms of the various schemes. The contracts provide the terms and conditions under which the AHBs may receive the funding, including provisions in relation to appointing receivers in the event of a default on the loan, so as to ensure the continued use of the relevant property for social housing purposes. If an AHB becomes insolvent and has yet to pay off any capital debts owed to the State, the State retains a substantial interest in the housing assets and the units are not lost from the social housing stock.
Social and Affordable Housing
Ceisteanna (216)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:216. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the measures in place during the scheme assessment process to ensure that the provision of affordable housing by local authorities or approved housing bodies on council or State owned lands does not unfairly compete on unit sale price with private sector investment in the supply of affordable housing under the local infrastructure housing activation fund schemes throughout the country in a manner that may deter or delay further private sector investment in such; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22902/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The development of residential lands owned by local authorities and the Housing Agency, for social housing and, where appropriate, for mixed-tenure developments, is a major priority under the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness. To this end, details of some 1,700 hectares of land in local authority and Housing Agency ownership were published on the Rebuilding Ireland Housing Land Map, with the potential to accommodate some 42,500 homes nationally. The map also includes details of some 300 hectares of land in the ownership of other State or semi-State bodies, with the potential to deliver a further 7,500 homes. All of the mapped sites can be viewed at the following link: http://rebuildingireland.ie/news/rebuilding-ireland-land-map/.
To date, State-led residential construction has been primarily aimed at helping to meet the needs of households in the lowest income brackets, i.e. those that qualify for social housing. In relation to the delivery of more affordable homes, I am introducing an affordable purchase scheme under the relevant provisions of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, and I am determined to establish a substantial cost rental sector, in order to address the affordability gap in housing on a sustainable and long-term basis.
In order to aid local authorities further in delivering affordable housing from their sites, I am providing funding specifically to unlock and service local authority-owned lands for affordable homes to buy or rent. My Department is currently drawing up the criteria for access to this fund, taking account of broader policies on affordable housing, including in relation to the supply of affordable and discounted housing under the 2016 Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund, and will be seeking submissions from local authorities in the coming weeks.
Tenant Purchase Scheme Review
Ceisteanna (217)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:217. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when the report on the future of the tenant purchase scheme will be published; the reason for the delay in publishing same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22911/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In line with the commitment given in Rebuilding Ireland, a review of the first 12 months of the Tenant Purchase Scheme’s operation has been undertaken. The review has incorporated analysis of comprehensive data received from local authorities regarding the operation of the scheme during 2016 and a wide-ranging public consultation process which took place in 2017 and saw submissions received from individuals, elected representatives and organisations.
The review is now complete and a full report has been prepared setting out findings and recommendations. In finalising the report some further consultation was necessary and due consideration had to be given to possible implementation arrangements.
These matters are now almost completed and I expect to be in a position to publish the outcome of the review shortly.
Environmental Impact Assessments
Ceisteanna (218)
Eamon Ryan
Ceist:218. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the screening procedures undertaken and communicated to the public here to determine whether a transboundary impact on the environment and-or human health is likely from an application in Northern Ireland for an installation for the intensive rearing of pigs and poultry, further to Ireland’s and the UK's obligations under the environmental impact assessment directive. [22929/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In the first instance, it is the responsibility for Northern Ireland or UK authorities to ensure that they comply fully with the obligations under relevant EU obligations, including in respect of transboundary consultation requirements under the Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context (the Espoo Convention) and Directive 2011/92/EU relating to Environmental Impact Assessment.
My Department has requested the Northern Ireland Department for Infrastructure to provide certain information in relation to the proposed development referred to in the Question, with a view to establishing whether the development is considered likely to have significant effects on the environment in Ireland and whether the transboundary consultation provisions in the Espoo Convention and EIA Directive should be applied in this case.
Environmental Impact Assessments
Ceisteanna (219, 220)
Eamon Ryan
Ceist:219. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when Ireland plans to ratify the second amendment to the Espoo Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context published in 2004 which came into force on 23 October 2017 and which has been ratified by 32 nations; and if Ireland is committed to this international convention and will ratify the second amendment without further delay. [22930/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraEamon Ryan
Ceist:220. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if Ireland has undertaken the legislative changes necessary to comply fully with transboundary obligations under the environmental impact assessment directive and the Espoo Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context. [22931/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 219 and 220 together.
Section 174 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 and Chapter 5 of Part 10 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended, relating to consultations about the transboundary environmental effects of proposed developments that are subject to environmental impact assessment (EIA), comply fully with the requirements of EIA Directive 2011/92/EU and the text of the Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context (the Espoo Convention), as ratified by Ireland.
The changes to the transboundary requirements set out in the most recent EIA Directive 2014/52/EU will be brought into force in Ireland as part of the overall transposition of the 2014 Directive, work on which is proceeding as a priority across all relevant Government Departments.
The Second Amendment to the Espoo Convention contains measures that are not included in either the 2011 or 2014 EIA Directives or in domestic planning legislation and will be considered further in the context of ratification by Ireland of the Amendment.
Election Management System
Ceisteanna (221)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:221. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a number of foreign nationals have received polling cards in County Meath for the upcoming referendum on the eighth amendment (details supplied). [22959/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under electoral law, local returning officers are responsible at a referendum for sending a polling information card (PIC) to every presidential elector (i.e. Irish citizen) whose name is on the register of electors.
Electoral law also provides that the preparation of the Register of Electors is a matter for each local registration authority. It is their duty to ensure, as far as possible and with the cooperation of the public, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the Register. Only those individuals who are recorded on the register as entitled to vote at a referendum will be allowed to vote in the forthcoming referendum on 25 May 2018. A polling card does not entitle an individual to vote.
Section 149 of the Electoral Act 1992 (as applied to referendums by section 6 of the Referendum Act 1994) provides that a person who is not registered or who is registered but not entitled to be so registered shall not be entitled to vote. The Act also provides that it is an offence to vote when not entitled to do so.
In relation to prosecuting such an offence, this would be a matter for the Gardaí.
Planning Issues
Ceisteanna (222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228)
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:222. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of meetings held between Dublin City Council and his Department regarding the development of Poolbeg west in the six months prior to the special Dublin City Council meeting on 18 May 2017; the persons who were invited to and who attended each meeting; if the minutes of the meetings will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22996/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraBrendan Howlin
Ceist:223. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of meetings held between the receiver of the Poolbeg west SDZ and his Department in the six months prior to the special Dublin City Council meeting on 18 May 2017; the persons who were invited to and who attended each meeting; if the minutes of the meetings will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22998/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraBrendan Howlin
Ceist:224. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of telephone calls made respectively between the receiver of the lands in the Poolbeg west SDZ and Dublin City Council and between the receiver and his Department, in the six months prior to the special Dublin City Council meeting on 18 May 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22999/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraBrendan Howlin
Ceist:225. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of meetings held between Dublin City Council and his Department regarding the development of Poolbeg west SDZ in the six weeks prior to a company (details supplied) appealing the inclusion of over 10% social housing in the SDZ scheme; the persons who were invited to and attended each meeting; if the minutes of the meetings will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23000/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraBrendan Howlin
Ceist:226. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of meetings held between the receiver of the Poolbeg west SDZ and his Department in the six weeks prior to a company (details supplied) appealing the inclusion of over 10% social housing in the SDZ scheme; the persons who were invited to and attended each meeting; if the minutes of each meeting will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23002/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraBrendan Howlin
Ceist:227. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of telephone calls made between the receiver and Dublin City Council in the six weeks prior to a company (details supplied) appealing the inclusion of over 10% social housing in the Poolbeg west SDZ scheme; the number of telephone calls made between the receiver and his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23003/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraBrendan Howlin
Ceist:228. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if a record of the communications between his Department and the receiver for lands in the Poolbeg west SDZ since 18 May 2017 will be provided; if the content of the communications will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23004/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 222 to 228, inclusive, together.
My Department’s involvement in the Poolbeg West Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) arises in the context of my statutory role in the designation and future planning of the area as an SDZ, and in that context, setting out the broad views of my Department in relation to planning and housing policies relevant to the preparation and adoption of a planning scheme for the area by Dublin City Council.
In terms of the chronology of events, Poolbeg West was designated an SDZ by order of Government in May 2016. Subsequently, Dublin City Council, as the designated development agency, began the process of drawing up a detailed masterplan or planning scheme for the area designated in the Government Order.
A draft of this planning scheme was published for public consultation from late January 2017 to early March 2017. The draft planning scheme was further considered by the Council in May 2017, after which material alterations were published for 4 weeks from mid-June to mid-July 2017 for public consultation. The final SDZ Planning Scheme was approved by Dublin City Council on 2 October 2017, which decision was ultimately appealed to An Bord Pleanála.
My Department issued observations to Dublin City Council on the draft planning scheme in March 2017, which was followed by extensive engagement during April and May 2017 between my Department, Dublin City Council and NAMA and which also included interactions between my predecessor and the Housing Strategic Policy Committee of Dublin City Council, and local community interests. My Department made a further submission in July 2017 which noted the material alteration in relation to mixed tenure.
All of the above interactions were concerned with determining an appropriate voluntary mechanism, whereby the private owners of the lands covered by the SDZ would agree to deliver additional social and affordable housing within the SDZ area, in conjunction with Dublin City Council and relevant housing providers, over and above the 10% statutory requirement under Part V, subject to satisfying value for money, procurement and qualitative criteria.
In this context, my Department had no engagement with the receiver in control of these privately owned lands on or about the May 2017 decision by Dublin City Council to amend the draft planning scheme in respect of these matters. Notwithstanding the fact that my Department has consistently advised that provision of additional social and affordable housing could be provided in the SDZ area through a consent-based and commercially grounded approach, the ultimate decision of the Council moved towards a mandatory approach, over and above the provisions of Part V.
In November 2017, an appeal was lodged to An Bord Pleanála by the receiver and other parties. There was no engagement between my Department and the receiver ahead of this appeal.
Earlier this year, officials from my Department were in contact with representatives of both Dublin City Council and the receiver. While these engagements were not formally minuted, their purpose was to encourage engagement between these two parties in relation to determining and putting in place an agreed way forward, if An Bord Pleanála ultimately approved the planning scheme.
Details in relation to engagements between other parties which did not involve my Department, are a matter for those parties.