Written Answers Nos. 772-798
772. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 1241 of 7 September 2018, the reason the initial decision was revised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37798/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence including that adduced at the oral hearing, had decided to disallow the appeal of the person concerned on 3rd 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. I am advised that the person concerned subsequently submitted additional evidence and that the Appeals Officer agreed to review the appeal of the person concerned on foot of this additional evidence. The Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, then decided to allow the appeal of the person concerned. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision.
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 on social welfare entitlements.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
773. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in relation to a disability allowance application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37850/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraBased on the evidence supplied in support of their application for disability allowance (DA), this person’s application was disallowed on the grounds that the medical qualifying condition was not satisfied. They were notified in writing of this decision on 21 September 2017.
The person concerned requested an appeal of the decision and submitted additional medical evidence for consideration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office decided, based on this additional evidence, that the medical qualifying condition was satisfied.
DA is a means-tested payment. On 15 June 2018 and on 14 September 2018 the person concerned was asked to supply supporting documentation in relation to their means. This information is required by the deciding officer in order to make a decision on their eligibility. On receipt of this information a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
774. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to put a deadline on the registering of traditional seaweed harvesting rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37090/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Property Registration Authority can only show legal rights that are burdens on title, within the meaning of Section 69 of the Registration of Title Act 1964, or that are appurtenant to registered lands. Such rights must be created by express Deed of Grant or where the law allows, acquired by prescription. In the case of the right to harvest seaweed, only rights vested by the Land Commission as appurtenant to lands purchased under the Land Purchase Acts have been registered in the Land Registry.
The Property Registration Authority advises any person who wishes to make an application in respect of such a right to first seek professional legal advice. The rights that are capable of registration are set out in the Registration of Deeds and Title Acts 1964 to 2006.
If a claim is being made for registration of a prescriptive right, section 38 of the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009 as amended by the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011 applies. A claim can be established up until 30 November 2021. A claimant may not make an application under the law that applied prior to the introduction of the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009 after 30 November 2021.
From 1 December 2021, any application would have to be made under the provisions set out in the 2009 Act itself. However, section 33(b)(ii) of the 2009 Act provides for a 60-year limitation period in respect of claims of prescriptive rights to take seaweed.
775. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of an action (details supplied) under the Action Plan for Rural Development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37114/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Government (Rates) Bill 2018 was published on 9 August 2018. Included in the provisions is the power for local authorities to introduce rates waiver (alleviation) schemes to support the implementation of policy objectives, including objectives contained in national planning policies, Development Plans, Local Area Plans and Local Economic and Community Plans. Rural regeneration and development objectives are included in national planning policies and local authority plans.
I intend to seek time in the forthcoming Oireachtas session to have the Bill proceed through the Oireachtas as efficiently as possible.
776. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of an action (details supplied) under the Action Plan for Rural Development; if the timeline for delivery has been met; if not, the revised timeline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37115/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently drafting a guidance note on Enterprise Development in Rural Areas under the National Planning Framework and the Action Plan for Rural Development. The guidance is intended to address the relevant planning and development consent considerations and requirements in respect of the promotion and accommodation of enterprise development in rural areas, with the aim of providing clear guidance and ensuring sustainable rural communities.
The drafting of the guidance document is progressing, with publication envisaged shortly.
777. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the regulations or guidelines in place governing consumer protection and standards for residential log cabins both at the point of sale and the point of assembly and construction. [37637/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra805. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the regulations or guidelines in place governing standards for residential log cabins both at the point of sale and the point of assembly and construction. [37636/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 777 and 805 together.
All new dwellings must comply with building regulations, the aim of which is to provide for the safety and welfare of people in and about buildings. The building regulations apply to the design and construction of a new building (including a dwelling) or an extension to an existing building as well as for material alterations and certain material changes of use to existing buildings.
The minimum performance requirements that a building must achieve are set out in the second schedule to the building regulations. These requirements are set out in 12 parts (classified as Parts A to M).
For new innovative products or systems, not covered by existing standards, compliance with the Building Regulations can be demonstrated by 3rd party certification by an independent approval body, such as National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) Agrément. My Department does not have an approval function and does not approve or endorse products for compliance with the building regulations or standards.
I.S.440: 2009+A1:2014 Timber Frame Construction, Dwellings and other Buildings is the Irish standard on timber frame construction (as referenced in Technical Guidance Document A 2012 and Technical Guidance Document B Vol 2 2017). I.S. 440 refers to responsibilities, materials, design, manufacture, construction details, site work and services.
Manufacturers of timber frame buildings are assessed under an approval scheme operated by the NSAI for compliance with I.S. 440 requirements including Factory Production Control (FPC). A register of compliant manufacturers is available on the NSAI website at https://www.nsai.ie/Our-Services/Certification/Company-Registration-Search.aspx.
In relation to the marketing of construction products, under Construction Products Regulation (EU) No 305/2011, CE marking is mandatory for all construction products placed on the market in the European Economic Area and it is covered by:
- a harmonised European product standard, or
- a European Technical Assessment (these are used by manufacturers of products which are not covered by a harmonised European standard but who still wish their products to be CE marked).
The CPR aims to ensure that reliable performance-related data is made available, by means of Declarations of Performance, in relation to construction products being placed on the European market. While there are no harmonised standards for log cabins, citizens have consumer protection rights and these are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation.
778. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the measures he is taking to address the lack of affordable housing for military personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37822/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraA three-pronged, targeted approach to affordable housing is being pursued. Firstly, in terms of affordable housing for purchase, relevant provisions of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 have been commenced, which place the new scheme for affordable purchase on a statutory footing. This Scheme, aimed at households, including any qualifying military personnel, earning low to moderate annual gross incomes of maximum €50,000 for a single applicant and maximum €75,000 for joint applicants, will be delivered by local authorities developing their sites in key locations. The Scheme will be complementary to other Government Schemes which help first-time buyers to buy a home, such as the Help to Buy Scheme and the new Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan scheme.
Secondly, I am determined that cost rental homes become a major part of our rental landscape in the future, making a sustainable impact on housing affordability, national competitiveness, and the attractiveness of our main urban centres as places to live as well as work. Cost rental is an important component of progressive housing systems around Europe. Two cost rental projects have previously been announced for Emmet Road, Inchicore, and at Enniskerry Road, Dundrum. Learning from these pilot projects, I expect cost rental projects to be rolled out across other suitable sites.
Finally, in order to support local authorities to get their sites ready for affordable housing, I am providing additional funding for enabling infrastructure via the Serviced Sites Fund. This overall minimum investment of €100 million will provide funding for those sites that require infrastructural investment in order for them to be brought into use for affordable housing. The bids received from local authorities under the first call are now being assessed, and I expect to make initial funding awards next month.
Based on preliminary estimates, the local authorities in Dublin, the Greater Dublin Area, Cork and Galway, have lands with the potential to deliver some 4,000 new affordable homes. My Department is continuing to work with the key local authorities and the Housing Agency to identify sites for at least 10,000 new affordable homes, and that analysis is progressing well.
Finally, the Government has now launched the Land Development Agency which is aiming to build some 150,000 new homes over the next 20 years. The new Agency has an immediate focus on managing the State’s own lands to develop new homes, with at least 40% of these homes being for social and affordable housing purposes.
779. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if and when it is expected revised regulations appertaining to the location of wind turbines and minimum distance from dwellings are likely to issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37853/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently undertaking a focused review of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines. The review is addressing a number of key aspects including sound or noise, visual amenity setback distances, shadow flicker, community obligation, community dividend and grid connections. As part of the overall review, a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is being undertaken on the revised Guidelines before they come into effect, in accordance with the requirements of EU Directive 2001/24/EC on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment, otherwise known as the SEA Directive.
SEA is a process by which environmental considerations are required to be fully integrated into the preparation of plans and programmes which act as frameworks for development consent, prior to their final adoption, with public consultation as part of that process. Following a tendering process, my Department appointed SEA experts in December 2017 to assist in this regard. It is expected that a public consultation on the revised draft Guidelines, together with the comprehensive environmental report under the SEA process, will be commenced in the coming weeks, with the aim of issuing the finalised Guidelines, following detailed analysis and consideration of the submissions and views received during the consultation phase, in early 2019.
When finalised, the revised Guidelines will be issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. Planning authorities, and, where applicable, An Bord Pleanála must have regard to guidelines issued under Section 28 in the performance of their functions generally under the Planning Acts. In the meantime, the current 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines remain in force.
780. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the political advisers being used by senior and junior Ministers in his Department since the commencement of this Government; the commencement dates of the employment of each; and the cessation dates of same employment in cases in which that applies. [36700/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have appointed two special advisers in my Department since my appointment as Minister, both of whom work across a wide range of areas within the remit of my Department including Housing, Planning, Local Government, Water Services and Electoral Reform as well as liaising with the media and other Government Departments and advisers.
The name and start date of each adviser are set out in the following table.
|
Name |
Start date |
|
Jack O'Donnell |
14 June 2017 |
|
Jennifer Carroll Mac Neill |
6 November 2017 |
My immediate predecessor as Minister in this Government appointed two advisers, as reflected in the following table.
|
Name |
Start Date |
Cessation Date |
|
Catriona Fitzpatrick |
7th May 2016 |
14th June 2017 |
|
Bob Jordan |
5th July 2016 |
14th June 2017 |
781. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to incentivise owners to get vacant properties back into usable housing stock in view of the excess of houses lying vacant due to the owners being in full-time care in the fair deal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37087/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are a range of incentives available to property owners which are designed to increase the number of houses being brought back into the liveable housing stock.
The Repair and Leasing Scheme (RLS) has been developed to assist private property owners and local authorities or Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to harness the accommodation potential that exists in certain vacant properties across Ireland. The scheme is targeted at owners of vacant properties who cannot afford or access the funding needed to bring their properties up to the required standard for rental property. Subject to the suitability of the property for social housing, and the agreement of the property owner, the cost of the necessary repairs will be met upfront by the local authority or an AHB.
To further assist the re-activation of vacant properties, my Department introduced a Buy & Renew (B&R) Scheme to facilitate local authorities in acquiring and remediating vacant properties that may be suitable for social housing. The properties involved can range from those in good condition to those that need remediation and may have been vacant. To ensure a local-led response to such work, responsibility for property acquisitions is delegated to local authorities.
As with standard acquisitions, local authorities have delegated responsibility to utilise the B&R Scheme, as part of the blend of property acquisitions, as appropriate to their area, given housing need and the availability of properties of different types.
Further funding initiatives such as Long-Term Leasing, Home Renovation Incentives and Better Energy Homes Grants are also important in feeding into the re-introduction of vacant homes to the usable housing stock.
Similarly, my Department has, earlier this year, introduced new planning regulations which allow change of use, and related works, of certain vacant commercial premises, including “over the shop” type properties, into residential use without the need to obtain planning permission.
The Review of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS), also known as the "Fair Deal" Scheme, was published by the Minister for Health in July 2015. A Working Group is overseeing the implementation of its recommendations, including any legislative changes that may be required. In this regard, Action 17 of the Strategy for the Rental Sector undertakes to examine the treatment under the NHSS’s financial assessment of income from the rental of a person’s principal private residence (PPR), where they move into long-term residential care. This examination aims to explore the potential to encourage vacant accommodation to be brought into active use.
My Department and the Department of Health are examining the treatment under the NHSS's financial assessment of income from the rental of a person’s principal private residence where they move into long-term residential care. In this context, the Department of Health has received legal advice to the effect that changes to the treatment of rental income in the Scheme would require primary legislation. A number of options for policy and legislative change have now been identified and will be the subject of further discussion and exploration between the two Departments with a view to eliminating any financial disincentives that may currently exist to letting homes while the owners are in nursing home care.
Discussions are also taking place between the two Departments with regard to the treatment of the proceeds from the sale of a principal private residence in the context of the financial assessment of applicants for the NHSS scheme and of existing participants within the scheme. The aim is to encourage relevant vacant properties back into active use.
782. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if an Irish student studying outside the State can qualify for a postal vote; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37103/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra800. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to accommodate Irish citizens who may be undertaking studies abroad for a specific period with a postal vote provided certain conditions are met; the reason it only applies to students living and undertaking courses of study within the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37546/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 782 and 800 together.
Postal voting is provided for in electoral law in respect of a limited number of categories of electors who may be living outside the State - whole-time members of the Defence Forces, members of An Garda Síochána and Irish diplomats serving abroad and their spouses/civil partners. In addition, there is a wide range of electors living in the State who, for one reason or another, qualify for the postal vote. These include full-time students registered at their home who are living elsewhere while attending an educational institution in the State.
While electoral law is subject to ongoing review I have no proposals at present to extend existing arrangements for postal voting to students attending an educational institution outside the State.
783. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the way in which persons (details supplied) did not meet the criteria for the Rebuilding Ireland home loan; if an appeals process is available to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37148/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing 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.
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. Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 specifically provides that the Minister's power to issue policy directions and guidelines to housing authorities in relation to their housing functions should not be construed as enabling the Minister to exercise any power or control in relation to any individual case with which a housing authority is or may be concerned.
The final decision on loan approval is a matter for each local authority and its Credit Committee on a case-by-case basis. Decisions on all housing loan applications must be made in accordance with the statutory credit policy that underpins the scheme, in order to ensure consistency of treatment for all applicants.
Loan applicants who are dissatisfied with a loan application decision of a local authority Credit Committee may appeal that decision to the local authority. Details of the appeals process can be obtained from the relevant local authority.
784. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of applicants in County Donegal that have applied for the Rebuilding Ireland home loan; the number of successful applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37149/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs with the previous local authority home loan offerings, loan applications under the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan are made directly to the local authority in whose area the property proposed for purchase is situated.
My Department continues to publish information on the overall number and value of (i) local authority loan approvals and (ii) local authority loan drawdowns. Information up to Q4 2017 is available on the Department's website at the following link: http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/statistics/house-prices-loans-and-profile-borrowers/local-authority-loan-activity, and this information will be updated on a quarterly basis as additional data is compiled.
The Housing Agency provides a central support service which assesses loan applications that are made to the local authorities and makes recommendations to the authorities as to whether loans should be offered to applicants.
I have asked the Agency to centrally compile figures on the numbers of applications it has recommended to approve by local authority. The most recent figures, as at the end of August are displayed in the following table –
|
Local Authority |
In Process |
Invalid |
Recommended to Approve |
Recommended to Decline |
Total |
|
Donegal County Council |
0 |
3 |
12 |
8 |
23 |
Each local authority must have in place a credit committee and it is a matter for the committee to make the final decision on all loan applications, in accordance with the regulations, having regard to the recommendations made by the Housing Agency.
785. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 753 of 20 September 2017, the number of HAP supported properties by local authority in tabular form; the number of inspections carried out within the required eight month period to date; the number outstanding beyond the required eight month period; the number of properties or landlords removed from HAP having failed an inspection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37176/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMinimum standards for rental accommodation are prescribed in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2017, made under section 18 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992. All landlords, including those in receipt of Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties comply with these regulations and responsibility for the enforcement of the regulations rests with the relevant local authority.
HAP is underpinned by the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014. Under section 41 of the 2014 Act, local authorities are required to commence the inspection process within 8 months of the commencement of HAP support being provided in relation to a particular dwelling if not already inspected within the previous 12 months. HAP may be provided on a property which is the subject of a subsisting improvement notice under section 18A of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992. HAP shall not be, or shall cease to be, provided on a property which is the subject of proceedings or a prohibition notice under section 18B of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992. Where a prohibition notice has come into effect, HAP may continue to be paid for 13 weeks from the date of HAP commencing or the notice coming into force, as appropriate.
Following the completion of the statutory phased roll-out of the HAP scheme in March 2017, the HAP Shared Services Centre (SSC), which provides a central transactional service for all local authorities and is operated by Limerick City and County Council, updated the ICT system used for HAP supported tenancies in order to assist local authorities in recording their compliance with their legislative obligations in 2017. Local authorities are currently recording inspection activity across a range of data systems, and the SSC is working closely with local authorities to ensure that data in relation to HAP related inspections is recorded on the new HAP module. This involves the migration of some historic data and the refinement of existing data management practices to ensure that overall, the data is being managed efficiently. Local authorities and the SSC have been requested to prioritise this work and I expect the use of the HAP specific reporting module, and the work to align it with the other reporting systems, will be completed speedily.
Data in relation to all private rental inspections carried out by local authorities is available on my Department's website at the following link:
http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/statistics/house-building-and-private-rented/private-housing-market-statistics.
786. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the payments made to landlords in respect of the housing assistance payment since its introduction in 2015 in each county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37232/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 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 payments made to landlords, the relevant details relating to all costs are set out in the following Table.
|
Year |
Expenditure |
|
2015 |
€15.64m |
|
2016 |
€57.69m |
|
2017 |
€152.69m |
Limerick City and County Council provides a HAP transactional shared service on behalf of all local authorities. This HAP Shared Services Centre (SSC) manages all HAP related rental transactions for the tenant, local authority and landlord. Accordingly, my Department does not recoup individual local authorities in respect of HAP rental payments in their administrative areas but rather recoups all landlord costs via the HAP SSC.
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.
787. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the details of the legislation regarding tenancy agreements and anti-social behaviour (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37243/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe tenancy agreement, which is the legal basis of the relationship between a housing authority and its tenants, will generally contain provisions in relation to anti-social behaviour. The Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997 provides for a court order on application by the tenant, tenant purchaser or the housing authority or approved body concerned, which has the effect of excluding a household member engaged in anti-social behaviour from the dwelling and, if appropriate, from the estate in question for a maximum period of three years. The Act also empowers a housing authority to refuse to allocate or sell a dwelling to a person engaged in anti-social behaviour or in the interest of good estate management.
The Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 strengthened the powers of housing authorities in relation to securing excluding orders where there is anti-social behaviour in their housing stock. Part 2 of the 2014 Act prescribes procedures to deal with serious breaches of the tenancy agreements for their dwellings, including anti-social behaviour and strengthens the power of housing authorities to recover possession of their dwellings from households in serious breach of their tenancy agreements, including engaging in anti-social behaviour. The use of the available powers in any individual case is a matter for the housing authority concerned.
788. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans for a directly elected mayor of Cork; and if it will form part of the legislation regarding the expansion of the city. [37283/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for a Partnership Government includes a commitment to consider directly elected mayors in cities as part of a broader range of local government reform measures aimed at strengthening local democracy. In response to this commitment, a policy discussion paper on local government leadership, governance and administration, including in relation to directly elected mayors for cities, will be submitted to Government shortly. Among other matters, the policy paper examines the functions which could be assigned to directly elected mayors, governance arrangements which could underpin the role and plebiscites on the matter. Subject to Government approval, the policy report will be forwarded to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government for consideration.
It is my intention that provision for the holding of plebiscites on the question of directly elected mayors with executive functions in cities other than Dublin will be included in the Local Government Bill 2018, which provides primarily for the alteration of the boundary between Cork City Council and Cork County Council.
789. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if the proposed mixed tenure housing developments in locations (details supplied) will be provided with revenue funding, loan finance from the Housing Finance Agency or the European Investment Bank, or a combination of both. [37327/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe development of major local authority residential sites in Dublin, where a lack of supply and affordability issues are being experienced most acutely, is a major priority for the Government. We are working with all Dublin local authorities to see these sites are brought forward as quickly as possible, with the optimum tenure mix and ensuring the greatest value for money for the taxpayer.
In the first instance, it is a matter for the local authority and its elected members to agree the optimal approach to development and financing. In this context, agreeing the annual budget, authorising borrowing and the disposal of land are all reserved functions. All borrowing by local authorities is of course subject to the overall limits which are set by the Government from time to time in the context of the General Government Balance.
For my part, I have made it clear that direct Exchequer funding will be provided for any social housing element of these mixed-tenure developments. In addition, both sites identified in this question are designated as Major Urban Housing Development sites. In recognition of this, I am keen to support their development and have committed combined funding of €8.5 million under the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) to provide public infrastructure which will open up the two sites for development.
In order to support the development and financing of social and affordable housing projects, my Department has engaged extensively with the European Investment Bank with regard to financing options and also leveraging the Bank's vast experience and knowledge in developing and supporting public housing projects in other Member States. Local authorities have also engaged directly with the EIB for the same purpose.
I and my Department will continue to work with local authorities on their major mixed-tenure housing projects to help them ensure the optimal delivery outcome.
790. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will meet with residents of a location (details supplied) with regard to fears that there may be structural and serious fire safety issues with their homes; the steps he is taking to investigate these concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37343/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Building Control Acts 1990 to 2014, primary responsibility for compliance of works with the requirements of the Building Regulations, including Part B (Fire Safety), rests with the owners, designers and builders of buildings. Enforcement of the Building Regulations is a matter for the 31 local building control authorities, who have extensive powers of inspection and enforcement under the Acts and who are independent in the use of their statutory powers.
In addition, local authorities also have extensive powers of inspection and enforcement under the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003, the Housing Acts and the Planning and Development Acts, all of which may be relevant where fire safety concerns arise in residential developments. Fire services may inspect buildings in cases of defects or complaints in respect of fire safety. They work with building owners to ensure immediate risks are addressed, and put a plan in place for works to bring buildings into compliance. They have enforcement powers for cases where co-operation is not forthcoming, or progress cannot be made on an agreed basis. Given these clear statutory roles, it is the local authority that the residents concerned should engage with.
In the interest of supporting owners and residents living in developments where concerns regarding non-compliance with fire safety requirements arise, it was agreed that a review be undertaken by an independent fire expert to develop a framework for general application. In August 2017, the Framework for Enhancing Fire Safety in Dwellings was published, which is intended to be used as a guide by the owners and occupants of dwellings where fire safety deficiencies have been identified, or are a cause for concern. The Framework will also be of assistance to professional advisors, both in developing strategies to improve fire safety and in developing strategies to enable continued occupation in advance of undertaking the necessary works to ensure compliance with the relevant Building Regulations. The framework contains the following:
- an explanation of the statutory provisions in respect of fire safety, namely the Building Control Acts 1990 to 2014 and the Fire Services Acts 1981 & 2003, and the respective responsibilities of owners, designers, builders, occupants, local authorities;
- a range of actions that may reduce risk and improve the level of fire safety where deficiencies arise in dwelling houses, apartments and /or the common areas of apartment buildings; and
- a fire risk assessment methodology for professional advisors to prioritise the remedial actions, if any, that may need to be carried out on a dwelling.
Additionally, in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower tragedy in June 2017, and in recognition of fears expressed for fire safety, Minister Murphy asked the Department's National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management to convene and coordinate a Task Force to lead a re-appraisal of our approach to fire safety in Ireland. The work of the Task Force has now been completed and its findings are reflected in “Fire Safety in Ireland: Report of the Fire Safety Task Force”, which is available on the Department's website at the following link: https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/fire_safety_in_ireland_-_report_summary_of_conclusions_and_recommendations.pdf.
The Management Board of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management has now been mandated to oversee the implementation of the report's recommendations.
791. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of homes delivered under various affordable housing initiatives for each year since 2010 in tabular form; his plans in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37369/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to the reply to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 567 and 568 of 3 July 2018, which sets out the position in relation to previous affordable housing initiatives, and to Parliamentary Question No. 1346 of 7 September 2018, which sets out the position in relation to current affordable housing initiatives.
In addition, it should be noted that the Government has now launched the Land Development Agency to deliver some 150,000 new homes over the next 20 years. The new Agency has an immediate focus on managing the State’s own lands to develop new homes, and regenerate under-utilised sites, and will deliver at least 40% of any housing potential on such lands for social and affordable housing purposes.
792. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of applications received in County Louth for Rebuilding Ireland home loans since the commencement of the scheme; the number of applications deemed valid and invalid, respectively; the number of applications approved; and the number of applications drawn down to date in tabular form. [37384/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs with the previous local authority home loan offerings, loan applications under the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan are made directly to the local authority in whose area the property proposed for purchase is situated.
My Department continues to publish information on the overall number and value of (i) local authority loan approvals and (ii) local authority loan drawdowns. Information up to Q4 2017 is available on the Department's website at the following link: http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/statistics/house-prices-loans-and-profile-borrowers/local-authority-loan-activity, and this information will be updated on a quarterly basis as additional data is compiled.
The Housing Agency provides a central support service which assesses loan applications that are made to the local authorities and makes recommendations to the authorities as to whether loans should be offered to applicants.
I have asked the Agency to centrally compile figures on the numbers of applications it has recommended to approve by local authority. The most recent figures, as at the end of August are displayed in the following table -
|
Year |
Expenditure |
|
2015 |
€15.64m |
|
2016 |
€57.69m |
|
2017 |
€152.69m |
Each local authority must have in place a credit committee and it is a matter for the committee to make the final decision on all loan applications, in accordance with the regulations, having regard to the recommendations made by the Housing Agency.
793. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to a study (details supplied) detailing the lack of affordability of housing in the greater Dublin area, the price-to-incomes ratio underpinning the study and the need for a broader affordable housing programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37413/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI assume the Deputy is referring to the 14th Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey 2018 (January 2018). The Survey, which covers metropolitan housing markets in nine countries (Australia, Canada, China, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States), uses data for the third quarter of 2017 and covers areas in Ireland with a population of 50,000 people or more. It reported that, relative to household income, Ireland has the most affordable housing costs compared to all other countries included in the Survey. It does, however, point to a significant affordability challenge in Dublin and an affordability issue in Cork and Galway.
As Minister, I have been clear that we need to address housing affordability, recognising the pressures that exist for low- to middle-income households, particularly in Dublin and certain other of our main urban centres. The delivery of targeted affordable housing, for purchase and rent, was a priority topic at the Housing Summit which I held with Local Authority Chief Executives in July. It is also featured prominently at the post-Housing Summit meeting with Local Authority Housing Directors of Service and at a Forum I held with Approved Housing Bodies on 17 September.
A three-pronged, targeted approach to affordable housing provision is being pursued, aimed at households earning low to moderate annual gross incomes at a maximum of €50,000 for single applicants and €75,000 for dual applicants. First, in terms of affordable housing for purchase, I have now commenced the relevant provisions of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, to place the new scheme for affordable purchase on a statutory footing. This Scheme will be delivered by local authorities developing sites in key locations. The Scheme will be complementary to other Government schemes which help first-time buyers to buy a home, such as the Help to Buy Scheme and the new Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan.
Second, I am also determined that cost rental homes become a major part of our rental landscape in the future. There is a gap between social housing and the rental market that needs to be filled, making a sustainable impact on housing affordability, national competitiveness, and the attractiveness of our main urban centres as places to live as well as work. Cost rental is an important component of progressive housing systems around Europe.
In this regard, I have announced details of a major cost rental project with the potential to deliver over 300 cost rental homes at Emmet Road, Inchicore, as part of a mixed-tenure development of some 470 homes in total. In parallel, the Housing Agency, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and a number of Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) have been working on a smaller-scale cost rental pilot, at Enniskerry Road, the tenders for which will issue shortly. Learning from these pilot projects, cost rental will now be rolled out across other suitable sites.
Finally, in order to support local authorities to get their sites ready for affordable housing, I am providing €75 million in Exchequer funding for enabling infrastructure via the Serviced Sites Fund. When local authority co-funding is included, an overall minimum investment of €100 million will be provided to those sites that require infrastructural investment in order for them to be brought into use for affordable housing. The bids received from local authorities under this first call are now being assessed and I expect to make initial funding awards next month.
From engagements with the local authorities in Dublin, the wider Greater Dublin Area as well as Cork and Galway cities, their initial estimates suggest that they have lands with the potential to deliver some 4,000 new affordable homes. My Department is continuing to work with the key local authorities and the Housing Agency to identify sites for at least 10,000 new affordable homes from local authority-owned land.
In addition, the Government has now launched the Land Development Agency, which will be aiming to deliver some 150,000 new homes over the next 20 years. The new Agency has an immediate focus on managing the State’s own lands to develop new homes, and regenerate under-utilised sites, and will deliver at least 40% of any housing potential on such lands for both social and affordable housing purposes.
794. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if his Department has assessed the nature of the delays being experienced in respect of local authorities signing contracts with developers for Part V properties for social housing; and the measures he plans to implement to expedite same. [37415/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department keeps the January 2017 Guidelines on Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 under review, in consultation with local authorities and other stakeholders.
My Department is in contact with housing authorities in relation to whether there are any delays in signing contracts for new build homes pursuant to Part V agreements. The responses received will be examined to identify whether any process improvements are required in relation to Part V, so that delivery can continue to be achieved as speedily as possible.
795. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of inspections carried out in the rental sector for each local authority in 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37482/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Strategy for the Rental Sector, published in December 2016, set out a series of measures to be introduced to ensure the quality of private rental accommodation by strengthening the applicable standards and improving the inspection and enforcement systems.
On 1 July 2017, updated regulatory standards, the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2017, came into effect. These Regulations focus on tenant safety and include new measures covering heating appliances, carbon monoxide and window safety. In August, my Department published guidance to assist and support local authorities in implementing the new Regulations.
All landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties comply with these regulations and responsibility for the enforcement of the Regulations rests with the relevant local authority, previously supported by a dedicated stream of funding provided from a portion of the proceeds of tenancy registration fees, collected by the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB).
Since establishment of the RTB, over €36 million has been paid to local authorities to assist them in the performance of their functions under the Housing Acts, including the inspection of rented accommodation. Over 224,000 inspections were carried out during this period.
The Rental Strategy recognises the need for additional resources to be provided to local authorities to aid increased inspections of properties and ensure greater compliance with the Regulations. Provision has been made for an additional €2.5 million funding in 2018, with the intention of providing further increases each year in the period to 2021 to facilitate a targeted inspection coverage of 25% of rental properties annually. My Department offers a subvention to local authorities to carry out inspection of properties under the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations with funding provided on the basis of €100 per inspection carried out and €50 per follow-up inspection that achieves compliance.
A breakdown of the number of inspections carried out and payments made to each Local Authority in 2017 can be found on my Department's website at the following link:
http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/statistics/house-building-and-private-rented/private-housing-market-statistics.
796. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of new housing units acquired under Part V; the location of each by local authority for the first six months of 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37483/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra797. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of new house builds completed by each approved housing body; the location of each in the first six months of 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37484/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra798. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of local authority new house builds completed in the first six months of 2018 by each local authority in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37485/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 796 to 798, inclusive, together.
Earlier this year, as part of the target setting process for local authorities, I committed to increasing transparency and accountability by publishing quarterly data on delivery against the targets, broken down by each local authority and across all delivery streams.
The Q1 2018 report is available on my Department's website at: https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/attachments/breakdown_of_social_housing_activity_by_local_authority_quarter_1_2018_1.xlsx.
This report provides detail on local authority and Approved Housing Body (AHB) output from January to March 2018, inlcuding local authority new build, AHB new build and Part V activity. Data for Q2 2018 is currently being finalised and will be published shortly.
Further scheme information, at project level, of new build programmes being led by local authorities and AHBs is published in the quarterly construction status report. The latest report is available at http://rebuildingireland.ie/news/minister-murphy-publishes-social-housing-construction-status-report-q1-2018/.
