Written Answers Nos. 747-768
747. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the details of the new affordable home purchasing scheme (details supplied) being introduced; the qualifying criteria to be eligible for the scheme; when the scheme will be open to applicants; the way in which potential house buyers can apply for the scheme; if it is only open to first time buyers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6245/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe relevant provisions of Part 5 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2009 have been commenced. It provides a statutory basis for the delivery of affordable housing for purchase by local authorities.
The primary legislation will be supported by associated regulations, which are currently at the final legal drafting stage, following extensive consultation between my Department, the Housing Agency and local authorities. The regulations, once finalised shortly, together with guidance, will be issued to local authorities.
The Scheme is based on local authorities providing, directly or indirectly, below market price housing. The local authority takes a charge against the property equal to the discount provided. The Act provides for a charge up to a maximum of 40% of the market value. The charge is fully repayable at re-sale or at the end of the charge period. Repayments will be paid into a centralised Affordable Housing Fund which will administered by the Housing Finance Agency.
To be eligible for the Scheme the applicant must be a first-time buyer, having never previously purchased or built a dwelling in the State, or owned or be beneficially entitled to an interest in any dwelling or land in the State or elsewhere, but there are limited exceptions to this, such as in the case of separation, divorce and nullity. This Scheme complements other Government actions which help first-time buyers to buy a home, such as the Help to Buy Scheme and the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan.
748. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if improvements will be introduced to the tenant purchase scheme to enable Part V tenants who are in a financial position to purchase their homes participate in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6262/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provisions of Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, are designed to enable the development of mixed tenure sustainable communities. Part V homes are excluded from the Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme 2016 to ensure that homes delivered under this mechanism will remain available for people in need of social housing support and that the original policy goals of the legislation are not eroded over time. The continued development of mixed tenure communities remains very important in promoting social integration.
Local authorities may also, within the provisions of the Regulations, exclude certain houses which, in the opinion of the authority, should not be sold for reasons such as proper stock or estate management. It is a matter for each individual local authority to administer the Scheme in its operational area in line with the over-arching provisions of the governing legislation for the scheme, and in a manner appropriate to its housing requirements.
In line with the commitment given in Rebuilding Ireland, a review of the first 12 months of the Scheme’s operation has been completed and a full report has been prepared setting out findings and recommendations.
I hope to be in a position to publish the review shortly, following completion of consideration of a number of implementation issues arising.
751. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to State-backed housing projects that have been delayed due to the sale of the loans of the contractor to vulture funds; if so, the projects, such as in the case of a company (details supplied); his plans to intervene to ensure the timely completion of such projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6433/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraDelivery of social housing is achieved using a range of different delivery programmes and financing arrangements. This includes supporting both local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to engage with contractors for the construction of new social housing homes.
Details of the loan finance arrangements of contractors would not be known to my Department. I understand that the specific company referred to by the Deputy was experiencing serious financial difficulties and following a series of hearings at the High Court the company successfully exited Examinership on 15 November 2018.
Neither I, as Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, nor my Department, is a party to any contract with this company. I understand that the relevant AHBs and local authorities are working with the company to progress the delivery of the much needed new social housing homes across the 4 projects involved; indeed one of the projects has already been completed. While there are likely to be delays in the completion of some of the other 3 projects, I am satisfied that the local authorities and AHBs concerned are pursuing all relevant avenues to minimise such delays and to expedite progress.
752. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if Part V housing output for 2018 by local authority will be provided. [6443/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department monitors social housing delivery on an ongoing basis and publishes data each quarter which provides a detailed breakdown on the wide range of initiatives underway, including a county by county breakdown of Part V social housing by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs).
The latest published information, up to end Q3 2018, is available on my Department's website at:
https://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/social-housing/social-and-affordble/overall-social-housing-provision .
Full year 2018 data is currently being finalised and will be published shortly.
753. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of advisers and special advisers employed by his Department in 2017 and 2018 and to date in 2019; the areas of expertise covered by such advisers; the annual salaries associated with same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6574/19]
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 names and salary details of both advisers are set out in the following table.
|
Name |
Payscale |
|
Jack O'Donnell |
Principal Officer (Standard) PPC pay scale (€85,823 - €105,552). |
|
Jennifer Carroll Mac Neill |
Principal Officer (Standard) PPC pay scale (€85,823 - €105,552). |
Ms Carroll Mac Neill has recently taken up a new appointment outside my Department and the process of formally appointing a new adviser, who will also be appointed to the Principal Officer (Standard) PPC pay scale, is underway.
My predecessor in this Department also appointed two special advisers whose details are set out in the following table.
|
Name |
Salary Scale |
|
Caitriona Fitzpatrick |
Principal Officer (Standard) Non PPC Scale €75,647 – €92,550 Post 1st April 2017 €77,849 - €95,487 |
|
Bob Jordan |
Principal Officer (Standard) PPC Scale €79,401 – €97,194 Post 1st April 2017 € 81,767 - €100,333 |
754. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 631 of 27 November 2018, the date on which a commencement notice will issue for the project; if his attention has been drawn to a significant delay in commencing the project in respect of the provision of four units; if his officials have met the local authority in the context of its regular quarterly meetings; the issues that were raised and or discussed at the meeting; the status of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6580/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs indicated in my previous replies on this matter, the management of the social housing project concerned and all other individual social housing projects are matters for the local authorities and AHBs implementing the projects. My Department is not directly involved with the ongoing management of issues that arise in the implementation of any individual project.
In relation to the specific project concerned, I understand that the local authority has now terminated the contract with the building contractor and is to re-tender the project.
The quarterly meetings between the local authorities and my Department are technical meetings with a focus on architectural/design/quantity surveying issues arising on the social housing construction projects of the local authorities. Contractual issues relating to projects raised at the quarterly meetings remain the responsibility of the parties to the contract to resolve; those being the local authority and the contractor in question.
755. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the actions he has taken to remedy the five grounds of the European Social Charter violated by Ireland in terms of the provision of Traveller accommodation highlighted by the European Committee of Social Rights in May 2016; and his views on the recent monitoring report by the committee published on 23 January 2019 that found that Ireland has failed to redress the violations and is still out of conformity with the charter. [6628/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998, local authorities have statutory responsibility for the assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of multi-annual Traveller Accommodation Programmes (TAPs) in their areas. My Department’s role is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist the authorities in providing such accommodation, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding.
In line with the commitment in Rebuilding Ireland, and reflecting the disappointing level of overall funding drawdown in recent years, and having regard also to relevant findings in relation to the European Social Charter referred to by the Deputy, the Housing Agency, in 2017, commissioned a review of funding for Traveller-specific accommodation to date. This review had regard to targets contained in local authority TAPs and actual delivery, the status of accommodation funded and funding provided for accommodation maintenance and other supports.
Following its consideration of the review, the National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee recommended that an Independent Expert Group be established to examine and make recommendations on issues regarding Traveller accommodation policy, strategy and implementation. That Expert Group has now been established and has been tasked with reviewing the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998 and all other legislation that affects the delivery of Traveller Accommodation. I have asked the Expert Group to bring forward recommendations that will improve the delivery of Traveller accommodation nationally.
My Department will consider any recommendations made by the Expert Group that improve the delivery of Traveller accommodation nationally and help to ensure that full use is made of the increasing level of funding available for investment in Traveller accommodation.
756. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of boards or agencies his officials have been appointed to; if there are guidelines or protocols for members of staff being appointed to boards or agencies; if so, when same were last updated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6649/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently Department officials appointed to seven agencies or boards under my Department's aegis; the Housing Finance Agency, the Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency, the Local Government Management Agency, the National Oversight and Audit Commission, the National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee, the Property Registration Authority and the Land Development Agency.
As with all Government Departments, officials appointed to these bodies are governed by the provisions of the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies 2016 as well as the rules outlined in Circular 12/2010: Protocol for Civil Servants nominated to the boards of non-commercial State Bodies.
757. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the eligibility criteria for applications to the urban regeneration and development fund for the development of community arts centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6662/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra764. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the details of the €100 million capital allocation to the urban regeneration and development fund; the date in 2019 the fund will roll out; if it will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; if he or his officials have been consulted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6876/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 757 and 764 together.
The Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) was launched as part of Project Ireland 2040 to support the compact growth and sustainable development of Ireland’s five cities, regional drivers and other large urban centres. The first call for proposals under the Fund was launched in July 2018 and in November, I announced details of the 88 successful proposals for funding, details of which are published on my Department's website at the following link:
www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/urdf_-_2019_funding_allocations_0.pdf.
My Department has been engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on a regular basis in respect of the URDF and Project Ireland 2040 delivery. The Government is committed to delivering Project Ireland 2040 within the overall multi-year resource envelope that has been set out. For 2019, the overall Exchequer capital allocation across Government has increased by €1,325 million or just over 22% above the 2018 allocation as stated in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2019. With regard to implications arising from the National Children’s Hospital project, following on from discussions at Government today, my colleague, the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform has outlined how the additional cost pressures will be accommodated with a minimum of disruption to the scheduled roll-out of key infrastructure projects under Project Ireland 2040. Among the measures contributing to the accommodation of the increased costs is an updated profiling of expenditure under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, which indicates that €13m of drawdown under the Fund can be reprofiled from 2019 to 2020 without causing delays to projects.
With regard to funding eligibility of community arts centres, the objective of the URDF is to support compact and sustainable development in order to enable a greater proportion of residential and mixed-use development to be delivered within the existing built-up footprints of our cities and towns and to ensure that more parts of our urban areas can become attractive and vibrant places in which people choose to live and work, as well as to invest and to visit. I would welcome, therefore, any types of proposals that assist in fulfilling this objective, which can include the development of community arts centres if integrated within a broader strategy for the area in question. The types of proposals eligible for funding included, but were not limited, to the following:
- Active land management, including the acquisition, planning, design, enabling through servicing, decontamination or otherwise, of areas, sites and buildings;
- Measures to address building vacancy;
- Building refurbishment, redevelopment and/or demolition;
- The development of areas, sites and buildings and the strategic relocation of uses or activities;
- Public amenity, planting, streetscape/public realm, parks, recreational facilities, safety, security and/or crime prevention works;
- Infrastructure related to housing, economic or skills development (including enterprise and tourism), transport and services infrastructure;
- Infrastructure that enables improved accessibility, in particular sustainable modes such as walking and cycling, public transport and multi-modal interchange, but also including roads, bridges and car parking;
- Transition to a low carbon and climate resilient society, in an urban context.
My Department is currently engaging with successful applicants in respect of the progression of their proposals in 2019. As the process of finalising agreements with successful applicants is currently ongoing, project conditions will only be concluded after this process which can, in part, involve commercially sensitive information or proposals subject to a formal consent or acquisition process at a later point.
It is expected that a second call for proposals for 2020 funding will be launched later in Q1 2019 and a workshop for applicants will be organised in advance. It is envisaged that this application period will run until summer 2019.
758. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the position on an existing tenant renting in the private sector who becomes eligible for housing assistance payment in the course of his or her tenancy; the obligations on the landlord in that situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6663/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), a tenant sources their own accommodation in the private rented market. The tenancy agreement is between the tenant and the landlord and is covered by the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 (as amended). The accommodation sourced by tenants should be within the prescribed maximum HAP rent limits, which are based on the household size and the rental market within that area.
The earliest date a HAP payment will be payable to a landlord is the date a complete and valid HAP application has been received by the local authority. Limerick City and County Council provide a highly effective transactional shared service for HAP on behalf of all local authorities. This HAP Shared Service Centre (SSC) manages all HAP-related rental transactions for the tenant, local authority and landlord. Once a HAP application has been received and confirmed as valid by the relevant local authority, it is then processed by the HAP SSC.
A landlord or an agent acting on behalf of a landlord is not legally obliged to enter into a tenancy agreement with a HAP recipient. However, on 1 January 2016, the Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015 introduced “housing assistance” as a new discriminatory ground. This means that discrimination in the provision of accommodation or related service and amenities against people in receipt of rent supplement, HAP or other social welfare payments is prohibited. Further information is available at https://www.ihrec.ie/your-rights/i-have-an-issue-with-a-service/i-have-an-issue-about-accommodation/.
If a person feels that they have been discriminated against by a landlord or their agent, they can make a complaint under the Equal Status Acts to the Workplace Relations Commission; further information is available on the Commission's website, https://www.workplacerelations.ie.
At the end of Q3 2018 there were more than 40,000 households having their housing needs met via HAP and over 25,000 landlords and agents in receipt of monthly HAP payments.
759. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of new social and affordable homes constructed in the Dublin 1, 7 and 11 areas (details supplied) in the past five years in tabular form. [6832/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra760. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of new social and affordable homes that will be constructed in the Dublin 1, 7 and 11 areas (details supplied) over the next five years in tabular form. [6833/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 759 and 760 together.
Social housing delivery data is available on a local authority basis but not by Dublin postal code. Details in relation to social housing delivery for the last five years to end Q3 2018 is available on my Department's website at the following link: https://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/social-housing/social-and-affordble/overall-social-housing-provision.
Details in relation to targets on a local authority basis for 2018 and 2018-2021 can be accessed on the Rebuilding Ireland website at: http://rebuildingireland.ie/news/minister-murphy-publishes-social-housing-delivery-targets-for-local-authorities-2018-2021/ .
Targets are reviewed annually and, following Budget 2019, the number of social housing homes to be delivered in 2019 under Rebuilding Ireland is as follows:
|
Rebuilding Ireland Targets |
2019 |
|
New build |
4,982 |
|
Part V |
1,260 |
|
Voids |
303 |
|
Total: Build |
6,545 |
|
Acquisition |
1,325 |
|
Lease |
2,130 |
|
Total: Build, Acquisition and Lease |
10,000 |
|
Rental Accommodation Scheme |
600 |
|
Housing Assistance Payment |
16,760 |
|
Total |
27,360 |
The breakdown of the 2019 targets by local authority is currently being finalised and will be published shortly.
A number of different schemes operated under the broad term ‘affordable’ in the period to 2012, prior to being stood down. Data relating to activity under the various schemes (the Part V Scheme, the Shared Ownership Scheme, the 1999 Affordable Housing Scheme and the Mortgage Allowance Scheme) is available on my Department's website at the following link: http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/statistics/affordable-housing/affordable-housing-and-part-v-statistics.
In order to underpin progress in the area of affordable housing, I commenced Part 5 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 on 18 June 2018, the effect of which is to place affordable dwelling purchase arrangements on a statutory footing.
The primary legislation will be supported by associated regulations, which are currently at the final legal drafting stage, following extensive consultation between my Department, the Housing Agency and local authorities. The regulations, once finalised shortly, together with guidance, will be issued to local authorities.
The Scheme is based on local authorities providing, directly or indirectly, below market price housing. The local authority takes a charge against the property equal to the discount provided. The Act provides for a charge up to a maximum of 40% of the market value. The charge is fully repayable at re-sale or at the end of the charge period. Repayments will be paid into a centralised Affordable Housing Fund which will be administered by the Housing Finance Agency.
In order to support local authorities in delivering affordable homes, €310 million is being made available from 2019 until 2021 under the Serviced Site Fund (SSF). The SSF will fund facilitating infrastructure on local authority sites. At a maximum funding rate of €50,000 per affordable home, at least 6,200 affordable homes will be facilitated.
On foot of the first call for SSF proposals which issued to local authorities in Dublin, the Greater Dublin Area, Cork and Galway City, approval was issued in December 2018 for ten projects at a cost of €43m, which will support the delivery of some 1,400 affordable homes. Infrastructure works on these projects will begin as soon as possible and delivery of affordable homes is anticipated from early 2020 onwards.
A second call for proposals will issue to local authorities shortly. In order to inform that process, all local authorities wishing to be considered for funding have been asked to submit economic assessments of the requirement and potential to deliver affordable homes from their sites.
The Government is also committed to the introduction of a not-for-profit, cost rental sector in Ireland. Together with delivering more affordable and predictable rents, cost rental will make a sustainable impact on national competitiveness and the attractiveness of our main urban centres as places to live and work.
There are currently two cost rental projects at Enniskerry Road in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown and St. Michael’s Estate in Inchicore, which will deliver 50 and 330 cost rental homes respectively. The experience on these projects will inform a national cost rental framework under which similar projects will be rolled out on a wider scale. My Department is engaged with the National Development Finance Agency, the European Investment Bank and the Land Development Agency to develop the optimum funding and delivery mechanisms to support cost rental delivery at scale in Dublin and other urban areas.
The Government, through Rebuilding Ireland, remains fully focused on increasing supply, and the latest CSO report on housing completions, to end 2018, shows significant progress in this regard. The CSO report can be accessed at: https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/er/ndc/newdwellingcompletionsq42018/.
761. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if the methodology used in the calculation of commercial rates will be examined (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6836/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra767. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will address matters (details supplied) concerning commercial rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7128/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 761 and 767 together.
The Valuation Acts 2001 to 2015 provide for the valuation of all commercial and industrial property for rating purposes. The Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the performance of his functions under the Acts and the making of valuations for rating is his sole responsibility. I, as Minister, have no function in decisions in this regard.
Having a modern valuation base is very important for the levying of commercial rates on a fair and equitable basis across all economic sectors. The Valuation Acts provide for the revaluation of all rateable property within a rating authority area so as to reflect changes in value due to economic factors such as differential movements in property values or other external factors and changes in the local business environment.
A valuation for commercial rates purposes is arrived at by estimating the Net Annual Value (NAV) of the property, at a specified valuation date. The term “net annual value” has a legal definition and is set out in section 48 of the Valuation Act 2001 as the rent for which, one year with another, the property might, in its actual state, be reasonably expected to let from year to year, on the assumption that the probable average annual cost of repairs, insurance and other expenses (if any) that would be necessary to maintain the property in that state, and all rates and other taxes payable in respect of the property, are borne by the tenant. This definition of Net Annual Value is applied to all rateable properties and classes of business on a nationwide basis.
Estimating the NAV of a rateable property is an evidence-based, transparent exercise. During a revaluation the Valuation Office analyses relevant market rental transactions for all rateable properties including service stations in accordance with the legislation, best practice internationally as set out in published Practice Guidance Notes, well-established valuation principles and case law arising from the independent Valuation Tribunal and the higher Courts and the conclusion drawn from that analysis is applied to similarly circumstanced property using the “comparative” method of valuation which, as the name implies, employs direct comparison with other similar properties.
There are a number of avenues of redress for an occupier of rateable property who is dissatisfied with a determination of valuation made under the provisions of the Valuation Acts, 2001-2015. Firstly, before a determination is made, there is a right to make representations to the Valuation Office in relation to a proposed valuation. Later in the process, if the occupier is still dissatisfied with the determination, there is a right of appeal to the Valuation Tribunal which is an independent body set up for the purpose of hearing appeals against determinations of the Valuation Office. There is a right of appeal to the Higher Courts on a point of law. Appeals are generally made on an individual case basis, having regard to the particular circumstances of the property under appeal. However, the decision in one case can have relevance in other similar cases.
There is no provision in the legislation for taking a “class” or group appeal before the Tribunal, as each case is considered on its individual merits and by reference to the specific circumstances of the property. For these reasons, I have no plans to introduce legislative proposals along the lines indicated. However, I am advised that individual appellants can make arguments to the Valuation Tribunal in relation to their concerns about the overall valuation methodology adopted by the Valuation Office for a specific category of rateable property, should they wish to do so.
I am also informed that, as a practical measure, it is possible for a Test case to be heard by the Valuation Tribunal. In order to proceed with a Test case both parties involved, the appellant and the respondent, must agree that such an approach is appropriate. In addition, such a process must be entered into on the clear understanding of how precisely the determination of the Valuation Tribunal in the Test case would be applied to the other cases under appeal identified as being part of the test case series. All cases involved must be similarly circumstanced. A Test case is identified and nominated through mutual agreement between appellants, their representatives or agents and the Valuation Office and this is notified to the Valuation Tribunal.
The nominated case would then be heard by the Valuation Tribunal in the normal course. The Valuation Tribunal is advised of the details of the other appeals to which the outcome of the test case appeal will apply and the agreed terms of how specifically the outcome of the test case is to be applied to the other cases in the test case series. The right of appeal to the Higher Courts on a point of law for either the appellant or respondent still applies in a Test case situation.
762. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if an applicant can be granted a mortgage to cover 100% of construction costs on a self-build home under the Rebuilding Ireland home loan scheme; the rules and criteria regarding the 10% deposit in this instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6839/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraRebuilding Ireland Home Loans are provided in accordance with the Housing (Rebuilding Ireland Home Loans) Regulations 2018 and the statutory credit policy issued in accordance with the Regulations. The Regulations and the credit policy stipulate that, subject to the maximum purchase price allowed, a maximum of 90% of the value of the property can be borrowed by approved applicants. In the case of a self-build property, a loan can be provided up to 90% of either the construction cost, or in the case where the site is also being purchased the construction cost plus the cost of purchasing a site. However, in both these instances, 90% of the loan being sought is the maximum amount that will be approved. A 100% mortgage cannot therefore be granted.
The low rate of fixed interest associated with the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan provides first-time buyers with access to mortgage finance that they may not otherwise have been able to afford at a higher interest rate. One of the key conditions of the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan is that prospective applicants must demonstrate that they have had inadequate loan offers from two commercial lenders.
To support prudential lending and consistency of treatment for borrowers, a Loan to Value ratio of 90% applies to the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan as per the Central Bank's prudential lending guidelines. Therefore, in order to avail of the loan, applicants must have a deposit of funds equivalent to 10% of the market value of the property.
Applicants must provide bank or similar statements (such as post office, credit union, etc.) for a 12-month period immediately prior to making an application, clearly showing a credible and consistent track record of savings. Gifts in the form of cash are permissible up to 7% of the market value of the property, where their source is verified. The cash savings of the applicant should be no less than 3% of the market value of the property.
Decisions by local authorities as to whether to advance a loan to an individual are taken on a case-by-case basis, within the criteria as set out in the credit policy. Each local authority must have in place a credit committee which makes the final decision on applications for loans. There is also an appeal procedure in each local authority so that those who are not satisfied with a decision regarding their application can have the decision reviewed.
For prospective purchasers of new-build or self-build properties, the applicant may also be eligible for the Help to Buy Initiative for first-time buyers through the Revenue Commissioners. This could provide additional assistance of up to 5% of the purchase or construction price of relevant properties, which represents a significant contribution towards the relevant deposit requirements. A range of eligibility criteria applies to applications under the Help to Buy Initiative, and full details are available on the website of the Revenue Commissioners at https://revenue.ie/en/property/help-to-buy-incentive/index.aspx.
763. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the breakdown of the €188 million allocation for 2019 for a project (details supplied); the date in 2019 the programme will be approved; when construction will commence in 2019; if it will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; if he or his officials have been consulted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6875/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraO’Devaney Gardens is one of three significant sites being brought forward by Dublin City Council under its Housing Land Initiative (HLI), the aim of which is to ensure the delivery of mixed-tenure homes in the Dublin City Council functional area. All three sites under the HLI are identified as strategic development and regeneration areas within the Dublin City Development Plan 2016-2022.
The O'Devaney Gardens site is being progressed under the Rebuilding Ireland programme, as a multi-annual project in two phases and will provide some 700 homes by 2024 consisting of 50% Private, 30% social and 20% Affordable housing. The social housing element will be funded by the Exchequer; Phase 1A, which has been on-site since July 2018, will provide 56 social houses at a cost of €20.6m. Neither Phase 1A, the second phase of the project nor my Department's wider social housing regeneration programme will be impacted by issues associated with the National Children's Hospital.
765. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if matters regarding the Local Government (Rates) Bill 2018 (details supplied) will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7005/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Government (Rates) Bill 2018 is currently before the Oireachtas and completed Second Stage in the Dáil recently. Given that the current legislative basis for the levying and collection of rates is spread over a number of enactments, some dating back to the 19th century, the Bill contains proposals for modernisation of the legislation governing commercial rates. Included in the provisions are:
- the removal of the requirement for ratepayers to pay their annual bill in two instalments (moieties) and allow ratepayers to pay rates by instalments or a payment plan agreed with the local authority;
- schemes for the abatement of rates on vacant properties;
- power for local authorities to introduce rates waiver schemes to support local and national policy objectives;
- the levying of interest on unpaid and overdue rates; and
- unpaid rates to be a charge on relevant property.
Additionally, further measures could not be finalised for inclusion in the Bill as published but are currently being examined with a view to their introduction at Committee Stage. These include:
- issue, by a local authority, of a Rates Compliance Certificate where a ratepayer has discharged his rates liability or has entered into a payment plan, and for the introduction of a requirement to have a Rates Compliance Certificate in order to obtain certain statutory licences;
- to address the powers for local authorities to take legal action through the Courts to pursue unpaid rates; and
- to amend the provisions of section 56 of the Valuation Acts 2001-2015 relating to a Rates Limitation Order in the year following a revaluation of a local authority, in order to maintain the same level of rates income for the local authority in question.
766. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 589 of 29 January 2019, if all applicants have received correspondence; if not, if the applicants (details supplied) will be contacted as matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7010/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has, in recent days, written to the person referenced setting out in detail the current legal and application position in relation to the harvesting of wild seaweed. My Department outlined that in order to consider an application to harvest wild seaweed, it is now necessary to incorporate into the process a mechanism whereby applicants will need to undertake a search of the Land Registry folios in respect of the area of the foreshore they want to harvest in. Applicants will need to identify the folios of all land bordering that part of the foreshore and, with the exception of urban land and housing estates, within one mile of the foreshore in question. It will be necessary to examine all such folios to ascertain if they contain any entries showing a right to take seaweed from that part of the foreshore. Applicants will also need to undertake adequate public consultation to ensure that those with profit-à-prendre are also aware of the application.
768. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funds available for the further development of talented young musicians; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6966/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, and the bodies under its aegis, provide a number of supports for music and musicians. The Arts Council is the principal agency through which current funding is channelled to artists and arts organisations and has a wide number of schemes and initiatives in support of music. Details of the Council's funding of schemes and initiatives for the particular support of music can be found on its websites at the following link http://www.artscouncil.ie/Arts-in-Ireland/Music/.
These include funding for a number of bursaries including a music bursary award to support professional artists to develop their art practice. I understand that applicants are only eligible to apply for such funding on reaching 18.
The National Concert Hall (NCH) has a programme for Musicians and Music Students that offers a variety of initiatives to develop young musicians. These include a range of competitive bursaries including the Young Musician’s Award for String Players, which is a fund of €10,000 awarded every second year and which is open to players between the ages of 13 -17; the Bernadette Greevy Bursary for singers, which is a €5,000 award, part-funded by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht; and the Jerome Hynes Composition Competition, which is a €2,000 bursary for young composers.
The NCH offers a wide range of other initiatives designed to foster the development of young musicians. These include masterclasses and workshops presented by visiting artists; a development orchestra called SinfoNua; the Female Conductor Programme, a major new project encouraging women into the world of orchestral conducting; and a new summer programme, the International Master Course, for high-level students and emerging professionals. For younger musicians, the NCH also partners with the Royal Irish Academy of Music on the Primary Ensemble Project, a programme supporting the development of music ensembles in primary schools.
In addition, Creative Ireland's Creative Youth Plan, launched in December 2017, seeks to ensure that every child in Ireland has practical access to tuition, experience and participation in music, drama, art and coding by 2022. This Plan is being led by my Department, the Department of Education and Skills, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and the Arts Council, all working in partnership. The Creative Schools programme is one of the key deliverables of the Creative Youth Plan. Following an open application process, 150 schools were selected for the pilot in the school year running from 2018 to 2019. These schools have approximately 38,000 pupils. Music is the focus of a number of the Creative Plans being developed by these schools in conjunction with their creative associates.
In addition to curricular provision for music at both primary and post-primary levels, the Department of Education and Skills currently supports the Music Generation initiatives, in respect of a wide number of local Music Education Partnerships (MEPs). I understand that Music Generation is being expanded nationwide over the period to 2022 and that they are currently in phase 2 of their three phase expansion plan.
Under the National Creativity Fund, developed under the Creative Ireland Programme, I recently announced the foundation of the first national youth orchestra for disabled musicians in Ireland - Le Chéile. This is a collaborative, inclusive and exciting step for the country’s musical youth; the orchestra will be developed through the Royal Irish Academy of Music’s (RIAM). Le Chéile will develop musical ensembles for young disabled musicians in every province in Ireland, culminating in the foundation of the Open Youth Orchestra of Ireland (OYOI) – the very first of its kind in Europe.
Funding to local authorities, under the Creative Ireland Programme in 2018, resulted in over 1200 events taking place across the county, of which over 120 were specially related to music events. A large number of these were specifically for children and young people.
In addition to the above, the following initiatives by my Department are targeted towards support for music.
- Annual funding is provided by my Department to Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ) for its work in the protection and promotion of Irish traditional music and culture. CCÉ provides weekly classes at community level in all traditional instruments, singing, and dance through its network of centres and branches all over the country.
- The National Folk Theatre, Siamsa Tire, which receives annual funding from my Department, brings to life Irish folklore through music, song and dance.
- My Department provides funding for the purchase of equipment under the Music Capital Scheme to performing groups and individual talented musicians on an annual basis. The Scheme is managed by Music Network on behalf of my Department.
- Culture Ireland, provides supports for Irish artists and musicians to travel abroad and develop their careers.
I would also add that my Department provides funding to many different orchestras. In terms of music and ensuring that it is a vital part of cultural life in Ireland, my department provides funding for the cross border orchestra of Ireland and the peace proms. The Department provides annual funding to the Cross-Border Orchestra Peace Proms in which 20,000 children from 250 schools across the island of Ireland participate. The Proms provide a vital platform for young people to showcase their musical talent.
Support for music and musicians will continue to be a key focus of the supports provided by my Department and its agencies, and more broadly by Government in the context of the Creative Ireland programme.
