Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Wednesday, 6 Mar 2019

Written Answers Nos. 292-317

JobPath Data

Ceisteanna (292)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

292. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of cases in which penalty rates applied within the referrals for sanctions implemented; the number of cases in which disqualifications or disallowances were implemented by JobPath providers and in other activation programmes, respectively; and the processes undertaken to ensure that the escalation from penalty rates to disqualifications is appropriate and justified. [11031/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The data sought by the Deputy is not readily available.  My department will be in contact with the Deputy's office to discuss what is required and how that may be provided.

JobPath Data

Ceisteanna (293)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

293. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of cases in which JobPath providers provide relevant statements from the client within the total number of referrals for sanctions; the number of cases in which deciding officers requested more information from JobPath providers; and the number of those that resulted in the eventual implementation of sanctions. [11032/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

A jobseeker may provide to a Deciding Officer of the Department any evidence he or she feels is relevant to their case, including whether they had good cause for non-engagement when a Deciding Officer is considering the application of a penalty rate.  Furthermore, a Deciding Officer may contact a Jobseeker by phone or arrange to meet with the Jobseeker to discuss their circumstances before making a decision in relation to the application of a penalty rate.  All evidence provided by the Jobseeker is taken into account when making such decisions.  However, statistical data in relation to these communications are not available.  If a jobseeker is dissatisfied with a decision to apply a penalty rate he or she may appeal the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.

I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy. 

JobPath Data

Ceisteanna (294)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

294. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of jobseekers who had sanctions applied as a result of failure to attend meetings and to avail of suitable education, training or development opportunities or specified employment programmes and schemes under the JobPath programme. [11033/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Penalty rates were introduced as a means of encouraging jobseekers to engage with activation measures and co-operate with efforts of the Department to assist them in securing employment.  The Department is committed, under Pathways to Work, to incentivise the take-up of activation opportunities, including implementing sanctions for failure to engage. 

 The legislation underpinning the application of penalty rates is provided for in the Social Welfare Act, 2010. JobPath providers and other contracted services cannot in any circumstances apply a penalty rate or recommend that a penalty rate be applied.  Seetec and Turas Nua inform the Department of non-engagement with their service where a Deciding Officer of the Department then examines all the facts and circumstances of the case.  Only then is a penalty rate applied if appropriate and in line with the legislation. Penalty rates can only be applied by a Deciding Officer of my Department in specific circumstances and not on foot of a recommendation from Seetec or Turas Nua.  

In all cases where a JobPath customer has been penalty rated, full payment is restored immediately upon re-engagement with JobPath. When a penalty rate is applied a new appointment is scheduled to afford the Jobseeker an opportunity to engage. 

Penalty rates are only applied as a last resort.  If dissatisfied with any decision of the Deciding Officer, it is open to the Jobseeker to appeal to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.

The total number of Jobseekers who engaged with JobPath since its inception until end of January 2019 was 205,184 and the total number of sanctions applied to Jobseekers who engaged with the service in the same period was 14,000. These sanctions may have been applied in a range of circumstances including failure to attend activation meetings and failure to avail of suitable education, training or development opportunities which were considered appropriate to the person’s circumstances.

I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy. 

Invalidity Pension Data

Ceisteanna (295)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

295. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of invalidity pension applications to date; the processing times of applications; the volume of applications being dealt with to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11086/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Invalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions. 

In January 2019, a total of 1,191 applications for IP were received and 1,249 applications were processed.  The average time taken to process a new IP claim in January was seven weeks.  The Department is committed to ensuring that claims are processed as expeditiously as possible.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Exceptional Needs Payment Applications

Ceisteanna (296)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

296. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the relevant forms for exceptional needs payment for the purpose of a funeral bill will be sent to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11101/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The person concerned met with the Designated Officer and has been provided with immediate income support as appropriate to her circumstances.  She was also advised of the application process for an exceptional needs payment in respect of funeral expenses and the relevant application forms were sent to her on 1/3/2019.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy. 

Carer's Allowance Data

Ceisteanna (297)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

297. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of carer's allowance applications to date; the processing times for such applications; the volume of applications being dealt with to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11106/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The information requested by the Deputy is detailed in respect of carer's allowance is detailed in the tabular statement.

The number of carer's allowance claims registered, cleared, pending and the average time to award at the end of January 2019.  

 Claims registered

Claims cleared 

 Claims pending

Average time to award

(weeks) 

 1,325

 2,887

3,911 

 16

Departmental Advertising Expenditure

Ceisteanna (298)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

298. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the amount spent on social media advertising and online promoted content (details supplied) in 2018 and to date in 2019, by campaign and social media platform used; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11120/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department administers over 70 separate schemes and services, which affect the lives of almost every person in the State.  The Department is committed to ensuring that members of the public are fully aware of the welfare supports and services that are available to them, and public information campaigns, including print, radio and promotion via social media and online advertising, are an important part of this work. 

Details of all social media and online (digital) media advertising costs in 2018 and to date in 2019, broken down by campaign, are detailed as follows:

Advertising Costs

Campaigns 2018

Social Media Costs (incl. VAT) &  Platform

Digital/Online Advertising

(incl. VAT)

Total (incl. VAT)

Low Pay Commission*

Nil

€3,690

€3,690

Jobsweek 2018

€2,126.14 (Facebook adverts for key recruitment/jobs event )

Nil

€2,126.14

Dundalk Jobs Fair

€983.94 (Facebook ads for Dundalk Jobsfair event)

Nil

€983.94

False Self-employment

€2,460 (Twitter Ads)

€12,423

€14,883

Totals:

€5,570.08

€16,113

€21,683.08

Advertising Costs

Campaigns 2019

Social Media Ad. Costs (incl. VAT) & Platform

Digital/Online Advertising

(incl. VAT)

Total (incl. VAT)

National Min. Wage

Nil

€7,365.79

€7,365.79

Low Pay Commission*

Nil

€4,100.34

€4,100.34

MyWelfare.ie**

€6,150 (Twitter)

€18,450

€24,600

Totals

€6,150

€29,916.13

€36,066.13

 * These invoices were paid by the Low Pay Commission.

** In 2019 to-date, my Department has a committed spend for the promotion of MyWelfare.ie services of €6,150 incl. VAT on social media (Twitter) and €18,450 incl. VAT in other digital/online ads.  These costs have not yet been billed to DEASP.

Departmental Advertising Expenditure

Ceisteanna (299)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

299. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she has engaged and-or consulted with a public relations online advertising agency regarding social media advertising and online promoted content in 2018 and to date in 2019; the amount spent by company; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11137/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I can confirm that my Department has not engaged or consulted with a public relations online advertising agency regarding social media advertising and online promoted content in 2018 or 2019.

Part of my Department's work includes developing public information campaigns - designed to enhance public awareness of the Department's wide range of schemes and services and any important changes. As part of this work it engages a design agency to develop advertising content, and a media buying agency to purchase advertising space across a range of media, as required. The design agency was appointed following a public tendering process on E-tenders. The media buying agency was appointed via an Office of Government Procurement framework competition.  

 I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Carer's Allowance Applications

Ceisteanna (300)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

300. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a decision has been made on the review of a carer's allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11173/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Carer's allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.

It is a condition for receipt of CA that the person concerned must be providing full-time care and attention.

Full-time care and attention does not necessarily mean 24 hours in each day. Full-time care and attention can be considered to apply where there is an on-going and daily commitment by the carer and which also generally results in the carer not being able to support him/herself through normal full-time employment.

I confirm that my department received an application for CA from the person concerned on 21 September 2018.

The evidence submitted in support of this application was examined and the deciding officer decided that although the person concerned is providing a certain level of care, they are not providing full-time care and attention.

The person concerned was notified on 9 Jan 2019 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.

The person concerned requested a review of that decision on 22 January 2019. The review is currently underway and once complete, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Code

Ceisteanna (301)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

301. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to extend the entitlement of a widow and widower to a non-married couple who are in a long-term stable relationship; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11174/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Widows/Widowers/Surviving Civil Partners Contributory Pension (WCP)  is paid to the husband, wife or civil partner of a deceased person, and is a weekly pension, available to those who satisfy the necessary PRSI contribution conditions, either on their own record or on that of the deceased spouse, subject to certain criteria.

The legal context governing relationships such as marriage is regulated by the Minister for Justice and Equality.  Entering into a marriage or civil partnership is a legal act, which confers both rights and obligations on both parties that do not exist in law between co-habiting couples.  Widows, widowers and surviving civil partners, on becoming bereaved, therefore, lose someone who had those legal duties towards them, and the social welfare code may recognise this by providing a pension to them, subject to certain conditions.

It was for these reasons that the social welfare supports for widows and widowers were extended to surviving civil partners from 1 January 2011, when the provisions of the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 came into force.

Aside from the wider legal issues regarding the status of marriage and civil partnerships, which is a much broader policy area than its implications under the remit of my department, extending the current provisions to people who have not undertaken equivalent legal obligations would carry significant costs, and would also raise significant issues about criteria if it were to be based upon co-habitation.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Carer's Allowance Applications

Ceisteanna (302)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

302. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a decision has been made on the review of further medical evidence submitted in support of a carer's allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11175/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Carer's allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care. An increased payment can be made where full-time care is being provided to two people.

An application for CA was received from the person concerned on 20 February 2018 in respect of two care recipients. 

It is a condition for receipt of CA that the person being cared for must require full-time care and attention.

This is defined as requiring from another person, continual supervision and frequent assistance throughout the day in connection with normal bodily functions or continuous supervision in order to avoid danger to him or herself and likely to require that level of care for at least twelve months.

The evidence submitted in support of these applications was examined and the deciding officer decided that this evidence did not indicate that the requirement for full-time care was satisfied for either care recipient.

The person concerned was notified on 12 July 2018 of these decisions, the reasons for them and of her right of review and appeal.  

My department was notified on 15 October 2018 that the person concerned had appealed these decisions to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO).  Submissions in support of these decisions were prepared on 2 March 2019 and were forwarded along with the files to the SWAO for determination.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Disability Allowance Eligibility

Ceisteanna (303)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

303. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the HSE blind welfare allowance is means deductible for a person seeking a disability benefit if section 12 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2008 amends the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 and, thereby, entitles recipients of the disability allowance to receive the blind welfare allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11176/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Blind Welfare Allowance (BWA) is a means-tested payment from the Health Service Executive (HSE) to people who are blind or visually impaired. The allowance is paid to eligible people from 18 years of age.

BWA is considered as means when applying for Disability Allowance (DA) and means are calculated in accordance with Part 2 of Schedule 3 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 as amended. All cash income to the person (and, where relevant, to the person’s spouse, civil partner or cohabitant) is assessed except for specific exclusions. 

Any change to the current arrangements would be expected to have budgetary implications and would need to be considered in an overall budgetary context.

Working Family Payment Applications

Ceisteanna (304)

Willie O'Dea

Ceist:

304. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will issue on a working family payment review for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11179/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Working Family Payment (WFP) is an in-work payment which provides additional income support to employees on low earnings with children. In order to qualify for WFP, an applicant must be engaged in full-time paid employment as an employee for not less than 38 hours per fortnight. 

The Working Family Payment of the person concerned was due for renewal from 23 January 2019 and as she did not satisfy the above condition at the time of renewal her claim was disallowed.

The applicant sent in a letter of appeal dated 13 February 2019 seeking a review.  My Department wrote to the customer and requested a schedule of hours worked for 2018 and her two most recent payslips. This information has not been received to date but following the Deputy's Question an official of the Department contacted the person concerned by telephone and requested the information again.

Once this information has been received the claim will be reviewed.  

I trust this clarifies the matter.

Carer's Allowance Applications

Ceisteanna (305)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

305. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied) for a full rate carer's allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11182/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Carer's allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.

The person concerned has been in receipt of a half-rate CA since 4 October 2012 as her husband has been claiming an increase for a qualified adult on his farm assist payment in respect of her.  On 24 January 2019 she requested a  re-assessment of her CA entitlement as her husband has returned to work and ceased to claim farm assist.

As his means from employment may affect that entitlement, a full means re-assessment is being carried out.  As part of the re-assessment, additional financial information was requested from the person concerned on 4 March 2019.  Once the information is received the re-assessment will be processed without delay and she will be notified directly of the outcome.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Invalidity Pension Applications

Ceisteanna (306)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

306. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an invalidity pension will be awarded for a person (details supplied). [11225/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Invalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.

The department received a claim for IP from the gentleman concerned on 7 November 2018.  His claim was disallowed on the grounds that the medical conditions for the scheme were not satisfied.  He was notified on 08 January 2019 of this decision, the reasons for it and of his right of review and appeal.

He requested a review of this decision and submitted further medical evidence and supporting documentation on 28 January 2019 in support of his request.  Following a review of all the information available the deciding officer (DO) is satisfied that the conditions for the scheme are satisfied. 

On 5 March 2019, the DO requested that the gentleman concerned provide details of his preferred payment method which were omitted from the claim form and complete a declaration to claim an increase for a living alone allowance.  Upon receipt of same, the IP claim will be finalised and he will be notified directly of the outcome.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy. 

State Pension (Contributory) Eligibility

Ceisteanna (307)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

307. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of the pension entitlements of persons who had periods outside of the tax system; and if all pensioners who are having reassessments carried out have been communicated with at this stage. [11275/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Since late September 2018, my Department has been examining the social insurance records of pensioners, born on or after 1 September 1946, who have a reduced rate state pension (contributory) entitlement based on post Budget 2012 rate-bands.  These payments are being reviewed under a new Total Contributions Approach (TCA) to pension calculation.  Provision has also been made for HomeCaring Periods for those who took time out of the workplace to parent children or care for individuals. 

Information letters have issued to around 79,000 pensioners who were awarded state pension (contributory) prior to 31 December 2018, which explains the review process.  The information letter also explains that not all pensioners included in the review will be requested to provide additional information.  Wherever possible my Department will use information already held to process the reviews. 

 In January 2019, almost 24,000 requests for additional information were issued, with more requests expected to issue over the coming weeks.  These requests include details on how to provide the requested information using the Department’s online services, with a dedicated telephone number provided to support and assist pensioners making their applications.  Provision has also been made for those who do not have access to a personal computer, or the internet, who can use the dedicated line to request paper forms.  

Following on from my signing the necessary Regulations on 13 February 2019, which together with provisions in the Social Welfare, Pensions and Civil Registrations Act 2018 allows the increased payments to be made, the first review outcomes have issued.  Outcomes, in writing, will issue to all pensioners included in the review over the coming months.  Due to the numbers involved, it will take a number of months to complete the reviews.  Over 100 temporary staff have been recruited to help with this work.

Where due, adjustments to increased rates of payment will be made without delay and will include arrears backdated to 30 March 2018, or the person's 66th  birthday if later.  Where pension rates do not increase as a result of this review, the person will continue to be paid at their existing rate.  No one will be worse off as a result of this review.  

Reviews will continue to be processed until all identified pensioners receive a review outcome in writing.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Local Authority Housing

Ceisteanna (308)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

308. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a three-bedroom house vacant or void at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10981/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Under the Housing Acts, the management and maintenance of housing stock is, in the first instance, a matter for each individual local authority. My Department provides exchequer support to the local authorities across a number of programmes to support their work in maintaining and improving their social housing stock but, in all cases, it is the local authorities that identify priority works.

I understand from the local authority involved, that they are in the process of tendering for repairs and upgrades to be carried out on the property referred to the Deputy, following which the property will be allocated to an applicant on the housing transfer list.

Home Loan Scheme

Ceisteanna (309)

Noel Rock

Ceist:

309. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will consider freedom of market choice in terms of the mortgage protection insurance in the Rebuilding Ireland home loan scheme in view of the fact that some persons are paying ten times the market value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11039/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Local Authority Mortgage Protection Insurance scheme is a group scheme.  It is a requirement that all borrowers of local authority housing loans, including the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan, who meet the eligibility criteria, join the scheme. Where a prospective borrower fails to qualify under the local authority MPI scheme, they must source comparable and alternative adequate cover elsewhere and provide evidence of this cover to the local authority.

The scheme provides an appropriate level of insurance cover to those who wish to avail of the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan. It offers a number of additional features over and above the standard MPI products available on the market. Standard MPI schemes are individually priced, based on an applicant’s age, amongst other factors, whereas the local authority MPI scheme is a group arrangement, offering a single group rate per €1,000 sum assured to all participants in the scheme. The scheme also provides other benefits over standard MPI schemes. These include the payment of mortgage repayments if there is a valid claim as a result of disability; an additional payment of €3,000 in the event of a member’s death, separate to life cover; and members are also covered for death up to age 75 rather than 65 as is the case under standard MPI cover. 

To change the conditions of the scheme to allow borrowers to opt out would have a negative impact on it and increase the cost for all remaining borrowers. It would also increase the risk to local authorities and could therefore increase the cost of borrowing in the future.

Social and Affordable Housing Provision

Ceisteanna (310, 311, 312, 313)

Darragh O'Brien

Ceist:

310. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the initial sites selected for the scheme following the €25 million serviced sites fund announced in budget 2018 as reflected in a statement (details supplied) by local authority and location; the number of homes targeted; the site on which construction has started for such affordable homes; the number of homes involved to date; and the amount of funding sanctioned for each local authority for initial sites provided for affordable housing from the fund in tabular form. [11108/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Darragh O'Brien

Ceist:

311. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the development and construction status of each local authority site for affordable housing under the serviced sites fund announcement as per a statement (details supplied) in tabular form. [11109/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Darragh O'Brien

Ceist:

312. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of each of the five local authority sites that were previously under active consideration for affordable housing under the serviced sites fund as per an announcement (details supplied). [11110/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Darragh O'Brien

Ceist:

313. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of direct meetings he or his officials have had with each local authority in 2018 and to date in 2019 regarding the call for proposals with regard to the affordable housing serviced sites fund since circular APH 1/2018 issued, in tabular form. [11111/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 310 to 313, inclusive, together.

In order to support the affordable housing programmes of local authorities, the Government has committed €310 million, over the three years 2019 to 2021, under the Serviced Sites Fund (SSF) announced as part of Budget 2019. The funding is available for key facilitating infrastructure, on public lands, to support the provision of affordable homes to purchase or rent. I envisage a maximum amount of SSF funding of €50,000 per affordable home and on this basis, at least 6,200 affordable homes could be facilitated.

On 11 December 2018, I issued approval in principle for ten infrastructure projects across five local authority areas, in Dublin and Cork, under the first call for proposals. The first tranche of funding of €43 million will enable delivery of 1,400 affordable homes on local authority lands. I expect infrastructure works on these projects to begin as soon as possible in 2019 and delivery of affordable homes from 2020 onwards. Details of the projects are set out in Table 1.

There are five further projects under active consideration by my Department, with the potential to facilitate the delivery of an additional 230 affordable homes. Details of these sites are set out in Table 2.

All local authorities have been requested to carry out economic assessments of the requirement for affordable housing in their areas and the viability to deliver such affordable housing from their sites. As part of the process my Department hosted a workshop for local authorities on 8th November 2018,  to discuss these issues. A second call for proposals under the SSF will be made shortly. The scope of that call will be influenced by the information received from local authorities, as part of the aforementioned assessments.

An important factor in the allocation of funding under the SSF is the capacity to translate that funding into a discount on the affordable homes. In addition, local authorities must consider the market price of similar homes on sale locally in the private market and the level of discount on market price envisaged, which will be required under the Affordable Purchase Scheme terms. The objective is to maximise the benefits from public money by funding the best value for money proposals possible. My Department continues to engage pro-actively with local authorities regarding these issues and meets with local authorities, individually and collectively, in a range of different formations, on a regular basis, in relation to their housing programmes. In the coming weeks, officials from my Department will be meeting with the local authorities who received approval under the first call in relation to the development of these sites.  

Table 1: List of (ten) proposals that have received approval in principle

Local Authority

Project/Location

Total Provisional Cost of Proposal

(100%)

Provisional   Exchequer Grant Amount (89%)

Provisional Local Authority Contribution

(11%)

Type of Infrastructure proposed

Affordable  

Housing Potential

Total (Social & Affordable) 

Housing Potential

Cork County

Glanmire

€1,500,000

€1,335,000

€165,000

Cycle way; foul-pumping station; pedestrian bridge; road widening; and streetscape   enhancement

20

77

Cork City

Boherboy Road

€4,968,366

€4,421,846

€546,520

Crèche and associated site development/ancillary works to include realignment of   existing public road to enhance vehicular accessibility

103

147

Cork City

Kilmore Road, Churchfield

€1,410,551

€1,255,390

€155,160

Relocation of 800mm diameter water main and public road realignment

21

21

Dublin City

Cherry Orchard

€7,645,415

€6,804,419

€840,996

Diversion of ESB networks underground service; Irish Water foul main to open up western   boundary of site for development, as well as the new link road and access   roads, with associated new utility infrastructure to proposed new housing with off-street parking to houses, and surface parking to apartment buildings

183

183

Dublin City

Balbutcher, Ballymun

€4,135,351

€3,680,462

€454,889

Diversion of ESB Networks underground service and remove both an Irish Water potable   water and foul sewer along with an Eir service coupled with construction of new access roads.

74

74

Dublin City

Sillogue, Ballymun

€3,975,000

€3,537,750

€437,250

Service diversions for storm water, foul water, Gas Networks Ireland and Eir; removal of redundant IW potable water service’ provision of new road, footpaths and associated services to provide street frontage

83

83

DLR

Enniskerry Road

€4,537,576

€4,038,443

€499,133

Storm water management system; foul drains; roads, paths, pavings; public amenity park; resource centre; district heating system.

50

155

Fingal

Church Fields, Mulhuddart

€11,000,000

€9,790,000

€1,210,000

Extension of Wellview Ave to the roundabout at Damastown Avenue thereby establishing it   as main the distributor route; upgrading of Wellview Avenue from roundabout at Lady’s Well Road to where currently ends at Wellview Green.

753

1255

Fingal

Dun   Emer, Lusk

€1,500,000

€1,335,000

€165,000

Construction of Kilhedge Lane, including provision for associated civil and utility services infrastructure

74

99

Fingal

Hackettstown,   Skerries

€2,198,667

€1,956,814

€241,853

Upgrade of Golf Links Road including widening and reconstruction of same; road   connection to include new bridge from Phase 1 lands (to North of site) to the   Fingal County Council lands to the South; new North/South access road to be   designed as an urban street with hard and soft landscaping,

49

98

Total

 

€42,870,926

€38,155,124

€4,715,801

 

1410

2192

Table 2: List of (five) proposals still under active consideration at this stage

Local Authority

Project/ 

Location

Total Cost of Proposal Submitted

Affordable 

Housing Potential

Total (Social & Affordable) 

Housing Potential

Fingal

Cappagh

€3,552,500

122

203

Galway City

Bóthar an Choiste

€2,174,128

45

45

Kildare

Newtown, Celbridge

€300,000

10

36

Meath

Tailteann Drive, Navan

€1,662,729

33

33

Wicklow

Lott Lane, Kilcoole

€380,000

24

120

Total

 

€8,069,357

234

437

Departmental Advertising Expenditure

Ceisteanna (314, 315)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

314. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the amount spent on social media advertising and online promoted content (details supplied) in 2018 and to date in 2019, by campaign and social media platform used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11124/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

315. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he has engaged and-or consulted with a public relations online advertising agency regarding social media advertising and online promoted content in 2018 and to date in 2019; the amount spent by company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11141/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 314 and 315 together.

Press and public relations functions, including the placing of advertisements, are generally undertaken by my Department's Press Office. The engagement of external expertise is only considered where the issues involved require expert skills or capabilities that are not readily available within my Department.

The details requested in relation to expenditure for the period 1 January 2018 to 19 December 2018 have previously been provided in replies to Questions Nos. 625 of 2 October 2018, 667 of 20 November 2018 and 575 of 19 December 2018. The information outstanding in respect of the intervening period is currently being collated in my Department and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
The details in relation to relevant expenditure since 19 December 2018, which I committed to supplying in my reply of 6 March 2019 are set out in the following table.

Amount

Campaign

Social Media Platform

€150

Vacant Homes advertising

Facebook and Twitter.

€1,291

Electoral Register Modernisation Project

Facebook

€1,291

Electoral Register Modernisation Project

Twitter

Homeless Persons Data

Ceisteanna (316, 317)

Catherine Martin

Ceist:

316. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of deaths that have occurred in homeless accommodation units in each of the years since 2015, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11211/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Catherine Martin

Ceist:

317. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of deaths that have occurred in homeless family hubs in each of the years since 2015, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11212/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 316 and 317 together.

My Department's role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation and associated services for homeless persons rests with individual housing authorities.

The provision of emergency accommodation, including family hubs, is generally contracted out by local authorities to NGO homeless service providers. Local authorities work with these service providers to ensure that appropriate supports are in place in all homelessness accommodation, including the provision of health supports where required.

My Department does not collect the data requested by the Deputy.

Barr
Roinn