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Thursday, 10 Oct 2019

Written Answers Nos. 253-277

Domiciliary Care Allowance Review

Ceisteanna (253)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

253. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when the review for domiciliary care for a person (details supplied) will be decided; the timeframe for deciding such reviews; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41453/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

An application for domiciliary care allowance was received from the person concerned on the 30th April 2019. The application was not allowed as the child was not considered to satisfy the qualifying conditions for the allowance. A letter issued on 3rd July 2019 setting out the decision of the deciding officer to refuse the allowance and outlining the entitlement to seek a review of the decision or appeal it.

An appeal was registered by the Social Welfare Appeals Office on the 23rd July 2019. As part of the appeals process, the application including any additional material provided since the original decision was made will be re-examined by one of the departments Medical Assessors and a deciding officer . The person concerned will be notified in writing once the review has been finalised. Reviews are currently taking approximately 12 weeks to process.

If the review is unsuccessful, a submission will be prepared and forwarded to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office for consideration by an Appeals Officer. In that case, the Social Welfare Appeals Office will contact her directly about the outcome of the appeal.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Departmental Staff Data

Ceisteanna (254)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

254. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of medical officers dedicated to assessing medical evidence in 2017, 2018 and 2019 by scheme in tabular form; the vacancies that exist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41455/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department is committed to having sufficient staffing resources at its disposal to ensure that people with disabilities who apply for and avail of the Department's supports and schemes in this area are provided with a quality and timely service in relation to their claims processing. Given the significant number of people seeking these services, the Department needs to scale and manage its capacity to provide medical assessment services both to the flow of new clients and to the cohort of people who are already claimants on illness and disability schemes.

The Medical Review and Assessment Service (MRAS) in conjunction with individual scheme business sections, co-ordinates and manages all referrals for assessment to the Medical Assessors.

The Department offers a number of schemes on illness, disability, carers and occupational injury and referrals vary in volume and frequency of applications both yearly and seasonally.

High volume and resource intensive schemes like Domiciliary Care Allowance and Disability Allowance would have a higher proportion of Medical Assessors delegated to these schemes. Medical Assessors are assigned to specific schemes on a daily basis.

A dedicated fast-track system is in place between the office of the Chief Medical Advisor/Deputy Chief Medical Advisor and all scheme business areas, to facilitate referral of claimants with serious and poor prognosis medical conditions, for expediting assessment and processing of claims.

The Department endeavours to maintain adequate Medical Assessor capacity in staffing, and following a successful recruitment process in 2018, all vacancies are currently filled, see table below.

The following figures show the number of Medical Assessors employed by the Department for the years 2017 to 2019.

Summary

2017

2018

2019

Total

33

30

33

FTE

29.9

27.3

30.3

I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputy.

Domiciliary Care Allowance Data

Ceisteanna (255)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

255. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the rate of refusal for first-time domiciliary care applicants in 2018 and to date in 2019; the level of refusals following applications for reviews in 2018 and to date in 2019; if appealed, the number of appeals upheld for the period; if there have been recent changes in approach; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41456/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The number of domiciliary care allowance applications received in recent years has been increasing exponentially, and has doubled from 2012 to 2018, from 4,079 to 8,609 applications.

Details of the applications received in 2018 and 2019 to date are listed in the following table, together with the outcomes, both at initial decision, on review and on appeal. Some applications would have both review request and appeal submitted concurrently.

Applications received and outcomes 2018-2019 Sept.

Year

Applications received

Disallowed (of those processed)

Review of decision sought

Still not eligible after review

2018

8609

2225

427

254

2019 to end Sept.

6722

2264

406

269

Appeals processed 2018-2019 Sept.

Year

Appeals finalised

Cancelled or Withdrawn

Revised by DCA section

Decided by AO

Allowed by AO

Partially allowed

Not allowed by AO.

2018

1589

42

590

957

686

13

258

2019 to end Sept.

1193

35

356

802

559

8

235

There has been no recent changes in the approach to processing applications and review requests in DCA section. Each case continues to be decided and reviewed based on the individual circumstances and information/medical evidence available to the deciding officer at the relevant time.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Back to Education Allowance Eligibility

Ceisteanna (256)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

256. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the criteria for the back to education allowance; her views on whether it is beneficial for all parties to extend the allowance for students completing post-graduate courses that will be advantageous for securing full-time work in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41473/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The back to education allowance scheme (BTEA) provides people with a second chance education that will improve their prospects of securing employment. It enables eligible people to pursue approved education courses and to continue to receive income support for the duration of a course of study, subject to meeting certain conditions.

The BTEA is not intended to provide a basis for a long-duration participation in extended education. In this regard, it mirrors the approach to general education grants such as the Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). This approach is informed by research evidence. Evidence from econometric studies shows that the 'lock-in' effect of long duration return to education programmes can exceed the progression effect and reduce employment prospects.

In limited cases post-graduate courses can be supported under this scheme. BTEA can be approved where the applicant intends to undertake studies leading to a Higher Diploma (H.Dip) in any discipline or the Professional Masters in Education. Additionally BTEA support may be awarded for a Master’s degree based solely on life experience where the applicant holds no other third level qualification.

The qualification referred to by the Deputy, a Professional Masters in Adult and Community Education, is not covered under the BTEA as it is not a prerequisite for employment in adult education services nor is it an alternative to the Professional Masters in Education required to qualify for a general teaching role.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Child Benefit Payments

Ceisteanna (257)

John McGuinness

Ceist:

257. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if payment of child benefit which ceased in 2015 will be reinstated and backdated for a person (details supplied). [41497/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

A child benefit supplement payment has been awarded to the person concerned for the period 01/05/2018 to 30/06/2019. There is no further entitlement to a supplement from 01/07/2019 as the rate of Polish Family Benefits exceeds the rate of Irish Family Benefits.

A letter regarding this decision has been issued to the person concerned.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Working Family Payment Applications

Ceisteanna (258)

Eamon Scanlon

Ceist:

258. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a working family payment application by persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41498/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Working Family Payment (WFP) is an in-work weekly payment which provides additional financial support to employees on low earnings with children, relative to family size.

An application for WFP was received from the person (family) concerned on 08 October 2019.

The Department has written to them to request further employment-related details.

On receipt of the requested details from the person concerned, their WFP application will be processed without delay and they will be notified in writing of the decision.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Domiciliary Care Allowance Applications

Ceisteanna (259)

Peter Burke

Ceist:

259. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a payment for a person (details supplied). [41502/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

An application for Domiciliary Care Allowance was received from this lady on the 2nd October 2019. Applications received at the end of July 2019 are currently being finalised. The application will be considered by a deciding officer in due course and the decision notified to her as soon as possible.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Tús Programme

Ceisteanna (260)

Martin Heydon

Ceist:

260. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans for the Tús programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41507/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Tús commenced operation in 2011 as a response to the high level of unemployment and the large numbers on the Live Register. It is a community work placement initiative which aims to provide short-term work opportunities for those who are unemployed for more than a year.

It is recognised by Government that Tús is a positive initiative that enables the long-term unemployed to make a contribution to their communities whilst upskilling themselves for prospective future employment.

Tús provides work placements for a twelve month period for those who are on the Live Register for a year or more. This initiative helps to break the cycle of long-term unemployment by providing participants with a work routine and valuable work experience.

The Department continues to review all aspects of its activation programmes to ensure the best outcomes for participants and communities, mindful of the wider reduction in the number of people claiming a jobseeker payment at present.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Community Employment Schemes Data

Ceisteanna (261)

Martin Heydon

Ceist:

261. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of community employment participants that have been referred to Tús in County Kildare in each of the years 2017 to 2018 and to date in 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41508/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department provides a range of activation supports for long-term unemployed jobseekers and those most distant from the labour market. These supports include employment programmes such as Community Employment (CE) schemes and Tús.

Tús commenced operation in 2011 as a response to the high level of unemployment and the large numbers on the Live Register. It is a community work placement initiative which aims to provide short-term work opportunities for those who are unemployed for more than a year.

Unlike the Community Employment (CE) programme which has its main focus on training, Tús focuses on long-term fully unemployed people, and is specifically designed to break the cycle of unemployment.

The eligibility criteria for Tús were set to reflect a number of inter-related elements. These include the need to ensure that limited numbers of placements available are open to those on the live register and that such customers have not already had an opportunity to engage in other activation programmes, the only exception being the JobPath programme.

This ensures that as many people who are fully unemployed for more than 12 months and who have not benefited from other activation measures are able to benefit from the Tús initiative. For this reason, persons who have engaged in CE are not eligible for Tús unless they have returned to the live register and been in receipt of a Jobseekers Allowance payment for at least 12 months.

The following table shows the number of participants in County Kildare that commenced on Tús in each of the years requested 2017, 2018 and to-date in 2019.

Table 1

Year

Number of participants who commenced on Tús.

2017

228

2018

206

2019 (to-date)

164

Social Welfare Benefits Data

Ceisteanna (262)

Martin Kenny

Ceist:

262. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of applications for carer's benefit and allowance awaiting medical assessment; if there is an adequate number of medical assessors to carry out the assessments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41515/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Medical Review and Assessment Section are carrying out the medical assessment of Carer's Allowance and Carer's Benefit in a timely manner.

As of 7th October 2019 the numbers awaiting medical opinions for Carer's Allowance claims stands at 256 and Carer's Benefit claims at 45. The oldest outstanding claim was made in the last week of September 2019 for both schemes.

The Department endeavours to maintain adequate medical Assessor capacity, and following the last recruitment process, successfully appointed a further five Medical Assessors on full time basis, which brings the current staffing level to maximum capacity of Medical Assessors.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Carer's Allowance Waiting Times

Ceisteanna (263)

Martin Kenny

Ceist:

263. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the length of time it takes for a medical assessor to access a carer's allowance application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41516/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

My Department is committed to providing a quality service to all its customers, ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are made as quickly as possible.

Processing times vary across schemes, depending on the differing qualification criteria. Long term social welfare schemes such Carer’s Allowance (CA), with a number of complex qualifying conditions can take longer to process. Before a decision can be made on entitlement to CA, evidence must be provided in respect of the care recipient’s care requirement, the level of care the carer provides and the carer's means. This is prolonged further if the documentary evidence provided at initial application stage is incomplete or insufficient; this is often the case with carer’s allowance applications. Medical Assessors have access to a customer CA claim inside a few days of the Department receiving the application.

The average processing time for the award of a Carer's Allowance claim from January 2019 to September 2019 was 14 weeks. Staff have recently been re-assigned to the CA area to work on claims processing and this should lead to a reduction in processing times.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Rent Supplement Scheme Payments

Ceisteanna (264)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

264. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will address a matter in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41544/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The purpose of rent supplement is to provide short-term income support to assist with accommodation costs of eligible people living in private rented accommodation. It is subject to a means test and other eligibility criteria. Rent supplement payments are also subject to ongoing reviews and payments may be affected if relevant information is not provided, or if there is any change in circumstances.

The person concerned is currently receiving rent supplement and in consideration of her personal circumstances an additional top-up payment under Article 38 provisions has been applied to her claim as an exceptional measure in order for her to receive rent supplement payments above the maximum rate allowable for her family composition in the area in which she resides.

I am advised that a current housing needs assessment was requested from the person concerned on 17/01/2019, 10/05/2019, 28/05/2019, 17/09/2015 and 02/10/2019 but this has not yet been provided.

The person concerned should submit a current housing needs assessment to the Rents Unit in the Newbridge Intreo Centre to facilitate the completion of a review of her rent supplement entitlement and to avoid possible disruption to her current payment. I am advised that the person's rent supplement may be affected if she does not provide this information.

It is open to the person concerned to contact the Rents Unit if she has any questions concerning her claim review.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Fuel Allowance Eligibility

Ceisteanna (265)

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

265. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason a fuel allowance application by a person (details supplied) was not successful; if other options are available to them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41545/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The gentleman concerned is in receipt of invalidity pension and disablement benefit.

The gentleman concerned does not qualify for fuel allowance under the National Fuel Scheme as he is in receipt of a disablement benefit payment and disablement benefit is a non qualifying payment for receipt of fuel allowance.

Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme, a Heating Supplement may be paid to assist people in certain circumstances that have special heating needs. If a recipient of a social protection or HSE payment has exceptional heating costs due to ill health, infirmity or a medical condition which s/he is unable to meet out of household income, that person may apply for a Heating Supplement.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Legislative Measures

Ceisteanna (266, 267)

Shane Cassells

Ceist:

266. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number, date of publication and details of post enactment reports published by her Department since March 2011, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41564/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Shane Cassells

Ceist:

267. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of acts passed since March 2011 that her Department is responsible for; the date each act was signed into law; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41580/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 266 and 267 together.

My Department has responsibility for the legislation underpinning the social welfare code, occupational and private pensions, civil registration and gender recognition, redundancy and employer’s insolvency, employment rights and the Citizens Information Board.

Nineteen Acts relating to these matters have been enacted since March 2011, as set out in the following table. No post-enactment reports have been published to date.

Acts Passed by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection since March 2011

Title of Act

Date of Enactment

Civil Registration Act 2019

23 May 2019

Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2018

25 December 2018

Social Welfare, Pensions and Civil Registration Act 2018

24 December 2018

Social Welfare Act 2017

23 December 2017

Social Welfare Act 2016

19 December 2016

Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2015

16 December 2015

Gender Recognition Act 2015

22 July 2015

Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015

06 May 2015

Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Act 2014

25 December 2014

Civil Registration (Amendment) Act 2014

04 December 2014

Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2014

17 July 2014

Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Act 2013

25 December 2013

Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2013

09 November 2013

Social Welfare and Pensions (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013

28 June 2013

Civil Registration (Amendment) Act 2012

26 December 2012

Social Welfare Act 2012

21 December 2012

Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2012

01 May 2012

Social Welfare Act 2011

19 December 2011

Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2011

29 June 2011

Housing Adaptation Grant Eligibility

Ceisteanna (268)

Jackie Cahill

Ceist:

268. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if there is a grant available for a family to reconfigure and adapt their home to accommodate an elderly parent that is not a home owner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41422/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department provides funding to local authorities in respect of the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, to assist eligible people in private houses to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs.  The suite of grants includes the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People, which are 80% funded by the Department, with a 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority.  The scheme is more sharply focused towards lower income households with the greatest needs.  A means test applies to the scheme in order to achieve fairness and value for money in its operation. Details in relation to the grants are available on my Department's website at the following link:

www.housing.gov.ie/housing/grantsfinancial-assistance/improvement-works/housing-adaptation-grants-older-people-and.

The detailed administration of the grants, including the assessment, approval and prioritisation of applications, is the responsibility of the local authorities and it will be a matter for them to make the final determination on an individual application, based on the precise circumstances. 

Home Loan Scheme

Ceisteanna (269)

Catherine Martin

Ceist:

269. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if Kildare County Council has been given a new financial allocation for Rebuilding Ireland home loans; if so, the amount that has been paid to date; and when the remaining allocation will be paid. [41447/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

When the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan (RIHL) scheme was initially being developed, it was estimated that the drawdown of loans would be approximately €200 million over three years.  However, the RIHL proved to be more successful than initially anticipated. My officials began engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in October 2018 when higher lending and drawdown volumes were beginning to materialise. I informed the Dáil on 29 January 2019 of the scheme’s success and of the need for additional funding and indicated that my Department was in discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Department of Finance with regard to the allocation for 2019.

Following positive engagement with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, my Department wrote to all 31 local authorities on 15 August 2019 sanctioning an additional €363 million in funding for the RIHL. This brings total funding for the RIHL to €563 million for 2018 and 2019 combined.

Kildare County Council’s total RIHL allocation, for the period 1 February 2018 to 31 December 2019, has been increased to some €20.9m.  This overall allocation incorporates loans already issued since the inception of the scheme, loans which will be drawn down on foot of approvals already issued and projected loan demand for the rest of 2019.

My Department publishes information on the overall number and value of (i) local authority loan approvals and (ii) local authority loan drawdowns. Local authority approval means that an official letter of offer has been sent to a borrower (and therefore relates to a specific property and loan amount). Information on the RIHL for Quarter 1 2019, including in relation to the number and value of mortgage approvals and drawdowns, is available on the Department's website at the following link: www.housing.gov.ie/housing/statistics/house-prices-loans-and-profile-borrowers/local-authority-loan-activity. The data for Quarter 2 2019 will be available in the coming weeks.

Local Authority Housing

Ceisteanna (270)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

270. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the way in which councils recoup the cost of borrowing for housing developments in cases in which the council has purchased land which is then developed for affordable purchase and social housing, in situations in which the council has raised the loan and must pay the loan back and in which the income from the development goes to the national central fund whose remit it is to use this rolling fund to purchase more land for development; if it is nett of the council borrowings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41457/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Where a local authority is developing new social housing on land it has acquired, including where the acquisition was financed by borrowings, the capital funding for the development that is provided by my Department recoups the amount of the loan and any associated loan interest charges, to the local authority.

Where a local authority has indicated an intention to make homes available at discounted prices under the affordable dwelling purchase arrangements, all proposals that have been submitted to my Department have been in respect of lands already under the ownership of local authorities. In adopting this approach, it allows a local authority leverage the value of the land and any subvention through the Serviced Site Fund (the purpose of which is to support local authorities in addressing infrastructure/services issues on sites, rather than for purchasing lands) in order to deliver more affordable homes that can be sold at prices that are significantly lower than current market prices.

Any local authority considering purchasing land for the delivery of affordable housing would need to consider the extent to which the costs involved could be met while still delivering homes on the land at affordable prices.

Traveller Accommodation

Ceisteanna (271)

John Brady

Ceist:

271. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the funding allocated and drawn down by Wicklow County Council for Traveller accommodation in each of the years 2016 to 2018 and to date in 2019, in tabular form. [41475/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In accordance with the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998, housing 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. 

Housing authorities submit funding proposals for individual Traveller-specific projects and developments on an annual basis.  These projects are assessed on a case-by-case basis by my Department in advance of allocations being made.  In addition, further funding may be considered by my Department throughout the year in the light of progress across the programme generally.  There is regular contact between my Department and housing authorities in order to try to ensure maximum progress and drawdown. 

The funding allocated to and drawn down by Wicklow County Council in each of the years 2016-2018 and to date in 2019 for Traveller-specific accommodation is set out in the table below:

Wicklow County Council

 

Allocation €

Drawdown €

2016

46,000

0

2017

53,000

44,000

2018

210,000

89,000

2019

105,000

0

Water Conservation

Ceisteanna (272, 274)

Darragh O'Brien

Ceist:

272. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of measures he has taken to introduce a BER style water conservation rating for buildings in line with the recommendations by the Oireachtas Committee on the Funding of Domestic Water Services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41551/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Darragh O'Brien

Ceist:

274. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the measures he has taken to fund promote water conservation systems in line with the recommendations by the Oireachtas Committee on the Future Funding of Domestic Water Services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41553/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 272 and 274 together.

The provisions of the Report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Future Funding of Domestic Water Services have now been largely legislated for, as required, in the Water Services Act 2017.  Promoting the efficient and sustainable use of water is central to my Department’s water policy. The Government's Water Services Policy Statement 2018-2025, as published in May last year, sets out the range of policy objectives across the key thematic areas of quality, conservation and future proofing that will be pursued between now and 2025.

In relation to the specific recommendations relating to the introduction of a BER style water conservation rating for buildings, and measures to promote water conservation systems, I look forward in due course to receiving the advice of An Fóram Uisce in relation to further practical steps that may be taken in response to the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee's Report. This forms part of the work programme of An Fóram.  

The issue of a rating system is just one element of promoting water conservation. Reflecting the provisions contained in the Water Services Act 2017 and, in line with the Report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee, the Water Services Policy Statement supports the promotion of water conservation and water resource management as an important element of water services policy that is reflected in strategic investment planning by Irish Water. For the period of the Policy Statement, this involves the prioritisation of multifaceted programmes around leak detection and repair, network improvements, cost effective metering, public awareness campaigns and funding to fix customer side leaks. The National Leakage Reduction Programme in particular includes investment of some €250 million over the next four years under the Find and Fix repair scheme and the Water Mains Rehabilitation programme.

Legislative provision to discourage the excessive use of water services was included in the Water Services Act 2017. Excessive usage is determined by reference to the threshold amount of 213,000 litres per household per annum as specified by ministerial order with effect from 1 January 2018, in line with provisions contained in sections 8 and 9 of the Water Services Act 2017.

Irish Water is responsible for developing and implementing the necessary administrative arrangements, including billing arrangements, subject to oversight and approval by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU).  

It should be noted that in July  2019, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) announced its final determination, following a comprehensive public consultation process, on the new excessive usage charges and charging arrangements that will apply to domestic households deemed to be using water services excessively i.e. using water services above the annual threshold allowance of 213,000 litres per household. The charges and charging arrangements now in place are consistent with the comprehensive overview set out in my letter of 15 July 2019 to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government. 

The overall aim is to encourage water conservation rather than to generate revenue.  On this basis, I understand that Irish Water will work proactively with relevant customers to identify whatever practical steps may be necessary in order to address their situation and bring their consumption back within the threshold level.   Additional allowance amounts for water usage will be available to larger households (where the number of residents exceeds four) and exemptions will be available in cases of medical need.

The Report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee recommended a proactive approach to promoting awareness of water conservation, and Irish Water places a strong emphasis on this important area. A dedicated section on the Irish Water website provides information in relation to water conservation at www.water.ie/bewatersmart. The content includes suggested lifestyle changes to save water and information on how to check for water leaks in the home. Information is also available on water saving devices outside of the home, including rainwater butts and rainwater reuse for the farming sector.

Irish Water’s website also has a facility where members of the public can report leaks in public areas. Based on the information provided, Irish Water will follow up to confirm a leak on the public mains and complete a repair.

Irish Water also supports a number of environmental education campaigns which raise awareness, promote understanding and encourage people to take action on water conservation issues. This includes the Green Schools Programme, which has delivered savings of 360 million litres of water in schools in one year alone. Irish Water has also engaged with primary and secondary schools as part of Engineers Ireland’s Engineers Week, to increase knowledge and awareness of water conservation and its benefits to the environment.

In addition, Irish Water has undertaken a research study to provide an in-depth understanding of household water usage.  The findings, which show that, in general, people agree with the need to value and conserve water, will help guide the roll out of product and behavioural interventions to improve water conservation in Ireland.

Environmental Protection Agency Funding

Ceisteanna (273)

Darragh O'Brien

Ceist:

273. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the measures he has taken to review the research budget of the EPA on water management and conservation in line with the recommendations by the Oireachtas Committee on the Funding of Domestic Water Services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41552/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as environmental regulator, is responsible for setting quality standards and enforcing compliance with EU Directives and national regulations for drinking water supplies and wastewater discharges to water bodies. Irish Water is the lead authority in relation to the management and conservation of public water supplies.

My Department engages on an ongoing basis with the EPA in relation to its role in respect of water and wastewater services, including with regard to the resource implications arising from its responsibilities. Under its Water Quality Programme, my Department funds the EPA to conduct a range of activities to facilitate and support the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive, including the water quality monitoring of rivers, lakes, estuaries and groundwater.

In relation to research matters it should be noted that funding for the EPA's research programme on climate, sustainability and water is allocated under the Vote of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment.  Proposals in relation to water related research are evaluated by the Water Research Co-ordination Group, which includes representation from my Department together with other relevant Departments and agencies and which takes on board national policy on water conservation as set out in the Water Services Policy Statement 2018-2025, which in turn takes account of the 2017 Report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Future Funding of Domestic Water Services which was approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas.

Question No. 274 answered with Question No. 272.

Housing Agency Data

Ceisteanna (275)

Darragh O'Brien

Ceist:

275. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the details of the €70 million rolling Housing Agency fund by county; the number of units delivered per annum since its inception to date by county; the average cost for each unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41554/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Under Actions 1.1, 2.5 and 5.6 of Rebuilding Ireland: Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness, the Housing Agency is actively engaged with banks and investment companies in relation to its acquisitions programme.  A revolving  Acquisitions Fund of €70m has been established with the objective of acquiring some 1,600 homes over the period to 2021, for onward  sale to Approved Housing Bodies for use for social housing purposes.

The following table sets out the number of homes acquired and under Caretaker Lease and the average costs per county per annum from 2017 to end Q2 2019.

Local Authority

Number of Homes

Average Purchase Price

Total to Date

Carlow

 

 

 

2018

1

€135,000

 

2019

5

€161,120

 

Total

6

€156,767

€940,600

 

 

 

 

Cavan

 

 

 

2018

4

€106,813

 

2019

1

€125,000

 

Total

5

€110,450

€552,250

 

 

 

 

Clare

 

 

 

2018

4

€112,500

 

2019

1

€170,000

 

Total

5

€124,000

€620,000

 

 

 

 

Cork CITY

 

 

 

2018

7

€185,971

 

Total

7

€185,971

€1,301,800

 

 

 

 

Cork COUNTY

 

 

 

2018

32

€175,816

 

2019

33

€158,503

 

Total

65

€167,026

€10,856,700

 

 

 

 

Donegal

 

 

 

2017

1

€85,000

 

2018

7

€82,000

 

2019

1

€135,000

 

Total

9

€88,222

€794,000

 

 

 

 

Dublin City

 

 

 

2017

5

€252,600

 

2018

97

€257,259

 

2019

12

€291,334

 

Total

114

€260,642

€29,713,144

 

 

 

 

Dun Laoghaire

 

 

 

2018

8

€272,938

 

2019

5

€272,800

 

Total

13

€272,885

€3,547,500

 

 

 

 

Fingal

 

 

 

2017

1

€165,000

 

2018

79

€199,849

 

2019

6

€255,876

 

Total

86

€203,352

€17,488,305

 

 

 

 

Galway CITY

 

 

 

2017

1

€131,000

 

2018

4

€242,500

 

2019

1

€213,582

 

Total

6

€219,097

€1,314,582

 

 

 

 

Galway COUNTY

 

 

 

2017

1

€120,000

 

2018

17

€162,794

 

2019

3

€135,667

 

Total

21

€156,881

€3,294,500

 

 

 

 

Kerry

 

 

 

2017

9

€190,000

 

2018

4

€105,750

 

2019

2

€167,500

 

Total

15

€164533

€2,468,000

 

 

 

 

Kildare

 

 

 

2017

7

€272,500

 

2018

36

€204,729

 

2019

9

€176,289

 

Total

52

€208,930

€10,864,350

 

 

 

 

Kilkenny

 

 

 

2018

5

€120,700

 

2019

2

€127,867

 

Total

7

€122,748

€859,233

 

 

 

 

Laois

 

 

 

2017

1

€165,000

 

2018

19

€149,579

 

Total

20

€150,350

€3,007,000

 

 

 

 

Leitrim

 

 

 

2018

3

€86,667

 

2019

1

€94,500

 

Total

4

€88,625

€354,500

 

 

 

 

Limerick

 

 

 

2018

9

€144,000

 

2019

2

€217,500

 

Total

11

€157,364

€1,731,000

 

 

 

 

Longford

 

 

 

2018

3

€119,000

 

2019

2

€116,000

 

Total

5

€117,800

€589,000

 

 

 

 

Louth

 

 

 

2018

7

€159,429

 

2019

3

€170,000

 

Total

10

€162,600

€1,626,000

 

 

 

 

Mayo

 

 

 

2018

2

€125,000

 

2019

1

€91,963

 

Total

3

€113,988

€341,963

 

 

 

 

Meath

 

 

 

2017

3

€168,333

 

2018

14

€179,071

 

2019

9

€202,003

 

Total

26

€185,770

€4,830,030

 

 

 

 

Monaghan

 

 

 

2018

3

€133,333

 

Total

3

€133,333

€400,000

 

 

 

 

Offaly

 

 

 

2018

8

€127,500

 

2019

3

€130,667

 

Total

11

€128,364

€1,412,000

 

 

 

 

Roscommon

 

 

 

2018

1

€115,000

 

Total

1

€115,000

€115,000

 

 

 

 

Sligo

 

 

 

2018

1

€110,000

 

Total

1

€110,000

€110,000

 

 

 

 

South Dublin

 

 

 

2017

5

€190,000

 

2018

36

€202,083

 

2019

12

€225,800

 

Total

53

€206,313

€10,934,600

 

 

 

 

Tipperary

 

 

 

2018

29

€107,082

 

2019

8

€105,000

 

Total

37

€106,632

€3,945,375

 

 

 

 

Waterford

 

 

 

2018

14

€126,714

 

2019

1

€76,684

 

Total

15

€123,379

€1,850,684

 

 

 

 

Westmeath

 

 

 

2017

1

€95,000

 

2018

7

€150,436

 

2019

2

€144,000

 

Total

10

€143,605

€1,436,050

 

 

 

 

Wexford

 

 

 

2017

1

€60,000

 

2018

11

€116,909

 

2019

1

€126,000

 

Total

13

€113,231

€1,472,000

 

 

 

 

Wicklow

 

 

 

2018

9

€267,019

 

2019

2

€241,600

 

Total

11

€262,397

€2,886,370

 

 

 

 

Grand Total

645

€188,615

€121,656,536 

 

Local Authority Housing

Ceisteanna (276)

Darragh O'Brien

Ceist:

276. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the new guidelines being issued in regard to local housing assessment needs in each local authority as outlined under the new national planning framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41555/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The preparation, in the context of National Policy Objective 37 of the National Planning Framework (NPF), of a "Housing Need and Demand Assessment" (HNDA) for each local authority area, will be important in estimating likely future housing need.  Work on this process has commenced in my Department, which includes the establishment of an expert advisory group.

An evidence-based approach will form the basis of a more accurate and consistent projection of demand for different tenures, types and sizes of housing, including specialist housing need.  The HNDA methodology will comprise guidance and an assessment tool, that will inform local authority Housing Strategy requirements. 

As well as assisting local authorities in ensuring that long-term strategic housing needs are planned for and can met, the HNDA process will also inform the preparation of City and County Development Plans, and in particular their core strategy requirements.

Work on guidance for local authorities in this regard is being undertaken in conjunction with a parallel set of updated guidance on the preparation of Development Plans, many of which are due to commence variation or review in the coming months. 

It is of note that an aggregate view of HNDAs will assist in forming a national picture and reporting overall, including, in particular, monitoring and assessing delivery and performance in line with national objectives.  It is intended that draft guidance on both HNDA and Development Plans will be available for consideration by the end of the year.

Planning Issues

Ceisteanna (277)

Darragh O'Brien

Ceist:

277. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the headquarters, number of staff, estimated full staff complement of the office of the planning regulator; when it will be fully operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41556/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) is currently based in temporarily leased office accommodation located at 77 Sir John Rogerson's Quay in Dublin 2 and will be moving to premises on the North Circular Road in the coming months.

The OPR currently employs 17 staff including the Chief Executive, and will have a full staff complement of 21 once recruitment is concluded in the near future.

The Planning Regulator is currently responsible for assessment of all local authority and regional assembly forward planning, including zoning decisions. The Regulator has been tasked with ensuring that planning authorities are operating with the highest standards of integrity and best practice, giving the public confidence that important planning decisions are taken in line with national policy. 

The Regulator has the power to review the organisation, systems and procedures used by any planning authority or An Bord Pleanála and I understand he will be commencing his Programme of Reviews in early 2020.

Additionally, the OPR will drive national research, education and public information programmes to highlight the role and benefit of planning. A new training programme for elected representatives will be launched this week and is intended to provide elected members with enhanced knowledge of the planning process, reaffirming their roles and responsibilities within the planning system and their functions in relation to ensuring proper planning and sustainable development.

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