Written Answers Nos. 1269-1293
1269. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the estimated cost of doubling funding for housing adaption grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4668/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2020, total funding of €73.75 million is available for the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability Scheme, in respect of private houses. This is made up of €59 million Exchequer funding, which is an increase of some 3.5% on the 2019 provision, with the balance of €14.75 million being contributed by the local authorities. Increasing funding by 100% would cost an additional €59 million to the Exchequer, with a further €14.75 million to be contributed by the local authorities.
I am conscious of the benefit accruing from these grants, particularly in terms of facilitating older people and people with a disability, to remain living independently in their own homes. Funding has been increasing year on year for these grants since 2014. As part of the annual budgetary process, consideration will be given in future years to increasing the funding in line with both Rebuilding Ireland and the Government's Housing Options for Our Ageing Population - Policy Statement, which is available on my Department's website at the following link:
https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/housingoptionsforanageingpopulationeng_web.pdf .
1270. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the estimated cost of doubling the provision of housing under Housing First; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4670/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraHousing First enables homeless individuals with high levels of complex needs to obtain permanent secure accommodation with the provision of intensive housing and health supports to help the individuals concerned maintain their tenancies.
The National Implementation Plan for Housing First was published in September 2018. The Plan includes an overall target of 663 tenancies in the period 2018-2021, with annual targets for each local authority. The Plan is a joint initiative of my Department, the Department of Health, the HSE and the local authorities. The cost of meeting the housing elements of Housing First in 2020 is estimated at €2.9m.
The cost of increasing the targets for Housing First would be dependent on the numbers of individuals requiring these supports and where the individuals are located. In this regard, it is important to note that the majority of individuals in emergency accommodation do not require the level of supports provided by Housing First.
1271. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the estimated cost of increasing the local government fund by 20%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4671/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2020, the Exchequer will provide €156.06m to the Local Government Fund (LGF). If this were to be increased by 20%, this would involve an additional cost of €31.2m. The overall income of the LGF in 2020 (including Local Property Tax receipts) is estimated to be €636m; a 20% increase on that overall income base would cost €127.2m.
1272. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the estimated cost to the vote of his Department if the rate of employer PRSI was increased to 15.75% for the portion of salaries over €100,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4705/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn increase in the rate of Employer PRSI from 11.05% to 15.75% for staff in my Department who pay a Class A1 PRSI contribution would cost an additional €13,276 for the portion of salaries in excess of €100,000.
1274. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of the consultation process arising from the process on the national marine planning framework; the status of the publication of reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4718/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe draft National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF) was launched by Government on 12 November 2019. The draft NMPF is Ireland’s first comprehensive marine spatial plan document and outlines the clear structure and direction proposed for the development, conservation and enjoyment of our maritime area. This important new text will, when finalised, stand as the marine equivalent of the terrestrial National Planning Framework and will become the key decision-making tool for regulatory authorities and policy makers into the future.
The NMPF is the product of extensive work across Government and significant engagement and interaction with all marine stakeholders over a 2-year period.
The Draft NMPF, as well as other associated reports, is available for viewing on my Department's website via the following link: www.marineplan.gov.ie.
Public consultation on the draft NMPF commenced on 12 November 2019 and the closing date was extended to 30 April 2020. Environmental Reports, including the Strategic Environmental Assessment Screening Determination, Strategic Environmental Assessment, Appropriate Assessment and Natura Impact Statement, were prepared and made available as part of this consultation.
In keeping with the focus on public engagement which I outlined at the launch of the draft NMPF, my Department has convened a number of regional workshops as part of the consultation, with each regional workshop focusing on marine themes appropriate or significant to their respective locations.
In light of the restrictions to reduce the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), my Department organised a Public 'webinar' to facilitate a further consultation opportunity during this period. This webinar was held on 21 April 2020.
As stated above, the consultation closed on 30 April 2020, and my Department is now evaluating all submissions received. The draft NMPF and associated environmental reports will be amended as required, based on the results of the evaluation of feedback received. The final NMPF and associated environmental reports will be prepared for submission to Government and presentation to the Houses of the Oireachtas during Q4 2020. The final NMPF must be submitted to the European Commission by end-March 2021.
1280. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if his Department issued a directive to Galway City Council to only purchase one-bedroom houses and apartments for social housing; if so, when this directive was issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4862/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1282. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the details of the cut that has taken place in the acquisition programme of individual existing properties by Galway City Council for 2020 as compared to 2019; the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4869/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1280 and 1282 together.
My Department has supported local authorities in the acquisition of second hand properties for social housing purposes on the basis that the priority under Rebuilding Ireland has always been on newly constructed homes and that acquiring existing properties should be focused on priority situations, while ensuring that such activity does not interfere unduly with the local private market and the needs of first-time buyers in particular.
This approach will continue this year and, in the case of the Galway local authorities, it is particularly notable that their construction programmes for new social housing are stronger for 2020 and 2021, compared with previous years. It is important, therefore, that the efforts and resources of the local authorities are focused more significantly on their construction programmes and that they continue to use acquisitions in line with the above approach. In both 2018 and 2019, the targets for acquisitions of social housing in Galway City have been exceeded.
No directive has issued to Galway City Council to only purchase one-bedroom properties for social housing. As part of supporting the Council’s work to respond to homelessness, particularly through the Housing First programme, the need to target one-bedroom properties for that programme has been discussed by my Department with both Galway authorities and at the Galway Housing Task Force. My Department has also discussed with all local authorities a need to focus acquisitions on other priority situations where, for example, there may be tenants with particular needs, or targeting derelict properties. Also, acquisitions may arise as part of the strategic delivery of social housing in areas of need, where there may be no other scope for delivery due to, for example, lack of sites or infrastructure issues. Local authorities can also refer suitable acquisition opportunities to Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) for consideration as part of their programmes.
In locations where, for example, a new build approach is not possible for social housing delivery, local authorities are encouraged to acquire and refurbish properties that may be derelict or in need of upgrade. Funding is available under initiatives such as 'Repair & Lease' and 'Buy & Renew' to support such work.
1281. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the position on available funding for the Rebuilding Ireland home loan scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4868/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan (RIHL) was launched on 1 February 2018. When the RIHL was initially being developed, it was estimated that the drawdown of loans under the scheme would be approximately €200 million over three years. The RIHL proved to be more successful than initially anticipated and following discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, an increase in funding of €363.6 million for 2018-2019 was communicated to all 31 local authorities on 15 August 2019.
Following further engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, additional funding for new lending of up to €210 million has been secured to ensure the continuation of the RIHL in 2020.
1283. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the estimated cost of delivering 20,000 public homes annually; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4906/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are a number of variables involved in estimating the cost of providing homes for social housing purposes, such as the form of delivery, size of unit, land, financing mechanism, location, etc. In terms of construction and 'all-in' costs, the national averages as sought across various sized units, based on full capital costs, are set out in the following tables.
|
Houses |
1 bed |
2 bed(1 storey) |
2 bed (2 storey) |
3 bed |
4 bed |
|
Construction |
€155,818 |
€165,132 |
€174,206 |
€184,685 |
€199,491 |
|
All-in-Cost |
€201,359 |
€212,624 |
€222,582 |
€234,571 |
€252,047 |
|
Apartments |
1 bed |
2 bed |
3 bed |
|
Construction |
€174,159 |
€189,112 |
€209,482 |
|
All-in-Cost |
€225,082 |
€243,476 |
€267,629 |
The above figures are based on returned data from tendered social housing schemes over an extended period. ‘Construction’ cost is reflective of building costs (including VAT) and also includes normal site works and site development. ‘All-in-Cost’ includes cost of construction, land cost, professional fees, utility connections, site investigations/surveys, archaeology where appropriate, VAT and contribution to public art. Abnormal costs are excluded from these figures.
1284. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the estimated number of family homes to be retrofitted on foot of a budget of €160 million fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4932/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has operated an Energy Efficiency Retrofitting Programme for local authority social housing since 2013 and data below is in respect of that programme. Data in respect of the broader housing stock, for example with support from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment.
The local authority social housing retrofitting programme improves the insulation standards and overall energy performance of local authority housing stock, which can benefit those at risk of fuel poverty, as well as contributing to Ireland’s carbon emissions reduction and energy efficiency targets. Since the beginning of the programme, over €151 million of exchequer support has been provided for this work, which has improved the energy efficiency and comfort levels in over 72,000 local authority homes.
For 2020, the Energy Efficiency Retrofitting programme for social housing has an allocated exchequer budget of €25 million, while a further €20 million is being made available for similar retrofitting in the midlands as part of the 'Just Transition' programme.
The cost of carrying out an energy retrofit on a social housing home depends on a wide range of factors including dwelling size, year of construction, dwelling condition and construction type. Furthermore, the selection of properties to be retrofitted in any particular is a matter for the local authorities and that will impact on the extent of properties retrofitted with the available funding. The exchequer funding available to local authorities under the social housing retrofit programme is up to €19,800 for a mid-terrace house and €22,800 for an end-terrace house.
1285. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to ensure the production of local authority housing in line with demand by county nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4955/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraOver the period 2016 to end Quarter 3 2019, over 90,000 additional households across the country had their housing needs met through a Rebuilding Ireland supported scheme. Detailed statistics in relation to social housing delivery are published on a quarterly basis and the most recent data, up to Q3 2019, are 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 .
Data to end 2019 is currently being finalised and will be published shortly.
It is very important to focus resources, funding and attention to where it is most needed. Local authorities are the competent authorities for delivering homes for people living in their functional areas and my Department supports them in this work. Connecting targets to established need is a key element of this work. Details on the number of households qualified for social housing support in each local authority area are set out in the statutory Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA), which has been carried out annually since 2016. The purpose of the SSHA is to capture the total number of households qualified for social housing support across the country whose social housing need is not being met, in order to better inform policy and plan for the delivery of the right types of housing support. The data garnered through the Summary allows the Department to target the delivery of social housing supports under the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness, to those most in need.
The most recently conducted SSHA details the number of households on all local authority waiting lists as at 24 June 2019 (the count date) and shows that 68,693 households were assessed as qualified and being in need of social housing support. This represents a decrease of 3,165 households or 4.4% on the previous assessment in June 2018. Indeed, since the Government's Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan was launched in 2016, the numbers have decreased from 91,600 to 68,693, a reduction of 25%.
The SSHA provides local authorities with information about current demand for social housing. It is also important that local authorities are aware of, and planning for, the potential future demand for social housing when they are preparing their Housing Strategies as part of their Development Plan process. To this end, National Policy Objective 37 of the National Planning Framework requires that each local authority should undertake a "Housing Need and Demand Assessment" for their area. This will be important in estimating likely future housing need across tenures, including social housing need.
Work on the development of the HNDA process is ongoing in my Department. Research on population projections at county level is being progressed with the ESRI and development of a HNDA tool with the Scottish Centre for Housing Market Analysis is also in train. This new evidence-based approach will form the basis of a more accurate and consistent projection of demand for different tenures of housing.
My Department continues to provide additional resources and explore new opportunities and innovations to increase supply. Technical resources, which during the inactive years had been lost to local authorities, continue to be replenished. Streamlined approval processes for capital projects have been put in place, including a revised single stage approval process. A range of supports have also been put in place including:
- Internal Layouts for Social Housing;
- Employers Requirements;
- Volumetric Frameworks;
- Rapid Build Framework;
- Guidance Notes, including on Turnkey Delivery;
- Planning Reforms;
- Heights & Apartment Guidelines;
- A newly restructured Housing Delivery Coordination Office has been established within the LGMA to further strengthen the collaborative work between local authorities and my Department.
1286. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the provisions made for members of the Mincéirí in overcrowded accommodation with little access to water during the Covid-19 outbreak (details supplied). [4984/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 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.
In response to the COVID-19 health emergency, I and my Department have engaged with local authorities and Traveller representative groups to put a fast, responsive plan in place to address identified and emerging health risks to the Traveller population nationwide, particularly as some members of the Traveller community, such as those living on sites with limited facilities, may be particularly vulnerable.
On 18 March, my Department wrote to each local authority in relation to measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and lessen the risk of infection to families residing in Traveller specific accommodation. Local authorities were advised that my Department has funding available for essential mitigation works and that any such requests will be afforded full priority. Works identified include extra toilets or temporary sanitary blocks, running water, additional accommodation where there is overcrowding, site clean-ups and extra refuse collection, and additional units on-site or elsewhere as space permits in order to allow for self-isolation/quarantine. Many of these solutions have been, or are in the process of being, implemented on sites throughout the country and my Department has been very clear that these provisions will apply to both authorised and unauthorised sites for the duration of this crisis.
My Department is in regular contact with the local authorities and is ensuring that funding approvals, where appropriate, are granted as a matter of priority.
1287. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to assist persons in the private rented sector during the Covid-19 crisis; and his further plans to assist the self-employed, freelancers and those in the gig economy who will not be able to work during self-isolation and may fall behind on rents as a result. [4985/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1288. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to assist persons in the private rented sector during the Covid-19 crisis; and his further plans to assist persons that will not be able to pay the rent due to the shortfall between the higher €305 a week illness benefit rate and normal wages in circumstances in which the employer refuses to top-up the benefit. [4986/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1289. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to assist persons in the private rented sector during the Covid-19 crisis; and his further plans to assist persons that will be unable to pay their rent due to self-isolation. [4987/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1290. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to assist people in the private rented sector during the Covid-19 crisis; and his further plans to assist persons that are self-isolating and have an upcoming notice of termination which requires them to leave the property. [4988/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1287 to 1290, inclusive, together.
Tenants are required to pay rent to their landlord during the COVID-19 emergency period and, in the event of tenants having difficulty doing so, they are encouraged to engage with their landlords at the earliest opportunity. They should also engage with the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) as income supports and Rent Supplement are available to assist them. Further information on these supports can be found by calling the DEASP Income Support Helpline for COVID-19 on 1890 800 024 or by visiting the DEASP website at:
https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-employment-affairs-and-social-protection/?referrer=https://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/home.aspx
With effect from 27 March 2020, under new emergency measures introduced into law to protect tenants during the COVID-19 emergency period, tenants cannot be forced to leave their rental accommodation, other than in exceptional circumstances. The measures also prohibit any increases to rent for the duration of the emergency period. Initially, these emergency laws will last for a period of 3 months, but they may be extended if the Government considers it necessary.
My Department recently published a Guidance Document on COVID-19 supports for landlords and tenants, which sets out the emergency rental measures and income and other supports available to tenants and landlords during the emergency period. The Guidance document is available at:
https://onestopshop.rtb.ie/images/uploads/general/COVID_Update_Guidance_Document_final.pdf
and a list of Frequently Asked Questions has been developed and is available at:
https://onestopshop.rtb.ie/images/uploads/Comms%20and%20Research/FAQs_on_Emergency_Legislation_Final.pdf
Carrying out an illegal eviction, which includes prohibiting access to the property or making the property uninhabitable by disconnecting services, can result in damages of up to €20,000 being awarded to the tenant. The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) can seek an injunction from the Courts to reinstate the tenant and will continue to prioritise these cases during the emergency period.
The RTB is encouraging all customers who may require assistance or advice, including in relation to any threatened eviction, to contact them via their web chat service as there may be delays to their phone lines during the emergency period. The webchat service can be accessed at the following link:
https://onestopshop.rtb.ie/contact-us/ .
1291. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to assist persons in the private rented sector during the Covid-19 crisis; and his further plans to assist persons living in overcrowded accommodation and will be unable to self-isolate. [4989/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith effect from 27 March 2020, new emergency measures were introduced into law to protect tenants during the COVID-19 emergency period. Tenants cannot be forced to leave their rental accommodation during this period, other than in exceptional circumstances. Initially, these emergency legislative provisions will last for a period of 3 months, but they may be extended if the Government considers it necessary.
Rent increases are prohibited during the period but rent decreases can be implemented. Outside of the usual rent review cycle, temporary reductions in rent can be implemented on an informal basis by agreement between the two parties.
The Department recently published a Guidance Document on COVID-19 supports for landlords and tenants which sets out the emergency rental measures and income and other supports available to tenants and landlords during the emergency period. The Guidance document is available here and a list of Frequently Asked Questions has been developed and is available here .
The matter of facilities for self-isolation where it is not possible to self-isolate at home is a matter for the Health Service Executive, which comes under the aegis of my colleague, the Minister for Health.
1292. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the steps he will take to ensure that tenants and prospective tenants who receive diagnoses which confer on them the right to the therapeutic treatment provided by an animals, such as emotional support animals or therapy pets, will be permitted, without prejudice, the right to rent properties, particularly where the tenant provides a letter outlining the needs of their patient and the impact which the animal has on the mental and general health of the person; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a tenant that may require such an animal could be a child or adult with autism or a person with a physical disability who relies on the animal completely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5011/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2019 set out the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants in the private rented and approved housing body sectors. The Acts apply to every dwelling that is the subject of a tenancy, subject to a limited number of exceptions. The Acts make no reference to animals. Any house rules that might be agreed between a landlord and a tenant at the start of a tenancy must not contravene any legal right of either party including those provided under the Equal Status Acts 2000-2015. The Equal Status Acts, which fall under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality, prohibit discrimination in the provision of accommodation on any of the 10 grounds set out below, subject to some exemptions.
The grounds on which discrimination is outlawed by the Equal Status Acts are:
- gender ground;
- civil status ground;
- family status;
- sexual orientation;
- religion;
- age;
- disability;
- race;
- membership of the Traveller community; and
- housing assistance.
The housing assistance ground was provided under the Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015 in connection with the provision of accommodation and protects against discrimination where a person is in receipt of housing assistance from the State such as rent supplement, housing assistance payments or other social welfare payments. The housing assistance ground protects anyone who has applied for and is eligible to receive such payments, and applies both to existing tenants and to those who are looking for accommodation.
Further information with regard to redress where discrimination occurs is available on the website of the Workplace Relations Commission at the link below:
https://www.workplacerelations.ie/en/what_you_should_know/equal-status-and-employment-equality/equal-status/ .
1293. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will consider a deferral period or a prescribed period of time in which commercial rates are lifted for SMEs and certain sectors affected by a loss of trade as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak in the coming weeks and months, with the Exchequer replacing the shortfall in revenue for local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5013/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe levying and collection of rates are legally matters for each individual local authority. Local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes.
In order to support the local government sector in the context of the COVID-19 emergency, my Department is continuing to keep local authority income, expenditure and cash flow generally under review and will continue to work with all local authorities on both collective and individual issues arising. In addition, my Department has engaged with the Departments of the Taoiseach, Public Expenditure and Reform, Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Employment Affairs and Social Protection, and Transport, Tourism and Sport in relation to commercial rates and local authority funding issues, as well as the role that local authorities may be in a position to play in supporting economic recovery.
To that end, on 2 May 2020, the Government announced that a waiver of commercial rates will apply to all businesses that have been forced to close due to public health requirements, from 27 March 2020, for a three-month period. The estimated cost of €260m will be met by the Exchequer.
The position thereafter will be reviewed at a later date as part of a wider review of options to support enterprise and employment, and associated local authority funding implications, once the unwinding of public health restrictions has advanced.
