Written Answers Nos. 46-66
46. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Finance if the staycation grant could be adapted to allow mobile home owners claim tax back on their annual fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23541/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI believe that with regard to "staycation grant", the Deputy may be referring to the Stay and Spend Tax Credit scheme which terminated on 30 April.
While I recognise the significant difficulties that remain to be faced by the hospitality sector, the decision not to extend the scheme into the summer months was taken in the broad interests of taxpayers and having regard to the substantial supports that remain in place, including the reduced 9% rate of VAT and the EWSS and CRSS schemes. It is fair to say that that taxpayers' interests would not have been best served by such an extension in circumstances where it is likely that we will all be staying at home and hopefully holidaying in Ireland. It may be more appropriate to take stock again after a further period and assess then if the position needs to be reconsidered.
While in operation, the purpose of the Stay and Spend scheme was to provide indirect support to service providers. This included, amongst others, hotels, guest houses, holiday hostels, youth hostels, caravan and camping parks and self-catering properties registered with Fáilte Ireland. As regards the question raised by the Deputy, annual fees payable by owners of mobile homes would not have fallen within the ambit of qualifying expenditure.
With regard to the possibility of other tax reliefs on fees payable by owners of mobile homes to service providers, I do not believe it would be equitable to introduce such a relief.
More generally also, I must be mindful of the public finances and the many demands on the Exchequer; tax reliefs, no matter how worthwhile in themselves, lead to a narrowing of the tax base. Under my Department's Tax Expenditure Guidelines, changes to measures should only be considered in circumstances where there is a demonstrable market failure and where a tax based incentive is more efficient than a direct expenditure intervention.
47. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance if the action plan on insurance reform will address the disparity by which businesses and homes are denied insurance flood cover even in situations in which the town which they live or do business in has had a flood relief scheme built; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23589/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government is committed to bringing down the cost and increasing the availability of insurance for motorists, homeowners, businesses and voluntary groups alike. The Action Plan for Insurance Reform sets out 66 actions across several policy areas, with 95 per cent due to be completed by the end of 2021. Progress continues to be made across many areas, and the adoption of the Personal Injuries Guidelines is a key milestone in this regard. The wide-ranging reforms under the Action Plan for Insurance Reform should help improve both the cost and availability of all types of cover, including property insurance.
Current government policy in relation to increasing flood insurance coverage is primarily focused on the development of a sustainable, planned and risk-based approach to managing flooding problems. The Government is investing almost €1 billion in flood relief measures over the lifetime of the National Development Plan 2018-2027 with an expectation that insurers will provide cover where this has occurred. This approach is complemented by a Memorandum of Understanding between the Office of Public Works (OPW) and industry representatives Insurance Ireland. This provides for the exchange of data in relation to completed flood defence schemes which should, in turn, provide a basis for the increased provision of flood insurance in these areas.
The Deputy should be aware that as Minister for Finance, I have responsibility for the development of the legal and policy framework governing financial regulation, and neither I, nor the Central Bank of Ireland can direct insurance companies to provide flood cover to specific individuals or businesses. This position is reinforced by the EU framework for insurance (Solvency II Directive).
That being said, I am conscious of the challenges that the absence or withdrawal of flood insurance cover can cause to homeowners and businesses. I acknowledge that while there has been an overall increase in the provision of flood insurance between 2015 and 2020, some householders are still experiencing difficulties. This is particularly the case for households in areas with demountable flood defences. My officials are engaging with both Insurance Ireland, the OPW and other stakeholders regarding flood defence schemes and how the levels of insurance cover might be improved in areas where flood defence works have been completed.
Furthermore, the Deputy should be assured that Minister of State Fleming and I will also continue to engage on all aspects of insurance reform, including flood cover, and that every effort is being made to encourage a responsive approach from the industry.
48. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Finance when persons that received large bills due to the taxing of the temporary wage subsidy scheme can expect to receive reviews; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23359/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS), which operated from 26 March 2020 to 31 August 2020 provided income support to eligible employees whose employers were negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Payments made to employees through the scheme are liable to income tax and Universal Social Charge (USC). The scheme was replaced by the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) from 1 September 2020.
On 15 January 2021, Revenue made a Preliminary End of Year Statement for 2020 available to all PAYE taxpayers through the online myAccount facility, including those who received TWSS payments and Pandemic Unemployment Payments (PUP) from the Department of Social Protection. The statement provides employees with a preliminary calculation of their tax position for the year before any additional incomes are declared or additional credits or reliefs are claimed.
To establish their final tax position for 2020, PAYE taxpayers should complete an income tax return, claiming any additional credits or reliefs due, for example health expenses. Once the income tax return is completed, a Statement of Liability will issue to the taxpayer(s) setting out the final position for the year. Any outstanding tax liability remaining after all credits and reliefs have been allocated can be collected, interest free, over four years from 1 January 2022 by reducing tax credits. The quickest and easiest way to submit the income tax return is through Revenue’s myAccount service. Further information regarding the end of year process can be found at: www.revenue.ie/en/jobs-and-pensions/end-of-year-process/income-tax-return.aspx, which may be of assistance to the Deputy.
In jointly assessed situations where one spouse is self-employed, any review of liabilities arising from TWSS are determined when the self-assessed spouse submits his/her income tax return for 2020. This return is due by 31 October 2021 (with an extension to 17 November 2021 provided for taxpayers who file and pay electronically). Any balances due in such cases are generally settled by direct payment at that point. However, the self-assessed spouse may qualify for the Debt Warehousing Scheme, which provides the option to defer the payment of COVID-19 related tax debts, including any tax and USC liabilities arising from TWSS payments to the other spouse. Further information on the Debt Warehousing Scheme is available at: www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/communications/documents/debt-warehousing-reduced-interest-measures.pdf.
Revenue has confirmed that some employers have agreed to pay, on behalf of its employees, underpayments of tax and USC for 2020 that have arisen due to the non-taxation in real-time of TWSS payments. Revenue has facilitated this arrangement by disapplying the benefit in kind rules, in respect of such payments, on an administrative basis. Further details are available at: www.revenue.ie/en/employing-people/twss/employers/index.aspx, which may be of interest to the Deputy. This facility applies also to employers who wish to settle the TWSS related debts of an employee who is jointly assessed and his/her spouse is subject to self-assessment.
However, Revenue has previously stated that for certain employees where their employer paid net weekly earnings of between €586 and €960 pre-COVID, the full amount of the subsidy due to such employees may not have been paid through the payroll process during the period the TWSS was in operation. The process of identifying those employees who qualify for an additional subsidy is currently in progress. Revenue intends to offset any additional amount against an individual’s outstanding income tax/Universal Social Charge (USC) due for 2020, or by way of direct refund if the person has no 2020 arrears. It is expected that this process will be implemented by the middle of this year when all the relevant data from employers has been reconciled and the required IT systems developments have been completed.
49. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Finance if the revised capital gains tax entrepreneur relief can be applied to gains arising from the disposal of agricultural assets; the qualifying assets that do qualify; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23377/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that the revised capital gains tax (CGT) entrepreneur relief applies to an individual who disposes of qualifying assets, including shares in a qualifying company. Gains on such disposals are charged to CGT at the rate of 10%, subject to a lifetime limit of €1m of gains.
For the relief to apply, the assets must be used for the purposes of a qualifying business carried on by the individual or the individual must own a shareholding of at least 5% in a company carrying on a qualifying business. A qualifying business is a business other than the holding of securities or other assets as investments, the holding of development land or the development or letting of land. Business assets must have been owned by the individual for a continuous period of at least 3 years in the 5-year period immediately prior to the disposal. Where the individual disposes of shares in a qualifying company, they must have held the shares for a continuous period of 3 years at any time prior to the disposal.
Agricultural assets used in a qualifying business may be regarded as qualifying assets for the purposes of revised entrepreneur relief.
50. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Finance his plans to increase transparency on retail banking fees and charges associated with personal pension products; if engagement has taken place with financial institutions on reducing such charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23468/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll credit institutions in Ireland are independent commercial entities and I have no statutory role in relation to the charges applied by credit institutions. Section 149 of the Consumer Credit Act 1995 requires that credit institutions and bureaux de change notify the Central Bank if they wish to introduce any new customer charge for providing a service or increase any existing customer charge for providing a service. In fulfilling its statutory role under the Act, each notification received by the Central Bank is assessed and robustly challenged in accordance with the specific criteria set out in Section 149 of the Act.
Having considered the proposed charge(s) under the assessment criteria, the proposed charges are either rejected, approved at lower levels than requested by the entity or approved in full. Approvals are issued in the form of a letter of direction and the entity is legally bound to comply with this letter of direction. The letter of direction sets out the maximum amount the credit institution is allowed to charge. Credit institutions are free to impose any pricing differentials for the service up to the permitted maximum and are free to waive fees at their discretion.
In addition, all regulated entities are required to comply with the Central Bank’s Consumer Protection Code 2012 (the Code). The Code states that a regulated entity must ensure that in all its dealings with customers and within the context of its authorisation, it makes full disclosure of all relevant material information, including all charges, in a way that seeks to inform the customer. Where a regulated entity intends to introduce new charges or increase any existing charges, under provision 6.18 of the Code, it must give notice to affected consumers of the introduction of any new charges or of increases in charges, specifying the old and new charge, at least 30 days prior to the charge taking effect. The regulated entity’s ‘terms of business’ document as required by the Code must include a general statement of the charges imposed directly by the regulated entity. Prior to providing a product or service to a consumer, a regulated entity must provide the consumer, on paper or another durable medium, with a breakdown of all charges which will be passed on to the consumer. A regulated entity must display in its public offices a schedule of their fees and charges, and this schedule must also be placed on its website.
The EU (Payment Accounts) Regulations 2016, transposing the Payment Accounts Directive, introduced new rules in relation to transparency and comparability of fees connected to payment accounts. These include a requirement to give consumers a fee information document before they open an account as well as a requirement to give consumers, free of charge and at least once a year, a statement of fees for the services linked to the consumer’s payment account.
I would encourage all bank customers, particularly those adversely affected by changes in bank charges, to shop around and compare the fees and benefits of the different current accounts available. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) website provides useful information to assist customers to compare and switch accounts. My Department has also run two media campaigns as part of a range of competition measures agreed with the European Commission to raise awareness and promote customer switching in the retail financial product area and the campaign website www.switchyourbank.ie provides straightforward practical information and support on switching and I would strongly encourage people to visit it. The Central Bank’s Code of Conduct on the Switching of Payment Accounts with Payment Service Providers sets out protections for consumers who switch payment accounts.
The Interdepartmental Pensions Reform and Taxation Group, chaired by my Department, published its Report on supplementary pensions in November 2020. This provides a number of recommendations and conclusions to help advance the aim of simplifying and harmonising the supplementary pension landscape in Ireland. It seeks to improve regulatory oversight and reduce costs which in turn should lead to better retirement outcomes for pension savers. The complexity of pension products, which currently requires a high level of intermediation between the consumer and supplementary pension providers, drives up costs for some consumers through payments of fees and commissions for intermediation and advice services. Reducing the number of schemes and rationalising pension products will help diminish such complexity, enhance market competitiveness, drive product efficiencies and in turn should lead to better retirement outcomes for pension savers. The Group is actively working on implementing a number of those recommendations with a view to addressing some of those highlighted issues.
Section 92 of the Pensions Act 1990 provides for the approval process for PRSAs. The Pensions Authority and Revenue are jointly responsible for approving PRSA products. Potential new PRSA product providers must meet with the Authority prior to submitting an application for PRSA product approval. The Pensions Authority supervises the activities of PRSA providers in relation to their approved products and monitors compliance with PRSA legislation. The Central Bank of Ireland is responsible for the prudential supervision of PRSA providers and the supervision of the sales process of approved PRSA products. The Pensions Authority publishes on its website a list of all PRSA providers, the products offered by each provider, and the charges (contribution and fund) related to each PRSA product.
Separately, at the European level, my Department is supportive of the Pan-European Personal Pension Product regulation which will introduce standardisation and harmonisation of key information on costs and fees on such products across the Union. Work on this has commenced and is ongoing in my department.
51. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Finance if he has engaged with the Revenue Commissioners on the possibility of offering a training service to businesses on becoming an authorised consignee to aid with post-Brexit trading; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23606/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that training as regards the customs formalities and requirements arising from the UK’s departure from the EU is a matter primarily for each business to determine based on its business model, supply chain, level of existing customs expertise, if any, and any contractual arrangement in place with a customs agent to undertake and complete customs formalities on behalf of the business. However, in preparation for the UK’s departure from the EU, Revenue did engage extensively and directly over a 2 year period with businesses, customs agents, representative organisations as well as individual truck drivers to help them navigate the challenges in terms of getting familiar with and completing customs formalities. This level of support ranged from briefing seminars, involving physical attendance when that was possible, webinars, online guidance and targeted, sector-specific advice and the operation of a 24/7 Customs Operations Helpline. I am further advised that Revenue continues to work with trade and business, on both a collective and individual basis, to assist them in addressing the challenges and issues arising from the UK’s departure from the EU. Customs and other State agency officials work on a 24/7 basis at Dublin and Rosslare ports and in Dublin Airport, and will work with businesses to resolve issues as quickly as possible. There are a range of Government supports available, including training and grants, to help business deal with these changes resulting from the UKs departure from the EU. More information is available on the, ‘Government Brexit Advisory, Financial and Upskilling Supports’ page of the Gov.ie website. https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/b1efec-programmes-funds-and-supports/ With regard to becoming an authorised consignee, I am advised that the specific steps required are clearly outlined on the Revenue website https://www.revenue.ie/en/customs-traders-and-agents/transit/index.aspx. Where an economic operator has specific questions as to their application or indeed the legal aspects of the role of Authorised Consignee they may contact the Transit Unit at centraltransitofficenenagh@revenue.ie. Where a business has a specific IT related question they may contact E-Customs at ecustoms@revenue.ie.
52. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the survey results of the Office of Government Procurement client satisfaction survey from 2018 and 2020 will be provided. [23436/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Government Procurement (OGP) provides a broad range of procurement services to public bodies and to bidders for public contracts. These include procurement websites, policy information, and relevant Departmental Circulars, guidance documents, information notes, template documentation, helpdesk services, framework agreements and procurement support services. There are an estimated 8,000 public bodies who can make use of OGP services, across central and local government, and in the health and education sectors. Some of these bodies have have significant procurement expertise themselves, whereas others have limited procurement knowledge and experience. This breadth requires the OGP to have delivery strategies that target supports accordingly. Therefore, as part of its commitment to continuous improvement and providing an excellent customer experience, the OGP regularly engages with its client base to gauge their awareness of and satisfaction with its service provision, and to identify areas for improvement. In addition to the day-to-day feedback during and after client engagements, the OGP also undertakes formal independent client satisfaction surveys.
The two surveys conducted in 2018 and in late 2020 were facilitated by a expert research firm. Clients in central government, government agencies, local authorities and higher education institutions were surveyed. The 2020 survey achieved 386 respondents and its results indicate high levels of client satisfaction. Importantly gains were made across the majority of areas measured since 2018. Most notably, the OGP staff scored highly throughout, in terms of professionalism, responsiveness, expertise, communication and understanding of client needs.
A number of key areas for further development were also identified, including the OGP website, procurement timelines, complexity, communicating the benefits of using OGP arrangements and ensuring future frameworks are targeted to meet needs and widely communicated to potential users.
A detailed summary of the results from both the 2018 and 2020 Client Satisfaction Survey are available on the OGP website via the following link - https://ogp.gov.ie/what-we-do/.
53. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an gcuirfidh sí ar fáil i bhfoirm thábla cén líon uaireanta le 10 mbliana anuas a chinn Údarás na Gaeltachta go raibh na coinníollacha teanga, a ndearna sí tagairt dóibh sa fhreagra a thug sí dom ar cheist uimhir a 96 an 28 Aibreán 2021, á sárú ag cliantchuideachta de chuid an Údaráis; cén líon uaireanta a stopadh íocaíochtaí mar thoradh ar choinníollacha teanga a bheith á sárú ag cliantchuideachta dá chuid; cérbh iad na cuideachtaí a bhí i gceist; cérbh iad na sáruithe a bhí i gceist; agus cén próiseas monatóireachta atá ag Údarás na Gaeltachta chun faireachán a dhéanamh ar chomhlíonadh na gcoinníollacha teanga sin. [23379/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraTá sé mar chuspóir ag Údarás na Gaeltachta pobal inmharthana Gaeilge a chothú sa Ghaeltacht. Déanann an tÚdarás an cuspóir seo a bhaint amach trí fhorbairt fiontraíochta agus tionscnaimh chruthaithe fostaíochta a chothú agus a mhaoiniú, chomh maith le tacaíocht a thabhairt d’imeachtaí pobail, cultúrtha agus teangabhunaithe.
Is féidir leis an Údarás raon dreasachtaí airgeadais i bhfoirm deontais a chur ar fáil chun freastal ar riachtanais éagsúla i dtaca le gnó a bhunú nó a fhorbairt sa Ghaeltacht.
Oibríonn an tÚdarás lena chliant-chomhlachtaí ar bhonn leanúnach le cinntiú go bhfuil tionchar dearfach acu ar an Ghaeltacht, ní hamháin ó thaobh fostaíochta de ach ó thaobh na Gaeilge, seirbhísí áitiúla agus infreastruchúr pobail de chomh maith.
Tá sé curtha in iúl ag Údarás na Gaeltachta go mbíonn teagmháil rialta ag a chuid Oifigigh Teanga leis na cliantchomhlachtaí agus leis na Feidhmeannaigh Fiontraíochta a bhíonn ag plé leo, agus go n-éiríonn go maith leo dul i bhfeidhm orthu.
Tuigtear dom go mbíonn coinníollacha faoi leith - ní hamháin coinníollacha teanga - ag baint le gach deontas a cheadaíonn an tÚdarás dá gcliaint, ag brath ar an saghas maoiniú agus an méid tacaíochta atá i gceist. Bíonn ar na cliaint na coinníollacha sin a comhlíonadh sula n-íoctar aon deontas.
D’fhéadfadh go leor cúiseanna éagsúla a bheith i gceist le deontas a bheith gan éileamh nó gan íoc, coinnithe siar nó curtha ar ceal. Tuigtear dom go mbíonn ar an Údarás cúinsí áirithe gnó a chur san áireamh ó am go ham sa phlé le cliantchomhlachtaí maidir le coinníollacha deontais agus teanga, mar shampla, má thagann athrú ar staid airgeadais an ghnó nó má bhíonn deacrachtaí acu teacht ar dhaoine le Gaeilge leis na scileanna agus cáilíochtaí cuí do na hearnálacha ina bhfuil siad ag feidhmiú.
Cuirtear san áireamh chomh maith má tá an cliantchomhlacht ag trádáil i margaí idirnáisiúnta agus nach mbíonn siad ag trádáil go díreach le pobal na Gaeilge nó na Gaeltachta. Déanann an tÚdarás cur síos ina thuarascáil bhliantúil ar na deontais a íocadh le cliantchomhlachtaí le linn bliana agus foilsítear na táblaí sin ar www.udaras.ie
Tuigtear dom nach bhfuil córas teicneolaíochta faisnéise an Údaráis curtha in oiriúint chun a leithéid de mhioneolas atá iarrtha ag an Teachta a bhailiú. Tá deimhnithe ag an eagraíocht dom, áfach, go dtuigtear nár choinníodh airgead siar i mórán cásanna thar na blianta sna cúinsí atá luaite ag an Teachta agus go n-éiríonn leis an Údarás, den chuid is mó, dul i gcion ar chomhlachtaí maidir leis na coinníollacha teanga.
Tuigtear dom go bhfuil athbhreithniú idir lámha ag an Údarás ar na córais agus an cur chuige atá in áit aige faoi láthair maidir leis na coinníollacha teanga a chuirtear i bhfeidhm ar chliantchomhlachtaí agus ar na bealaí a dhéantar an t-ábhar a bhaineann leis a riar.
54. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will consider the requests of the members of an organisation (details supplied) and the inbound tourism sector for direct financial support of €20 million in 2021 through an extension of the Ireland based inbound agents business continuity scheme which was successfully introduced and administered by Fáilte Ireland in 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23460/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorizontal measures introduced by Government, such as the EWSS and the CRSS, the sector-specific measures I have introduced to date, including the Tourism Business Continuity Scheme, the Coach and Inbound Tour Operators Schemes, and the Covid Adaptation Scheme are key in helping tourism businesses to survive and adapt.
I am fully committed to continuing support for tourism through this difficult period and to working towards reopening and recovery, including the businesses referred to by the Deputy. In this context, as part of the National Economic Recovery Plan, the Government will consider more targeted measures to help reboot those sectors, such as tourism, which will face particular challenges during the recovery phase when the economy reopens.
Administration of the Ireland Based Inbound Operators Business Continuity Scheme is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have accordingly referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for further information and direct reply to the Deputy. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.
55. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will consider including sports clubs for eligibility to the new scheme for outdoor seating and accessories for tourism and hospitality businesses given the fact that they cater for much the same sector as private businesses involved in dining and pubs and they also pay commercial rates to local authorities; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that it will discriminate against the sports sector in relation to private business if it is not included in the scheme given that it will not be able to compete fairly in the 2021 outdoor dining campaign (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23540/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe development and administration of the Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme - including decisions relating to eligibility, such as those referenced by the Deputy - are operational matters for Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred this question to the agency for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
56. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 76 of 28 April 2021, the legacy initiative plans under consideration by the board of Galway 2020, Galway city and county councils and her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23557/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs advised the plans for Galway 2020 legacy initiatives are under consideration by the Board of Galway 2020, the Department, and City and County Councils. The remaining €1 million Department commitment will contribute to legacy initiatives and the details of these will be shared in the near term once plans have been finalised.
57. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current funding allocation for housing on the islands; the number of social houses constructed on the islands in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23469/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe responsibility to develop social housing within their operational areas, including offshore islands, rests with the individual local authorities, working in partnership with Approved Housing Bodies. Targets are provided to each local authority for social housing delivery and it is a matter for the authority to decide on locations for new social housing based on their housing need. Accordingly, my Department does not allocate funding or set delivery targets for new social housing on the islands and it's a matter for the local authorities to make decisions in that regard.
For these reasons, my Department does not track delivery of social housing specifically on the islands, however statistics on social housing delivery by each local authority are available on my Department's website at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/. Further information should be available from the individual local authorities on their social housing delivery and the locations involved.
To provide further information on recent and planned social housing delivery, my Department publishes a quarterly 'Construction Status Report' which provides scheme level detail on new build activity in all local authorities. This provides information on the locations of the social housing projects listed. The most recent publication covers the period up to the end of Q4 2020 and is available at the following link: https://rebuildingireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Final-Report.pdf.
58. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the process and the steps taken by his Department and or the local authority in cases in which a landowner is to be informed of the designation of a special area of conversation on their land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23524/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland, like all Member States, is bound by the requirements of the EU Nature Directives. The Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive aim to ensure the protection of habitats and species which have been selected for conservation within special areas of conservation and special protection areas. The Directives have been transposed into national law under the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, the Planning Acts and the Wildlife Acts.
When lands are being proposed for inclusion within a special area of conservation, identified landowners are notified of the proposed designation and are sent an information pack on the relevant site. The information pack explains the scientific reasons for the proposed designation, sets out the activities requiring the prior consent of the Minister or of another public authority for that site and includes information on how to appeal against the proposed designation. A map showing the boundaries and extent of the site is also sent to landowners to help them to determine whether or not their land is located within the site proposed for designation.
Notice of the proposed designation is also published in at least one newspaper with circulation covering the area in which the site is located, in one national newspaper and on the website of the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department. Adverts in relation to the proposed designation are broadcast on a radio channel generally available in the area in which the site is located and provided for display in local Garda stations, local authority offices, public libraries, local offices of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection and offices of Teagasc.
A three-month period is provided for lodging an appeal against the inclusion of land within a site proposed for designation as a special area of conservation. Initially a Departmental review is undertaken in respect of an appeal. Where an appeal is unsuccessful/partly unsuccessful at the Departmental review stage, an appeal may be made to the Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board. This board is comprised of representatives of landowners and of Environmental Non-Governmental Organisations, under an independent chairperson.
Following an appeal hearing, the board makes a recommendation to the Minister. This recommendation is based on scientific grounds as to whether the land should be included in the site proposed for designation. The recommendation of the Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board may be accepted in full, in part or rejected and the appellant is informed of the decision of the Minister.
The process is completed with the formal designation of a site by Statutory Instrument. Statutory Instruments made, to date, formally designating sites as special areas of conservation may be viewed at http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/statutory.html.
Each Statutory Instrument sets out the area of the special area of conservation, the activities requiring the prior consent of the Minister or of another public authority for that site, the qualifying Interests of the site (the natural habitats and/or species listed in Annex I and II of the Habitats Directive for which the site is protected) and the offence provisions.
After a site has been formally designated, landowners known to the Department are notified in writing of the formal designation of the site by Statutory Instrument.
Notice of the formal designation of the site is also published in at least one newspaper with circulation covering the area in which the site is located, in one national newspaper and on the website of the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department. Notices in relation to the formal designation are provided for display in local Garda stations, local authority offices, public libraries, local offices of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection and offices of Teagasc.
59. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of approvals and rejections of applications of the Rebuilding Ireland home loan scheme by each local authority including the reasoning for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23305/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Housing Agency provides a central support service which assesses applications for the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan on behalf of local authorities and makes recommendations to the authorities to approve or refuse applications. Each local authority must have in place a credit committee and it is a matter for the committee to make the decision on applications for loans, in accordance with the regulations, having regard to the recommendations made by the Housing Agency.
The most recent figures, as at the end of March 2021, from the Agency on the numbers of applications that it has assessed and recommended for approval/decline for each local authority since the scheme began in February 2018, are included in the below table:
|
Local Authority |
Applications Assessed |
Recommended to Approve |
Recommended to Decline |
|
Carlow County Council |
105 |
38 |
67 |
|
Cavan County Council |
32 |
13 |
19 |
|
Clare County Council |
130 |
55 |
75 |
|
Cork City Council |
366 |
158 |
208 |
|
Cork County Council |
634 |
314 |
320 |
|
Donegal County Council |
93 |
41 |
52 |
|
Dublin City Council |
906 |
549 |
357 |
|
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council |
189 |
104 |
85 |
|
Fingal County Council |
1018 |
572 |
446 |
|
Galway City Council |
153 |
81 |
72 |
|
Galway County Council |
267 |
94 |
173 |
|
Kerry County Council |
269 |
101 |
168 |
|
Kildare County Council |
338 |
168 |
170 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
126 |
65 |
61 |
|
Laois County Council |
188 |
90 |
98 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
39 |
10 |
29 |
|
Limerick City & County Council |
214 |
119 |
95 |
|
Longford County Council |
97 |
50 |
47 |
|
Louth County Council |
227 |
97 |
130 |
|
Mayo County Council |
124 |
45 |
79 |
|
Meath County Council |
418 |
263 |
155 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
98 |
29 |
69 |
|
Offaly County Council |
83 |
34 |
49 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
85 |
39 |
46 |
|
Sligo County Council |
102 |
43 |
59 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
531 |
274 |
257 |
|
Tipperary County Council |
208 |
93 |
115 |
|
Waterford City & County Council |
193 |
70 |
123 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
78 |
46 |
32 |
|
Wexford County Council |
274 |
127 |
147 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
364 |
160 |
204 |
|
Total |
7949 |
3942 |
4007 |
The most common reasons for applications being declined are as follows
- Repayment Capacity Not Demonstrated
- Net Income Ratio Outside of Policy
- Unsatisfactory Savings Record
- Unsatisfactory ICB Report
- Outside Credit Policy
- Unsatisfactory Financial Management
- Other
The final decision on loan approval is a matter for each local authority and it’s Credit Committee on a case-by-case basis. Decisions on all housing loan applications must be made in accordance with the statutory credit policy that underpins the Scheme, in order to ensure consistency of treatment for all applicants.
Loan applicants who are dissatisfied with a loan application decision of a local authority Credit Committee may appeal that decision to the local authority. Details of the appeals process can be obtained from the relevant local authority.
60. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is increasing the serviced sites funds allocation for a site (details supplied) to €100,000 per unit; and if his Department has had discussions with Dublin City Council, the European Investment Bank and the Housing Finance Agency to lengthen the maturity of the loans to ensure the entry level rents are below €900 for the cost rental apartments. [23321/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government is committed to ensuring that affordable, quality housing solutions are available to everyone in Irish society and this is reflected in the Programme for Government Our Shared Future. The Programme commits us to expanding the Serviced Sites Fund (SSF) and in this regard I have recently confirmed that a review of the funds operation is being undertaken.
Currently, the maximum funding allowable under the SSF is €50,000 per unit. With €310 million allocated to the SSF in 2019, this will provide infrastructure to support the delivery of more affordable homes on Local Authority lands. At least 6,200 more affordable homes, to buy or rent, can be facilitated in this way. A further €50 million has been allocated to the SSF in 2021. To date, SSF grants of €198 million has been approved in principle in support of 39 projects in 14 Local Authority areas, which will assist in the delivery of over 4,200 homes.
Dublin City Council has been granted approval in principle for an SSF grant of €18,750,000 in respect of the proposed development of its site at Emmet Road, Dublin 8 (the former St Michael's Estate). This infrastructure funding will support the delivery of approximately 375 homes for Cost Rental, which will form 70% of the total homes in the development. The remaining 30% of homes will be social housing and will be fully funded by my Department subject to the normal approval process.
In terms of direct funding for the Cost Rental units, in addition to my Department’s SSF grant, Dublin City Council has indicated an intention to secure funding support to deliver these homes. The European Investment Bank (EIB) has expressed strong interest in supporting Cost Rental at Emmet Road, given the EIB's track record of supporting similar public housing projects across Europe.
I am fully aware that the loan period for debt funding is a key element in making Cost Rental more affordable for tenants, since it allows the initial capital costs of a development to be spread over decades. For example, the new Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL) scheme, under which my Department is supporting Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to deliver new homes for Cost Rental, involves forty-year Government loans to fund 30% of development costs. The AHBs concerned are pairing these very favourable CREL loans with forty-year loans on commercial terms from the Housing Finance Agency to fund the remaining capital costs.
Loan funding for the development of new Cost Rental homes at Emmet Road is primarily a matter for DCC, since the Council will be borrower, owner, and landlord, but there is a clear consensus about the benefits of long loan periods. I am aware that a representative from the EIB is supporting the work of the Council and engages on an ongoing basis with the Project Board overseeing the development.
61. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if discussion is taking place or has taken place involving his Department on the acquisition of a site by the Land Development Agency (details supplied). [23322/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraDublin City Council are currently working on progressing a mixed tenure development at Emmet Road (formally known as St. Michael's estate). In June of 2020 my Department provided Stage 1 Approval-in-Principle for the development of 109 social housing units on this mixed tenure site. My Department has not been engaged in any discussions or process regarding the transfer of the land to the Land Development Agency.
62. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding the 12 foot medieval longboat which was discovered on the bed of the River Boyne, Drogheda in July 2007 and taken for preservation and conservation by the Department of the Environment at that time; the present location and state of preservation of the boat; if the boat can now be placed on public display in a suitably controlled environment in Drogheda in view of its unique and special national and international significance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23332/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe boat was discovered during the course of dredging works by the Port of Drogheda following which my Department's National Monuments Service (NMS) carried out a full excavation in 2007 in collaboration with the National Museum of Ireland and the port authorities.
The remains are of an almost fully intact 16th century clinker built coastal trader, including a cargo of 13 barrels. Post-excavation work undertaken by NMS included specialist analysis of the barrel material showing salted fish as the contents at the time of the sinking but that the barrels had originally been used to import wine from France. On completion of the post-excavation analysis, the wreck and barrel material were transferred to the National Museum of Ireland where they remain undergoing conservation.
The National Museum is responsible for the on-going conservation of the wreck and for any plans in relation to its future presentation to the public.
63. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if funding will be provided for local authorities to specifically provide homes for older persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23365/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal authorities are responsible for the provision of social housing in their areas, and, as such, decide on the number and specific types of dwellings to provide in their developments. Targets are not set for local authorities in respect of the numbers of new dwellings to be provided for older persons in each development. Local authorities would instead consider the housing need as per their housing waiting list when deciding on the house types within each development.
For older people who are not seeking local authority accommodation my Department is committed to supporting this group to live in their own home with dignity and independence for as long as possible. Where an older person has a disability or requires home improvements they may apply to their local authority for funding to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. The suite of grants includes the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability (up to €30,000), the Mobility Aids Grant (up to €6,000) and the Housing Aid for Older People (up to €8,000). The grant schemes are means tested to ensure fairness and value for money in their operation. The detailed administration of the grants, including the assessment, approval and prioritization of applications, is the responsibility of the local authorities.
In addition to the above, my Department, in conjunction with the Department of Health, is developing policy options for supported housing/housing with care so that older people have a wider range of accommodation choices available to them in accordance with the principles of the joint policy statement, "Housing Options for Our Ageing Population". This policy statement was published by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and the Department of Health on 27th February 2019. The policy statement is available on my Department's website at:
https://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/special-housing-needs/older-people/housing-options-our-ageing-population-policy-statement.
The overall aim of the 40 Actions in the Joint Statement is to put policies in place to ensure that older people have a variety of housing options available to them depending on their circumstances, including housing with supports, where they are needed, as well as more independent living with minimum supports.
My Department and the policy Implementation Group are examining these options and a number of research projects are informing this work. It is intended that the Implementation Group will provide its final report addressing each of the 40 actions, including those relating to rightsizing, by the end of 2021. The housing needs of older persons are also being considered in the context of ongoing work on the Government's new Housing Strategy - Housing for All.
64. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps he will take to ensure that structures of historical, social and architectural significance are not allowed to fall into further disrepair as in the case of a burial mound (details supplied); the role the OPW has to ensure these important structures are maintained and preserved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23369/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to the reply to Question No. 670 on 24 March 2021.
None of the archaeological monuments in the vicinity of the Hill of Allen are in my Department's ownership or guardianship. Under the provisions of the National Monuments Acts, the Department has established and maintains a Record of Monuments and Places (RMP), which affords legal protection to all recorded archaeological sites and monuments in the State. A number of monuments in the Hill of Allen area are included in the RMP but not the tower/folly referred to by the Deputy.
65. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the details on his Department's review of siting and size conditions for rooftop solar panels on homes and review of exemptions for educational and community buildings as part of the current development of interim planning regulations; the details of the stated need to consider environmental assessment reporting before finalisation; when the interim planning regulations will be submitted to the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23416/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra66. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if information will be provided on his Department's review of siting and size conditions for rooftop solar panels on homes and review of exemptions for educational and community buildings as part of the current development of interim planning regulations; if further information will be provided on the stated need to consider environmental assessment reporting before finalisation; when the interim planning regulations will be submitted to the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23476/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 65 together.
Under the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended (the Act), all development, unless specifically exempted under the Act or associated Regulations, requires planning permission. Section 4 of the Act and Schedule 2 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended (the Regulations), set out various exemptions from the requirement to obtain planning permission. Any such exemptions are subject to compliance with any general restrictions on exemptions set out in the Act or the Regulations and to the specific conditions set out in each class of exempted development in Schedule 2 of the Regulations. Included in the planning exemptions set out in the Regulations are those applying to the installation of solar infrastructure on a variety of building types, including houses, businesses, industrial and agricultural to which specific conditions are attached.
As part of the Climate Action Plan 2019, my Department is currently undertaking a review of the solar panel exemptions, and is actively engaging with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications as well as other key stakeholders, with a view to finalising a proposal for draft amending Regulations to reflect, inter alia, technical developments in the sector. One of the key considerations of the review is to ensure that solar panels can be erected - subject to certain siting and size conditions - without the need to obtain planning permission, thereby facilitating more widespread generation of renewable energy for self-consumption. Also included in this review are solar panel exemptions for educational and community buildings.
The main outstanding issue that remains to be addressed in the current review is the potential for "glint and glare" impacts for aircraft and the need to ensure that they do not result in any real or potential threat to aviation safety. Accordingly, my Department is presently engaging with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications as well as the Irish Aviation Authority, in order to find a safe and workable solution in relation to this particular aspect of the review. The Department has begun the tendering process for this project, which will involve the development of aviation safeguarding maps for each airport/aerodrome in the country, and has received feedback from potential tenderers estimating a timeline of up to 9 months for its completion. As such, these maps, which are a fundamental aspect of any amendments to the exemptions, are expected to be finalised in Q3 2021.
In recognition of the length of time that it is expected to take to complete the aviation safeguarding maps, my Department has decided to adopt an interim measure which would allow revised regulations to be introduced prior to the completion of these maps, but with defined exclusion zones around airports and aerodromes for solar installations. My Department is consulting with the Irish Aviation Authority on this matter, and is working towards the development of the draft interim regulations in this regard, the precise details of which have yet to be finalised.
As required under planning legislation, any such proposed exempted development regulations must be laid in draft form before the Houses of the Oireachtas and receive a positive resolution from both Houses before they can be made. The draft regulations will also be subject to screening under the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive 2001/42/EC to determine whether they are likely to have significant environmental effects. If there are significant effects, the undertaking of an SEA will be required, which will include public consultation.
The process for finalising the interim solar panel planning exemptions as referred to above, with exclusion zones around airports and aerodromes, is now expected to be completed in Q2 2021. These interim regulations will allow for the vast majority of the country to be covered by the solar panel exemptions apart from those areas in close proximity to airports and aerodromes.
The overall process for updating the solar panel planning exemptions to include the completed aviation safeguarding maps for airports and aerodromes is still expected to be completed by Q4 2021.
