Written Answers Nos. 288-302
288. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the membership of the National Homeless Action Committee; the regularity with which the committee is expected to meet per year; when the next meeting of the committee is scheduled to take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7301/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Homeless Action Committee is a cross-governmental and inter-agency oversight group with membership drawn from key Departments, agencies and bodies with a delivery and supporting role in tackling homelessness. The overarching objective of the Committee is to ensure that a renewed emphasis is brought to collaborating across Government to implement actions in Housing for All, along with bringing better coherence and co-ordination of homeless related services in delivering policy measures and actions to address homelessness.
I chair the Committee which meets on a quarterly basis. The inaugural meeting took place in December 2021, and the second meeting took place 7 February 2022. The third meeting is expected to take place in April.
The Committee comprises representatives from the following Government Departments, agencies and bodies:
- Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
- Department of the Taoiseach
- Department of Health
- Department of Justice
- Department of Social Protection
- Department of Education
- Department of Children
- Dublin Region Homeless Executive
- Housing Agency
- Threshold
- CCMA
- HSE
- Tusla
- Peter McVerry Trust
- Focus Ireland
- St Vincent De Paul
- DePaul
- Dublin Simon
- Simon Communities
- Crosscare
289. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the timeline for the delivery of 1,580 cost-rental homes scheduled to be delivered in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7302/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOver the period to 2030, Housing for All commits to delivering a total of 18,000 Cost Rental homes. The delivery of these homes will be supported by funding across three delivery strands: Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), supported by Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL) funding; Local Authorities through the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF), and the Land Development Agency (LDA), either on their portfolio of sites, or through Project Tosaigh. Together, these three delivery streams will see the development and tenanting of over 1,500 Cost Rental homes this year.
The CREL provides long-term low-interest loans to AHBs for 30% of the cost of delivery of new Cost Rental homes. Two calls for proposals for CREL funding have been made available to AHBs to date, with 911 homes approved in principle for funding. The first 65 of these were tenanted in 2021, with 25 at Taylor Hill in Balbriggan and a further 40 at Barnhall Meadows in Leixlip. The latter were completed in December, with cost-covering rents at least 42% below comparable open-market prices in the area: 2-bed houses with rent of €900 per month and 3-bed houses at €1,250 per month. Overall, AHBs are targeting the provision of 700 homes through CREL in 2022 from these approvals to date.
A further 50 two-bedroom Cost Rental apartments are in the final stages of completion at Enniskerry Road, Stepaside, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. These homes are being developed by the Respond and Tuath AHBs, funded through the Serviced Sites Fund, the precursor to the Affordable Housing Fund, and on land provided by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCC). This project is the result of an innovative collaboration between the two AHBs and DLRCC, and includes 105 social housing homes. The 50 purpose-built Cost Rental apartments are due to be tenanted over the coming weeks.
The LDA has targeted the delivery of the remaining Cost Rental homes in 2022 through Project Tosaigh, which is aimed at accelerating the delivery of up to 5,000 homes. The first delivery stream of this LDA initiative to bring privately developed units to market affordably and quickly was launched on 12 November 2021. The LDA issued a call for Expressions of Interest for advance purchase agreements to developers, with a target scheme scale in excess of 150 units per development, in the Greater Dublin Area, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford. The Expressions of Interest submitted are currently being assessed by the LDA with their priority focus and engagement being on schemes with potential delivery in 2022 and 2023.
290. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of Housing First tenancies due to be delivered in each of the years 2022 to 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7305/22]
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 them maintain their tenancies.
The first National Implementation Plan for Housing First, published in September 2018, which put the programme on a national footing, was designed to provide this response, by delivering permanent housing solutions and associated supports for rough sleepers and long-term users of emergency accommodation. It extended the delivery of Housing First nationally and included an overall target of 663 tenancies for the period 2018-2021.
Data on the number of Housing First tenancies created are published every three months as part of my Department's Homeless Quarterly Progress Reports. At the end of Quarter 4 2021, the number of tenancies created under the current National Housing First Implementation Plan was 756. This exceeds the 663 tenancies target set out in the Plan.
Housing for All - a New Housing Plan for Ireland committed to the further expansion of Housing First. A new National Implementation Plan, which provides for a further 1,319 tenancies covering the period 2022-2026, was published in December 2021. The new Plan outlines the targets for each region and in each year - a table on which is included below.
The implementation of the Plan is a joint initiative of my Department, the Department of Health, the Health Service Executive (HSE), the criminal justice sector (the Probation Service and the Irish Prison Service) and Local Authorities, in conjunction with NGO partners. Each partner is committing the necessary resources and supports to implement the programme.
A new National Directorate for the Housing First programme is being put in place and will be based in The Housing Agency. It will manage programme delivery. Governance and oversight is effected through a National Implementation Group which consists of representatives from the partners to the programme.
Yearly Breakdown of Targets
|
Local Authority |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 |
Total |
|
Dublin City |
80 |
79 |
79 |
79 |
79 |
396 |
|
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown |
17 |
17 |
17 |
17 |
17 |
85 |
|
Fingal |
23 |
23 |
23 |
22 |
22 |
113 |
|
South Dublin |
23 |
23 |
23 |
22 |
22 |
113 |
|
Kildare |
5 |
9 |
9 |
7 |
7 |
37 |
|
Meath |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
24 |
|
Wicklow |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
9 |
|
Clare |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
21 |
|
Limerick City and County |
7 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
31 |
|
Laois |
7 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
35 |
|
Longford |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
7 |
|
Offaly |
4 |
4 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
15 |
|
Westmeath |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
20 |
|
Cavan |
1 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
7 |
|
Louth |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
30 |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
|
Donegal |
5 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
21 |
|
Leitrim |
3 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
8 |
|
Sligo |
8 |
11 |
9 |
8 |
9 |
45 |
|
Carlow |
8 |
4 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
18 |
|
Kilkenny |
8 |
6 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
17 |
|
Tipperary |
7 |
7 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
32 |
|
Waterford City and County |
12 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
36 |
|
Wexford |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
2 |
26 |
|
Cork City |
10 |
5 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
45 |
|
Cork County |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
24 |
|
Kerry |
7 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
8 |
36 |
|
Galway City |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
30 |
|
Galway |
3 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
18 |
|
Mayo |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
10 |
|
Roscommon |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
7 |
|
Total |
282 |
269 |
261 |
256 |
251 |
1,319 |
291. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he plans to publish the review into the level of discretion afforded to local authorities with regard to the housing assistance payment; the timeline for the implementation of its recommendation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7307/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government commits to ensuring that HAP levels are adequate to support vulnerable households, while we increase the supply of social housing. Under Housing for All, my Department was tasked with undertaking an analytical exercise to examine whether an increase in the level of discretion available to Local Authorities under HAP is required, in order to maintain adequate levels of HAP support.
The Housing Agency undertook to carry out this analytical exercise on behalf of my Department. The review was submitted on 20 December 2021. It is undergoing analysis by my Department and I expect to receive recommendations following that analysis.
292. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the review of the tenant purchase scheme; when he plans to introduce further changes to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7308/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Tenant Purchase Scheme was reviewed in line with Programme for Government and Housing for All commitments in 2021, with amendments to these criteria subsequently approved by Government. The new regulations - S.I. No.776 of 2021 Housing (Sale of Local Authority Houses) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 were published on 11 January 2022 and came into effect on 1st February 2022.
Further changes to the scheme are currently being examined as part of the work on the broader social housing reform agenda.
293. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he plans to publish the review of income eligibility for social housing; the findings of that review; when the recommendations arising from that review will be published and implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7309/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHousing for All – A New Housing Plan for Ireland was published in September 2021 and, as part of a broad suite of social housing reforms, committed to reviewing income eligibility for social housing. The review, which examined inter alia the efficiency of the current banding model and income limits applicable to local authorities, was completed in Q4, 2021. I expect to make a decision on proposed changes and recommendations shortly.
I will publish the review thereafter.
294. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the Housing Commission is next due to meet; the number of meetings the Commission plans to have in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7310/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government contained a commitment to establishing a Commission on Housing to examine issues such as tenure, standards, sustainability and quality-of-life issues in the provision of housing. As further set out in Housing for All – A New Housing Plan for Ireland, the Commission will also bring forward proposals on the Referendum on Housing referred to in the Programme for Government.
The Commission on Housing is now established and held its first meeting on 12th January 2022. The Commission consists of 12 Members, including the Chair John O’Connor who was appointed by the Minister in May 2021. The 9 ordinary Members were appointed by the Minister following the campaign seeking expressions of interest in membership of the Commission. A further two international experts were appointed by the Minister.
I understand that the Commission is developing its programme of work over the coming weeks. It should be noted that the Commission on Housing is independent from the Department. The Commission will regularly be publishing information on its website - www.gov.ie/housingcommission/ including agendas and minutes of meetings.
295. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the work of the independent working group on defects; the timeline for the publication of its report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7311/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government sets out a number of commitments in respect of the important policy area addressing building defects. It commits to an examination of defects in housing, having regard to the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing’s report, "Safe as Houses ?". Housing for All, the Government’s national plan on housing to 2030, reiterates this commitment.
In this regard, I established a working group to examine defects in housing. This working group has been meeting monthly since March 2021 (except for August). In addition, regular subgroup meetings take place to advance elements of the work.
The group’s terms of reference, adopted in May 2021, are focused on fire safety, structural safety and water ingress defects in purpose built apartment buildings, including duplexes, constructed between 1991 and 2013. The full terms of reference of the Working Group are to:
1. Examine defects in housing having regard to the recommendations in Item 4 “Addressing the legacy of bad building and poor regulation” in Chapter 4 of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government report - ‘Safe as Houses? A Report on Building Standards, Building Controls and Consumer Protection’.
2. Establish the nature of significant, wide-spread fire safety, structural safety and water ingress defects in purpose built apartment buildings, including duplexes, constructed between 1991 – 2013 in Ireland through consultation with affected homeowners, homeowner representative organisations, owners’ management companies, relevant managing agents, public representatives, local authorities, product manufacturers, building professionals, industry stakeholders, insurance providers, mortgage providers and other relevant parties. Including such matters as:
- Identification and description of defect,
- Nature of defect – design, product, workmanship,
- Non-compliance with building regulations or actual damage,
- Severity/risk to life or serviceability of dwelling,
- Period of construction affected,
- Type of dwelling affected,
- Location of dwellings affected.
3. Establish the scale of the issue – estimate number of dwellings affected by the defects identified including those already remediated.
4. Consider a methodology for the categorisation of defects and the prioritisation of remedial action.
- In the case of defects with fire safety implications, consider how the framework for enhancing fire safety in dwellings can be applied to mitigate the risks arising from fire safety defects pending the remediation of defects and the Code of Practice for Fire Safety Assessment of Premises and Buildings, which is currently being developed by National Directorate of Fire and Emergency Management.
5. Suggest mechanisms for resolving defects, in the context of the legal rights, duties and obligations of developers, builders, building professionals, insurers, mortgage providers, building control authorities, fire authorities, owners’ management companies, owner occupiers, renters and landlords, including:
- Technical options for the remediation of dwellings,
- Efficient means of carrying out work,
- individual dwellings or whole building approach,
- routine maintenance/refurbishment or remediation,
- Structures or delivery channels needed to facilitate resolution – advice and support.
6. Evaluate the potential cost of technical remediation options.
7. Pursue options on possible financial solutions to effect a resolution, in line with the Programme for Government commitment to identify options for those impacted by defects to access low-cost, long-term finance.
8. Report to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage on the Examination of Defects in Housing.
In regard to the working group’s deliberations, the first round of stakeholder consultation commenced in July 2021 with more detailed follow up and additional stakeholder consultations ongoing at present. A series of online surveys was also launched by the Working Group on 31 January seeking the experiences of homeowners, landlords, Directors of Owners’ Management Companies and Property Management Agents. The surveys will run until 14 March 2022 and can be accessed at the following link - www.gov.ie/en/consultation/7e319-online-survey-in-relation-to-defects-in-apartment-and-duplex-buildings/
The engagement with stakeholders and the online consultation will inform the deliberations of the Working Group and support the delivery on its extensive terms of reference and finalisation of its report.
I am satisfied that the Working Group is working effectively and efficiently on this complex matter, and will require sufficient time to complete its work. In that context, I look forward to a report later this year following completion of their consultations and deliberations. Once I receive the report I will give full consideration to its contents.
296. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a dedicated conservation management plan has been put in place for the Lough Hyne nature reserve and environs special area of conservation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7367/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2017 a partnership between the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department and Fáilte Ireland was established to achieve the shared goal of further developing quality experiences at our National Parks and Nature Reserves. One major output from my Department's Strategic Partnership with Fáilte Ireland, was a Masterplan for the six National Parks and Nature Reserves. This provides a high level and integrated blueprint for the NPWS to invest in and better manage the parks and reserves network for conservation, biodiversity and visitor experience alike. In effect, it enables the aligning of conservation objectives of the parks and reserves network with increasing visitor appeal and numbers.
As part of my Department’s continuing commitment and contribution to protecting our heritage and recreation amenities, I continue to explore ways to optimise the sustainable potential of heritage sites in my care in a way that is compatible with conservation objectives.
Lough Hyne is designated as a Special Area of Conservation which is selected for three habitats listed in Annex I of the Habitats Directive (Large shallow inlets and bays, Reefs and Submerged or partially submerged sea caves). Detailed site-specific conservation objectives have been published for these three habitats (www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected-sites/conservation_objectives/CO000097.pdf). The targets outlined in these objectives help to guide appropriate management of the site.
My Department has been funding research to determine the cause of the decline of sponge communities in Lough Hyne since 2018. The precise cause has not yet been determined, though there are already some signs of recovery. Further research is being funded until 2027 and management measures will be put in place, as and when the research indicates the appropriate steps to be taken.
297. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a dedicated conservation management plan has been put in place for the Knockomagh wood nature reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7368/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraKnockomagh Wood Nature Reserve was established in 1989. It is a small area of sessile oak and mixed broadleaf woodland which sits adjacent to Lough Hyne Nature Reserve and Environs SAC. Conservation objectives are used to guide the appropriate management of this site.
In 2017 a partnership between the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department and Fáilte Ireland was established to achieve the shared goal of further developing quality experiences at our National Parks and Nature Reserves. One major output from my Department's Strategic Partnership with Fáilte Ireland, was a Masterplan for the six National Parks and Nature Reserves. This provides a high level and integrated blueprint for the NPWS to invest in and better manage the parks and reserves network for conservation, biodiversity and visitor experience alike. In effect, it enables the aligning of conservation objectives of the parks and reserves network with increasing visitor appeal and numbers.
As part of my Department’s continuing commitment and contribution to protecting our heritage and recreation amenities, I continue to explore ways to optimise the sustainable potential of heritage sites in my care in a way that is compatible with conservation objectives.
298. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the activities that are currently regulated by either licence or permit in the Lough Hyne marine nature reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7369/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe activities currently regulated by either licence or permit in the Lough Hyne Nature Reserve are set in two Designations Orders: the European Union Habitats (Lough Hyne Nature Reserve and Environs Special Area of Conservation 000097) Regulations 2021 and the Nature Reserve (Lough Hyne) Regulations, 1981. The regulated activities are listed in the tables below.
European Union Habitats (Lough Hyne Nature Reserve and Environs Special Area of Conservation 000097) Regulations 2021
|
ARC Code |
Activities requiring Consent (ARC) |
|
ARC 01 |
Reclamation, including infilling |
|
ARC 03 |
Blasting, drilling, dredging or otherwise removing or disturbing fossils, rock, minerals, mud, sand, gravel or other sediment. |
|
ARC 05 |
Cutting, uprooting or otherwise removing plants. [Consent is not required for harvesting of cultivated crops, or for grazing or mowing.] |
|
ARC 06 |
Introduction, or re-introduction, of plants or animals not found in the area. [Consent is not required for the planting of crops on established reseeded grassland or cultivated land.] |
|
ARC 08 |
Undertaking scientific research involving the collection and removal of biological material. |
|
ARC 09 |
Construction or alteration of tracks, paths, roads, bridges, culverts or access routes. |
|
ARC 10 |
Construction, removal or alteration of fences, stone walls, hedgerows, banks or any field boundary other than temporary electric fencing. [Consent is not required for normal maintenance.] |
|
ARC 11 |
Digging, ploughing, harrowing or otherwise disturbing soil or substrate. [Consent is not required for these activities on established reseeded grassland or cultivated land provided it is greater than 50m from a river, stream, floodplain, wetland, lake, turlough or pond.] |
|
ARC 12 |
Applying inorganic or organic fertiliser, including slurry and farmyard manure. [Consent is not required for these activities on established reseeded grassland or cultivated land provided it is greater than 20m from a river, stream or floodplain; or greater than 50m from a wetland, lake, turlough or pond.] |
|
ARC 13 |
Applying lime. [Consent is not required for this activity on established reseeded grassland or cultivated land provided it is greater than 20m from a river, stream or floodplain; or greater than 50m from a wetland, lake, turlough or pond.] |
|
ARC 14 |
Storage, burial, disposal or recovery of any materials. [Consent is not required for these activities on established reseeded grassland or cultivated land provided it is greater than 20m from a river, stream or floodplain; or greater than 50m from a wetland, lake, turlough or pond.] |
|
ARC 15 |
Burning, topping, clearing scrub or rough vegetation or reseeding. [Consent is not required for these activities on established reseeded grassland or cultivated land provided it is greater than 20m from a river, stream or floodplain; or greater than 50m from a wetland, lake, turlough or pond.] |
|
ARC 18 |
Application of pesticides, including herbicides. [Consent is not required for these activities on established reseeded grassland or cultivated land provided it is greater than 20m from a river, stream or floodplain; or greater than 50m from a wetland, lake, turlough or pond.] |
|
ARC 19 |
Supplementary feeding of livestock. [Consent is not required for this activity on established reseeded grassland or cultivated land provided it is greater than 20m from a river, stream or floodplain; or greater than 50m from a wetland, lake, turlough or pond.] |
|
ARC 20 |
Significant changes in livestock density (including introduction of grazing), changes in livestock type or grazing season, other than on established reseeded grassland. [Consent is not required for changes of less than 20% in livestock density unless notice has been given that a lower percentage is applicable to a particular site.] |
|
ARC 24 |
Works on, or alterations to, the banks, bed or flow of a drain, watercourse or waterbody. |
|
ARC 25 |
Drainage works including digging, deepening, widening or blocking a drain, watercourse or waterbody. |
|
ARC 28 |
Felling of trees or removing timber, including dead wood. |
|
ARC 29 |
Planting of trees or multi-annual bioenergy crops. |
|
ARC 31 |
Developing or consenting to the development or operation of commercial recreational/visitor facilities or organised recreational activities. |
|
ARC 36 |
Harvesting marine invertebrate species in intertidal areas. |
|
ARC 37 |
Driving mechanically propelled vehicles in intertidal areas, except over prescribed access routes. |
Nature Reserve (Lough Hyne) Regulations, 1981
|
Regulation Number |
Description of Regulation |
|
3. (1) |
A person shall not operate any craft, vehicle or vessel with a mechanical power greater than 10 horse power on or above, or in, or above the surface of the water covering, the land to which this Regulation applies save under and in accordance with a permission in writing granted in that behalf by the Minister. |
|
7 |
No person shall use any part of the reserve for a regatta, water-skiing, skin-diving or scuba-diving save under and in accordance with a permission in writing granted in that behalf by the Minister. |
|
8. (1) (a) |
A member of the public shall not, while in the reserve, hunt or by any means wilfully injure or kill any specimen of fauna save under and in accordance with a permission in writing in that behalf granted by the Minister. |
|
8. (1) (b) |
A member of the public shall not take into or remove from the reserve any specimen of fauna save under and in accordance with such a permission in that behalf and so granted. |
|
8. (1) (c) |
A member of the public shall not, while in the reserve, cut, pick, uproot or otherwise take flora of any species or any part of a specimen of such a species save under and in accordance with such a permission in that behalf and so granted. |
|
8. (1) (d) |
A member of the public shall not, while in the reserve, wilfully alter or otherwise interfere with the habitat of any species of fauna or flora save under and in accordance with such a permission in that behalf and so granted. |
299. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of electric vehicle charging points that are available for use by staff across all carparks provided for use by his Department throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7385/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department currently has 11 electric vehicle charging points available for staff across Department carparks throughout the country. Details of the locations of these charging points are outlined in the table attached. My Department is engaging with the Office of Public works to increase the number of electric vehicle charging points available across Department locations as a key action from my Departments Energy Action Plan.
|
Location |
Amount of charging points |
Comments |
|
DHLGH, Custom House, Dublin 1. |
1 |
My Department is currently in discussions with OPW to install a further 4 electric vehicle charging points. |
|
DHLGH, Newtown Road, Wexford. |
2 |
The Infrastructure is in place to allow for a second dual charger and my Department is in consultation with the OPW about progressing its installation. |
|
Ballycroy National Park, Co. Mayo. |
2 |
At present there are 8 electric vehicle charging points that are available for use by staff across all carparks provided for use by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department throughout the country. Planning is in train to extend further the number of e-charging points to be made available both for staff and visitors alike. |
|
Connemara National Park, Letterfrack, Co. Galway. |
2 |
|
|
Glenveagh National Park, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. |
1 |
|
|
Killarney National Park (farmyard), Killarney, Co. Kerry. |
1 |
|
|
Wexford Wildfowl Sanctuary, Ardcavan, North Slob, Wexford. |
1 |
|
|
Wicklow National Park (Kilafin), Co. Wicklow. |
1 |
300. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on whether the HAP agreement between landlords and tenants is fit for purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7403/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a flexible and immediate housing support that is available to all eligible households throughout the State. Under HAP, a tenant sources their own accommodation in the private rented market. The tenancy agreement is between the tenant and the landlord and is governed by the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, as amended. HAP supported tenancies are afforded the same protections as all private rented tenancies.
Under the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014, HAP provides for the payment of rent for a dwelling to a landlord on behalf of a qualified household. The HAP application form comes in two parts, Section A to be completed by the applicant tenant and Section B to be completed by the landlord or agent. An application for HAP will only be accepted by the local authority when both Section A and Section B are completed, signed and returned, along with the required supporting documentation.
301. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will introduce legislation to ban the advertising of properties for rent that do not meet minimum standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7404/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019 specify requirements in relation to a range of matters, such as structural repair, sanitary facilities, heating, ventilation, natural light and safety of gas, oil and electrical supplies. All landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties comply with these regulations. Responsibility for the enforcement of the Regulations rests with the relevant local authority.
Under sections 18A and 18B of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992, a housing authority may issue an improvement notice or prohibition notice, respectively, where a property is found to be non-compliant. Under Section 34 of that Act, any person who by act or omission contravenes the Regulations, fails to comply with an improvement notice, or re-lets a house in breach of a prohibition notice, will be guilty of an offence and will be liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding €5,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or both. If the contravention, failure to comply or re-letting is continued after conviction, the person will be guilty of a further offence on every day on which the contravention, failure to comply or re-letting continues and for each such offence will be liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding €400 per day.
However, I am conscious that additional and alternative inspection approaches can also contribute in a positive way towards higher quality rental properties. Therefore , under Housing for All I have proposed the examination this year, of the potential extension of the role of estate agents, to include the possibility of carrying out an initial inspection of rental properties prior to their entry into the rental market.
302. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7181/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has provided an update on the status of the passport application to the applicant.
