Written Answers Nos. 222-244
222. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the last independent survey using objective research methods was carried out on the population of wild hares in Ireland. [28604/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe most recent national Hare survey took place from November 2018 to February 2019. It was commissioned by the National Parks & Wildlife Service and involved the extensive deployment of trail cameras providing the data equivalent of 106,026 survey hours.
The national population was estimated at 223,000 (111,000–449,000) individual Hares during 2018/19.
The full report of the 2018/2019 survey can be downloaded here: www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/IWM113.pdf.
223. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has the data on the number of social housing properties under the control of local authorities in which the source of heat is solid fuel; the estimated cost of replacing the heating systems with heat pumps; and the expected timeframe for this transition to be complete. [28725/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not collate information in relation to local authority housing stock according to their heating source. However, this information may be available or requested from each individual local authority.
Since 2013, Exchequer funding has been provided through my Department's Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme (EERP) to support local authorities with the retrofit of local authority owned homes requiring insulation and energy upgrade works. Since the programme commenced in 2013 over 75,000 homes have been retrofitted with a total exchequer spend of €184 million under the scheme.
In response to the Programme for Government commitment, my Department launched a newly revised ten year Energy Efficiency Programme in 2021 for local authority owned housing. This new programme set a BER performance requirement of “B2” or cost optimal level. The upscaling of the works included in the programme sees a substantial overall increase in funding being made available for insulation, windows and doors and heating upgrades, specifically the installation of a Heat Pump and associated works. The installation of gas/oil boilers are no longer supported under the energy efficiency programme funded by my Department.
The 2021 EERP provided funding for the installation of 604 heat pumps, while the Midlands Retrofit Pilot allowed for the installation of heat pumps on all 146 properties. The funding available for the installation of a heat pump last year was €13,000. This has been increased to €16,000 for the 2022 programme.
Earlier this year, my Department announced that funding of €85 million will be provided for the upgrade of approximately 2,400 social homes in 2022. Each local authority received an individual allocation along with a minimum target of homes they are required to retrofit. The programme has been devised in a way to give local authorities a level of flexibility when selecting properties to retrofit ranging from those requiring minor levels of works to properties needing the maximum level of retrofitting required to bring them to a B2/cost Optimum standard.
Under the 2022 EERP, my Department funds costs of up to €48,850, plus project management fees, on individual local authority homes. The actual cost of retrofitting works on each home will depend on its pre-works BER but can be as low as €16,350 in some cases. Targets set and funding allocated to local authorities under the new programme calls for local authorities to undertake retrofitting on a variety of house types, from those requiring minimal investment to those requiring major investment, in order to achieve the B2/Cost Optimal BER. Local authorities are asked to ensure that the average cost per home drawn down under the programme is circa €36,000, including project management fees. Adhering to this average will ensure that the maximum number of homes can be retrofitted with the available budget.
Work in relation to the 2022 programme is underway but it will be later this year before significant recoupment claims are lodged with my Department. Full details in relation to the 2022 EERP will be available early in 2023.
224. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide the full list of all nominations received by prescribed bodies pursuant to section 106 of the Planning & Development Act 2000 as amended for membership of An Bord Pleanála in 2014; the way that the selection process was conducted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28559/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information sought by the Deputy regarding nominations received from prescribed bodies for membership of An Bord Pleanála in 2014 is being compiled and will be provided to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
The appointment of ordinary members of the Board is governed by section 106 of the Planning and Development Acts 2000, as amended, and by Part 7 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001. Organisations prescribed under Article 64 of the Regulations are invited to make nominations and the Minister, having regard to the suitability of the candidates nominated by the prescribed organisations, and the need to establish an appropriate balance in terms of expertise and experience in the overall membership to meet the needs of the Board, is requested to identify a candidate for appointment to the role of ordinary Board Member.
Since 2021, my Department has moved to a practice of organising a series of interviews with nominated candidates to inform the process. The purpose of these interviews is to ensure that candidates have an understanding of the role of the Board member and to explore their relevant experience. Candidates are not ranked, but a summary of the engagement is presented to the Minister along with candidates Curriculum Vitae.
|
Nominating Body |
Nominee |
|
Office for Local Authority Management (OLAM) |
2 – 1 nominee subsequently withdrew from the process |
|
Association of County and City Councils |
2 |
|
Irish Congress of Trade Unions |
2 |
|
Local Authority Members Association |
Mr. Philip Jones plus 1 other |
|
Nominating Body |
Nominee |
|
National Disability Authority |
Mr. Philip Jones plus 1 other |
|
Institute of Archaeologists of Ireland |
1 |
|
Irish Rural Dwellers Association |
Mr. Paul Hyde |
|
Heritage Council |
2 |
|
National Women’s Council of Ireland |
1 |
225. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of local authority homes that have been tested for radon in the past five years, by county; if there is a requirement on local authorities to test for radon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28565/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019 set a minimum standard for decent, safe and secure rental accommodation. These Regulations also focus on tenant safety and include measures covering heating appliances, carbon monoxide and window safety. With very limited exemptions, these apply to social housing as well as private rented residential accommodation. All landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties comply with the regulations. Responsibility for enforcement rests with the relevant local authority.
The minimum performance requirements that a building must achieve are set out in the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations. These requirements are set out in 12 parts classified as Parts A to M. Part C – Site Preparation and Resistance to Moisture (1997), requires that reasonable precautions shall be taken to avoid danger to health and safety caused by substances (including radon) found on or in the ground to be covered by a building
Specific advice for local authorities in relation to radon testing on their own social housing stock, is included on the website, www.radon.ie . The EPA has also produced a booklet, ‘Guidance Notes to Local Authorities on Implementing a Radon Measurement Programme’, which is available at the Agency's website at the following link:
www.epa.ie/pubs/advice/radiation/radonadvicetolocalauthorities.html.
226. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of offices operated by his Department that are in high-risk areas for radon; the number that have been tested for radon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28578/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of office accommodation for my Department falls within the remit of the Office of Public Works.
I understand from my officials that nine (9) of my Department's offices, are located in areas currently designated as high-risk for radon.
To date six (6) of the nine (9) locations have been tested and the remaining three are scheduled for testing later this year.
227. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps that he is taking to ensure that small landlords stay in the rental market rather than selling their properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28665/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe property rights of owners are protected under the Constitution and landlords need to be in a position to manage their property to suit their own financial needs as they change with their particular life circumstances. Covid-19 will have badly affected some landlords and financial pressures may well force a landlord to sell a rental property.
The current exiting of landlords from the private rental sector is a consequence of multiple factors. A changing regulatory environment, which has been necessary to ensure a fair and effective residential rental sector that balances tenants’ rights and landlords’ responsibilities, has resulted in a challenging compliance framework for some. Covid 19 related protections were also necessary but may have also contributed to the decision to leave the sector.
In other cases, the recent rise in house prices has enabled some landlords exit negative equity. As a consequence, they have taken the opportunity to unwind their investments.
The Government is committed to supporting the continued participation of small-scale landlords in the rental market. The management of tax issues is a matter for the Department of Finance and under Housing for All, a specific action has been set for that Department to review the recommendation of the Working Group on the ‘Tax and Fiscal Treatment of Landlords’ that took place in 2017. My Department, working in collaboration with the Residential Tenancies Board, will assist the Department of Finance in carrying out this review.
The operation of the rental market and the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2021 are kept under constant review and any necessary legislation will be introduced.
228. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if Croí Cónaithe will be extended to apply to single one-off derelicts in the countryside, such as the thousands of derelict cottages and farmhouses that dot the countryside and represent an important part of Irelands rural heritage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28673/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra229. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when grant-aid will be made available to first-time buyers to repair a derelict house for habitation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28674/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 228 and 229 together.
Housing for All (published in September 2021) provides a new housing plan for Ireland to 2030 with the overall objective that every citizen in the State should have access to good quality homes through a steady supply of housing in the right locations, with economic, social and environmental sustainability built into the system. The strategy sets out, over four pathways, a broad suite of measures to achieve its policy objectives together with a financial commitment of in excess of €4 billion per annum.
The suite of measures under the pathway to addressing vacancy and efficient use of existing stock includes the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund which will be delivered by local authorities for the provision of serviced sites for housing, to attract people to build their own homes and to support the refurbishment of vacant properties, enabling people to live in small towns and villages, in a sustainable way.
Details in relation to the operation of the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund are at an advanced stage of development, including the scope and appropriate timeframes, and it will be launched shortly.
230. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the organisation that nominated the current deputy chairperson of An Bord Pleanála for appointment as an ordinary member in 2014, as required by section 106 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). [28779/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe appointment of Board members to An Bord Pleanála is governed by section 106 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act), and Part 7 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended. It provides that appointments to the Board by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage are generally made from candidates nominated by panels of prescribed bodies. Mr. Paul Hyde was nominated in 2013 by The Irish Rural Dwellers Association for consideration for appointment as an ordinary member of An Bord Pleanála.
231. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures that will be implemented at an early date to progress a project (details supplied) as substantial preparatory work was carried out some years ago on this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28784/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraNavigation to Lough Allen through the Lough Allen Canal was restored and re-opened in 1994. Since then Waterways Ireland has developed and maintained facilities for boats at a number of key locations including a significant marina development at Cleighran More and harbour facilities at Spenser Harbour.
Waterways Ireland has received planning approval for the development of a boat slipway at Spenser Harbour, which will complement and augment the harbour as a boating amenity and will provide much needed access to that area of Lough Allen.
At the same time, Waterways Ireland in association with Leitrim County Council has developed the Shannon Blueway utilising the Lough Allen Canal and the wider north Shannon area. The Blueway development is bringing increasing numbers of visitors to the canal and to the wider area in general.
With regard to the proposal referred to in the Question, Waterways Ireland does not have immediate plans to progress this proposal.
Waterways Ireland has together with Fáilte Ireland and the 10 Local Authorities, including Cavan and Leitrim, formulated and is currently implementing the Shannon Tourism Masterplan. The formulation of the Masterplan is the first time a dedicated plan has been undertaken on the Shannon Region. Based on three core themes, seven strategic signature initiatives are proposed that will, when delivered; position the Shannon Region as a distinctive and sustainable tourist destination. The initiatives are as follows:
1.Communicating a clear and consistent message;
2. Enhancing the on-water experience;
3. Enhancing the waterside experience;
4. Animating and enhancing the Shannon towns and villages;
5. Protecting and enhancing the Shannon Environment;
6. Improving connectivity; and
7. Building networks.
The potential restoration of disused navigations for recreational purposes including their expanded and wider use forms part of Strategic Signature Initiative 3 (Enhancing the on-water experience).
232. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of decisions made by a public body (details supplied) given that the same body is investigating a large number of recent decisions made. [28818/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Bord Pleanála ('the Board') is independent in the performance of its functions under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). Arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The contact email address for An Bord Pleanála in this regard is Oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie.
In order to be of assistance to the Deputy, my Department has made enquiries with the Board who have confirmed that the status of such decisions which has already been made by the Board remains unchanged.
233. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures which are in place to verify the authenticity of performance records and statements from local authorities in relation to housing delivery, allocation, voids and turn-around times; if he is concerned that false information could be furnished; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28826/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSocial housing statistical returns are completed by each local authority and returned to my Department on a quarterly basis. There is a robust process in place to ensure the data provided by local authorities is accurate. Each quarter the statistical returns are compiled by the Statistics and Data Analytics Unit and validated by the Social Housing Delivery teams in my Department. Each social housing home provided and returned on a local authority schedule is validated as having gone through the necessary approvals process in terms of design, procurement and funding.
The National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC) is the national independent oversight body for the local government sector in Ireland. It was established in July 2014 under the Local Government Reform Act 2014 to provide independent oversight of the local government sector (local authorities and associated bodies), including Regional Assemblies. NOAC has a broad range of functions, covering all local authority activities and involving the scrutiny of performance generally and financial performance specifically.
Statistics in relation to local authority performance, at a point in time, are published by NOAC in their Annual Reports on Performance Indicators in Local Authorities. These reports provide a range of information in relation to social housing stock including the average re-letting times for vacant properties. As part of this process NOAC validate the data provided through site visits with local authorities and desktop data reviews undertaken by the NOAC Secretariat. The most recent report, relating to 2020, is available on the NOAC website at the following link: noac.ie/2020-performance-indicator-report/.
The oversight and practical management of housing waiting lists, including the allocation of properties, is solely a matter for the relevant local authority in accordance with the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, and associated Regulations.
234. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts that have been made to improve the Oireachtas Passport Helpline; the position of his Department on the opening of a dedicated Passport Office either in Belfast or Dundalk. [28558/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn October 2021, the Passport Service established a temporary phone line to respond to Oireachtas Members' queries on urgent passport cases.
I am aware that many Deputies are receiving a large number of passport queries from constituents due to the continued high demand for passports. Since last week, the number of staff on the Oireachtas Urgent Query Service team has increased from seven to eleven full time staff. As of last week, up to 20 queries per week from each Oireachtas Member can be facilitated by this team.
Staff on the Oireachtas Line continue to work productively under increasing pressure. They are dealing with record numbers of calls and queries every week and have handled over 12,200 queries from Members since the beginning of this year.
In each case raised by an Oireachtas Member, the Passport Service reviews the application in question. However, applications can only be expedited in cases of genuine emergency such as a need for urgent medical treatment overseas or the death of a family member abroad. Such applications are expedited through the Travel Emergency service.
Non-urgent cases should continue to be dealt with through the existing phone lines and web chat facilities. Passport applications that are being processed in line with their turnaround times cannot be expedited. Where the estimated issue-by date has been exceeded this will result in a query being raised internally in the Passport Service. The Passport Service will work to issue a passport or respond to a request for further information to the customer within two working days.
While Deputies often hear of the most complex and pressing cases, the overwhelming majority of passport applicants have their passport processed without any recourse to their local TD.
The Passport Service is already out-performing any previous year, despite the challenges that it has encountered over the past two years. In 2019, which was the busiest year for passports pre-Covid, the Passport Service had issued 470,000 passports by the end of May. In the same time period this year, over 540,000 passports have been issued. In 2021, 634,000 passports were issued in the whole year. In five months the Passport Service has issued over 80% of the total number of passports that were issued in the whole of last year.
Passport applicants can track the status of their passport application online via the Passport Tracker which is available on my Department's website - www.dfa.ie/passporttracking/. The information on the tracker has recently been upgraded, and is an excellent guide as to where an application is in the system.
The Passport Service is a unified service composed of three constituent offices located in Lower Mount Street and Balbriggan in Dublin and South Mall in Cork, respectively. Passport applications from all citizens - whether at home or abroad - are distributed for processing across the three Passport Offices, on the basis of the type of application rather than the place of residence of the applicant.
Over 90% of all passport applications, including first time applications, are now being made through Passport Online and Passport Online is available to 97% of all applicants across the world. The Passport Service is committed to continuing to offer a range of application channels, including an offline service for citizens who are not eligible or do not wish to use the Passport Online service.
Passport Online is the priority channel for applications as there are many efficiencies built into the system for both the applicant and the Passport Service. The Passport Online service offers Irish citizens the ability to apply online for their passport 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is a user-friendly, efficient service that consistently offers processing times up to 4 times faster than paper-based passport renewal applications.
The paper-based, mail-in "Post Passport" service is available to citizens at almost 1,000 An Post post offices. A paper-based, mail-in service is also available at over 70 post office locations in Northern Ireland. The Passport Service continues to see a steady, but increasing demand for passports from citizens in Northern Ireland. With the availability of both Passport Online and the postal application channel, very few applicants are required to travel a significant distance in order to apply for their passport.
In the relatively small number of cases where citizens need to travel urgently and do not have a valid passport, the Passport Offices in Dublin and Cork offer an Urgent Appointment service for passport renewal with a 1 or 4-day turnaround. The Passport Service offices in Dublin and Cork have processed over 5,000 Urgent Appointments to date in 2022. These Urgent Appointment applications represents just 0.9% of the total 540,000 applications received by the Passport Service since January of this year.
I am satisfied overall that the range of service options available meets the current needs of passport applicants and that recent service improvements allow the Passport Service to provide this essential citizen service in an efficient and effective manner. While there are no plans to open additional passport offices, the Passport Service will continue to consider ways in which to enhance customer experience for citizens.
I would again encourage all those applying for passports to apply online well in advance of any planned travel. The current processing times for passport applications are:
- 10 working days for Simple Adult online renewals
- 15 working days for Complex or child online renewals
- 30 working days for First Time Applications on Passport Online (applications received from 19 April)
- 8 weeks for An Post’s mail-in “Post Passport" service.
235. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of offices operated by his Department that are in high-risk areas for radon; the number that have been tested for radon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28575/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report of last week, my Department noted that one of our offices is located in a high risk radon area. Accordingly, my Department is taking immediate steps to ensure that radon testing is undertaken both in that office and all of our home offices , in accordance with EPA requirements and our commitment to staff wellbeing and the safety and security of our workplaces.
236. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will issue to a person (details supplied) in view of the fact that this person applied for their passport on 16 March 2022. [28593/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra259. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that this application was received in the Passport Office on 9 March 2022. [28809/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 236 and 259 together.
With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has provided an update to the applicant as to the steps they must take to progress their passport application.
237. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will issue to a person (details supplied) in view of the fact that this person applied for their passport on 8 February 2022. [28594/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra240. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will issue to a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in issuing said passport despite the fact that the application was lodged on 23 February 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28620/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra241. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will be dispatched for a minor (details supplied) given that the estimated issue date of 16 May 2022 has been exceeded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28633/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra245. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport application will be process for a child (details supplied) in County Donegal; and that was submitted in March 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28658/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra249. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding a passport application by a person (details supplied) which is required for travel on 7 June 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28663/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 237, 240, 241, 245 and 249 together.
With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputies have enquired, the Passport Service has issued passports to the applicants.
238. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 250 of 26 May 2022, if this passport has been issued. [28616/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra239. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application by a person (details supplied) will be examined and expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28617/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra242. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a renewal passport application will issue on time to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in order that they can fulfil their travel plans. [28645/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra243. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport will issue on time for a child (details supplied) in County Donegal who is travelling on 7 June 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28656/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra244. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will issue for a child (details supplied) in County Donegal who applied in March 2022 and who is travelling on 17 June 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28657/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra246. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if passports will issue to children (details supplied) who are travelling to a family wedding on 4 June 2022; if their mother's passport will be returned in time for the travel date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28659/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra248. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport for a minor (details supplied) that was received by the Passport Office on 7 May 2022 will be dispatched in time for the family’s travel plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28661/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra250. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application for a child (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28666/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra253. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if and when passports will issue in the case of persons (details supplied) who are travelling on 10 June 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28768/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra254. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if and when a passport will issue in the case of the son of a person (details supplied) whose application has been made since 4 April 2022 and who is due to travel on 3 June 2022, and whose parents' passports were granted quickly and efficiently and given that the application was made online; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28771/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 238, 239, 242, 243, 244, 246, 248, 250, 253 and 254 together.
With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputies have enquired, the Passport Service has provided an update on the status of the passport application to the applicant.
