Written Answers Nos. 514-536
515. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funding allocated for housing adaptation grants to Kildare County Council for 2020, 2021 and 2022; the amount of funding drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29944/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra516. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funding allocated for housing adaptation grants to Laois County Council for 2020, 2021 and 2022; the amount of funding drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29945/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides funding under the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, to assist people in private houses to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. The grants include the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People Grant, each of which are 80% funded by my Department, with a 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority. Details of the allocations and drawdowns for all local authorities, including Laois County Council, up to 2021, are available on my Department's website at the following link:
www.housing.gov.ie/housing/statistics/social-and-affordble/other-local-authority-housing-scheme-statistics.
Funding of €81.25 million is available nationally in 2022 for the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability scheme. The 2022 funding allocation for all local authorities is also available on my Department’s website at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/press-release/32a48-improved-homes-for-older-people-and-those-with-a-disability-as-ministers-obrien-and-burke-announce-over-80m-in-funding/.
Laois County Council have drawn down a total of €316,672 in grant funding from my Department up to 31 May 2022.
517. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of applications that were received for a social housing adaptation grant for older people and people with a disability to Kildare County Council for 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022; the number of these grants that have been granted; the number that were refused; the number that are pending a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29946/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides funding to local authorities under the Disabled Persons Grants scheme to carry out works on local authority owned social housing stock to address the needs of older people, people with a disability or relieve overcrowding. The detailed administration of this scheme including assessment, approval and prioritisation of applications is the responsibility of local authorities.
My Department's approach every year is to issue a single full year allocation to each local authority, so they can plan, prioritise and implement the programme to carry out the varying works necessary to meet the needs of their tenants. The programme is 90% funded by the Department with a 10% contribution from the Local Authority.
The allocation and drawdown of funding for each local authority for the period 2011-2021 for the Disabled Persons Grant, which incorporates Improvement Works in Lieu, is available at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/061cd-disabled-persons-grant-and-improved-works-in-lieu-schemes-allocation-and-drawdown/?referrer=http://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c472d-disabled-persons-grant-and-improved-works-in-lieu-schemes-allocation-and-drawdown-2011-2020/.
Exchequer funding to the value of €23.6 million has been allocated for the 2022 schemes. Kildare County Council's allocation this year under this programme is €966,159.
The local authority has responsibility for the administration of the Disabled Persons Grant scheme. My Department retains data on applications which are Exchequer funded but does not gather information in relation to the number of applications made to local authorities or the numbers subsequently granted, refused or pending a decision. This information should be available from the relevant Local Authority.
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 output will be available early in 2023.
518. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of applications that were received for a private housing adaptation grant for older people and people with a disability to Kildare County Council for 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022; the number of these grants that have been granted; the number that were refused; the number that are pending a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29947/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra519. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount allocated and drawn down in each of the years 2018 to 2021 and to date in 2022 to Kildare County Council for council property retrofitting works in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29954/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra520. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of council owned units that were retrofitted in County Kildare in each of the years 2018 to 2021 and to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29955/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 519 and 520 together.
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.
An annualised breakdown of the funding provided and the number of properties upgraded under the Energy Efficiency Retrofit programme for the years 2013-2021 is available on my Department's website at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/668c1-energy-efficiency-retrofitting-programme-expenditure-output/.
My Department also introduced a pilot Midlands Energy Retrofit Programme in 2020-2022, the details of which are found below. A further 146 properties were retrofitted to a BER of B2/ Cost Optimal Equivalent and these figures are in addition to the National Retrofit Programme.
gov.ie - Midlands Energy Retrofit Programme - Expenditure and Units (www.gov.ie).
My Department announced earlier this year that funding will be provided for the upgrade of approximately 2,400 social homes this year, of which 69 have been allocated to Kildare County Council. Kildare County Council also have an opportunity to complete 98 properties under the Midlands Retrofit Programme this year. Work in this regard 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.
521. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of times the discretionary top-up for housing assistance payments was used in 2021 in County Kildare by municipal district; the average percentage amount of this top-up per municipal district; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29956/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme plays a vital role in housing eligible families and individuals. At the end of 2021, over 100,000 HAP tenancies had been set-up since the scheme commenced, of which there were more than 61,900 households actively in receipt of HAP support, including more than 2,300 households in Kildare. Local authorities have discretion, because of local rental market conditions, to exceed the maximum rent limit by up to 20%, or up to 50% in the Dublin region for those households either in, or at immediate risk of homelessness. It is a matter for each local authority to determine whether the application of a discretionary increase is warranted, and the level of such an increase, on a case-by-case basis.
A breakdown of the number of HAP tenancies at end 2021 and the average discretionary increase paid for each of the municipal districts in Kildare is detailed in the table below.
|
Municipal Area |
Active Tenancies @ end Q4 2021 |
No. of tenancies that received discretion |
Average Discretion Rate |
|
Athy |
509 |
165 |
15% |
|
Celbridge - Leixlip |
244 |
203 |
17% |
|
Kildare - Newbridge |
697 |
383 |
13% |
|
Maynooth |
315 |
213 |
16% |
|
Naas |
434 |
276 |
16% |
|
Other MAs outside LA* |
102 |
68 |
18% |
*Inter-authority movements, whilst the tenant is registered with Kildare County Council, the tenancy is located outside of the county.
I am working with Government colleagues and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to provide for an increase in the HAP discretion rate to 35% and for new tenancies, to expand the couple’s rate to single persons. This will secure and expand more tenancies and prevent new entries to homelessness.
I am committed to decreasing our reliance on subsidies and we will only do that through significantly scaling up our social housing supply. ‘Housing for all’ sets us on a pathway to delivering 90,000 social homes between now and the end of 2030 including 9,000 this year in 2022.
522. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a person who inherits a portion of a house can still qualify for the Rebuilding Ireland home loan and as well as other housing assistance schemes. [30101/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Authority Home Loan is a Government backed mortgage for those on modest or low incomes who cannot get sufficient funding from commercial banks to purchase or build a home. It has been available nationwide from local authorities since 4 January 2022 for first-time buyers and fresh start applicants. The loan can be used both for new and second-hand properties, or to self-build. It is the successor to the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan.
Property ownership through inheritance is disregarded for this scheme i.e. if you own a house (or portion of a house) that you did not purchase then you are still eligible to apply for the Local Authority Home Loan Scheme.
The Help To Buy scheme, which is another housing assistance scheme, is the policy responsibility of the Minister of Finance and his Department can advise on the operation of the scheme in this regard.
523. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of licences that have been issued in the past ten years for the capture and killing of protected wild birds and animals for educational or scientific purposes; the species and numbers of birds and animals affected; the nature of the educational or scientific purposes; the method of capture; the number that were killed; the number that were released; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30142/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra524. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to at least 320 birds, five seals, five hares and a rabbit that were among the animals used in experiments at in University College Cork in 2021; if they were captured from the wild; the method of capture; if licences were granted to allow same; if so, the conditions attached to the licences; the number of animals that were killed; if he has concerns that protected animals are being killed in experiments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30143/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDuring 2021 the Wildlife Licencing Unit within the National Parks and Wildlife Services of my Department has issued licences to individuals associated or affiliated with University College Cork under various sections of the Wildlife Act 1976 to 2018.
Section 22(9)(a) & Section 23(6)(a) permits me, as Minister, to grant a licence to a person at any time to capture or humanely kill a protected wild bird and protected wild animal for educational, scientific or other purposes. Various methods of capture are listed on the licences such as shaped crook, snare with stopper attached to pole, purse nets and mist nets. My Department is not aware of any birds or animals being killed during the disturbance and capture by the individuals permitted to implement the conditions of the licence.
Section 32 permits me, as Minister, to grant a licence to a person to capture wild birds or animals for marking, tagging or ringing. Various methods of capture are listed on the licences such as mist nets, purse nets, crook, snares and by hand. These licences are for capture and release only and do not allow for the killing of any species. The licences were issued for educational and scientific purposes.
525. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are regulations in relation to the level of insurance cover on a property rented to a local authority through the rental accommodation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30187/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) involves a three way contractual relationship between landlord, tenant and the local authority with each party having their own responsibilities.
Accommodation provided under RAS is governed by the terms of the Residential Tenancies Acts (RTA) 2004 to 2021, as amended.
Section 12(1)(c) of the RTA sets out in legislation the requirements for a landlord to maintain a policy of insurance on the property. Please find the relevant legislation at the following link www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2004/act/27/section/12/enacted/en/html
A tenant may also decide to insure items that they bring into the building against loss or theft, but there is no requirement to do so.
526. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a derogation to a family (details supplied) in County Kerry to allow the family to purchase their social house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30195/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Tenant Purchase Scheme provides for the purchase by eligible tenants, or joint tenants, of local authority homes available for sale under the scheme. Applicants must meet certain criteria, including minimum reckonable income and minimum time in receipt of social housing supports, to be eligible.
The scheme was reviewed in 2021 in line with Programme for Government and Housing for All commitments. The Government approved a number of amendments on foot of the review and these came into effect on 1st February 2022. Local authorities were formally advised of these amendments on 12 January 2022.
The minimum reckonable income required to be eligible under the scheme reduced from €15,000 to €12,500. The time an applicant is required to be in receipt of social housing supports to be able to apply under the scheme has increased from one to ten years. Applications received by local authorities prior to 1 February 2022 should be assessed with reference to the regulations and requirements in place at the time, with applications received after 1 February 2022 assessed in accordance with the new requirements.
Section 63(3) of the Local Government Act 2001 provides that, subject to law, a local authority is independent in the performance of its functions. I am also precluded by housing legislation from intervening in relation to the procedures followed, or decisions made, by local authorities in relation to the operation of the scheme.
527. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department will reconsider the refused application by a person (details supplied) for a housing assistance payment.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30200/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a form of social housing support available for people who have a long-term housing need. Any household assessed as eligible for social housing is immediately eligible for HAP. Eligible households can source their own accommodation in the private rental sector which should be within the HAP rent limits provided to them by the local authority.
In order for housing assistance to be provided under the Act the housing authority must be satisfied that the tenancy concerned is or would be a tenancy in good faith. Where there is a family relationship between the tenant and the landlord, the housing authority may seek evidence of a previous landlord and tenant relationship between a landlord and the HAP applicant. This evidence may include:
Proof of rent payments;
A lease or tenancy agreement for the property; and
Registration of the tenancy with the Residential Tenancies Board.
In order for a housing authority to be satisfied that a tenancy is or would be in good faith; the onus is on the applicant and landlord to prove that what is being proposed is a bona fide tenancy. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the housing authority to make a decision in each individual case.
528. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has received notification from the Revenue Commissioners of the local property tax receipts following the revaluation; if so, if he will provide a breakdown by local authority; if he will provide a breakdown of the pre-adjustment income and the post-adjustment income by local authority; if there are any unexpected shortfalls; if so, the way in which they will be managed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30203/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra530. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the method that he intends to use for the distribution of local property tax; the estimated shortfall in the equalisation fund which will now be met by the Exchequer; if he will provide a breakdown of the baselines that will be used for 2022, by local authority; the changes, if any, that are proposed in the self-fund element; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30314/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 528 and 530 together.
Local Property Tax (LPT) allocations for 2022 are based on information regarding the 2021 liability yield provided by the Revenue Commissioners last June. All other elements are also based on 2021 figures, including the LPT baselines, the 80:20 local retention model, the equalisation contribution and self-funding of housing and roads from surplus LPT. LPT allocations to local authorities for 2022 amount to €523.9m. These allocations include the Exchequer contribution to equalisation funding of €34.3m. Detailed information on the individual LPT allocations including a breakdown of the baselines by local authority, is published by my Department on an annual basis and is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/ea27d-local-property-tax-allocations/
Revenue publishes a comprehensive range of quarterly and annual statistics relating to LPT on its website, including detailed information regarding Local Authority collection and compliance data, at the following link: www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/local-property-tax/index.aspx.
The Programme for Government 'Our Shared Future', commits to bringing forward LPT reforms including providing for all money collected locally to be retained within the county. The Government has signalled its intention that the move to 100% local retention of LPT will be introduced over the 2023 and 2024 budgetary cycles. It is expected that the LPT yield will change following revaluation last November and the distribution model will be reviewed when new yield per local authority is fully quantified; final figures are not yet available.
Given the need for timely information to be provided to local authorities for their budgetary process and the need for final LPT figures to inform that, I do not expect that baselines will be reviewed in advance of the 2023 local authority budget process. Each local authority situation is complex and it is important that sufficient time is taken to analyse and assess potential options in that respect. Preliminary census data will also form an important input to that deliberation. My Department will, however, be considering, in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the potential for a move towards 100% retention for 2023. LPT allocations for 2023 have, therefore, yet to be decided.
529. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if funding will be provided from the developer-provided water services infrastructure resolution programme to allow the takeover of a housing estate (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30208/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFunding of €68.5 million under the National Development Plan has been allocated for the period 2021-2025 for legacy water services issues in relation to lead pipe remediation and the Developer Provided Water Services Infrastructure Resolution Programme.
My Department is operating a multi-annual programme to provide funding for the progressive resolution of housing estates with legacy developer provided water services infrastructure to enable the taking in charge of these estates.
The programme is focused on housing estates which are not taken in charge by local authorities and do not have their water services connected to the public (Irish Water) network, but rely instead on infrastructure, often temporary in nature, which was provided by developers. The focus of the first tranches of funding is on estates in towns and villages where the resolution is to connect their water services to the public networks.
A study is being carried out by Irish Water to develop optimum solutions for estates with legacy developer provided water services infrastructure. The study will help my Department with developing policy solutions such as for the estate in the details supplied, that due to distance, are not viable to connect to the public network. This is by considering sustainable treatment technologies either on the same site or another suitable alternative site. I understand the study is expected to be completed shortly.
It will take a number of funding programmes to fully resolve estates with developer provided water services infrastructure, however, my Department is committed to progressing the taking in charge of these legacy estates through increased funding over the coming years.
531. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of operative data centres in the State at present; the number of centres approved but not yet built; the number awaiting planning approval; the number of those in the process of being built if these are not captured in the previous categories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30318/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlanning statistics are compiled by each planning authority on an annual basis for collation and publication on my Department’s website, at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/service/9e4ee-get-planning-statistics/ .
The data collected relates to the total number of applications and decisions for all developments that require planning permission, broken down by year and planning authority. However, granular data, in terms of data centres regarding ongoing applications and applications which have received permission, is not specifically collected and consequently is not available in my Department. Such information may be sought directly from the relevant planning authority.
Information regarding commencement notices for the construction of data centres is not collated by my Department, however the Local Government Management Agency provides a search facility on the Statutory Register of commencement notices online through the Building Control Management System at the following link:
nbco.localgov.ie
In addition, the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical office, compiles and makes available detailed data on a number of planning related issues including permissions granted and completions by development type and county. Data is available at the following link on the CSO website: www.cso.ie/en/statistics/construction/planningpermissions/.
532. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 328 of 10 May 2022, the number of times that dwellings have been deemed to be inactive and notified to his Department by a local authority in the past five years in tabular form. [30345/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Social Housing Current Expenditure Programme (SHCEP), payments for vacant dwellings are recouped to local authorities for a maximum period of 3 consecutive months to allow for tenanting of the dwelling by local authorities. If the dwelling remains vacant at the end of the 3-month period and has not been withdrawn from the scheme, it is deemed to be inactive and notified to my Department. No payment is made by my Department in respect of inactive dwellings.
As of end Q1 2022, of the 23,472 dwellings supported under SHCEP, 0.92% (215) were inactive.
The table below breaks down the notification of inactive units to the Department by Local Authorities as part of the quarterly payment process from 2020 to end Q1 2022 by local authority. Data before this period is not available.
Table 1: Department Notifications of Inactive Dwellings
|
Local Authority |
2020 |
2021 |
End Q1 2022 |
|
Clare |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Cork County |
35 |
86 |
4 |
|
Donegal |
12 |
8 |
6 |
|
Dublin City |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Fingal |
5 |
0 |
0 |
|
Galway City |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Kildare |
0 |
2 |
2 |
|
Kilkenny |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Laois |
0 |
4 |
0 |
|
Leitrim |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Mayo |
1 |
3 |
0 |
|
Offaly |
0 |
0 |
9 |
|
Roscommon |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Sligo |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
South Dublin |
9 |
42 |
0 |
|
Tipperary |
2 |
10 |
3 |
|
Westmeath |
7 |
19 |
2 |
|
Wexford |
13 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
86 |
177 |
29 |
Inactive dwellings are expected to become active again when they are re-tenanted by the local authority, in line with their overall housing stock management.
533. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he identifies the number of houses that are bought by private companies each year in order to understand the ownership trends in the market; if a company (details supplied) is buying up homes; and if so, the number of homes that it owns within the market at the moment. [30354/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not collect data on the purchase of residential properties by individual private companies.
That said, the Government introduced measures in May 2021 to limit the bulk purchase of houses and duplexes by institutional investors. The measures included -
requiring planning authorities (via Ministerial Guidelines under Section 28 of the Planning and Development 2000) to insert a model form of condition in applicable new planning permissions requiring all houses and duplexes to be made available to sale and for first occupation by separate, individual households for a prescribed number of years after completion, and
a 10% stamp duty levy on the cumulative purchase of 10 or more residential houses or duplexes in a 12-month period.
I am satisfied the measures have been effective, that they have reduced the bulk purchase of single family residential units by institutional investors, and have levelled the playing field for traditional family home-buyers while still facilitating vital investment in high density apartments.
534. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the regulations and conditions appertaining to the installations of telecom poles in residential areas (details supplied}; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30457/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 254 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 , as amended ‘the Act’, provides for a licensing system for appliances and structures, placed on, above, under or along a public road, including footpaths. The Act provides that a ‘public road’ has the same meaning as the Roads Act 1993, which defines it as “a road over which a public right of way exists and the responsibility for the maintenance of which lies on a road authority”. A person applying for a licence must provide the planning authority with such plans and other information concerning the position, design and capacity of the appliance, apparatus or structure as the authority may require. A licence may be granted by the planning authority for such period and upon such conditions as may be specified, including conditions in relation to location, design, space taken up by appliance and the need to protect protected structures etc. Within the statutory framework, licensing is a matter for each individual local authority and I, as Minister, have no role in the matter.
In considering an application for a licence under section 254(5) of the Act, a planning authority shall have regard to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, development plans, the number and location of existing appliances and the convenience and safety of road users including pedestrians.
Section 254(5A) of the Act outlines the licensing process in respect of an application for a licence to erect, construct, place or maintain overground electronic communication infrastructure and any associated physical infrastructure, including telecommunication poles. If a planning authority fails to make a decision within a period of 4 months commencing on the date of receipt of an application, a decision of the planning authority to grant a licence shall be deemed to have been made on the day following the expiration of that period of 4 months. Where a planning authority requests additional information from the applicant and has not made a decision within a period of 4 months of receiving the applicant’s response to the request, a deemed decision to grant a licence shall be deemed to have been made. A deemed decision to grant a licence shall be subject to the condition that the network operator concerned, in advance of commencement of the works, shall inform the planning authority concerned and the National Roads Authority or road authority where applicable.
Under section 254(6) any person may, in relation to the granting, refusing, withdrawing or continuing of a licence under this section or to the conditions specified by the planning authority for such a licence, appeal to An Bord Pleanála. Under section 30 of the Act, I am specifically precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular case with which a planning authority or the Board is or may be concerned, except in very specific circumstances, which do not apply in this case.
535. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 233 of 24 May 2022, if Limerick City and County Council is operating the pilot caravan loan scheme; if members of the Traveller community are able to apply and be approved for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30524/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department commenced a pilot Caravan Loan Scheme to improve access to traditional Traveller-specific accommodation options for Traveller families in July 2021 for a trial period of 6 months, following consultation with stakeholders including the local authorities, the National Traveller MABS and the Traveller representative organisations.
My Department reviewed the operation of the pilot Caravan Loan Scheme and received approval from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to extend the pilot phase nationwide to all local authorities until the end of 2022. A circular will issue shortly on the extended pilot phase of the Caravan Loan Scheme to commence its operation in all local authorities including in Limerick City and County Council.
536. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the date on which the new housing assistance payment rate for single persons will take effect; and if the change requires legislation, regulations or a Ministerial order. [30592/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am working with Government colleagues and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to provide for an increase in the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) discretion rate to 35% and for new tenancies, to expand the couple’s rate to single persons. This will secure more tenancies and prevent new entries to homelessness.Once this engagement process is complete, the changes to the HAP Scheme will be implemented by regulations.
