Written Answers Nos. 184-200
187. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the assumptions made when modelling the cost of increasing social welfare payments and other expenditures given that a portion of that money will be expected to be returned to the Exchequer in the form of VAT, excise duty and other forms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36946/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department produces a comprehensive set of macroeconomic and fiscal forecasts twice a year, in the spring Stability Programme Update and the autumn Budget. These projections take into account the budgetary measures in place in each year.
The costing of specific expenditure measures is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. While my Department does not estimate the second-round effects of budgetary measures in the form of increased taxation receipts on a measure-by-measure basis, additional revenues returned to the Exchequer are approximated via a top-down process.
Specifically, the aggregate Budget package, including inter alia changes in social welfare payments and other expenditures, are incorporated into the macroeconomic forecasts produced by my Department. These macroeconomic projections drive the forecasts of taxation revenue.
For example, if the total Budget package were to result in an increase in consumption for next year in the macroeconomic projections this would, all else equal, drive an increase in VAT receipts in the fiscal projections.
188. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance when he intends to publish legislation to amend the Credit Union Act 1997; his plans to increase the role of credit unions in the banking sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36948/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government recognises the importance of credit unions. The Programme for Government contains commitments to:
- Review the policy framework within which credit unions operate;
- Enable and support the credit union movement to grow;
- Support credit unions in the expansion of services, to encourage community development; and
- Enable the credit union movement to grow as a key provider of community banking in the country.
With regard to fulfilling the commitments in the Programme for Government for credit unions, the Review of the Policy Framework has been completed.
Minister of State Sean Fleming recently met with all the credit union representative bodies on the proposals and they broadly support the proposals.
The policy proposals being progressed address five key objectives:
1. Improving member services
2. Supporting investment in collaboration
3. Supporting Governance
4. Recognition of the role of credit unions
5. Transparency of regulatory engagement
Cumulatively, the desired outcome of these objectives is to strengthen the role of credit unions as a provider of community banking and to further enable credit unions to focus on priorities that will better position the sector to face the challenges and opportunities of the future.
In developing these proposals Minister Fleming has met the Irish League of Credit Unions, the Credit Union Development Association, the Credit Union Managers Association, the National Supervisors Forum, the Registrar of Credit Unions, the Credit Union Advisory Committee, the CEO Forum, collaborative ventures and many individual credit unions.
In total as part of the Review process Minister Fleming has held over fifty stakeholder meetings with the credit union sector and considered well over one hundred proposals.
We will go to Cabinet shortly to seek approval to draft a Bill to implement the proposals.
189. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the number of credit unions participating in the personal microcredit scheme, by name and location, in tabular form; the number that are not participating; the steps that he is taking to increase participation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36949/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government is committed to helping vulnerable borrowers and has proven this commitment through the enactment of the Consumer Protection (Regulator of Retail Credit and Credit Servicing Firms) Act and the Consumer Credit (Amendment) Act 2022.
These bills protect consumers and vulnerable borrowers by extending the consumer protection code to all providers of hire purchase and PCP agreements and placing a cap on interest rates moneylenders can apply respectively.
The purpose of the Personal MicroCredit (PMC) initiative is to encourage credit unions to provide small loans to the most vulnerable. Part of this initiative is the introduction of the It Makes Sense (IMS) Loan. IMS is a niche loan, open to those in receipt of social welfare payments and so will always be a very small part of the lending needs in a community.
As at end March 2022 there were 209 credit unions. Of these 190 are community credit unions that could offer the IMS loan. 101 credit unions are signed up to offer IMS loans. Including sub offices (180 branches) there are 281 locations offering IMS.
The Department of Finance does not have access to the full list of credit unions offering these loans however, when credit unions sign up to offer IMS loans they are given the option of appearing on a public list. The names and locations of 85 of the 101 participating credit unions are set out in the table below, which is also available at; www.creditunion.ie/it-makes-sense-loan/participating-credit-unions/.
|
Credit Union |
County |
|
St. Canice’s Credit Union |
Carlow |
|
Ballyconnell Credit Union |
Cavan |
|
Credit Union Plus |
Cavan |
|
Kilrush Credit Union |
Clare |
|
Bantry Credit Union |
Cork |
|
Clonakilty Credit Union |
Cork |
|
Douglas Credit Union |
Cork |
|
Farranree Credit Union |
Cork |
|
Glanmire & District Credit Union |
Cork |
|
Kanturk Credit Union |
Cork |
|
Kilmallock Credit Union |
Cork |
|
The Lough Credit Union |
Cork |
|
Youghal Credit Union |
Cork |
|
B & S Credit Union |
Donegal |
|
Ballyshannon & Killybegs Credit Union |
Donegal |
|
Sheephaven Credit Union |
Donegal |
|
Swilly Mulroy Credit Union |
Donegal |
|
ANSAC Credit Union |
Dublin |
|
Aughrim Street Credit Union |
Dublin |
|
Ballyfermot Inchicore Credit Union |
Dublin |
|
Blackrock Credit Union |
Dublin |
|
Capital Credit Union |
Dublin |
|
Core Credit Union |
Dublin |
|
Donore Credit Union |
Dublin |
|
Health Services Staffs Credit Union (HSSCU) |
Dublin |
|
Heritage Credit Union |
Dublin |
|
Larkhill & District Credit Union |
Dublin |
|
Lucan District Credit Union |
Dublin |
|
Malahide Credit Union |
Dublin |
|
Palmerstown Credit Union |
Dublin |
|
Phibsboro & District Credit Union |
Dublin |
|
Rowlagh Credit Union |
Dublin |
|
Tower Credit Union |
Dublin |
|
Gort Credit Union |
Galway |
|
Naomh Breandan Credit Union |
Galway |
|
St. Columba’s Credit Union |
Galway |
|
St. Jarlath’s Credit Union |
Galway |
|
Cara Credit Union |
Kerry |
|
Cois Sionna Desmond Credit Union |
Kerry |
|
Killarney Credit Union |
Kerry |
|
Celbridge District Credit Union |
Kildare |
|
Kildare Credit Union |
Kildare |
|
Monasterevan Credit Union |
Kildare |
|
Life Credit Union |
Kildare |
|
Castlecomer Credit Union |
Kilkenny |
|
Goresbridge Credit Union |
Kilkenny |
|
St Canice’s Credit Union |
Kilkenny |
|
Thomastown Credit Union |
Kilkenny |
|
Portarlington Credit Union |
Laois |
|
St Canice’s Credit Union |
Laois |
|
Ballinamore Credit Union |
Leitrim |
|
Drumshanbo Credit Union |
Leitrim |
|
Sligo Credit Union |
Leitrim |
|
Manorhamilton & District Credit Union |
Leitrim |
|
Bruff Credit Union |
Limerick |
|
Cois Sionna Desmond Credit Union |
Limerick |
|
Kilmallock Credit Union |
Limerick |
|
Tipperary Credit Union (Plassey & Doon Offices) |
Limerick |
|
Mulcair Credit Union |
Limerick |
|
St Ailbe’s Credit Union |
Limerick |
|
Lanesboro-Ballyleague Credit Union |
Longford |
|
Cooley Credit Union |
Louth |
|
Drogheda Credit Union |
Louth |
|
Termonfeckin Credit Union |
Louth |
|
St Coleman’s Credit Union |
Mayo |
|
Westport Credit Union |
Mayo |
|
Credit Union Plus |
Meath |
|
Drogheda Credit Union (East Meath & Trim offices) |
Meath |
|
Dunboyne and District Credit Union |
Meath |
|
Oldcastle Credit Union |
Meath |
|
Slane Credit Union |
Meath |
|
St. Colmcille's (Kells) Credit Union |
Meath |
|
Tara & District Credit Union |
Meath |
|
Boyle Credit Union |
Roscommon |
|
Castlerea & District Credit Union |
Roscommon |
|
Roscommon Credit Union |
Roscommon |
|
Ballymote & District Credit Union |
Sligo |
|
Tubbercurry & District Credit Union |
Sligo |
|
Sligo Credit Union |
Sligo |
|
Mulcair Credit Union |
Tipperary |
|
Tipperary Credit Union |
Tipperary |
|
St. Dominic Credit Union |
Waterford |
|
Tallow Area Credit Union |
Waterford |
|
Waterford Credit Union |
Waterford |
|
Youghal Credit Union (Ardmore Office) |
Waterford |
|
Credit Union Plus |
Westmeath |
|
New Ross Credit Union |
Wexford |
|
Wexford Credit Union |
Wexford |
Credit unions that do not offer IMS loans, serve the small loan market and vulnerable borrowers in their communities in other ways with many having local initiatives. Therefore participation in the scheme should not be used as the metric for evaluation in regards to how credit unions serve the vulnerable in the community.
In respect of increasing participation rates, this is proactively managed by seeking to continually ease the additional administration burden of accessing the household budget scheme for repayments and ongoing dialogue with credit unions to see if changes are needed or gaps exist in helping those more vulnerable borrowers.
190. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance if advice will be given to a person (details supplied) in relation to mortgage protection insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36953/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is a broad legal and regulatory framework in place which governs the provision of mortgages to consumers. Specifically in relation to the requirement for life assurance for the purposes of a mortgage (otherwise known as mortgage protection insurance), section 126 of the Consumer Credit Act 1995 provides that mortgage lenders shall ensure that a mortgage applicant has a life assurance policy in place before granting a mortgage loan. This is an important statutory provision which is designed to protect the borrower's dependants and their home should the borrower die before the mortgage has been repaid. However, the Act also recognises that in certain cases such protection is not necessary or would not be appropriate and it provides for a number of limited exemptions to this statutory obligation. These exceptions are:
- where the house in respect of which the loan is made is, in the mortgage lender's opinion, not intended for use as the principal residence of the borrower or of his/her dependants;
- loans to persons who belong to a class of persons which would not be acceptable to an insurer, or which would only be acceptable to an insurer at a premium significantly higher than that payable by borrowers generally;
- loans to persons who are over 50 years of age at the time the loan is approved;
- loans to persons who, at the time the loan is made, have otherwise arranged life assurance, providing for payment of a sum, in the event of death, that will at least cover the outstanding balance on the mortgage.
However, it should also be noted that, as a contractual matter outside of the above statutory framework, mortgage lenders could still require that a life assurance policy is put in place as a condition for a mortgage. In such circumstances that would be a business and commercial matter for the individual lender.
In relation to the operation of the life assurance market more generally, the Central Bank expects the assurance industry to engage with its customers in an open, fair and transparent manner. However, it is important to note that, subject to compliance with all relevant legal and regulatory requirements governing the provision of life assurance, that insurance underwriting decisions and the medical and other evidence required to assist such decision making are a commercial and business matter for the life assurance provider having regard to their own risk analysis.
Nevertheless, if an applicant for a mortgage and/or life assurance is not satisfied with the way a regulated firm is dealing with them, or they believe that the regulated firm is not following the requirements of the Central Bank’s codes and regulations or other financial services law, they should make a complaint directly to the regulated firm.
If an applicant for a mortgage/life assurance is not satisfied with the response from the regulated entity to that complaint, the person may then submit the matter to the statutory and independent Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman.
191. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total amount of funding in the Brexit reserve fund (details supplied); the way that it has been allocated to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36881/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s allocation from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve is €1.065 billion in constant (2018) prices, equivalent to €1.165 billion in current prices, representing just over 20% of the total Reserve, or the largest allocation for any Member State.
- €361.6 million received in 2021
- €276.7 million received in 2022
- Third tranche due in 2023
The allocation of resources from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve is aligned with the annual Estimates process, which has been the vehicle for allocating Brexit resources since the UK referendum on EU membership in 2016. Budget 2022 announced that around €500 million of the overall BAR allocation will be made available as a first tranche of funding, with the remainder available in 2023.
Areas for funding under the Reserve that have been identified include: enterprise supports; measures to support fisheries and coastal communities; targeted supports for the agri-food sector; reskilling and retraining; and checks and controls at ports and airports.
To allow Departments to proceed with programmes to be funded under the Reserve, some €54 million was allocated as initial funding in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2022.
|
DFHERIS |
Skillnet Digital Skills Programme and Erasmus after Brexit initiatives |
€14.5 million |
|
OPW |
infrastructure for checks and controls at Rosslare Europort |
€1.8 million |
|
DAFM |
initial funding for fisheries and horticulture measures |
€33 million |
|
DETE |
variety of schemes, including customs readiness, to support business impacted by Brexit |
€5 million |
Further allocations will be made as the impacts of Brexit are worked through, including by means of supplementary estimates as required. Work is continuing across Government, with all Departments examining measures that need to be taken.
For example, work is underway on the development of additional inspection facilities at Rosslare Europort, while the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine is developing proposals including in response to the report of the Seafood Sector Taskforce. In this regard the Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine is progressing the implementation of a range of schemes to address the financial impacts of Brexit across the agri-food sector. This includes schemes for the fisheries sector involving Brexit Adjustment Reserve support of up to € 143 million. State Aid approval is anticipated for further schemes.
192. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to assist with the reconstitution of the building of an organisation (details supplied). [36776/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, part of the reasoning for the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform terminating funding to Benefacts was that the service provided did not fall under the ambit of the Department's policy responsibility. That remains the case.
Accordingly, the Department does not have plans regarding any proposed reconstitution of the Benefacts service. However, the Department will assess any proposal from another Department or public service body in the context of the normal estimates process and in accordance with the Public Spending Code, if required.
193. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 132 of 30 June 2022, the reason that one gate remains open at Athlone weir and five gates remain closed at Meelick weir; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36891/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWaterways Ireland has provided the OPW with the following information which outlines the position as at Tuesday, 5th July.
There are no sluices open at Athlone. The last remaining open sluice was closed on 30th June. There are 7 sluices open at Meelick and 13 sluices open at the New Cut.
Water levels in the Callows (Banagher Gauge) remain under the ordinary summer level of 35.36. The current level is 35.34, 20mm below the normal summer level.
Waterways Ireland together with the ESB continue to monitor water levels and rainfall forecasts on a daily basis and take actions as appropriate and agreed.
194. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he intends to develop a new payment scheme for public service workers suffering from long-Covid who do not work in healthcare, following the end of the special leave with pay scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36954/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the matters the Deputy refers, the remit of my Department extends to Special Leave with Pay for Covid-19 and to the Public Service sick leave scheme. Special leave with pay for COVID-19 arrangements were introduced in March 2020 as a temporary measure in response to the unprecedented circumstances presented by the COVID pandemic. Special Leave with Pay has been used in lieu of sick leave across the Public Service to assist in the prevention of the possible onward spread of COVID-19 in the work premises. From 1 July 2022, Special Leave with Pay for COVID-19 continues to be available for the stated self-isolation period, which is currently 7 days. Following this, if a Public Service employee remains unwell, they may avail of the provisions of the Public Service sick leave scheme, which is a form of paid leave for the public service.
The Department of Health submitted a proposal to my Department for a temporary, ring-fenced arrangement for certain employees unfit for work post COVID-19 infection. It is based on the Blood Borne Diseases Circular that is unique to the Health sector. My Department have approved the proposal and I understand that the Department of Health are engaging with health sector representative bodies on the scheme.
195. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if there are plans to mark the death of Arthur Griffith as part of the centenary celebrations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36820/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy role as Minister with responsibility for leading the coordination of the Decade of Centenaries Programme 2012-2023 is to help ensure that the challenging events of this important and formative period in our history and related themes, are meaningfully, proportionately and sensitively remembered. The Government's approach to commemorations continues to be underpinned by the guidance of the Expert Advisory Group on Centenary Commemorations (EAG) and consultation with the All-Party Consultation Group on Commemorations.
One of the strengths of the programme is the spirit of collaboration and partnership with a rich diversity of stakeholders – including State partners, local authorities, national cultural institutions, institutions of learning, and artists. The Department’s role is to provide support and assistance when required, but many of the programme initiatives are led, organised and curated by individual partners.
For example, under the Community Strand of the Decade of Centenaries Programme, my Department provides funding and support to every local authority to support the curation of community-led commemorative programming. Decisions regarding the inclusion of initiatives within a local authority’s Decade of Centenaries programme are a matter for the individual local authorities. It is important to stress that each local authority is best placed to determine what’s appropriate for their local area, in light of local history and expertise, and to make decisions concerning initiatives to be supported from their funding allocation.
In line with the guidance of the Expert Advisory Group, it is envisaged that one significant State commemoration will be held later this year in remembrance of all those who lost their lives in the Civil War period, focussing on the themes of remembrance and reconciliation. It is not the intention of the State to mark individual events. The Group also recommends that initiatives which will serve as ‘living legacies’ for the Decade of Centenaries would be particularly beneficial, such as those that highlight the importance of original research and scholarship at national and local level, and promote free, public access to authentic historical sources.
In this context, I would like to highlight the National Library of Ireland’s commemorative activities - the NLI has continued its programme of digitising and sharing tens of thousands of documents as part of its contribution to the Decade of Centenaries, including papers of Arthur Griffith. The material is freely accessible online at www.nli.ie/en/online-catalogue.aspx.
196. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to develop the Lough Derg region in counties Tipperary, Clare and Galway as a tourism destination. [36879/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy and implementation of that policy is a matter for the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, as well as certain other bodies. With specific regard to the development of tourism product offerings, such as any development plans for the Lough Derg region as a tourism destination, these are operational matters for Fáilte Ireland in line with its tourism development functions. I have referred this question to them for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
197. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will ensure that a sum is allocated in Budget 2023 for reimbursement of remediation costs on works that cannot await on an action plan and that must be undertaken immediately arising from fire officers’ reports given the imminent report on defects in apartment complexes; if he will make a commitment that remediation will be provided for such works undertaken on behalf of owner-occupiers by management companies and agents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36892/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government sets out a number of commitments in respect of the important policy area of addressing building defects. These include a commitment to examine defects in housing, having regard to the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing’s report "Safe as Houses?" and to assist owners of latent defect properties, by identifying options for those impacted by defects to access low-cost, long-term finance. Housing for All, the Government’s national plan on housing to 2030, reiterates these commitments.
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 have taken 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.
1. Establish the scale of the issue – estimate number of dwellings affected by the defects identified including those already remediated.
2. 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.
1. 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.
1. Evaluate the potential cost of technical remediation options.
2. 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.
3. Report to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage on the Examination of Defects in Housing.
The working group is currently concluding its deliberations in support of the delivery on its extensive terms of reference and working towards finalisation of its report. Once I receive the report I will give full consideration to its contents.
198. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to a topical issue debate of 16 June 2022, the steps he is taking on foot of the correspondence he has received from the OPW on legislative concerns with regard to flood relief measures at Lough Funshinagh, County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36815/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy officials in the Department are currently reviewing the correspondence received from the OPW regarding flood relief measures at Lough Funshinagh, County Roscommon and will issue a response to the OPW in due course.
199. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties that thatch property owners are facing in regards insuring their properties; and if his Department will take steps to provide support to ensure Irish heritage properties and homes can be insured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36818/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the challenges facing owners of thatched buildings in relation to securing insurance. Both Heritage Ireland 2030, the new national heritage plan, and A Living Tradition, the new vernacular architectural heritage strategy, contain actions to address the issue of insurance of protected structures, including thatched buildings.
Action 6 of A Living Tradition sets out to ‘enhance the protection and conservation of historic thatched roofs’. Officials in my Department have established a dedicated steering group, the Built Vernacular Heritage (Thatch) Steering Group, to oversee and assist with the implementation of this particular part of the strategy. The group consists of a range of stakeholders – two thatch owners (one of them a thatcher), a local authority architectural conservation officer, a local authority heritage officer, a thatching grant inspector from my Department, a Heritage Council representative and an architect from the Department for Communities (Northern Ireland).
Under this action, my Department and the steering group will examine all issues relevant to thatched buildings, including thatching standards, fire prevention guidance, and the availability of suitable thatching materials. The group's first priority is to address the urgent issue of availability and affordability of insurance for thatched buildings. A study is currently underway to establish the facts of the situation and make recommendations for how the problem can be remedied. The study will include consultation with thatch owners, fire safety experts, insurers, and regulatory bodies. An interim report is due to be completed in September and the final report in November. I am committed to taking prompt action guided by the facts to be established in this study.
The group consists of a range of stakeholders – two thatch owners (one of them a thatcher), a local authority architectural conservation officer, a local authority heritage officer, a thatching grant inspector from my department, a Heritage Council representative and an architect from the Department for Communities (Northern Ireland).
The group's first priority is to address the urgent issue of availability and affordability of insurance for thatched buildings. A study is currently underway to establish the facts of the situation and make recommendations for how the problem can be remedied. The study will include consultation with thatch owners, fire safety experts, insurers, and regulatory bodies. An interim report is due to be completed in September and the final report in November. I am committed to taking prompt action guided by the facts to be established in this study.
200. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the Croí Cónaithe towns and cities funding will be open for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36821/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHousing 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.
The Croí Cónaithe (Cities) Scheme supports the building of apartments for sale to owner-occupiers. The Scheme aims to bridge the current “Viability Gap” between the cost of building apartments and the market sale price (where the cost of building is greater). The scheme is targeted principally at activating planning permissions already in place for such homes.
The scheme launched on the 10th May with an Expressions of Interest process and will be managed and administered by the Housing Agency on behalf of my Department. The closing date for receipt of proposals was 21st June 2022.
The Housing Agency has now started the first of the three pre-contract stages:
1. Reviewing eligible proposals,
2. Ranking of suitable proposals,
3. A detailed due diligence process leading to eligibility.
I expect that the full assessment of proposals received will take a number of months and expect agreements to deliver apartments to be put in place in the Autumn.
