Written Answers Nos. 146-176
146. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which opportunities continue to exist for philanthropists to engage in and support the arts nationally and locally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47844/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Arts Council, which is funded by my Department, is the body responsible for delivering primary support for the arts in Ireland. The Arts Council supports and develops the arts in Ireland through grant funding, project awards, support to individual artists, and support to venues, publications and resource organisations. The Council is independent in its funding decisions under the Arts Act 2003.
The Arts Council operates the RAISE programme, which seeks to enhance fund-raising skills in arts organisations with a view to diversifying the sector's sources of funding. It is designed to assist the sector in securing philanthropic contributions to the arts in Ireland. Many arts organisations have benefited from and continue to benefit as a result of the RAISE initiative.
Funding for the Arts Council was increased to €130 million in 2021, again in 2022 and I am now delighted to state that I have secured this level again for 2023.
Private support for the arts is an important funding source and the Government continues to support this through tax incentives and other initiatives. The Programme for a Partnership Government contains a commitment to encourage strong, mutually beneficial links between the business community and the arts community to assist arts organisations to capitalise on sponsorship opportunities and to develop business partnerships and fundraising skills. I also recognise the important work carried out by Business to Arts, which my Department also supports.
147. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she can facilitate those who have previously been awarded capital sports grants and have not been in a position to complete the projects due to Covid-19 or other related issues; if arrangements will be made to ensure they be given an extension of time to meet their requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47845/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile the priority in the short term is to advance the successful applications, which number almost 2,900, under the 2020 round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme to "formal approval" and grant drawdown stage, my Department continues to support and guide grantees from past rounds as they manage the grants awarded. This support entails, inter alia, detailed, ongoing engagement with all grantees. Where projects demonstrate reasons for unavoidable delays, my Department's approach is to accommodate reasonable requests for extensions.
148. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she expects to be in a position to offer capital sports grants in the current or future years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47846/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Over 13,000 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998, bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1.15 billion. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritising investment in disadvantaged areas.
The latest round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) closed for applications on Monday 1 March 2021 and by the deadline a record 3,106 applications were submitted. The final set of allocations under this round (on foot of capital appeals) was announced on Tuesday 31 May. Ultimately, a record-breaking allocation of €166.6 million was awarded under the latest round of the Programme.
The priority in the short term is to advance the successful applications, of which there are almost 2,900, to "formal approval" and grant drawdown stage which requires detailed engagement with all grantees. Following completion of the appeal process, my Department has also begun a full review of all aspects of the 2020 round of the SCEP and any recommendations arising will be reflected in the terms and conditions of the next round. Following the completion of the review, I will announce the exact timing of the next round but it is hoped to have it open for applications early in the new year.
149. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which endeavours continue to be made to host international sporting events in this country, with particular reference to ensuring full recovery post-Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47849/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has consistently demonstrated its ambition to attract major international sports events that can make a positive return to the country. This is most recently evidenced by the Government’s decision to support an expression of interest by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) in bidding, with the UK, for the right to host the UEFA Euro 2028 championships as well as the upcoming hosting of the following events:
- US College Football matches every August from 2022 to 2026
- The UEFA Europa League final in 2024, and
- The Ryder Cup in 2027 in Limerick
In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, a Major International Sports Events Policy is currently being developed for Ireland by my Department. The aim is to establish whether and how Government should support major international sports events, the benefits it should seek to derive from such events, the supports it could offer and the kind of events it would prioritise for support. This will provide the basis for a Strategy to support and attract major international sports events and an assessment model based on the identified priorities. Mechanisms and channels to support events will also need to be developed.
While progress on the policy was delayed by the pandemic, focused consultations have taken place with key stakeholders and a public consultation closed on 26 May 2022. Following analysis of the consultation responses, further detailed follow-up and in-depth discussions with stakeholders will be required. Research, including considerations of the policies and strategies in place in other countries, has been undertaken and is continuing.
My Department is now working towards the development of a high level policy green paper by December of this year; this will outline the likely key issues and courses of action for the new policy prior to the development of the finalised policy in the first half of 2023.
150. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which business tourism continues to be encouraged with the obviously necessity of having to compete internationally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47850/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of developing national tourism policy and the tourism agencies, Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland, deal with the implementation of this policy. Supporting and promoting international business tourism is an operational matter for both Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland through the “Meet in Ireland” business tourism brand for the island of Ireland.
I have referred the Deputy's question to both Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland and asked them to reply directly to the Deputy with further information on this matter. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
153. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the degree to which she continues to ensure the continued growth and viability of all portfolios under her aegis, with obvious benefit for tourism, culture, arts, sport and media; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47853/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I have previously advised, in Parliamentary Question No. 45 of 21st June 2022, my Department's Statement of Strategy 2021-2023, published in August 2021, sets out the actions that my Department is taking to support the Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sports, Media and Irish language Sectors.
These sectors are not only emerging from the challenges of Covid-19, but the pressures brought by increasing energy costs and inflation is also having an impact. My Department continues to engage with a range of stakeholders across these Sectors to assist in meeting those challenges. In that context, for Budget 2023, Minister Chambers and I announced, on 28th September, 2022, details of a €1,142m gross funding allocation for the Department’s sectors. This funding support brings a wide range of important new initiatives and a continuation of some existing measures to support further growth and development for these Sectors. The following are the key highlights of these measures.
Tourism
- €30m to support tourism development at home and amongst overseas visitors.
Culture and Arts
- €130m funding for Arts Council retained for a further year.
- €35m for pilot Basic Income for the Arts scheme.
- €2m funding increase for Culture Ireland for the promotion of Irish arts worldwide.
- New €7m capital funds for artists’ spaces, and for climate adaptation measures.
Irish Language
- Additional €8.5m to support the Irish language and the Gaeltacht.
Sport
- Additional funding to Sport Ireland of €8m – to support high-level performance sport, develop a new coaching fund, grow participation at all levels, and deliver first-ever national swimming strategy.
Media
- €7.5m to enable Coimisiún na Meán commence the vital work of online safety and media regulation.
- €6m to new Media Fund’s Courts and Local Democracy Reporting Schemes as part of wider support package for local, regional and national media and journalism.
- Largest ever increase to TG4 will support the launch of a new dedicated Children’s Channel, as part of their continued provision of quality Irish language programming.
In addition to these measures, the Government has put in place business supports to assist commercial sectors, and funding of €60m is being provided in 2022 to address cost of living challenges, across the Culture, Arts, Sport, Gaeltacht and the Community and Voluntary sector. My Department is working with the Department of Rural and Community Affairs and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, with a view to making this funding available to relevant sectors as a matter of priority.
This package of measures will continue to support and benefit all of these Sectors and will have important economic and societal value to people all over Ireland.
Information in relation to my Department's policies and initiatives, including more detailed information on the package of measures announced for Budget 2023, are available on my Department's website: www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-tourism-culture-arts-gaeltacht-sport-and-media/
154. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage the date the Croí Cónaithe scheme will become available for persons in rural areas with a population of under 400; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47618/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra159. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage if the vacant property refurbishment grant scheme will be extended to derelict rural properties in order that those who live in rural areas may benefit from the grant, as well as those who reside in towns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47662/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra166. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage when local authorities will be provided with the detail of the Croí Cónaithe fund in order to approve applications for towns and villages; the details of the extension to rural areas; the additional funding to be provided to local authorities for this extension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47778/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 154, 159 and 166 together.
Pathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock. Many areas of cities, towns and villages of all sizes face the blight of vacant properties, which, if brought back into use, could add real vibrancy and provide new accommodation in those areas. The Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund is a key initiative which underpins these policy objectives set out in Pathway Four of Housing for All. Schemes under the Fund, which are delivered by local authorities, will provide new choices for people to live in towns and villages in Ireland, through the provision of a grant to support the refurbishment of vacant properties and by providing serviced sites in towns and villages to people in order to build their own homes. On the 14 July, I launched the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant as part of the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund. The grant will benefit those who wish to turn a formerly vacant house or building into their principal private residence. A grant of up to a maximum of €30,000 is available for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence, including the conversion of a property which has not previously been used as residential. Where the refurbishment costs are expected to exceed the standard grant of up to €30,000, a maximum top-up grant amount of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed to be derelict, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €50,000. On 21 September, I launched the Ready to Build Scheme, also funded by the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund. Under the Ready to Build Scheme, local authorities will make serviced sites in towns and villages available to potential individual purchasers to build their homes. These sites will be available at a discount on the market value of the site for the building of a property for occupation as the principal private residence of the purchaser. When the Fund was launched, I committed to ongoing review of the schemes under it. I am pleased to see that the feedback on the Vacant Property Refurbishment Scheme to date has been overwhelmingly positive, with 169 applications submitted by the start of September. Given that a key objective of Pathway 4 of Housing for All is to ensure that the houses we already have are being fully used, I have decided to extend the eligibility for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant to vacant properties in both our cities and rural areas.
Both schemes under the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund will continue to be only for those who intend to occupy the property as their principal private residence. Officials in my Department will work with the Vacant Homes Officers (VHO) in each local authority in the coming weeks to update the details of the Grant, with a view to the expanded scheme being available in November.
Vacant Homes Officers in each local authority will be available to provide advice and information on the schemes and the application process.
155. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will address a matter (details supplied) in relation to housing stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47621/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe use of solvents in certain paints is regulated in the European Union (Paints, Varnishes, Vehicle Refinishing Products and Activities) Regulations 2012, see www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2012/si/564/made/en/print.
These Regulations transpose Directive 2004/42/CE of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 April 2004 on the limitation of emissions of volatile organic compounds due to the use of organic solvents in certain paints and varnishes and vehicle refinishing products as amended, on the limitation of emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) due to the use of organic solvents in certain paints and varnishes and vehicle refinishing products. The Regulations also designate the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the competent authority, having a monitoring/supervisory role in enforcement. Local authorities also have responsibilities for general enforcement and inspection activities.
The EPA is an independent public body established under the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992.
These Regulations and the EPA are under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications.
156. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage the additional resourcing he has given to local authorities to staff affordable housing units. [47647/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith the support of the Housing Delivery Co-ordination Office in the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA), my Department undertook a review of the requirements for affordable housing staff resources in those local authorities with an identified strong demand for housing from households with an affordability constraint. Key considerations in this review included the type of structure (administrative/professional staff) necessary to deliver affordable housing, scale of delivery programmes and alignment with the additional support already provided for social housing delivery earlier in 2022.
The draft local authority staffing strategy for the delivery of affordable housing over the lifetime of the National Development Plan has been concluded at official level and is now subject to on-going engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
This is a key requirement to underpin affordable housing delivery and concluding this exercise and putting the required structures in place with the support of the LGMA to enable affordable housing delivery is a matter of priority.
157. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide details on the cause of death for each of the 300 animals in locations (details supplied), including euthanasia, gender, age at time of death and the origin of these animals. [47651/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has responsibility for implementation of the European Communities (Licensing and Inspection of Zoos) Regulations 2003 which deal with the inspection, licensing and regulation of zoos. These Regulations give effect in the national context to the EU Zoo Directive.
Mortalities recorded by a zoo are addressed during inspection. Post-mortems are also examined as part of the inspection and anything which is outside the normal range of mortalities, in the context of that zoo's animal population, is noted in the zoo inspection report.
Mortality rates are assessed year on year to demonstrate trends, taking into account the variety, age profile and range of species, the type of programmes carried out and the overall animal management at the zoo. This information is a useful marker for assessment of welfare as part of a wider view but is not utilised in isolation.
My Department inspects around 70 establishments each year and does not retain the post-mortem details for individual deaths in each establishment. These records are kept by zoos for inspection and as part of the day to day management of their establishments.
158. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will clarify a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47661/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 3A of the Planning and Development, Maritime and Valuation Act 2022 provides for the introduction of a new regulatory regime in relation to the short-term letting sector, specifically non-principal private residences advertised for letting in the designated Rent Pressure Zones. However, the provisions cannot come into effect until supporting supplementary regulations providing for the detailed operational arrangements in relation to the proposed measure are made and signed into law.
My Department is presently engaging with the relevant stakeholder groups on the detailed operational arrangements that will apply in relation to the proposed measure to be incorporated in the required supplementary regulations. It is intended to conclude the consultation process as soon as possible. My Department is also engaging with the European Commission on the legislation under the notification requirements of the Technical Regulation on Information Society (TRIS) Directive, which engagement is ongoing.
160. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when new planning regulations for the installation of solar panels on private homes, community buildings and schools will be published; the reason for the delay in doing so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47672/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended (the Act), all development, unless specifically exempted under the Act or associated Regulations, requires planning permission. Section 4 of the Act and Schedule 2 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended (the Regulations), set out various exemptions from the requirement to obtain planning permission. Any such exemptions are subject to compliance with any general restrictions on exemptions set out in the Act or the Regulations and to the specific conditions set out in each class of exempted development in Schedule 2 of the Regulations. Included in the planning exemptions set out in the Regulations are those applying to the installation of solar infrastructure on a variety of building types, including houses, businesses, industrial and agricultural to which specific conditions are attached.
My Department, in the context of the Climate Action Plan and in consultation with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, has undertaken a review of the solar panel planning exemptions set out in the Regulations, with a particular focus on facilitating increased self-generation of electricity. This review is now complete. Substantial changes to the current planning exemption thresholds for solar panels are proposed, including those relating to the installation of solar panels on the roofs of houses, as well as the introduction of new classes of solar panel planning exemptions for apartments and educational/community/sports buildings.
The draft regulations have been reviewed under the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive and it has been determined that they are likely to have significant effects on the environment, necessitating the undertaking of a full SEA on the draft proposals. The draft regulations have also been screened for Appropriate Assessment (AA) under the Habitats Directive by my Department’s Ecological Assessment Unit (EAU) and the need for AA has been screened out.
A public consultation on the draft solar regulations as part of the SEA process ran from 15 June 2022 to 13 July 2022. My Department has had regard to the written submissions and observations received as part of the public consultation, which have been taken into consideration in the finalisation of the draft regulations.
As required under planning legislation, the proposed exempted development regulations must be laid in draft form before the Houses of the Oireachtas and receive a positive resolution from both Houses before they can be made and the SEA process concluded. In this regard, the process for finalising the solar regulations has commenced and is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
161. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the support that he plans to offer county and city councils to meet increasing costs as a result of general inflation, higher energy costs and public-sector pay increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47704/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is very cognisant of the current financial environment in which local authorities are operating, and the pressures facing them in respect of general inflation and higher energy costs in particular. My officials are in regular and ongoing contact with the sector on the issue of increased energy costs, and my Department recognises the serious impact of these financial challenges. In this regard, additional support of €60m has been secured to assist local authorities in meeting the increased costs across a wide range of services. In line with the public sector generally, local authorities will also need to seek to reduce their energy consumption and I know that work is already underway in that regard.
In addition to this package, the Government is making a significant contribution of €333 million in 2023 to support local authorities. A large portion of this figure (€199 million) will be towards assisting local authorities with the cumulative effect on pay costs arising from the National Pay Agreements and the unwinding of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) legislation. This allocation will ensure that local authorities will have the necessary resources, in terms of people, to perform their functions and provide essential public services to our citizens; in excess of one thousand services in fact. Furthermore, as has happened in previous years, we will be engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in respect of any additional pay increases that are confirmed for 2023.
Across all schemes and funding sources, my Department provided €3.98 billion in 2020, €4.07 billion in 2021 and over €2.03 billion so far in 2022 (as at end August) to all local authorities. Included in this is the unprecedented level of support provided by central Government to local authorities in 2020 and 2021 during the COVID -19 pandemic. A more targeted rates waiver scheme was in place for Q1 2022, and payments to local authorities in respect of this scheme will be an additional c €61m.
As committed to in the Programme for Government - Our Shared Future, the move to 100% retention of Local Property Tax (LPT) will take place in 2023. All Equalisation funding will now be met by the Exchequer, to ensure that all authorities receive, at a minimum, an amount equivalent to their Baseline. This increased equalisation requirement will come to €118m in 2023. In addition, a move to this model will lead to an increased surplus for those authorities with LPT income above their funding baseline. These authorities shall now retain a greater proportion of that surplus for their own use in 2023; an increase from 20% of the overall yield this year to 22.5% next year. It is intended to commence a comprehensive review of the current LPT baselines in the coming months. This review could not commence in time for the 2023 LPT allocation process without reliable and up-to-date data primarily the detailed census data.
I am very aware of the funding pressures facing all local authorities and the provision of additional support of €60m is in recognition of those pressures. My Department will continue to engage with the sector on the issue.
162. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage the grants available for persons living in thatched cottages for the upkeep of their roof; the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47728/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra164. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage if he is reviewing the amount in grants that is available to the owners of thatched cottages (details supplied) to cover roof maintenance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47730/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 162 and 164 together.
Under my Department’s grant scheme for the renewal or repair of a thatched roof, funding of up to €6,350, or up to 80% of the approved cost, whichever is the lesser, may be payable in respect of necessary works to renew or repair the thatched roofs of private houses situated on the mainland where the private owner holds a medical card. A higher level of assistance of up to €8,252 is available for houses on specified offshore islands, where the owner holds a medical card. In the case of private owners without a medical card, funding of up to €3,810, or two thirds of the approved cost, whichever is the lesser, may be payable in respect of necessary works to renew or repair the thatched roofs of private houses situated on the mainland, rising to €5,714 where the house is situated on a specified off-shore island.
Eligibility under the grant scheme is contingent on the house being occupied as a normal place of residence on completion of the approved works. The age of the roof is not considered under this scheme, however an applicant may be refused a grant for the renewal or repair of the thatch if a grant was paid under this scheme or Roinn na Gaeltachta scheme, within the previous 7 years. Further details on eligibility and how to apply can be found on my Department's website at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/service/32e72-thatching-grant/
My Department also provides funding for the Housing Adaptation Grant for Older People and People with a Disability scheme, which is a range of grants for necessary improvement works or adaptations to houses, in order to facilitate the continued independent occupancy of their own homes by older people and people with a disability. These schemes cover works reasonably necessary for the purposes of rendering a house more suitable for the accommodation of applicants, and could in those circumstances include the repair or replacement of roofing.
The schemes are administered by local authorities and details of the application process can be found on my Department's website at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/service/6636c-housing-adaptation-grants-for-older-people-and-people-with-a-disability/
My Department also oversees a number of schemes to assist in the conservation of protected structures, which may include repairs to historic roofing. These schemes are the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the Historic Structures Fund. The schemes are administered through the local authorities and details are available at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/32ae3-financial-assistance-for-architectural-heritage/
Separately, Minister Noonan, launched A Living Tradition, the new vernacular architectural heritage strategy, in December 2021. Action 6 of the strategy sets out to ‘enhance the protection and conservation of historic thatched roofs’. Officials in my Department have established a specific steering group, the Built Vernacular Heritage (Thatch) Steering Group to oversee and assist with the implementation of this particular part of the strategy. Under Action 6, the Steering Group will examine all issues relevant to thatched buildings, including thatching standards, fire prevention guidance, and the availability of suitable thatching materials, and any other relevant matters. The action also seeks to accelerate the recording and protection of these buildings, and to establish a central database. At present my Department estimates that there are 2,000 older vernacular thatched houses, and the establishment of a central database will provide further clarity on this figure.
My Department, in conjunction with the Steering Group, will also progress relevant parts of other actions of the strategy as they relate to thatch, including a review of grant assistance for such buildings.
163. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps his Department is taking in relation to the issues owners of thatched cottages are having in obtaining home insurance; if his Department has liaised with the Department of Finance on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47729/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Action 6 of the strategy for built vernacular heritage, A Living Tradition, which I launched in December 2021, my Department has undertaken to “investigate and work to resolve the urgent issue of affordability of insurance for thatched buildings” and other relevant issues relating to thatch and thatched buildings.
I have established a steering group to assist my Department in the implementation of those actions. Two members of the group are thatch-owners, including a thatcher, another is a thatching grant inspector, and the others have key roles in relevant outside bodies.
My Department’s built heritage unit is working urgently to progress the resolution of the thatch insurance issue and, to this end, has engaged a specialist to support an urgent assessment of the insurance sector as it applies to thatched properties. This assessment involves engagement with thatch-owners, insurance brokers, insurance companies, the oversight authorities (including the FSPO, Central Bank, Department of Finance), local authorities and any other relevant bodies.
My Department expects an interim report at the end of September and a final report by the end of November. On the basis of the recommendations set out in the report, and any avenues for progress that suggest themselves in the meantime, my Department will work urgently to seek workable solutions to the thatch insurance issue.
165. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the terms of the housing in situ scheme, which allows a local authority in certain circumstances to acquire a house with HAP tenants and retain the house as part of its rental stock, converting the HAP tenant to a council tenant; the assessment of suitable tenants that applies; the rules governing acquisition of the home that apply in 2022 and in the years ahead; and the estimated number of council tenancies that will be delivered in this way. [47761/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHousing for All, is the Government’s plan to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 per year over the next decade. This includes the delivery of 90,000 social homes by 2030. Housing for All is supported by an investment package of over €4bn per annum, through an overall combination of €12bn in direct Exchequer funding, €3.5bn in funding through the Land Development Agency and €5bn funding through the Housing Finance Agency.
Under Housing for All, the Government will deliver 47,600 new build social homes and 3,500 social homes through long-term leasing in the period 2022-2026. Our clear focus is to increase the stock of social housing through new build projects delivered by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHB) and, with this, to reduce the numbers of social homes delivered through acquisition programmes. However, acquisitions of second hand properties for social housing fall under a number of local authority and Approved Housing Body (AHB) acquisitions programmes.
On 19 January my Department issued a circular letter to local authorities advising that social housing acquisitions by local authorities and AHB CALF acquisitions in 2022 would be focussed on a number of priority areas, as follows:
- One-bedroom units to deliver on Housing First and meet the short supply in this category;
- Other properties that allow persons/families to exit homelessness; and
- Specific housing required for/suitable for individuals with a disability or other particular priority needs;
Local authorities were also advised that limited acquisitions through the Capital Assistance Scheme will also be approved, subject to the available budget for specific vulnerable cohorts, such as housing for older people, accommodation for individuals and families who are homeless and for people with a disability.
On 20 April, a further circular letter issued to local authorities in relation to social housing acquisitions. The key purpose of this circular was to advise local authorities that I had reinstated the delegated sanction to local authorities in respect of social housing acquisitions which are:
(i) in one of the priority categories set out in the January circular letter;
(ii) in line with acquisition cost guidelines; and
(iii) can be completed during 2022.
The reinstatement of delegated sanction will allow local authorities to respond more flexibility to secure acquisitions which support a household to exit or to prevent homelessness. I have requested local authorities to be proactive in acquiring properties which can prevent homelessness, including properties where a notice of termination has been issued to the tenant .
My Department publishes comprehensive programme level statistics on a quarterly basis on social housing delivery activity in all local authorities, including information on social housing acquisitions. This data is available until the end of Quarter 1 2022 and is published on the statistics page of my Department’s website, at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/
Data for Quarter 2 is being finalised and will be published imminently.
167. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage his plans to amend the building regulations of 2010 (details supplied) to include technical guidance documents for wheelchair-liveable housing; and if he will engage with the disability groups to hear their perspective on the current regulations and the way they impact negatively on their lives. [47783/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra168. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage his views on the lack of an available stock of wheelchair-liveable housing in Ireland; the steps he will take to amend the outdated building regulations of 2010 (details supplied); the number of liveable units that have been delivered in the past five years; and the number being funded currently by his Department. [47784/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 167 and 168 together.
The Building Regulations set out the minimum legal performance requirements for the design and construction of new buildings (including dwellings) and certain works to existing buildings.
The Building Regulations (Part M Amendment) Regulations 2010, which came into effect on 1 January 2012, set out the minimum statutory requirements that a building must achieve in respect of access and use. The requirements of Part M aim to ensure that regardless of age, size or disability:
- new buildings other than dwellings are accessible and usable;
- extensions to existing buildings other than dwellings are, where practicable, accessible and useable;
- material alterations to existing buildings other than dwellings increase the accessibility and usability of existing buildings, where practicable;
- certain changes of use to existing buildings other than dwellings increase the accessibility and usability of existing buildings where practicable; and
- new dwellings are visitable.
Part M aims to foster an inclusive approach to the design and construction of the built environment. The accompanying Technical Guidance Document M – Access and Use (2010) (TGD M), provides guidance on how the requirements of Part M can be achieved in practice. TGD M is available on my Department’s website at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/78e67-technical-guidance-document-m-access-and-use/#current-edition
While the Part M requirements may be regarded as a statutory minimum level of provision, the accompanying technical guidance encourages building owners and designers to have regard to the design philosophy of universal design and to consider making additional provisions where practicable and appropriate.
Building Regulations and the associated TGDs are subject to ongoing review in the interests of safety and the well-being of persons in the built environment and to ensure that due regard is taken of changes in construction techniques, technological progress and innovation. A number of reviews are ongoing at present including Part B Fire Safety, Part M (Changing Places Toilet) etc.
In respect of wheelchair liveable housing, I launched a new joint National Housing Strategy for Disabled People (NHSDP) 2022-2027 on 14 January 2022, together with my colleagues Mr Peter Burke, Minister of State for Local Government and Panning and Ms. Anne Rabbitte, T.D., Minister of State with responsibility for Disability (available at www.gov.ie/en/publication/60d76-national-housing-strategy-for-disabled-people-2022-2027/). The new Strategy sets out the vision for the cooperation and collaboration of Government Departments, state agencies and others in delivering housing and the related supports for disabled people over the next five years. This new Strategy will operate within the framework of Housing for All – A New Housing Plan for Ireland which is committed to ensuring that affordable, quality housing with an appropriate mix of housing design types provided within social housing, including universally designed units, is available to everyone in Irish society, including those with disabilities. Preparation of an Implementation Plan for the Strategy is underway.
With regard to social housing delivery, a key action of Housing for All is that local authorities will prepare Housing Delivery Action Plans to include details of their anticipated delivery of social housing over the period 2022-2026 including housing for disabled people. The Plans are informed by the targets for social housing delivery contained in Housing for All, and individual targets issued to each local authority in September 2021 for the same period. They set out details of local authority delivery in addition to other delivery partners, including Approved Housing Bodies. This is the first such multi-annual delivery planning undertaken by the sector and will be an iterative process throughout the 5 years. The Plans have been published by each local authority on their website.
169. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will assist residents in an estate (details supplied) with a water issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47795/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand from the local authority, in this case Limerick County Council, that the matter raised in the Question relates to a group water scheme with a history of operational issues.
My Department's Rural Water Programme provides capital funding under a multi-annual programme and an annual subsidy for the operational and management costs of group water schemes providing water for domestic use.
Group water schemes are community-owned and community-run organisations and accordingly I have no function in their day-to-day management or operation. My Department is responsible for policy underpinning the Programme, while the day-to-day management of the Programme is devolved to the local authorities.
The funding under the Programme is particularly focused on helping group water schemes to achieve a supply of wholesome and clean drinking water that is safe to drink on a consistent long-term basis i.e. compliant with the Drinking Water Regulations in the quantity required for their day-to-day household needs.
Where group water schemes are availing of capital grants or the annual subsidy under the Programme, the terms and conditions of these funding schemes apply. It is a pre-requisite that a strong management committee is in place to manage the scheme. This includes schemes that are considering being taking in charge by Irish Water, as may be the case here. A scheme in this situation remains fully responsible for its management right up until it is taken in charge. Another essential requirement of schemes availing of the annual subsidy is that they actively manage water leakage.
It is important to note that group water schemes, as community-owned organisations, are required to operate with good governance and both their consumers (members) and the management have rights and responsibilities.
All group water schemes availing of an annual subsidy must formally adopt the Charter of Rights and Responsibilities for Members of Group Water Schemes. Details of the Charter are available on the National Federation of Group Water Schemes website at the following link: nfgws.ie/charter-of-rights/
I understand that Limerick County Council are working closely with the scheme in question and have assisted in emergency repairs in the past to ensure a continuous supply to the scheme and the associated public supply. I would strongly encourage the members involved in the group water scheme to engage with Limerick County Council to resolve any deficiencies that exist with their water supply.
My Department will be launching a new multi-annual programme later this year and local authorities, including Limerick County Council, will be invited to submit applications for funding.
Each local authority has appointed a Rural Water Liaison Officer (RWLO). The RWLO deals with the day-to-day issues for the Programme and can be contacted at the local authority offices.
170. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider increasing the income threshold to a minimum of €50,000 to qualify for council housing assistance supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47810/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHousing for All was published in September 2021 and, as part of a broad suite of social housing reforms, committed to reviewing income eligibility for social housing.
The review, which examined inter alia the efficiency of the current banding model and income limits applicable to local authorities, has been completed and I have recently approved implementation of its recommendations. This included the commissioning of work to scope and develop options for a revised or new social housing income eligibility model. This work will commence shortly under the aegis of the Housing Agency who have been tasked with commissioning it. It is expected that the work will be complete by the end of 2022.
Pending completion of this work, I have also approved changes to the social housing income eligibility bands. Five local authorities - Carlow, Clare, Galway County, Laois and Westmeath - will be moved from Band 3 to Band 2. Accordingly, the baseline income eligibility threshold for these areas will increase from €25,000 to €30,000. The change reflects the movement in rents in recent years in these areas and will ensure local authority areas with similar accommodation costs continue to be grouped together in the respective bands. The changes will come into effect from 1 October 2022.
It is now appropriate to await the report I referred to before considering the appropriate income threshold levels for all counties, and the potential impact of any changes that might arise.
171. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when a direction will be issued to local authorities authorising the payment of the Covid-19 recognition payment to fire brigade personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47833/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 687 of 8 September 2022. The situation remains unchanged.
172. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps that have been and will be taken to help address the deteriorating social, economic and political situation in Lebanon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47695/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe situation in Lebanon is deeply worrying. The economic situation had been deteriorating for some time before the pandemic, the devastating explosions in Beirut on 4 August 2020 and the onset of war in Ukraine. I have visited Lebanon on several occasions as Minister, most recently in May of this year, and have witnessed first-hand the scale of the challenges facing the country.
It is positive that parliamentary elections went ahead as scheduled in May. It is vital that Presidential elections are held to schedule, and that a government is formed as soon as possible in order to enact reform.
Ireland is committed to supporting Lebanon. Since 2014, we have provided over €36 million in direct humanitarian funding to Lebanon, including €3 million so far in 2022. The EU has moved quickly to respond to growing food insecurity in the country created by the war in Ukraine. It has allocated €25 million to Lebanon as part of a regional Food and Resilience Facility to ensure access to basic goods and services in the context of food insecurity caused by the war. It has also allocated an additional €20 million in humanitarian aid to Lebanon.
Since 1978, we have supported Lebanon through our troop contribution to UNIFIL. We believe it has been playing a vital role in the stability of the region as well as in Lebanon. Last year, during negotiations on the renewal of the UNIFIL mandate, Ireland successfully advocated for the inclusion of a provision enabling UNIFIL to provide targeted support to the Lebanese Armed Forces in the form of fuel, medical supplies, food, and logistical support on a temporary basis. Last month, UNIFIL’s mandate was extended, including a six-month extension of this non-lethal support.
173. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has communicated Ireland's concern at the disturbing events in Iran in which authorities are repressing peaceful protest against the Iranian Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47696/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am deeply saddened by the news of the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died in police custody in Iran after her arrest for allegedly violating dress code regulations.
On 21 September I met with the Foreign Minister of Iran, Hossein Amirabdollahian at the UN General Assembly High Level Week in New York. I relayed to him my deep concerns regarding the circumstances of Ms Amini’s detention and death. I urge Iran to immediately conduct an independent investigation into the circumstances of Ms Amini’s death.
I commend the women and men of Iran who have exercised their fundamental right to assemble and protest. The response of the Iranian security and police forces to demonstrations has been disproportionate and resulted in the loss of lives as well as a large number of injuries. The use of force against nonviolent protestors is unjustifiable and unacceptable. People in Iran have the right to peaceful protest. That right must be ensured in all circumstances.
The decision to severely restrict internet access by the relevant Iranian authorities and to block instant messaging platforms is a further cause for concern, as it blatantly violates freedom of expression.
Iran is a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). We call on the Iranian authorities to strictly abide by the principles enshrined in the ICCPR, including the right of peaceful assembly.
Ireland along with our fellow European Union member states will consider all options at our disposal to respond to the death of Masha Amini and to the actions of the Iranian authorities against the protestors.
174. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason Ireland agreed to reconvene the European Union-Israel Association Council in October 2022, given Israel's actions on the ground in Palestine show it remains a serial human rights abuser and international law violator. [47708/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my previous answer to PQ 46070/22 on 21 September.
Further to my reply on 21 September, agreement has now been reached on an EU position, which sends a clear and robust message on the important issues and priorities which Ireland has prioritised. The EU-Israel Association Council will take place on 3 October in Brussels.
175. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the aid that will be provided for internally displaced civilians in Armenia, given the invasion by Azerbaijan of Armenia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47792/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was deeply concerned by the reports of renewed fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan earlier this month.
While Ireland has not provided direct aid to internally-displaced civilians in Armenia, in 2022 Ireland did provide an unearmarked (fully flexible) contribution of €10.5 million to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for use in global programmes. The UNHCR has been on the ground in Armenia for 30 years, and is focused on addressing humanitarian needs and promoting the integration of displaced populations.
On 13 and 15 September, Ireland used its seat on the United Nations Security Council to call for the immediate cessation of hostilities and the implementation of a ceasefire. Ireland supports a negotiated, comprehensive and sustainable settlement of the conflict, particularly on the long-term status of Nagorno-Karabakh. Along with the EU, we maintain our full support to the international format of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group to pursue this objective.
176. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will ensure the passport applications for siblings and their father (details supplied) will be processed urgently by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47803/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to the specific applications about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued passports to the applicants.
