Written Answers Nos. 66-88
66. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if she will increase the existing goodwill and ground survey payments to landowners for national road schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53786/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you in relation to goodwill and ground survey payments.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
67. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if a bus stop will be installed at a location (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53808/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus stops.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
68. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Finance if he will clarify whether a recipient of the State pension can qualify for the €500 renters' allowance which was announced in Budget 2023. [53642/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn Budget Day, I announced a €500 Rent Tax Credit with the intention that it will be claimable in respect of rent paid in 2022 and subsequent years to end-2025.
The intention is that, in order for a person to be in a position to claim the credit in a year:
- the rent paid must be in respect of the person’s principal private residence;
- the person living in the rented property themselves, or their spouse/civil partner, must have paid sufficient rent and sufficient income tax to avail of the credit;
- the tenancy must be registered with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB), but only where this is already a legal requirement.
The credit is specifically targeted to assist renters who do not receive other State housing supports. Renters who are in receipt of State housing support, such as the Housing Assistance Payment, the Rental Supplement or who are availing of the Rental Accommodation Scheme or cost rental arrangements, will not be eligible for the credit.
In the case of a single person, "sufficient rent" as mentioned above amounts to €2,500 in a year. For 2022, "sufficient income tax" amounts to €3,900 (equivalent to the aggregate 2022 value of the Personal Tax Credit, the Employee/Earned Income Tax Credit and the proposed Rent Tax Credit). For 2023, "sufficient income tax" amounts to €4,050 (equivalent to the aggregate proposed 2023 value of the Personal Tax Credit, the Employee/Earned Income Tax Credit and the Rent Tax Credit).
It is not clear from the Deputy’s question whether he has in mind the non-contributory State Pension which is means-tested or the contributory State Pension which is not means tested and which a person may qualify for, subject to having sufficient social insurance contributions.
It is unlikely that a person whose only income is the State Pension (either contributory or non-contributory) would be in a position to avail of the new rent tax credit because they may be exempt from income tax or their income tax liability would be fully offset by their personal tax credits and they would not have sufficient income to avail of the new rent tax credit.
However, depending on their aggregate income, a person in receipt of other income besides the contributory State Pension, for example an occupational pension, may well have sufficient income and pay sufficient tax in Ireland to be able to benefit from the credit subject to meeting other qualifying criteria applying to the credit.
There is nothing in the arrangements being put in place for the rent tax credit that seeks to expressly exclude those in receipt of State Pensions from qualifying for the relief.
69. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Finance his views regarding the additional measures that he will implement to support persons and operations of the freight industry in response to the concerns raised by persons and operations in the freight industry about the increasing cost of fuel (details supplied); the measures that are being taken to alleviate the current fuel price crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53669/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe price of fuel is determined by a number of factors such as global market dynamics, costs of labour, exchange rates, taxation as well as wholesale and retail pricing policy practices which may include additional pricing to cover transport and distribution costs. The Government has acted to limit the impact of increased prices on households and businesses via reductions in VAT, excise and income tax, targeted welfare supports, reduced public transport fares and the provision of energy credits to households.
On 10 March 2022, to alleviate the impact of rising auto fuel prices on households and businesses, the Government introduced VAT inclusive Mineral Oil Tax reductions of 15 cent per litre on diesel. A further reduction of 1 cent per litre (VAT inclusive) applied from 1 April 2022 to offset the impact of anticipated increased prices as a result of the increase in the Biofuel Obligation Scheme administered by my colleague, the Minister for Transport and Environment, Climate and Communications. These reductions were due to expire on 12 October 2022 but in recognition of the continued impact of high fuel costs, I have extended the reductions until 28 February 2023.
According to the European Commission weekly oil bulletin published on 20 October 2022, the average national price for a litre of diesel in Ireland as of 17 October 2022 was €1.97. The week prior, the average national price was €1.87 per litre on 10 October 2022. The increase in the average national price follows an increase in pretax price of diesel also impacting average national prices in other EU states.
While garages are not committing an offence by charging a higher price than competitors, all garages must operate within the bounds of consumer protection and competition law in relation to their pricing policies and practices.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is the statutory independent body responsible for the promotion of consumer rights and the enforcement of consumer law. The CCPC provides information on consumer rights and enforces consumer protection laws, including rules on pricing and deceptive trading practices.
If an individual believes that a breach of their consumer rights has occurred, they may make a complaint directly to the business concerned, but also to the CCPC. The CPCC provides advice and guidelines on the process of making a complaint. Full information is available at: www.ccpc.ie
With regard to specific supports for the haulage sector, the Government has put in place several measures to ease cost pressures including:
- On 15 March 2022, the Government introduced the Licensed Haulage Emergency Support Scheme. The Scheme was administered by the Department of Transport and provided a temporary financial support of €100 per week, for eight weeks, for each eligible heavy goods vehicle authorised on the licence of a road haulage operator as of 11 March 2022. There was good uptake of the scheme, with over €15.6 million paid out to c. 3,080 operators (approx. 80% of licensed operators.)
- The Diesel Rebate Scheme (‘DRS’) has been in operation since 2013 and remains available to qualifying road haulage and passenger transport operators. The DRS operates on a sliding scale basis, whereby the rebate kicks in when the retail price of diesel exceeds €1.00 VAT exclusive and the repayment amount increases gradually as the retail price increases up to a maximum repayment amount of 7.5 cents per litre. Budget 2020 provided for a significant enhancement to the scheme whereby the marginal rate of compensation was doubled at prices over €1.07 VAT exclusive. This enhancement has been maintained to date in light of the current challenges facing sectors of the economy.
- VAT registered businesses are also entitled to recover the cost of VAT on the purchase of diesel, used in the course of their business, as is the case with most business costs.
- The extended excise reduction on diesel also benefits hauliers.
The Government does not have infinite resources but through the measures outlined it has responded to help to ease the impact of high fuel prices.
70. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Finance the number of homeowners availing of the rent-a-room relief scheme each year since its introduction in 2001, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53761/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that the number of taxpayer units availing of the Rent a Room relief scheme, together with the cost of the relief, since 2004, the earliest year available, is published in Revenue's ‘Costs of Tax Expenditures Publication’ which is available on the Revenue website at www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/tax-expenditures/costs-expenditures.aspx.
These figures are provided below in tabular form and 2019 is the latest year for which data are available.
|
Year |
€m |
Number of taxpayer units |
|
2019 |
22.2 |
9,810 |
|
2018 |
19.7 |
9,240 |
|
2017 |
12.0 |
8,160 |
|
2016 |
9.3 |
7,350 |
|
2015 |
6.9 |
6,460 |
|
2014 |
9.3 |
5,710 |
|
2013 |
8.3 |
5,730 |
|
2012 |
8.0 |
5,250 |
|
2011 |
5.6 |
3,920 |
|
2010 |
5.3 |
3,770 |
|
2009 |
5.6 |
3,770 |
|
2008 |
5.6 |
3,600 |
|
2007 |
4.7 |
3,180 |
|
2006 |
3.9 |
3,560 |
|
2005 |
3.3 |
2,820 |
|
2004 |
2.7 |
2,300 |
71. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when planned work on the Garda station in Kenagh, County Longford, will be completed by the OPW (details supplied). [53639/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) can confirm that it intends to carry out painting works to the entire interior of Kenagh Garda Station. The works are scheduled to commence within the next two weeks and are expected to take one week to complete.
72. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will address the matters raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53661/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, while I have overall policy responsibility in relation to public service pension schemes, questions about the pension schemes of any particular public service body should be referred to the Minister of the parent Department for the body concerned, in this case the Minister for Housing.
However to address the general point raised, it is a fundamental feature of occupational pension schemes and of the regulatory framework within which they operate that pension entitlements are, in general, accrued in respect of periods of paid employment and having regard to the pensionable remuneration in payment. The State Pension (contributory), on the other hand, has regard to each person’s social insurance record, which may include periods in insurable employment, voluntary contributions and credited contributions.
Any attempt to insert home credits into public service occupational pension schemes would run counter to fundamental principles underpinning those schemes and would represent a very substantial cost to the State.
I would also point out that members of most pre-2013 public service pension schemes, including those of local authorities, will have the option to purchase notional pensionable service at full cost to themselves and subject to the normal purchase scheme limits, including compliance with Revenue limits in relation to the obtaining of tax relief on their purchase contributions, and so may compensate in this way for taking time out of work for home caring.
73. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the estimated number of modular units that he expect to have built for Ukrainian refugees by the end of 2022. [53801/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra74. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has visited modular building companies to assess their capabilities of delivering modular units for Ukrainian refugees; and if he will provide details of which companies he visited and the dates of same. [53802/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra75. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the locations that have been identified for the location of modular homes for refugees; if he will provide full details of these locations and whether he is aware if there are any issues with these locations which could prevent them being used for that purpose. [53803/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 73 to 75, inclusive, together.
The position is that John Sisk and Son Holding Ltd. (Sisk) has been appointed as the main contractor for site enabling works and for the procurement, transportation and installation of 500 modular homes under the programme approved by the Government as part of the State’s humanitarian response to the Ukrainian crisis. The 500 homes will have the capacity to accommodate 2,000 Ukrainians (in family units of 4). Sisk has sub-contracted five companies spread across Ireland to build modular homes for the programme to the OPW’s specification. An order for the manufacture of 250 modular homes for the first phase of the programme will be placed with the manufacturers imminently. The lead in-line for the manufacturing process is estimated at around 10 weeks. Further orders will be placed later this year for the balance of the homes required to complete the programme and for any further expansion of it that may be authorised by the Government.
The timeframe for the installation of the modular homes has recently been recalibrated in the light of experience to date with evaluation and assessment of the suitability of sites, engagement with representatives of communities located adjacent to sites and the timescale for the manufacture of the homes required. Accordingly, It is now expected these homes will be installed on a phased basis during January and February 2023 as site enabling works across a range of locations are completed. All modular sites will have roads, footpaths, street lighting and community facilities, including a play area and green spaces fully in line with Local Authority planning guidance. The modular homes will be well built, highly energy efficient, durable units. The development of the sites will be fully compliant with social housing regulations and conducted in an environmentally sustainable way to ensure that, post development, the site will enhance the local area.
I visited several of the modular home manufacturers, as part of the early development phase, by my Office, of an exemplar model of the modular homes. This model was used to specify the required standards and inform the construction industry in advance of the appointment of the main Contractor. Sisk was subsequently appointed as the Main Contractor, and in a separate process the company has tendered to the market for the supply of the modular homes, using the specifications, quality and assurances developed by the OPW.
A number of interrelated activities are taking place simultaneously relating to the selection, assessment and design development of a range of sites around the country. Currently, sites in Cork, Cavan, Thurles and Sligo are being progressed.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, as the lead Department, has engaged and continues to engage with local representatives in communities where modular housing is progressing. Information has been provided by the Department via various channels including interpersonal briefings, newspaper ads and web content on www.gov.ie/en/publication/65a50-modular-housing/
76. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the funding that the Ból Chumann associations received in each the years 2018 to 2021 and to date in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53654/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards. This includes the allocation of funding to the National Governing Bodies of sport across its various programmes.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
77. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to correspondence (details supplied); if he will provide a schedule of EU Directives that his Department is not in compliance with; the reason for same; if he will take immediate steps to ensure that the State complies with 2006 European Union bathing water Directive; the steps that he is currently taking to improve water quality in the Dublin bay south area. [53818/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra94. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to correspondence (details supplied); if he will provide a schedule of EU Directives that his Department is not in compliance with; the reason for same; and if he will take immediate steps to ensure that the State complies with 2006 European Union bathing water Directive. [53819/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 94 together.
A copy of the correspondence referenced has been received by my Department and a response will issue in due course.
The table below sets out detail of open cases where the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) have issued judgments against the State in areas that fall within the responsibility of my Department.
|
CJEU Case No. |
Detail |
|
C261/18 |
Failure to comply with Council Directive 85/337/EEC on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment as amended by Council Directive 97 /11/EC. |
|
C427/17 |
Failure to ensure compliance with the requirement of Council Directive 91/271/EEC concerning urban wastewater treatment. |
With regards to the Bathing Water Directive, the European Commission undertook a review of the implementation of this Directive in 2018 and concluded that Ireland is in line with the provisions of the Directive and offers several good practices demonstrating how the Directive can be implemented.
The primary responsibility for the monitoring, management, protection and improvement of bathing water quality is assigned to local authorities under the Local Government (Water Pollution) Acts and related legislation. Ongoing work by the Dublin Bay Task Group, chaired by Dublin City Council is aimed at improving bathing water quality in the Dublin area, all year round.
Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local level, including investment in waste water treatment plants and returning waste water safely to the environment in an efficient and sustainable manner.
In respect of Dublin Bay, the Ringsend wastewater treatment plant was originally designed and built to treat wastewater for a population equivalent of 1.64 million, but is now operating in excess of its design capacity. In response, Irish Water is currently undertaking a major upgrade of the plant. This upgrade will increase the capacity of the plant to cater for a population equivalent of 2.4 million by the end of 2025.
In addition, officials are currently examining the most suitable options to provide for safe bathing water during the winter months, and improve the dissemination of information around bathing water quality, particularly in the Dublin bay area.
78. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there is flexibility within the Housing Agency rules in cases in which a person who has been approved for a local authority mortgage cannot have it drawn down given that no management company is currently in place in the estate and the estate is classed as unfinished in order to ensure that an approved applicant would not lose out on purchasing a home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53616/22]
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.
All properties purchased using the Local Authority Home Loan scheme must be in a habitable condition acceptable to the Local Authority, supported by a Valuation Report conducted by an approved independent or Local Authority Valuer. Additional documentation may also be requested by the Local Authority as part of an application, in particular to ensure that the title to the property is one which an ordinary mortgagee would be willing to accept, which may be the issue in the situation described here.
The final decision on loan approval is a matter for each Local Authority, not the Housing Agency, and its Credit Committee on a case-by-case basis.
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. Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 specifically provides that my power to issue policy directions and guidelines to housing authorities in relation to their housing functions should not be construed as enabling me to exercise any power or control in relation to any individual case with which a housing authority is or may be concerned. I am, therefore, precluded from intervening in relation to individual cases such as this.
79. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will increase the income threshold for social housing applications to €50,000 (details supplied) following a resolution by members of Kerry County Council. [53621/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra88. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason that Offaly County Council was not included among the local authority areas when the income threshold for social housing was raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53755/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 88 together.
I refer to the reply to Question No. 304 of 25 October 2022 which sets out the position in the matter.
80. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount of funding that has been allocated to Kerry County Council under the multi-annual rural water programme in the past five years; the amount of this funding that has been drawn down; the amount that remains unspent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53636/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Departments Multi-annual Rural Water Programme, through Exchequer funding, delivers improvements to private domestic water and waste water services in areas of rural Ireland where there are no public (Irish Water) water/waste water services.
During the 2016-2018 funding cycle, Kerry County Council were allocated funding of €1,957,550 and €739,824 was paid to the Council by my Department. For the 2019-2021 cycle, an allocation of €4,354,750 was made by the Department and to date €3,381,700 has been paid.
My Department has devolved the day to day running of the multi-annual programme to the local authorities. The authorities are best placed to provide details of the amounts unspent at any point in time.
A more detailed list of projects, including those in County Kerry, that received a funding allocation under Multi-annual Rural Water Programme 2019-2021 can be found on my Department's website at this address:
www.gov.ie/en/circular/cf807-circular-l219-approval-of-schemesprojects-under-the-multi-annual-rural-water-programme-2019-2021-and-grant-allocations-to-local-authorities-for-2019/
81. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will advise on a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53637/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTailte Éireann, as a single entity focused on the production and maintenance of core-reference data centred on land ownership and land value, will be formed from the merger of the Valuation Office, Ordnance Survey Ireland and the Property Registration Authority of Ireland.
Streamlining services into one entity with its own Vote of Expenditure and headed by a single chief executive and Board will allow Tailte Éireann to efficiently take advantage of the national geospatial data hub ‘GeoHive’ that has been developed by Ordnance Survey Ireland, and will enable it to combine and integrate the wealth of authoritative land information held by the Property Registration Authority, the Valuation Office, Ordnance Survey Ireland and other public bodies, to provide citizens, business and policy makers with new land Information products and services.
The provision of high quality, reliable, trusted and maintained geospatial information is essential for a wide range of critical State functions from environmental planning and management, to the effective administration of property and land use.
82. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 321 of 29 March 2022, if Kerry County Council has drawn down funding for a group water scheme (details supplied) in County Kerry; if so, if he will provide details of the drawdown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53647/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraKerry County Council has been allocated funding of €53,550 under my Department’s Multi-annual Rural Water Programme for the Community Water Connection referred to in the details supplied. It is now a matter for the local authority working with the community to arrange completion of the project.
I understand that the local authority have completed the process of planning the project and that its construction will commence in November to be completed by year end. Funding can be claimed and recouped from my Department once works progress.
83. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of Ireland’s marine protected areas. [53258/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn Ireland, we currently have an array of sites that have been designated for the conservation of species and habitats listed under the EU Birds and Habitats Directives and the Wildlife Acts. In the sea, such sites amount to currently 2.1% of our extensive Maritime Area, with a high proportion of the conserved sites being situated around our coasts and offshore islands, and in numerous bays and estuaries.
In line with several International and EU agreements and initiatives, Ireland has committed to do more to protect and safeguard areas in our seas and ocean, and to ensure that maritime activities are sustainable for the natural environment and for us as people who depend on it.
In this regard my Department and I have made significant efforts in recent years to deliver on our country's commitments and obligations where marine protected areas (MPAs) are concerned. Further details on this substantive work, its outcomes and the consultations undertaken so far by my Department, are available through the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/e00ec-marine-protected-areas/
Achieving an expanded and effective network of MPAs in Irish waters is a crucial but attainable goal to ensure the conservation of biological diversity and sustainable marine ecosystems, and it continues to be a priority of mine and of my Department. The Government remains committed to achieving 30% coverage of MPAs in our Maritime Area by 2030, in line with the Programme for Government, the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, and initiatives such as the UN post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.
On 27 July 2022 the Government gave its approval for the development of a General Scheme of new stand-alone legislation that will enable MPAs in our waters to be defined, designated and effectively managed. Work has been ongoing on this proposed legislation since July, including engagement with the Office of the Attorney General. It is intended to seek approval for the publication of the General Scheme as soon as possible.
The proposed MPA legislation is intended to work in parallel with our Maritime Area Planning Act 2021 and the full suite of existing legal biodiversity protection measures, such as provisions under the Wildlife Acts, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, the EU Birds and Habitats Directives, and the EU Common Fisheries Policy for example. This is in order to effectively balance all conservation requirements and the long-term, sustainable use of Ireland’s valuable and diverse marine environment.
84. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the vacant property refurbishment grant has been extended to rural one-off houses; if so, the qualifying criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53659/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraPathway 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 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, 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, funded by 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 reviews of the schemes under it. Feedback on the Vacant Property Refurbishment Scheme to date has been very positive, with 304 applications reported at the start of October.
Given that Pathway 4 of Housing for All is intended to support re-use of existing buildings and the synergy with the Government's Our Rural Future policy, I do see the sense in extending the eligibility for the scheme to vacant properties in both our cities and rural areas to ensure we are using our existing housing stock to the fullest extent possible. In that context, I am pleased to say that the Government has decided to extend the Vacant Property Refurbishment Scheme and I expect to have that extension to cities and rural properties in place by November. Qualifying criteria and associated documentation are currently being finalised by my Department.
Vacant Homes Officers in each local authority will be available to provide advice and information on the schemes and the application process.
85. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there has been further correspondence or reasoned opinion issued by the European Commission on the Electoral Reform Act 2022; if so, the date that the correspondence was received; and the Commission's views expressed on the matters addressed in the correspondence. [53676/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provisions in Parts 4 and 5 of the Electoral Reform Act 2022 were formally notified in draft form to the European Commission in accordance with the requirements of the notification procedure as set out in Directive (EU) 2015/1535 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 September 2015 laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical regulations and of rules on Information Society services (codification).
The notification procedure (known as Technical Regulation Information System or TRIS) aims to prevent the creation of barriers to trade in the internal market before they materialise. Under this notification procedure, a 90 day standstill period applies to the draft instrument following notification to the European Commission to allow for the consideration of any relevant observations/comments received from the Commission, Member States and other affected stakeholders.
Over the course of notification 2022/184/IRL, which concerned Part 4 of the Electoral Reform Act 2022, my Department received the following communications from the Commission:
- correspondence of 4 April 2022 to confirm that the standstill period would end on 5 July 2022;
- correspondence of 16 May 2022 requesting supplementary information on the notified draft;
- detailed opinion from the Commission of 5 July 2022 extending the standstill period to 5 August 2022. The detailed opinion is available online at ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/tris/en/search/?trisaction=search.detail&year=2022&num=184; and
- correspondence of 10 October 2022 inviting Ireland to further clarify the steps being taken to address the issues raised in the Commission’s detailed opinion.
In the case of notification 2022/376/IRL, which concerned Part 5 of the Electoral Reform Act 2022, my Department received the following communications from the Commission:
- correspondence of 30 May 2022 to confirm that the standstill period would end on 31 August 2022;
- correspondence of 12 July 2022 requesting supplementary information on the notified draft; and
- correspondence of 31 August 2022 outlining the Commission’s observations in respect of the notified draft. The observations invited Ireland to consider the provisions of Articles 3, 14 and 15 of Directive 2000/31/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (eCommerce Directive). These observations did not have the effect of extending the standstill period.
My Department is currently examining the latest correspondence received from the European Commission under notifications 2022/184/IRL and 2022/376/IRL and will engage further with the Commission with a view to resolving outstanding issues prior to the commencement of Parts 4 and 5 of the Electoral Reform Act 2022.
86. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department's monthly homeless report includes all households in family-hub accommodation and all households in own-door transitional accommodation as recorded in the PASS system; and if not, the breakdown of the total number of households, with a further breakdown by household size, in family-hub accommodation and own-door transitional accommodation for the most recent date that were not included in the relevant monthly homeless report. [53677/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department currently publishes data on a monthly basis on the number of homeless persons accommodated in emergency accommodation funded and overseen by housing authorities. These reports are based on data provided by housing authorities, produced through the Pathway Accommodation & Support System (PASS). The reports are collated on a regional basis and are available on my Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/80ea8-homelessness-data/ and are also published to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform's open data portal data.gov.ie/
The monthly homelessness report includes details of individuals, families and the dependants of these families who accessed emergency accommodation during the relevant count week of the month in question. The report also includes information on the accommodation relating to adults in emergency accommodation. The categories included are: Private Emergency Accommodation; Supported Temporary Accommodation (including family hubs); Temporary Emergency Accommodation; and Other. My Department does not hold any other details on any other category of accommodation.
87. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures that he can take to protect second-hand homebuyers from purchasing homes with defective concrete blocks, given the growing number of homes and counties affected across the State; and if he has engaged with the legal, engineering and estate-agent representative bodies on this issue. [53715/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing on from the Government decision of the 30 November 2021 in respect of the enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme, the Government approved the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Bill 2022 on 21 June and the Bill passed through both Houses of the Oireachtas and was subsequently signed into law by the President on the 23 July, 2022.
The purpose of this Act is to implement and give legislative underpinning to a series of measures to improve and enhance the scheme as agreed by Government on 30 November 2021. Full details can be found at
www.gov.ie/en/press-release/328d7-minister-obrien-welcomes-progress-on-enhanced-defective-concrete-blocks-grant-scheme/.
My Department recently published a comprehensive and updated “Your Questions Answered” document on the Department’s website to ensure homeowners have the most up to date information available to them. It can be accessed at www.gov.ie/en/publication/775c0-defective-concrete-blocks-grant-scheme-your-questions-answered/
I understand that the conveyancing process in Ireland, which is under the remit of the Minister for Justice, provides for mechanisms to enable purchasers of second hand houses to enquire as to the nature, quality and condition of a property prior to purchase.
