Written Answers Nos. 68-90
68. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Transport the number of reported incidents of public order reports of a sexual nature on Dublin Bus services for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59743/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
Therefore, I have referred this question to Dublin Bus for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
69. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if a list will be provided of all schemes and programmes under the remit of his Department for which a means test applies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59655/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that my Department does not have any schemes and programmes for which a means test applies.
In addition, the bodies under the aegis of my Department have advised they do not have any schemes and programmes for which a means test applies.
70. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide the attendance record of his Department at all joint policing committee and city and county development board meetings since 2015 to date, in tabular form. [59682/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that the staff of my Department have not attended any joint policing committees and city and county development boards since 2015 to date.
71. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Finance if he will give consideration to making the section 481 tax credit conditional on compliance with an arrangement similar to that agreed by an organisation (details supplied) in the UK. [59711/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is my understanding that the nature of the Deputy’s request emanates from industrial relations issues in the film industry with regard to provisions within the copyright directive. I am aware that the issue of copyright is an important one for the Irish culture, arts and media sectors. I am also aware that there have been issues raised in relation to intellectual property rights and remuneration of actors and performers. My officials are currently seeking to engage with the stakeholders concerned, including both Government stakeholders and representative bodies for actors and performers, to gain an understanding of the topic and the various perspectives of those concerned.
In terms of the Deputy’s request to make the section 481 tax credit conditional on compliance with an arrangement similar to that agreed by an organisation (details supplied) in the UK, it is understood that there is at present no comparable agreement in place in Ireland. It is understood that the relevant representative body in Ireland (Irish Equity) has been invited to enter into such negotiations by both Screen Producers Ireland and the Workplace Relations Commission, as stated by Screen Producers Ireland at a recent hearing of the Budgetary Oversight Committee, and we look forward to further developments in this regard.
72. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 154 of 17 November 2022, the specific data points from the Revenue Commissioners' data holdings, data analytics and risk assessment that system-prompted the decision by the Revenue Commissioners to implement seize and release VRT enforcement performance targets for 2017 to 2019, which prompted the decision to cease the setting of seize and release performance targets; the date of such decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59715/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra73. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Finance further Parliamentary Question No. 155 of 17 November 2022, if seize and release VRT enforcement performance targets have been set for any other years since the introduction of the seize and release procedure; if so, the performance targets set for each such year; if seize and release performance targets were set by region, unit or other; if seize and release performance awards were paid to persons or units for meeting such targets; if so, the amounts by year; if sanctions were applied individually or units for not meeting seize and release performance targets; if so, the nature of those sanctions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59716/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 73 together.
Officers of the Revenue Commissioners have a statutory power under section 141 of the Finance Act 2001 to seize a vehicle as liable to forfeiture where there has been a breach of VRT legislation. Revenue has statutory discretion to restore goods that have been seized as liable to forfeiture. This process is referred to in the Vehicle Registration Tax Manual Part 5 - Enforcement. I am aware that Revenue’s approach to enforcement of the law relating to VRT is that in each instance where a failure to comply with the relevant legal requirements is detected, the matter is dealt with in a manner that is fair and proportionate to the circumstances of the particular case.
As outlined in response to Parliamentary Questions No. 154 and No. 155 of 17 November 2022, I am informed that Revenue’s approach to confronting non-compliance, including in relation to VRT, is informed by risk. Each year Revenue focuses its compliance resources on areas that pose risk to the tax system as determined by its data holdings, data analytics and risk assessment systems. In confronting non-compliance specifically related to VRT, the level of risk is determined in the main by compliance behaviour displayed either generally or by specific taxpayers. Such information informs Revenue’s annual business planning process.
I am advised that Revenue’s multi-tiered approach to business planning supports the achievement of its strategic direction, as set down in its Statement of Strategy in a given period. Annual high-level priorities form the basis for the development of operational business plans which include a mix of appropriate elements such as initiatives to support and facilitate voluntary compliance, and compliance intervention initiatives to identify and confront non-compliance. I am advised that performance targets may be used as part of this process and some of the relevant data requested by the Deputy is reflected in my reply to Questions 154 and 155 of 17 November. The additional data requested by the Deputy necessitates some further compilation of data by Revenue which cannot be completed in the time available. I am advised by Revenue that this information will be provided directly to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
Performance targets when they were used by Revenue in relation to VRT matters were used as an indicator of progress with each of the core components of the compliance management regime for VRT. Awards are not paid to Revenue officials in relation to seizures, penalties etc.
74. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Public Works is responsible for remedial works undertaken on waterways in the Cree, Doonbeg area of County Clare in summer 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59582/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the maintenance of arterial drainage schemes and flood relief schemes completed under the Arterial Drainage Acts, 1945 and 1995, as amended.
Arterial drainage maintenance is an ongoing programme of works of a cyclical nature, typically every four to six years. Each year, the OPW prepares an annual arterial drainage maintenance programme for each region that identifies the proposed maintenance locations within each arterial drainage scheme catchment area. The annual maintenance programme is informed by data gathered from a variety of sources, including maintenance records, observations from inspections and from information provided by members of the public. In addition to these planned maintenance activities, the OPW may also carry out maintenance work where necessary to address issues that come to its attention.
Under this cycle of maintenance there are works for silt and vegetation maintenance programmed each year throughout the Creegh Drainage Scheme. This year the OPW has carried out silt removal and vegetation management at a number of locations throughout the drainage scheme with planned works for the year recently completed.
75. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total quantum of Ireland's allocation as part of the recovery and resilience fund; the total amount drawn down to date; the date of the drawdown; the breakdown of same in terms of recipient Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59637/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn July 2020, the European Council, made up of the Heads of State and Government of each EU Member State, adopted a historic €750 billion recovery package for Europe. This package, NextGenerationEU, is Europe’s shared response to the severe health and economic crisis caused by COVID-19.
Next Generation EU is an ambitious and common recovery package which will complement and support each country’s own national response to the crisis. At the heart of the NextGenerationEU lies the Recovery and Resilience Facility. The aim of the Facility is to address the economic and social impact of the pandemic and make European economies and societies more sustainable, resilient and better prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the green and digital transitions.
Ireland will receive approximately €915 million in grants from the Recovery and Resilience Facility. These grants will be used to support investments between now and mid-2026. In order to avail of grants from the Recovery and Resilience Facility, each Member States prepared a National Recovery and Resilience Plan. The overall objective of Ireland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan is to contribute to a sustainable, equitable, green and digital recovery effort, in a manner that complements and supports the Government’s broader recovery efforts. Ireland’s Plan will do this through a set of 16 investments and 9 reform commitments.
Ireland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan has been arranged under three distinct priorities:
- Priority 1: Advancing the Green Transition
- Priority 2: Accelerating and Expanding Digital Reforms and Transformation
- Priority 3: Social and Economic Recovery and Job Creation
Under each priority, there is a set of impactful and reinforcing investments and reforms which will be measurable and for which the Government will be responsible. The achievement of the milestones and targets for these investments and reforms, in line with the Regulation governing the Recovery and Resilience Facility, will see Ireland access its allocated resources from the Recovery and Resilience Facility.
The financial contribution from the Recovery and Resilience Facility will be paid to Ireland in 5 instalments in accordance with the Financial Agreement. Ireland will begin the process of submitting the first payment request to the Commission before the end of the year. Annual payment claims will follow this cycle up until 2026.
76. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will examine the case for the preservation of the social and heritage values of a national monument (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59645/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works sustainably protects and conserves the heritage sites, buildings, parks and gardens entrusted to its care, with an emphasis on conservation quality and standards. OPW considers that it is fulfilling its objectives at the Obelisk. The Monument itself is in good condition and is neither deteriorating nor neglected. The site is visited by maintenance staff on a regular basis and the grounds are kept free of litter, the paths are maintained and the grass is cut. The estate fencing marks the boundary of OPW's mandate in respect of the Obelisk.
This fencing at the entrance to the site was, unfortunately, damaged after being hit by a vehicle. The repair of the fencing could not be carried out in 2022; however, the Deputy will be glad to learn that this project will be prioritised in 2023.
Regretfully, there have been reports of antisocial behaviour at the Obelisk. The palisade fencing was originally erected around the monument itself after instances of graffiti, littering and the grave stone of Mariga Guinness having been broken. The most recent damage saw this palisade fence being broken and an attempt was made to gain entry to the monument by way of cutting and damaging the lock on the entrance door. This has now been repaired by OPW staff, who continue to ensure the maintenance of the site. OPW remains committed to dealing with the impact of this behaviour while at the same time keeping the Monument protected, which is OPW's remit under legislation.
With regard to lighting, there are two down-lighters located either side of the entrance providing lighting commensurate with the rural location of the Obelisk in a woodland area. To provide stronger or additional lighting at the structure would have to be considered against any possible impact on biodiversity around the site and it is not OPW's intention to add to the lighting in this location, at this time.
The ongoing maintenance and safety checks that are carried out by OPW staff are in the interest of maintaining the site as a place for visitors to enjoy and. In summary, the site is regularly attended to by OPW staff; the Monument itself is not deteriorating; and fence repair is part of OPW works plans for next year.
While the Office of Public Works cannot influence the market in terms of the acquisition of property, it strives to ensure that Castletown House serves the local and wider community in terms of offering that very valuable amenity to visitors. There is a full program of concerts, plays and markets with facilities including walks through the parklands and along the river, a pleasure garden, play area and restaurant.
Grounds are managed to increase biodiversity and the site has previously won the All-Ireland Pollinator Award. The OPW also conserves the house, the earliest and largest Palladian mansion in the State and works closely with the Castletown Foundation to ensure it is presented to the highest standards.
77. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a list will be provided of all schemes and programmes under the remit of his Department for which a means test applies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59661/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that due to the nature of its role, my Department does not have responsibility for any schemes or programmes provided directly to the general public.
78. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide the attendance record of his Department at all joint policing committee and city and county development board meetings since 2015 to date, in tabular form. [59688/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDue to the nature of its role, my Department does not attend meetings of joint policing committees or city and county development boards.
79. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if a list will be provided of all schemes and programmes under the remit of her Department for which a means test applies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59665/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of the schemes and programmes, under my Department's remit, are available on my Department's: www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-tourism-culture-arts-gaeltacht-sport-and-media
I am advised that a means test does not apply to any of the schemes and programmes operated by my Department.
80. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide the attendance record of her Department at all joint policing committee and city and county development board meetings since 2015 to date, in tabular form. [59692/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that my Department has not been represented on the committees and boards specified by the Deputy since the establishment of the Department in its current format in 2020.
81. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will seek assurances that the role of the night-time economy advisers will be decided by an open competition call to ensure specialists in hospitality and night-time economies have an opportunity to apply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59708/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently working with the City and County Managers Association to finalise details in relation to the Night-Time Advisor role and to ensure that the recruitment process to appoint all of the officers gets underway as soon as possible. Each local authority will be responsible for appointing individual Night-Time Advisors within their own area and I have requested that the City and County Managers Association ensure that the posts are appointed by open competition.
82. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he followed the procedure set out in section 105 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 in appointing a new interim chairperson of An Bord Pleanála; and, if not, the reason he felt able to ignore that requirement. [59589/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra83. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if farmers whose land is zoned as strategic residential reserve are liable for the tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59590/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Residential Zoned Land Tax (RZLT) is a new tax introduced in Finance Act 2021 which seeks to increase housing supply by encouraging the activation of development on lands which are suitably zoned and appropriately serviced. It aims to bring those lands which have benefitted from investment in services and are capable of being developed forward for housing. The tax is an action contained in Housing for All, the Government’s plan for housing, to increase housing supply and is supported in the Programme for Government. My Department published section 28 Guidelines for Planning Authorities on the Residential Zoned Land Tax on 29 June 2022, which provided guidance on identifying the land which is in scope for the tax.
The tax applies to land that is:
- zoned suitable for residential development whether it be solely or primarily for residential use, or for a mixture of uses, including residential use, and
- serviced (that is: reasonable to consider may have access, or be connected, to public infrastructure and facilities, including roads and footpaths, public lighting, foul sewer drainage, surface water drainage and water supply, necessary for dwellings to be developed and with sufficient service capacity available for such development)
In order to be liable for the tax the land must meet both criteria.
As set out in the Finance Act 2021, the publication of maps to identify land in scope for the RZLT is the responsibility of the respective Local Authorities. All 31 local authorities published draft maps on 1 November 2022, including Kerry County Council.
In identifying in-scope lands for the tax, the local authorities must identify the relevant zonings contained in their development plan, including land zoned as a strategic residential reserve. The local authority must then, in preparing the draft RZLT maps, determine whether the zoned land is connected or able to connect to the six required categories of services. Finally, any exclusions which would rule the land out of scope are applied. The local authority then publish a draft RZLT map identifying the land which meets the requirements of the legislation and which may be liable to the tax. The tax will first be due and payable in 2024.
A landowner with land identified on the draft map published by Kerry County Council has an opportunity to make a submission to the local authority regarding the land, setting out why they consider that the land does not meet the criteria for inclusion within the scope of the tax. For example, if the land is not zoned for residential use, if the land does not have access to or there is no capacity for any of the six servicing criteria, or if the land benefits from an exclusion as outlined in the legislation. The local authority is required to assess any submission and inform the landowner of their decision to either remove or retain the land on the map by 1 April 2023. If dissatisfied with the local authority decision the landowner may appeal the determination to An Bord Pleanála, again setting out why the land does not meet the criteria for inclusion for the tax.
In addition to being able to make a submission regarding inclusion of land on a draft map, the landowner may also submit a request to change the zoning of the land by variation of the adopted development plan. Where the zoning is amended to a use other than residential or mixed use including residential, it would not meet the criteria for the tax and would be removed from RZLT maps. Any zoning request needs to set out for the local authority the reasons for requesting a change of zoning. Decisions on whether to amend zonings as a result of submissions are a matter for the local authority, taking into account the need to ensure that housing supply targets across the county can be met.
Any submission regarding the inclusion of land on the draft maps and/or request to amend zoning must be made to the relevant local authorities by 1 January 2023.
It is acknowledged that the tax will impact on landowners, however if the land in question is zoned for a particular purpose under a plan adopted by the local authority and has been subject to investment by the local authority and the State in the services necessary to enable development for housing to accommodate increased population, it is intended that the land should be used for housing. This tax measure is a key pillar of the Government’s response to address the urgent need to increase housing supply in suitable locations.
84. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of a community group water scheme (details supplied); when Irish Water will apply the leak allowance on work carried by the group to cover the outstanding debt; and the date for the finalisation of steps to take over of the scheme by Irish Water. [59615/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the question is referring to legacy debt issues where group water schemes are seeking to be taken in charge by Irish Water.
Group water schemes are community-owned and community-run and they remain fully the responsibility of the scheme right up until such time as they are formally taken in charge by Irish Water.
Irish Water and the local authority are actively working to resolve the issues around debt in some schemes, including the scheme mentioned in the details supplied and this also requires goodwill and a proactive approach by the schemes involved.
An annual subsidy is available from my Department via the local authorities. This subsidy funds and supports the maintenance and operation costs of schemes providing water for domestic use, thus facilitating their upkeep until they are taken in charge.
85. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current average processing time for an application under the Croí Cónaithe towns fund. [59635/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra86. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funding increase that has been provided to each local authority given the expanded application criteria for the Croí Cónaithe towns fund, in tabular form. [59636/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 85 and 86 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, 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. In July, I launched the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant as part of the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund. The grant benefits those who wish to turn a formerly vacant house or building into their principal private residence. The grant was initially launched in respect of vacant properties in towns and villages but I am pleased to say that as of the 15 November, the expanded grant also includes eligible vacant properties in both cities and rural areas (in addition to those in towns and villages, which have been eligible since July). Further details are available on the following link: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/969fb-vacant-property-refurbishment-grant-expanded-to-cities-and-remote-rural-areas/.
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. In the case of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, in order for applications to be assessed and a decision made, specified supporting documentation must be submitted with the application and a site visit carried out by the local authority to assess the works being applied for. Drawdown occurs on completion of the works.
My Department acknowledges the administrative overheads in delivering both schemes and a minimum supporting project management funding of €60,000 is being provided to each local authority in respect of the provision of refurbishment grants and of serviced sites.
Beyond an annual level of applications of some 50, the level of funding will be scaled up as outlined, but recognising that my Department is already financially supporting the Vacant Homes Office in each local authority which will have an important role in the rollout of these schemes.
- Up to 50 applications €60,000 (minimum)
- 51-100 applications €120,000
- Over 100 applications €180,000
The operation of schemes under the fund is delegated to and managed by local authorities. In 2022, it is not anticipated that there will be a constraint on allocations. Data regarding average processing times is not available at present. Expenditure and associated allocations will be kept under review for 2023, as the schemes roll-out. It is also intended that in future that data on the scheme will be published on the Department's website on a quarterly basis.
87. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a list will be provided of all schemes and programmes under the remit of his Department for which a means test applies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59659/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded in accordance with Standing Orders.
|
Scheme or Programme |
Details |
|
Cost Rental Scheme |
A household-based maximum net income limit of €53,000 has been prescribed by S.I. No. 755/2021 - Affordable Housing Act 2021 (Cost Rental Letting and Eligibility) Regulations 2021. Under these regulations, Cost Rental landlords must assess the income of prospective tenants and ensure that their combined net household income does not breach this threshold. |
|
Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme |
A household-specific assessment of applicants’ financial capacity relative to the notional market price of an affordable dwelling, as per the Affordable Housing Regulations 2022 and the Affordable Housing (No. 2) Regulations 2022. |
|
First Home Scheme |
A household-specific assessment of applicants’ capacity to purchase a home priced within the relevant regional price ceiling and utilising a mortgage from a participating lender (without an exemption from the Central Bank’s Mortgage Measures), as per the conditions of the scheme which can be found in the brochure online at: https://www.firsthomescheme.ie/media/4nda0lnn/0827-first-homes-brochure_r14.pdf |
|
Housing Adaptation Grant for Older People and People with Disabilities Scheme |
The scheme is means tested and operates on a sliding scale with the highest percentage grants available to those who meet the conditions of the scheme, with the lowest incomes and vice versa. Grant assistance is not available to applicants whose household income, after disregards and deductions, exceeds €60,000 per annum. |
|
Thatching Grant Scheme |
Where an applicant qualifies for a grant, an increased grant is available to owners of thatched houses who hold a valid medical card. |
|
Shared Ownership/ Affordable Housing Subsidy Scheme |
These are legacy schemes which are no longer open to new applicants. A means test for eligibility was in place however is no longer relevant as the scheme is now stood down. Applicants who previously qualified for the schemes may continue to receive an annual subsidy ranging from €1,050 and €2,550 based on income bands of between €13,000 and €28,000 for the previous tax year. |
|
Local Authority Home Loan |
To qualify, single applicants must have an annual gross income of not more than €65,000 in counties Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Louth, Meath and Wicklow and be earning under €50,000 (gross) in all other counties Joint applicants must have an annual gross income of not more than €75,000 in all counties |
|
Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme |
Income Limits apply to gain access to social housing supports. The thresholds for the three bands are currently set at:- • €35,000 (Band 1), • €30,000 (Band 2) • €25,000 (Band 3). A €5,000 increase for all 3 bands is due from 1 January 2023. To avail of the Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme a minimum reckonable income of €12,500 applies |
|
Local Authority Mortgage to Rent Scheme Mortgage to Rent Scheme |
Eligible applicants must qualify for social housing. |
|
Housing Agency Acquisitions Fund Capital Advance Leasing Facility |
These loan facilities are available to help Approved Housing Bodies deliver homes to be made available for social housing support purposes. Eligible applicants for the homes must qualify for social housing. |
|
Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) Long-Term Leasing Short-Term Leasing Enhanced Leasing The Repair and Leasing Scheme Housing Assisstance Payments (HAP) |
These schemes are all forms of social housing delivery. In general, these properties are allocated to households deemed eligible for social housing support (and placed on the social housing waiting list) after assessment by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, as amended, and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations. In the case of the HAP, any household assessed as eligible for social housing is immediately eligible for HAP and may source their own accommodation in the private rental sector. |
88. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide the attendance record of his Department at all joint policing committee and city and county development board meetings since 2015 to date, in tabular form. [59686/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal authority committees are established under the reserved functions of elected councils for specific governance and decisions making reasons in accordance with the Local Government Act 2001, and other legislation.
Recognising the independent role of local authorities, as Minister I and my Department have no statutory role in such Committees and, as such, do not attend.
City and county development boards were dissolved under the County and City Development Boards Dissolution Order 2014. There have therefore been no meetings since 2015.
89. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 60 of 28 September 2022, if he has received the report to date; if he will clarify whether the report, which is expected by the end of 2022, is the annual report in respect of 2021 or 2022; if he will provide details of any reports that he received from the Galway social housing task force in 2021; if so, if he will provide copies of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59719/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Galway Housing Task Force is continuing to provide a strong focus to social and affordable housing delivery across the two Galway Local Authorities. I understand that the minutes of the Task Force continue to be shared by the secretariat, currently operated by Galway County Council, which reflect the productive work programme of the Task Force. I have not as yet received the report referred to in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 60 of 28 September 2022.
I anticipate that this report will cover activity covered by the Task Force over 2021 and 2022. I am happy to make the report available to the Deputy once it is received.
90. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the new income limits for social housing will become operational, given there is an urgent need to increase such thresholds in areas such as counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59797/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has recently agreed to increase social housing income eligibility thresholds by €5,000 for all local authorities with effect from 1 January 2023.
The income eligibility bands, the respective thresholds, and the local authorities assigned to each band, were introduced in 2011. The thresholds were developed with reference to the income needed to provide for a household's basic needs, plus a comparative analysis of the local rental cost of housing accommodation across the country, at that time.
Notwithstanding an increase in the thresholds for a small number of local authorities in October 2022, the thresholds have remained unchanged since 2011. In the meantime, accommodation costs have increased significantly nationwide.
It is for this reason the thresholds will be increased to €40,000, €35,000 and €30,000 for bands 1, 2 and 3 respectively in the new year.
