Written Answers Nos. 24-48
24. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of licences that have been granted for the swimming pool at the Garda College, Templemore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61122/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe swimming pool in the Garda Training College is primarily for use by the trainees at the College but has been made available to local schools and community/voluntary groups, where appropriate. Arising from an audit relating to the Garda College in 2017, the Garda College and the OPW put a licensing system in place in order to continue this practice and regularise the licensing arrangements.
Where a group is interested in using the facilities, they must apply to the Garda College, in the first instance, as the application process is managed by the Garda College. If deemed appropriate, the College will then request the OPW to grant a licence to the group for the use of the pool facilities.
The assessment and approval of applications rests with the Garda College authorities in terms of satisfying conditions around insurance, vetting, etc. in advance of submitting an application to the OPW to enter into a licence agreement. In addition, it is for the group to arrange that the relevant qualified persons, e.g. lifeguards are present during the period of use of the facilities.
The swimming pool was closed from March 2020 to March 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and when the pool reopened in March 2022, the OPW granted 5 licences to local Templemore schools to use the pool until June 2022, on foot of requests received from the College. No further licences have been granted in 2022.
The table below details the number of licences granted by the OPW since 2017, on foot of requests received from the College –
|
Year |
Number of Licences Granted |
|
2017 |
9 |
|
2018 |
12 |
|
2019 |
12 |
|
2022 |
5 |
25. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the latest update on the progress of the planning application for the new commemorative bridge and entrance plaza linking the Irish National War Memorial Gardens to Conyngham Road and the Phoenix Park; if the planning application has been lodged; if funding has been made available for a full procurement process; and if work will commence on the site before the end of 2023. [61202/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works is progressing with the planning application of the new Commemorative Bridge and entrance plaza linking the Irish National War Memorial Gardens to Conyngham Road and the Phoenix Park.
To date all appropriate baseline studies have been completed including the Feasibility Study, Ecological studies and a Business Development Strategy. The OPW is continuing to work with Ian Ritchie Architect to progress the design of the scheme to submit for planning.
The OPW anticipates submitting the planning application in early 2023. Subject to further availability of funding, a full procurement process will be undertaken and it is hoped that works will commence on site in 2024.
26. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if a response will issue to issues raised in correspondence by a local football club (details supplied) with regard to funding issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61188/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides capital grant assistance for sporting facilities through the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) and the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF).
Under the SCEP, grants are available to community organisations, sports clubs, national governing bodies of sport and local authorities to develop or refurbish sports facilities. . 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 2020 round of the 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 the 2020 round were announced on Tuesday 31 May 2022 and the total allocation of €166.6 million represented the highest level ever made under the SCEP.
Following completion of the appeal process, my Department commenced a full review of all aspects of the 2020 round of the SCEP. Drafting of the Review is at an advanced stage and will be published shortly. Any recommendations arising from the Review will be reflected in the terms and conditions of the next round. Following publication 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.
Full details of the Programme including a copy of the latest "Guide to Making an Application" (which sets out the terms and conditions of the scheme) are available at the following link: - www.gov.ie/en/service/d13385-sports-capital-programme/#introduction
In addition to the SCEP, the National Sports Policy was published on 25 July 2018 and provided for a new LSSIF. The aim of the fund is to provide Exchequer support for larger sports projects where the required Exchequer investment is greater than the maximum amount available under the SCEP. To date an amount of approximately €86.4 million has been awarded to 33 different proposals.
While the priority remains to advance all of the successful projects, as it is now two years since the first allocations were made, and in view of the issues faced by grantees as a result of Covid, it was considered timely to review progress on all projects allocated grants. My Department has met with all successful grantees and work is at an advanced stage in terms of completing the Review which is considering, inter alia, a possible new call for proposals. In this regard, I will continue to make the case for further funding for the LSSIF which will allow the consideration of a new call as well as advancing the current design projects to construction stage.
27. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the compensation that is available to persons (details supplied) as a result of lands being in a special area of conservation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61327/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of compensation does not automatically apply to a site designated as a Special Area of Conservation. Under the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011-2021, compensation may be payable in certain instances where an application was made to carry out an activity requiring consent to which the regulations apply and that application was refused, modified, varies the conditions of, or revokes a consent.
Without prejudice to my responsibilities under the Birds and Habitats Directives; under Regulation 27 of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011-2021, where an activity for consent falls under the responsibilities of another public authority, as in this particular case, I cannot undertake such responsibilities.
Furthermore, under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, I am specifically precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular case with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála is or may be concerned.
28. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he will publish the Mulcahy report into alleged planning irregularities in County Donegal; the amount the unpublished report has cost to prepare; the reason it has not already been published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61074/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am considering the report, entitled 'A Review Into Certain Planning Matters in Respect of Donegal County Council', by Mr. Rory Mulcahy S.C., and will bring this matter to Government for consideration in due course.
The Attorney General's office has been consulted on both the content of the report and also on the issue of its potential publication and dissemination. The review is a scoping report and as such it does not make findings as to the truth or otherwise of allegations that have been made by an individual against named persons.
Regarding the question of the publication of the Mulcahy Report, the decisions of the Commissioner for Environmental Information (CEI/18/0019) of 13 February 2019 and the Information Commissioner (OIC-59426-Q8D7T8) of 27 February 2020 in relation to requests to publish this report will also be taken into account. Both decisions are publicly available on those bodies' websites.
It should be noted that in each of these cases, both the Commissioner for Environmental Information and the Information Commissioner decided not to grant access to the report. The Office of the Information Commissioner decision stated "placing the details concerned in the public domain would significantly breach the rights to privacy of identifiable individuals." Therefore, this is a matter that requires careful consideration given that the scoping report details unproven allegations against named persons.
The table below sets out the total costs paid to Senior Counsel Rory Mulcahy in respect of his "Review Into Certain Planning Matters in Respect of Donegal County Council' scoping report:
|
Name |
Invoice Description |
Payment Date |
Invoice Amount |
|
RORY MULCAHY S.C. |
A Review Into Certain Planning Matters in respect of Donegal County Council Donegal |
13/07/2017 |
55,350.00 |
29. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of his draft direction issued to Donegal County Council on 29 August 2022 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61077/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) has an important role in the overall plan-making process. One of the core functions of the OPR is the independent assessment of all local authority and regional assembly statutory plans, including county and city development plans, local area plans and regional spatial and economic strategies.
The OPR provides observations and recommendations during the drafting of statutory plans. In cases where the OPR finds that a local authority's plans are ultimately not consistent with relevant regional or national policies, the OPR can recommend the use of Ministerial powers of direction to align plans with statutory requirements and best practice.
Concerning Donegal County Council, consequent to a recommendation made to me by the OPR under section 31AM (8) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), I notified Donegal County Council on 29 August 2022 of my intention to issue a Direction (a draft of which was included in the notice) to Donegal County Council to take certain measures specified in the notice in order to ensure that the Donegal County Development Plan 2018-2024 Variation 2 is in compliance with the requirements of the Planning Act. Information pertaining to this draft direction and subsequent responses from the local authority to the OPR are available to view at
www.donegalcoco.ie/services/planning/planningpolicy/wind%20energy%20policy%20framework/ The public consultation period ran from Friday 9 September to Thursday 22 September 2022.
Subsequently, the Chief Executive of the Council issued a report dated 20 October 2022 on the submissions and observations made to the planning authority on this draft direction. The Office considered this report and issued a notice under section 31AN (4) of the Act to me, as Minister responsible, on 8 November 2022.
I am currently considering the recommendations set out in the notice letter received from the OPR.
It is important to note that this process remains live and has not yet concluded and therefore it would not be appropriate for me to comment any further at this time.
30. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has engaged with the HSE to examine if a site at Crooksling, Brittas, County Dublin is suitable for use for medium-term accommodation for Ukrainian refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61110/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is continuing to work closely with local authorities and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) to identify, refurbish, and bring into use, multi-unit vacant properties that may be suitable and available for accommodation purposes for beneficiaries of temporary protection from Ukraine.
The building referred to in the question was identified a number of months ago as possibly suitable for use in the provision of accommodation for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection. However, upon further inspection the property has not been included in the current phase of the refurbishment programme. Factors considered in making this determination include the condition of the facility, the associated cost and duration of refurbishment works, location, amenities and access to public transport.
31. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the guidelines in respect of local authority home loans; the income requirements for County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61113/22]
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.
As part of the eligibility criteria, applicant(s) of the Local Authority Home Loan must have received insufficient offers of finance from two regulated financial providers to apply for a Local Authority Home Loan. The loan enables credit worthy first time buyers and fresh start applicants to access sustainable mortgage lending to purchase new or second-hand properties or to self-build in a suitable price range.
To be eligible for a Local Authority Home Loan one must:
- be a first-time buyer;
- be aged between 18 and 70 years;
- be in continuous employment for a minimum of two years, as the primary earner or be in continuous employment for a minimum of one year, as a secondary earner
- as a single applicant 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 in all other counties;
- as joint applicants have an annual gross income of not more than €75,000 combined in all counties;
- submit two years certified accounts if self-employed;
- provide evidence of insufficient offers of finance from two regulated financial providers;
- not be a current or previous purchaser of residential property in or outside the Republic of Ireland, unless you are a “Fresh Start” applicant;
- applicants are required to declare that they are a first-time buyer. They must authorise the Local Authority to conduct such checks as are necessary to confirm this, such as conducting Local Property Tax check.
- occupy the property as your normal place of residence;
- purchase or self-build a property situated in the Republic of Ireland which does not exceed the maximum market value applicable for the county in which it is located. The maximum house price is €320,000 in Dublin, Louth, Wicklow, Wicklow, Meath, Cork and Galway, and €250,000 in the rest of the country. ?
- consent to an Central Credit Register check.
- currently have a legal right to reside and work in the State and be able to demonstrate that they are habitually resident in Ireland
Eligibility is subject to submission of a complete Local Authority Home Loan application form and confirmation by your local authority.
For Mayo specifically, as it is in the area of the country where the €250,000 house price limit applies, the income limit for joint applicants is €75,000 and for individual applicants it is €50,000.
The final decision on Local Authority Home Loan applications is a matter for the relevant local authority. Decisions on all housing loan applications must be made in accordance with the Regulations establishing the scheme and the credit policy that underpins the scheme, in order to ensure prudence and consistency in approaches in the best interests of both borrowers and the lending local authority.
Further information on the scheme is available on the dedicated website: localauthorityhomeloan.ie/
32. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures that are being taken to address increased water connection costs for those building new homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61124/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is the body responsible for setting water connection charges as set out in Part V of the Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013, in particular it sets out the CRU's responsibility for the determination of the charges, including connection charges, and charging arrangements that apply to customers of Irish Water.
Prior to the establishment of Irish Water the connection charging arrangements in Ireland were varied, complex and the charges differed greatly across the country. There were 57 different connection charging regimes with over 900 different connection charges, as each Local Authority had its own method for calculating connection charges, with different cost structures, customer classifications and bespoke exemptions.
To address this, Irish Water proposed an enduring connection charging policy to generate a more harmonised and straightforward means of charging customers for connections to the public water and wastewater networks. Irish Water’s new harmonised policy ensures that customers receive a consistent level of connection service regardless of where in the country that customer connects to the water and / or wastewater network. A more standardised approach in terms of connection charges, and the levels of services received for such charges, will benefit customers in terms of transparency, accessibility, simplicity and equity.
In 2018 the CRU carried out a public consultation on Irish Water’s proposed connection charging policy (CRU/18/001) for customers seeking a connection to the public water and / or wastewater network.
Following this public consultation process the CRU approved The Irish Water Connection Charging Policy, which came into effect on 01 April 2019 and provides a standard set of charges for connections to Irish Water’s water and wastewater networks. It also provides a single, clear, transparent and fair connection charging framework. The charges are calculated in a cost-reflective manner, based on connection type.
In addition, Irish Water launched a Self-Lay Accreditation Scheme in June 2022 whereby developers can deliver water and wastewater infrastructure in the public roads to service new housing developments. The scheme facilitates the delivery of water service infrastructure to support housing delivery. It does this by recognising best practice standards for the Self-Lay in the public road of water services infrastructure by Developers and Contractors.
The Scheme will assist Developers and Contractors in their delivery of housing while protecting water and wastewater infrastructure to ensure a safe and reliable water services is provided to customers into the future.
The charging arrangements for Irish Water customers is a matter in the first instance for Irish Water. Any issues, which cannot be resolved by Irish Water to the satisfaction of the customer can be referred under the formal complaints process to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) whose decision on the matter is binding on Irish Water.
Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on a dedicated number, 0818 578 578.
33. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps that are being taken to address backlogs of appeals being processed through An Bord Pleanála; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61125/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Bord Pleanála (the Board) is the national independent statutory body with responsibility for the determination of planning appeals and direct applications for strategic infrastructure and other developments under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, and certain other Acts.
Section 126 of the Act provides that it shall be the duty and objective of the Board to decide appeals as expeditiously as may be and, for that purpose, to take all such steps as are open to it to ensure that, insofar as is practicable, there are no avoidable delays at any stage in the determination of appeals.
On October 4th, following Government approval, I published an Action Plan for An Bord Pleanála, which was informed by the Phase One review by the Office of the Planning Regulator of certain systems and procedures used by An Bord Pleanála. The Action Plan outlines several measures relating to the Board appointment process, structure, capacity, resourcing and operations within An Bord Pleanála. Its intention is to underpin public confidence in the efficacy and ability of An Bord Pleanála to decide cases and appeals in a timely manner while supporting the values of independence, impartiality and integrity.
The Action Plan for An Bord Pleanála notes the significant additional resourcing required in the Board across a number of functions, and approves 30 additional posts, in line with the Board’s 2022-2023 workforce plan, in the areas of:
- Strategic Housing Developments;
- Strategic Infrastructure Development;
- Marine planning functions; and
- Certain supporting corporate functions.
The Action Plan also notes that given the scale of operation, the transformation agenda and emerging functions in relation to the marine and climate action, the Executive Management Team (EMT), needs to be strengthened and it provides for 4 additional posts, specifically to provide for lead roles on legal services, ethics and corporate governance and transformation, as well as an additional Director of Planning to head up the Marine and Climate Unit.
In addition, the Planning and Development and Foreshore (Amendment) Bill 2022, includes provisions to increase the overall number of ordinary Board members on the Board of An Bord Pleanála. This Bill is currently progressing through the Houses and is expected to be enacted by end December. The provision to increase the overall number of Board members is necessary so as to ensure that the significant caseload can be effectively processed, and the appropriate quorums and suitable allocation of casefiles can be assured.
Finally, An Bord Pleanála have received an increased exchequer allocation of €3.9million to bring its 2023 current funding allocation to €26.1million.
34. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the legal basis for his appointment of an interim chair to An Bord Pleanála. [61144/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 22 November 2022 the Government agreed to appoint Oonagh Buckley as Interim Chairperson of An Bord Pleanála. The appointment of Ms. Buckley as an interim Chairperson will be effected through the use of Ministerial powers to appoint a Deputy Chairperson under existing provisions of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 as amended - specifically Sections 107 & 108(4) - and further forthcoming amendments through the Planning and Development and Foreshore (Amendment Bill) 2022.
The Bill, which is currently in the Oireachtas, makes provision for the appointment of an ABP Chairperson, on an interim basis, and it is intended that incoming ABP Deputy Chair Buckley will subsequently be formally appointed as Interim Chairperson of An Bord Pleanála, subject to that enabling legislation being passed by the Oireachtas in the coming weeks.
35. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a list of housing agencies in Ireland that are authorised to work in conjunction with local authorities to deliver housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61164/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs provided for in the Housing (Regulation of Approved Housing Bodies) Act 2019 (the Act), the Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority (AHBRA) was formally established on 1 February 2021. AHBRA is an independent body tasked with the regulation of Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) for the purposes of protecting housing assets provided or managed by such bodies.
The register of AHBs previously managed by my Department was officially transferred to AHBRA on 1 January 2022. On this date there were 450 AHBs that were deemed registered and are subject to all provisions in the Act. AHBRA is responsible for maintaining the register and for registering organisations as AHBs. The register is published on AHBRA's website, available here: www.ahbregulator.ie/registration/the-register/
36. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a list of the local authorities that he is incentivising to build modular housing with the €100 million debt write-off offer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61165/22]
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, 36,000 affordable purchase homes and 18,000 cost rental homes. 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; 3,500 social homes through long-term leasing and 28,500 new affordable homes in the period 2022-2026.
In order to unlock the potential of some sites where local authorities have outstanding loan balances with the Housing Finance Agency so that they can be made immediately available for social housing development and to support additional local authority borrowing for other key delivery priorities, including Affordable and Cost Rental housing, the Government has agreed to the allocation of up to €100m to pay down loans which can deliver social housing projects linked to accelerated delivery. The Government has agreed to the allocation of this funding subject to sites meeting a number of criteria:
- The immediate development of a proposal for social housing delivery;
- That construction would commence in 2023 or no later than 2024; and
- The use of accelerated delivery models, principally off-site / Modern Methods of Construction.
My Department is currently engaging with local authorities on relevant sites that meet the aforementioned criteria. No local authorities have been allocated funding to date.
37. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the progress with the City Edge project, funded under call 1 of the urban regeneration and development fund; the way the project has evolved in a statutory plan; the level of financial and other support from him; and the level of commitment from various State agencies to deliver key infrastructure. [61235/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe City Edge Project is a joint initiative between South Dublin County Council (SDCC) and Dublin City Council (DCC). A non-statutory Strategic Framework has been published jointly by DCC and SDCC and is available online at www.cityedge.ie. Section 12.7 of the Framework addresses the proposed funding for delivery of this ambitious project.
My Department has funded studies and analyses by DCC and SDCC under Call 1 Category B of the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) which informed the Strategic Framework which has been published. The City Edge project is an ambitious long term regeneration project which will require support and funding from many Government Departments and Agencies over the coming decades. The Strategic Framework will inform the preparation of a future statutory plan for the development of the area.
The following table sets out the applications made and funding approved by my Department under the URDF programme for the City Edge project by SDCC and DCC.
|
Sponsoring Authority |
Project Title |
Description |
URDF Support |
Status |
|
DCC |
Naas Road LAP lands |
Funding for a study relating to the barriers to development of these key lands in the Naas Road, Local Area Plan. |
187,500 |
Completed |
|
DCC |
Park West/Cherry Orchard Industrial Lands Analysis |
A detailed analysis of the primarily industrial lands at Park West / Cherry Orchard to scope their development potential for high density residential and employment uses taking into account Project Ireland 2040 which prioritises compact growth within cities. |
140,625 |
Completed |
|
SDCC |
Naas Road/Ballymount |
Funding for a range of studies to develop a plan led approach with a view to the development of these brownfield lands into a sustainable, vibrant mixed use urban quarter. |
569,953 |
Completed |
My Department will continue to engage with DCC and SDCC in the next stages of the City Edge project's development.
38. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of change of use planning applications for short-term lets received by each local authority since the beginning of 2019; and the number of these that were granted permission in tabular form. [61237/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraLegislative reforms to regulate the short-term letting sector through the planning code, in areas designated as “rent pressure zones” (RPZs), were introduced under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (Exempted Development) (No. 2) Regulations 2019 which came into effect on 1 July 2019.
The information requested in relation to the number of planning applications received and granted for change of use to short term letting from 2019 to end Q3 2022 is provided in the table below. It should be noted that figures for Cork County Council in relation to Q2 and Q3 of 2022 are not yet available.
|
Planning Authority |
No of STL Change of Use Planning Applications Received 2019 |
No of STL Change of Use Planning Applications Received 2020 |
No of STL Change of Use Planning Applications Received 2021 |
No of STL Change of Use Planning Permission Received YTD 2022 |
No of STL Change of Use Planning Permission Granted 2019 |
No of STL Change of Use Planning Permission Granted 2020 |
No of STL Change of Use Planning Permission Granted 2021 |
No of STL Change of Use Planning Permission Granted YTD 2022 |
|
Carlow |
1 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Cork City |
1 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
Cork County |
0 |
0 |
6 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Dublin City |
17 |
7 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
|
DLR |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Fingal |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Galway City |
5 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Galway County |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Kerry |
0 |
1 |
0 |
11 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
|
Kildare |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Kilkenny |
1 |
0 |
6 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
|
Laois |
0 |
6 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
2 |
0 |
|
Limerick |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Louth |
3 |
2 |
3 |
15 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
5 |
|
Meath |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Offaly |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Sligo |
0 |
4 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
3 |
|
South Dublin |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Waterford |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Westmeath |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Wexford |
0 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Wicklow |
0 |
0 |
7 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
|
Total |
28 |
27 |
38 |
49 |
5 |
17 |
14 |
14 |
39. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of a matter raised by a person (details supplied) with regard to a fit-for-purpose apartment remediation support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61240/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government sets out a commitment to examine defects in housing, having regard to the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing’s report Safe as Houses?, and to assist owners of latent defect properties by identifying options for those impacted by defects, to access low-cost, long-term finance. In response, in February 2021, I established a Working Group to examine the matter.
I received the comprehensive report of the Working Group on 28 July titled Defects in Apartments - Report of the Working Group to Examine Defects in Housing, and I published it straight away. I fully acknowledge the difficulties that homeowners and residents of many apartments and duplexes are facing, and the stress that is caused when defects arise in relation to their buildings.
In that context, on 27 September, I brought a Memorandum to Government to inform Government of the content of the report and of the next steps that I will be taking. I am currently, in consultation with Government colleagues, in the process of developing options with a view to providing support to homeowners who find themselves in a difficult financial situation through no fault of their own.
In this regard, I have established an inter–departmental/agency group with a view to bringing forward specific proposals to Government by the end of the year. In addition, an advisory group has been established to develop a Code of Practice in the context of the Fire Services Acts, to provide guidance to building professionals and local authority building control / fire services, including guidance on interim safety measures. This advisory group is due to have its inaugural meeting later this month.
I have also written to opposition leaders requesting their input on how best to address the issues identified in the Report.
As this work progresses, I am committed to continuing to liaise with key stakeholders such as homeowner representatives and the insurance sector. My Department is also engaging with the Housing Agency for the provision of advice in relation to implementation of the recommendations of the Report.
40. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the national planning framework was ratified; the ratification process; if the process requires a vote in Dáil Éireann; and if so, if the voting record will be provided. [61328/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Planning Framework (NPF) was approved by Government and launched on 16th February 2018, together with the National Development Plan, as 'Project Ireland 2040'. Government reaffirmed its decision to adopt and publish the National Planning Framework, and the associated 10-year Capital Investment Plan as a strategy on the 29th May 2018. In legislative terms, the NPF is the successor strategy to the National Spatial Strategy.
Prior to Government’s final ratification of the NPF in May 2018, extensive stakeholder and public consultation was undertaken at national, regional and local level from the time NPF preparations began in 2014, to ensure early input and buy-in at community and citizen level, as well as with key policy-makers and representative organisations. Part of the consultation included a pre-draft stage in February 2017 and a draft stage in September 2017.
In addition, both Houses of the Oireachtas adopted a motion to refer the draft NPF to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government requesting that Committee to prepare a report on the draft document that would be considered in finalising the document. The report, prepared by the Committee, was considered alongside the extensive debate in the Dáil.
The Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2018 (the Act) subsequently established a legislative mechanism for preparing and adopting the NPF in the future. In relation to the ratification process, section 20C (8) of the Act makes the following provision:
The Government shall submit the draft of the revised or new National Planning Framework, together with the Environmental Report and Appropriate Assessment Report for the approval of each House of the Oireachtas before it is published.
The Act was signed into law by the President on 19 July 2018, having passed both Houses of the Oireachtas. Further details regarding the passage of the Act can be found at www.oireachtas.ie/en/bills/bill/2016/1/?tab=debates
41. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of an application to the foreign births register (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61106/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is responsible for processing Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) applications for people who are born abroad and claim Irish Citizenship through a grandparent born in Ireland or through a parent who has claimed citizenship also through FBR, Naturalisation or Post Nuptial Citizenship.
Demand for this service increased significantly as a result of the Brexit vote in the UK. In 2015, prior to Brexit, a total of 6,000 entries were made to the register. In 2019, a peak number of 19,000 entries were made to the Foreign Births Register.
The service was also impacted by necessary Covid-19 restrictions in 2020 and 2021 and the unprecedented demand for passports seen to date in 2022.
My Department has put in place a number of measures to address the volume of FBR applications currently on hand with a view to significantly reducing the processing time for these citizenship applications by the end of this year. These measures, which include increased staffing directed towards the processing of FBR applications, are having a positive impact on the number of applications being processed each month.
The application to which the Deputy has referred was registered on 1 December 2021 and is being stored in a secure environment pending entitlement checking.
42. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 244 of 10 November 2022, if a Government decision was made to invite Mr. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to Ireland in advance of the President's invitation to Mr. da Silva on 31 October 2022; the date on which such a decision was made; the date on which the decision was communicated to the President; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61258/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is standard diplomatic practice for the President of Ireland to send letters of congratulations to newly elected Heads of State. Such letters are prepared on advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs and may include open, general invitations to incoming Heads of State to pay a visit to Ireland.
In his recent letter of congratulations to President da Silva of Brazil, the President of Ireland extended an open, general invitation to the incoming Head of State to visit Ireland. Such a general, open invitation, which is extended as a matter of diplomatic courtesy, does not require a Government decision.
Brazil is an important partner for Ireland and one with which we share strong economic, historic and people-to-people links; Brazil is Ireland’s second largest trading partner in the Latin America and Caribbean region, and there are strong ties in terms of the Brazilian diaspora in Ireland and indeed the growing Irish community in Brazil.
43. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he spoke with the US Senate leader (details supplied) during his recent visit to Washington DC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61321/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraContinued high-level political engagement with senior US interlocutors on critical issues for Ireland is a priority for the Government. In this context, I have had several engagements with high-level US officials and members of Congress in recent months. During my visit to Washington DC last month, I had good meetings with USAID Administrator Samantha Power, and with the US State Department and the US Chamber of Commerce. I also met with eleven bipartisan members of the US House of Representatives' Congressional Friends of Ireland caucus, including the co-Chairs, Reps. Richard Neal and Mike Kelly. I also met separately with Congressman Bill Keating, who had just returned that week from Ireland where he led a Congressional Delegation to Dublin and Belfast. I took these opportunities to discuss a range of issues, including developments with respect to Brexit and Northern Ireland, Ukraine, and the enduring close ties between our two countries. It was heartening to see strong bipartisan recognition of the importance of the Ireland-US relationship reflected in these meetings, which took place shortly after the midterm elections, as well as the keen interest on Capitol Hill in the implications of Brexit for the island of Ireland, North and South. Our Ambassador and the Embassy in Washington continue to maintain regular and close contact with members of Congress to ensure that our interests, particularly in regard to the Northern Ireland Protocol, are fully understood. The proximity of the mid-term elections to my recent visit meant that I did not have the opportunity on this occasion to meet with Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.
44. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Defence if he will approve an Army re-enlistment application for a person (details supplied). [61096/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to update the Deputy that, following the recommendation of the Chief of Staff to me on the merits of the application from this individual, I confirmed my approval on 23 November 2022 for the re-enlistment of the applicant in line with the provisions of the Terms and Conditions of the re-enlistment scheme.
I would like to express my appreciation to the successful candidate for re-enlistment into the Permanent Defence Force and I wish him every success in his endeavours.
45. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Defence if a general service recruitment campaign for both the Army and the Air Corps will be launched early in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61315/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Defence Forces remain committed to optimising the number of personnel inducted and, in 2023, will continue to target general service recruits, Cadets, Air Corps Apprentice Aircraft Technicians and specialists for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service.
General service recruitment is ongoing. As of 31 October 2022, 366 personnel were inducted which included 321 general service recruits, with further inductions due to take place before the end of the year.
A separate, ongoing, recruitment competition has also been launched recently, specifically for Air Corps general service recruits who in the past were drawn from the wider General Service recruitment pool.
I remain committed to maximising recruitment and retention of personnel to maintain the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively across all roles and to undertake the tasks laid down by Government, both at home and abroad.
46. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Education the number of secondary schools in County Donegal that have reported teacher recruitment issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61068/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra47. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Education the number of primary schools in County Donegal that have reported teacher recruitment issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61069/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 47 together.
The recruitment and appointment of teachers to fill teaching posts is a matter for the individual school authority, subject to procedures agreed under Section 24 of the Education Act 1998 (as amended by the Education (Amendment) Act 2012) and the Department does not collate data on the number of secondary and primary schools with recruitment issues per county.
I am aware that schools are experiencing challenges in recruiting teachers. The Department of Education runs a comprehensive programme of work to support the supply of teachers at both primary and post-primary level and it engages closely with the school management bodies and other education stakeholders to inform this work.
It is acknowledged that despite the implementation of some important actions, which have helped to some extent, work remains to be done to address the teacher supply challenge, particularly to ensure the availability of sufficient substitute teachers. The Department of Education will continue to work closely and intensively with stakeholders on this important matter.
48. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Education the status of the school transport applications for students (details supplied); if a space will be provided for them; if not, the alternative arrangements that will be made for them. [61086/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €289m in 2021.
In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost-of-living measures.
Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.
Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Temporary Alleviation Measures at post-primary level will be continued for the 2022/2023 school year pending completion of the review of the School Transport Scheme. This will mean that transport arrangements will continue to be provided for a number of post-primary students who are attending their second nearest school, who have applied and registered on time and who live more than 4.8km from their nearest school. Families who normally would pay an annual ticket charge will not be charged a fee for their school bus ticket for the 2022/23 school year.
Bus Éireann has advised that the pupils referred to by the Deputy are not eligible for school transport under the terms of the scheme. Bus Éireann have further advised that there is no existing service operating from where the children reside to the school of attendance.
