Written Answers Nos. 78-97
78. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Finance the considerations that his Department is giving with regard to further anti-inflationary measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56476/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is important to note from the outset this Government has acted forcibly and decisively to help ease the burden of inflation on households and businesses across the country. Budget 2023 was a 'Cost of Living' Budget, incorporating a total package of €11 billion with the focus on protecting the most vulnerable from rising costs. This built on some €3 billion in measures introduced by Government over the course of last year.
It would be premature to take a decision on further policy measures before a full evaluation can be made of the performance of measures currently in place, the outlook for inflation this year and prospects for the public finances.
I would caution that excessive or poorly designed fiscal policies could backfire. In this regard, it is crucial that budgetary policy itself does not become part of the problem by contributing to an inflationary spiral, which would have severe consequences.
I would also emphasise that the majority of the cost-of-living measures introduced as part of Budget 2023 will continue to support households and firms over the coming months.
For example, the two remaining electricity credits, worth €200, and which amount to €0.8 billion in spending, will continue to be issued in the coming period, assisting households with their energy bills.
The Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS), which provides relief to businesses struggling with rising energy costs, will remain open for claims until the middle of this year.
The €1.1 billion package of reductions in personal taxation as well as increases in social welfare payments provided for in Budget 2023 took effect from earlier this month and are permanent.
In our response to the cost-of-living challenge, this Government has struck the right balance between providing necessary support without adding to inflationary pressures. Moreover, there is now compelling evidence to suggest that inflation has peaked, while it is notable that energy prices have fallen significantly from their highs last autumn. Any policy decisions must take into account these developments.
79. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide an estimate of the expected overpayment of income tax by PAYE workers in each of the years 2019 to 2022; the steps that the Revenue Commissioners takes to ensure that people understand that they may be due a refund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3396/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that, to date, it has refunded €530 million to PAYE taxpayers in respect of 2019; €474 million in 2020; €554 million in respect of 2021 and €193 million in respect of 2022.
Each year Revenue issues reminder letters to taxpayers who did not claim any additional credits in the previous four years, advising them that they may be entitled to further tax relief depending on their individual circumstances. These letters also remind taxpayers of a four-year time limit in respect of submitting such claims.
In 2022, Revenue wrote to over 400,000 individuals who, based on the information available to Revenue, may have overpaid or underpaid tax in some or all of the years 2019 to 2021 inclusive. These letters provide a preliminary tax position, advising the recipients to submit a tax return to claim any additional tax credits or reliefs that they may be due and/or to declare any additional income they may have received.
As of 23 January 2023, over 1 million PAYE employees have submitted tax returns in respect of 2019 and 2020; while over 1.1 million submitted returns for 2021 and over 370,000 PAYE employees have submitted their returns in respect of 2022.
Any overpayments due to PAYE taxpayers can only be quantified when they submit their tax returns at the end of the year and claim any additional credits or reliefs that may be due. Revenue will generate a Statement of Liability, confirming their final tax position for 2022.
Revenue encourages taxpayers to submit their returns to ensure that they are paying the correct tax and to receive any refunds that they may be due.
At the end of every year, Revenue makes a Preliminary End of Year Statement (PEOYS) available to all employees. The PEOYS sets out a provisional tax position , based on information available on Revenue records. It will show whether an employee has paid the correct amount of Income Tax and Universal Social Charge (USC) for the year.
The table below provides details for PAYE taxpayer units (where jointly assessed spouses or civil partners are counted as one unit) with a PEOYS for the years 2019 to 2022 and who are yet to file an income tax return:
|
Year |
Preliminary Result |
Taxpayer Units |
% of PAYE Taxpayer Units yet to file return |
Total Over/Under Paid |
|
2019 |
Balanced |
1,330,400 |
77% |
|
|
Overpaid |
249,700 |
15% |
€125m |
|
|
Underpaid |
145,000 |
8% |
€68m |
|
|
2020 |
Balanced |
1,080,600 |
65% |
|
|
Overpaid |
216,300 |
13% |
€109m |
|
|
Underpaid |
368,600 |
22% |
€263m |
|
|
2021 |
Balanced |
1,066,300 |
66% |
|
|
Overpaid |
325,100 |
20% |
€182m |
|
|
Underpaid |
221,000 |
14% |
€114m |
|
|
2022 |
Balanced |
1,400,700 |
62% |
|
|
Overpaid |
563,300 |
25% |
€400m |
|
|
Underpaid |
287,200 |
13% |
€118m |
I am advised by Revenue that it issued a statement on Monday 23 January highlighting the end of year process and published a statistical report on 2022 PAYE Preliminary End of Year Statements which is available here on the Revenue website:
www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/documents/statistics/registrations/paye-preliminary-eoy-statements-2022.pdf
The statement highlights the changes introduced in the Budget particularly in relation to the new renters’ credit.
80. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Finance his views on a matter regarding a tax payment (details supplied). [3450/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by Revenue that Local Property Tax (LPT) may be deferred in certain circumstances and subject to certain conditions. However, a deferral is not an exemption from LPT, and the outstanding liability remains as a charge on the property until it is paid.
Regarding the property referred to by the Deputy, payment by way of deductions from the property owner’s salary, were made for the years 2015 and 2016 in respect of an LPT balance outstanding for 2013, and the 2012 Household Charge, only.
No further deductions were made from 2017 onwards as the property owner opted to defer the LPT due on their property for 2014, and this deferral arrangement carried forward for each subsequent year, up to and including 2021.
Following a review of the case in 2022, the property owner was advised that they did not meet the criteria for a full deferral in 2014 but did meet the criteria for a partial deferral.
Revenue confirms that it is willing to work with the property owner to agree a mutually satisfactory arrangement to address the outstanding LPT.
Further information regarding the deferral of LPT is available on the Revenue website.
81. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Finance when the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal will be set up and operating again given that it has not been operating since late 2021; the way is it proposed to deal with the huge backlog of hundreds of applications; the way the backlog will be dealt with in a timely manner given the many appeals that have to be heard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3519/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra82. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Finance if the guidelines for the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal are being updated for the new board when it is in place (details supplied); if the guidelines have changed; and if so, the way they have changed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3520/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 81 and 82 together.
The Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme provides relief from Vehicle Registration Tax and VAT on an adapted car, as well as an exemption from motor tax and an annual fuel grant.
The Scheme is open to severely and permanently disabled persons as a driver or as a passenger and also to certain charitable organisations. In order to qualify for relief, the applicant must hold a Primary Medical Certificate issued by the relevant Senior Area Medical Officer (SAMO) or a Board Medical Certificate issued by the Disabled Driver Medical Board of Appeal (DDMBA). To qualify for a Primary Medical Certificate an applicant must be permanently and severely disabled, and satisfy at least one of the six medical criteria.
It is expected that the DDMBA will be established shortly. The background is that following the resignation of all members of the previous DDMBA, effective from 30th November 2021, two Expression of Interest campaigns have been held, seeking suitable candidates for the Board. The Department of Health has led on all actions and tasks with respect to the Expression of Interest Campaigns. Department of Finance officials have provided support to the Department of Health in this matter.
The first campaign closed on 29th April. As there were insufficient suitable candidates arising from the first campaign, a second round was issued with a closing date of 5th July 2022. From these, three suitable candidates have successfully completed Garda vetting. Five members are legislatively required for a functional Board with a quorum of three needed for any appeal hearing. Two other candidates have recently been deemed suitable and are in the process of being Garda vetted. All five candidates have been nominated by the Minister of Health.
Once Garda vetting is completed for the two aforementioned candidates, I will then be in a position to appoint them to the Board. I am hopeful that the new Board will be up and running in the next few weeks, and once operational, it will consider the best way of ensuring outstanding appeals are addressed as quickly as possible. You should also note that my officials have had two meetings with the nominated members in order to begin the preparations for the commencement of the appeals process.
Requests for appeal hearings can be sent to the DDMBA secretary in the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH). The NRH provides clinical facilities and staffing (including a secretary) to facilitate the DDMBA in carrying out its remit, and costs incurred are reimbursed to the NRH annually by DFIN. Appeal hearing dates for the outstanding appeals will be issued once the new Board is in place.
You should be aware that assessments for the primary medical certificate, by the HSE, are continuing to take place. In this regard, an important point to make is that even though there has been no appeal mechanism since the previous Board resigned, applicants who have been deemed not to have met one of the six eligibility criteria required for a PMC are entitled to request another PMC assessment six months after an unsuccessful PMC assessment.
Finally, as the Deputy is aware, my predecessor Minister Donohoe committed to a comprehensive review of the DDS under the auspices of a broader review of mobility supports. In order to achieve this objective, Minister O’Gorman agreed in September 2021 that the DDS review should be incorporated into the work of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy (NDIS) Transport Working Group (TWG).
The Working Group, under the Chairpersonship of Minister of State Anne Rabbitte, held a number of meetings across 2022. A draft report was considered at its final meeting on 8th December 2022, and is currently being finalised. It is expected that it will be published soon.
83. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Finance his plans, and the timelines involved, to publish legislation securing access to cash; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3742/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn recent years, the banking landscape has changed significantly in Ireland. The number of banks serving the sector reduced from 12 to 3 as banks were amalgamated or closed down and foreign owned entrants exited the Irish retail market. We have also seen a considerable acceleration in technological developments and the pace of uptake has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. With that has come a decline in cash usage. Since 2015 the number of ATM transactions declined by 46%. Card payments accounted for 62.4% of the total number of payment transactions in 2021.
Despite this decline, cash remains an important element of the payments system and the broader economy. I acknowledge its importance to certain sectors of the economy such as SMEs, as well as to older individuals or those who wish to use it as a means of controlling their finances.
In light of this changing landscape, in 2021 my predecessor as Minister for Finance instructed this Department to undertake a broad-ranging review of the retail banking sector.
The Retail Banking Review, published in November 2022, contained a number of recommendations. One recommendation was for the Department of Finance to develop Access to Cash legislation and prepare heads of a bill in 2023.
The Review also called on Department officials to prepare heads of a bill in 2023 to require ATM operators to be authorised and supervised by the Central Bank and to provide the Central Bank with responsibility and powers to protect the resilience of the cash system including the authorisation and supervision of cash-in-transit firms in respect of their cash handling activities and related financial services.
This work is now underway by officials in my Department and it is expected that heads of a bill will be drafted by end 2023 as set out in the Retail Banking Review recommendations.
84. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Finance the assessments that have been undertaken and will be undertaken with regards to the Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears, including the suite of alternative repayment arrangements; his plans to give the code full legal effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3743/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Central Bank Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears (CCMA) is the key consumer protection measure for borrowers who are experiencing difficulty in relation to a mortgage which is secured on a primary residence. This statutory based Code, which is issued by the Central Bank under section 117 of the Central Bank Act 1989, sets out how regulated mortgage creditors must treat borrowers in or facing mortgage arrears. Regulated entities are required to comply with all aspects of the CCMA as a matter of law, and as such it has full legal effect.The objective of the CCMA is to ensure that regulated entities have fair and transparent processes in place to deal with their borrowers who or in facing mortgage arrears. Due regard must be given to the fact that each mortgage case is unique and needs to be considered on its own merits. All cases must be handled sympathetically and positively by the regulated entity, with the objective at all times of assisting the borrower to meet his or her mortgage obligations.In particular the CCMA provides that, in order to determine which options for alternative repayment arrangements are viable for each particular case, the regulated mortgage creditor must explore all the options for alternative repayment arrangements offered by that creditor. Furthermore, if a borrower is not satisfied with the decision of the regulated entity in relation to this matter, such as if he or she is not happy with the particular alternative repayment arrangement offered by the mortgage creditor to address the particular mortgage repayment difficulty or if the mortgage creditor declines to offer an alternative repayment arrangement, the CCMA provides that an appeals process must be in place to allow for the matter to be reconsidered. That appeals procedure must also inform the borrower of his or her right to refer the matter to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman.
The Central Bank carried out a review of the CCMA in 2018 to ensure it remains as effective as possible. The review found at that time that, for borrowers who engage with the process, the CCMA was working effectively and as intended.
The Central Bank does keep its consumer protection framework under review and, as the Deputy will be aware, the Central Bank is currently reviewing its Consumer Protection Code and a discussion paper on this is now open for public consultation.
85. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a prison officer can apply for a transfer to another Department within the civil service; and if so, the mechanisms that are in place to facilitate such transfers. [3623/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraYou will be aware that my department currently governs the Civil Service Mobility scheme which offers an opportunity for general service staff members to apply for Mobility (i.e. transfer) through an open and transparent system. This is the only scheme that offers permanent moves across the Civil Service. The Mobility system is administered through the HR Shared Services, National Shared Service Office.
While Prison Officers are designated as Civil Servants, they are not currently transferrable to general service roles under the Civil Service Mobility scheme. The Prison Officer positions are operational grades and the Irish Prison Service maintain an internal transfer list for these grades to other prisons located around the country.
A Prison Officer may apply for generalist civil service positions through an open recruitment competition (generally administered by the Public Appointments Service).
For further information on the Mobility scheme please visit the Mobility website at:
hr.per.gov.ie/en/corporate-pages/career/mobility/
86. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to reform and or upgrade enforcement sanctions and actions that SIPO may take in respect of non-disclosure and or non-compliance of the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995. [3677/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, my Department has just completed a review of ethics legislation and a report on this was submitted to Government by my predecessor, Minister McGrath, in December. The Government approved the Review Report‘s publication and agreed to the preparation of a General Legislative Scheme to reform the legislation informed by the review's outcome. On foot of this, a draft legislative scheme will be prepared, in consultation with relevant Ministers, with the intention of bringing it to Government for approval to publish during 2023. The draft scheme will address inter alia necessary powers of enforcement and sanction for non-disclosure and non-compliance. The Review Report itself is currently being prepared for publication and it will issue very shortly.
As the Deputy might recall, my Department’s review of Ireland's statutory framework for standards in public office, which was agreed by the Government in September 2021, covered the following elements:
- A review of Ireland’s existing ethics legislative framework, including a reassessment of the 2015 Public Sector Standards Bill;
- A review of the recommendations of relevant tribunals of inquiry;
- A review of recommendations of the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO) based on its operation of the current regime;
- Consultations with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government on the local government aspects of a consolidated statutory regime;
- A review of current EU/International best practice; and
- Public Consultation - Consultations with various parties.
The Review considered input from key public sector stakeholders including the Departments of Justice and Housing and Local Government. It also engaged with the Dáil and Seanad Committees on Members Interests. It also considered recommendations from the Standards in Public Office Commission.
I can inform the Deputy that the recommendations in the Review Report broadly focus on five key themes:
- A legislative framework for Ethics to be underpinned by a set of overarching integrity principles.
- New specific statutory prohibitions, including on the use of insider information.
- Strengthening disclosures requirements to improve transparency and examining whether the regime should encompass more office-holders.
- Strengthening the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO).
- Post-term employment restrictions for elected officials/public servants that address matters not already covered by lobbying regulation and should align closely with that legislation.
The Government’s ultimate goal is to create a fit-for-purpose, easy to understand and user-friendly ethical framework that contributes to the quality and efficacy of our public administration.
87. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the date on which the first tranche of rapid-delivery homes will be delivered; the total estimated cost per rapid delivery home, including the cost of connecting them to services such as water and electricity; if he will provide a schedule of meetings that the OPW has had with an organisation (details supplied); if he will include the identities of stakeholders and service providers that have been consulted and or engaged on the delivery of rapid-delivery homes; and if he will clarify with whom responsibility lies in the context of repairs and long term upkeep of the rapid-delivery homes over their 60-year lifespan of use. [3678/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the invasion of Ukraine by Russia’s armed forces in February this year, Ireland has welcomed almost 70,000 Ukrainian people who have fled the war in their country. The EU’s Temporary Protection Directive provides the legal framework for assisting Ukrainians entering the EU who are officially called Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs). The Government’s overall humanitarian response is coordinated with our EU partners and other countries. Because of the sudden and unprecedented numbers of new arrivals in the State, over such a short period of time, the Government, of necessity, has had to use a range of accommodation sources to facilitate displaced Ukrainians. These include hotels, guesthouses, former religious buildings, sports halls, youth hostels, scout dens, arenas, holiday villages and tented camps as well as space in privately owned homes pledged through the Irish Red Cross.
On 11th April, the Government agreed that the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) would lead on addressing the medium and long-term need to develop capacity for Ukrainian arrivals including the possible provision of rapid build accommodation. A Task-force was set up, led by the DHLGH, to oversee a 3-streamed approach to rapid build, refurbishments and new builds.
Arising from a Memorandum from the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, considered on 26th April, the Government decided on a range of measures to boost the supply of accommodation for refugees arriving from Ukraine. These measures included a rapid build, volumetric, modular units option - the evaluation of which was to be led by the Office of Public Works (OPW).
The OPW in conjunction with the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) representing specialist rapid build manufacturers and main contractors, developed an exemplar design and specification to ensure Building Regulation compliance. The design is based exclusively on rigid frame volumetric structures which represents the best method, having regard to the need for quality, speed, and simplicity of design and production, to achieve the scale of programme required. These meetings took place in the earlier phase of the design process in April and May 2022.
The rapid build prototype that has been designed is a highly energy efficient A Energy Standard durable single storey unit (with a structural life of 60 years). The 60 year lifespan was chosen to be consistent with housing standards and to maximise the long-term value to the exchequer, of the significant upfront investment involved, by providing units that can meet future accommodation needs, once the humanitarian crisis, induced by the War in Ukraine, has passed.
On 28th June, 2022, the Government authorised the roll-out of a rapid build homes programme to provide accommodation for 2,000 Ukrainians, predominantly women and children, in 500 family units at several sites across Ireland. Since then, my Office has been working collaboratively with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth as the Lead Department, and a range of other bodies such as the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage, local authorities, Irish Water, ESB networks and Open Eir to deliver the rapid build housing programme.
Following a procurement process, John Sisk & Son (Holdings) Ltd was appointed as the main contractor to manage the site enabling works and to arrange for the procurement, transportation and installation of the rapid build homes for this project. The procurement process was undertaken in July and August 2022 and approval to award the contract given on 25 August 2022.
John Sisk & Son (Holdings) Limited, has engaged with rapid build homes manufacturers and has competitively tendered to the market for the supply of the rapid build homes, using the specifications, innovative exemplar model, quality and assurances developed by the OPW. John Sisk & Son (Holdings) Limited has now established a framework of 5 suppliers with the capacity to produce the homes to the required standard.
The production of the 700 homes required for the programme commenced in October and the homes will be delivered on site on a phased basis from end January 2023 for installation as site enabling works are completed.
As the programme is still ongoing, final expenditure details are not yet available.
Site evaluation works continue to be undertaken by my Office in collaboration with Sisk to finalise State owned sites around the country, identified by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, that will be necessary for the programme. My Office is also supporting the Department of Children, Equality, Disability Integration and Youth with their comprehensive programme of engagement with local representatives in areas where sites are being progressed for the installation of these homes.
It will also be a matter for that Department to implement a long-term management and maintenance programme for the developments and I understand arrangements are underway in that regard.
88. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when a person (details supplied) can expect to have salary increments owed to them paid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3415/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister, I cannot comment on this individual case. However, I can advise the Deputy that officials in my Department have issued a detailed response to the person to which the Deputy refers regarding this matter.
89. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when details of the Fáilte Ireland registration process for short-term lets will be available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3655/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra91. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if chalets and converted garages which are unsuitable for long-term letting will be exempted from short-term letting registration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3684/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 89 and 91 together.
On 7 December 2022 the Government approved the priority drafting of the Registration of Short-Term Tourist Letting Bill and publication of the General Scheme of the Bill which provides for the registration of short-term tourist lettings with Fáilte Ireland in line with the commitment under Housing for All, the Government's housing policy.
I have since written to the Chair of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media regarding the Bill in line with agreed protocols for pre-legislative scrutiny. Departmental officials, along with officials from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Fáilte Ireland, will attend a meeting of the Committee in public session for pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme today, 25 January. My Department is also engaging with the European Commission on the draft legislation under the notification requirements of the Technical Regulations Information System (TRIS) Directive. I look forward to engaging with Oireachtas colleagues with a view to passing the legislation in the coming months.
With regard to resourcing of this initiative, I understand that Fáilte Ireland has appointed a dedicated team of ten staff to establish, maintain and implement the proposed short-term tourist letting register. This team is assisted by other teams across Fáilte Ireland including legal, ICT and finance functions.
Preparations are being made for the launch of the register, including the establishment of the necessary systems and procedures to maintain and implement the register, the development of a registration portal, and various stakeholder engagements.
With specific regard to the details of the Fáilte Ireland registration process, this is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred this question to them for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
90. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she intends to provide additional financial assistance to an organisation (detail supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3659/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has provided a significant level of support to the organisation to which the Deputy refers in recent years and continues to support the organisation through grant funding allocated by Sport Ireland and through my Department’s capital grant programmes.
The Memorandum of Understanding agreed between the Government and the organisation in question, in January 2020 enabled Sport Ireland to restore funding of €2.9 million per annum to the organisation and to provide additional annual funding of €2.9 million for football development up to and including 2023.
In recognition of the importance of the continued operation of the Aviva Stadium, the MOU also provided for a repayable grant to the organisation of €7.6338 million towards the licence fee payable by the organisation for the Aviva Stadium up to 2022.
It is important to remember that this agreement was reached at a point when there was a very real risk of the organisation becoming insolvent. The support provided ensured that this did not happen, and was conditional on the organisation implementing urgent and necessary reforms.
In addition to funding for football development, the organisation also received substantial allocations totalling €33.5 million from the Covid-19 support schemes provided by the Government since 2020.
In December 2022, a payment of €1.257 million was provided to the organisation under the Sport Energy Support Scheme to assist with rising energy costs. A further payment of €1.034 million was also approved under this scheme to assist with energy costs in respect of the Aviva Stadium.
Funding of €32,000 was also allocated to the organisation under the Women in Sport programme in each of the last two years.
Following a recent request from the CEO of the organisation, my officials are engaging with the organisation in relation to its current financial position and will examine any request for additional funding.
With regard to capital support, the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Over 13,000 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998, bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1.15 billion.
The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritising the 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. Following the conclusion of the appeals process, the final set of allocations were announced at the end of May last year. The total allocation of €166.6 million for the 2020 round represented the highest level of allocation ever made under the SCEP.
Soccer projects alone received over €25 million. Details of all allocations including those to soccer projects can be found at www.gov.ie/en/collection/471ed5-sports-capital-allocations/.
Following completion of the appeal process, my Department commenced a full review of all aspects of the 2020 round of the SCEP. A draft of the Review has now been complete and I expect to be in a position to publish it shortly. Any recommendations arising from the Review will be reflected in the next round. Furthermore, my officials are engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the next round of the SCEP. Once this process is concluded, I will announce the exact dates from which new applications will be accepted.
In addition to the SCEP, the National Sports Policy was published on 25 July 2018 and provided for a new Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (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 including to a number of projects supported by the organisation referred to by the Deputy.
While the priority remains to advance all of the successful projects, in view of the issues faced by grantees as a result of Covid and construction inflation, 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.
92. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she is satisfied that there will be sufficient holiday accommodation available to meet the demand of holiday visitors to Ireland for the 2023 season; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3736/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe war in Ukraine, combined with the high number of International Protection applicants, continues to put real pressure on the Government’s ability to offer humanitarian accommodation and has resulted in the largest humanitarian effort in the State’s history.
I recognise the growing concern among the wider tourism industry about how the amount of tourism bed stock taken out of the system for humanitarian reasons is likely to have a real impact on tourism’s recovery in 2023 and beyond. In addition, hotel accommodation is not an ideal medium to longer term solution for the accommodation needs of families and this is why the Government is exploring a wide range of alternative options.
My Department has, at the Senior Officials Group on Ukraine, communicated the potential challenges arising for the tourism ecosystem, particularly in those parts of the country where high proportions of the tourism accommodation stock are directed to humanitarian purposes.
My officials are engaging with a range of Government Departments, with input from colleagues in Fáilte Ireland, on how best to mitigate the potential impacts on the wider tourism ecosystem of long-term use of tourism accommodation.
I have regular interaction with my colleagues in Government on this issue and I have communicated the concerns of industry as to the long term effect this issue could potentially have on our Tourism sector.
At this point, it is difficult to predict with any certainty the balance between tourism demand and availability of accommodation in 2023, as much will depend on the current interplay between the tourism accommodation sector and the humanitarian effort.
93. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an ndéanfaidh sí soiléiriú a thabhairt ar an gcostas a bheadh i gceist chun Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge a thabhairt ar ais; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [3744/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraTháinig deireadh le Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge dhá bhliain déag ó shin in 2011 nó mar sin. Faoin scéim d’íoctaí deontas, arbh fhiú suas le €260 in aghaidh na bliana le theaghlaigh cháilithe Ghaeltachta a bhí in ann a léiriú don Roinn gurbh í an Ghaeilge príomhtheanga labhartha bhunadh an tí acu. Sa scoilbhliain deireadh dá riar (2010/2011) is €660,660 an caiteachas a bhain leis an scéim.
Ó cuireadh deireadh leis an scéim tá raon leathan de bhearta curtha i bhfeidhm ag mo Roinn in áit Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge agus faoi scáth an phróisis pleanála teanga - a tháinig i bhfeidhm ó shin - chun cabhrú le teaghlaigh atá ag tógáil clainne le Gaeilge nó ar mhian leo é sin a dhéanamh.
I measc na bpríomhrudaí atá ar bun:
- Tá cistíocht shuntasach á cur ar fáil ag an Roinn don eagraíocht Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta ar fiú breis agus €1.6m é thar tréimhse trí bliana. Baintear leas as an gciste sin chun clár leathan tacaíochtaí praiticiúla a chur ar fáil atá dírithe ar thacú le teaghlaigh Ghaeltachta atá ag tógáil clainne le Gaeilge nó ar mhian leo é sin a dhéanamh. Níor mhiste a lua go bhfuil an ciste sin deich n-oiread níos airde ná an ciste bliantúil arbh €50,000 dá fheabhas é a chuirtí ar fáil don eagraíocht chúig bliana ó shin.
- Comhthreomhar leis an gciste sin chuir an Roinn ciste faoi leith ar fáil don eagraíocht Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta chun tacú tuilleadh le soláthar seirbhísí sa réimse luathbhlianta sa Ghaeltacht ar fiú €495,380 é i leith an scoilbhliain 2021/22. Tá plé ar siúil leis an eagraíocht sin faoi láthair i leith allúntas 2022/23. Ní áirítear sa chiste seo an ciste faoi leith a chuireann Údarás na Gaeltachta ar fáil do Chomhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta ar fiú €619,500 é i leith 2023.
- Mar a bhaineann sé le tacú le teaghlaigh Ghaeltachta tríd an ngréasán bunscoileanna agus iar-bhunscoileanna Gaeltachta, luafainn an chistíocht ardaithe thar tréimhse de bhlianta beaga anuas atá á cur ar fáil ag mo Roinn chun deiseanna breise sealbhaithe agus saibhrithe teanga a chur ar fáil do lucht freastail scoileanna Gaeltachta ó cheann ceann na bliana. Cuimsítear sa tacaíocht sin na cistí faoi leith a chuirtear ar fáil faoi Scéim na gCúntóirí Teanga; Clár na gCluichí Gaelacha agus Clár na nEalaíon Teangabhunaithe.
Tugtar léargas níos iomláine faoina bhfuil ar bun sa tuairisc bhliantúil is deireanaí maidir le feidhmiú Phlean Gníomhaíochta an Rialtais don Ghaeilge a foilsíodh le gairid agus a bhfuil fáil air ar shuíomh na Roinne.
I bhfianaise an tábhacht faoi leith, áfach, a bhaineann le tacú tuilleadh fós le cur chun cinn na teanga ar bhonn teaghlaigh sa Ghaeltacht agus go deimhin sna Bailte Seirbhíse Gaeltachta agus Líonraí Gaeilge atá aitheanta faoin bpróiseas pleanála teanga, tá i gceist ag feidhmeannaigh mo Roinne bualadh go luath le páirtithe leasmhara chun breathnú ar bhearta breise thairis an méid atá ar bun cheana a d’fhéadfaí a chur sa tsiúil chun tacú tuilleadh le cur chun cinn na Gaeilge ag leibhéal an teaghlaigh sa Ghaeltacht, agus sna Bailte Seirbhíse Gaeltachta agus Líonraí Gaeilge araon.
94. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán maidir le Ceist Phairliminte 569322/22, an ndearbhóidh sí go bhfuil oifigeach pleanála teanga ceaptha i mBearna agus Cnoc na Cathrach; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [3745/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFaoi mar a cuireadh in iúl roimhe seo sa bhfreagra ar Cheist Pharlaiminte 56932/22, rinneadh plean teanga an Limistéir Pleanála Teanga Ghaeltachta: Bearna agus Cnoc na Cathrach a fhaomhadh faoin bpróiseas pleanála teanga i mí Bealtaine 2021.
I mí an Mheithimh 2022, d’fhógair Údarás na Gaeltachta go rabhthas ag lorg áisitheora chun tús fheidhmiú an phlean teanga sa limistéar a bhrú chun cinn.
Ceapadh an té sin i mí Iúil 2022 agus tuigtear don Roinn go bhfuil céimeanna cuí glactha ag Coiste Pleanála Teanga Bhearna agus Chnoc na Cathrach leis an Oifig um Chlárú Cuideachtaí le struchtúr foirmiúil (comhlacht) a bhunú chun gur féidir leo bogadh ar aghaidh go dtí an chéad chéim eile.
Ina theannta sin meastar go mbeidh an post mar Oifigeach Pleanála Teanga á fhógairt ag an gceanneagraíocht sna seachtainí beaga atá amach romhainn.
Ní gá dom a rá go mbeidh mo Roinn ag leanúint suas an t-ábhar seo mar is cuí leis an Údarás gan mhoill lena chinntiú go mbrúitear an cás go ceann scríbe gan tuilleadh moille.
95. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an ndéanfaidh sí soiléiriú a thabhairt ar an athbhreithniú neamhspleách atá beartaithe ag a Roinn ar an gcóras pleanála teanga; cé atá i mbun an athbhreithnithe; cén dáta a bheidh sé críochnaithe agus foilsithe; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [3746/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraTá céimeanna idir lámha ag mo Roinn i dtreo comhairleoirí a lorg agus a cheapadh chun athbhreithniú neamhspleách a dhéanamh ar an gcéad 10 bplean atá ceadaithe faoin bpróiseas pleanála teanga - faoi mar a d’iarr na ceanneagraíochtaí pleanála teanga iad féin.
Foilsíodh an cuireadh chun tairisceana ar 16 Eanáir agus glacfar le hiarratais ó chomhlachtaí ar spéis leo tabhairt faoin obair idir seo agus 6 Feabhra. Meastar go dtógfaidh sé thart ar 6 mhí chun an obair a chur i gcríoch.
Is é an cuspóir a bheidh leis an athbhreithniú ná breathnú ar conas mar atá ag éirí le feidhmiú na bpleananna sin, cad atá ag oibriú agus cad is gá a fheabhsú. Táthar ag súil leis go gcabhróidh sé seo uile le feidhmiú an phróisis go ginearálta agus go mbeidh gach páirtí leasmhar in ann leas a bhaint as torthaí an athbhreithnithe ar bhonn comhpháirtíochta.
Ní gá a rá go bhfuil cistíocht á cur ar fáil ag mo Roinn i rith an ama tríd Údarás na Gaeltachta agus Foras na Gaeilge lena chinntiu go bhfuil an próiseas ag feidhmiú mar is cuí.
Tugtar léargas ar a bhfuil ar bun trí chéile faoi seo agus réimsí eile sa tuairisc bhliantúil is déanaí maidir le feidhmiú Phlean Gníomhaíochtaí an Rialtais don Ghaeilge, a bhfuil fáil air ar shuíomh mo Roinne.
96. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the details of the scheme to rectify defective apartments will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3442/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra103. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the eligibility criteria for the proposed construction defects redress scheme. [3748/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 103 together.
I refer to the reply to Question No. 327 of 24 January 2023 which set out the position in this matter.
97. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on unsold affordable homes; the number of homes currently occupied by social housing tenants; and if tenants can purchase the homes as per their contracts. [3587/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2009 the Department issued guidance to local authorities on the use of unsold affordable properties (USAs) to provide social housing. Whilst the original intention was that these properties would be sold on as affordable homes once demand increased to a level that would stimulate a sale, following the financial crash, developments in the housing market resulted in significantly reduced demand for affordable housing and a build-up of unsold affordable housing units in a number of local authority areas.
As of end 2022, there were in the region of 1,680 remaining USAs, with debt outstanding to the HFA, occupied by social housing tenants.
In September 2020, I convened a working group to examine the issues relating to unsold affordable properties. The working group has examined a number of options to date, including purchase, and I am keen to develop a long-term solution which works for all parties including the tenants, the approved housing bodies who have long established relationships with the tenants, and the local authorities. Any proposals must also achieve the best value for the Exchequer.
