Written Answers Nos. 215-234
215. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide an update under Housing for All for a new short-term lettings regulation through a Fáilte Ireland registration system. [7114/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 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. Officials from my Department, along with officials from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Fáilte Ireland, attended a meeting of the Committee in public session for pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme on 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.
Briefings on the Bill were provided to key stakeholders on 7 December and further briefings have been provided to stakeholders since then. Officials from my Department have also made arrangements for round table discussions with stakeholders on the Short Term Tourist Letting register and related matters.
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.
216. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if there is any current funding or grants for an AED or defibrillator for emergency first responders in Ireland to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7287/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to my Department's responsibilities, the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Grants are available for a wide variety of capital works and non-personal sports equipment including first aid kits and defibrillators.
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 were announced on Tuesday 31 May last year and the total allocation of €166.6 million for the 2020 round represents the highest level of allocation ever made under the SCEP.
The priority in the short term is to advance the successful applications, which number almost 2,900, under the 2020 round to "formal approval" and grant drawdown stage. This requires detailed, ongoing engagement with all grantees.
Following completion of the appeals process, my Department commenced a full review of all aspects of the 2020 round of the SCEP. A draft of the Review is complete and I have received a draft version. I expect to be in a position to publish this Review shortly. Any recommendations arising from the finalised 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.
Defibrillators situated at sports clubs are generally also for community use and I am aware that funding is also available through the HSE’s national lottery grants schemes and other community grants schemes.
A number of national governing bodies of sport also have schemes in place to support their club networks in cardiac care, screening and defibrillator training. The GAA’s community heart programme, the FAI’s heart care programme and the IRFU’s safe rugby programme are excellent examples of proactive supports to assist clubs and members to participate safely in sport.
217. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number and details of compensation or redress schemes put in place by her Department since 1998, in tabular form; the number of claims made; the total cost of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6471/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, my Department was established in its current configuration in June 2020.
I wish to inform the Deputy that no compensation or redress schemes have been put in place by my Department since that date nor has my Department assumed responsibility for any such schemes established during the period specified by the Deputy.
218. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when funding will be provided by Government for the upgrading and refurbishment of the RDS arena that is used widely for different sports. [6487/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) was launched in 2018 to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects, including swimming pools, with at least €100 million being made available over the period to 2027.
The first allocations under the LSSIF were announced in January 2020 and, thus far, approximately €86.4 million has been awarded to 33 different proposals. Included in the first allocations was a provisional grant of €10 million towards the RDS Main Arena Redevelopment project. The application was supported by Horse Sport Ireland, the Irish Rugby Football Union and Leinster Rugby. The proposed project includes the demolition of the existing Anglesea stand and terrace and its replacement with a new increased capacity two-tier grandstand.
The terms and conditions of the LSSIF provide that once provisional allocations are announced, the successful projects will undergo a further process of due diligence. This process includes a further review of projects including economic appraisals and feasibility studies as appropriate to comply with the Public Spending Code. The grant for the RDS project as announced in January 2020 remains in place and once the due diligence process is complete, my Department will be in a position to issue a grant agreement to facilitate the actual drawdown of the grant.
While the priority in the short term is to advance the projects that were already allocated funding, a review of the LSSIF Programme is underway. My Department has now met with all successful grantees and work is at an advanced stage in drafting the review. I expect this work to be finalised shortly. As part of that review, the Department is examining, inter alia, progress on all projects awarded funding to date.
219. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when she expects the next round of the sports capital and equipment programme to open for new applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6629/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Over 13,000 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998, bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1.15 billion. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritising investment in disadvantaged areas.
The 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 were announced on Tuesday 31 May last year and the total allocation of €166.6 million for the 2020 round represents the highest level of allocation ever made under the SCEP.
The priority in the short term is to advance the successful applications, which number almost 2,900, under the 2020 round to "formal approval" and grant drawdown stage. This requires detailed, ongoing engagement with all grantees.
Following completion of the appeals process, my Department commenced a full review of all aspects of the 2020 round of the SCEP. A draft of the Review is complete and I have received a draft version. I expect to be in a position to publish this Review shortly. Any recommendations arising from the finalised 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.
220. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cé mhéid iarratas atá faighte ó theaghlaigh nua atá ag iarraidh scoláirí a choinneáil faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge do 2023, briste síos de réir contae; cén uair a dhéanfar scrúdú ar na tithe sin le gur féidir le na Coláistí Gaeilge pleanáil don séasur Coláistí Gaeilge i 2023; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [6630/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraTá an t-eolas atá iarrtha ag an Teachta tugtha i bhfoirm tábla thíos. Áirítear anseo an líon iarratas ar aitheantas atá seolta isteach ag teaghlaigh ag an bpointe ama seo (lár Feabhra).
Níor mhiste a lua gur cláraíodh 39 teach nua faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge de chuid na Roinne in 2022 i gcomparáid le 34 in 2019.
|
Contae |
Líon Iarratas 2023 |
|
Gaillimh |
2 |
|
Dún na nGall |
4 |
|
Maigh Eo |
2 |
|
Ciarraí |
1 |
|
Corcaí |
- |
|
Port Láirge |
- |
|
Mí |
- |
Ós rud é go mbíonn iarratais á ndéanamh ar bhonn leanúnach ag an tráth seo bliana, táthar ag súil le tuilleadh iarratas idir seo agus tús shéasúr na gcoláistí mar is iondúil. Déanfar iad a mheas de réir a chéile idir seo agus samhraidh 2023.
Táim sásta go bhfuil an chistíocht bhreise atá ceadaithe le bliain anuas mar thaca breise do na coláistí ag cabhrú le coláistí tuilleadh teaghlaigh a mhealladh le lóistín a chur ar fáil dóibh.
221. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if it would be possible to get a breakdown of the grants paid to sports clubs in the years 2021 and 2022, particularly grants given to rowing clubs for those years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6750/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraA list of all allocations under all recent rounds of the SCEP (including the 2020 round) is published on my Department's website at: www.gov.ie/en/collection/471ed5-sports-capital-allocations/.
A full list of all payments made can also be viewed on my Department's website at: www.gov.ie/en/collection/efc6c4-sports-capital-programmes-payments/.
222. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the financial supports available for companies that provide coach-hire services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6844/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order to assist businesses, including coach hire companies, with their energy costs over the winter months, the Government introduced the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS).
TBESS is administered by the Revenue Commissioners, and is designed to support businesses with their energy costs over the winter months. It runs from 1 September 2022 to 28 February 2023.
I have received feedback on the scheme from the tourism sector both in written form and, on Wednesday 1 February, in person at the Hospitality and Tourism Forum which I co-chair with Minister Coveney.
While coach hire services extend beyond tourism, I am continuing to direct very significant resources to support the sustainable recovery of the tourism sector. I secured total funding of €230.8 million for tourism in Budget 2023.
This included additional funding of €15 million for overseas marketing of Ireland after last year’s once-off pump-priming investment of €35 million. As global competition heightens, sustaining extensive marketing campaigns will be vital to support the on-going recovery effort, building on the initial inbound tourism demand seen in 2022.
Domestically, €15 million will underpin a range of measures to support the sector including domestic marketing, transforming the digital capabilities of tourism businesses, boosting the industry’s recruitment and retention efforts, sustainable tourism initiatives and long-term investment in the US College Football Classic series.
Other allocations include €36.5 million in capital funding for tourism product development for the continued delivery of enhanced visitor experiences in line with the objectives of the National Development Plan 2021-2030.
223. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide an update on the statement of quality employment associated with the recently established digital games tax. [7027/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegulation 2 (c) of the Digital Games Regulations 2022 provides that a certificate shall not be issued under section 481A (4) of the Act of 1997 in relation to a digital game unless the Minister is satisfied that the Digital Games Development Company will provide quality employment in the development of the eligible digital game.
In addition, Tab 6 of the Application Form (which is available on my Department's website at www.gov.ie/en/publication/4cf7f-creative-arts-digital-games/) contains a Declaration which must be signed by the Digital Games Development company which confirms that quality employment shall be provided.
Training courses are compulsory for all employees and Board members in ‘Addressing Unconscious Bias: Basic Awareness’, ‘Tackling Bullying and Harassment’ and ‘Bystander Training’. These courses are available free of charge on the Screen Ireland website.
224. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extra funding being allocated to increase participation in swimming, tennis and so on over the next two to three years. [7314/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraSport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards. This includes the allocation of funding to the sporting organisations, across its various programmes.
Sport Ireland's core funding allocations to National Governing Bodies of Sport for 2023 were announced today (14 February) and are available on Sport Ireland's website www.sportireland.ie
Government funding for Sport Ireland is allocated on an annual basis in line with the annual Budget process. Core funding for National Governing Bodies is accordingly allocated on an annual basis.
Increasing participation in sport is a key target in the National Sports Policy 2018-2027 and the Government will continue to support National Governing Bodies in achieving our aim to have 60% of the population regularly participating in sport by 2027.
225. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide an update on the sports capital and equipment grants in 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7348/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Over 13,000 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998, bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1.15 billion. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritising investment in disadvantaged areas.
The 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 were announced on Tuesday 31 May last year and the total allocation of €166.6 million for the 2020 round represents the highest level of allocation ever made under the SCEP.
Following completion of the 2020 round, my Department commenced a full review of all aspects of the 2020 iteration of the SCEP. A draft of the Review is complete and I have received a copy. I expect to be in a position to publish this Review shortly. Any recommendations arising from the finalised 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 Programme. Once this process is concluded, I will announce the exact dates from which new applications will be accepted.
226. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if funds are available for local authorities from his Department to refurbish social housing units, specifically to install double glazed windows in housing units such as Emmet Building, Dublin 8, in response to ongoing concerns over mould and damp and also as measures to reduce energy consumption and emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7280/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department launched the Energy Efficiency Retrofitting Programme (EERP) in 2013 with the aim of funding retrofit of social homes requiring insulation and energy upgrade works. Since the programme commenced in 2013, over 77,500 local authority social housing dwellings have been retrofitted with a total exchequer spend of over €251 million.
In 2021 a new holistic approach was applied to the programme, designed around the Programme for Government's commitment led by the Department for the Environment, Climate and Communications that calls for the 'retrofit' of 500,000 homes to a B2/Cost Optimal Equivalent (BER) standard by 2030, of which, approximately 36,500 are expected to be local authority owned homes, with grant funding provided by my Department for those local authority housing retrofits.
Works eligible under my Department's revised EERP include attic/cavity wall insulation or external wall insulation where required, windows and doors replacement, heat pump installation and ancillary and associated works.
The 2023 EERP budget provides an increase in funding support from €85 million allocated in 2022 to €87 million in 2023 which will allow approximately 2,400 local authority owned social homes to be upgraded to a B2 or cost optimal equivalent (BER). With regard to the local authority properties which are selected to be retrofitted through funding available from the EERP, the selection of properties is a matter for each individual local authority.
In addition to the funding provided by my Department for energy efficiency upgrades, local authorities can and do in many cases carry out upgrades to homes within their housing stock using their own resources, in line with their legal obligations to manage and maintain their housing stock. In this regard, the management and maintenance of local authority housing stock, including pre-letting repairs to vacant properties, the implementation of a planned maintenance programme and carrying out of responsive repairs, are matters for each individual local authority under Section 58 of the Housing Act 1966.
Local authorities also have a legal obligation to ensure that all of their tenanted properties are compliant with the provisions of the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations, 2019. These Regulations specify requirements in relation to a range of matters, such as structural repair, dampness, sanitary facilities, heating, ventilation, natural light, fire safety and the safety of gas, oil and electrical supplies.
227. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will outline all the funding mechanisms available to individuals or groups concerning the conservation of SACs. [7430/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn May 2022, Government approved a three-year Strategic Action Plan for renewal of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). Building on the substantial investment under the Plan, which comes to an additional €55 million across three budgetary cycles, there are a range of funding initiatives managed by the NPWS to support individuals or groups to assist with the conservation of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs).
These include:
- The Peatlands Community Engagement Scheme (PCES)
- The Protected Raised Bog Restoration Incentive Scheme (PRBRIS)
- The Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme (CTCCS)
- The Voluntary Bog Purchase Scheme (VBPS)
- LIFE Wild Atlantic Nature
- LIFE on Machair
- The Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF)
- The Community Foundation for Ireland
- NPWS Farm Plan Scheme
- Farming For Nature
Other funding supports are provided by the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine.
228. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number and details of compensation or redress schemes put in place by his Department since 1998, in tabular form; the number of claims made; the total cost of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6465/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
|
Years of Operation |
Name |
Details |
No. of Successful Claims |
Total Cost of Successful Claims |
|
1999-2010 |
Voluntary Bog Purchase Scheme |
The Voluntary Bog Purchase Scheme (VBPS) was introduced in 1999 under which domestic turf cutters could sell their lands and/or rights in raised bog Special Areas of Conservation and Natural Heritage Areas to the Department at agreed rates. These rates were subsequently increased in 2004. The scheme was closed to new applicants in May 2010. |
1,165[1] (approx.) |
€30,550,000 |
|
2004 - to date |
Commercial Turf Cutting Compensation Claims |
Commercial Turf Cutting Compensation claims are calculated on the basis of proven actual losses incurred as a result of the cessation of industrial and commercial turf extraction on designated raised bog sites. A provision for compensation arises under the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997, European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 and the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000. Compensation is paid to those affected by this restriction on a case by case basis and there is no standard rate of payment of compensation in respect of these claims. |
14 |
€6,849,479 |
|
2010-2011 |
Cessation of Turf Cutting - Interim Compensation for Winter 2010/2011 |
In 2010 following the closure of the Voluntary Bog Purchase Scheme (VBPS) the State put in place interim compensation arrangements in order to evaluate any immediate hardship which occurred in that year due to restrictions on turf cutting on designated raised bog sites. |
177 |
€177,000 |
|
2011-2022 |
Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme |
The Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme (CTCCS) was established in 2011 for domestic turf cutters affected by the cessation of turf cutting on raised bog Special Areas of Conservation and was extended in 2014 to include domestic turf cutters affected from raised bog Natural Heritage Areas. It is comprised of a payment of €1,500 per annum, index-linked, for 15 years, or relocation, where feasible, to a non-designated bog, together with a once-off legal agreement payment of €500. |
2,837 |
€59,700,000 |
|
2021 - to date |
Protected raised bog restoration incentive scheme (PRBRIS) |
The Protected Raised Bog Restoration Incentive Scheme (PRBRIS) is a once off area based compensation and land purchase scheme. The scheme is open to applications from eligible property right holders who wish to have their lands included as part of the national raised bog restoration programme or where access is required for restoration works within raised bog SACs/NHAs. |
2 |
€10,947 |
229. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will outline the current planning requirements with respect to providing short-term self-catering letting accommodation in areas designated as rent pressure zones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6509/23]
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 (the Regulations) which came into effect on 1 July 2019.
Under this legislation applicable in RPZs:
- Short term letting is defined as the letting of a house or apartment, or part of a house or apartment, for any period not exceeding 14 days;
- Homesharing (the letting of a room or rooms in a person’s principal private residence) continues to be permissible on an unrestricted basis and is exempted from the new planning requirements;
- Homesharers are allowed to sub-let their entire principal private residence (house or apartment) on a short term basis for a cumulative period of 90 days where they are temporarily absent from their home;
- Where the 90 day threshold is exceeded, change of use planning permission is required.
If a person homeshares their principal private residence in a RPZ and wishes to avail of the new planning exemptions, they need to register this with their local planning authority and fulfil specified reporting obligations.
However, where a person owns a property in a RPZ which is not their principal private residence and intends to let it for short term letting purposes, s/he is required to apply for a change of use planning permission unless the property already has a specific planning permission to be used for tourism or short-term letting purposes.
Under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act), all development, including change of use, unless specifically exempted under the Act or associated Regulations, requires planning permission. It is a matter for the relevant planning authority to consider each application on a case-by-case basis and to decide to whether to grant the permission, subject to or without conditions, or to refuse permission.
In making their decision, planning authorities shall have regard to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, the policies of Government, Ministerial Guidelines and any submissions or observations received on the application during the public participation process in accordance with section 34 of the Act.
Where an applicant wishes to question the decision of the planning authority made under section 34 of the Act, they may appeal the decision to An Bord Pleanála under section 37 of the Act within four weeks of the decision of the planning authority. In addition, the decision of the Board may be subject to judicial review within 8 weeks of the decision of the Board under sections 50 and 50A of the Act.
If a person wishes to establish whether or not planning permission is required for a particular development proposal, they can seek a declaration in this regard from their local planning authority under Section 5 of the Act.
230. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 313 of 31 January 2023, the date of the establishment of the Cross Sectoral Working Group; the number of meetings; and dates of same, held in 2022 and to date in 2023; if minutes are taken in respect of these meetings; the terms of reference of the working group; the membership of the working group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6547/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraBoth the Programme for Government and Housing for All commits to strengthening the Mortgage to Rent (MTR) scheme and ensuring that it is helping those who need it. Building on the significant amendments already made to the scheme in 2017, the 2021 Review, which was published on the 24 January 2022, examined the impact of these changes and what further changes would benefit those in need of the scheme. While the scheme is performing well, it was assessed that some further enhancements were needed to enable more households in need of State support with their long-term housing needs to avail of this scheme.
Four broad categories of actions are identified in the review, including:
a) Broadening the eligibility criteria;
b) Improving the scheme process, structure and financing;
c) Increasing communication and awareness raising; and
d) Responding to developments around mortgage arrears solutions.
Progress is being made under all actions within the review. Full details of the review and its recommendations are available on my Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/ed57b-2021-review-of-the-mortgage-to-rent-scheme-for-borrowers-of-commercial-private-lending-institutions/
One of the actions under "Improving the scheme process, structure and financing" is the establishment of a Cross Sectoral Working Group. The Working Group is made up of representatives from each sector involved in the Mortgage to Rent process including my Department, The Housing Agency, lending institutions, Approved Housing Bodies, private entity participants and local authorities. The group was set up to provide an opportunity for stakeholder representatives to raise issues relating to the Mortgage to Rent scheme and to discuss ways to improve the process, where feasible. The first meeting was held on 5th April 2022 with a second meeting taking place on 17 October 2022 and minutes were taken at both of these meetings. A meeting will take place in Q2 2023 but no date is as yet confirmed. The terms of reference for the group is available at the link.
231. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which a person can receive housing assistance payment while renting a property from a relative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6565/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a form of social housing support available for people who have a long-term housing need. Any household assessed as eligible for social housing is immediately eligible for HAP. Eligible households can source their own accommodation in the private rental sector which should be within the HAP rent limits provided to them by the local authority.
In order for housing assistance to be provided under the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 the housing authority must be satisfied that the tenancy concerned is or would be a tenancy in good faith. Where there is a family relationship between the tenant and the landlord, the housing authority may seek evidence of a previous landlord and tenant relationship between a landlord and the HAP applicant. This evidence may include:
- Proof of rent payments;
- A lease or tenancy agreement for the property; and
- Registration of the tenancy with the Residential Tenancies Board.
In order for a housing authority to be satisfied that a tenancy is or would be in good faith; the onus is on the applicant and landlord to prove that what is being proposed is a bona fide tenancy.
The day-to-day operation of the social housing system is a matter for the relevant local authority. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the local authority to make a decision in each individual case.
232. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on whether the inordinate delays which have become the norm in the processing of completion certificates are having a direct adverse effect on the ability of builders to complete and hand over new-built houses at a time when there is such obvious pressure on housing supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6599/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the many building failures that have emerged over the past decade, my Department introduced the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2014, which require greater accountability in relation to compliance with Building Regulations in the form of statutory certification of design and construction by registered construction professionals and builders, lodgment of compliance documentation, mandatory inspections during construction and validation and registration of certificates.
Article 20F of the Building Control Regulations provides that a Certificate of Compliance on Completion shall be submitted to a building control authority and be included on the register before works or a building may be opened, occupied or used.
A Certificate of Compliance on Completion is jointly signed by the builder and the assigned certifier. This must be accompanied by plans and documentation to show how the constructed building complies with the building regulations and also the inspection plan, as implemented.
On receipt of a Certificate of Compliance on Completion, a building control authority shall consider within 21 days of the date of its receipt whether the Certificate of Compliance on Completion is valid. Where a revised certificate or additional documentation has been requested, the building control authority, on full receipt of such revised certificate or additional documentation as appropriate, may avail of a further period of 7 days within which to consider the validity of the certificate.
In addition, a nominated date for registration of the Certificate of Compliance on Completion can be facilitated. In order to avail of this, the required documentation demonstrating compliance and the Inspection Plan must be submitted to the building control authority, between 3 and 5 weeks prior to a nominated completion date for the building. The building control authority will consider the validity of the prospective Certificate of Compliance on Completion with a view to facilitating the inclusion of the details of the Certificate of Compliance on Completion on the statutory register on the nominated date.
Under the Building Control Acts 1990 to 2014, primary responsibility for compliance with the requirements of the Building Regulations rests with the designers, builders and owners of buildings. Enforcement of the Building Regulations is a matter for the 31 local building control authorities, who are independent in the exercise of this function.
233. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he can confirm a matter (details supplied) following the adoption of the Moorhead report recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6643/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe terms for gratuity payments to elected members of local authorities are as set out in the provisions of the Local Authority Members (Gratuity) Regulations 2002-2006. The calculation of the gratuity is based upon the Representational Payment that was in place when the Principal Regulations were given effect and this is adjusted in proportion to any adjustments made to the salary of a Senator. It should be noted that the existing gratuity scheme for elected members is non-contributory.
The Regulations provide for a maximum gratuity payment to an elected member, after 20 years of service, that is worth 400% of the amount of the adjusted Representational Payment. The adjusted Representational Payment is worth €18,790 and so this provides for a maximum gratuity of €75,160 to a retiring member after leaving local government service.
Any adjustment to existing terms would require new Regulations made with the consent of my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.
234. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will engage with the National Parks and Wildlife Service to address concerns raised by an organisation with respect to a new website domain name for the Slieve Bloom Nature Reserve (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6647/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department is happy to work with the organisation concerned to come to a resolution and is currently working on registering a new domain name.
