Tuesday, 28 Feb 2023

Written Answers Nos. 302-316

Public Sector Pay

Ceisteanna (303)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

303. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when outstanding pay rises for public servants will be paid. [10096/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Building Momentum Public Service Agreement 2021-2022 provides for the following pay adjustments over the period of the Agreement:

- a general round increase in annualised basic salary for all public servants of 1% or €500, whichever is greater, on 1 October 2021;

- the equivalent of a 1% increase in annualised basis salaries to be used as a sectoral bargaining fund on 1 February 2022; and

- a general round increase in annualised basic salary for all public servants of 1% or €500, whichever is greater, on 1 October 2022.

Moreover, in accordance with section 5.7 of the Agreement, a review of Building Momentum was conducted in acknowledgement of changes to the underlying assumptions of the Agreement regarding inflation. This review resulted in agreement on the following pay adjustments in addition to the existing pay terms of Building Momentum:

- an increase in annualised basic salaries for public servants of 3% on 2 February 2022;

- an increase in annualised basic salaries for public servants of 2% on 1 March 2023; and

- an increase in annualised basic salaries for public servants of 1.5% or €750, whichever is greater, on 1 October 2023.

In respect of each such pay adjustment, notifications and/or circulars issue from my Department to the public sector employers under the aegis of my Department. It is then a matter for each such employer to apply the relevant pay adjustment in respect of its public servants.

Electoral Commission

Ceisteanna (304)

Joan Collins

Ceist:

304. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the Electoral Commission will be set up and running for submissions. [10104/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Electoral Commission - An Coimisiún Toghcháin - was established on 9 February 2023 by way of the Electoral Reform Act 2022 (Establishment Day) Order 2023 and is now operational. In this regard, section 30(3) of Electoral Reform Act provides that an Coimisiún shall be independent in the performance of its functions.

I understand that An Coimisiún is currently undertaking a review of Dáil and European Parliament constituencies in line with its functions under Chapter 7 of Part 2 of the Electoral Reform Act 2022. I also understand that An Coimisiún has announced a public consultation inviting written submissions in relation to its review of constituencies. The public consultation is available on An Coimisiún's website at www.electoralcommission.ie/constituency-reviews/.

The Electoral Reform Act 2022 provides that the Report of An Coimisiún Toghcháin in respect of Dáil and European Parliament constituencies will be completed and published within three months of the publication of final Census results. With the final Census results expected by the end of May, I expect that the report from An Coimisiún will be available by the end of August 2023.

Public Procurement Contracts

Ceisteanna (305)

Neasa Hourigan

Ceist:

305. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the awards made both with and without a tender process to management consultancy firms (details supplied) by his Department and aegis bodies for each of the years 2018 to 2022 inclusive, in tabular form and classed by firm; the purpose and a brief description of the awards; the value of the awards and the total amounts paid; the timeline or timeframe of the contracts; and the desired or completed output. [10116/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51:

Details of awards made by my Department, both with and without a tender process, to the firms specified, in the period 2018 to 2022 are set out in Table 1 below.

My Department does not maintain the requested information in respect of the State bodies under its aegis.  These bodies may be contacted directly by e-mail by members of the Oireachtas, as set out in Table 2.

Table 1

Year	Firm	Description	Duration (Months)	Desired/Completed Output
2018	Ernst & Young	Provision of external audit staff	2	Provision of external audit staff
2019	Ernst & Young	Business, Management and ICT Consultancy Services	12	Provision of procurement support and services
2019	PwC	To provide external support for Business Requirements Definition and Request for Tender Development Phase in relation to a Housing ICT Project.	6 (proposed)	Support provided for Business Requirements Definition and RFT Development.
2020	KMPG	Contracted to conduct a socioeconomic impact study regarding implementation of the LIFE14/NAT/IE/000032 raised bog restoration project on local economy and population.	24	Report on the Socioeconomic impact study for the European Commission as a requirement under the LIFE14/NAT/IE/000032
2021	Deloitte	SSIS Work – PACE Project	1	SSIS (Sequel Server Integration Services) Work for PACE (Planning, Application, Capture and Environment) database
2021	KPMG	Provision of support to draft the 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan	18	Draft Plan for Public Consultation   4th National Biodiversity Action Plan
2022	KPMG	To Produce a report relating to costs as part of the Review of Part B of the Building Regulations	2 Months	Report provided re: cost analysis
2022	KPMG	To conduct an independent expert review of a Preliminary Business Case for the URDF Clonburris Strategic Infrastructure project as part of the External Assurance Process for Major Public Investment Projects.	3 months	Review completed and Final Report submitted to the Department within the contract timeframe, the consultants also presented their findings to the Major Projects Advisory Group.
2022	Ernst & Young	Following a public procurement process on the e-tenders and OJEU websites in early 2022, the Department of the Taoiseach, with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, awarded a contract for data strategy services to support the implementation of the Housing for All plan to Ernst & Young Chartered Accountants.	12 months with the possibility to extend for a further 24 months	The creation of an enhanced data platform and an insight service
2022	Ernst & Young	Strategic Workforce Planning exercise for the new Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA)	2 months	Strategic Workforce Plan report completed within agreed contracted timeframe by y/e 2022.

Contract Value (ex VAT)	Contract Spend (ex VAT)
€99,600	€97,200
€165,933	€250,183[1]
€396,358	€413,298[2]
€16,620	€13,690
€3,000	€3,000
€141,085	€182,847[3]
€7,260	€7,260
€46,721	€46,721
€2,258,039	€2,258,039
€49,999	€49,999

Table 2

State Body	Contact E-mail Address
State Body	Contact E-mail Address
An Bord Pleanála	[e-mail]
An Fóram Uisce (the Water Forum)	[e-mail]
Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority	[e-mail]
Docklands Oversight and Consultative Forum	[e-mail]
Ervia	[e-mail]
Gas Networks Ireland	[e-mail]
Heritage Council	[e-mail]
Housing Finance Agency	[e-mail]
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency	[e-mail]
Irish Water	[e-mail]
Land Development Agency	[e-mail]
Local Government Management Agency	[e-mail]
National Oversight and Audit Commission	[e-mail]
National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee	[e-mail]
Office of the Planning Regulator	[e-mail]
Ordnance Survey Ireland	[e-mail]
Property Registration Authority	[e-mail]
Pyrite Resolution Board	[e-mail]
Residential Tenancies Board	[e-mail]
Valuation Office	[e-mail]
Valuation Tribunal	[e-mail]
Water Advisory Body	[e-mail]
Waterways Ireland	[e-mail]

Public Procurement Contracts

Ceisteanna (306)

Neasa Hourigan

Ceist:

306. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the awards made both with and without a tender process to an organisation (details supplied) by his Department and aegis bodies for each of the years 2018 to 2022 inclusive, in tabular form; the purpose and a brief description of the awards; the value of the awards and the total amounts paid; the timeline or timeframe of the contracts; and the desired or completed output. [10134/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The table below sets out the awards made to Microsoft by my Department in each of the years 2018 to 2022 inclusive

Description/Purpose	Amount	Timeline	Output
Microsoft Advance Support Add-on Package /Annual -Maintenance Support	€5,248.66	January 2018	Support drawn down as required
Microsoft Advanced Support Package/Annual – Maintenance Support	€47,478.98	February 2018	Support provided as required
Microsoft Advanced Support Package & Add-on/Annual – Maintenance Support	€62,057.97	December 2018	Support provided as required
Advanced Support package + Add-on/Annual – Maintenance Support	€92,936.59	December 2019	Support provided as required
Advanced Support Add-on Package/Annual – Maintenance Support	€98,391.15	December 2020	Support provided as required
Advanced Support Package/Annual – Maintenance Support	€79,079.85	December 2020 (for 2021)	Support provided as required
Unified Enterprise Support and Add-on/Annual – Maintenance Support	€84,267.05	January 2022	Support drawn down as required

Housing Schemes

Ceisteanna (307)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

307. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason the disability allowance payment, as well as a list of other social welfare payments, is not disregarded when assessing income for the purposes of securing a housing grant under the housing adaptation grants for older people and people with a disability grant scheme; if he proposes amending this rule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10167/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

My Department provides funding to local authorities so as to enable them administer the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability scheme. These schemes assist eligible applicants living in privately owned homes to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. The schemes are means tested and operate on a sliding scale with the highest percentage grants available to those with the lowest incomes and vice versa.

A number of payments from the Department of Social Protection are disregarded for the purpose of the means test. Typically these payments are paid in respect of individuals who are either caring or financially supporting a third party, for example a child, a relative with an enduring impairment or a child in foster care. Specific payments related to basic needs such as fuel allowance etc. are also disregarded. These disregards are designed to ensure that the provision of financial assistance for living costs or care do not disadvantage an individual applying for grant assistance under the scheme. Payments such as Disability Allowance, Jobseekers Allowance/Benefit or Non-Contributory Pension are not disregarded as they are income subsidies paid directly to an individual, and are therefore assessed as income under the means test in line with the regulations.

Housing for All commits to reviewing the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability. Among the areas which the review considered are the income thresholds, the grant limits, the application and decision making processes, including supplementary documentation required. A report on the review of the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability has been prepared by my Department. I will be giving careful consideration to the review report and expect to make a decision on the recommendations in the report as soon as possible.

Housing Policy

Ceisteanna (308)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

308. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will confirm whether a local authority (details supplied) can purchase a property in the absence of a notice to vacate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10187/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage (Deputy Darragh O'Brien)

Housing 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 by 2030. 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 and 3,500 social homes through long-term leasing in the period 2022-2026. Our clear focus is to increase the stock of social housing through new build projects delivered by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHB) and, with this, to reduce the numbers of social homes delivered through acquisition programmes. Acquisitions of second hand properties for social housing fall under a number of local authority and AHB acquisitions programmes.

In January 2022 my Department issued a circular letter to local authorities advising that social housing acquisitions by local authorities and AHB CALF acquisitions in 2022 would be focused on a number of priority areas, as follows:

- One-bedroom units to deliver on Housing First and meet the short supply in this category;

- Other properties that allow persons/families to exit homelessness; and

- Specific housing required for/suitable for individuals with a disability or other particular priority needs;

Local authorities were also advised that limited acquisitions through the Capital Assistance Scheme will also be approved, subject to the available budget for specific vulnerable cohorts, such as housing for older people, accommodation for individuals and families who are homeless and for people with a disability.

In April 2022, a further circular letter issued to local authorities in relation to social housing acquisitions. The key purpose of this circular was to advise local authorities that I had reinstated the delegated sanction to local authorities in respect of social housing acquisitions which are:

(i) in one of the priority categories set out in the January circular letter;

(ii) in line with acquisition cost guidelines; and

(iii) can be completed during 2022.

The reinstatement of delegated sanction has allowed local authorities to respond more flexibility to secure acquisitions which support a household to exit or to prevent homelessness. I have requested local authorities to be proactive in acquiring properties which can prevent homelessness, including properties where a notice of termination has been issued to the tenant.

Section 63(3) of the Local Government Act 2001 provides that, subject to law, a local authority is independent in the performance of its functions. As Minister, I am precluded by housing legislation from intervening in relation to the procedures followed, or decisions made, by local authorities in the provision of social housing support regarding any individual application.

Departmental Schemes

Ceisteanna (309)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Ceist:

309. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on proceeding with the defective concrete block grant scheme and the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022, that are based on IS465, a standard that is currently under review and that emerging scientific evidence demonstrates is deficient. [10195/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Following on from the Government decision of the 30 November 2021 in respect of the enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme, the Government approved the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) Bill 2022 on 21 June and the Bill passed through both Houses of the Oireachtas and was subsequently signed into law by the President on the 23 July, 2022.

The purpose of the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022, as agreed by Government on 30 November 2021, is to implement and give legislative underpinning to a series of measures to improve and enhance the current grant scheme. Full details can be found at www.gov.ie/en/press-release/328d7-minister-obrien-welcomes-progress-on-enhanced-defective-concrete-blocks-grant-scheme/.

The enhanced grant scheme will be commenced as soon as related Regulations are completed, which Regulations provide details for the enhanced scheme not included in the 2022 Act such as application forms and templates, per square metre grant rates and the definition of damage. Draft Regulations have been prepared, which are the subject of consultation with key stakeholders, including with homeowners’ action groups, which consultation must be concluded before the Regulations will be finalised and adopted in early 2023. I have extended the consultation period on the draft Regulations by an additional two weeks, to 14 March 2023, following receipt of requests for time extensions from Donegal County Council and Mayo County Council.

The decision made by Government last November called for a number of reviews to be completed. This included a review by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) of the I.S. 465:2018 standard and the consideration of other potentially deleterious material e.g. pyrrhotite and the impact, if any, on foundations. I have asked NSAI to carry out their review of I.S. 465 and identify the necessary research required to support review of the relevant standards as a matter of priority. NSAI is an autonomous body under the aegis of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and, as such, detail on its programme of work and delivery is a matter for the NSAI and its parent Department.

An interagency Defective Concrete Blocks – Technical Matters Steering Group has been established to support and inform the NSAI Standardisation Program in relation to technical issues. The steering group includes representatives from NSAI, Geological Survey Ireland (GSI), Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, the Housing Agency (observer), and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The Steering Group has agreed a process to specify, procure, fund and manage research projects, subject to budget constraints, and research proposals have been developed by the relevant NSAI Technical Committees, including pyrrhotite oxidation in concrete blocks, potential impact of deleterious materials on foundations etc.

GSI has established a Framework for the Provision of Laboratory Analysis Services in support of Geological Survey Ireland’s “Irish Construction Materials” Project: Concrete Products. GSI will project manage research projects under the framework. In this regard, research to investigate pyrrhotite oxidation in concrete blocks has been commissioned and I understand that research on the potential impact of deleterious materials on foundations will commence shortly.

Once the necessary reviews have been concluded and any revised standard published by the NSAI, I can confirm that the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme will be reviewed at that point having regard to any amended standard, in the event that such amendments are required. However, it would not be appropriate to delay the introduction of the enhanced defective concrete blocks grant scheme while these reviews are being undertaken by the NSAI. I am keen to ensure that the significant enhancements contained in the new scheme are made available to homeowners who have not yet applied under the current grant scheme, and that those enhancements can also be retrospectively applied to existing applicants to the current grant scheme, as soon as possible.

My Department recently published a comprehensive and updated “Your Questions Answered” document on the Department’s website to ensure homeowners have the most up to date information available to them. It can be accessed at www.gov.ie/en/publication/775c0-defective-concrete-blocks-grant-scheme-your-questions-answered/.

Wind Energy Guidelines

Ceisteanna (310)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

310. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the guidelines local authorities and ABP must consider when assessing an application for on shore wind turbines. [10203/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

My Department is currently undertaking a focused review of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines. The review is addressing a number of key aspects including noise, setback distance, shadow flicker, community obligation, community dividend and grid connections.

Guidance on the noise aspect is currently being finalised by the Department in conjunction with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC), which has primary responsibility for environmental noise matters. Both Departments are engaging on proposals regarding the measurement and assessment of noise from wind turbines to ensure they are robust and fit for purpose having regard to, inter alia, the revised 2030 target to generate up to 80% of our electricity from renewable sources. My Department and DECC hope to bring these discussions to a close shortly.

It should also be noted that the review and finalisation of the Guidelines has been included as a specific action in the recently published Climate Action Plan (CAP). My Department is engaging with DECC with regard to the specific timelines to be included in the CAP Annex of Actions while also taking into account the aforementioned discussions on noise in this regard.

When finalised, the revised Guidelines will be issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. Planning authorities and, where applicable, An Bord Pleanála, must have regard to guidelines issued under section 28 in the performance of their functions generally under the Planning Acts. In the meantime, the current 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines remain in force.

Question No. 311 answered with Question No. 262.

Repatriation Costs

Ceisteanna (312)

Emer Higgins

Ceist:

312. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the campaign to repatriate the remains of a historical figure (details supplied) from Belgium to Ireland; if his Department will be assisting with the repatriation effort given the heritage significance of the person's final resting place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9514/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

I am aware of recent media reports indicating that researchers have succeeded in identifying the possible location of the remains of Patrick Sarsfield, first Earl of Lucan, in Belgium.

This is a welcome development and one of great historical significance if confirmed. I applaud the efforts of all those involved including the Honorary Consul of France in Limerick, Dr Loïc Guyon, Limerick Civic Trust, the Belgian Embassy in Dublin and the local authorities in Huy, Belgium. It is obviously likely to be some time yet, possibly not until next year, before any excavation and confirmed identification of remains can be made.

Our Embassy in Brussels will continue to monitor developments in relation to this issue and stands ready to engage further on this matter if requested.

Official Engagements

Ceisteanna (313)

Sorca Clarke

Ceist:

313. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he spoke formally with his South Korean counterpart during the recent Munich Security Conference. [9585/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

I took part in over 20 meetings and events at the Munich Security Conference from 17-19 February. Unfortunately, schedules did not allow for a meeting with my South Korean counterpart, Foreign Minister Park Jin, at this year's event. This year marks the fortieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ireland the Republic of Korea and the bilateral relationship is strong. Last week, senior officials from my Department met with their South Korean counterparts for political consultations, the first such meeting since October 2021. I look forward to meeting Foreign Minister Park when the next occasion arises.

Ministerial Staff

Ceisteanna (314)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

314. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide details of all special advisers employed in his Department; their roles; and their annual salaries. [9710/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

Ms Gráinne Weld and Ms Laura Mannion are Special Advisers employed by the Department of Foreign Affairs. Both Ms Weld’s and Ms Mannion’s appointment are subject to government approval, pursuant to section 11(1) of the Public Service Management Act 1997 (No. 27 of 1997).

Ms Weld is Special Adviser to the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Micheál Martin TD, and is paid as per the Principal Officer PPC standard scale.

Ms Mannion is Special Adviser to the Minister of State for European Affairs, Mr Peter Burke TD, and is paid as per the Assistant Principal PPC standard scale.

International Relations

Ceisteanna (315, 316)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Ceist:

315. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to a case (details supplied); if his Department engaged with Maltese authorities in relation to it; if his Department relayed the family’s frustration and dismay at the lack of justice and accountability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9790/23]

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Ceist:

316. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department will liaise with the Maltese authorities regarding a case (details supplied) in order that an Irish family can get justice for a family member; if his Department can relay the family’s utter dissatisfaction with how the case has been handled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9791/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 315 and 316 together.

I am aware of this case and would like to extend my sincere sympathies to the citizen and his family who have suffered a terrible ordeal. I wish to acknowledge that this has been, and remains, a difficult time for them.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is precluded from intervening in the legal processes of another jurisdiction, in line with the Consular Assistance Charter, available at www.dfa.ie/travel/assistance-abroad/consular-assistance-charter/. However, I can confirm that the case has been raised with the authorities in Malta.

The Department, through the Embassy of Ireland in Malta, has provided consular assistance to the family - and remains available for contact at any stage should the family wish to discuss the matter further.

Question No. 316 answered with Question No. 315.