Written Answers Nos. 285-305
285. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of properties that have been refurbished under the refurbishment programme for accommodating beneficiaries of temporary protection; the details of all properties refurbished under the scheme; the cost of each refurbishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9052/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Emergency Refurbishment (Ukraine) Programme comprises two delivery strands, one of which is focused on buildings in public ownership and the other which supports owners of private buildings to refurbish them to the appropriate standard as per guidelines from my Department. These guidelines are available on my Department's website at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/44050-guidelines-for-temporary-accommodation-in-existing-buildings-for-those-fleeing-the-war-in-ukraine-single-persons-family-type-accommodation/
Private owners can upload their properties for consideration in the programme through the gov.ie website at: forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=1kz3hc5GbkiOn5I9PDFbr_Cz53O-RQRNm66T3C8QKQVUMjhOMEVRN1BVWFgxNDVKVUVSTEE2MzlBNy4u
Noting that many of these buildings are privately owned, it would be inappropriate to publish the details of individual buildings. Final decisions on whether properties are suitable for progression are made by a Technical Working Group (TWG) working under the auspices of the Accommodation Working Group. Membership of the TWG includes my Department, DCEDIY, the Department of the Taoiseach, the Local Government Management Agency and the City and County Management Association.
Other than contributing to staff resources in local authorities to support the programme and wider humanitarian response, my Department does not provide funding for privately owned buildings that are being refurbished to accommodate beneficiaries of temporary protection. In 2023, €3.7m was spent on the refurbishment programme.
286. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage which stakeholders contributed to the review of the implementation of the defective concrete blocks scheme from July to December 2023 that is due to be presented to the Minister in the next few weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9058/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI commenced the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (the Act) on 22 June 2023 which contains the enhanced grant scheme and adopted the related Regulations on 29 June 2023.
When I launched the enhanced scheme, I established an Implementation Steering Group and part of the Group’s remit was to produce a six-month report on the Scheme. As I have stated on previous occasions the Report is not a review of the fundamental terms and conditions of the Scheme as set down in the 2022 Act. Rather it is a report on the implementation of the Enhanced Scheme covering the period from July to December 2023 i.e. the first six months of the Scheme.
The Group comprises representatives of the relevant designated local authorities, the Department and the Housing Agency. The views of the Homeowner's are represented by the Homeowners' Liaison Officer, Mr. John O'Connor. I understand that the Report will be submitted for my consideration soon.
287. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 99 of 22 November 2023, if a review of SI No. 216/2004 and Circular letter LG(P) 06/09 as they relate to retained fire fighters is underway; the way in which this review will consider the fact that calls are not guaranteed income; when this review will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9192/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to the reply to Question No. 99 of 22 November 2023 which sets out the position in the matter. Sections 13, 13A and 161 of the Local Government Act set out the legislative position in respect of local authority membership. These sections set out that members of a local authority are not to be employed by a local authority. Section 161 provides the Minister to designate by Order any class, description or grade of employment for whom these provisions would not apply. S.I. No. 216 of 2004 provides that a local authority employee, whose maximum salary on the latest date for receipt of nominations at a local election does not exceed the maximum remuneration for the post of Clerical Officer, may become a member of a local authority. Circular LG(P) 06/09 “Local Government Act 2001 (Section 161) Order 2004” confirms this position and while Circular LG(P) 06/09 refers to ‘salary’, the associated statutory instrument (S.I. No. 216 of 2004) refers only to ‘remuneration’. The latter is considered to include all earnings.
Any calculation to determine full remuneration received by a local authority employee must include all elements received either directly or indirectly from the employer in respect of employment. That would include base salary payments, allowances and call out/incident attendance payments in determining eligibility under the relevant statutory instrument.
Accordingly, reflecting the different constituent parts of the annual earnings of retained firefighters, in such instances where a retained firefighter wishes to pursue nomination for local elections, the total earnings for the previous year will be used to determine eligibility under the provisions of LG(P) 06/09 to ensure a transparent and equitable approach for retained firefighters vis á vis other local authority employees. This matter is not currently under review.
My Department wrote to all local authorities on 1 December 2023 to confirm this position.
288. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on the apparent withdrawal of a motion supporting child abuse victims by the CEO of Louth County Council in May 2023; what actions he proposes to take in light of the Taoiseach’s State apology to people who were sexually abused in day schools (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9205/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to the reply to Question No. 343 on 20 February 2024 which sets out the position in this matter.
289. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total cost to date of the modular units built on State-owned lands itemised, by cost per unit and by location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9216/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraModern Methods of Construction (MMC) has been identified as a key measure to address the different housing needs in Ireland and methods to support the development of MMC in Ireland are set out in Housing for All.
MMC is the term used to describe a range of manufacturing and innovative construction alternatives to traditional construction, including modular construction. MMC encompasses fully factory built modular units in addition to panelised systems, such as those manufactured from light gauge steel frame or timber frame and has the potential to boost productivity, increase efficiency and improve sustainability in the construction sector. MMC techniques can speed up the delivery of construction projects by between 20% and 60%.
While my Department does not hold details on the various construction processes used in the delivery of new homes, the Housing for All Action Plan Update, which was published in November 2022, includes a new action to develop a roadmap with targets for increased use of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) in public housing. This Roadmap was published on 11 July 2023 and is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/414cd-roadmap-for-increased-adoption-of-mmc-in-public-housing-delivery/
My Department is now working closely with the local authorities to increase the use of MMC in social and affordable housing. The development of MMC will improve productivity in construction and increase efficiency in residential construction.
The Office of Public Works (OPW), in conjunction with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) as the Department with policy responsibility, is leading on a project to secure the provision of 700 modular homes to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection from the Ukraine.
290. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if sanction is required by the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive for the purpose of signing contracts for homeless accommodation; if so, how many contracts have been entered into and for what duration since 2020; the costs involved; how many bed spaces are subject to such contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9217/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at a local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of homeless services rests with individual housing authorities.
While responsibility for the provision of accommodation for homeless persons rests with individual housing authorities, the administration of homeless services is organised on a regional basis, with nine administrative regions in place. A homelessness consultative forum has been established in each region in accordance with Chapter 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2009. It is a matter for the management group of the consultative forum, in the first instance, to determine the services and the funding required to address homelessness in each region.
Following this determination the procurement of individual services, contractual arrangements and associated service level agreements are a matter for housing authorities to agree with individual service providers. In procuring services housing authorities are obliged to ensure compliance with all relevant statutory obligations in respect of provision of services and use of public funds. Housing authorities are required to inform the Department of any proposal for a homeless service, which is to be considered in the context of Exchequer funding available.
In Dublin, the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE), provided by Dublin City Council, is the lead statutory local authority for funding and service provision to respond to homelessness in Dublin and adopts a shared service approach across South Dublin County Council, Fingal County Council and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.
The DRHE is responsible for the administration of services at a local level and operates in consultation with the management group of the joint homelessness consultative forum that is in place for the Dublin region. The procurement of individual services, contractual arrangements and associated service level agreements are a matter for the DRHE to agree with individual service providers.
The details sought in relation to the number of contracts and bed spaces subject to such contracts are operational issues and are a matter for the DRHE.
291. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 290 of 1 February 2024, the number of cases that were unsuccessful in meeting the threshold required by the Office of the Chief State Solicitor to progress to prosecution, broken down by county for each of the years 2019-2023. [9223/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCases such as referred to in Question No. 290 of 1 February 2024 are prosecuted on behalf of my Department by the Office of the Chief State Solicitor with instruction from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department. NPWS exercise due diligence in preparing a case file for the Chief State Solicitors Office and work closely with that Office to progress matters.
Taking a file from reporting and investigative stage through to successful prosecution can be a lengthy process, involving interviews with potential witnesses and the gathering of evidence. There are some scenarios where a file may not proceed, such as if it becomes statute barred due to the elapse of time and a prosecution cannot be taken.
Whether or not a prosecution is ultimately successful is a matter for the Courts.
292. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of pre-2011 RAS tenants who are on the Galway County Council special transfer list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9240/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra293. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of pre-2011 RAS tenants who are on the Galway City Council special transfer list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9241/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra294. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are separate special transfer lists for pre-2011 and post-2011 RAS tenants in Galway City Council, or if these tenants are all on the same special transfer list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9242/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra295. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are separate special transfer lists for pre-2011 and post-2011 RAS tenants in Galway County Council, or if these tenants are all on the same special transfer list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9243/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 292 to 295, inclusive, together.
Under the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) is considered a form of social housing support. In line with the Act, all new RAS tenants from 1 April 2011 are considered to have their housing need met and therefore they cannot remain on the main social housing waiting list. However, such tenants can be provided with the option of being placed on the transfer list, similar to tenants in local authority housing.
To address the expectations of RAS tenants before this date, guidance from the Housing Agency in 2011 recommended a special transfer process for those tenants to access other social housing support.
The oversight and management of housing waiting lists, including the allocation and transfer of tenancies, is a matter for the relevant local authority in accordance with the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, and associated regulations.
The Act requires local authorities to create a system for prioritising households in need of social housing and those seeking a transfer to alternative local authority accommodation. I have no statutory function in the decision making or processing of transfer applications in local authority dwellings.
296. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he intends to commence part 4 and 5 of the Electoral Reform Act 2022; if he intends for these parts of the Act to be in force before the upcoming European and local elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9286/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provisions in Parts 4 and 5 of the Electoral Reform Act 2022 were formally notified in draft form to the European Commission in accordance with the notification requirements of Article 5 of Directive (EU) 2015/1535 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 September 2015 laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical regulations and of rules on Information Society services.
The notification procedure, which is known as the Technical Regulation Information System (or TRIS) enables the European Commission and Member States to examine draft legislation before it enters into force in order to identify and prevent the creation of barriers to trade in the internal market before they materialise.
Under the TRIS, the European Commission delivered a detailed opinion to Ireland on 5 July 2022. In its detailed opinion, the Commission raised concerns that a number of provisions in Part 4 were incompatible with Articles 14 and 15 of Directive 2000/31/EC (i.e. the e-Commerce Directive). While a detailed opinion did not issue in respect of Part 5, similar observations were made by the Commission on 31 August 2022.
Separately, my Department has been engaging extensively over the course of 2023 on the Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the transparency and targeting of political advertising as that proposal progressed through the inter-institutional negotiations. Political agreement was reached between the European Parliament and the Council on that proposal on 6 November 2023 and the formal arrangements for its adoption are now being finalised within the European institutions.
Given the significant overlap that exists between Part 4 and the EU proposal, it will now be necessary for Part 4 to be brought into alignment with the requirements of the EU proposal. Following the proposal’s formal adoption, my Department will give further consideration to the necessary adjustments to be made to Part 4 of the Electoral Reform Act 2022.
In light of these developments, my Department is also examining Part 5 of the Electoral Reform Act 2022 and the amendments that may be needed to commence its provisions as soon as practicable. In this regard, my Department is engaging with An Coimisiún Toghcháin, the technology sector and other stakeholders in relation to the implementation of Part 5 of the Act.
297. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to introduce new measures, legislative or otherwise, to tackle the practise of some landlords knowingly allowing their rental properties to fall into disrepair; and his views on the adequacy of existing mechanisms for supporting the rights of tenants. [9309/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe standards for rental accommodation are prescribed in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019 and specify requirements in relation to a range of matters, such as structural repair, sanitary facilities, heating, ventilation, natural light, fire safety and the safety of gas, oil and electrical installations. These Regulations apply to all properties let or available for letting. All landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties comply with the standards set down in the Regulations. Responsibility for the enforcement of the Regulations in the private rental sector rests with the relevant local authority.
If a property has been found to be non-compliant with the Regulations, it is a matter for the local authority to determine what action is necessary and appropriate. Under sections 18A and 18B of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992, a housing authority may serve an Improvement Notice or Prohibition Notice, respectively, where a property is found to be non-compliant.
Local authorities select properties for inspection for compliance with the Regulations. They are also very responsive to requests to inspect private rented dwellings where a tenant believes the standard is not being met and in this regard I would encourage tenants, to contact their local authority and request an inspection to assess whether their accommodation meets the standards. Contact details for all local authorities can be found on my Department's website at: www.gov.ie/en/organisation-information/fd139-local-government-councils-and-councillors/. The Government is committed to ensuring that a stock of high quality accommodation is available for those who live in the private rented sector. Housing for All sets a target of 25% for the inspection of all private residential tenancies from 2021. A total of €9 million in Exchequer funding is being made available by my Department to local authorities this year to help them meet their private rental inspection targets.
Local authorities conducted over 49,000 inspections of private rented dwellings in 2022, a significant increase from 25,000 in 2020 and 20,000 in 2021, when pandemic restrictions had impacted on inspections. Provisional data indicates that an all-time high of over 63,000 inspections were conducted last year. Annual data in respect of the level of inspections carried out by each local authority is available on my Department's website at www.gov.ie/en/publication/da3fe-private-housing-market-statistics/.
The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB), was established as a quasi-judicial independent statutory body under the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2022 to regulate the rental sector; provide information to tenants and landlords; maintain a national register of tenancies; resolve disputes between tenants and landlords; and conduct research and provide information to inform policy.
The remit of the Board covers the private rental sector, the not-for-profit housing providers commonly known as Approved Housing Bodies and Student-specific Accommodation providers. The operation of the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2022 and the residential rental market, are kept under constant review by my Department and the RTB.
298. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to restrict no fault evictions; and the proposals which have been explored by his Department in respect of no fault evictions. [9310/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government agreed on 7 March 2023 that the ‘Winter Emergency Period’ under the Residential Tenancies (Deferment of Termination Dates of Certain Tenancies) Act 2022 would come to an end on 31 March 2023, with deferred tenancy terminations taking effect over a staggered period from 1 April to 18 June 2023 as planned and legislated for under that Act.
The Government at that time considered that extending the emergency period would be detrimental to medium and long-term supply of private rental accommodation. That position has not changed. My Department and local authorities are instead focusing on implementing the additional measures which I announced last March to increase the supply of social and affordable homes. These include:
• an increase in the number of social housing acquisitions to 1,500 in 2023 to reduce the number of households at risk of homelessness;
• an additional 1,000 homes through Targeted Leasing initiatives in 2023 and 2024;
• amending the Capital Advance Leasing Facility used by Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to assist them in their efforts in delivering social homes; and
• developing a Cost Rental Tenant in Situ scheme for tenants at risk of homelessness but not on social housing supports to continue to rent their home.
I also informed Government of plans to give a number of new opportunities to tenants who wish to become homeowners, giving tenants the opportunity to buy their homes, by requiring a landlord selling a property to first offer it to the tenant. The General Scheme of the Residential Tenancies (Right to Purchase) Bill was approved by Government on 24 October 2023. Priority drafting is now in progress with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel with a view to early publication. The Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage undertook pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme in December 2023 and published its report on 19 December 2023. The Department is currently considering its recommendations.
Ultimately, increasing housing supply across all tenures is the key to preventing homelessness. Housing for All is successfully supporting a significantly increased supply of new homes, with a record 32,695 homes completed in 2023. The Government is making record State investment available for housing, with €5.1 billion in investment available in 2024 o deliver new homes.
Supply continues to improve in our housing market. A range of indicators suggest this:
• The latest annual data on the number of Commencements Notices (residential construction starts) published on 18 January, 2024 show that almost 33,000 (32,801) new homes were commenced in 2023.
• The latest CSO data on planning permissions (7 December) show that nationally, 9,662 dwelling units were granted planning permission in Q3 2023, an increase of 43.3% on Q3 2022 (6,743).
• They also show that residential planning permissions granted for period January to September 2023 are up 13% on the same period last year.
Under Housing for All the Government is committed to increase supply and protect renters while trying to keep small landlords in the system. My Department is currently undertaking a review of the Private Rental Sector which will inform Government on the measures which need to be taken to ensure a well-functioning private rental sector in Ireland.
299. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on nutrition and access to play areas and recreational facilities for children in emergency accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the measures taken by his Department to monitor children's wellbeing while in emergency accommodation. [9313/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of local authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of homeless services rests with individual local authorities. My Department does not fund any homeless service directly but provides funding to local authorities towards the operational costs of homeless accommodation and related services under Section 10 of the Housing Act, 1988.
In September 2022 my Department published Guidelines for Development of New Emergency Accommodation. These guidelines have been issued to all local authorities and set out the expectation and standards required in the development of emergency accommodation. Emergency accommodation services for families include provision of meals onsite, adequate dining areas appropriate to the size of the facility and to the number of meal sittings.
The Guidelines state that where possible, there should be some provision of open space, shared but private to the residents, including a Children’s play area. Where it may not be possible to provide such space on site, proximity to public parks and playgrounds forms part of the initial assessment of whether a facility may be appropriate to accommodate families.
Additional family support services are available through the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth / Tusla, such as a special provision under the existing Community Childcare Subvention Programme of free childcare for children from homeless families.
Tusla’s School Completion Programme is placing an emphasis on children from homeless families. The programme operates in 124 sites nationwide (linked to DEIS schools) and the School Attendance Service covers all 4,000 recognised schools in the country. In schools, Home School Community Liaison coordinators are proactively engaging with the parents from homeless families to assist access to any other supports that may be of assistance. Children in homeless accommodation are being prioritised within the School Completion Programme for services such as breakfast and homework and homework clubs.
The operation of homeless accommodation services are a matter for individual local authorities in consultation with the Management Group of the relevant regional joint Homelessness Consultative Forum, performed in accordance with Chapter 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2009.
The National Quality Standards Framework (NQSF) for homeless services is in place nationally for local authority and NGO delivered services. The Framework was developed to ensure a consistent approach in how local authorities and service providers respond to the needs of those experiencing homelessness and to improve the quality of services provided. In general, the operation of these emergency accommodation facilities is contracted out by local authorities, under service level agreements, to NGOs involved in the delivery of homeless services.
Local authorities also carry out inspections on facilities that are not covered under the Framework, as they determine to be appropriate. This regime operates in parallel with the NQSF arrangements.
Separate to the service standards expected of providers via service level agreements, all homeless service providers must meet the requirements of statutory codes, in particular the requirements of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and the Fire Services Acts.
Monitoring of services and the undertaking of site visits under the Framework and for other facilities are a matter for the individual local authorities. Details regarding the inspection of homeless emergency facilities are available for review on the DHRE website at: www.homelessdublin.ie/quality-standards/test2
300. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the expenditure on women's refuges in each of the years 2021, 2022 and 2023; and the projected expenditure for 2024. [9314/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe expenditure by my Department in relation to Domestic Violence Refuges is for the capital development costs of new refuges. Operational expenditure in relation to refuges and related services is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Justice.
My Department provides funding to local authorities under the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) towards the development of Domestic Violence Refuges and other facilities such as ‘safe houses’. The local authorities, in turn, support the local organisations bringing forward the Refuge developments. The expenditure in this area in the years requested was €316,345 in 2021, €290,114 in 2022 and €4,353,667 in 2023.
The sharp increase in expenditure from 2023 reflects the increased priority set out for this area following from the Government’s launch of ‘Zero Tolerance: The 3rd National Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Strategy’. It has set ambitious targets for additional refuge accommodation, aiming to double the number of spaces nationally over the lifetime of the strategy.
Currently there are fifteen priority areas nationally in which Domestic Violence Refuges are in various stages of development, ranging from the Wexford Women’s Refuge which will be completed this summer, to early stage engagements with Domestic Violence service providers and local authorities in other priority areas.
The final expenditure in 2024 will depend on the level of advancement achieved by year end across the fifteen priority locations. Domestic Violence Groups are working with local authorities across these areas on site identification and acquisition, design, planning, procurement and commencing construction on site or, in the case of Wexford, completion on site and opening of the new facility. Given the breath of activity underway, I anticipate a further notable increase in 2024 expenditure over the 2023 figure.
301. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to collect data on the role and function of staff at local authorities, as part of his Department's workforce planning for the local government sector. [9315/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he or she is responsible. My Department oversees strategic workforce planning for the local government sector, including the monitoring of local government sector employment levels. To this end, my Department gathers aggregate quarterly data on staff numbers in each local authority on a whole time equivalent basis. However, granular data, in terms of the specific grade of each individual staff member is not collected and consequently is not available in my Department. The relevant information would be available from individual local authorities.
I understand that the local government sector is currently in the process of finalising updated workforce planning guidelines, based on the guidelines prepared by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. Local authorities will commence the preparation of new strategic workforce plans alongside the development of Corporate Plans following the forthcoming local elections. Given the independent role of the Chief Executive in relation to staffing matters, my Department has no role in collating such specific, individualised data.
302. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the location of the data centre or centres used by his Department; the reason it was chosen; the distance it is from his Department’s offices; if he will identify the centres used by each agency under his Department’s aegis; and the distance these data centres are to their offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9391/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department uses data centres that are ISO 27001 compliant. My Department does not comment on operational security matters as it would be inappropriate to disclose information that may in any way assist those with malicious intent.
The information requested in relation to bodies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for the individual bodies concerned. Arrangements have been put in place by each Agency to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. The contact email address for each agency is set out in the following table.
|
An Bord Pleanála |
oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie |
|
An Fóram Uisce |
info@nationalwaterforum.ie |
|
Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority |
oireachtasqueries@ahbregulator.ie |
|
Docklands Oversight and Consultative Forum |
infodocklands@dublincity.ie |
|
Ervia |
oireachtas@ervia.ie |
|
Gas Networks Ireland |
oireachtas@ervia.ie |
|
Heritage Council |
oireachtas@heritagecouncil.ie |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
publicreps@housingagency.ie |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
oireachtas.enquiries@hfa.ie |
|
Land Development Agency |
oireachtas@lda.ie |
|
Local Government Management Agency |
corporate@lgma.ie |
|
Maritime Area Regulatory Authority |
oireachtas@mara.gov.ie |
|
National Oversight and Audit Commission |
info@noac.ie |
|
National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee |
ntacc@housing.gov.ie |
|
Office of the Planning Regulator |
oireachtas@opr.ie |
|
Pyrite Resolution Board |
oireachtasinfo@pyriteboard.ie |
|
Residential Tenancies Board |
OireachtasMembersQueries@rtb.ie |
|
Tailte Éireann |
reps@tailte.ie |
|
Uisce Éireann |
oireachtasmembers@water.ie |
|
Valuation Tribunal |
info@valuationtribunal.ie |
|
Waterways Ireland |
ceoffice@waterwaysireland.org |
303. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Social Protection if there are any State supports available to a family whose home has been seriously damaged by a lightning strike and who may lose out financially due to the gap between the insurance pay out and the actual cost of repair. [9202/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is primarily the insurance industry’s role to insure people's homes against damage and most policies are fully covered in terms of lightning strikes. The insured person should make certain that they have adequate insurance in place to cover any claim for damages, given the rising building costs. It would not be correct for the Government or the taxpayer to displace the role of insurance companies.
However, under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, my Department can make Additional Needs Payments to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income.
The decision process involves consideration of the need presented and the ability of the person and their household to meet that need.
This entails an assessment, as opposed to a specific means test, of an applicant’s weekly household income, their savings and investments, their outgoings and the type of assistance needed. Other State supports that may already be available to the person are also considered.
There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office. In addition, applications can be made online via www.mywelfare.ie.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
304. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if the period a person can receive carer's benefit will be increased from 104 to 156 weeks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8686/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government acknowledges the valuable role that family carers play and is fully committed to supporting carers in that role. This commitment is recognised in both the Programme for Government and the National Carers’ Strategy. The main income supports to carers provided by my department are Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit, Domiciliary Care Allowance and the Carer’s Support Grant. Spending on these payments is expected to amount to over €1.7 billion this year.
Carer's leave allows employees to leave their employment temporarily to provide full-time care for someone in need of full-time care and attention. A person is entitled to take carer’s leave of at least 13 weeks, up to a maximum of 104 weeks. Responsibility for the carer's leave is a matter for the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
Carer's Benefit is a payment made to insured people who leave the workforce to care for someone in need of full-time care and attention. A person may be eligible for Carer's Benefit if they have sufficient PRSI contributions. Projected expenditure on Carer’s Benefit in 2024 is estimated at €57.9 million.
In line with the statutory provisions regarding carer's leave, Carer’s Benefit is payable for a maximum period of 104 weeks for each person being cared for. It can be taken in one block or in separate periods as long as the combined total does not exceed 104 weeks. As the payment is aligned with the period for carer's leave, any proposals for change would first have to be considered by the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
It should be noted that not all those claiming Carer’s Benefit opt to remain in payment for the full 104 weeks. The average total number of weeks used by recipients per year from 2020 to 2023 was 71 weeks.
Where care is provided beyond the period of entitlement to Carer’s Benefit, the means tested Carer’s Allowance is available for those who are in need of income support.
I believe that these arrangements ensure an efficient use of public funds while assisting those who need to take time out for caring and are in need of an income support.
I trust that this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
305. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will increase the savings threshold for the exceptional needs payment from €5,000 to €10,000 to reflect the rising cost of living; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8735/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, my Department may make Additional Needs Payments to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income. This is an overarching term used to refer to exceptional and urgent needs payments, and certain supplements to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from the customer’s own resources, and which are deemed to be necessary.
Payments are made at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme, taking into account the requirements of the legislation, and all the relevant circumstances of the case in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance.
The decision process for an exceptional needs payment, involves consideration of the need presented and the ability of the person and their household to meet that need. This entails an assessment, as opposed to a specific means test, of an applicant’s weekly household income, their savings and investments, their outgoings and the type of assistance needed. Other State supports that may already be available to the person are also considered.
If the customer has financial resources from any income source to meet the need, it would be expected that he or she provides for the need from that source.
I consider the current assessment process used in determining Additional Needs Payment claims to be a fair and equitable approach for any person wishing to make an Additional Needs Payment application as it ensures that support is provided to people with the greatest financial need. Any person who considers that they may have an entitlement to an Additional Needs Payment is encouraged to contact their local community welfare service. There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office. In addition, applications can be made online via www.mywelfare.ie.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
