Written Answers Nos. 209-229
209. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures, if any, in place to address the fact there is no available emergency accommodation in the whole of County Kildare, while families are being forced to present at local Garda stations and sleep on the floor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17088/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraStatutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation and associated services for homeless persons rests with individual local authorities. My 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. My Department does not fund homeless service directly but rather contributes towards overall costs incurred by local authorities in the provision of services.
While responsibility for the provision of homeless accommodation and related services rests with individual local authorities, the administration of homeless services is organised on a regional basis with a lead authority in place for each region. The Mid East region includes counties Kildare, Meath and Wicklow, for the purposes of homeless administration, with Kildare County Council as lead authority.
A homelessness consultative forum has been established in each region in accordance with Chapter 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2009. Decisions on the range of emergency accommodation services and funding required in each region are a matter for individual local authorities in consultation with the Management Group of the relevant regional joint Homelessness Consultative Forum. It is a matter for the Management Group to bring forward proposals to my Department that meet the needs of homeless individuals in their administrative area and the funding requirements will be considered in this context.
My Department is fully committed to supporting individuals and families at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Budget 2024 allocated €242 million for the delivery of homeless services. This funding will support the provision of emergency accommodation and related supports, including increased prevention activity. Each local authority will keep working to ensure all prevention options are explored in the first instance.
My Department will ensure sufficient funding is made available for all required homeless services, including the provision of emergency accommodation, to support those at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
210. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider a pause on wind farm developments until the new guidelines are put in place to replace the current 2006 wind energy development guidelines, which remain in force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17092/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently undertaking a focused review of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines. The review is addressing a number of key aspects of the Guidelines including noise, setback distance, shadow flicker, community obligation, community dividend and grid connections.
My Department, in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) which has primary responsibility for environmental noise matters, has been working to advance guidance on the noise aspect of Guidelines, which is highly technical in nature.
The two Departments have been 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.
Further to this engagement, DECC appointed noise consultants in May 2023 to inform any amendments to the noise aspect of the Guidelines. This work is substantially complete. My Department, in conjunction with DECC in respect of its environmental noise remit, will make any further changes to the draft Guidelines which are deemed necessary or appropriate in the wake of this work to ensure that the finalised Guidelines, once issued, are fit for purpose to provide guidance in line with renewable energy and climate targets, whilst having appropriate regard to the impacts of wind energy development, including in relation to noise annoyance.
With regard to the finalisation of the review process, the Climate Action Plan 2024 sets out a timeline of Q4 2024 for publication of the final updated Guidelines and my Department is working towards meeting this commitment. When finalised, the revised Guidelines will be issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, or subject to enactment of the Planning and Development Bill 2023, as a National Planning Statement, as appropriate. In the meantime, the current 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines remain in force.
Proposals for wind energy developments are subject to the statutory requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, in the same manner as other forms of proposed development. As such, I have no plans to place a moratorium on planning applications for wind energy developments pending the finalisation of the revised Guidelines.
211. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will look into practical issues applicants are experiencing with the vacant property refurbishment grant (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17094/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraPathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock. The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was launched under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund to support bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use. A grant of up to €50,000 is available for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent.
Where the refurbishment costs are expected to exceed the standard grant of up to €50,000, a maximum top-up grant amount of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed by the applicant to be derelict or where the property is already on the local authority’s Derelict Sites Register, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €70,000.
The grant is available in respect of vacant and derelict properties built up to and including 2007, in towns, villages, cities and rural areas. The property must be vacant for two years or more at the time of grant application and proof of vacancy is required to support grant applications.
Feedback on the grant has been very positive since its launch, with over 7,500 applications received and over 4,370 applications approved to date.
All 31 local authorities have a full time, dedicated VHO in place, funded by the Department. While my Department provides guidance on the scheme, it is the local authorities who administer and manage the scheme. Local Authorities are supported in their work by the Vacant Homes Unit in my Department, who provide information and support to local authorities on the administration and management of the scheme. The Housing Agency on behalf of my Department also offer ongoing support and guidance on scheme administration to local authorities.
Following revisions to the scheme in May 2023 the grant application form was revised and updated. Applicants should ensure they are completing the most recent version of the application form. The application form, information and guidance for grant applicants including a list of frequently asked questions is provided on my departments website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/service/f8f1b-vacant-property-refurbishment-grant/.
When the Croí Cónaithe Town Fund was launched, a commitment was given that a comprehensive review of the schemes under it, including the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, would be undertaken. That review is currently underway and is due to be completed in mid 2024.
212. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount of funding sought from his Department and the number of properties purchased by Tipperary County Council for Traveller-specific accommodation in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17116/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra213. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the allocated funding provided to Tipperary County Council for Traveller-specific accommodation maintenance, repairs and upgrades in Traveller-specific accommodation in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17117/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra214. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount of funding his Department refused to provide to Tipperary County Council for Traveller-specific accommodation purchases and Traveller-specific accommodation maintenance, repairs and upgrades in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17118/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 212 to 214, inclusive, together.
The Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998 provides that the role of my Department is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist housing authorities in providing accommodation for Travellers, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding.
The Act provides that housing authorities have statutory responsibility for the assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of multi-annual Traveller Accommodation Programmes (TAPs) in their areas.
My Department ceased the practice of allocating specific budgets to individual local authorities and implemented a new allocation process following a review of arrangements for the disbursement of funding provision and related supports for Traveller-specific accommodation. Since 2020, it is open to all local authorities to apply for and drawdown funds at any time throughout the year and this is actively encouraged by my Department.
Capital funding drawdown by Tipperary County Council in 2023 for Traveller specific accommodation, broken down by category, is set out in the following table:
Tipperary County Council Capital Expenditure 2023 €
|
Covid 19 |
158,805 |
|
Halting site major refurbishments |
983,049 |
|
Group housing major refurbishments |
719,467 |
|
Mobiles |
263,511 |
|
Acquisitions |
338,068 |
|
Total: |
2,462,900 |
In addition, current funding, amounting to €387,275.49 was sought from Tipperary County Council and subsequently recouped by my Department in 2023.
Tipperary County Council had drawdown for one acquisition for Traveller accommodation in 2023.
My Department did not refuse any funding applications from Tipperary County Council for Traveller-specific accommodation acquisitions or Traveller-specific accommodation maintenance, repairs and upgrades in 2023.
215. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are plans to increase the retirement age for retained firefighters; if so, when this will be in place; what will happen to those firefighters who reach the earlier retirement age in the meantime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17136/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the Government’s recent approval of an increase in the mandatory retirement age for certain members of the uniformed services, I committed to examining a similar extension to the mandatory retirement age for all fire fighters with a view to providing consistency across the uniformed services.
On 12 April, I was pleased to announce that I have now secured approval for this change for both full-time and retained firefighters up to the age of 62, details of which can be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/eea5a-mandatory-retirement-age-for-full-time-and-retained-firefighters-to-rise-to-62/
This change will require legislative amendments to be brought forward by the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, and consideration of any transitional arrangements as appropriate within the existing legislative framework.
It is expected that the necessary legislative provisions can be enacted before the Dáil summer recess.
The extension of the mandatory retirement age for firefighters is the latest in a number of initiatives aimed at improving retention and recruitment within the retained fire services. Local authorities are implementing WRC recommendations that will see an increase in retained firefighter numbers, structured time off, flexibility to attend calls and guaranteed fixed minimum earnings.
In tandem with the further increase agreed under the Public Sector Pay deal, retained firefighters also secured a further commitment to examine an increase to their annual fixed retainer payment.
216. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount sought by each local authority from his Department for each of the past two years for housing adaptation grants; the amount granted by his Department; if further allocations were sought by any local authority; if so, the amount granted for each of the past two years; if any funds were returned by any local authority; the waiting list for each such local authority and the amount returned, in tabular; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17149/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides funding under the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, to assist people in private houses to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. The grants include the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People, which are 80% funded by my Department, with a 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority. The detailed administration of this scheme including assessment, approval and prioritisation, is the responsibility of local authorities. Local authorities receive an overall allocation, with the responsibility for the apportionment between the three schemes being a matter for each authority given their knowledge of local need.
My Department's approach each year is to issue a single full year allocation to each local authority, so they can plan and implement the grants programme. Over the course of the year, my Department works closely with the local authorities to monitor spend and to achieve a full drawdown of the available funding. This means that if underspends arise on the part of some local authorities, they can be redistributed to other authorities which have high levels of grant activity.
The requests for additional funding received from local authorities in the years 2022 and 2023 were approved by my Department. Details of initial annual allocations and subsequent local authority drawdown for the years in question, including where additional funding has been sanctioned or where allocations have been underspent, can be found on my Department's website at the following link:
www.housing.gov.ie/housing/statistics/social-and-affordble/other-local-authority-housing-scheme-statistics
My Department does not hold collated data in respect of applications approved by local authorities or any backlogs which cannot be met from existing funding. This information may be available directly from the local authorities.
217. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the criteria for the urban regeneration and development fund for towns; the number of towns that qualify for such funding; if the list has changed since the last census; the towns that have qualified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17159/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) aims to deliver more compact and sustainable development, as envisaged under Project Ireland 2040. It does this by part-funding regeneration and rejuvenation projects in Ireland’s five cities and other large towns. The eligibility criteria for admission to the URDF funding Programme. provide that towns have a population greater than 10,000 or be sustaining a minimum of 2,500 jobs. These criteria resulted in 54 towns, as well as the 5 cities, being eligible for URDF funding under Calls 1, 2 and 3.
Analysis of the 2022 census results determined that 11 new towns meet the eligibility criteria for URDF status. I will shortly make an announcement regarding the admission of the newly eligible towns to the Programme.
218. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether requirements for social housing assessment have changed from two months to 12 months of payslips; if so, when this change was made; and if his Department has provided additional resourcing to local authorities to address this additional burden. [17184/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended, prescribe maximum net income limits for each local authority, in different bands according to the area concerned, with income being defined and assessed according to a standard Household Means Policy. The Policy was revised in March 2021 and comprehensive guidance was provided to local authorities at the time.
Social housing is a long-term support intended to support households that have continuing, long-term difficulty meeting their own accommodation needs. This is reflected in the underpinning legislation and the Household Means Policy which now provides for applicants’ eligibility to be assessed on their net average income over the previous 12 months from the date of their application. It provides a truer picture of long-term need and is an objectively fairer approach than assessing such need against more recent changes in circumstances, including loss of employment or significant changes in income. This also ensures fairness and equity in the system and that those with a continuing long-term need are prioritised.
Rent Supplement is a short-term income support for people in the private rented sector. If there has been a recent change in a households circumstance and the household requires short term support with their rent, it is open to them to make application for rent supplement. It remains open to that household to apply for social housing support at any stage, subject to meeting the eligibility and need criteria at the point at which they apply.
219. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average time to assess a social housing application, by local authority, in tabular form. [17185/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not hold information on the average time it takes to assess a social housing application.
Applications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended.
Regulation 12 of the 2011 Regulations prescribes the timescales for the processing of applications by local authorities and provides that, subject to conditions, a local authority shall deal with an application within a period of 12 weeks. Local authorities will prioritise housing needs assessments for those in greatest need and seek to process their applications well within the prescribed maximum timeframes.
If the local authority requires additional information from the applicant, it should request that information as early into the assessment process as possible. In accordance with Regulations, the applicant has four weeks from the time of the request to provide the requested information/documentation to the local authority.
Should the applicant fail to do so, then the application should be returned to the applicant with a covering letter stating that an assessment could not be carried out by the local authority.
Where it is not possible for the applicant to provide any information/documentation requested by the local authority within the four week period (e.g. where documentation is being sought from a third party that has been delayed), a local authority may, if it feels it appropriate, grant an extension to the applicant to provide the requested information/documentation. Local authorities then have six weeks after receipt of additional information requested to process the application. In any event, the processing of a valid application by a local authority shall not exceed 14 weeks after the initial 12 weeks from the date of application has expired.
220. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of applications and the number of approvals for the first home scheme in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17189/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe First Home Scheme, which launched on 7 July 2022, supports first-time buyers in purchasing new houses and apartments in the private market, and also self-builders, through the use of an equity share model. Full details of the First Home Scheme are available at: www.firsthomescheme.ie
The Scheme is overseen and managed by the First Home Scheme Ireland Designated Activity Company (First Home DAC), on behalf of scheme founders (the State and participating mortgage lenders). This body is responsible for collating and issuing statistical information as it pertains to the scheme. The First Home DAC has published its Q1 2024 Public Update covering the period from 7 July 2022 to 31 March 2024, which can be found on its website at: www.firsthomescheme.ie/about-the-company/quarterly-updates/.
Affordable housing delivery data for 2023, including county by county breakdowns, has also been published by my Department and can be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/#:~:text=Download-,Affordable%20Housing%20Delivery,-Affordable%20Housing%20Delivery
221. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position of the publication date for a best-practice guide for the provision of allotments and community gardens by local authorities, as agreed in a meeting with an organisation (details supplied) in June 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17197/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn terms of planning, providing, enabling and supporting allotments, legislation is in place in the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and the Local Government Act 2000 (as amended) to identify locations in development plans for allotment development, and to establish allotments as a part of local government’s role in promoting the interests of local communities.
Identifying land for allotment development in a development plan is a reserved function of the elected members of a local authority when considering and making the plan, while the provision of allotments or similar facilities on local authority land is a matter for each individual local authority and is subject to availability of resources and community inputs and support for such proposals.
The Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements Guidelines, which I recently issued as Ministerial Guidance under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act (as amended) refer to Community Gardens and Allotments as ‘plots of land which are made available (usually by a local authority) to community groups or individuals for the cultivation of vegetables and plants.
Section 4.4 (iv) of the Guidelines - Public Open Space - states that all statutory development plans should include a strategy for the provision of an integrated hierarchy of multifunctional public open spaces and corridors across the plan area that meet the needs of the planned population, are accessible, provide for the recreational needs of the planned population and create space for nature and ecosystem services.
The Guidelines also state that public open spaces should be designed to cater for a range of active and passive recreational needs (including play, physical activity, active travel, cultural uses and community gardens and allotments, as appropriate to the context) and to conserve and restore nature and biodiversity.
Policy and Objective 5.1 - Public Open Space – of the Guidelines provides that statutory development include an objective(s) relating to the provision of public open space in new residential developments with a requirement in the development plan for public open space provision of not less than a minimum of 10% of net site area and not more than a minimum of 15% of net site area save in exceptional circumstances.
A guide for local authorities on the provision of allotments and community gardens will be progressed as agreed subject to the priorities, work Programme and commitments of the Department in addition to available resources.
222. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage what progress has been made in respect of the two affordable housing scheme applications from Clare County Council for Ennis; if approval has been granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17219/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to the reply to Question No. 52 of 11 April 2024 which sets out the position in this matter.
223. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update following the recent housing development rejection by his Department in north Clare due to a lack of water infrastructure after approval being received from his Department for the development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17220/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand the Question refers to a 30 unit social housing proposal at Ennistymon, Co. Clare that received pre-planning funding approval from my Department in October 2022. This approval is still in place and has not been rejected.
Further information on this proposal is available directly from Clare County Council.
224. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures a tenant can take in cases where they do not receive an official notice to quit and therefore local authorities do not accept them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17224/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2022 (RTA) regulate tenancies in the residential rental sector covering private renters, cost renters, social renters with Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), and regulates tenancies and licences in student specific accommodation and sets out the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants. The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) was established as an independent statutory body under the Acts to operate a national tenancy registration system, resolve disputes between landlords and tenants and develop and publish guidelines for good practice by those involved in the rented sector.
During the first 6 months of a tenancy, a landlord may terminate the tenancy by serving a notice of termination (NoT) in compliance with the RTA, without stating a reason for the termination.
In general, after 6 months, a landlord may not serve a NoT except in very clearly defined circumstances. Section 34 of the RTA provides that the landlord must state in the NoT the reason the tenancy is being terminated and the NoT will not be valid unless that reason relates to one or more of the following:
• the tenant has failed to comply with the obligations (other than the obligation to pay rent) of the tenancy;
• the tenant has failed to comply with the obligation to pay rent under the tenancy;
• the dwelling is no longer suited to the needs of the occupying household;
• the landlord intends to sell the dwelling within the next 9 months;
• the landlord requires the dwelling for own or family member occupation;
• vacant possession is required for substantial refurbishment of the dwelling; and/or
• the landlord intends to change the use of the dwelling.
In addition, all NoTs must be copied to the RTB at the same time as being served to the tenant and will be invalid if not so copied.
Landlords are also required to give varying periods of termination notice depending on the duration of the tenancy.
|
Duration of a Tenancy |
Termination Notice Period |
|
Duration of a Tenancy |
Termination Notice Period |
|
Less than 6 months |
90 days |
|
Not less than 6 months but less than one year |
152 days |
|
Not less than 1 year but less than 7 years |
180 days |
|
Not less than 7 years but less than 8 years |
196 days |
|
Not less than 8 years |
224 days |
If a tenant feels the Notice of Termination served is invalid and/or that the landlord has breached their obligations, they can take a Dispute case with the RTB. Please see the links below for RTB guidance on how a landlord may terminate a tenancy and how to refer a dispute for resolution -
www.rtb.ie/registration-and-compliance/ending-a-tenancy/how-a-landlord-can-end-a-tenancy
www.rtb.ie/dispute-resolution-services/guide-to-disputes-resolution
225. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of applications to date in Kerry for the vacant property refurbishment grant, in tabular form; the number of approved applications; the number of pending applications; the number of drawdowns commenced and completed; the number of refusal; to provide a breakdown of applications for properties intended for rental or for owner occupation; to provide a breakdown of the lower or higher maximum grant 50/70; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17293/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraPathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant supports bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use. A grant of up to €50,000 is available for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent.
Where the refurbishment costs are expected to exceed the standard grant of up to €50,000, a maximum top-up grant amount of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed by the applicant to be derelict or where the property is already on the local authority’s Derelict Sites Register, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €70,000. The grant is available in respect of vacant and derelict properties built up to and including 2007, in towns, villages, cities and rural areas.
My Department publishes data on applications for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant on its website on a quarterly basis which can be accessed at the following link: Vacancy grant statistics. Published statistics provide a breakdown by Local Authority of grant applications received, approved, rejected and grants paid following completion of approved works.
226. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection the up-to-date position regarding the rolling out of further hot school meals in schools in County Kerry; the number of new schools that are included in the most recent addition of schools; if she will provide a list of all schools in County Kerry now benefitting from the scheme, including the date on which the schools were approved for the programme; the number of schools in County Kerry that remain outside the programme; the number of them that expressed an interest in the programme in the most recent call; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17236/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe objective of the School Meals Programme is to provide regular, nutritious food to children to support them in taking full advantage of the education provided to them. The Programme is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and extra educational achievement. Following the expansion of the Programme in recent years, some 2,600 schools and organisations, covering 443,000 children are now eligible for funding.
I am committed to continuing to expand the School Meals Programme and building further on the significant extension of the Programme that has taken place in recent years. As part of this significant expansion plan, all remaining primary schools were contacted last year and requested to submit an expression of interest form if their school is interested in commencing the provision of hot school meals.
Expressions of interests were received from over 900 primary schools in respect of 150,000 children and late last year these schools were invited to participate in the Hot School Meals Programme from 8th April 2024.
Earlier this week, I launched a new expression of interest round to encourage all remaining primary schools to participate in the scheme.
In relation to schools located in Kerry, please see a breakdown below in tabular form as requested.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Tabular Statements Below:
Table 1: There are 43 new schools included in the latest round of hot meals. List provided below listing dates on which all schools were approved for the programme
|
Dates schools were invited to Hot Meals Scheme |
No. of Schools |
|
Sep-19 |
1 |
|
Jan-21 |
2 |
|
Jan-22 |
2 |
|
Sep-22 |
15 |
|
Sep-23 |
20 |
|
Apr-24 |
43 |
|
Total |
83 |
Table 2: The number of schools that expressed an interest in the programme in the most recent call
|
No. of Schools who expressed a late interest |
No. of Schools |
|
Following EOI Deadline |
12 |
Table 3: The number of schools that remain outside the programme
|
No. of Schools who haven't submitted any interest to date |
40 |
Table 4: A list of all schools in County Kerry now availing of hot meals
|
School Roll No. |
Component Organisation Name |
No. Of Children |
|
02418V |
Knockaderry Farranfore National School |
50 |
|
04062S |
Listowel Presentation Primary |
186 |
|
05348S |
Tahilla Community National School |
25 |
|
07841L |
Kilgobnet N S |
78 |
|
08251S |
Scoil Naomh Micheal |
69 |
|
08687J |
S N Muire Gan Smal |
36 |
|
09209B |
Castledrum N S |
108 |
|
09782I |
Ballymacelligott 1 N S |
21 |
|
10050U |
Scoil Bhríde |
114 |
|
10501E |
Scoil Easa Dhuibhe |
59 |
|
10957B |
S N Mhuire De Lourdes |
98 |
|
11067T |
S N Naomh Brid |
179 |
|
11405N |
Faha National School |
225 |
|
11419B |
Scoil Bhreanainn |
92 |
|
12820H |
Scoil Realt Na Mara |
141 |
|
12875J |
Gaelscoil Naomh Séamas |
39 |
|
13530D |
Scoil Mhuire |
401 |
|
13540G |
Murhur N S |
74 |
|
14002G |
Knockaclarig Mxd N S |
46 |
|
14366V |
Loughfouder N S |
22 |
|
14952L |
Muire Gan Smal |
113 |
|
14998M |
Lyre A Crompane N S |
18 |
|
15878H |
Derryquay Mxd N S |
45 |
|
15945T |
Firies Mxd N S |
259 |
|
15978L |
Curraheen Mxd N S |
46 |
|
16871V |
S N An Chroi Naofa |
345 |
|
16898S |
S N Breandan Naofa |
215 |
|
16917T |
Naomh Padraig Measc |
186 |
|
17161S |
Kiltallagh N S |
24 |
|
17349N |
S N An Leana Mhoir |
15 |
|
17646T |
S N Uaimh Bhreanainn |
197 |
|
17710C |
S N An Chuilleanaig |
181 |
|
17744T |
S N Gniomh Go Leith B |
118 |
|
17915U |
Freastogail Mhuire Mxd |
51 |
|
18049G |
Scoil Mhuire Na Mainistreach |
193 |
|
18084I |
Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal |
26 |
|
18214S |
S.n. Cill Conla |
39 |
|
18233W |
St Johns Parochial School |
80 |
|
18247K |
S N Mhuire Na Mbraithre |
427 |
|
18283O |
Scoil Mhuire |
42 |
|
18325E |
Naomh Charthaigh |
48 |
|
18414D |
S N Gleann Beithe |
97 |
|
18702I |
Spa National School |
224 |
|
18705O |
Tarbert National School |
137 |
|
18832V |
Castlemaine N S |
108 |
|
19304B |
S N Cillin Liath |
37 |
|
19376D |
St Itas & St Josephs Ns |
153 |
|
19384C |
Ardfert Central N S |
215 |
|
19483E |
S N Dar Earca |
53 |
|
19487M |
Holy Cross Primary School |
382 |
|
19492F |
S N Oilibhear Naofa |
58 |
|
19536W |
Holy Family |
278 |
|
19547E |
St Francis Special Sch |
62 |
|
19548G |
Nano Nagle N School |
90 |
|
19631Q |
Gaelscoil Mhic Easmainn |
403 |
|
19659P |
St Brendans N S |
50 |
|
19745I |
Scartaglin New Central School |
129 |
|
19846O |
Realt Na Maidne |
169 |
|
19917L |
Gaelscoil Naomh Aogain |
177 |
|
19941I |
Gaelscoil Faithleann |
245 |
|
19957A |
Dromclough N S |
208 |
|
20013U |
Gaelscoil Lios Tuathail |
122 |
|
20112W |
Caherciveen N S |
174 |
|
20229U |
Nagle Rice Primary School |
370 |
|
20478S |
Ballyduff National School |
109 |
227. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection when an application for supplementary welfare will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17082/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme, my Department may make an Additional Needs Payment (ANP) to help meet essential expenditure which an eligible person could not reasonably be expected to meet from their weekly income. ANPs are awarded at the discretion of the Designated Persons administering the scheme considering the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case.
According to the records of the Department, the person concerned applied for an ANP on 11/04/2024 to assist with the cost of a rental deposit for their new tenancy. The person's application has been processed and they have been awarded a payment of €1,300, which will issue to their nominated bank account on 18/04/2024. A letter confirming this award issued to the person concerned on 16/04/2024.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
228. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will reconsider classifying Covid-19 as an occupational illness, as has been recommended in many EU member states; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17095/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn November 2022 the European Commission made a non-binding recommendation on the recognition of COVID-19 as an occupational disease if ‘caused by work in disease prevention, in health and social care and in domiciliary assistance, or, in a pandemic context, in sectors where there is an outbreak in activities in which a risk of infection has been proven.’ This is a non-binding recommendation and recognition of occupational diseases remains a Member State competence. The Commission did not make a recommendation in relation to long COVID. Recognition as an occupational disease confers different entitlements in different Member States, with employers paying the compensation in some countries and social insurance systems paying in others.
In November 2023, I published and laid a report before the Oireachtas entitled ‘Report on measures to include long COVID in the Occupational Injuries Benefit Regulations’. This report concluded that COVID-19 does not satisfy the criteria for recognition as an occupational illness under the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005.
Specifically, presumptions about workplace transmission would not be sustainable on a general basis in the current environment where infection rates are low. The statutory criteria for occupational injuries benefit specify that the disease or injury was caused as a risk of the person’s occupation and is not a risk outside of that profession. Community transmission became dominant by the summer of 2020. Therefore, it has not been possible since then to establish with confidence a general assumption that the disease has been contracted through a person’s occupation and not through community transmission.
It is important to note that even if Ireland did recognise COVID-19 as an occupational disease, this would not encompass long COVID and would only apply to new claims for new cases of COVID-19. Thus, it would not benefit those who contracted COVID-19 during the pandemic.
In relation to employees in the health services who have not recovered from a COVID-19 infection, the report found that the Temporary Scheme of Paid Leave for Public Health Service Employees was the appropriate channel through which a targeted sectoral support was to be considered. The Department of Health has confirmed to my Department that the Temporary Scheme, which was in place since July 2022 and had concluded on 31 March 2024, has now been reinstated for a further three months to conclude on 30 June 2024. Any employee remaining unwell may utilise the full provisions of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme which will provide further support.
My Department continues to provide a suite of income supports to those who cannot work due to illness and disability, including those who have not recovered following a COVID-19 related illness.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
229. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Social Protection when the oral appeal for a person (details supplied) will be heard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17103/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions.
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the Disability Allowance appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision on the 27 October 2023.
Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by an Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts. I am advised that the person concerned subsequently submitted additional evidence and the appeal was assigned to another Appeals Officer to review.
Regulation 13 of S.I. No. 108/1998 (Social Welfare (Appeals) Regulations 1998) gives an Appeals Officer the power to determine a case where he or she is of the opinion that the case is of such a nature that it can properly be determined without a hearing. The Appeals Officer has determined that an oral hearing is not required in this case and is proceeding with the review. The person will be advised of the outcome as soon as the review is completed.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
