Written Answers Nos. 434-454
434. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the progress in developing a modern methods of construction criteria for use in evaluating tender for public housing contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16651/24]
View answerUnder Action 59 of the Housing for All Action Plan Update and Q3 2023 Progress Report Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) criteria are being developed for use in evaluating tenders for public contracts for housing.
In this regard, a range of evaluation criteria are being researched and developed which can be used to evaluate tenders for public contracts for housing. This is to take account of new and emerging MMC approaches to construction.
This work is scheduled for completion in Q2 2024 in line with the Housing for All commitment.
The Government publishes quarterly Housing for All progress reports, which detail the progress made on all Housing for All actions and policy objectives that have a delivery timeline relevant to the publication. These can be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/9d2ee-housing-for-all-quarterly-progress-reports/.
435. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether the pilot project to deliver social or affordable housing using a 3D volumetric system has been initiated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16653/24]
View answerHousing for All commits to increase the use of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and a number of measures are being taken to increase its use in social housing delivery.
A Roadmap for MMC has been developed by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) and my Department. The Roadmap was published on the 11 July, 2023. Both Departments worked with the interdepartmental MMC Leadership and Integration Group, which reflects the cross-cutting nature of this work. My Department is working closely with DETE on measures to increase the use of MMC in social housing delivery.
In line with Milestone 3 of the Roadmap, “Pilot project initiated to deliver social, or affordable, housing using a 3D volumetric system (MMC Category 1)” and Action 62 of the Housing for All Action Plan Update & Q3 2023 Progress Report, two pilot projects, utilising offsite three dimensional construction methods, have been initiated. Both are local authority led social housing projects with one in Carlow and the other in Wexford.
The Government publishes quarterly Housing for All progress reports, which detail the progress made on all Housing for All actions and policy objectives that have a delivery timeline relevant to the publication. These can be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/9d2ee-housing-for-all-quarterly-progress-reports/.
436. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the timeline for publishing legislation to give effect to a decision to increase the borrowing limit of the Housing Finance Agency to €12 billion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16655/24]
View answerThe Government's decision to increase the borrowing capacity of the Housing Finance Agency (HFA) was given effect by Section 66 of the Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2024, which was enacted on 6 March 2024.
The amendment was as a consequence of Action 66 of the Housing for All Action Plan Update and Q3 2023 Progress Report (November 2023), a copy of which can be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/97015-housing-for-all-action-plan-update-and-q3-2023-progress-report/.
The Government publishes quarterly Housing for All progress reports, which detail the progress made on all Housing for All actions and policy objectives that have a delivery timeline relevant to the publication. These can be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/9d2ee-housing-for-all-quarterly-progress-reports/.
437. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the timeline for publishing legislation to give effect to the outcome of the Government's decision to increase funding to the Land Development Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16656/24]
View answerThe Government's decision to increase the funding to the Land Development Agency was given effect by Sections 67 and 69 of the Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2024. This was enacted on 6 March 2024.
The additional funding provided will enable the LDA to advance its key work - developing social and affordable housing on vacant or underutilised state lands. Under the LDA's Business Plan 2024 – 2028, the agency will provide 12,900 - primarily affordable cost rental - homes over the lifetime of the plan. This is a significant contribution to the overall objectives within Housing for All.
438. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the progress in undertaking an international recruitment campaign for town/urban planners and related professionals to work in the planning sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16658/24]
View answerI refer to the reply to Question No. 646 of 9 April 2024 which sets out the position in this matter.
439. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason for not including an action on a deposit retention for private tenants in the most recent updated Action Plan for Housing for All; the timeline for introducing a deposit protection scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16660/24]
View answerThe Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2015 provided for the development of a deposit protection scheme to be operated by the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). However, significant changes have taken place in the rental market since this legislation was passed. The Housing for All Action Plan Update published in November 2022, included an action to examine the creation of a system of holding rental deposits, informed by best international experience.
The Housing Agency has completed an examination on behalf of the Department, in line with the Housing for All action. My Department is currently reviewing this examination.
440. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the timeline for bringing forward proposals for a permanent cost rental tenant-in-situ scheme for tenants at risk of homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16663/24]
View answerI refer to the reply to Question No. 15 of 11 April 2024 which sets out the position in this matter.
441. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the timeline for publishing a report on the implementation of the recommendations from the review of the rental accommodation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16664/24]
View answerThe position in relation to Action 4.5 of the Housing for All Action Plan Update is detailed in the Housing for All Q3 2023 Progress Report, a copy of which can be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/97015-housing-for-all-action-plan-update-and-q3-2023-progress-report/
442. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the timeline for publishing the Land Value Sharing and Urban Development Zones Bill 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16665/24]
View answerThe Government approved an initial General Scheme in December 2021 to set out proposals to introduce Land Value Sharing. The proposals set out in the revised General Scheme (www.gov.ie/en/publication/0ad37-general-scheme-planning-and-development-land-value-sharing-and-urban-development-zones-bill-2022/) published on 14 April 2023 are the result of significant analysis and engagement undertaken since the publication of the initial General Scheme in December 2021, including an economic appraisal and detailed discussion with the Office of the Attorney General, valuation experts and engagement with key stakeholders.
The published revised General Scheme is accompanied by an explanatory memorandum which outlines the objectives and details of the proposed measures. The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage undertook pre-legislative scrutiny of the proposals in 2023.
It should be noted that the provisions contained in the Bill relating to Urban Development Zones were subsequently transferred into the Planning and Development Bill 2023.
In finalising the draft Land Value Sharing Bill for approval by Government, the report of the Committee which was received in September 2023 and any recommendations contained therein are being taken into account. In light of the complexity of the proposals, my Department sought further legal advice from the Attorney General’s Office in February 2024. When the legal advice is received and reviewed, officials in my Department and the Office of Parliamentary Counsel will engage on finalising the drafting of the Bill for Government approval to introduce to the Oireachtas in Q2 2024.
443. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the timeline for issuing updated guidance on rural housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16666/24]
View answerI refer to the reply to Question No. 9 of 11 April 2024 which sets out the position in this matter.
444. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the progress on the update of the Building Homes manual; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16667/24]
View answerTackling vacancy is a key priority for this Government and Pathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock.
The Vacant Homes Action Plan, which I launched in January 2023, outlines the significant progress that has been made in addressing vacancy, along with the actions that are being pursued to return vacant properties back into use as homes. My Department will publish a Progress Report on the Plan in April, setting out what has been achieved in 2023 and further steps that will be taken in 2024.
Bringing Back Homes – Manual for the reuse of existing buildings was first published by the Department in September 2018. The manual was developed to support and facilitate the reuse of vacant buildings in towns and cities for residential use, with the objective of increasing the number of viable residential units. The document is aimed at property owners, members of the public, local authorities and those involved in the construction industry.
My Department expects to shortly publish a revised edition of the manual, reflecting the significant policy developments, changed regulatory environment and the grants and supports that have been introduced to support bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use as homes since its first publication.
The most efficient home to deliver is one which already exists. I firmly believe that the commitment this Government has made to addressing vacancy and dereliction will continue to play a vital role in delivering homes and revitalising local communities.
445. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the timeline for amending the Housing Act 1988 to enable local authorities to combat homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16671/24]
View answerMy 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 a local level.
Section 2 of the Housing Act 1988 outlines how local authorities can form an opinion on whether or not an individual/household shall be regarded as homeless, while section 10 outlines the actions that a local authority may take regarding the accommodation of those regarded as homeless.
My Department, along with nominated representatives of the local authority regional homelessness leads, undertook a review of sections 2 and 10 of the Housing Act 1988 in recognition of the significant changes in homelessness since the drafting of the Housing Act 1988 and to enable local authorities and homeless services to better address homelessness.
The review is now complete and potential amendments to the legislation are being considered by my Department. My Department is also engaging with stakeholders, including NGO partners, in relation to potential legislative amendments.
As part of the consultation process for the proposed amendments, I received feedback from stakeholders which raised issues which may require further policy consideration, including the availability of data in relation to the number of people who would be impacted by the proposed eligibility provisions. Therefore, my Department is conducting further research into the homelessness data in order to gain an up to date picture of the various cohorts accessing emergency homeless accommodation.
Any proposed changes to the legislation will be brought before the Houses of the Oireachtas in line with the normal legislative process.
446. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the timeline for publishing a strategic review of the Section 10 funding model underpinning the provision of homeless services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16672/24]
View answerIn accordance with the timeline set down in Action 105 of Housing for All Action Plan Update & Q3 2023 Progress Report, the review will be completed at the end of Quarter 2 2024.
The Government publishes quarterly Housing for All progress reports, which detail the progress made on all Housing for All actions and policy objectives that have a delivery timeline relevant to the publication. These can be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/9d2ee-housing-for-all-quarterly-progress-reports/
447. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the progress in undertaking a comprehensive review of the pilot caravan loan scheme; his plans to introduce a national scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16673/24]
View answerAction 106 of the Housing for All Action Plan Update and Q3 2023 Progress Report provides that my Department undertake a comprehensive review of the pilot Caravan Loan Scheme, extended across all local authorities and continued to early 2024, with a view to introducing a national scheme
My Department is currently seeking input from local authorities and other stakeholders in this regard, in line with the Housing for All commitment.
The Government publishes quarterly Housing for All progress reports, which detail the progress made on all Housing for All actions and policy objectives that have a delivery timeline relevant to the publication. These can be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/9d2ee-housing-for-all-quarterly-progress-reports/
448. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the progress on ensuring that mid-term reviews by local authorities of their Traveller accommodation programmes are appropriately utilised to inform delivery to end-2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16674/24]
View answerAction 107 of the Housing for All Action Plan Update and Q3 2023 Progress Report seeks to ensure that the mid-term reviews by local authorities of their Traveller Accommodation Programme (TAPs) are appropriately utilised to inform delivery to end 2024.
My Department is committed to supporting the ambition of local authority TAPs and continues to liaise with local authorities on an ongoing basis to support the delivery of accommodation for Travellers in accordance with their TAPs, in line with the Housing for All commitment.
The Government publishes quarterly Housing for All progress reports, which detail the progress made on all Housing for All actions and policy objectives that have a delivery timeline relevant to the publication. These can be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/9d2ee-housing-for-all-quarterly-progress-reports/
449. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the timeline for bringing forward proposals to Government for the creation of an independent building standards regulator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16675/24]
View answerIn line with the commitment under Housing for All, work continues to advance on determining the scope, functions, role and structure of the proposed Building Standards Regulator. To this end, a steering group has been established to provide high-level strategic guidance to my Department on a range of relevant matters. On receipt and consideration of the group’s report, I intend to bring proposals to Government concerning the creation of an independent Building Standards Regulator.
The Government publishes quarterly Housing for All progress reports, which detail the progress made on all Housing for All actions and policy objectives that have a delivery timeline relevant to the publication. These can be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link: :www.gov.ie/en/collection/9d2ee-housing-for-all-quarterly-progress-reports/
450. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the timeline for the Government’s response to the report from the Housing Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16676/24]
View answerThe Housing Commission report has not yet been submitted. Once the report is received, and after I have had the opportunity to examine it, I will bring proposals for next steps to Government for consideration. A formal response to the report's findings and recommendations will issue thereafter.
451. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of private rented accommodation inspections that were carried out by all local authorities in 2023; the number of inspections in which further enforcement action was taken in all local authorities, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16679/24]
View answerThe standards for rental accommodation are prescribed in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019 and 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.
Annual data in respect of the level of inspection and enforcement activity by each local authority is available on my Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/da3fe-private-housing-market-statistics/#private-rented-inspections
452. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on when work will begin on the development of the fire station at Clara, County Offaly; if he will expedite the works needed there as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16706/24]
View answerThe provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of fire station premises is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Service Acts, 1981 and 2003. My Department supports fire authorities through general policy-setting and preparing legislation, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding for priority infrastructural projects.
Offaly County Council previously indicated the replacement of Clara fire station as a priority for the local authority. All projects in the capital programme may be reassessed on an annual basis to maximise available capital funding, taking account of the state of the readiness of proposed projects.
The Clara fire station project was not initially included in my Fire Services Capital Programme 2021 - 2025, however, my Department has engaged with the Council on the availability of a new site located at Raheen and is satisfied as to the Council’s capacity to progress this project. Consequently, I took the decision to bring forward the Clara fire station project for inclusion in the Fire Services Capital Programme.
Offaly County Council submitted a design brief and invitation to tender documents for the design of the proposed fire station. Following the evaluation of this information, my Department issued approval to the Council to proceed to the tender stage for provision of design services. Offaly County Council is confident of progressing to the detailed design stage of the project in a short timeframe, aiming to move as quickly as possible through the necessary phases to progress the construction of a new station for Clara.
My Department will continue to support Offaly County Council to progress the new Clara fire station project.
453. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if he agrees that in Budget 2025 there should be funding allocated to develop and fund a pilot initiative for the expansion of school meals during holiday time by leveraging existing community infrastructure and relationships between schools and summer camps; if he will ensure that this initiative is funded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16755/24]
View answerThe 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.
The school meals programme operates for 36 weeks of the year in respect of primary schools and 33 weeks in respect of post primary schools.
Any decision regarding extending the programme outside of the school year would have to be considered having regard to the wider budgetary context and the capacity at school level. However, I should point out that my immediate priority is to use any additional resources to increase the number of schools who participate in the programme rather than extending the programme for those already in the scheme.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
454. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection how often carer's allowance is reviewed; the criteria upon which it is reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16001/24]
View answerCarer's Allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.
In order to qualify, applicants must show that they are habitually resident in the State, that their means are less than the statutory limit, that they are providing full-time care and attention and that the person being cared for requires full-time care and attention.
For entitlement to exist, these conditions must be satisfied on an on-going basis.
There is an obligation on my Department to ensure that only those who satisfy the conditions receive the payment and the Department must periodically review claims to ensure that there is continued entitlement. The reviews are carried out by Deciding Officers and decisions are made in a fair and impartial manner and in accordance with the legislative provisions for the relevant scheme.
Depending on the circumstances in each case and to make best use of resources, a review may concentrate on a specific condition of entitlement.
Furthermore, a person can at any stage request their own review of their entitlement. Normally, such a review request is only in relation to the person’s means.
The time taken to conduct a review is dependent on the type of review being carried out and the information available at the time of the request. Some reviews require more detailed investigation and interaction with the customer, and this can lengthen the timeframe of the review.
However, every effort is made to complete reviews as quickly as possible.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
