All parliamentary debates are now being published on our new website. The publication of debates on this website will cease in December 2018.
Go to oireachtas.ie
Hogan, PhilTuesday, 12 March 2013 |
Dáil Éireann Debate |
Housing Grant Payments
Was asked: if he will provide a breakdown by county of funding provided for the housing aid for elderly persons scheme and the housing adaptation grant for people with a disability in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 201...
Was asked: in view of the overall cut of 11% to his Department's 2013 budget, the reason his Department imposed a cut of 76% in funding for housing grants for elderly and disabled to Laois County Council; and...
Priory Hall Development
Was asked: if he will support the residents of Priory Hall, Dublin, as a matter of priority.
I am supportive of the Priory Hall residents and my Department is supporting the efforts of Dublin City Council in that regard. At my request, the Department has previously assisted the council, i...
The resolution process in respect of the problems associated with this development which I understand is ongoing arose in the context of legal proceedings which were adjourned to afford relevant ...
Dublin City Council is the designated authority with powers to enforce the statutory requirements arising under the Fire Safety Act, the Building Control Acts and the Planning and Development Act...
In his usual flowery language the Deputy has sought to put responsibility where it is not. Surely he is not advocating that the Government should intervene in a court process. The matter is befor...
Was asked: when he expects to receive a report from Mr. Justice Finnegan on all outstanding issues at Priory Hall, Dublin; his plans, if any, to meet Priory Hall residents as soon as the Finnegan resolution p...
The resolution process in respect of this development, which I understand is on-going, arose in the context of legal proceedings which were adjourned to afford relevant parties the opportunity to w...
Dublin City Council is the designated authority with powers to enforce the statutory requirements arising under the Fire Safety Act, the Building Control Acts and the Planning and Development Act...
Priory Hall Development (Continued)
In the meantime, I have been very much involved with the Department in ensuring that Dublin City Council is supportive of the residents in their temporary accommodation as far as possible.
They are not being ignored by me. I agree with the comments made by Deputy McGrath. There is certainly impatience and frustration on the part of the residents and that is understandable. They ha...
Leader Programmes Funding
Was asked: the reason his Department has not approved any Leader projects since 29 January 2013; the amount of money left to approved projects under the Leader programme by 31 December 2013; and if he will ma...
In late 2011, the European Commission approved a change in the maximum co-funding rate from 55% to 85% for axes 3 and 4 of Ireland’s rural development programme 2007-2013. Prior to this the axes 3...
In this context the original project allocations given to each local development company, LDC, contracted to deliver the Leader elements of the rural development programme required readjustment. ...
Until such time as this careful rebalancing exercise has been satisfactorily completed, it is not possible to be definitive regarding the remaining funding available for project commitments under...
I agree with the figures mentioned. There is a requirement to look at the balance of funding now, arising from the big increase in the number of applications that have come in during the past few ...
Was asked: the number of Leader projects of proposed grant level in excess of €150,000 awaiting approval in his Department broken down on a monthly basis of lodging with his Department; the reason for the del...
Funding of €314 million is available under the rural development programme 2007-13 for allocation to qualifying projects up to the end of 2013. There are 35 local action groups, LAGs, contracted o...
Of those under assessment, yes.
I would like to think it is simple to approve every project, but that is not true of any project, whether under or over the level of €150,000. They must meet certain criteria and are subject to an...
Was asked: the expected percentage of projects approved under the LEADER process that will not be completed and draw down any money under the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I refer to the replies to Questions Nos. 77, 80 and 82 on today's order paper. Axes 3 4 (LEADER) of the Rural Development Programme 2007 – 2013 (RDP) , for which my Department has responsibility ...
The rules of the RDP require a full assessment of the viability and sustainability of any project applying for RDP funding and each project must satisfy these requirements prior to receiving form...
Was asked: the amount of project money approved to date under the LEADER programme; the total amount of money available under this programme for projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I refer to the reply to priority Question No. 77 on today’s order paper which sets out the position in this matter.
Was asked: if he will outline in tabular form the amount of LEADER funding available, approved and paid out by each local partnership company; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
In late 2011 the European Commission approved a change in the maximum co-funding rate from 55% to 85% for the Axes 3 and 4 elements (LEADER) of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2007-2013...
Was asked: the overall amount of Leader funding made available under the 2007 to 2013 for Gaeltacht areas; if he will advise on the amount of funding already approved and paid out; the steps being taken to ap...
Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta (MFG) was the Local Development Company contracted by my Department to deliver Axes 3 & 4 (LEADER) of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) in Gaeltacht Areas for...
In late 2011 the European Commission approved a change in the maximum co-funding rate from 55% to 85% for the Axes 3 and 4 elements (LEADER) of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2007-20...
In this context the original project allocations given to each Local Development Company (LDC) contracted to deliver the LEADER elements of the RDP including MFG required readjustment. My Depart...
Leader Programmes Funding (Continued)
Unlike the Deputy, I did not cost people an additional €45 when they had to register their septic tanks. That is what happened to people in his constituency, the west and elsewhere when the Deputy...
I hope the Deputy would agree that co-operation between the local development companies and the Department is quite good on these matters, and that the work of the local action groups, LAGs, in ass...
That is the programme the Deputy put in place when in government.
The Deputy did things differently.
The Deputy was very good; he was excellent. That is why the country is in the state it is in.
We have 42 projects.
If things had been so good, I would have inherited very few problems.
I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle and I am glad he is in the Chair.
The process is one that the Deputy put in place and that cannot be changed until the end of this programme period, which is the end of this year. I am considering all those issues in the context o...
Mortgage to Rent Scheme
Was asked: his position regarding local authorities taking on houses with distressed mortgages, for example, a house worth €200,000 with a €400,000 mortgage which will not be paid, the council takes on a new ...
Septic Tank Registration Scheme
Was asked: the number of septic tanks registered; the registration compliance rate broken down by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Water Services (Amendment) Act 2012 requires householders whose properties are served by on-site wastewater treatment systems to register their system with their local authority. As of 12 Marc...
I am surprised that Deputy Cowen would not want to have a dedicated source of finance for the purpose of remediating septic tanks given that his party opposed this measure.
Deputy Ó Cuív held public meetings around the country telling people not to register and not to pay. He then reversed engines after Christmas when he found there was a grant system. Through Deput...
We will have sufficient grant assistance. We will not know the level of grant assistance required until the inspections start in July 2013.
Provision has been made for this measure under the rural water programme. The Deputy cannot expect me to give him the estimate for 2014 in respect of whether money will be available next year. We...
Is Deputy Cowen going to pay it? Is Fianna Fáil going to pay it?
Who told them not to pay?
Septic Tank Registration Scheme (Continued)
I have sufficient resources in the rural water programme to meet whatever grant applications are made arising from an inspection and remediation plan that meets the criteria I announced before Chri...
Inspections have not been carried out as yet. It could be the case that none of them will fail. The Deputy asks me to provide money for a scheme. I am surprised that Deputy Cowen did not complim...
I gave them a grant system. I always said there would be financial assistance-----
The Leas-Cheann Comhairle knows that I always said that financial assistance would be available-----
I know I disappointed the Deputy when he said-----
I disappointed the Deputy enormously when I announced the grant scheme. If the household income is less than €50,000 then 80% of the costs up to a maximum of €4,000 will be available. If the hous...
Deputy Cowen got it wrong too.
Deputy Wallace was also someone who opposed the registration process in this scheme. I am sure he will acknowledge that the people of Wexford, 75% of whom have registered-----
I am sure he will support me when I say that this is a very good response from the people of Wexford who ignored Deputy Wallace in the process. The inspections will be on a risk-based approach whi...
Deputy Flanagan has troubles of his own.
The plan has been approved by the Commission. It requires that a minimum of one thousand inspections are to be carried out by the Water Services Authority over the 12 month period commencing in Ju...
I did.
Common Agricultural Policy Negotiations
Was asked: his views on co-financing of rural development under CAP Pillar Two; the impact of Multi Annual Framework budget cuts to Pillar Two on rural development schemes here; and if he will make a statemen...
The European Council agreement on the new multi-annual financial framework, MFF, is a good deal for Ireland and for Europe. The overall amount for the last MFF for 2007 to 2013 was €994 billion. ...
The agreement provides some €373 billion funding for sustainable growth - natural resources, largely agriculture and fisheries - and it supports a continuing strong CAP. It will deliver some €1....
The next stage is for the European Parliament to agree to the deal. In parallel with these discussions, the negotiation processes for the large range of regulatory instruments required to implem...
Common Agricultural Policy Negotiations (Continued)
Deputy Ó Cuív got caught out.
Deputy Ó Cuív was caught out.
What a hypocrite. Deputy Ó Cuív travelled around the country and told people not to pay.
What a hypocrite.
The Deputy read a lot when he was in government.
What did the Deputy do?
The Deputy certainly read a lot but he achieved very little.
The Deputy will have to take my word for it that I do read.
I see.
The Deputy should pay €45 back to the people he advised not to pay.
The Deputy has taken €45 out of the pockets of those in Connacht-Ulster. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan's people were involved in that as well.
The Deputy-----
He robbed them of €45 each.
I regularly discuss these matters with my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney. The negotiations between us on how the moneys agreed under the multi-annual ...
Countries other than Ireland have a difficulty in agreeing on the funding. The British Government-----
-----wants to pull out of the European Union because it is of the view that too much money is being spent on the programmes involved. It is going to hold a referendum on whether the county should ...
No; it is not that much.
Let us see what will be the outcome of the negotiations. The overall budget will be reduced from €960 billion to €930 billion.
I am providing the Deputy with the global figures, in volume terms, that have been agreed under the MFF.
Inflation was not taken into account on the previous occasion either.
We are comparing like with like in the context of what Deputy Ó Cuív and the Government of which he was a member negotiated-----
Only the Deputy is interested in inflation. I am using the same figure that has been used for the past seven years and comparing it with the figure his Government negotiated. We are comparing lik...
I am comparing like with like.
May I answer the question? The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and I will be in discussions and we will let the Deputy know the outcome in due course.
Water Charges Introduction
Was asked: if he will detail the charging system that will be imposed on non-metered homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the current timeframe for the roll-out of water metering across the State; the total number of houses to be metered; the number of homes exempted from metering; and if he will make a statement on t...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 81 and 91 together.
The programme for Government and the memorandum of understanding with the European Union, the IMF and the European Central Bank provide for the introduction of domestic water charges. The Govern...
There are, as reported in census 2011, approximately 1.35 million domestic properties connected to public water supplies in Ireland and the objective is to install meters in the maximum number of...
The procurement processes for the metering programme are under way and it is expected that the installation of meter boxes and domestic water meters will begin in the middle of this year and will...
The Government has also decided to assign responsibility for the economic regulation of the water sector, including the setting of charges, to the Commission for Energy Regulation. The primary r...
I expect that by the end of 2014 approximately 50% of households will be metered. An estimated 300,000 households may not be metered initially owing to the high cost or technical difficulties.
Yes. That is our estimate.
That is high.
I do know the source of the Deputy's figures. I can only go on what-----
Yes.
Water Charges Introduction (Continued)
I thank the Deputy. We estimate that 300,000 households may not be metered. We are currently carrying out a survey in Wexford - Deputy Mick Wallace may have been surveyed himself - involving 9,00...
I will try to be helpful and get the information from Irish Water for the Deputy.
To reply to Deputy Dessie Ellis, there will be assessed charges for people in apartment blocks which we will not get around to metering. In terms of some of the types of terraced properties Deputy...
Many people expect the meters to be located on their private properties, which will not necessarily be the case; they may be located on the footpath or in a public space. We are working with the D...
I accept that when we install meters, there may be leaks between where a metre is installed and the dwelling. We are looking to see how we can help customers financially in dealing with this mat...
We continue to have a major water rehabilitation programme in the Dublin area and a significant amount of money will be spent on replacing the pipe network, which is an ongoing programme.
Pyrite Panel Report Recommendations
Was asked: when he will bring forward legislation to facilitate the establishment of a pyrite levy fund as recommended by the report of the pyrite panel; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the timeframe for the implementation of pyrite resolution board legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 83 and 93 together.
I attach a very high priority to preparing the necessary primary legislation to underpin the imposition of a levy on the quarrying and insurance sectors, in conjunction with the Office of the Att...
The Department continues to engage in discussions with a number of financial institutions, facilitated by the Irish Banking Federation, with a view to securing a loan facility which the not-for-p...
I have recently announced the establishment of the Pyrite Resolution Board and the appointment of Mr. John O’Connor, former chairman of An Bord Pleanála, as its chairman, together with three boar...
I understand the Pyrite Resolution Board has had a number of meetings and has now commenced work on drawing up the precise scope of the remediation scheme, including eligibility criteria, procedu...
Pyrite Panel Report Recommendations (Continued)
The Deputy is late for that question.
I remind Deputies that this fund is a last resort. People must go through all the other processes initially if they have insurance. This fund will kick in only where people have no redress as con...
I am not getting into a subjective argument about this.
This issue has been hanging around for a while and the Government and I are anxious to do something about it as quickly as we possibly can. The Pyrite Resolution Board is working hard to ensure ...
Local Government Reform
Was asked: the timeframe for the implementation of Putting People First; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Action Programme for Effective Local Government, Putting People First, which was published in October 2012, following Government approval, sets out Government decisions on a range of measures r...
In order to meet that timeframe, work has been advancing quickly in a number of areas including in relation to local authority mergers in Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford; an independent review ...
Comprehensive, wide-ranging and detailed legislation will be required to provide for the range of measures in the reform programme, and I am firmly committed to ensuring that it will be brought f...
Was asked: in view of the recent visit by the the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe monitoring committee, his views on whether Ireland is in compliance with the European char...
I am satisfied that Ireland is in compliance with the European Charter of Local Self-Government. In addition, the extensive measures in the Action Programme for Effective Local Government, ...
Local and Community Development Programme Expenditure
Was asked: if he will outline a county breakdown of the local development budget; the total administration costs per local authority and the total county spend on each local authority; and if he will make a s...
The objective of my Department’s Local and Community Development Programme, or LCDP, is to tackle poverty and social exclusion, through partnership and constructive engagement betw...
Local Authority Staff Issues
Was asked: the number of RAPID co-ordinators employed full time by local authorities on the RAPID programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
RAPID (Revitalising Areas by Planning, Investment and Development) covers urban areas designated as disadvantaged by reference to a range of socio-economic criteria including the levels of early sc...
Was asked: the number of staff who have been lost by the four Dublin region local authorities each year for the past five years, in tabular form and per local authority; if he is satisfied that each of these ...
The moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the public service was introduced in March 2009 in response to the financial crisis. My Department operates a delegated sanction from the Department o...
Question No. 416 answered with Question No. 120.
Housing Adaptation Grants Funding
Was asked: the action he is taking to ensure that adequate funding is provided to local authorities to deal with the demand for the housing aid for older persons scheme, the mobility aids housing grant scheme...
Was asked: the amount allocated to each local authority for housing adaptation grants respectively from 2008 to 2013 inclusive.
Was asked: the total funding on an annual basis allocated to Cavan County Council for the housing adaptation grants scheme for older people and people with a disability schemes from 2008 to 2013 inclusive; th...
Was asked: the total funding on a yearly basis allocated to Monaghan County Council for the housing adaptation grants scheme for older people and people with a disability schemes from 2008 to 2013 inclusive; ...
Proposed Legislation
Was asked: when he expects to bring forward the foreshore and marine area development Bill, in order to ensure that ports and harbours are better positioned to plan their development into the future; and if h...
Was asked: if he is concerned that the production of a climate change Bill that does not have carbon emission targets for both 2020 and 2050 may end up, under the EU 2009, costing the State €300 million in ca...
In releasing the outline Heads of the Climate Action and Low-Carbon Development Bill on 26 February 2013, I made a statement in which I addressed greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, with a v...
Social and Affordable Housing Provision
Was asked: if he will provide a county breakdown of the number of properties identified by the National Asset Management Agency for social housing provision; the number accepted as suitable by local authoriti...
Was asked: if he will provide a breakdown by county of the number of properties identified by the National Asset Managment Agency for social housing provision; the number accepted as suitable by local authori...
Was asked: if he will provide an update on his Department's pursuit of the use of social housing bonds to develop more permanent social housing units particularly those in public ownership.
Household Charge Collection
Was asked: the compliance rate for household charge payments on a county basis; the total national figure; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 provides the legislative basis for the Household Charge. Under the Act, an owner of a residential property on the liability date is liable to pay th...
Question No. 91 answered with Question No. 81.
Water Services Funding
Was asked: the funding provided for waste water treatment plants outside urban centres of more than 500 population since 1992 and the funding provided for the construction of sewer networks, long sea outfalls...
The Water Services Investment Programme (WSIP) is a multi-annual investment plan for the provision of major water and sewerage schemes. The current plan, Water Services Investment Programme 2010...
Child Care Services Provision
Was asked: if all community child care groups will have their premises exempt from payment of commercial rates; if so, the basis for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: his plans to exempt registered private child care facilities from commercial rates on the basis of their educational function; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 116 together.
I refer to the reply to Questions No. 443 and 444 of 26 February 2013. The position remains unchanged.
Social and Affordable Housing Expenditure
Was asked: the number of local authorities that allow for a pro-rata change in the shared ownership rent subsidy during a current year in the event that a recipient household suffers financial difficulties un...
Wind Energy Guidelines
Was asked: his views on whether the current guidelines for the installation of wind turbines are sufficiently robust; and his further views that the existing planning process promotes sustainable energy and p...
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Was asked: the specific measures he will take to ensure that Ireland will not exceed emissions limits laid out under the EU effort sharing decision in 2015 as is projected in the EPA CCRP report (details supp...
Was asked: his views on sectorial targets for climate change; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 114 together.
I refer to the reply to Question No. 258 of 14 February 2013.
In issuing the Review of National Climate Policy in November 2011, I announced that a three-pronged approach would be undertaken in order to develop the necessary policy mix to support an ambitio...
Significant moves forward have been made under this third pillar of the policy development agenda. In the update on progress on the development of national climate policy and legislation which I ...
The key sectors are energy/built environment, transport and agriculture. While near zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in 2050 should set the context for the energy/built environment and transpo...
The objective is to finalise these sectoral roadmaps – including a reasonable period of public consultation in the fourth quarter of this year. These sectoral roadmaps are an essential first step...
Local Authority Housing Waiting Lists
Was asked: if he will set out his plans to deal with a shortage of local authority housing; if he intendeds to address the issue of the 100,000 plus families on local authority housing lists in a planned fash...
Was asked: if he will provide a breakdown on a Dáil constituency basis of the number of persons on social housing waiting lists, specifying numbers waiting five years and more and ten years and more.
Was asked: if he will indicate by county or local authority the number of persons currently awaiting rehousing by the local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: his proposals to address the housing need as expressed by the number of families currently on waiting lists of local authorities or in private rent supported accommodation; and if he will make a st...
Pyrite Remediation Programme Issues
Was asked: if the services to be provided in the expenditure of up to €50 million in the pyrite resolution process will be decided by competitive tender.
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to the fact that during house surveys carried out to inspect damage caused by pyrite that non-pyrite related damage to houses and significant non-compliance with Bui...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 103 and 117 together.
The Building Control Acts 1990 and 2007 provides a clear statutory framework for construction activity based on legal enforceable minimum standards as set out in the Building Regulations and in d...
Enforcement of the Building Regulations is primarily the responsibility of the 37 local Building Control Authorities who have strong powers to serve enforcement notices for non-compliance or to i...
Homeowners and indeed their public representatives should report any concerns about non-compliance with the Building Regulations to the local Building Control Authority.
Remediation of defects is a matter for resolution between the parties concerned, namely the owner and the builder/developer and their insurers. In the event that a satisfactory resolution cannot...
I have recently established the Pyrite Resolution Board under the chairmanship of Mr. John O’Connor, former Chairman of An Bord Pleanála, to oversee and ensure the effective implementation of a p...
Work is underway by the Pyrite Resolution Board on developing the scope and detail of a pyrite remediation scheme. Issues in relation to testing for pyritic heave, eligibility criteria for homeo...
Traveller Accommodation
Was asked: the position regarding the recent underspend of €50 million by local authorities on Traveller accommodation in view of the latest European Commission report against racism and intolerance regarding...
Dormant Accounts Fund Grants
Was asked: the details of the new schemes or programmes he intends to fund in 2013 out of the dormant accounts fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Disbursement Plan of 2009, put in place by the Dormant Accounts Board, will be replaced by a new disbursement scheme to be created in 2013 in accordance with the Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Ac...
The legislation also provides for the preparations of an action plan each year following the making of a scheme. The plan, which will also be subject to consultation, must indicate the programmes...
Environmental Regulations
Was asked: his plans to review regulations in relation to environmental impact assessments in view of the decision of a company (details supplied) to surrender its foreshore licence; and if he will make a sta...
Was asked: the discussion that took place between his Department and a company (details supplied) that led to the company surrendering its foreshore licence to drill an exploratory well in Dublin Bay, includi...
Forestry Sector
Was asked: if he has raised any concern with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine in relation to the effect the proposed sale of the forest crop could have on rural recreation; and if he will make a...
I have not had discussions with the Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, or his Department in relation to the effect the proposed sale of the forest crop could have on rural recreation. M...
RAPID Programme
Was asked: the latest date on which the national monitoring committee for the RAPID programme met; when its next meeting is scheduled; if he intends being present; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The National Monitoring Committee for the RAPID programme met on 6 October 2010. My Department last met with RAPID Chairs and Coordinators at a conference in February 2012 as part of an extensive c...
Local Authority Boundaries
Was asked: when the local government boundary review will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I established a Local Electoral Area Boundary Committee on 15 November 2012 to review and make recommendations on the division of each council area, other than Cork City, into local electoral areas...
Motor Tax Collection
Was asked: if he will provide an update on discussions taking place between the CCMA and his Department on the retention of some of motor tax funding in the Local Government Fund in order to maintain existing...
I assume that the Question refers to general purpose grants from the Local Government Fund. The principal source of revenue for the Local Government Fund in 2013 is the proceeds of motor tax which ...
My Department continues to work closely with the County and City Managers Association on all matters impacting on the local government sector, including funding issues.
Question No. 111 answered with Question No. 106.
Building Regulations Application
Was asked: if he is satisfied that the housing units-apartments constructed during the past ten years comply with fire safety regulations.
Since 1 June 1992, all new, extended or materially altered buildings must be built in compliance with the requirements of the Building Regulations. The requirements of the Building Regulations are ...
Primary responsibility for compliance with the requirements of the Building Regulations rests with the designers, builders and owners of buildings. Implementation of enforcement measures is a mat...
Neither I nor my Department have any function in relation to assessing, checking or testing compliance, or otherwise, of specific works or developments under the Building Control Acts or the Fire...
My Department is currently engaged in a review of Part B/TGDB. The question of the appropriate future regulatory requirements for all buildings, including housing units, will be addressed as par...
Water Quality Issues
Was asked: the extent to which he expects ground water quality to improve over the next five years with particular reference to upgrading of septic tanks, improvement to public sewerage treatment systems, inc...
In accordance with the Water Framework Directive, groundwater is classified according to its chemical and quantitative status. The most recent EPA report Ireland’s Environment 2012 – An Assessme...
EU Directives
Was asked: if he is working with the Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht on the implementation in March 2012 of a resolution of Dáil Éireann which called on the Government to engage actively with the E...
My Department’s Environmental Compliance Unit provides a co-ordinating role with the European Commission in respect of all environmental infringement cases and liaises as necessary with other Depar...
Question No. 116 answered with Question No. 96.
Question No. 117 answered with Question No. 103.
Was asked: the extent to which his Department has yet to import any outstanding EU directives; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department is up to date on the transposition of all relevant EU Directives, apart from transposition of the complex and multi-faceted Industrial Emissions Directive 2010/75/EU, which was partia...
Ireland topped the latest EU Internal Market Scoreboard (covering the latter half of 2012), which measures Member States’ success in transposing EU law into domestic legislation. During this peri...
Question No. 440 answered with Question No. 427.
Water Supply
Was asked: the amount of funding that has been provided during his period in office for reducing unaccounted for water including all advertising; rainwater harvesting in public buildings including all adverti...
Unaccounted for Water is the amount of water (generally expressed as a percentage) which enters a distribution system and which cannot be accounted for by legitimate use. Significant investment in ...
Over €247 million has been spent on water conservation projects in the last decade with €39.9 million spent in 2011 and €39.25 million in 2012. The installation of rainwater harvesting systems on...
Mountain Access Scheme
Was asked: when it is intended to make the pilot scheme for access to hills and mountains fully operational; if he is satisfied that this is progressing satisfactorily; and if he will make a statement on the ...
My Department is progressing a pilot Mountain Access Scheme at two locations, Mount Gable in Connemara and Carrauntuohill in Co. Kerry. There are 94 landholders associated with the pilot scheme at ...
Mountain access areas are by their nature sensitive habitats, and as such, great care must be taken to ensure that proposed developments do not generate negative consequences and lead to environm...
A requirement of the proposed scheme is that participating landowners are protected against any potential claim arising from an accident or injury to a hill walker and while it has not proved pos...
Given the significant benefits that can accrue from an agreed community based Mountain Access Scheme, I am committed to ensuring that outstanding issues relating to its implementation on a nation...
Local Authority Funding
Was asked: if he will provide a breakdown in tabular form for each local authority indicating the allocation of funding in 2012 and 2013 for housing grants for elderly and disabled persons.
Was asked: the measures he is reviewing in respect of private housing grants; the timeframe for the changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: if he will provide a breakdown by county of funding provided for the housing aid for elderly persons scheme and the housing adaptation grant for people with a disability in 2012 and 2013; and if he...
Was asked: if he will provide in tabular form the allocation of funding to each local authority for 2012 and 2013 in respect of housing adaptation grants, housing aid for older people and mobility aids grants...
Was asked: the Local Government Fund allocation to each local authority in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I presume the question relates to General Purpose Grants from the Local Government Fund. The information requested is set out in the table below. I am satisfied that the general purpose allocatio...
Was asked: when the money collected for the household charge will be distributed to local authorities in view of the fact that it is a year since the charge was introduced and local authorities are yet to see...
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 provides that income from the Household Charge is to be paid in to the Local Government Fund. I have generally disbursed Household Charge revenues t...
Local Authority Charges Application
Was asked: noting that self-declarations of the liability for the local property tax can be made in March 2013, with payments from July 2013 if there will be an impact on funds channelled to those local autho...
Was asked: the extra local government services that residents can expect to receive with the introduction of the local property tax; and the way he expects this tax to improve the delivery of local services.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 123 together.
Under section 157 of the Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012, commencing in 2014, the Minister for Finance will pay int...
Planning Issues
Was asked: the timeframe for the establishment of a planning regulator; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: if local authorities are obliged to follow the development contributions guidelines for planning authorities as issued by his Department.
Was asked: if local authorities are obliged to follow the development contributions guidelines for planning authorities.
Was asked: further to Parliamentary Question No. 214 of 27 February 2013, if he will clarify the meaning of his statement that guidelines published by Dublin City Council are substantially in accordance with ...
Animal Breeding Regulations
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to the situation in rural Ireland where persons have had their sheep herds attacked by domestic dogs; if he will consider introducing legislation making microchippin...
I do not propose at this point to introduce compulsory microchipping of all dogs; however, a number of recent developments have increased microchipping usage. The regulations I introduced in early ...
Mandatory microchipping of all dogs will not in itself eliminate the problem of sheep worrying. The key to tackling this issue is responsible dog ownership. Dog owners should recognise the issues...
Question No. 125 answered with Question No. 120.
Motor Tax Exemptions
Was asked: if he will consider introducing a special rate of motor tax for pre-2008 seven seat family vehicles similar to the commercial rate in view of the fact that these vehicles have large engines and com...
Private vehicles registered prior to 2008 are charged motor tax on the basis of engine capacity with the rates graduating upwards as the engine size increases. Any reduction in motor tax rates for ...
Water Meters Expenditure
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to the fact that one of the conditions for inclusion on the sub-contractor panel for water metering work is a minimum annual turnover of €400,000; his views on wheth...
Was asked: the terms of reference used by the water metering system in choosing companies to be included on the panel for the installation of water meters; his views on whether the required €400,000 turnover ...
Was asked: the terms of reference used by the water metering system in choosing companies to be included on the panel for the installation of water meters; his views on whether the required €400,000 turnover ...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 390, 432 and 445 together.
I refer to the reply to Question No. 219 of 27 February 2013, which sets out the position in relation to the procure...
Question No. 391 answered with Question No. 89.
Roads Maintenance
Was asked: his plans to address the issue of road maintenance in Waterford city and county (details supplied); and the timeframe for same.
The moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the public service was introduced in March 2009 in response to the financial crisis. My Department operates a delegated sanction from the Department o...
Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each City and County Manager is responsible for staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local ...
My Department examines all staffing sanction requests on a case by case basis having due regard to the continued delivery of key services in the context of staffing and budgetary constraints. In ...
My Department works closely with Waterford City Council and Waterford County Council in relation to overall staffing requirements. No request has been received from Waterford City Council for roads...
Constitutional Amendments
Was asked: if it will be possible to hold a referendum regarding changing the wording of the Constitution to allow the numbers of Deputies to be reduced by 20; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Government has no plans to hold a referendum on Article 16.2.2 of the Constitution to allow for TD numbers to be reduced by 20. The focus of the Government is on implementing the Programme for ...
Local Authority Housing Provision
Was asked: if he will provide a list of all properties purchased since 2003 for the purpose of providing homelessness accommodation by local authorities; if the property is occupied or currently vacant; the p...
Was asked: if he will provide a list of all properties purchased since 2005 by local authorities; if the property is occupied or currently vacant; the price paid and the intended purpose of the purchased prop...
Was asked: if he will provide a list of all properties purchased since 2005 by Dublin City Council; if the property is occupied or currently vacant; the price paid and the intended purpose of the purchased pr...
Was asked: his plans for measures to ensure that local authorities properly draw down funding allocated to them to provide for the needs of local people to whom they are responsible, especially in the case of...
Was asked: if he will provide a breakdown based on local authority area of the current average turnaround time for local authority housing that has become vacant; the current number of vacant public housing u...
Fire Service Issues
Was asked: if his Department has completed its consideration of a formal sanction in consultation with Dublin City Council for the recruitment of 28 positions in Dublin Fire Brigade and the decision he reached.
The moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the public service was introduced in March 2009 in response to the financial crisis. My Department operates a delegated sanction from the Department o...
Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each City and County Manager is responsible for staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local ...
My Department examines all staffing sanction requests on a case by case basis having due regard to the continued delivery of key services in the context of staffing and budgetary constraints. In ...
My Department works closely with Dublin City Council in relation to the Council’s overall staffing requirements and, in February 2013 sanctioned 28 Emergency Services Controller positions.
Departmental Expenditure
Was asked: the costs of providing hardware and software to his home and the home of Ministers of State in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the costs of providing telephone in the homes of Ministers and Ministers of State in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the cost of telephones and ICT provided to constituency offices, including monthly telephone bills of Ministers and Ministers of State in his Department since March 2011; and if he will make a stat...
Was asked: if any additional costs other than telephones, ICT and monthly telephone bills are being paid to constituency office by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the number of mobile telephones in use by him, Ministers of State and politically appointed staff; the total costs of the mobile telephones since March 2011; and if he will make a statement on the ...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 398 to 402, inclusive, together.
The information requested is set out in the following table.