Results 741-760 of 2,386 for speaker:Michael Finneran

Written Answers — Social and Affordable Housing: Social and Affordable Housing (3 Feb 2009)

Michael Finneran: In June 2008 my Department issued approval to Dublin City Council to proceed to detailed design stage for a social housing project at the site referred to. My Department is currently awaiting Dublin City Council's detailed proposal for this project.

Written Answers — Social and Affordable Housing: Social and Affordable Housing (3 Feb 2009)

Michael Finneran: Details of activity on social and affordable housing programmes in County Meath for the years 2004 to 2007 and for the first two quarters of 2008 are set out in my Department's Housing Statistics Bulletins, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas library and on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. Data for quarters three and four of 2008 are currently being compiled, and will be...

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Michael Finneran: The Deputy supported the long-term lease of houses.

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Michael Finneran: The Deputy was here before me.

Written Answers — Social and Affordable Housing: Social and Affordable Housing (4 Feb 2009)

Michael Finneran: The various affordable housing schemes are designed to assist lower income households who find themselves priced out of the market. The schemes allow individuals to purchase a property at a significantly lower cost than market value. Generally speaking, the schemes are for the benefit of first time buyers. Additionally, a mortgage subsidy or, as appropriate, a rental subsidy under the Shared...

Social and Affordable Housing. (5 Feb 2009)

Michael Finneran: Under the social housing investment programme, local authorities have traditionally met social housing needs mainly through the construction of housing in local authority estates. In recent years, the supply channels have been expanded to include an increased number of acquisitions, in particular under Part V agreements, and through arrangements with private landlords under the rental...

Social and Affordable Housing. (5 Feb 2009)

Michael Finneran: The moneys available to local authorities and the voluntary groups in 2009 for housing programmes is close to €1 billion. The sum for the leasing programme amounts to €20 million. The home choice loan is provided through the local authority system. The equity loan will be dealt with under the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008 that will be before the Dáil in a couple of...

Social and Affordable Housing. (5 Feb 2009)

Michael Finneran: It will not be possible to purchase a house under the scheme as it is a leasing scheme. It will not be any different from taking a local authority house because the landlord will be the local authority or the voluntary body. There is a great similarity and the differential rent will apply. One will not be entitled to purchase. However, as the Deputy will be aware, the Housing...

Social and Affordable Housing. (5 Feb 2009)

Michael Finneran: That would be entirely a matter for the local authorities involved. They will have to get suitable properties in the location corresponding to the people on their lists, and they will also have to conform to Government guidelines on sustainable communities, namely, a mix of social and private housing. In some ways that may present an even better opportunity for a mix of housing.

Social and Affordable Housing. (5 Feb 2009)

Michael Finneran: No, it applies to first-time lets.

Ministerial Responsibilities. (5 Feb 2009)

Michael Finneran: I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 58 together. Under the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Delegation of Ministerial Functions) (No.2) Order 2008, the powers delegated to me in my capacity as a Minister of State include the powers conferred on the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government by the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, other than sections 153, 154, 155...

Ministerial Responsibilities. (5 Feb 2009)

Michael Finneran: The matter was brought to the Department's attention in December 2008.

Ministerial Responsibilities. (5 Feb 2009)

Michael Finneran: By the PRTB. It was brought to my attention on 22 December 2008.

Ministerial Responsibilities. (5 Feb 2009)

Michael Finneran: It was brought to the Department's attention and then it was brought to my attention on 22 December 2008. I acted with haste and I dealt with the matter on the first sitting day of the new session in January and we regularised the position. A full audit was carried out and it was established that there were no other illegal appointments. When the issue regarding the DRC appointments was...

Ministerial Responsibilities. (5 Feb 2009)

Michael Finneran: I am not aware of any. No cases have been brought to my attention.

Ministerial Responsibilities. (5 Feb 2009)

Michael Finneran: I did not state the audit identified the problem. The audit identified there were no further problems.

Ministerial Responsibilities. (5 Feb 2009)

Michael Finneran: The matter was brought to the Department's attention in mid-December and it was brought to my attention on 22 December. In the interim, the Department sought an audit, the results of which were made available in January, and there were no further problems.

Ministerial Responsibilities. (5 Feb 2009)

Michael Finneran: I acted as fast as possible when the matter came to my attention. I did not delay on it. I moved immediately but the Dáil was not in session when the matter was brought to my attention on 22 December 2008. The House had risen. I had the legislation available on the first sitting day of the new session and I ensured the audit was carried out in the meantime. I moved as fast as I could.

Written Answers — Social and Affordable Housing: Social and Affordable Housing (5 Feb 2009)

Michael Finneran: As signalled by the Minister for Finance in Budget 2009, a new single streamlined Government Equity Scheme is to be introduced in relation to affordable housing. Under this new arrangement the purchase transaction will be largely unchanged from the affordable purchaser's perspective. However, instead of units being sold at a discounted price, with the value of the discount being subject to...

Written Answers — Freedom of Information: Freedom of Information (5 Feb 2009)

Michael Finneran: The functions of the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) are, at present, outside the scope of the Freedom of Information Act 1997 and the Ombudsman Act 1980. The Board commenced operations in September 2004 and has made considerable progress since then. Given the importance of openness and transparency in relation to the operation of State bodies generally, it is my intention that...