Results 801-820 of 2,386 for speaker:Michael Finneran

Written Answers — Local Authority Housing: Local Authority Housing (18 Feb 2009)

Michael Finneran: As it is the responsibility of housing authorities to maintain and improve their housing stock, I have set aside €50 million of Exchequer funding under the social housing investment programme for 2009 for a comprehensive energy efficiency programme for local authority housing. This will support a first round of 'Towards Carbon Neutral' demonstration projects for new dwellings as well...

Written Answers — Local Authority Funding: Local Authority Funding (18 Feb 2009)

Michael Finneran: Local authorities will be notified of their capital allocations for 2009 in respect of the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability, following the publication of the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2009.

Written Answers — Local Authority Housing: Local Authority Housing (19 Feb 2009)

Michael Finneran: As part of the Housing management Initiative, local authorities have been given delegated sanction for the delivery of their annual Improvement Works Programmes subject to specific conditions and overall programme approval from my Department. Funding for these programmes is provided from the authority's own internal capital receipts (from the sale of local authority dwellings) and may...

Seanad: Housing Aid for the Elderly (19 Feb 2009)

Michael Finneran: I thank the Senator for giving me this opportunity to discuss the operation and funding of the suite of housing adaptation grant schemes for older people and people with a disability in 2009. The new suite of grant schemes replaced the previous disabled person's and essential repairs grant schemes late in 2007. I attach great importance to these schemes which play a vital role in...

Seanad: Housing Aid for the Elderly (19 Feb 2009)

Michael Finneran: The Revised Estimates will be available shortly and they will determine the allocation. I provided in the original Estimates for an 8% increase.

Seanad: Housing Aid for the Elderly (19 Feb 2009)

Michael Finneran: It is an increase of 8% on 2008.

Seanad: Planning Issues (19 Feb 2009)

Michael Finneran: I thank Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill for bringing this matter to my attention. Under section 40 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, the duration of a planning permission should normally be a period of five years from the grant of permission. However, under section 41 of the Act, a planning authority or, as the case may be, An Bord Pleanála, may, having regard to the nature and extent of...

Written Answers — Local Authority Housing: Local Authority Housing (24 Feb 2009)

Michael Finneran: My Department maintains close contact with Dublin City Council in relation to affordable housing and any proposals from the City Council in that regard will be fully considered. In addition, the Affordable Homes Partnership has been requested by my Department to examine the position generally of affordable housing on hand in selected areas, in conjunction with the relevant housing...

Written Answers — Local Authority Housing: Local Authority Housing (24 Feb 2009)

Michael Finneran: It is up to individual housing authorities to plan the composition and delivery of their social housing investment programmes in line with housing needs in their areas and by reference to the Exchequer funding allocations available to them. As part of the preparation of their housing programmes local authorities have been asked to look to the acquisition and leasing of housing units as a...

Written Answers — Local Authority Housing: Local Authority Housing (24 Feb 2009)

Michael Finneran: At present, funding for the retrofitting of insulation in local authority stock is provided either as part of a central heating grant provided under the National Central Heating Programme or is funded by the local authority from its own resources under its annual Improvement Works Programme. Under the National Central Heating Programme 2004-2008 the Department has co-funded the installation...

Written Answers — Local Authority Housing: Local Authority Housing (24 Feb 2009)

Michael Finneran: A Remedial Works Scheme application in relation to the estate in question was received late last year and, following an evaluation process, my Department has informed Kilrush Town Council that it is favourably disposed towards the proposed project and would, subject to available funding, like to have it progress under the Remedial Works Programme 2009-2011. In a letter, which issued on 9...

Written Answers — Private Rented Accommodation: Private Rented Accommodation (24 Feb 2009)

Michael Finneran: The key regulations governing the standards of private rented accommodation are the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2008. These regulations specify minimum requirements in relation to a range of matters such as structural repair, absence of damp and rot, sanitary facilities, heating, ventilation, natural light and safety of gas and electrical supply; they do not refer to...

Written Answers — Local Authority Housing: Local Authority Housing (24 Feb 2009)

Michael Finneran: Work is continuing to address the outstanding issues relating to the tenant purchase of local authority apartments. I hope legislative proposals for a viable apartment sales scheme can be finalised in time for consideration during the Committee Stage debate on the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008.

Written Answers — Proposed Legislation: Proposed Legislation (25 Feb 2009)

Michael Finneran: The Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008 contains a range of measures designed to provide local authorities with a framework for a more strategic approach to the delivery and management of housing services. That framework includes new provisions for the making of housing services plans and the implementation of those plans through housing action programmes. It provides for a more...

Written Answers — Housing Grants: Housing Grants (25 Feb 2009)

Michael Finneran: On 10 October, 2008, Cork County Council, who are responsible for the administration of the voluntary housing funding schemes, sought certain clarification from my Department on the procurement arrangements pertaining to this project. Following an examination of the procedures followed by the Approved Housing Body, my Department advised the Council on 10 December, 2008, that the procedures...

Written Answers — Housing Grants: Housing Grants (25 Feb 2009)

Michael Finneran: Local authorities will be notified of their capital allocations for 2009 in respect of the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability, following the publication, shortly, of the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2009. The Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability are funded by 80% recoupment available from my Department...

Written Answers — Social and Affordable Housing: Social and Affordable Housing (26 Feb 2009)

Michael Finneran: Legislative provision to facilitate arrangements under which a local authority could agree to its clawback charge ranking in second place behind a new or topped-up mortgage charge, thereby facilitating persons in affordable housing wishing to re-mortgage with a private lender, is included in the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008, which is currently before the Oireachtas.

Written Answers — Housing Grants: Housing Grants (26 Feb 2009)

Michael Finneran: I propose to take Questions Nos. 174 and 175 together. Local authorities will be notified of their capital allocations for 2009 in respect of the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability, following the publication, shortly, of the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2009. As in previous years, it will be a matter for each local authority to decide on...

Written Answers — Local Authority Housing: Local Authority Housing (26 Feb 2009)

Michael Finneran: A Remedial Works Scheme application in relation to the estates in question was received late last year and, following an evaluation process, my Department has informed Tralee Town Council that it is favourably disposed towards the proposed project and would, subject to available funding, like to have it progress under the Remedial Works Programme 2009-2011. In a letter, which issued on 9...

Public Finances: Motion (3 Mar 2009)

Michael Finneran: We do not need sympathy, we need support.