Results 1,861-1,880 of 4,700 for speaker:Noel Ahern

Written Answers — Local Authority Funding: Local Authority Funding (7 Mar 2006)

Noel Ahern: Local authorities and the Health Service Executive are responsible for meeting the accommodation and health care needs of homeless persons. While the level of accommodation related funding applicable to this type of project is, in the first instance, a matter for decision by the local authority in whose area the project is situated, my Department recoups to the authority 90% of such funding....

Departmental Guidelines. (8 Mar 2006)

Noel Ahern: A wide range of policies and measures has been put in place to ensure that the unprecedented rate of housing development in Ireland is planned for in a manner that supports the creation of sustainable communities within a high quality environment. Guidelines for planning authorities on residential density were published in 1999. These included a specific objective of reducing urban sprawl and...

Departmental Guidelines. (8 Mar 2006)

Noel Ahern: There are a number of different aspects. The guidelines and the size of spaces have changed over the years. When we started building apartments 15 or 20 years ago, we were probably glad to see some derelict sites being built on. However, the guideline figures and space requirements have changed and continue to change. There are the 1995 guidelines and 1999 social and affordable housing...

Departmental Guidelines. (8 Mar 2006)

Noel Ahern: I note the Deputy's concerns. We are carrying out a study in advance of updating the guidelines which we expect to be completed reasonably soon. It will examine Irish and UK experience on space standards. Consultations will take place with the various stakeholders. Inspections of some recent projects will also take place. Recommendations will be produced for guidelines on one, two and...

Departmental Guidelines. (8 Mar 2006)

Noel Ahern: ——the owners. In some cases the owners have been a bit lax and have not taken control——

Departmental Guidelines. (8 Mar 2006)

Noel Ahern: ——and not been involved to the extent they should.

Departmental Guidelines. (8 Mar 2006)

Noel Ahern: In other cases developers have——

Departmental Guidelines. (8 Mar 2006)

Noel Ahern: Yes, in some cases management companies have been set up by developers who have used different devices to deny proper control and management to the home owners.

Departmental Guidelines. (8 Mar 2006)

Noel Ahern: We are examining those cases. We await the Law Reform Commission report before progressing the issue further.

Departmental Guidelines. (8 Mar 2006)

Noel Ahern: We cannot speed up the Law Reform Commission.

Departmental Guidelines. (8 Mar 2006)

Noel Ahern: Sometimes it is necessary to wait and see what problems will emerge. We are now aware of them. Evidence is being documented and it appears that some changes will be necessary but we are waiting for the report before we publish them.

Written Answers — Private Rented Accommodation: Private Rented Accommodation (8 Mar 2006)

Noel Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 12, 61, 63, 103, 104 and 114 together. The very high level of investment in new accommodation in recent years has improved the quality of accommodation generally. However, there is still a proportion of sub-standard rented properties. All landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties comply with the Housing (Standards for Rented...

Written Answers — Social and Affordable Housing: Social and Affordable Housing (8 Mar 2006)

Noel Ahern: The new Centre for Housing Research replaces the housing unit which was set up as a joint initiative between my Department and the local authorities in 1998. The overall purpose of the centre is to facilitate the improved management of the public and social housing sector and, in this regard the centre will continue to undertake tasks previously done by the housing unit. These tasks include...

Written Answers — Homeless Persons: Homeless Persons (8 Mar 2006)

Noel Ahern: Local authorities are responsible for meeting the accommodation needs of homeless persons. It is consequently a matter for individual authorities to determine the level of bed and breakfast accommodation to be provided, having regard to the need for such accommodation within their areas. My Department does not have detailed information on the number of families housed in bed and breakfast...

Written Answers — Social and Affordable Housing: Social and Affordable Housing (8 Mar 2006)

Noel Ahern: The Government has been actively addressing the issue of housing affordability. Our policy has been to make housing supply more responsive to demand in order to improve affordability and access to housing, particularly for first-time buyers. There is clear evidence that this policy is having an effect — 2005 was the eleventh year of record overall house completions with nearly 81,000...

Written Answers — Social and Affordable Housing: Social and Affordable Housing (8 Mar 2006)

Noel Ahern: Consumer protection and information in relation to financial products is a matter for the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority, under the aegis of the Minister for Finance, which has responsibility for the regulation of financial institutions generally. The Government has been actively addressing the issue of housing affordability. Our policy has been to make housing supply more...

Written Answers — House Prices: House Prices (8 Mar 2006)

Noel Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 91 together. I am aware that the Permanent TSB-ESRI index of house prices showed an overall average figure of €281,197 in January 2006, with an average first-time buyer figure €30,000 lower. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the Permanent TSB index, which is based on its own lending data. The very large increase in housing output that...

Written Answers — Homeless Persons. : Homeless Persons. (8 Mar 2006)

Noel Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 54, 77 and 110 together. The Independent Review of the Implementation of Homeless Strategies, which I published recently and copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library, examined the implementation of the Government's integrated and preventative homeless strategies and concluded that the two strategies should be amalgamated and revised. The review...

Written Answers — Social and Affordable Housing: Social and Affordable Housing (8 Mar 2006)

Noel Ahern: The voluntary and co-operative housing sector has an important contribution to make in the provision of social housing. By working in close partnership with local authorities, it plays a significant role in supplementing their efforts in providing social housing in areas where particular housing needs have been identified. It is supported by my Department through two separate funding schemes,...

Written Answers — Anti-Social Behaviour: Anti-Social Behaviour (8 Mar 2006)

Noel Ahern: The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform announced proposals late last year for the introduction of anti-social behaviour orders that will give the Garda additional powers to combat anti-social behaviour generally. As regards public housing estates, local authorities and approved housing bodies have extensive powers under the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997 to deal with...