Results 321-340 of 5,751 for speaker:Alan Dillon

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Housing Provision (22 Oct 2024)

Alan Dillon: Again, I thank the Deputy. We are making every effort possible to continue the momentum in boosting supply, not just in social but in the affordable housing space. We are supporting local authorities in how they can further deliver on their housing targets. We are increasing capacity within local authorities to initiate, design, plan, develop and manage housing projects. That is key on...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Strategic Infrastructure (22 Oct 2024)

Alan Dillon: I assume the Deputy is referring to strategic infrastructure in the context of the Planning and Development Act 2024, which was enacted on 17 October 2024. The purpose of the Act is to set the legislative framework to enable the most appropriate means of assessment of all forms of development, including strategic infrastructure. Duly, the definition of “strategic gas...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Traveller Accommodation (22 Oct 2024)

Alan Dillon: The Traveller Accommodation Expert Review report, which is intended to improve the effectiveness of the arrangements for providing accommodation for members of the Traveller community, has 32 recommendations across four categories which are aimed at: Addressing research deficiencies; Removing any potential delays and obstacles in the planning system; Increasing resources and delivery...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Housing Provision (22 Oct 2024)

Alan Dillon: Support from the Affordable Housing Fund is available to all local authorities to deliver affordable purchase and cost rental homes where an affordable housing need is evidenced. Approvals for funding are now in place to support delivery of over 4,300 affordable homes by 21 local authorities. Mayo County Council has Affordable Housing Fund approval to support the delivery of 13...

Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (Section 11) Order 2024: Motion (16 Oct 2024)

Alan Dillon: I move: That Dáil Éireann approves the following Order in draft: Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (Section 11) Order 2024, a copy of which has been laid in draft form before Dáil Éireann on 8th October, 2024.

Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (Section 11) Order 2024: Motion (16 Oct 2024)

Alan Dillon: The Minister, Deputy O’Brien, will publish the conditions next week.

Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (Designation of Sligo County Council) Order 2024: Motion (16 Oct 2024)

Alan Dillon: I move: That Dáil Éireann approves the following Order in draft: Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (Designation of Sligo County Council) Order 2024, a copy of which has been laid in draft form before Dáil Éireann on 7th October, 2024.

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Public Sector Pensions (16 Oct 2024)

Alan Dillon: I thank Senator Byrne for raising this important matter. I am taking this on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Donohoe who has responsibility for public expenditure and I will bring back the Senator’s concerns. Defined-benefit public service pension schemes for fully-insured employees paying class A PRSI are integrated with their social welfare entitlements which means that the...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Public Sector Pensions (16 Oct 2024)

Alan Dillon: The Senator’s arguments which she presented here are fully valid about those who feel less well-off about any budgetary measures around the State pension. It is not directly linked to their level of income after retirement and they do feel aggrieved about that. However, as part of the public service wage indexation, they do benefit from any additional public pay sector deals which...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Housing Schemes (16 Oct 2024)

Alan Dillon: I thank Senator Carrigy for raising this important matter. He has been to the forefront in bringing this to my attention on numerous occasions in the context of his local area of Longford and Westmeath. I am aware he is determined to see the allocation for the voids programme increased. Certainly, it is a very worthy call in the context of how we manage vacancies and how they arise on a...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Housing Schemes (16 Oct 2024)

Alan Dillon: I thank Senator Carrigy. I recognise and acknowledge the tremendous work undertaken by Longford County Council in respect of its reletting and voids programme. It is crucially important that the Department supports that. I will certainly take back the issue that the Senator has raised here today about the current scheme and the allocation of €11,000 per home. I think the matter...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Housing Schemes (15 Oct 2024)

Alan Dillon: I propose to take Questions Nos. 364 and 375 together. My Department provides Exchequer funding to local authorities to administer the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, which support older and disabled people living in private houses to adapt their home to meet their needs. The grants include the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a...

Planning and Development (An Taisce) Bill 2024: Second Stage [Private Members] (9 Oct 2024)

Alan Dillon: I thank the Acting Chair for affording me the opportunity to contribute on this Private Members' Bill on behalf of the Government. It is important to reiterate that the Government recognises the importance of having an open and transparent planning system. The inclusion of prescribed bodies in the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended, is a key part of the planning process...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Derelict Sites (9 Oct 2024)

Alan Dillon: The Derelict Sites Act 1990 imposes a general duty on every owner and occupier of land to take all reasonable steps to ensure that the land does not become, or continue to be, a derelict site. The Act also imposes a duty on local authorities to take all reasonable steps, including the exercise of appropriate statutory powers, to ensure that any land within their functional area does not...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Wastewater Treatment (8 Oct 2024)

Alan Dillon: I thank Senator O'Reilly for bringing this important matter to my attention and for the opportunity to address this topic. In recent years, my Department has invested significantly in rural water and waste water infrastructure to support our rural towns and villages. As the Senator said, it is crucially important for quality of life measures and to enhance vibrancy within rural communities...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Wastewater Treatment (8 Oct 2024)

Alan Dillon: I thank Senator O'Reilly. The points he made are valid. It is a challenge, absolutely, and I am very much aware of the issue that he and the councillor who contacted him have raised. We will continue to examine actively ways to continue to support and improve wastewater connections and water services in rural areas in need. I can certainly work with the Senator and the relevant local...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Schools Refurbishment (8 Oct 2024)

Alan Dillon: I also welcome all the guests joining us in the Seanad. To return to more serious issues, I thank Senator Currie for raising this important matter about Coolmine Community School. I am taking this Commencement matter on the funding of roof works under the emergency works scheme on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Foley. I acknowledge Ms Patricia McPhillips, the former principal mentioned...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Schools Refurbishment (8 Oct 2024)

Alan Dillon: I thank the Senator. She has made a compelling case in advocating on behalf of Coolmine Community School and the students, teachers and staff who have to deal with this on a daily basis. I will take all the information that she has presented back to the Minister, Deputy Foley. As we move into the winter months, it is obvious that this case is exceptional. There is a need to rectify the...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: State Examinations (8 Oct 2024)

Alan Dillon: I thank Senator Lombard for raising this important matter. I have listened to him many times raise it previously and I know how passionate he is about it. I am sure that many of the 13,000 students want to see the same change sought by the Senator. It is time for action. I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister for Education, Deputy Norma Foley, and the Department of Education....

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: State Examinations (8 Oct 2024)

Alan Dillon: In once sense Senator Lombard's frustration is justified. I will absolutely relay his sense of disappointment regarding the timeline. We need an accelerated delivery programme on this reform. That is really important in the context of what he has advocated on behalf the young people who have special education needs and who in the future will sit their State examinations and need that...