Results 361-380 of 2,386 for speaker:Michael Finneran

Written Answers — Local Authority Housing: Local Authority Housing (22 Jun 2010)

Michael Finneran: It is a matter for each housing authority to determine, in accordance with section 9 of the Housing Act 1988, whether a household is or is not reasonably able to meet the cost of the accommodation which they are occupying or to obtain suitable alternative accommodation. In general, housing authorities do not assess the long term housing needs of separated persons until a legal separation...

Written Answers — Water and Sewerage Schemes: Water and Sewerage Schemes (22 Jun 2010)

Michael Finneran: I propose to take Questions Nos. 403 to 405, inclusive, together. Responsibility for the administration of the Rural Water Programme has been devolved to local authorities since 1997. The advancement of individual group schemes under the programme, within the overall priorities set by my Department and subject to the block grant funding provided, is, therefore, a matter for the local...

Written Answers — Land Aggregation Scheme: Land Aggregation Scheme (22 Jun 2010)

Michael Finneran: Under the land aggregation scheme, local authorities have been given the option to apply to my Department to recoup the cost of outstanding loans that are due to mature before the end of 2010 and where it is considered that the land involved is unlikely to be developed in the short to medium term. Lands that are to be transferred to the Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency Ltd. may...

Written Answers — Local Authority Housing: Local Authority Housing (22 Jun 2010)

Michael Finneran: In carrying out an assessment of a household's eligibility and need for social housing support, identification is an important part of that process. While a driver's licence or passport may be presented, if available, for identification purposes, any other suitable document that contains a photograph of the applicant or joint applicant is also acceptable. Birth certificates are normally...

Written Answers — House Prices: House Prices (22 Jun 2010)

Michael Finneran: I propose to take Questions Nos. 413 and 419 together. The renewed Programme for Government sets out a clear commitment to create and maintain a comprehensive House Price Database based on sales prices. Not only would accurate house price information arising from this database facilitate key decisions by home buyers, home sellers, and mortgage lenders, it would also inform national economic...

Written Answers — Social and Affordable Housing: Social and Affordable Housing (22 Jun 2010)

Michael Finneran: I refer to the reply to Question No. 419 of 1 June 2010, which outlines the most up to date position available in relation the number of applications that have been received under the terms of the long term leasing scheme.

Written Answers — Social and Affordable Housing: Social and Affordable Housing (22 Jun 2010)

Michael Finneran: The focus of data collection has moved away from the number of social housing starts towards the delivery of dwellings. It is anticipated that, through more flexible market based delivery mechanisms such as the Rental Accommodation Scheme and long term leasing, the significant increase in funding available under the Capital Assistance Scheme in 2010 to €145m, and the availability from the...

Written Answers — Social and Affordable Housing: Social and Affordable Housing (22 Jun 2010)

Michael Finneran: The information for 2006 to 2008, as requested, is available on my Department's website: www.environ.ie. Statistics for 2009 are currently being collated and will be published later this year.

Written Answers — Private Rented Accommodation: Private Rented Accommodation (22 Jun 2010)

Michael Finneran: In April 2009 my Department commenced a review of the provisions of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, under which the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) operates. The purpose of this review was to consider whether the Act best supported the PRTB's key functions and whether legislative amendments would support either the achievement of additional operational efficiencies by the PRTB...

Written Answers — Urban Renewal Schemes: Urban Renewal Schemes (22 Jun 2010)

Michael Finneran: On 18 June 2010 the Taoiseach announced Government support for the first phase implementation plan for the Limerick Regeneration Programme. This will require an estimated public sector investment of €337 million over the four and a half year delivery period to December 2014. The Taoiseach has indicated that the works should commence immediately. Some 26 projects are included, across a...

Written Answers — Local Authority Funding: Local Authority Funding (17 Jun 2010)

Michael Finneran: My Department's role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Funding provided by my Department in this context relates to the recoupment of 90% of approved expenditure by housing authorities on accommodation for homeless persons, with the...

Written Answers — Social and Affordable Housing: Social and Affordable Housing (16 Jun 2010)

Michael Finneran: It is a matter for individual housing authorities to plan the composition and management of their social housing investment programmes having regard to the specific social housing needs and priorities in their areas and to the Exchequer funding allocations available to them. Dublin City Council was advised of its Social Housing Investment Programme allocation in April 2010. A total of...

Order of Business. (16 Jun 2010)

Michael Finneran: I join Deputy Seán Power in complimenting Dermot Earley, a county man of my own, on his contribution to the Defence Forces and wish him and his family well. Our prayers are with them at this time.

Written Answers — Housing Statistics: Housing Statistics (15 Jun 2010)

Michael Finneran: While my Department collates and publishes a wide range of housing statistics, the full range of which can be viewed on www.environ.ie, it does not collect the data sought on the number of vacant units by county. The most recent information relating to vacant residential units can be found in the 2006 census data which is available from the CSO, www.cso.ie.

Written Answers — Environmental Policy: Environmental Policy (15 Jun 2010)

Michael Finneran: The provision of a fire service in its functional area and the assessment of fire cover needs having regard to the nature of the fire hazards and the probable incidence and extent of fires in its area is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under section 10 of the Fire Services Act 1981. In general, the burning of upland areas for firebreaks should only be undertaken with the...

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (15 Jun 2010)

Michael Finneran: My Department has recouped almost €12.4 million under Section 10 of the Housing Act 1988 to local authorities in respect of 90% of revenue expenditure incurred by the organisation concerned on homeless accommodation and related services over the period 2007 to 2009. A further 10% has been provided by the local authorities concerned. It is a matter for each local authority, in the first...

Written Answers — Social and Affordable Housing: Social and Affordable Housing (15 Jun 2010)

Michael Finneran: My Department received a payment claim in the amount of €73,473 from Cork County Council on 10 June in respect of this project. This amount has been paid to the Council, bringing the total paid to date to €1,817,649.

Written Answers — Housing Grants: Housing Grants (15 Jun 2010)

Michael Finneran: Under the terms of the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, which is administered by the local authorities, grants are available to assist households to have necessary repairs or improvement works carried out, in order to facilitate the continued independent occupancy of their homes. Grants are also available from my Department for the renewal or...

Written Answers — Fire Stations: Fire Stations (3 Jun 2010)

Michael Finneran: Approval in principle to extend the fire station in Templemore was notified to North Tipperary County Council in 2007 and the matter will be further considered in the Department on receipt of detailed design plans for the project. Further investment in the fire service in North Tipperary will be considered under future capital programmes within the constraints on available resources and will...

Order of Business. (3 Jun 2010)

Michael Finneran: More outrage.