Results 5,941-5,960 of 25,732 for speaker:Darragh O'Brien

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: What I am saying is that we have a rules-based system. Those rules need to be and are being implemented.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: I do not have the up-to-date detail on prosecutions under that Act, but I will certainly get a response for Deputy McNamara.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: I believe in rural housing. Last year, more than 5,000 one-off homes were built in rural areas, so people do get planning permission for rural homes. We also believe in ensuring that our towns and villages are rejuvenated. That is why we have had more than 7,000 applications for the vacancy grant, whereby people can get €70,000 to bring vacant and derelict homes back into use. ...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: The Deputy should let me answer the question.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: I have two and a half minutes left to respond. If the Deputy keeps quiet, I will try to answer his question, specifically about Tipperary. People can apply for planning permission for that type of dwelling. That is allowed.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: Deputy McGrath is not looking for a blanket moratorium. We must have a planning system and planning rules in place. A number of cases have been brought to the Department's attention specifically in regard to Tipperary. Tipperary County Council has been asked to look at existing dwellings that are in place and to review the situation there. A review is being carried out in that regard to...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: I cannot respond to specific cases. As Minister with responsibility for planning, I will not do that.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: I am not referring specifically to that case. I have already answered on instances that have been raised specifically in Tipperary. I and my officials have engaged with Tipperary County Council. The rural planning guidelines will be published shortly. A lot of work has been undertaken in that regard. The guidelines have not been updated since 2011. The facts are borne out as well that...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: The record shows.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: Is Deputy Cairns saying 54,000 affordable homes in one year?

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: Everything I have stated here in the House is correct in relation to the Social Democrats' approach to housing.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: Tell me one thing I said that is incorrect. You cannot do so because what I have stated is fact.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: The reality is that we have brought changes into planning to ensure the owner-occupier guarantee is there.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: That is in place. More than 40,000 homes have that condition in place. There are legacy issues with planning permission granted before this. I do not like to see the sale of family homes to vulture funds either. This is what I said in response to Deputy Doherty and I have already said to Deputy Cairns that the rate will be reviewed. I intend to have discussions with the Minister for...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: With regard to the 54,000 figure, our target last year was 29,000 new homes. We will exceed that and Deputy Cairns will see this later this month or in early February. We will exceed it substantially. For the second year of Housing for All, we will exceed our targets and we will deliver more than 100,000 new homes. We know we need to do a lot more and we are determined to do it.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: We have a rules-based system and those rules need to be enforced. There is no question about that. I have seen the reports on those arriving at Dublin Airport without travel documents. We must remember that many people who are arriving and seeking protection are fleeing persecution. I know Deputy McNamara would agree that as a country we have been welcoming and we should continue to be...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: It is certainly something I can raise with the Minister for Justice. This has been discussed at Cabinet and Government level and among our parties to make sure we have a fair system for people who come to the country. We issue approximately 60,000 work permits a year for people who choose this country as a place to live. One would not believe this is the case from listening to the previous...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: I am responding to Deputy McNamara, if the Deputy does not mind. Regarding the number of prosecutions, Deputy McNamara said there have been zero. This is something I will raise with the Minister for Justice. We have ensured that airline and immigration staff are properly and appropriately trained to deal with people coming in who are trying to get around the laws that are in place. The...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: I understand the question. All of us know Dublin Airport well. Deputy McNamara knows with regard to anyone who comes in without travel documents that there are GNIB officers and immigration officers who interview each of these individuals. Nobody walks straight into the country. They are interviewed. There can be valid reasons, as Deputy McNamara has also said, as to why people would not...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2024)

Darragh O'Brien: I am simply giving the facts-----