Results 11,781-11,800 of 26,864 for speaker:Darragh O'Brien

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Radon Gas Levels (2 Jun 2022)

Darragh O'Brien: The provision of office accommodation for my Department falls within the remit of the Office of Public Works. I understand from my officials that nine (9) of my Department's offices, are located in areas currently designated as high-risk for radon. To date six (6) of the nine (9) locations have been tested and the remaining three are scheduled for testing later this year.

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Housing Schemes (2 Jun 2022)

Darragh O'Brien: I propose to take Questions Nos. 228 and 229 together. Housing for All (published in September 2021) provides a new housing plan for Ireland to 2030 with the overall objective that every citizen in the State should have access to good quality homes through a steady supply of housing in the right locations, with economic, social and environmental sustainability built into the system. The...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Planning Issues (2 Jun 2022)

Darragh O'Brien: The appointment of Board members to An Bord Pleanála is governed by section 106 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act), and Part 7 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended.  It provides that appointments to the Board by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage are generally made from candidates nominated by panels of...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Planning Issues (2 Jun 2022)

Darragh O'Brien: An Bord Pleanála ('the Board') is independent in the performance of its functions under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). Arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Housing Provision (2 Jun 2022)

Darragh O'Brien: Social housing statistical returns are completed by each local authority and returned to my Department on a quarterly basis. There is a robust process in place to ensure the data provided by local authorities is accurate. Each quarter the statistical returns are compiled by the Statistics and Data Analytics Unit and validated by the Social Housing Delivery teams in my Department. Each social...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (1 Jun 2022)

Darragh O'Brien: I was in Tipperary last week and met with the chief executive, director of services, the cathaoirleach and mayors. I confirmed to them again very clearly, as I did to the Deputy two weeks ago, that the affordable housing fund is open to every local authority, including Tipperary County Council. It might be of information to him that the council is working on some proposals right now. I was...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (1 Jun 2022)

Darragh O'Brien: Deputy Doherty knows well that we are in constant engagement with families. It is a detailed piece of work that is nearing conclusion. We intend to get this legislation through the Dáil by the summer recess. The Deputy knows how important it is that we do that and I expect that, as the main Opposition party, Sinn Féin will support Government and the legislation so that it is...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (1 Jun 2022)

Darragh O'Brien: We are proceeding with the scheme-----

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (1 Jun 2022)

Darragh O'Brien: -----in consultation with the homeowners imminently and I expect and hope we will get the co-operation of the Deputy and his party colleagues to ensure the legislation is passed by the summer recess.

Adaption Grants for Older People and People with a Disability: Motion [Private Members] (1 Jun 2022)

Darragh O'Brien: Ba mhaith liom míle buíochas a ghabháil leis an nGrúpa Réigiúnach as an rún a chuir siad os comhair na Dála inniu. Díospóireacht dearfach, tábhachtach agus cuiditheach is ea é. It has been a positive but constructive debate. I thank the Deputy for tabling the motion and I appreciate the contributions of the members of the Regional...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Housing Schemes (1 Jun 2022)

Darragh O'Brien: The Local Authority Home Loan is a Government backed mortgage for those on modest or low incomes who cannot get sufficient funding from commercial banks to purchase or build a home. It has been available nationwide from local authorities since 4 January 2022 for first-time buyers and fresh start applicants. The loan can be used both for new and second-hand properties, or to self-build. It is...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Vacant Properties (1 Jun 2022)

Darragh O'Brien: Housing for All (published in September 2021) provides a new housing plan for Ireland to 2030 with the overall objective that every citizen in the State should have access to good quality homes through a steady supply of housing in the right locations, with economic, social and environmental sustainability built into the system. The strategy sets out, over four pathways, a broad suite of...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Vacant Properties (1 Jun 2022)

Darragh O'Brien: I understand the Deputy is referring to the Repair and Leasing Scheme, the Buy and Renew Scheme and the Housing Acquisitions Fund. The Repair and Leasing Scheme is targeted at owners of vacant properties who cannot afford or access the funding needed to bring their properties up to the required standard for rental properties. The scheme provides upfront funding to carry out...

Seanad: Regulation of Providers of Building Works and Building Control (Amendment) Bill 2022 : Committee Stage (31 May 2022)

Darragh O'Brien: No, but for just for the information of Senators, I am considering what other provisions might be introduced by way of amendment to the Bill on Report Stage. They will cover the areas to better provide for procedures and requirements to be followed in the case of tenancy terminations and for an enhanced role for the Residential Tenancies Board, RTB, in this regard. Second, I am considering...

Seanad: Regulation of Providers of Building Works and Building Control (Amendment) Bill 2022 : Committee Stage (31 May 2022)

Darragh O'Brien: I will address amendments Nos. 5 and 15, 16, 17 and 19, tabled by the Government, and amendment No. 18, tabled by Senators Moynihan, Hoey, Sherlock and Wall. I welcome the amendment proposed to this section regarding the appointment of board members. Similar amendments were put forward while the Bill was progressing through the Dáil. At that stage, the Minister of State, Deputy Peter...

Seanad: Regulation of Providers of Building Works and Building Control (Amendment) Bill 2022 : Committee Stage (31 May 2022)

Darragh O'Brien: The Senator might let me respond after she has spoken.

Seanad: Regulation of Providers of Building Works and Building Control (Amendment) Bill 2022 : Committee Stage (31 May 2022)

Darragh O'Brien: I thank the Senator together with Senators Craughwell and Boyhan for tabling this amendment. I also thank the sector for its engagement on this important legislation to put the regulation of the providers of building works and building control on a statutory footing, which is what we need. I do not envisage this will be an extra layer of regulation and I will explain why. I will not be...

Seanad: Regulation of Providers of Building Works and Building Control (Amendment) Bill 2022 : Committee Stage (31 May 2022)

Darragh O'Brien: These are technical amendments to correct previously incorrect references. Amendment No. 47 is in response to concerns raised during Committee Stage in the Dáil in regard to section 63. There was a concern that the would prohibit the building control authorities from taking a prosecution against a builder who may have sanctions imposed on him or her under the Act. While this was not...

Seanad: Regulation of Providers of Building Works and Building Control (Amendment) Bill 2022 : Committee Stage (31 May 2022)

Darragh O'Brien: I thank Senators Moynihan and Warfield for their amendments, neither of which I will be accepting. I just want to explain why. Amendment No. 8 would seek to disqualify a trade union from being appointed as the registration body. Amendment No. 10 would seek to provide that the National Building Control and Market Surveillance Office, NBCO, will be appointed the registration body. The...

Seanad: Regulation of Providers of Building Works and Building Control (Amendment) Bill 2022 : Committee Stage (31 May 2022)

Darragh O'Brien: I thank Senator Warfield for the amendment, although I must oppose it. Section 9 allows the Minister to appoint a person to carry out periodic inspections, reviews and audits in relation to the performance of the registration body and also to furnish a report. The person, in this instance, is likely to be a professional body or professional auditing body and, therefore, it is not...