Results 16,681-16,700 of 20,884 for speaker:Alan Kelly

Other Questions: Homeless Persons Supports (23 Apr 2015)

Alan Kelly: We have delivered quicker on voids. We are looking at other measures, including in relation to rent. They are being concluded or are being examined at the moment. I also wish to repeat something to the Deputy.

Other Questions: Homeless Persons Supports (23 Apr 2015)

Alan Kelly: As the Minister responsible, I need co-operation from many different areas, in particular, from politicians. A number of measures I announced have been welcomed and implemented and have had huge dramatic impacts.

Other Questions: Homeless Persons Supports (23 Apr 2015)

Alan Kelly: However, I need local authorities, in particular, to play ball in relation to this.

Other Questions: Homeless Persons Supports (23 Apr 2015)

Alan Kelly: It is our ambition to meet our targets in respect of ending involuntary long-term homelessness. I will deal with two issues in the short time available to me. First, to conclude my earlier point, I need the co-operation of local authorities. In some cases, that has not been forthcoming. Given its role in relation to the refurbishment of certain apartments in O'Devaney Gardens, Dublin City...

Other Questions: Local Authority Housing (23 Apr 2015)

Alan Kelly: As the Deputy is well aware, I announced delivery targets under the social housing strategy for all local authorities which took into account proposals submitted by the local authorities themselves for the delivery of units for the period 2015 to 2017. It is important to stress that every local authority, including the Deputy's local authority, had to put forward their own proposals. They...

Other Questions: Local Authority Housing (23 Apr 2015)

Alan Kelly: The answer to that question is "Yes". We have worked with every local authority, including the local authority in the Deputy's constituency, to ensure that what they have requested is being prioritised. We are working with the local authorities on that and are being as flexible as we can to help sign off on projects that can be turned around as quickly as possible, whether that be new...

Other Questions: Local Authority Housing (23 Apr 2015)

Alan Kelly: I am happy the Deputy asked that question because I want to outline to the House the level of management the Department is putting into this as it is such an important issue. All the local authority housing managers and directors are currently meeting with my Department. That is the level of seriousness with which we are taking this issue. Yesterday, myself and the Minister of State,...

Other Questions: Homeless Persons Supports (23 Apr 2015)

Alan Kelly: I thank the Deputy for his question. The long-term solution to homelessness is to increase the supply of homes, particularly in terms of social housing. In November 2014, I launched the Government’s Social Housing Strategy: 2020. This is a six-year strategy which is intended to deliver over 110,000 social housing tenancies through the provision of 35,000 new social housing units, at...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Housing Provision (23 Apr 2015)

Alan Kelly: More than €500 million will go to Dublin between now and the end of 2017. The Deputy can challenge the figures all he wants, but that is real money. I have some news for the Deputy concerning the targets he has so eloquently addressed. As regards the targets set for the four local authorities in Dublin, we asked them all what they wanted. We met with them and discussed it in...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Housing Provision (23 Apr 2015)

Alan Kelly: I have secured the largest budget for social housing in the history of the State. The Deputy referred to Dún Laoghaire. We have had a substantial engagement with the local council there. However, he omits the fact that there is a mix, including purchasing units in some cases. The Deputy has often spoken about boarded-up social houses, which we call voids. They are being turned...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Housing Provision (23 Apr 2015)

Alan Kelly: This is real money that is fixed and ring-fenced for this purpose. It will have a dramatic impact. I want to see it being turned around as quickly as possible. We have weekly meetings with the Dublin housing taskforce and I also chair a monthly meeting with all the relevant parties to ensure that this situation is being turned around as quickly as possible. The Deputy should remember...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Irish Water Funding (23 Apr 2015)

Alan Kelly: I thank the Deputy for the question. The establishment of Irish Water, which is an integral component of the Government’s water sector reform strategy, will lead to lower costs and improved services in the future, providing much better outcomes for customers and the environment. Irish Water is being funded by a combination of domestic and non-domestic water charges, Government...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Irish Water Funding (23 Apr 2015)

Alan Kelly: There will be no smoke and mirrors in any aspect of this or the water conservation grant. The domestic revenue to be delivered is €271 million. There will be several measures in place to enable people to pay, and they will be facilitated by flexi-pay options, etc. There will also be enforcement mechanisms in the legislation, which the Deputy awaits eagerly and which will be...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Irish Water Funding (23 Apr 2015)

Alan Kelly: The EUROSTAT decision has not been deferred. That is a matter for EUROSTAT. It is an independent body and its independence is critical and necessary. I just want to nail that one.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Irish Water Funding (23 Apr 2015)

Alan Kelly: That is a matter for EUROSTAT. It is not a matter for this Government. I hope the Deputy knows that. It is up to EUROSTAT to make its decisions. There will not be a shortfall in respect of the figures the Deputy quoted. Legislation on enforcement will be brought through the Houses to ensure that the income I stated, €500 million, will be delivered. I am very confident of that....

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Housing Provision (23 Apr 2015)

Alan Kelly: I than the Deputy sincerely for asking this question. Social housing is a key priority for Government, and the social housing strategy targets the supply of 35,000 additional social housing units. I have managed to get €4 billion in the teeth of very difficult economic times. Even the Deputy, I hope, would acknowledge that that is a substantial amount of money to get in these...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Irish Water Funding (23 Apr 2015)

Alan Kelly: I thank the Deputy for his question. A key component of the strategy to establish Irish Water is that Irish Water will be classified as a market corporation under EUROSTAT rules and as a result will not, other than in relation to Government support, be included in the calculation of the general Government balance. The CSO is independent and is responsible for engagement with EUROSTAT on...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Irish Water Funding (23 Apr 2015)

Alan Kelly: The €100 grant is very much welcomed by many people I have met in Offaly.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Irish Water Funding (23 Apr 2015)

Alan Kelly: There is no correlation between legislation proposed to be introduced in the very near future to address the issues he raised and EUROSTAT's decision. EUROSTAT is completely independent and deals with the CSO here in Ireland. When it makes its decision is a matter for that organisation. I cannot dictate; I can just give guidance in this House on what I expect to the best of my ability, as...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Irish Water Funding (23 Apr 2015)

Alan Kelly: -----to ensure that people's taps could not be turned off. However, I expect legislation on enforcement mechanisms to be brought before the House in the coming weeks.