Carer’s allowance and local housing
Deputy Moynihan highlighted long delays in carer’s allowance processing, while Deputy Fitzpatrick raised vacant houses, underused serviced land and emergency accommodation in Louth, and Deputy Rabbitte asked about Portiuncula’s planned ward block. The Tánaiste said he would revert on carer’s allowance timelines, noted ongoing engagement on Louth housing, and could not confirm individual capital projects but would pass on the Portiuncula request.
There are three Deputies remaining. If they put each of their questions in 20 seconds, I will take the questions and we will then go back for a response.
Comment on this
The Tánaiste is aware of the significant delay in respect of applications for carer's allowance. Applications are taking between 14 and 16 weeks to be processed - in excess of three months. Does the Government intend to put extra resources into the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection to expedite these applications?
Comment on this
I have been engaging with the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government for the past few weeks in the Chamber. I laid out the position in County Louth. There are vacant houses in the county and there is no money to re-let them. We have a landbank with fully serviced sites but nothing is happening. A total of 110 people received emergency accommodation in September. Can the Tánaiste persuade the Minister, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, to engage with Louth County Council? It is paying €1 million per year in interest only on the landbank.
Comment on this
Deputy Eugene Murphy and I have a similar question regarding the capital health programme for 2019. It is under page 58 of the programme for Government. Can the Tánaiste confirm whether the 50-bed ward block at Portiuncula Hospital, which is shovel ready and has planning permission, will be included in the next capital health programme?
Comment on this
I cannot confirm individual projects with regard to capital expenditure for next year but I can certainly pass on that request to the Minister for Health. In respect of Deputy Fitzpatrick's question, he will know there is ongoing discussion and consultation between Louth County Council and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. I was involved in that when I was the Minister responsible. I know the Minister and the Minister of State, Deputy English, are continuing that engagement. When landbanks are available, the Department is very anxious to work with local authorities to move on those landbanks as quickly as possible to deliver housing, both social and private.
On the final issue regarding carer's allowance, I will ask the Minister to reply directly to the Deputy.