Housing

250 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on the proposed transfer of all housing related matters, including the management and payment of rent allowances or supplements from the Health Service Executive to local authorities. [36152/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 22 November 2011

250 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on the proposed transfer of all housing related matters, including the management and payment of rent allowances or supplements from the Health Service Executive to local authorities. [36152/11]

Motie Driessen over de huisvesting van Oxfam Novib

Netherlands · House of Representatives · 21 November 2011

Motie Driessen over de huisvesting van Oxfam Novib

proposition de résolution tendant à la création d'une commission d'enquête sur la qualité et le coût des prestations de maintenance et de mise en conformité du parc d'ascenseurs sur le territoire national, dans le secteur locatif public et privé ainsi que dans les copropriétés

France · Senate · 18 November 2011

Project Rebuild Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2011

Project Rebuild Act of 2011 - Appropriates funds for assistance to eligible entities including state and local governments, and qualified nonprofit organizations, businesses or eligible consortia for the redevelopment of abandoned and foreclosed-upon properties and for stabilization of affected neighborhoods (Project Rebuild). Allows the use of funds to: (1) establish financing mechanisms for the purchase and redevelopment of abandoned and foreclosed-upon properties; (2) purchase and rehabilitate such properties; (3) establish and operate land banks for them; (4) demolish blighted structures (except public housing); and (5) redevelop abandoned, foreclosed, demolished, or vacant properties. Requires each state to receive at least $20 million of formula funds, all of which shall be used with respect to low and moderate-income individuals and families. Requires each state and local government grantee to establish procedures to create preferences for development of affordable rental housing. Allows a grantee to use up to 10% to create jobs by establishing and operating a program to maintain eligible neighborhood properties. Sets forth Buy American requirements. Requires all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors and subcontractors on federally-assisted projects to be paid wages at the locally prevailing rates (Davis-Bacon Act).

163 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of funding local authorities have in total, and for each authority, in their capital accounts relating to their housing functions in tabular form; if he has issued any directive relating to this funding; if it can be expended by local authorities to either purchase or build social houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35348/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 November 2011

163 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of funding local authorities have in total, and for each authority, in their capital accounts relating to their housing functions in tabular form; if he has issued any directive relating to this funding; if it can be expended by local authorities to either purchase or build social houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35348/11]

162 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of residential units here owned by local authorities or voluntary housing partnerships. [35310/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 November 2011

162 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of residential units here owned by local authorities or voluntary housing partnerships. [35310/11]

157 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he or legislation prevents local authorities from reducing the interest rate of 12.5% charged on loans drawn down under the Small Dwellings Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35211/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 November 2011

157 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he or legislation prevents local authorities from reducing the interest rate of 12.5% charged on loans drawn down under the Small Dwellings Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35211/11]

Baseline Elimination Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2011

Baseline Elimination Act of 2011 - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to eliminate sequential and cumulative adjustments for inflation from Congressional Budget Office (CBO) baseline projections for discretionary appropriations with respect to: (1) expiring housing contracts and social insurance administrative expenses, (2) offset pay absorption and pay annualization, (3) inflation, and (4) any accounting for changes required by law in the level of agency payments for personnel benefits other than pay. Excludes from the requirement that budgetary resources (other than unobligated balances) be at the level available in the current year any resources designated as an emergency requirement or provided in supplemental appropriations laws. Prohibits adjustments for inflation or any other factor. Requires the President's annual budget submission to Congress to include: (1) estimated expenditures and appropriations for the current year, as well as (2) the percentage change from the current year to the fiscal year for which the budget is submitted for estimated expenditures and appropriations. Amends the Congressional Budget Act (CBA) to require the basis of deliberations in the congressional budget committee hearings in developing the joint (currently, concurrent) budget resolution to be the estimated budgetary levels for the preceding fiscal year. Requires the report accompanying the budget resolution to include a comparison of levels for the current fiscal year with proposed spending and revenue levels for the subsequent fiscal years along with the proposed increase or decrease of spending in percentage terms for each function. Amends the CBA to require the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) annual fiscal policy report to congressional budget committees to compare to comparable levels for the current fiscal year: (1) alternative levels of total revenues, total new budget authority, and total outlays (including related surpluses and deficits); and (2) the levels of tax expenditures under existing law. Requires that report also to include a table on sources of spending growth in total direct spending, revenue, deficit, and debt for the budget year and the ensuing four fiscal years, which shall include changes in outlays attributable to: (1) cost-of-living (COLA) adjustments; (2) changes in the number of program recipients; (3) increases in medical care prices, utilization and intensity of medical care; and (4) residual factors. Requires any congressional committee, when reporting legislation providing new budget authority or an increase or decrease in revenues or tax expenditures, to include in the accompanying report the CBO projection of how the measure will affect the levels of budget authority, budget outlays, revenues, or tax expenditures under existing law for such fiscal year (or fiscal years) and each of the four ensuing fiscal years in comparison with comparable levels for the current fiscal year.

Housing Rights for Victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2011

Housing Rights for Victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence Act of 2011 - Amends the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 with respect to housing rights of victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Prohibits denial or termination of housing assistance on the basis of being such a victim under specified federal housing programs, including the low income housing tax credit program, if the applicant or tenant otherwise qualifies for such admission, assistance, participation, or occupancy. Prohibits denial of assistance, tenancy, or occupancy rights to assisted housing based solely on certain criminal activity directly related to domestic violence engaged in by a member of the individual's household or by any guest or other person under the individual's control, if the tenant or an immediate family member is the victim or threatened victim. Requires each owner or manager of housing assisted under a covered program to adopt an emergency transfer policy for tenants who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish policies and procedures under which a victim requesting such a transfer may receive section 8 (voucher program) assistance under the United States Housing Act of 1937. Makes conforming amendments to the United States Housing Act of 1937.

Motie De Boer/Ortega-Martijn over het tijdelijk verhuren van woningen die te koop staan

Netherlands · House of Representatives · 17 November 2011

Motie De Boer/Ortega-Martijn over het tijdelijk verhuren van woningen die te koop staan

Reactie op motie Blanksma-Van den Heuvel (33000-45) over voortzetting verhoogd grensbedrag Nationale Hypotheek Garantie

Netherlands · House of Representatives · 17 November 2011

Reactie op motie Blanksma-Van den Heuvel (33000-45) over voortzetting verhoogd grensbedrag Nationale Hypotheek Garantie

188 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the social housing targets for 2012; the number of the 100,000 families and persons on the housing list he intends to have rehoused; the reason there are still large numbers waiting on housing lists for four or five years or more; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35080/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 November 2011

188 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the social housing targets for 2012; the number of the 100,000 families and persons on the housing list he intends to have rehoused; the reason there are still large numbers waiting on housing lists for four or five years or more; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35080/11]

187 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the levels of social housing he expects to provide in 2012; if it is the case that even a portion of the spend currently spent on rent supplement could provide for a vigorous new social housing programme to address the housing waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35079/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 November 2011

187 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the levels of social housing he expects to provide in 2012; if it is the case that even a portion of the spend currently spent on rent supplement could provide for a vigorous new social housing programme to address the housing waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35079/11]

186 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the numbering of houses in private developments in view of the difficulties that can be faced by emergency responders in locating houses which are unnumbered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35059/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 November 2011

186 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the numbering of houses in private developments in view of the difficulties that can be faced by emergency responders in locating houses which are unnumbered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35059/11]

184 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will issue policy guidelines and directives to local authorities to enable them, when allocating accommodation, to take account of persons who have separated permanently. [35016/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 November 2011

184 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will issue policy guidelines and directives to local authorities to enable them, when allocating accommodation, to take account of persons who have separated permanently. [35016/11]

BARN Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2011

Better Agriculture Resources Now Act or the BARN Act - Revises the H-2A nonimmigrant agricultural worker visa program, including provisions regarding: (1) agricultural labor and services, (2) application requirements, (3) wages, (4) period of authorized nonimmigrant status, (5) housing, (6) legal assistance, and (7) violations.

OVERSIGHT OF THE FEDERAL HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY

United States · United States Senate · 15 November 2011

419 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in a situation in which a property management company has gone into liquidation but the housing estate has not been taken in charge by the local authority, the person with whom responsibility lies for issues of ongoing maintenance and repairs in the housing estate. [34790/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 November 2011

419 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in a situation in which a property management company has gone into liquidation but the housing estate has not been taken in charge by the local authority, the person with whom responsibility lies for issues of ongoing maintenance and repairs in the housing estate. [34790/11]

414 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding emergency housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34733/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 November 2011

414 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding emergency housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34733/11]

413 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is satisfied that the age of 55 years is appropriate to be deemed eligible for senior citizen accommodation in council schemes; and the rationale behind this condition. [34691/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 November 2011

413 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is satisfied that the age of 55 years is appropriate to be deemed eligible for senior citizen accommodation in council schemes; and the rationale behind this condition. [34691/11]

407 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 336 of 8 November 2011, if he will confirm that a local authority that charged a fixed interest rate of 12.5% on a mortgage on 16 February 1984 was not permitted to charge such an excessive rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34650/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 November 2011

407 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 336 of 8 November 2011, if he will confirm that a local authority that charged a fixed interest rate of 12.5% on a mortgage on 16 February 1984 was not permitted to charge such an excessive rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34650/11]

400 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will advise on whether, if a local authority tenant hands back their house to the council because of serious anti-social behaviour, that tenant can apply for housing from another council within the same local authority area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34560/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 November 2011

400 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will advise on whether, if a local authority tenant hands back their house to the council because of serious anti-social behaviour, that tenant can apply for housing from another council within the same local authority area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34560/11]

393 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 407 of 22 June 2010, if other forms of photo identification (details supplied) will be accepted by local authorities for social housing applications; if so, the details of the forms of identification that will be acceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34478/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 November 2011

393 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 407 of 22 June 2010, if other forms of photo identification (details supplied) will be accepted by local authorities for social housing applications; if so, the details of the forms of identification that will be acceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34478/11]

364 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of housing units provided this year for persons who were previously on local authority homeless lists. [33989/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 November 2011

364 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of housing units provided this year for persons who were previously on local authority homeless lists. [33989/11]

36 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 142 of 15 June 2011, the further progress that has been made by the National Assets Management Agency in discussions with Government Departments and State agencies regarding the development of proposals to contribute to social development such as the selling of property to State bodies for development of community facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34428/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 November 2011

36 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 142 of 15 June 2011, the further progress that has been made by the National Assets Management Agency in discussions with Government Departments and State agencies regarding the development of proposals to contribute to social development such as the selling of property to State bodies for development of community facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34428/11]

HUBZone Qualified Census Tract Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2011

HUBZone Qualified Census Tract Act of 2011 - Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), within two months after receiving from the Census Bureau decennial census data on census tracts, to identify and publish the list of those tracts that meet the Internal Revenue Code criteria for a "qualified census tract" triggering an increase in the low-income housing income tax credit relating to buildings in high cost areas. Requires HUD to designate a date upon which the list of qualified census tracts shall become effective for: (1) areas that qualify as HUBZones (historically underutilized business zones) under the Small Business Act; and (2) purposes of those increases in the low-income housing tax credit.

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2011

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2012. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement; (2) research, development, test, and evaluation; (3) operation and maintenance; (4) active and reserve military personnel; (5) Working Capital Funds; (6) the National Defense Sealift Fund; (7) the Defense Health Program; (8) chemical agents and munitions destruction; (9) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities; (10) the Defense Inspector General; (11) the Armed Forces Retirement Home; (12) overseas contingency operations; (13) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; (14) Guard and reserve forces facilities; (15) base closure and realignment activities; and (16) the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) military personnel policy, including education and training, military justice, and sexual assault prevention and response; (2) military pay and allowances; (3) military health care; (4) acquisition policy and management, including major defense acquisition programs; (5) DOD organization and management, including space, intelligence, and cybersecurity matters; (6) financial matters, including counter-drug activities and detainee matters; (7) civilian personnel matters; (8) matters relating to foreign nations, including assistance and training; (9) cooperative threat reduction; and (10) matters relating to military construction and military family housing. Revises and adds new offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) relating to rape, sexual assault, and other sexual misconduct. Provides procedures for the judicial review of decisions concerning the correction of military personnel records. Consolidates and revises DOD travel and transportation authorities. Establishes: (1) the Joint Urgent Operational Needs Fund, and (2) the Global Security Contingency Fund. Requires a DOD plan to acquire capabilities to detect previously unknown cyber attacks. Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2012 for military construction for the Armed Forces and defense agencies. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy (DOE) for DOE national security programs. Authorizes the obligation and expenditure of amounts specified in funding tables for a DOD project, program, or activity authorized under this Act.

Amendement van het lid Groot over de introductie van een wettelijke vrijstelling voor woningcorporaties indien zij uitsluitend of nagenoeg uitsluitend de huisvesting aan ouderen dan wel mensen met een verstandelijke of lichamelijke beperking tot doel hebben

Netherlands · House of Representatives · 14 November 2011

136 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding affordable housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33897/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 November 2011

136 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding affordable housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33897/11]

130 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if an actuarial assessment has been or is proposed to be carried out in respect of the 4.5% annual increase on the loan, known as rent section, aspect of the shared ownership scheme held by each local authority, as to the effect of this increase in regard to the value of the scheme and to the overall total cost of the loan to the applicant; if not, if he will have such an evaluation completed to determine if the scheme is a benefit to such applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33845/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 November 2011

130 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if an actuarial assessment has been or is proposed to be carried out in respect of the 4.5% annual increase on the loan, known as rent section, aspect of the shared ownership scheme held by each local authority, as to the effect of this increase in regard to the value of the scheme and to the overall total cost of the loan to the applicant; if not, if he will have such an evaluation completed to determine if the scheme is a benefit to such applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33845/11]

71 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance in view of the recent issue highlighted in regard to the accounting for the national debt, if the Housing Finance Agency is now entirely funded by the National Treasury Management Agency and does not undertake any short-term debt issuance. [33922/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 November 2011

71 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance in view of the recent issue highlighted in regard to the accounting for the national debt, if the Housing Finance Agency is now entirely funded by the National Treasury Management Agency and does not undertake any short-term debt issuance. [33922/11]

139 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to ensure the interest rate cut is passed on to local authority mortgage holders. [33688/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 9 November 2011

139 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to ensure the interest rate cut is passed on to local authority mortgage holders. [33688/11]

125 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a breakdown of the amount of funding made available to Ballymun Regeneration Limited for the refurbishment of Silloge 4; and the total cost per unit for the 122 local authority houses, including the ground works and underground services at Silloge 4. [33517/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 9 November 2011

125 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a breakdown of the amount of funding made available to Ballymun Regeneration Limited for the refurbishment of Silloge 4; and the total cost per unit for the 122 local authority houses, including the ground works and underground services at Silloge 4. [33517/11]

124 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will make money available to local authorities for the insulation of senior citizens housing complexes owned by local authorities. [33516/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 9 November 2011

124 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will make money available to local authorities for the insulation of senior citizens housing complexes owned by local authorities. [33516/11]

117 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the fact that rent supplement recipients have had their rent supplement withdrawn or decreased on the grounds that they have refused an offer of social housing despite a policy being in place across local authorities which allows for a person to make two refusals without negative repercussions; her view on whether it is unfair and inconsistent for community welfare officers to penalise these persons in view of the fact that local authorities recognise that there can be very legitimate grounds for a refusal of a social housing offer; and whether she will issue all CWOs with a directive that they must not penalise rent supplement recipients in this way. [33600/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 9 November 2011

117 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the fact that rent supplement recipients have had their rent supplement withdrawn or decreased on the grounds that they have refused an offer of social housing despite a policy being in place across local authorities which allows for a person to make two refusals without negative repercussions; her view on whether it is unfair and inconsistent for community welfare officers to penalise these persons in view of the fact that local authorities recognise that there can be very legitimate grounds for a refusal of a social housing offer; and whether she will issue all CWOs with a directive that they must not penalise rent supplement recipients in this way. [33600/11]

Residential Mortgage Market Privatization and Standardization Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2011

Residential Mortgage Market Privatization and Standardization Act of 2011 - Amends the National Housing Act and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act to require the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to begin reducing by at least 10% per year the percentage of the value of a trust certificate or other security that may be guaranteed by the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) (government-sponsored enterprises or GSEs). Covers single-family or multifamily residential mortgage loans originated, serviced, or subserviced, in whole or in part, owned directly or indirectly, or securitized or resecuritized, by an entity, affiliate, or subsidiary regulated by any one of specified federal agencies. Directs each such agency to require that all entities they regulate put into the public domain reasonably accurate and complete data relating to covered mortgage loans. Amends the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 to require the FHFA Director to establish a program to encourage the development of a deliverable residential mortgage (DRM) futures market (for forward contracts for the sale of mortgage-backed securities collateralized exclusively by DRMs) that: (1) compliments the TBA market (for forward contracts for the sale of mortgage-backed securities that do not specify the particular mortgage-backed securities that will be delivered to the buyer); (2) creates incentives for trading by participants in the TBA market; and (3) has the potential to replace the TBA market. Amends the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to exempt from regulation and registration requirements any mortgage-backed security collateralized exclusively by DRMs. Requires the Director, as conservator of the GSEs, to: (1) identify any GSE property that would be of value to nongovernmental entities; and (2) sell it to them. Directs the federal banking agencies to: (1) establish jointly specific minimum standards for mortgage underwriting; and (2) review, and if necessary revise, them every five years. Makes it a violation of federal law: (1) for any mortgage loan originator to fail to comply with such minimum standards in originating a residential mortgage loan; (2) for any company to maintain an extension of credit on a revolving basis to any person to fund a residential mortgage loan, unless the company reasonably determines that the loan was subject to no less stringent underwriting standards; or (3) for any company to purchase, fund by assignment, or guarantee a residential mortgage loan, unless the company also reasonably determines that the loan was subject to no less stringent underwriting standards. Authorizes the federal banking agencies to issue rules jointly to exempt from specified downpayment requirements tax-exempt charitable organizations that are also mortgage loan originators. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to repeal credit risk retention and qualified residential mortgage (QRM) rules. Requires the Director to develop a uniform pooling and servicing agreement (PSA) to: (1) address all issues relating to the pool trustee; and (2) create uniform loss mitigation standards, including standards for a single point of contact for troubled borrowers, an industry wide net-present-value model for determining when to conduct a loan modification rather than foreclosure, and national standards for the foreclosure process. Requires the FHFA Director to establish a Mortgage Electronic Registration System to incorporate a single national database for all mortgage title transfers. Requires the Comptroller of the Currency, the Chairperson of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and the Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to develop jointly, under FHFA direction, uniform regulatory practices for the mortgage market.

439 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in terms of the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme sow welfare grant, in view of the fact that the deadline for loose housing of sows is set for 31 December 2012 and there is much work on farm still to be carried out, if he will give an indication as to when the TAMS for sow welfare will reopen. [33184/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 8 November 2011

439 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in terms of the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme sow welfare grant, in view of the fact that the deadline for loose housing of sows is set for 31 December 2012 and there is much work on farm still to be carried out, if he will give an indication as to when the TAMS for sow welfare will reopen. [33184/11]

340 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there is any restriction on a person being an applicant for social housing in more than one county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33162/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 8 November 2011

340 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there is any restriction on a person being an applicant for social housing in more than one county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33162/11]

339 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there is any restriction on a person being an applicant for social housing in a county in which they are not currently residing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33161/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 8 November 2011

339 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there is any restriction on a person being an applicant for social housing in a county in which they are not currently residing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33161/11]

336 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 365 of 25 October 2011, the rate of interest that the local authorities are paying to the Housing Finance Agency for loans of this type that are still outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33149/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 8 November 2011

336 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 365 of 25 October 2011, the rate of interest that the local authorities are paying to the Housing Finance Agency for loans of this type that are still outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33149/11]

335 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 365 of 25 October 2011, the rate of interest that the Housing Finance Agency is paying on these bonds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33146/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 8 November 2011

335 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 365 of 25 October 2011, the rate of interest that the Housing Finance Agency is paying on these bonds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33146/11]

333 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the procedure to have a housing estate taken in charge by a local authority when the developer is no longer trading, the residents wish to instigate the procedure and when the estate and all roads and services are complete to the required standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33051/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 8 November 2011

333 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the procedure to have a housing estate taken in charge by a local authority when the developer is no longer trading, the residents wish to instigate the procedure and when the estate and all roads and services are complete to the required standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33051/11]

332 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the procedure to have a housing estate taken in charge by a local authority when the developer is no longer trading; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33049/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 8 November 2011

332 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the procedure to have a housing estate taken in charge by a local authority when the developer is no longer trading; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33049/11]

330 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has given approval to Monaghan County Council and Respond Housing Association to progress their proposals for a group home at Drummond Otra, Carrickmacross which will cater for women with physical and sensory disabilities; if the housing association can submit the planning application in this regard; if he is committed to this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32936/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 8 November 2011

330 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has given approval to Monaghan County Council and Respond Housing Association to progress their proposals for a group home at Drummond Otra, Carrickmacross which will cater for women with physical and sensory disabilities; if the housing association can submit the planning application in this regard; if he is committed to this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32936/11]

117 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Finance the progress made on the use of the National Assets Management Agency properties for social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33210/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 8 November 2011

117 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Finance the progress made on the use of the National Assets Management Agency properties for social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33210/11]

MAP-21

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2011

Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century or MAP-21 - Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) (other than the Mass Transit Account) equal to current federal highway spending levels plus inflation for FY2012 and FY2013 for: (1) certain new and existing core federal-aid highway programs, and (2) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) administrative expenses. Prescribes obligation ceilings for federal-aid highway and highway safety construction programs, with specified exceptions. Revises the National Highway System (NHS) program. Permits conventional combination vehicles to operate on all NHS segments, except those as of enactment of MAP-21: (1) that were open to traffic, and (2) on which all nonpassenger commercial motor vehicles are banned. Amends the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 to repeal the National Network (a national truck route, including the Interstate System (IS) and certain parts of the federal-aid primary system.) Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to distribute federal-aid highway funds apportioned to states for each fiscal year: (1) among the national highway performance (new core program), the transportation mobility (new core program), the highway safety improvement, the national freight (new core program), and the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement (CMAQ) programs; as well as (2) to metropolitan transportation planning. Directs the Secretary to establish and implement a national highway performance program. (Effectively consolidates the interstate maintenance, NHS, and part of the highway bridge programs.) Requires states to develop risk-based asset management plans. Requires a state to obligate a specified amount of the apportionment of national highway performance program funds for the restoration of certain IS pavement and NHS bridges. Revises the emergency relief fund program. Reauthorizes appropriations for the emergency relief fund for the repair or reconstruction of highways, roads, and trails damaged as a result of a disaster. Authorizes the Secretary to obligate fund amounts for the repair or reconstruction of disaster-affected tribal transportation facilities, federal lands transportation facilities, and other federally-owned roads that are open to public travel, whether or not they are federal-aid highways. Directs the Secretary to establish and implement a transportation mobility program (TMP). (Effectively replaces the surface transportation program.) Authorizes a state to obligate the apportionment of TMP funds for projects to improve conditions and performance on federal-aid highways and bridges and tunnels on public roads. Makes certain TMP allocations to areas of a state based on population. Requires a state to obligate a specified amount of the apportionment of TMP funds for the improvement of certain deficient off-system bridges. Directs the Secretary to deduct for each fiscal year at least $10 million from FHWA administrative expenses for highway use tax evasion projects. Revises the highway bridge program. Directs the Secretary to: (1) inventory all highway bridges and tunnels, (2) establish national inspection standards for evaluating all highway bridges and tunnels for safety and serviceability, and (3) establish a training program for highway bridge and tunnel inspectors. Authorizes a state to use TMP funds to replace certain bridges and ferries that have been destroyed. Revises the highway safety improvement program. Directs the Secretary to establish requirements for regularly recurring updates and approval of state strategic highway safety plans. Requires the Secretary to issue guidance to states on establishing performance measures and targets for state highway safety improvement programs to reduce serious injuries and fatalities on highways. Revises the CMAQ program. Requires states and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) to give priority to projects that are proven to reduce PM2.5, including diesel retrofits, in areas designated as nonattainment or maintenance for PM2.5. Requires, also, that 50% of such funds be suballocated for projects to reduce emissions within areas designated as nonattainment or maintenance for ozone, carbon monoxide, or PM2.5, including diesel retrofits. Requires each tier I MPO representing a nonattainment or maintenance area (population of more than 50,000 individuals) to develop a performance plan that describes projects that will achieve certain emission and traffic congestion reduction targets. Authorizes a state to reserve a specified amount of CMAQ program funds for: (1) the transportation enhancements, recreational trails, and safe routes to school programs; and (2) certain road improvement projects. Revises and replaces the Puerto Rico highway program with the Territorial and Puerto Rico highway program. (Effectively consolidates the programs.) Makes certain allocations for the Puerto Rico highway and territorial highway programs for resurfacing and reconstruction, highway safety improvement, transportation mobility program, preventive maintenance, and ferry boats and terminal facilities projects. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a national freight program to improve movement of freight on highways, including freight intermodal connectors and aerotropolis transportation systems; and (2) develop, periodically update, and post on the DOT website a national freight strategic plan. Authorizes a state to obligate its apportionment of national freight program funds for projects to improve the movement of freight on the national freight network. Directs the Secretary to designate a primary freight network consisting of 27,000 centerline miles of existing roadways most critical to the movement of freight. Requires states to develop state performance targets for freight movement on the primary freight network. Makes authorizations for the tribal transportation, federal lands transportation, and federal lands access programs for various transportation planning and highway improvement projects. Revises the Alaska highway program. Authorizes the Secretary, upon agreement with the state of Alaska, to expend federal-aid highway funds apportioned to the state for necessary reconstruction on: (1) a specified segment of the Alaska Highway, or (2) the Alaska Marine Highway System. Directs the Secretary to establish a grant program for projects of national and regional significance. Revises metropolitan transportation planning and statewide transportation planning requirements. Requires designation of an MPO for each urbanized area with a population of more than 200,000 individuals and for small urbanized areas with populations between 50,000 and 200,000 individuals. (Currently, an MPO must be designated for each urbanized area with a population of more than 50,000 individuals.) Prescribes a tier I and tier II MPO designation system based on population. Requires MPOs, in developing metropolitan transportation plans and transportation improvement programs (TIPs) for metropolitan planning areas, to use a process that establishes certain performance measures and targets for the metropolitan transportation planning of federal-aid highway projects. Requires each state, in developing a statewide transportation plan and a statewide transportation improvement program (STIP), to use similar performance measures and targets for the statewide transportation planning of federal-aid highway projects. Requires each state to incorporate the metropolitan transportation plans and TIPs for each metropolitan area into the statewide transportation plan and STIP. Declares that it is in the interest of the United States to focus the federal-aid highway program on certain national goals, including to: (1) significantly reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads, (2) maintain the highway infrastructure system in a state of good repair, (3) improve the efficiency of the surface transportation system, (4) improve the national freight network and support regional economic development, and (5) enhance the performance of the transportation system while protecting the natural environment. Directs the Secretary to carry out a project delivery acceleration initiative to identify, develop, and advance the use of best practices and deployment of technology and innovation to accelerate project delivery and to reduce project costs for transportation projects and programs while enhancing safety and protecting the environment. Authorizes a public authority to acquire real property that may be used for an approved surface transportation project before the completion of the environmental review process under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) for such project. Authorizes a contracting agency (state transportation department) to award, on a competitive basis, a two-phase contract to a construction manager or general contractor for pre-construction and construction services on federal-aid highway projects. Declares that it is in the national interest to promote the use of innovative technologies and practices that increase the efficiency of construction of, improve the safety of, and extend the service life of highways and bridges. Authorizes a lead authority (DOT) operating administration or secretarial office to apply a categorical exclusion (that does not involve significant environmental impact) for other components of a multimodal transportation project if specified conditions are met. (A "categorical exclusion" is a category of actions which do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment and which have been found to have no such effect in procedures adopted by a federal agency in implementation of environmental regulations and for which, therefore, neither an environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement is required.) Revises and makes permanent the surface transportation project delivery pilot program. Directs the Secretary to publish notice of proposed rulemaking for categorical exclusions for federal-aid highway projects that are located solely within the right-of-way of an existing highway and are intended to improve safety, alleviate congestion, or improve pavement conditions. Prescribes procedures for accelerating the project delivery decisionmaking process with respect to: (1) environmental review of projects, (2) coordination among relevant agencies in meeting project deadlines, and (3) issue resolution and referral. Directs the Secretary to establish an initiative to review and develop consistent procedures for environmental permitting and procurement requirements for DOT formula grant programs. Authorizes the Secretary to establish an alternative relocation payment demonstration program for the payment of relocation assistance to persons displaced by federally-assisted programs and projects. Directs the Secretary to compare the completion times of categorical exclusions, environmental assessments, and environmental impact statements for federal-aid highway projects over specified time periods. Makes eligible to be a federal-aid highway project the construction of long-term parking facilities for commercial motor vehicles on the NHS (Jason's Law). Revises open container requirements. Requires the Secretary to withhold 2.5% of a state's apportionment of certain federal-aid highway funds if it has not enacted or is not enforcing a law that prohibits the possession of any open alcoholic beverage container, or the consumption of such beverage, in the passenger area of any motor vehicle on a public highway. Prescribes requirements for release of the withheld funds. Amends the federal-aid highway program to modify the minimum penalties states are required to impose on motorists convicted multiple times for driving while intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol. Requires repeat offenders to have: (1) all their driving privileges suspended (currently, only a driver's license suspension) for at least one year; or (2) their unlimited driving privileges suspended for one year, with limited driving privileges permitted, subject to restrictions and limited exemptions, if an ignition interlock device is installed for at least one year on each of the motor vehicles they own or operate. Eliminates the specified current alternative. Requires the Secretary to withhold certain apportionment funds if a state has not enacted or is not enforcing a repeat intoxicated driver law. Prescribes requirements for release of the withheld funds. Revises and decreases certain penalties. Makes technical amendments to exisiting limitations on the use of convict labor in the construction of federal-aid highways. Authorizes the federal share of project costs for maintaining minimum levels of retroreflectivity of highway signs or pavement markings at 100%. Makes eligible to be a federal-aid highway project the addition of electric charging stations to new or previously federally-funded fringe and corridor parking facilities. Requires states to obligate federal-aid highway funds to install diesel emission control technology on off-road or on-road diesel equipment, with an engine that does not meet any EPA particulate matter emission standards for the applicable engine power group, that is operated for at least 80 hours on a federal-aid highway construction project within a PM2.5 nonattainment or maintenance area. Amends the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 to provide increases in payments made by a displacing agency for: (1) relocation expenses for displaced farms, nonprofit organizations, or small businesses; and (2) replacement housing for displaced homeowners and certain other tenants. Makes $10 million available for each fiscal year for specified federal-aid highway programs (effectively consolidating such programs.) Repeals specified federal-aid highway programs. Rescinds $2.391 billion of unobligated balances of certain federal-aid highway programs for FY2012. Rescinds $3.054 billion of unobligated balances of federal-aid highway program funds apportioned to each state for FY2013. Authorizes appropriations for FY2012 and FY2013 for specified transportation research and education programs. Replaces the Surface Transportation Research Program with the Surface Transportation Research, Development, and Technology Program. Replaces the National Technology Deployment Program with the Research and Technology Development and Deployment Program. Directs the Secretary to carry out: (1) a highway research and development program, and (2) a technology and innovation deployment program. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to: (1) nonprofit institutions of higher education to establish workforce development centers, and (2) establish centers for surface transportation excellence. Repeals the International Highway Transportation Outreach Program and the Surface Transportation Environmental Cooperative Research Program. Revises the national university transportation centers grant program. Directs the Secretary to make competitive grants to eligible nonprofit institutions of higher education to establish tier I and tier II university transportation centers to advance transportation expertise and technology through education, research, and technology transfer activities. Establishes in the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). (Actually, BTS was created in 1992 under the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act [ISTEA] and later transferred to become part of RITA on February 20, 2005.) Subjects to a specified fine an owner or person in charge of a freight company that neglects, or refuses when requested by the BTS Director, to answer completely all questions relating to the company or to make available company records or statistics. Revises the intelligent transportation system (ITS) program. Authorizes the Secretary to develop and implement incentives to accelerate deployment of ITS technologies and services within all MAP-21 funding programs. Directs the Secretary to establish a competitive grant program to accelerate the deployment, operation, systems management, intermodal integration, and interoperability of the ITS program and ITS-enabled operational strategies. Specifies certain goals of the ITS program. Requires the Secretary to carry out a comprehensive program of ITS research and development, and operational tests of intelligent vehicles, intelligent infrastructure systems, and other similar activities. Directs the Secretary to develop a national ITS architecture and supporting ITS standards to promote the use of systems engineering methods in the deployment of intelligent transportation systems and technologies as a component of U.S. surface transportation systems. America Fast Forward Financing Innovation Act of 2011 - Amends the the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) to revise DOT's TIFIA program of direct loans, loan guarantees, and credit for surface transportation projects. Revises TIFIA program eligibility requirements to make a project eligible to receive credit assistance if the entity proposing a project submits a letter of interest before submission of a project application and the project meets certain creditworthiness criteria. Requires the Secretary to establish a rolling application process in which eligible projects shall receive credit on terms acceptable to the Secretary, if adequate funds are available to cover the subsidy costs of the federal credit instrument. Authorizes a project sponsor in cases where there is not adequate funding available to fund a credit instrument to elect to enter into a master credit agreement and wait until the following fiscal year to receive credit assistance. Increases from 33% to 49% the maximum amount of direct loans, loan guarantees, and credit for project costs. Requires the Secretary to: (1) determine whether the estimated balance of the HTF (other than the Mass Transit Account) will fall below $2 billion in FY2012 or $1 billion in FY2013; and (2) calculate, if either event occurs, the amount by which the obligation limitation on federal-aid highway programs for each fiscal year would have to be reduced to prevent such an occurrence, and then distribute the limitation to the states (minus any reduction).

Huisvesting ProDemos

Netherlands · House of Representatives · 7 November 2011

Huisvesting ProDemos

proposition de loi visant à modifier l'article L. 511-3 du code de la construction et de l'habitation relatif aux bâtiments menaçant ruine

France · Senate · 5 November 2011

105 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the assistance available to an elderly person in receipt of an old age pension to replace windows and doors in view of the fact that the local authority are not accepting any applications due to lack of funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32554/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 3 November 2011

105 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the assistance available to an elderly person in receipt of an old age pension to replace windows and doors in view of the fact that the local authority are not accepting any applications due to lack of funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32554/11]

Traveling Exotic Animal Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2011

Traveling Exotic Animal Protection Act - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to prohibit an exhibitor from allowing for the participation of an exotic or wild animal (including a non-human primate) in an animal act if, during the 15-day period preceding such participation, such animal was traveling in a mobile housing facility, unless the use of such animal is: (1) in an exhibition at a non-mobile, permanent institution or facility; (2) a part of an outreach program for educational or conservation purposes by an accredited zoo or aquarium and such animal is not kept in a mobile housing facility for more than 12 hours a day; (3) by a university, college, laboratory, or other research facility registered with the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA); (4) in film, television, or advertising if such use does not involve a live public exhibition; or (5) in a rodeo. Subjects a traveling circus or exhibitor that fails to comply with this Act to specified penalties.