Housing

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008

United States · United States Senate · 31 December 2007

398 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has a specific policy in relation to local authority social housing provision for adults with disabilities, in particular with regard to promotion of independent living, sheltered housing and housing waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35891/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 December 2007

398 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has a specific policy in relation to local authority social housing provision for adults with disabilities, in particular with regard to promotion of independent living, sheltered housing and housing waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35891/07]

397 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce legislation to end the self certification of quality standards in the housing construction industry and to take concerted joint action with the Fingal County Manager and Dublin City Manager to address the issues of traceability of pyrite contaminated infill; the quality standards of new homes and the reconstruction standards of pyrite damaged homes and infrastructure in the continuing pyrite infill scandal in north and west Dublin and Leinster; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35863/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 December 2007

397 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce legislation to end the self certification of quality standards in the housing construction industry and to take concerted joint action with the Fingal County Manager and Dublin City Manager to address the issues of traceability of pyrite contaminated infill; the quality standards of new homes and the reconstruction standards of pyrite damaged homes and infrastructure in the continuing pyrite infill scandal in north and west Dublin and Leinster; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35863/07]

307 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science when her Department will be in a position to determine the long-term projected staffing figure for a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; her Department’s source of information with regard to the figures for demographic trends and housing developments in the area; if her Department has contacted Kerry County Council or Tralee Town Council regarding areas zoned educational in the development plans; if her Department’s attention has been drawn to the fact the there are lands zoned educational in Farranstephen, The Kerries, Tralee on the Kerry County Council Development Plan; if her Department has contacted the landowner there; if her Department is aware that Tralee Town Council was taking submissions up to 12 December 2007 with regard to the new development plan being prepared by the local authority and that the draft plan is being finalised before May 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35770/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 December 2007

307 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science when her Department will be in a position to determine the long-term projected staffing figure for a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; her Department’s source of information with regard to the figures for demographic trends and housing developments in the area; if her Department has contacted Kerry County Council or Tralee Town Council regarding areas zoned educational in the development plans; if her Department’s attention has been drawn to the fact the there are lands zoned educational in Farranstephen, The Kerries, Tralee on the Kerry County Council Development Plan; if her Department has contacted the landowner there; if her Department is aware that Tralee Town Council was taking submissions up to 12 December 2007 with regard to the new development plan being prepared by the local authority and that the draft plan is being finalised before May 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35770/07]

Full Faith and Credit in Our Communities Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2007

Full Faith and Credit in Our Communities Act of 2007 - Amends the Community Banking and Financial Institutions Act of 1994 to require the Secretary of the Treasury to guarantee payments on tax-exempt bonds or notes issued by any approved issuer if their proceeds are used to make loans to eligible community development financial institutions: (1) for eligible community or economic development purposes; or (2) to refinance loans or notes issued for such purposes. Lists among such community or economic development purposes, especially in low-income or underserved rural areas, developing or supporting: (1) commercial facilities that promote revitalization, community stability, or job creation or retention; (2) businesses that provide jobs for low-income people or are owned by low-income people, or enhance the availability of products and services to them; (3) community facilities; (4) the provision of basic financial services; and (5) housing that is principally affordable to low-income people. Specifies that assistance used to facilitate homeownership shall only be used for services and lending products that: (1) serve low-income people; and (2) are not provided by other lenders in the area, or complement the services and lending products provided by other lenders that serve the investment area or targeted population. Authorizes an eligible community development financial institution or an issuer to use a bond or note to reduce the interest rate on a loan made by an issuer to an eligible community development financial institution for any community or economic development purpose. Requires each issuer, during the term of a guarantee, to establish a risk-share pool meeting certain criteria. Requires any issuer receiving a guarantee on a bond or note to pay a specified fee to the Director of the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund.

National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2007

National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 - Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to establish in the Treasury a National Affordable Housing Trust Fund available to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide assistance to states, Indian tribes, insular areas, and participating local jurisdictions to increase the supply of decent quality affordable housing, especially for low-income, extremely low-income, and very poor families. Prohibits the use of appropriations to the Fund for a fiscal year unless the amount equal to the net increase in the negative credit subsidy for specified mortgage insurance programs is first made available for: (1) single family housing mortgage insurance; (2) housing counseling; and (3) mortgage insurance technology, procedures, processes, program performance, and salaries. Limits Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance premium increases. Specifies affordable housing eligibility criteria for a rental dwelling unit and one- to four-family owner-occupied housing, including a priority to families on section 8 rental assistance or public housing waiting lists. Requires the Secretary to establish a green housing clearinghouse for Fund grantees and recipients. Declares that nothing in this Act allows any payments under it for any individual or head of household that is not a legal U.S. resident.

Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2007

Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008 - Increases from 90% to 100% of the reasonable value of a veteran's dwelling or farm residence the amount of the loan to be guaranteed or made in the case of a loan to refinance certain loans. Repeals the current fee schedule with respect to veterans' housing and small business loans. Changes the loan fee for such loans to 1% of the total amount of the loan guaranteed, insured, or made, or in the case of a loan assumption, the unpaid principal balance of the loan on the date of the transfer of the property. Extends the demonstration projects involving: (1) adjustable rate mortgages through FY2018; and (2) hybrid adjustable rate through FY2012. Increases the maximum loan guaranty amount of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) conforming limit limitation determined for a single-family residence, as adjusted for the year involved. Provides for an annual inflation increase in home loan guaranty amounts. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to review and streamline the process of guaranteeing home loans for the purchase of a condominium.

539 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the changes that have taken place within the past few months in relation to the way a local authority can secure funding for the regeneration of an estate under their control; when these changes were implemented; the way such changes impact on the amount of funding that can be obtained; the criteria involved in the selection of an estate as qualifying for a regeneration scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35096/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 December 2007

539 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the changes that have taken place within the past few months in relation to the way a local authority can secure funding for the regeneration of an estate under their control; when these changes were implemented; the way such changes impact on the amount of funding that can be obtained; the criteria involved in the selection of an estate as qualifying for a regeneration scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35096/07]

538 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 328 of 21 November 2007 the position of an application for the refurbishment of a housing estate (details supplied) in County Kildare; if the local authority has sought funding for the project; if funding will be made available by his Department for the regeneration of the estate; the expected time frame involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35095/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 December 2007

538 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 328 of 21 November 2007 the position of an application for the refurbishment of a housing estate (details supplied) in County Kildare; if the local authority has sought funding for the project; if funding will be made available by his Department for the regeneration of the estate; the expected time frame involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35095/07]

537 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of regeneration schemes carried out by a local authority (details supplied) on estates under their control; the amount of funding provided by his Department for such schemes; the location of each project and the amount of funding provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35094/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 December 2007

537 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of regeneration schemes carried out by a local authority (details supplied) on estates under their control; the amount of funding provided by his Department for such schemes; the location of each project and the amount of funding provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35094/07]

536 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the terms of reference, functions and purpose of the Comhar Sustainable Development Council, the Affordable Homes Partnership, the Dublin Docklands Development Authority Board and the Dublin Docklands Development Council; if these agencies are still operational; the reason these functions can not be carried out by his Department; the benefits to the Irish tax-payer gained from the work of these agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35083/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 December 2007

536 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the terms of reference, functions and purpose of the Comhar Sustainable Development Council, the Affordable Homes Partnership, the Dublin Docklands Development Authority Board and the Dublin Docklands Development Council; if these agencies are still operational; the reason these functions can not be carried out by his Department; the benefits to the Irish tax-payer gained from the work of these agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35083/07]

535 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, under section 15 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997, the Government has bilateral agreements with EU countries outside of the UK to obtain information on housing applicants with the equivalent bodies named under the Act, the Criminal Assets Bureau, a member of the Garda Síochána, the Department of Social and Family Affairs, a health board or a body approved for the purposes of section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992; if not, the steps he will take to rectify this anomaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32849/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 December 2007

535 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, under section 15 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997, the Government has bilateral agreements with EU countries outside of the UK to obtain information on housing applicants with the equivalent bodies named under the Act, the Criminal Assets Bureau, a member of the Garda Síochána, the Department of Social and Family Affairs, a health board or a body approved for the purposes of section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992; if not, the steps he will take to rectify this anomaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32849/07]

534 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding funding for refurbishment of an estate (details supplied) in County Limerick including the re-roofing of houses which were constructed by the National Housing Agency in 1974 under the guaranteed order programme in view of the fact that they are substandard, that home insurance is not available and that schemes were introduced elsewhere to improve the standard of similarly built houses. [34958/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 December 2007

534 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding funding for refurbishment of an estate (details supplied) in County Limerick including the re-roofing of houses which were constructed by the National Housing Agency in 1974 under the guaranteed order programme in view of the fact that they are substandard, that home insurance is not available and that schemes were introduced elsewhere to improve the standard of similarly built houses. [34958/07]

525 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the policies in place within his Department for the provision of specialised housing types for persons on local authority housing lists with children or dependent adults with autism; the provisions made within housing authorities to meet these specific needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34950/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 December 2007

525 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the policies in place within his Department for the provision of specialised housing types for persons on local authority housing lists with children or dependent adults with autism; the provisions made within housing authorities to meet these specific needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34950/07]

447 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science her Department’s source for demographic trends and housing developments in the Tralee area. [35399/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 December 2007

447 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science her Department’s source for demographic trends and housing developments in the Tralee area. [35399/07]

201 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the additional financial provisions provided by her Department from the 2008 Estimates and budget for the care and support costs for voluntary housing associations providing sheltered housing for older people, following the previous finance provided for an additional €1 million for the combined years of 2006 and 2007 that she previously announced as part of the care package for older people in November 2005; her views on whether the current financial commitment of less than €2 million for the whole country or €1 per day for an older person living in sheltered housing represents a real commitment providing support for the care costs in sheltered housing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34997/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 December 2007

201 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the additional financial provisions provided by her Department from the 2008 Estimates and budget for the care and support costs for voluntary housing associations providing sheltered housing for older people, following the previous finance provided for an additional €1 million for the combined years of 2006 and 2007 that she previously announced as part of the care package for older people in November 2005; her views on whether the current financial commitment of less than €2 million for the whole country or €1 per day for an older person living in sheltered housing represents a real commitment providing support for the care costs in sheltered housing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34997/07]

118 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the report by the State funded Centre for Housing Research, it is his intention to put in place a licensing system for landlords which will ensure compliance with at least the minimum standard for the renting of residential properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35135/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 December 2007

118 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the report by the State funded Centre for Housing Research, it is his intention to put in place a licensing system for landlords which will ensure compliance with at least the minimum standard for the renting of residential properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35135/07]

108 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will increase funding for the Private Residential Tenancies Board which will allow further investment in the regulation and registration of private rented housing standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35258/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 December 2007

108 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will increase funding for the Private Residential Tenancies Board which will allow further investment in the regulation and registration of private rented housing standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35258/07]

107 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, with reference to his Department’s sectoral plan, protocols on individual housing needs and social housing supports for people with disabilities have been developed by the housing authorities and Health Service Executive; if these are in place throughout the country; if best practice advice on housing design approaches based on universal access philosophy, flexibility and adaptability have been published by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35186/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 December 2007

107 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, with reference to his Department’s sectoral plan, protocols on individual housing needs and social housing supports for people with disabilities have been developed by the housing authorities and Health Service Executive; if these are in place throughout the country; if best practice advice on housing design approaches based on universal access philosophy, flexibility and adaptability have been published by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35186/07]

560 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to deal with housing waiting lists in each local authority area throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35576/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 December 2007

560 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to deal with housing waiting lists in each local authority area throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35576/07]

104 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of persons on local authority housing lists at the latest date for which figures are available; the steps he will take to reduce waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35141/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 December 2007

104 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of persons on local authority housing lists at the latest date for which figures are available; the steps he will take to reduce waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35141/07]

85 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that 32% of the total number of affordable housing units provided here for the first six months of 2007 were in the Dublin area and that 18 out of 34 local authorities provided no affordable housing units outside of Part V, and eight provided none at all for the same period; his plans to provide more affordable housing for persons who can not afford to purchase at the market rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35053/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 December 2007

85 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that 32% of the total number of affordable housing units provided here for the first six months of 2007 were in the Dublin area and that 18 out of 34 local authorities provided no affordable housing units outside of Part V, and eight provided none at all for the same period; his plans to provide more affordable housing for persons who can not afford to purchase at the market rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35053/07]

84 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has begun development of a national housing strategy for people with disabilities as outlined in his Department’s sectoral plan; if not, when he expects this process to begin; the organisations, groups and so on which are, or will be, involved in this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35187/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 December 2007

84 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has begun development of a national housing strategy for people with disabilities as outlined in his Department’s sectoral plan; if not, when he expects this process to begin; the organisations, groups and so on which are, or will be, involved in this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35187/07]

82 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will establish a national database of developers who fail to properly complete housing estates in accordance with the planning permission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35133/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 December 2007

82 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will establish a national database of developers who fail to properly complete housing estates in accordance with the planning permission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35133/07]

559 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of persons identified as homeless; the action or actions he proposes to take to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35575/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 December 2007

559 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of persons identified as homeless; the action or actions he proposes to take to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35575/07]

127 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he plans to propose legislation to amend section 11 of the Housing Act 1988 to ensure that local authorities are required to set aside a proportion of any social housing acquired or built by that authority to specific categories of person such as those progressing out of homelessness and victims of domestic violence as they are currently not adequately catered for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35058/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 December 2007

127 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he plans to propose legislation to amend section 11 of the Housing Act 1988 to ensure that local authorities are required to set aside a proportion of any social housing acquired or built by that authority to specific categories of person such as those progressing out of homelessness and victims of domestic violence as they are currently not adequately catered for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35058/07]

122 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the detail of the planned supports for homeless services as indicated in the budget 2008 speech; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35054/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 December 2007

122 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the detail of the planned supports for homeless services as indicated in the budget 2008 speech; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35054/07]

81 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way his Department will meet targets to end homelessness here; the plans he has to ensure a continued supply of social housing during a construction slow down in order to meet targets to end homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35257/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 December 2007

81 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way his Department will meet targets to end homelessness here; the plans he has to ensure a continued supply of social housing during a construction slow down in order to meet targets to end homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35257/07]

73 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will expedite the implementation of the commitments in Towards 2016 to reform social housing, including adequate funding to cover capital, maintenance and management costs for community and voluntary organisations that are providing social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35276/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 December 2007

73 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will expedite the implementation of the commitments in Towards 2016 to reform social housing, including adequate funding to cover capital, maintenance and management costs for community and voluntary organisations that are providing social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35276/07]

65 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will fast track the implementation of the commitments in Towards 2016 to reform social housing including adequate funding to cover capital, maintenance and management costs for community and voluntary organisations that are providing social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35491/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 December 2007

65 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will fast track the implementation of the commitments in Towards 2016 to reform social housing including adequate funding to cover capital, maintenance and management costs for community and voluntary organisations that are providing social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35491/07]

Consumer Protection Home Inspection Counseling Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2007

Consumer Protection Home Inspection Counseling Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish a comprehensive program to train HUD staff, contractors, individuals, and entities that provide housing counseling under specified HUD-funded programs also to provide counseling to consumers on voluntary home inspection. Requires the Secretary to develop a new independent protocol, or amend existing protocols, to certify that such housing counselors have successfully completed training using the voluntary home inspection training module and counseling aids established and developed pursuant to this Act. Limits authorized counseling to certified counselors. Directs the Secretary to take necessary action to make such training module and counseling aids known to state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, consumer organizations, and the general public.

FEMA Accountability Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2007

FEMA Accountability Act of 2007 - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to complete an assessment of the number of temporary housing units purchased by FEMA that are necessary to stock to respond to disasters. Requires the Administrator to establish a plan for: (1) permanently storing such necessary units; (2) selling, transferring, or otherwise disposing of the excess units that are in usable condition; and (3) disposing of the units that are not in usable condition. Provides for the exclusion of units that may contain an unsafe level of formaldehyde. Makes such plan subject to Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act requirements for disposal of units and other applicable legal provisions.

Human Rights Act 1998 (Meaning of Public Function) Bill

United Kingdom · UK Parliament · 18 December 2007

A Bill to clarify the meaning of 'public function' in section 6 of the Human Rights Act 1998

Military Housing Privatization Initiatives Projects Oversight and Accountability Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2007

Military Housing Privatization Initiatives Projects Oversight and Accountability Act of 2007 - Requires each military housing privatization initiative project to be carried out under a guaranteed maximum price contract (to be reviewed by an independent third party) and accompanied by a performance schedule. Requires each Secretary concerned to prescribe regulations for effective oversight and management of projects under the Secretary's jurisdiction. Establishes requirements for: (1) combining projects in the event of termination of a lease or foreclosure on a project; (2) funding reserves; (3) sequestration and release of funds to be paid under a contract; (4) community meetings to convey project information; (5) certification of construction experience; (6) bonding levels; and (7) communication, review, and the effect of unsatisfactory performance or default (including the selection of a successor contractor). Requires annual reports on lessons learned regarding the operation of military housing privatization initiative projects.

Tenant Protection in Foreclosure Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2007

Tenant Protection in Foreclosure Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act with respect to the effect on a preexisting lease of foreclosure on any dwelling or residential real property securing an extension of credit. States that any successor in interest in such property pursuant to the foreclosure shall assume that interest subject to: (1) provision of a 90-day notice to vacate to any bona fide tenant of such property; (2) the rights of such a tenant either to continue occupancy until the end of a preexisting lease, or until the end of the six-month period beginning on the date of the notice of foreclosure, whichever occurs first; and (3) the right of such a tenant to the 90-day notice to vacate, if the tenant has no lease or has a lease terminable at will under state law.

Depository Institution Community Development Investments Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2007

Depository Institution Community Development Investments Enhancement Act - Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to revise requirements for community development investments by federal savings associations. Authorizes a federal savings association to make investments, directly or indirectly, each of which is designed primarily to promote the public welfare, including the welfare of low- and moderate-income communities or families through the provision of housing, services, and jobs (community development investments). Permits such investments to be made directly or by purchase of interests in an entity primarily engaged in making such investments. Prohibits a federal savings association from making an investment which would subject it to unlimited liability to any person. Requires the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision to establish: (1) the amount any savings association may invest in any one project; and (2) the aggregate amount of investment of any savings association. Restricts the aggregate amount of investment of any savings association, subject to specified determinations made by the Director. Prohibits the maximum aggregate amount of investments of any savings association from exceeding the same 15% of its capital stock actually paid in and unimpaired and 15% of its unimpaired surplus as imposed by this Act on national banking associations and state member banks.

Reverse Mortgage Proceeds Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2007

Reverse Mortgage Proceeds Protection Act - Amends the National Housing Act of 1937 to modify the eligibility criteria for insurance of home equity conversion mortgages (reverse mortgages) of elderly home owners. Excludes from the third party adequate counseling requirement counseling by a reverse mortgage lender, servicer or investor, or an entity engaged in the sale of annuities, investments, long-term care insurance, or any other type of financial or insurance product. Repeals the waiver of up-front insurance premiums for mortgages to fund long-term care insurance. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to use a portion of reverse mortgage insurance premiums to fund mandatory counseling and disclosure activities, including counseling for homeowners who elect not to take out a home equity conversion mortgage. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations to protect elderly homeowners from the marketing of financial and insurance products not in their interest, including the marketing or sale of an annuity as a precondition to obtaining a home equity conversion mortgage.

Nursing Home Quality and Transparency Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2007

Nursing Home Quality and Transparency Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to disclose, through the use of the Internet website of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the identities of those long-term care facilities that appear on the list of special focus facilities (poor-performing nursing homes) under the Special Focus Facility Program of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Department of Veterans Affairs Loan Guaranty Cost Reduction Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2007

Department of Veterans Affairs Loan Guaranty Cost Reduction Act of 2007 - Increases the maximum guarantee amount regarding home purchase or construction loans to certain veterans. Permits guaranteeing certain refinancing loans for 100% (currently, 90%) of reasonable value Modifies requirements regarding the fees veterans pay for the loan guarantees. Sets the maximum guarantee amount if the dwelling is determined by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to be affordable housing and the veteran is the first owner-occupant. Allows amounts deposited in the existing Veterans Housing Benefit Program Fund that are not used for loan guarantees to be used to reduce loan closing costs.

Living American Wage (LAW) Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2007

Living American Wage (LAW) Act of 2007- Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the federal minimum wage should, as a minimum, be adjusted every four years so that a person working for it may earn an annual income at least 5% higher than the federal poverty threshold for a family of three; (2) it should be set at a level high enough to allow two full-time minimum wage workers to earn an income above the national housing wage; and (3) Congress or any of the several states may establish a higher minimum wage requirement than that established in this Act. Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to increase the federal minimum wage to at least the amount determined by the Secretary of Labor according to the formula prescribed by this Act beginning September 1, 2008. Requires the Secretary to determine such minimum wage rate by June 1, 2008, and once every four years thereafter. Prohibits any adjustment if the determination results in a minimum wage lower than the current one. Requires the minimum wage so determined to be the minimum hourly wage sufficient for a person working for it 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year, to earn an annual income 5% percent higher than the federal poverty threshold for a three-person household, with one person a child under age 18, and living in the 48 contiguous states, as published for each such year by the Census Bureau.

101 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Defence the measures that are in place in the County Dublin development plan at the request of his Department or the Air Corps in regard to housing development in the lands surrounding Casement Aerodrome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34157/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 12 December 2007

101 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Defence the measures that are in place in the County Dublin development plan at the request of his Department or the Air Corps in regard to housing development in the lands surrounding Casement Aerodrome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34157/07]

Community Building Code Administration Grant Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2007

Community Building Code Administration Grant Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to award grants, on a competitive basis and with federal matching funds, to qualified local building code enforcement departments to increase staffing, provide staff training, increase staff competence and professional qualifications, support individual certification or departmental accreditation, or for capital expenditures specifically dedicated to department administration. Sets forth criteria for rating and ranking of grant proposals.

Community Foreclosure Assistance Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2007

Community Foreclosure Assistance Act of 2007 - Makes appropriations for additional emergency Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) assistance to states, metropolitan cities, and urban counties to carry out CDBG programs under the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1974: (1) for necessary expenses related to the impact of housing foreclosures, and other related economic and community development activities; and (2) to provide foreclosure-based rental assistance for individual renters in the form of relocation assistance. Prohibits the direct or indirect provision of such funds, except for certified housing counseling services, to an individual homeowner for foreclosure prevention purposes, including refinancing assistance, loans, or any other form of financial assistance. Increases from 15% to 25% the maximum amount of CDBG funds a local government may use for public services under the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1974, including those concerned with employment, crime prevention, child care, health, drug abuse, education, energy conservation, welfare or recreation needs. Requires at least 50% of CDBG funds appropriated or otherwise made available under this Act to benefit primarily persons of low- and moderate-income.

Home Ownership Preservation and Protection Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2007

Home Ownership Preservation and Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to redefine high-cost mortgages and attendant lending practices. Sets forth a new formula for points and fees for open-end loans, and provides for bona fide discount points. Prohibits: (1) prepayment penalties; (2) balloon payments; (3) yield spread premiums; (4) acceleration or debt; (5) evasions, structuring of transactions, and reciprocal arrangements; and (6) modification and deferral fees. Prohibits creditors from financing, in connection with a high-cost mortgage, any prepayment fee or penalty, or any points or fees. Prohibits an originator from making or arranging a high-cost mortgage loan that involves a refinancing of a prior existing home mortgage loan unless the new loan will provide a net tangible benefit to the consumer. Sets forth prerequisites for subprime and nontraditional home loans, including: (1) an assessment of ability to pay; (2) a requirement of tax and insurance escrows; (3) prohibition of prepayment penalties and yield-spread premiums; and (4) a requirement of net tangible benefit to the consumer in the case of a subprime or nontraditional mortgage loan transaction that involves refinancing of an existing home mortgage. Imposes a duty of care and a duty of good faith and fair dealing upon mortgage brokers and lenders, appraisers, and lenders and loan servicers. Empowers state Attorneys General to enforce this Act. Subjects lenders, loan servicers, creditors and mortgage brokers to civil liability for violations of this Act. Increases the amount of the penalty that may be awarded. Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to require a transferor of loan servicing before the transfer tonotify the borrower of the status of the account and its full payment history. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 to revise requirements for foreclosure prevention counseling. Amends the Truth in Lending Act to expand from three to six years an obligor's right of rescission. Imposes liability for monetary damages upon assignees of subprime or nontraditional loans for violations of this Act. Sets forth a remedy in lieu of rescission for certain violations. Prohibits mandatory arbitration. Subjects a lender to liability for certain actions, omissions, and representations made by a mortgage broker in connection with a high-cost mortgage, a subprime mortgage, or a nontraditional mortgage. Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to require the federal banking agencies and the National Credit Union Administration Board each to establish a separate division of consumer affairs protection and regulations with respect to depository institutions and federal credit unions. Authorizes appropriations to employ additional agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and additional dedicated prosecutors at the Department of Justice to coordinate prosecution of mortgage fraud efforts with the offices of the U.S. Attorneys.

Community Building Code Administration Grant Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2007

Community Building Code Administration Grant Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to award grants, on a competitive basis and with federal matching funds, to qualified local building code enforcement departments to increase staffing, provide staff training, increase staff competence and professional qualifications, support individual certification or departmental accreditation, or for capital expenditures specifically dedicated to department administration. Sets forth criteria for rating and ranking of grant proposals.

995 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if and when he might instruct Kildare County Council to take in charge an estate (details supplied) in County Kildare in view of ongoing difficulties with the developer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34365/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 11 December 2007

995 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if and when he might instruct Kildare County Council to take in charge an estate (details supplied) in County Kildare in view of ongoing difficulties with the developer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34365/07]

994 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in the matter of the status of estate management companies at an estate (details supplied) in County Kildare; if management companies are at liberty to impose levies or fees on residents where the development has not been completed and the services taken in charge by the local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34364/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 11 December 2007

994 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in the matter of the status of estate management companies at an estate (details supplied) in County Kildare; if management companies are at liberty to impose levies or fees on residents where the development has not been completed and the services taken in charge by the local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34364/07]

983 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will reverse the decision of South Dublin County Council to build houses on land at two locations on Taylor’s Lane, Rathfarnham, understood locally to have been provided as public open space; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34070/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 11 December 2007

983 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will reverse the decision of South Dublin County Council to build houses on land at two locations on Taylor’s Lane, Rathfarnham, understood locally to have been provided as public open space; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34070/07]

260 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans in relation to social and affordable housing lists; the way he proposes to eliminate those lists or reduce them down to a reasonable waiting period; and the number of citizens and families on social housing lists (details supplied). [33183/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 December 2007

260 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans in relation to social and affordable housing lists; the way he proposes to eliminate those lists or reduce them down to a reasonable waiting period; and the number of citizens and families on social housing lists (details supplied). [33183/07]

254 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of houses allocated or given out under the affordable housing scheme in County Cork since the scheme was launched; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33106/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 December 2007

254 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of houses allocated or given out under the affordable housing scheme in County Cork since the scheme was launched; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33106/07]