Simon Coveney
Question:86 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the reason he is unwilling to provide a costing of the proposals in the Programme for Government 2007 to 2012. [2092/08]
Written Answers.
The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 8, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 9 to 76, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 77 to 85, inclusive, answered orally.
Programmes for Government.
As I have indicated in previous responses, the Programme for Government is a five year programme in which a number of guiding principles in relation to economic and budgetary matters have been set out.
In October 2007 I published the Pre-Budget Outlook which set out the cost of providing for the existing level of services over the medium term. As the Deputy is aware, the first instalment of the delivery of the Programme for Government — Budget 2008 — was published in December. Budget 2008 announced all new spending and taxation measures in a single, unified way and was a significant reform providing for greater transparency.
Budget 2008 also sets out the latest budgetary and economic assessment for the coming three years with forecast General Government deficits of -0.9 per cent of GDP in 2008, -1.1 per cent of GDP in 2009 and -1.0 per cent of GDP in 2010. This fiscal position is predicated on a somewhat weaker economic outlook than was generally anticipated at the time the Programme for Government was agreed in the summer of 2007.
The current assessment, as set out in the Budget, that GDP growth will average 3½ per cent over the period 2008-2010 has not been revised. As was noted at Budget time, there are risks, both internal and external, to the economic forecasts and my Department will continue to monitor the situation closely.
As I have said previously, the Programme for Government is a five year programme and Budget 2008 is the first instalment of the delivery of that programme.
Property Repossessions.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:87 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he has assessed the level of home repossessions which are occurring; and if there are implication for public policy. [2145/08]
The Deputy will appreciate that reports of a higher level of court proceedings for property repossessions need to be interpreted with caution, given the variety of circumstances that give rise to such cases and the fact that not all of the proceedings relate to residential property. It should also be noted that even where the orders are secured some are not enforced. The number of orders granted by the High Court are a very small proportion — representing less than 0.2% — of the number of new mortgages issued in the same year. As such care needs to be exercised in drawing any particular conclusions regarding the property market or public policy overall.
In this context, the Financial Stability Report 2007 published last November by the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland (CBFSAI) points out that there are no firm indications of a significantly higher level of mortgage arrears in the banking system. The report notes that although the rate of non-performing assets on mortgage credit has picked up slightly over the last year or so, this increase has occurred from historical lows over recent years and the level remains relatively low in overall terms. This trend also seems to be reflected in statistics on re-possessions made available by the Courts Service.
In overall terms, housing affordability in Ireland is supported by relatively low loan-to-value ratios, income growth, interest rates that are relatively low in historic terms and increases in mortgage interest relief available in particular to first-time buyers.
Unfortunately, a small minority of borrowers develop debt problems but house repossession is generally a last resort for lenders. I understand that member institutions of the Irish Banking Federation (IBF) have voluntarily adopted a Code of Practice on Mortgage Arrears and a Code of Practice for Personal Customers. These include provisions for helping customers in financial difficulty.
The Financial Regulator's Consumer Protection Code requires financial service providers to undertake suitability assessments before offering a product or service to consumers. In addition, the Code sets out the requirement that a regulated entity must contact the consumer as soon as it becomes aware that a mortgage account is in arrears and that they must have in place a procedure for handling accounts in arrears. In addition, from 1 January 2007 staff providing advice or selling mortgage loans must meet minimum competency requirements, laid down by the Financial Regulator.
As the Deputy will be aware, Section 19 of the Markets in Financial Instruments and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2007 introduced a system of regulation of non-deposit taking lenders including specialist or so-called sub-prime lenders with a view to extending the Consumer Protection Code to their activities. This system is currently being rolled out by the Financial Regulator.
As Minister for Finance, I have consistently highlighted the need for responsible behaviour by both borrowers and lenders and in particular the need to factor into their financial decision making the effects of potential future changes in economic and financial conditions.
Anyone experiencing difficulty in repaying a mortgage or other loan should discuss the matter with the loan provider and seek appropriate advice without delay. The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) which falls under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, is a national, free, confidential and independent service for people in debt, or in danger of getting into debt. MABS offices, throughout the country, work with people in order to assist them with their financial planning and budgeting for the future.
Airport Customs Controls.
Sean Sherlock
Question:88 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will propose measures, particularly but not exclusively focusing on smaller and regional airports, to clamp down on the evasion of VAT and excise duties on alcohol and cigarettes through the smuggling of these goods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2329/08]
Persons arriving in Ireland from another country may be liable to pay duties and tax on goods purchased abroad. The amount, if any, of duty and tax to be paid depends on whether:
The goods were purchased in an EU Member State or in a country outside the EU — a third country.
The goods are for personal or commercial use.
In the case of alcohol and tobacco products, Revenue have set indicative quantities of these products which, if not exceeded, will be regarded as for personal use, provided there is no indication or suspicion of commerciality. If these quantities are exceeded, the passenger must prove that the goods are for personal use.
There are separate limits on the amount of tobacco products that can be brought into Ireland for personal use which have been purchased in certain EU countries. Accordingly, it is important to note that depending on the circumstances, substantial quantities of alcohol and cigarettes may be brought into Ireland completely legally and without incurring any tax or duty liability.
Goods imported for commercial purposes are liable to customs duty (if imported from outside the EU), excise duty (depending on the type of goods) and VAT.
In this context, I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners (who are responsible for Customs controls at all airports in the State, including the smaller regional airports) that checks are carried out on the basis of the risks involved; and that the risk criteria are subject to continuous review. There are 14 airports in the State licensed by the Irish Aviation Authority for public use, including Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports.
Techniques and methodologies used by Customs in combating smuggling reflect international best practice by maximising the use of intelligence and risk profiling in order to target resources on areas of most risk. Equipment and resources used, including x-ray scanning and detector dogs, form part of the overall strategy. In addition, cognisance is taken of the latest international smuggling trends, patterns and methods; and individual routes are regularly risk tested. Flights with origins and destinations carrying a high-risk rating attract particular attention. It is important to note that the vast majority of air traffic to the smaller airports is intra-Community.
A full-time, year-round presence is maintained at Dublin airport on account of its volume of air traffic and passengers, while at Cork and Shannon, there is a reduced presence based on times of flights. Checks and attendance at other smaller airports are based on flight patterns and volume and mobile enforcement officers carry out controls there.
Smuggling of alcohol by air has not been identified as a significant risk for a number of reasons, including weight and the security restrictions on carrying liquids. However, the potential for smuggling tobacco products constitutes a considerable revenue threat, in particular cigarettes sourced in some of the new accession states of the European Union, where excise duty rates are particularly low. The threat posed to the Exchequer from organised cigarette smuggling from these States is significant and resources are specifically targeted at this area.
The enforcement environment for Customs has been largely shaped by the introduction of the Internal Market and the principles of freedom of movement. Of specific relevance are the abolition of random checks on intra-Community goods and passengers. Intervention in the movement of Intra-Community traffic requires a reasonable suspicion that restricted or prohibited goods are being carried; and this places increased enforcement emphasis and reliance on already proven intelligence and profiling techniques.
The Revenue Commissioners advise me that, while the effectiveness of their anti-smuggling controls is subject to ongoing evaluation and review, they are satisfied that the existing individual risk assessment and deployment of personnel and resources at the State's airports constitute an effective deterrent to the smuggling of fiscal and prohibited goods.
Commission on Taxation.
Pat Breen
Question:89 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the work which has been done to date within his Department on the proposed establishment of a tax commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2076/08]
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:130 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if the Commission on Taxation has been established; the Commission’s terms of reference; and when it is expected to report. [2392/08]
Liz McManus
Question:138 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the proposed membership and terms of reference of the planned Commission on Taxation with regard to the commitment contained in the Programme for Government; when the Commission will be appointed; when it is expected to report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2317/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos 89, 130 and 138 together.
The "Agreed Programme for Government 2007-2012" contains a commitment to establish a Commission on Taxation. The purpose of the Commission is to review the structure, efficiency and appropriateness of the Irish taxation system.
The work of the Commission should help to set the framework within which tax policy will be determined for the next decade and I believe that it is important that the Commission take a strategic, considered and balanced perspective that recognises the evolving economic, social and environmental challenges that we face. I will very shortly announce the membership, the terms of reference and the reporting date of the Commission.
Proposed Legislation.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:90 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if the Government is planning amendments to the Ethics in Public Office Acts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2320/08]
Brian O'Shea
Question:108 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if the Government will amend the Ethics in Public Office Acts to allow the Standards in Public Office to appoint an inquiry officer without having received a formal complaint, in view of the fact that SIPO have urged the Government to do so on a number of occasions. [2321/08]
Michael Creed
Question:117 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he plans to amend the legislation governing the Standards in Public Office Act 2001 in order that it can initiate its own investigations of matters which may breach proper behaviour by persons in its area of responsibility. [2095/08]
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:158 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on the ten specific amendments to the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995 suggested by SIPO in its most recent annual report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2322/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 90, 108, 117 and 158 together.
As I have informed the House on previous occasions, the Standards in Public Office Act 2001 already allows the Standards in Public Office Commission to carry out investigations on its own initiative, where it considers it appropriate to do so, on breaches of the provisions of the Ethics legislation, by persons in the Commission's area of responsibility, and as provided for by the legislation.
The Deputies will, of course, be aware that issues concerning a non-office-holding member of the Oireachtas would, in the first instance, be a matter for the Select Committee on Member's Interests of the relevant House.
As regards inquiry officers, again I have informed the House previously that I have no plans to amend the law to enable the Standards Commission to appoint an inquiry officer without having received a complaint. It is reasonable that a complaint to the Standards Commission should be required to commence the inquiry process, which, in itself, can carry serious consequences for the person who is to be the subject of it. Numerous categories of persons, including members of the public and any public representative, are entitled to make a complaint against the persons and office holders against whom complaints can be made to the Commission.
As regards the other changes to the Ethics legislation proposed by the Standards Commission in its last Annual Report, I do not propose to amend the definition of the term "specified act" used in the legislation, or to legislate for a complaint concerning failure to abide by certain defined ethical standards. The existing definition of "specified act" aims to strike a fair balance, and there are already Codes of Conduct to guide the ethical behaviour of Oireachtas members, office-holders and civil servants in their day-to-day business and these codes can be taken into account by the Standards Commission in an investigation of an alleged breach of the legislation.
The other Standards Commission recommendations are technical. One of them — about the furnishing of "nil" statements — is already provided for in the Ethics in Public Office (Amendment) Bill 2007 and I aim to circulate amendments to cater for the remainder of them in advance of the Committee Stage debate on the Bill when it is being taken in the House. My intention, assuming agreement among the Whips, is that the Bill should be taken in the current session.
Customs Service.
Charles Flanagan
Question:91 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of x-ray scanner machines at the disposal of the customs services at ports here; the plans his Department has to provide additional scanners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1205/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that Revenue's Customs Service currently has a total of nine x-ray scanners.
One is a high-energy x-ray mobile container scanner which is deployed at the main container and ferry ports to scan containerised and vehicular traffic. A further eight low-energy x-ray scanners are used to scan smaller packages at ports, airports and postal depots, three of which are deployed in the ports of Dublin, Rosslare and Ringaskiddy. X-ray scanners are of course just one of the enforcement tools used by Customs.
The Revenue Commissioners are carrying out a review of the container scanner operation at present, including an evaluation of the current detection capability in this area, emerging technologies and an assessment of future needs.
Benchmarking Awards.
Andrew Doyle
Question:92 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he has assessed the emerging strains in public pay policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2114/08]
Public service pay must develop in a manner that is consistent with competitiveness, price stability and budgetary policy. Government policy on public service pay is that the public service should be in a position to attract and retain its fair share of good quality staff at all levels. It should neither lead the market nor trail it.
The current public service pay agreement under Towards 2016 expires in September 2008 and talks on a new agreement are due to commence soon. Towards 2016 provides that implementation of the Public Service Benchmarking Report will be discussed by the parties in the context of discussions on whatever arrangements on pay and conditions are to be put in place on the expiry of the current public service pay agreement.
Benchmarking has been accepted, by both the employers and unions, as a significant improvement on the old pay determination system which was based on relativities whereby if one grade or group of public sector workers received an increase it led to leapfrogging and catch up claims right across the public service. Experience over the years particularly during the 1990s showed that the demands for pay increases by reference to ‘relativities' were not sustainable.
The Benchmarking Body has produced a report in accordance with its terms of reference. It is agreed between Government and the trade unions that the best approach to ensuring that individual public service grades are paid appropriately, is to compare all aspects of public sector jobs with their private sector equivalents.
While the current benchmarking exercise may yield little for most public servants, they have benefited significantly in recent years from the first benchmarking exercise and the general round increases under successive national agreements. The framework now in place of assurances of regular benchmarking reviews of public service pay against the market, conditionality of pay increases on the basis of co-operation with change and industrial relations stability, and verification mechanisms is a balanced and sensible approach to the management of public service pay.
In more difficult international economic conditions, maintaining and enhancing the competitiveness of our economy is critical particularly for a small open economy.
The level of annual pay increases has moved up from around 3% under the earlier national partnership deals to just over 6% in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness and still over 4% under Sustaining Progress and Towards 2016. This is well ahead of pay developments in our main trading partners. This is not sustainable in the long term and particularly not in more adverse economic conditions.
Pay settlements must reflect the economic fundamentals. With strong economic growth and productivity increasing strongly, as we experienced over the last decade, there was scope for greater flexibility in the level of pay increases. Pay developments in the period immediately ahead must reflect the more challenging economic and competitiveness scenario that we now face and be more directly linked to changes in productivity.
In recent years Ireland's competitiveness has disimproved. We need to halt and reverse this trend. Containing costs and improving productivity is critical for the private sector, particularly in more difficult economic circumstances. The same is true of the public service.
Public service pay levels can only increase at a rate that is consistent with budgetary discipline and national competitiveness. In addition the productivity and efficiency of the public service needs to be improved on an ongoing basis.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
Brian Hayes
Question:93 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he has assessed the implications for the Irish economy of the new EU climate change commitments. [2126/08]
The proposals published by the Commission begin the process which will lead to an agreement on the contributions of individual Member States towards meeting the EU targets agreed at the 2007 Spring Council. The Commission's proposals require Ireland to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2020, based on 2005 emissions figures, and achieve an overall target of 16% of final energy consumption from renewable energy by 2020.
The proposals set out by the Commission are complex and far reaching. They require detailed analysis and discussion at EU and domestic level and my Department will be central to this process. The cost in budgetary terms and the economic impact will depend on the methods used to achieve whatever target is finally set. Obviously, we will try to be as fiscally neutral as possible.
The Government fully supports the objectives agreed at the Spring Council last year and the leadership shown by the EU's ambitions in this area of climate change. In that context it is important that national circumstances and competitiveness impacts are considered. In this regard, it is essential to ensure that the Commission's proposals adequately take into account the Irish situation in relation to the large difference between our Gross Domestic Product and Gross National Income, our infrastructural deficit, our recent and projected levels of population growth, and the relatively large size of Irish agriculture and its global competitiveness.
It is important however, that we look positively on the challenge and not just dwell on the negatives. To the extent, for example, that extra capital spending generates fuel and other efficiencies in using natural resources this will be to our overall economic and fiscal benefit. The proposals for the Emissions Trading Scheme also involves new revenue streams for national Governments which will also form part of the policy mix.
As I said in my Budget Speech this is a challenge for all citizens not just the Government and will involve choices being made and changes in behaviour to realise the ambition of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The Government has been acting over recent years to begin to address the challenge of climate change and we will continue to work towards reducing emissions.
Public Service Accounts.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:94 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that no depreciation is charged in the accounts of the public service and implications this has for efficient costing of resource use and planning for the cost of replacement. [2153/08]
As Deputy O'Dowd is aware, there are two forms of accounting in the public service. The accounts of Government Departments and Offices are prepared on a cash basis while Local Authorities and Commercial State-Sponsored Bodies, for example, prepare their accounts on an accrual basis which includes the charging of depreciation.
As the Deputy is aware, the Appropriation Accounts for central Government Departments and Offices are required under legislation to be prepared on a cash basis. In a cash accounting environment, the value of a capital resource is recognised and charged fully to the account in the year of acquisition. In addition, in cash-based accounts, the planning for the cost of replacement of capital items is done on a requirements basis and submitted for Vote approval. It should be noted that cash accounting does not provide the scope to build up a fund of money for depreciation for future spends either current or capital.
Under the Management Information Framework (MIF) Project new accruals-based accounting systems were rolled out across the civil service over the last four years. It is now possible for all Departments and Offices to capture more detailed information for the better management of spending programmes and to improve the scope of financial reporting. Drawing on the information available under the MIF, an information note (Note 3) in the Appropriation Account reports on the capital assets position and presents the position of Net Assets (original cost less accumulated depreciation). In addition, all Departments and Offices must now present an Annual Output Statement to Dáil Éireann which sets out the target outputs of Departments and Agencies for the resources provided and report progress on performance as compared with target the following year. These initiatives significantly improve the efficiency of resource use in Departments and offices.
Tax Yield.
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:95 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of house completions that were used in relation to his tax receipts forecasts for 2008 as provided in Budget 2008; if he is satisfied that these forecasts are accurate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2381/08]
Budget 2008, presented to the house last month, was framed on the basis of new house completions amounting to around 55,000 units this year. The forecasts have not been changed.
Pension Provisions.
Ulick Burke
Question:96 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his estimate of the deferred liability of pension commitments under social welfare provisions, assuming the maintenance of existing ratios to average earnings and the achievement of targets suggested as desirable; and the way this impacts on the adequacy of the National Pensions Reserve Fund provision. [2080/08]
The Deputy will recall that projections of future pension liabilities were published in the Government's Green Paper on Pensions last October. These indicate that the cost of Social Welfare pension provision will increase from around 3½% of GDP to over 10% by 2050. This primarily follows from the ageing of our population.
The National Pensions Reserve Fund (NPRF) was established under the National Pensions Reserve Fund Act 2000 with the objective of pre-funding in part the future Exchequer cost of Social Welfare and Public Service pensions. The legislation requires that 1% of GNP be paid every year from the Exchequer into the Fund until at least 2055. The amount being paid into the Fund this year is just under 1690 million euro. The estimated value of the National Pensions Reserve Fund, as published with the National Treasury Management Agency's Preliminary Results for the year 2007, was 21.3 billion euro at 26 December 2007.
As the Deputy will appreciate, it was never the intention that the Fund would cover the full cost of Social Welfare and Public Service pensions. As envisaged from the outset, the assets accumulated in the NPRF will go some way towards easing future funding concerns, but will fall short of projected pension liabilities.
A range of measures that could help address the challenges we face in meeting pension commitments are discussed in the Green Paper. The consultation process currently under way provides an opportunity to consider these in detail.
I might add that the National Pensions Reserve Fund Act 2000 provides that the National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission shall commission, from time to time, assessments of the projected profile of Exchequer outlays on Social Welfare and Public Service pensions, after consultation with the relevant Ministers.
Departmental Projects.
Bernard Allen
Question:97 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will make arrangements that the maximum possible details in respect of appraisals of NDP projects are published, subject to not compromising the State’s ability to run competitive tenders effectively. [2069/08]
The responsibility for undertaking project appraisals rests in the first instance with the individual Departments and Agencies. They are prepared to facilitate and inform the internal decision making process. It has not been the practice to publish these appraisals as they generally contain commercially sensitive information, the publication of which could be prejudicial to the State's capacity to get best value for money in procurement of capital projects. In these circumstances, I would not consider it appropriate to require that details of appraisals of NDP projects be published as a matter of course.
Tax Collection.
Emmet Stagg
Question:98 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if, in view of the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General that €45 million in tax revenue accruing from business owners or the self-employed had been written off over the 2002 to 2006 period, he will review the recovery mechanisms used to recoup such tax revenue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2333/08]
The collection and recovery of tax and the specific circumstances in which tax may be the subject of write off is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. I am advised by Revenue that its primary focus and priority is the collection of tax. Inevitably, however, cases do arise where, because of the particular circumstances, collection of the tax is not possible or the tax cannot be collected without disproportionate cost to Revenue. In these circumstances arrangements are made to pass the tax as irrecoverable. This is a step that is not lightly taken and each case is subject to review in accordance with strict guidelines before the decision is taken to write off the tax debt. Furthermore the process is then subject to audit each year both by Revenue's own Internal Audit Unit and by the Comptroller and Auditor General.
The figures for write off for each of the years 2002 to 2006 are set out in the table below.
|
Year |
Write Off |
Write off as a % of Gross receipts |
|
€m |
% |
|
|
2002 |
178 |
0.45 |
|
2003 |
120 |
0.27 |
|
2004 |
173 |
0.36 |
|
2005 |
143 |
0.26 |
|
2006 |
120 |
0.19 |
In 2006 a total of €120m was deemed to be uncollectible and written off by Revenue. At 0.19% of gross receipts, this was the lowest ratio of write off to gross receipts over the period 2002-2006. This includes both personal and business taxes and PRSI.
In relation to businesses, the grounds for write off can include liquidation, receivership and examinership, which are formal legal processes.
I am assured by the Revenue Commissioners that they seek to maximise collection and that write offs are very carefully monitored. Strategies and methodologies adopted to achieve debt reduction mainly through collection and recovery are the subject of annual review and evaluation that is carried out within the context of the business planning process. Two significant areas of focus by Revenue are maximising the timeliness of voluntary compliance and reducing the level of accumulated debt. Revenue's performance on both these fronts in recent years has been very effective. In addition, the new Revenue Statement of Strategy 2008-2010 that will be finalised very shortly will set out the broad direction and focus of Revenue with regard to debt management for the next three years and seek to build on the very good progress in debt reduction that has been achieved in recent years.
Economic Growth.
Olwyn Enright
Question:99 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he has had reason to modify his economic or public finance projections for 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2118/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:260 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that the economic indicators to date in 2008 are in accord with the projections at the time of Budget 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2753/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 260 together.
Reflecting a number of domestic and international factors, a moderation in the rate of economic growth, with consequent implications for the public finances, was projected on Budget Day for 2008. Importantly, I also highlighted a number of key downside risks facing the economy. While there is evidence to suggest that some of these risks may be materialising, other developments such as continued strong services export growth are more favourable. Therefore, I see no reason for the economic or fiscal projections of my Department to be modified atthis stage. My Department, as always, will of course, continue to monitor emerging developments.
Management Information Framework.
Róisín Shortall
Question:100 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the terms of reference of the Comptroller and Auditor General’s value for money inquiry relating to the management information framework system; the date the result of this inquiry is due; the steps he is taking to ensure future overspending on such e-Government initiatives is avoided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2330/08]
The Comptroller and Auditor General is a constitutional officer who is independent in the exercise of his statutory functions, including those in relation to value for money examinations. He decides on the work to be carried out by his Office and the manner in which it is carried out. In doing so, he is not required to consult my Department. Consequently, I consider that it would be inappropriate for me to express a view on those matters. Likewise, it would be inappropriate for me to speculate about what conclusions he might reach in the course of an examination. I am aware that the C&AG is undertaking a value for money examination of the impact of the Management Information Framework. As with any examination that the C&AG undertakes, my Department will cooperate with his Office to ensure that the examination is completed in a timely and efficient manner. As a member of the Committee of Public Accounts, the Deputy will be aware that Standing Order 158 (8) of this House provides for the Committee to make such suggestions to the C&AG regarding his work as it sees fit. The Deputy may consider raising the issue through that channel if she wishes to find out more about this particular examination.
The Management Information Framework was under the "Delivering Better Government" initiative. The Deputy may wish to note that the project was completed slightly below the estimate of €60 million.
As regards controlling expenditure on projects, I would point out that a number of measures have been taken to help in that regard, including the revised Capital Appraisal Guidelines of February 2005 and the Value for Money Circular of 26th January 2006 which apply to all capital expenditure. The responsibility for the management of each project and for ensuring Value for Money rests with the individual Department and Agency in the first instance and each must appoint a project manager for all major capital projects. The project manager is required to report to senior management or the Management Advisory Committee as appropriate at regular intervals on progress versus the contract.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
Michael Creed
Question:101 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on the carbon proofing of all fiscal measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2096/08]
The Government is not in a position to quantify the carbon impact of all tax and expenditure. I would point out to the Deputy that the Government's expenditure this year alone will be in excess of €50 billion. Determining the carbon impact of spending/tax policies, to the extent it can be done at all, would be a significant and time-consuming task, and in any event many do not have a carbon impact.
However, I accept that we must bear in mind at a general level the carbon impact of our actions particularly in light of the proposals that have emerged recently with respect to the EU Climate Change and Renewable Energy Package. In this regard I would point to the following developments:
The National Climate Change Strategy envisages the development of guidelines for Departments on appraising the costs and benefits of greenhouse gas mitigation policies and work on this will be progressed by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
A Technical Steering Group, to bring all the Departments and relevant agencies' expertise together, is being established, to assess the potential impact on emissions of various policy measures, and
An Interdepartmental Working Group on Reflecting the Cost of Carbon Emissions in Cost Benefit Analyses is examining the potential for specifically capturing this cost in the appraisal of major infrastructure projects
All these measures should increase our ability to gauge the impact of new policies in the future.
Tax Code.
Paul Kehoe
Question:102 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to reports of under claiming by tenants of rent relief and under returning by landlords; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2132/08]
On the question of under-claiming by tenants of rent relief, I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they have taken a number of initiatives to encourage taxpayers to claim their full entitlements. These include measures to increase awareness generally of the range of credits available. Extensive advertising took place in 2006 and 2007 covering the most common tax credits, which specifically included rent relief. There was also a targeted advertising campaign in Autumn 2007 to encourage the uptake of rent relief.
Revenue are including an information leaflet with the 2008 Tax Credit Certificates, which are currently being issued to some 2.2 million PAYE taxpayers. This leaflet gives information on the most common credits available, including rent relief, and encourages the making of claims where due.
In relation to under-returning of rental income by landlords, all taxpayers, including landlords, are obliged to make accurate returns under the self-assessment system and are liable to Revenue audit in the normal way. I am assured by Revenue that the audit of landlords is an ongoing aspect of their work. For example, in 2006, the latest year for which full data are available, audits were concluded in 527 cases where rental income was the main source of income returned. The yield from these cases was €4.7 million in tax, interest and penalties. Cases where rental income is a secondary source are, of course, also included in Revenue audit programmes. Cases are selected for audit on the basis of perceived risk including, in the case of landlords, consideration of information from tenants or third parties where this has been successfully matched.
The Revenue Commissioners are satisfied that this risk-based audit approach, combined with information matching wherever possible, is the appropriate strategy for tackling under-reporting of income by landlords.
Tax Evasion.
Sean Sherlock
Question:103 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if, in view of the fact that the Revenue Commissioners brought in €2.4 billion from special investigations since 2002 and the endemic nature of the problem, he will review or increase the penalties, including the increased use of incarceration as a deterrent, for tax evaders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2328/08]
As the Deputy is aware, the special investigations to which he refers relate to major projects undertaken by the Revenue Commissioners in connection with particular methodologies used by taxpayers to evade tax in the past. These investigation projects have proved to be very successful and some are nearing finality. The recoveries made to date comprise tax, interest and civil penalties. The Commissioners also expect a longer term compliance dividend as a consequence of the success of these projects. The penalties arising from the projects, which are imposed under the Taxes Acts for fraudulently or negligently delivering incorrect returns, are substantial and can amount to one hundred percent of the tax defaulted. The Revenue Commissioners may mitigate the penalty where a voluntary disclosure is made and full co-operation is extended. The Code of Practice for Revenue Auditors outlines the approach adopted in this regard.
I am satisfied that the level of penalties provided for by the Taxes Acts is sufficient and provides a strong deterrence to tax evasion.
The issue of incarceration arises on sentencing, where a taxpayer who has been the subject of a criminal investigation by Revenue is convicted in the Criminal Courts. In recent years Revenue has significantly ratcheted up its programme of investigating particular cases with a view of prosecution and has a good record in achieving convictions. Although the Taxes Acts provide that a jail sentence can be imposed for serious tax offences, it is ultimately a matter for the Judiciary who, I understand, take account of a range of factors in determining the nature of the sentence handed down.
Tax Code.
Tom Hayes
Question:104 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he foresees any threats to the Irish corporation tax regime; and his plans to mitigate the possible effects. [2128/08]
Martin Ferris
Question:112 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on whether the work of the working group on common consolidated corporation tax base chaired by an official from the taxation and customs union directorate general of the commission is leading towards the introduction of such a CCCTB across the EU. [2395/08]
Arthur Morgan
Question:127 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on whether the European Commission is determined to see the introduction of a common consolidated corporation tax base across the EU; and the impact this would have on this State. [2389/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 104, 112 and 127 together.
I want to assure the House that the Government's position on our corporate tax regime is unambiguous. It is clearly stated in the Programme for Government that the 12 1/2% rate of corporation tax will remain.
That commitment is protected, in an EU context, by the principle of unanimity in taxation matters. The draft Reform Treaty confirms that position.
I would note that although various technical work has been taking place, the Commission has not yet made any formal proposal in relation to the common consolidated corporate tax base (CCCTB) proposition, and I would hope that the Commission will reflect on the considerable scepticism and opposition to the proposition among member states before deciding whether to make any such proposal.
It is important also to remember that there have been no political decisions taken on the CCCTB at the level of the Council of Ministers.
Considering that the Commission has not yet brought forward a proposal it is very difficult for us or any other member state to estimate its impact with any precision. However, it seems very likely that if, theoretically, such a system were to be introduced, it could give rise to considerable disruption of foreign direct investment activities, could create a disincentive for the location of such investment within the EU, could reduce the ability of Governments, especially in smaller and faster developing member states, to manage their own fiscal affairs, and would be divisive in Europe.
Public Service Pay.
Jack Wall
Question:105 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the cost to date of the review in respect of the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector Higher Civil Service including fees and expenses paid to members of the review group; the consultancy costs incurred by the group; the persons to whom these consultancy costs were paid; the details of other costs incurred by the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2348/08]
Joan Burton
Question:196 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the cost involved in the work of the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector and the fees and so on paid to each member of the body for each of the past three years to date in 2007 and in respect of report No. 42; the number of oral hearings that were held; the consultancy services that were sought; the cost of same; if submissions were made in respect of targeted performance of persons under review; and the relevant body or person for assessing performance in respect of salary awards in respect of Members of Government. [36055/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 105 and 196 together.
Details of the consultancy costs incurred in respect of Review Body Report No. 42 are as follows:
|
Cost (including VAT) |
Description |
|
€ |
|
|
447,415.05 |
Hay Group Ireland Ltd — Job evaluation of senior public service posts and advice on remuneration of senior posts in the private sector. |
|
46,464.00 |
Mercer (Ireland) Ltd — An examination of systems of performance-related awards applying to senior public servants in other countries. |
|
48,400.00 |
*Acuvest Ltd — Engaged as internal advisers on pensions |
|
87,726.00 |
*Life Strategies Ltd — Pensions Study (Pensions research study comparing public and private sector pensions in Ireland) |
* In the case of Acuvest Ltd and Life Strategies Ltd the costs refer to exercises carried out on behalf of both the Review Body and the Public Service Benchmarking Body.
For the period 1 January up to 31 March 2005 the fees applying were €12,697.38 per annum for the Chairman and €6,348.69 per annum for ordinary members of the Body. With effect from 1 April 2005 the fees applying were revised to €25,000.00 per annum for the Chairman and €15,000.00 per annum for ordinary members of the Body. The two members of the Body who were also members of the Labour Court did not receive a fee. No other fees or expenses have been paid out to the Chairman or members of the Body over the course of the past three years.
I do not have information on the precise number of oral hearings held by the Body but groups with which oral hearings were held are shown in Appendix 4 of the Review Body's report.
In relation to submissions, the Review Body is an independent body and retains all submissions presented to them. The Department of Finance does not have access to these records or their content. Again the list of submissions received by the Review Body are shown in Appendix 4.
The role of the Review Body is to make recommendations on appropriate rates of pay for those posts which come within its terms of reference. It has no role in relation to the assessment of the performance of individuals.
Schemes for performance-related pay awards apply to various of the groups covered by the Review Body but not to members of the Government.
Pension Provisions.
Shane McEntee
Question:106 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he has assessed the impact of stock market losses on the robustness of pension provision; and if there are implications for public policy. [2139/08]
In my role as the Minister for Finance I have responsibility for the development of the legal framework governing financial regulation. The day-to-day responsibility for the supervision of financial institutions is a matter for the Financial Regulator.
The Pensions Board is responsible for the regulation of occupational pension schemes and Personal Retirement Savings Accounts in Ireland as part of its statutory role to monitor and supervise the operation of the Pensions Act.
In the Irish pension system, trustees have important responsibilities to ensure that investment choices are prudent and responsible and strike an appropriate balance between return and the risk inherent in all investments.
In terms of public policy, short-term movements in financial markets have limited effects on wider economic trends. Of course, any deterioration in financial market conditions sustained over a prolonged period of time could, potentially, spill over into economic developments. In this regard, it is important to remember that the fundamentals of the Irish economy remain strong and that the economy has responded quickly and effectively to changing economic conditions in the past.
Tax Code.
Billy Timmins
Question:107 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he has been informed of an agreement on the format for compensating for the loss of fuel rebate in public transport. [2150/08]
The 2003 EU Energy Tax Directive incorporated special derogations which allowed specific excise duty reliefs to be applied in a number of Member States. In the Irish context, these derogations allowed for reduced rates to apply to fuel used for public transport services which includes school transport services.
While these derogations expired on 31 December 2006, Ireland, along with other Member States, sought retention of its derogations beyond that date. However the European Commission, who are the deciding authority, have to date refused all such requests. The Commission maintain that, in keeping with the EU Energy Tax Directive, Member States must withdraw the existing excise reliefs. The Commission's decision was published on its website in March 2007. At the Commission's behest my officials have indicated that Ireland will avail of the forthcoming Finance Bill to make the necessary legislative changes to conform with the Directive.
In the case of public passenger transport services, including school transport services, the Department of Transport and other relevant line Departments, in conjunction with my Department, are exploring alternative non-tax support mechanisms that could be put in place where appropriate to maintain the assistance currently being provided, subject of course to compatibility with EU State Aid requirements. In the interim the reduced rates applicable to fuel used will be maintained.
Question No. 108 answered with Question No. 90.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:109 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will clarify the element of EU legislation the reduction of VAT on condoms is incompatible with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2311/08]
The position is that the VAT rating of all goods and services are subject to the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply.
The standard VAT rate of 21% applies to condoms. Under EU VAT law, it is not possible to introduce new zero rates of VAT, as we can only retain the zero rating that was in existence on 1 January 1991. As condoms were not subject to the zero rate on 1 January 1991 it would not be possible to apply the zero rate of VAT to condoms.
Member States may have up to two reduced VAT rates of not less than 5 per cent for a specified number of goods or services which are set out in Annex III of the EU VAT Directive. Certain pharmaceutical products including condoms are included in Annex III. Ireland in common with the vast majority of EU Member States operates a single reduced rate. It would be possible to apply our reduced rate of 13.5% to condoms. The VAT treatment of this and similar products are being reviewed in the context of the Finance Bill process.
Martin Ferris
Question:110 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if, in view of recent economic developments and the forecast made in Budget 2008 for Exchequer deficit of €4,866 billion in 2008, he accepts that the commitments to cut income tax contained in the Programme for Government are not viable; and if he will make a statement outlining that it is not his intention to implement these proposed cuts in the foreseeable future. [2396/08]
The Programme for Government sets out a commitment to reduce the standard rate of income tax to 18 per cent and the top rate of income tax to 40 per cent over the lifetime of the Government, provided economic resources allow.
It is clear that we have now entered a period of lower economic growth than was generally envisaged in the early part of last year. This is reflected in the economic forecasts for 2008 published with the Budget in December last. Real GDP is expected to increase by 3 per cent in 2008 before picking up thereafter so that average growth over the three year period 2008 to 2010 is forecast at 3½ per cent.
I would remind the Deputy that the Programme for Government is a five year programme. Budget 2008 was the first instalment of the delivery of that programme.
Decentralisation Programme.
James Bannon
Question:111 Deputy James Bannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the timetable for the completion of decentralisation of Government Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2072/08]
Pat Rabbitte
Question:121 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the latest information available from the central applications facility in respect of applications from civil servants and other public servants currently located in Dublin who wish to transfer to new locations outside of Dublin under the Government’s decentralisation programme; the way this compares with the Government target of 10,300; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2326/08]
Denis Naughten
Question:146 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the status of the decentralisation programme; the dates for the completion of decentralisation to the various centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2304/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:149 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the extent to which the targets set in the programme for decentralisation have been achieved to date; when he expects all the targets to be achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2335/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:263 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the action being taken to achieve the targets set in the Government's decentralisation programme; the cost of the programme to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2756/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:264 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance when it is expected that all of the targets set in the Government's decentralisation programme will be met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2757/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:265 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the locations which have been unsuccessful to date in attracting civil servants under the decentralisation programme; his plans to achieve the full compliment in respect of such areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2758/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 111, 121, 146, 149 and 263 to 265, inclusive, together.
A progress report by the Decentralisation Implementation Group (DIG) was submitted to me and published on 8th October last. The Group reported that implementation of the civil service element of the Decentralisation Programme is progressing satisfactorily.
Over eleven thousand civil and public servants have applied to relocate under the Programme. Of these, over 6,000 or 55% are currently based in Dublin. The Central Applications Facility (CAF) remains open and continues to receive applications.
At the end of 2007, decentralising organisations had a presence in 33 towns. Approximately four thousand staff had been assigned to decentralising posts and over 2,000 of these are currently in their new locations, while the remainder are being trained in advance of decentralisation to a new location, as soon as accommodation becomes available. Taking account of both posts moved and assignments, 48% of the civil service general service posts have already moved or have staff in place with a commitment to move. The comparable figure for the civil service professional & technical staff is 24% and for State Agency posts is 26%.
From the announcement of the Programme in December 2003, the focus has been on detailed planning and organisation of the property, staffing and business aspects. The DIG has considered it essential that all organisations take the necessary time to prepare this groundwork well in order to ensure effective implementation of a programme of this scale and complexity. In short, its focus has not been on how speedily the programme can be achieved but how well. It is important to remember that the programme is not just about moving public services. It fundamentally impacts on the staff in those organisations, on their career choices and their expectations.
Property or sites have been acquired or are well advanced in a total of 38 locations. In addition, the OPW have been very efficient in securing suitable advance or temporary accommodation in over 20 locations to facilitate early phasing of business units.
The October DIG report provides an update of the OPW timeframes for the expected completion of permanent accommodation. The OPW conducts a review of the property timeframes for permanent accommodation on an ongoing basis and is keeping these timeframes under review based on its experience to date in relation to property selection and acquisition, brief and design issues, tendering periods, planning issues and contractual arrangements.
I remain confident that the public service will deliver this programme in a considered, sensible and sensitive manner. The Government is anxious to ensure that the momentum of the programme is maintained and developed and in that context Secretaries General of decentralising Departments have been asked to review these timeframes in association with the OPW and the DIG to assess where earlier progress could be made either in relation to permanent accommodation or advance accommodation.
There are, however, a number of challenges remaining, which have been identified by the DIG in its latest report. My Department and the wider management of the public service will continue to work closely with staff representatives to seek appropriate solutions to address the concerns of the professional & technical staff in the civil service and those employed in state agencies, while also ensuring the delivery of the Government programme.
With regard to the State Agencies, the DIG has noted, in its most recent report that the pace of progress in relation to the State Agency part of the programme continues to be slow. It expects that all Agencies should now, at a minimum, have initiated HR recruitment policies to support the programme, have begun to put phased timeframes in place and be actively securing advance and/or permanent accommodation solutions in the decentralised location. It also continues to emphasise the central role of the Board and management in each Agency in driving forward the implementation of the programme.
The Government has always recognised that the State Agency aspect of the programme presents different challenges from that of the Civil Service but is determined to make progress towards the objective of moving all the State Agency posts as announced in December 2003. I anticipate considerable progress on this element of the programme over the lifetime of this Government. With a view to advancing this aspect of the programme, the DIG is currently engaging in a round of meetings with each Agency's CEO and the Secretary General of the parent Department in each case.
The Labour Court recommendation in relation to the dispute between FÁS and SIPTU provides a renewed opportunity for both unions and management to address the relevant issues. My Department has been in contact with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions to establish how progress can be made on this aspect of the Labour Court recommendation and I remain confident that through dialogue and negotiation, progress can be advanced.
The estimated gross cost of the property aspects of the original decentralisation programme was €900m at the outset of the programme (2004 prices). This was based on provision of accommodation for 10,300 staff outside of Dublin.
The overall number of staff for which accommodation is required has increased since the announcement of the programme due to additional bodies and locations being added to the programme, changes to business functions of certain organisations, additional space required for work-sharing staff, planned future expansion etc. and consolidation of certain existing regional offices into new buildings. Based on the costs incurred to date, the OPW anticipates that the direct cost of providing accommodation for this increased number of staff will be contained within the overall envelope.
While the majority of posts have not yet moved from Dublin, the OPW has been able to dispose of property in Dublin being held for future needs because the announcement of the decentralisation programme clarified that most future expansion of Civil Service accommodation would not be in central Dublin. Total income from such property disposed of between January 2004 and December 2007 was €387.5m. In addition property valued at €75 million was transferred to the Affordable Homes Partnership. In addition OPW has agreed joint venture redevelopment schemes with a minimum value of circa €125m up to the end of 2007 and further ongoing large property disposals are planned having regard to progress with staff moves.
As expected, non-property costs have been increasing since the beginning of 2007 as more advance accommodation is in place, staff training has increased and actual moves have taken place. At end June 2007, the total non-property costs incurred amount to approximately €9m. This reflects the significant rate of progress across decentralising organisations this year in furthering their implementation arrangements. Figures for the remainder of the year are being collated at present.
Question No. 112 answered with Question No. 104.
Price Inflation.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:113 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if, in view of persistently high inflation, averaging nearly 5% for 2007, he will take steps to protect real incomes of ordinary workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2310/08]
Inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index, averaged 4.9 per cent in 2007.
Of this 4.9 per cent, 2.2 per cent was contributed by increased mortgage interest repayments. Including the impact of mortgage rate increases in the CPI not only masks the underlying inflation rate but also highlights the short-term impact of interest rate increases which are designed to bring down inflation. A better measure of inflation than the Consumer Price Index is the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) which excludes, among other things, mortgage interest. The HICP is also the measure used by the EU and ECB to compare inflation across member states. The average increase in the HICP in 2007 was 2.8 per cent.
My Department's inflation forecast for 2008 is for CPI inflation to average 3.0 per cent and for HICP inflation to average 2.4 per cent.
I have continued in successive Budgets to increase the rates of social welfare payments significantly and to make improvements in the living standards of average workers. Having regard to general round increases under the pay elements of the last two partnership agreements, and to Budget changes in the areas of tax, child benefit and the early childcare supplement (where appropriate), income earners have seen significant real growth in their take home pay since 2003. Also, in Budget 2008 I have, yet again, ensured that the income of the average worker is kept well outside liability to the higher rate of tax, and those on the minimum wage remain outside the tax net.
The best way to protect the real incomes of ordinary workers is to pursue policies that sustain competitiveness and employment. Maintaining a moderate rate of inflation remains a key priority of economic policy because of its importance in restoring competitiveness. We must always seek to ensure that our domestic cost base does not undermine competitiveness. Seeking to maintain low inflation, the pursuit of sensible incomes policy, and keeping public spending growth at sustainable levels in the medium term are essential. Doing this will allow us to keep the burden of taxation low, thus helping to maintain competitiveness and to maximise our economic potential.
A moderate rate of inflation is a key priority of economic policy because of its importance for competitiveness. Pursuing responsible fiscal and pay policies is important in that context.
Decentralisation Programme.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:114 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of civil servants and other public servants, who have relocated to locations outside of Dublin under the Government’s decentralisation programme; the estimated number of each category who will have relocated by the end of 2008; the breakdown of each set of figures in terms of those who are relocating from Dublin and relocating from elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2327/08]
One hundred and twenty three (123) staff of my Department have decentralised to Tullamore and a further two (2) have accepted offers of decentralisation. Of those in Tullamore eighty two (82) staff transferred from Dublin posts, twenty five (25) staff were serving in various other locations in the country and sixteen (16) staff were recruited specifically for Tullamore. It is envisaged that a further five (5) will have relocated to Tullamore by the end of 2008. About thirty (30) further posts in my Department are scheduled to decentralise to County Kildare during 2008.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that two (2) officers transferred from Dublin to temporary accommodation in Limerick in preparation for the move to Newcastle West. Forty-six officers (46) from outside of Dublin are also relocating to Newcastle West. Five (5) officers from Dublin have decentralised to Kilrush. A further fifty two (52) officers from outside of Dublin have relocated to Kilrush. Eight (8) officers from Dublin have decentralised to Listowel. A further forty three (43) officers from outside of Dublin have relocated to Listowel. Forty three (43) officers from Dublin have decentralised to Athy. A further three (3) officers from outside of Dublin have relocated to Athy. Seventy seven (77) officers from Dublin have decentralised to Navan. A further three (3) officers from outside of Dublin have accepted offers to decentralise to Navan. It is envisaged that by end 2008 a further forty five (45) officers will have transferred from Dublin posts and six (6) officers will have transferred from other locations to Newcastle West (1), Listowel (1), Athy (29) and Navan (20).
I am informed by the Office of Public Works that twenty-nine (29) staff in that Office have transferred to Claremorris. Of the personnel concerned, five (5) were based in Dublin and twenty four (24) were based outside of Dublin. The OPW are currently planning an advance office in Trim, which involves the transfer of some 30 posts in 2008, and these personnel are based in Dublin. The OPW has 187 staff in place in Dublin with a view to moving to their decentralised HQ in Trim.
With regard to the other agencies under the aegis of my Department, arrangements for decentralisation are proceeding in accordance with their implementation plans which have been prepared and submitted by each of the agencies to the Implementation Group. To date, no staff have been decentralised by the Public Appointments Service, or the Valuation Office. However ten (10) staff in the PAS and eleven (11) staff in the Valuation Office are currently in posts in Dublin awaiting a transfer to Youghal. PAS and the Valuation Office are due to relocate to Youghal in 2009.
Pension Provisions.
Ciaran Lynch
Question:115 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will re-define the definition of investment instrument as stated in the Investment Intermediaries Act 1995, to make authorised entities accountable for advice given by them to public servants on notional service purchase choices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2314/08]
In response to a Parliamentary Question on 2 October 2007, I provided information setting out the position where public servants are considering the purchase of additional notional service. In such situations it is important to note that there is no specific need to contact a financial advisor as the purchase of additional notional service, in circumstances where the facility is available, can be arranged directly with the relevant Personnel Section. If in doubt about the matter, independent advice could be sought by the officer. My reply on 2 October 2007 also noted that detailed advice on this matter was available on the Government's website at www.cspensions.gov.ie
Although the Deputy's question specifically relates to the purchase of notional service by public servants, there may be an issue as to whether the type of legislative change sought by the Deputy might be appropriate in relation to the purchase of Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) by public servants. Any such change would require consultation with the Financial Regulator, in view of its statutory consumer protection mandate, and the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, given his policy and legislative responsibilities in the area of pensions provision. I have asked my Department to write to the Financial Regulator and to the Department of Social and Family Affairs in this matter to request their views. I will keep the Deputy informed of progress.
Financial Services Ombudsman.
Catherine Byrne
Question:116 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he has plans to amend the legislation governing the Financial Services Ombudsman in order that he can make rulings on classes of transactions in respect of which refunds should be made instead of hearing each case individually. [2081/08]
The Financial Services Ombudsman (FSO), established in April 2005 to deal with consumer complaints about financial service providers, has made a very significant contribution to protecting and promoting the interests of consumers of financial services. Where a complaint is upheld the Financial Services Ombudsman can direct the financial service provider to pay compensation to the complainant for any loss, expense or inconvenience sustained by the complainant and can also issue directions to the financial services provider concerned to change a practice relating to its conduct. Since its inception in April 2005 to end December 2007 the Financial Services Ombudsman has received 11,550 complaints and has concluded 10,700, 59% of which were settled in the complainants favour.
The role and functions of the FSO in dealing with consumer complaints strongly complements that of the Financial Regulator in protecting the interests of consumers of financial services as a whole. During the passage of the FSO legislation through the Oireachtas in 2004 it was stated, on behalf of the Minister for Finance, that the Ombudsman's remit essentially is to deal with individual complaints from customers of financial institutions and it is the responsibility of the Consumer Director in the Financial Regulator to deal with general issues relating to the protection of consumers.
The relevant legislation provides for co-operation between the Financial Services Ombudsman and the Financial Regulator on general issues relating to the protection of consumers. A Memorandum of Understanding has been concluded between the Financial Services Ombudsman and the Financial Regulator to ensure the efficient and effective handling of complaints. An issue drawing attention to a general breach affecting consumers can be referred by the Financial Services Ombudsman to the Financial Regulator. Such issues can then be examined by the Financial Regulator to consider if there are any suspected breaches of the relevant regulatory requirements including the Consumer Protection Code. The Financial Regulator can, as part of its administrative sanctions regime, seek to mediate or take regulatory action in relation to a firm including an order to make refunds to a firm's customers where appropriate. Last November I advised the Deputy that I would ask the FSO and the Financial Regulator to review their current co-operation arrangement to ensure that these work smoothly where a finding of the FSO in an individual case may have implications for a broader group of customers of a financial services firm. I am informed that the Ombudsman and the Financial Regulator met on Monday, 21 January 2008 and have reviewed their current co-operation arrangements as requested. They have indicated that the present arrangement is working satisfactorily and that they are preparing a joint submission in response to my request.
The Deputy will be aware that a recent High Court judgement confirmed that the Financial Services Ombudsman's power of direction, except in relation to a change in general practice, may only relate to an individual claimant and does not extend to payment of compensation for other consumers in relation to similar conduct of the financial service provider. The implications of the recent High Court decision will be referred by my Department to the Advisory Forum on Financial Legislation which has recently commenced its work. Submissions of the Financial Services Ombudsman and the Financial Regulator on this matter will be brought to the Advisory Forum.
Question No. 117 answered with Question No. 90.
Business Regulation.
Dan Neville
Question:118 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he has decided on a benchmark against which the Government’s promise to cut business compliance costs by 25% can be judged. [2146/08]
This is a matter in the first instance for my colleague the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. I do not have a deciding function in relation to setting the sort of benchmark referred to.
My colleague, however, has established a High-level Group on Business Regulation, chaired by the Secretary General of his Department and comprising a wide membership from business, ICTU, Government Departments and Agencies. The Group's work of examining the regulatory environment for business is underway and the Group is scheduled to report in July 2008.
As the Deputy may be aware, the 2007 Spring European Council invited Member States to set a target for the reduction of administrative burdens on business arising from national legislation. My colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, is currently considering this issue to enable a response to be made to the European Council.
Financial Services.
Joan Burton
Question:119 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number and value of savings accounts; the breakdown of the value and number of saving/deposit accounts of less than €20,000, between €20,000 and €50,000 and over €50,000 on deposit with banks, financial institutions and credit unions here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2345/08]
My Department has been informed by the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland (CBFSAI) that the level of deposits, owned by Irish residents, amounts to approximately €178 billion. This is an aggregate figure based on the Central Bank Monthly Statistics up to the end of November 2007. As regards the number of deposits, the CBFSAI surveys banks and financial institutions on a number of items including the number of deposits. The results of the 2007 survey (based on 2006 information) conducted by the CBFSAI indicates that there were approximately 8 million deposits owned by Irish residents. The Registrar of Credit Unions has also advised my Department that 2.85m credit union members held €12.4 billion of savings in Irish credit unions as of 30 June 2007.
As far as the disaggregated data is concerned, as this has not been collected by the CBFSAI or the Registrar of Credit Unions as a matter of routine, the information requested by the Deputy is not available at the present time. However, I am informed that as part of the work being undertaken to contribute to the EU review (to be completed by mid-2008) of the framework for deposit protection, the CBFSAI has commenced a process to survey the market. This will yield information on the number of deposits in various ranges.
The work carried out on this review and its conclusions will be important inputs to the process of ensuring that arrangements to safeguard financial stability in Ireland continue to conform to international best practice standards.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:120 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on recent housing data from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government showing that the number of interest only mortgages approved has trebled from approximately 5% in early 2004 to 16% in the third quarter of 2007; if he is satisfied that the necessary processes are in place in financial institutions to protect mortgages holders; if he has had discussions with the Central Bank or Financial Regulator regarding this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2350/08]
While the choice of mortgage product ultimately rests with the individual customer and the lending institution concerned, as Minister for Finance, I have consistently highlighted the need for responsible behaviour by both borrowers and lenders and in particular the need to factor into their financial decision making the effects of potential future changes in economic and financial conditions.
Under the legislative framework for the regulation of financial services, the Financial Regulator has a statutory mandate to safeguard the interests of consumers. Under its Consumer Protection Code, the Financial Regulator has introduced a broad range of consumer protection measures relating to the sale of financial products, including mortgages. These measures include suitability tests, know your customer fact finding and the provision of sufficient information to customers. In addition, from 1 January 2007 staff providing advice or selling mortgage loans must meet minimum competency requirements laid down by the Financial Regulator.
The Financial Regulator publishes a guide called "Mortgages made Easy" available on its website or from its Consumer Information Office which stresses all the issues that need to be taken into consideration by consumers when deciding on the type of mortgage which suits their personal circumstances best.
The information being made available by the Financial Regulator, together with statutory information and warnings in the case of mortgages under the Consumer Credit Act, 1995 serve as an adequate basis for consumers to make a decision about the type of mortgage which best suits their financial needs. It is obviously important in making such decisions that both prospective borrowers and lenders are highly cognisant of the prospect of changes in economic and financial conditions particularly over the long time horizon applicable to a mortgage.
In terms of both prudential supervision and safeguarding the interests of consumers, I would like to reiterate the point the Financial Regulator has made many times before that there is a clear onus on the boards and management of individual institutions to ensure that they maintain prudent lending standards. The Financial Regulator continues to scrutinise banks' lending policies as part of its ongoing supervisory activity.
Finally, in assessing the statistics referred to by the Deputy it is important to make the point that the data published by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government refers to new loans approved by credit institutions and, therefore, it does not capture changes to these loans such as when the borrower commences to repay capital, whether on a regular or once-off basis.
Question No. 121 answered with Question No. 111.
Social Finance Foundation.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:122 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance when the social finance fund, announced in Budget 2006, will start to issue loans to voluntary projects; the person who will be in charge of the fund; the number of staff members it will have and their responsibilities and salaries; the criteria they will use for assessing loan applications; the penalties that will be imposed on projects that are unable to meet their repayments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2325/08]
On 8 February 2007 I launched the Social Finance Foundation to implement the Social Finance Initiative announced in Budget 2006. The Foundation has been established on a not-for-profit basis to act as a wholesale supplier of social finance for on-lending by specialist social finance lenders to support social and developmental projects and social enterprise in local communities.
The Foundation is a private company limited by guarantee established under Company Law and is governed by its Board of Directors under its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The company has received seed funding of €25 million from the Irish banking sector to support qualifying social finance lenders who will on-lend to individual social finance projects.
The Foundation's lending policies and procedures as well as the appointment, role and responsibilities of staff and their terms and conditions of employment are matters for the Board of the Foundation. The Board is chaired by Mr Peter Quinn and information on the other directors of the Foundation is included in the press release issued by my Department on 8 February 2007 which is available on the Department's website at www.finance.gov.ie. I understand that the Social Finance Foundation has approved loans totalling €3.7 million, of which €2.1m has been drawn down to date.
I see the work of the Foundation as a catalyst for deeper participation by private finance in the area of local and community development and social enterprise in line with the objectives of the social partnership agreement Towards 2016 to promote social finance and philanthropy.
Economic Competitiveness.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:123 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on the expected impact of recent developments in international financial markets on the economy here. [2391/08]
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:190 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he has assessed the impact that the recent turmoil in the global financial markets is having on the Irish economy and the financial institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2380/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 123 and 190 together.
At Budget time, GDP growth of the order of 3 per cent was signalled as likely for 2008, with GNP growth of 2.8 per cent. As was noted then, there are risks, both internal and external, to these forecasts. My Department will, as always, continue to monitor the situation closely.
Short-term movements in financial markets have limited effects on wider economic trends. Of course, any deterioration in financial market conditions sustained over a prolonged period of time could, potentially, spill over into economic developments. In this regard, it is important to remember that the fundamentals of the Irish economy remain strong and that the economy has responded quickly and effectively to changing economic conditions in the past.
Financial Services Regulation.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:124 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the details of the work of the expert advisory group established to consider measures for the consolidation and modernisation of legislation governing the regulation of the financial services industry, in particular its membership and whether they represent the State, industry or consumers; the terms of reference of the group; the number of times it has met since its establishment; the timeframe for the completion of its work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2308/08]
The Advisory Forum on Financial Legislation has been established to provide expert advice and practical assistance to my Department on:
the preparation of a Bill to consolidate the existing legal framework for financial services regulation that is currently the responsibility of the Minister for Finance, and
the complementary modernisation and simplification of that legislative framework that can be achieved as part of the consolidation process.
The membership of the Forum is representative of all stakeholders, including consumers and the financial services industry in order to ensure a full and structured involvement of the wider community of interests in the legislative reform project. The membership of the Forum and its terms of reference are appended to this reply.
The Forum was established in November 2007 and formally launched by me on 16 January and it has met on four occasions since its establishment. To date the Forum has discussed the main themes contained in the legislative framework governing financial services regulation, the working methods and the proposed structure of the revised legal framework. Under its terms of reference the Forum is required to report to me on the draft scheme of consolidation Bill twelve months after the commencement of its work.
|
Membership |
|
|---|---|
|
Name |
|
|
Pádraig O’Ríordáin, Chair |
Arthur Cox |
|
Larry Broderick |
Irish Bank Officials Association |
|
John Cradden |
Consumers Association of Ireland |
|
Kieran Crowley |
Small Firms Association |
|
Joe Doherty |
Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland |
|
Pat Farrell |
Irish Banking Federation |
|
Gwen Harris |
St Vincent de Paul |
|
Diarmuid Kelly |
Professional Insurance Brokers Association |
|
Mike Kemp |
Irish Insurance Federation |
|
Paul Kierans |
Dublin International Insurance & Management Association |
|
Brian McNelis |
Irish Brokers Association |
|
Damien Moloney |
Office of the Attorney General |
|
Aileen O’Donoghue |
Financial Services Ireland |
|
Frank O’Dwyer |
Irish Association of Investment Managers |
|
John O’Halloran |
Irish League of Credit Unions |
|
Muireann O’Neill |
Accountant, Nominee of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment |
|
Gary Palmer |
Irish Funds Industry Association |
|
Alex Schuster |
National Consumer Agency |
|
Bernard Sheridan |
Financial Regulator |
|
Deirdre Somers |
Irish Stock Exchange |
|
George Treacy |
Financial Regulator |
|
William Beausang |
Department of Finance |
|
Vincent Madigan |
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment |
Advisory Forum on Financial Legislation
The Terms of Reference for the Forum are:
1.To provide, through its Chair, expert advice and practical assistance to the Department of Finance in:
i.the preparation of a Bill to consolidate legislation (primary and secondary) on the regulation of financial services in Ireland, which are currently the responsibility of the Minister for Finance, and
ii.the complementary modernisation and simplification of the legislative framework for the regulation of financial services that can be achieved as part of the consolidation process within the timeframe provided for and based on an evaluation and assessment of the substantive issues of policy concerned.
2.The main objective for the Forum is to design a harmonised and integrated cross sectoral legislative framework for effective and efficient financial services regulation. A particular focus for its work will be both promoting the interests of consumers and the competitiveness of the financial sector.
3.The Forum will report on the draft scheme of the Bill to the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance 12 months after the commencement of its work.
4.Subject to Government approval for the draft scheme of the Bill, the Forum will, thereafter, support as appropriate, the preparation of a Consolidation and Modernisation Bill and the finalisation of associated secondary legislation for the reform of the legislative framework for financial services regulation.
5.Individual members of the Forum will be expected to contribute the expertise, knowledge and resources of the sectors from which they have been drawn
6.The Tánaiste and Minister for Finance may seek the advice of the Forum in relation to other specific aspects of the legislative framework for the regulation of financial services, including in relation to EU proposals.
7.The Forum will keep these Terms of Reference under ongoing review, and, subject to agreement of the Chair, may request the approval of the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to their revision in respect of issues that arise during its work.
Public Service Pay.
Róisín Shortall
Question:125 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the ratio of the chief executive officer’s pay to the average pay level for each year since 2000 and including projections for 2008 in each of the commercial State bodies for which the cabinet recently approved new executive pay ranges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2331/08]
In line with Government policy the range of pay of CEOs of commercial State bodies is determined in all cases by the appropriate Minister following consultation with me. Boards are informed on a regular basis of the upper limit of that range. It is then a matter for the relevant Board to determine the rate of pay of the CEO taking account of any guidelines issued to them.
The pay of other staff in the commercial State bodies is a matter for the bodies themselves and I do not have any control over these rates. As the information is not available to me, I am not in a position to provide the Deputy with the ratios sought.
Unemployment Levels.
Joe Costello
Question:126 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views regarding the recent increases in unemployment, particularly arising among men in industries such as the construction industry; if he has calculated the expected reduction in tax revenues and the expected cost to the Exchequer of providing unemployment and other social assistance, including rental allowances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2353/08]
Budget 2008 was published on 5 December last year. It contains forecasts for all the main macroeconomic variables in 2008, including the forecast rate of unemployment and the growth rate in employment, as well as estimated outturns for 2007.
These forecasts of the main macroeconomic variables were taken into account by my Department when producing estimates of expenditure, including social welfare expenditure, and tax revenue for 2008.
The economic projections assume an easing in construction employment as well as a modest rise in unemployment, as measured on the internationally recognised basis — the labour force survey, to average 5.6 per cent this year, from an estimated outturn of 4.6 per cent in 2007. At the same time employment is forecast to continue to show net gains of some 24,000 or a 1.1 per cent increase. However, this is not expected to fully absorb the projected increase in the labour force, so that a modest rise in unemployment is expected. The Budget 2008 forecasts have not been revised.
Question No. 127 answered with Question No. 104.
Pension Provisions.
Arthur Morgan
Question:128 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the impact of recent developments in international financial markets on the National Pensions Reserve Fund. [2390/08]
Brian O'Shea
Question:129 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views, in view of the recent stock market volatility and the impact on the National Pensions Reserve Fund portfolio of its holdings of Irish equities, on a need to review the mandate of the NTMA or a re-weighting of the portfolio; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2318/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 128 and 129 together.
The National Pensions Reserve Fund was established in 2001 with the objective of meeting as much as possible of the cost to the Exchequer of social welfare pensions and public service pensions to be paid from the year 2025 until at least 2055.
Under the National Pensions Reserve Fund Act 2000, the National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission controls and manages the National Pensions Reserve Fund. The Commission has discretionary authority to determine the Fund's investment strategy in accordance with the Fund's statutory investment policy of securing the optimal total financial return provided the level of risk to the moneys held or invested is acceptable to the Commission. This framework has given the Commission the freedom to develop, outside of the political process, a long-term investment strategy primarily based on a diversified portfolio of real assets. Indeed, a long-term State fund with no need for liquidity and no requirement to match liabilities on a yearly basis has some clear advantages in seeking to maximise long-term investment returns.
I am aware and I accept that the appropriate investment strategy for a long-term fund can lead to short-term volatility. In its 2006 Annual Report, the Commission states that its asset allocation strategy is founded on the premise that real assets, such as equities and property, whose performance is linked to the rate of economic growth, will continue, over the long term, to outperform financial assets such as bonds. It goes on to say that, while equities are inherently more volatile than bonds, with sharp performance swings over short time periods, the Fund's long-term investment horizon enables it to accept this volatility in a trade-off for the higher expected return.
Question No. 130 answered with Question No. 89.
Tax Forecasts.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:131 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on and the contents of the findings and recommendations of the report of the Tax Forecasting Methodology Review Group; and the action he will take based on the recommendations of the report. [2393/08]
The Tax Forecasting Methodology Review Group, which considered tax forecasts for the period 1999 to 2006, submitted its report to me. It is my intention to present the report to Cabinet shortly and to subsequently publish the findings.
Departmental Programmes.
Enda Kenny
Question:132 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the reports of the complete failure of the Government’s e-Government strategy to achieve its targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2134/08]
I can only assume that the Deputy is referring to the recent report of the Comptroller and Auditor General on eGovernment.
It is popular in the media (and indeed in parts of this House) to suggest that this report demonstrates that eGovernment in Ireland has been a failure. Of course the Report does no such thing. While it highlights some difficulties and challenges that have emerged, it also details many successful projects where objectives have been achieved, substantial efficiencies have been gained, and Ireland compares favourably with best international practices. I understand that this Report will be considered by the PAC over the coming months.
eGovernment is not just about technology — it is also about making public services more responsive and efficient by a process of analysis and reform of underlying schemes and processes. It is an ongoing programme as technology develops and as our society increasingly embraces technology. Government services have to be in a position to meet the evolving needs of our citizens, both those who have access to advanced technology and those who do not.
To date, our eGovernment programme has had very notable successes. Examples include –
The Citizens Information, formerly OASIS, website providing comprehensive on-line information on all public services;
Revenue on-line services, which are used by both businesses and PAYE taxpayers to interact on-line with the State on their tax matters;
new services to allow vehicle owners to renew their motor tax on-line;
on-line property registration services which have improved service and greatly reduced the process time;
streamlined birth notification services, which mean that most new mothers are now paid child benefit automatically;
a range of on-line services and systems for farmers including single payments, area aid, animal tagging, etc.;
a range of on-line systems supporting the marine and natural resources industries including licence applications, scientific information, etc.
exam results and school inspection reports on-line; and
eCabinet supporting the business of Government.
Additionally, my own Department has developed and implemented a shared service for online tendering, a shared system for human-resource management, a centralised eEstimates system, and shared voice and data communications infrastructure for the public service.
All of these projects have been successfully completed and have resulted in significant savings, improved processes and efficiencies, and in far more being done with less. For example, the numbers of people in employment and thus with tax records has grown dramatically with no increases in Revenue staff; the changes in child benefit have allowed staff to be redeployed to other areas requiring attention; the shared communications approach has resulted in the region of €25million in savings per annum; the shared eTenders service was the first in Europe to facilitate automatic publishing of tendering opportunities at European level, etc.
Consequently, no objective observer could describe the story of eGovernment in Ireland as one of failure. To do so would be to denigrate the valuable work of those who have delivered the excellent projects I've listed and many others. It would be to set a standard for the public service that in Government ICT projects anything less than unequivocal and total success is failure; a standard that in reality no-one seeking to deliver any ICT project in the public or the private sector could accept.
This is not to say that there haven't been some difficulties and challenges. Some things did take longer than would have been hoped at the outset and some things did cost more than originally expected. But in the main there are detailed and understandable reasons for these things happening.
Looking forward, the provision and integration of full on-line services is extremely complex and care needs to be taken that we do this as cost effectively as possible. We are making reasonable progress and the recent 2008 e-Government Readiness Index produced by the United Nations shows that Ireland is now part of a cluster of countries including countries generally considered progressive in eGovernment such as Austria, Finland, Germany and Singapore.
It's worth remembering that we are dealing here with the novel, in terms of technology and organisational change. There is no easy set of solutions. I think it is clear that the larger Departments and Offices who have already made excellent progress will continue to do that as they have the necessary resources, experience and skills. I think it is also clear that there must now be a greater focus on the small and medium sized public bodies to help them achieve more in terms of delivering on-line services. The public service has already done considerable work in analysing how best to proceed from here. Last year, the Government set up a review of Reach and the Public Services Broker. That review is due in the near future. Additionally, our colleagues in the OECD have been reviewing eGovernment in general as part of their review of the public service. I am satisfied that the combination of recommendations from these reviews coupled with the internal analysis that is being done will help us to determine the most appropriate structures, governance and priorities to ensure the continuing success of our eGovernment programme.
Tax Code.
Mary Upton
Question:133 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of persons who have successfully received DIRT tax refunds; the value of such refunds, for each year from 2002 to 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2347/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the relevant information available in respect of DIRT repaid and the number of such repayments is set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Amount of DIRT Repaid |
Number of repayments |
|
€ |
||
|
2002 |
11.27 |
1,155 |
|
2003 |
9.71 |
1,440 |
|
2004 |
2.11 |
1,003 |
|
2005 |
2.32 |
971 |
|
2006 |
1.19 |
883 |
|
2007 |
2.20 |
920 |
Fiscal Policy.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:134 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on a reduction in interest rates by the European Central Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2285/08]
The European Central Bank left interest rates unchanged for the seventh month in succession at their Governing Council meeting on 10th January. The determination of interest rate policy is solely a matter for the Governing Council of the European Central Bank, which is independent in these matters.
Tax Code.
Dinny McGinley
Question:135 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that the delay in implementing changes in VRT has not created perverse incentives in the short term. [2140/08]
I wish to draw the Deputy's attention that on 6 December 2006, as part of Budget 2007, I announced that it was planned to introduce changes to the VRT system to take greater account of environmental issues, and in particular Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions. The Programme for Government of June 2007 re-affirmed the commitment to introduce measures to further weight VRT in favour of cars with lower emissions.
A public consultation process was carried out by my Department. The consultation process evidenced broad support for a reorientation and rebalancing of VRT. I announced in my Budget Statement on 5 December 2007, my plans to introduce a revised VRT system, based on CO2 emissions.
Changing the VRT system to make it take greater account of CO2 emissions levels is a significant change. It is therefore desirable that members of the public be given reasonable notice of any changes being introduced. In addition, the motor industry indicated that it needed at least six months prior notice of any substantial change being made to the system, in the light of the advance ordering arrangements for new cars in the industry. Furthermore, the Revenue Commissioners' technical and administrative processes required amendment in order to facilitate the revised VRT system.
Having examined the matter, it was considered therefore that any proposed VRT changes should be effective from around mid-2008; and the new system will be introduced, as announced, on 1 July 2008. I am satisfied that this lead-in period is both necessary and appropriate.
Decentralisation Programme.
David Stanton
Question:136 Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 103 of 16 October 2007, if the contract for the sale of the site has been received by the Office of Public Works from Cork County Council; his views on the possibility of decentralising the Public Appointments Service to Youghal before the third quarter of 2009 in view of the fact that more than 100 employees have indicated their desire to move; his further views on interim accommodation in Youghal for PAS while awaiting permanent accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2344/08]
Terms were agreed with Cork County Council in 2006 to purchase a site comprising 1.21 Hectares/2.98 acres in Youghal to provide decentralised offices for the Valuation Office, (100 staff) and the Public Appointments Service (100) staff.
A draft Contract for Sale was received by the Office of Public Works in October 2007. The Chief State Solicitor is in the process of examining the Contract and associated matters in consultation with the Office of Public Works and the Council's Solicitors.
Once the site is acquired, the office accommodation will be procured through a "design build" process. Under this process, a short list of builders will be invited to submit design proposals and costs for construction of the offices. These will be evaluated and a preferred bidder will then apply for Planning Permission for the chosen design.
The critical first step in procurement is the acquisition of the site, and there are still some complex title and related issues, (such as a Wayleave and various rights over the site), to be clarified before the purchase can be completed.
The indicative timeframe given by the Decentralisation Implementation Group for decentralisation to Youghal is quarter 3 2009. This is of course subject to the timely resolution of the title issues, the tendering process and the planning process.
The Public Appointments Service has indicated that it will consider sending an advance party to Youghal, if suitable office space can be sourced by the OPW. In this regard the OPW is checking availability of offices in Youghal.
Tax Code.
Joanna Tuffy
Question:137 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of persons who have successfully applied for the tax saver commuter tickets in each year from 2002 to 2007; the estimated tax relief given through this measure each year over the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2334/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the position in relation to travel tickets is that where an employer provides an employee with an annual or monthly bus or train pass, the cost of such a pass is not taxable. In addition, where an employee foregoes salary, and such salary foregone is used by the employee to purchase an annual or monthly bus or train pass, then the salary foregone is not taxable. Both of these instances are subject to certain conditions.
I am further advised by the Revenue Commissioners that employees are not required to include in their tax returns income arising from the provision of travel passes by their employers. In the case of employers the expense of travel passes to employees is allowable as a deduction in arriving at profits for tax purposes. However, the employer's tax return of income does not contain an entry in respect of this item and the employer's profit and loss account does not normally distinguish between this particular expense and other employment-related expenses. In these circumstances it is not possible to provide a totally reliable estimate of numbers of costs involved at present.
The numbers of Travel Passes provided under the scheme have increased from 26,616 in 2002 to some 39,549 in 2005. In a previous Parliamentary Question, based on ticket sale receipt figures supplied by the main public transport providers, I estimated the cost in tax forgone in the years 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 as €4.4m, €6.6m, €7.7m and €9.7m respectively. These figures assumed an average marginal tax rate of 30% plus the values of PRSI/Health levies forgone.
I do not have ticket sale receipt figures for 2006 and 2007 at this time. The main public transport operators are being contacted in this regard and when this information is to hand I will forward it to the Deputy.
Question No. 138 answered with Question No. 89.
Financial Services.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:139 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he is satisfied with the situation whereby personal cheques can take ten working days for clearance by the banks with the consequence that such cheques are no longer accepted by some payees including at least one Government Department; and if he will have discussions with the banks with a view to ensuring a more efficient system. [2284/08]
I should explain that the Irish clearing system is a private institution, which operates under the general umbrella of the Irish Payment Services Organisation. I am informed that the clearing cycle for a cheque should in normal circumstances take no more than three business days, with the bar on returning a cheque unpaid being set at five business days. This might occur where, say there are insufficient funds in the payer's bank account. The clearing cycle may be quicker (in some cases instantaneous) if a cheque is both drawn on and collected on the same bank.
There is also provision for special presentation of a cheque for immediate payment, which is only available in the Dublin area for cheques up to a value of €625,000 and where the payee presents the cheque before 3 p.m. in the nominated branch of the bank.
The timeframe is also dependent on the bank or financial institution being a member of the Irish Paper Clearing Company (IPCC) Ltd. The Irish Paper Clearing Company Limited (IPCC) is responsible for the clearing and settlement of all paper payment instruments in Ireland and is overseen by the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland (CBFSAI). Any bank or financial institution outside of this framework may have a longer cheque clearance cycle. A list of members is available directly from IPSO at www.ipso.ie.
As to when any particular bank will permit a customer to draw against lodged cheques, this is an individual bank decision based on its own risk management and credit control arrangements. I would expect that all banks would inform their customers of the relevant terms and conditions.
By way of concluding, the Deputy should note that cheque usage in Ireland has stabilised at 130 million, which represents a decline in the overall proportion of cheques as a means of payment as use of electronic methods has increased noticeably. As more efficient electronic payments systems become more popular, it can be expected that cheque usage will further decline in relative terms.
Modern commercial financial and retail transactions will increasingly be electronically based for reason of efficiency and security. This will benefit not just businesses but also the ordinary person in the street. I have contributed to the delivery of this desirable policy objective through the reduction of the stamp duty charge on financial cards in Budget 2008.
Price Inflation.
Liz McManus
Question:140 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his Department’s forecast for the expected increase in the Consumer Price Index for the full year of 2008; the way this compares with the forecast he gave in his Budget 2008 speech in December 2007; his views on the fact that the level of inflation continues to run at nearly 5%; the measures he will take to deal with this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2316/08]
Inflation, as measured by the CPI, averaged 4.9 per cent in 2007. On Budget day, 5th December 2007, my Department forecast that Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation would average 3.0 per cent this year. This forecast was based on the normal technical assumption of unchanged interest rates, is predicated on the rate of inflation moderating as this year progresses, and remains my Department's forecast for 2008.
Including the impact of mortgage rate increases in the CPI not only masks the underlying inflation rate but also highlights the short-term impact of interest rate increases which are designed to bring down inflation. As such, a better measure of inflation than the Consumer Price Index is the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) which excludes, among other things, mortgage interest and is a more realistic measure of inflation. The average increase in the HICP in 2007 was 2.8 per cent, and the forecast increase for 2008 is 2.4 per cent.
A moderate rate of inflation remains a key priority of economic policy because of its importance for competitiveness. Pursuing responsible fiscal and pay policies is important in that context.
Tax Code.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:141 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number and percentage of income earners who paid tax at the higher rate and the standard rate for 2007; the anticipated figures for each category for 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2323/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out below:
|
Tax year |
Exempt (Standard rate liability fully covered by credits or Age Exemption Limits) |
Marginal Band |
Paying tax at the standard rate (including those whose liability at the higher rate is fully offset by credits) |
Higher rate liability not fully offset by credits |
All cases |
||||
|
Number |
% |
Number |
% |
Number |
% |
Number |
% |
||
|
2007 |
868,000 |
38.0 |
17,700 |
0.8 |
921,700 |
40.3 |
478,000 |
20.9 |
2,285,400 |
|
2008 |
878,100 |
37.6 |
17,900 |
0.8 |
937,000 |
40.1 |
504,500 |
21.6 |
2,337,600 |
The figures are estimates from the Revenue tax forecasting model using actual data for the year 2004 adjusted as necessary for income and employment growth for the year in question. It is therefore provisional and likely to be revised.
It should be noted that a married couple who has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.
Financial Services Regulation.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:142 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on the fact that the number of consumer focused inspections carried out by the Financial Regulator has dropped from 185 in 2004 to 95 in 2006 as outlined by the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2319/08]
It is important in comparing the number of consumer focused inspections carried out by the Financial Regulator in the years 2004 to 2006 as reported in the Comptroller and Auditor General's report to take account of a number of special factors which are highly relevant to the comparison. These factors are, in fact, referred to in the C&AG's report.
These include the consideration that over 20 per cent of the 2004 inspections were preliminary visits to mortgage intermediaries carried out as a means of gathering information about the sector and lasting about an hour each. In 2005, 46 comprehensive inspections of mortgage intermediaries were carried out lasting for a minimum of one day.
In addition issues of concern identified during inspection visits carried out in 2004 required follow-up action by inspection teams. This was particularly the case for larger and more complex financial service providers reducing the time available for new inspections.
The Financial Regulator has also highlighted the important point that if the inspection rate is compared to the size of the current account and savings accounts markets, the retail credit institutions that were inspected by the Consumer directorate during 2004 and 2005 represented an estimated 65% of the combined current account and savings markets in Ireland in 2006. Moreover, the Financial Regulator has inspected the top five insurance companies and the top five banks each year meaning that each year between 65-82 per cent of the insurance market was covered while between 67-95 per cent of the banking market was covered.
The Financial Regulator's Strategic Plan 2008-2010 which was submitted to me last September and which was also laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas sets out the Financial Regulator's plans to monitor and enforce compliance with the Consumer Protection Code through themed inspections and mystery shopping exercises in 2008.
Finally, it is important to stress that consumer-focused inspections are only one of the methods employed by the Financial Regulator to ensure that regulated entities are compliant with regulatory requirements.
Tax Yield.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:143 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views with regard to the Exchequer returns for 2007 on the rapid deterioration to the tune of €3,883 million in the public finances, from an Exchequer surplus of €2,264.6 million in 2006 to an Exchequer deficit of €1,618.6 million in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2309/08]
The change in the public finances in 2007 compared with 2006 reflected firstly a significant increase in Government outlays across all public services and secondly a more moderate change in overall tax receipts reflecting the adjustment in economic conditions as the housing market commenced a return to more normal market conditions. The public finances are sound with a General Government surplus recorded in 2007 while a moderate deficit is envisaged this year. The General Government debt level is one of the lowest in the euro area.
Disabled Drivers.
Noel Coonan
Question:144 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he has met with representatives of disabled drivers in order that a phased programme of reform in tax concessions will be developed for implementation over a series of years. [2089/08]
I have received many representations regarding the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme. This scheme provides relief from VAT and Vehicle Registration Tax (up to a certain limit) on the purchase of an adapted car for transport of a person with specific severe and permanent physical disabilities.
The disability criteria for these concessions are set out in the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994. To get a Primary Medical Certificate, an applicant must be permanently and severely disabled within the terms of these Regulations.
As the Deputy will be aware, there was an interdepartmental review of the Scheme. However, given the scale and the scope of the scheme, any possible changes can only be made after careful consideration and with regard to the existing and prospective cost of the scheme and the available resources.
Flood Relief.
Denis Naughten
Question:145 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the plans the Office of Public Works have to carry out maintenance work on the River Shannon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2305/08]
The Commissioners of Public Works have no statutory responsibility for maintenance of the River Shannon. However, in light of the severe flooding last year and following consultations with interested parties, the Office of Public Works agreed to undertake flood relief works at Shannon Harbour, the stretch of the river known as the New Cut near Banagher and at Clonlara.
The works at Shannon Harbour, comprising the clearance of drains was completed last year. Work to remove extensive encroachment of tree growth into the New Cut was also completed last year.
Proposed removal of silt from the Shannon Cut requires consent from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). An application by OPW for consent to the proposed works is being processed at present. If consent is received, work will commence as early as possible subject to any relevant environmental and safety constraints.
A scheme to reduce flood risk at Clonlara has been identified. The works involved here also require consent from the NPWS and an application for consent is currently under consideration.
The Office of Public Works intends to undertake a Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Study of the River Shannon as part of a national programme of such studies and work on this study is expected to commence within the next year.
Question No. 146 answered with Question No. 111.
Financial Services.
Mary Upton
Question:147 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on the fact that not all credit unions are covered by the deposit protection scheme, known as the saving protection scheme, operated by the Irish League of Credit Unions; the measures he is taking to ensure the deposits of savers with credit unions are protected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2346/08]
The Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) has since 1989, operated a savings protection scheme (SPS) for credit unions. The SPS aims to protect the individual savings of members by ensuring that credit unions are financially and administratively sound and provides for savings protection for each individual credit union member.
ILCU have stated publicly that the savings protection scheme is open to all credit unions. It is important to note that under the SPS regime no member of a credit union has experienced any loss of shares and deposits and no credit union has become insolvent. The SPS has only been called upon in a very limited number of cases and it has never been necessary to make savings protection payments to individual credit union members. It is also important to note that sound prudential supervision by the Registrar of Credit Unions under the Credit Union Act, 1997 in ensuring the continuing solvency and liquidity of credit unions safeguards the interests of credit union savers.
In line with changes in the regulatory environment for financial services generally the need for modernisation of the credit union SPS has become evident over time. Section 46 of the Credit Union Act 1997 provides for approval of savings protection schemes by the Registrar of Credit Unions as the delegate of the Regulatory Authority. Once an approved scheme is in place under the Act it would be incumbent on all credit unions to participate. This highlights the importance of ensuring that an approved savings protection arrangement is consistent with the requirements of the credit union movement as a whole.
Proposals for reform of the SPS were the subject of discussions in early 2007 between the Registrar and ILCU. In November 2007 detailed proposals for the reform of SPS were submitted for approval. I have written to the Chairman of the Financial Regulator confirming my view that an approved savings protection scheme for all credit unions should be in place as soon as possible. In this respect the Chairman of the Financial Regulator has recently advised me that it is the intention of the Financial Regulator to deal with outstanding issues such as governance and funding arrangements for the scheme and to urgently find a solution to this issue. I will be monitoring progress towards this objective in the coming weeks.
Property Repossessions.
Jack Wall
Question:148 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on the recent increase in the number of house repossessions that have been executed by, or on behalf of, banks and financial institutions; the number of such repossessions for each year from 2002 to 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2349/08]
Recent figures issued by the Courts Service on new cases of this type entered in the High Court are provided below for the years 2002 to 2007. It should be noted that possession orders applied for are not always granted or implemented and they are not always issued against residential properties.
|
Year |
New Summonses issued |
Possession orders made* |
|
2007 |
465 |
no figure available at this time |
|
2006 |
311 |
199 |
|
2005 |
205 |
165 |
|
2004 |
134 |
183 |
|
2003 |
335 |
116 |
|
2002 |
229 |
— |
*Not all of these were associated necessarily with a mortgage.
The Deputy will appreciate that higher levels of court proceedings for property repossessions need to be interpreted with caution, given the variety of circumstances that give rise to such cases and the fact that not all of the proceedings relate to residential property. It should also be noted that even where orders are secured some are not enforced. The number of orders granted by the High Court are a very small proportion — representing less than 0.2% — of the number of new mortgages issued in the same year.
Unfortunately, a small minority of borrowers develop debt problems but house repossession is generally a last resort for lenders. I understand that member institutions of the Irish Banking Federation (IBF) have voluntarily adopted a Code of Practice on Mortgage Arrears and a Code of Practice for Personal Customers. These include provisions for helping customers in financial difficulty.
The Financial Regulator's Consumer Protection Code requires financial service providers to undertake suitability assessments before offering a product or service to consumers. In addition, the Code sets out the requirement that a regulated entity must contact the consumer as soon as it becomes aware that a mortgage account is in arrears and that they must have in place a procedure for handling accounts in arrears. In addition, from 1 January 2007 staff providing advice or selling mortgage loans must meet minimum competency requirements as laid down by the Financial Regulator.
As Minister for Finance I have consistently highlighted the need for responsible behaviour by both borrowers and lenders and in particular the need to factor into their financial decision making the effects of potential future changes in economic and financial conditions.
Question No. 149 answered with Question No. 111.
Benchmarking Awards.
Willie Penrose
Question:150 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on the recent report of the Public Service Benchmarking Body recommendation of no increases for the vast majority of public servants and the negative impact this may have on industrial relations harmony; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2312/08]
The Benchmarking Body has produced a report in accordance with its terms of reference. It is agreed between Government and the trade unions that the best approach to ensuring that individual public service grades are paid appropriately, is to compare all aspects of public sector jobs with their private sector equivalents.
Public service pay should neither lead nor fall behind market rates generally. Benchmarking provides that assurance, and is applied on top of the standard terms of national pay agreements, which apply in both the public and the private sector. Benchmarking, therefore, is an insurance policy for public service workers that they do not fall behind.
Given that the first Benchmarking Report established that an average 8.9% increase was required to restore reasonable parity with the private sector, and given that pay increases in the private sector have tended to reflect the terms of the national pay agreements since then, there should be no surprise that further increases are not generally warranted at this point. This is particularly the case given the increase, in relative terms, of the value of a public sector pension over what prevails in the private sector.
It was always envisaged that there would be issues to discuss after the Benchmarking Report in the context of the forthcoming pay talks. That will now happen. It is, however, scarcely credible that people will approach those talks on the basis that they have an entitlement to a higher increase than would otherwise arise simply because their salaries have not fallen behind the private sector over the past five years.
Tax Collection.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:151 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount of outstanding uncollected taxes; the proportion of same the Revenue Commissioners expect to recover; if new measures are planned to assist in the collection of outstanding taxes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2324/08]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that arrears of tax and duty amounted to €1,107 million as at 31st March 2007, which are the latest stable figures available.
Of the debt of €1,107m, €163m was under control. This means that the debt is being managed, generally through an agreed instalment arrangement where additional time to pay is given by Revenue. €402m was under active collection while €227m was at enforcement. This gives a total of €792m under active collection/enforcement or under control. The balance of €315m was under appeal and therefore not available for collection.
Collectible debt represents a snapshot of debt at a particular point in time [in this instance 31 March 2007] and is a constantly changing figure as additional debt arises and activity by Revenue results in debt being collected. The Revenue Commissioners estimate that, the collectible debt of €792m plus any additional charges that subsequently arise for the period involved, will be reduced by up to 97% by the end of 2011. The remaining balance will be under control, under appeal or at enforcement.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the strategies and methodologies adopted to achieve a reduction over a five-year period are the subject of annual review and evaluation that is carried out within the context of the business planning process. In addition Revenue's new Statement of Strategy 2008-2010, which will be finalised very shortly, will set out the broad direction and focus of Revenue with regard to debt management for the next three years and seek to build on the very good progress in debt reduction that has been achieved in recent years. Revenue debt as a percentage of gross collection is now one of the lowest of any tax administration.
Economic Growth.
Ciaran Lynch
Question:152 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his Department’s forecast for the expected level of economic growth for the full year of 2008; the way this compares with the forecast he gave in his Budget 2008 speech in December 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2315/08]
My Department's economic forecasts have not changed from those published on Budget day, when GDP growth of 3.0 per cent was projected for this year (GNP growth of 2.8 per cent).
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:153 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that the targets identified at Budget 2008 in respect of economic growth and inflation throughout 2008 are expected to be achieved in each quarter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2336/08]
On Budget day, 5 December 2007, my Department projected a GDP growth rate of 3.0 per cent and a GNP growth rate of 2.8 per cent for this year. Inflation on a harmonised basis was projected to rise by 2.4 per cent this year. These forecasts have not been changed.
As is the normal practice, all of these figures refer to the annual average rate of increase. My Department, in line with most institutions, does not publish quarterly projections.
Tax Code.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:154 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the constraints that directives from the European Union put on the ability of Ireland to make changes to the VAT regime here, including the State’s ability to make changes to the number of VAT bands and the rates which they are set at. [2394/08]
The position is that the VAT regime and indeed the rating of all goods and services are subject to the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. Whilst it would not be possible to provide a detailed breakdown of the complex rules and regulations governing VAT, the following summary addresses the specific points raised by the Deputy.
Under the EU VAT Directive, Member States may retain the zero rates on goods and services which were in place on 1 January 1991, but cannot extend the zero rate to new goods and services.
This means that since 1 January 1991 no additional goods or services can have the zero VAT rate applied to them. However, it is possible to move existing zero rated items, as appropriate, to either the reduced rate which in Ireland is 13.5% or the standard rate which is 21%. However, once moved, it would not be possible to revert them to the zero rate.
Member States may have up to two reduced VAT rates of not less than 5 per cent for a specified number of goods or services which are set out in Annex III of the EU VAT Directive. The goods and services in Annex III include certain foods, non-oral medicines, supply, construction and alteration of housing provided as part of a social policy, and newspapers and periodicals. Goods and services at the reduced rate may be moved to the standard rate, but only those listed in Annex III may be reverted from the standard rate to the reduced rate. Ireland, in common with the vast majority of Member States, only operates one reduced VAT rate.
In addition, Member States have the option of maintaining, at a reduced rate of not less than 12 per cent, any items not listed in Annex III, provided they carried the reduced rate on 1 January 1991. These items are considered to be ‘parked' and Ireland's parked rate is the same as our reduced rate of 13.5%. Domestic fuels, restaurant services and labour intensive services are examples of "parked" items.
Member States must apply a standard VAT rate of not less than 15% to goods and services that are not subject to VAT at the zero rate, are not ‘parked' and which are not listed in Annex III of the EU VAT Directive.
Joanna Tuffy
Question:155 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance when a vehicle imported by a non-Irish national working here becomes liable for registration with the Revenue Commissioners; the checks conducted to ensure that proper insurance cover is in place prior to registration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35140/07]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that as a general rule all vehicles imported permanently into the State must register for VRT purposes within seven days of arrival. This rule applies equally to vehicles imported by EU and non EU persons.
However, Section 135(a) of the Finance Act 1992 permits a European or other foreign registered vehicle which is temporarily brought into the State by a person established outside the State to be exempted from the requirement to register for vehicle registration tax purposes for a period normally not exceeding 12 months from the date upon which the vehicle concerned was brought into the State.
These provisions are in line with Article 39 of the EU Treaty which provides for the free movement of people within the EU. A reciprocal arrangement is also in place for our own State residents in other Member States.
The Deputy may wish to note that there is no legislative requirement to have insurance prior to registering a vehicle and that matters relating to car insurance are under the remit of the Department of Transport. In accordance with Section 56 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961, as amended, however; no mechanically propelled vehicle may be used in a public place without motor insurance to cover the cost of compensation for injury to persons or property."
Public Service Pay.
Emmet Stagg
Question:156 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the performance indicators used to quantify the bonuses of chief executives in each of the commercial State bodies for which the Cabinet recently approved new executive pay ranges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2332/08]
Performance-related pay for the Chief Executive Officers of the commercial State bodies is determined by reference to performance criteria drawn up by the Board of the relevant body in consultation with the parent Department. The Guidelines on contracts, remuneration and other conditions of CEOs of commercial State bodies provide that these performance criteria are required to:
comprise some, if not all, requirements which are of a long term nature;
be reviewed annually and be amended as necessary;
impose challenging and demanding performance standards on the Chief Executive;
give effect to the requirements of the shareholder;
take account of Government strategies including those outlined in the parent Minister's Department Statement of Strategy and
be expressed, as far as possible, in quantitative and measurable form.
In adopting the performance criteria, the Board must:
ensure that the Chief Executive will not be rewarded for results which are attributable primarily to external factors such as changes in the general economic climate;
consider the use of benchmarking criteria by reference to the performance of other commercial State bodies and relevant private sector bodies operating in the same or similar markets;
provide sufficient flexibility to respond to unforeseen major changes, positive or negative, which mean that the criteria are no longer relevant. This could include significant changes in the general economic climate, in the sector or market in which the commercial State body operates or in the regulatory regime for the sector.
Performance criteria are a matter for the Boards of the commercial State bodies themselves. The information sought by the Deputy is not available to my Department.
Tax Code.
Willie Penrose
Question:157 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he proposes amending the law in order to clarify the tax implications of receiving an interest free loan from an acquaintance and the responsibilities of the borrower in such a case vis-à-vis the Revenue Commissioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2313/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the position is, as follows:
Where an individual receives an interest free loan from his or her employer or from his or her spouse's employer a charge to income tax arises. Prior to 2004, the onus was on the employee to inform the Revenue Commissioners of the benefit accruing. However, since 2004, the employer collects the tax due on the benefit under the PAYE system.
A charge to income tax does not arise where an individual receives an interest free loan from an acquaintance who is not his or her employer.
As regards any potential capital acquisitions tax (CAT), the interest element of an interest free loan from an acquaintance is deemed to be a gift, generally valued by reference to prevailing interest rates.
In addition, as the Deputy may be aware, CAT legislation contains certain exemptions and tax free threshold amounts in respect of inheritances and gifts. These are the annual small gift exemption and the relationship threshold.
Under the annual small gift exemption, gifts of up to an aggregate value of €3,000 from any one person in any year are exempt from CAT. Where gifts are received from a number of individuals, the €3,000 exemption applies to the gifts from each person.
As regards the relationship threshold, each person is entitled to his or her CAT tax-free group threshold on top of the annual small gift exemption. The amount of this threshold is dependent on the relationship between the person receiving the gift and the person who made the gifts.
There are currently three relationship groups which are:
|
Group |
Relationship to Disponer |
Group Threshold |
|
€ |
||
|
A |
Son/Daughter |
521,208 |
|
B |
Parent/Brother/Sister/Niece/Nephew/Grandchild |
52,121 |
|
C |
Relationship other than Group A or B |
26,060 |
The responsibilities of a person receiving an interest free loan in relation to the Revenue Commissioners are that where the combined effect of gifts, including the notional interest element of interest free loans (and the value of each of which is in excess of the annual €3,000 exemption per donor), exceeds 80% of the relevant group threshold, the person is required to make a self-assessment Gift Tax return.
In calculating whether a person has received benefits of at least 80% of his or her tax-free group threshold, any other gifts and inheritances that the person might have received from within the same relationship group (i.e. from CAT Group C — "unrelated persons") since 5 December 1991 are also taken into account.
While CAT rules, as well as the rules governing all major tax heads, are kept under review in the context of the annual Budget and Finance Bill process, I have no plans to change the law at present.
Question No. 158 answered with Question No. 90.
Farm Holdings.
Michael Creed
Question:159 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Taoiseach the average size of Irish farm holdings in 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1020/08]
The following table shows the average size of farm (Agriculture Area Used (AAU)) in 1980, 1985, 1991, 1995, 2000 and 2005. Data for 1980, 1991 and 2000 are based on Censuses of Agriculture. The results for other years are based on Farm Structure Surveys.
|
Year |
Average Farm Size (AAU) (hectares) |
|
1980* |
22.6 |
|
1985* |
22.7 |
|
1991 |
26.0 |
|
1995 |
28.0 |
|
2000 |
31.4 |
|
2005 |
31.8 |
*Data for 1980 and 1985 are not directly comparable with the results from 1991 onwards, due to changes in coverage of smaller farms and the introduction of postal censuses/surveys.
Departmental Surveys.
Róisín Shortall
Question:160 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Taoiseach the purpose of the customer satisfaction survey (details supplied) being carried out for his Department; the number of people being surveyed; the way the persons who received survey forms were selected; the estimated cost of the survey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1035/08]
My Department's Customer Charter commits us to providing friendly, efficient and courteous service to our customers. In order to monitor our performance against this and other commitments in the Charter, we conduct an annual survey of our main customer groups, as well as using other evaluation mothods such as mystery shopping, customer feedback, interviews and focus groups. We then report on progress against the commitments in our Charter in our Annual Reports.
The results of previous surveys, carried out by the Department itself, have shown consistently high customer satisfaction ratings. While there is no evidence to suggest that these results do not represent a true picture of how our customers perceive us, it would nevertheless provide added re-assurance if they could be validated independently. This would ensure that the results can withstand external scrutiny and, hopefully, provide further confirmation that we continue to meet the commitments in our Charter.
Following a competitive tender, my Department commissioned an independent third party to conduct the 2007 customer satisfaction surveys. There were 966 people surveyed at a cost of €8,390.
There is a strong quality customer service structure within my Department which is supported at the highest level. The Quality Customer Service Sub Group, which reports to the Partnership Committee and has been in place for a number of years, is a useful platform to discuss, promote and facilitate customer service issues such as the customer satisfaction surveys.
This group acted as a steering group for the survey process and each member also acted as a "QCS Champion" or point of contact to assist with the development of a reliable sample size, by providing contact details for customers their particular division had dealt with over the previous twelve months.
These lists, along with customer information obtained from alternative sources, were amalgamated into a single database, representative of my Department's main customer groups. A random sample of this customer database was invited to participate in the survey.
Judicial Reviews.
Damien English
Question:161 Deputy Damien English asked the Taoiseach the cost to and the damages paid by the State in relation to judicial reviews that his Department were responsible for in each of the years 1997 to 2007 inclusive; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [1117/08]
Damien English
Question:162 Deputy Damien English asked the Taoiseach the number of applications for judicial review that his Department was responsible for in each of the years 1997 to 2007; the number of applications where leave was granted for each year; and if he will present the information in tabular readable form. [1132/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 161 and 162 together.
There have been no judicial reviews in the years 1997 to 2007 inclusive for my Department and consequently, no costs or damages were paid by the State in relation to such reviews.
Legislative Programme.
Dr Martin Mansergh
Question:163 Deputy Martin Mansergh asked the Taoiseach the number of Acts passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas sponsored by his Department in each year from 2003 to 2007; the Acts which were legislation wholly or mainly required by Ireland’s EU obligations, which were partly so required, and which had no significant or minimal reference to EU legislation; and if in the first two cases Ireland had significant discretion, as to the manner in which EU obligations were translated into domestic law. [1203/08]
There were 4 Acts sponsored by my Department from 2003 to 2007. They were the Interpretation Act, 2005, Statute Law Revision (pre-1922) Act, 2005, the National Economic and Social Development Office Act, 2006 and the Statute Law Revision Act, 2007. None of these Acts was legislation wholly or mainly required by Ireland's EU obligations. The nature of my Department is such that it would be relatively unusual for it to be the sponsor of legislation implementing EU law.
Committee Meetings.
Olwyn Enright
Question:164 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Taoiseach the number of times in the past three years that the Cabinet Committee on Children met. [1446/08]
The Cabinet Committee on Children met three times during 2005. Arrangements were reviewed following the establishment of the Office of the Minister for Children in December 2005 and it was agreed that children's issues would be dealt with by the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion which was renamed the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion and Children. That Committee continues to meet on a regular basis and held its last meeting on 24 October, 2007.
Data Protection.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:165 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Taoiseach the number of Department owned computer desktops or laptops or other data devices, such as blackberries and memory keys, reported lost, missing or stolen from his Department in each year from 2002 to 2007; the number of these that were later recovered or found; the number still missing; if any sensitive or private data was compromised; the measures in place within his Department to secure such portable or at risk data devices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1520/08]
A small amount of computer equipment has been reported lost or stolen in the period specified (as outlined in the table below).
A number of measures are in place in my Department to protect private and sensitive data. Users supplied with Departmental equipment are issued with guidance to ensure devices are secured appropriately. All laptops issued by the Department have encrypted hard drives and store no data locally. Strong authentication methods, in addition to simple username and password, are in place to prevent unauthorised access to these devices. Mobile devices can be, and are, disabled immediately by my staff, on notification that they are lost or stolen.
My Department continually reviews and updates procedures and products to secure portable machines and devices to the highest levels.
|
Year |
Devices reported lost /stolen |
Devices Recovered |
|
2002 |
1 |
0 |
|
2003 |
3 |
0 |
|
2004 |
1 |
1 |
|
2005 |
1 |
1 |
|
2006 |
2 |
0 |
|
2007 |
1 |
1 |
Official Engagements.
Enda Kenny
Question:166 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Taoiseach the cost of his recent visit to Africa; the mode of transport used; the dates of travel; the persons who accompanied him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1619/08]
I travelled to South Africa from 13th to 15th January and to Tanzania from 15th to 18th January, 2008. The purpose of the visits were to further develop Irish-South African bilateral relations and promote business links between our two countries and to visit Irish Aid funded development projects in both South Africa and Tanzania.
The official delegation included Mr. Micheál Martin, T.D., Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment who accompanied me for the visit to South Africa and Mr. Michael Kitt, T.D., Minister of State for Overseas Development, who travelled to both South Africa and Tanzania. The official delegation included the Ambassador of Ireland to South Africa and the Ambassador of Ireland to Tanzania. The remainder of the official delegation included the Government Press Secretary and senior officials of my Department and of the Department of Foreign Affairs (including Irish Aid), the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and appropriate security personnel.
I was accompanied to South Africa for the trade element of the visit by representatives from Irish Economic Agencies including Enterprise Ireland, Tourism Ireland, Bord Bia and IDA Ireland. I was also accompanied by a media delegation with representatives from RTE and the print media.
A full list of my official delegation and the accompanying delegations to both South Africa and Tanzania is set out below for the Deputy's information.
The delegation travelled to and from Africa by commercial flights. An aircraft was chartered for internal travel within Africa, following a tendering procedure carried out by the Department of Defence.
The visit to Africa was managed with a view to both economy and efficiency. As Head of Government, I was a guest of the respective governments of South Africa and Tanzania. My Department, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment are responsible for the travel and hospitality costs for the official delegation and the accompanying delegation, the security delegation and for the internal travel costs within Africa and hospitality for the media delegation. The economic agencies cover their own costs. It is too early to give a figure for the total cost of the visit as accounts with many suppliers (e.g. travel, hotels and catering) have yet to be finalised and the allocation of costs between Departments has to be completed. My Department's outcome will not be settled for some weeks to come.
I do, however, give an undertaking to the Deputy that full details of the cost of the visit will be supplied to him once the accounts have been finalised.
Taoiseach's visit to South Africa
13-15 January 2008
Official Delegation
Mr. Bertie Ahern T.D., Taoiseach
Mr. Mícheál Martin, T.D., Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Mr. Michael Kitt, T.D., Minister of State for Overseas Development, Department of Foreign Affairs
H.E. Mr. Colin Wrafter, Ambassador of Ireland to South Africa
Ms. Aisling de Búrca, Spouse
Ms. Mary Whelan, Assistant Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs
Mr. Brendan Rogers, Assistant Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs
Mr. John Callinan, Assistant Secretary, Department of the Taoiseach
Mr. Eoghan Ó Neachtain, Government Press Secretary
Ms. Angela O'Farrell, Counsellor, Department of Foreign Affairs
Mr. Richard Holland, Principal Officer, Department of the Taoiseach
Ms. Anne Webster, Principal Officer, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Mr. Jeremiah Joseph (Jerry) O'Connor, Special Advisor to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Mr. James McIntyre, Assistant Chief of Protocol, Department of Foreign Affairs
Accompanying Delegation
Ms. Lorraine Sweeney, Member of Advisory Board of Irish Aid
Mr. David Feeney, Private Secretary to the Taoiseach
Ms. Olive Melvin, Personal Assistant to the Taoiseach
Mr. Eddie Walsh, Government Press Officer
Ms. Bridget Flynn, Private Secretary to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Ms. Sheila Duffy, Private Secretary to the Minister of State for Overseas Development
Ms. Jane McCulloch, Protocol Officer, Department of Foreign Affairs
Mr. Mark O'Sullivan, Protocol Officer, Department of Foreign Affairs
Mr. Tony Maxwell, Official Photographer
Economic Agencies
Mr. Frank Ryan, Chief Executive Officer, Enterprise Ireland
Mr. Paul O'Toole, Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Ireland
Mr. Aidan Cotter, Chief Executive Officer, Bord Bia
Mr. Barry O'Leary, Chief Executive Officer, IDA Ireland
Media Delegation
Mr. David Davin-Power, RTÉ
Mr. Magnus Kelly (Cameraman), RTÉ
Mr. Shaun Connolly, Irish Examiner
Mr. Mark Hennessy, Irish Times
Mr. Ciarán Byrne, Irish Independent
Mr. John Lee, Irish Mail on Sunday
Security Delegation
Detective Inspector Patrick B. Gilchrist, International Liaison and Protection Office
Detective Garda John Byrne, Personal Protection Officer
Detective Garda John Downey, Personal Protection Officer
Taoiseach's visit to Tanzania
15-18 January 2008
Official Delegation
Mr. Bertie Ahern T.D., Taoiseach
Mr. Michael Kitt T.D., Minister of State for Overseas Development, Department of Foreign Affairs
Mr. Brendan Rogers, Assistant Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs
Mr. John Callinan, Assistant Secretary, Department of the Taoiseach
Mr. Eoghan Ó Neachtain, Government Press Secretary
Mr. Richard Holland, Principal Officer, Department of the Taoiseach
Mr. James McIntyre, Assistant Chief of Protocol, Department of Foreign Affairs
Ms. Marcella Smyth, First Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs
Accompanying Delegation
Ms. Lorraine Sweeney, Member of Advisory Board of Irish Aid
Mr. David Feeney, Private Secretary to the Taoiseach
Ms. Olive Melvin, Personal Assistant to the Taoiseach
Mr. Eddie Walsh, Government Press Officer
Ms. Sheila Duffy, Private Secretary to the Minister of State for Overseas Development
Ms. Jane McCulloch, Protocol Officer, Department of Foreign Affairs
Mr. Mark O'Sullivan, Protocol Officer, Department of Foreign Affairs
Mr. Tony Maxwell, Official Photographer
Media Delegation
Mr. David Davin-Power, RTÉ
Mr. Magnus Kelly (Cameraman), RTÉ
Mr. Shaun Connolly, Irish Examiner
Mr. Mark Hennessy, Irish Times
Mr. John Lee, Irish Mail on Sunday
Security Delegation
Detective Inspector Patrick B. Gilchrist, International Liaison and Protection Office
Detective Garda John Byrne, Personal Protection Officer
Detective Garda John Downey, Personal Protection Officer
Data Protection.
Damien English
Question:167 Deputy Damien English asked the Taoiseach the number of and the records kept by his Department of attempted hacking or suspected cyber attacks or other malicious computer security breaches committed against his Department’s computer systems. [1731/08]
My Department's computer systems are protected against security breaches through the use of industry standard security procedures and products. These products produce reports on attempted and actual security breaches. There have been no reported or attempted attacks on my Department's computer systems.
We continually monitor and update our security procedures and products to ensure that a high level of protection is always in place.
Departmental Expenditure.
Enda Kenny
Question:168 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Taoiseach the amount spent by his Department on media monitoring or press cutting services for each of the years 2002 to 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1989/08]
The following table outlines the costs of the Communications Unit in respect of my Department for the years 2002 to 2007 inclusive.
|
Year |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
Total |
€97,218 |
€125,588 |
€118,241 |
€135,183 |
€162,275 |
€129,709 |
Departmental Funding.
Seán Barrett
Question:169 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Taoiseach his views on the successful Age Action Ireland Getting Started information technology training course for older people, which is currently running in libraries in the greater Dublin area; his further views on supporting the extension of this programme for the benefit and empowerment of older people nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2051/08]
The Age Action Ireland "Getting Started" project was funded in 2006 and 2007 under the ASC (Access, Skills and Content) Initiative. The ASC Initiative, previously called the eInclusion Fund, provides funding to voluntary, not-for-profit organisations for projects to support the participation of late adopters of technology in an inclusive knowledge society.
The "Getting Started" programme is an ICT instructional programme for older people which involves a basic training module in using a computer, accessing the Internet and using applications (such as MS Word). Under the programme Circle of Friends support groups are established from the trainees to support other older people in ICT skills, facilitated by support teams from corporate partners, including Hibernian and IBM. Funding was provided to Age Action Ireland in 2006 to pilot the programme in Galway and Dublin, on the basis that additional funding would be sought from the corporate partners to sustain and develop the programme. In 2007 further funding was given to expand the programme in Dublin and Galway, and to introduce it in Donegal, Monaghan, Mayo, Kerry, Cork and Kildare.
Initial reports of the "Getting Started" programme are positive. Staff at the ISPU (Information Society Policy Unit) in my Department will be focusing on a number of the initiatives funded under the ASC Initiative, including "Getting Started", to assess the extent of the benefits being achieved for the target groups and to identify best practice. I would hope and expect that Age Action Ireland's "Getting Started" programme will emerge as an example of good practice. Funding support for further initiatives under ASC or its successor will have regard to the findings of the project assessments.
Up to €3m has been provided in the Department of the Taoiseach Vote this year for the funding of eInclusion initiatives, including the Seniors Outreach Programme which will show older people how computers, the internet and mobile phones can be relevant and useful to them.
I will be looking at a number of ways of assisting older people to embrace the knowledge society.
Population Statistics.
John Deasy
Question:170 Deputy John Deasy asked the Taoiseach the population of the border, midland, west, Dublin, mid-east, mid-west, south east and south west regions of the country. [2108/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the following table, which has been taken from the Census of Population 2006.
|
Regional Authority Area |
Persons |
Males |
Females |
|
Border |
468,375 |
235,963 |
232,412 |
|
Dublin |
1,187,176 |
582,557 |
604,619 |
|
Mid-East |
475,360 |
239,746 |
235,614 |
|
Midland |
251,664 |
127,738 |
123,926 |
|
Mid-West |
361,028 |
182,296 |
178,732 |
|
South-East |
460,838 |
232,126 |
228,712 |
|
South-West |
621,130 |
311,455 |
309,675 |
|
West |
414,277 |
209,290 |
204,987 |
|
State |
4,239,848 |
2,121,171 |
2,118,677 |
Household Incomes.
John Deasy
Question:171 Deputy John Deasy asked the Taoiseach the disposable per capita household income in each of the years 2003 to 2007 in the border, midland, west, Dublin, mid-east, mid-west, south east and south west regions of the country; and if he will make a statement on the relative performance of the south east. [2109/08]
Estimates of disposable income per capita for the years 2003 and 2004 are provided below. It is expected that the 2005 estimates will be available in February of this year. These data show that disposable incomes per person in the South East region were €16,470 in 2003 and €17,126 in 2004. These are equivalent to 91.3 per cent of the state average in 2003 and 91.2 per cent of the state average in 2004.
|
Per Capita Disposable Income |
Indices of per Capita Disposable Income (State = 100) |
|||
|
Region |
2003 |
2004 |
2003 |
2004 |
|
€ |
€ |
|||
|
Border |
16,392 |
17,328 |
90.9 |
92.3 |
|
Midland |
16,645 |
17,280 |
92.3 |
92.0 |
|
West |
16,948 |
17,852 |
94.0 |
95.1 |
|
Dublin |
20,381 |
20,988 |
113.0 |
111.8 |
|
Mid East |
17,926 |
18,427 |
99.4 |
98.1 |
|
Mid West |
17,656 |
18,828 |
97.9 |
100.3 |
|
South East |
16,470 |
17,126 |
91.3 |
91.2 |
|
South West |
17,466 |
18,301 |
96.8 |
97.4 |
Figures on per capita disposable income are available in the annual release "County Incomes and Regional GDP" published by the CSO. The most significant element of disposable income is wages and salaries and consequently the relative positions of counties and regions are largely determined by salary levels in the geographical areas concerned compared to the state average wage or salary.
Data Protection.
Simon Coveney
Question:172 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Taoiseach the details of all instances since 1 June 2002 where personal data held by his Department or any agency under its auspices were compromised in any way; if the review by his Department of data security procedures announced on 22 November 2007 is completed; and the findings of that review in terms both of prior shortcomings and of future actions. [2168/08]
No personal data held by my Department has been compromised in any way since June 2002.
Dublin-Monaghan Bombings.
Finian McGrath
Question:173 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Taoiseach if he will call on the British Government to provide access to all of the original documents relating to the atrocities that occurred in the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of 1974. [2217/08]
I have consistently called on the British Government to cooperate fully with inquiries which were established in this jurisdiction into the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of 1974. Both the Barron Inquiry and the Commission of Investigation in their reports commented on the reluctance of the British authorities to provide access to original documentation on security grounds and, of course, I regret that such material was not provided.
Departmental Strategies.
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:174 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Taoiseach when the new strategy for managing the development of e-Government will be completed; the reason no formal strategy has been in place since 2005 as highlighted in the Comptroller and Auditors General’s recent report on e-Government which shows significant wastage of taxpayers’ moneys spent on e-Government projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2378/08]
Since the publication of the last action plan for the Information Society, there has been significant progress on a number of fronts, including eGovernment. Work is underway on the preparation of a new Knowledge Society Action Plan which will take account of developments since the last plan. This work is being coordinated by the Information Society Policy Unit in the Department of the Taoiseach who are taking inputs from other Government Departments and Offices.
The new plan will recognise that technology is a significant enabler of change and transformation and will contain a number of targeted initiatives to promote access to, create awareness of and encourage application and use of new technologies in society, government and business. In relation to technology in government, the new plan will take cognisance of the very positive impacts on public service delivery that have already been made in the many very successful projects, as well as having regard to the recommendations in the C&AG Report. The new plan will also take account of the review of Reach and the Public Services Broker, and the forthcoming OECD Review of the Public Service in Ireland, both of which have yet to be finalised.
Decentralisation Programme.
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:175 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Taoiseach the number of civil and other public servants based in Dublin in his Department and agencies who have applied for decentralisation, who have been transferred to their decentralisation post and are currently in position in the decentralised location outside Dublin; the number of civil and other public servants required for decentralisation under the plans; the original and expected date for full decentralisation to be in place; the locations together with details of properties and land owned, purchased or planning permission sought for the construction of premises for decentralisation; the costs incurred to date; the original budgeted for and expected actual costs to be incurred for decentralisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2379/08]
Joan Burton
Question:177 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach the number of civil servants and other public servants, who have relocated to locations outside of Dublin under the Government’s decentralisation programme; the estimated number of each category who will have relocated by the end of 2008; the breakdown of each set of figures in terms of those who are relocating from Dublin and relocating from elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2997/08]
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:178 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Taoiseach the number of civil servants and other public servants who have decentralised as at 31 December 2006 and the current date broken down into individual Government Departments and agencies; the number required for full decentralisation, broken down under individual Departmental and agencies plans; the number of currently decentralised locations in operation; the agencies with no progress; the values of properties purchased and sold in respect of the decentralisation process to date; the other costs incurred to date with the decentralisation process, broken down by category; the number of Departmental staff involved in administrating the decentralisation process since its inception; the number of planning applications in progress in relation to building decentralised premises and planning applications to be submitted, broken down by location and planning submission date; the original budgeted and the expected total costs to be incurred for decentralisation; his further proposals in this regard; the expected date for completion of the full decentralisation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3011/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 175, 177 and 178 together.
32 staff currently serving in my Department have applied through the Central Applications Facility to relocate under the Decentralisation Programme.
The breakdown by grade is:
|
Grade |
Number |
|
Principal Officer |
1 |
|
Assistant Principal |
5 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
3 |
|
Administrative Officer |
7 |
|
Executive Officer |
6 |
|
Staff Officer |
1 |
|
Clerical Officer |
9 |
16 former members of staff have already been assigned to decentralised posts.
The locations to which staff from my Department have applied for relocation include:
Arts, Sport and Tourism — Killarney
Social and Family Affairs — Drogheda, Letterkenny, Buncrana, Donegal and Sligo
Transport — Loughrea
Enterprise, Trade and Employment — Carlow
Agriculture and Food — Portlaoise, Galway and Navan
Education and Science — Mullingar and Athlone
Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs — Knock Airport
Defence — Newbridge
Finance — Tullamore
Communications, Energy & Natural Resources — Clonakilty
OPW — Trim and Claremorris
Revenue Commissioners — Ennis, Tralee and Athy
Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSI) — Dungarvan
National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) — Arklow
Probation and Welfare Service — Navan
National Roads Authority — Ballinasloe
National Educational Welfare Board — Portarlington
Development Co-Operation Ireland — Limerick
Sustainable Energy Ireland — Dundalk
Garda HQ — Thurles
Area Development Management (ADM) — Clifden
Valuation Office — Youghal
Prison Service HQ — Longford
Central Fisheries Board — Carrick-on-Shannon
It is a matter for those Departments to which staff from my Department have decentralised to assign such staff to locations outside of Dublin.
70 staff from Central Statistics Office (CSO) in Dublin applied for decentralisation. Out of these, 19 have been transferred to their decentralisation posts. The CSO has no record as to whether they are currently in position in the decentralised location outside Dublin. The CSO itself is not part of the Government Decentralisation Programme.
Transfer dates are currently being organised for 3 further staff members. Of the remaining CSO applicants, 2 have been redeployed in Departments in Dublin, 2 have resigned and 1 has taken up a position in Brussels.
The Deputy will be aware that there are no proposals to decentralise my Department or any of the bodies under its aegis and accordingly the information sought regarding offices does not apply.
Equal Opportunities Employment.
David Stanton
Question:176 Deputy David Stanton asked the Taoiseach further to Parliamentary Question No. 281 of 23 May 2006, if he is satisfied that his Department has met the 3% employment quota for people with disabilities; the percentage of people with disabilities employed in his Department; the number of people with disabilities hired from outside the civil service for each of the years from 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2595/08]
I am satisfied that my Department has met the 3% employment quota for people with disabilities. As of 31 December, 2007, of the 210 staff surveyed in my Department, 7.1% voluntarily disclosed that they had a disability.
Staff are recruited to my Department through the Public Appointments Service on the basis that they meet the requirements of the positions they are to fill.
Recruitment, promotion, training and other benefits or opportunities are decided on objective criteria including the qualifications and suitability of the applicant.
In line with other Departments, we follow the guidelines set out in the Department of Finance's Code of Practice for the Employment of People with Disabilities in the Civil Service.
Questions Nos. 177 and 178 answered with Question No. 175.
Disabled Drivers.
Bernard Allen
Question:179 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will investigate the situation of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [1000/08]
The Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme provides relief from VAT and VRT (up to certain limit) on the purchase of a car adapted for the transport of a person with specific severe and permanent physical disabilities to those who meet certain disability criteria.
The disability criteria for eligibility for the tax concessions under this scheme are set out in the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994. To get the Primary Medical Certificate, an applicant must be severely and permanently disabled and satisfy one of the following conditions:
(a)be wholly or almost wholly without the use of both legs;
(b)be wholly without the use of one leg and almost wholly without the use of the other leg such that the applicant is severely restricted as to movement of the lower limbs;
(c)be without both hands or without both arms;
(d)be without one or both legs;
(e)be wholly or almost wholly without the use of both hands or arms and wholly or almost wholly without the use of one leg; and
(f)have the medical condition of dwarfism and have serious difficulties of movement of the lower limbs.
The Senior Medical Officer (SMO) for the relevant local Health Service Executive administrative area makes a professional clinical determination as to whether an individual applicant satisfies the medical criteria. An unsuccessful applicant can appeal the decision of the SMO to the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal, National Rehabilitation Hospital, Rochestown Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin which makes a new clinical determination in respect of the individual. I would point out that the Medical Board of Appeal is independent in the exercise of its functions.
Airport Customs Controls.
Martin Ferris
Question:180 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the extent to which private airfields may have been used for the importation of illegal drugs into this jurisdiction over the past five years. [1006/08]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the control of import points, including private airfields, for the prevention of the smuggling of illegal drugs is primarily the responsibility of the Customs Service of the Revenue Commissioners.
The Revenue Commissioners are aware of the seizure of a substantial amount of heroin in Belgium in 2006 and reported links between that seizure and an aircraft based at a licensed aerodrome in this jurisdiction. However, I am advised that neither the Customs Service, nor the Gardaí, with whom Customs work in close co-operation and share intelligence, have evidence that private airfields have been used for the importation of supply quantities of illegal drugs over the past five years.
The Commissioners also advise me that while there have been no supply quantities of illegal drugs detected, there have been 29 seizures during that period, of which 11 occurred in 2007, by Customs of small "own use" quantities of drugs from passengers at some of the relatively smaller airports/aerodromes, including Ireland West Knock, Waterford, Kerry and Galway.
In 2007 the Customs Service carried out an extensive review of controls at private airfields and have implemented the recommendations arising from that review. The Commissioners are satisfied that the existing controls are effective and proportionate and in line with best international practice.
Both Customs and Gardaí meet regularly and work closely together to improve co-operation with the operators of small aerodromes and to help them prevent the use of their facilities by persons involved in international drug trafficking.
Statutory Instruments.
Dr Martin Mansergh
Question:181 Deputy Martin Mansergh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of statutory instruments issued by the Government in 2007; and the number of same that were issued in order to implement EU legislation or decisions. [1296/08]
The Office of Public Works Government Publications Sales Office is responsible for coordinating the SI process. This includes the maintenance of a database and issuing the S.I. number. The database contains details of all SIs issued, whether by Central Government Departments or other Bodies entitled to issue SIs. Eight Hundred and Sixty Statutory Instruments were issued in 2007.
The database holds a complete record of the SI title. However, there is no provision for recording if an SI was issued in order to implement EU legislation or decisions. This detailed information would be a matter for the issuing Department or Body.
Motor Taxation.
Phil Hogan
Question:182 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the arrangements for all imported cars into the State in relation to the new emissions based VRT regime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1448/08]
Under the revised VRT system, the VRT rate applicable to both new and used imported cars registered on or after 1 July 2008 will be determined by the CO2 emission rating of the car and will no longer be related to engine size.
As outlined in Annex D to the Summary of 2008 Budget Measures, in respect of pre-owned used cars imported after 1 July 2008, the CO2 emissions will have to be declared to the Revenue Commissioners on form VRT4 (declaration for registration of a used vehicle) by the person registering the vehicle.
The declaration will be required to be supported by documentary evidence of the CO2 emissions. Acceptable documentary evidence (provided the CO2 emissions is shown) will include:
a certificate of conformity for the particular model, (since 2001, EU law requires CO2 emission levels to be recited in this document), or
a previous registration certificate, or
a certificate from the manufacturer or distributor, or
a certificate from an organisation approved by the Revenue Commissioners to provide such certificates.
Where a certificate or a measurement confirming CO2 levels for a vehicle is not available or does not satisfy the Revenue Commissioners, VRT will be charged on registration at the maximum rate allowable i.e. 36%. Such a VRT rating would be open to appeal through the VRT appeals system.
Legislative provision for the revised VRT system will be included in the Finance Bill and further details regarding registration procedures and requirements will be set out in a Statutory Instrument.
Benchmarking Awards.
Arthur Morgan
Question:183 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on the CPSU’s decision to recommend to its members the rejection of the methodology behind benchmarking, after the union’s members failed to receive pay increases in 2008. [1735/08]
I should point out that the current public service pay agreement under Towards 2016 provides for two pay increases for the public service in 2008 subject to the Performance Verification process, a 2.5% increase with effect from 1 March 2008 and a further 2.5% increase with effect from 1 September 2008.
I am aware that the CPSU is conducting a ballot on the benchmarking process and that the Executive Committee has recommended that the methodology adopted by the Benchmarking Body be rejected.
The public service pay agreement under Towards 2016 provides that there would be no cost increasing claims by trade unions other than the general rounds provided for by paragraph 27.17 and any possible benchmarking increases under paragraph 27.20. All increases due under the agreement have been paid to date.
I consider that the CPSU as a constituent union of the ICTU was a party to the terms of reference agreed for the Benchmarking Body. Towards 2016 provides that the outcome of the benchmarking process will be discussed by the parties in the context of discussions on whatever arrangements on pay and conditions are to be put in place on the expiry of the current public service pay agreement.
It is reasonable for the Government to expect all public service unions to adhere to the terms of the agreements which have been reached.
Tax Yield.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:184 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the level of excise duty collected in 2006 and 2007 from off-course betting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1820/08]
I have been informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the receipts from the betting duty from off-course betting are as follows:
2006 — €54.29m
2007 — €36.37m (estimate).
The decrease in yield for 2007 arose from the reduction in the betting duty from 2% to 1% with effect from 1 July 2006.
Departmental Payments.
Michael Ring
Question:185 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the position regarding the money received by his Department in respect of the Department of Health and Children from a sector (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1929/08]
Michael Ring
Question:186 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the payments being received annually in each of the past three years by his Department in respect of the Department of Health and Children for accommodating telecommunications masts on buildings, giving details of the payments received for each mast location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1934/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 185 and 186 together.
All the payments accruing from the erection of masts on the roof of Hawkins House, where my Department's Headquarters are located, are paid directly to the Office of Public Works, the owners of the building.
The position regarding masts erected on Health Service Executive (HSE) buildings is an operational matter for the HSE. I have forwarded the above Questions to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
Motor Taxation.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:187 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the plans, following the new VRT emissions-based system, in place to fairly calculate and levy VRT charges on the emissions caused by similar new cars being imported from the UK and other jurisdictions after 1 July 2008, in view of the fact that as it currently stands identical new cars with equal emissions will be taxed differently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2007/08]
Vehicle registration tax chargeable on the registration of all category A vehicles, whether new or a used import, in the State on or after 1 July 2008 will be by reference to the vehicle's:
(1) level of CO2 emissions as contained in the relevant EC certificate of conformity or EC type approval certificate, and
(2) open market selling price (OMSP) as declared by an authorised distributor in the State.
The new taxbase will, as already stated, apply to all category A vehicles being registered, whether they are sourced in the State, the UK or any other jurisdiction.
I would draw the Deputy's attention to the fact that VRT is a once-off payment made upon the registration of a vehicle. Matters relating to the annual motor tax fall under the remit of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
Tax Code.
Ciaran Lynch
Question:188 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will confirm that where a landlord is resident outside the State, that a tenant is required to discharge the landlord’s tax liability in respect of rental income by forwarding 20% of the rent due to the Revenue Commissioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2178/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that where rents are paid directly to a person who is resident outside the State, the tenant is obliged to deduct income tax at the standard rate of 20% from the rental payment and to give the landlord a certificate of the tax deducted. Direct payments include a situation where rent is paid into a bank account in the name of the non-resident landlord. The tenant is then required to make a return and pay to Revenue the tax that he or she has deducted from the rent. The landlord is entitled to a credit for the tax deducted by the tenant against his or her final rental income tax liability and is obliged to pay any additional tax that may be due.
The tenant is not responsible for discharging the landlord's liability to tax on rental income. Instead, the withholding of tax on rental income by tenants of non-resident landlords is primarily a control measure. It is designed to promote greater compliance in this area having regard to the obvious risk factors associated with non-resident taxpayers. Where it applies, it provides in a very direct manner, valuable information for Revenue which might otherwise be difficult to obtain.
Where rent is paid to an Irish agent of a non-resident landlord, such as an Irish-based estate agent acting on behalf of the non-resident landlord, the tenant is not required to deduct income tax from the rent payable. In such cases, the non-resident landlord is chargeable to tax in the name of the Irish agent.
Motor Taxation.
David Stanton
Question:189 Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the efforts his Department is making to ensure that all cars brought into the country by foreign nationals for use here are registered, taxed and insured here in line with legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2575/08]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that as a general rule all vehicles imported permanently into the State must register for VRT purposes within seven days of arrival. This rule applies equally to vehicles imported by EU and non EU persons.
However, Section 135 (a) of the Finance Act 1992 permits a European or other foreign registered vehicle which is temporarily brought into the State by a person established outside the State to be exempted from the requirement to register for vehicle registration tax purposes for a period normally not exceeding 12 months from the date upon which the vehicle concerned was brought into the State.
These provisions are in line with Article 39 of the EU Treaty which provides for the free movement of people within the EU. The Deputy may wish to note that a reciprocal arrangement is also in place for our own State residents in fellow Member States.
With regard to enforcement activity in the State, Revenue mobile units and the Garda Siochana continue to monitor both Irish and foreign registered vehicles on our roads.
In this regard in 2007, Revenue mobile units challenged 15,417 vehicles in the State. Of these, 10,325 satisfied Revenue officials that the registration status was in order at that particular time. 2,313 vehicles were registered for VRT purposes as a direct consequence of these investigations. In the remaining cases, prosecutions, seizures, granting of temporary exemptions/transfers of residence, vehicle exportations or scrappages took place on foot of Revenue enforcement activity.
The Deputy may also wish to note that there is no legislative requirement to have insurance prior to registering a vehicle. However, in accordance with Section 56 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, as amended, no mechanically propelled vehicle may be used in a public place without motor insurance to cover the cost of compensation for injury to persons or property.
Question No. 190 answered with Question No. 123.
Public Sector Contracts.
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:191 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the procedures in place to enable small and medium enterprises to compete for public sector contracts and deliver value for money to the taxpayer following consultations with various stakeholders up to 20 June 2007; when the report on improving SME access to public procurement will be published by the national public procurement policy unit; when its recommendations will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2382/08]
Government recognises the contribution and the value for money that small businesses can provide in public procurement and encourages participation to the greatest extent possible. The consultation with stakeholders carried out during 2007 was undertaken to identify the issues that impacted on the small business sector in the current public procurement market. It did not envisage publication of a report; the purpose was to invite responses which identified perceived problems and consider possible practical solutions.
Significant measures have been introduced which make it easier to bid for public contracts. A national public procurement website (www.etenders.gov.ie) was developed by my Department in recent years where all significant public sector contracts are now advertised. This central facility, which is available free of charge, increases transparency and greatly facilitates access to public sector contracts for all suppliers. Figures show a steady increase in the number of registered suppliers competing for business. The small and medium enterprise (SME) sector has been actively targeted through a marketing campaign and suppliers now receive free email alerts to tender notices of interest to them. Two workshops were organised by the National Public Procurement Policy Unit (NPPPU) during 2007 to highlight opportunities and inform suppliers on up to date developments on the public tendering website. The Unit also participates regularly in SME public procurement events arranged by other stakeholders, such as other public sector agencies and business representative organisations.
Recent guidelines issued by the NPPPU on implementing new framework arrangements, involving aggregation of requirements, encourages authorities to ensure that where smaller enterprises can meet requirements or compete for particular lots, the terms of the framework facilitate their inclusion. Further measures to address the issues identified in consultation with stakeholders, such as other possible measures to simplify the public tendering process, will be undertaken as appropriate.
Decentralisation Programme.
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:192 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of civil servants and other public servants who have decentralised as at 31 December 2006 and the current date broken down into individual Government Departments and agencies; the number required for full decentralisation, broken down under individual Departmental and agencies plans; the number of currently decentralised locations in operation; the agencies with no progress; the values of properties purchased and sold in respect of the decentralisation process to date; the other costs incurred to date with the decentralisation process, broken down by category; the number of Departmental staff involved in administrating the decentralisation process since its inception; the number of planning applications in progress in relation to building decentralised premises and planning applications to be submitted, broken down by location and planning submission date; the original budgeted and the expected total costs to be incurred for decentralisation; his further proposals in this regard; the expected date for completion of the full decentralisation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2384/08]
The following table shows the number of posts in my Department and in the agencies under the aegis of my Department which will be decentralising, the decentralised location, the number of posts which have decentralised as at 31 December 2006, the number who have decentralised to date; the indicative completion date for each location and the number of Departmental staff involved in administrating the decentralisation programme:
|
Location |
Number of Posts |
Numbers moved at end 2006 |
Numbers moved to date |
Indicative completion date for each location |
Number of Departmental staff currently involved in administering the programme |
|
Department of Finance |
|||||
|
Tullamore |
130 |
108 |
123 |
End 2008 |
10 of which 8 are in the Central Decentralisation Unit |
|
Kildare |
Approx 30 |
0 |
0 — It is proposed to move approximately 30 staff to Co. Kildare during 2008. |
2008 |
|
|
Revenue Commrs. |
|||||
|
Newcastle West |
50 |
45 — to temporary accommodation in Limerick |
48 — to temporary accommodation in Limerick |
2008 |
3.5 |
|
Kilrush |
50 |
0 |
57 |
Completed |
|
|
Listowel |
50 |
0 |
51 |
Completed |
|
|
Athy |
250 |
0 |
46 |
2010 |
|
|
Navan |
100 |
0 |
80 |
Q1 2008 |
|
|
Kildare |
380 |
0 |
0 |
Site yet to be acquired |
|
|
Public Appts. Service |
|||||
|
Youghal |
100 |
0 |
0 |
Q3 2009 |
6 |
|
Valuation Office |
|||||
|
Youghal |
100 |
0 |
0 |
Q3 2009 |
5 |
|
Office of Public Works |
|||||
|
Trim |
333 |
0 |
0 — It is proposed to move approx 30 staff during 2008 |
Q1 2009 |
3 |
|
Claremorris |
142 |
0 |
29 |
2009 |
|
|
Kanturk |
88 |
0 |
0 |
2009 |
Regarding the overall programme I am informed by the Central Decentralisation Unit in my Department that the estimated gross cost of the property aspects of the original decentralisation programme was €900m at the outset of the programme (2004 prices). This was based on provision of accommodation for 10,300 staff outside of Dublin. The overall number of staff for which accommodation is required has increased since the announcement of the programme due to additional bodies and locations being added to the programme, changes to business functions of certain organisations, additional space required for work-sharing staff, planned future expansion etc. and consolidation of certain existing regional offices into new buildings. Based on the costs incurred to date,the OPW expects that the direct cost of providing accommodation for this increased number of staff will be contained within the overall envelope.
While the majority of posts have not yet moved from Dublin, the OPW has been able to dispose of property in Dublin being held for future expansion because the announcement of the decentralisation programme clarified that most future expansion of Civil Service accommodation would not be in central Dublin. Total income from such property disposed of between January 2004 and December 2007 was €387.5 million. In addition property valued at €75 million was transferred to the Affordable Homes Partnership. In addition the OPW has agreed joint venture redevelopment schemes with a minimum value of circa €125 million up to the end of 2007 and further ongoing large property disposals are planned having regard to progress with staff moves.
As expected, non-property costs have been increasing since the beginning of 2007 as more advance accommodation is in place, staff training has increased and actual moves have taken place. At end June 2007, the total non-property costs incurred amounted to approximately €9m. This reflects the significant rate of progress across decentralising organisations this year in furthering their implementation arrangements.
I am informed by the OPW that the following table schedules expenditure details for the decentralisation programme as it relates to my Department and the agencies under the aegis of my Department (on the property solutions finalised to date) on site purchase, yearly rental costs on office space (both in long and short term), fit out costs and building acquisition on the decentralisation programme:
|
Location |
Department/Office |
Status |
Site Acquisition Cost |
Yearly Rental Costs |
Fit Out Costs/Building Purchased |
|
(€’000) |
(€’000) |
(€’000) |
|||
|
Athy |
Revenue Commrs. |
Lease |
231.5 |
493.0 |
|
|
Claremorris |
Office of Public Works |
Permanent Ownership |
2,500 |
||
|
Claremorris |
Office of the Public Works |
Lease |
68.7 |
552.0 |
|
|
Kilrush |
Revenue Commrs. |
Lease |
85.0 |
411.0 |
|
|
Listowel |
Revenue Commrs. |
Lease |
183.0 |
1,352.0 |
|
|
Navan |
Revenue Commrs. |
Lease |
575.4 |
2,135.2 |
|
|
Newcastle West |
Revenue Commrs. |
Permanent Ownership |
325 |
||
|
Newcastle West (In Limerick) |
Revenue Commrs. |
Lease |
68.8 |
||
|
Trim |
Office of Public Works |
Permanent Ownership |
3,600 |
||
|
Trim |
Office of Public Works |
Lease |
67.8 |
43.0 |
|
|
Tullamore |
Finance |
Building Purchased |
10,034.00 |
The Office of Public Works has confirmed that there are no current applications for planning permission in their direct name. In the case of all projects associated with the Decentralisation Programme, planning permission, where required, is sought at an early stage of the procurement process. Where buildings are being procured on a Design and Build basis, the matter of obtaining a satisfactory planning permission is the responsibility of the preferred tenderer who has been selected for the particular project.
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:193 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of civil and other public servants based in Dublin in his Department and agencies who have applied for decentralisation, who have been transferred to their decentralisation post and are currently in position in the decentralised location outside Dublin; the number of civil and other public servants required for decentralisation under the plans; the original and expected date for full decentralisation to be in place; the locations together with details of properties and land owned, purchased or planning permissions sought for the construction of premises for decentralisation; the costs incurred to date and the original budgeted for and expected actual costs to be incurred for decentralisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2385/08]
Under the decentralisation programme my Department will decentralise one hundred and thirty (130) posts to Tullamore. One hundred and twenty three (123) staff of my Department have already decentralised to Tullamore and a further two (2) have accepted offers of decentralisation. Of those in Tullamore eighty two (82) staff transferred from Dublin posts, twenty five (25) staff were serving in various other locations in the country and sixteen(16)staff were recruited specifically for Tullamore. It is envisaged that a further five (5) will have relocated to Tullamore by the end of 2008. About thirty (30) further posts in my Department are scheduled to decentralise to County Kildare during 2008.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that forty-eight (48) staff of their Office have decentralised to temporary accommodation in Limerick in preparation for the move to Newcastle West and a further two (2) officers have accepted offers of decentralisation. Of those in the temporary accommodation in Limerick, two (2) were serving in Dublin prior to moving to Limerick. Fifty seven (57) staff have decentralised to Kilrush. Of those, five (5) were based in Dublin. Fifty-one (51) staff have decentralised to Listowel. Of those, eight (8) were based in Dublin. A further officer (1) has accepted an offer to decentralise to Listowel. An advance party of forty-six (46) staff have decentralised to Athy. Of those, forty three (43) were based in Dublin. A further five (5) officers have accepted offers to decentralise to Athy, three (3) of whom are based in Dublin. The Office of Public Works are examining a number of possibilities for permanent accommodation in Athy. Eighty (80) staff have decentralised to Navan. Of those, seventy seven (77) were based in Dublin. A further six (6) officers have accepted offers to decentralise to Navan, five (5) of whom are based in Dublin. Arrangements are underway for their relocation to Navan.
Under the programme the OPW will transfer three hundred and thirty three (333) posts to Trim, one hundred and forty two (142) posts to Claremorris and eighty eight (88) to Kanturk. I am informed by the Office of Public Works that twenty-nine (29) staff in that Office have transferred to Claremorris. Of the personnel concerned, five (5) were based in Dublin and twenty four (24) were based outside of Dublin. The OPW are currently planning an advance office in Trim, which involves the transfer of some 30 posts in 2008, and these personnel are based in Dublin. The OPW has 187 staff in place in Dublin with a view to moving to their decentralised HQ in Trim.
With regard to the other agencies under the aegis of my Department, arrangements for decentralisation are proceeding in accordance with their implementation plans which have been prepared and submitted by each of the agencies to the Implementation Group. To date, no staff have been decentralised by the Public Appointments Service, or the Valuation Office. However ten (10) staff in the PAS and eleven (11) staff in the Valuation Office are currently in posts in Dublin awaiting a transfer to Youghal. PAS and the Valuation Office are due to relocate to Youghal in 2009. Under the programme both the PAS and the Valuation Office will transfer 100 posts each to Youghal.
I am informed by the OPW that the following table schedules expenditure details for the decentralisation programme as it relates to my Department and the agencies under the aegis of my Department (on the property solutions finalised to date) on site purchase, yearly rental costs on office space (both in long and short term), fit out costs and building acquisition on the decentralisation programme:-
|
Location |
Department/Office |
Status |
Site Acquisition Cost |
Yearly Rental Costs |
Fit Out Costs/Building Purchased |
|
(€’000) |
(€’000) |
(€’000) |
|||
|
Athy |
Revenue Commrs. |
Lease |
231.5 |
493.00 |
|
|
Claremorris |
Office of Public Works |
Permanent Ownership |
2,500 |
||
|
Claremorris |
Office of Public Works |
Lease |
68.7 |
552.00 |
|
|
Kilrush |
Revenue Commrs. |
Lease |
85.0 |
411.00 |
|
|
Listowel |
Revenue Commrs. |
Lease |
183.0 |
1,352.00 |
|
|
Navan |
Revenue Commrs. |
Lease |
575.4 |
2,135.20 |
|
|
Newcastle West |
Revenue Commrs. |
Permanent Ownership |
325 |
||
|
Newcastle West (In Limerick) |
Revenue Commrs. |
Lease |
68.8 |
||
|
Trim |
Office of Public Works |
Permanent Ownership |
3,600 |
||
|
Trim |
Office of Public Works |
Lease |
67.8 |
43.00 |
|
|
Tullamore |
Finance |
Building Purchased |
10,034.00 |
The Office of Public Works has confirmed that there are no current applications for planning permission in their direct name. In the case of all projects associated with the Decentralisation Programme, planning permission, where required, is sought at an early stage of the procurement process. Where buildings are being procured on a Design and Build basis, the matter of obtaining a satisfactory planning permission is the responsibility of the preferred tenderer who has been selected for the particular project.
Regarding the overall programme I am informed by the Central Decentralisation Unit in my Department that the estimated gross cost of the property aspects of the original decentralisation programme was €900m at the outset of the programme (2004 prices). This was based on provision of accommodation for 10,300 staff outside of Dublin. The overall number of staff for which accommodation is required has increased since the announcement of the programme due to additional bodies and locations being added to the programme (390 posts), changes to business functions of certain organisations (260 posts), additional space required for worksharing staff, planned future expansion, consultants, etc. (150) and consolidation of certain existing regional offices into new buildings (270). From the costs incurred to date, the OPW anticipates that the direct cost of providing accommodation for this increased number of staff will be contained within the overall envelope.
As expected, non-property costs have been increasing since the beginning of 2007 as more advance accommodation is in place, staff training has increased and actual moves have taken place. At end June 2007, the total non-property costs incurred amount to approximately €9m. This reflects the significant rate of progress across decentralising organisations this year in furthering their implementation arrangements.
Departmental Reviews.
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:194 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the current review processes he has requested to be undertaken in respect of the financial and reporting systems within each Government Department and agencies; the deadlines that have been imposed for such reviews and that he will make the reports findings public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2386/08]
Currently, there are no general reviews of the type referred to by the Deputy being conducted by my Department. The Department of Health and Children has commissioned, with the agreement of my Department, a study into the combined operation of the annual Income and Expenditure Account and the Appropriation Account which the Health Service Executive is required to maintain under the Health Act, 2004. A working group has been established under the auspices of my Department to consider proposals which would enhance the presentation of financial information to include a more up-to-date statement of assets under the control of each Department/Agency, accrued liabilities and contingent liabilities, where known.
Departmental Agencies.
Richard Bruton
Question:195 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will extend to the Standards in Public Office the power to investigate breaches of standards on its own initiative. [2573/08]
As I have informed the House on previous occasions, the Standards in Public Office Act 2001 already allows the Standards in Public Office Commission to carry out investigations on its own initiative, where it considers it appropriate to do so, on breaches of the provisions of the Ethics legislation, by persons in the Commission's area of responsibility, and as provided for by the legislation.
The Deputy will, of course, be aware that issues concerning a non-office-holding member of the Oireachtas would, in the first instance, be a matter for the Select Committee on Members' Interests of the relevant House.
Question No. 196 answered with Question No. 105.
Pension Provisions.
Richard Bruton
Question:197 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if, arising from a legal settlement (details supplied) there are implications for other groups or agencies who have the coordinated pension scheme; and if he plans changes in the terms of coordinated pensions where they have operated to the disadvantage of some workers, particularly those on lower pay. [36098/07]
In the case to which the Deputy refers, the decision to make a settlement was based on the particular circumstances of the case, which involved, inter alia, the nature of information provided to scheme members and, as such, is self-contained.
Disabled Drivers.
Simon Coveney
Question:198 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he plans to provide the same grant for a disabled driver as for a disabled passenger; and to increase the disabled driver and passenger grants in 2008 as there has been no increase since 1994, despite the increase in the price of cars over this time. [36101/07]
The Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme provides relief from VAT and Vehicle Registration Tax (up to a certain limit), and exemption from motor tax, on the purchase of an adapted car for transport of a person with specific severe and permanent physical disabilities.
The disability criteria for these concessions are set out in the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994. To get a Primary Medical Certificate, an applicant must be permanently and severely disabled within the terms of these Regulations.
The Deputy might wish to be aware that some 11,000 people benefited under the scheme in 2006 at an overall estimated cost of €67 million. Any changes would have to be considered in the context of the annual Budget.
Tax Code.
Seamus Kirk
Question:199 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on extending the tax relief provision to community trusts with taxable income, who donate funds to approved charitable status organisations and certain sporting bodies as provided under Section 41 of the Finance Act 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1073/08]
Section 41 of the Finance Act 2002 inserted Section 847A into the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. Section 848A of the same Act is also relevant to the Deputy's question.
These two sections provide for a scheme of tax relief in respect of donations to certain sports bodies (Section 847A), and in respect of donations to certain charities and other approved bodies (Section 848A).
Section 847A gives tax relief for donations to approved sports bodies for the funding of approved capital projects costing up to €40 million. The minimum qualifying donation in any year to an approved sports body is €250. Eligibility for the relief centres on two key criteria — the sports body must be an ‘approved sports body' and the donation must be for the purposes of an ‘approved project'.
An ‘approved sports body' is one that has a valid tax clearance certificate from the Revenue Commissioners and a statement, also from Revenue (in accordance with Section 235 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997), that the body is exempt from tax because it is established solely for the purpose of promoting athletic or amateur games or sports and its income is applied solely to that purpose.
An ‘approved project' is a capital project, costing up to €40 million, approved by the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism.
Similar to Section 847A, Section 848A provides for tax relief for certain charities and other approved bodies, including first and second level schools and third level institutions, in respect of donations received. In order to qualify for the relief, the minimum donation to any one eligible charity or approved body in a year is €250. A charity must have charitable status approved by the Revenue Commissioners for at least two years in order to qualify under the scheme.
The two year rule allows charities to establish a track record of charitable activities as set out in their founding documents, and it enables the Revenue Commissioners to examine an audited set of accounts from any charity wishing to avail of the donations scheme. This is an important element of the scheme and is designed to ensure that the public can be confident that their donations and the tax relief provided by the Exchequer will be used for bona fide charitable purposes only.
The arrangements for allowing tax relief for donations are the same for Section 847A (sports bodies) and Section 848A (charities and other approved bodies). They depend on whether the donor is a PAYE taxpayer, a self-assessed taxpayer, or a company. In the case of donation by a PAYE taxpayer, the tax relief is given to the sports body, charity, or other approved body; in the case of a self-assessed taxpayer, the relief is claimed by the self-assessed individual himself or herself; in the case of a company, the company is entitled to claim a deduction for the donation as if it were a trading expense for the relevant accounting period.
Both of the above tax relief schemes are fully available to all community groups where they can satisfy the associated conditions.
Any trust, body or organisation wishing to have charitable status for purposes of Section 847A and Section 848A should contact Revenue about the arrangements/conditions for achieving charitable status and hence the possibility of benefiting from any consequent tax reliefs.
The scheme of tax relief on donations to certain sports bodies and to certain charities and other approved bodies has proved itself to be beneficial to these bodies in their very valuable and highly commendable work in, and on behalf of, their communities. I recommend the scheme to all charities, clubs and trusts that can meet its requirements and conditions.
Disabled Drivers.
Paul Kehoe
Question:200 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of applications that were received for the disabled drivers passengers tax concessions in 2007; the number that were successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1087/08]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that during 2007 a total of 5,901 tax concession applications were processed from people who had obtained a Primary Medical Certificate under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers [Tax Concessions] Regulations 1994. Of these, 5,896 were successful. Five applications were not granted due to the death of the qualifying person.
Judicial Reviews.
Damien English
Question:201 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the cost to and the damages paid by the State in relation to judicial reviews that his Department were responsible for in each of the years 1997 to 2007 inclusive; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [1112/08]
Damien English
Question:202 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of applications for judicial review that his Department was responsible for in each of the years 1997 to 2007; the number of applications where leave was granted for each year; and if he will present the information in tabular readable form. [1127/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 201 and 202 together.
Given the period involved in the Deputy's questions and the consideration that the Minister for Finance is usually at least a notice party to almost every set of judicial review proceedings involving State agencies, the information is not being provided, as the administrative effort and the cost of supplying such information would not be justified.
However, should the Deputy have a query in relation to a specific judicial review in which my Department was involved, I will have my officials provide the information requested.
Tax Code.
Leo Varadkar
Question:203 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance when he will commence section 101 of the Finance Act 2007 to remove the stamp duty loophole relating to sub-sales; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1159/08]
I assume that the Deputy is referring to Section 110 of the Finance Act 2007.
This made provision for a charge to stamp duty where licence agreements and other such arrangements are used. Licence agreements and the other arrangements will come within the terms of the section where the landowner receives a payment amounting to 25% or more of the market value or consideration concerned.
Section 110 is subject to a commencement order and I have to consider the state of the property market before the provision comes into effect to ensure that it does not have an unforeseen negative effect on the market. For this reason I commissioned an independent study of the potential effects that such a provision may have on the market.
The study has been received by me and I have decided, in line with the recommendations in the study, not to commence this provision at this time.
Flood Relief.
Tom Hayes
Question:204 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the funding in place for the Clonmel flood relief scheme; if money will be provided for all stages of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1163/08]
The Clonmel Flood Relief Scheme is broken into three separate phases. The first phase, the Clonmel West Scheme, which is costed at €21.2m, has been confirmed by the Minister for Finance and works have already commenced on this scheme. OPW will be inviting tenders, later in 2008, for the appointment of a consultant for the detailed design of the Clonmel North Scheme and when this has been confirmed by the Minister for Finance and works have commenced, the Clonmel East Phase will be proceeded with. Provision has been made for the implementation of all three phases within the Office of Public Work's budget for flood relief activities.
Architectural Heritage.
Tom Hayes
Question:205 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the proposals the Office of Public Works have in place for the Athassal Abbey site in Golden, County Tipperary; when work on these proposals will take place; the funding that has been allocated to them. [1164/08]
It is hoped to publish a conservation plan for Athassal Abbey later this year. This will inform any programme of works to be undertaken.
Tom Hayes
Question:206 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the proposals the Office of Public Works have in place for Thomastown Castle in County Tipperary; when work on these proposals will take place; and the funding that has been allocated to them. [1165/08]
As Thomastown Castle is not in State care, the Office of Public Works is not empowered under the National Monuments Acts to incur expenditure on its maintenance or conservation.
Tom Hayes
Question:207 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the proposals the Office of Public Works have in place for the Rock of Cashel in Cashel, County Tipperary; when work on these proposals will take place; and the funding that has been allocated to them. [1166/08]
Preliminary work in preparation for a series of maintenance and conservation projects on the Rock of Cashel is being carried out at present.
It is planned that these maintenance and conservation works will commence later this year.
Tom Hayes
Question:208 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the proposals the Office of Public Works have in place for the Swiss Cottage in Cahir, County Tipperary; when work on these proposals will take place; and the funding that has been allocated to them. [1167/08]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question 136 of 19th December, 2007 in relation to the Swiss Cottage.
Tom Hayes
Question:209 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the proposals the Office of Public Works have in place for the Carrick-on-Suir Castle in Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary; when work on these proposals will take place; and the funding that has been allocated to them. [1168/08]
It is intended to open Ormonde Castle to visitors in early May. Proposals are being advanced for the resurfacing, landscaping and drainage works required to enable universal access to the ground floor level of the Castle.
Liquor Licensing Laws.
Charles Flanagan
Question:210 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of additional off-licence premises, including mixed use premises that were granted licences in the years 2006 and 2007. [1182/08]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the number of additional off-licence premises, including mixed-use premises, that were granted licences in 2006 was 547 (including 36 mixed-use premises) and in 2007 637 (including 43 mixed-use premises).
Tax Code.
Brian Hayes
Question:211 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of primary and post primary schools who have obtained charitable status from the Revenue Commissioners since the scheme was first introduced; the amount of revenue which the schools in question were able to obtain as a result of donations and other fund-raising events; if the information will be provided for each year since the scheme was introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1185/08]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that approximately 420 primary and post-primary schools have been granted charitable tax exemption. A list of bodies which have been granted charitable tax exemption under Section 207 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 is available on the Revenue website at www.revenue.ie.
Since 2001, all primary and post primary schools providing education based on a programme prescribed or approved by the Minister for Education and Science automatically qualify as approved bodies for the purposes of the donations scheme under Section 848A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. There are approximately 4,000 such schools in the State. A full list of all individual bodies approved for the purpose of the donations scheme, as well as the terms and conditions of the scheme and the relevant forms, are available on the Revenue website at www.revenue.ie.
The donations scheme provides tax relief for donations to approved bodies, including eligible charities. The precise arrangements for allowing tax relief on donations to charities varies depending on whether the donor is a PAYE taxpayer, a self-assessed taxpayer, or a company. In the case of a donation by a PAYE taxpayer, the tax relief is given on a ‘grossed up' basis to the eligible charity or other approved body, as the case may be, rather than by way of a separate claim to tax relief by the donor. The claim for refunds is made by the eligible charity or approved body. In the case of a self-assessed doner, the relief is claimed by the self-assessed individual himself or herself (and there is no grossing up arrangement). In the case of a company, the company is entitled to claim a deduction for the donation as if it were a trading expense for the relevant accounting period.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that because of these different arrangements for claiming the relief, it is not possible to provide all the information sought by the Deputy (this is because in the case of donations by self-assessed taxpayers and companies, the relief is claimed by the self-assessed or corporate donors rather than refunded to the charity). However, the following table sets out the refunds of tax made by Revenue to primary and post-primary schools in 2006 and 2007, in respect of donations made to them by individual PAYE donors only.
|
Year |
Number of schools |
Donations by PAYE donors |
Tax Refunds |
Total benefit to schools — donations and tax refunds |
|
2006 |
91 |
€2.7m |
€1.7m |
€4.4m |
|
2007 |
122 |
€3.0m |
€2.0m |
€5.0m |
The figures for other years are not readily available.
The Revenue Commissioners have no information concerning the amounts of revenue raised by schools as a result of fundraising events.
Legislative Programme.
Dr Martin Mansergh
Question:212 Deputy Martin Mansergh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of Acts passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas sponsored by his Department in each year from 2003 to 2007; the Acts which were legislation wholly or mainly required by Ireland’s EU obligations, which were partly so required, and which had no significant or minimal reference to EU legislation; and if in the first two cases Ireland had significant discretion, as to the manner in which EU obligations were translated into domestic law. [1198/08]
In the years 2003 to 2007, twenty five Acts passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas were sponsored by my Department. Table A below lists the number of Acts by year which were sponsored by the Department. During the period in question there were no Acts sponsored by my Department which were wholly or mainly required by Ireland's EU obligations. Table B relates to Acts which were partly required by Ireland's EU obligations. In respect of both Acts listed on table B Ireland had some discretion as to the manner in which EU obligations were translated into domestic law. Table C lists the Acts which had no significant or minimal reference to EU legislation.
|
Year |
Number of Acts Sponsored by the Department of Finance |
|
2003 |
6 |
|
2004 |
6 |
|
2005 |
4 |
|
2006 |
3 |
|
2007 |
6 |
|
Year |
Title of the Act |
|
2007 |
Assets Covered Securities (Amendment) Act |
|
2007 |
Markets in Financial Instruments and miscellaneous Provisions Act |
|
Year |
Title of the Act |
|
2003 |
Finance Act |
|
2004 |
Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act |
|
2004 |
Finance Act |
|
2005 |
Finance Act |
|
2006 |
Finance Act |
|
2007 |
Finance Act |
|
2007 |
Finance (No.2) Act 2007 |
|
2007 |
National Development Finance Agency (Amendment) Act 2007 |
Tax Code.
Jack Wall
Question:213 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive their P60 for 2007 as they need the certificate to allow them purchase their new home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1226/08]
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the taxpayer's employer will not be in a position to issue form P60 2007 until February 2008. However, as an interim measure, the taxpayer's employer issued a statement of earnings for 2007 to the taxpayer on 15 January 2008.
Garda Stations.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:214 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance when tenders will be invited for the proposed Garda station at Castleisland, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1240/08]
It is expected that tenders for the construction of a new Garda Station at Castleisland, Co. Kerry will be invited by mid February, 2008.
Site Acquisitions.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:215 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works will approve a site for the new school at Listellick, Tralee, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1241/08]
The Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland act as agents for the Department of Education & Science in the acquisition of sites for schools.
The Department requested that the Commissioners source a site for the Listellick N.S. The requirement was advertised and the sites offered in response have been technically assessed and the Report sent to the Department of Education & Science. The Commissioners await further instructions from the Department.
Road Network.
Willie Penrose
Question:216 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will take steps to have further remedial repairs carried out to a bridge (details supplied) in County Westmeath as same is in a dangerous condition at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1286/08]
Maintenance of the bridge referred to is a matter for Westmeath County Council. The Commissioners of Public Works have no responsibility in this regard.
Tax Code.
Phil Hogan
Question:217 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he has proposals to ensure that the fuel rebate in respect of the school transport service continues into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1311/08]
The 2003 EU Energy Tax Directive incorporated special derogations which allowed specific excise duty reliefs to be applied in a number of Member States. In the Irish context, these derogations allowed for reduced rates to apply to fuel used for public transport services which includes school transport services.
While these derogations expired on 31 December 2006, Ireland, along with other Member States, sought retention of its derogations beyond that date. However the European Commission, who are the deciding authority, have to date refused all such requests. The Commission maintain that, in keeping with the EU Energy Tax Directive, Member States must withdraw the existing excise reliefs. The Commission's decision was published on its website in March 2007. At the Commission's behest my officials have indicated that Ireland will avail of the forthcoming Finance Bill to make the necessary legislative changes to conform with the Directive.
In the case of public passenger transport services, including school transport services, the Department of Transport and other relevant line Departments, in conjunction with my Department, are exploring alternative non-tax support mechanisms that could be put in place where appropriate to maintain the assistance currently being provided, subject of course to compatibility with EU State Aid requirements. In the interim the reduced rates applicable to fuel used will be maintained.
Róisín Shortall
Question:218 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the threshold for inheritance tax between siblings; when this level was last increased; and his views on increasing the threshold for the transfer of property to a sibling under the capital acquisitions tax code. [1382/08]
The Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) code includes group thresholds, below which CAT does not arise. The relationship between the person who provides the gift/inheritance (i.e. the disponer) and the person receiving the gift/inheritance (i.e. the beneficiary) determines the tax-free threshold applicable to the inheritance (the group threshold).
There are three categories of relationship under which an individual can get relief from CAT. The group thresholds applying to a gift or inheritance for 2008 are set out in the table below.
|
Group |
Relationship to Disponer |
Group Threshold |
|
€ |
||
|
A |
Son/Daughter |
521,208 |
|
B |
Parent/Brother/Sister/Niece/Nephew/Grandchild |
52,121 |
|
C |
Relations other than Group A or B |
26,060 |
Any other gifts/inheritance that might have been received within the same group by an individual since 5 December 1991 are also taken into account when applying the thresholds for the purposes of calculating CAT. If the total value of all inheritances and gifts received since this date is above the relevant threshold, then a 20% CAT will apply on the difference.
As regards increasing the thresholds, the Deputy should note that these are increased on an annual basis in accordance with the CSO Consumer Price Index and I have no current plans to change this.
Flood Relief.
Pat Breen
Question:219 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 104 of 13 December 2007, if the report (details supplied) has been submitted to the National Parks and Wildlife Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1402/08]
Joe Carey
Question:222 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the time-frame for the alleviation of flooding in Clonlara, County Clare; if the steering group sees this time-frame as being met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1593/08]
Joe Carey
Question:223 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the stage, in view of recent flooding in the Clonlara area of County Clare, that the EIS commissioned by the Commissioners of Public Works is currently at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1594/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 219, 222 and 223 together.
The environmental assessment was completed and formed part of a detailed submission made by the Office of Public Works to the National Parks and Wildlife Service in late December seeking consent for proposed flood alleviation works.
OPW will commence the flood relief works as quickly as possible, once the necessary consents are received, with the intention of completing them at the earliest possible date subject to compliance with the environmental windows relevant to the different elements and to ground conditions and water levels being safe.
Tax Code.
Jack Wall
Question:220 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the position of an application by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare for mortgage interest relief at source; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1478/08]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the application in question has now been processed. Tax relief at source will be applied to mortgage repayments due from March 2008 onwards. A repayment in respect of relief due for mortgage payments already made has been made to the person's nominated account.
I understand that Revenue has been in touch with the person in question to explain the delay and apologise for the error on their part.
Departmental Properties.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:221 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of Department owned computer desktops or laptops or other data devices, such as blackberries and memory keys, reported lost, missing or stolen from his Department in each year from 2002 to 2007; the number of these that were later recovered or found; the number still missing; if any sensitive or private data was compromised; the measures in place within his Department to secure such portable or at risk data devices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1515/08]
One Department owned memory key was reported missing in 2007 but no sensitive or private data was compromised. No computer desktops, laptops or other data devices owned by my Department have been reported lost, missing or stolen. As regards the measures to secure at risk data devices, my Department has a facility in place to immediately wipe all corporate emails and data from mobile email devices should such a device be reported lost or stolen and has begun a process to enforce encryption of data stored on laptops. Moreover, all staff are regularly reminded to be vigilant with any information stored electronically on removable media devices and to ensure that these devices are not left unattended.
Questions Nos. 222 and 223 answered with Question No. 119.
Disabled Drivers.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:224 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if vehicle registration tax relief or assistance towards a specially adapted car can or will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1637/08]
The initial application for a Primary Medical Certificate under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994 is made to the Senior Medical Officer of the relevant local Health Service Executive administrative area.
If the Primary Medical Certificate has been refused in this case, the named person may appeal the refusal to the Medical Board of Appeal, National Rehabilitation Hospital, Rochestown Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. I would point out that the Medical Board of Appeal is independent in the exercise of its functions.
Telecommunications Services.
Damien English
Question:225 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the steps he or his Department has taken to provide wi-fi access to the general public in public buildings; the future plans he has on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1699/08]
Apart from wi — fi access in the reception area of the head office building of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, there are no such systems in place in Government buildings which can be accessed by members of the public.
The Office of Public Works has no plans to install such public access systems in these buildings.
Pension Provisions.
Damien English
Question:226 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the estimated cost of pension provisions for the next ten, twenty and thirty years for the public sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1700/08]
The projected future outgo on public service pensions is set out in Chapter 3 of the Green Paper on Pensions published in 2007. The projections are for total outgo to increase from 1.3% of GDP in 2007 to 1.8% in 2017, to 2.2% in 2027 and to 2.5% of GDP in 2037.
The main reasons for the projected increase in costs are the increases in public service numbers in the past along with the impact of improvements in the life expectancy of pensioners.
A number of reforms have been carried out in recent years based largely on the recommendations of the Commission of Public Service Pensions. The key change was the raising of the minimum retirement age for most future entrants to the public service from 60 to 65. The Green Paper on Pensions outlines a number of further reform options which the Government intends to research and consider in respect of future appointees to the public service to address developments since the Commission reported in 2000.
Crime Prevention.
Damien English
Question:227 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the steps he or his Department has taken to neutralise anti social behaviour on Office of Public Works owned grounds (details supplied) in Trim, County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1707/08]
The Porchefield at Trim Castle is in fact managed by Meath County Council for public amenity purposes under the terms of a lease agreement. The Office of Public Works retains management of St. Mary's Abbey and continually monitors the position in relation to the National Monument.
Data Protection.
Damien English
Question:228 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of and the records kept by his Department of attempted hacking or suspected cyber attacks or other malicious computer security breaches committed against his Department’s computer systems. [1726/08]
Unauthorised traffic to all the Department's public-facing systems is logged and monitored. A page of one of the Department's websites was overwritten in November 2007. The company that manages the site fixed the underlying vulnerability in their software, and access to this page was completely restored after less than 24 hours.
Tax Code.
Billy Timmins
Question:229 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the area of land that can be transferred from parent to child in order to enable the building of a house before there are capital gains tax implications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1773/08]
Relief from Capital Gains Tax is available where parents transfer a site to a child to enable the child construct a dwelling house for use as his or her only or main residence. The value of the site must not exceed €254,000 and the size of the site must not exceed 0.4047 Hectare (1 acre), excluding the area of the house. The value limit is being increased, following Budget 2008, to €500,000 and this will take effect from 5 December 2007.
Motor Taxation.
Noel O'Flynn
Question:230 Deputy Noel O’Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will introduce a cherished number registration system for vintage cars as is the case with standard vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1786/08]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a "cherished" number registration system, for standard vehicles and vintage vehicles where a range of registration numbers are made available for sale is not provided for in vehicle registration tax legislation.
However, Section 131 (5A) of the Finance Act 1992 entitles a person to reserve an unallocated registration number in the standard format prescribed in Statutory Instrument No. 318 of 1992 (as amended) (e.g. 76-D-12345) on the payment of a fee of €315. A person who wishes to reserve a registration number may do so by applying to the Central Vehicle Office in Rosslare, Co. Wexford. The reservation of a particular registration number does not entitle the owner of a vehicle to display the number on the vehicle until such time as the reserved number has been reached in sequence and is formally assigned at the time of registration.
The Deputy may also wish to note that for vintage vehicles, a second registration-numbering system is available — the ZV series (e.g. ZV 12345). An individual who wishes to opt for this numbering system may also reserve an unallocated number in the sequence on the payment of a fee of €315. However, because of the small number of vintage cars being imported it may take a long time to reach a particular reserved number in the sequence.
There are no plans to introduce a cherished number registration system for standard or vintage vehicles.
Fisheries Protection.
Dinny McGinley
Question:231 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on exempted payment to drift net salmon fishermen under the hardship fund to be tax free; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1825/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that individual payments from the scheme in question have two identifiable component parts and that one part is taxable while the other is not.
The taxable component is that part of the payment which is based on a fisherman's catch and is taxable on recipients in the year of receipt. Accordingly, commercial fishermen should include this part of any payment as a receipt in their accounts. The part of the payment which is based on the 2006 licence fee is not liable to tax. I understand that when making payments Bord Iascaigh Mhara identify the amount of the payment relating to the 2006 licence fee so that this may be excluded from income tax returns.
I am also informed that to facilitate recipients wishing to spread the taxable amount over three years, eligible applicants may opt under the scheme to receive their payment in one sum or alternatively to have it paid in three equal amounts over a three- year period.
Flood Relief.
Michael Ring
Question:232 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the position of the Office of Public Works in relation to finding a resolution to the flooding problem (details supplied) in south Mayo; the flood prevention works that have been carried out to date; the action that will be taken to ensure that the risk of flooding in the locality is reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1919/08]
Michael Ring
Question:233 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works have carried out a channel survey (details supplied); if he will provide this Deputy with a copy of the report on same; when minor works will be carried out by the OPW to prevent future flooding at a location in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1920/08]
Michael Ring
Question:234 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works will carry out a major flood relief scheme on a catchment area (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1921/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 232 to 234, inclusive, together.
The Office of Public Works is actively working with Mayo County Council to address areas at risk from flooding in the county.
Alleviation works have been completed by OPW at Clyard and Thomastown, Kilmaine.
It is expected that a submission for consent to proposed works at Hollymount will be made to the National Parks and Wildlife Service by the end of February.
Efforts are continuing to identify a solution to the problem at the Neale. A hydrogeologist engaged by Mayo County Council will carry out a detailed study. An aerial survey commissioned by the OPW will be carried out as soon as weather conditions are suitable for capturing data.
In relation to Crossmolina, it was agreed that OPW would carry out a survey to identify possible solutions once certain minor works were completed by Mayo County Council. These works were completed recently and OPW will undertake the survey as soon as water levels allow, probably in late Spring.
Departmental Staff.
Michael Ring
Question:235 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if there are job vacancies within the Office of Public Works in Mayo at the present time or in the foreseeable future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1923/08]
The Office of Public Works constantly reviews its ongoing operational needs and recruits staff as needed within the parameters of budget and Government policy on numbers.
The Office of Public Works recruits on an annual basis for guides/information officers for the relevant visitor season for built heritage sites including the Céide Fields in County Mayo. The closing date for applications for guide/information officer positions at the Céide Fields was the 7th of December, 2007. Consideration will be given to filling other vacancies as and when they may arise.
At present the Office of Public Works does not envisage any other recruitment in County Mayo in 2008.
Business Expansion Scheme.
Michael Ring
Question:236 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will extend the business expansion scheme to include tourism and guest accommodation enterprise development on islands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1924/08]
The Business Expansion Scheme, which was subject to a thorough review in 2006 and renewed and extended in Budget 2007, is not available for the development of hotel or guest-house accommodation. Most asset-backed projects have, in fact, been removed from the scope of the BES for a number of years at this stage and I regard it as important to ensure that the BES remains focused away from such asset-backed projects and towards the incentivisation of risk capital investment in appropriate businesses.
As the Deputy will be aware, the BES is an approved State Aid. Any changes to the scheme on the lines suggested by the Deputy would require the prior approval of the European Commission having regard to the relevant EU guidelines on risk capital.
However, it should be noted that the Business Expansion Scheme is already available to companies operating in a number of tourism categories, such as hostels, camp sites, holiday centres, tour bus operators, boat hire and sports facilities, so there is plenty of scope for tourism entrepreneurs to avail of its advantages.
Consultancy Contracts.
Enda Kenny
Question:237 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the stockbroking firms engaged by his Department, or by the agencies under his aegis, during the years 2002, 2003 and 2004; the fees or charges paid in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1975/08]
In 2002 my Department paid €95,231 to Merrion Capital Group Ltd. for advice in relation to the sale of the Minister for Finance's shareholding in the ACC Bank. Apart for this payment no other stockbroking advice was sought by my Department for the years 2002 to 2004.
In relation to the agencies under the aegis of my Department I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they did not engage any stockbroking firm during the years 2002, 2003 and 2004.
However, for completeness, they have advised me that the law provides for the payment of a small fee to intermediaries, including brokers, for their role in operating Encashment tax — a withholding tax which is imposed when an Irish resident receives a foreign dividend through an Irish intermediary.
The amounts paid by Revenue to brokers in the period 2002 to 2004 were as follows;
2002: €47,678
2003: €48,602
2004: €51,895
Departmental Expenditure.
Enda Kenny
Question:238 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount spent by his Department on media monitoring or press cutting services for each of the years 2002 to 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1984/08]
A total €46,698 was spent by my Department on media monitoring and press cutting services for the years 2002 to 2007. The expenditure was in relation to the National Development Plan and Community Support Framework Information Office set up to fulfil the information and publicity requirements (including statutory EU communications requirements) of the EU co-funded NDP/CSF 2000-2006. As part of these requirements the Office monitors media coverage of the NDP/CSF. The following table gives the breakdown of expenditure by year.
|
Year |
Amount |
|
€ |
|
|
2002 |
2,461 |
|
2003 |
Nil |
|
2004 |
1,815 |
|
2005 |
5,929 |
|
2006 |
6,272 |
|
2007 |
30,221 |
Data Protection.
Simon Coveney
Question:239 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the details of all instances since 1 June 2002 where personal data held by his Department or any agency under its auspices were compromised in any way; if the review by his Department of data security procedures announced on 22 November 2007 is complete; and the findings of that review in terms both of prior shortcomings and of future actions. [2163/08]
There have been no instances of personal data held by my Department being compromised.
In relation to the agencies under the remit of my Department, I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that there have been a number of investigations into instances of inappropriate accessing of information by Revenue staff since 1 June 2002. Appropriate sanctions have been, and are, taken against staff under the Civil Service Disciplinary Code.
Revenue's Security and Confidentiality Policy informs all staff of the continuing need to maintain the highest level of confidentiality and security regarding access to and control of information used for Revenue business purposes. Revenue staff are regularly reminded of the need to protect the confidentiality of information concerning members of the public. Staff are also regularly reminded that access to Revenue information is authorised only in circumstances where there is a clear official business reason requiring such access and that any unauthorised access constitutes a serious breach of discipline and will be dealt with accordingly. Data, security systems and procedures are regularly reviewed as part of Revenue's business and strategic planning processes.
In relation to the Office of Public Works, when setting up the Freedom of Information Website in June 2004, the names of all those making requests were published. In addition, the addresses of private individuals were mistakenly displayed along with the addresses of businesses/journalists etc. This error has been rectified.
Following consultation with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner regarding the use of individual's names, OPW is currently in the process of removing the names of all requesters from its website and has amended its FOI acknowledgement letters to reflect this change.
In 2004 and 2005 a series of articles about OPW related issues appeared in the Irish media containing some personal information about OPW staff. However, it was not possible to establish how this information came into the possession of the media.
The Government made a decision (which I announced in November 2007) to review the systems and procedures operated by Departments and Agencies which are in place to protect the confidentiality of personal data and to prevent its improper release. In that context, my Department is required to furnish the Government with a report. Consequently, my Department has written to all Departments and Offices requesting details of the systems and procedures in place. These details are scheduled to be returned to the Department of Finance by 1st February 2008.
Disabled Drivers.
Tom Sheahan
Question:240 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on awarding primary medical certificates to disabled and handicapped persons or their guardians under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Tax Concessions Regulations 1994. [2171/08]
The Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme provides relief from VAT and VRT (up to certain limit) on the purchase of a car adapted for the transport of a person with specific severe and permanent physical disabilities, to those who meet certain disability criteria.
The disability criteria for eligibility for the tax concessions under this scheme are set out in the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994. To get the Primary Medical Certificate, an applicant must be severely and permanently disabled and satisfy one of the following conditions:
(a) be wholly or almost wholly without the use of both legs;
(b) be wholly without the use of one leg and almost wholly without the use of the other leg such that the applicant is severely restricted as to movement of the lower limbs;
(c) be without both hands or without both arms;
(d) be without one or both legs;
(e) be wholly or almost wholly without the use of both hands or arms and wholly or almost wholly without the use of one leg;
(f) have the medical condition of dwarfism and have serious difficulties of movement of the lower limbs.
The Senior Medical Officer (SMO) for the relevant local Health Service Executive administrative area makes a professional clinical determination as to whether an individual applicant satisfies the medical criteria. An unsuccessful applicant can appeal the decision of the SMO to the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal, National Rehabilitation Hospital, Rochestown Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin which makes a new clinical determination in respect of the individual. I would point out that the Medical Board of Appeal is independent in the exercise of its functions.
Pension Provisions.
Leo Varadkar
Question:241 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the value of the contingency fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2248/08]
I understand that the Deputy's question refers to the National Pensions Reserve Fund.
The estimated value of the National Pensions Reserve Fund at 26 December 2007, as published in the National Treasury Management Agency's Preliminary Results for the year 2007, was €21.3 billion.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Leo Varadkar
Question:242 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the estimates used to calculate a figure of €101.8 million as the cost of jobseekers benefit and allowance payments in 2008; if he will revise this figure upwards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2249/08]
The 2008 Pre-Budget Estimates for the Department of Social and Family Affairs were, in respect of social welfare unemployment payments, framed in the context of an average annual Live Register forecast of 170,000. When account was taken of the policy changes provided for in the Budget, including the increase in social welfare payment rates, the post-Budget estimated allocations for social welfare Jobseekers Allowance and Jobseekers Benefit payments in 2008 are €1,019.8 million and €614.52 million respectively. This provision for unemployment payments, along with the allocations for the other social welfare demand led schemes, will be closely monitored over the course of 2008 within the Government framework for reporting and control of public expenditure.
Financial Services Regulation.
Leo Varadkar
Question:243 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will direct or request that the Financial Regulator publish a cross-country comparison of the cost of personal and small business banking services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2250/08]
The Deputy may wish to note that increased competition in the Irish financial services sector over recent years, reflecting such factors as new entrants and the introduction of a switching code for both personal customers and now for the business sector, has benefited consumers in Ireland significantly through increased choice, new products, lower prices and better service.
The Financial Regulator regularly publishes surveys on its website www.itsyourmoey.ie comparing the costs of various financial products and services provided by various financial service providers in the State. These surveys provide consumers with the information they require to make informed choices as customers of financial institutions.
It is a matter for the Financial Regulator in the context of discharging its statutory consumer protection mandate to determine the nature and type of information which is most relevant to consumers in assisting them in making financial decisions. In assessing the balance between the likely benefits and costs of providing various types of information for consumers the Financial Regulator can draw on the advice and guidance of the Financial Services Consultative Consumer Panel.
The Deputy will appreciate that on account of such factors as differences in retail market structures, consumer preferences and charging structures, international cost comparisons must be interpreted carefully. However, comparative international information available for Ireland indicates that in overall terms the cost of personal or small business banking compare favourably with other developed countries.
The introduction of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) from 28 January 2008 should also be a factor that promotes greater competition in the market for payment services across Europe, and potentially yield to Irish consumers the benefits of participating in a market with much larger economies of scale. The Deputy may be aware that the SEPA is the area where citizens, companies and other economic actors will be able to make and receive payments in euros, within Europe, whether between or within national boundaries under the same basic conditions, rights and obligations, regardless of their location.
Tax Code.
Ciaran Lynch
Question:244 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the reason tax collected by airlines is not refunded to the customer when a trip is cancelled; if a uniform rate of taxation is applied to all flights and all carriers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2263/08]
Since the £5 travel tax was abolished in Budget 2000 there have been no Irish Government taxes levied on flights into, out of or within Ireland.
Public Sector Pay.
Leo Varadkar
Question:245 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the largest single back pay payment that was made as a consequence of the pay rises provided for in the report of the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2277/08]
Leo Varadkar
Question:246 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount that has been paid in back pay to public servants granted pay rises as a consequence of the recent report of the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector; the period for which this back pay applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2278/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 245 and 246 together.
The increases recommended by the Review Body on Higher Remuneration are to be implemented on the following phased basis:
(a)5% from 14 September 2007, the date of the Report, or where the total increase is less than 5%, the full increase from that date;
(b) half the balance from 1 September 2008; and
(c) the remaining balance from 1 March 2009.
In relation to political Office Holders the phasing has been deferred by a year as follows:
(a) 4% from 1 September 2008;
(b) half the balance from 1 September 2009; and,
(c) the remaining balance from 1 September 2010.
Each relevant employer implements the increases to those grades under its remit covered by the Review Body. The amount of "back pay" depends on the date the payments are actually made. I do not have the information on the payment date for each such employer but based on the phasing, 5% of the recommended increase would be payable from 14 September 2007, except in the case of political office holders.
Tax Code.
Michael Ring
Question:247 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if the Revenue Commissioners received all the P35 submissions from the Health Service Executive on time in respect of the tax year ended 31 December 2006 and in respect of all of its employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2292/08]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that for reasons of confidentiality they are not in a position to comment on the compliance or otherwise of any specific taxpayer in relation to compliance with the relevant tax obligations. I am also advised by Revenue that in relation to the requirement for timely filing of the P35 they undertake an extensive advertising campaign in the lead up to the return filing date each year so that all employers understand the importance of timely filing. In addition Revenue provides a range of supports to employers, including a dedicated helpline service, to assist employers with the filing process.
Departmental Applications.
Denis Naughten
Question:248 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the applications processed by his Department; the average waiting time to process each application; the steps he is taking to speed up the processing time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25152/07]
Given that the core work of my Department relates to policy matters, the processing of applications does not generally arise. However, if the Deputy has a specific process in mind, I will provide any relevant information.
Tax Clearance Certificates.
Damien English
Question:249 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the implications for awarding public contracts, making grant payments and the issuing of various licences of the perception that under tax law, an application for a tax clearance certificate and a tax clearance certificate are the same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2404/08]
Damien English
Question:250 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he has plans to distinguish in tax law an application for a tax clearance certificate and a tax clearance certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2405/08]
Damien English
Question:251 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on the perception that under tax law, an application for a tax clearance certificate and a tax clearance certificate are the same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2406/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 249 to 251, inclusive, together.
Responsibility for the administration of the various tax clearance schemes is assigned in legislation to the Revenue Commissioners. I am advised by Revenue that a tax clearance certificate will normally be issued to a person whose tax affairs are up to date. This means that at the time of the application, the person:
has made all of the required tax returns to Revenue and
has paid all tax known to be due or agreed a payment schedule in respect of such tax debts.
Where an applicant for tax clearance does not meet the criteria mentioned, a formal notification of refusal is issued by Revenue. This notification sets out the basis for refusal of the application, and this refusal can be appealed to the Appeal Commissioners in the normal way.
In other words, an applicant applies and the certificate is either granted or refused.
In relation to tax clearance for holders of public office, the Standards in Public Office Act 2001 provides for the request for, and issue of, an Application Statement where a person has applied for a tax clearance certificate to the Collector-General of the Revenue Commissioners and
no decision has been taken on the application by the Collector-General, or
the Collector-General has refused to issue a certificate but the refusal is the subject of an appeal yet to be determined.
In these circumstances, in accordance with the Standards in Public Office Act 2001, the Collector-General will, on request, provide an Application Statement to the applicant confirming that the person has applied for a tax clearance certificate and that no decision on the application has been made.
The Deputy will be aware that where a person provides an Application Statement to the Standards in Public Office Commission, the person is deemed not to be in breach of the requirement to produce a tax clearance certificate under the Standards in Public Office Act. This position continues to apply until such time as a decision is made on the application for a certificate or on the appeal against a refusal, as the case may be.
Paul Kehoe
Question:252 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if, when a taxi operator is renewing his or her taxi licence, the Taxi Regulator should accept a downloaded copy of the required tax clearance certificate to confirm they are tax compliant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2407/08]
The Revenue Commissioners have identified tax clearance as an area amenable to reduction in the administrative burden for businesses, in line with the Government's policy of reducing compliance costs for businesses arising from regulation or other administrative requirements.
Revenue has introduced an on-line verification facility, whereby a third party may verify that a taxpayer holds a tax clearance certificate. The details and benefits of the facility are as follows :
the facility is secure and can only be accessed with the permission of the taxpayer who holds the tax clearance certificate
the taxpayer gives permission by providing certain details relating to his tax clearance certificate to the third party/public body. This enables the third party/body to access the secure facility through the Revenue website www.revenue.ie
there is no need for the taxpayer to produce the original tax clearance certificate (paper version). This facility is particularly useful where the taxpayer applies regularly for public sector contracts.
It is not possible to download paper copies of the tax clearance certificate.
I am informed by Revenue that they have recently written to all Government Departments requesting their assistance in promoting the availability and advantages of the on-line verification facility. I support Revenue's initiative in the development of this facility.
Flood Relief.
Emmet Stagg
Question:253 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the flooding which occurred in Johnstown village, Naas, County Kildare, on 10 January 2008; and the fact that the village was flooded twice in 2007; and when resources will be made available to carry out a flood alleviation scheme for the village. [2509/08]
The Commissioners of Public Works have been requested by Kildare County Council to assist them in identifying the cause and possible solutions to the problem of flooding in Johnstown. The Commissioners are examining the request to determine what, if any assistance they are in a position to provide, and will be pursuing the matter with the Council.
Equal Opportunities Employment.
David Stanton
Question:254 Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 281 of 23 May 2006, if he is satisfied that his Department has met the 3% employment quota for people with disabilities; the percentage of people with disabilities employed in his Department; the number of people with disabilities hired from outside the civil service for each of the years from 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2590/08]
I am satisfied that my Department has met the 3% target for employment of people with disabilities.
In 2007, as part of a civil service wide measure, my Department conducted a survey, based on voluntary disclosure, using a method agreed with the National Disability Authority. The response to the survey indicated that at least 3.1% of the staff of the Department has a disability. My Department is also aware that some staff with a disability may not have responded to the survey.
There is no requirement on the Department to specifically identify those with disabilities within the total of people recruited from outside the civil service. However, the survey referred to above would have been open to all staff of the Department. In addition, my Department participated in the WAM (Willing Able Mentoring) Project in 2006 and 2007 and gave work experience placement to two graduates with a disability.
The Deputy may wish to note that my Department received an award under the O2 Ability Awards programme in recognition of its policies and procedures in the area of Leadership, Environmental Accessibility, Learning Development and Progression and Retention and Wellbeing.
Architectural Heritage.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:255 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he, through the Office of Public Works directly or in conjunction with other relevant Departments have given thought to the possibility of the leasing or outright purchase of Donadea Castle and Forest Park from Coillte with a view to restoration of the castle and ancillary buildings before they deteriorate beyond repair and with a view to upgrading, enhancing and promoting the use of this unique woodland area and historical architecture which is within easy reach of several large towns throughout County Kildare; if effort has been made to examine the structures with a view to producing a report which might be expected to form the basis of a major restoration programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2748/08]
The Office of Public Works is responsible for the built heritage in direct state ownership. Donadea Castle and its environs do not fall into this category. This Office is not aware of any plans to acquire this site.
Fiscal Policy.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:256 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the extent to which the national debt is expected to be affected by internal or external events in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2749/08]
As outlined in the Budget in December the total cost of servicing the national debt in 2008 is projected at €2,490 million. This forecast was based on my Department's Budget 2008 arithmetic. As such both the estimate of the cost of servicing the national debt and the estimate of the actual level of debt at the end of the year remain valid.
My Department will, of course, closely monitor the national debt and the cost of servicing it throughout the year.
Finally, I would remind the Deputy that the debt-to-GDP ratio, at around 26 per cent, will be one of the lowest in the euro area this year.
Tax Yield.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:257 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that tax returns anticipated at the time of Budget 2008 are expected to remain on target; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2750/08]
Budget 2008 forecast tax revenues in 2008 of €48,910 million, a 3½ per cent increase on the 2007 outturn.
As is the norm, my Department actively monitors trends in tax receipts and reports publicly on a quarterly basis.
The Budget forecasts have not been revised.
Banking Sector Regulation.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:258 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he is satisfied with regard to the adequacy of measures to prevent fraud in the banking system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2751/08]
The primary responsibility for managing a bank and for preventing fraud within that bank rests with the board and management of that institution. No supervisory regime can ensure that a financial institution can never be a victim of fraudulent activity. However, it is a key principle of our regulatory approach that any financial institutions are expected to have in place internal oversight, reporting and risk management systems commensurate to the nature, size and complexity of their operations that are up to the task of properly managing and controlling the risks with which they deal and minimising the scope for fraud.
As Minister of Finance I am responsible for the legal framework governing financial regulation. In the context of the legislative framework put in place, responsibility for the supervision of credit institutions is a matter for the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority.
I am satisfied that we have a robust and effective legislative framework for supervision and regulation of financial institutions, and that the establishment and operation of the Financial Regulator provides an appropriate organisational structure for the enforcement of that framework. I would of course consider any approach by the Financial Regulator in relation to new legislation in this regard, if the Financial Regulator regards this as necessary.
The remit of the Financial Regulator is quite broad and covers a wide range of financial service activities. All in all the Financial Regulator supervises more than 10,000 financial service providers of varying size and nature, including banking, insurance, collective investment, asset management firms, as well as credit unions, exchanges, retail intermediaries etc. Our regulatory regime meets best practice international standards. This was confirmed by an IMF assessment in 2006.
Industrial Development.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:259 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that the economy continues to be attractive to encourage foreign inward investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2752/08]
Recent IDA Ireland data show that 2007 was another positive year with regard to new investment projects coming to Ireland. The data also show that many of the new jobs were in highly skilled, high paying areas. Based on a healthy pipeline of prospective new projects, the IDA is confident that Ireland is well placed to secure considerable investment during 2008, from key target sectors such as Pharmaceuticals, Biopharmaceuticals, Medical Technologies, International Services, Information and Communications Technology, Financial Services and Digital Media.
The Government recognises the importance of ensuring that Ireland remains an attractive location for inward foreign direct investment and policies are in place to achieve this. Our burden of tax is low, and we have demonstrated that we pursue sensible budgetary policies. Our workforce is highly skilled and flexible. Infrastructural development has been prioritised. These key policy orientations equip Ireland with the skills, infrastructure, facilities and overall operating environment that will allow us to compete effectively for projects at the upper end of the high skill/high wage spectrum, which is where our competitive advantage now lies.
Question No. 260 answered with Question No. 99.
Economic Competitiveness.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:261 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the steps he will take to ensure that the economy is capable of competing with others in the marketplace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2754/08]
The Government recognises the importance of achieving sustainable export-led growth in order to enhance living standards in Ireland. In this regard this Government is pursuing a number of policies which will underpin the future growth of our economy, including pursuing responsible budgetary policies. We have for a number of years actively focussed on rewarding work and enterprise through maintaining a low tax burden on capital and labour. Furthermore, I have already indicated that a key priority is the continued roll out of the National Development Plan. Investment in capital — human and physical — as well as infrastructural investment designed to eliminate bottlenecks will go some way towards enhancing productivity. Also the ongoing consensus approach to pay determination is another key factor in safeguarding our economic well-being.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:262 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the extent to which hidden inflationary costs are affecting the economy; the action taken or proposed to address these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2755/08]
Maintaining a moderate rate of inflation remains a key priority of economic policy because of its importance in restoring competitiveness. While inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index, averaged 4.9% last year, my Department's latest forecast is for an average CPI of 3% this year.
Including the impact of mortgage rate increases in the CPI not only masks the underlying inflation rate but also highlights the short-term impact of interest rate increases which are designed to bring down inflation. As such, a better measure of inflation than the Consumer Price Index is the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) which excludes, among other things, mortgage interest and is a more realistic measure of inflation. The average increase in the HICP in 2007 was 2.8 per cent, and the forecast increase for 2008 is 2.4 per cent.
As I indicated at Budget time, I expect the rate of inflation to moderate over the course of this year. However, it must be acknowledged that we have no control over some of the factors influencing inflation, such as oil prices, the exchange rate and mortgage interest rates in the case of the CPI. In this regard, we must always seek to ensure that our domestic cost base does not undermine competitiveness. Seeking to maintain low inflation, the pursuit of sensible incomes policy, and keeping public spending growth at sustainable levels in the medium term are important. Doing this will allow us to keep the burden of taxation low, thus helping to maintain competitiveness and to maximise our economic potential.
Questions Nos. 263 to 265, inclusive, answered with Question No. 111.
Health Services.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:266 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has been asked to provide speech therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy staff for a school (details supplied) in County Dublin in view of the special needs of the pupils who attend; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36117/07]
As part of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 under the Disability Strategy, the Government provided the Health Service Executive with an additional €75 million in both 2006 and 2007. This funding included monies to provide new and enhanced services for people with disabilities, to implement Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which came into effect on June 1st 2007 for the under 5's and also for the continuation of the implementation of the transfer of persons with intellectual disability from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements.
The Government is also honouring its promise in relation to the Multi-Annual Investment Programme for people with disabilities, with a further €50 million investment which was announced in the 2008 Budget.
As the Deputy is aware the education of a child, irrespective of their disability, is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Education and Science. Where applicable my Department, through the Health Service Executive, supply support services to enable the particular person to avail fully of the educational system being offered.
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Ned O'Keeffe
Question:267 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children when domiciliary allowance will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [1078/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Herbal Drugs.
Brendan Kenneally
Question:268 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans she has to introduce legislation to control the sale of herbal drugs that may be harmful; if studies have been carried out on their effects; if she has evidence of their addictive nature; if recommendations have been put to her about their future sale or supply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1244/08]
The Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 and regulations made thereunder regulate and control the import, export, production, supply and possession of a range of named narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances listed in the Schedules to the Act. Substances are scheduled under the Act in accordance with the Department's obligations under international conventions and/or where there is evidence that the substances are causing significant harm to public health in Ireland. The Act also limits packaging and labelling of controlled drugs.
Herbal drugs is a vernacular term used to describe a range of different substances which may or may not be scheduled substances under Misuse of Drugs legislation. The list of scheduled substances is kept under review on an ongoing basis. In particular the Department reviews any evidence that substances are being abused and are causing significant harm to public health. For example, in 2006 the law surrounding psychotropic (magic) mushrooms in their raw state was clarified in the light of evidence of increased availability and significant harm being done and it is now an offence to sell or possess magic mushrooms.
One of the substances currently on sale is Benzlpiperazine (BZP). BZP is not currently a scheduled substance under Misuse of Drugs legislation, but its status is under advanced review. A specific risk assessment procedure for new psychoactive substances carried out by the European Monitoring Centre on Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) has found that the use of BZP can lead to medical problems even if long term effects of the substance are still unknown.
The European Commission has therefore, decided to ask the Council of Ministers to place BZP under control in accordance with the 1971 UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances. If the Council adopts the Commission's proposal, Member States must act as soon as possible, but no later than one year from the date of the decision, to introduce control measures and criminal sanctions. For Ireland, the introduction of national measures will involve declaring BZP to be a controlled substance under Irish Misuse of Drugs legislation and adding it to the schedule of controlled substances in accordance with that legislation.
Health Services.
Sean Sherlock
Question:269 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if an application for domiciliary care by a person (details supplied) in County Cork on behalf of their son is presently being expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1352/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:270 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when foster allowance will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1565/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Mental Health Services.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:271 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the response she has made to a letter received from a group (details supplied); when the Government will implement the recommendations of the Vision for Change document on mental health services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1673/08]
Based on the details supplied by the Deputy, I have been unable to locate the letter referred to in the question.
The Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, "A Vision for Change", which was launched in January 2006 provides a framework for action to develop a modern, high quality mental health services for a seven to ten year period. The Government has accepted the Report as the basis for the future development of mental health services.
Implementation of the individual recommendations of "A Vision for Change", is a matter primarily for the Health Service Executive.
An independent Monitoring Group was established in March 2006, to monitor and assess progress by the Health Service Executive, government departments and other agencies in implementing the recommendations set out in the Report. The Monitoring Group's first annual report was published in May 2007. The Report acknowledges the progress made but expressed concern about the lack of a systematic approach to implementation of the Report and the lack of clarity in responsibility for implementation in the HSE.
The HSE has appointed a full time Project Manager to develop and progress its implementation plan. This plan has been finalised and is expected to be signed off by the HSE Management Team shortly.
The Government recently approved the establishment of the Office of the Minister for Disability and Mental Health. This Office will focus on driving the implementation of A Vision for Change.
Health Services.
Brendan Howlin
Question:272 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to a child (details supplied) in County Wexford that the Health Service Executive’s consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist has recommended for referral to a clinical psychologist who is experienced in working with children with autism; when her Department will nominate such a clinical psychologist to provide services for this child; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2044/08]
As part of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 under the Disability Strategy, the Government provided the Health Service Executive with an additional €75m in both 2006 and 2007. This funding included monies to provide new and enhanced services for people with disabilities, to implement Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which came into effect on June 1st 2007 for the under 5's and also for the continuation of the implementation of the transfer of persons with intellectual disability from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements.
The Government is also honouring its promise in relation to the Multi-Annual Investment Programme for people with disabilities, with a further €50m investment which was announced in the 2008 Budget.
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Care of the Elderly.
Seán Barrett
Question:273 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the introduction of an Irish older persons’ Bill that would delineate the rights and entitlements of older Irish persons in the areas of non-discriminatory care and services provision, promotion of welfare of older persons, older persons’ entitlement to assessment of needs, protection from neglect and abuse, licensing of private nursing homes, inspection and publication of reports, public nursing home care provision, inspection and reports, registration, licensing and supervision of care facilities, and sanctions for failure to meet agreed standards of care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2062/08]
There are no plans to introduce an Irish Older Person's Bill as referred to by the Deputy. However, I am delighted to inform the Deputy that the Office for Older People will be formally launched by the Taoiseach on Wednesday 30th January 2008.
The main functions of the new Office will be to establish an interdepartmental network to draw up and implement a Strategy for Positive Ageing; to bring greater coherence to the formulation of policy affecting older people at a cross-departmental level and to develop policy and oversee and monitor the delivery of health and personal social services for older people. The Office will proactively lead the co-ordination of policy in relation to Services for Older People across relevant government departments and agencies.
In response to the key issues raised by the Deputy in his question, I have outlined the most up to date position as follows:
1. Assessment of Needs
The Bill providing for the new Fair Deal Scheme is at an advanced stage. This legislation will establish a uniform national system of financial support for people in need of nursing home care. Within this, the legislation will address the issue of an assessment of care needs for those who may need long-term residential care.
2. Protection from Neglect and Abuse
Elder Abuse may involve physical, psychological, sexual or financial abuse or it may otherwise arise due to inadequacy of care for whatever reason. Following a comprehensive work programme the Working Group on Elder Abuse published its report, ‘Protecting Our Future' in 2002. This Report made various recommendations in relation to the development of health and non-health services necessary to deal with elder abuse. It recommended that the issue of elder abuse be placed in the wider context of health and social care services for older people. The Department of Health and Children established the Elder Abuse National Implementation Group (EANIG) in 2003 to oversee and guide the implementation of the elder abuse programme.
The majority of the recommendations in relation to the development of the health services necessary to tackle elder abuse have been implemented. This includes, in recent times, the appointment by the HSE of Senior Case Workers and Dedicated Elder Abuse Officers nationally together with the development of improved training, protocols and other appropriate measures.
3. Nursing Homes
Currently, private nursing homes are registered in accordance with the Health (Nursing Homes) Act 1990 and are subject to inspection by the Health Service Executive on the basis of the standards set out in the Care and Welfare Regulations 1993.
A fundamental principle of the Health Service Reform Programme is to put the users of health and personal social services at the centre of the services. The Health Act 2007 reflects this principle and provides for the establishment of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA). The objective of the Authority is to promote safety and quality in the provision of health and personal social services for the benefit of the health and welfare of the public.
The existing inspection and registration systems for residential services will be replaced by a strengthened and expanded system and the Act strengthens and modernises the registration and de-registration process. The Act also provided for the establishment of the Office of the Chief Inspector of Social Services with specific statutory functions for inspecting and registering residential centres for older people, including private nursing homes. The Health Service Executive (HSE) is liaising with HIQA to facilitate this and transitional arrangements will be agreed as we move towards the new system of inspection.
Formal standards are a key requirement for inspection and registration. An important function of the Authority is the setting of standards on safety and quality in relation to services providing by the Health Service Executive and service providers to monitor compliance on the part of the HSE and service providers with these standards in an open and transparent way.
A new set of draft national standards for residential care was published in January 2007 by the Minister for Health & Children. The draft standards are designed to ensure the protection of residents, to safeguard and promote their health, welfare and quality of life and to ensure that there is a focus on the well-being, dignity and autonomy of older people.
As the Health Act, 2007 provides that the enhanced inspection function will be taken over by HIQA, the draft standards were formally referred to the Authority for consultation and finalisation. HIQA published draft standards on 8 August, 2007 for public consultation. The results of the public consultation were discussed at the most recent meetings of the HIQA Working Group and it is expected that the standards will be finalised shortly. The next step will be to refer the standards to the Minister, following which Regulations will be drafted to give statutory underpinning to the Standards.
Seán Barrett
Question:274 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Health and Children her proposals for the implementation of the Madrid Plan, as adopted by the Madrid Assembly on Aging 2002 and committed to by Member States of the European Union to prioritise the older person agenda, the development of a society for all ages, adjusting its structures and functions, policies and plans to the needs and capabilities of all, guided by the principles of equity and reciprocity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2216/08]
I am delighted to inform the Deputy that the Office for Older People will be formally launched by the Taoiseach on Wednesday 30th January 2008.
The main functions of the new Office will be to establish an interdepartmental network to draw up and implement a Strategy for Positive Ageing; to bring greater coherence to the formulation of policy affecting older people at a cross-departmental level and to develop policy and oversee and monitor the delivery of health and personal social services for older people.
A critical component of the Office will be to create a "whole of government" approach to older people — both in terms of policy development and service delivery. This will involve a critical function of developing working relationships with key government departments and formalising networks and lines of communication to embed this approach in all aspects of government. The Office will proactively lead the co-ordination of policy in relation to Services for Older People across relevant government departments and agencies.
In the context of developing a National Strategy for Positive Ageing, special attention will be paid to the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA) referred to by the Deputy. The new Office for Older People will be the focal point for the MIPAA process.
The Plan listed objectives and recommendations for action under three priority directions:
older persons and development
advancing health and well-being into old age
enabling and supportive environments
These objectives are reflected in the overall functions of the new Office as outlined above and will feature strongly in the new Strategy for Positive Ageing.
The role of non-Governmental organisations in the implementation, assessment and follow-up of the Plan was also acknowledged and I am pleased to inform the Deputy that a National Advisory Council for Older People will be established as part of the overall arrangements for the new Office.
The process of implementation of MIPAA is an evolving one and the establishment of the Office for Older People is an important development in this context.
Nursing Home Subventions.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:275 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that an organisation (details supplied) and eight other organisations issued a joint statement on 27 November 2007 outlining their concerns regarding the proposed fair deal legislation and their desire to be consulted on the proposals; the consultations that have taken place since she announced the delay in the publication of the legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2300/08]
The Minister has noted the joint statement that issued from nine organisations on 27 November 2007 and intends to engage further with stakeholders in relation to the details of the Fair Deal scheme upon publication of the Bill providing for the scheme. This will take place under the auspices of Towards 2016.
Cancer Screening Programme.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:276 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will introduce a system of mandatory reporting of cancer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36047/07]
The National Strategy for Cancer Control recommended that a system of mandatory reporting of cancer should be introduced, as recommended in the National Strategy for Cancer Control. My Department is currently considering this issue in conjunction with the National Cancer Registry in the context of the forthcoming Health Information Bill. Additional revenue funding of €1m has been allocated to the National Cancer Registry this year to further develop its cancer surveillance function.
Health Services.
Bernard Allen
Question:277 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive an appointment for a limb fitting. [36053/07]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Olwyn Enright
Question:278 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in a person (details supplied) in County Offaly seeing a neurosurgeon; when the patient will be given an appointment to see a neurosurgeon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36060/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.
Frank Feighan
Question:279 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in respect of the Health Service Executive repayments scheme for nursing home patients, she will extend the current deadline of 31 December 2007 for 12 months for submissions because up to 80% of qualifying applicants have yet to make claims due to individuals’ inability to have legal material available in time. [36061/07]
The Health Repayment Scheme was launched by the Health Service Executive and the appointed scheme administrator on 14th August 2006 by way of a national advertising campaign.
An extensive advertising and publicity campaign was undertaken to ensure that eligible applicants who wished to do so submitted an application prior to the closing date of 31 December 2007. This campaign included a series of nationwide roadshows to highlight the scheme and to assist applicants complete their applications.
A streamlined probate process has been developed to facilitate repayments to estates where probate had not been obtained and in this regard over 9,500 certificates of entitlement have been issued by 11 January 2008. These certificates will continue to issue as necessary to enable those who have submitted a valid application under the scheme to receive a repayment.
In view of the various measures which have been undertaken by the HSE to maximise awareness of the scheme and its belief that any extension would not lead to a significant increase in applications, I have decided not to extend the closing date for receipt of applications.
Hospital Services.
Michael Kennedy
Question:280 Deputy Michael Kennedy asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin who has been informed that they have to wait over two and a half years for orthodontic treatment; the reason for the delay; when use of the National Treatment Purchase Fund will be an option; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36066/07]
The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
In regard to the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF), there is a commitment in the current Programme For Government that orthodontic cases be referred to the NTPF by creating a fund to treat children who have been waiting the longest for treatment. My Department is examining the steps involved in advancing this issue.
Health Services.
James Reilly
Question:281 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will intervene and ask the Health Service Executive to continue to fund a group (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36088/07]
Under the Health Act 2004, it is a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE) to determine whether to fund a voluntary organisation.
The HSE is also responsible for setting the terms and conditions which apply to such funding. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to reply directly to the Deputy regarding funding for the group in question.
Nursing Home Subventions.
James Reilly
Question:282 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children when the new nursing home scheme Fair Deal will become operational in particular in the Dublin area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36096/07]
The Bill providing for the Fair Deal Scheme is at an advanced stage and being finalised by the Office of the Attorney General at present. The Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney, T.D. proposes to publish the Bill as soon as possible following Government approval.
It is intended to introduce the scheme on a national basis once the necessary legal and administrative arrangements are in place.
Hospital Services.
Peter Power
Question:283 Deputy Peter Power asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has made contact with a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when the last official contact from her Department was made; if she ensured that the requested information regarding their treatment by professionals since their file was reviewed has been passed onto them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36100/07]
The person concerned wrote to me in November last and I personally responded to her letter in December. The Chairperson of the group which is reviewing breast services at the hospital in question and an official in my Department have also been in contact with the person and the issues she raised have being followed up on her behalf.
Health Services.
Pádraic McCormack
Question:284 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Health and Children the proposals she has to increase the funding to the palliative care unit, Galway Hospice, Renmore, Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36104/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Pádraic McCormack
Question:285 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Health and Children her proposals for funding the extension of the Galway Hospice to a total of 26 beds in view of the Government’s approved national policy for palliative care services and where Galway Hospice has funded the purchase of adjoining land to facilitate this development which will cost in the region of an estimated €10 million; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36105/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.
Sean Fleming
Question:286 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Health and Children if a list of payments made under the long-stay charges repayments scheme to individuals will be published in due course; and if a list of such payments can be made available under the Freedom of Information Act 1997. [36140/07]
In relation to repayments in respect of a deceased relevant person, following consultation with officials of the probate office of the High Court regulations were made under Section 20 of the Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006 to provide for the establishment of a public register to record the amount of repayment made in respect of a deceased relevant person. The register is maintained by the Health Service Executive and provides accountability in the administration of estates. Information on these repayments is available to the public on request.
There is no intention to publish a list of repayments to living relevant persons who have received a repayment under the scheme.
Hospital Services.
Denis Naughten
Question:287 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of linear accelerators planned for in the cancer strategy and the timetable envisaged for their installation; the number in place; the date for the completion of the programme of linear accelerators; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36144/07]
My Department and the Health Service Executive (HSE) have been working closely to expedite the delivery of the National Plan for Radiation Oncology. The HSE has confirmed that it will have in place radiation oncology capacity to meet the needs of the population by 2010. After 2010 the HSE will continue to increase capacity to ensure that these needs continue to be met. I am fully confident that this will be achieved through a combination of direct Exchequer provision, PPP and where appropriate, the use of the private sector.
The specific questions raised by the Deputy relate to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the HSE under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the matters raised.
HIV Infection.
Martin Ferris
Question:288 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people being treated in this country for AIDS. [1004/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Martin Ferris
Question:289 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people who have died in this country since 2003 from AIDS. [1005/08]
HIV and AIDS surveillance is carried out by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC). The number of deaths caused by AIDS reported to the HPSC between 2003 and end of June 2007 was 28.
Health Services.
Finian McGrath
Question:290 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin. [1012/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Finian McGrath
Question:291 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [1014/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Alcohol Advertising.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:292 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the groups and bodies that have been invited to make submissions in relation to the review of the voluntary code to limit the exposure of young people to alcoholic drink advertising being undertaken by her Department; the groups and bodies that have been consulted with to date or it is intended to consult with, in particular youth organisations, public health bodies and agencies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1030/08]
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:293 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in relation to the review of the voluntary code to limit the exposure of young people to alcoholic drink advertising being undertaken by her Department, she will report on the persons who are conducting the review; the time-frame for completion of the review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1031/08]
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:296 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has plans to introduce a full prohibition on the advertising of alcohol and in particular a prohibition of alcohol advertising on television; the meetings she has had with industry groups and other relevant stake-holders in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1059/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 292, 293 and 296 together.
A Voluntary Code on the marketing and advertising of alcohol is in place since 2005. The 2006 Annual Report of the Alcohol Marketing Communications Monitoring Body, established to monitor compliance with the Voluntary Codes, was submitted to my Department in July 2007. Following consideration of the Report, officials from my Department commenced discussions with representatives of the Irish alcohol industry and representatives of the Irish advertising industry with a view to strengthening and expanding the voluntary codes on alcohol marketing and communications in order to provide significantly greater protection for children and young people. A representative from the Health Service Executive also participated in the discussions. My Department did not invite submissions from any organisation during this process.
Following publication of the Report entitled Working Together to Reduce the Harms Caused by Alcohol Misuse an Implementation Group was established to monitor and report on progress on the implementation of the recommendations contained in this Report. The Implementation Group's membership comprises key stakeholders in Government Departments and Agencies and the Social Partners. Both the voluntary youth sector and the drinks industry are represented on the Implementation Group. At its meeting in September 2007 the Implementation Group discussed alcohol advertising and the views of the various stakeholders in attendance were relayed to the Department.
The discussions between my officials and the alcohol and advertising industry representatives resulted in a revised set of Codes on advertising and sponsorship being drafted. I am consulting with my officials in relation to the revised set of Codes to identify the most appropriate way of moving forward in this area. I am conscious of the need for Government to continue to respond to the problems caused by alcohol misuse in Ireland and I intend seeking support for the introduction of evidence-based measures to tackle these problems in our society.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Finian McGrath
Question:294 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will advise and assist persons (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [1049/08]
Under the proposed new nursing home support scheme, A Fair Deal, every individual will make a fair contribution to the cost of their care based on their income and, if applicable, their assets. The means assessment will work out how much each individual can contribute to the cost of their care. In the case of couples where one member requires care, the assessment is based on 50% of the couple's combined income and assets. The individual's spouse or partner will keep enough income to live comfortably. The means assessment will not take into account the means of other relatives such as their children.
Under the new scheme, individuals will contribute up to 80% of their assessable income per week, whether for public or private nursing home care. Depending on the amount of a person's assessable income, there may also be a contribution of up to 5% of a person's assets. The State will then meet the balance of cost, whether in a public or an approved private nursing home.
The portion of the contribution based on assets, such as a person's home, can be paid at the time of receiving care or it may be deferred, meaning that it will not have to be paid by the individual during their lifetime. In addition, the individual's spouse or certain dependants can avail of a further deferral of the contribution based on the principal residence for the duration of their lifetime.
The individuals who will be able to avail of the second deferred payment agreement include, among others, the spouse or co-habiting partner of the individual and a relative (as defined in the legislation) who is in receipt of a disability or similar allowance. The Bill providing for the Fair Deal scheme is at an advanced stage and being finalised by the Office of the Attorney General at present. The Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney, T.D. proposes to publish the Bill as soon as possible following Government approval.
Health Services.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:295 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the shortage of supports for children with Asperger’s syndrome; the plans in place to increase access for these children to occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, paediatric clinical psychologists and other supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1053/08]
As part of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 under the Disability Strategy, the Government provided the Health Service Executive with an additional €75m in both 2006 and 2007. This funding included monies to provide new and enhanced services for people with disabilities, to implement Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which came into effect on June 1st 2007 for the under 5's and also for the continuation of the implementation of the transfer of persons with intellectual disability from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements.
The Government is also honouring its promise in relation to the Multi-Annual Investment Programme for people with disabilities, with a further €50m investment which was announced in the 2008 Budget.
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Question No. 296 answered with Question No. 292.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:297 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that the Irish Osteoporosis Society receives core funding from the Health Service Executive to give certainty and continuity to its vital work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1074/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Pharmaceutical Sector.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:298 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children the situation with regard to the recent dispute between the Health Service Executive and pharmacists; her views on the widespread public interest in the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1075/08]
Michael Ring
Question:435 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that an independent review of the payments to pharmacies takes place to set a new pay structure, prior to any of the proposed changes by the Health Service Executive in this regard. [2020/08]
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:447 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the action she has taken to intervene in the community pharmacy crisis since Dáil Éireann rose for the Christmas 2007 recess; if she will ensure that the Health Service Executive enters direct negotiations without preconditions with the IPU on all relevant issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2206/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 298, 435 and 447 together.
Following engagement between the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU) under Mr Bill Shipsey SC in December 2007, at which the sides did not reach agreement, the HSE has offered a draft interim contract to pharmacists to address their main concerns regarding the alleged impact of the proposed revised wholesaler arrangements on GMS-dependent pharmacies. I am informed that the HSE intends to implement the revised wholesaler arrangements from 1st March 2008. The Executive also recently commenced discussions with the IPU and other parties on the development of a new substantive pharmacy contract. The details of the draft interim contract, and the HSE's other intentions in this regard, were set out in a letter to individual community pharmacists on 2nd January 2008.
In the light of the legal position previously outlined in the House and after further consultation with the Attorney General, the other relevant Departments and the HSE on the best way of progressing the development of a new contract with pharmacists in compliance with competition law, my Department is working to develop appropriate arrangements for the development of contracts and for the setting of the fees payable in respect of contracts with private sector undertakings for the provision of health services on behalf of the HSE. These arrangements may include the establishment of an independent body which would consider the nature of the service to be provided and all other relevant factors in each case and make recommendations to the Government in relation to the fees it considers appropriate. The composition of such a body, its terms of reference and the timescale for its work are amongst the matters to be considered in this regard. In line with the legal advice received, the HSE may enter into discussions with community pharmacists on the non-fee aspects of their contract, with a view to developing a new substantive pharmacy contract.
Hospitals Building Programme.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:299 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress that has been made in progressing the plans to extend and develop St. John’s Hospital, Limerick; the expected timeframe for this development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1080/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular question raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Nursing Education.
James Reilly
Question:300 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the arrangements in place to provide medical practitioners with locum cover in order that they can fulfil the required time commitment as supervisors of the new nursing prescribing scheme (details supplied); her views on whether if no such arrangements are in place the value of the nursing prescribing certificate will be in serious doubt due to inadequate professional medical supervision and training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1081/08]
The introduction of nurse/midwife prescribing is a real and significant change in nursing practice in Ireland. There is strong international experience that supports nurse/midwife prescribing as being effective and safe and improving services to patients. The extension of prescriptive authority to nurse and midwives will ensure that patients will receive earlier interventions and therefore a better quality service. Nurse/midwife prescribing will assist the development of a service based on the right person delivering the right care in the right setting at the right time.
This initiative is fully supported by the nursing and midwifery professions across a range of disciplines. In fact the first hospital to introduce nurse/midwife prescribing in Ireland is the National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street.
Nurse/midwife prescribing will also promote the more effective utilisation of the nursing resource, both in terms of nurses/midwives and their skills and will facilitate the optimum utilisation of the medical resource.
The provision of locum cover for medical practitioners who are providing supervision in the training component of the new nurse prescribing education programme is a matter for the Health Service Executive and I have asked the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in this regard.
I am satisfied that appropriate arrangements are being put in place to facilitate the planned implementation of the nurse prescribing initiative. It is my understanding that before a medical practitioner agrees to act as a mentor he/she is advised of the commitment required in relation to clinical supervision, support and learning opportunities for the student. If an employer is unable to put adequate arrangements in place to support a nurse/midwife wishing to undertake the education programme, or if a medical practitioner is not in a position to give the required commitment to provide the relevant supervision, then the nurse/midwife in question will not be accepted onto the education programme.
I fully support the concept of nurse/midwife prescribing and I understand that the roll-out of the initiative is happening in accordance with the implementation plan devised by the Resource and Implementation Group which was established by my Department and which is overseeing the project.
Accident and Emergency Services.
Charles Flanagan
Question:301 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the opening of the new accident and emergency unit at Portlaoise Regional Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1090/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issues raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Services.
Ned O'Keeffe
Question:302 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive a knee replacement. [1094/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Patients waiting more than three months on a surgical waiting list may qualify for treatment under the National Treatment Purchase Fund. It is open to the person in question or anyone acting on their behalf to contact the Fund directly in relation to their case.
Home Care Support.
Ned O'Keeffe
Question:303 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if a home care support package will be put in place for persons (details supplied) in County Cork. [1095/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Judicial Reviews.
Damien English
Question:304 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost to and the damages paid by the State in relation to judicial reviews that her Department were responsible for in each of the years 1997 to 2007 inclusive; and if she will provide the information in tabular readable form. [1114/08]
Damien English
Question:305 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of applications for judicial review that her Department was responsible for in each of the years 1997 to 2007; the number of applications where leave was granted for each year; and if she will present the information in tabular readable form. [1129/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 304 and 305 together.
The information requested by the Deputy is currently being collated within my Department and I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
Child Care Services.
Joe Costello
Question:306 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on documentation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1176/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP) which, together with the earlier Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP), are implemented by the Office of the Minister for Children.
The main supports the Government makes available to parents to assist them with their childcare costs are Child Benefit and the Early Childcare Supplement. The latter payment is the responsibility of my Office, and it alone is expected to amount to expenditure of over €500m in 2008. These payments are universal and benefit all parents, regardless of their income, labour market status or the type of childcare they choose. In addition to these universal supports, Government childcare policy has also recognised the need to target additional supports towards disadvantaged families.
Under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP), which is co-funded under the EU Social Fund (ESF), targeted support was provided through the staffing support grant scheme whereby community based not-for-profit childcare providers with a strong focus on disadvantage were awarded grant aid towards their staffing costs to allow them to operate reduced fees to disadvantaged parents. Funding under this scheme was originally awarded for a limited period during which services were expected to move towards sustainability. This funding was subsequently continued to the end of 2007, where it was considered necessary to enable services to continue to make their services accessible to disadvantaged parents. This continuation funding was subject to the condition that tiered fee structures were implemented by the services in question.
With the closure of the EOCP in December 2007, to continue to support community childcare services to provide affordable childcare to disadvantaged parents, the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) was introduced from 1st January 2008 under the Exchequer funded National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), the successor programme to the EOCP. The CCSS has been allocated €153 million over the next 3 years, representing a 16% increase in funding over the EOCP staffing scheme, and will continue to support community childcare services to provide reduced childcare fees for disadvantaged parents, complementing the universal supports in place for all parents. Under the new scheme, it will be possible to ensure that the level of grant aid which individual services qualify for will reflect the actual level of service they provide and the profile of the parents benefiting from their service. As part of their application for funding under the new scheme, services are required to ask parents using their services to complete a simple declaration form which is to be included in a return to my Office and on which basis the level of subvention for each service will be determined. The subvention received by services will, in turn, be reflected in the reduced fees for parents who qualify as disadvantaged under the scheme.
It is considered that the new scheme will provide an effective framework for the continued targeting of additional resources towards disadvantaged parents and their children while continuing to support community childcare services generally. The scheme has been informed by and takes account of a number of enhancements recommended by the report of the Value for Money Review of the EOCP. These include the fact that the subvention to services will be more responsive to the level of service provided as well as the degree of parental disadvantage supported and the ceiling for funding, which existed under the previous scheme, is being removed. Account will also be taken of all of the operational costs of the service rather than staffing costs alone. Services, including full-time, part-time and sessional ones, which at present are, in some cases, inaccessibly priced for disadvantaged parents, will be available to them at more appropriate rates under the new scheme. In addition, transitional arrangements have been made under which existing grant recipients will continue to be funded at their current levels until 1st July 2008. This is to ensure that existing childcare services are facilitated to adjust to the new scheme, including making any adjustments necessary to their fee structures.
When I announced the new scheme in July of last year, I signalled my intention to undertake a review of the Scheme on the basis of the more detailed and comprehensive data which was to be forwarded to my Office in November and December as part of the application process of the new scheme. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the review was completed last month and the following adjustments to the scheme have been approved by the Government:
the childcare subvention rates, which form the basis for assessing the level of grant funding payable to community childcare services, have been increased from €80 to €100 per week in the case of Band A parents and from €30 to €70 per week in the case of Band B parents;
services will also be grant aided to enable them to provide reduced childcare fees for parents in Band C who are marginally above the Family Income Supplement (FIS) threshold and low income parents who qualify under this measure will benefit by €45 per week per full-time place;
where a parent moves to a lower Band (e.g. from social welfare into employment), the subvention paid in respect of them will be withdrawn on a tapered basis with the effect that where a parent would no longer qualify for a Band A payment, he or she will be treated as a Band B parent in the following year;
special provisions will be provided for in the case of childcare services where, for valid reasons, it is not possible to assess grant funding on the basis of annual parental declarations alone (e.g. women's refuges, special services for children of drug misusers) and, in exceptional cases, where special levels of funding provision may be required;
in recognition of the on-going input of the community and voluntary sector, and to provide stability for services which would otherwise receive very low levels of grant subvention (e.g. small rural services) a minimum annual grant level of €20,000 is being introduced.
as a transitional measure during 2008-2010, services which would otherwise face a significant decrease in their existing level of grant support from July 2008, will continue to receive grant aid equal to not less than 90% of their previous grant level during July-December 2008, equal to not less than 85% of that amount in 2009, and equal to not less than 75% of that amount in 2010. The transitional grant funding is conditional on all requirements of the Scheme being complied with, including the return of annual applications together with completed parent declaration forms and the implementation of tiered fees based on the subvention levels for Band A, B and C parents.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the Group in question has applied to enter the new scheme and a letter of approval for transitional funding under the NCIP Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) has issued from the Childcare Directorate. This funding will, for the first six months of 2008, be based on the level of funding currently being provided to the Group under the EOCP staffing support grant scheme and subject to the necessary contractual arrangement with Pobal, who manage the day to day operation of the EOCP and NCIP.
Legislative Programme.
Dr Martin Mansergh
Question:307 Deputy Martin Mansergh asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of Acts passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas sponsored by her Department in each year from 2003 to 2007; the Acts which were legislation wholly or mainly required by Ireland’s EU obligations, which were partly so required, and which had no significant or minimal reference to EU legislation; and if in the first two cases Ireland had significant discretion, as to the manner in which EU obligations were translated into domestic law. [1200/08]
The Acts sponsored by the Minister for Health and Children which were passed since 2003 are set out below. Any Act which included provisions meeting or reflecting European Union (EU) requirements are shown with an asterisk. The Health Insurance (Amendment) Act 2003 and the Health Insurance (Amendment) Act 2007 amended the Health Insurance Act 1994 which gave effect to the EU's Third Non-Life Insurance Directive (Council Directive 92/49/EEC). The Public Health (Tobacco) Amendment Act 2004 and the Irish Medicine Board (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 were partly required by EU obligations. The other Acts shown with an asterisk included EU related provisions but dealt substantially with other policy matters.
The Deputy will be aware that, under the European Communities Acts 1972 to 2007, EU measures may be transposed by statutory instrument with the general practice being to introduce primary legislation where major policy changes are being implemented on foot of EU measures.
2003
Health Insurance (Amendment) Act 2003*
Opticians (Amendment) Act 2003
2004
Health (Amendment) Act 2004
Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Act 2004*
Health Act 2004
2005
Health (Amendment) Act 2005
Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005*
2006
Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006.
Irish Medicines Board (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006*
Hepatitis C Compensation Tribunal (Amendment) Act 2006
2007
Health (Nursing Homes) (Amendment) Act 2007
Health Insurance (Amendment) Act 2007*
Health Act 2007
Pharmacy Act 2007*
Medical Practitioners Act 2007*
Child Care (Amendment) Act 2007
Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2007.
Health Service Staff.
Joe Costello
Question:308 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of physiotherapists employed in the Public Service in each of the past five years; the number of physiotherapists who have graduated in each of the past five years; the number recruited to the Public Service in each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1208/08]
Over 130,000 people work full-time or part-time in our public health services. In recent years, the Government's ongoing high level of investment in health has achieved and maintained significant increases in the number of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals employed in the public health services. The Government has also invested heavily in the education and training of such personnel in order to secure a good supply of graduates to provide for the healthcare needs of the population into the future.
Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of the Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.
In relation to the number of physiotherapists who have graduated in each of the past five years, data provided by the Schools of Physiotherapy are as follows:
|
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
|
TCD |
26 |
30 |
36 |
46 |
39 |
|
UCD |
30 |
52 |
57 |
52 |
50 |
|
RCSI |
12 |
24 |
28 |
26 |
26 |
|
UL |
UL course commenced in 2002. First cohort of students graduated in 2006. |
26 |
31 |
||
|
Total |
68 |
106 |
121 |
150 |
146 |
Health Services.
Joe Costello
Question:309 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children if an enquiry has been held into the death of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; the outcome of the enquiry; if she will meet with members of the family to discuss the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1209/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Drug Prevention Programmes.
Charles Flanagan
Question:310 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the increasing use of pills containing benzylpiperazine here; if the dangers of such use are widely known; if she will take steps to ban such pills having regard to the adverse consequences of usage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1213/08]
The Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 and regulations made thereunder regulate and control the import, export, production, supply and possession of a range of named narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances listed in the Schedules to the Act. Substances are scheduled under the Act in accordance with the Department's obligations under international conventions and/or where there is evidence that the substances are causing significant harm to public health in Ireland, which could merit the criminalisation of their sale and use. The Act also limits packaging and labelling of controlled drugs.
The list of scheduled substances is kept under review on an ongoing basis. In particular the Department reviews any evidence that substances are being abused and are causing significant harm to public health. For example, in 2006 the law surrounding psychotropic (magic) mushrooms in their raw state was clarified in the light of evidence of increased availability and significant harm being done and it is now an offence to sell or possess magic mushrooms.
Benzylpiperazine (BZP) is not currently a scheduled substance under Misuse of Drugs legislation, but its status is under advanced review. Following a risk assessment of BZP carried out at EU level by the European Monitoring Centre on Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), the European Commission has asked the Council of Ministers to place BZP under control in accordance with the 1971 UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances. If the Council adopts the Commission's proposal, Member States must act as soon as possible, but no later than one year from the date of the decision, to introduce control measures and criminal sanctions. Control measures and penalties are decided according to national laws which in turn comply with UN conventions. For Ireland, the introduction of national measures will involve declaring BZP to be a controlled substance under Irish Misuse of Drugs legislation and adding it to the schedule of controlled substances in accordance with that legislation. The Council of Ministers is expected to make its decision on the control of BZP in the near future.
Medical Cards.
Jack Wall
Question:311 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare against the decision to refuse their application for a medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1228/08]
Medical cards are made available to persons and their dependants who would otherwise experience undue hardship in meeting the cost of General Practitioner (GP) services. In 2005 the GP visit card was introduced as a graduated benefit so that people on moderate and lower incomes, particularly parents of young children, who do not qualify for a medical card would not be deterred on cost grounds from visiting their GP.
Since the beginning of 2005 substantial changes have been made to the way in which people's eligibility for a medical card is assessed and these apply equally to the assessment process for a GP visit card. The income guidelines have been increased by a cumulative 29% and in addition allowance is now made for reasonable expenses incurred in respect of mortgage/rent, childcare and travel to work costs. In June 2006 I agreed a further adjustment to the income guidelines for GP visit cards. These are now 50% higher than those in respect of medical cards.
As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for these benefits, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Mattie McGrath
Question:312 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the mobility allowance is means tested; if her Department will consider reversing this for people with spina bifida and other serious disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1235/08]
The Mobility Allowance is a monthly payment administered by the Health Service Executive, which provides financial support to severely disabled people who are unable to walk or use public transport and is intended to enable them to benefit from a change in surroundings, for example, by financing the occasional taxi journey.
To qualify for a social assistance payment a person must satisfy a means test. The means test examines sources of income and includes provision to disregard numerous sources of income including child benefit, carers allowance/benefit, supplementary welfare, fuel allowance and living alone allowance.
Mobility Allowance applicants must undergo a means test to ensure a cost effective delivery of the scheme. As per any social assistance scheme, a balance must be struck between the needs of any individual and the requirements to prioritise public funds. Any person who receives mobility allowance must do so on the basis of genuine need in accordance with the medical criteria and the means test laid down in the scheme.
Hospital Services.
Denis Naughten
Question:313 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children when Professor Tom Keane will be visiting Sligo General Hospital to evaluate the cancer service at the centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1237/08]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has designated University College Hospital Galway and Limerick Regional Hospital as the two cancer centres in the Managed Cancer Control Network for the HSE Western Region, which includes Sligo. The designation of cancer centres aims to ensure that patients receive the highest quality care while at the same time allowing local access to services, where appropriate. Where diagnosis and treatment planning is directed and managed by multi-disciplinary teams based at the cancer centres, then much of the treatment (other than surgery) can be delivered in local hospitals, such as Sligo General Hospital. The decisions of the HSE in relation to four managed cancer control networks and eight cancer centres will be implemented on a managed and phased basis. Prof. Keane is currently engaging in detailed planning to facilitate the orderly phased transfer of services between locations.
The specific question as to when Prof. Keane will be visiting Sligo General Hospital relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the HSE under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in this regard.
Health Service Staff.
Martin Ferris
Question:314 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children when the position of consultant orthodontist for Kerry was last advertised. [1243/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Adoption Services.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:315 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the letter sent to prospective adopters by the Health Service Executive indicating that their declaration may not be extended if one of the applicants is over 45 years of age, it is consistent with her reply to Parliamentary Question No. 188 of 13 November 2007; if in view of the lengthy process involved in obtaining a declaration and organising an adoption, she will guarantee that age alone will not be a barrier to adoption for parents who are at an advanced stage in the adoption process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1245/08]
At present, there is no limit in Irish statute in relation to intercountry adoption, nor is one applied by the Board in relation to the decision to issue a Declaration of Eligibility and Suitability, the legal document required by prospective adoptive parents to complete an intercountry adoption.
The Board advises applicants who are given a Declaration and who are 45 years of age and over that "the Board may not be in a position to renew the Declaration". This is a general advisory and relates to the capacity, in the future, of prospective adoptive parents to meet standards 1 and 2 of the Standardised Framework for Intercountry Adoption Assessment. These standards relate to the capacity to safeguard a child throughout his or her childhood, and to raise that child to adulthood. Further details regarding the 5 standards can be provided to the Deputy, if required.
The Adoption Board has found, in the past, that some applicants delay in using their Declaration. Clearly, it is important for the welfare of the child that prospective adopters proceed in a timely fashion. The purpose of the advisory is to promote this. It is important to note that each application for the renewal of a Declaration is considered on its own merits, and in accordance with the information before the Board.
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department is currently working closely with the Parliamentary Draftsman's Office on the drafting of the Adoption Bill, which is a priority within the Government's legislative programme. The issue of an age limit is under consideration and has been discussed as a part of a wide consultation process which is informing the drafting process. The Bill will have regard to transitional issues which will arise for applicants who have commenced, but not completed the adoption process on the enactment of the legislation.
Drug Prevention Programmes.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:316 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to establish an office of alcohol control along the lines of the Office of Tobacco Control. [1250/08]
My Department does not have any plans at present to establish an Office of Alcohol Control.
Hospital Services.
Michael Creed
Question:317 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children when a report (details supplied) on the future of acute hospital services in Cork will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1255/08]
The purpose of the Review of Acute Hospital Services in the Health Service Executive South is to identify the appropriate model for acute service provision in the HSE South and to recommend how best to reconfigure acute hospital services in Cork and Kerry to deliver on this model.
The HSE has advised my Department that the final draft of the report has been submitted to the National Hospitals Office by the consultants concerned. The report is expected to be submitted to the HSE Board shortly.
Medical Cards.
Jack Wall
Question:318 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position of an application for a medical card for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1262/08]
Medical cards are made available to persons and their dependants who would otherwise experience undue hardship in meeting the cost of General Practitioner (GP) services. In 2005 the GP visit card was introduced as a graduated benefit so that people on moderate and lower incomes, particularly parents of young children, who do not qualify for a medical card would not be deterred on cost grounds from visiting their GP.
Since the beginning of 2005 substantial changes have been made to the way in which people's eligibility for a medical card is assessed and these apply equally to the assessment process for a GP visit card. The income guidelines have been increased by a cumulative 29% and in addition allowance is now made for reasonable expenses incurred in respect of mortgage/rent, childcare and travel to work costs. In June 2006 I agreed a further adjustment to the income guidelines for GP visit cards. These are now 50% higher than those in respect of medical cards.
As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for these benefits, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
National Lottery Funding.
Denis Naughten
Question:319 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the projects which received National Lottery funding from her Department in 2007; the organisation and sum involved in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1283/08]
The Health and Children allocation of National Lottery funds for 2007 was €3.903m. Details of the amounts paid by my Department under the National Lottery discretionary grant scheme in 2007 are set out in the following table.
|
Organisation |
Amount Paid |
Purpose |
|
€ |
||
|
Children in Hospital Ireland, Carmichael Centre, Coleraine House, Coleraine St., Dublin 7 |
50,000 |
Towards the cost of expanding the Playwell and JustAsk services, publications, research and evaluation. |
|
Europa Donna Ireland, The Irish Breast Cancer Campaign, P O Box 6602, Dublin 8 |
173,800 |
Towards the cost of commitments relating to on going activities. |
|
Irish Kidney Association, Head Office, Donor House, Block 43A Park West, Dublin 12 |
600,000 |
Towards the Organ Donor public awareness campaign including printing and distribution of organ donor cards with fact file. |
|
Irish Kidney Association, Head Office, Donor House, Block 43A Park West, Dublin 12 |
65,000 |
Towards the cost of supporting athletes who are representing Ireland at the 16th World Transplant Games 2007 in Bangkok, Thailand. |
|
Order of Malta Ambulance Corps, St. John’s House, 32 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge, Co. Dublin |
140,000 |
Towards the cost of replacing the ambulance fleet. |
|
St. John Ambulance Brigade — Southern Command, 49 Sarsfield Terrace, Richmond Hill, Cork |
130,000 |
Towards the cost of upgrading the ambulance fleet. |
|
Irish Patient’s Association Ltd., 24 Church Road, Ballybrack, Co Dublin |
27,000 |
Towards the cost of the 2007 Annual Clean Hospital Conference. |
|
Clondalkin Junior Montessori School A.M.I., 10 Newlands Drive Clondalkin Dublin 22 |
15,000 |
Towards the cost of purchasing specialised Montessori materials, furniture for the environment, equipment for the play area etc. |
|
Clondalkin Partnership, Unit D, Nangor Road Business Park, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 |
130,000 |
Towards the cost of providing support and training for adolescents who are experiencing emotional or behavioural difficulties and their families. |
|
Cobh Youth Services Ltd., “Glencree”, 89 Norwood Park, Cobh, Co. Cork |
40,000 |
Towards the cost of providing activities for young people and towards the cost of providing a youth cafe. |
|
Don Bosco Teenage Care Housing Association, Carmichael Centre, North Brunswick St, Dublin 7 |
5,000 |
Towards the cost of refurbishment work. |
|
First Step Child Care Centre, Listry Community Council Ltd., Faha, Killarney, Co Kerry |
5,000 |
Towards the cost constructing a safe outdoor play area. |
|
Helping Hands Adoption Mediation Agency Ltd., Forge Lodge, Forge Hill, Cork |
300,000 |
Towards the cost of starting-up and development costs to build up an infrastructure to enable meeting the Adoption Board’s requirements for Inter-Country Adoptions and to develop information and client support services. |
|
Home — Start Lucan, Ballyowen Castle Community Centre, Ballyowen Lane, Lucan, Co. Dublin |
45,000 |
Towards the cost of providing support to families in Lucan. |
|
Muckross Community Play-School, Faughbawn, Muckross, Killarney, Co. Kerry |
5,000 |
Towards the cost of developing an outdoor play activity centre. |
|
New Ross Community Pre-school, 12 Longstone Drive, Irishtown, New Ross, Co. Wexford |
15,000 |
Towards the cost of developing and maintaining existing services. |
|
Parent Network for the Institutionalised Child, 53 Castlelands, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin |
6,000 |
Towards the cost of office equipment and the ongoing cost of running the helpline. |
|
Sligo Social Services Council Ltd, Charles St., Sligo |
2,500 |
Towards the cost of a programme for children affected by domestic abuse. |
|
Teach Oscail FRC Project, Tullachmongan Resource Centre, Killymooney Drive, Cavan |
3,000 |
Towards the cost of delivering a positive emotional health programme for teenagers. |
|
The Open Door Network, Ist Floor CDP, Rock Business Park, Rock St., Tralee, Co. Kerry |
15,000 |
Towards the cost of developing a programme whereby puppets and play are used as a therapeutic medium when working with children who have been affected by domestic violence or bullying. |
|
Artane/Beaumont Family Recreation Centre Limited, Kilmore Road, Artane, Dublin 5 |
30,000 |
Towards the cost of the installation of a wheelchair lift and the resurfacing of the multi purpose Sports Hall. |
|
Bord Bainistíochta Scoil Chrónáin, “Tir an Fhia” Newtown Upper Rathcoole Co Dublin |
40,000 |
Towards the cost of a wheelchair ramp at the front gate of the school and a rain shelter in the play yard. |
|
Cashel na Cor Learning Disability Association Ltd, Umrican, Buncrana, Co. Donegal |
15,000 |
Towards the cost of developing toilets, an entrance barrier, roadworks, speed ramps at the organisation’s garden centre. |
|
Clare Federation for People with Special Needs, Fergus View, Cusack Road, Ennis, Co. Clare |
8,479 |
Towards the cost of building a sensory garden and play area with walkway for wheelchair users on a site adjacent to St. Clare’s Special School. |
|
Duhallow Carers Network, Knocknacurra, Boherbue, Mallow, Co. Cork |
1,500 |
Towards the cost of providing funding for speakers and towards the cost of providing pampering days for carers. |
|
Dyslexia Association of Ireland — Wexford Branch, Mulrankin, Bridgetown, Co. Wexford |
2,000 |
Towards the cost of improving library resources and software. |
|
EMBRACE, 4 Fairyville Lawn, The Lough, Cork |
35,000 |
Towards the cost of a Summer Camp for children with severe or profound disabilities who are pupils of the Special Classes in St. Paul’s School, COPE Foundation, Montenotte, Cork. |
|
Friends of Ballyboden, 16 Leopardstown Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublin |
5,000 |
Towards the cost of purchasing a multi purpose vehicle for use by the residents of the Good Counsel Centre for people with disabilities. |
|
Friends of Ballyowen Meadows, Beechpark Stillorgan Co Dublin |
3,000 |
Towards the cost of providing a summer programme for children, giving respite to families and implementing a social skills programme. |
|
Killahan National School — Autism Unit, Abbeydorney, Co. Kerry |
8,000 |
Towards the cost of finalising a project for young people in the autism spectrum. |
|
Marino School, Church Road, Bray, Co Wicklow |
15,000 |
Towards the cost of outfitting a Home Economics Room with a height adjustable sink and worktops along with wheelchair accessible hobs and storage units |
|
Muscular Dystrophy Ireland, 71-72 North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7 |
6,000 |
Towards the MDI Mid-West Adult Social Club |
|
National Association for Deaf People, 35 North Fredrick St., Dublin 1 |
10,000 |
Towards the cost of residential family weekends for families of children who have recently been diagnosed as being deaf. |
|
National Parents and Siblings Alliance (NPSA), 31 Magenta Hall, Santry, Dublin 9 |
10,000 |
Towards the cost of the organisation’s ongoing projects. |
|
North End United AFC, Lyndale, Coolcotts, Wexford |
10,000 |
Towards the cost of a installing a lift in the newly constructed clubhouse to facilitate improved access for wheelchair users. |
|
Parents and Friends of St. Anthonys, Millview, Tomnalosset, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford |
30,000 |
Towards the cost of purchasing a bus for use by people with a disability. |
|
Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary, St Mary’s, Delvin, Co Westmeath |
12,736 |
Towards the cost of a Parker Bath for an adult community residence catering for persons with a disability. |
|
Special Olympics Ireland, 4th Floor, Park House, North Circular Road, Dublin 7 |
45,000 |
Towards the cost of delivering a vaccination programme to the Special Olympics Ireland team members participating at the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai, China |
|
CanTeen Ireland, North Brunswick St, Dublin 7 |
6,000 |
Towards the cost of updating an information booklet for teenagers with cancer. |
|
Gorey Heartsafe Project Group, 132 Hazelwod, Gorey, Co Wexford |
20,000 |
Towards the cost of providing 8 static and 2 mobile defibrillators and to train volunteers in their use. |
|
The Coelic Society of Ireland, Carmichael Centre, 4 North Brunswick St, Dublin 7 |
10,000 |
Towards the cost of producing a list of gluten free products. |
|
The Music Network Ltd, The Coach House, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2 |
9,000 |
Towards the cost of the “Continuing Professional Development” programme which supports musicians working in healthcare setttings. |
|
Family Ministry, 34 Paul Street Cork |
10,000 |
Towards the project “Seasons for Growth” which is a bereavement support programme for children under age 12 years. |
|
3Ts Turn The Tide of Suicide, 3 Arkle Road, Sandyford, Dublin 18 |
200,000 |
Towards the cost of carrying out a survey on suicide in Ireland. |
|
Centre for the Prevention of Self-Harm or Suicide, Pieta House, Old Lucan Road, Lucan, Co. Dublin |
100,000 |
Towards the cost of providing treatment for people in distress, training for therapists and agencies and towards the cost of providing education and support for families who have a member in crisis. |
|
Console, All Hallows College Drumcondra Dublin 10 |
25,000 |
Towards the development of the Console Child Psychotherapy Service for children and young adults affected or bereaved through suicide. |
|
Cork Counselling Services, 7 Fr. Mathew Street, Cork |
90,000 |
Towards the cost of carrying out once-off extensive crisis intervention work with new clients who are presenting themselves and who you are currently unable to work with due to lack of resources. |
|
Mayo Mental Health Association, Ballyglass P.O. Claremorris Co. Mayo |
50,000 |
Towards the cost of refurbishing the organisation’s headquarters. |
|
Mental Health Ireland, Mensana House, 6 Adelaide Street, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin |
170,000 |
Towards the cost of developing a number of the organisation’s core activities and to support the development of information resources. |
|
Post Natal Distress Support Group, Beal Inse, Upper Riverstown, Glanmire, Cork |
12,000 |
Towards the cost of providing an Irish book on post natal depression. |
|
St Vincent’s Hospital, Convent Ave., Richmond Road, Fairview, Dublin 3, Newsroom, RTE, Donnybrook, Dublin 4 |
10,000 |
Towards the cost of creating a sensory garden at St Vincent’s Hospital, Convent Avenue, Richmond Road, Fairview, Dublin 3, for use by people with a disability. |
|
The Irish Association of Suicidology, 16, New Antrim Street, Castlebar, Co Mayo |
10,000 |
Towards the cost of producing a quarterly newsletter. |
|
Irish Raynaud’s and Scleroderma Society, 17 Dundela Park, Sandycove, Co. Dublin |
3,450 |
Towards the cost of purchasing office equipment. |
|
Active Retirement Ireland, 1-2 Eustace Street, Dublin 2 |
10,000 |
Towards the cost of moving and fitting out a new head office premises. |
|
Age & Opportunity, Marino Institute of Education, Griffith Avenue, Dublin 9 |
35,000 |
Towards the cost of the Ageing with Confidence Group programme |
|
Ballyduff Community Centre, Ballyduff, Co Kerry |
20,000 |
Towards the cost of refurbishing the roof, ceiling, lighting and heating system at the Centre. |
|
Caring for Carers Ireland, 2 Carmody Street Business Park, Ennis, Co Clare |
54,100 |
Towards the cost of the 16th Annual Respite Weekend and Conference |
|
Castlebridge Community Centre, The Avenue, Castlebridge, Co. Wexford |
45,000 |
Towards the cost of refurbishing the community centre. |
|
Comhlacht, Tithe Soisialta agus Forbairt an tSulain Teoranta, Doirinchullin, Cuil Aodha, Maighcromtha, Co. Chorchai |
40,000 |
Towards the cost of purchasing a mini-bus for use by elderly clients with impaired mobility. |
|
Drombana Day-Care Centre, Bohercoyle, Ballysimon, Co. Limerick |
17,500 |
Towards the cost of purchasing a new mini-bus for use by elderly clients. |
|
Fermoy Geriatrics Association, Cluain Dara, Duntahane, Fermoy, Co. Cork |
75,000 |
Towards the cost of providing a staff room, dining room and storage facility. |
|
Finglas Senior Help Line, Co-Ordinator 817 Ratoath Road, Finglas West, Dublin |
5,000 |
Towards the cost of the Help Line. |
|
Limerick Senior Citizens Club, Vokes Villas, Ballinacurra, Limerick |
10,000 |
Towards the cost of providing meals and social events for the elderly of Limerick city and county. |
|
Longford Active Retirement Association, ‘Lucanto’, 35 Templemichael Glebe, Longford, Co. Longford |
2,000 |
Towards the cost of educational, cultural and sporting activities. |
|
Mater University Hospital, Postgraduate Medical Centre, 48 Eccles Street, Dublin 7 |
8,470 |
Towards the cost of hosting a Conference on Rehabilitation Medicine and Long Term Care. |
|
Meelin Community Hall, Knockskely, Tullylease, Charleville, Co. Cork |
40,000 |
Towards the cost of renovations to Meelin Community Hall which is used by the elderly and community childcare groups. |
|
Nazareth House Management Ltd, Church Hill, Sligo |
200,000 |
Towards the cost of commissioning a new nursing home. |
|
Nazareth House Nursing Home (Not for profit), Malahide Road, Dublin 3 |
100,390 |
Towards the cost of upgrading the electrical systems in the main kitchen and associated areas to comply with current health and safety standards. |
|
Newtown — Donadea Senior Citizens, Ballycannon, Kilcock, Co. Kildare |
6,000 |
Towards the cost of providing transport to the community hall for senior citizens. |
|
Southill Family Resource Centre, 267/268 Avondale Court, O’Malley Park, Southill, Limerick |
3,525 |
Towards the cost of funding a respite trip for 15 senior citizens from the Southill area to take part in a 3 day active retirement programme in Galway from 27th to 30th May 2007. |
|
St Vincent’s Day Care Centre for the Elderly, St Vincent’s Health Centre, Station Road, Tipperary |
8,550 |
Towards the cost of providing day outings and annual holidays to elderly clients. |
|
St. Senan’s Social Services, Robertstown, Foynes, Co. Limerick |
1,500 |
Towards the cost of audiovisual equipment for use with elderly groups. |
|
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, 43 Northumberland Avenue Dun Laoghaire Co Dublin |
60,000 |
Towards the “Safe Return Programme” which offers a nationwide identification and support programme to assist people with dementia who wander |
|
The Carer’s Support Group, 621 Riverforest Leixlip Co. Kildare |
2,000 |
Towards the cost of providing guest speakers and refreshments at monthly meetings. |
|
Westgate Foundation, Westgate, West Village, Ballincollig, Co. Cork |
5,000 |
Towards the cost of a range of projects and services for older people. |
|
Cuan Mhuire Teo, Bruree Co Limerick |
100,000 |
Towards upgrading of Sewerage Scheme and connecting to Bruree village Sewerage Scheme. |
|
Southill Family Resource Centre, 267-268 Avondale Court, O’Malley Park, Southill, Limerick |
18,000 |
Towards the cost of funding complementary health treatments thereby helping people to live a full and healthy life. |
|
Urban Outreach Ltd, 1 Boyneview, Slane, Co Meath |
100,000 |
Towards the cost of transport for children to an Afterschool Homework Club, Re-fitting of 4 Children’s Classrooms, and refitting of Homework Club Kitchen |
|
CAIRDE, 19 Belvedere Place, Dublin 1 |
1,500 |
Towards the cost of supporting a community member to access training in health promotion and leadership. |
|
Le Cheile Family Resource Centre (Mallow) Ltd, 33 Fair St., Mallow, Co. Cork |
100,000 |
Towards the cost of building a family centre. |
|
Open Heart House, 2 St. Mary’s Place, Dublin 7 |
15,000 |
Towards the cost of providing a range of holistic therapies for people living with HIV. |
|
Raising Issues Drama Group, 19 Grey St., Off Meath St., Dublin 8 |
5,000 |
Towards the cost of performing a play for communities around the country. |
|
Family Life Centre, St. Brigids, Cabinteely, Dublin 18 |
25,000 |
Towards the cost of programmes targeting mothers and toddlers, the elderly and children with special needs. |
|
St Vincent de Paul, c/o Sea Road, Bundoran, Co Donegal |
5,000 |
Towards the cost of providing new seating, bed linen and replacement beds for residents. |
|
Total |
3,903,000 |
|
|
Number of awards: |
84 |
Hospital Services.
Ned O'Keeffe
Question:320 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be called for a hip replacement operation. [1287/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Patients waiting more than three months on a surgical waiting list may qualify for treatment under the National Treatment Purchase Fund. It is open to the person in question or anyone acting on their behalf to contact the Fund directly in relation to their case.
Health Service Staff.
John Cregan
Question:321 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Health and Children when the Health Service Executive will be advertising vacancies for physiotherapists; the number of vacancies that will be available and the location of these positions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1295/08]
Over 130,000 people work full-time or part-time in our public health services. In recent years, the Government's ongoing high level of investment in health has achieved and maintained significant increases in the number of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals employed in the public health services. The Government has also invested heavily in the education and training of such personnel in order to secure a good supply of graduates to provide for the healthcare needs of the population into the future.
Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of the Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.
Accident and Emergency Services.
Sean Sherlock
Question:322 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will include admissions to Mallow General Hospital in the Health Service Executive’s daily emergency department admission bulletin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1306/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Ambulance Service.
Darragh O'Brien
Question:323 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Minister for Health and Children if arrangements have been made with the Dublin Fire and Rescue Service for the continued operation of the much needed emergency ambulance service from Swords Fire Station. [1336/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Nursing Home Accommodation.
Sean Sherlock
Question:324 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of publically contracted beds under the management of the Health Service Executive south at a nursing home (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1350/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Organ Retention.
Phil Hogan
Question:325 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will publish the report of the Dunne Inquiry or arrange to meet the Parents for Justice to discuss the contents of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1365/08]
When Ms Anne Dunne SC presented her report on post mortem practice to me in March 2005, I was advised by the Attorney General that it could not be published for legal and natural justice reasons. Some sections of the report were released on 18 July 2006 in response to a request under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Acts from Parents for Justice. My Department is awaiting a decision from the Information Commissioner in relation to the release under the FOI Acts of a redacted version of the Executive Summary of the Report. In light of the legal advice available to me, however, I have no plans to publish the full report and a meeting to discuss an unpublished report would not be appropriate. However, my officials are meeting Parents for Justice within the next week to listen to their views on organ retention and related matters.
Hospital Services.
Bernard Allen
Question:326 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate a situation whereby a person (details supplied) in County Cork has been awaiting an out-patient appointment for almost four years and is not even on an out-patient waiting list to date; and if she will arrange an appointment for the person in order that they can be put on the waiting list for surgery under the National Treatment Purchase Fund. [1366/08]
The management of out-patient waiting lists is a matter for the Health Service Executive and the individual hospitals concerned. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Service Staff.
Sean Sherlock
Question:327 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if a senior radiographer and clinical specialist radiographer will be appointed to Mallow General Hospital in January 2008 as previously indicated by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1369/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.
Jack Wall
Question:328 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position of a claim under the health repayment scheme for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1377/08]
The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Jack Wall
Question:329 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position of an application for a home care grant package by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1387/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Suicide Prevention.
Sean Sherlock
Question:330 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding allocated toward suicide prevention initiatives in 2007; if funding is available for such initiatives in 2008; the supports in place for those who have experienced a bereavement due to suicide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1388/08]
Joe McHugh
Question:406 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the Government have reneged on a promise to allocate €1.8 billion to suicide prevention, in view of the fact that no extra funding has been given to the mental health system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1893/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 330 and 406 together.
I would like to assure the Deputy that the Government is fully committed to the implementation of suicide prevention initiatives and the further development of services to prevent and reduce further tragic loss of life.
In September 2005, "Reach Out" — a National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention, 2005-2014 was launched. The strategy provides a policy framework for suicide prevention activities in Ireland. The strategy calls for a multi-sectoral approach to the prevention of suicidal behaviour in order to foster cooperation between health, education, community, voluntary and private sector agencies. The HSE, through the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP), oversees the implementation of the strategy.
Additional funding of €1.85 million was provided in 2007 for the implementation of the Strategy bringing the overall funding available to support suicide prevention initiatives in 2007 to €8 million and this level of funding continues into 2008.
Initiatives funded by the National Office for Suicide Prevention include developing and implementing national training programmes, completing the availability of self-harm services through A&E departments, developing mental health awareness campaigns, implementing recommendations arising from a review of bereavement services, eleven dedicated suicide officers and supporting voluntary organisations working in the field of suicide prevention.
It should also be emphasised that a wide range of other expenditure on mental health services generally is of importance in measures to help prevent suicide. A total of some €1 billion is now spent on mental health services, including consultant psychiatry and psychiatric nursing. These services play a vital role in the drive to reduce the incidence of suicide, and should be taken into account when examining the level of total public expenditure devoted to suicide prevention.
Nursing Home Subventions.
Dan Neville
Question:331 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children when the Fair Deal scheme for nursing home subvention will be introduced. [1392/08]
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:393 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the consultation that has taken place with relevant groups and organisations since the announcement of the postponement of the Fair Deal legislation; the consultation planned; the timeframe for introducing the legislation and implementation of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1781/08]
John Deasy
Question:440 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children the consultations that have taken place with interest groups regarding the proposed Fair Deal scheme for long term nursing home care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2061/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 331, 393 and 440 together.
Since the announcement of the new nursing home support scheme, A Fair Deal, the Department has met with the National Federation of Pensioners' Associations, the Irish Farmers Association, the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament and the Social Partners. The Department also attended the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament AGM at its request and participated in a workshop on the new scheme.
The Bill providing for the scheme is at a very advanced stage and is currently being finalised by the Office of the Attorney General. The Minister hopes to publish the Bill as soon as possible following Government approval.
On publication of the Bill, further engagement will take place with stakeholders on the details of the new scheme. This will take place under the auspices of Towards 2016. The subsequent presentation and passage of the legislation through the Houses of the Oireachtas will be a matter of priority for me and my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney, T.D.
Health Service Staff.
Brendan Kenneally
Question:332 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason there is a director of nursing, two assistant directors of nursing and at least five staff nurses working in Cashel General Hospital, which has been closed and has no patients, bearing in mind staff pressures elsewhere; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1409/08]
The numbers of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals employed in the public health system have increased significantly in recent years, in tandem with the high level of investment in the development of new services. In December 2007, a revised employment ceiling for the health service of 108,291 expressed in whole time equivalents was sanctioned, representing an increase of 291 over the December 2006 approved ceiling and 10,741 over that approved at the end of 2005.
There has also been a substantial expansion of training places available at undergraduate level across a range of healthcare professions in order to ensure an ongoing supply of personnel in sufficient numbers for our health services into the future.
Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Pádraic McCormack
Question:333 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will address the serious situation as regards the lack of dental care in some of the primary schools (details supplied) in north west Connemara, County Galway who have been without dental care since 2005; if and when this post will be filled or failing that if dental services could be provided by a private dentist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1410/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Olwyn Enright
Question:334 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children if there are proposals to increase funding provided through the Health Service Executive to an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1420/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services, including the delivery of services by agreement with voluntary and community organisations was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Funding for health services has been provided as part of the Executive's overall vote for health and personal social services in 2008. The allocation of resources is a matter for the Executive in accordance with the overall priorities for particular services as set out in its Service Plan. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. The Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.
Pat Breen
Question:335 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of an application by a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1435/08]
The Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office is an independent office established to provide an appeals service to those who wish to appeal the decision of the Scheme Administrator under the Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006.
The Appeals Office has advised my Department that the appellant referred to by the Deputy lodged an Appeal Form with the Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office on 30 November 2007 and lodged an Oral Hearing Form on 10 December 2007. The appellant has requested an Oral Hearing in Limerick. Oral Hearings will be arranged in Limerick at the end of February 2008.
Housing Aid for the Elderly.
Pat Breen
Question:336 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of an application by a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1436/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The HSE's responsibility includes the operation of the Housing Aid Scheme for the Elderly, on behalf of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. The Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Pat Breen
Question:337 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if persons (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1437/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. The Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Promotion.
Olwyn Enright
Question:338 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children when the evaluation of the outcome of the health promotion campaigns run between 2001 and 2005 will be concluded; when same will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1445/08]
An evaluation process was usually built-in as part of individual health promotion campaigns run in the period 2001-2005. However, no overall evaluation of the outcome of the health promotion campaigns run in that period has been undertaken. Most recently, a process evaluation of the National Drugs Awareness Campaign 2003/5 was commissioned by the National Drugs Advisory Committee (NDAC) and carried out by NUI Galway. The results of this evaluation have just been published.
Hospital Services.
Pádraic McCormack
Question:339 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department has plans for the provision of a cystic fibrosis unit for Galway as current facilities at University Hospital Galway are not adequate for the many cystic fibrosis sufferers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1458/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Service Staff.
Dinny McGinley
Question:340 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Health and Children when a paediatrics rheumatoid arthritis consultant will be appointed to the Health Service Executive for the north west. [1459/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular question raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Medical Cards.
John Perry
Question:341 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will intercede with the Health Service Executive to ensure that a person (details supplied) in County Sligo has their medical card reinstated in view of extenuating circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1460/08]
Medical cards are made available to persons and their dependants who would otherwise experience undue hardship in meeting the cost of General Practitioner (GP) services. In 2005 the GP visit card was introduced as a graduated benefit so that people on moderate and lower incomes, particularly parents of young children, who do not qualify for a medical card would not be deterred on cost grounds from visiting their GP.
Since the beginning of 2005 substantial changes have been made to the way in which people's eligibility for a medical card is assessed and these apply equally to the assessment process for a GP visit card. The income guidelines have been increased by a cumulative 29% and in addition allowance is now made for reasonable expenses incurred in respect of mortgage/rent, childcare and travel to work costs. In June 2006 I agreed a further adjustment to the income guidelines for GP visit cards. These are now 50% higher than those in respect of medical cards.
As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for these benefits, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Paul Connaughton
Question:342 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is intended to provide land for a voluntary housing project (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1488/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Finian McGrath
Question:343 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist persons (details supplied) in County Dublin. [1494/08]
As part of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 under the Disability Strategy, the Government provided the Health Service Executive with an additional €75m in both 2006 and 2007. This funding included monies to provide new and enhanced services for people with disabilities, to implement Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which came into effect on June 1st 2007 for the under 5's and also for the continuation of the implementation of the transfer of persons with intellectual disability from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements.
The Government is also honouring its promise in relation to the Multi-Annual Investment Programme for people with disabilities, with a further €50m investment which was announced in the 2008 Budget.
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Finian McGrath
Question:344 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a service (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [1495/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The Executive, therefore, is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Finian McGrath
Question:345 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [1496/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Services.
Finian McGrath
Question:346 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will improve services at the Mid-West Regional Hospital Limerick for cystic fibrosis patients; and if she will make this a priority in 2008. [1497/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Finian McGrath
Question:347 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist persons (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [1498/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Finian McGrath
Question:348 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [1499/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular question raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy in relation to the matter raised.
Hospital Services.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:349 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children her proposals to deal with issues relating to cystic fibrosis; if she will note the particular public interest generated recently in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1503/08]
James Reilly
Question:352 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the action she will take to address the concerns expressed by cystic fibrosis patients on national radio recently and in particular if she will ensure that isolation beds and specialist staff are provided in hospital grounds immediately via the use of modular buildings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1524/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:357 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will give a commitment for the provision of single rooms for cystic fibrosis patients to reduce risk of cross infection; if and when such facilities may be available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1546/08]
Billy Timmins
Question:358 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to adult care facilities for cystic fibrosis sufferers; when suitable adult care facilities will be made available; if this can be dealt with as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1575/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:375 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the full extent of accommodation and facilities available on a county basis for patients and sufferers of cystic fibrosis; her plans to improve or extend this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1622/08]
Phil Hogan
Question:432 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children when temporary hospital beds will be provided for cystic fibrosis patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1997/08]
Finian McGrath
Question:498 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the proposed dedicated new cystic fibrosis unit at St. Vincent’s Hospital; and if she will actively prioritise this project in 2008. [2563/08]
Joanna Tuffy
Question:508 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has plans to improve the treatment facilities for sufferers of cystic fibrosis; if she will take direct control of plans to provide a dedicated cystic fibrosis unit at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2624/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 349, 352, 357, 358, 375, 432, 498 and 508 together.
I acknowledge the need to improve services to persons with cystic fibrosis. Much of the debate has centred around the need for improved services at the National Adult Referral Centre at St. Vincent's University Hospital. The negative experience recounted by some patients is a matter of much concern to me.
I identified the development of cystic fibrosis services as a policy priority in the Estimates process in recent years. In 2006 and 2007, additional revenue funding of €6.78 million was provided to the Health Service Executive (HSE). The HSE was asked to place a particular focus on the development of services at the National Tertiary Referral Centre at St. Vincent's Hospital.
The HSE advise that 44 additional staff dealing with cystic fibrosis have been appointed to date across a number of hospitals, including St Vincent's, Beaumont, Temple Street, Crumlin, Tallaght, Cork University Hospital, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. The necessary funding is available to facilitate the recruitment of a further 37 staff nationally.
I accept the need to improve the infrastructural facilities for persons with cystic fibrosis who are required to attend hospital. For example, at St.Vincent's Hospital, a number of capital projects have recently been completed and have helped to improve facilities. These include a new ambulatory care centre, which has dedicated accommodation (8 suites in total), incorporating single room facilities on an outpatient appointment basis for cystic fibrosis patients in an environment which allows for improved infection control; the refurbishment of St. Camillus Ward and the provision of 15 additional respiratory/cystic fibrosis beds bringing the bed complement to 44; the new Accident and Emergency Department includes single room accommodation, which may be used for the care of cystic fibrosis patients.
However, it is accepted that these developments do not fully address the immediate needs of patients. The HSE has been working intensively with the Hospital and with representatives of the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland to progress options for further interim improvements. My Department is advised that the option of developing a modular unit is being examined in this context and the position will be clarified shortly.
The HSE advises that it is fast-tracking the re-development of a ward which is adjacent to the main cystic fibrosis treatment area. The project is to commence within the next few weeks and will provide six single rooms. On completion, additional work will begin to provide a further eight single rooms. The HSE advise that this will result in a total of fourteen single rooms for cystic fibrosis patients by the end of the summer.
In the longer term, a new ward block is to be built and will include 120 replacement beds in single en-suite accommodation. The new facility will accommodate cystic fibrosis patients and will include appropriate isolation facilities. My Department is advised that planning permission has been obtained and that financial provision has been included in the HSE Capital Plan. The HSE advises that contract notices will be published by the end of February 2008 and the contract is to be awarded by the end of 2008. It will be a condition of the contract that the design build period be not more than 24 months from the date of contract award.
Beaumont Hospital also operates as a regional centre in providing services to adults with cystic fibrosis. In the 2008 Budget, a special allocation of €2.5m capital funding was provided to enable Beaumont hospital to provide out patient facilities for cystic fibrosis patients.
A Cystic Fibrosis Registry has been set up by the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland. As yet, the data is not available to fully inform analysis relating to median survival in this country. When it is available, the data from the Registry will allow for benchmarking against comparable countries around the world to measure the performance of our healthcare system.
My Department has asked the HSE to reply directly on any additional operational issues raised in the Deputies questions.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:350 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the need for no fault insurance for children suffering from cerebral palsy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1504/08]
Damien English
Question:388 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 110 of 26 April 2004, if the chairman of the advisory group on no fault compensation for brain damaged infants has reported the conclusions and recommendations in this report; and the actions she or her Department have or will take on the matter. [1717/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 350 and 388 together.
My predecessor as Minister for Health and Children established an advisory group in 2001 to examine the feasibility of establishing a no fault scheme for infants who suffered cerebral damage at, or close to, the time of their birth. The group had undertaken a significant amount of work by early 2004 when it ceased to meet due to the dispute with hospital consultants on the introduction of the Clinical Indemnity Scheme. In 2006 I asked the chairman, Dr. Peter McKenna, to reconvene the group with a view to having a report produced. I understand that the group has been meeting on a regular basis and I am hopeful that it will deliver a report to me before the end of the year. I have arranged to meet Dr. McKenna early next month to be briefed on progress to date.
Departmental Properties.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:351 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of Department owned computer desktops or laptops or other data devices, such as blackberries and memory keys, reported lost, missing or stolen from her Department in each year from 2002 to 2007; the number of these that were later recovered or found; the number still missing; if any sensitive or private data was compromised; the measures in place within her Department to secure such portable or at risk data devices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1517/08]
Following is the information requested by the Deputy.
|
Year |
No. |
Type of equipment |
|
2007 |
2 |
1 Memory key 1 Laptop |
|
2006 |
1 |
1 Laptop |
|
2005 |
0 |
N/A |
|
2004 |
0 |
N/A |
|
2003 |
0 |
N/A |
|
2002 |
2 |
2 Laptops |
Since 2002, there have been five (5) items of ICT equipment lost/mislaid/stolen, none of which has been recovered. I understand that no sensitive or private data was compromised with the loss of this equipment. My Department has an acceptable usage policy in relation to the use of ICT facilities that defines the rules of use and advises staff on the best practice for security controls and the management of confidential material.
My Department is currently examining the deployment of encryption and security products to ameliorate the risks involved with the loss/theft of portable media. The guidelines issued to staff and all ICT security arrangements are also under review as part of a wider computer security initiative in the context of the 2008 business plan.
Question No. 352 answered with Question No. 349.
Hospital Services.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:353 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if and when it is expected that corrective surgical or medical procedures will be offered to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1541/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:354 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when heart surgery will be offered to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1542/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Medical Cards.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:355 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will reissue in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1544/08]
Medical cards are made available to persons and their dependants who would otherwise experience undue hardship in meeting the cost of General Practitioner (GP) services. In 2005 the GP visit card was introduced as a graduated benefit so that people on moderate and lower incomes, particularly parents of young children, who do not qualify for a medical card would not be deterred on cost grounds from visiting their GP.
Since the beginning of 2005 substantial changes have been made to the way in which people's eligibility for a medical card is assessed and these apply equally to the assessment process for a GP visit card. The income guidelines have been increased by a cumulative 29% and in addition allowance is now made for reasonable expenses incurred in respect of mortgage/rent, childcare and travel to work costs. In June 2006 I agreed a further adjustment to the income guidelines for GP visit cards. These are now 50% higher than those in respect of medical cards.
As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for these benefits, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Accommodation.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:356 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the full extent of accommodation facilities and services available, on a county basis, for patients and sufferers of cystic fibrosis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1545/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Questions Nos. 357 and 358 answered with Question No. 349.
Medical Cards.
Billy Timmins
Question:359 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to the travel allowance for medical card applicants; if this has been reduced from 50 cent per mile to 30 cent per mile; the changes that have been made for eligibility in relation to the travel allowance; if other changes have been made with regard to eligibility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1577/08]
I am informed by the Health Service Executive (HSE) that, as part of a review in 2007 of the assessment process for medical cards and GP visit cards, one of the issues examined was the most appropriate way in which to take account of the costs incurred by applicants in travelling to work. Accordingly, the Executive developed an assessment methodology using Automobile Association data on motoring costs.
I understand that, since March 2007, in the assessment process these costs are reckoned on the following basis: an amount per mile/kilometre from home to place of employment (30 cent per mile); a weekly amount of €50 to cover standing charges (including car loan repayments). These provisions replaced an arrangement whereby a simple 50 cent per mile was allowed.
My Department is currently carrying out a data collection exercise and review of the eligibility criteria for medical cards, which is expected to be completed by autumn 2008. This will give effect to the Towards 2016 commitment to review the eligibility criteria for the assessment of medical cards in the context of medical, social and economic/financial need, with a view to clarifying entitlement to a medical card.
Health Services.
Finian McGrath
Question:360 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a project (details supplied). [1581/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Finian McGrath
Question:361 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [1582/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Finian McGrath
Question:362 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11. [1583/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Staff.
Joe Carey
Question:363 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of specialist psychiatrists and other dedicated clinicians in place for the treatment of psychiatric orders among children and teenagers nationally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1595/08]
Joe Carey
Question:367 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans in place to expand the services of specialist psychiatrists to meet the demands of children and teenagers nationally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1599/08]
Joe Carey
Question:369 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the time-frame in place with regard to the expansion of specialist psychiatric services for children and teenagers with such disorders nationally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1601/08]
Joe Carey
Question:370 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the dedicated specialist psychiatric services for children and teenagers with such disorders in place nationally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1602/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 363, 367, 369 and 370 together.
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The Executive, therefore, is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Joe Carey
Question:364 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of specialist psychiatrists and other dedicated clinicians in place for the treatment of psychiatric orders among children and teenagers in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1596/08]
Joe Carey
Question:366 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans in place to expand the services of specialist psychiatrists to meet the demands of children and teenagers in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1598/08]
Joe Carey
Question:368 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the time-frame in place with regard to the expansion of specialist psychiatric services for children and teenagers with such disorders in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1600/08]
Joe Carey
Question:371 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the dedicated specialist psychiatric services for children and teenagers with such disorders in place in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1603/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 364, 366, 368 and 371 together.
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The Executive, therefore, is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Mental Health Services.
Joe Carey
Question:365 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the average waiting time for children and teenagers seeking to attend specialist psychiatrists in this field; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1597/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The Executive, therefore, is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Question No. 366 answered with Question No. 364.
Question No. 367 answered with Question No. 363.
Question No. 368 answered with Question No. 364.
Questions Nos. 369 and 370 answered with Question No. 363.
Question No. 371 answered with Question No. 364.
Hospital Waiting Lists.
Olwyn Enright
Question:372 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people on the waiting list for hip and knee operations at the Midlands Regional Hospital, Tullamore; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1609/08]
Olwyn Enright
Question:373 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of hip and knee operations being carried out at the Midlands Regional Hospital, Tullamore; the average waiting time for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1610/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 372 and 373 together.
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issues raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Brian O'Shea
Question:374 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children her proposals in regard to the issues raised by a person (details supplied) in County Waterford relating to cystic fibrosis sufferers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1621/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Question No. 375 answered with Question No. 349.
Vaccination Programme.
Pat Breen
Question:376 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department in conjunction with the Health Service Executive has plans to roll-out nationally a new vaccination to combat meningitis; when she expects the roll-out to commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1645/08]
Ireland's recommended immunisation programme is based on the guidelines of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. These guidelines are prepared with the assistance of an active committee from associated disciplines in paediatrics, infectious diseases, general practice and public health. A vaccine to prevent against meningococcal infections, including meningococcal septicaemia, caused by the Meningococcus C strain of the bacteria is already included in the primary immunisation schedule. The vaccine referred to by the Deputy is pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PVC) which protects against pneumococcal infections, which include pneumonia, septicaemia and bacterial meningitis. The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) has produced new guidelines which include the addition of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PVC) to the schedule. PVC vaccine provides a high level of protection to young children from pneumococcal infections. I have been informed by the Health Service Executive that this vaccine will be introduced into the immunisation schedule from September this year.
Mental Health Services.
Pat Breen
Question:377 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the plans to establish a secure psychiatric unit in the mid-west region to care for disturbed and violent psychiatric patients; the number of beds envisaged in such a unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1646/08]
Government policy for the development of mental health services, including difficult to manage behaviours, is contained in "A Vision for Change". Implementation of this policy is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Pat Breen
Question:378 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children and adolescents on psychiatric waiting lists in County Clare for the years 2006, 2007 and 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1647/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The Executive, therefore, is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Housing Aid for the Elderly.
Pat Breen
Question:379 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when an application will be processed for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1648/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The HSE's responsibility includes the operation of the Housing Aid Scheme for the Elderly, on behalf of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. The Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Mental Health Services.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:380 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children when the recommendations of the Vision for Change document on mental health services will be implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1671/08]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:381 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will implement the recommendations of the Vision for Change document on mental health services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1672/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 380 and 381 together.
The Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, "A Vision for Change", which was launched in January 2006, provides a framework for action to develop a modern, high quality mental health services for a seven to ten year period. The Government has accepted the Report as the basis for the future development of our mental health services.
An independent Monitoring Group was established in March 2006, to monitor and assess progress by the Health Service Executive, Departments and other agencies in implementing the recommendations set out in the Report. The Monitoring Group's first annual report was published in May 2007.
Implementation of the individual recommendations of "A Vision for Change", is a matter primarily for the HSE. The HSE Implementation Plan has recently been finalised and is expected to be signed off by their Management Team shortly.
The Office of the Minister for Disability and Mental Health, which is being established, will focus in particular on driving the implementation of A Vision for Change and will address the recommendation in A Vision for Change to put in place a framework for interdepartmental co-operation.
Medical Cards.
Finian McGrath
Question:382 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 will be supported. [1674/08]
Medical cards are made available to persons and their dependants who would otherwise experience undue hardship in meeting the cost of General Practitioner (GP) services. In 2005 the GP visit card was introduced as a graduated benefit so that people on moderate and lower incomes, particularly parents of young children, who do not qualify for a medical card would not be deterred on cost grounds from visiting their GP.
Since the beginning of 2005 substantial changes have been made to the way in which people's eligibility for a medical card is assessed and these apply equally to the assessment process for a GP visit card. The income guidelines have been increased by a cumulative 29% and in addition allowance is now made for reasonable expenses incurred in respect of mortgage/rent, childcare and travel to work costs. In June 2006 I agreed a further adjustment to the income guidelines for GP visit cards. These are now 50% higher than those in respect of medical cards.
As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for these benefits, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Staff.
Damien English
Question:383 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of midwives in each hospital nationwide in 2007; the number of births at each in 2007; and if she will present the information in tabular readable form. [1698/08]
The numbers of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals employed in the public health system have increased significantly in recent years, in tandem with the high level of investment in the development in new services. In December 2007, a revised employment ceiling for the health service of 108,291 expressed in whole time equivalents was sanctioned, representing an increase of 291 over the December 2006 approved ceiling and 10,741 over that approved at the end of 2005.
There has also been a substantial expansion of training places available at undergraduate level across a range of healthcare professions in order to ensure an ongoing supply of personnel in sufficient numbers for our health services into the future. Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public.
The HSE also has the responsibility to collect the data relating to the number of births at each hospital in 2007. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matters raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospitals Building Programme.
Damien English
Question:384 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children when she expects the Health Service Executive to announce the location of the proposed new Regional Hospital for the north east; and if she will make a statement on the delay of this announcement to date. [1702/08]
The hospital reconfiguration process in the North East is being overseen by a HSE Steering Group. A sub-committee of the Steering Group was established to progress the issue of site selection for the new regional hospital. Following a tendering process, the HSE appointed a firm of consultants to carry out an independent site location study. The HSE anticipates that the consultants' report will be completed in February.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Damien English
Question:385 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Meath was denied assistance from the Health Service Executive to cover the balance of works financed by a disabled persons grant; if she will review the decision made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1708/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Damien English
Question:386 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied there is sufficient community physiotherapy services in place for County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1713/08]
Damien English
Question:387 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people waiting for community physiotherapy services in County Meath as of 31 December for each of the years 2002 to 2007 inclusive; the number of community physiotherapists as of the same timeframe; and if she will provide the information in tabular readable form. [1715/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 386 and 387 together.
There is no statutory obligation on the Health Service Executive (HSE) to provide community physiotherapy services but arrangements have been made in some regions to provide such services. Before the establishment of the HSE, the nature of any arrangements for community physiotherapy services and the level of service provided were a matter for individual health boards. As a result, variation in practice developed over time. I understand that in some areas, the HSE has made arrangements with private physiotherapists to provide services to medical card holders who have been referred by their General Practitioners. These arrangements will be reviewed in the context of the ongoing development of primary care services and the legislative proposals being prepared by my Department to clarify and update existing legislation on eligibility for health and personal social services, including physiotherapy services.
As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for Primary Care services, including physiotherapy services, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular matters raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Question No. 388 answered with Question No. 350.
Data Protection.
Damien English
Question:389 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of and the records kept by her Department of attempted hacking or suspected cyber attacks or other malicious computer security breaches committed against her Department’s computer systems. [1728/08]
My Department's computer systems are protected by a variety of measures against hacking and malicious attacks and we make extensive use of the Government network to minimise the risk of threats from external sources. An incident reporting system is in place to monitor any interruption to computer services including security threats. There is no evidence that any interruptions have related to cyber or malicious attacks.
Firewalls, authentication devices and security software are employed within my Department and these systems are reviewed regularly to ensure industry standards are applied. Independent testing of the ICT infrastructure is performed periodically to ensure that existing security measures are functioning efficiently and effectively. As part of a security review in the context of the 2008 business plan, my Department is investigating the installation of an intrusion detection system to further enhance the current security measures.
Vaccination Programme.
James McDaid
Question:390 Deputy James McDaid asked the Minister for Health and Children the situation with regard the HPV vaccine; when it will be available to women here; and the type of structure envisaged for its use. [1743/08]
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:449 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be made on provision of the cervical cancer vaccine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2208/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 390 and 449 together.
The most effective strategy for the prevention of cervical cancer requires decisions based on an assessment of the relative contributions of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination and cervical screening in reducing the burden of both existing and projected cervical precancerous changes and cervical cancer. Issues to be examined include the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of the vaccine for different age groups and for differing levels of screening provision and uptake.
As is being done in other jurisdictions, Ireland is now considering the potential role of HPV vaccination in addressing the problem of cervical cancer prevention. The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) has undertaken a scientific assessment of the public health value of HPV following a request from my Department. NIAC and the National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS), agreed that this work needed to be complemented by a study of the cost effectiveness of the vaccine in the current Irish context. Accordingly, both organisations requested that the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) undertake this study. One of the key functions of the Authority is the assessment of health technology, drugs and health promotion activities. When I have received the policy advice from HIQA and NCSS I will make the necessary decisions that arise from the advice.The NCSS is planning to roll-out the National Cervical Screening Programme on a national basis this year. A national cervical screening programme will still be required regardless of a decision on a HPV vaccination program this year.
Health Services.
Finian McGrath
Question:391 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist on an issue (details supplied). [1756/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Child Care Services.
Bobby Aylward
Question:392 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress to date on the application for capital grant assistance under the national childcare programme by persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and when a decision will be made on this application. [1762/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP) which is being implemented by the Office of the Minister for Children.
With regard to the application for capital grant assistance referred to in the question, I understand that the Group have applied for €100,000 under the NCIP and that the application is in the final phase of the appraisal process. Following this appraisal a decision will be made on funding for the applicants. This decision will be communicated to the applicants shortly.
Question No. 393 answered with Question No. 331.
Hospital Services.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:394 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the frequent cancellation of appointments at the urology department of St. Colmcille’s Hospital; if there is a particular reason for this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1782/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Finian McGrath
Question:395 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will advise and assist persons (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [1793/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Finian McGrath
Question:396 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a service (details supplied). [1794/08]
As part of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 under the Disability Strategy, the Government provided the Health Service Executive with an additional €75m in both 2006 and 2007. This funding included monies to provide new and enhanced services for people with disabilities, to implement Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which came into effect on June 1st 2007 for the under fives and also for the continuation of the implementation of the transfer of persons with intellectual disability from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements. The Government is also honouring its promise in relation to the Multi-Annual Investment Programme for people with disabilities, with a further €50m investment which was announced in the 2008 Budget.
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.
Michael Ring
Question:397 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive payment under the health repayment scheme. [1811/08]
The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive.
My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.
Vaccination Programme.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:398 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children when new supplies of the BCG vaccine will become available to the Health Service Executive following difficulties with the supply of the vaccine in 2007; if there is an estimated timescale for clearing the backlog of vaccinations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1826/08]
I understand from the Health Service Executive (HSE), that owing to regulatory difficulties being experienced by the manufacturer of the BCG vaccine, there is a shortage of the vaccine throughout the country at present. This is a Europe wide problem as the manufacturer in question is the only company which supplies the vaccine to the European Market. I have been informed that the HSE is in regular contact with the supplier, and is doing all it can do to ensure delivery of the vaccine at the earliest possible juncture. Unfortunately, it is not possible to stockpile the vaccine in advance as it has a very short shelf life. It is anticipated that the HSE will receive fresh stocks of the vaccine in March.
Health Services.
Sean Sherlock
Question:399 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the breakdown per county of the waiting times for aural tests; the number awaiting this test for both adults and children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1827/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Services.
Sean Sherlock
Question:400 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the reduced budget of €571,000 allocated to Mallow General Hospital in 2008; if so, the basis on which this decision was made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1829/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services, including hospitals, has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Services for People with Disabilities.
James McDaid
Question:401 Deputy James McDaid asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will forward information regarding policies with regard to funding for learning disabilities. [1830/08]
As part of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 under the Disability Strategy, the Government provided the Health Service Executive with an additional €75m in both 2006 and 2007. This funding included monies to provide new and enhanced services for people with disabilities, to implement Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which came into effect on June 1st 2007 for the under 5s and also for the continuation of the implementation of the transfer of persons with intellectual disability from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements.
The Government is also honouring its promise in relation to the Multi-Annual Investment Programme for people with disabilities, with a further €50m investment which was announced in the 2008 Budget.
As the Deputy is aware the education of a child, irrespective of their disability, is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Education and Science. Where applicable my Department, through the Health Service Executive, supply support services to enable the particular person to avail fully of the educational system being offered.
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Service Staff.
Joe McHugh
Question:402 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will clarify the Health Service Executive’s plans to have midwifery expertise in the community in view of the fact that public health students no longer need midwifery as a prerequisite to gain access to training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1877/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act, 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Services.
Joe McHugh
Question:403 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will clarify a suggestion that women in maternity units will be discharged 12 hours after giving birth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1878/08]
My Department is aware of options available to some mothers for early discharge from hospital following delivery. For example, the Domino (Domiciliary In and Out) schemes operating in Dublin are designed for women classified as being at low risk of complications and living in close proximity to the hospital. Also the Early Transfer Home Scheme (ETHS), operated by the three Dublin maternity hospitals, offers mothers within identified catchment areas the option of going home early, while continuing to receive care at home from the midwives of their associated hospital, in liaison with GPs and Public Health Nurses. The objective of the ETHS is to provide new mothers with the opportunity to leave hospital within 12-24 hours following birth.
As responsibility for the delivery of maternity and gynaecology services to patients is a matter for the Health Service Executive my Department has asked the HSE to respond more fully to the Deputy on this matter.
Health Services.
Joe McHugh
Question:404 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the Health Service Executive policy in relation to hiring taxi firms for health related trips; if there is a proper, open and transparent procurement process at regular intervals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1889/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Joe McHugh
Question:405 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the definition of cosmetic surgery in relation to orthodontic treatment; the number of people who have applied for orthodontic treatment on a county basis in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1890/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Question No. 406 answered with Question No. 330.
Hospital Services.
Michael Ring
Question:407 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be given a dermatology appointment in Mayo General Hospital. [1928/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Departmental Revenue.
Michael Ring
Question:408 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the money received by her Department and the Health Service Executive from a sector (details supplied); if this funding will be ring fenced towards the provision of patient transport for people attending hospital appointments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1929/08]
Michael Ring
Question:413 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the payments being received annually in each of the past three years by her Department or the Health Service Executive for accommodating telecommunications masts on buildings, giving details of the payments received for each mast location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1934/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 408 and 413 together.
All the payments accruing from the erection of masts on the roof of Hawkins House, where my Department's Headquarters are located, are paid directly to the Office of Public Works, the owners of the building.
The position regarding masts erected on Health Service Executive (HSE) buildings is an operational matter for the HSE. I have forwarded the above Questions to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
Cancer Screening Programme.
Michael Ring
Question:409 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the fact that BreastCheck began offering free breast screening to woman aged 50 to 64 in the former Eastern Regional Health Authority, North Eastern and Midland Health Board areas in February 2000 but only commenced screening in December 2007 in the western region, those women born between 1936 and 1943 will be offered free screening in the western region; the exact number of women in this category in the western region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1930/08]
Michael Ring
Question:410 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of women who have died from breast cancer from 2000 to date in 2008 in the western region; and the number of those women who would have been eligible for free breast screening by BreastCheck, if the service had been rolled out in all parts of the country in February 2000, rather than the segmented roll-out of the service which occurred. [1931/08]
Michael Ring
Question:411 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of women aged 50 to 64 who have been denied free breast screening by BreastCheck in the western region due to the apartheid of services in the west when the service was initially offered in February 2000; the number of women who have missed out on this service as it simply was not available from February 2000 in the west and now because of their age will not be offered a mammogram. [1932/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 409 to 411, inclusive, together.
BreastCheck commenced national roll out in the Western Region last May, with the provision of a mobile unit on the grounds of Roscommon County Hospital. I officially opened the BreastCheck clinical static unit for the Western Region at University College Hospital Galway last December. The expansion of the BreastCheck programme to the Western region covers counties Mayo, Clare, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Roscommon, Sligo and Tipperary North Riding.
An additional €26.7 million capital funding was provided to BreastCheck for the construction of two new clinical units, eight additional mobile units and the provision of state of the art digital equipment. A total of €15 million additional revenue funding has been allocated to the National Cancer Screening Service to cater for national roll-out of the programme. The full complement of 111 staff for roll-out has been approved and recruitment is underway. Staffing already appointed include Clinical Directors, Consultant Radiologists, Consultant Surgeons, Consultant Histopathologists, Consultant Anaesthetists, Medical Scientists, Breast Care Nurses and Radiographers.
The Deputy's specific questions in relation to the Programme are the responsibility of the National Cancer Screening Service. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Chief Executive Officer of the Service to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the matters raised.
Health Services.
Michael Ring
Question:412 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be called for orthodontic assessment; and if this matter will be expedited. [1933/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Question No. 413 answered with Question No. 408.
Michael Ring
Question:414 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and granted the home care grant. [1935/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Michael Ring
Question:415 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a child (details supplied) in County Mayo will be called for orthodontic treatment. [1936/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Michael Ring
Question:416 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a child (details supplied) in County Mayo will be called for orthodontic treatment. [1937/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Michael Ring
Question:417 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be called for occupational therapy and physiotherapy. [1938/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Michael Ring
Question:418 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if there are occupational therapists and physiotherapists available within the Health Service Executive to provide a service to children in the Mayo area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1939/08]
As part of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 under the Disability Strategy, the Government provided the Health Service Executive with an additional €75m in both 2006 and 2007. This funding included monies to provide new and enhanced services for people with disabilities, to implement Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which came into effect on June 1st 2007 for the under 5s and also for the continuation of the implementation of the transfer of persons with intellectual disability from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements.
The Government is also honouring its promise in relation to the Multi-Annual Investment Programme for people with disabilities, with a further €50m investment which was announced in the 2008 Budget.
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Michael Ring
Question:419 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be provided with home help in view of the fact that they were approved home help in 2007 but have yet to receive help. [1940/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Michael Ring
Question:420 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the home help provision to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has been reduced; if this case will be reviewed and their home help restored to a more reasonable level. [1941/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Michael Ring
Question:421 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when orthodontic treatment for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will commence. [1942/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Services.
Michael Ring
Question:422 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be called for an ultra sound scan in University College Hospital, Galway. [1943/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Foster Care.
Michael Ring
Question:423 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason funding was not in place for a child (details supplied) in County Mayo to obtain specialised foster care in America; and when this funding will be put in place. [1944/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:424 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if respite care can be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1967/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Medical Cards.
Finian McGrath
Question:425 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 will be assisted. [1972/08]
Medical cards are made available to persons and their dependants who would otherwise experience undue hardship in meeting the cost of General Practitioner (GP) services. In 2005 the GP visit card was introduced as a graduated benefit so that people on moderate and lower incomes, particularly parents of young children, who do not qualify for a medical card would not be deterred on cost grounds from visiting their GP.
Since the beginning of 2005 substantial changes have been made to the way in which people's eligibility for a medical card is assessed and these apply equally to the assessment process for a GP visit card. The income guidelines have been increased by a cumulative 29% and in addition allowance is now made for reasonable expenses incurred in respect of mortgage/rent, childcare and travel to work costs. In June 2006 I agreed a further adjustment to the income guidelines for GP visit cards. These are now 50% higher than those in respect of medical cards.
As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for these benefits, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Departmental Expenditure.
Enda Kenny
Question:426 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount spent by her Department on media monitoring or press cutting services for each of the years 2002 to 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1986/08]
A press cutting service is provided to my Department. From time to time officials may request transcripts of media interviews which may require follow up responses or contain new information.
The cost of these services for the years 2002-2007 is as set out below:
|
Year |
Amount |
|
€ |
|
|
2002 |
59,926.84 |
|
2003 |
51,993.24 |
|
2004 |
84,403.18 |
|
2005 |
82,647.16 |
|
2006 |
84,281.52 |
|
2007 |
125,444.68 |
Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.
Phil Hogan
Question:427 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a payment will be made under the health repayment scheme to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1992/08]
The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive.
My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.
Phil Hogan
Question:428 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a payment will be made under the health repayment scheme to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1993/08]
The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive.
My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.
Phil Hogan
Question:429 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a payment will be made under the health repayment scheme to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1994/08]
The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive.
My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.
Phil Hogan
Question:430 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a payment will be made under the health repayment scheme to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1995/08]
The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive.
My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.
Phil Hogan
Question:431 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a payment will be made under the health repayment scheme to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1996/08]
The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive.
My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.
Question No. 432 answered with Question No. 349.
Health Services.
Finian McGrath
Question:433 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if persons (details supplied) will be assisted. [2006/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:434 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will request the Health Service Executive to expedite the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin in seeking domiciliary allowance and adequate supports, including appropriate education and training and the immediate allocation of a social worker to this case. [2019/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Question No. 435 answered with Question No. 298.
Mary Upton
Question:436 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the chronic shortage of funding for the Home Help Service and the length of the waiting lists for this essential service affecting the elderly and most vulnerable in society; her plans to address the shortage of funding to this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2027/08]
Over the last three years, the Government has funded the largest ever expansion in services for older people with €540 million being provided to ensure that older people receive as much care as possible in their homes; that high standards are set and enforced in all residential care settings; and that the cost of residential care is always affordable and never an anxiety.
In this context, and in order to address increasing demands in the specific area of Home Helps, approximately €56 million additional funding has been provided for service over the three years 2006-8 inclusive. This has enabled the provision of 11.3 million Home Help hours by the Health Service Executive in 2006 and 11.7 million hours in 2007.
Budget 2008 provided significant additional current funding of €344 million to cover a range of priorities in the health sector, including a priority funding package of €25 million being targeted this year at a range of new community-based initiatives for Older People. This includes a sum of €5 million for this year towards 200,000 extra Home Help hours and an expected 220 new clients to avail of an expanded "Meals on Wheels" service.
Bearing in mind all the circumstances, I am satisfied that the prioritised funding I have made available this year will assist the HSE in meeting increasing demands on its Home Help service. I will, of course, in conjunction with the HSE continue to keep the matter under review.
Community Care.
Seán Barrett
Question:437 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason only €25 million, or 8% of the additional health spending announced in Budget 2008 will be invested on community care initiatives for older people, despite widespread concerns regarding regional problems in accessing home care packages, home help hours and day and respite places; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2050/08]
Over the three years 2006-8 inclusive, unprecedented levels of funding, in the region of €215 million, have been provided for new community-based service initiatives associated with Older Persons. The recent Budget provided significant additional overall funding of €344 million current and €52 million capital to meet a range of new priority initiatives this year, including:
€135 m for the introduction of the new long term residential care scheme — "A Fair Deal" and for complementary community supports for Older People;
€50 m for people with Disabilities
€29 m for cancer services, to bring total new cancer funding in 2008 to €35m; and
€12m for innovative service delivery projects.
This new funding, combined with the pre-Budget Estimates, means that the HSE will receive a total underlying increase of almost 9% in 2008 to improve public health services overall.
Despite the many competing demands for new service developments across all areas of our public health system, and the changing economic circumstances generally in recent times within which we all have to plan and operate, I consider that the additional €25 million made available this year for enhanced community-based services for Older People is indeed significant. This funding initiative will enable the Health Service Executive to improve access to these services and provide, for example:
€ 10 million for 360 extra Home Care Packages, which should benefit around 800 people, thus bringing the total number of packages available to over 4,700 by year end.
€5 million towards an extra 200,000 Home Help hours and allow 220 new clients avail of an expanded "Meals-on-Wheels" service.
€3.6 million towards the provision of over 340 Day Care places and over 1,200 new clients for Respite Care.
€2 million for enhanced supports at national level for voluntary groups delivering much needed services in partnership with the HSE.
€3 million towards improved service provision for Palliative Care, particularly for regions in need of greatest improvement.
The implementation by the HSE of this important new funding initiative will be closely monitored by the Department during the course of the year.
Long-Term Illness Scheme.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:438 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has plans to include coronary heart disease as a prescribed long-term illness for the purposes of the long-term illness and disability scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2055/08]
Under the 1970 Health Act, the Health Service Executive may arrange for the supply, without charge, of drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances to people with a specified condition, for the treatment of that condition, through the Long Term Illness Scheme (LTI). The LTI does not cover GP fees or hospital co-payments. The conditions are: mental handicap, mental illness (for people under 16 only), phenylketonuria, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, haemophilia, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophies, parkinsonism, conditions arising from thalidomide and acute leukaemia. There are currently no plans to extend the list of eligible conditions.
Products which are necessary for the management of the specified illness are available to LTI patients. Other products are available according to the patient's eligibility.
People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process the Health Service Executive can take into account a range of measures including the household income guidelines, particular circumstances and the medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. In addition people over the age of 70 years have an automatic entitlement to a medical card regardless of income. Application should be made to the local area office of the HSE.
In November 2004, I introduced a new graduated benefit — the GP Visit Card to extend free GP care and treatment to individuals and families on moderate incomes.
In June 2005, I simplified the means test for both medical and GP visit cards. It is now based on an applicant's and spouse's income after income tax and PRSI, and takes account of reasonable expenses incurred in respect of rent or mortgage payments, childcare and travel to work. In 2005 the income guidelines for medical cards were increased by a cumulative 29 per cent. The income assessment guidelines used for the GP visit card are 50% higher than those used for medical cards. These improvements have made the assessment process much fairer and ensure that those on low to moderate incomes can qualify for free GP care.
Non-medical card holders can use the Drug Payment Scheme, which protects against excessive medicines costs. Under this scheme, no individual or family unit pays more than €90 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme is easy to use and significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines. In addition, the deputy will be aware that non-reimbursed medical expenses above a set threshold may be offset against tax.
Health Services.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:439 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if a fully staffed community placement will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2056/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The Executive, therefore, is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Question No. 440 answered with Question No. 331.
Hospital Services.
Mary Upton
Question:441 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 will be given an appointment for their operation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2068/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Data Protection.
Simon Coveney
Question:442 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of all instances since 1 June 2002 where personal data held by her Department or any agency under its auspices were compromised in any way; if the review by her Department of data security procedures announced on 22 November 2007 is completed; and the findings of that review in terms both of prior shortcomings and of future actions. [2165/08]
I am informed that in my Department no serious instances have occurred where personal data were compromised in any way. We have on record a valid complaint where a letter dealing with a sensitive matter should have been subject to better quality assurance and a more secure postal facility. A procedure has been put in place to rectify this.
With regard to my Department and health agencies under its auspices, the review of data security procedures announced by An Tánaiste is ongoing and the findings and recommendations regarding any future actions are awaited.
Health Services.
Michael Ring
Question:443 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a child (details supplied) with sensory issues in County Mayo will be called for occupational therapy. [2174/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Medical Cards.
Jack Wall
Question:444 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No 125 of 12 December 2007, the position in relation to the application for a medical card by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2188/08]
As the Health Service Executive (HSE) has the operational and funding responsibility for this benefit, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Medical Aids and Appliances.
Mary Upton
Question:445 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied with the standard and quality of second hand wheelchairs sometimes offered to elderly persons in the community; her views on the fact that a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 was offered a wheelchair that was unhygienic; if she will investigate the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2196/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:446 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the action she will take to ensure a resolution of the dispute between the Health Service Executive and the Irish Dental Association in order to restore dental services to medical card patients. [2197/08]
The Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) provides for a range of dental services for adult medical card holders from participating dentists holding contracts with the Health Service Executive (HSE).
The DTSS Review Group was established in May, 2006 to undertake a comprehensive review of Primary Care Oral Health Services provided under the DTSS. Represented on the Review Group are the HSE, the HSE — Employers Agency, the Department of Health and Children, the Department of Social and Family Affairs, the Department of Finance and the Irish Dental Association (IDA). The Group is chaired by Mr Finbar Flood.
During the course of the review, based on legal advice by the HSE, a legal issue arose in relation to the Competition Act, 2002 and the collective negotiation of fees with the IDA. The HSE was advised that the coming together of the DTSS contractors under the auspices of the IDA to negotiate fees would constitute a breach of the Act. The IDA was advised of the legal situation and, in January, 2007, discussions on the fee aspects of the review were temporarily put on hold. It is clear now from discussions between officials of my Department and the Attorney General's Office, that there are complex legal difficulties associated with the traditional process for the negotiation of professional fees and that a new approach, in line with Competition Law, must be found.
Accordingly, officials in my Department have been working with the Attorney General's office to clarify the way forward.
Question No. 447 answered with Question No. 298.
Cancer Screening Programme.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:448 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the scheduled rollout of the National Cervical Cancer Screening Programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2207/08]
The National Cancer Screening Service is planning to roll out the National Cervical Screening Programme on a national basis around the middle of this year. Women aged 25 to 44 years old will be screened every 3 years; women aged 45 to 60 will be screened every 5 years. The Service will be available free of charge to eligible women. Approximately 230,000 women will be screened annually, assuming an 80% take up by eligible women.
All elements of the programme, call/recall, smear taking, laboratories, colposcopy and treatment services will be quality assured, organised and managed to deliver a single integrated national service. The Service is in the process of procuring quality assured internationally accredited laboratory capacity. The laboratories will be required to meet turnaround times of ten working days. This process is due to be completed by end March. In terms of smeartaker capacity, the Service completed a stakeholder consultation process in November 2007 and published a draft smeartaker contract for consultation in the first week of January this year. This consultation process will end on 28 February next and the actual smeartaker contract will be published shortly thereafter. The programme will be based on a turnaround time of four weeks for smear testing. The Service is also carrying out a baseline quality audit of existing clinical colposcopy services in the State to establish their fitness for purpose in the context of a national cervical screening programme.
Additional revenue funding of €5.0m was allocated to the Service in 2007 for the roll-out of the programme and an additional €15.0m has been allocated in 2008. An additional 30 posts have been approved to facilitate integration and roll-out of the programme.
Question No. 449 answered with Question No. 390.
Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.
Charles Flanagan
Question:450 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children if consideration will be given towards extending the deadline to facilitate late applicants under the nursing home repayments scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2209/08]
The Health Repayment Scheme was launched by the Health Service Executive and the appointed scheme administrator on 14 August 2006 by way of a national advertising campaign.
An extensive advertising and publicity campaign was undertaken to ensure that eligible applicants who wished to do so submitted an application prior to the closing date of 31 December 2007. This campaign included a series of nationwide roadshows to highlight the scheme and to assist applicants complete their applications.
In view of the various measures which have been undertaken by the HSE to maximise awareness of the scheme and its belief that any extension would not lead to a significant increase in applications, I have decided not to extend the closing date for receipt of applications.
Accident and Emergency Services.
Ciaran Lynch
Question:451 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the newly built emergency department of the Mercy University Hospital has been lying idle since March 2007; the planned opening date; if she will make provision for the 25 extra staff which hospital management have projected will be necessary for the new unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2239/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Departmental Expenditure.
Leo Varadkar
Question:452 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the budget allocation for the Health Information and Quality Authority for 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2251/08]
A budget allocation of €16.8m for non-capital expenditure for 2008 has been indicated by my Department to the Health Information and Quality Authority. This represents an increase of €9.6m or 133% over last year's expenditure. The capital allocation for 2008 is €3m.
Pharmacy Regulations.
Leo Varadkar
Question:453 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the fact that non-Irish graduates are not permitted to work as supervising pharmacists for at least three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2252/08]
The 2007 Pharmacy Act allows for the removal of the restriction on pharmacists educated in other EU or EEA countries owning, managing or supervising a pharmacy in Ireland that is less than three years old — the derogation under Article 2.2 of Council Directive 85/433/EEC. My motivation in providing for the removal of this derogation was to facilitate the many Irish pharmacy graduates who, because of the shortage of pharmacy undergraduate places available in the State, went abroad to train. On their return these graduates found that they were at a disadvantage to their Irish trained colleagues in not being able to establish a new pharmacy business, having instead to confine themselves to ones which had already been in operation for at least 3 years, a situation that was clearly unfair and unsustainable.
The Pharmacy Act will be commenced in 3 stages. The 1st Stage of the process has put in place the Council of the new Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, the 2nd Stage will put in place a new Registration regime for pharmacists and pharmacies, including offences and powers of investigation and the 3rd Stage will deal with complaints, inquiries and discipline (Fitness to Practice Provisions). A three stage process allows flexibility in implementation dates, given the complexity and number of new policies and procedures that the new PSI Council must have in place to accommodate each stage.
In relation to the removal of the derogation, new policies and procedures must be in place before the second stage of implementation of the Act, including the removal of the derogation, can proceed. The second stage of the implementation of the Act will deal with the new procedures for registration of pharmacists and pharmacy businesses under Part 4 of the Act, the conditions for conduct of a retail pharmacy business, including 3 years post-registration experience for supervising pharmacists, Part 7 of the Act on the investigation of alleged offences, breaches of codes or professional misconduct, regulations for supervision of the sale and supply of medicinal products and, in the interest of public safety, new conditions for registration of pharmacists in terms of forensic and linguistic competency. Once these new policies and procedures and the new regulatory regime for pharmacists and pharmacy businesses, are put in place by the Council, it will be possible to revoke the 1962 Pharmacy Act and remove the derogation.
Health Service Allowances.
Leo Varadkar
Question:454 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the health allowances that may be awarded by the Health Service Executive or her Department; the number of recipients of each allowance; the cost of each allowance in 2007 or the most recent year for which figures are available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2253/08]
My Department administers an allowance for victims of thalidomide. There are a total of 31 people in receipt of the Thalidomide Allowance. The total cost of that allowance in 2007 was €346,523.
In addition the Health Service Executive administers four allowances namely, Domiciliary Care Allowance, Blind Welfare Allowance, Mobility Allowance and Infectious Diseases Maintenance Allowance. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the information requested by the Deputy in relation to these allowances forwarded directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Jack Wall
Question:455 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position of the payment of arrears due to home helps for travel payments in the Kildare West Wicklow areas of the Health Service Executive; if any of the payments have been made to date; if so, the cost to date; the number of home helps in receipt to date of the arrears due; the number of home helps awaiting such payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2258/08]
Jack Wall
Question:456 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if the problems associated with the payments of travel allowances to home help employees of the Health Service Executive in the Kildare West Wicklow areas have been corrected; if payments will be paid weekly or monthly on submission of expense sheets; the method of payment; if the PARS system is used or some other method or system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2259/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 455 and 456 together.
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services, including the payment of travel allowances to eligible personnel, has been provided as part of its overall vote. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issues raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Service Staff.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:457 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the high turnover rate of psychologists at the mental health unit at Maginn Avenue, Buncrana, County Donegal, which has seen five different psychologists in the past two years; her views on whether this instability is detrimental to the patients attending this unit; and if she will investigate the reason for this high turnover rate and the action that can be taken to address it. [2260/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Medical Cards.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:458 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons in possession of medical cards in respect of 1 January 2008 and the same day in each year back to 1998; and the proportion of the population this represents in each case. [2286/08]
Details of the numbers of medical card holders are provided to my Department each month by the Health Service Executive (HSE). The table below shows the number of persons with medical cards and the proportion of the national population which this represents, on the dates requested by the Deputy.
In interpreting this information, it is necessary to take account of the fact that the HSE (and before 2005 the health boards) has undertaken a substantial programme of work in recent years to improve data quality in the General Medical Services (GMS) client database. For example, in 2003 and 2004, work carried out by the health boards led to a deletion of approximately 104,000 inappropriate entries, where, for example, there were duplicate entries for the same person, the expiry date on the card had passed, the person had moved away or was deceased. This exercise did not involve any reduction in the actual number of persons who held medical cards but rather resulted in a more accurate picture of the number of individuals in receipt of GP services under the GMS Scheme.
|
Year |
National Population |
No. of medical card holders |
Proportion of National Population with medical cards |
|
1998 (as at 1st January 1998) |
3,703,100 (Official CSO population estimate for 1998) |
1,219,852 |
32.94% |
|
1999 (as at 1st January 1999) |
3,741,600 (Official CSO population estimate for 1999) |
1,183,554 |
31.63% |
|
2000 (as at 1st January 2000) |
3,789,500 (Official CSO population estimate for 2000) |
1,164,187 |
30.72% |
|
2001 (as at 1st January 2001) |
3,847,200 (Official CSO population estimate for 2001) |
1,148,055 |
29.84% |
|
2002 (as at 1st January 2002) |
3,917,203 (2002 census population figure) |
1,199,454 |
30.62% |
|
2003 (as at 1st January 2003) |
3,978,900 (Official CSO population estimate for 2003) |
1,164,453 |
29.27% |
|
2004 (as at 1st January 2004) |
4,043,800 (Official CSO population estimate for 2004) |
1,152,908 |
28.51% |
|
2005 (as at 1st January 2005) |
4,130,700 (Official CSO population estimate for 2005) |
1,145,083 |
27.72% |
|
2006 (as at 12th January 2006) |
4,234,900 (Official CSO population estimate for 2006) |
1,155,727 |
27.29% |
|
2007 (as at 1st January 2007) |
4,239,848 (2006 Census population figure) |
1,221,695 |
28.81% |
|
2008 (as at 1st January 2008) |
4,339,000 (Official CSO population estimate for April 2007 announced on 18th December 2007) |
1,276,178 |
29.41% |
In addition, as at 1st January, 2008, 75,789 persons held a GP visit card.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:459 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons in possession of medical cards, broken down on a county basis in respect of 1 January 2008 and the same day in each year back to 1998. [2287/08]
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:460 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of women between 25 and 60, who are in possession of medical cards, broken down on a county basis in respect of 1 January 2008 or the latest date for which figures are available. [2288/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 459 and 460 together.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has the operational and funding responsibility for the granting of medical cards. It collates medical card data by county, age and gender. Therefore, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address these matters and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Service Staff.
Michael Ring
Question:461 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive has submitted P35s for all their employees for the year ended 2006; if there was a delay in submitting these documents to the Revenue Commissioners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2291/08]
It is a matter for the Health Service Executive to manage its human resources, including matters relating to payroll such as PAYE/PRSI deductions. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to theDeputy.
Health Services.
David Stanton
Question:462 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of applications for profiling beds to enable people with specific illnesses or disabilities to be cared for in their own homes for longer, that are awaiting approval in the respective Health Service Executive areas across the State; the typical length of time it takes from receipt of such an application to delivery of a profiling bed to a patient; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2361/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
David Stanton
Question:463 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of applications for home helps awaiting approval in the various Health Service Executive areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2362/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospitals Building Programme.
Pat Breen
Question:464 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the position of the proposed €39 million upgrading of the Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Ennis, County Clare; when work is scheduled to start on the redevelopment; if in conjunction with the Health Service Executive funding has been allocated for this upgrade; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2371/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular question raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Departmental Reviews.
Pat Breen
Question:465 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when the value for money review of the allocation and utilisation of funds for the acute hospitals will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2372/08]
The Value for Money and Policy Review assessment of the Allocation and Utilisation of Funding in Acute Hospitals is focused on HSE Hospital Network 2 (Southern Area Group) which is being used as the model for this study. The review will, however, have wider national relevance.
The consultants were asked to provide a systemic analysis of the allocation and utilisation of funding for expenditure in the Southern Hospitals Group in 2006 under the Government's Value for Money and Policy Review Initiative. The overall objective of the review is to:
assess the VFM achieved from money allocated and utilised in the Southern Hospitals Group and
to inform the scope for alternative approaches.
It is intended to finalise and complete the report in the near future.
Health Services.
Pat Breen
Question:466 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in conjunction with the Health Service Executive, she will outline the annual budget 2008 for the Mid-West Regional Hospital, Ennis, County Clare; if her attention has been drawn to reports that the 2008 budget provided is inadequate; the steps her Department will take to address this shortfall; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2373/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular question raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Organ Donation.
Tom Hayes
Question:467 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the soft opt-out organ donation policy as adopted in Spain or Belgium as one move to combat low organ donation here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2374/08]
There are two systems that can be used to ascertain an individual's wishes on organ donation: the opt-in system and the opt-out system. The former system (which operates in this country) requires the specific consent of the donor or, where he or she is deceased, their relatives, before organs or tissues are removed. The opt-out system presumes that all deceased persons consent to donation unless they have specifically expressed a wish to the contrary. My Department is advised that even where opt-out/presumed consent systems are in operation such as in Spain, the relatives of the deceased may be approached as part of the donor screening process to seek a medical history of any high-risk behaviour. In these circumstances the relatives can register an objection to the donation.
The practice in this country is that, even when a deceased person had indicated his or her willingness to donate organs, the consent of the next-of-kin is always sought. There are differing views as to the appropriateness and effectiveness of a change to the existing arrangements covering the question of consent.
My Department is formulating proposals on human tissue legislation to meet the key recommendation of the Madden Report on Post Mortem Practice and Procedures. The scope of the Bill will cover the removal, retention, storage, use and disposal of human tissue from deceased persons, and related matters.
A Consultative Forum on the development of the legislative proposals was held in June 2007 followed by a public invitation for written submissions. One of the matters that has been raised in this context is the issue of consent for the donation of tissue and organs for transplantation. Discussions are ongoing with the major stakeholders on issues identified from the submissions. It is expected that proposals will be submitted to Government in the first half of this year seeking approval to draft Heads of a Bill.
According to the 2007 Annual Report of the Organ Procurement Service, based in Beaumont Hospital, there were a total of 88 donors and this led to a total of 223 organs being transplanted. This compares with a total of 187 transplants in 2003 when there were 86 donors. The rate of organ donation in Ireland has traditionally been high by EU comparison.
Health Services.
Pádraic McCormack
Question:468 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department will provide the necessary funding for the Irish Osteoporosis Society which provide an invaluable service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2399/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Finian McGrath
Question:469 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will put in place a long-term care plan for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 17. [2400/08]
As part of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 under the Disability Strategy, the Government provided the Health Service Executive with an additional €75m in both 2006 and 2007. This funding included monies to provide new and enhanced services for people with disabilities, to implement Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which came into effect on June 1st 2007 for the under 5's and also for the continuation of the implementation of the transfer of persons with intellectual disability from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements.
The Government is also honouring its promise in relation to the Multi-Annual Investment Programme for people with disabilities, with a further €50m investment which was announced in the 2008 Budget.
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:470 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps that were taken by the Health Service Executive to resolve the complaint by persons (details supplied); the aspects of the family’s complaint that were upheld and which were not upheld; the reasons therefor; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2401/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Service Staff.
Mary O'Rourke
Question:471 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 who was given leave of absence from the Health Service Executive for 1 November 2006 to 1 November 2007 has not been re-appointed to their post despite several applications and appeals. [2413/08]
Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Terence Flanagan
Question:472 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide details on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2428/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:473 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the long delay that a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22 has had in securing an appointment for orthodontic treatment; and if same will be expedited. [2431/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Dan Neville
Question:474 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the budget for homecare packages in respect of County Limerick for 2008. [2435/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Cancer Screening Programme.
Dan Neville
Question:475 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 268 of 2 October 2007 the position in relation to the re-examination of breast cancer records at Barringtons Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2436/08]
Following disclosures about the provision of breast cancer services at Barringtons Hospital and Medical Centre, it was agreed to commission an independent review of patients' files in the Hospital during the period 1 September, 2003 to 10 August, 2007.
The chairperson of the review team is Dr. Henrietta Campbell, Chief Executive Officer of the All-Ireland Cancer Foundation and former Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland. Barringtons Hospital is co-operating in full with the process. Dr. Campbell expects to finalise a draft report in the next few weeks. Following the completion of the necessary legal formalities, the Report will be submitted to me and to Barringtons Hospital.
Health Services.
Michael McGrath
Question:476 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive will provide financial support to persons who undergo a specific treatment abroad (details supplied). [2439/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Mental Health Services.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:477 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is still planned to proceed with the long promised psychiatric unit at Beaumont Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2440/08]
Government policy for the development of mental health services, including the provision of acute in-patient units, is contained in "A Vision for Change". Implementation of this policy is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Pat Breen
Question:478 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 294 of 26 June 2007, if she will report on the progress between the Health Service Executive and a nursing home (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2444/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Michael McGrath
Question:479 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be accommodated by the Health Service Executive. [2445/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. The Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Service Staff.
Bobby Aylward
Question:480 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will instruct the Health Service Executive to reinstate a senior grade physiotherapist in a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny to meet the complex needs of the pupils in this school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2454/08]
Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Accident and Emergency Services.
Sean Fleming
Question:481 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Health and Children when the new accident and emergency department will be opened in Portlaoise General Hospital; the staffing arrangements in place for this new facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2467/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Services.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:482 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she plans to proceed with the relocation of maternity services in Limerick to the Mid-Western Regional Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2468/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular question raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Ned O'Keeffe
Question:483 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be attended to. [2492/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Services.
Ned O'Keeffe
Question:484 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children when a designated ward or room will be made available to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [2493/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Ned O'Keeffe
Question:485 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be called for hospital treatment. [2494/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to theDeputy.
Patients waiting more than three months on a surgical waiting list may qualify for treatment under the National Treatment Purchase Fund. It is open to the person in question or anyone acting on their behalf to contact the Fund directly in relation to their case.
Health Services.
Emmet Stagg
Question:486 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children further to the response received from the Health Service Executive in relation to Parliamentary Question No. 155 of 28 November 2007 if solutions to reduce the waiting times have been found following the reviews of service provision. [2503/08]
Child health examinations are provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to children under 6 years of age and all primary level pupils in accordance with Section 66 of the Health Act, 1970. Under Section 67 of that Act, such children are eligible for HSE ophthalmic services in respect of problems noted at child health examinations.
As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for Primary Care services, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have an update issued directly to the Deputy on the outcome of the review of the provision of child optical services for the Maynooth and Naas areas.
Emmet Stagg
Question:487 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding allocated on a monthly basis in 2008 towards home care packages in Kildare West/Wicklow; the number at present being assisted through this scheme; the numbers approved but for which there is no funding available to sanction the home care package; and the circumstances of those awaiting assistance be they in acute hospital beds or living in the community in their homes. [2504/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Nursing Home Accommodation.
Emmet Stagg
Question:488 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that on 2 November 2007 there were 120 elderly people awaiting a long term care bed in public nursing homes in Kildare West/Wicklow, and that 71 of these people who are deemed to require long term care are actually living in the community without adequate professional support which is required for any person deemed to require a long term care bed; and if, in view of this situation she will sanction the provision of additional community care units in County Kildare similar to the facility located at the Harbour Leinster Street Maynooth County Kildare. [2505/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. The Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Service Staff.
Emmet Stagg
Question:489 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 156 of 28 November 2007 if the three additional speech and language therapists hired on temporary contracts in Kildare and West Wicklow have been made permanent and if a further two additional therapists have been hired as promised. [2506/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have an update issued directly to the Deputy.
Emmet Stagg
Question:490 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children if the promised additional audiologist has been hired for the hearing service for children in Kildare and West Wicklow; and if agreement has been reached in relation to the provision of additional clinics to reduce the waiting times at Newbridge and Tallaght Health Centres. [2507/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Emmet Stagg
Question:491 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the present number of children awaiting orthodontic treatment and orthodontic assessment in County Kildare; the average time children have to wait for both; and if she will hire on a permanent basis specialist orthodontists instead of having nine specialists working on a part-time basis. [2508/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Finian McGrath
Question:492 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding services and projects (details supplied). [2523/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Medical Cards.
Emmet Stagg
Question:493 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons covered on medical cards and doctors visit cards in County Kildare on 31 December 2007. [2545/08]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has the operational and funding responsibility for the granting of medical cards and GP Visit Cards. It collates medical card and GP Visit Card data by county. Therefore, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address these matters and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Cancer Screening Programme.
Emmet Stagg
Question:494 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on extending breast screening to women aged 65 to 70 years in regions where BreastCheck has been in operation for a number of years. [2546/08]
BreastCheck commenced roll-out in the Western Region last May and in the Southern region last October. I officially opened the BreastCheck clinical static units in Cork and Galway last December. The expert advice from BreastCheck and from the National Cancer Forum, as contained in the National Strategy for Cancer Control, is that following the national extension of the programme, the upper age limit should be extended to women aged 69 years. The priority of BreastCheck is to screen women who have not yet been screened and accordingly it is fully focused at present on the completion of the first round of screening in the West and South. I will consider extending the age limit as recommended when the national roll-out of the programme is sufficiently developed and it is assured that a quality service is being delivered. Any woman irrespective of her age who has immediate concerns or symptoms should contact her GP who, where appropriate, will refer her to the symptomatic services in her area.
Health Services.
Emmet Stagg
Question:495 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people in receipt of home help services in Kildare and west Wicklow in 2005, 2006 and 2007; the number of hours allocated to the home help service in each of the years; and the cost of provision of the service in each of the years. [2547/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Emmet Stagg
Question:496 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding allocated in 2008 for the home help service in Kildare and west Wicklow. [2548/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Finian McGrath
Question:497 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist in the case of a person (details supplied). [2562/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Question No. 498 answered with Question No. 349.
Equal Opportunities Employment.
Finian McGrath
Question:499 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if persons (details supplied) in Dublin 3 will be assisted. [2565/08]
David Stanton
Question:504 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 281 of 23 May 2006, if she is satisfied that her Department has met the 3% employment quota for people with disabilities; the percentage of people with disabilities employed in her Department; the number of people with disabilities hired from outside the Civil Service for each of the years from 2002 to date in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2592/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 499 and 504 together.
My Department uses the Public Appointments Service (PAS) for open recruitment to all positions within the remit of the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act, 2004. Such recruitments are by means of open competition and are subject to the Codes of Practice of the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA). Persons with disabilities are entitled to compete in all open competitions. The CPSA has published a code of Practice entitled "Appointment of Persons with Disabilities to Positions in the Public Service and Certain Public Bodies" which sets out the principles and standards to be applied in the recruitment and selection process of persons with disabilities. The person referred to by the Deputy should contact PAS directly for further information. Contact details are asfollows:
The Public Appointments Service, Chapter House, 26-30 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1. Phone: 01 8587400;E-mail: info@publicjobs.ie; Website www.publicjobs.ie.
My Department is fully committed to promoting and supporting people with disabilities in the workplace. In 2007, the National Disability Authority (NDA), which has responsibility for monitoring and reporting on the 3% employment target, surveyed all public bodies, including my Department. Based on an extrapolation of the returned survey results for 2006, 2.7% of the total number of employees in my Department had a disability. The results refer solely to those staff who voluntarily participated in the survey. No inferences can be made in relation to the disability status of those who did not respond. According to the NDA, the data may be interpreted as the minimum proportion of staff with disabilities in an organisation. The NDA is currently conducting a survey in respect of employment of persons with disabilities in all public bodies in 2007, which includes my Department.
From 2002 to date, there have been a number of individuals from outside the civil service who have held short term contracts or who have been seconded into the Department for their professional expertise. In relation to the recruitment of staff, including those from outside the civil service, there is, understandably, no requirement on staff to declare if they have a disability. Accordingly, I am not in a position to advise the Deputy of the number of staff recruited from outside the civil service who have a disability.
Services for People with Disabilities.
David Stanton
Question:500 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the services available to cystic fibrosis patients in Cork; the locations where treatment can be received and the number of staff employed in CF services and their grades; the situation regarding the purpose built CF unit in Cork University Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2576/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
David Stanton
Question:501 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive will publish the report of the Working Group on Cystic Fibrosis Services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2577/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
David Stanton
Question:502 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children her Department’s policy in relation to adults with Asperger’s syndrome; the supports and services available to these adults in relation to independent living such as personal assistants and other social and health supports; her plans to improve the supports and services available to adults with Asperger’s; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2578/08]
David Stanton
Question:503 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department will provide funding to the Health Service Executive or discuss with the HSE the possibility of expanding its Create a Link pilot programme in operation in Letterkenny, County Donegal to adults with Asperger’s across the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2579/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 502 and 503 together.
As part of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 under the Disability Strategy, the Government provided the Health Service Executive with an additional €75m in both 2006 and 2007. This funding included monies to provide new and enhanced services for people with disabilities, to implement Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, and also for the continuation of the implementation of the transfer of persons with intellectual disability from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements. The Government is also honouring its promise in relation to the Multi-Annual Investment Programme for people with disabilities, with a further €50m investment which was announced in the 2008 Budget.
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Question No. 504 answered with Question No. 499.
Decentralisation Programme.
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:505 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of civil and other public servants based in Dublin in her Department and agencies who have applied for decentralisation, who have been transferred to their decentralised post and are currently in position in the decentralised location outside Dublin; the number of civil and other public servants required for decentralisation under plans; the original and expected date for full decentralisation to be in place; the locations together with details of properties and land owned, purchased or planning permissions sought for the construction of premises for decentralisation; the costs incurred to date; the original budgeted for and expected total costs to be incurred for decentralisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2607/08]
Joan Burton
Question:512 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of civil servants and other public servants, who have relocated to locations outside of Dublin under the Government’s decentralisation programme; the estimated number of each category who will have relocated by the end of 2008; the breakdown of each set of figures in terms of those who are relocating from Dublin and relocating from elsewhere; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2994/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 505 and 512 together.
As the Deputy will be aware my Department is not one of the Departments scheduled for decentralisation under the Government's Decentralisation Programme. To date, fifty-one civil servants have transferred to decentralising Departments from my Department. Further details in respect of the transfer of these officers is available from the decentralising Departments and I understand that the Deputy has also tabled questions to the relevant Ministers.
Medical Cards.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:506 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children when replies will issue from the Health Service Executive to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 106 to 109 of 13 December 2007. [2617/08]
In order to provide the Deputy with the estimates of cost requested, it was necessary for my Department to seek certain information from the Health Service Executive (HSE). While the HSE has provided part of the information required, further data is required before the costings sought by the Deputy can be prepared. I understand that the HSE expects to be able to provide the outstanding data in the coming weeks. On receipt of this information, my Department will be in a position to prepare the cost estimates sought and will provide them to the Deputy as soon as possible thereafter.
Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:507 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive to Parliamentary Question No. 268 of 11 December 2007. [2618/08]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has responsibility for administering the health repayment scheme in conjunction with the appointed scheme administrator KPMG/McCann Fitzgerald.The HSE has informed my Department that a reply has been drafted and will issue to the Deputy in the very near future.
Question No. 508 answered with Question No. 349
Hospital Waiting Lists.
Billy Timmins
Question:509 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow who is waiting for a hip replacement; if they will be seen as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2774/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Billy Timmins
Question:510 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if they will be seen as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2775/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Child Care Services.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:511 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if there are proposals to reform the grants system to ensure that provision is made for essential childcare costs. [34002/07]
As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP) which, together with the earlier Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP), are implemented by the Office of the Minister for Children.
The main supports the Government makes available to parents to assist them with their childcare costs are Child Benefit and the Early Childcare Supplement. The latter payment is the responsibility of my Office, and it alone is expected to amount to expenditure of over €500m in 2008. These payments are universal and benefit all parents, regardless of their income, labour market status or the type of childcare they choose. In addition to these universal supports, Government childcare policy has also recognised the need to target additional supports towards disadvantaged families.
Under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP), which is co-funded under the EU Social Fund (ESF), targeted support was provided through the staffing support grant scheme whereby community based not-for-profit childcare providers with a strong focus on disadvantage were awarded grant aid towards their staffing costs to allow them to operate reduced fees to disadvantaged parents. Funding under this scheme was originally awarded for a limited period during which services were expected to move towards sustainability. This funding was subsequently continued to the end of 2007, where it was considered necessary to enable services to continue to make their services accessible to disadvantaged parents. This continuation funding was subject to the condition that tiered fee structures were implemented by the services in question.
With the closure of the EOCP in December 2007, to continue to support community childcare services to provide affordable childcare to disadvantaged parents, the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) was introduced from 1st January 2008 under the Exchequer funded National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), the successor programme to the EOCP. The CCSS has been allocated €153 million over the next 3 years, representing a 16% increase in funding over the EOCP staffing scheme, and will continue to support community childcare services to provide reduced childcare fees for disadvantaged parents, complementing the universal supports in place for all parents. Under the new scheme, it will be possible to ensure that the level of grant aid which individual services qualify for will reflect the actual level of service they provide and the profile of the parents benefiting from their service. As part of their application for funding under the new scheme, services are required to ask parents using their services to complete a simple declaration form which is to be included in a return to my Office and on which basis the level of subvention for each service will be determined. The subvention received by services will, in turn, be reflected in the reduced fees for parents who qualify as disadvantaged under the scheme.
It is considered that the new scheme will provide an effective framework for the continued targeting of additional resources towards disadvantaged parents and their children while continuing to support community childcare services generally. The scheme has been informed by and takes account of a number of enhancements recommended by the report of the Value for Money Review of the EOCP. These include the fact that the subvention to services will be more responsive to the level of service provided as well as the degree of parental disadvantage supported and the ceiling for funding, which existed under the previous scheme, is being removed. Account will also be taken of all of the operational costs of the service rather than staffing costs alone. Services, including full-time, part-time and sessional ones, which at present are, in some cases, inaccessibly priced for disadvantaged parents, will be available to them at more appropriate rates under the new scheme. In addition, transitional arrangements have been made under which existing grant recipients will continue to be funded at their current levels until 1st July 2008. This is to ensure that existing childcare services are facilitated to adjust to the new scheme, including making any adjustments necessary to their fee structures.
When I announced the new scheme in July of last year, I signalled my intention to undertake a review of the Scheme on the basis of the more detailed and comprehensive data which was to be forwarded to my Office in November and December as part of the application process of the new scheme. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the review was completed last month and the following adjustments to the scheme have been approved by the Government:
the childcare subvention rates, which form the basis for assessing the level of grant funding payable to community childcare services, have been increased from €80 to €100 per week in the case of Band A parents and from €30 to €70 per week in the case of Band B parents;
services will also be grant aided to enable them to provide reduced childcare fees for parents in Band C who are marginally above the Family Income Supplement (FIS) threshold and low income parents who qualify under this measure will benefit by €45 per week per full-time place;
where a parent moves to a lower Band (e.g. from social welfare into employment), the subvention paid in respect of them will be withdrawn on a tapered basis with the effect that where a parent would no longer qualify for a Band A payment, he or she will be treated as a Band B parent in the following year;
special provisions will be provided for in the case of childcare services where, for valid reasons, it is not possible to assess grant funding on the basis of annual parental declarations alone (e.g. women's refuges, special services for children of drug misusers) and, in exceptional cases, where special levels of funding provision may be required;
in recognition of the on-going input of the community and voluntary sector, and to provide stability for services which would otherwise receive very low levels of grant subvention (e.g. small rural services) a minimum annual grant level of €20,000 is being introduced.
as a transitional measure during 2008-2010, services which would otherwise face a significant decrease in their existing level of grant support from July 2008, will continue to receive grant aid equal to not less than 90% of their previous grant level during July-December 2008, equal to not less than 85% of that amount in 2009, and equal to not less than 75% of that amount in 2010. The transitional grant funding is conditional on all requirements of the Scheme being complied with, including the return of annual applications together with completed parent declaration forms and the implementation of tiered fees based on the subvention levels for Band A, B and C parents.
Question No. 512 answered with Question No. 505.
Decentralisation Programme.
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:513 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of civil servants and other public servants who have decentralised as at 31 December 2006 and the current date broken down into individual Government Departments and agencies; the number required for full decentralisation, broken down under individual Departmental and agencies plans; the number of currently decentralised locations in operation; the agencies with no progress; the values of properties purchased and sold in respect of the decentralisation process to date; the other costs incurred to date with the decentralisation process, broken down by category; the number of Departmental staff involved in administrating the decentralisation process since its inception; the number of planning applications in progress in relation to building decentralised premises and planning applications to be submitted, broken down by location and planning submission date; the original budgeted and the expected total costs to be incurred for decentralisation; her further proposals in this regard; the expected date for completion of the full decentralisation process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3008/08]
As the Deputy will be aware my Department is not one of the Departments scheduled for decentralisation under the Government's Decentralisation Programme. As of the 31st December 2006, 28 civil servants had transferred to decentralising Departments from my Department and to date, a total of 51 civil servants have transferred. Further details in respect of the transfer of these officers is available from the decentralising Departments and I understand that the Deputy has also tabled questions to the relevant Ministers. Administration in respect of civil servants transferring from my Department to decentralising Departments is facilitated through my Department's Human Resources Unit.
Port Development.
Sean Sherlock
Question:514 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if he will appoint a representative of Cobh to the board of directors of the port of Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1390/08]
In accordance with Section 30 of the Harbours Act 1996, I will consider any recommendations when making my decision to appoint Directors to the Boards of Port Companies.
Road Network.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:515 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Transport if he will review the condition of the terms of local improvement schemes to allow schemes that would benefit one adjoining farm to qualify for grant aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1664/08]
Section 81 of the Local Government Act 2001 provides the statutory basis for the Local Improvements Scheme (LIS) and the Local Improvements Scheme Memorandum, which issued in February 2002, sets out the terms and conditions for the payment of LIS grants. Under the Scheme, grants are provided to county councils for the construction and improvement of non-public roads which provide access to parcels of land of which at least two are owned or occupied by different persons engaged in separate agricultural activities, or provide access for harvesting purposes for two or more persons, or which will in the opinion of the county council be used by the public. There are no proposals at present to amend the legislation or the terms and conditions governing the scheme.
Michael Ring
Question:516 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the ducting of services in phase one of a project (details supplied) in County Mayo; if a contractor has been appointed; if the work has started; the position in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1917/08]
The provision and improvement of regional and local roads, including bridges, in its area is a matter for Mayo County Council to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State grants. Funding is being provided by my Department to Mayo County Council towards the provision of a new bridge at Achill Sound and in May 2007, approval was conveyed to the Council to award a contract for the work. Progress with the work is a matter for Mayo County Council.
Parking Regulations.
Ciaran Lynch
Question:517 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Transport if it is his intention to require local authorities to introduce a visual indicator to replace parking tickets in order to alleviate the present confusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2360/08]
The provisions of road traffic legislation are not prescriptive as to the mode of pay and display schemes that a road authority may use in the operation of a paid parking scheme whether on-street or in public car parks and it is not proposed to change that position.
Rail Network.
Áine Brady
Question:518 Deputy Áine Brady asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the Kildare Route Project with specific reference to car parking in Hazelhatch; when the car park will be completed; the capacity it will have; the timescale for the project; the benefits the commuters at Hazelhatch and Sallins will experience when completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36054/07]
Emmet Stagg
Question:571 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date on the Kildare route project; and if it is on time for delivery in late 2009. [2544/08]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 518 and 571 together.
The construction of the Kildare Route upgrade project, including the provision of car parking, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann. I understand from the company that the current position regarding the project is that work is underway on all main contracts and that the project is on target for completion in 2010.
Public Transport.
Simon Coveney
Question:519 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Transport the number of buses in operation in the Dublin Bus fleet that ran on alternative fuels on 1 December 2007; the number of buses in operation in the Dublin Bus fleet that ran on hybrid engines on 1 December 2007; the number of buses in operation in the Bus Éireann fleet that ran on alternative fuels on 1 December 2007; and the number of buses in operation in the Bus Éireann fleet that ran on hybrid engines on 1 December 2007. [36059/07]
Both Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus have been undertaking trials on the use of biofuels. As of 1 December 2007 one open-top bus used on Cork City tours runs on a mix of 95% regular diesel and 5% bio-diesel fuel. The bio-diesel is derived from rape-seed oil. Dublin Bus use bio-diesel made from recovered vegetable oil (RVO) on five open-top tour buses.
This year Dublin Bus will be leasing, with financial support from my Department, a prototype hybrid electric double-decker bus. It is estimated that this vehicle can achieve 34% less fuel consumption than a standard bus. Dublin Bus will consider the further acquisition of hybrid electric vehicles as part of future fleet replacement.
I am working to achieve emissions reductions in the public transport fleet. The Government has decided in the Energy White Paper that CIE move to using a 5% biodiesel blend in current buses and to plan for a 30% blend in new ones and my Department is working with CIÉ to establish how these targets can be achieved in the shortest time frame possible.
Road Safety.
Finian McGrath
Question:520 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the progress, in view of his commitment to introduce compulsory testing for alcohol for all drivers involved in road traffic accidents, that has been made on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36075/07]
Following representations received from various bodies, my Department is currently engaged with the Office of the Attorney General to establish how the current legislation can be amended to achieve roadside testing of drivers involved in serious collisions subject to overriding medical circumstances.
Private Airports.
Martin Ferris
Question:521 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Transport if the flight plans of aircraft landing at private airports have to be notified; and if a record is kept of such notifications. [1007/08]
The Irish Aviation Authority (Rules of the Air) Order, S.I. 72 of 2004 sets out the requirements governing the filing of flight plans. The issue raised is a day-to-day matter for the Authority and I have no function in this regard.
Taxi Regulations.
Michael Kennedy
Question:522 Deputy Michael Kennedy asked the Minister for Transport the reason taxis are not permitted to use contra-flow bus lanes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1027/08]
Under the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 taxis are permitted to use with-flow bus lanes but contra-flow bus lanes are reserved solely for use by large public service vehicles. This is based on road safety considerations. There are no plans to permit taxis to use contra-flow bus lanes.
Harbours and Piers.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:523 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport if there is an urgent need to get the remedial works underway at the Western Pier in Baltimore, County Cork; and if the contract arrangements for same are being put in place straight away. [1029/08]
On 4 January 2008, I approved funding of €935,000 for remedial works to the West Pier at Baltimore and Skibbereen Harbour. This funding was allocated on the basis of a request from Baltimore and Skibbereen Harbour Commissioners and a consulting engineer's report detailing the works required at the West Pier. The funding allocation was made early in the year, as I understand that Baltimore and Skibbereen Harbour Board wish to carry out the remedial works during the winter months. It is the responsibility of the Harbour Commissioners to put the contract arrangements for the remedial works in place.
Coast Guard Service.
Martin Ferris
Question:524 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Transport if the jobs in Valentia Coast Guard Radio Station are safe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1041/08]
Martin Ferris
Question:525 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Transport the decision made and the reasoning behind the closing of Valentia Coast Guard station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1042/08]
Martin Ferris
Question:526 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Transport if the 2002 Deloitte and Touche report on the Coast Guard has been updated in the past six years; and if he has taken all the current facts into his decision. [1043/08]
Martin Ferris
Question:527 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Transport the benefit of moving the Coast Guard operation from Valentia to a new location. [1044/08]
Martin Ferris
Question:528 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Transport if he will confirm the new Coast Guard location and confirm that staff of equal qualifications, ability and experience will be available at the new locations. [1045/08]
Martin Ferris
Question:529 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Transport if the €2 million investment in essential equipment for the Coast Guard which he identified in November 2007 has been made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1046/08]
Martin Ferris
Question:530 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Transport if discussions have been held with the various interested parties regarding the closure of Valentia Coast Guard including staff, lifeboats, local rescue services, fishing and commercial marine users, sailing clubs, Gardaí and other members of the maritime community; and the parties with whom these discussions have taken place. [1047/08]
Finian McGrath
Question:542 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the functions to be allotted to Valentia and Malin Head centres under the restructuring of the Marine Rescue Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1501/08]
Joe McHugh
Question:558 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport if he will release the Coast Guard Management report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1888/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 524 to 530, inclusive, 542 and 558 together.
It is my intention that the Irish Coast Guard and Maritime Administration will be strengthened on an ongoing basis over the coming years. My ambition is to put in place a service that will fully meet the needs of this country well in the 21st century. These recent decisions referred to have been taken to reflect the future optimal configuration of co-ordination centres whilst ensuring that the detailed technical knowledge and experience of the Coast Guard Watch Officers is retained and fully utilised. I want to restate again that no Officer will be forced to move or lose their job. The transition arrangements for new centres, including the functions to continue at Malin and Valentia, will be negotiated with staff to ensure there is no loss of expertise.
I have forwarded to the Deputies copies of the Deloitte and Touche Report. This report has provided a backdrop to ongoing improvements and developments in the Coast Guard over the last 6 years. I have also forwarded copies of the submission to me on which recent decisions were based. I am arranging for both documents to be published on the Department's website www.transport.ie.
I purposely outlined a long-term scenario to provide structure to negotiations, which are now taking place, on how best to implement this particular step in the modernisation of the Irish Coast Guard. I have given direction to the tendering process, where a Request for Tender is now in preparation, and given enough notice to enable difficulties to be identified and resolved before equipment has to be installed. I have made it clear that these discussions, which are underway, must take account of the safety needs of local communities, and ongoing improvement of the service to the public, and the concerns of individual staff members. As I indicated previously the proposed restructuring was raised at the relevant committees on which the relevant organisations that have an interest in search and rescue are represented.
I also want to take this opportunity to make two general statements related to the issue. Firstly, I am concerned that there is confusion in the public mind between the work done in Co-Ordination centres and that undertaken by local volunteers. A significant element of ‘local knowledge' is from the local Coast Guard Coastal Units and lifeboat crews strategically positioned around our coast. Their local knowledge of tides, currents, bays and local historical incident locations is invaluable to the Watch Officers of the Coast Guard. I would like to put on record again my appreciation of the selfless voluntary efforts of the Coast Guard, RNLI lifeboat and Community Rescue Boat crews in rescuing those in trouble on our coasts, cliffs and offshore islands.
Secondly, the Coast Guard restructuring that is being worked on is aimed at improving the efficiency of a key public service. The Deputies will be aware that subsequently, in his budget day announcement, the Tánaiste asked that each Department undertake an efficiency review of expenditure. The Review is specifically required to consider possible inefficiencies due to the multiplicity of Boards and Agencies; the need for better sharing of certain services, efficiencies in management, travel and consumables in general. My Department is in the process of evaluating options and this includes examining the similarities in service provision in the Department and its agencies — particularly in the safety area — to consider whether there are duplicating or overlapping functions which could be more efficiently delivered through the amalgamation, abolition or reduction of bodies, or pooling services. The position in relation to Coast Guard services is being considered in that context and with the benefit of the many comments that I have received since the restructuring proposal was announced. I can assure the Deputies that all the views expressed will be taken into account before a west coast location is determined.
Judicial Reviews.
Damien English
Question:531 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport the cost to and the damages paid by the State in relation to judicial reviews that his Department were responsible for in each of the years 1997 to 2007 inclusive; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [1118/08]
Damien English
Question:532 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport the number of applications for judicial review that his Department was responsible for in each of the years 1997 to 2007; the number of applications where leave was granted for each year; and if he will present the information in tabular readable form. [1133/08]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 531 and 532 together.
The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the table below.
|
Year |
Number of Applications for judicial review for each year |
Number of Applications where leave was granted for each year |
Cost to the Department for each year in relation to judicial reviews |
Damages paid by the Department for each year in relation to judicial reviews |
|
€ |
€ |
|||
|
1997 |
1 |
Nil |
169,261 |
Nil |
|
1998 |
Nil |
1 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
1999 |
1 |
1 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
2000 |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
|
2001 |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
|
2002 |
1 |
1 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
2003 |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
|
2004 |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
|
2005 |
1 |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
|
2006 |
1 |
1 |
Nil |
9,639 |
|
2007 |
Nil |
Nil |
231,275 |
Nil |
Legislative Programme.
Dr Martin Mansergh
Question:533 Deputy Martin Mansergh asked the Minister for Transport the number of Acts passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas sponsored by his Department in each year from 2003 to 2007; the Acts which were legislation wholly or mainly required by Ireland’s EU obligations, which were partly so required, and which had no significant or minimal reference to EU legislation; and if in the first two cases Ireland had significant discretion, as to the manner in which EU obligations were translated into domestic law. [1204/08]
The Railway Safety Act 2005 was enacted partly in order to fulfil Ireland's obligations to transpose the Railway Safety Directive 2004 (Directive 2004/49/EC of 29th April 2004) insofar as it established the regulatory and institutional framework for railway safety as required by the Directive. As well as the usual discretion available in the implementation of EU directives to decide on the means of meeting the requirements, the Railway Safety Directive gave some latitude to Member States as to the scope of application of the Directive, i.e. as to whether it was applied to light rail as well as to conventional and heavy rail.
There are sixteen Acts which fall into the category of having no significant or minimal reference to EU legislation—
Air Navigation And Transport (International Conventions) Act 2004.
International Interests In Mobile Equipment (Cape Town Convention) Act 2005.
The Air Navigation and Transport (Indemnities) Act 2005
The Road Traffic Act 2003
The Road Traffic Act 2004
The Road Traffic Act 2006
The Road Traffic and Transport Act 2006
The Road Safety Authority Act 2006
The Roads Act 2007
The Taxi Regulation Act 2003
State Airports Act 2004
The Aer Lingus Act 2004
Oil Pollution Act 2003
Sea Pollution (Hazardous Substances) (Compensation) Act 2005
Sea Pollution (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006
The Aviation Act, 2006
Road Safety.
Damien English
Question:534 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport the persons who have responsibility for gritting county, regional and national roads in County Meath; the procedures in place for this exercise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1230/08]
Under section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993, the maintenance of public roads, including winter maintenance such as gritting, is a statutory function of each individual road authority.
Air Services.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:535 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that prior to the decision to open the Belfast base, Aer Lingus considered expansion plans from a base in Birmingham; if he had an input into this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1246/08]
I was aware that Birmingham was considered by Aer Lingus as a base and I had no input in their decision.
Cycle Facilities.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:536 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the reason the publication of the revised Cycletrack Design Guidance Manual has been delayed since September 2006; when it is now intended to publish it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1298/08]
I understand that preparation and publication of a new edition of the Cycle Design Guidance Manual is a matter for the DTO. The DTO expects to produce a draft of the manual later this year which will be circulated to stakeholders for comment. It is planned to publish the revised manual as soon as possible thereafter.
Light Rail Project.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:537 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the status of the feasibility study being undertaken by the Railway Procurement Agency for a Rathfarnham Luas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1323/08]
The Railway Procurement Agency has made significant progress in examining the feasibility of a Luas Line serving Rathfarnham. It is examining the feasibility of a line in the corridor from Dundrum to the city centre via Harold's Cross, Rathfarnham and Terenure. I understand that the Agency is currently reviewing its preliminary conclusions and following the completion of this process, in the near future, will be in a position to finalise its report on the feasibility of a Luas Line serving Rathfarnham.
Public Transport.
Billy Timmins
Question:538 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Transport the position in relation to the bus service from Dublin to Tullow, County Carlow through Baltinglass (details supplied); if approval will be given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1327/08]
In response to a previous Dáil Question by the Deputy on 15th November 2007, No. 29126, I indicated that the provision of public bus services by Bus Éireann on specific routes to serve particular areas is an operational matter for that Company.
In this instance it was concluded that the notification lodged by Bus Éireann for a service from Tullow to Dublin, serving Baltinglass would compete with an existing licensed service operated between Hacketstown and Carlow, with stops at Tullow and Baltinglass respectively.
Therefore my Department informed Bus Éireann on 30 April 2007, that should they wish to pursue the introduction of this proposed service the Company would be required to submit an application under Section 25 of the Road Transport Act, 1958. To date no such application has been lodged with my Department. Details of all current licences are available on my Department's website.
Rail Network.
Sean Sherlock
Question:539 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport when work is scheduled to begin on the Cork to Midleton railway line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1360/08]
The implementation of this project, for which my Department has approved funding, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann. I understand that enabling works have already commenced on the Midleton line. I am informed by Iarnród Éireann that the main construction contract has been awarded and that the main works will commence next month. Iarnród Éireann have advised that construction works are expected to be completed, and services underway by mid 2009.
Public Transport.
Áine Brady
Question:540 Deputy Áine Brady asked the Minister for Transport the plans the Government have to include the quality bus corridor and bus lanes infrastructure under the Strategic Infrastructural Projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1425/08]
I am concerned to see public transport priority measures, including quality bus corridors, put in place as rapidly as possible. As a consequence, I have already asked my Department to examine possible mechanisms in that regard for my consideration, paying particular attention to the reasons for apparent delays at the public consultation and project approval phases. I will give priority to the implementation of any appropriate measures which emerge from this process.
Air Services.
Enda Kenny
Question:541 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to an instruction issued by Aer Lingus to flight personnel operating out of Belfast to the effect that all announcements, flight information and so on be given in English only; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1457/08]
This is an operational matter for Aer Lingus and not one for which my Department has responsibility.
Question No. 542 answered with Question No. 524.
Departmental Properties.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:543 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Transport the number of Department owned computer desktops or laptops or other data devices, such as blackberries and memory keys, reported lost, missing or stolen from his Department in each year from 2002 to 2007; the number of these that were later recovered or found; the number still missing; if any sensitive or private data was compromised; the measures in place within his Department to secure such portable or at risk data devices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1521/08]
I understand that three laptops and two Blackberries were reported lost, missing or stolen from my Department between the years 2002 to 2007. Of these, one Blackberry and one Laptop was subsequently recovered. Two Laptops and one Blackberry are still missing. I have been assured by my officials that, to the best of their knowledge, there was no private or sensitive data compromised as a result of these events.
My Department ensures that data security measures are regularly reviewed in the light of changing circumstances and that any appropriate measures identified are implemented in order to prevent risk to data. All Departmental laptops are issued to staff with password protection enabled. Since October 2007, all data replicated from my Department's network to laptops is automatically encrypted. Mechanisms are in place to remotely immobilise and wipe any information on any portable data devices lost, missing or stolen from my Department.
Public Transport.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:544 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if there are currently, or have been in the past two years, any applications lodged with his Department for a bus licence to run a service between Dublin and Tullow, County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1650/08]
The Road Transport Act 1932 as amended, provides for the licensing of passenger bus services for private bus operators. My Department does not currently have any application for a licence from a private operator to operate services on the Tullow to Dublin route. The details of all licences issued in accordance with the Road Transport Act 1932, as amended, are available on my Department's website.
Bus Éireann, however, is not subject to licensing in accordance with the Road Transport Act, 1932. I can confirm that my Department received a notification from Bus Eireann for a service from Tullow to Dublin in April 2006. My Department concluded that in this instance the proposed service would give rise to competition with an existing licensed service operated by a private operator for services between Hacketstown and Carlow via Tullow.
Therefore, my Department informed Bus Éireann that should they wish to pursue the introduction of this proposed service the Company would be required to submit an application under Section 25 of the Road Transport Act, 1958. To date no such application has been lodged with my Department. Bus Eireann currently operates a service between Waterford and Dublin via Tullow. In January 2007 my Department noted the introduction of one new service on this route.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:545 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the procedure necessary for Bus Éireann to establish a new route or change an existing one, in its network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1651/08]
Since 10 January 2001, Bus Éireann is required by Ministerial direction to notify my Department of any proposed new services or proposed changes to existing services at least four weeks prior to their introduction. Where there is no competition from services provided by a licensed private operator, Bus Éireann is advised that the Department has noted their proposed service change and the company is free to proceed.
Where my Department considers that a proposal has the potential to compete with a prior application from a private operator under the Road Transport Act, 1932, Bus Éireann is informed and the company is required to defer the proposed service until the prior application from the private operator concerned is decided upon. When the prior application is finalised and a licence has issued, my Department then reverts to consider Bus Éireann's proposals taking into consideration the newly licensed service. Details of all licences are available to the public, including Bus Eireann. Where the proposed new amended Bus Éireann service would compete with a licensed service, the company is informed and may then apply to seek my consent for the service under section 25 of the Transport Act 1958.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:546 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the number and proposed location for all bus licence applications that are lodged with his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1652/08]
The following table sets out the number of cases with my Department for consideration relating to applications for bus route licences under the Road Transport Act 1932 from private operators, applications for amendments to existing licences and notifications from Bus Eireann and Dublin Bus on 15th January 2008:
|
Number |
|
|
Applications for licences |
52 |
|
Amendments to existing licences |
47 |
|
Bus Eireann notifications |
47 |
|
Dublin Bus notifications |
12 |
Information relating both to the identity of applicants and the services to which applications relate, including the locations of proposed services, are treated on a confidential basis so as to protect the commercial interests of the applicant pending the authorisation of the service.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:547 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if he has reviewed the emergency evacuation procedures in Busáras and other major public transport hubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1653/08]
I am informed by CIÉ that they have emergency evacuation procedures in place for their major public transport hubs. These procedures are designed in conjunction with the emergency services and An Garda Síochána.
Commuter Data.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:548 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the estimate of the number of people who travel through the Dublin inner canal cordon at morning and evening rush hours; the number that go through at these peak times by bus, Luas, DART, commuter rail, taxis, hackneys, bicycle and on foot; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1654/08]
The data requested by the Deputy is not collected by my Department. Some of this data is collected by the Dublin Transportation Office (DTO), and extracts are available on the DTO's website as part of the QBN Monitoring Report. I have been in contact with the DTO regarding available data not already on the website, and I understand that the DTO has forwarded this directly to the Deputy.
Regional Airports.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:549 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the overall level of debt of Dublin, Cork and Shannon Airports; the estimated level of debt for each of these airports for 2008, 2009 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1655/08]
The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA), which owns Dublin, Cork and Shannon Airports, has overall borrowings of just under €500 million as at the end of 2007. Just over €200 million of DAA's borrowings relates to Cork airport, almost €70 million relates to Shannon airport and the remainder relates to Dublin airport.
Following recent disposals of Great Southern Hotels and DAA's interests in Birmingham and Hamburg Airports, DAA net debt levels have fallen sharply in the short term, resulting in a temporary net cash position at the end of 2007, before rising steadily again over the period referred to by the Deputy.
Precisely what DAA's debt levels will be over this period will depend upon a number of factors. However, in the context of the DAA's Capital Investment programme over 10 years, DAA's debt position will rise substantially, with net borrowings increasing to over €1 billion over the course of the next five years.
The future level of debt at Shannon and Cork will depend on a number of factors including, most significantly, the business plans for these airports which are currently being assessed by my Department.
Road Traffic Offences.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:550 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the number of roadside checkpoints mounted by driver and vehicle standards inspectors in each of the years from 2000 to 2007; the number of vehicles that were found not to meet the required standards; if prosecutions ensued; if so, the number for each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1656/08]
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No 477 of 2006) this is a matter for the Road Safety Authority
End-of-Life Vehicles.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:551 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport when the report into the presence of car write-offs that have previously been classed as unfit for road use will be published; if it will include an examination of the alleged 23,000 British car write-offs on Irish roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1657/08]
The examination of the alleged continued use of vehicles which are written off by insurers has been progressing on two fronts. The first relates to the establishment of a framework going forward so that there is an effective system in place which ensures that all write off instances are notified and properly recorded. My Department has been informed of the initial deliberations of an informal review group established to examine this issue chaired by the RSA and representative of the Revenue Commissioners, An Garda Síochána, and the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF). Further consultation with relevant stakeholders is required.
The second task relates to obtaining details of vehicles which have been written off in recent years for comparison against the NVDF to seek to determine the extent to which written off vehicles may still be in circulation. At a recent meeting with the Irish Insurance Federation I sought and was given a commitment that they will use their influence with individual insurers to have the necessary data made available voluntarily.
The alleged importation of write offs from abroad is a matter in the first instance for the Revenue Commissioners who are responsible for the registration of vehicles.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:552 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if, in the context of the new report from the Environmental Protection Agency which indicates that transport emissions are now 165% above 1990 levels and have risen by 5.2% in the past year, his Department has made any estimates for the expected level of transport emissions in 2008, 2010, 2015 and 2020; the maximum level of transport emissions desirable within the context of Ireland’s Kyoto Treaty obligations and the carbon budget announced under Budget 2008; the specific measures being put in place to lower transport emissions; the estimated impact on transport carbon emissions of the introduction of VRT changes in July 2008 and the car tax changes in Budget 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1658/08]
The growth in emissions from transport is an indication of the economic success and growth in population in Ireland. The National Climate Change Strategy projects emissions from the transport sector to grow as per the following table:
|
2008-2012 |
2015 |
2020 |
|
|
Transport |
13.992 |
15.12 |
16.48 |
Inventories and Projections (Mt CO2E) for Transport Sector.
A number of measures relating to transport are included in the Climate Change Strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These include rebalancing of motor taxes, Mineral Oil Tax Relief for biofuels, modal shift through Transport 21 and the achievement of a 5.75% biofuels blend in fuels by 2010. In all, the transport sector will provide up to 13% in total national emission savings under that Strategy. Further details of the Strategy are available on the website of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government: www.environ.ie.
Ireland has a single target under the Kyoto Protocol and individual targets are not set for each sector. The National Climate Change Strategy includes an estimate for the impact of rebalancing VRT and Motor Tax to reflect carbon dioxide emissions. An updated analysis, to reflect the actual measures announced in the last Budget, will be presented by my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, in the annual report on the implementation of the Strategy. This annual report will also include updated projections of greenhouse gas emissions for all sectors.
In the meanwhile the Government is committed to delivering a Sustainable Travel and Transport Action Plan this year and I plan to initiate an intensive public consultation process on the issues shortly. I would expect that the question of emission targets for transport will be explored in more detail during that process.
Rail Network.
Damien English
Question:553 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport the steps he proposes to advance the Navan to Dublin rail link, phase two Pace to Navan project; the revised cost of this project; if he has secured funding for this project from the Department of Finance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1701/08]
Transport 21 provides, subject to compliance with the capital investment appraisal guidelines, for the construction of Phase 2 of the Navan Rail Line by 2015. The detailed planning and design of the project is a matter for Iarnród Eireann. The company that it is now proceeding, following completion of a scoping study, with the preparation of a full preliminary design and business case. However, the true cost of the project will not be known when tenders are received by the Company.
Traffic Management.
Damien English
Question:554 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport if he will investigate the provision of a permanent traffic operation free flow initiative for the town of Navan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1704/08]
The provision of permanent ‘Operation Freeflow' type traffic management measures is a matter in the first instance for the local authority concerned, in consultation with appropriate partners, in particular An Garda Síochána and business and residential representatives.
Data Protection.
Damien English
Question:555 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport the number of and the records kept by his Department of attempted hacking or suspected cyber attacks or other malicious computer security breaches committed against his Department’s computer systems. [1732/08]
I am informed that my Department's website was subjected to a malicious security breach in March 2007 when a minor vulnerability was exploited. No data was compromised as a result of this incident. The Department immediately engaged external experts to review the security of the website and any potential security weaknesses were addressed. The Department's computer systems, like all Internet-connected computer systems, are constantly under threat but any malicious attempts to connect to my Department's systems are automatically blocked and recorded in security logs by industry recognised security systems. I understand there are in the region of 50 blocked attempts made each week on the systems.
With the current information available to officials in my Department, I understand that since March 2007, my Department's core computer network has not had any further malicious computer security breaches. All electronic data held by my Department is protected using industry recognised best practices. I am further informed that data security measures are regularly reviewed in the light of changing circumstances and that any appropriate measures identified are implemented.
Regional Airports.
Pat Breen
Question:556 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 261 of 18 December 2007, when the economic and tourism development plan for Shannon Airport will be published on his Department’s website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1742/08]
The Economic and Tourism Development Plan for the Shannon Airport catchment area was published on January 24th 2008. It is available on my Department's website at www.transport.ie and on the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism website at www.arts-sport-tourism.gov.ie
Rail Network.
Joe McHugh
Question:557 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport the time frame for rolling out rail for counties Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal in view of the recent advertisement by Iarnród Éireann (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1884/08]
Joe McHugh
Question:559 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport his views on engaging with his counterpart in Northern Ireland to discuss the possibility of a cost benefit analysis for a potential railway line between Derry and Letterkenny and on to Sligo, in view of the Belfast Agreement’s policy on integrated transportation and with Derry and Letterkenny named as gateways in the national development strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1896/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 557 and 559 together.
Transport 21 provides the strategic framework and funding for the upgrade of the railway network and rolling stock in the period to 2015. It does not provide for the extension of the network to serve the areas referred to by the Deputy.
Question No. 558 answered with Question No. 524.
Question No. 559 answered with Question No. 557.
Joe McHugh
Question:560 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport if Derry city and environs merit a scoping study for development of rail, in view of Derry city being the fourth city on the island and the economic benefits which would accrue, such as reduced congestion, time savings for citizens, environmental benefits and reduced road side accidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1897/08]
The issues raised by the Deputy are a matter for the Northern Ireland Authorities.
Departmental Correspondence.
Michael Ring
Question:561 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport if a meeting has been requested with him by a local authority (details supplied); if he will meet with this local authority; and if so, when the meeting will be scheduled. [1963/08]
Mayo County Council did request a meeting with me to which I responded on 14 December 2007. If the Deputy would like a copy of my letter to Mayo County Council, he may call my office directly.
Departmental Expenditure.
Enda Kenny
Question:562 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the amount spent by his Department on media monitoring or press cutting services for each of the years 2002 to 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1990/08]
The amount spent by my Department in this area comprises both an internally sourced press cutting service and additional specialist media monitoring services that are required from time to time.
The following table shows the costs incurred on these services in the period 2002 to 2007.
|
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Press cuttings |
82,640 |
52,574 |
60,670 |
61,227 |
63,644 |
67,340 |
|
Media monitoring |
6,979 |
49,374 |
45,484 |
2,124 |
2,479 |
15,437 |
|
Total |
89,619 |
154,522 |
106,154 |
63,651 |
66,123 |
82,777 |
The press cutting service is provided by one officer assigned on a part time basis to this task who is assisted by two others on a part time rota basis. Media monitoring services relate to the daily review of media sources and the occasional purchase of transcripts.
Data Protection.
Simon Coveney
Question:563 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Transport the details of all instances since 1 June 2002 where personal data held by his Department or any agency under its auspices were compromised in any way; if the review by his Department of data security procedures announced on 22 November 2007 is completed; and the findings of that review in terms both of prior shortcomings and of future actions. [2169/08]
Since 1 June 2002, there was one instance of Personal Data being displayed on my Department's website, which was subsequently removed from the public domain. In this regard, I refer the Deputy to my reply in Dail Question number 90 of 1 November 2007 in the House in which I explained that, following correspondence with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, the display on my Department's website of two registers, one of road haulage operator and another of licensed passenger transport operators, was not in accordance with the Road Transport Act, 2006 or with data protection rules generally. Both registers were removed from my website immediately.
All data replicated from the Department's network to laptops is automatically encrypted. Mechanisms are in place to remotely delete data from any laptop or Personal Digital Assistant stolen from the Department, which connects to the Internet.
Where, for business reasons, personal data needs to be transferred to third parties (for example, transferring salary details to staff bank accounts), this is carried out in a fully secured electronic manner. In the case of the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) large data volumes are transferred to third parties through secure encrypted channels.
My Department regularly reviews its data security in the light of changing circumstances and needs. The most recent such review dealt with an emerging requirement for more mobile access to Departmental data and involved external specialists. The report was delivered on 22 August 2007 and appropriate measures have been implemented.
Personal data on physical files is secured by restricted access to buildings and is locked away in filing cabinets to which only appropriate staff members have access.
The review announced by the Tánaiste on 22 November 2007 is being conducted by the Department of Finance and is I understand ongoing.
Protection of Personal data is a day to day operational matter for agencies under my Department's remit in which I have no function.
Parking Regulations.
Seán Barrett
Question:564 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Transport if he will initiate the long promised review of the disabled person’s parking permit scheme in the near future with a view to ensuring that the scheme is protected from abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2215/08]
The objective is that the review of the disabled person's parking permit scheme will take place as early as possible this year.
Driving Instructors.
Ciaran Lynch
Question:565 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Transport if he will introduce registration and regulation of driving instructors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2236/08]
Arrangements are in hand for the regulation and registration of driving instructors. The target date for formal requirements in this area is 1 January 2009. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is currently drafting Regulations for me which will give effect to these mandatory requirements from that date. The RSA's work in this respect derives from extensive consultations which it has engaged in with the driving instructor sector since 2006.
I am aware that in the meantime the RSA has arrangements in hand which potentially could permit existing driving instructors to demonstrate that they already meet the standard which will be set out in due course in the Regulations.
Taxi Regulations.
David Stanton
Question:566 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport if he has received a request to make funds available to subsidise the provision of accessible taxis; if and when he will make a decision on this request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2363/08]
The Commission for Taxi Regulation published new National Vehicle Standards — Requirements for Small Public Service Vehicles on 26 November 2007, which include new accessible vehicle standards for licensing as wheelchair accessible taxis and wheelchair accessible hackneys.
My Department is in discussion with the Commission for Taxi Regulation in relation to a proposed subsidy arrangement to assist taxi and hackney operators with the purchase of wheelchair accessible vehicles that will meet the new accessible vehicle specification developed by the Commission. The recent announcement of the new accessible vehicle standards by the Commission facilitates further detailed examination of the proposal, which continues to be the subject of discussion with the Commission. A final decision will be made on the subsidy scheme proposal as soon as possible having regard to the overall budgetary context.
Rail Services.
Emmet Stagg
Question:567 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 510 of 26 September 2007, if Iarnród Éireann have completed their review of plans for re-signalling in the city centre area; and if the removal of level crossings and re-signalling of the Maynooth line will proceed. [2512/08]
I understand from Iarnród Éireann that they are currently in discussions with the Local Authorities concerned regarding the removal of level crossings on the Maynooth line.
The position regarding plans for the resignalling of the city centre area is that the scheme is now included in Iarnród Éireann's capital investment programme, and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2011.
Emmet Stagg
Question:568 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Transport when there will be direct services from Maynooth rail station to the Docklands Station. [2513/08]
The timetabling and scheduling of services is a day to day operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and not one in which I have any role.
Road Network.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:569 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Transport if he will approve a grant to provide a new bridge at Ballinagher, Lixnaw, County Kerry as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2521/08]
The provision and improvement of regional and local roads, including bridges, in its area is a matter for Kerry County Council to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State grants.
In August last year, applications were invited from road authorities for funding under the regional and local roads Specific Improvements Grant scheme in 2008. The proposals submitted by Kerry County Council included an application for grant aid for a bridge at Ballinagare. The 2008 regional and local road grant allocations to local authorities will be announced shortly.
Rural Transport Services.
Michael Ring
Question:570 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport if he will set up an interdepartmental working group to look at ways to co-ordinate transport for rural communities, across all Departments to ensure access and equity for persons in isolated rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2529/08]
The Rural Transport Programme was introduced by my Department some twelve months ago following a very extensive public consultation process. This Programme places the former pilot Rural Transport Initiative (2002-2006) on a permanent mainstreamed basis with significantly increased funding.
The bottom-up approach developed during the pilot Rural Transport Initiative demonstrated that local people know best what transport services they need. My role, therefore, continues to be one of facilitator, helping local communities to address their transport needs through financial and administrative support, while communities themselves take the lead in clarifying their needs and developing co-ordinated transport services to fulfil those needs.
The programme is administered by Pobal on my behalf which is in touch with other Departments e.g. Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, on the programme as the need arises. I am satisfied that the arrangements for dealing with cross-Departmental issues which arise in administering the programme are working well and I do not, therefore, see the need for a formal Inter Departmental Working Group.
Question No. 571 answered with Question No. 518.
Equal Opportunities Employment.
David Stanton
Question:572 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 281 of 23 May 2006, if he is satisfied that his Department has met the 3% employment quota for people with disabilities; the percentage of people with disabilities employed in his Department; the number of people with disabilities hired from outside the civil service for each of the years from 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2596/08]
The 2006 National Disability Authority Report on Compliance with Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005 on Employment of People with Disabilities in the Public Service indicates that my Department has met the 3% employment quota for people with disabilities. The actual percentage is 3.1%.
3 people with disabilities were hired by my Department from outside the civil service from 2002 to 2008, one for each of the years 2003, 2005 and 2006.
Decentralisation Programme.
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:573 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Transport the number of civil and other public servants based in Dublin in his Department and agencies who have applied for decentralisation, who have been transferred to their decentralised post and are currently in position in the decentralised location outside Dublin; the number of civil and other public servants required for decentralisation under plans; the original and expected date for full decentralisation to be in place; the locations together with details of properties and land owned, purchased or planning permissions sought for the construction of premises for decentralisation; the costs incurred to date; the original budgeted for and expected total costs to be incurred for decentralisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2610/08]
36 civil servants based in Dublin in my Department have expressed interest in decentralisation. 3 public servants based in agencies in Dublin have also expressed interest in decentralizing with those agencies.
In addition, 44 staff from my Department have transferred to posts which were due to move out of Dublin under the Government's decentralisation programme. Of these 44 staff, 6 have relocated to their decentralised location in Loughrea as either Department of Transport or Road Safety Authority staff. The transfer of the remaining 38 staff to their decentralised location is a matter for the new parent Departments.
410 public service posts have been earmarked to decentralise in respect of four agencies -National Roads Authority and Railway Safety Authority to Ballinasloe, Irish Aviation Authority to Shannon, and Bus Eireann to Mitchelstown. These agencies were not identified by the Decentralisation Implementation Group as early movers, but relocation in each case is being pursued.
My recent decision to move the Maritime Safety Directorate, the Irish Coast Guard (Technical and Administrative), and the Marine Survey Office (Technical and Administrative) to Drogheda is likely to lead to an increase in the number of posts to be transferred over and above the original 37.
The immediate priority is to finalise a suitable location and construction of a premises in Drogheda. This work is being undertaken by the Office of Public Works. I expect that there will be no delay in completing the decentralisation process once a premises has become available.
The total non-capital expenditure by my Department on the programme to date is €31,343. The original budgeted and the expected total costs to be incurred for decentralisation are matters for the Department of Finance.
Joan Burton
Question:574 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport the number of civil servants and other public servants, who have relocated to locations outside of Dublin under the Government’s decentralisation programme; the estimated number of each category who will have relocated by the end of 2008; the breakdown of each set of figures in terms of those who are relocating from Dublin and relocating from elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2998/08]
44 civil servants from my Department have transferred to posts which were due to move out of Dublin under the Government's decentralisation programme. Of these 44 staff, 6 have relocated to their decentralised location in Loughrea as either Department of Transport or Road Safety Authority staff. Of the 6 staff who transferred to Loughrea, 4 went as Road Safety Authority staff, thus becoming public servants. The transfer of the remaining 38 staff to their decentralised location is a matter for the new parent Departments.
No further civil or other public servants will have relocated by the end of 2008. All 44 staff relocated from Dublin.
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:575 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Transport the number of civil servants and other public servants who have decentralised as at 31 December 2006 and the current date broken down into individual Government Departments and agencies; the number required for full decentralisation, broken down under individual Departmental and agencies plans; the number of currently decentralised locations in operation; the agencies with no progress; the values of properties purchased and sold in respect of the decentralisation process to date; the other costs incurred to date with the decentralisation process, broken down by category; the number of Departmental staff involved in administrating the decentralisation process since it’s inception; the number of planning applications in progress in relation to building decentralised premises and planning applications to be submitted, broken down by location and planning submission date; the original budgeted and the expected total costs to be incurred for decentralisation; his further proposals in this regard; the expected date for completion of the full decentralisation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3012/08]
No civil or other public servants decentralised from my Department up to 31 December 2006. 44 civil servants from my Department transferred in 2007 to posts which were due to move out of Dublin under the Government's decentralisation programme.
410 public servant posts are also earmarked to decentralise in respect of the following four agencies — National Roads Authority (90) and Railway Safety Commission (20) to Ballinasloe, Irish Aviation Authority (100) to Shannon, and Bus Eireann (200) to Mitchelstown.
My recent decision to move the Maritime Safety Directorate and the Irish Coast Guard to Drogheda is likely to lead to an increase in the number of posts to be transferred there over and above the original 37 planned.
Loughrea is the only decentralised location currently in operation. The above mentioned agencies were not identified by the Decentralisation Implementation Group as early movers, and consequently, progress on their relocation is less advanced.
The values of properties purchased and sold in respect of the decentralisation process to date is a matter for the Office of Public Works.
The total non-capital expenditure incurred by my Department to date is €31,343 for travel and subsistence costs in respect of the move to Loughrea.
It is not possible to state the exact number of Departmental staff involved in the administration of the decentralisation process at any one time. In respect of the move of staff to Loughrea, for example, there would have been at least 10 staff involved at different levels at any particular stage.
Issues of planning applications, both in progress and to be submitted, in relation to building decentralised premises, are matters for the Office of Public Works.
The original budgeted and the expected total costs to be incurred for decentralisation are matters for the Department of Finance. The move to Drogheda is expected to be completed within a two and a half year time-frame while completion dates in respect of the agencies remain to be clarified.
Proposed Legislation.
Joe Costello
Question:576 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when he proposes to hold the referendum on the Lisbon Reform Treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1606/08]
Joe Costello
Question:577 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when he proposes to publish the new Amendment of the Constitution Bill to facilitate the referendum on the Lisbon Reform Treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1607/08]
Joe Costello
Question:590 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when he proposes to publish the White Paper on the Lisbon Reform Treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1604/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 576, 577 and 590 together.
Following its signature in Lisbon on 13 December 2007, Member States are expected to ratify the Reform Treaty by 1 January 2009.
The Attorney General has advised that the legal effects of the Reform Treaty require amendment of the Constitution to enable ratification by Ireland. The Government has authorised the drafting, on a priority basis, of a Bill amending Article 29 of the Constitution to permit ratification of the Treaty. The drafting work on the Referendum Bill is nearing completion.
The timing of the referendum is under consideration by the Government and the timeframe for the legislative process will follow from the decision regarding the referendum date.
Work on a White Paper on the Reform Treaty is ongoing. It is the aim of the Government to publish the White Paper in good time to inform the debate in the Oireachtas and in the referendum campaign. Additionally, a detailed guide to the Reform Treaty is expected to be published in the first half of February. This will form part of the Government's information campaign, following both the publication of an information pamphlet in December and the setting up of a dedicated Reform Treaty website which, among other things, contains the full text of the Treaty.
Overseas Development Aid.
Michael Creed
Question:578 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way overseas development aid is distributed and allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1903/08]
Michael Creed
Question:579 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the budget provision for overseas development aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1910/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 578 and 579 together.
Most of Ireland's expenditure on Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) is provided under Vote 29, International Cooperation. The programme is administered by the Development Cooperation Directorate of the Department of Foreign Affairs, also known as Irish Aid. The Government has provided a total allocation of €814 million to Vote 29 for 2008. This represents an increase of €84 million on the 2007 level.
A further estimated €100 million will be spent by other Government Departments and through Ireland's allocation to the EU Development Cooperation Budget. This will bring Ireland's total ODA contribution in 2008 to €914 million.
Expenditure in 2008 will be the highest in the history of the programme representing 0.54 % of GNP. This level of spending will ensure that Ireland remains one of the most generous donors on a per capita basis. We are well on track to meeting the UN target of 0.7% by 2012, three years ahead of the EU commitment.
Ireland's Overseas Development Assistance comprises of both multilateral and bilateral contributions. Multilateral ODA consists of contributions channelled through multilateral and international organisations who conduct their activities in favour of development. Bilateral ODA consists of contributions made directly by Ireland to developing countries, including contributions made through NGOs, missionary organisations and other bilateral partners.
Last year Ireland provided assistance to over eighty countries. However, Ireland places particular emphasis on long term support to eight programme countries: Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zambia, Lesotho, Timor-Leste and Vietnam. In 2007 an Embassy was opened in Malawi, which will become Ireland's ninth programme country. These countries are amongst the poorest in the world and Ireland's assistance to them is directed primarily to the social sectors of health, education and rural development in order to make a real difference to the lives of ordinary people.
Michael Creed
Question:580 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of overseas development aid allocated for educational projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1911/08]
Education is a key component of Ireland's overseas development aid programme. This focus was reiterated in the White Paper on Irish Aid in 2006 which states that ‘Education is the primary vehicle by which economically and socially marginalised adults and children can lift themselves out of poverty'. In 2007 Irish Aid, the Government's official aid programme, expended approximately €65 million on a range of education projects and programmes across the aid programme. Over the period 2000-2007 the total expenditure on education amounted to approximately €360 million.
This level of expenditure reflects Ireland's commitment to the Millennium Development Goals, in particular the goal of achieving universal primary education by 2015 and the important contribution of education to poverty reduction.
Funding for education is delivered through a range of channels, including direct support to Ministries of Education, NGOs and missionaries as well as multilateral agencies and global initiatives. Support to education encompasses assistance which is designed to put in place sustainable education systems, through support for teacher training, provision of textbooks and teaching materials, school construction and the development of curricula. This enables Ministries of Education to provide quality education with a focus on child centred learning for the increasing numbers of children attending schools. The main focus is on primary education, including support for girl's education and strengthening the education sector response to HIV and AIDS. Support is also provided, where appropriate, to second and third level institutions.
Approximately two thirds of expenditure is allocated to partner countries in sub-Saharan Africa, namely Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda, Mozambique, Lesotho, Zambia and South Africa. Over the past decade there has been encouraging progress in these countries with increased enrolments of primary school children. In Mozambique for example enrolments increased from 2.5 million in 2000 to over 4 million in 2006. In Ethiopia enrolments were 11.2 million in 2006 compared with 6.5 million in 2000.
Irish Aid also supports Irish NGOs and missionaries for their education work in countries such as Afghanistan and Sierra Leone. In 2006 approximately €16 million was allocated to national and international NGOs for their work in education.
In addition to the support provided directly at country level Irish Aid also funds global initiatives such as the Education for All Fast-Track Initiative and multilateral organisations including the World Bank, UNICEF and UNESCO. This enables Ireland to support the achievement of universal primary education in a greater number of low income countries.
The Government recognises that sustainable improvements in education systems will require a long-term commitment of resources by national governments and by the international community. In the context of an expanded aid programme, Irish Aid is committed to providing assistance to education in a sustained and predictable manner.
Foreign Conflicts.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:581 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the current political situation in Pakistan; and if he will detail contacts he has had in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1076/08]
Benazir Bhutto's assassination on 27 December, and the subsequent widespread violence, made clear the continuing fragile political and security situation in Pakistan. In condemning her killing, on 27 December, I exhorted the authorities to continue to ensure that Pakistan continues on the road back to democracy.
Parliamentary elections in Pakistan have now been rescheduled for 18 February. All the major political parties, including the late Benazir Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and Nawaz Sharif's PML-N, have indicated that they will take part.
I very much welcome President Musharraf's promises during recent meetings in Brussels, London and Paris to hold "free, fair, transparent and peaceful" elections. He has pledged to provide details of polling stations and electoral rolls on the internet to prevent ghost stations and fraudulent votes, and has made a commitment that ballots would not be transferred to Islamabad but counted on the spot in the presence of the political parties.
However, I would continue to have some concerns regarding the conditions for elections in Pakistan. In particular, the Pakistani authorities should remove without delay restrictions on the media and freedom of expression, and release all remaining political prisoners, including members of the judiciary, lawyers, journalists and human rights defenders.
My EU colleagues and I continue to keep the situation in Pakistan under active review, most recently in discussions at the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 28 January. In line with its long-term commitment to support democratisation in Pakistan, the EU will mount a full election observation mission to Pakistan, to which Ireland is contributing a number of observers.
Pakistan is a country of real strategic importance with which the EU is interested in further strengthening its relations. However, this can only be in the context of a restoration of accountable representative government, supported by the people of Pakistan.
Equally, it will be vital for any new government, in seeking to restore stability and address the security situation in that country, to have the legitimacy and credibility provided by elections that the people can have faith in.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:582 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on any dealings he has had with the authorities in Kenya expressing concerns regarding recent events following the elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1088/08]
I remain deeply concerned by recent developments in Kenya, where up to 700 people have been killed and up to 250,000 displaced from their homes in the aftermath of the elections of 27 December. The situation had stabilised slightly since the initial unrest, but regrettably there have been further large-scale fatalities in recent days. The original violence was sparked by protests against the announcement of the re-election of Mr Mwai Kibaki as President following elections which the opposition, led by Mr Raila Odinga, allege were rigged.
A Panel of Eminent African Personalities, headed by former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, is currently attempting to mediate a political settlement between government and opposition. These efforts have made a good start, with President Kibaki and Mr. Odinga having their first face-to-face meeting since the election on 24 January in Nairobi and Mr. Annan reporting a positive discussion.
My EU colleagues and I discussed Kenya at the General Affairs and External Affairs Council in Brussels on 28 January. Council Conclusions were agreed on the way forward. These Conclusions stress the need for a political solution to the violence in Kenya, and call on all sides to give the necessary support to the mediation efforts of the Panel of Eminent African Personalities. They also stress that any solution must reflect the democratic will of the Kenyan people and that failure by Kenya's leaders to work seriously for a political resolution at this time is likely to have implications for future EU-Kenya relations.
Senior officials from my Department have held meetings in relation to the situation with the Kenyan Ambassador in Dublin, and have conveyed to her the Government's serious concerns, including in regard to the situation of human rights defenders.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has also updated its consular advice in light of the current situation and is advising against any non-essential travel to Kenya at present. This advice will obviously be kept under close review.
Ireland is a significant humanitarian donor to Kenya. Since 2006, Irish Aid has provided just under €6 million in humanitarian funding for Kenya. In addition to this, Irish Aid has provided over €16 million in funding since 2006 to Irish, international and local NGOs, as well as missionaries, working in Kenya, including World Vision, Trócaire, and Concern. Earlier this month, I announced an extra €1million in humanitarian funding for Kenya to be distributed through Irish NGOs there. I will continue to monitor the situation closely.
Judicial Reviews.
Damien English
Question:583 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the cost to and the damages paid by the State in relation to judicial reviews that his Department were responsible for in each of the years 1997 to 2007 inclusive; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [1113/08]
Damien English
Question:584 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of applications for judicial review that his Department was responsible for in each of the years 1997 to 2007; the number of applications where leave was granted for each year; and if he will present the information in tabular readable form. [1128/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 583 and 584 together.
There have been nine judicial reviews relating to my Department in the past ten years.
|
Year |
Case |
Costs to the Department |
Comment |
|
€ |
|||
|
2007 |
Individual -v- the Minister for Foreign Affairs(eligibility for citizenship) |
Nil |
Minister for Foreign Affairs was co-respondent with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. A settlement was reached between the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the individuals in advance of a court decision. Citizenship was granted and D/JE&LR paid all costs in the case. |
|
2006 |
3 cases, Individual -v- the Minister for Foreign Affairs(all three were ‘eligibility for citizenship’ cases) |
Nil |
As above, the Minister for Foreign Affairs was co-respondent with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Two cases were settled before the court made its decision and the D/JE&LR granted citizenship and paid all costs. There is one case pending. |
|
2002 |
Individual -v- the Minister for Foreign Affairs(Challenge to military overflight and landing permissions) |
111,274.96 |
Leave for judicial review was granted in relation to the decision of the Government to provide certain over-flight and landing facilities.In 2005, the Court dismissed the application and upheld the basis for the Government’s decision. No damages were awarded.The Court awarded 75% of the applicant’s costs on the grounds that the case involved a matter of public interest. These costs were shared equally between the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Department of Transport. |
|
2002 |
Individual -v- the Minister for Foreign Affairs(Personnel case) |
21,175.00 |
The case was settled before the court made its final decision. No damages were paid by the State in relation to this particular judicial review. Costs were incurred by the retention of a Senior Counsel to review the original findings. |
|
2001 |
Individual -v- the Minister for Foreign Affairs (eligibility for citizenship) |
Nil |
The Government won the case. |
|
1999 |
Individual -v- the Minister for Foreign Affairs(eligibility for citizenship) |
Nil |
Case pending (not currently active) |
|
1997 |
Individual -v- the Minister for Foreign Affairs(eligibility for citizenship) |
Nil |
Case dismissed as abuse of process, and order made for costs in favour of the Department of Foreign Affairs. |
Legislative Programme.
Dr Martin Mansergh
Question:585 Deputy Martin Mansergh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of Acts passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas sponsored by his Department in each year from 2003 to 2007; the Acts which were legislation wholly or mainly required by Ireland’s EU obligations, which were partly so required, and which had no significant or minimal reference to EU legislation; and if in the first two cases Ireland had significant discretion, as to the manner in which EU obligations were translated into domestic law. [1199/08]
There have been five Acts passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas sponsored by my Department since 2003.
Diplomatic Relations and Immunities (Amendment) Act 2006
The Act was not wholly or partly required as a result of EU obligations and contains no significant reference to EU legislation.
British-Irish Agreement (Amendment) Act 2006
The British-Irish Agreement Amendment Act 2006 is a short technical amendment to the British-Irish Agreement Act 1999 establishing the North/South Implementation Bodies. The amending legislation was necessary to clarify, in the context of alterations to EU funding structures, the interpretation of certain terms used in the original Agreement and legislation establishing the Special EU Programmes Body. The Act gives domestic legal effect to an international agreement with the British Government entered into by an Exchange of Letters dated 25 July 2006.
European Communities Act 2007
European Communities (Amendment) Act 2006
European Communities (Amendment) Act 2003
The European Communities (Amendment) Act 2003 was enacted to amend the European Communities Act 1972 in order to enable the State to ratify the Accession Treaty providing for ten new Member States to join the EU and to allow for the relevant parts of that Treaty to become part of the domestic law of the State.
Likewise, the European Communities (Amendment) Act 2006 amended the European Communities Act 1972 in order to enable the State to ratify the Accession Treaty providing for the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the EU and to allow certain parts of that Treaty to become part of the domestic law of the State. Both of these Acts were required by Ireland's EU obligations.
The European Communities Act 2007 was enacted in order to address the issues which arose as a result of the findings of the Supreme Court in the Browne (Browne v A.G. and others [2003] 3 IR 205) and Kennedy (Kennedy v A.G. and others [2005] IESC 36) cases. Those cases related to the use by the State of secondary legislation as a mechanism for giving effect to European Community law and policy in domestic law. In those cases, the Supreme Court found that a statutory instrument to give effect to EC law can only be validly made where the Oireachtas has specifically provided for this in the relevant primary legislation.
The effect of the Browne and Kennedy judgments was that the State had to revise the manner in which EC law is implemented into domestic law by secondary legislation. The 2007 Act confirmed the validity of existing statutory instruments which were susceptible to legal challenge as a result of the Browne and Kennedy cases. In addition, the 2007 Act contains a provision which provides, in effect, that statutory instrument making powers contained in primary legislation may be used to implement EC measures provided that the legislation in question relates to those areas covered by the particular EC measure.
The 2007 Act also provides Ministers with the power to create indictable offences by means of regulations made pursuant to the European Communities Act 1972, where a Minister considers it necessary for the purposes of implementing EC law (subject to certain restrictions). Until the enactment of the 2007 Act, regulations made under the 1972 Act were restricted to the creation of summary offences.
Human Rights Issues.
Joe Costello
Question:586 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1207/08]
The case to which the Deputy refers was discussed in general terms in the course of my visit to Kosovo in November, 2007. My officials have since raised the case a number of times with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), which retains responsibility for justice and policing matters.
In response, UNMIK informed us that the individual in question was indicted on charges relating to his alleged role in demonstrations which took place in Pristina on 10 February 2007. They noted that he was released into house arrest on 7 July and that he was free to receive visitors. A panel of three international judges was appointed to hear the case: one subsequently excused himself due to other obligations and was replaced by a local Kosovo judge. A motion by the defendant to dismiss the original trial panel was dismissed by a local judge of the Pristina District Court. The trial began in Pristina District Court on 15 November, but was adjourned to 4 December to allow adequate preparation following the appointment of a new ex-officio Defence Counsel for the defendant.
On 19 December 2007, the presiding international judge terminated the individual's house arrest and ordered his immediate release. The next trial date has been set for today, 30 January. UNMIK have reiterated that there are no restrictions regarding the individual's contact with or access to lawyers or NGOs.
The Department will continue to monitor developments in the case, and I have asked my officials to keep the matter under review.
Foreign Conflicts.
Finian McGrath
Question:587 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will push the potential for a Colombian peace process at UN level; and if he will assist President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela on this matter. [1219/08]
The Government of Colombia has repeatedly stated its commitment to bringing to an end all terrorism in Colombia within the framework of the Justice and Peace Law. This Law, passed in 2005, provides an overall legal framework for the demobilisation, disarmament and reintegration of illegal armed groups into Colombian society. The Justice and Peace Law, which was adopted through a lengthy democratic political process, strikes a difficult balance between peace and justice.
The process of peace negotiations between the Colombian Government and the right-wing paramilitary group, Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia (AUC) began in 2003, with between 30,000 and 40,000 combatants having been demobilized on completion of the process in 2007. The Government of Colombia is currently engaging in dialogue with the left-wing guerrilla group known as the Ejército de Liberación Nacional de Colombia (ELN) in pursuit of a negotiated peace agreement. Negotiations between the major left-wing guerrilla group, the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC), and the Government have not yet commenced.
The General Affairs and External Relations Council of the European Union most recently adopted Conclusions on Colombia on 19 November 2007. Ireland was actively involved in the negotiation of these Conclusions, which expressed the EU's total solidarity with the Colombian people, its full support for the Colombian Government in its search for a negotiated solution to the internal armed conflict and underlined the importance the EU attaches to the ongoing implementation of the Justice and Peace Law.
The Council further expressed its hope that progress would be made in taking forward negotiations in order to reach a humanitarian agreement, to secure the release of all hostages, to end the armed conflict and to bring lasting peace to Colombia. In the same spirit, the Council welcomed all initiatives taken with the Colombian Government's support with the objective of promoting a successful peace process.
My Department continues to monitor the situation in Colombia through our Embassy in Mexico City, which is accredited to Colombia, as well as in cooperation with our EU partners with resident diplomatic missions in that country. Ireland is fully supportive of efforts to bring a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Colombia, and will continue to support the Government of Colombia in its search for a negotiated solution to the internal armed conflict, including through direct engagement. Where such efforts have the support of the Colombian Government, Ireland very much welcomes the mediation of third parties in the pursuit of a solution to the conflict.
A number of EU Member States, which have a history of involvement in the region, have been active in seeking to mediate between the Colombian Government and the left-wing guerrilla groups, efforts which are fully supported by Ireland and our EU partners. While, in discussions at EU level, we have not considered that current conditions call for UN involvement in the ending of terrorist activity in Colombia, Ireland would be supportive were the Colombian Government to request such intervention. Finally, Ireland, along with our EU partners, is appreciative of President Chavéz of Venezuela's recent successful efforts to secure the release of two hostages, an involvement which has also been recognised in recent statements on behalf of the Member States of the EU.
Northern Ireland Issues.
Enda Kenny
Question:588 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the regime of bullying, intimidation and punishment beatings in areas of south Armagh; the action he has taken in this regard; the number of such incidents brought to his attention in the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1453/08]
The Government carefully monitors paramilitary and sectarian crime across Northern Ireland, including incidents of intimidation and harassment. All such activity, including so-called "punishment beatings", are cowardly criminal acts that have no place in a normal democratic society. The Government raises incidents of concern, including those arising in south Armagh, on an ongoing basis in our contacts with the relevant authorities, including through the framework of the British Irish Intergovernmental Secretariat in Belfast. I discussed these issues with Secretary of State Shaun Woodward at our meeting in Dublin on 10 January.
The brutal murder of Paul Quinn was an appalling reminder of the bullying and intimidation which has blighted communities across Northern Ireland for too long. The murder is being actively investigated by An Garda Síochána, which is receiving excellent co-operation and assistance from the PSNI. I, as well as the Taoiseach and Cabinet colleagues, have met with the parents of the deceased young man. I conveyed to them the sympathy of the Government for their terrible loss and our determination to see justice done in this matter. I would again encourage anyone who has information on this murder to pass it on to the two police forces. It is only though full co-operation with the law enforcement agencies that the authors of this vicious crime will be brought to justice.
Nonetheless, the substantial achievements made in attaining full political support for the institutions of policing and criminal justice in Northern Ireland, and in building confidence in the police across the community are having a positive effect on the ground. The PSNI reports a 37% drop in casualties resulting from paramilitary style assaults during the year to 31 March 2007, to 48. The Independent Monitoring Commission, established by the two Governments in 2004, has recorded a similar reduction in assaults.
The Government will continue to work with the appropriate authorities in Northern Ireland to encourage the continued development of community policing and the reduction of crimes such as bullying and harassment.
Departmental Properties.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:589 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of Department owned computer desktops or laptops or other data devices, such as blackberries and memory keys, reported lost, missing or stolen from his Department in each year from 2002 to 2007; the number of these that were later recovered or found; the number still missing; if any sensitive or private data was compromised; the measures in place within his Department to secure such portable or at risk data devices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1516/08]
The Department of Foreign Affairs has had two incidents of lost, missing or stolen computer equipment in the period 2002 to 2007.
In July 2003, 25 new computers were stolen from temporary offices in Brussels. In June 2004, an individual, who had been working on contract in the Department of Foreign Affairs, received a four year suspended sentence for the theft of eight laptop computers. None of these computers or laptops has been recovered by the Department. In both incidents, the equipment was new and unused and no sensitive or private data was compromised.
The Department has issued guidelines to all officers on the appropriate use of IT equipment, highlighting important issues relating to the Data Protection Act. The Department encrypts data on PCs and laptops not located within its premises and has a project under way to encrypt all data on memory sticks and other portable data devices.
Question No. 590 answered with Question No. 576.
Visa Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:591 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a visa to visit the US will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1633/08]
As the Deputy will appreciate, requirements for permission to enter the United States are solely a matter for the United States authorities. The person referred to by the Deputy should contact the Visa Section of the United States Embassy, telephone 01 6688777, or website, www.usembassy.ie for guidance on whether she will require a visa to visit the US or will be able to avail of the visa waiver system for Irish citizens.
Foreign Conflicts.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:592 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in relation to his contacts in respect of Zimbabwe following the special Dáil Éireann debate in December 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1681/08]
The situation in Zimbabwe remains grave. In addition to the economic hardships, there are continuing reports of brutal repression of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and other civil society groups perceived to be challenging the Zanu PF ruling party. There is a pervasive atmosphere of intimidation and violence towards those who seek change in the country. As economic hardships and political repression intensify, there is unfortunately no sign that the Zimbabwean government is willing to change the policies which have brought the country to its knees.
Ireland and the EU strongly believe that African leadership is the key to encouraging progress towards economic and political stability. We support the talks between the government and opposition in Zimbabwe which are being mediated by President Mbeki under a Southern African Development Community (SADC) mandate. The Taoiseach discussed the progress of this initiative with President Mbeki when they met in Pretoria on 15 January. The Taoiseach and Minister of State Kitt also attended the EU-Africa Summit in Lisbon in December at which the EU's concerns regarding the current situation in Zimbabwe were clearly articulated by Chancellor Merkel and High Representative Solana on behalf of the Union.
Implementation of any agreement reached will of course be crucial, and must bring about real policy change. The Zimbabwean people must have a chance to express their will without fear in the elections which have been announced for 29 March. Unfortunately, in the current environment we can have no confidence that Zimbabweans will have this chance. The appointment of an independent electoral commission, reform of the voter registration lists, the halting of political oppression and violence, and free media access would be important steps towards ensuring that these elections are free and fair.
Ireland will continue to be active in relation to Zimbabwe, including condemning human rights abuses and urging political and economic reform. Our Embassy in Pretoria monitors allegations of human rights abuses in Zimbabwe, and raises issues of concern with the Zimbabwean government at every available opportunity. It is important to maintain pressure on the Zimbabwean Government to address the appalling human rights situation in that country and, in that regard, Ireland fully supported the renewal of the EU Common Position on Zimbabwe which was discussed in Brussels last week. I also very much welcome the strong interest in, and support for change in Zimbabwe, which exists in this House, as evidenced by the recent motion adopted on Zimbabwe in December.
Irish Aid continues to provide support to alleviate the sufferings of the Zimbabwean people, amounting to over €17 million in 2006 and 2007, and already in 2008 a further €1.1 million has been disbursed. Our contribution is channelled through UN agencies, local and international NGOs, and Irish missionaries. Ireland stands ready to respond appropriately to any positive change in Zimbabwe.
Overseas Development Aid.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:593 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent visit to South Africa and Tanzania with An Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern to see Irish Aid Projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1682/08]
The Taoiseach visited South Africa and Tanzania from 13 to 18 January. He was accompanied by the Minister for Trade and Enterprise, Michéal Martin, T.D. and the Minister of State for Overseas Aid, Michael Kitt, T.D.
The key objectives of the visit were to further develop Irish–South African bilateral and trade relations, and to visit Irish Aid funded development projects and programmes in South Africa and Tanzania.
In South Africa, the Taoiseach had meetings with President Thabo Mbeki and Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngucka, where discussions focused on political, trade and development issues. The Taoiseach was accompanied by a large trade delegation, with over fifty companies taking part, including from Northern Ireland. The Taoiseach carried out a series of trade-related engagements organised in conjunction with IDA, Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia and Tourism Ireland, with the aim of developing the presence of Irish companies in South Africa through trade, investment, partnerships and other business linkages.
The Taoiseach visited a number of development aid projects supported by the Government through Irish Aid. Ireland has been providing bilateral assistance to South Africa since the transition from apartheid to a democratic, non-racial Government in 1994. In December 2007 Irish Aid finalised a 5 year programme to provide bilateral assistance of over €65 million to South Africa from 2008 to 2012.
In Cape Town the Taoiseach visited the Niall Mellon Township Trust where he announced funding of €5 million to support the Trust in the provision of housing. He also announced the official launch of Chello, a charity working on educational scholarships for children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. The Taoiseach visited the offices of Eurocape, where the Mandela Rhodes Place development is viewed as a flagship inner city rejuvenation project. The Taoiseach also visited Leratong Hospice, founded by Fr. Kieran Creagh from Belfast, which is being supported by Irish Aid.
In Tanzania, the Taoiseach was accompanied by the Minister for Overseas Development, Mr Michael Kitt, T.D.
The Taoiseach held meetings with President Kikwete and senior Government ministers. Discussions focused on political and developments issues. Tanzania is one of nine priority countries supported by Ireland's development programme. Irish Aid expects to provide direct bilateral assistance of approximately €170 million in the current programme period to 2010. This includes support for health, HIV/AIDS activities, agriculture, local government and good governance. Additional assistance will be channelled through NGOs, missionaries and international partners.
In Dar-es-Salaam the Taoiseach visited a disability facility run by the Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation Treatment (CCBRT), a non-governmental organisation which provides services for a wide variety of eye, orthopaedic and other conditions, and for which he announced funding of €1.3 million over three years. The Taoiseach also announced funding of €400,000 to support a programme of surgical training in ten countries throughout sub-Saharan Africa, including Tanzania. This training will be implemented in partnership with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). He also visited a public hospital and a water point, funded by Irish Aid, in partnership with the Government of Tanzania, which provides clean water for a community of 15,000 people.
The Taoiseach travelled to Mwanza, in northwest Tanzania, where he met local people and community leaders working in farming and private enterprise. He visited a school and a women's centre which provides support for victims of gender-based violence. He also met Irish missionaries working in the area.
The Taoiseach's visit to South Africa and Tanzania has made an important contribution to enhancing Ireland's bilateral relations and to promoting trade with those countries. It also provided an important opportunity to see at first hand the positive impact of the work of Ireland's aid programme on the lives of ordinary people and to reaffirm Ireland's commitment to working in partnership with developing countries to reduce poverty in a real and lasting way.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:594 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland is making a special contribution to assist the Government of Zambia in dealing with the effects of floods that have left thousands of people homeless during their rainy season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1683/08]
Heavy rains and storms since the beginning of December 2007 have caused severe flooding in southern Africa, including Zambia. A UN Preliminary Emergency Appeal for the region has been issued and a Revised Emergency Appeal, providing a more detailed operational plan will be completed shortly. World Food Programme (WFP) staff are currently on the ground, carrying out this assessment. Good preparations have been made by the Zambian Government in advance of the flooding and to date some of the worst effects have been mitigated. However much depends on the extent of future rainfall.
Once the assessment is completed funding is expected to be released from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). Ireland is a key donor to the CERF, which was established specifically to facilitate rapid response to emergencies such as that affecting southern Africa, including Zambia, at the moment. Ireland has contributed approximately €30 million to the CERF and will provide further funding shortly.
Zambia is one of Ireland's priority countries for development assistance. The budget allocation for 2008 is €27 million. These funds are delivered across a range of sectors including, HIV/Aids, education, governance and civil society. Our Embassy in Lusaka is monitoring the situation on the ground carefully and we remain prepared to continue to respond as the situation unfolds.
Data Protection.
Damien English
Question:595 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of and the records kept by his Department of attempted hacking or suspected cyber attacks or other malicious computer security breaches committed against his Department’s computer systems. [1727/08]
The Department of Foreign Affairs implements a range of security measures, including multi-layered firewalls, to secure its internal ICT network from the Internet. Furthermore, the design and implementation of the Department's network ensures that vulnerability to attacks from the Internet is minimised to the greatest extent possible. This infrastructure is reviewed on a regular basis taking account of specialised ICT security advice.
The Department receives on average 1 million email messages per month. Of these, approximately 1,000 are blocked as viruses and approximately 300,000 are blocked as unsolicited bulk e-mails (spam).
While the Department monitors and reviews the records of this security infrastructure on a regular basis for any evidence of suspicious or unusual behaviour/patterns and has a policy of retaining these records in accordance with industry best practice, it has not recorded any incident involving a successful breach of its network.
Emigrant Support Services.
Michael Ring
Question:596 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in relation to undocumented Irish people living in America since the joint motion on Ireland-US bilateral agreement in November 2007; the progress that has been made; the action that has been taken to date by the Irish Government; the contacts that have been made; and the meetings that have been held. [1927/08]
The Government attributes the highest importance to resolving the plight of our undocumented citizens in the United States. I have also made it a personal priority as Minister, and will continue to do so. The passage of the agreed Motion by the Dáil on 7 November sent an important and timely message of solidarity from all parties of the House to our undocumented community.
Following the failure of the US Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform legislation last June, despite the strong endorsement and encouragement of President Bush, the Government immediately set about exploring with key US Administration and Congressional contacts possible alternative bilateral options. In addition, since the all-party motion was passed, the Taoiseach had a detailed telephone call with Senator Edward Kennedy on 7 December, in which he again reiterated the Government's strong support for a bilateral solution. At a meeting with the US Ambassador later the same month, I forcefully made the same point. Likewise, the Ambassador and his Embassy colleagues in Washington are in ongoing discussions with Congressional, Administration and Irish community figures, including Senators Kennedy and Schumer, on possible ways forward.
Achieving progress on immigration at this time, in the middle of a Presidential campaign, is exceptionally difficult. Our many friends in Congress have emphasised this, including the difficulty of passing legislation specifically for our citizens separate from the other 11 million undocumented.
Despite these considerable political difficulties, the Government is determined to make every effort to succeed. The Taoiseach will again be pursuing our case very actively at the highest level on his visit to the U.S. over the St. Patrick's Day period, as will the Ambassador and his colleagues on an ongoing basis on the ground in Washington.
Departmental Expenditure.
Enda Kenny
Question:597 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount spent by his Department on media monitoring or press cutting services for each of the years 2002 to 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1985/08]
Media monitoring in my Department is primarily aimed at keeping our Embassies and Consulates abroad informed of all major news stories in the Irish Media and of stories of Irish interest in the international media. The figures below show the yearly cost to the Department of Foreign Affairs from 2002 to 2007 of providing a daily summary of the major Irish news outlets, which is circulated throughout the Department and to all our missions abroad.
Press cutting services are carried out in house by staff in the Department's Press Section.
|
Year |
€ |
|
2002 |
49,164.12 |
|
2003 |
49,164.12 |
|
2004 |
49,164.12 |
|
2005 |
49,067.00 |
|
2006 |
45,067.11 |
|
2007 |
53,232.00 |
Foreign Conflicts.
Finian McGrath
Question:598 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will encourage and develop recent movements in Colombia towards inclusive dialogue. [2016/08]
The Government of Colombia has repeatedly stated its commitment to bringing to an end all terrorism in Colombia within the framework of the Justice and Peace Law. This Law, passed in 2005, provides an overall legal framework for the demobilisation, disarmament and reintegration of illegal armed groups into Colombian society. The Justice and Peace Law, which was adopted through a lengthy democratic political process, strikes a difficult balance between peace and justice.
The process of peace negotiations between the Colombian Government and the right-wing paramilitary group, Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia (AUC) began in 2003, with between 30,000 and 40,000 combatants having been demobilized on completion of the process in 2007. The Government of Colombia is currently engaging in dialogue with the left-wing guerrilla group known as the Ejército de Liberación Nacional de Colombia (ELN) in pursuit of a negotiated peace agreement. Negotiations between the major left-wing guerrilla group, the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC), and the Government have not yet commenced.
The General Affairs and External Relations Council of the European Union most recently adopted Conclusions on Colombia on 19 November 2007. Ireland was actively involved in the negotiation of these Conclusions, which expressed the EU's total solidarity with the Colombian people, its full support for the Colombian Government in its search for a negotiated solution to the internal armed conflict and underlined the importance the EU attaches to the ongoing implementation of the Justice and Peace Law.
The Council further expressed its hope that progress would be made in taking forward negotiations in order to reach a humanitarian agreement, to secure the release of all hostages, to end the armed conflict and to bring lasting peace to Colombia. In the same spirit, the Council welcomed all initiatives taken with the Colombian Government's support with the objective of promoting a successful peace process.
In this regard, Ireland, along with our EU partners, very much welcomes recent initiatives to pursue negotiations with the FARC for the purpose of securing the release of hostages and bringing an end to the internal armed conflict. These include the establishment of a demilitarised zone, with international observers, from which hostages could be safely released. The Catholic Church in Colombia has been requested to act as a mediator between the Government and the FARC in pursuing this proposal. Colombia has also endorsed a facilitation role proposed by France, Spain and Switzerland, which has the full support of Ireland and our EU partners. In addition, the establishment of an international medical mission to visit and assist those currently held hostage by the FARC has been suggested.
The EU has expressed its support for the Colombian Government's policies aimed at ensuring the rule of law, legality, security of persons and human rights. The EU has also condemned systematic breaches of the most fundamental human rights, including the right to life and to liberty, perpetrated by all terrorist groups in Colombia. The willingness of EU Member States, including Ireland, to assist the Colombian authorities in their pursuit of peace was most recently expressed on behalf of Member States in a meeting between the High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy and Secretary General of the Council of the European Union, Mr. Javier Solana, and the President of Colombia, Mr. Álvaro Uribe, on 22 January, 2008.
My Department continues to monitor the situation in Colombia through our Embassy in Mexico City, which is accredited to Colombia, as well as in cooperation with our EU partners with resident diplomatic missions in that country. Ireland is fully supportive of efforts to bring a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Colombia, and will continue to support the Government of Colombia in its search for a negotiated solution to the internal armed conflict, including through direct engagement.
Data Protection.
Simon Coveney
Question:599 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of all instances since 1 June 2002 where personal data held by his Department or any agency under its auspices were compromised in any way; if the review by his Department of data security procedures announced on 22 November 2007 is completed; and the findings of that review in terms both of prior shortcomings and of future actions. [2164/08]
There have been no instances of personal data held by my Department being compromised during the period in question.
The review of procedures is underway and will be delivered to the Department of Finance by the 1st February 2008.
Departmental Investigations.
Thomas Byrne
Question:600 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he proposes to have the case surrounding the death of a person (details supplied) investigated further. [2213/08]
The body of the person mentioned by the Deputy was found on 29 August 2006 in Mallorca, lying in shallow water close to the shoreline. The local autopsy report stated that she had committed suicide by drowning. The report also indicated that there had been extensive injuries to her body, but suggested that these had occurred after her death. Her family strongly rejected any possibility of suicide and believed that she was the victim of foul play.
My Department at the time was in regular contact with her family and their solicitors, and provided all possible consular assistance. This included providing assistance in repatriating the remains, in obtaining copies of the autopsy report and post-mortem photographs, and in having the report translated.
In September 2007, the family informed the Department that a second autopsy, carried out by the State pathologist here, uncovered marks on the person's body that place the original verdict of suicide in doubt. Her family also indicated that they had retained the services of a lawyer in Spain to have her case reopened and that, once court dates, etc were available, they would be in further contact.
The Department and the Embassy in Madrid remain ready to help the family in every possible way.
Diplomatic Representation.
Leo Varadkar
Question:601 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has the authority to appoint an ambassador to other countries where the appointee has not been a member of the diplomatic service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2273/08]
Ambassadorial appointments are made by the President on the advice of the Government.
The consistent and long-standing practice which has served successive Governments very well, is to appoint serving senior Civil Servants with significant experience of international relations to Ambassadorial positions.
Human Rights Issues.
Leo Varadkar
Question:602 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government paid bail for the so-called Colombia Three; the cost of the bail; if the money has been recovered from the persons concerned; the efforts made to recover the money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2282/08]
In the consular case referred to by the Deputy, the court judgment permitted the Irish citizens concerned to be released from prison under "conditional freedom", on payment of a bond. My Department, at the request of the defence team and given the consular concerns of the Department at the time about the safety of the persons concerned, advanced the funds to facilitate the payment of this bond, on the basis of a firm undertaking to repay the sum involved.
As I have indicated in previous replies, the decision to advance funds was taken exclusively by the Department in pursuit of its consular responsibilities, and was neither discussed nor taken at political level.
The funds of €17,000 were advanced on the 25th June 2004, and were repaid on the 20th August 2004.
Leo Varadkar
Question:603 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount spent on bail for Irish citizens facing prosecution or criminal investigation overseas for each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2283/08]
My Department has not provided any funds for bail for Irish citizens facing prosecution or criminal investigation overseas during the past three years.
Foreign Conflicts.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:604 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is monitoring the situation on the island of Cyprus; the political contacts he is maintaining in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2341/08]
The United Nations has the lead role in the search for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem. The Government fully supports the leadership of the UN Secretary General in this important work, and we welcome the ongoing efforts of the Secretary General's Special Representative to Cyprus, Mr. Michael Moeller, to bring the two sides together to seek progress toward a political settlement.
On 8 July 2006, the UN Under Secretary General for Political Affairs, Dr. Ibrahim Gambari, brokered an agreement between the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Tassos Papadopoulos, and Mr. Mehmet Ali Talat, representing the Turkish Cypriot community, on a set of principles, recognising that the status quo was unacceptable and that a comprehensive settlement was both desirable and possible. They agreed to begin immediately a two-track process involving discussions by committees of issues affecting the day-to-day life of the people and, concurrently, of substantive issues leading to a comprehensive settlement. However, these committees were not subsequently established, due to disagreements on their respective mandates and terms of reference. Following a hiatus, consultations at official level on these issues resumed at the end of January 2007, though so far without any breakthrough.
On 5 September 2007, the Special Representative facilitated a meeting between President Papadopoulos and Mr. Talat, the first such encounter between the two leaders since 2006. While regrettably no substantive progress was made on this occasion, we welcome the reopening of political dialogue which this meeting represented. Both sides have since sent submissions to the UN Secretary General, outlining new proposals to take the process forward. The Secretary General has not formally commented on these proposals as yet. We remain hopeful that this dialogue under the auspices of the UN may yet help to unblock the stalemate in the process.
Ireland takes an active interest in the successful resolution of the Cyprus issue. We maintain close contact with the Cypriot and Turkish Governments through both the Embassies of Cyprus and Turkey in Dublin, and through our Embassies in Nicosia and Ankara. Officials from my Department have also met with the Office of the Secretary-General's Representative to Cyprus, most recently in December, to receive an update on the situation.
We will continue to encourage both sides to renew their commitment to the negotiating process and the achievement of the objective of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federal State through an honourable, balanced and durable settlement protecting and guaranteeing the basic interests and aspirations of all. I have made our position clear to successive Cypriot colleagues, and also to Turkish Ministers for Foreign Affairs.
Diplomatic Representation.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:605 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he plans initiatives by the Irish Embassy in China to cater for Irish visitors to the 2008 Olympic Games; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2342/08]
I am very committed to the well being of Irish supporters travelling abroad to major sporting events. I intend therefore, and as is usual, to have additional resources allocated to our Embassy in Beijing so as to ensure that the best possible service is provided to Irish athletes and supporters for the duration of the Olympic period.
Our Embassy is currently finalising its preparations to deliver such first-class consular assistance. In pursuit of this, the Embassy is in ongoing contact with the relevant Chinese authorities and with the organising committee of the Olympics (BOCOG) to ensure that it is fully briefed on arrangements, and it is also working to the same end with the Olympic Council of Ireland and with our EU partners in Beijing.
In addition to arrangements on the ground, the Embassy and Consular Section at Headquarters are jointly working on a comprehensive travel advisory note for Irish visitors to the Olympic Games. This will be available in due course on the Department's website, www.dfa.ie.
Passport Applications.
Phil Hogan
Question:606 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the passports issued to a person (details supplied) were the subject of representations from, transmitted or routed through, or in any way facilitated by, a Member of the Houses of the Oireachtas; if so, the name of that member; the date the applications were received in the Passport Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2432/08]
The application for the passport issued on 9 August 1994 was received in the Passport Office, Molesworth Street on 5 August 1994. The application file indicates that the passport was to be returned through the office of Mr. Bertie Ahern, T.D. This is the normal procedure for applications forwarded by the offices of Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas. For instance, in 2007, 6,200 such passports were dealt with through offices of Oireachtas Members.
The application for the passport issued on 7 February 2006 was made in person by the applicant at the Irish Embassy in Berne on 28 January 2006.
Overseas Development Aid.
Billy Timmins
Question:607 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if an audit was carried out on funding allocated to an organisation (details supplied); and the result of this audit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2489/08]
The Evaluation and Audit Unit conducted a review of the implementation of a training programme for staff working with young adults with disabilities in a dedicated residential centre in Techirghiol, Romania.
A number of recommendations were made to strengthen the programme, including the performance of a comprehensive needs analysis of the residents of the centre. Health Action Overseas has undertaken to implement those recommendations. The implementation of the training programme is ongoing and Irish Aid will review the programme upon its completion.
Equal Opportunities Employment.
David Stanton
Question:608 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 281 of 23 May 2006, if he is satisfied that his Department has met the 3% employment quota for people with disabilities; the percentage of people with disabilities employed in his Department; the number of people with disabilities hired from outside the civil service for each of the years from 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2591/08]
My Department is fully committed to the employment of persons with disabilities where possible and is fully aware of the requirements of the Disability Act of 2005 in this regard. The Deputy will appreciate, however, that the compilation of compliance statistics in this area is a sensitive issue. It depends to a large extent on the voluntary self-disclosure of a disability by a member of staff. Many people with disabilities, however, are reluctant to disclose the extent of their disability. Still others do not regard themselves as having a disability.
Nevertheless, I am satisfied with the ongoing efforts of the Department to encourage and facilitate the recruitment of people with disabilities. The current estimate of the proportion of staff with a disability in this Department is 3%.
The Public Appointments Service (PAS) is responsible for recruitment across the Civil Service, including the recruitment of people with disabilities. My Department works with other Government Departments, the PAS and the National Disability Authority in the implementation of the provisions of the Disability Act 2005, including those relating to the recruitment and employment of people with disabilities in the Civil Service. This Department also participates in the confined promotion competitions for people with disabilities who are already in the Civil Service, which are organised by the PAS from time to time.
There is, of course, scope for further progress in this area. My Department has continued to enhance its efforts to employ and accommodate people with special needs who can otherwise satisfy the conditions of employment. For example, the Department participated in the Willing Able and Mentoring (WAM) programme in 2006 and 2007. The purpose of this programme was to provide work experience opportunities for graduates with disabilities in the Civil Service. A placement was offered in each of these years.
Decentralisation Programme.
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:609 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of civil and other public servants based in Dublin in his Department and agencies who have applied for decentralisation, who have been transferred to their decentralised post and are currently in position in the decentralised location outside Dublin; the number of civil and other public servants required for decentralisation under plans; the original and expected date for full decentralisation to be in place; the locations together with details of properties and land owned, purchased or planning permissions sought for the construction of premises for decentralisation; the costs incurred to date; the original budgeted for and expected total costs to be incurred for decentralisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2606/08]
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:611 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of civil servants and other public servants who have decentralised as at 31 December 2006 and the current date broken down into individual Government Departments and agencies; the number required for full decentralisation, broken down under individual Departmental and agencies plans; the number of currently decentralised locations in operation; the agencies with no progress; the values of properties purchased and sold in respect of the decentralisation process to date; the other costs incurred to date with the decentralisation process, broken down by category; the number of Departmental staff involved in administrating the decentralisation process since its inception; the number of planning applications in progress in relation to building decentralised premises and planning applications to be submitted, broken down by location and planning submission date; the original budgeted and the expected total costs to be incurred for decentralisation; his further proposals in this regard; the expected date for completion of the full decentralisation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3007/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 609 and 611 together.
Under the Government's decentralisation programme, the Development Cooperation Directorate of the Department of Foreign Affairs, which is Irish Aid's Headquarters, will decentralise to Limerick. In November 2004, following recommendations from the Government's Implementation Committee, the Department was included in the first phase of moves under the decentralisation programme, with a projected timeframe of the first quarter of 2007 for the move.
In Autumn 2004, the Department set up a dedicated decentralisation unit as part of the Corporate Services Division to handle the administration of the decentralisation programme particularly from a staffing perspective. This unit liaises with the staff in Irish Aid assigned to handle the logistics of the decentralisation programme. The staffing levels between these two units have varied from a high of 5 full time officers to the current level of 3 officers.
Good progress has been made to date, and personnel have either been assigned to, or identified for, 103 posts or approximately 83% of the 124 posts scheduled to be decentralised. An advance party involving 56 staff has already decentralised to interim office premises in Limerick, with most officers being in place since May 2007. It is expected that the remaining staff of Irish Aid will transfer to Limerick in June 2008 on completion and fit-out of the permanent accommodation.
According to the latest figures available to the Department, 134 Dublin-based officers of this Department have applied to decentralise. Twenty-eight of these applied to decentralise with this Department to Limerick and 18 of these are have already transferred to this location. One hundred and six officers applied to transfer with other Departments to their decentralising locations.
Twenty-four Dublin based-officers of this Department have transferred to other Departments with a view to moving to a provincial location under the Decentralisation Programme. Fourteen of these officers initially transferred to Dublin-based offices of the respective decentralising Departments and 10 transferred directly to a provincial location.
In regard to planning permissions and costs relating to premises, both the interim offices in O'Connell Street and the permanent accommodation in Henry Street Limerick have been provided for the Department by the Office of Public Works (OPW).
The ancillary costs associated specifically with decentralisation have been paid for out of the Department's normal administrative budget. They include: €195,000 initial set-up spending on items such as the purchase of IT equipment and office machinery, additional telecommunications costs for interim premises; €15,000 decentralisation training allowance paid to 5 officers required to transfer from a provincial location to Dublin for training, for a period of up to 8 weeks each, prior to relocating to Limerick. Further costs in relation to the decentralisation training allowance will be kept to a minimum and are not expected to exceed €45,000; An estimated €113,000 on the cost of two additional ICT help desk engineers based in the interim premises in Limerick from May 2007 to June 2008. Following the permanent move, these costs will be in the region of €56,000 annually; and Approximately €213,000 on the forthcoming ICT fit-out of the permanent accommodation.
Additional communication costs (including line rental) between Irish Aid in Limerick and the rest of the Department are estimated at €55,000 per annum
This Department has no other decentralised locations and no agencies due to decentralise.
Joan Burton
Question:610 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of civil servants and other public servants, who have relocated to locations outside of Dublin under the Government’s decentralisation programme; the estimated number of each category who will have relocated by the end of 2008; the breakdown of each set of figures in terms of those who are relocating from Dublin and relocating from elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2993/08]
Under the Government's decentralisation programme, the Development Cooperation Directorate of the Department of Foreign Affairs, which is Irish Aid's Headquarters, will decentralise to Limerick. Good progress has been made and personnel have either been assigned to, or identified for, 103 posts or approximately 83% of the 124 posts scheduled to be decentralised.
An advance party involving 56 staff has already decentralised to interim office premises in Limerick. It is expected that the remaining staff of Irish Aid will transfer to Limerick in June 2008, on completion and fit-out of the permanent accommodation.
Fifty of the officers who have already transferred to Limerick were Dublin-based applicants and the remaining 6 were from provincial locations. Of the remaining 47 staff already identified for Limerick, 15 are currently based in provincial locations and 32 are Dublin-based applicants.
Twenty-four Dublin based-officers of this Department have transferred to other Departments with a view to moving to a provincial location under the Decentralisation Programme. Fourteen of these officers initially transferred to Dublin-based offices of the respective decentralising Departments and 10 transferred directly to a provincial location.
In addition, 2 officers, based in the Passport Office Cork, transferred directly to their chosen decentralised location.
Additional staff may transfer to other decentralised or decentralising locations with other Departments throughout 2008. The total of these additional staff is difficult to quantify as the timing of such moves is dependent in the first instance on the other Department.
Question No. 611 answered with Question No. 609.
Research Funding.
Joe McHugh
Question:612 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action taken by his Department to promote the EU’s Seventh Framework Programme among industry and academia; the applications made which were successful; the current and planned financial allocation for the programme here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36051/07]
The Research Framework Programmes are the EU's main instrument for funding research in Europe and have been operating successfully since 1984. They have played a particularly important role in bringing European researchers (in academia and in industry) together in collaborative research projects, in facilitating the mobility of researchers across Europe and in supporting economic and social development. Irish participation in the Framework Programmes over the last 20 years has provided essential funding and collaborations, which have fostered the growth and development of the Irish research base.
Ireland participated actively in the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6), which spanned the period 2003 to 2006 with a budget of approx €17 billion, and Irish researchers and companies have been successful in securing approximately €210 million from FP6.
The current Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) has a budget of over €50 billion, covering the seven-year period 2007 to 2013 and it has been designed to build on the achievements of its predecessor towards the creation of the European Research Area and carry it further towards the development of the knowledge economy and society in Europe.
In order to extract the maximum benefit from the opportunities available within FP7, a new National Support Network has been put in place, headed up by a National Director for FP7 who leads a team based in Enterprise Ireland. This new support structure ensures that a coordinated and coherent approach is adopted towards FP7 across all of the government departments, agencies and other organisations involved. Through this support structure, a mix of guidance, advice and financial assistance is available to encourage researchers and enterprises, where appropriate, to avail of the opportunities within the programme.
The range of financial supports available to potential participants include: Travel Support, assisting researchers to meet with potential partners, and Proposal Preparation Support for Academic Coordinators and Companies, covering all costs associated with submission of FP7 applications. To date Enterprise Ireland has provided €1.155 million in financial support to academic researchers and indigenous companies. This amount, provided in the first year of FP7, exceeds the total of such support provided in the whole of the previous programme (2002-2006) and shows a high level of FP7 activity among potential participants.
In November 2007, the Cabinet Committee on Science Technology and Innovation agreed that the total share of EU funding to be targeted by Ireland over the lifetime of FP7 should be in the region of €600 million. This target is considered to be realistic yet sufficiently challenging. It takes into account the potential for Irish participation in different parts of the programme.
As regards details on successful applications, the Commission rules prevent the release of data on the funding secured by individual participants. However, the first calls for proposals under FP7 were issued at the beginning of 2007 and the Commission has provided some preliminary statistics on success rates (the share of proposals received that have been "retained for funding"). In this regard, Irish researchers (academic and industry) are associated with 133 proposals retained for funding. The Irish success rate (133 out of 591 proposals submitted with Irish involvement or 22.5%) is ahead of the overall average for all countries (19.6%) and this is a positive indication of the prospects for Irish participation in FP7 generally.
A more complete analysis of Irish participation in the first FP7 calls will be produced later in 2008 once official statistics relating to "signed contracts" are released by the European Commission.
Work Permits.
Finian McGrath
Question:613 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if persons (details supplied) in Dublin 3 will be assisted. [36095/07]
The Employment Permits Section of my Department has informed me that it has no record of a valid employment permit application in respect of either of the named persons.
Permission to remain in the State is a matter for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
Enda Kenny
Question:614 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of au pairs working here; if he has received complaints of abuse of persons working as au pairs; if persons working as au pairs are classed as employees; the responsibilities of his Department in this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36102/07]
Enda Kenny
Question:615 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the regulations that apply in the matter of au pairs here; the criteria for eligibility; if these exchanges are regarded as cultural rather than work; the reason registered agencies can not recommend suitable persons for au pairing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36103/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 614 and 615 together.
I can advise the Deputy that it is my understanding that an au pair arrangement is essentially a private arrangement, normally agreed between a private household and a private individual. As far as my Department is aware the term "au pair" has no legal standing.
In practice, the person referred to loosely as an "au pair" is often a student from another country, received and maintained by a family in exchange for certain informal services, such as a limited amount of house-work or child-minding.
Although circumstances can differ from case to case, an "au pair" is assumed not to be an employee because there is no contract of employment between the householder and the person in question. If a contract of employment does exist, then this places the arrangement on a different footing.
If an Irish resident seeks to bring into the State a person from outside the European Economic Area on the basis that the person coming in is an "au pair", they will probably have to discuss the matter with the immigration authorities under the auspices of the Department of Justice Equality and Law Reform.
It is my understanding that, if an EU national wishes to move in with a family in Ireland and provide child-minding services in return for, say, practice in speaking English and possibly a sum of money, they are quite free to do so. The arrangement is private to the parties concerned and entirely voluntary on the basis of a shared understanding.
If the "au pair" or the host family does not like the arrangement, generally, they are free to terminate it without recourse to the State.
Community Employment Schemes.
Bernard Allen
Question:616 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the regulations that prevent FÁS from employing an individual aged 59 for a period in excess of seven years in a community employment scheme as they will have completed the seven years in March 2008 and have been told that they can not get a further extension because of Departmental regulations; and if these regulations will be changed in order to allow flexibility on these matters. [1056/08]
Community Employment (CE) is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a fixed term basis. The programme helps unemployed people to progress to the open labour market by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to a work routine and assists them in enhancing/developing both their technical and personal skills.
In April 2000 the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment introduced capped limits on the amount of time that a person could participate on CE (3 years total time on CE from 3rd April, 2000 — participation on CE before this date is disregarded). CE Capping was introduced to facilitate the movement of participants through the programme, allowing new participants who may not otherwise have such an opportunity, avail of the programme.
To cater for older workers in particular, in November 2004 I revised the 3 year CE capping to allow those of 55 years of age and over to avail of a 6-year period on CE (based on participation since 3rd April 2000). Subsequently, the participation limit for persons eligible for CE based on a Social Welfare disability linked payment was increased by 1 year. These measures were introduced in recognition of the fact that older participants and participants with a disability may find it more difficult to progress into the open labour market.
The aim of CE still remains as an active labour market programme with the emphasis on progression into employment. The programme is managed within this context, with consideration to the availability of resources and the needs of participants and the community. However, it should be remembered that, in so far as participants remain on CE, they are precluding someone else from benefiting from the programme. FÁS makes every effort to ensure that differing levels of demand between neighbouring schemes are equalised. FÁS also operates the programme flexibly as far as possible to ensure the continuation of community projects.
It should also be noted that FÁS and Local Employment Service Offices are available to provide information on other employment and training opportunities which may be available to those exiting CE.
In conclusion then, I would say that this Government will continue to support into the future the positive role of CE in meeting the needs of long-term unemployed persons while at the same time providing essential services to communities. In this regard, we are keeping the operation of the Scheme under constant review.
Pension Provisions.
Paul Kehoe
Question:617 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if all employers when registering as self-employed were notified of the construction workers pension scheme by the relevant authority; if all registered people in the industry that have passed through FÁS as part of their training have been notified of the existence of the construction workers pension scheme; if they have not been notified, his views on whether it is fair that employers should be randomly selected by trade unions and so on to be brought into this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1086/08]
Neither my Department nor its agencies are responsible for registering people as self-employed. Persons wishing to register as self-employed should file their records with the Revenue Commissioners for tax purposes and the Department of Social and Family Affairs for social insurance matters.
While FÁS runs courses for the training, assessment and certification of construction operatives as well as health and safety awareness instruction in this area, these courses are designed to focus on practical skills. However FÁS also offers more general training courses designed for those who have an interest in setting up their own business. The courses contain a number of specific modules including instruction on legislative responsibilities for the self-employed regarding taxation and Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI).
The Construction Industry (Pension Assurance and Sick Pay) Registered Employment Agreement (REA) requires employers in the construction sector to become and remain a party to a contributory pension scheme approved by the Revenue Commissioners and sets out the conditions upon which pension and mortality payments are payable and the associated minimum amounts and benefits. Accordingly the question of random selection does not arise. A copy of the agreement is available on the website of the Labour Court: http://www.labourcourt.ie
Job Creation.
Áine Brady
Question:618 Deputy Áine Brady asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the policies the Government is employing to increase the number of early stage entrepreneurs here; the support structures in place; the initiatives being considered to encourage potential entrepreneurs to engage in entrepreneurial activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1101/08]
Entrepreneurship in Ireland is supported and encouraged by the active and constant pursuit and promotion by the Government of an economic environment that is supportive of entrepreneurial activity combined with a wide range of targeted interventions by various State enterprise development agencies.
Ireland's extraordinary success over the past decade has been built on, and continues to be built on, such key competitive strengths as: having one of the lowest taxation regimes in Europe; access to the EU's Internal Market; a well-educated and skilled workforce and a history of pursuing Government policies that are pro-business and provide a benign business environment. The Government is committed to the continued support and development of these strengths.
The critical role of entrepreneurship is fully recognised by the Government and it is clear that the actions currently being taken are achieving the objective of ensuring that we have an entrepreneurial society. The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Report for 2006, which is the premier cross-national assessment of entrepreneurship, shows that Ireland is performing extremely well in terms of entrepreneurship activity. In fact, Ireland is in third position, in terms of ‘Total Early Stage Entrepreneurial Activity' amongst EU Member States and seventh position overall within the OECD.
The Small Business Forum Report placed a particular importance on this topic and recommended that the Government should formally adopt a National Entrepreneurship Policy Statement focused on optimising the number of start-up businesses, and in particular, on maximising the number of start-ups aspiring to, and achieving high growth. The Forum also recommended that this Policy Statement should build upon three specific platforms: Stimulating latent entrepreneurial potential, particularly among women and the immigrant community; Reinforcing entrepreneurship in the education system; and Enhancing the culture for entrepreneurship.
On the 23 October 2007, Forfás published its report "Towards Developing an Entrepreneurship Policy for Ireland". In parallel to this report, Forfás also published a Report entitled: "Mapping of Entrepreneurship Initiatives". This comprehensive Report sets out in detail the various initiatives in place across all Government Departments and Agencies in relation to entrepreneurial activities in Ireland. The above two Reports are available at www.forfas.ie.
In relation to support structures currently in place, the role of the 35 County and City Enterprise Boards is to provide support for small businesses with 10 employees or fewer in the start-up and expansion phases, to promote and develop indigenous micro-enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity and entrepreneurship at local level throughout the country.
The CEBs deliver a series of Programmes to underpin this role and they can provide both financial and non-financial assistance to a project promoter. The forms of financial assistance which are available, subject to certain restrictions, include Capital Grants, Employment Grants and Feasibility Study Grants. The provision of non-financial assistance can take the form of a wide range of business advice such as Programmes covering Business Management, Mentoring, E-commerce, Enterprise Education, and Women in Business networks.
In addition to the Boards' normal activities, my Department funded a number of specific initiatives in 2007 where a need was identified for targeted actions, including the Tech-Check Programme whereby small businesses can apply to their local CEB for an assessment of their business's current technology usage, and receive a clear, action orientated and realistic strategy aimed at developing and deploying appropriate ICT skills with the objective of delivering real and sustainable competitive advantage.
Additional funding was also allocated in the area of Enterprise Education for the promotion and development of Entrepreneurial Awareness at local level in schools and colleges.
The CEBs also continued to promote Women in Business Training/Mentoring Programmes designed to provide potential women entrepreneurs with support systems to enhance their self-confidence and actively encourage their participation in greater numbers in new business generation, as well as, the CEB Regional and National Awards Programme aimed at promoting a greater awareness of the achievements of CEB-supported micro-enterprises.
In 2008, the Capital allocation for the 35 CEBs stands at over €20m. This will enable the Boards to continue to be actively involved in the area of economic development and will ensure that available funds are targeted to maximise entrepreneurial development regionally and nationally. This will be done, not just by direct grant-aid to businesses and project promoters, but also through the provision of a range of other important business supports such as mentoring, business training and business advice all of which help to stimulate indigenous enterprise creation.
I am satisfied that the above policy initiatives and support structures will maintain and further improve the environment in which entrepreneurship in general can thrive throughout the country.
Departmental Agencies.
Áine Brady
Question:619 Deputy Áine Brady asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the precise role of the Central Co-ordination Unit or CCU in relation to the County Enterprise Boards; the Department functions it is responsible for; if there are plans to delegate more in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1102/08]
The role of the CEB Central Co-ordination Unit has its origins in one of the core recommendations of the Fitzpatrick's Review of the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs). It recommended that a CEB Central Co-Ordination Unit (CCU) should be established within Enterprise Ireland (EI). The recommendation envisaged that the establishment of such a Unit could provide a level and range of supports to the CEBs which would ultimately enhance their effectiveness and impact on the development of micro-enterprise in Ireland. It also anticipated that in establishing the Unit within EI it could assist in providing as cohesive a structure as possible for the support of all indigenous enterprise and could facilitate a better exchange of experience and expertise between EI and CEBs particularly in relation to the identification of high potential start up (HPSUs).
This recommendation was approved by Government and subsequently endorsed by both the Enterprise Strategy Group Report and the Small Business Forum Report.
Following a period of discussion and consultation between the CEBs, the Department and Enterprise Ireland the CCU was set up in Shannon in mid-2007. A wide range of strategic, administrative, financial and technical support functions in respect of the CEBs is now being delivered by Enterprise Ireland, through the CCU, including the allocation of individual CEB budgets and the processing of CEB budget requests, and the Unit is the first "port of call" for CEBs in relation to all operational matters. The functions were transferred from the Department to the CCU on a gradual basis up to the end of December 2007. The CCU will also work closely with the Department in relation to the future development of strategies and policies concerning the micro-enterprise sector in Ireland and the role of the CEBs in this regard.
Judicial Reviews.
Damien English
Question:620 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the cost to and the damages paid by the State in relation to judicial reviews that his Department were responsible for in each of the years 1997 to 2007, inclusive; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [1110/08]
Damien English
Question:621 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of applications for judicial review that his Department was responsible for in each of the years 1997 to 2007; the number of applications where leave was granted for each year; and if he will present the information in tabular readable form. [1125/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 620 and 621 together.
The detail relating to judicial reviews that my Department was responsible for in each of the years 1997 to 2007 inclusive is set out in the following tabular statement.
|
Number of applications for Judicial Review initiated against the Department |
Number of applications where leave was granted |
Total damages awarded against the State |
Total costs awarded against the State |
|
One |
One Settlement was reached on December 17th 2002 |
None |
None. As part of the settlement agreement the Minister agreed to pay the applicant’s legal costs of €242,857.75 |
|
Number of applications for Judicial Review initiated by the Department |
Number of applications where leave was granted |
Total damages awarded against the State |
Total costs awarded against the State |
|
None |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Number of applications for Judicial Review initiated against the Department |
Number of applications where leave was granted |
Total damages awarded against the State |
Total costs awarded against the State |
|
One |
One |
None |
None |
|
Number of applications for Judicial Review initiated by the Department |
Number of applications where leave was granted |
Total damages awarded against the State |
Total costs awarded against the State |
|
None |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Number of applications for Judicial Review initiated against the Department |
Number of applications where leave was granted |
Total damages awarded against the State |
Total costs awarded against the State |
|
Two |
Two |
None in both cases |
Case 1 Costs of £200,502.61 were awarded against the State and were paid in 2001. Case 2 Costs of €340,457.06 were awarded to the State in March 2007 |
|
Number of applications for Judicial Review initiated by the Department |
Number of applications where leave was granted |
Total damages awarded against the State |
Total costs awarded against the State |
|
None |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Number of applications for Judicial Review initiated against the Department |
Number of applications where leave was granted |
Total damages awarded against the State |
Total costs awarded against the State |
|
None |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Number of applications for Judicial Review initiated by the Department |
Number of applications where leave was granted |
Total damages awarded against the State |
Total costs awarded against the State |
|
None |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Number of applications for Judicial Review initiated against the Department |
Number of applications where leave was granted |
Total damages awarded against the State |
Total costs awarded against the State |
|
One |
Leave granted by High Court in April 2001. Applicants withdrew the case in May 2002 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Number of applications for Judicial Review initiated by the Department |
Number of applications where leave was granted |
Total damages awarded against the State |
Total costs awarded against the State |
|
One |
The application was successful in 2002 |
None |
None |
|
Number of applications for Judicial Review initiated against the Department |
Number of applications where leave was granted |
Total damages awarded against the State |
Total costs awarded against the State |
|
One |
One However, the High Court rejected the application in 2003 |
None |
None |
|
Number of applications for Judicial Review initiated by the Department |
Number of applications where leave was granted |
Total damages awarded against the State |
Total costs awarded against the State |
|
None |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Number of applications for Judicial Review initiated against the Department |
Number of applications where leave was granted |
Total damages awarded against the State |
Total costs awarded against the State |
|
None |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Number of applications for Judicial Review initiated by the Department |
Number of applications where leave was granted |
Total damages awarded against the State |
Total costs awarded against the State |
|
None |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Number of applications for Judicial Review initiated against the Department |
Number of applications where leave was granted |
Total damages awarded against the State |
Total costs awarded against the State |
|
Three |
Case 1 N/A Case settled Case 2 Application was granted. However, the High Court rejected the application in 2005 Case 3 Application was granted. However, the High Court rejected the application in 2005 |
Case 1 None Case 2 None Case 3 None |
Case 1 €22,086.25 Case 2 None Case 3 None |
|
Number of applications for Judicial Review initiated by the Department |
Number of applications where leave was granted |
Total damages awarded against the State |
Total costs awarded against the State |
|
None |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Number of applications for Judicial Review initiated against the Department |
Number of applications where leave was granted |
Total damages awarded against the State |
Total costs awarded against the State |
|
Three |
Two applications pending One application granted but the application was not heard as the matter was settled in 2007 |
None |
None |
|
Number of applications for Judicial Review initiated by the Department |
Number of applications where leave was granted |
Total damages awarded against the State |
Total costs awarded against the State |
|
One |
One. However the application was not heard as the matter was settled in 2007. |
None |
None |
|
Number of applications for Judicial Review initiated against the Department |
Number of applications where leave was granted |
Total damages awarded against the State |
Total costs awarded against the State |
|
Three |
Two cases pending One case heard |
None |
€23,367.00 |
|
Number of applications for Judicial Review initiated by the Department |
Number of applications where leave was granted |
Total damages awarded against the State |
Total costs awarded against the State |
|
One |
One |
None — The Court found in favour of the Minister |
None |
|
Number of applications for Judicial Review initiated against the Department |
Number of applications where leave was granted |
Total damages awarded against the State |
Total costs awarded against the State |
|
One |
Hearing set to commence 5 February 2008 |
Judicial Review not yet heard |
Judicial Review not yet heard |
|
Number of applications for Judicial Review initiated by the Department |
Number of applications where leave was granted |
Total damages awarded against the State |
Total costs awarded against the State |
|
None |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Pension Provisions.
Leo Varadkar
Question:622 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is satisfied with the operation of the construction workers pensions scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1145/08]
The Construction Industry (Pension Assurance and Sick Pay) Registered Employment Agreement (REA) requires employers in the construction sector to become and remain a party to a contributory pension scheme approved by the Revenue Commissioners. It also sets out the conditions upon which pension and mortality payments are payable and the associated minimum amounts and benefits. The REA does not specify any particular pension scheme to apply but rather sets out the general criteria within which any such scheme should operate.
The Construction Federation Operatives Pension Scheme (generally referred to as CFOPS) has been established on foot of the Registered Employment Agreement. While it is not a legal requirement for employers and employees in the construction industry to pay into this particular scheme, it is, as already mentioned, a legal requirement that employers provide for pension, mortality and sick benefits for those workers to whom the REA applies. The conditions upon which such pension, mortality and sick pay benefits are payable and the amounts thereof must not be less favourable than those which are set out in the REA.
Enforcement of the provisions of a Registered Employment Agreement may be effected by direct complaint to the Labour Court. A trade union may complain to the Labour Court that a particular employer is not complying with a Registered Employment Agreement. If, after investigating a complaint, the Court is satisfied that an employer is in breach of a Registered Employment Agreement the Court may by order direct compliance with the agreement. Failure to comply with such an order is an offence punishable by a fine. These safeguards are in place to ensure the satisfactory operation of the pension schemes.
Industrial Relations.
Leo Varadkar
Question:623 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if Joint Labour Agreements may apply to the self-employed and undertakings as well as employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1146/08]
Leo Varadkar
Question:624 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if pay rates and working conditions agreed under the Joint Labour Committee may apply to the self-employed and undertakings as well as employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1147/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 623 and 624 together.
I assume the Deputy's first question refers to Registered Employment Agreements.
Registered Employment Agreements (REAs)
Section 25 of the Industrial Relations Act, 1946 provides that an Employment Agreement is an agreement made either between a trade union and an employer or employer's organisation or at a meeting of a registered Joint Industrial Council, which relates to the pay or conditions of employment of any class, type or group of workers. Section 27 of that Act provides that any party to an employment agreement may apply to the Labour Court to have an agreement registered.
Where the Labour Court is satisfied that the agreement presented satisfies the statutory requirements, it registers the agreement. The effect of this is to make the provisions of the agreement legally enforceable in respect of every worker of the class, type or group to which it is expressed to apply and to his or her employer, even if such worker or employer is not a party to the agreement.
Joint Labour Committees (JLCs)
When a JLC agrees terms and conditions, it makes proposals to the Labour Court. That Court, on foot of a JLC proposal, can make Employment Regulation Orders (EROs). EROs are statutory instruments which set out terms and conditions applying to specified workers in a particular sector. Employers are then bound under penalty to pay wage rates and provide conditions of employment not less favourable than those prescribed.
Section 33 of the Industrial Relations Act 1946 provides that the Labour Court may at any time, on the application of any person, give its decision on any question as to the interpretation of a registered employment agreement or its application to a particular person.
Similarly, Section 57 of the Industrial Relations Act 1946 provides that the Labour Court may at any time, on the application of any person, give its decision on the question whether a particular joint labour committee operates as respects a particular person or whether a particular employment regulation order applies to a particular person.
Therefore, it is open to any person to clarify the applicability of these Orders and Agreements.
The Deputy may be interested to note that a definition of "worker" is provided in Section 23 of the Industrial Relations Act 1990 as follows: "worker" means any person aged 15 years or more who has entered into or works under a contract with an employer, whether the contract be for manual labour, clerical work or otherwise, whether it be expressed or implied, oral or in writing, and whether it be a contract of service or of apprenticeship or a contract personally to execute any work or labour . . .' The meaning of the terms "worker" was considered by the High Court in Building and Allied Trades Union and Valentine Scott v The Labour Court and the Construction Industry Federation and Gerry Fleming. In that case, which related to the Registered Employment Agreement for the Construction Industry, Murphy J interpreted the term "worker" as including a subcontractor providing services personally under a contract of service.
International Trade.
Leo Varadkar
Question:625 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an explanation of the legal term inter-state trade to the extent that it affects company and competition law here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1148/08]
In relation to competition law, the precise term "inter-state trade" does not appear either in the Competition Act 2002 or in Articles 81 and 82 of the Treaty of Rome. However, the term "trade between Member States" appears in both Articles 81 and 82.
Article 81(1) prohibits agreements, decisions and concerted practices which "may affect trade between Member States" and which have the object or effect of preventing, restricting or distorting competition in the common market. However, agreements, decisions or concerted practices which contribute to improving the production or distribution of goods or to promoting technical or economic progress, while allowing consumers a fair share of the resulting benefit, may be exempted from this prohibition if the criteria set out in Article 81(3) is met.
Article 82 prohibits the abuse of a dominant position within the common market "in so far as it may affect trade between Member States."
In the context of those two articles, the term "trade between Member States" refers to trade between Member States of the European Union. Thus, anti-competitive agreements, decisions or restricted practices occurring in Ireland would be prohibited under this Article if they were capable of having an effect on trade between any of the Member States.
Breach of Articles 81 and 82 is an offence, punishable under Irish competition law by fines of up to €4m or 10% of turnover and also by imprisonment for a term of up to five years in respect of breach of Article 81.
The term "inter-state trade" does not feature in domestic or EU company law.
Employment Agencies Regulation.
Leo Varadkar
Question:626 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the systems in place to regulate recruitment agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1149/08]
The operation of employment agencies in the State is regulated by the Employment Agency Act 1971 and Regulations made under it. Under this legislation an employment agency that has premises in the State is required to have an employment agency licence in order to operate in the State. In order to obtain such a licence, the premises of an employment agency must conform to prescribed standards of accommodation in relation to access and egress, cleanliness and tidiness, heating, lighting, ventilation, privacy, seating and safety and these standards must be certified by the applicant for an employment agency licence.
In addition the applicant for an employment agency licence must be, in the opinion of the Minister, a person of good character and repute. This is verified by my Department by the receipt of references from two independent persons vouching for the character of the applicant and by a report from the Garda Síochána as to the character of the applicant.
An employment agency licence covers a period of one year and is renewable on a yearly basis. Each yearly application for an employment agency licence must be accompanied by a fee of €500.
I would add that it is a contravention of the 1971 Act for an employment agency with premises in the State to operate in the State without an employment agency licence or to charge a job seeker a fee for seeking employment for him or her. A person who contravenes the Act shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €2,000 and to a further fine not exceeding €1,000 in respect of each day on which the offence is continued.
The Social Partnership Agreement, Towards 2016, contains a commitment to introduce new legislation in this area and work is continuing on the development of proposals in this regard.
Leo Varadkar
Question:627 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if recruitment agencies may advertise jobs that do not exist or are not available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1150/08]
Employment agencies in Ireland are licensed under the terms of the Employment Agency Act 1971. Under the terms of the Employment Agency Act 1971, which regulates the operation of employment agencies in the State, it is not an offence for an employment agency to advertise jobs which do not exist or are not yet available. My Department's understanding is that the aim of such advertising could be to attract potential candidates and an agency would then be in a position to invite interest from potential employers.
Any specific complaints about agencies made to my Department are followed up in the normal way. The Labour Inspectorate (now the National Employment Rights Authority) has responsibility for the enforcement of employment rights arising from a range of employment rights legislation. Inspectors would pursue allegations of worker mistreatment — whether employed through agencies or otherwise — and when evidence of non-compliance with the relevant employment rights legislation is found, the Inspectorate seeks redress for the individuals concerned and, if appropriate, a prosecution is initiated.
Industrial Relations.
Leo Varadkar
Question:628 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is satisfied that the Joint Labour Committees are compatible with the Competition Act 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1152/08]
Leo Varadkar
Question:629 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is satisfied that the registered employment agreements are compatible with the Competition Act 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1154/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 628 and 629 together.
Joint Labour Committees (JLCs) are established by order of the Labour Court under Section 35 of the Industrial Relations Act 1946. JLCs discuss and agree terms and conditions to apply to specified workers in certain sectors.
When a JLC agrees terms and conditions, it makes proposals to the Labour Court. That Court, on foot of a JLC proposal, can make Employment Regulation Orders (EROs). EROs are statutory instruments which set out terms and conditions applying to specified workers in a particular sector. Employers are then bound under penalty to pay wage rates and provide conditions of employment not less favourable than those prescribed.
JLCs are made up of equal numbers of employer and worker representatives appointed by the Labour Court and a chairman appointed by the Minster for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Registered Employment Agreements (REAs)
Section 25 of the Industrial Relations Act, 1946 provides that an Employment Agreement is an agreement made either between a trade union and an employer or employer's organisation or at a meeting of a registered Joint Industrial Council, which relates to the pay or conditions of employment of any class, type or group of workers. Section 27 of that Act provides that any party to an employment agreement may apply to the Labour Court to have an agreement registered.
Where the Labour Court is satisfied that the agreement presented satisfies the statutory requirements, it registers the agreement. The effect of this is to make the provisions of the agreement legally enforceable in respect of every worker of the class, type or group to which it is expressed to apply and to his or her employer, even if such worker or employer is not a party to the agreement.
As the Deputy is aware, the interpretation of legislation is a matter for the Courts. I am not aware of any Court decision which has established that JLCs/REAs are incompatible with competition legislation. As the Deputy is also aware, a review of the operation and implementation of the Competition Act 2002 is currently underway and in the course of that review, all submissions, including the matters raised in the Deputy's questions, will be considered.
Employment Rights.
Leo Varadkar
Question:630 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the impact a recent European Court of Justice decision in the Viking Line case has on Irish company law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1155/08]
I assume that the Deputy is referring to the judgement of the Court given on 11 December 2007 in Case C-438/05, International Transport Workers' Federation, Finnish Seamen's Union - V- Viking Line ABP, OU Viking Line Eesti.
The case concerned the application of Article 43 EC (Right of Establishment) in relation to collective action by trade unions against a private undertaking and does not appear to have implications for Irish company law.
National Minimum Wage.
Dr Martin Mansergh
Question:631 Deputy Martin Mansergh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the month and year that the national minimum wage was first introduced; the numbers in employment at that time; and the numbers employed now. [1189/08]
The National Minimum Wage was introduced in Ireland from 1 April 2000.Central Statistics office data show that the total in employment in Mar-May 2000 was 1,671,400. The latest period for which CSO data is available relates to Mar-May 2007 when the total in employment was 2,095,400.
Legislative Programme.
Dr Martin Mansergh
Question:632 Deputy Martin Mansergh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of Acts passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas sponsored by his Department in each year from 2003 to 2007; the Acts which were legislation wholly or mainly required by Ireland’s EU obligations, which were partly so required, and which had no significant or minimal reference to EU legislation; and if in the first two cases Ireland had significant discretion, as to the manner in which EU obligations were translated into domestic law. [1196/08]
Details of the 20 Acts passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas that were sponsored by my Department from 2003 to 2007 are set out in the following tabular statement.
|
Title Act |
Was the Act introduced wholly or mainly as a result of EU obligations |
Was the Act introduced partly as a result of EU obligations |
Did the Act have minimal or no basis in EU obligations |
Where Acts were implemented wholly or partly as a result of EU obligations, had Ireland significant discretion as to the manner of how these obligations were implemented into Irish law |
|
Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003 |
No |
No |
Yes |
N/A |
|
Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Act 2003 |
No |
No |
Yes |
N/A |
|
Protection of Employees (Fixed-Term Work) Act 2003 |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
|
Redundancy Payments Act 2003 |
No |
No |
Yes |
N/A |
|
Employment Permits Act 2003 |
No |
No |
Yes |
N/A |
|
Companies (Auditing and Accounting) Act 2003 |
No |
No |
Yes |
N/A |
|
Title Act |
Was the Act introduced wholly or mainly as a result of EU obligations |
Was the Act introduced partly as a result of EU obligations |
Did the Act have minimal or no basis in EU obligations |
Where Acts were implemented wholly or partly as a result of EU obligations, had Ireland significant discretion as to the manner of how these obligations were implemented into Irish law |
|
Industrial Relations (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 |
No |
No |
Yes |
N/A |
|
Copyright and Related Rights (Amendment) Act 2004 |
No |
No |
Yes |
N/A |
|
Title Act |
Was the Act introduced wholly or mainly as a result of EU obligations |
Was the Act introduced partly as a result of EU obligations |
Did the Act have minimal or no basis in EU obligations |
Where Acts were implemented wholly or partly as a result of EU obligations, had Ireland significant discretion as to the manner of how these obligations were implemented into Irish law |
|
Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) Act 2005 |
No |
No |
No basis in E.U. obligations |
N/A |
|
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 |
No. |
Yes |
N/A |
Yes — In the case of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, provisions beyond those in the Directive were introduced and legislation was modernised |
|
Investment Funds, Companies and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2005 |
No |
Yes |
N/A |
Ireland had some discretion in the manner our EU obligations were implemented. |
|
Title Act |
Was the Act introduced wholly or mainly as a result of EU obligations |
Was the Act introduced partly as a result of EU obligations |
Did the Act have minimal or no basis in EU obligations |
Where Acts were implemented wholly or partly as a result of EU obligations, had Ireland significant discretion as to the manner of how these obligations were implemented into Irish law |
|
Industrial Development Act 2006 |
No |
No |
No basis in E.U. obligations |
N/A |
|
Employees (Provision of Information and Consultation) Act 2006 |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes. The EU Directive left considerable discretion to Member States in setting out national procedures. |
|
Employment Permits Act 2006 |
No |
No |
Yes |
N/A |
|
Investment Funds, Companies and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2006 |
No |
Yes |
N/A |
Ireland had some discretion in the manner our EU obligations were implemented |
|
Patents (Amendment) Act 2006 |
No |
No |
Yes |
N/A |
|
Title Act |
Was the Act introduced wholly or mainly as a result of EU obligations |
Was the Act introduced partly as a result of EU obligations |
Did the Act have minimal or no basis in EU obligations |
Where Acts were implemented wholly or partly as a result of EU obligations, had Ireland significant discretion as to the manner of how these obligations were implemented into Irish law |
|
Personal Injuries Assessment Board (Amendment) Act 2007 |
No |
No |
Yes |
N/A |
|
Protection of Employment (Exceptional Collective Redundancies) and Related Matters 2007 |
No |
No |
Yes |
N/A |
|
Consumer Protection Act 2007 |
No |
Yes |
N/A |
Some discretion, though not significant discretion |
|
Copyright and Related Rights (Amendment) Act 2007 |
No |
Yes |
N/A |
No |
It gave further effect to provisions set out in Council Directive 89/391 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work and Council Directive 91/383 on measures to improve the safety and health of workers with a fixed duration or temporary employment relationship. The main obligations in these Directives had previously been transposed in a Statutory Instrument in 1993.
Job Losses.
Ned O'Keeffe
Question:633 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a person (details supplied) in County Cork would qualify for redundancy, unfair dismissal or other payment. [1332/08]
The Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 provides, with effect from 1st March 1998, for a maximum average working week of 48 hours, averaged generally over 4 months. In addition the 1997 Act provides, with effect from 30th September 1997, for a right for an employee to nine public holidays a year.
The 1997 Act also sets out certain minima with regard to annual leave e.g. for the leave year commencing 1st April 1999 and subsequent leave years:
(a)4 working weeks in a leave year in which he the employee works at least 1,365 hours (unless it is a leave year in which he or she changes employment), or
(b)one-third of a working week for each month in the leave year in which the employee works at least 117 hours, or
(c)8 per cent of the hours an employee works in a leave year (but subject to a maximum of 4 working weeks).
Prior to the enactment of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 there was no statutory maximum average working week but 9 public holidays and maximum annual leave of 3 working weeks was provided for in the Holidays (Employees) Act 1973 which was repealed by the 1997 Act with effect from 30th September 1997. Under the 1973 Act my Department enforced employees' rights in the courts but the Statute of Limitations provides that such legal proceedings must be instituted within 6 years of the date of contravention of the 1973 Act.
If an employee does not receive his or her statutory rights from his or her employer in relation to the above matters under the 1997 Act it is open to him or her to refer his or her case to a Rights Commissioner for redress.
However, under the 1997 Act referral to a Rights Commissioner must take place within a maximum period of 18 months from the date of contravention of the Act.
Therefore, it would appear that the person referred to by the Deputy is statute barred from pursuing a case under the Holidays (Employees) Act 1973 and the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997.
Regarding unfair dismissal, The Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977 to 2007 protect employees from being unfairly dismissed by laying down criteria by which dismissals are judged to be unfair and by providing an adjudication system and redress for an employee whose dismissal was found to be unfair. A claim for redress under the Acts may be submitted initially to either of the adjudicative bodies specified in the Acts i.e. a Rights Commissioner or the Employment Appeals Tribunal within 6 months of the date of dismissal (this can be extended to 12 months in exceptional circumstances). It would appear, however, that the person referred to by the Deputy is also statute barred from pursuing a case under the Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977 to 2007.
A redundancy situation arises in general where an employee's job no longer exists and he or she is not replaced. On being made redundant, an employee who has two years service or more in the employment and who fulfils the insurability requirements is entitled to a Statutory Redundancy Payment. Employees who were made redundant prior to 25th May 2003 were entitled to half a weeks pay for every year of service under 41 and one weeks pay for every year of service over 41, together with a bonus week.
There are time limits during which an employee can bring a claim for redundancy. The time limit for making a lump sum claim to the Employment Appeals Tribunal is 52 weeks after the date of termination of employment. The Tribunal has discretion to extend the 52-week time limit to 104 weeks provided that it receives the necessary claim within 104 weeks of the date of dismissal and is satisfied that the delay by the employee in making the claim arose through reasonable cause.
Since it is over 104 weeks since any possible redundancy took place the person to whom the Deputy refers is now out of time for bringing a claim against his former employer before the Tribunal.
Research Funding.
Sean Sherlock
Question:634 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on funding a number of bio-incubator labs on publicly owned land in Youghal, County Cork for the purposes of attracting biotechnology companies into this region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1345/08]
Sean Sherlock
Question:635 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on funding a number of bio-incubator labs on publicly owned land in Mallow, County Cork for the purposes of attracting biotechnology companies to the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1347/08]
Sean Sherlock
Question:636 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on funding a number of bio-incubator labs on publicly owned land in Mitchelstown, County Cork for the purposes of attracting biotechnology companies into this region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1348/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 634 to 636, inclusive, together.
Funding is provided for the establishment of Enterprise Incubators through a programme operated by Enterprise Ireland in the context of company creation rather than as a process through which new companies are attracted to a specific region or regions. The types of companies that occupy existing facilities are firms which have "spun out" from third level funded research and as such there is a need for incubation space to be located near, or physically linked to, a parent third level facility rather than green field sites.
To date, Enterprise Ireland's Bio-Incubator centres have all been linked to university research on the basis of the necessary scale and the required research competencies of Lifescience based research activities.
Industrial Development.
Sean Sherlock
Question:637 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of land owned by the IDA and Enterprise Ireland in Cork east; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1349/08]
The management of IDA Ireland's industrial property portfolio is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency, as part of the statutory responsibility assigned to it by the Oireachtas and it is not a matter in which I have a function.
I understand from IDA that it owns a total of 273.6 hectares of promotable land in the area of East Cork. Enterprise Ireland does not own land for industrial purposes but does own the site on which its Cork office is built. That total site area, including buildings, is 14,190m2.
IDA Ireland is actively promoting the greater East Cork region to prospective investors across the full range of IDA targeted sectors, such as Pharmaceuticals, Medical Technologies, Information and Communications Technologies and Internationally Traded Services via its network of overseas offices and project divisions. The area has benefited greatly in recent times from investment in these sectors.
IDA has seen the emergence of an economic corridor along the N25 with the initial development of Little Island many years ago followed by new developments at Eastgate, Fota Business Park, Carrigtwohill and Midleton. IDA has also been instrumental in attracting additional client investment to the area with the development of the IDA Business and Technology Park in Carrigtwohill. More recently, Apex, a fund administration financial services company, announced their decision to locate in Midleton with the creation of 40 jobs. IDA Ireland has found that the availability of quality property solutions in the East Cork area has proved attractive to visiting IDA clients.
IDA Ireland is committed to securing additional new projects for the East Cork area and is promoting the area to potential investors on an on-going basis.
Departmental Properties.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:638 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of Department owned computer desktops or laptops or other data devices, such as blackberries and memory keys, reported lost, missing or stolen from his Department in each year from 2002 to 2007; the number of these that were later recovered or found; the number still missing; if any sensitive or private data was compromised; the measures in place within his Department to secure such portable or at risk data devices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1513/08]
My Department's records indicate the following:
2002 — One laptop reported stolen.
2003 — One laptop reported stolen.
2004 — No IT assets reported lost, missing or stolen.
2005 — One Laptop reported stolen and one Blackberry reported lost.
2006 — One Blackberry reported lost.
2007 — One Blackberry reported stolen.
Of the three laptops reported stolen one was subsequently recovered and none were reported as containing sensitive data at the time. While none of the Blackberry devices have been recovered, my Department invoked the facility to automatically wipe all data from the devices as soon as they were reported missing and immediately cancelled the subscription with the service provider.
Last year my Department, with the assistance of an external ICT security expert, conducted a comprehensive review of ICT security across my Department and its Offices. The findings of the report now form a significant part of my Department's new ICT Strategy (2008-2010), which will focus on ensuring continuity of ICT availability including increased security awareness of users, additional process and technological controls and ongoing inclusion of security considerations as part of a project's planning process. The Review took into consideration the balance that is required between ensuring integrity and confidentiality of information and systems on one hand, and availability and usability of information on the other.
The recent growth of electronic storage devices such as those mentioned in the question is a concern for my Department in terms of how it can ensure that sensitive information remains secure. Indeed, the fact of the matter is that many people including staff of my Department would personally own a number of such devices including memory keys, mobile phones, MP3 players and handheld game consoles. Therefore, my Department is adopting a dual approach by concentrating on both awareness and prevention of any security lapses. An ICT security awareness programme is under way, involving newsletters, workshops and presentations to staff along with reminders of ICT usage policies and regulations. Furthermore, and in light of recent events internationally involving loss of media containing sensitive data, my Department has reviewed the manner in which data are transported within the Department and between the Department and other Public Bodies. A number of changes were made to the processes involved and my Department will continue to implement new procedures and technologies to ensure ongoing improvements in securing sensitive data.
Industrial Development.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:639 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of out of State companies that located in County Kerry and County Cork respectively, between January 2002 and December 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1529/08]
IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment to Ireland and its regions. The marketing of individual areas, including Cork and Kerry, for new or expansion FDI investments and jobs is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency. While I may give general policy directives to the Agency, I am precluded under the Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others.
I am informed by the Agency that in the period January 2002 to December 2007 a total of 30 IDA supported companies set up in County Cork, while 1 IDA supported company set up in Kerry. The numbers of start–ups in each county in each of the years in question are shown in the tabular statement.
The South West, comprising counties Cork and Kerry, is one of Ireland's most prosperous regions. Cork has been designated as a Gateway city under the National Spatial Strategy, while Tralee, Killarney and Mallow have been designated as hubs in the region. The importance of FDI employment in the South West is evidenced by a payroll cost of over €920 million in 2006 for the almost 22,000 permanent employees in 150 companies. In the same year, it is estimated that Irish materials and services purchased by FDI companies in the South West amounted to almost €1.5 billion.
In addition to attracting new foreign direct investment to the area IDA continues to work closely with its existing clients to encourage them to expand their operations. I am satisfied that the policies being pursued by the Agency together with the roll out of the National Development Plan will continue to bear fruit in terms of investment for the people of the region.
|
Year |
Cork |
Kerry |
|
2002 |
8 |
0 |
|
2003 |
6 |
1 |
|
2004 |
6 |
0 |
|
2005 |
3 |
0 |
|
2006 |
4 |
0 |
|
2007 |
3 |
0 |
Job Creation.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:640 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of itineraries arranged by the IDA of out of State industrialists between January 2002 and December 2007 in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1530/08]
IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment to Ireland and its regions. The marketing of individual areas, including Kerry, for new or expansion FDI investments and jobs is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency. While I may give general policy directives to the Agency, I am precluded under the Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others.
I am informed by the Agency that in the period January 2002 and December 2007 there were a total of 15 site visits to County Kerry. Details of these site visits are set out in the tabular statement.
In line with the National Spatial Strategy, the locations of emphasis for IDA in County Kerry are the linked hub locations of Killarney in South Kerry and Tralee in North Kerry. Based on the strengths of the Region, the Agency is particularly targeting the ICT (incl. software), International Financial Services and Globally Traded Business sectors. In addition to attracting new foreign direct investment, IDA continues to work closely with its existing clients in Kerry to encourage them to expand their operations in the County.
Furthermore the Agency works closely with educational institutions in the region, in developing the skill sets necessary to attract high value added employment to the county and also works with FÁS to provide guidance in developing the skill sets needed by those in the workforce who are interested in upskilling.
|
Year |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
Kerry |
2 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
2 |
3 |
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:641 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of itineraries arranged by the IDA of out of State industrialists between January 2002 and December 2007 in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1531/08]
IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment to Ireland and its regions. The marketing of individual areas, including Limerick, for new or expansion FDI investments and jobs is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency. While I may give general policy directives to the Agency, I am precluded under the Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others.
I am informed by the Agency that in the period January 2002 and December 2007 there were a total of 124 site visits to County Limerick. Details of these site visits are set out in the tabular statement.
The attractiveness of Limerick for inward investment lies in its position as a regional gateway, with the critical mass and infrastructure necessary to attract mobile investment to the region. The National Spatial Strategy (NSS) provides a framework for the development of the Limerick/Shannon gateway. IDA Ireland's regional strategy reflects the NSS, with an emphasis on the gateway and hub locations.
Limerick already has a strong base of foreign direct investment jobs, with 39 State supported companies employing 8,960 people in permanent jobs. Limerick's FDI employment base is dominated by the ICT sector. IDA's strategy is to re-position the region as a hotspot for knowledge based industry, while focusing on marketing Limerick as a key location for investment by building on the strengths already evident in the County.
IDA Ireland works closely with educational institutions in the region to develop the skill sets necessary to attract high value-added employment to the County. IDA is also working closely with the existing base of employers to encourage additional investment, particularly in activities such as R&D, customer support and back office functions. IDA also works closely with Shannon Development in the provision of suitable property solutions for potential investors to the county.
|
Year |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
Limerick |
15 |
13 |
18 |
19 |
25 |
34 |
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:642 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of itineraries arranged by the IDA of out of State industrialists between January 2002 and December 2007 in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1532/08]
IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment to Ireland and its regions. The marketing of individual areas, including Cork, for new or expansion FDI investments and jobs is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency.
I am informed by the Agency that in the period January 2002 and December 2007 there were a total of 145 site visits to County Cork. Details of these site visits are set out in the tabular statement.
In line with the National Spatial Strategy, the locations of emphasis for IDA in County Cork are the gateway City of Cork and hub location of Mallow. In addition, IDA actively promotes towns such as Fermoy, Clonakilty and Youghal.
IDA Ireland will continue to actively promote Cork and the advantages of locating in Cork, by emphasising its young skilled population, the presence of a University and Institute of Technology, together with the availability of first class business parks, good infrastructure and an international airport.
Over the past 10 years, direct employment in IDA supported companies in Cork City and County has grown from 12,449 in 1997 to 20,114 in 2007. At present, there are 134 IDA supported enterprises in Cork City and County. The sectors contributing to this growth are ICT, Pharmaceuticals/Medical Technologies and Globally Traded Business. In addition to attracting new foreign direct investment, IDA continues to work closely with its existing clients in Cork to encourage the expansion of their operations. The success of this is demonstrated by the recent expansions of several companies in the County including Trend Micro, GlaxoSmithKline, Pepsico and Sanmina SCI.
|
Year |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
Cork |
29 |
28 |
28 |
26 |
14 |
20 |
Work Permits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:643 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when an appeal to refuse work permits will be reviewed in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1537/08]
The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that a work permit has now issued in this case.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:644 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when work permits will issue on behalf of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1538/08]
The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that work permits have now issued in the case of the above named applicants.
Services Sector.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:645 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to deal with the widespread problem of tickets for concerts and other events being resold at inflated prices; if his attention has been drawn to the long established need for action in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1687/08]
The resale of tickets for high-demand events at prices well above their face value is not a new phenomenon. The form it takes has changed in recent times with the emergence of online trading platforms and of businesses that engage in ticket resale openly and, as they would see it, legitimately.
Action in this area could involve either the prohibition or the regulation of ticket resale. I am not convinced that the first approach is a practical response to a problem that stems from a mismatch between supply and demand. As ticket resale is no longer an exclusively black market enterprise, there may be a case for examining whether regulation of the resale market is necessary or desirable in the interests of consumers. I am aware that legislation of this kind has operated in Britain and Northern Ireland since 1995.
I propose to seek the views of the National Consumer Agency on whether ticket resale is a significant cause of consumer detriment and, if so, what action, if any, might be taken to deal with it.
Data Protection.
Damien English
Question:646 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of and the records kept by his Department of attempted hacking or suspected cyber attacks or other malicious computer security breaches committed against his Department’s computer systems. [1724/08]
The Internet is an increasingly aggressive environment and the advice of my Department's ICT security advisers is that all websites and on-line systems run the risk of hacking or some other cyber attack. Many of these attacks are automated and are not targeted at particular individuals or organisations. Consequently my Department takes the security of its computer systems and the data they contain very seriously. My Department's computer systems are protected by a range of security technologies designed to minimise the potential for hacking or cyber attack. These systems have the ability to generate alerts and records of unusual or suspicious activity which could indicate that a cyber attack was being attempted.
Over the last few years my Department and its Offices has developed a comprehensive on-line presence comprising 14 separate websites, including three on-line processing systems. Apart from a small number of minor incidents where individual computers have found to have been infected with a virus, my Department's records indicate that noteworthy hacking or cyber attacks have been carried out against the Department's public websites on four separate occasions.
Three of these attacks were against websites hosted internally within my Department, while the fourth was against a website hosted and maintained by a 3rd party.
The attacks against the websites hosted within my Department were forensically investigated by an independent firm of ICT security consultants who concluded that there was no evidence to suggest that other servers, networks or data within the Department had been compromised. A full record of these incidents has been created, including a comprehensive report from the consultants. The incidents were reported to An Garda Síochána and I am informed that their investigation is ongoing.These attacks underline the growing importance of ICT security. Maintaining a secure ICT infrastructure is a continuous process, involving a combination of appropriately skilled people and the implementation of best-practice processes and technologies. Last year my Department, with the assistance of external ICT security experts, conducted a comprehensive review of ICT security across the Department and its Offices. The findings of the report now form a significant part of my Department's new ICT Strategy (2008-2010) and in conjunction with the external security consultants a programme of work is currently being undertaken which is designed to deliver ongoing improvements in the security of the Departments' ICT systems. In addition a dedicated Information Security Officer is being appointed to maintain an ongoing focus on Information Security across the Department.
Employment Rights.
Arthur Morgan
Question:647 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the findings by the European Court of Justice in the Laval case; and the implications the findings may have for the Irish labour force. [1736/08]
The European Court of Justice issued a Judgement on 18 December 2007 in a case between Laval un Partneri Ltd and Svenska Byggnadsarbetareförbundets and others.
The Swedish Labour Court referred the case to the European Court of Justice to determine whether it is permissible under European law for trade unions to take industrial action, in the form of a blockade, to compel a foreign temporary provider of services to sign a collective agreement in the host country where the law of the host country implementing the Posted Workers Directive does not provide for the application of terms and conditions in collective agreements.
In its judgement, the European Court of Justice held that, in the particular circumstances obtaining in the Swedish context, action in the form of a blockade of sites constitutes a restriction on the freedom to provide services, which, in this case, was not justified with regard to the public interest of protecting workers.
In reaching its judgement, the Court did point out that the Community has not only an economic but also a social purpose and thus the Treaty provisions on free movement of goods and services must be balanced against the objectives pursued by social policy. In this context, the Court found that the right to take collective action for the protection of workers may constitute an overriding reason of public interest which, in principle, justifies a restriction of one of the fundamental freedoms. The judgement, which issued relatively recently, is complex and is currently still being considered. It appears that the judgement is quite case-specific and hinges, inter alia, on the way in which Sweden has transposed the Posting of Workers Directive into national law. Unlike Ireland, Sweden has no national minimum wage arrangements. While the implications of the Laval Judgement are being examined, my Department's initial view is that our differing methods of employment protection, including Registered Employment Agreements and Employment Regulation Orders, and the effective manner in which Ireland has implemented the Posted Workers Directive suggest that the judgement is unlikely to have any detrimental impact on Irish workers.
National Minimum Wage.
Arthur Morgan
Question:648 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the European Trade Union Confederation’s warning to the European Central Bank to stop its crusade against fair wages, following a statement made by bank president Jean-Claude Trichet in January 2008; when he referred to minimum wages as unnecessary. [1737/08]
This country's involvement in the European Central Bank is through the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority which is under the aegis of the Minister for Finance.
From the Government's perspective, legislation to provide for a national minimum wage in this country was enacted in 2000. The minimum wage was introduced as a social policy commitment of the Government in the context of tackling exclusion, marginalisation and poverty with the specific aim of protecting vulnerable workers who are vulnerable to exploitation. The minimum wage was first set at £4.40 per hour from 1 April 2000 and has been increased on six occasions since then; most recently on 1 July 2007 when the rate was set at €8.65 per hour.
Minimum rates of pay in certain sectors and individual enterprises are also governed by Employment Regulation Orders and Registered Employment Agreements. The Government remains committed to these measures.
Industrial Development.
Frank Feighan
Question:649 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when it is envisaged the transfer will be competed of six hectares of lands at Demense Castlerea, County Roscommon to Roscommon County Council from the IDA who currently own it. [1748/08]
The management of IDA Ireland's industrial property portfolio, including the purchase and disposal of property, is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency as part of the statutory responsibility assigned to it by the Oireachtas and not a matter in which I have a function.
I understand that negotiations between IDA and Roscommon County Council on this matter are ongoing and it is hoped that agreement will be reached in the coming weeks.
Telecommunications Services.
Tom Hayes
Question:650 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has discussed with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources making Tipperary Town a wireless internet hot-spot, in order to boost the communications infrastructure, and correspondingly the job creation in the town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1791/08]
The provision of top quality communications infrastructure in all regions is essential for Ireland's continued growth and prosperity. The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources is well aware of my views on the issues of communications infrastructure. I have had no specific discussions in relations to particular wireless internet hot-spots.
FÁS Training Programmes.
Michael Ring
Question:651 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of FÁS schemes that can not fill vacancies due to the six year cap for those over the age of 55 years; if he will reconsider the capping regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1867/08]
I am advised by FÁS that it is not currently aware of any Community Employment projects that cannot fill vacancies due to the six year cap for those aged over 55 years.
Community Employment (CE) is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons (including those with a disability) with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a fixed term basis. CE helps unemployed people to re-enter the active workforce by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to a work routine and to assist them to enhance and develop both their technical and personal skills. The criteria for participating on the Community Employment programme are based on age and length of time in receipt of various social welfare payments.
To cater for older workers in particular, in November 2004 I revised the standard 3 year CE capping to allow those of 55 years of age and over to avail of a 6-year period on CE (based on participation since 3rd April 2000). Subsequently, the participation limit for persons eligible for CE based on a Social Welfare disability linked payment (including those under 55) was increased by 1 year. These measures were introduced in recognition of the fact that older participants and participants with a disability may find it more difficult to progress into the open labour market. Currently there are over 6,646 people over 55 years of age on CE representing 29.5% of the overall CE population.
Notwithstanding this enhanced access for those in the over 55 age group, there is a wide range of other client groups which must also be given access to the opportunity CE provides e.g. Lone Parents, persons with disabilities, stabilised substance abusers and unemployed persons aged under 55. In the delivery of places locally, FÁS is obliged to balance the needs of all groups in terms of access to Community Employment. However, it should be remembered that, in so far as participants remain on CE, they are precluding someone else from benefiting from the programme.
CE still remains as an active labour market programme with the emphasis on progression into employment. The programme is managed within this context, with consideration to the availability of resources and the needs of participants and the community. It should also be noted that FÁS\Local Employment Service Offices are available to provide information on other employment and training opportunities which may be available in the local community.
In conclusion then, I would say that this Government will continue to support into the future the positive role of CE in meeting the needs of long-term unemployed persons while at the same time providing essential services to communities. In this regard, we are keeping the operation of the Scheme under constant review.
Work Permits.
Michael Ring
Question:652 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if an appeal will be opened in relation to a work permit for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [1868/08]
The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that an application in respect of the above named was refused as it was considered that the employer could fill the position from within the EEA labour pool. The Employer has been notified of the decision and right to appeal.
Community Employment Schemes.
Michael Ring
Question:653 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on making a change in relation to the six year regulation for people over the age of 55 years who are employed on community employment schemes to enable them to continue working on CE schemes beyond the six year time limit in view of their limited employment opportunities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1870/08]
Community Employment (CE) is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a fixed term basis. The programme helps unemployed people to progress to the open labour market by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to a work routine and assists them in enhancing/developing both their technical and personal skills.
In April 2000 limits were introduced on the amount of time that a person could participate on CE (3 years total time on CE from 3rd April, 2000 — participation on CE before this date is disregarded). CE capping was introduced to facilitate the movement of participants through the programme, allowing new participants who may not otherwise have such an opportunity to avail of the programme.
To cater for older workers in particular, in November 2004 I revised the 3 year CE capping to allow those of 55 years of age and over to avail of a 6-year period on CE (based on participation since 3rd April 2000). Subsequently, the participation limit for persons eligible for CE based on a Social Welfare disability linked payment was increased by 1 year. These measures were introduced in recognition of the fact that older participants and participants with a disability may find it more difficult to progress into the open labour market.
The aim of CE still remains as an active labour market programme with the emphasis on progression into employment. The programme is managed within this context, with regard to the availability of resources and the needs of participants and the community. However, it should be remembered that, in so far as participants remain on CE, they are precluding someone else from benefiting from the programme. FÁS makes every effort to ensure that differing levels of demand between neighbouring schemes are equalised. FÁS also operates the programme flexibly as far as possible to ensure the continuation of community projects.
It should also be noted that FÁS and Local Employment Service Offices are available to provide information on other employment and training opportunities which may be available to those exiting CE.
In conclusion then, I would say that this Government will continue to support into the future the positive role of CE in meeting the needs of long-term unemployed persons while at the same time providing essential services to communities. In this regard, we are keeping the operation of the Scheme under constant review.
Health and Safety Regulations.
Joe McHugh
Question:654 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he is taking to tackle the problems in the electrical contracting industry, namely, the practice of sub contracting jobs to companies who do not meet standard safety regulations, and hiring employees who are not fully qualified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1874/08]
In regard to safety regulations, I assume the Deputy is referring to occupational safety regulations, the enforcement of which is the responsibility of the Health and Safety Authority, which operates under the aegis of my Department.
There is a legal duty on employers under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, which is supplemented by specific occupational safety regulations relating to electricity under Statutory Instrument No. 299 of 2007, to ensure as far as is reasonably practicable that there are safe working conditions at their place of work. There is also a specific requirement on employers under that Statutory Instrument to ensure that those people who undertake work for an employer are competent. Also, the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 504 of 2006) require clients to ensure that contractors are competent to carry out the work safely.
Section 7 of the Regulations states:
(4) A client shall not arrange for a contractor to carry out or manage construction work unless reasonably satisfied that the contractor has the competence to carry out or, as the case may be, manage that construction work and has allocated or will allocate adequate resources to enable the contractor to comply with the requirements and prohibitions imposed on the contractor by or under the relevant statutory provisions. (It should be noted that the interpretation of "construction work" under these Regulations includes electrical work).
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is an independent statutory body which is responsible for the inspection and enforcement of occupational safety, health and welfare legislation. Complaints of non-compliance with statutory requirements or unsafe working practices may be addressed to the HSA at its national helpline Lo-call No. 1890 289 389.
Work Permits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:655 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a work permit can be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1966/08]
The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that no valid application has been received in respect of the above named. However, it would appear that his immigration status as a student would preclude him from entering full-time employment.
Departmental Expenditure.
Enda Kenny
Question:656 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount spent by his Department on media monitoring or press cutting services for each of the years 2002 to 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1982/08]
Expenditure by my Department on media monitoring or press cutting services for the years 2002-2007 is as follows:
|
Year |
Press Cutting Services |
Other Media Monitoring Services |
|
€ |
||
|
2002 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
2003 |
23,073 |
Nil |
|
2004 |
43,598 |
Nil |
|
2005 |
49,822 |
Nil |
|
2006 |
53,791 |
Nil |
|
2007 |
55,902 |
Nil |
All costs are inclusive of VAT.
The press cutting service is provide by Media World 7 days a week 364 days a year, and includes the following:
1. Electronic delivery of relevant content* from the 9 National* titles (*see table below).
2. Hardcopy delivery of the same content & Ministerial Photographs on a daily basis.
3. Hardcopy delivery of additional content from 41 specific Regional* titles, as and when published (*see table below).
The service provided is fully automated. The electronic cuttings are replicated to the Department's Intranet at 8:30 am every morning, except for the Sunday weekend cuttings, which are made available the following Monday morning. Hardcopy material is provided to the Press Office before 10:00am each weekday morning.
At current rates the cost averages €154 per day and represents good value for money. The service ensures that staff of my Department do not have to spend any time on the labour-intensive tasks of reading, selecting, copying, formatting or archiving press items. The fact that the service is electronically available makes it much more accessible to all staff and also provides a searchable database of articles dating back to 2004.
There are over 500 visits per day to the press cuttings application on my Department's Intranet. In a recent survey of the intranet, respondents found it to be one of the most useful services provided.
|
National Titles |
Regional Titles |
Headings |
|
Daily The Irish Times Irish Independent Irish Examiner The Star Sunday Ireland on Sunday Sunday Times Sunday Independent Sunday Tribune |
Anglo-Celt Clare Champion Connacht Sentinel Connaught Telegraph Connacht Tribune The Corkman Derry Journal (Fri) Derry People & Donegal News Donegal Democrat (Thurs) |
Industries and Trade (26 Subject Headings) Labour Affairs/Industrial Relations (7 Subject Headings) State/Semi-State Bodies (13 Subject Headings) Consumer Affairs (6 Subject Headings) General (10 Subject Headings) |
|
Sunday Business Post |
Donegal Democrat (Tues)/People’s Press Drogheda Independent Dundalk Argus Dundalk Democrat Kerryman Kilkenny People Leinster Express/Offaly Express Leinster Leader Leitrim Observer Limerick Leader Limerick Chronicle Longford Leader Longford News Mayo News Meath Chronicle Midland/Tullamore Tribune Munster Express Nationalist Series (Carlow, Kildare, Laois) Nationalist & Munster Advertiser (Clonmel) Nenagh Guardian Northern Standard People Newspapers (Six Titles) Roscommon Champion Roscommon Herald Sligo Champion Southern Star Tipperary Star Tuam Herald Waterford News & Star Western People, The Westmeath Examiner Westmeath Offaly Independent |
Job Creation.
Tom Hayes
Question:657 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of visits by prospective employers to IDA sites in Tipperary south in 2007. [2008/08]
IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland and its regions. The marketing of individual areas for new or expansion FDI investments and jobs is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency.
At present there are 12 IDA Ireland supported companies in South Tipperary, employing approximately 2,981 people. The key industry sector for South Tipperary is Life Sciences, which accounts for almost 90% of employment. The largest employers are Abbott and Boston Scientific, followed by Merck Sharp & Dohme, Pinewood Laboratories (Workhardt) and Clonmel Healthcare.
In marketing South Tipperary for new foreign direct investment, IDA Ireland is focused on attracting overseas companies in the services and knowledge based industries, including advanced manufacturing. Recent key wins for the County have been Cordis and Alza in Cashel. Cordis is expected to be operational in the second quarter of this year. The future development of the Ballingarrane Estate in Clonmel, incorporating an IDA Business Park and Tipperary Institute, will be a key asset in the quest for further overseas investment in the County. I understand from the Agency that it did not host any visits by potential investors to South Tipperary during 2007. IDA Ireland continues to work closely with third level educational institutions in the region so that the skill sets necessary to attract high value added employment are being developed. Tipperary Institute and Waterford Institute of Technology are key resources that will be critical to the attraction and maintenance of overseas companies in the County. In addition, IDA Ireland maintains a close relationship with FÁS so that the requirements of industry, particularly in the areas of training and up-skilling, are being met.
Work Permits.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:658 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the EU agency workers directive; the reason the Irish Government is still opposing the introduction of this key directive with two other countries; if he will immediately introduce legislation to give effect to the provisions of the directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2013/08]
The Portuguese Presidency tabled for consideration, at the ESPHCA Council, on 5th December 2007, proposed Directives on Temporary Agency Work and the Organisation of Working Time in its efforts to fashion an overall compromise solution by way of an integrated approach to discussions of two sensitive dossiers. Regrettably, having identified the remaining issues of concern to various Member States, the Presidency was unable to progress these dossiers to a successful conclusion and concluded that the best option was to postpone a final decision on these matters. Ireland was fully prepared to assist in trying to resolve outstanding issues at the Council rather than postpone addressing these to a later date.
On my return from Council, I apprised the social partners of the outcome of the discussions and the current state of play regarding future progress of this dossier in a detailed letter dated 13 December 2007. The Government have at all times indicated that we fully support the thrust of the proposed Directive but that we are concerned that any such instrument must be balanced and respect the different traditions and practices at the national level. Thus if flexibility is to be permitted in the proposed Directive in relation to the principle of equal treatment for those countries with collective agreements which tend to be more binding in nature or legally enforceable, then other means for providing appropriate flexibility should be allowed for those Member States with a tradition of more voluntarist approaches to collective agreements.
As part of the Government's commitment under the partnership agreement — Towards 2016 — the elements of proposals for the draft Scheme of a Bill to regulate the employment agency sector are being finalised.
In the course of consultations on the proposed Bill some parties have raised matters not included in the current partnership agreement, including immediate pay parity on the commencement of employment. This demand is outside the scope of measures agreed in Towards 2016 and, in any case, does not have due regard to the arrangements in other Member States. It does not recognise the need for an appropriate balance with the flexible needs of enterprises and does not have regard for the needs and choices of agency workers.
With regard to legislation to give effect to the Directive, this does not arise as the Directive has not yet been adopted, as I have already mentioned.
Unemployment Levels.
John Deasy
Question:659 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the unemployment rate in each of the years 2003 to 2007 in the border, midland, west, Dublin, mid-east, mid-west, south east and south west regions of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2105/08]
The unemployment rate in the regions specified in the years 2003-2007, as published by the CSO in the most recent Quarterly National Household Survey, Q3, 2007, are set out in the table.
The unemployment rate has dropped for all regions, in the period 2003-2007, except in the Border Region where there is a slight increase.
Efforts continue to be made to activate the unemployed and assist them towards employment, training or active labour market programmes, with increased funding allocations made available under the National Development Plan 2007-2013.
The development agencies (IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and the County Enterprise Boards) will continue to promote job creation through the delivery of programmes to assist the enterprise sector to develop thereby creating new jobs.
|
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
|
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
|
|
Border |
6.2 |
5.9 |
5.1 |
5.9 |
6.6 |
|
Midland |
5.1 |
5.0 |
4.1 |
4.7 |
3.7 |
|
West |
4.8 |
3.8 |
3.9 |
5.0 |
4.6 |
|
Dublin |
4.8 |
4.2 |
4.7 |
4.6 |
4.8 |
|
Mid-East |
4.2 |
3.7 |
3.7 |
3.8 |
3.9 |
|
Mid-West |
5.6 |
5.7 |
5.0 |
5.4 |
5.5 |
|
South-East |
6.3 |
6.2 |
6.7 |
5.8 |
4.8 |
|
South-West |
4.7 |
4.5 |
3.9 |
4.1 |
3.9 |
Industrial Development.
John Deasy
Question:660 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the investment by the Industrial Development Authority and Enterprise Ireland in each of the years 2003 to 2007 in the border, midland, west, Dublin, mid-east, mid-west, south east and south west regions of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2106/08]
John Deasy
Question:661 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the per capita investment by the Industrial Development Authority and Enterprise Ireland in each of the years 2003 to 2007 in the border, midland, west, Dublin, mid-east, mid-west, south east and south west regions of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2107/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 660 and 661 together.
Achieving balanced regional development is explicit in the core mission statement of both Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland. It has been a guiding principle in the provision of Enterprise Ireland supports to client companies and in the formulation of initiatives to improve business infrastructure in the regions.
Enterprise Ireland is fully committed to assisting companies to grow and realise their full potential, working intensively with them on their business plans on a holistic basis to do so. Enterprise Ireland provides a range of supports, both financial and non-financial for client companies and institutions.
Enterprise Ireland also maintains extensive relationships with all of the regional and local development bodies and has a key partnership role to play with the country's agencies and organisations involved in entrepreneurial development.
Enterprise Ireland has approved funding estimated to be over €680 million between 2003 and 2007. This estimate is based on information drawn down from the Enterprise Ireland Client Support System Database. The approvals include funding for support to industry including R&D, and infrastructure such as Community Enterprise Centres (CECs). The estimates also include approvals to Shannon Development clients in the Mid-West over the period, as the indigenous development functions of Shannon Development reverted to Enterprise Ireland with effect from 1 January 2007.
The contribution of the FDI sector to our economic growth has been critical. Employment in IDA companies directly accounts for over 136,000 jobs or 42% of Industrial and Financial employment in the economy.
In keeping with IDA strategy of enhanced regional development, 64% of investments in 2007 were located outside of Dublin. We can look forward to securing new projects, new R&D operations and some broader research collaborations for Ireland again in 2008 from key target sectors such as Pharmaceuticals, Biopharmaceuticals, Medical Technologies, International Services, Information and Communications Technology, Financial Services and Digital Media.
I am satisfied that the policies being pursued by both Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland together with the roll out of the National Development Plan will continue to bear fruit in terms of continued investment.
Investment by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland in each of the years 2003 to 2007 are outlined in tabular format.
|
EU Region |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
All Years |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Border |
13,102,436 |
8,152,386 |
19,240,815 |
28,562,580 |
29,963,195 |
99,021,412 |
|
Midlands |
3,114,582 |
8,068,162 |
4,086,426 |
8,808,929 |
7,887,833 |
31,965,932 |
|
West |
9,407,161 |
8,721,854 |
8,462,516 |
16,174,307 |
14,670,007 |
57,435,845 |
|
Dublin |
35,695,754 |
29,394,692 |
38,162,859 |
49,950,043 |
34,853,585 |
188,056,933 |
|
MidEast |
6,714,379 |
8,360,649 |
6,135,694 |
16,618,009 |
10,612,946 |
48,441,677 |
|
MidWest |
12,748,558 |
3,407,853 |
5,284,088 |
8,726,807 |
34,572,786 |
64,740,092 |
|
SouthEast |
16,385,835 |
7,297,951 |
5,174,563 |
11,132,755 |
36,157,298 |
76,148,402 |
|
SouthWest |
13,522,710 |
9,408,621 |
14,915,661 |
20,357,973 |
57,614,618 |
115,819,583 |
Approvals to the specified regions on a per capita basis for the period 2003-2007 are estimated as follows: (Note: ‘Per Capita' is taken to relate to the population of the region as recorded by the CSO Census of Population in 2006).
|
EU Region |
Per Capita 2003 |
Per Capita 2004 |
Per Capita 2005 |
Per Capita 2006 |
Per Capita 2007 |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Border |
27.97 |
17.41 |
41.08 |
60.98 |
63.97 |
|
Midlands |
12.38 |
32.06 |
16.24 |
35.00 |
31.34 |
|
West |
22.71 |
21.05 |
20.43 |
39.04 |
35.41 |
|
Dublin |
30.07 |
24.76 |
32.15 |
42.07 |
29.36 |
|
MidEast |
14.12 |
17.59 |
12.91 |
34.96 |
22.33 |
|
MidWest |
35.31 |
9.44 |
14.64 |
24.17 |
95.76 |
|
SouthEast |
35.56 |
15.84 |
11.23 |
24.16 |
78.46 |
|
SouthWest |
21.77 |
15.15 |
24.01 |
32.78 |
92.76 |
Approvals by IDA Ireland to the specified regions for the period 2003-2007 are estimated as follows:
|
EU Region |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
All Years |
|
Border |
3,609,125 |
5,606,493 |
5,118,044 |
2,422,948 |
3,136,615 |
19,893,225 |
|
Midlands |
2,829,654 |
4,258,237 |
3,877,330 |
2,600,031 |
1,750,717 |
15,315,969 |
|
West |
10,813,906 |
8,610,143 |
9,003,866 |
11,863,371 |
8,770,532 |
49,061,818 |
|
Dublin |
25,751,771 |
16,744,150 |
14,707,968 |
24,674,835 |
30,581,411 |
112,460,135 |
|
Mid-East |
31,357,140 |
5,259,033 |
34,575,910 |
13,699,057 |
6,969,301 |
91,860,441 |
|
Mid West |
2,944,785 |
4,523,961 |
3,964,350 |
5,432,622 |
2,587,534 |
19,453,252 |
|
South East |
7,159,262 |
5,565,785 |
4,775,003 |
7,558,915 |
14,337,930 |
39,396,895 |
|
South West |
13,024,872 |
14,974,840 |
11,274,105 |
28,466,211 |
10,354,690 |
78,094,718 |
Approvals to the specified regions on a per capita basis for the period 2003-2007 are estimated as follows: (Note: ‘Per Capita' is taken to relate to the population of the region as recorded by the CSO Census of Population in 2006).
|
EU Region |
Per Capita 2003 |
Per Capita 2004 |
Per Capita 2005 |
Per Capita 2006 |
Per Capita 2007 |
|
Border |
7.71 |
11.97 |
10.93 |
5.17 |
6.70 |
|
Midlands |
11.24 |
16.92 |
15.41 |
10.33 |
6.96 |
|
West |
2.62 |
20.78 |
21.73 |
28.64 |
21.17 |
|
Dublin |
21.69 |
14.10 |
12.39 |
20.78 |
25.76 |
|
Mid-East |
65.97 |
11.06 |
72.74 |
28.82 |
14.66 |
|
Mid-West |
8.16 |
12.53 |
10.98 |
15.05 |
7.17 |
|
South East |
15.54 |
12.08 |
10.36 |
16.40 |
31.11 |
Data Protection.
Simon Coveney
Question:662 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of all instances since 1 June 2002 where personal data held by his Department or any agency under its auspices were compromised in any way; if the review by his Department of data security procedures announced on 22 November 2007 is completed; and the findings of that review in terms both of prior shortcomings and of future actions. [2161/08]
There have been no reported instances in my Department where personal data has been compromised since the date in question.
My Department is registered with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner for the purpose of the Data Protection Acts. My Department is very conscious of its obligations under the Data Protection Acts, and of the need to promote awareness among staff of these obligations. In this regard all induction courses for new staff members include a segment on data protection. In September 2007 all staff in my Department were issued with a Human Resources Management Handbook in hard copy format, which includes a dedicated Section concerning the provisions of data protection legislation, and highlighting the obligations and responsibilities for staff in this area. These obligations were reiterated to all staff in my Department by way of an Office Notice in November 2007. Physical and technical safeguards are in place throughout my Department. A secure ICT infrastructure and staff awareness programmes play a key role in supporting data protection.
Regarding ICT this is a continuous process, involving a combination of appropriately skilled people and the implementation of best-practice processes and technologies. Last year, my Department with the assistance of external ICT security experts, conducted a comprehensive review of ICT security across the Department and its Offices. The findings of the report now form a significant part of my Department's new ICT Strategy (2008-2010) and a programme of work is currently being undertaken which is designed to deliver ongoing improvements in the security of the Departments' ICT systems thereby minimizing the risk of compromising data and/or security breaches. This includes a programme of data protection and security awareness workshops, one of which has already taken place. The workshops are facilitated by experts in the field who prior to the workshop examine the business units involved in terms of information security and data protection.
The position in relation to the review by my Department of data security procedures to protect the confidentiality of personal data is that the review is almost complete and a report on the matter is expected to be forwarded to the Department of Finance shortly.
The registration of the agencies of my Department with the Data Protection Commissioner for the purpose of the Data Protection Acts is a day-to-day operational matter for the agencies concerned and one in which I have no function.
Accountancy Regulation.
Leo Varadkar
Question:663 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action a person can take where they are not satisfied that an accountant or auditor has discharged their responsibilities fully and ethically; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2221/08]
Leo Varadkar
Question:664 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority cannot inform a complainant of the outcome of their complaint against a registered body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2222/08]
Leo Varadkar
Question:665 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the role the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority has in assessing whether the standards and procedures used by the registered bodies are valid and fair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2223/08]
Leo Varadkar
Question:666 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the role of the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority in investigating complaints against accountants and auditors; the sanctions the authority can impose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2224/08]
Leo Varadkar
Question:667 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the self-regulation of accountants and auditors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2225/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 663 to 667, inclusive, together.
The system governing the regulation and supervision of the accountancy and auditing profession has undergone considerable change as a result of the enactment and coming into operation of the Companies (Auditing and Accounting) Act 2003. A major feature of the new system is the establishment of the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA), one of whose key functions is "to supervise how the prescribed accountancy bodies regulate and monitor their members" (Section 8 of the Act). This function includes approving and requiring changes to these bodies' constitution and bye-laws including their investigation and disciplinary procedures and standards, as well as amendments to these.
A person who is not satisfied that an accountant or auditor, having membership of a prescribed accountancy body, has properly discharged their responsibilities can lodge a complaint with the body in question, which must then apply its investigation and disciplinary procedures to the complaint.
Where these procedures have been exhausted, that person, if still not satisfied, can make a complaint to IAASA. If IAASA has reason to believe that the body's Investigation and Disciplinary Procedures have not been complied with, it may initiate an enquiry under the provisions of Section 23 of the Act. Having completed such an enquiry, if IAASA is not satisfied that the body has complied with its approved investigation and disciplinary procedures, IAASA may:
annul all or part of a decision of that body relating to the matter
direct the body to conduct an investigation or a fresh investigation into the matter
require that body to pay to the Supervisory Authority an amount not exceeding €125,000
Under Section 24 of the 2003 Act, following a complaint or on its own initiative, where, in its opinion, it is appropriate or in the public interest, IAASA can undertake an investigation into a possible breach of a prescribed accountancy body's standards by a member. If such a breach is found by IAASA, it may impose any sanction to which the member is liable under the rules of the body and an amount towards the costs incurred by it investigating and determining the case.
A person who is alleging a breach of the criminal law in respect of accounting services received from someone acting as an accountant, can make a complaint to the Garda Síochána or, in where an infringement of company law is being alleged, to the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement.
Section 31 of the 2003 Act prohibits disclosure, except in accordance with law, of information that:
(a) is obtained in performing the functions or exercising the powers of IAASA, and
(b) has not otherwise come to the attention of the public.
The circumstances where disclosure of information by IAASA is not prohibited are set out at Section 31(3) of the 2003 Act. These include, where the disclosure is, in its opinion, necessary to enable it to state the grounds on which it made a decision under Section 23 or 24 of the Act.
It is for IAASA to determine, in accordance with the provisions of the Act, whether and to what extent, it may disclose information in relation to any particular case.
Leo Varadkar
Question:668 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will legislate to give legal protection to the term “accountant”; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2226/08]
The then Minister for Trade and Commerce Michael Ahern T.D. received a report from the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority in March 2007 containing its considerations and recommendations concerning the issue of legal protection for the use of the term "accountant". That report was referred to the Company Law Review Group for consideration and evaluation, as part of their 2007 Work Programme, and I am awaiting their response.
Proposed Legislation.
Leo Varadkar
Question:669 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will amend the Companies Act 1990 to prevent developers from writing unfair terms in the memo and arts of residential management companies such as a provision allowing no annual general meeting to be held until all units are sold and clauses giving multiple votes or shareholdings to the developer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2227/08]
The Government has approved the drafting, by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel, of the Companies Consolidation and Reform Bill along the lines of the General Scheme prepared by the Company Law Review Group.
The General Scheme was designed to provide an appropriate framework for the formation and operation of companies and is framed primarily with private, commercially operating companies in mind. The underlying philosophy behind the proposals in the General Scheme is to simplify company law for the benefit of business operators and company law practitioners.
Recognising the role that company law could play in relation to property management companies, the Company Law Review Group consulted widely on its proposals and gave specific consideration to that aspect. As a result, the General Scheme contains a number of provisions with the express intention of facilitating the use of the company structure by multi-unit developments. For example, the membership limit of 99 which will ordinarily apply to the most common company type, the private company limited by shares, will not apply in the case of a residential management company. Also, the membership of a residential management company will be deemed to transfer from the vendor to the purchaser upon the sale of the underlying property to which the membership relates. These proposals represent very specific carve-outs from the general provisions concerning the standard private company limited by shares.
More generally in relation to multi-unit developments, a high-level interdepartmental committee, chaired by the Department of Justice, has been established to assist in the development of a coherent and comprehensive response to the problems arising in this area. A key task of this committee will be to identify the legislative and other actions to be taken in response to definitive recommendations for reforms which, following a lengthy consultation process, will be set out in the Law Reform Commission's forthcoming Report on Multi-Unit Developments, and to determine a timescale for their implementation. I understand that the Report will be published early this year.
Departmental Expenditure.
Leo Varadkar
Question:670 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of the people who attended the Skills Olympics in Japan in 2007 who travelled business class at the expense of the taxpayer; the number of those who were competitors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2231/08]
The Irish team that participated in the WorldSkills competition in Japan was comprised of competitors, judges/experts, team leaders, technical support personnel and WorldSkills Council (Ireland) members. All but four of the team travelled standard economy class. Four Council members travelled business class. Two of these did so in one direction only. This travel at business class was in accordance with the conditions pertaining for foreign travel in the respective organisations, FÁS and the Department of Education & Science.
Employment Support Services.
Leo Varadkar
Question:671 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide a list of the all of the applications for Skillnets funding; the county, where applicable, the submission came from; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2232/08]
Leo Varadkar
Question:672 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason twenty networks which met the Skillnets approval criteria were not granted funding in 2008; the basis on which they were refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2233/08]
Leo Varadkar
Question:673 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will publish the scores given to each of the Skillnets Networks approved for funding in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2234/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 671 to 673, inclusive, together.
Skillnets, which is a private company in which the social partners are shareholders, operates the Training Networks Programme on foot of a Funding Agreement and mandate from my Department. Under this Agreement, Skillnets is responsible for decisions on disbursements of funds provided from the National Training Fund, subject to the provisions of the Agreement.
The Agreement stipulates that Skillnets adopt a broadly based approach in terms of supporting training in all enterprise sectors, with emphasis on SMEs and training for the lower skilled. Skillnets is also mandated to seek to support the development of training networks across all regions of the country.
Skillnets is required to support new and existing networks on the basis of open and competitive public calls for proposals and transparent and equitable assessment systems. Accordingly, Skillnets has in place a project assessment system, including predetermined criteria and an evaluation procedure, which includes independent outside assessors. Decisions on applications for funding are for the Skillnets Board.
I am informed by Skillnets that the funding approved for 2008 is sufficient to fund 123 training networks and it is now in the process of agreeing contracts with these projects. On completion of this process, details of approved projects, including their regional spread will be published on the Skillnets Website.
I understand from Skillnets that it was not in a position to fund all of the networks which applied. I would point out that the funding for the Skillnets Training Programmes has been significantly increased by the Government from €7.5 million in 2005 to €26.5 million in 2008.
Industrial Development.
Ciaran Lynch
Question:674 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will confirm that an agreement was reached, and when it was reached, for the IDA to purchase the site in east Cork from a company (details supplied); if, after three years, the company has decided not to locate on the site; the details of this agreement; the amount of the expected loss involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2261/08]
The management of IDA Ireland's industrial property portfolio is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency, as part of the statutory responsibility assigned to it by the Oireachtas and it is not a matter in which I have a function.
For reasons of client confidentiality IDA Ireland does not comment on agreements, which it reaches with individual client companies. In the circumstances, I am sure you will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on this matter.
Company Closures.
Billy Timmins
Question:675 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding a company (details supplied) in County Wicklow. [2265/08]
My Department has made enquiries into the matter and it is unclear what company is being referred to in the question. Insofar as the Deputy is seeking information which is publicly available at the Companies Office I would refer him to that office.
Employment Agencies Regulation.
Leo Varadkar
Question:676 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will establish a code of standards for recruitment agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2266/08]
As the Deputy may be aware I am currently finalising proposals for an Employment Agency Regulation Bill which will modernise regulation of the employment agency sector and which will repeal and replace the Employment Agency Act 1971.
One of the features of this proposed Bill will be the establishment of a statutorily binding code of practice setting out standards of behaviour for employment agencies. The Bill will also provide for the establishment of a Monitoring and Advisory Committee representative of the Social Partners, the employment agency sector and Government Departments which will have the function, inter alia, of drawing up the code of practice for the sector.
Industrial Development.
Leo Varadkar
Question:677 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount a company (details supplied) has received or will receive in grants from Enterprise Ireland to establish a research and development facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2267/08]
Leo Varadkar
Question:678 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount a company (details supplied) has received or will receive in grants from IDA Ireland to establish a research and development facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2279/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 677 and 678 together.
On 3 December, 2007, I announced that Enterprise Ireland was to invest €4m to support the company's €11.4m research and development and growth strategy. The overall investment is expected to create 111 high level jobs, 70 of which will be in research and development. The agency's investment will be paid at agreed milestones over a three year period from 2008 to 2010. I should point out that the company is one of Enterprise Ireland's scaling clients — a company that the agency has identified as having particularly strong potential for rapid and significant growth.
Leo Varadkar
Question:679 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount a company (details supplied) received in grants from Enterprise Ireland with respect to the facility closed in 2001; the amount of same that was repaid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2280/08]
Leo Varadkar
Question:680 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount received in grants from the IDA with respect to the facility (details supplied) closed in 2001; the amount of same that was repaid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2281/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 679 and 680 together.
Payment and repayment of grants are day to day operational matters for the Industrial Development agencies. I do not have any role in day to day operational matters of the agencies. However, in this particular case, I have asked Enterprise Ireland to get in touch directly with the Deputy. There is no involvement for IDA Ireland.
Community Employment Schemes.
Phil Hogan
Question:681 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being encountered by participants and sponsors of community employment schemes here arising from the capping rules imposed in 2007 particularly relating to those participants over 55 years old; if he will review the present arrangements with FÁS to ensure that voluntary, sporting, health and other community organisations continue to provide continuity of services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2302/08]
Community Employment (CE) is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a fixed term basis. The programme helps unemployed people to progress to the open labour market by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to a work routine and assists them in enhancing/developing both their technical and personal skills.
In April 2000 limits were introduced on the amount of time that a person could participate on CE (3 years total time on CE from 3rd April, 2000 — participation on CE before this date is disregarded). CE capping was introduced to facilitate the movement of participants through the programme, allowing new participants who may not otherwise have such an opportunity to avail of the programme.
To cater for older workers in particular, in November 2004 I revised the 3 year CE capping to allow those of 55 years of age and over to avail of a 6-year period on CE (based on participation since 3rd April 2000). Subsequently, the participation limit for persons eligible for CE based on a Social Welfare disability linked payment was increased by 1 year. These measures were introduced in recognition of the fact that older participants and participants with a disability may find it more difficult to progress into the open labour market.
The aim of CE still remains as an active labour market programme with the emphasis on progression into employment. The programme is managed within this context, with regard to the availability of resources and the needs of participants and the community. However, it should be remembered that, in so far as participants remain on CE, they are precluding someone else from benefiting from the programme. FÁS makes every effort to ensure that differing levels of demand between neighbouring schemes are equalised. FÁS also operates the programme flexibly as far as possible to ensure the continuation of community projects.
I am advised by FÁS that it is not currently aware of any Community Employment projects that cannot fill vacancies due to the six year cap for those aged over 55 years. I should say that CE numbers on projects in the Drugs, Health and Childcare sectors are ringfenced. It should also be noted that FÁS and Local Employment Service Offices are available to provide information on other employment and training opportunities which may be available to those exiting CE.
In conclusion then, I would say that this Government will continue to support into the future the positive role of CE in meeting the needs of long-term unemployed persons while at the same time providing essential services to communities. In this regard, we are keeping the operation of the Scheme under constant review.
Barriers to Trade.
Leo Varadkar
Question:682 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the concerns that the proposed micro-generator scheme being introduced in the UK places unfair barriers in the way of Irish companies competing within the UK micro-generator market; the action that has been taken to date with regard to this matter and the action he will take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2376/08]
Directive 98/34/EC obliges all EU Member States to notify the European Commission of any technical rule, regulation or legislation that may affect trade within the EU. The Directive provides a pre-adoption screening procedure for all draft technical rules, regulations and standards relating to products.
The United Kingdom has notified the European Commission of a draft microgeneration scheme in accordance with the Directive. I understand that the National Standards Authority of Ireland, which co-ordinates the requirements of the Directive in Ireland, has sent a detailed opinion to the European Commission and EU Member States, which outlines its concerns in relation to the draft scheme proposed by the United Kingdom.
The United Kingdom responded to the Commission on 24 January stating that the scheme does not constitute a barrier to trade. The European Commission has until 11 February to consider the draft scheme and determine to what extent, if any, the scheme is contrary to legislative provisions governing the elimination of technical barriers to trade.
Redundancy Payments.
Mary O'Rourke
Question:683 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath who has not been awarded redundancy. [2411/08]
The administration of individual cases, such as this, is a day-to-day matter for FÁS as part of their responsibility under the Labour Services Act 1987.
I am referring the matter to the Director General of FÁS with a request that he reply directly to you.
FÁS Training Programmes.
Damien English
Question:684 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the services to the business division of FÁS are withdrawing funding in the north east and Dublin regions; if he will review this position to enable the upskilling of the workforce to continue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2427/08]
In order to further the implementation of the National Skills Strategy and the upskilling of those in employment, funding for the FÁS One Step Up programme has been increased in 2008. The FÁS Board has not yet approved the detailed FÁS budget for 2008. FÁS' 2007 Services to Business funding was €8 million for the Dublin region and €1.5 million for the north-east region.
Industrial Development.
Seán Connick
Question:685 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of new IDA supported jobs created in each county in 2007; and the number of jobs per 10,000 of population this equates to for each county. [2453/08]
The Forfás Annual Employment Survey reports on job gains and losses in companies that are clients of the industrial development agencies. Information is aggregated at county level.
The number of new jobs created in IDA supported companies in each county during 2007 is set out in the following tabular statement. Also included in the table are the population figures for each county sourced from the CSO Census of Population 2006.
|
County |
New Jobs |
Population in 2006 per CSO Census |
|
Carlow |
5 |
50,349 |
|
Cavan |
59 |
64,003 |
|
Clare |
22 |
110,950 |
|
Cork |
1,522 |
481,295 |
|
Donegal |
176 |
147,264 |
|
Dublin |
4,298 |
1,187,176 |
|
Galway |
383 |
231,670 |
|
Kerry |
120 |
139,835 |
|
Kildare |
68 |
186,335 |
|
Kilkenny |
93 |
87,558 |
|
Laois |
9 |
67,059 |
|
Leitrim |
13 |
28,950 |
|
Limerick |
264 |
184,055 |
|
Longford |
19 |
34,391 |
|
Louth |
190 |
111,267 |
|
Mayo |
114 |
123,839 |
|
Meath |
136 |
162,831 |
|
Monaghan |
20 |
55,997 |
|
Offaly |
47 |
70,868 |
|
Roscommon |
17 |
58,768 |
|
Sligo |
36 |
60,894 |
|
Tipperary North |
9 |
66,023 |
|
Tipperary South |
604 |
83,221 |
|
Waterford |
370 |
107,961 |
|
Westmeath |
363 |
79,346 |
|
Wexford |
67 |
131,749 |
|
Wicklow |
192 |
126,194 |
|
Total |
9,216 |
4,239,848 |
Labour Inspectorate.
Denis Naughten
Question:686 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of fully trained and deployed labour inspectors with the National Employment Rights Authority; the corresponding figure for 31 December 2007; the number of inspectors in training on both dates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2476/08]
Considerable progress has been made in the recruitment and deployment of Labour Inspectors over the past year. There are now 79 Inspectors employed in the National Employment Rights Authority.
Twenty new Inspectors were recruited by the National Employment Rights Authority during 2007 bringing the total number of Inspectors deployed at the 31 December 2007 to fifty. The twenty Inspectors recruited have completed the core modules of the NERA Inspector training course and all fifty Inspectors deployed are involved in carrying out inspections and other associated enquiries at places of work with a view to determining compliance with certain employment rights legislation.
Since 31st December 2007 and following the competitions that were held towards the end of last year, a further twenty nine Inspectors have been assigned to NERA. Twenty four of these new Inspectors commenced training in January 2008, four will commence training in February 2008 and a further one will commence training in March 2008. It is proposed to incorporate these Inspectors in the scheduled training immediately upon assignment.
The final batch of eleven candidates is being processed at the moment and assignment dates are being settled individually according to each candidate's current work arrangements and other factors.
Work Permits.
Denis Naughten
Question:687 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of green cards issued each month in 2007; when details of the procedure regarding permanent residency will be available to holders of green cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2480/08]
Set out below is the number of Green Cards issued each month in 2007.
|
Month |
Number |
|
January |
0 |
|
February |
3 |
|
March |
129 |
|
April |
268 |
|
May |
315 |
|
June |
324 |
|
July |
446 |
|
August |
430 |
|
September |
325 |
|
October |
271 |
|
November |
259 |
|
December |
202 |
Green Card arrangements allow the employee to apply for immediate family reunification and will normally allow a pathway to long-term residency after two years. Applicants for long-term residency apply to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
Denis Naughten
Question:688 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if an applicant for a spouse’s or dependant’s work permit has to gain full-time employment or if they can be approved with part-time employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2482/08]
The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that spousal/ dependant applications can be approved for part-time employment, providing that the job offer is for at least the minimum wage and a fully completed application is submitted.
Denis Naughten
Question:689 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the waiting time for a spouse’s or dependant’s work permit; the number of applications to hand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2483/08]
The Employment Permits Section of my Department has informed me that the current waiting time for a spousal/dependant work permit is 14 working days in the case of a fully completed and valid application. The number of applications currently on hand is approximately 168.
Garda Investigations.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:690 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he will take to bring to a satisfactory conclusion to the ongoing efforts by a person (details supplied) to have their good name restored and their reputation rehabilitated following the specific false allegation made against them relating to three unpaid invoices; if his Department will issue a formal apology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2499/08]
As the House has already been advised in reply 17967/04, my Department was not a party to the allegations of fraud made in this case.
As previously confirmed to the Deputy, my Department was advised by the organisation concerned that the Garda Fraud Squad had been alerted to suspected irregularities. Following an investigation with which my Department cooperated, a file was referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions who decided that there were no grounds for action.
As the project to which the allegations related was co-funded by the EU, the Department was obliged, when it was notified of the allegations in 1999, to notify the Commission, in a Quarterly Communication of Irregularities required under Commission Regulations 1681/94 and 1831/94, that the matter was under investigation. Following the completion of the Garda investigation and the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions, a further Quarterly Communication of Irregularities was submitted notifying the Commission that enquiries had not found evidence to substantiate the allegations and, accordingly, that no irregularity had arisen in relation to the project.
In reply 17967/04 referred to above, my predecessor acknowledged that she and the Department were happy to accept the results of this investigation and confirmed that neither she nor the Department had any issue or concern to pursue with the individual concerned who has been so advised in writing. I can re-affirm that the same position applies today.
Site Investigations.
David Stanton
Question:691 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 579 of 16 October 2007, if a group has been established to examine the potential use of the former Irish ISPAT site in Haulbowline, County Cork; the membership of the group; the meetings they have had to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2574/08]
The Secretary General of my Department has held meetings with his counterparts in the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government, the OPW and the County Manager to identify the needs of Departments and State bodies insofar as the ISPAT site is concerned.
Considerable progress has been made in addressing a range of development issues associated with the former ISPAT site at Haulbowline including: — technical constraints; site boundary issues; identification of zoning issues; and other regulatory matters.
In addition, stock has now been taken of the results of site investigations, the status of current works on the site, the identification of issues requiring ongoing management and the identification of possible constraints to the remediation and redevelopment of the site.
Equal Opportunities Employment.
David Stanton
Question:692 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 281 of 23 May 2006, if he is satisfied that his Department has met the 3% employment quota for people with disabilities; the percentage of people with disabilities employed in his Department; the number of people with disabilities hired from outside the civil service for each of the years from 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2588/08]
The percentage of persons employed by my Department in 2006 who disclosed that they have a disability, was 2.9% of the total staff number. The disability census for 2007 is currently being carried out.
As the Public Appointments Service carries out the recruitment from outside the Civil Service for all Government Departments, including my own, my Department does not have any such details requested by the Deputy.
Decentralisation Programme.
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:693 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of civil and other public servants based in Dublin in his Department and agencies who have applied for decentralisation, who have been transferred to their decentralised post and are currently in position in the decentralised location outside Dublin; the number of civil and other public servants required for decentralisation under plans; the original and expected date for full decentralisation to be in place; the locations together with details of properties and land owned, purchased or planning permissions sought for the construction of premises for decentralisation; the costs incurred to date; the original budgeted for and expected total costs to be incurred for decentralisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2604/08]
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:696 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of civil servants and other public servants who have decentralised as at 31 December 2006 and the current date broken down into individual Government Departments and agencies; the number required for full decentralisation, broken down under individual Departmental and agencies plans; the number of currently decentralised locations in operation; the agencies with no progress; the values of properties purchased and sold in respect of the decentralisation process to date; the other costs incurred to date with the decentralisation process, broken down by category; the number of Departmental staff involved in administrating the decentralisation process since its inception; the number of planning applications in progress in relation to building decentralised premises and planning applications to be submitted, broken down by location and planning submission date; the original budgeted and the expected total costs to be incurred for decentralisation; his further proposals in this regard; the expected date for completion of the full decentralisation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3005/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 693 and 696 together.
Department Decentralisation: Under the Government's Decentralisation Programme my Department is required to relocate 250 posts to Carlow. The following business units/Offices of my Department are earmarked for decentralisation: Companies Registration Office/Registry of Friendly Societies; National Employment Rights Authority (NERA); Work Permits; Redundancy Payments Section; Insolvency Payments Section.
As at 31st December 2006, no staff from my department were decentralised to Carlow. However, officials of my Department, in consultation with the Department of Finance and the OPW, as well as decentralising staff and Business Units opened an advance office in Carlow on July 30th 2007. It is my understanding from the OPW that the yearly rental costs for this office is in the region of €369,000 and the fit-out costs were approximately €2,068,000.
The number of posts in this decentralised advance office is 100. Of the total number of staff in place in this office, 39 were decentralised from locations outside Dublin with the remainder decentralised from Dublin. The total number of posts in Business Units decentralising to Carlow is 288. As well as the 100 posts already decentralised to Carlow, my Department has 49 staff due to decentralise in the substantive move scheduled for the end of 2009, with a further 34 Carlow-bound applicants yet to be assigned from other Departments. The number of staff who have transferred from my Department to other decentralising Departments is 64 and a further 101 staff have applied to decentralise with other Departments.
With regard to the property side of the Department's move, the OPW completed the purchase of a site in Carlow town centre for the construction of my Department's permanent office in Carlow. I understand from the OPW that the site acquisition costs were €1,440,000. My colleague Minister of State Noel Ahern TD, announced on 13th December 2007 that the OPW has invited The Macquarie Partnership as the consortium to become the ‘Successful Tenderer' in respect of this decentralisation project. This forms part of a major PPP project, which also involves the provision of office accommodation for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in Portlaoise and the Department of Education and Science in Mullingar. The successful tenderer is responsible for submitting the planning application.
The OPW indicative construction completion date outlined in the 2005 Decentralisation Implementation Group Report was Quarter 2, 2008. I am hopeful, subject to no planning issues arising, that the completion of construction of the permanent office will be in late 2009.
With regard to decentralisation costs incurred to date, the most recent figure for non-property decentralisation costs for my Department, submitted to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance and the Public Service, via the Department of Finance, relates to the period January 2004 to June 2007, and amounts to €121,107 broken down as follows- (Travel and Subsistence €2,953, Incidental €847, Office Machinery €78,935, Office Premises €11752 and Consultancy €26,620).
The issue of original figure budgeted for and the expected total costs to be incurred for decentralisation is a matter for the Department of Finance. With regard to the number of staff involved in administering the decentralisation project, a Decentralisation Implementation Committee has been set up to drive the process within my Department. The Implementation Committee is chaired by the Assistant Secretary, Corporate Services Division and comprises key personnel within the Department who are involved in the decentralisation process. These include the Department's Decentralisation Liaison Officer, the Heads of Sections/Offices to be decentralised and the Heads of IT Unit, Personnel Section, Training Unit and the Information and Organisation Resource Unit.
The Department's Decentralisation Liaison Officer is responsible for ensuring that messages and issues emerging are transmitted to the Department's Committee and that key messages/issues from the Department and its Offices/Agencies are fed back to the Decentralisation Implementation Group (DIG), via the Decentralisation Liaison Officers Group (DLOG), and DLOG Agency Subgroup, chaired by the Department of Finance. The Decentralisation Liaison Officer reports regularly to the Department's Management Board.
Agency Decentralisation: Under the Government Decentralisation Programme, announced in December 2003, six of the Agencies under the aegis of my Department are due to decentralise or have already been decentralised, as follows: FÁS. Under the Government's decentralisation programme, FÁS is due to transfer its head office including some 383 posts to Birr, County Offaly. In December 2006 there were 2 staff in the FÁS decentralised location in Birr, Co Offaly. FÁS currently has 21 staff members based in Birr who are working out of offices located within the Birr Technology Centre.
FÁS has completed the purchase of 5.59 acres (approximately) in Birr, Co Offaly, at a cost of €1.537 million, which excludes professional fees. A Planning Application is currently being progressed on behalf of FÁS by the vendor's Consultant Engineers and Architects, in discussion with the Consulting Engineers and Architects representing FÁS. In the meantime, since 6 May 2007 FÁS has leased a floor of a building within the Birr Technology Centre to accommodate staff in the decentralised location pending the construction and fitting out of a permanent Headquarters. The cost of renting these premises is currently €99,000 per annum plus VAT excluding rates. The total costs incurred to date are €3.257 m.
Enterprise Ireland. Enterprise Ireland (EI) is to move 300 posts to Shannon under the decentralisation programme. Progress on the full transfer of EI's HQ to Shannon, within the Government decentralisation programme, will be influenced by many factors including among others, the level of interest in the Shannon location expressed by CAF applicants and progress made in discussions at a national level. To date, no post has moved to Shannon under this scheme.
Enterprise Ireland (EI) working closely with the Office of Public Works (OPW) has identified, but not yet acquired, a preferred site for the construction of a new HQ building in Shannon. The preferred site is a 13-acre site owned by Shannon Development. The site occupies a prime position in Shannon and is considered suitable for a major landmark building or civic structure. Latest figures available to EI indicate that the Central Applications Facility reflects that no Enterprise Ireland staff have applied for decentralisation to Enterprise Ireland in Shannon. The number of applications received from within the civil and public service amounts to 25.
The expected total costs to be incurred for decentralisation is not known at this stage. The most recent figure for non-property decentralisation costs for the EI, as submitted to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance and the Public Service, via the Department of Finance for the period January 2004 to June 2007, are zero.
EI now has a major presence in the Shannon region. EI has established its new National Regional Development Headquarters in Shannon and has established the County Enterprise Support Unit in Shannon. Currently there are 40 staff working in the Shannon office and it is expected that approximately 65 EI staff will be in place in Shannon over the coming months. A senior manager has been appointed as Head of Regions and Entrepreneurship to oversee the establishment of the EI presence in the Mid-West Region. EI managers with responsibility for the County Enterprise Coordination Unit and EI Regional Development strategy as well as the Regional Director with responsibility for the Mid West Regional are now in place in the Shannon office. As part of EI's regional strategy, these six posts were assigned to the new office in Shannon from Dublin.
Health and Safety Authority. The Health and Safety Authority is to move 110 posts to Thomastown, Co Kilkenny as part of the decentralisation programme. Twelve serving staff members of the Authority have applied to transfer to Thomastown — 9 of these are based in Dublin. Fourteen staff of the Authority have applied to transfer to other Departments/Agencies under the decentralisation programme — 8 of these are based in Dublin. To date a total of 65 civil and public servants, including 12 Authority staff, have expressed an interest through the Central Application Facility (CAF) process in transferring to Thomastown.
In advance of decentralising to Thomastown, the Authority established an interim office in Kilkenny city. On 31 December 2006, 15 Authority staff had re-located to that office. Currently, 27 staff, including 3 of the 12 internal HSA Thomastown applicants, are based in Kilkenny, and including also new staff recruited for the REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) strategy. The only staff transferred to Kilkenny to date are serving Authority staff, as there is as yet no mechanism in place to facilitate the transfer of other civil or public servants. All staff currently accommodated in the interim office will move to Thomastown once the new premises are ready for occupation.
The Commissioners of Public Works have signed a contract for sale in respect of the site in Thomastown. A condition of the contract is that the vendor obtains the appropriate zoning for the site so that the Commissioners' planned development can take place. The required change of zoning has now been granted and the sale should close shortly. When the purchase is completed, expressions of interest for the design and build phase, will be invited from interested parties. It will be a matter for the successful tenderer to apply for planning permission at that stage.
The Authority's original date for decentralisation was 3 years from the date of the initial announcement i.e. 3 December 2006. In the Authority's Decentralisation Implementation Plan, it was proposed to have some movement in 2007 and completion in 2010. The current estimated timeline for availability for occupancy is 2009/2010.
The expected total costs to be incurred for decentralisation is not known at this stage. The most recent figure for non-property decentralisation costs for the HSA, submitted to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance and the Public Service, via the Department of Finance, relates to the period January 2004 to June 2007, and amounts to €297,923. Details of the original budgeted and the expected total costs to be incurred for decentralisation is a matter for the Commissioners of Public Works.
NSAI. Under the Government's decentralisation programme the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) is due to relocate to Arklow, Co. Wicklow. The number required to decentralise from the NSAI is 132. A total of 10 Dublin based staff of the NSAI have applied to decentralise to Arklow. In addition a further 86 Dublin based civil and public servants have applied for decentralisation to Arklow. No staff from the NSAI have transferred to Arklow to date.
The accommodation requirements for the NSAI in Arklow are being addressed by the OPW. To date no progress has been made by the OPW in identifying or securing suitable office accommodation in the Arklow area. No properties have been purchased or sold by NSAI in respect of the decentralisation process to date and no planning permissions have been sought to date.
The expected total costs to be incurred for decentralisation is not known at this stage. The most recent figure for non-property decentralisation costs for the NSAI, submitted to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance and the Public Service, via the Department of Finance, relates to the period January 2004 to June 2007, and amounts to €24,500 for consultancy services. The current NSAI implementation plan anticipates a target date of April 2009 as the completion date.
National Consumer Agency (NCA). The National Consumer Agency (NCA), which will be located in Cork City, was formally established on 1st May 2007. The NCA is currently staffed by employees of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment seconded to assist the Agency. In terms of the precise location of the Agency within Cork City, this matter is under consideration at present, including issues in relation to the premises and expected total costs etc. The Department of Finance has granted sanction for an overall complement of 80 members of staff. Furthermore, discussions are ongoing with the Department of Finance in relation to the manner in which the Central Applications Facility shall apply to the relocation. The Agency is expected to relocate to Cork in the course of 2009.
Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA). As the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA) is based in Naas, Co Kildare, the question of public servants based in Dublin is not applicable. IAASA has an authorised staffing level of 15, 9 of whom are in situ. An open recruitment campaign is currently under way to fill a number of the Authority's remaining professional staff vacancies. It is, therefore, open to any member of the public (including civil/public servants wishing to relocate) meeting the required qualifications for these posts to apply.
IAASA was established in December, 2005, and moved to its offices in Kildare in the following month. All IAASA staff have been based in its offices in Co Kildare since its establishment, and as such the Authority is fully decentralised. IAASA does not own any land or property, nor has it sought any planning permissions. Its offices are leased on its behalf by the Office of Public Works, said lease being for 20 years expiring in September, 2025. The full rental cost of €119,163 per annum is reimbursed to the OPW. As IAASA has been located in its decentralised location since its establishment, no specific decentralisation costs have been incurred.
Job Creation.
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:694 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, in respect of IDA backed jobs, he will provide a breakdown of the number created in Limerick and the mid-west, Dublin, Cork, Galway and Waterford for 2007 out of the total number created nationally of 9,216, broken down by location, company and number of employees; the breakdown of the number of IDA backed jobs forecasted to be created in 2008 for Limerick and the mid-west, Dublin, Cork, Galway and Waterford, broken down by expected date, location, company and employee number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2612/08]
The Forfás Annual Employment Survey reports on job gains and losses in companies that are clients of the industrial development agencies. Information is aggregated at county level. The number of new jobs created in IDA supported companies in Limerick and the Mid West, Dublin, Cork, Galway and Waterford during 2007 is set out in the following tabular statement.
Information on job numbers is provided by companies on a confidential basis for statistical purposes only. This information is aggregated at county level. It is therefore not possible to provide information at company level or for individual locations throughout the country. Also, for reasons of commercial sensitivity, IDA Ireland does not provide information on prospective investments or on negotiations in which it may be engaged with prospective investors.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) continues to contribute strongly to the Irish economy. In addition to direct benefits, FDI has multiplier effects throughout the economy, creates demand for high skills, advanced management and business processes, and guides beneficial national developments in education, science, telecommunications and other infrastructure.
I am confident that the policies being pursued by the Agency together with the roll out of the National Development Plan will continue to bear fruits in terms of economic investment in the years ahead.
|
County |
Number of New jobs |
|
Clare |
22 |
|
Limerick |
264 |
|
North and South Tipperary |
613 |
|
MID WEST TOTAL |
899 |
|
Dublin |
4,298 |
|
Cork |
1,522 |
|
Galway |
383 |
|
Waterford |
370 |
Decentralisation Programme.
Joan Burton
Question:695 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of civil servants and other public servants, who have relocated to locations outside of Dublin under the Government’s decentralisation programme; the estimated number of each category who will have relocated by the end of 2008; the breakdown of each set of figures in terms of those who are relocating from Dublin and relocating from elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2991/08]
My Department is required to relocate 250 posts to Carlow under the Government's Decentralisation Programme and this is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2009.
In order to accommodate staff who wished to move earlier than the projected building completion date of late 2009, officials of my Department, in consultation with the Department of Finance and the OPW, as well as decentralising staff and Business Units, opened an advance office in Carlow on July 30th 2007. The number of posts in this decentralised advance office is 100, and this figure is not expected to change significantly in 2008. Of the staff in place in this office, 39 were decentralised from locations outside Dublin with the remainder decentralised from Dublin.
The number of posts in Business Units decentralising to Carlow is 288. As well as the 100 posts already decentralised to Carlow, my Department has 49 staff due to decentralise in the substantive move scheduled for 2009, with a further 34 Carlow-bound applicants yet to be assigned from other Departments.
Agency Decentralisation. Under the current Government Decentralisation Programme, six of the Agencies under the aegis of my Department are due to decentralise or have already decentralised as follows: FÁS. Under the Government's decentralisation programme, FÁS is due to transfer its head office including some 383 posts to Birr, Co Offaly. FÁS currently has 21 staff members based in Birr.
Enterprise Ireland. Enterprise Ireland (EI) is to move 300 posts to Shannon under the decentralisation programme. Progress on the full transfer of EI's HQ to Shannon, within the Government decentralisation programme, will be influenced by many factors including among others, the level of interest in the Shannon location expressed by CAF applicants and progress made in discussions at a national level. To date, no post has moved to Shannon under this scheme.
EI now has a major presence in the Shannon region. EI has established its new National Regional Development Headquarters in Shannon and has established the County Enterprise Support Unit in Shannon. Currently there are 40 staff working in EI's Shannon office and it is expected that approximately 65 EI staff will be in place in Shannon over the coming months. A senior manager has been appointed as Head of Regions and Entrepreneurship to oversee the establishment of the EI presence in the Mid-West Region. EI managers with responsibility for the County Enterprise Coordination Unit and EI Regional Development strategy as well as the Regional Director with responsibility for the Mid West Regional are now in place in the Shannon office. As part of EI's regional strategy, these six posts were assigned to the new office in Shannon from Dublin.
Health and Safety Authority. The Health and Safety Authority is to move 110 posts to Thomastown, Co Kilkenny as part of the decentralisation programme. 12 serving staff members of the Authority have applied to transfer to Thomastown — 9 of these are based in Dublin. 14 staff of the Authority have applied to transfer to other Departments/Agencies under the decentralisation programme — 8 of these are based in Dublin. To date a total of 65 civil and public servants, including 12 Authority staff, have expressed an interest through the Central Application Facility (CAF) process in transferring to Thomastown.
In advance of decentralising to Thomastown, the Authority established an interim office in Kilkenny city. Currently, 27 staff, including 3 of the 12 internal HSA Thomastown applicants, are based in Kilkenny and including also new staff recruited for the REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) strategy. The only staff transferred to Kilkenny to date are serving Authority staff, as there is as yet no mechanism in place to facilitate the transfer of other civil or public servants. All staff currently accommodated in the interim office will move to Thomastown once the new premises are ready for occupation.
NSAI. Under the Government's decentralisation programme the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) is due to relocate to Arklow, Co. Wicklow. The number required to decentralise from the NSAI is 132. A total of 10 Dublin based staff of the NSAI have applied to decentralise to Arklow. In addition a further 86 Dublin based civil and public servants have applied for decentralisation to Arklow. No staff from the NSAI have transferred to Arklow to date.
The National Consumer Agency (NCA), which will be located in Cork City, was formally established on 1st May 2007. The NCA is currently staffed by employees of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment seconded to the Agency. The Department of Finance has granted sanction for an overall complement of 80 members of staff. Furthermore, discussions are ongoing with the Department of Finance in relation to the manner in which the Central Applications Facility shall apply to the relocation. The Agency is expected to relocate to Cork in the course of 2009.
National Consumer Agency and Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority. As the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA) is based in Naas, Co Kildare, the question of public servants based in Dublin is not applicable. IAASA has an authorised staffing level of 15, 9 of whom are in situ. An open recruitment campaign is currently under way to fill a number of the Authority's remaining professional staff vacancies. It is, therefore, open to any member of the public (including civil/public servants wishing to relocate) meeting the required qualifications to apply for these posts. IAASA was established in December, 2005, and moved to its offices in Kildare in the following month. All IAASA staff have been based in its offices in Co Kildare since its establishment, and as such the Authority is fully decentralised.
Question No. 696 answered with Question No. 693.
Sean Sherlock
Question:697 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the planned decentralisation of Bord Fáilte offices to Mallow, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1224/08]
A total of 200 posts in Fáilte Ireland, one of the State Agencies under the aegis of my Department, were designated for transfer to Mallow under the Government's Programme of Decentralisation. In June 2004, a Decentralisation Implementation Plan was prepared by Fáilte Ireland and submitted to the Decentralisation Implementation Group (DIG). Following a recent meeting with the DIG, Fáilte Ireland is preparing a new Decentralisation Implementation Plan and is also examining the possibility of sending an advance group to Mallow.
A total of 87 applications for transfer to Mallow have so far been received under the Central Application Facility (CAF). No member of staff of Fáilte Ireland has expressed an interest on the CAF in relocating to Mallow. Fáilte Ireland has not been designated an early mover by the DIG. However, the Office of Public Works (OPW) is currently assessing a number of options regarding suitable locations and properties in Mallow. No decision has been made in this regard to date.
Swimming Pool Projects.
Dinny McGinley
Question:698 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if there are plans in his Department to provide a swimming pool at Ballybofey/Stranorlar, County Donegal; if a site has been identified and purchased; the location of the site; if planning permission has been approved; if funding towards the project has been allocated; when it is expected that work will commence on the pool; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2615/08]
Under the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme there are four principal stages in a swimming pool project which are: Feasibility Study/Preliminary Report; Contract Documents; Tender and Construction. My Department approved the Preliminary Report for the Ballybofey / Stranorlar Swimming Pool Project in May 2007, allowing Donegal County Council to move on to the next stage which is the preparation of Contract Documents. I understand from Donegal County Council that these documents will be submitted to my Department for approval in approximately six months time.
Arts Funding.
Terence Flanagan
Question:699 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the locations the money and funding in Budget 2008 for arts has gone to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36063/07]
Terence Flanagan
Question:700 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount of funding that went into the arts in Budget 2008; if he will provide a breakdown of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1091/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 699 and 700 together.
In Budget 2008 my Department was directly allocated €208.457m for Arts and Culture purposes. These funds are allocated under subheads D.1 to D.10 of my Department's vote (35), indicating the distribution of this funding as between the agencies, cultural institutions and other areas of my Department's responsibility for 2008. Vote 33 allocated a further €12.610 million to National Gallery of Ireland, a National Cultural Institution under my aegis and an additional €23.894 million was allocated in the Office of Public Work vote for capital works at Cultural Institutions. I would refer the Deputy to the Budget Book 2008 for details on the specific allocations.
Judicial Reviews.
Damien English
Question:701 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the cost to and the damages paid by the State in relation to judicial reviews that his Department were responsible for in each of the years 1997 to 2007 inclusive; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [1105/08]
Damien English
Question:702 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of applications for judicial review that his Department was responsible for in each of the years 1997 to 2007; the number of applications where leave was granted for each year; and if he will present the information in tabular readable form. [1120/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 701 and 702 together.
Since its establishment in 2002 there have been no applications nor have costs or damages been paid in relation to judicial reviews for which my Department is responsible.
Legislative Programme.
Dr Martin Mansergh
Question:703 Deputy Martin Mansergh asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of Acts passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas sponsored by his Department in each year from 2003 to 2007; the Acts which were legislation wholly or mainly required by Ireland’s EU obligations, which were partly so required, and which had no significant or minimal reference to EU legislation; and if in the first two cases Ireland had significant discretion, as to the manner in which EU obligations were translated into domestic law. [1191/08]
The Houses of the Oireachtas have passed three pieces of legislation sponsored by my Department since 2003. The Arts Act and the National Tourism Development Authority Act were both passed in 2003 and the National Sports Campus Development Authority Act in 2006. None of these had any significant reference to EU legislation.
Arts Funding.
Michael Creed
Question:704 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his Department offers grant assistance for a project (details supplied) in County Cork. [1254/08]
Projects of the type referred to by the Deputy are normally considered under my Department's Arts and Culture Capital Enhancement Support Scheme (ACCESS). The ACCESS scheme is designed to assist in the provision of high standard arts and culture infrastructure, thereby enhancing access to the arts throughout the country. ACCESS has been widely acknowledged as a significant intervention in the provision of such facilities around the country.
In April last funding of €32 million was awarded to the promoters of 67 projects nationwide under the most recent round of this scheme, ACCESS II. The primary focus of this second round of the scheme is the refurbishment and enhancement of existing arts and cultural facilities and it will run from 2007 to 2009.
No application for funding under the ACCESS II scheme was received from the organisation in question. I will be announcing a further round of ACCESS funding later this year and it will be open to the organisation to apply for funding under the scheme at that time.
Departmental Properties.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:705 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of Department owned computer desktops or laptops or other data devices, such as blackberries and memory keys, reported lost, missing or stolen from his Department in each year from 2002 to 2007; the number of these that were later recovered or found; the number still missing; if any sensitive or private data was compromised; the measures in place within his Department to secure such portable or at risk data devices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1508/08]
In four of the six years referred to by the Deputy, no data devices were either lost or stolen from my Department. In 2006, in separate instances, one blackberry was lost, one desktop computer stolen and one laptop stolen, in 2007 one blackberry was lost, none of which were recovered. None of the devices in question held sensitive or personal information.
Neither sensitive nor personal information is stored by default on desktop or portable data devices in the Department and officials are requested not to save any such information onto the devices. This information is stored only on the Department's IT network, to which access is controlled by password protection and by firewall security systems.
The National Archives, an institution which is also part of my Department, has not had any laptops, mobile devices or memory keys lost or stolen during the period in question. Correspondingly, no sensitive data has been lost. In terms of security, these laptops and mobile devices would not hold particularly sensitive data and would be password protected for access.
Data Protection.
Damien English
Question:706 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of and the records kept by his Department of attempted hacking or suspected cyber attacks or other malicious computer security breaches committed against his Department’s computer systems. [1719/08]
My Department's IT Network is part of the Government Virtual Private Network (VPN) and, as such, is initially protected against intrusion by the VPN firewall. Beyond this level the network is also protected by the Department's own firewall system. This extensive firewall security blocks in the regions of 70,000 items of data traffic daily.
A log is kept by this system of intrusion attempts and alerts are configured to warn if any such attacks breach the network. The traffic which is allowed through the firewall is further filtered for so-called ‘spam' and the traffic which is subsequently allowed through that process is filtered for viruses and for content. No breaches of the firewall security systems in place by my Department have been made to date.
The National Archives, an institution which is also part of my Department, has had no recorded attempts of hacking, suspected cyber attacks or other malicious computer security breaches against its computer systems.
Horseracing Industry.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:707 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has received Horse Racing Ireland’s new strategic plan; if so, if he will take action in relation to the development of the horse racing industry on foot of the proposals outlined in that plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1819/08]
I understand that Horse Racing Ireland expect to present their new strategic plan, for the period 2008-2012, to me during the first quarter of this year. Implementation of the strategy is of course the responsibility of Horse Racing Ireland. Officials from my Department will monitor that implementation on an ongoing basis. Funding towards implementation of the plan shall be provided from the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund which is due to be reviewed by end of 2008.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:708 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the percentage of total funding for the horse racing industry generated from off-course betting in 2006 and 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1821/08]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:709 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the percentage of Horse Racing Ireland’s funding that was derived from the Exchequer in 2006 and 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1822/08]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:710 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the percentage of the current sports budget allocated to Horse Racing Ireland in 2006 and 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1823/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 708 to 710, inclusive, together.
The percentage of total Exchequer funding for the horse racing industry (i.e. from the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund) generated from off-course betting in 2006 was 77.4 % and in 2007 is estimated to be 49.7 %, with the balance being made up by the Exchequer in 2006 of 22.6 % and an estimated 50.3% in 2007. It should be noted that the 2007 figures for off-course betting receipts duty are estimates. I have been informed by my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, that the decline in revenue from off course betting in 2007 is due primarily to the reduction of betting duty from 2 % to 1 %, with effect from 1 July 2006, as provided for in the Finance Act 2006. The Deputy should also be aware that at the time of the enactment of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001 the rate of betting duty was 5%.
In 2006 the current sports budget (and expenditure) was €102.4 million. The total Exchequer funding to Horse Racing Ireland (i.e. from the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund) was €56.1 million and of this, €48.7 million was allocated to current expenditure, with €7.4 million allocated to capital expenditure, giving a percentage of 47.6 % of current sports funding allocated to HRI current funding.
In 2007 the current sports budget (and provisional outturn) was €118.2 million. The total Exchequer funding to Horse Racing Ireland (i.e. from the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund) was €58.5 million and of this, €50.6 million was allocated to current expenditure, with €7.9 million allocated to capital expenditure, giving a percentage of 42.8 % of current sports funding allocated to HRI current funding.
Departmental Expenditure.
Enda Kenny
Question:711 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount spent by his Department on media monitoring or press cutting services for each of the years 2002 to 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1977/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Total Expenditure |
|
€ |
|
|
2002 |
1,136 |
|
2003 |
10,793 |
|
2004 |
10,483 |
|
2005 |
15,018 |
|
2006 |
20,634 |
|
2007 |
22,137 |
The National Museum and National Library were part of my Department until May 2005 when they were established as separate entities but the expenditure by those bodies, if any, in that period is not available in my Department.
Data Protection.
Simon Coveney
Question:712 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the details of all instances since 1 June 2002 where personal data held by his Department or any agency under its auspices were compromised in any way; if the review by his Department of data security procedures announced on 22 November 2007 is completed; and the findings of that review in terms both of prior shortcomings and of future actions. [2156/08]
There are no instances of any personal data held by my Department or by the National Archives, which is part of the Department, being compromised in the period since 1 June 2002 to date. My Department has a range of measures in place to ensure that access to personal data held in electronic format, or hard copy, is limited only to those staff authorised to carry out duties in relation to such data. These measures are underpinned by Departmental policies and procedures, and by a range of security measures, including key card security, to prevent unauthorised access.
My Department's Information Technology systems are protected by security software facilities to prevent unauthorised access or interference from outside of the Department such as ‘firewall' protection systems and the setting of password protection both to access the network as a user and to access distinct software packages available on the network. There is also comprehensive protection against computer viruses and so-called ‘spam' emailing.
My Department's Deciding Officers under the Freedom of Information Acts 1997 and 2003 are trained, inter alia, in relation to the treatment of personal data for the purpose of the legislation. My Department's review of data security procedures, as announced by the Tánaiste in November 2007, is not yet complete. The findings of that review will issue to the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance in due course.
With regard to the agencies under the aegis of my Department the security of personal data held is a day-to-day matter for the agencies themselves.
Sports Funding.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:713 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has plans to ensure that Ireland’s team at the 2008 Olympics achieves success; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2337/08]
The Irish Sports Council, which is funded by my Department, works in partnership with the Irish Institute of Sport, the Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI), the Paralympic Council of Ireland (PCI) and the relevant governing bodies of sport in the preparation and participation of Irish competitors at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Significant progress has been made to date by all the agencies in preparation for the Beijing Olympics and Paralympic Games and planning is well underway in the lead up to the Games.
The Olympic and Paralympic Councils of Ireland are the agencies responsible for the organisation and participation of the Irish teams at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Irish Sports Council provides annual funding to both Councils for administration and programme costs aimed specifically at preparation for the Games. The OCI and PCI have responsibility for a number of areas including team manager training programmes, preparation visits to Beijing by key personnel, heat and acclimatisation strategy, the organisation of multi-sport camps in advance of the Games.
Primary responsibility for the preparation and performance of individual athletes rests with the relevant National Governing Body or, in the case of Paralympic sports, the Paralympic Council of Ireland.
Arising from the Sydney Review 2001 and the Athens Review 2005, the Irish Sports Council has introduced many initiatives and programmes to enhance the preparations of Ireland's Olympic and Paralympic athletes. These include the introduction of structured performance planning for each Olympic and Paralympic sport, the introduction of professional coaching and management structures within the sports with the appointment of full-time performance personnel, the review and subsequent revision of the International Carding Scheme, the establishment of the Irish Institute of Sport which has a brief to drive excellence in the development of high performance sport and support services for athletes, the introduction of professional administrative and support structures in the Olympic and Paralympic Councils of Ireland and the establishment of Olympic and Paralympic Performance Committees to ensure optimum cooperation in the preparation and performance of Irish teams.
Next month, I expect to announce the Irish Sports Council's package of investment in high performance sport. This comprehensive package will cover every aspect of Olympic and Paralympic preparation and will continue to build the infrastructure of elite sport.
Sports Capital Programme.
Pat Breen
Question:714 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the steps he is taking to provide sporting facilities for a community (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2409/08]
Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by my Department, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The 2008 programme was advertised on 13th and 14th of January and the deadline for receipt of applications is 29th February for paper-based applications and 7th March for on-line applications. Application forms are available from my Department or directly from the Department's website at www.dast.gov.ie.
It is open to the organisation in question, should they wish to do so and should they have a project which satisfies the terms and conditions of the programme, to submit an application for the 2008 Sports Capital Programme. I should point out that funding is not available under the programme for the purchase of land. However, Section 847A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 allows for tax relief on donations made to approved sports bodies for the funding of sports capital projects including the purchase of land. It is open to the organisation in question to avail of this scheme. Full details of the scheme are available from the Revenue Commissioners and a copy of the scheme guidelines are also on my Department's website.
Swimming Pool Projects.
Emmet Stagg
Question:715 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the expenditure review of the local authority swimming pool programme is completed; and when he will announce a new round of grants. [2540/08]
A Value for Money and Policy Review Report of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme has been completed by my Department. The Report examined, among other things, how the programme has worked to date and what changes, if any, are required to ensure its effective and efficient delivery.
Following consideration of the recommendations in the Report, it is my intention to launch a new round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme.
Equal Opportunities Employment.
David Stanton
Question:716 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism further to Parliamentary Question No. 281 of 23 May 2006, if he is satisfied his Department has met the 3% employment quota for people with disabilities; the percentage of people with disabilities employed in his Department; the number of people with disabilities hired from outside the Civil Service for each of the years from 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2583/08]
In the years from 2002 to 2006 my Department consistently reached the 3% employment quota for people with disabilities. However significant staff changes in the context of the decentralisation of my Department to Killarney have had an effect on the numbers since then.
In accordance with Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005 my Department compiled information relating to the number of people working in the Department who have a disability. The data received suggests that the percentage of people working in my Department who have a disability is 1.7%. It should be noted that the National Disability Authority has identified certain limitations which are common to all public service and civil service bodies in relation to the data gathering process and it is my understanding that further proposals are to be made by the NDA in this regard. My Department will liaise with the National Disability Authority in the matter.
It is not possible to say how many people with disabilities have been hired from outside the civil service as people are not required to disclose a disability when they are being employed. My Department employed an officer under the Willing Able and Mentoring (WAM) programme in 2006 but it was not possible to do so in 2007 due to staff turnover generally and the timing of transfers to my Department's temporary offices in Killarney.
Decentralisation Programme.
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:717 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of civil and other public servants based in Dublin in his Department and agencies who have applied for decentralisation, who have been transferred to their decentralised post and are currently in position in the decentralised location outside Dublin; the number of civil and other public servants required for decentralisation under plans; the original and expected date for full decentralisation to be in place; the locations together with details of properties and land owned, purchased or planning permissions sought for the construction of premises for decentralisation; the costs incurred to date; the original budgeted for and expected total costs to be incurred for decentralisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2599/08]
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:719 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of civil servants and other public servants who have decentralised as at 31 December 2006 and the current date broken down into individual Departments and agencies; the number required for full decentralisation, broken down under individual departmental and agencies plans; the number of currently decentralised locations in operation; the agencies with no progress; the values of properties purchased and sold in respect of the decentralisation process to date; the other costs incurred to date with the decentralisation process, broken down by category; the number of departmental staff involved in administrating the decentralisation process since its inception; the number of planning applications in progress on building decentralised premises and planning applications to be submitted, broken down by location and planning submission date; the original budgeted and the expected total costs to be incurred for decentralisation; his further proposals in this regard; the expected date for completion of the full decentralisation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3000/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 717 and 719 together.
Following the announcement of the Government's decentralisation programme in the 2004 budget, my Department, which has a staff of 131, excluding the National Archives which is part of my Department, was designated an "early mover" by the Decentralisation Implementation Group. (DIG). Initially, 15 staff from my Department applied for decentralisation to the designated location in Killarney, Co Kerry. Some of these have since opted to remain in Dublin. Subsequently, the Central Application Facility (CAF) received a further 152 applications from existing Civil Servants and 9 applications from Public Servants from both the Dublin area and from provincial locations.
To date, 70 staff have relocated to temporary accommodation in Fossa, Killarney, in two tranches, 45 staff in September 2006 and 25 staff in July 2007. The objective is to complete the decentralisation process by the end of 2008 by which time the Department will be operating from the Department's new purpose built offices in Killarney.
To effect the final phase of the decentralisation of my Department over the next twelve months it will be necessary to transfer 61 additional staff from both Dublin and provincial locations. Of these, 16 staff who intend to transfer to Killarney later this year are currently in place in my Department in Dublin.
To expedite the decentralisation process, temporary premises were secured by the OPW (Office of Public Works) in Fossa in 2006 from which the decentralised sections of my Department currently operate. I understand from the OPW that the new permanent building is on schedule for completion, with the planning process completed, and they expect it to be furnished, equipped and ready for occupation, on target, by the end of the year. No further planning applications are necessary in this case.
Excluding the cost of accommodation, the total cost of decentralisation incurred by my Department to date is €552,000, which includes the cost of office machinery, office and premises overheads, postal and telecommunications services and travel and subsistence. The bulk of the expenditure relates to office machinery and office and premises expenses, which represents over 70% of the total cost. The OPW are responsible for costs relating to both the temporary and permanent accommodation and therefore these do not fall within my Department's Vote.
The implementation of the Decentralisation process has been effected to date within the existing staffing resources of my Department.
No public servants in any of the agencies under the aegis of my Department designated for decentralisation have relocated to date. A total of 200 posts in Fáilte Ireland were designated for relocation to Mallow, 45 posts in the Arts Council to Kilkenny and 25 posts in the Irish Sports Council to Killarney. The agencies were not designated as "early movers" by the DIG. However the OPW are assessing various property options in respect of the three agencies. No planning applications have been made to date.
Expenditure by the agencies in respect of decentralisation is a matter for the agencies themselves I understand that no expenditure has been incurred to date.
Joan Burton
Question:718 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of civil servants and other public servants, who have relocated to locations outside of Dublin under the Government’s decentralisation programme; the estimated number of each category who will have relocated by the end of 2008; the breakdown of each set of figures in terms of those who are relocating from Dublin and relocating from elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2986/08]
The number of civil servants who have relocated to my Department's temporary premises in Fossa, Killarney, under the Government's decentralisation programme is 70. Of this number, 24 have relocated from Dublin and the remainder from provincial locations.
On completion of my Department's permanent headquarters in Killarney by the end of 2008 a further 61 posts are scheduled to relocate, in respect of which, 19 applications have been received from Dublin based staff.
No public servants have decentralised either to my Department in Killarney or to any of the three designated locations, Killarney, Kilkenny or Mallow to which the Irish Sports Council, the Arts Council and Fáilte Ireland, agencies under the aegis of my Department, are scheduled to transfer.
Question No. 719 answered with Question No. 717.
Pension Provisions.
Simon Coveney
Question:720 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the situation still persists whereby a person aged 65/66 in receipt of a contributory State pension is precluded from working whereas a person over 66 can work and receive said pension; the reason for the existence of this situation; and if he will take action to change it. [36058/07]
The State pension (transition) was introduced in 1970 when it was known as the retirement pension. It was designed to bridge the gap between the standard social welfare pension age, which at that time was 70 years of age, and retirement at age 65. Because of the purpose for which the scheme was introduced, a key qualifying condition was that a person had to be retired in order to qualify for a payment. Retirement was defined as not engaging in insurable employment, which today means earning less than €38 per week. The social welfare pension age was subsequently reduced in stages until it reached 66 years of age, which means that the retirement condition is now only effective for 1 year.
I consider it important that those who wish to continue in employment after normal retirement age should, as far as is possible, be facilitated and supported. Longer working can play an important role in ensuring that our pensions system is sustainable in the future and it can also be beneficial to the individual.
The retirement condition associated with the state pension (transition) is only one aspect of a much broader agenda which will need to be addressed if we are to create the conditions where people can continue in employment past what we now regard as normal retirement age.
As the House is aware, I published the Green Paper on Pensions on 17th October and this includes an examination of all the issues surrounding retirement age, the barriers faced by older workers who wish to remain in employment and the incentives in this regard which can be considered. A consultation process on the Green Paper is now underway and will remain open until mid 2008. The Government will respond to the process by publishing a framework for future pensions policy and I expect that this will happen towards the end of the year.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Sean Sherlock
Question:721 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount paid out in rent allowance by the Health Service Executive south between the years 2005 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1351/08]
There follows for your information a table showing expenditure on Rent Supplement in the HSE South area from 2005 to date.
|
Year |
HSE South |
|
€m |
|
|
2005 |
43.56 |
|
2006 |
46.30 |
|
2007* |
49.21 |
|
2008* |
2.81 |
*Provisional.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:722 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs further to the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 116 of 22 November 2007, the reason his Department have failed to address the issue of arrears of €2,000 in respect of rent which can only be resolved by means of a once-off payment to meet their exceptional needs; if he will address this aspect of the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1543/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:747 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if an exceptional needs payment in respect of rent arrears will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1642/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 722 and 747 together.
Under the terms of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive, an exceptional needs payment (ENP) may be made to help meet an essential, once-off cost which the applicant is unable to meet out of his/her own resources. There is no automatic entitlement to this payment. Each application is determined by the Executive based on the particular circumstances of the case. Eligible people would normally be in receipt of a social welfare or health service executive payment.
In the case of the person concerned, the Dublin / Mid-Leinster Area of the Executive have advised that they currently have no request for an ENP.
The Executive have further indicated that the person concerned, was advised by the Community Welfare Officer (CWO) in October 2007, to contact the local Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) to discuss the matter in order that an appropriate budgeting strategy could be implemented.
MABS provides assistance to persons who are over-indebted and who need help and advice in coping with their debt problem.
Live Register.
Leo Varadkar
Question:723 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people on the live register who are under the age of 25 for each month in each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2235/08]
The data requested is given in tabular form as follows. It was derived by my Department from data on the Central Statistics Office website (www.cso.ie). That Office provides a wide range of live register-related statistical data on its website.
|
Year |
Jan |
Feb |
March |
April |
May |
June |
July |
August |
Sept |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
|
1998 |
53,961 |
52,052 |
50,011 |
48,389 |
46,234 |
49,276 |
49,829 |
48,960 |
45,493 |
41,845 |
40,147 |
41,307 |
|
1999 |
41,884 |
40,095 |
37,979 |
36,484 |
35,164 |
36,856 |
37,642 |
37,070 |
33,985 |
30,314 |
28,748 |
28,613 |
|
2000 |
29,947 |
28,883 |
26,982 |
26,114 |
24,691 |
26,319 |
27,436 |
27,371 |
24,423 |
22,696 |
22,037 |
22,444 |
|
2001 |
23,569 |
23,239 |
22,473 |
22,590 |
22,303 |
24,680 |
26,484 |
27,200 |
25,406 |
25,428 |
26,635 |
27,509 |
|
2002 |
30,459 |
31,423 |
30,776 |
29,645 |
29,076 |
31,409 |
33,676 |
33,981 |
31,426 |
29,635 |
29,501 |
30,380 |
|
2003 |
32,807 |
32,946 |
32,248 |
32,045 |
31,677 |
35,194 |
37,291 |
37,349 |
34,099 |
31,603 |
31,106 |
31,443 |
|
2004 |
33,774 |
33,586 |
32,761 |
31,317 |
30,924 |
33,136 |
34,858 |
34,619 |
31,792 |
29,157 |
28,480 |
28,927 |
|
2005 |
31,046 |
30,977 |
30,393 |
29,288 |
29,119 |
31,708 |
33,155 |
33,491 |
30,614 |
29,126 |
28,937 |
28,994 |
|
2006 |
31,277 |
31,529 |
30,806 |
30,111 |
29,950 |
32,638 |
33,561 |
33,704 |
30,855 |
29,172 |
28,618 |
29,114 |
|
2007 |
31,110 |
31,120 |
30,818 |
30,510 |
30,561 |
33,872 |
35,333 |
35,832 |
33,240 |
31,831 |
32,236 |
33,289 |
Social Welfare Code.
Paul Kehoe
Question:724 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the policy in place to deal with the weakening pound and the currency rate used to calculate a UK payment as part of an Irish means tested claim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36052/07]
In assessing means deriving from payments received from EU Member States (including the U.K.) which do not form part of the EMU currencies, my Department uses the conversion mechanism provided for under Article 107 of Council Regulation (EEC) No. 574/72 on Social Security for Migrant Workers. The exchange rates for converting Sterling and other non-Euro currencies are published quarterly in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Under this mechanism the conversion rate used for means testing purposes is derived from the average of the daily exchange rates in the first month of a quarter. This rate is then used in all conversions made during the course of the succeeding quarter. Alternatively the conversion rate applicable to the next succeeding quarter is used if it is found to be more beneficial to the customer.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Noel O'Flynn
Question:725 Deputy Noel O’Flynn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if fuel allowance will be backdated in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will expedite a response. [36082/07]
The Fuel Allowance Scheme operates annually for a period of 30 weeks.
The current season's Scheme is running from September 24th 2007 to April 18th 2008. The standard rate of payment of the Allowance is €18.00 per week. An additional €3.90 per week is payable to people residing in certain listed urban areas where the sale of bituminous fuel is banned.
The person concerned applied for Fuel Allowance on 30th July 2007, and, in line with standard eligibility conditions, has been awarded this payment at the rate of €18.00 a week from the start of the 2007/08 fuel season, on the 24th of September 2007.
Bernard Allen
Question:726 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork, having been advised by FÁS to go to his Department to get funding for a safe pass in order that the person could take up a job offered, was refused funding for same; and if he will investigate the situation. [1001/08]
Under the terms of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive, an exceptional needs payment (ENP) may be made to help meet an essential, once-off cost which the applicant is unable to meet out of his/her own resources. There is no automatic entitlement to this payment. Each application is determined by the Executive based on the particular circumstances of the case. Eligible people would normally be in receipt of a social welfare or health service executive payment.
In the case of the person concerned, the Southern Area of the Executive has advised that they currently have no request for an exceptional needs payment from him. It is open to the person concerned to approach the Executive should he wish to make an application for ENP support.
Judicial Reviews.
Damien English
Question:727 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the cost to and the damages paid by the State on judicial reviews that his Department was responsible for in each of the years 1997 to 2007 inclusive; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [1116/08]
Damien English
Question:728 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of applications for judicial review that his Department was responsible for in each of the years 1997 to 2007; the number of applications where leave was granted for each year; and if he will present the information in tabular readable form. [1131/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 727 and 728 together.
The details sought by the Deputy are set out in the following table.
|
Year |
No. of Applications where leave was granted |
Costs paid by the State |
Cases not yet determined |
Cases appealed/ being appealed by Plaintiff |
Judgment awaited by Supreme Court |
|
1997 |
Nil |
||||
|
1998 |
Nil |
||||
|
1999 |
Nil |
||||
|
2000 |
1 |
Nil |
|||
|
2001 |
4 |
€904 |
|||
|
2002 |
1 |
€12,000 (this payment was made in January 2008) |
|||
|
2003 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
||
|
2004 |
1 |
€81,568 (Solicitors fees of €77,282 included in this figure) |
|||
|
2005 |
1 |
Nil |
|||
|
2006 |
1 |
Costs not yet decided |
|||
|
2007 |
3 |
Bill of costs not yet received |
2 |
Pension Provisions.
Richard Bruton
Question:729 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 17 who has lost out on entitlement to widow’s pension, because their marriage ceremony was conducted in a church and was not accompanied by a civil ceremony; if there is any evidence which he would accept as evidence of the bona fide nature of this marriage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1175/08]
I have been advised by the Registrar General that the position is as set out as follows.
As a general rule, for a marriage to be valid in the State, under the law that pertained at the time the parties celebrated the marriage, they must:
Have had the capacity to marry each other;
Freely consent to the marriage: and
Observe the necessary formalities as required by the laws of the State.
Section 29 of the Family Law Act 1995 provides that a court may grant a declaration that a marriage was valid. It is open to the person in question to seek legal advice as to the applicability of this provision to her particular circumstances.
Legislative Programme.
Dr Martin Mansergh
Question:730 Deputy Martin Mansergh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of Acts passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas sponsored by his Department in each year from 2003 to 2007; the Acts which were legislation wholly or mainly required by Ireland’s EU obligations, which were partly so required, and which had no significant or minimal reference to EU legislation; and if in the first two cases Ireland had significant discretion, as to the manner in which EU obligations were translated into domestic law. [1202/08]
During the period 2003 to 2007, a total of thirteen (13) Acts, sponsored by the Department, were passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas. In general, these Acts contain the legislative basis of the Social Welfare code, and provide for the schemes and services operated by the Department, and through the agencies which come under its remit. None of these Acts were wholly or mainly necessitated by the State's EU obligations.
In recent years, however, these Acts have also facilitated amendments to the Pensions Act 1990 in relation to supplementary pension provision. In this regard the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2005 amended the Pensions Act to provide for the implementation of Council Directive 2003/41/EC of 3 June 2003 on the activities and supervision of Institutions for Occupational Retirement Provision (IORP), generally referred to as the IORPs Directive.
The Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 also provided for the substitution of Part VII of the Pensions Act 1990. Part VII provided for equal treatment of men and women in Occupational Benefit Schemes. This new part further provided for the implementation of Council Directive 2000/43/EC of 29 June 2000 implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin (Race Directive) and 2000/78/EC of 27 November 2000, establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation (Framework Employment Directive) as they apply to Occupational Pensions.
In the course of implementing such Directives, officials from the Department sought advice from the Commission, where necessary, in relation to issues which arose regarding Ireland's interpretation of certain requirements. The Department was in a position to implement these Directives in full and within the required timeframe.
The Acts sponsored by the Department are as follows:
2003:
The Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2003 (No. 4 of 2003).
The Social Welfare Act 2003 (No. 41 of 2003).
2004:
The Civil Registration Act 2004 (No. 3 of 2004).
The Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 (No. 9 of 2004).
The Social Welfare Act 2004 (No. 41 of 2004).
2005:
The Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2005 (No. 4 of 2005).
The Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (No. 26 of 2005).
The Social Welfare Act 2005 (No. 30 of 2005).
2006:
The Social Welfare Law Reform and Pensions Act 2006 (No. 5 of 2006).
The Social Welfare Act 2006 (No. 36 of 2006).
2007:
The Citizens Information Act 2007 (No. 2 of 2007).
The Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2007 (No. 8 of 2007).
The Social Welfare Act 2007 (No. 40 of 2007).
Departmental Offices.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:731 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when the review in respect of the Dunmanway Social Welfare Office commenced; when it was completed; and when the outcome of the review will be made public. [1313/08]
As provided for in my Department's Modernisation Action Plan, a strategic review of customer facing services is being undertaken this year. The terms of reference for this review provide, inter alia, for recommendations in relation to the criteria to be used to determine the locations in which my Department should have a Local Office or Branch Office presence.
The position in relation to the Branch Office in Dunmanway will be considered in the light of the report on this review.
My Department has put measures in place to ensure continuity of service for customers in the Dunmanway area and these measures are working very effectively.
Live Register.
Sean Sherlock
Question:732 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people on the live register in Mallow, County Cork including the number of those who are long-term unemployed for the years 2005 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1353/08]
Sean Sherlock
Question:733 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people on the live register in Mitchelstown, County Cork including the number of those long-term unemployed for the years 2005 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1354/08]
Sean Sherlock
Question:734 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people on the live register in Cobh, County Cork including those who are long-term unemployed for the years 2005 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1355/08]
Sean Sherlock
Question:735 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people on the live register in Youghal, County Cork including the number of those who are long-term unemployed for the years 2005 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1356/08]
Sean Sherlock
Question:736 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people on the live register in Midleton, County Cork including the number of those who are long-term unemployed for the years 2005 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1357/08]
Sean Sherlock
Question:737 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people on the live register in Fermoy, County Cork including the number of those who are long-term unemployed for the years 2005 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1358/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 732 to 737, inclusive, together.
The data requested is collated by my Department at local office level and is given in tabular form as follows in respect of offices located at Mallow, Cobh, Youghal, Midleton and Fermoy for the years 2005 to 2007 as recorded for the last Friday in each of these years.
|
December 2005 |
December 2006 |
December 2007 |
|
|
Cobh |
|||
|
Total on LR |
388 |
361 |
378 |
|
Long Term Unemployed |
61 |
52 |
57 |
|
Mallow |
|||
|
Total on LR |
737 |
738 |
908 |
|
Long Term Unemployed |
181 |
175 |
220 |
|
Midleton |
|||
|
Total on LR |
1,108 |
1,028 |
1,182 |
|
Long Term Unemployed |
324 |
320 |
320 |
|
Fermoy |
|||
|
Total on LR |
886 |
900 |
1078 |
|
Long Term Unemployed |
285 |
300 |
313 |
|
Youghal |
|||
|
Total on LR |
712 |
761 |
849 |
|
Long Term Unemployed |
256 |
287 |
319 |
Data in respect of Mitchelstown is not collated separately as there is no social welfare office there. The figures for that area are included in those of the Fermoy office.
The live register is published monthly by the Central Statistics Office. The January 2008 live register is not yet available but will be published in the coming days. The live register figures and a range of related statistical data can be accessed via the Central Statistics Office website (www.cso.ie).
Social Welfare Benefits.
Brian Hayes
Question:738 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people who have availed of the back to education allowance scheme during the years 2000 to 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1374/08]
The back to education allowance (BTEA) is a second chance education opportunities scheme designed to remove the barriers to participation in second and third level education. It encourages and facilitates people on certain social welfare payments to improve their skills and qualifications and, therefore, their prospects of returning to the active work force.
The scheme enables qualified people who have been getting a social welfare payment to continue to receive a payment while pursuing an approved full-time education course. The scheme also provides an annual cost of education grant of €400 increasing to €500 from the academic year 2008/09.
There are two strands to the Back to Education programme — the Second Level Option and the Third Level Option.
Second Level Option (SLO)
A person may attend a second level course of study at any community, comprehensive, secondary, or vocational school. The course being pursued must be a full-time, day course of study that leads to a certificate recognised by the Department of Education and Science or validated by the Further Education Training and Awards Council (FETAC).
Third Level Option
A person may attend an approved third level course of study at any recognised university or third level institution. The course must be a full-time day course of study recognised by the Department of Education and Science for the Higher Education Grant Scheme, the Vocational Education Committee's Scholarship Scheme, the Third Level Maintenance Grant Scheme for Trainees or validated by the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC).
The details requested are given in tabular form for the academic years 1999/2000 to 2006/2007 inclusive.
|
Academic year |
Second Level Option |
Third Level Option |
Total |
|
1999/2000 |
623 |
4,765 |
5,388 |
|
2000/2001 |
762 |
4,843 |
5,605 |
|
2001/2002 |
883 |
4,431 |
5,314 |
|
2002/2003 |
1,505 |
4,968 |
6,473 |
|
2003/2004 |
2,190 |
5,458 |
7,648 |
|
2004/2005 |
3,023 |
4,285 |
7,308 |
|
2005/2006 |
2,975 |
4,310 |
7,285 |
|
2006/2007 |
3,359 |
4,731 |
8,090 |
Jack Wall
Question:739 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason rent supplement has been reduced for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1416/08]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme (SWA) is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare Service of the Health Service Executive (HSE).
The means test for the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, through which rent supplement is provided, requires that additional income, including maintenance payments for a lone parent and his/her children, must be taken into account in determining a person's entitlements under the scheme.
The HSE has advised that it has revised the amount of rent supplement payable in this case. Maintenance payments of €100 a week have now been included in the assessment of means. If the person concerned is not satisfied with this decision, it is open to her to lodge an appeal to the Appeals Office of the HSE.
Asylum Support Services.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:740 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if it is the case that individuals and families who would otherwise qualify for benefit from the State are disqualified automatically if they leave allocated accommodation, such as that allocated to refugees; if such a ruling prevails if it is in accordance with Irish, European, and international law; and if in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway his attention has been drawn to the fact that such a ruling has left a family of three people without food or sustenance. [1431/08]
Direct Provision and all matters relating to supports for asylum seekers is the responsibility of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and of the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of that Department.
Persons in Direct Provision are not regarded as being habitually resident in the state. A person who leaves Direct Provision while his/her asylum status is undecided is not entitled to claim any social welfare payment that is subject to the habitual residence condition. The habitual residence condition has been in operation since May 2004 and is compliant with EU and international law.
The person concerned had been in Direct Provision up until November 2007 at which stage she left the accommodation and moved to private accommodation and her direct provision payment ceased. The person concerned has appealed the decision to the H.S.E.'s designated Appeals Office who are examining her appeal, and she will be notified of the outcome as soon as possible.
Departmental Properties.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:741 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of Department owned computer desktops or laptops or other data devices, such as blackberries and memory keys, reported lost, missing or stolen from his Department in each year from 2002 to 2007; the number of these that were later recovered or found; the number still missing; if any sensitive or private data was compromised; the measures in place within his Department to secure such portable or at risk data devices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1519/08]
Departmental mobile phones do not store customer data and while departmentally supplied laptops can be used to access critical customer information such data is not retained on the device following access. Industry standard security protocols such as password protection and security software are deployed to protect all departmentally supplied devices and preserve the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive data.
The following data devices, officially supplied by the Department, were reported stolen in the years in question:
2002 — One Laptop computer — while staff member was on public transport
2002 — Three mobile phones — while being returned to Headquarters
2004 — One Laptop — house break-in
2006 — Two laptops — one house break-in and one car break-in
2007 — One laptop — house break-in.
None of these devices have been recovered since.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:742 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a review will be undertaken on foot of a recent decision to refuse respite care grant in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo who provides ongoing care and attention to their mother; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1568/08]
The main condition for receipt of Respite Care Grant are that the person or persons in respect of whom the application is made must require full-time care and attention and that the applicant must be providing that care. The legislation provides that a person is regarded as requiring full-time care and attention where they require continual supervision and frequent assistance throughout the day in connection with normal bodily functions or to avoid danger to themselves.
The person to whom the Deputy refers submitted an application for a Respite Care Grant in respect of his mother and his brother. In relation to the applicant's brother, the Deciding Officer refused the application on the grounds that the care being given is in the nature of help around the house and farm which does not constitute the care and attention envisaged by the legislation. In relation to the applicant's mother, the application was refused on the grounds that her condition is not such that she requires the level of care envisaged by the legislation. The Deciding Officer based this decision on the advice of a Medical Assessor who reviewed the medical evidence submitted by her General Practitioner. Also, in relation to the applicant's mother, the Deciding Officer was not satisfied that the level of care he was providing was consistent with that envisaged in the Respite Care Grant legislation.
The above decisions were appealed to the Social Welfare Appeals Office, which operates independently of my Department. The Appeals Officer examined all the evidence submitted, including that adduced at an oral hearing, and upheld the decision of the Deciding Officer. A decision by an Appeals Officer's is final, but can be revised if new evidence, new facts or any relevant change of circumstances come to light after a decision is made.
It is open to the person concerned to make an application for the 2008 Respite Care Grant, if he feels that he may qualify. The earliest date for receipt of any such application is 10th April 2008.
Denis Naughten
Question:743 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will make provision for free travel for returning missionaries who spend a period of less than 12 months in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1584/08]
The free travel scheme is available to all people living in the State aged 66 years or over. This includes people aged 66 or over, such as missionaries, returning from abroad to live in Ireland. All carers in receipt of carer's allowance and carers of people in receipt of constant attendance or prescribed relative's allowance, regardless of their age, also receive a free travel pass. The scheme is also available to people under age 66 who are in receipt of certain disability type welfare payments, such as disability allowance, invalidity pension and blind person's pension and who are resident here.
Legal advice indicates that it would not be possible to extend entitlement to free travel simply to Irish born people living abroad, when they return here for a visit, as to do so would be contrary to European legislation which prohibits discrimination on the grounds of nationality. More recently, the European Commission has indicated that to extend the scheme to people in receipt of an Irish pension could also be considered discriminatory.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:744 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when rent allowance support will be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1634/08]
The Health Service Executive has advised that a rent supplement has been awarded to the person concerned in respect of her current address from December 2007.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:745 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when rent support will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1638/08]
The Health Service Executive has advised that a rent supplement has been in payment to the person concerned since February 2005. The Executive has further advised that the person concerned should contact the community welfare officer dealing with her claim if she wishes to have a review of the amount of rent supplement currently payable.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:746 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if an exceptional needs payments can or will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1640/08]
Under the terms of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive, an exceptional needs payment (ENP) may be made to help meet an essential, once-off cost which the applicant is unable to meet out of his/her own resources. There is no automatic entitlement to this payment. Each application is determined by the Executive based on the particular circumstances of the case. Eligible people would normally be in receipt of a social welfare or health service executive payment.
In the case of the person concerned, the Dublin / Mid-Leinster Area of the Executive has advised that they currently have no request for an exceptional needs payment from him. It is open to the person concerned to approach the Executive should he wish to make an application for ENP support.
Question No. 747 answered with Question No. 722.
Pension Provisions.
Bobby Aylward
Question:748 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will refer to the disregard of earnings from employment of €200 per week when assessing means for non-contributory State pensions; if he will include persons who are in receipt of small pensions from their previous employers in this category where this is their only source of income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1666/08]
In 2006, a wide range of important reforms were announced for non-contributory pensioners, including pensioners in receipt of occupational pensions, in conjunction with the introduction of the State pension (non- contributory). The new pension replaced a range of non-contributory payments for persons aged 66 and over including the old age pension.
All these schemes currently featured a common means disregard of €7.60 per week, which had not increased since the 1970s. This general disregard was increased to €20 with effect from September 2006 and was subsequently increased to €30 with effect from January 2007. Approximately, 34,000 pensioners who were in receipt of a reduced rate of payment gained from these changes, including many thousands of persons in receipt of occupational pensions and social security pensions from other countries. Persons in receipt of the reduced personal rates of pensions gained by up to €22.50 per week with additional gains for persons with qualified adults. Of the 34,000 pensioners in receipt of a reduced rate of payment in 2006, about 12,000 of these are now in receipt of the maximum rate of payment. In addition, from September 2006, a specific additional earnings disregard of €100 per week (now €200 per week) was also introduced where the pensioner is in employment i.e. working for an employer. This disregard is intended as an initial incentive to facilitate non-contributory pensioners who wish to continue working, or to re-enter the workforce.
This disregard does not apply to income from any other sources. Income from sources other than employment, including pensions was covered by the enhanced general means disregard of €30 per week referred to above.
The increases and other improvements in pensions over many years have been one of the major achievements of the Government. Since 2002, the level of the State pension non-contributory has increased by over 58% from €134 to €212 following Budget 2008. This improvement has had a marked impact on the living standards of older people enabling them to face the future with a greater sense of security and dignity.
This is most strikingly shown in the numbers of older people deemed to be at risk of poverty, measured on a relative income basis. The most recent figures from the EU Survey on Income and Living Conditions (SILC), which were published late last year, have confirmed the steady improvements of recent years. The risk of poverty rate for older people has fallen from just under 30% in 2003 to 13.6% in 2006. The fall last year was 6.5 percentage points from the previous year and this is before the significant improvement in social welfare pensions in 2007, and those announced in Budget 2008, are taken into account.
The Government is determined to maintain and improve on the progress we have made in improving pensioners' incomes. It is committed to achieving a pension of at least €300 per week by 2012.
Social Welfare Code.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:749 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans for widespread consultation in respect of his proposals regarding lone parents payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1686/08]
The Government discussion paper, "Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents," put forward proposals for the expanded availability and range of education and training opportunities for lone parents; the extension of the National Employment Action Plan to focus on lone parents; focused provision of childcare; improved information services for lone parents and the introduction of a new social assistance payment for low income families with young children.
The new social assistance payment, currently being developed by officials in the Department will have the long term aim of assisting people to achieve financial independence through supporting them to enter employment — for it is employment that offers the best route out of poverty.
Extensive consultation has been carried out at various stages in the development of the proposal. Submissions were invited from a range of organisations when the work first commenced in 2005. Thirty-nine organisations were contacted, including organisations participating in social partnership, lone parent organisations and other relevant organisations. Submissions were received from thirteen of these.
On publication of the Government Discussion Paper on ‘Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents', the Department of Social and Family Affairs organised a consultative forum to which a range of lone parent representative organisations, men's groups, women's groups, relevant agencies, opposition spokespersons, members of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social and Family Affairs, and other Government departments were invited. The Forum took place in Farmleigh on 27th April 2006. It was attended by the Minister for Social and Family Affairs who presented the proposals and the groups attending also presented their views. At the consultation forum groups were invited to make further written submissions and to meet with the Minister if they so wished, which a number of groups did. In May 2006 the Minister participated in a debate on the discussion paper in the Seanad and has presented the proposals to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social and Family Affairs.
This consultation has continued as the proposals are being further developed in this Department and across the other relevant Departments and agencies. A number of meetings have taken place between officials of the Department of Social and Family Affairs and lone parents groups. Presentations of the proposals have been made at various fora around the country. The discussion at these meetings and events has, and continues to assist in the development of the proposals.
Data Protection.
Damien English
Question:750 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number and the records kept by his Department of attempted hacking or suspected cyber attacks or other malicious computer security breaches committed against his Department’s computer systems. [1730/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, all major computer networks are subject to attempted unauthorised access on a constant basis.
The Department deploys industry standard hardware, software (firewalls and anti-virus) and process to protect its network from attacks of the type referred to by the Deputy.
Due to the successful operation of these procedures, the only incidences of network vulnerability to have arisen in recent years were:
In 2003 the Departments network suffered an outbreak of the Welchia/NACHI network worm which caused serious network problems, but did not cause any loss of data. Remedial action was taken and the worm was eradicated. The outbreak did not affect the integrity of any DSFA data.
In 2002 a telephone hacking incident occurred but the Department reacted swiftly to the intrusion and quickly sealed off the danger area. It has since then undertaken a major telephony hardware and software upgrade to guard against further similar attacks.
No other network vulnerability issues have arisen since these incidents. Network protection processes and procedures are kept under constant review and are updated as appropriate when improvements can be made.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:751 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if it is the case that asylum seekers who are in direct provision sign for a full social welfare payment despite the fact they only receive €19.00 per week; if he is satisfied with such a practice; if the remainder of the payment is transferred to the accommodation centre to which the person is allocated; the way this money is accounted for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1900/08]
All matters relating to Direct Provision, including the rate of direct provision allowance, are the responsibility of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and of the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of that Department.
Michael Ring
Question:752 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an appeal for retrospective jobseekers benefit will be finalised for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [1957/08]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the appeal from the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing. The person concerned will be informed when arrangements have been made.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of my Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
Waste Management Charges.
Michael Ring
Question:753 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on introducing a waiver system for refuse charges for older people and people on low incomes. [1960/08]
The setting of waste management charges and the introduction of waivers in respect of waste charges is, as has been stated in this House on many occasions, a matter for each local authority. Local authorities operate under the auspices of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
The introduction of a national social welfare scheme to address the issue would not be feasible given the wide range of charging regimes and cost structures that exist in respect of waste management throughout the State. Charges vary across local authorities and within local authorities where there is more than one provider. Some local authorities and private operators already operate waiver schemes but, again, the qualifying conditions for these schemes also vary. There are no plans to introduce a waiver scheme through the social welfare system.
Departmental Expenditure.
Enda Kenny
Question:754 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount spent by his Department on media monitoring or press cutting services for each of the years 2002 to 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1988/08]
It is assumed that the Deputy is referring to external media monitoring services. The cost of external media monitoring services to the Department of Social and Family Affairs for the years 2002 to 2007 is as follows:
|
Year |
Cost |
|
€ |
|
|
2002 |
— |
|
2003 |
510.31 |
|
2004 |
276.72 |
|
2005 |
11,601.34 |
|
2006 |
25,933.46 |
|
2007 |
26,360.81 |
Most of the task of monitoring media coverage of social welfare issues was carried out directly by the staff within the Department up to September 2005. The cost of this in-house service was estimated at about €46,000 per annum in 2005.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Jack Wall
Question:755 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position of an application for supplementary rent allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2067/08]
The Health Service Executive has confirmed that it has received an application for rent supplement from the person concerned in January 2008 in respect of a new residence. The Executive has advised that a decision on the claim requires an assessment of a housing need, provided by the relevant local housing authority, in respect of the person concerned.
In order to qualify for a rent supplement a person must satisfy the Health Service Executive that he/she has a housing need which he/she cannot meet from his or her own resources and must apply to the local housing authority for an assessment of housing needs, if requested to do so by the Health Service Executive.
Once the applicant is assessed by a housing authority as having a housing need, entitlement to rent supplement will be examined subject to the other qualifying conditions of the scheme.
Data Protection.
Simon Coveney
Question:756 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the details of all instances since 1 June 2002 where personal data held by his Department or any agency under its auspices were compromised in any way; if the review by his Department of data security procedures announced on 22 November 2007 is completed; and the findings of that review in terms both of prior shortcomings and of future actions. [2167/08]
This Department administers some fifty schemes and makes payments to one million people each week. Because of the nature, scale and diversity of its work, the Department holds extensive and detailed personal information about its customers and takes its responsibilities to safeguard this data extremely seriously.
Every effort is made by the Department and the agencies under its aegis to ensure that personal customer data is used solely for business purposes and that it is not compromised in any way. Since 1 June, 2002, the following breaches have occurred:
|
Year |
Details of Incident |
|
2003 |
Unauthorised access by an official of a customers information. |
|
2005 |
Unauthorised access by 74 officials of a customers information and the unauthorised access by one other official of another customers information |
|
2006 |
Medical Certificates of Cause of Death for the years 1997-2001 went missing from the GRO office. (GRO became an agency of this Department on 1st January 2008) |
|
2007 |
Unauthorised access by 2 officials of a customer information in relation to 2 separate individuals. |
The review of data security procedures, announced by An Tánaiste in November, 2007, is ongoing at present. The Department recognises that security measures must continually evolve. There has been, and will continue to be, considerable focus within the Department and externally on the issue of data confidentiality. Over the past number of years, the Department has undertaken a number of Information Security projects and has established internal structures to implement its policies. In tandem with this, a lot of technical work has been carried out on the Department's infrastructures and systems. This work is ongoing and will incorporate the findings of the current review.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Jack Wall
Question:757 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason the social welfare payment of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has been stopped; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2214/08]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme (SWA) is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Apart from a number of excluded categories, anyone in the State who satisfies a means test, has applied for any other benefit or allowances, has registered for work with FÁS, if they are of working age, and satisfies a habitual residency test may qualify for a weekly payment of SWA. Under the relevant legislative provisions, a number of categories are specifically excluded from receiving the allowance. These are people in full-time work, people in full-time education and people involved in trade disputes.
In any individual case, the decision as to whether an applicant is entitled to an SWA payment is a matter for a Community Welfare officer (CWO), based on the circumstances of the applicant. While there is no automatic entitlement to supplementary welfare allowance in circumstances where another social assistance claim is in process, the CWO may award SWA in any case where the HSE considers that the circumstances of the case so warrant. The person concerned applied for Jobseekers Allowance (JA) in July 2007 and he has been in receipt of basic SWA since September 2007 pending the assessment of his entitlement to JA.
The person concerned had been asked by both the social welfare Local Office and the CWO in the HSE, to provide additional information in order that his claim for JA could be processed in addition to ensuring the continuance of his SWA claim. The person concerned failed to provide the additional information relevant to his claim and he was duly notified that his SWA claim would be suspended. The CWO suspended his SWA claim on 2nd January due to the non provision of requested information relevant to his claims for SWA. The person concerned called to the CWO this week and has been advised that his claim for SWA can be re-examined when the additional information requested has been provided. To date the Executive have not received this information.
Leo Varadkar
Question:758 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if there is a limit on the proportion of people or number of people that may be granted rent allowance in a particular neighbourhood or area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2256/08]
Leo Varadkar
Question:759 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if there are restrictions on the number or proportion of people that may receive rent allowance in a particular neighbourhood or area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2257/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 758 and 759 together.
In general there is no limit or restriction on the proportion or number of people that may receive rent supplement in an area. However Section 25 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2007 provides that a payment of rent supplement can be refused in respect of accommodation which is situated in an area notified to the Minister for Social and Family Affairs by the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government, as being an area of regeneration.
This provision is aimed at supporting Government investment in regeneration and attaining a good social mix between private, social, affordable and voluntary housing. The measures provided for in Section 25 are not a blanket refusal of rent supplement in areas of regeneration.
Specific provision is made to ensure that people already residing in such areas and in receipt of rent supplement may continue to receive payment; and people already residing in such areas in rental accommodation and who may have recourse to rent supplement in the future, would not have their entitlement restricted.
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on behalf of the department by the Community Welfare Service of the Health Service Executive. The purpose of rent supplement is to provide short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source.
Finian McGrath
Question:760 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3 will be assisted. [2276/08]
The Health Service Executive has advised that it has refused payment of a rent supplement in this case on the grounds that the person concerned is engaged in full-time education and is not in receipt of a back to education allowance.
People in full-time education are normally excluded from receipt of rent supplement under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. However, people participating in approved courses and who qualify for back to education allowance, receive a standard weekly rate of payment equivalent to the maximum rate of their previous social welfare payment. They may also qualify for rent supplement, subject to the standard qualifying conditions of the rent supplement scheme.
To qualify for participation in the back to education allowance scheme, an applicant must be at least 21 years of age. Lone parents and others may access the scheme at 18 years if they are out of formal education for 2 years or more. An applicant must also be in receipt of a relevant social welfare payment for at least six months, in the case of people wishing to complete a second level course, or twelve months in the case of people wishing to pursue a third level qualification.
The person concerned does not qualify for back-to-education allowance as she is less than 21 years of age and has been engaged in formal education within the past two years.
The decision not to award a back to education allowance in this case has been reviewed and the original decision not to award payment has been upheld.
Civil Registration Service.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:761 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on correspondence (detail supplied); if it is possible for the State to recognise the marriage referred to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2303/08]
I have been advised by the Registrar General that the position is as set out below.
As a general rule, for a marriage to be valid in the state, under the law that pertained at the time the parties celebrated the marriage, they must:
Have had the capacity to marry each other;
Freely consent to the marriage: and
Observe the necessary formalities as required by the laws of the State.The applicable statute at the time the marriage vows were made was Section 32 of the Family Law Act 1995. That provision states that a marriage shall not be valid in law unless the persons concerned notify the registrar in writing of their intention to marry not less than three months prior to the date on which the marriage was to be solemnised, or obtained a court exemption from the three month notification period, as provided for under Section 33 of the Act. These requirements are declared to be substantive requirements for marriage.
According to the details supplied, it would appear that these requirements were not met and the purported marriage would not appear to be entitled to recognition in the State.
Section 29 of the Family Law Act 1995 provides that a court may grant a declaration that a marriage was valid. It is open to the person in question to seek legal advice as to the applicability of this provision to his particular circumstances.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Mary O'Rourke
Question:762 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will review the case a person (details supplied) in County Galway who seeks supplementary social allowance. [2417/08]
The Health Service Executive has advised that it has no record of an application for supplementary welfare allowance from the person concerned. It is open to the person concerned to make an application for supplementary welfare allowance to his local community welfare officer. If he is unhappy with the outcome of this decision, it is open to him to appeal the decision to the Executive's designated appeals officer.
Mary O'Rourke
Question:763 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [2419/08]
The Health Service Executive has advised that the person concerned was refused mortgage interest supplement in November 2007. If the person concerned is not satisfied with the decision, it is open to her to appeal this decision to the Appeals Office of the Health Service Executive.
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme which includes mortgage interest supplements is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive. A mortgage interest supplement provides short-term income support to eligible people who are unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments in respect of a house which is their sole place of residence.
Mary O'Rourke
Question:764 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath who has been refused rent subsidy. [2421/08]
The Health Service Executive has advised that while no formal application for assistance has been received, under the supplementary allowance scheme, the person concerned was advised informally that she is not eligible for payment of rent supplement as she is in full-time education and is not in receipt of a back to education allowance. It is open to the person concerned to make a formal application for rent supplement to her local community welfare officer. If she is unhappy with the outcome of this decision, the person concerned may lodge an appeal against the decision with the Appeals Office of the Health Service Executive.
People in full-time education are normally excluded from receipt of rent supplement under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. However, people participating in approved courses and who qualify for back to education allowance, receive a standard weekly rate of payment equivalent to the maximum rate of their previous social welfare payment. They may also qualify for rent supplement, subject to the standard qualifying conditions of the rent supplement scheme.
Seán Connick
Question:765 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the length of the delays in processing applications for carer’s allowance, disability allowance, family income supplement, one parent family payment, State pension, supplementary welfare allowance and appeals. [2458/08]
This Department is committed to providing a quality service to all its customers. This includes ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are made as expeditiously as possible. The staff and other resources available to the Department are regularly reviewed having regard to the workload arising and other competing demands. The available resources are then used to discharge the Department's obligations towards our customers and in implementing cost effective controls to prevent and detect fraud and abuse.
Carers Allowance is a social assistance payment, made to persons who are providing full time care and attention to elderly people or to people with disabilities and whose income falls below certain income limits. The principal conditions for receipt of the allowance are that full time care and attention is required and being provided and that a means test, is satisfied.
The time taken to process a Carers Allowance claim includes three important elements; the time taken to carry out a medical examination of the claimant, where this is required, investigation of the claimant's means by a Social Welfare Inspector which can necessitate a visit to the claimant's home and confirmation that full time care is being provided.
There has been a continuous upward trend in recent years in applications for Carers Allowance. The Department received 10,700 new applications in 2006 and received over 18,000 in 2007. The average time to decide a claim in December 2007 was just over 10 weeks.
Disability Allowance is a weekly Allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged over 16 and under 66. The disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to both medical assessment and a means test.
The time taken to process a Disability Allowance claim includes two important elements; the time taken to carry out a medical examination of the claimant, where this is required and investigation of the claimant's means by a Social Welfare Inspector which can necessitate a visit to the claimant's home.
The number of disability allowance claims received in 2007 was 20,000 as compared with 17,600 in 2006. The average time to decide a claim in November 2007 was about 16 weeks.
Family Income Supplement (FIS) is designed to provide support for employees on low earnings with families. FIS is paid for 52 weeks provided a person continues to meet the qualifying conditions and a claim for renewal may then be made.
Entitlement to FIS is based on an applicant satisfying a means test and on certification of employment by the employer. In 2006, the Department received some 33,000 new and renewal FIS claims and 38,000 claims were received in 2007. The average time to award a FIS claim or renewal is close to 15 weeks.
One-parent Family Payment is a payment for men and women who are bringing up a child without the support of a partner. In most instances the applicant must be interviewed by a Social Welfare Inspector. Once the Inspector completes his/her report the file is returned to a deciding officer to determine the eligibility of the applicant to payment. The average processing time for One-parent Family payment claims is about 9 weeks.
State Pension (Non-Contributory) is a means tested payment for persons over 66 years of age. All income is assessable as means and this includes cash income, private pensions, foreign pensions, the value of any property (excluding the claimant's own home) and the value of any investments and capital which the claimant may have. Applications for State Pension (Non-Contributory) may necessitate a visit by a local Social Welfare Inspector to the applicant's home.
In 2007 the number of new customers awarded pension was 9620. This was an increase of 18.6 % on the 2006 figure of 8113. In December 2007 the processing time for claims was 18 weeks.
In order to qualify for a State Pension (Contributory) (SPC) at age 66, a claimant must satisfy a number of qualifying conditions. These require the claimant to:
(1) have entered into insurable employment before age 56;
(2) have at least 260 weeks full-rate contributions paid; and
(3) have a yearly average of at least 10 contributions recorded (taking paid and credited PRSI Contributions into account) from 1953 or from the date of entry into insurance (whichever is the later) to the end of the last complete contribution year before reaching pension age. In order to qualify for the maximum rate a yearly average of 48 contributions is required.
In 2007 a total of 20,170 new customers were awarded SPC bringing the total figure in payment to 237,599. The current processing time for awarding domestic SPC claims is just under 11 weeks. Where the claim involves employment in another EU country the processing time is approximately 17 weeks.
In order to qualify for a State Pension (Transition) (SPT) at age 65, a claimant must satisfy a number of qualifying conditions. These require the claimant to:
have retired from insurable employment;
have entered into insurable employment before age 55;
have at least 260 reckonable contributions paid;
and to have a yearly average of not less than 24 contributions paid or credited from 1953, or from the year of one's entry into insurance, whichever is the later, to the end of the last complete contribution year before reaching pension age.
In 2007 a total of some 8,000 new customers was awarded SPT. The current processing time for awarding SPT claims is 10 weeks.
Supplementary Welfare Allowance
It is open to all Social Welfare applicants to apply for Supplementary Welfare Allowance while their claim is being processed. The Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme (SWA) is administered on behalf of the Minister for Social and Family Affairs by the Community Welfare Service of the Health Service Executive. Claims for SWA are processed by the Community Welfare Service at approximately a thousand locations throughout the country. The majority of SWA claims are processed within a matter of days. Any instance of excessive delays in processing claims should be brought to the attention of Community Welfare Service management in the particular Health Service Executive area.
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that 75% of appeals are processed within 14 weeks, while in general all appeals are cleared within 22 weeks. In addition to affording customers the right of appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office, all customers who receive an adverse decision are advised of their right, where new facts or fresh evidence comes to light, to have their claim reviewed by a Deciding Officer of my Department. These procedures can enable a speedy resolution of the appeal as the Deciding Officer may make a revised decision on foot of the new facts or evidence received.
The social welfare appeals process is quasi-judicial and it is necessary for the Appeals officer to be satisfied that he/she has all the facts before making a decision on a case.
Gathering all the evidence takes time and impacts on the speed at which appeals can be decided. Furthermore, the Appeals officer must give the person making the appeal and the Deciding Officer the opportunity to make their views known on the facts of the appeal. In addition, where illness or disability is involved, it may be necessary to have a further examination carried out by a Medical Assessor of my Department.
Counselling Services.
Michael Creed
Question:766 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the funding that is available from his Department for 2008 for organisations working in the area of marriage counselling; the criteria used to determine eligibility; if he will consider funding an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2470/08]
The scheme of grants to voluntary organisations providing marriage, child and bereavement counselling and related supports is administered by the Family Support Agency. The focus of the scheme of grants is on the development of support services in the community for families, to enhance stability in family life and to assist families and their members deal with difficult periods which they may experience. The aim of the scheme is to ensure an accessible, high quality service which is delivered at low cost to the client.
The grant is intended to meet the running costs of providing a counselling/ support service. Capital funding e.g funding for buildings is not available under the scheme. Similarly, the cost of training counsellors is not fundable under the scheme.
Financial support for the counselling grants scheme has risen from almost €7.5 million in 2004 to almost €11 million in 2008. Funding under the specific heading of marriage and relationships counselling has also increased dramatically in the last 4 years. In 2008 approximately €6 million has been allocated to marriage counselling.
The following criteria are taken into consideration in allocating the grant funding — The demand for the service: this includes the number of clients using the service, the capacity to deliver the service and the number of people waiting for an appointment.The quality of the service: this includes management and back-up support for the service and the qualifications and training of the counsellors.
The majority of organisations providing a counselling service have professional indemnity insurance. This is generally taken into consideration as one of the indicators of the standard and quality of services being provided by an organisation and is required with the grant application.
Under the 2007 scheme of grants for marriage, child and bereavement services, Retrovaille Ireland sought and received a grant of €15,000 towards the provision of marriage and relationship counselling.
The 2008 scheme was advertised in the national and provincial papers the week commencing 21st January 2008. The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 22nd February 2008. Application forms have issued to all organizations that received funding in 2007, including Retrovaille.
Retrovaille's application for funding under the Scheme in 2008, including their application for funding to establish a regional service in Cork for the provision of marriage counselling, will be considered having regard to the available resources and the overall demand for funding.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Denis Naughten
Question:767 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans to review the habitual residence condition for the carers allowance application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2484/08]
Carer's allowance is a means tested social welfare payment for people providing full time care and attention to people who need it. In line with social assistance payments generally, one of the eligibility requirements for carer's allowance is that the applicant be habitually resident in the State.
All applicants, regardless of nationality, are required to be habitually resident in the State in order to qualify for carer's allowance. The question of what is a person's "habitual residence" is decided in accordance with European Court of Justice case law, which sets out the criteria to be applied in determining whether or not a person is habitually resident.
Each case received for a determination on the Habitual Residence Condition is dealt with in its own right and a decision is based on application of the guidelines to the particular individual circumstances of each case. Any applicant who disagrees with the decision of a Deciding Officer has the right to appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
The habitual residence condition is being operated in a careful manner to ensure that Ireland's social welfare system is protected, while at the same time ensuring that people whose cases are appropriate to the system have access to it when they need it.
The operation of the condition was reviewed by my Department in 2006 and the report of the Review was published on 1st February 2007. The full content of the Review may be accessed on the Department's website www.welfare.ie. I have no plans to further review the application of the habitual residence condition at this time.
Equal Opportunities Employment.
David Stanton
Question:768 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 281 of 23 May 2006, if he is satisfied that his Department has met the 3% employment quota for people with disabilities; the percentage of people with disabilities employed in his Department; the number of people with disabilities hired from outside the civil service for each of the years from 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2594/08]
The Department is committed to meeting the 3% target in accordance with its obligations under the Disability Act 2005.
According to its records, the current number of staff with a disability serving in the Department in January 2008 was 141 or 2.92% of total serving staff. This figure can fluctuate from time to time due to staff churn.
Under the self-disclosure survey, "Count Me In", developed by the National Disability Authority (NDA) for use by public bodies, 112 members of staff disclosed that they had a disability. The National Disability Authority is currently preparing another survey.
The majority of people with disabilities who were recruited in the Department were recruited by way of competitions conducted by the Public Appointments Service (PAS). There are two competition methods which PAS use to recruit persons with disabilities; the standard open competitions and confined competitions held specifically for persons with disabilities. The format in which records are held in the Department are not amenable to analysis to show the number of staff with a disability recruited by open competition for those years in question.
Decentralisation Programme.
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:769 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of civil and other public servants based in Dublin in his Department and agencies who have applied for decentralisation, who have been transferred to their decentralised post and are currently in position in the decentralised location outside Dublin; the number of civil and other public servants required for decentralisation under plans; the original and expected date for full decentralisation to be in place; the locations together with details of properties and land owned, purchased or planning permissions sought for the construction of premises for decentralisation; the costs incurred to date; the original budgeted for and expected total costs to be incurred for decentralisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2609/08]
Under the Government's decentralisation programme for the civil and public service, some 1,210 posts comprising the Department's headquarter sections and the Social Welfare Appeals Office are relocating to 6 locations — Sligo, Carrick-on-Shannon, Donegal, Buncrana, Carrickmacross and Drogheda. In addition, the Combat Poverty Agency and Citizens Information Board are scheduled to relocate to Monaghan and Drogheda, respectively, under the programme.
Since the introduction of the Central Application Facility (CAF) in May 2004, 1,812 employees of the Department have applied to decentralise of whom 729 are based in Dublin. A total of 521 employees in the Department are currently in their decentralising posts, 360 of whom are Dublin based. Some 346 employees have already relocated with the Department to their new decentralised location, of whom 175 were Dublin based.
The current indicative timeframe available to the Department is:
Buncrana — End 2009
Carrickmacross — 2010
Donegal — 2010
Drogheda HQ — 2011
Drogheda IT — No indicative timeframe
The Office of Public Works (OPW) is charged with securing accommodation for the decentralisation programme. The latest information from the OPW for this Department is detailed in Table A.
|
Department |
Location |
Status |
Site Acquisition Costs |
Yearly Rental Costs |
Fit Out Costs / Building Purchased |
|
(€0,000) |
(€0,000) |
(€0,000) |
|||
|
DSFA |
Buncrana |
Permanent Ownership |
1,106 |
||
|
Carrick-on-Shannon |
Lease |
800.0 |
4,331 |
||
|
Drogheda |
Permanent Ownership |
10,075 |
|||
|
Sligo |
Lease |
27.9 |
In relation to Carrickmacross and Donegal, it is understood that the Office of Public Works are in the process of acquiring sites.
The Office of Public Works has confirmed that there are no current applications for planning permission in their direct name. In the case of all projects associated with the Decentralisation Programme, planning permission, where required, is sought at an early stage of the procurement process. Where buildings are being procured on a Design and Build basis, the matter of obtaining a satisfactory planning permission is the responsibility of the preferred tenderer who has been selected for the particular project.
Table B outlines the budget allocation per year for decentralisation and the costs incurred to date by this Department.
|
Year |
Allocation |
Expenditure |
|
€m |
€ |
|
|
2007 |
2.07 |
50,142 |
|
2006 |
0.97 |
21,139 |
|
2005 |
0 |
6,005 |
|
2004 |
0 |
14,415 |
|
Total |
3.04 |
91,701 |
Joan Burton
Question:770 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of civil servants and other public servants, who have relocated to locations outside of Dublin under the Government’s decentralisation programme; the estimated number of each category who will have relocated by the end of 2008; the breakdown of each set of figures in terms of those who are relocating from Dublin and relocating from elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2996/08]
To date, 177 posts have relocated from the Department's Dublin Offices to Carrick-on-Shannon and Sligo. These posts were filled by 65 Dublin based staff and 112 provincially based staff.
In addition, a further 146 employees, of whom 111 are Dublin based and 35 are provincially based, have transferred to this Department's existing decentralised offices in Dundalk, Letterkenny, Longford, Sligo and Waterford to fill vacancies created by the current decentralisation programme.
In addition to the above, 201 employees of the Department have transferred to other Government Departments under the programme of decentralisation, of whom 91 were Dublin based employees.
A further 32 posts will decentralise from the Department's Dublin Offices during 2008 — 27 posts to Carrick-on-Shannon and 5 posts to Sligo.
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:771 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of civil servants and other public servants who have decentralised as at 31 December 2006 and the current date broken down into individual Government Departments and agencies; the number required for full decentralisation, broken down under individual Departmental and agencies plans; the number of currently decentralised locations in operation; the agencies with no progress; the values of properties purchased and sold in respect of the decentralisation process to date; the other costs incurred to date with the decentralisation process, broken down by category; the number of Departmental staff involved in administrating the decentralisation process since its inception; the number of planning applications in progress in relation to building decentralised premises and planning applications to be submitted, broken down by location and planning submission date; the original budgeted and the expected total costs to be incurred for decentralisation; his further proposals in this regard; the expected date for completion of the full decentralisation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3010/08]
Under the Government's decentralisation programme for the civil and public service, some 1,210 posts comprising the Department's headquarter sections and the Social Welfare Appeals Office are relocating to 6 locations — Sligo, Carrick-on-Shannon, Donegal, Buncrana, Carrickmacross and Drogheda. In addition, the Combat Poverty Agency is scheduled to relocate 25 posts to Monaghan and the Citizens Information Board is scheduled to relocate 47 posts to Drogheda under the programme.
The number of officers who had transferred to offices of the Department outside of Dublin under the decentralisation programme was 79 at 31st December 2006 and 346 employees had transferred at 31st December 2007.
Since the introduction of the Central Application Facility (CAF) in May 2004, 1,812 employees of the Department have applied to decentralise. Currently, a total of 521 employees in the Department are in their decentralising posts and 346 employees have already relocated with the Department to their new decentralised location.
To date, 177 posts have relocated from the Department's Dublin Offices to Carrick-on-Shannon and Sligo. In addition, the Department has decentralised offices in Longford, Sligo, Letterkenny, Waterford, Dundalk and Roscommon and a further 169 employees have transferred to these offices and other offices of the Department, to fill vacancies created by the current decentralisation programme.
In addition to the above, 201 employees of the Department have transferred to other Government Departments under the programme of decentralisation.
A further 32 posts will decentralise from the Department's Dublin Offices during 2008 — 27 posts to Carrick-on-Shannon and 5 posts to Sligo.
Both agencies, the Combat Poverty Agency and the Citizen's Information Board, are committed to decentralising to Monaghan and Drogheda. At this time there is no indicative date for the transfer of the Combat Poverty Agency to Monaghan. The indicative timeframe for the relocation of the Citizen's Information Board to Drogheda is 2011.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) is charged with securing accommodation for the decentralisation programme. The value of purchases on behalf of the Department are outlined in Table A.
|
Department |
Location |
Status |
Site Acquisition Costs |
Yearly Rental Costs |
Fit Out Costs / Building Purchased |
|
(€0,000) |
(€0,000) |
(€0,000) |
|||
|
DSFA |
Buncrana |
Permanent Ownership |
1,106 |
||
|
Carrick-on-Shannon |
Lease |
800.0 |
4,331 |
||
|
Drogheda |
Permanent Ownership |
10,075 |
|||
|
Sligo |
Lease |
27.9 |
The sale of properties is the responsibility of the Office of Public Works.
The Office of Public Works has confirmed that there are no current applications for planning permission in their direct name. In the case of all projects associated with the Decentralisation Programme, planning permission, where required, is sought at an early stage of the procurement process. Where buildings are being procured on a Design and Build basis, the matter of obtaining a satisfactory planning permission is the responsibility of the preferred tenderer who has been selected for the particular project.
The costs incurred from 2004-2007 in relation to decentralisation for this Department are outlined in Table B:
|
Subhead |
Department of Social & Family Affairs |
Citizen’s Information Board |
TOTAL |
|
A2: Travel & Subsistence |
72,605 |
— |
72,605 |
|
A3: Incidental Expenses |
1,090 |
— |
1,090 |
|
A4: Postal & Telecomm. |
2,484 |
— |
2,484 |
|
A5: Office Machinery |
2,936 |
— |
2,936 |
|
A7: Consultancy Services |
6,436 |
6,150 |
12,586 |
|
Total |
85,551 |
6,150 |
91,701 |
There are 10 staff in the Department administering the decentralisation programme.
The latest indicative timeframe for the completion of the decentralisation programme in the Department is 2011.
Harbours and Piers.
Charles Flanagan
Question:772 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the reconstruction of a facility (details supplied) in County Carlow commenced; when it is expected to be completed; the amount it will cost; when the facility will be ready for use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36062/07]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the construction of a new boat slip at the location in question commenced in October 2007. I understand that the slipway, which has nearly been completed, will be ready for use before the start of the boating season on 17 March 2008. The approximate cost of the slipway is estimated at €120,000.
Inland Waterways.
Leo Varadkar
Question:773 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will report on the implementation of the RPS Cairns Report with regard to improving and upgrading the amenity of the Royal Canal and its towpaths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1158/08]
Waterways Ireland has advised me that since the publication of the RPS Cairns Report in 1995, there has been substantial development of lands adjoining the Royal Canal in the Dublin area, the extent of which could not have been envisaged in the context of the strategic thinking underlying the report. However, I understand from Waterways Ireland that cognisance has been given to the recommendations set out in the RPS Cairns Report in developing a planned programme of works for the Royal Canal and its towpaths. Waterways Ireland continues to work closely with relevant local authorities in the upgrading of the Royal Canal under the National Development Plan, while also working to fully re-open the Canal in 2009 from Spencer Dock in Dublin to Richmond Harbour in County Longford.
Dormant Accounts Fund.
James Bannon
Question:774 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding the distribution of the Dormant Accounts Funds and the number of unclaimed bank accounts, building society accounts and life insurance policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1269/08]
The gross value of the Dormant Accounts Fund at 31 December 2007 was approximately €205 million and when account is taken of outstanding liabilities, the net value of the Fund was €104 million. The liabilities relate to approved funding that has yet to be drawn down. The attached summary table provides a profile of the Fund showing yearly inflows, reclaims, disbursements etc. from 2003 to 2007. This table is available on my Department's website (www.pobail.ie) and is updated regularly.
In relation to the numbers of unclaimed accounts etc., the Deputy will be aware that under the legislation, credit institutions and insurance undertakings are required, each April, to transfer to the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA), all moneys falling dormant in the previous year. The NTMA, who are responsible for managing the Dormant Accounts Fund, advises that on 31st December 2007, there were 2.2 million unclaimed bank, building society and Post Office Savings Bank accounts and 1.1 million unclaimed life assurance policies. In addition, there was €4.4 million in the Fund from the Escheated Estate Fund.
Dormant Accounts Fund (Summary Table — 31 December 2007)
The dormant accounts scheme provides for an annual transfer of monies in dormant accounts to the Dormant Accounts Fund (operated and managed by the National Treasury Management Agency — NTMA). The table below profiles the Fund at the end of December 2007. It shows yearly inflows; interest earned; reclaims; disbursements; and administrative expenses. The gross value of the Fund at the end of December 2007 was approximately €205 million and when account is taken of outstanding liabilities, the net value of the Fund was approximately €104 million.
|
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
Totals |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
1. Inflows |
||||||
|
Transferred |
196,209,141 |
56,024,667 |
40,815,461 |
80,149,282 |
66,295,662 |
439,494,213 |
|
bnks/bldg societies |
105,802,747 |
18,387,604 |
13,049,089 |
20,535,464 |
12,531,434 |
170,306,338 |
|
An Post products |
90,406,394 |
14,642,260 |
19,870,684 |
52,513,242 |
42,660,018 |
220,092,598 |
|
Insurance products |
22,994,803 |
7,895,688 |
7,100,576 |
6,704,210 |
44,695,277 |
|
|
Intestate Estates |
4,400,000 |
4,400,000 |
||||
|
Interest |
2,778,039 |
3,802,846 |
4,061,302 |
6,382,021 |
8,796,300 |
25,820,508 |
|
Sub-Total |
198,987,180 |
59,827,513 |
44,876,763 |
86,531,303 |
75,091,962 |
*465,314,721 |
|
2. Outgoings (to Date) |
||||||
|
Reclaimed |
24,002,874 |
21,080,853 |
22,916,079 |
44,599,905 |
33,900,204 |
146,499,915 |
|
Disbursements |
14,000,000 |
14,400,000 |
33,250,000 |
45,511,412 |
107,161,412 |
|
|
Admin Expenses |
148,048 |
1,055,958 |
1,592,714 |
1,433,356 |
1,881,137 |
6,111,213 |
|
Compliance Expenses |
80,783 |
175,000 |
255,783 |
|||
|
Sub-Total |
24,150,922 |
36,136,811 |
38,989,576 |
79,458,261 |
81,292,753 |
**260,028,323 |
|
3. Gross / Net Fund Values |
||||||
|
Overall Gross Value |
***205,286,398 |
|||||
|
Existing Liabilities on Fund: |
||||||
|
(a) Grants approved by former Dormant Accounts Board yet to be drawn down; |
19,244,052 |
|||||
|
(b) Government approvals for 2006 yet to be drawn down; |
44,333,036 |
|||||
|
(c) Government Allocations for 2007 yet to be drawn down; |
30,000,000 |
|||||
|
(d) Allocation approved for Early Childhood Initiative yet to be drawn down; |
7,661,500 |
|||||
|
Liabilities Sub-Total |
101,238,588 |
|||||
|
Overall Net Value |
****104,047,810 |
* Sum of yearly inflows together with interest earned.
** Sum of reclaims, disbursements and administrative expenses.
***Gross Fund balance — inflows less outgoings.
****Net balance — gross total less liabilities.
The NTMA is obliged to maintain a percentage of the Fund in a Reserve Account to meet reclaims and to cover expenses. The reserve is currently set at 15% of the total moneys received by the Fund and not yet reclaimed.
Community Development.
Joe Costello
Question:775 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on correspondence from a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1064/08]
My Department funds a Programme of Grants for Locally-Based Community and Voluntary Organisations, which supports the activities of local community and voluntary groups and includes a scheme that provides grants towards the purchase of equipment used by such groups.
The equipment scheme is not currently open for applications but I expect that it will be re-launched and advertised in the near future. My officials will include the details of the group in question on a mailing list and as soon as the Programme is announced, full details will be forwarded to the group. Full information on the new programme will also be available on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie.
Judicial Reviews.
Damien English
Question:776 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the cost to and the damages paid by the State in relation to judicial reviews that his Department were responsible for in each of the years 1997 to 2007 inclusive; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [1107/08]
Damien English
Question:777 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of applications for judicial review that his Department was responsible for in each of the years 1997 to 2007; the number of applications where leave was granted for each year; and if he will present the information in tabular readable form. [1122/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 776 and 777 together.
As the Deputy is aware, my Department was established in June 2002. Since then my Department has not been involved in any applications for judicial reviews and, consequently, it has incurred no costs or damages that would require to be paid by the State.
Legislative Programme.
Dr Martin Mansergh
Question:778 Deputy Martin Mansergh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of Acts passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas sponsored by his Department in each year from 2003 to 2007; the Acts which were legislation wholly or mainly required by Ireland’s EU obligations, which were partly so required, and which had no significant or minimal reference to EU legislation; and if in the first two cases Ireland had significant discretion, as to the manner in which EU obligations were translated into domestic law. [1193/08]
The Houses of the Oireachtas have passed five Acts — as outlined — which were sponsored by my Department, between the years 2003 and 2007:
|
Year |
|
|
2003 |
Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Powers and Functions) Act 2003 |
|
Official Languages Act 2003 |
|
|
2005 |
Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Act 2005 |
|
British-Irish Agreement (Amendment) Act 2005 |
|
|
2007 |
Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2007 |
These Acts were not required by Ireland's EU obligations nor do they have any reference to EU legislation.
Departmental Programmes.
Sean Sherlock
Question:779 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress of the amalgamation of groups (details supplied); the time-frame for eventual merger; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1346/08]
The Deputy will be aware from previous PQ replies in relation to this subject that the core objective of the process is to simplify and improve local delivery of programmes operated by my Department through the integration and alignment of local delivery structures. The intention is that for the future there will be one local development company in any given area and fewer local development companies overall. This will provide full county coverage and eliminate overlaps and previous fragmented arrangements.
Following exhaustive consultations with and between the local agencies to develop the most suitable configurations of groups, Government decided on revised areas of coverage for local development companies in March of last year and clarified the arrangements in relation to the membership of the boards of these bodies in late July. LEADER and Partnership groups have been asked to give effect to these decisions and my Department provided detailed guidelines in October 2007 to assist in securing this outcome.
Companies involved in the formation of integrated structures, which envisage the merger of existing LEADER and Partnership groups, were asked to forward to the Department by mid December, evidence of measures taken to complete the cohesion process. In the case of the companies referred to by the Deputies and other groups involved in the alignment process, this deadline has now been extended to the end of January.
As I have previously indicated to the House, significant practical issues will arise for the new integrated companies following their establishment. In relation to the steps to be taken following incorporation of the new structures, companies have been asked to have regard to the European Communities (Protection of Employees on Transfer of Undertakings Regulations 2003 (S.I. No. 131 of 2003). These Regulations deal with the rights of employees in the context of a transfer of undertaking, business or part of a business from one employer to another employer as a result of a legal transfer or merger.
Community Development.
Olwyn Enright
Question:780 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if there are proposals to increase funding provided by his Department to an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1421/08]
In the period 2003-2007, the organisation referred to by the Deputy was in receipt of core funding from my Department of €30,000 per annum.
Under the Support for National Organisations in the Community and Voluntary Sector Scheme operated by my Department, I have approved an allocation of €93,000 per annum for the organisation for the period 2008-2010. This new package of funding will provide a substantial increase in support for the core activities of the organisation.
Departmental Properties.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:781 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of Department owned computer desktops or laptops or other data devices, such as blackberries and memory keys, reported lost, missing or stolen from his Department in each year from 2002 to 2007; the number of these that were later recovered or found; the number still missing; if any sensitive or private data was compromised; the measures in place within his Department to secure such portable or at risk data devices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1510/08]
In 2006 one laptop and a memory stick was stolen from a Departmental official and not recovered.
In the same year another official lost a memory stick and this was not recovered either. I am informed that no sensitive or private data was compromised in any of these cases.
Data Protection.
Damien English
Question:782 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of and the records kept by his Department of attempted hacking or suspected cyber attacks or other malicious computer security breaches committed against his Department’s computer systems. [1721/08]
My Department is satisfied that its computer systems are well protected against hacking, cyber attacks or other malicious computer breaches.
Calafoirt agus Céanna.
Dinny McGinley
Question:783 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil iarratas ina Roinn maidir le hoibreacha feabhsúcháin a dhéanamh ar Ché Inis Bó Finne, Dún na nGall; cad iad sonraí na n-oibreacha atá i gceist agus na costais mheasta atá ag gabháil leo; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [1800/08]
Tá iarratas faighte ag mo Roinn ó Chomhairle Chontae Dhún na nGall ar chúnamh le haghaidh feabhsúcháin a dhéanamh ar Ché Inis Bó Finne ar chostas measta de bheagnach €500,000.
Tá an t-iarratas á mheas faoi láthair i gcomhthéacs an tsoláthair airgid a bheidh ar fáil do mo Roinnse le caitheamh ar fhorbairt oileán i gcoitinne, ag tógáil san áireamh na tosaíochtaí agus na héilimh éagsúla gur gá freastal orthu.
Road Network.
Michael Ring
Question:784 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the CLÁR funding that is available for roads in Gaeltacht areas in Mayo for 2008; and the amount that was available in 2007. [1856/08]
The CLÁR programme operates two measures to provide additional funding to Local Authorities to carry out works on roads in CLÁR areas, the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) measure and the Class II and III Roads measure.
There is no specific allocation of funding for roads in the Gaeltacht areas of Co. Mayo. Under the LIS measure €500,000 was allocated to Co. Mayo in 2007. The allocation to Co. Mayo for Class II and III Roads was €346,900.
Under both measures it is the relevant Local Authority that selects the roads for improvement. The roads selected can be located in either Gaeltacht or Non Gaeltacht areas. No decision on the CLÁR allocation for 2008 has been made yet.
Irish Language.
Michael Ring
Question:785 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if there is a scheme available for parents towards the costs of sending their post primary children to the three-week Gaeltacht summer school to help their knowledge and understanding of the Irish language; his plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1857/08]
Under Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge, which is administered by my Department, grants are paid to qualified households in Gaeltacht areas who accommodate Irish students attending recognised Irish courses in the Gaeltacht. This scheme indirectly helps parents by reducing the cost they are required to pay when sending their children to the Gaeltacht to learn Irish. However, my Department does not assist parents directly in this regard.
Michael Ring
Question:786 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason a pupil (details supplied) in County Mayo was only approved the half rate Deontas in each of the past ten years in view of their fluency level in the Irish language. [1858/08]
Under Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge a grant of €260 per school year is payable to qualified families in the Gaeltacht who satisfy my Department that Irish is their normal spoken language. Where a family fails to demonstrate the degree of fluency required under the Scheme, my Department may pay a reduced grant of 50%, if it is satisfied that the family can eventually reach the appropriate standard.
The reduced grant was most recently paid in the case referred to by the Deputy for the 2005/2006 school year. The 2006/2007 and the 2007/2008 school year applications have yet to be examined. The two applications will be examined together and the Deputy will be informed of the outcome.
Community Development.
Michael Ring
Question:787 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on extending the scheme of community support for older people to include funding for the provision of security cameras particularly for people living in isolated areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1859/08]
The Scheme of Community Support for Older People is managed by my Department and is administered by local community and voluntary groups. It currently provides individual grants in respect of the once-off installation cost of socially monitored alarms, small items of physical security and interior emergency lighting for qualifying older people living on our offshore islands.
In managing this Scheme, my Department is conscious of the need to adapt to changing requirements and, in the last two years, for example, improvements have been made to the Scheme administration, such as introducing an open application process. Maximum grants have also been increased.
I believe the Scheme provides a valuable service for the older members of our communities. It is not, however, intended to extend the Scheme to include funding for the provision of security cameras.
Departmental Expenditure.
Enda Kenny
Question:788 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount spent by his Department on media monitoring or press cutting services for each of the years 2002 to 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1979/08]
As the Deputy is aware, my Department was established in June 2002.
In carrying out its functions, the Press and Information Office in the Department employ a media monitoring/press cuttings service to monitor the national and regional media (English language and Irish language) noting both direct and more general coverage of matters relevant to the work of the Department.
In this context, the Deputy should note that, in 2003, the Department changed to a web-based electronic clipping service for the regional press and in 2006, coverage was extended to include national and regional papers as well as periodicals.
The costs of the media monitoring/press cutting service for each of the years 2002 to 2007 is outlined in the following table:
|
Year |
|
|
€ |
|
|
2002 |
1,044 |
|
2003 |
6,615 |
|
2004 |
19,638 |
|
2005 |
14,027 |
|
2006 |
12,352 |
|
2007 |
25,515 |
Data Protection.
Simon Coveney
Question:789 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the details of all instances since 1 June 2002 where personal data held by his Department or any agency under its auspices were compromised in any way; if the review by his Department of data security procedures announced on 22 November 2007 is completed; and the findings of that review in terms both of prior shortcomings and of future actions. [2158/08]
Since my Department was established in June 2002, there have been no known instances where personal data held by my Department were compromised in any way. I also understand that there has been no instances, since June 2002, where personal data held by agencies under the ambit of my Department, were compromised in any way. The review of data security procedures, announced by An Tánaiste on 22 November 2007, is currently underway by my Department and it is anticipated that it will be completed in the near future.
National Drugs Strategy.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:790 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his Department’s response to national concerns in respect of illegal drugs; his strategy to respond effectively to the situation. [2338/08]
Problem drug use is a complex and difficult issue and our efforts to tackle it in Ireland must be seen in the context of the global nature of the problem. While progress is being made, problem drug use will, I believe, continue to challenge us in the coming years.
The continued implementation of the National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008 represents a comprehensive response by Government to problem drug use in our society. Overall, I believe that huge efforts are being made from the ground up to tackle the problem and the Government is committed to prioritising this issue. Indicative of this is the fact that the Government is spending over €200 million p.a. on measures aimed directly at problem drug users through the various drugs programmes being implemented by a range of Government Departments and agencies. This figure is exclusive of the many mainstream services that are availed of, in the normal way, by those affected by problem drug use. Commitments in the Programme for Government in this regard also underline the continuing priority being given by Government to the issue.
The specific achievements of my Department under the Strategy include the many projects that have been developed through the Local and Regional Drugs Task Forces, capital projects developed under the Premises Initiative Fund and preventative actions undertaken through the Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund. The process of developing a new National Drugs Strategy for the period 2009–2016 has commenced in my Department. In this context, a Steering Group has been established with representatives from the key statutory, community and voluntary interests involved in tackling problem drug use. The work of the Group will continue over the coming months and I look forward to the development of a new Strategy that will further strengthen our overall response to the evolving drugs problem.
The changing nature of problem drug use, particularly the emergence of cocaine and polydrug use, present huge challenges for all of us. However, I am confident that, building on our experiences to date and with all sectors working together, we can meet these challenges.
Catherine Byrne
Question:791 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the stage the national drugs strategy for the period post-2008 is currently at; if his Department will ask for submissions when compiling this document; when this document will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2354/08]
My Department has commenced work on the development of the new National Drugs Strategy for the period 2009 — 2016. A Steering Group has been established to oversee the development of the Strategy and it held its first meeting on 10 January. The Group includes representatives from the key statutory, community and voluntary interests involved in tackling problem drug use.
Over the coming months, the Group will be examining the progress and impact of the current Strategy, the degree to which it continues to be relevant and the operational effectiveness of the structures involved. They will also be looking at developments in regard to drug policies at EU and international levels. At the conclusion of the process, the Steering Group will submit recommendations to me on the shape and direction of the new Strategy.
I can assure the Deputy that a comprehensive public consultation process will be undertaken over the coming months as part of the work of developing the new Strategy. Indeed, I intend to be involved directly in many of the consultation meetings that are planned. I hope to be in a position to bring the new Strategy to the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion by the end of this year.
Catherine Byrne
Question:792 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will provide a breakdown of all funding allocated to the Ballyfermot local drugs task force from all sources in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2355/08]
Catherine Byrne
Question:793 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will provide a breakdown of all funding allocated to the canal communities local drugs task force from all sources in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2356/08]
Catherine Byrne
Question:794 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will provide a breakdown of all funding allocated to the Dublin 12 local drugs task force from all sources in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2357/08]
Catherine Byrne
Question:795 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will provide a breakdown of all funding allocated to the south inner city local drugs task force from all sources in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2358/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 792 to 795, inclusive, together.
The information sought in respect of Ballyfermot, Canal Communities, Dublin 12 and South Inner City Local Drugs Task Forces, insofar as it relates to my Department, is outlined in the table. The figures provided include allocations under the Young Peoples Facilities & Services Fund in the four areas, as well as the allocations for drugs initiatives made directly through the Local Drugs Task Force processes.
|
Programme |
Ballyfermot |
Canal Communities |
Dublin 12 |
South Inner City |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
LDTF: |
||||
|
Current (including Emerging Needs) |
1,518,995 |
1,620,149 |
1,234,722 |
1,912,952 |
|
Capital (Premises Initiative) |
500,000 |
74,000 |
0 |
196,222 |
|
Total LDTF |
2,018,995 |
1,694,149 |
1,234,722 |
2,109,174 |
|
YPFSF: |
||||
|
Current |
675,000 |
763,000 |
546,500 |
1,086,000 |
|
Capital |
30,510 |
232,240 |
1,165,624 |
158,140 |
|
Total YPFSF |
705,510 |
995,240 |
1,712,124 |
1,244,140 |
|
Total LDTF & YPFSF allocations |
2,724,505 |
2,689,389 |
2,946,846 |
3,353,314 |
Community Development.
Ciaran Lynch
Question:796 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the community development funds will be paid out; the groups that will receive funds and the amounts of same; the total amount payable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2359/08]
The Deputy will be aware that I announced indicative allocations of funding for 2008 of approximately €23m to some 180 projects under the Community Development Programme on the 4th January. This funding is to be used to cover staff and operating costs for providing a resource centre or community support countrywide. The 2008 allocations represented an increase of some 8% on the level of funding granted to these groups in 2007. All projects were informed of their indicative allocation on the 18th and 19th December 2007.
The first instalment of one quarter of the 2008 allocation was paid during the first two weeks of January subject to compliance with the Department's contractual arrangements with projects. The remainder can be drawn down by the projects on a quarterly basis once they remain compliant with their contractual obligations to the Department. The indicative allocations are set out in the table.
|
County |
Project |
Allocation |
Address of Project |
|
€ |
|||
|
Carlow |
Open Door Community Dev. Project |
119,200 |
165 The Laurels, Tullow Road, Carlow, Co. Carlow |
|
Cavan |
Community Connections |
127,000 |
Kilycarney, Blacklion, Co Cavan |
|
Cavan |
South West Cavan |
132,000 |
Realtog Centre, Upper Main Street, Kilnaleck, Co.Cavan |
|
Clare |
Clare Women’s Network |
104,500 |
Clonroad Business Park, Ennis, Co. Clare |
|
Clare |
East Clare Community Project Ltd |
152,500 |
Derg House, Connaught Road, Scarriff, Co. Clare |
|
Clare |
Ennis Community Development Project |
151,500 |
Unit 2 Mill House, Mill Road, Ennis, Co. Clare |
|
Cork |
Ballyphehane Togher CDP |
147,000 |
Lower Friars Walk, Ballyphehane, Cork |
|
Cork |
Bantry and District CDP |
152,000 |
Community Resource Centre, Glengarriff Road, Bantry, Cork |
|
Cork |
Bere Island |
181,000 |
Community Centre, Bere Island, Beara, Co. Cork |
|
Cork |
Cork Social and Health CFG |
117,000 |
The Bessbourough Centre, Off Skehard Road, Blackrock, Cork |
|
Cork |
Cork Traveller Visability Group CDP |
136,000 |
25 John Street, Cork City, Cork |
|
Cork |
Cumann na Daoine |
124,000 |
10 North Main Street, Youghal, Co. Cork |
|
Cork |
Farranree CDP |
140,000 |
98 Knockpogue Ave, Farranree, Cork |
|
Cork |
Fermoy CDP |
86,000 |
42 McCurtain Street, Fermoy, Co. Cork |
|
Cork |
Glen CDP |
126,500 |
Glen Sports and Resource Centre, Glen Avenue, Cork, Cork City |
|
Cork |
Gurranabraher CDP |
67,500 |
Sunbeam Industrial Park, Millfield, Mallow Road, Cork |
|
Cork |
Mahon CDP |
151,000 |
Unit 7 Community Resource Centre, Avenue de Rennes, Mahon, Cork |
|
Cork |
Mayfield CDP |
131,500 |
Community Resource Centre, 328 Old Youghal Road, Mayfield, Cork |
|
Cork |
Sherkin Island Development Society |
50,000 |
Sherkin Island, Skibbereen, Co. Cork |
|
Cork |
We the People CDP |
133,000 |
Unit 4, Hollyhill Shopping Centre, Hollyhill, Cork |
|
Cork |
West Cork Travellers |
105,000 |
8 Park Road, Clonakilty, Co. Cork |
|
Donegal |
Action Inishowen |
122,000 |
Millibrae, Carndonagh, Inishowen, Co. Donegal |
|
Donegal |
Atlantic View Community Development Co. Ltd. |
115,000 |
Main Street, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal |
|
Donegal |
Donegal Travellers Project |
130,000 |
Pinehill Industrial Estate, The Mountain Top, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal |
|
Donegal |
Donegal Women’s Network |
126,000 |
10 Donegal Street, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal |
|
Donegal |
Letterkenny Community Development Project Ltd. |
137,000 |
Community House, 2 Errigal Road, Woodlawm, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal |
|
County |
Project |
Allocation |
Address of Project |
|
€ |
|||
|
Donegal |
Lifford / Clonleigh Resource Centre |
128,000 |
Croghan Heights, Lifford, Co. Donegal |
|
Donegal |
Pobail Le Cheile CDP Teoranta |
122,000 |
Gort a’ Choirce, Leitir Ceannainn, Co. Donegal |
|
Donegal |
South West Donegal Communities Partnership Ltd. |
128,000 |
Unit 8, The Carpet Factory, Killybegs, Co. Donegal |
|
Donegal |
The Rosses |
121,000 |
An Sean Teac, Gweedore Road, Dungloe, Co. Donegal |
|
Dublin |
An Cosan /The Shanty |
123,000 |
Kiltalawn Village Centre, Fortunestown Rd, Jobstown, Dublin 24 |
|
Dublin |
An Siol CDP |
146,000 |
19 Manor Street, Dublin 7 |
|
Dublin |
Ballybrack Community Dev.Project Ltd |
71,000 |
Coolevin, Ballybrack, Co. Dublin |
|
Dublin |
Ballyfermot Travellers Action Project |
129,000 |
Unit 2, Iceland Building, Le Fanu Road, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10 |
|
Dublin |
Ballymun Men’s Centre Ltd. |
109,904 |
Lift Shaft 4, Shangan Road, Ballymun, Dublin 9 |
|
Dublin |
Bawnogue Women’s Development Group |
78,800 |
Bawnogue Youth & Community Centre, Bawnogue Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 |
|
Dublin |
Blakestown Community Development Project Ltd |
154,000 |
Blakestown Community Resource Centre, Blakestown Way, Blakestown, Dublin 15 |
|
Dublin |
Blanchardstown Traveller Support Group |
133,500 |
Parslickstown House, Ladyswell, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15 |
|
Dublin |
Bluebell CDP |
116,000 |
1 Bernard Curtis House, Bluebell, Dublin 12 |
|
Dublin |
Bosnian Community Development Project |
112,124 |
40 Pearse Street, Dublin 2 |
|
Dublin |
Cabra CDP |
70,051 |
St Finbarrs GAA Club, Cabra West, Dublin 7 |
|
Dublin |
Cherry Orchard Equine Centre |
126,000 |
Cherry Orchard Green, Cherry Orchard, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10 |
|
Dublin |
Clondalkin Travellers Development Group |
121,300 |
Clondalkin Enterprise Centre, Neilstown Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 |
|
Dublin |
Clondalkin Womens Network |
156,000 |
Quarryvale Community & Leisure Centre, Greenfort Gardens, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 |
|
Dublin |
Community & Family Training Agency (CAFTA) |
143,088 |
AXIS, Ballymun Arts & Resource Centre, Main Street, Ballymun, Dublin 9 |
|
Dublin |
Community Action Programme Ballymun Ltd (CAP) |
139,751 |
AXIS, Ballymun Arts & Resource Centre, Main Street, Ballymun, Dublin 9 |
|
Dublin |
Community After Schools Project |
180,000 |
57 Amiens Street, Dublin 1 |
|
Dublin |
Community Technical Aid |
145,000 |
Unit 1 & 2, Killarney Court, Lwr Buckingham Street, Dublin 1 |
|
Dublin |
Corduff Community Development Project Ltd. |
129,000 |
Corduff Community Resource Centre, Blackcourt Road, Corduff, Dublin 15 |
|
County |
Project |
Allocation |
Address of Project |
|
€ |
|||
|
Dublin |
Crumlin CDP |
117,000 |
Unit 1 Goldstone Court, Clogher Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12 |
|
Dublin |
D.E.S.S.A. |
165,000 |
Unit 3A The Distillery Building, Fumbally Court, Fumbally Lane, Dublin 8 |
|
Dublin |
Darndale / Belcamp Resource Centre |
126,941 |
c/o Village Centre, Darndale, Dublin 17 |
|
Dublin |
Dolcain Project / S.W Clondalkin |
125,400 |
Bawnogue Community Centre, Bawnogue Road, Clondalkin, >Dublin 22 |
|
Dublin |
Dolphin House |
95,000 |
227 Dolphin House, Rialto, Dublin 8 |
|
Dublin |
Doras Bui — PARC |
115,961 |
Bunratty Drive, Coolock, Dublin 17 |
|
Dublin |
Drimnagh CDP |
71,000 |
c/o The St John Bosco Youth Centre, Davitt Road, Drimnagh, Dublin 12 |
|
Dublin |
Dublin Institute of Technology |
250,000 |
Digital Community Programme, 23 Mountjoy Square, Dublin 1 |
|
Dublin |
Edenmore CDP |
68,864 |
c/o St Monica’s Youth Centre, Tonlegee Road, Raheny, Dublin 5 |
|
Dublin |
Family Resource Centre, St. Michael’s House |
138,000 |
118 St Michaels Estate, Inchicore, Dublin 8 |
|
Dublin |
Finglas South Community Development Programme |
131,827 |
St. Helena’s Family Resource Centre, St Helena’s Road, Finglas South, Dublin 11 |
|
Dublin |
Greater Blanchardstown Development Project |
113,000 |
Parlickstown House, Ladyswell Road, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15 |
|
Dublin |
Holly House |
71,000 |
85 Holly Court, Loughlinstown, Co. Dublin |
|
Dublin |
ICRG CDP |
131,500 |
57 Amiens Street, Dublin 1 |
|
Dublin |
Inchicore CDP Co. Ltd |
88,000 |
197 Tyrconnell Road, Inchicore, Dublin 8 |
|
Dublin |
Jobstown Community Development Project |
117,000 |
49 Bawnlea Ave, Jobstown, Tallaght, Dublin 24 |
|
Dublin |
Kilbarrack Community Development Project Ltd. |
119,026 |
Swan’s Nest Road, Kilbarrack, Dublin 5 |
|
Dublin |
Kilmore West Community Development Programme |
120,483 |
St Luke’s Parish Centre, Kilbarron Park, Kilmore West, Dublin 5 |
|
Dublin |
Link — Cherry Orchard CDP |
126,000 |
Orchard Comm Centre, Cherry Orchard Grove, Cherry Orchard, Dublin 10 |
|
Dublin |
Lourdes Youth & Community CDP |
140,000 |
Lower Sean McDermott Street, Dublin 1 |
|
Dublin |
MACRO CDP |
125,000 |
1 Green Street, Dublin 7 |
|
Dublin |
Markiewicz CDP |
101,000 |
205 Decies Road, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10 |
|
County |
Project |
Allocation |
Address of Project |
|
€ |
|||
|
Dublin |
Matt Talbot CDP |
135,000 |
Rear of Assumption Church, Kylemore Road, PO Box 8372, Dublin 10 |
|
Dublin |
Mountwood Fitzgerald Park C.D.P. |
141,000 |
71/73 Maple House, Mounttown, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin |
|
Dublin |
Nascadh CDP |
93,000 |
75 Teeling Way, East Road, East Wall, Dublin 3 |
|
Dublin |
North Clondalkin C.D.P. |
117,800 |
Christie Melia House, 24 Neilstown Park, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 |
|
Dublin |
Nth Wall Women’s Centre CDP |
119,500 |
North Wall Women’s Centre, Lower Sherriff Street, Dublin 1 |
|
Dublin |
Nth West Inner City Women’s Network CFG |
92,000 |
91 Manor Street, Dublin 7 |
|
Dublin |
Parents Alone Support Services Ltd. (PASS) |
133,429 |
3a Main Street, Finglas, Dublin 11 |
|
Dublin |
Partners CFG |
150,000 |
24 Northbrook Road, Ranelagh, Dublin 6 |
|
Dublin |
Pavee Point |
180,000 |
46 North Great Charles Street, Dublin 1 |
|
Dublin |
PIECE Project |
45,000 |
12 Snowdrop Walk, Darndale, Dublin 17 |
|
Dublin |
Priorswood CDP |
110,621 |
Outreach Centre, Clonshaugh Drive, Priorswood, Dublin 17 |
|
Dublin |
Project West |
131,372 |
Finglas West Community Development Project, Unit 2, Barry Shopping Complex, Barry Road, Dublin 11 |
|
Dublin |
Quarryvale Community House Project Ltd. |
121,400 |
46 Greenfort Drive, Quarryvale, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 |
|
Dublin |
Rialto Community Network Limited |
132,000 |
568 South Circular Road, Rialto, Dublin 8 |
|
Dublin |
Ringsend Action Project CDP |
147,000 |
Regal House, 28 Fitzwilliam Street, Ringsend, Dublin 4 |
|
Dublin |
Robert Emmet CDP |
128,000 |
Mendicity Institute, Island St, Dublin 8 |
|
Dublin |
Ronanstown Women’s C.D.P. Ltd. |
153,100 |
43 Collinstown Grove, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 |
|
Dublin |
Rowlagh Women’s Group Ltd. |
128,300 |
Aras Rualach, Neilstown Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 |
|
Dublin |
Shanganagh Community Development Project |
71,000 |
Shanganagh Park House, Shankill, Dublin 18 |
|
Dublin |
South Inner City Community Development Association (SICCDA) |
140,000 |
90 Meath Street, Dublin 8 |
|
Dublin |
Southside Travellers Action Group (STAG) |
132,000 |
Unit 5, St. Kieran’s Enterprise Centre, Furze Road, Sandyford Industrial Estate, Dublin 18 |
|
Dublin |
Southside Women’s Action Network [SWAN] |
127,000 |
56A Ennel Court, Loughlinstown, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin |
|
Dublin |
Special Project Long Term Unemployed |
107,000 |
3B Brookfield Enterprise Centre, Brookfield, Tallaght, Dublin 24 |
|
Dublin |
St Margaret’s Travellers Com. Ass. |
99,347 |
St Margaret’s Park, St Margaret’s Road, Ballymun, Dublin 11 |
|
Dublin |
Tallaght Travellers C.D.P. |
125,000 |
Unit 1A, Block 1, Killinarden Enterprise Park, Killinarden, Dublin 24 |
|
County |
Project |
Allocation |
Address of Project |
|
€ |
|||
|
Dublin |
TravAct -Northside Travellers Support Group |
47,780 |
The Resource Centre, Clonshaugh Drive, Dublin 17 |
|
Dublin |
Vista Community Development Project Ltd |
117,000 |
Donore Youth and Community Centre, Donore Avenue, Dublin 8 |
|
Dublin |
West Tallaght Resource Centre |
190,000 |
16 Glenshane Lawns, Brookfield, Tallaght, Dublin 24 |
|
Dublin |
Women Together Tallaght Network |
106,000 |
Unit 2, Brookfield Enterprise Centre, Brookfield, Tallaght, Dublin 24 |
|
Dublin |
Women’s Aid |
204,894 |
Everton House, 47 Old Cabra Road, Dublin 7 |
|
Galway |
Ballybane Mervue Community Development Programme |
129,581 |
Ballybane Community Resource Centre, Ballybane, Galway |
|
Galway |
Connemara Community Radio |
134,365 |
Letterfrack, Connemara, Co. Galway |
|
Galway |
Forum — North & West Connemara Rural Project Ltd |
209,824 |
Ellis Hall, Letterfrack, Connemara, Co. Galway |
|
Galway |
Galway Traveller Movement Ltd |
146,265 |
1 The Plaza, Headford Road, Galway |
|
Galway |
Inishbofin Development Company Ltd. |
136,299 |
The Community Centre, Inishbofin Island, Co. Galway |
|
Galway |
Inishturk Community Council |
113,611 |
The Harbour, Inishturk Island, Co. Galway |
|
Galway |
Na Calai — South East Galway |
137,917 |
Abbey Street, Portumna, Co. Galway |
|
Galway |
National Traveller Women’s Forum |
110,135 |
Unit 4, Tuam Road Centre, Tuam Road, Galway |
|
Galway |
Plearáca Teo |
127,148 |
Ionad Fiontair, Ros Muc, Co. Galway |
|
Galway |
Tuam CDP |
179,618 |
Bishop Street, Tuam, Co. Galway |
|
Galway |
Westside Resource Centre Ltd |
119,818 |
Seamus Quirke Road, Galway |
|
Kerry |
Kerry County Network CFG |
58,000 |
3 Basin Court, Tralee, Co. Kerry |
|
Kerry |
Kerry Travellers CDP |
138,000 |
St Anthony’s Centre, Mitchel’s Road, Tralee, Co. Kerry |
|
Kerry |
South West Kerry Women’s Network CFG |
118,000 |
The O’Connell Centre, Carhan, Caherciveen, Kerry |
|
Kerry |
Tralee CDP |
138,000 |
The Resource Centre, The Rock Business Centre, Upper Rock Street, Tralee, Kerry |
|
Kerry |
Tralee Women’s Resource Centre |
109,000 |
35 Ashe Street, Tralee, Co. Kerry |
|
Kildare |
Athy Community Dev. Project Ltd |
114,800 |
Woodstock Street, Athy, Kildare, Co. Kildare |
|
Kildare |
N.W Kildare Community Dev. Assoc.Co. Ltd |
112,300 |
Allenwood Enterprise Park, Allenwood, Naas, Co. Kildare |
|
Kildare |
The Bridge CDP |
130,000 |
Charlotte House, Charlotte Street, Newbridge, Co. Kildare |
|
Kilkenny |
Loughboy Area Resource Centre |
155,000 |
Bishop Birch Training Institute, Nuncio Road, Kilkenny, Co Kilkenny |
|
Laois |
Cul Le Cheile Portarlington CDP |
91,710 |
The Wilton, Main Street, Portarlington, Co Laois |
|
County |
Project |
Allocation |
Address of Project |
|
€ |
|||
|
Leitrim |
Lough Allen Community Development Project Ltd |
106,000 |
Resource Centre, Rowantree, Drumkeeran, Co Leitrim |
|
Leitrim |
North Leitrim Women’s Resource Group |
117,000 |
New Line, Manorhamilton, Co Leitrim |
|
Limerick |
CDP Newsletter Moyross |
99,285 |
Community Centre, Moyross, Co Limerick |
|
Limerick |
Community Development Network Moyross |
136,000 |
Moyross Community Enterprise Centre, Moyross, Co. Limerick |
|
Limerick |
Limerick Adult Basic Eduation |
64,000 |
The Basement, 12 Pery Square, Limerick, Co Limerick |
|
Limerick |
Limerick Travellers Development Group |
97,000 |
C/O Rainbow Support Services, Leamy House, Hartstonge Street, Limerick |
|
Limerick |
Limerick Women’s Network |
98,000 |
Unit B5 LEDP, Roxboro Rd, Limerick, Co Limerick |
|
Limerick |
Our Lady of Lourdes Community Development Project |
138,500 |
49 Clarina Court, Ballinacurra Weston, Limerick |
|
Limerick |
Southill Community Development Ltd |
135,500 |
266 Avondale Court, O’Malley Park, Southill, Limerick |
|
Limerick |
St. Mary’s Community Development Project Ltd |
135,000 |
5 Verdant Crescent, Kings Island, Limerick |
|
Limerick |
St. Munchin’s Community Development Project Ltd |
141,000 |
St Munchins Community Centre, Kileely Court, Kileely, Limerick |
|
Limerick |
West Limerick Community Development Project Ltd |
139,000 |
St. Ita’s Hall, Main Street, Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick |
|
Longford |
Acorn CDP Longford |
124,146 |
10 Richmond Street, Longford, Longford |
|
Louth |
Ait na nDaoine |
149,000 |
2 Grange Close, Muirhevnamor, Dundalk, Co. Louth |
|
Louth |
Le Cheile C.D.P. |
121,000 |
The Redeemer Family Resource Centre, Cedarwood Park, Dundalk, Co. Louth |
|
Louth |
Southside C.D.A. Ltd. |
112,000 |
Rathmullen Community House, Marley’s Lane Post Office, Drogheda, Co. Louth |
|
Mayo |
Clare Island Community Co-op Ltd. |
126,163 |
Cliara Development Company Ltd., Clare Island, Co Mayo |
|
Mayo |
Claremorris Women’s Group |
28,311 |
Curam, D’Alton Street, Claremorris, Co Mayo |
|
Mayo |
CorrAcla Teo, Achill Corán CDP |
99,679 |
Achill Sound, Westport, Co. Mayo |
|
Mayo |
Cosgallen East Mayo |
123,700 |
The Enterprise Centre, Airport Road, Charlestown, Co. Mayo |
|
Mayo |
Iorras Le Cheile North Mayo |
144,386 |
Erris Community Development Project, American Street, Belmullet, Co Mayo |
|
County |
Project |
Allocation |
Address of Project |
|
€ |
|||
|
Mayo |
Kiltimagh Community Development Project Ltd. |
137,432 |
Main Street, Kiltimagh, Co. Mayo |
|
Mayo |
Louisburgh Community Development Project |
145,733 |
The Pastoral Centre, Long Street, Louisburgh, Co. Mayo |
|
Mayo |
Parkside CDP |
133,763 |
30-32 St. Patrick’s Estate, Ballina, Co. Mayo |
|
Mayo |
Women of the North West |
129,995 |
Moygownagh Community Centre, Moygownagh, Ballina, Co. Mayo |
|
Meath |
Community Development Project Navan |
127,719 |
Teach na nDaoine, 96 Claremont Estate, Navan, Co. Meath |
|
Meath |
Navan Travellers Workshop |
200,382 |
CYWS Hall, Fairgreen, Navan, Co. Meath |
|
Monaghan |
Blayney Blades |
128,000 |
Castleblayney Arts & Community Resource Centre, Conabury, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan |
|
Monaghan |
Dochas for Women Ltd |
114,000 |
Teach nDaoine FRC, Oriel Way, Monaghan, Co. Monaghan |
|
Monaghan |
Drumlin Community Development |
123,000 |
Farney Workhouse, Shercock Road, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan |
|
Offaly |
Edenderry CDP |
99,798 |
c/o Oak Partnership, Edenderry Business Park, Edenderry, Co. Offaly |
|
Offaly |
Tullamore Travellers Movement |
124,423 |
Harbour Street, Tullamore, Co. Offaly |
|
Roscommon |
North West Roscommon |
125,781 |
Market Street, Ballaghadereen, Co. Roscommonn |
|
Roscommon |
Roscommon Women Network |
87,744 |
Dún Maeve Centre, Strokestown, Co Roscommon |
|
Sligo |
Community of Lough Arrow Social Project (CLASP) |
135,000 |
Gleann Community Centre, Drumnacool, via Boyle, Co. Sligo |
|
Sligo |
Sligo Northside Community Partnership Limited |
116,000 |
Forthill, Sligo |
|
Tipperary |
Clonmel Traveller Development Project |
66,000 |
Clonmel Community Partnership, Unit 5, Hughes Mill, Suir Island, Clonmel, Co. Tippeary |
|
Tipperary |
Knockanrawley Resource Centre |
212,200 |
Knockanrawley, Tipperary Town, Co.Tipperary |
|
Tipperary |
The Suir C.D.P. |
123,400 |
12 New Street, Carrick on Suir, Co. Tipperary |
|
Tipperary |
Thurles Action for Community Development Ltd |
133,500 |
Office No. 2, 9 Parnell Street, Thurles, Co. Tipperary |
|
Tipperary |
Tipperary Rural Travellers’ Project Ltd |
122,200 |
13 Michael St, Tipperary Town, Co. Tipperary |
|
Waterford |
Ballybeg Community Dev.Project Ltd |
147,200 |
Project Office, Parish Centre, Ballybeg, Co. Waterford |
|
Waterford |
Dungarvan Community Dev. Project Ltd |
150,900 |
24 Lower Main Street, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford |
|
Waterford |
Independent Mothers Project |
95,800 |
75 Manor Street, Waterford, Co. Waterford |
|
County |
Project |
Allocation |
Address of Project |
|
€ |
|||
|
Waterford |
Larchville Lisduggan Community Dev. Project |
122,500 |
Millennium Youth and Community Centre, Church Road, Lisduggan, Co. Waterford |
|
Waterford |
The Men’s Development Network |
143,300 |
c/o South East Men’s Network Ltd., 30 O’Connell Street, Waterford, Co. Waterford |
|
Waterford |
Waterford Travellers C.D.P. |
123,400 |
Parish Centre, Ballybeg, Waterford, Co. Waterford |
|
Waterford |
Waterford Women’s Centre |
140,700 |
74 Manor Street, Waterford, Co. Waterford |
|
Westmeath |
Harmony Community Development Programme |
142,774 |
St Kierans Community Centre, Tormey Villas, Athlone, Co Westmeath |
|
Westmeath |
Women’s Community Project (Mullingar) Association Ltd |
52,588 |
Parish Community Centre, Bishopsgate Street, Mullingar, Co Westmeath |
|
Wexford |
Access 2000 Wexford Ltd. |
136,400 |
2 Green Street, Wexford, Co Wexford |
|
Wexford |
F.A.B.C.D.P. |
135,800 |
Coolcotts Shopping Centre, Coolcotts, Wexford, Co Wexford |
|
Wexford |
New Ross Community Dev. Project |
137,200 |
Barrick Street, New Ross, Co Wexford |
|
Wexford |
South West Wexford Dev. Group |
182,400 |
Ramsgrange Resource Centre, Ramsgrange, New Ross, Co Wexford |
|
Wexford |
Templeshannon C.D.P. Ltd. |
131,800 |
St. Senan’s Community Centre, Templeshannon, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford |
|
Wexford |
Wolfe Tone Villas Womens Group Limited |
105,000 |
34 Wolfe Tone Villas, Wexford, Co Wexford |
|
Wicklow |
Arklow Community Enterprise Ltd. |
82,900 |
8 Brookfield Ct, Arklow, Co. Wicklow |
|
Wicklow |
Bray Travellers Dev. Network |
128,900 |
97 Main Street, Bray, Wicklow, Co.Wicklow |
|
Wicklow |
Croi Rath Naoi |
95,200 |
Wicklow Working Together Ltd, 7 Convent Road, Wicklow, Co. Wicklow |
|
Wicklow |
Little Bray CDP |
142,100 |
Ard Chualann, Bray, Wicklow, Co. Wicklow |
|
Wicklow |
St. Fergal’s, Bray CDP |
121,800 |
107 Old Court Avenue, Bray, Co. Wicklow |
|
Wicklow |
Wicklow Travellers Group |
119,800 |
C.E.A.R.T., Crinion Park, Wicklow, Wicklow |
Equal Opportunities Employment.
David Stanton
Question:797 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, further to Parliamentary Question No. 281 of 23 May 2006, if he is satisfied that his Department has met the 3% employment quota for people with disabilities; the percentage of people with disabilities employed in his Department; the number of people with disabilities hired from outside the Civil Service for each of the years from 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2585/08]
Currently 2% of the staff of my Department have a disability. My Department did not hire people with disabilities from outside the civil service in the period from 2002 to date in 2008.
Decentralisation Programme.
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:798 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of civil and other public servants based in Dublin in his Department and agencies who have applied for decentralisation, who have been transferred to their decentralised post and are currently in position in the decentralised location outside Dublin; the number of civil and other public servants required for decentralisation under plans; the original and expected date for full decentralisation to be in place; the locations together with details of properties and land owned, purchased or planning permissions sought for the construction of premises for decentralisation; the costs incurred to date; the original budgeted for and expected total costs to be incurred for decentralisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2601/08]
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:800 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of civil servants and other public servants who have decentralised as at 31 December 2006 and the current date broken down into individual Government Departments and agencies; the number required for full decentralisation, broken down under individual departmental and agencies plans; the number of currently decentralised locations in operation; the agencies with no progress; the values of properties purchased and sold in respect of the decentralisation process to date; the other costs incurred to date with the decentralisation process, broken down by category; the number of departmental staff involved in administrating the decentralisation process since its inception; the number of planning applications in progress in relation to building decentralised premises and planning applications to be submitted, broken down by location and planning submission date; the original budgeted and the expected total costs to be incurred for decentralisation; his further proposals in this regard; the expected date for completion of the full decentralisation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3002/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 798 and 800 together.
My reply will deal with matters which are the direct responsibility of my Department but not with elements that relate to the decentralisation programme generally or to matters, such as property acquisition or disposal or planning, which are the responsibility of other Ministers. In this regard, the House will note the reply today of my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, to related Questions.
To date, 76 of the 140 staff of my Department originally due to relocate to Co. Mayo have transferred to an interim location in Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo. The equivalent number at 31 December 2006 was 70. It is planned to increase the number at the interim location to just over 100 from March 2008. It was originally planned that my Department's headquarters would relocate to Knock Airport, Co. Mayo, but An Bord Pleanála refused planning permission for that location. In July 2007 the Government decided on Charlestown, Co Mayo, as the new location for my Department's headquarters. The Office of Public Works is in negotiations for the purchase of a site at that location and it is not possible at this juncture to say precisely when the new headquarters will be ready.
The Department has fulfilled its decentralisation commitments in relation to Na Forbacha, Galway, with 10 officers in place in temporary accommodation there. The equivalent number at 31 December 2006 was 8. Permanent accommodation was planned to be in place early in 2007 but is now expected to be ready in mid-2008. Pobal have filled 25 of the 40 posts due to decentralise to Clifden, Co. Galway, in temporary accommodation. The equivalent number at 31 December 2006 was 21. Permanent accommodation is expected to be in place in the last quarter of 2009. At that stage it is envisaged that all 40 posts will be located there.
In relation to Foras na Gaeilge, 5 posts have been identified as an initial decentralisation tranche from within the overall complement of 30 posts to be relocated in Gaoth Dobhair. I am hopeful that the necessary approvals can be processed so that these 5 posts will be filled in the course of 2008. The provision of suitable accommodation is being pursued by the Office of Public Works and Údarás na Gaeltachta. Non-property costs incurred by my Department to end-July amounted to €817,467. To date the Office of Public Works has also incurred costs of about €650,000 in relation to accommodation for my Department's decentralisation programme. Originally, 2 staff members were involved in full-time administration of the decentralisation process in my Department, reducing to 1 in January 2007.
Joan Burton
Question:799 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of civil servants and other public servants who have relocated to locations outside of Dublin under the Government’s decentralisation programme; the estimated number of each category who will have relocated by the end of 2008; the breakdown of each set of figures in terms of those who are relocating from Dublin and relocating from elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2988/08]
To date, 76 officers from my Department have transferred to an interim location in Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo. Of those, 42 officers transferred from posts in Dublin. It is planned to fill a further 30 posts in Tubbercurry next March and the majority of those officers will be transferring from posts outside Dublin. 10 officers are in place in Na Forbacha, Galway, fulfilling the Department's commitment in that location. 5 of the officers in question transferred from Dublin posts.
Pobal have filled 25 posts in Clifden, Co. Galway. The posts concerned were in respect of new business and all posts, except 1, were filled by way of local recruitment. The remaining 15 positions due to relocate will be filled in Clifden, again by local recruitment, when a permanent building is in place. This is expected in late 2009.
Question No. 800 answered with Question No. 798.
Grant Payments.
Paul Connaughton
Question:801 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the single farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1404/08]
My Department has no record of receipt of a Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme application for the person named up to the closing date of 15 May 2007. However, a 2007 Single Payment application form was received on 17 December 2007 for the person named. This application was accepted on the receipt of evidence of postage confirming that , the application was submitted in time to reach the Department prior to the deadline. The application is being processed at present and payment will issue shortly.
Foreshore Licences.
Joe McHugh
Question:802 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her plans for the 17 acre foreshore lease licence (details supplied) in County Donegal. [1879/08]
This matter is currently the subject of legal proceedings. As such, it would not be appropriate to make a statement.
Fisheries Development.
Joe McHugh
Question:803 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she has contacted Mr. Joe Borg, EU Commissioner, in relation to new schemes which would benefit in-shore fishing projects in view of the drift and draft net ban in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1880/08]
I have had no contact with Commissioner Borg on this matter as this is primarily a matter for the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. The Community Support Scheme, recommended by the Report of the Independent Group, has been drafted to focus primarily on those communities where commercial salmon fishing has been a well-established activity and where its withdrawal demonstrably impacts on the economic and social fabric, for example, Gaeltacht areas.
The scheme is to be administered by the LEADER companies under the supervision of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in conjunction with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (DCRGA). Details of the scheme will be announced shortly. Available funds will be allocated to those affected fishery districts, proportionate to the impact of the cessation of the mixed stock fishery. Consultations with the LEADER companies, conducted through DCRGA, also informed the most effective distribution of funds.
The coastal communities concerned will also benefit from schemes for the sustainable development of fisheries and aquaculture, which are being put in place in the line with the recommendations of the Cawley Report — Steering A New Course. These schemes are administered by Bord Iascaigh Mhara and Údarás na Gaeltachta.
Coastal Erosion.
Pat Breen
Question:804 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her attention has been drawn to the coastal erosion problems at Quilty, County Clare; the steps she proposes to take to protect the beach and property; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2012/08]
In line with a recent Government decision, responsibility for Coastal Protection and Coastal Flooding will become the responsibility of the Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government. Arrangements are currently in train to effect the transfer. Enquiries with regard to Coastal Protection should, therefore, be directed to the Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government.
Movement of Animals.
Finian McGrath
Question:805 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will ensure that there are no complications for a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan when returning home from the USA. [2473/08]
Finian McGrath
Question:883 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will ensure that a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan is given the maximum support. [2474/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 805 and 883 together.
Ireland has been free of rabies since 1903 and, until 2004, operated a control system based on compulsory six months quarantine for all imported cats and dogs, other than those imported from the U.K. This was replaced by an EU wide system in 2004, under which dogs and cats can travel into Ireland without quarantine provided that certain conditions are met.
Pet dogs and cats can now travel directly into Ireland provided that:
The animal is travelling from an eligible country. The USA is included in the list of eligible countries
The animal is identified by means of a microchip.
The animal has been vaccinated against rabies
The animal has, at least 6 months before entry into Ireland, been successfully blood-tested for rabies anti-bodies.
The animal has been correctly treated against tick and tapeworm. These requirements are applied to all dogs and cats.
My Department facilitates travellers with guide dogs in any way possible consistent with protecting our rabies status. It will be appreciated that the controls are in place for sound scientific reasons and are designed to guard against this very serious disease entering the country. Pets entering Ireland by air must normally fly only into Dublin airport and must travel as manifested cargo. However, for guide dogs, these requirements are waived, and entry checks are carried out at the airport rather than in the quarantine station.
In this particular case I understand that the blood sample for the rabies anti-bodies test was taken on 22 December 2007. This being the case the dog will be eligible to enter Ireland without quarantine after 21 June 2008. After that date the animal will be able to exit and re-enter the country at will, once vaccinations are kept up to date.
Grant Payments.
Paul Kehoe
Question:806 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be considered for assistance under the 2008 single farm payment; if not, the options available to them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36046/07]
The position is that Single Payment entitlements were established for farmers who were farming and in receipt of direct payments under the Livestock Premia and/or Arable Aid Schemes during the reference years 2000, 2001 and 2002 and who continued to farm in 2005. The person named did not receive payments under the Livestock Premia and/or Arable Aid Schemes during the reference years and therefore no Single Payment entitlements were established for him. The person named applied for entitlements from the 2005 National Reserve but as he was not a registered herdowner the application was rejected.
The person named applied under Category B of the 2006 National Reserve. Category B catered for farmers who commenced farming after 31 December 2002 or who commenced farming in 2002 but who received no direct payments in respect of that scheme year. In order to be eligible for an allocation of entitlements from the National Reserve a herdowner must submit a Single Payment Scheme application form. As the person named did not submit a 2006 Single Payment Scheme application form he was therefore not eligible for an allocation of entitlements from the 2006 National Reserve.
The person named subsequently submitted an appeal against my Department's decision. This appeal was forwarded to the Independent Single Payments Appeals Committee who completed their review and they have upheld my Department's decision. A letter outlining the decision of the Committee issued to the person named. The question of a 2008 National Reserve will be considered by the Single Payment Advisory Committee (comprising representatives of the farming organisations, Teagasc and officials from my Department) who will make a recommendation to me in due course. In the meantime the person named should ensure that he submits a completed Single Payment application to my Department by the closing date of 15 May 2008. Blank application forms will shortly be available in my Department's Local Offices.
Departmental Agencies.
Martin Ferris
Question:807 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the person to whom the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority is responsible. [36110/07]
The Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006, provided for the establishment of the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA). This independent authority was established on January 1st 2007. The Act sets out in detail the lines of responsibility, accountability and reporting which apply to the Authority.
Proposed Legislation.
Michael Creed
Question:808 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will consult with an organisation (details supplied) in connection with the Animal Welfare Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36111/07]
The Programme for Government contains a number of animal welfare-related commitments including a commitment to the introduction of a new Animal Welfare Bill, which will update existing legislation, to ensure that the welfare of all animals is properly protected and that the penalties for offenders are increased significantly. In advance of the publication of the Bill, my Department will be engaging in a form of public consultation and any interested parties, including the organisation referred to by the Deputy, will be welcome to submit their views at that stage.
Fisheries Protection.
Martin Ferris
Question:809 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her estimate of the value of fish taken illegally from Irish waters each year; and if she has had communications with the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority on this matter. [36130/07]
This question is a matter for the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA), which is a statutory body independent of me and my Department. In line with the provisions of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006, my Department and I have regular discussions with the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority on general policy issues.
Martin Ferris
Question:810 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if naval officers can board vessels in the hours of darkness; and if she has had communication with the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority on this matter. [36131/07]
This question is a matter for the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA), which is a statutory body independent of me and my Department and is also a matter for the Naval Service and the Department of Defence. In line with the provisions of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006, my Department and I have regular discussions with the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority on general policy issues.
Martin Ferris
Question:811 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her views on the use of surveillance helicopters to monitor illegal fishing; and if she has had communications with the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority on this matter. [36132/07]
This question is a matter for the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA), which is a statutory body independent of me and my Department. In line with the provisions of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006, my Department and I have regular discussions with the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority on general policy issues.
Martin Ferris
Question:812 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the measures employed against Japanese tuna vessels operating in Irish waters; and if she has had communications with the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority on this matter. [36133/07]
This question is a matter for the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA), which is a statutory body independent of me and my Department. In line with the provisions of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006, my Department and I have regular discussions with the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority on general policy issues.
Martin Ferris
Question:813 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her views on whether the deployment of three gardaí and four fisheries officers to detain a 30 foot crab boat in Sligo was heavy handed; and if she has had communications with the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority on this matter. [36134/07]
This question is a matter for the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA), which is a statutory body independent of me and my Department. In line with the provisions of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006, my Department and I have regular discussions with the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority on general policy issues.
Martin Ferris
Question:814 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if it is the policy of the fishery protection agencies to target Irish vessels and Irish landings; and if she has had communications with the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority on this matter. [36135/07]
This question is a matter for the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA), which is a statutory body independent of me and my Department. In line with the provisions of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006, my Department and I have regular discussions with the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority on general policy issues.
Martin Ferris
Question:815 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her views on the information provided to her Department that illegal fishing is still unregulated; and if she has had communications with the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority on this matter. [36136/07]
The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority is an independent authority, statutorily charged with the efficient and effective enforcement of sea-fisheries law and food safety law, promoting compliance with, deterring and detecting contraventions of fisheries and food safety law. In line with the provisions of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006, my Department and I have regular discussions with the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority on general policy issues.
Martin Ferris
Question:816 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will list by nationality all vessels detained since January 2007 by the fisheries protection agencies; and if she has had communications with the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority on this matter. [36137/07]
This question is a matter for the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA), which is a statutory body independent of me and my Department. In line with the provisions of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006, my Department and I have regular discussions with the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority on general policy issues.
Departmental Agencies.
Martin Ferris
Question:817 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of times the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority has met since it was established; and when it is due to meet next. [36138/07]
This question is a matter for the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA), which is a statutory body independent of me and my Department. The Authority is managed under the Act by a Chairperson and two other executive members and it is a matter for the Authority how it organises its internal business.
Martin Ferris
Question:818 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the members of the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority liaison committee. [36139/07]
The following individuals were invited to form the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority Consultative Committee to which I presume the deputy refers:
1.Mr Joseph Maddock, Chairman, Irish Fishermans Organisation
2.Mr John Power
3.Ms Valerie Cummins, Director, Coastal and Marine Resources Centre
4.Mr Thomas Geoghegan, National Secretary, Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association
5.Mrs John Harrington, Managing Director, Kush Seafarms Limited
6.Ms Catherine McManus, Technical Manager, Marine Harvest Ireland Limited
7.Ms Gillian Mills, The Maritime Institute of Ireland
8.Ms Anne Marie Mulloy, Business Development Manager, Connemara Seafoods Limited
9.Mr Lorcan O Cinneide, Chief Executive, Irish Fish Producers Organisation
10.Mr Sean O'Donoghue, Chief Executive, Killybegs Fishermans Organisation
11.Mr Gerard O'Flynn, Chief Executive, Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation
12.Mrs Nora Parks, Crab Co-ordinator, Killybegs Fishermans Organisation
13.Mr Sean Radford, Chairman, Irish South and East Fish Producers Organisation
14.Mrs Pauline Simpson, East Waterford Lobster Co-op Society Limited.
Grant Payments.
Michael Creed
Question:819 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of beneficiaries of installation aid for young farmers for each year since the scheme was introduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1021/08]
The number of payees under the Installation Aid Scheme in each year since 2001 (the date of introduction of the Scheme under the 2000-2006 National Development Plan) is set out in the table.
|
Year |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
Total |
|
Payees |
357 |
579 |
987 |
808 |
557 |
615 |
597 |
4,500 |
Animal Breeding Regulations.
Michael Creed
Question:820 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason pedigree bulls are not required under the new suckler cow grant scheme; the consultations she had with the ICBF before announcing the scheme; and the way the scheme will improve quality in the beef herd. [1022/08]
The Animal Welfare, Recording and Breeding Scheme for Suckler Herds aims to encourage and underpin the adoption of high levels of animal welfare and improve the quality of the national beef herd. Provided it is a beef breed, farmers are free to choose the type of bull they use in their herds as this does not deflect from the aims of the scheme. The scheme has seven measures and compliance with these measures, regardless of the type of bull used, should result in enhanced welfare and quality.
My Department had consultations with ICBF regarding the extension of their recording programme to cover the objectives of the scheme. As the Animal Events system operated by ICBF is an integral part of the Scheme, a number of consultations took place on how the scheme would be rolled out to farmers. The scheme will improve quality in the beef herd in a number of ways. A core part of the scheme is the collection of valuable breeding data on animals from a large range of farms. The central analysis of this data by ICBF will lead to accurate profit based breeding indexes on beef cattle in the country. These indexes will show in a clear and easily understandable manner the most profitable bulls to use on farms, whether they are pedigree or not. They will also allow farmers to identify the cows that are producing the most profitable and best quality weanlings.
The training and education module element of the scheme will provide practical knowledge for farmers on many aspects of quality beef production. The other measures relating to welfare improvement, and best practice on weaning will also contribute to improving the health and quality of animals being produced from the Suckler herd.
Animal Welfare.
Mary White
Question:821 Deputy Mary Alexandra White asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her intentions in relation to undertaking the digestibility studies, post-mortems and liver biopsies which her Department promised in 2006 on the farm animals on a farm (details supplied) in County Kilkenny when a downturn in their growth occurred, which happened in July 2007. [1036/08]
Mary White
Question:822 Deputy Mary Alexandra White asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her departmental officials will carry out the digestibility studies, post-mortems and liver biopsies on the farm animals (details supplied) in County Kilkenny, as her Department promised would happen when a downturn occurred in the growth of their animals, as happened in 2007; and the reason the tests have not happened already. [1037/08]
Mary White
Question:823 Deputy Mary Alexandra White asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her attention has been drawn to the fact that any tests to be carried out on animals on a farm (details supplied) in County Kilkenny, which are expected to happen in the next few months are likely to coincide with the closure of a local industry implicated in the problems on the farm according to a European Parliament Petitions’ Committee report, and for that reason is likely to make the tests redundant. [1038/08]
Mary White
Question:824 Deputy Mary Alexandra White asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she has taken on board the findings of the European Parliament Petitions’ Committee findings regarding a farm (details supplied) in County Kilkenny, in particular regarding the environmental damage mentioned and the possible violation of EU law in relation to air pollution and contamination, and the importance of this issue in relation to protecting the name of Irish agriculture. [1039/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 821 to 824, inclusive, together.
My Department and a number of other relevant State agencies have invested very considerable public resources in terms of personnel and laboratory analysis on the farm in question, and continue to do so. The farm has been the subject of investigation over a number of years and is currently the subject of a further thorough and comprehensive investigation, which I commissioned the Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis (CVERA) at UCD to undertake, at an estimated cost of up to €0.5 million. In 2004, my Department's Veterinary Laboratory Service arranged for a wide-ranging study to be undertaken into the problems on the farm. A report was produced in June 2006, at which stage I met a delegation of interests, including the farmer in question, and confirmed my Department's willingness to continue to seek to establish the root cause of the on-farm problems and to which end I commissioned the current CVERA investigation.
The earlier report outlined the range of investigations conducted and concluded that, while there were obvious animal health problems on the farm, they had failed to establish that the environmental impact of emissions from a neighbouring factory, particularly fluoride, was sufficient to cause significant pollution or the animal health problems on the farm. During the earlier studies, my Department carried out a number of elective and general post-mortem examinations on a number of animals from the farm and the results were provided in the 2006 Report. In December 2007 two further elective post-mortems were carried out and the results of these will be included in the report to be completed following the current investigation. During the course of the CVERA study of the animals on the farm apparent damage to the foliage in some of the hedgerows was observed. My officials reported this to the EPA and the matter was investigated by them. I understand that their findings will be included in the CVERA report currently in preparation, though the Deputy will appreciate that issues of environmental damage and any suggestions of a violation of EU law in relation to air pollution and contamination are not the responsibility of my Department.
The CVERA study, which commenced in late 2006, is designed to complement much of the work done to date and applies some different approaches to investigate the production problems on the farm. Among the elements of this robust, scientific study is a major sampling and testing programme, as well as epidemiological studies and investigations into the competency of different metabolic pathways. In addition, it includes a comprehensive and detailed soil survey.
While the application of live biopsies and the possibility of digestibility studies had been discussed with the farmer concerned and before the current study had been formulated, the scientists concluded that the liver biopsies could add nothing further to our knowledge above and beyond what was already being provided by the exhaustive blood analysis programme and post-mortem examinations. The digestibility studies were intended to be undertaken during a downturn in the winter feeding trial (when inputs and outputs could be carefully monitored). In the event no downturn arose during this period and the animals performed normally.
A considerable amount of the sampling and testing has already been carried out and, as the study is being conducted to the highest scientific standards, there can be no question of its timescale for its completion being dictated by any other events. I hope that, when the full range of test results have been collated and analysed and the appropriate scientific conclusions drawn, further light will be shed on the problems experienced on that farm. Pending that conclusion, it would be entirely inappropriate for me to speculate on its outcome.
Farm Improvement Scheme.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:825 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the way, regarding the farm investment scheme, a decision was made to cap the amount of money for the scheme; the amount of the cap; the way the amount was decided; the period of time it was meant to cover; the person who was informed that such a cap existed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1051/08]
The Farm Improvement Scheme was launched by my Department in July 2007. The funding for the Scheme was agreed under the Partnership agreement, Towards 2016, as part of an overall programme of investment in the agri-food sector. A total of €350 million was provided for farm waste and other on-farm investment measures, of which €79 million was provided for the Farm Improvement Scheme. I indicated, at the time of its launch, that the Scheme would be terminated when this financial ceiling had been reached and this was also specifically provided for in the terms and conditions of the Scheme.
Judicial Reviews.
Damien English
Question:826 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the cost to and the damages paid by the State in relation to judicial reviews that her Department was responsible for in each of the years 1997 to 2007 inclusive; and if she will provide the information in tabular readable form. [1104/08]
Damien English
Question:827 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of applications for judicial review that her Department was responsible for in each of the years 1997 to 2007; the number of applications where leave was granted for each year; and if she will present the information in tabular readable form. [1119/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 826 and 827 together.
The number of Judicial Reviews for the period 1997 to 2007 for which leave was granted is set out in the table. However, information in relation to full details of costs and damages over the period of time requested by the Deputy is not readily available, and such information cannot be assembled without undue commitment of staff resources and administrative costs. Should the Deputy have a query in relation to a specific Judicial Review in which my Department was involved, or can limit the time period involved, I will endeavour to have the information provided.
|
Year |
Number of Judicial Reviews |
|
1997 |
8 |
|
1998 |
6 |
|
1999 |
8 |
|
2000 |
7 |
|
2001 |
8 |
|
2002 |
4 |
|
2003 |
12 |
|
2004 |
3 |
|
2005 |
10 |
|
2006 |
5 |
|
2007 |
10 |
Legislative Programme.
Dr Martin Mansergh
Question:828 Deputy Martin Mansergh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of Acts passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas sponsored by her Department in each year from 2003 to 2007; the Acts which were legislation wholly or mainly required by Ireland’s EU obligations, which were partly so required, and which had no significant or minimal reference to EU legislation; and if in the first two cases Ireland had significant discretion, as to the manner in which EU obligations were translated into domestic law. [1190/08]
Details of the Acts sponsored by my Department between 2003 and 2007 are as follows:
|
Year |
Number of Acts |
Name of Act |
|
2003 |
1 |
Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2003 |
|
2004 |
2 |
An Bord Bia (Amendment) Act 2004 Dumping at Sea (Amendment) Act 2004 |
|
2005 |
3 |
Veterinary Practice Act 2005 Land Act 2005 Maritime Safety Act 2005 |
|
2006 |
1 |
Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 |
|
2007 |
0 |
None |
Most of the Acts mentioned in the table were enacted to introduce national measures. However, section 43 of the Veterinary Practice Act 2005, which replaced the Veterinary Surgeons Acts 1931 to 1960, has a provision for Compliance with European Union requirements. This section continues in force the obligations that were contained in the repealed legislation. The Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2003 and the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 set out the framework for the regulation of sea fisheries and the enforcement of sea fisheries law and sea food safety law. Sea Fisheries are managed and regulated under the EU Common Fisheries Policy. The Acts provide the national framework for implementation and compliance with that policy. The Deputy may also wish to note that an amendment to the Sea Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2003 and the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 was included in Criminal Justice Act 2007, which was sponsored by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
Commonage Framework Plans.
Michael Creed
Question:829 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her Department has requested reduced stock densities on commonages at a location (details supplied); the reason for her Departments request; the progress that has been made in respect of each commonage in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1211/08]
Commonage Framework Plans have been drawn up for all commonages in the country, including those in County Kerry. Publication of the Plans began early in 2002. Many of the Plans found evidence of over-grazing by sheep and recommended reductions in flock numbers. These reductions were applied incrementally, and no farmer was required to reduce his or her flock by more than 60%. It is a condition of REPS 4, however, that a participant must destock to the full extent specified in the Commonage Framework Plans.
Farm Improvement Scheme.
Denis Naughten
Question:830 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of applications submitted from each county under the farm improvement scheme between 21 October and 31 October 2007; the value of the applications on a county basis; the steps she will take to ensure that all valid applications submitted up to 31 October 2007 will be approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1221/08]
Some 12,675 applications were received by my Department under the Farm Improvement Scheme up to its suspension on 31 October 2007. These applications are being processed in the Department up to the level of funding made available for the Scheme in the 2006 Partnership agreement, Towards 2016. It is not possible at this stage to provide the value of applications on a county basis represented by these applications.
Grant Payments.
Beverley Flynn
Question:831 Deputy Beverley Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason persons (details supplied) in County Mayo under the single payment scheme have not received the payments due to them under the scheme. [1234/08]
An application under the 2007 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received in this case on 15 May 2007. Payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme commenced on 21 September, with payments issuing in respect of those cases cleared for payment at that stage. This application was processed and an initial payment in respect of the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme issued on 21 September 2007 for an amount of €1,008.85. A further payment of €877.68 issued on 3 December 2007 as outstanding matters relating to an over-claim on a land parcel were resolved. The person holds 24.90 entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme, and declared 18.51 hectares of eligible land on the 2007 application form. In order to draw down full payment in respect of standard entitlements held, an applicant must declare an "eligible hectare" to accompany each entitlement. In that regard an advance payment for €171.88 issued on 19 November 2007, based on the 18.51 hectares declared. A balancing payment for €171.90 issued on 3 December 2007. The case is now fully processed and all payments due have issued.
Michael Creed
Question:832 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the balance of disadvantaged area moneys due to a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be granted. [1253/08]
An application under the 2007 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 15 May 2007. Following processing of the application, an issue arose regarding one of the land parcels declared, which has now been solved. The applicant was paid €1,786.31 on 25 September 2007 and the balancing payment due to the person named, following the solving of the area problem, will issue shortly.
Milk Quota.
Denis Naughten
Question:833 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon cannot buy back milk quota which they sold five years ago, with the provision to repurchase; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1282/08]
The rules pertaining to the Milk Quota Trading Scheme provide that a son or daughter of a person who sold their quota into a Restructuring or Trading Scheme since 2000, subject to certain conditions, have priority to purchase up to an equivalent amount of the quantity surrendered by their parent(s). Accordingly if a parent of the named person has sold quota into a Restructuring Scheme, he may submit an application to purchase quota as a Successor in the Priority Category of a forthcoming Milk Quota Trading Scheme. Full details of this scheme are available from either his Co-operative or from the Department.
Grant Payments.
Michael Creed
Question:834 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when single farm payment in respect of 2005, 2006 and 2007 will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1367/08]
Following the recent successful outcome of an appeal to my Department, issues arising in relation to the declaration of eligible lands under the Single Payment Scheme by the applicant have been resolved. The necessary arrangements to give effect to this decision are now in place and, accordingly, payments in respect of the three years in question will issue to the person named as soon as possible.
Paul Connaughton
Question:835 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a slated house grant will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1403/08]
The person concerned was paid grant aid under the Farm Waste Management Scheme by my Department on 27 November 2007.
Milk Quota.
Pat Breen
Question:836 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the status of an application for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1417/08]
Allocations of milk quota from the National Reserve are granted on the basis of recommendations from the Milk Quota Appeals Tribunal. The Tribunal examines and makes recommendations on applications for additional quota from individual producers. The named person submitted an application to the Tribunal seeking an allocation of additional quota under the Hardship category. This application was examined on 10 January 2008 and an allocation of 5,000 litres of additional milk quota was made from the National Reserve. The named person and his Co-op have been notified in this regard.
Grant Payments.
Pat Breen
Question:837 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when an application will be processed for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1434/08]
An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Area Scheme was received from the person named on 25 April 2007. Following initial processing, it was found that one of the parcels listed on the application appeared to be over-claimed by the applicant. The person named was informed of the over-claim on this land parcel on 6 November 2007 and following subsequent correspondence and telephone conversations with the applicant it was established that there was an overlap between the parcel declared by the applicant and a land parcel claimed as forestry by another person under the Afforestation Aid Scheme. The person named contacted my Department on 21 January 2008 and stated that the overlap with the forestry parcel was incorrect and that the parcel of land declared by him was available to him in its entirety as forage. At this time the person named was informed that my Department had no alternative but to arrange for an inspection to clarify the matter and the applicant agreed to this approach. Payments will issue in respect of the Disadvantaged Area Scheme and the Single Payment Scheme 2007 when the eligibility of all the land on the application has been established. Officials from my Department will contact the person named directly if any over-claim remains after the completion of the inspection.
School Milk Scheme.
Olwyn Enright
Question:838 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the up-take under the school milk scheme for the school year 2006/2007; the range of milk products made available; the number of refrigerator units provided; the number of schools that were provided with same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1443/08]
A total of 1,588 schools participated in the School Milk Scheme for the 2006-07 school year, with 80,190 children involved in the scheme. In Ireland, products were made available under two categories — whole milk (3.5% fat) and cheese (40% fat). Flavoured milk was made available on a pilot basis in some schools during the year. In the 2006-07 school year, 984 refrigerator units were provided for the same number of schools.
Animal Welfare.
Paul Connaughton
Question:839 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the use of calf hutches for the individual rearing of calves out of doors is permitted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1487/08]
Where accommodation by way of pens or hutches is provided outdoors for calves, the application of good animal husbandry practices is essential to ensure their good health and welfare. The use of confined individual pens (rebuilt or brought into use after 1 January 1998) for calves after the age of eight weeks is prohibited. Calves up to eight weeks of age, when kept in individual pens, must have direct visual and tactile contact with other calves unless a veterinary practitioner requires the animal to be individually isolated to receive treatment.
Departmental Properties.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:840 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of Department owned computer desktops or laptops or other data devices, such as blackberries and memory keys, reported lost, missing or stolen from her Department in each year from 2002 to 2007; the number of these that were later recovered or found; the number still missing; if any sensitive or private data was compromised; the measures in place within her Department to secure such portable or at risk data devices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1507/08]
The number of Department-owned computer desktops or laptops or other data devices, such as blackberries and memory keys, reported lost, missing or stolen from my Department are set out in the following table:
|
Year |
Lost/Stolen |
Recovered/Found |
|
2002 |
3 Laptops were reported stolen |
None |
|
2003 |
None |
N/A |
|
2004 |
None |
N/A |
|
2005 |
None |
N/A |
|
2006 |
1 Laptop reported stolen |
None |
|
2007 |
1 Laptop reported stolen 2 Blackberry devices lost |
None |
No computer desktops, or other data devices e.g. memory keys were reported lost, missing or stolen. When a device, such as a laptop or Blackberry, is reported lost or stolen, access by that device to the Department's computer network is immediately suspended and use of the device is blocked. In all cases where devices were reported stolen, the theft was reported to the Garda. To date, no sensitive or private data has been compromised. All computer desktops and laptops are protected by use of a user-ID and password. The Department is currently examining the procurement of encryption software to enhance the security of laptops and other data devices such as memory keys.
Fishing Fleet Protection.
Brendan Howlin
Question:841 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her attention has been drawn to the fact that on the night of 12 January 2008 and the afternoon of 13 January 2008, during dangerously inclement weather when winter storms were battering the harbour walls at Kilmore Quay, County Wexford, fishermen who had given notice to fisheries officers of their intention to land their catch were forced by those officers to keep their vessels outside the harbour until the required four hour notice period had fully elapsed; if that compliance with the four hour rule takes precedence over safety considerations; if she will take steps to ensure that incidents such as those complained of by Kilmore Quay fishermen are not repeated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1578/08]
This question is a matter for the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority, which is a statutory body independent of me and my Department.
Grant Payments.
Michael Creed
Question:842 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when persons (details supplied) in County Cork will receive payment of a grant under the farm waste management scheme. [1608/08]
Payment will be made by my Department in this case shortly.
Paul Kehoe
Question:843 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will confirm that a person (details supplied) in County Wexford has been awarded payment and will continue to be awarded payment for the 0.27 hectares previous by under query under the single farm payment; if payment for this disputed land under the 2006 single farm payment will be awarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1613/08]
An application under the 2006 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 21 April 2006. Following initial processing, one parcel claimed by the person named was identified as having also been claimed by another applicant. Having been written to regarding this issue, the person named contacted my Department to confirm that he did have the right to claim this parcel. To confirm this claim, the person named was requested to submit Land Registry Deeds or Lease/Rental agreements to support his right to claim this parcel. As no such evidence was received from the person named, the regulatory penalty was applied in accordance with the provisions governing the Single Payment Scheme. The person named has been advised of his right to appeal this decision.
Willie Penrose
Question:844 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath has not received their appropriate top up payment entitlements from the single payment scheme national reserve for 2006/2007; if she will take steps to have payments awarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1679/08]
The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the 2006 Single Payment Scheme National Reserve under Categories A and B. Category A caters for farmers who inherited land or received land free of charge or for a nominal sum from a farmer who had retired or died by 16 May, 2005 and who had leased out his/her holding to a third party during the reference period 2000 to 2002. The person named was not eligible under this category as the land inherited by him was not leased out to a third party during the reference period. Category B caters for farmers who commenced farming after 31 December 2002 or who commenced farming in 2002 but who received no direct payments in respect of that scheme year. The person named was deemed eligible under this category and a formal letter outlining my Department's decision has issued to him. The allocation from the National Reserve was made after the 2007 Single Payment balance was paid in December. The relevant top-up payments due from the National Reserve for 2006 and 2007 will issue this week.
Data Protection.
Damien English
Question:845 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of and the records kept by her Department of attempted hacking or suspected cyber attacks or other malicious computer security breaches committed against her Department’s computer systems. [1718/08]
My Department, in common with other bodies with public facing websites, is subject to continuous attempted malicious cyber attacks and hacking attempts. All traffic including malicious traffic to the Department's website is recorded and stored in log files. My Department has put in place a robust Information Technology infrastructure, at both the hardware and software levels, to ensure that its computer systems are safe from hackers. A complex infrastructure consisting of firewalls, routers, and specialized software has been deployed to protect against intrusion by hackers, etc. A comprehensive anti-virus software system is in place, which protects the Department's computer systems, from e-mail borne computer viruses. As a further measure, the Department has put in place a contract for independent testing and verification, on an ongoing basis, of the security control measures that it has put in place. To date, the Department has not recorded any successful cyber attack or hacking attempt against its computer systems.
Farm Improvement Scheme.
Michael D'Arcy
Question:846 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when applications which were received from 21 October to 31 October 2007 for the farm improvement scheme for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be dealt with. [1751/08]
Applications received under the Farm Improvement Scheme prior to its suspension on 31 October 2007 are being processed by my Department up to the level of funding provided for the Scheme in the 2006 partnership agreement, Towards 2016.
Grant Payments.
Tom Hayes
Question:847 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary under the afforestation and premium schemes. [1788/08]
My Department has advised the owner that remedial work is required at each of these sites. When the required improvements have been completed satisfactorily, forestry payments will resume.
Tom Hayes
Question:848 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason an application for transfer of single payment entitlements by a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary was refused; and if the decision can be reviewed. [1789/08]
An application was received from the person named requesting the transfer of 15.68 entitlements by way of lease to another farmer.
As the person named had successfully applied to consolidate his entitlements in 2005, the entitlements in question acquired the status of ‘National Reserve' entitlements. National Reserve Entitlements (including Consolidated entitlements) may not, except in the case of inheritance or gift, be transferred for a period of five years.
Animal Identification Scheme.
Seymour Crawford
Question:849 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of double ear tags supplied to farmers on a county basis in 2007; the number of double ear replacement tags supplied on a county basis in 2007; the number of single replacement tags supplied on the same basis; if she has satisfied herself that this is the best tagging system available; if she has examined alternatives such as other types of tags or implants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1801/08]
I am satisfied that the current system of double tagging bovine animals with plastic tags is the most efficient and practical form of identification available at present. My Department stays abreast of developments in the area and is currently researching the possible future use of electronic and other means of identification for bovine animals. The numbers of new and replacement bovine animal identification ear tags issued during 2007 by county are set out in the following table:
|
County |
New Tag Sets |
Replacement pairs |
Replacement Singles |
|
Carlow |
28,684 |
1,713 |
6,221 |
|
Cavan |
84,057 |
3,403 |
12,326 |
|
Clare |
110,289 |
4,121 |
14,806 |
|
Cork |
354,851 |
13,116 |
43,113 |
|
Donegal |
61,670 |
3,529 |
10,505 |
|
Dublin |
6,111 |
510 |
1,387 |
|
Galway |
143,300 |
6,334 |
22,357 |
|
Kerry |
140,492 |
4,722 |
19,261 |
|
Kildare |
31,308 |
1,889 |
5,949 |
|
Kilkenny |
96,768 |
3,979 |
14,538 |
|
Laois |
66,134 |
2,987 |
9,945 |
|
Leitrim |
33,063 |
1,607 |
4,720 |
|
Limerick |
137,606 |
5,912 |
19,098 |
|
Longford |
37,977 |
1,648 |
6,187 |
|
Louth |
24,257 |
1,198 |
4,069 |
|
Mayo |
102,228 |
4,725 |
14,960 |
|
Meath |
79,818 |
4,096 |
11,813 |
|
Monaghan |
67,276 |
3,971 |
10,269 |
|
Offaly |
57,068 |
2,833 |
10,275 |
|
Roscommon |
65,728 |
3,142 |
10,723 |
|
Sligo |
44,718 |
2,008 |
6,077 |
|
Tipperary |
187,220 |
7,230 |
25,242 |
|
Waterford |
81,463 |
2,950 |
10,380 |
|
Westmeath |
58,950 |
2,821 |
9,496 |
|
Wexford |
85,330 |
3,883 |
13,537 |
|
Wicklow |
40,388 |
1,934 |
7,634 |
|
Total |
2,226,754 |
96,261 |
324,888 |
Grant Payments.
Michael Ring
Question:850 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a decision will be made on an application to the single payments national reserve 2007 category C by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [1831/08]
The person named applied to the 2007 National Reserve under Category C which caters for farmers for whom at least 40% of their Single Payment was derived from direct payments associated with sheep production (Ewe Premium/Rural World Premium) during the reference period, the existing Single Payment is less than €6,000 and individual payment entitlements are less than the District Electoral Division average value. Allocations to successful applicants have commenced this week and will continue over the coming weeks. Payments will follow shortly after allocations have been made. A formal letter outlining my Department's decision will issue to the person named as soon as his application has been processed. Applicants who are dissatisfied with my Department's decision on their application may appeal that decision to the Single Payment Independent Appeals Committee.
Transfer of Entitlements.
Michael Ring
Question:851 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be paid their SPS for 2007. [1832/08]
An application was received on 9 May 2007 from the person named requesting the transfer of 1.0 standard entitlement by way of sale without land to another farmer. An issue relating to the proposed transferee prevented the immediate processing of this transfer. This issue has now been resolved and the requested transfer of entitlements has been fully processed. In addition, a second application from the person named to transfer entitlements, received on 3 May 2007, was subsequently withdrawn on 19 December 2007. As all transfer applications are now processed, payment will issue to the person named shortly.
Michael Ring
Question:852 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a transfer of entitlements application, following the purchase of land will be finalised for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in order that payment on these entitlements can issue. [1833/08]
Michael Ring
Question:879 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the documents that were received from a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in relation to the transfer of entitlements following the purchase of land. [2290/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 852 and 879 together.
An application was received on 15 May 2007 requesting the transfer of 13.71 standard entitlements to the person named from another farmer by way of sale with land. A Deed of Transfer relating to the land transferred with entitlements was also received. When processing the application, it was noted that there was a discrepancy between the date of transfer of land as recorded on the Deed of Transfer (15 November 2006) and the date as declared on both the Transfer Application and the Single Payment application (1 September 2006). Accordingly, the person named was written to requesting that the discrepancy be resolved, either by confirming in writing that the land was available for his use from the earlier date, or by amending his Transfer Application. In addition, an official from my Department spoke with the person named to explain this issue and to clarify what was required. A reminder letter issued to the person named on the 9 January 2008. To date, no response has been received from the person named. Immediately on receipt of the required clarification from the person named, the requested transfer will be processed without delay.
Farm Improvement Scheme.
Michael Ring
Question:853 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will reopen the farm improvement scheme for applications; the position regarding the farmers that had their applications submitted prior to 31 October 2007; if she will accept the applications submitted prior to that date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1834/08]
Applications received under the Farm Improvement Scheme prior to its suspension on 31 October 2007 are being processed by my Department up to the level of funding provided for the Scheme in the 2006 Partnership agreement, Towards 2016. I have no plans to reopen the Farm Improvement Scheme to further applications prior to the review in 2008 of Towards 2016 as provided for in that agreement.
Michael Ring
Question:854 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when an application under the farm improvement scheme by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved; and the date their application was received by her Department. [1835/08]
Applications received under the Farm Improvement Scheme are being processed by my Department up to the level of funding provided for the Scheme in the 2006 partnership agreement, Towards 2016.
Grant Payments.
Michael Ring
Question:855 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the transfer of entitlements application following the purchase of land, will be completed for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo to enable their SPS payment to issue on those entitlements. [1836/08]
The first person named is not the Registered Herdowner of the Herd number quoted. No application to transfer entitlements from the first person named to the second person named has been received by my Department, under the 2007 Single Payment Scheme.
Sheep Industry.
Michael Ring
Question:856 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will ring-fence a capital grant aid package for the sheep sector to include handling facilities, mobile units and fencing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1837/08]
The Farm Improvement Scheme which was suspended on 31 October 2007 provided grant aid for sheep housing, dipping tanks, spraying equipment, fencing, handling units and related facilities. I have no plans to reopen the Farm Improvement Scheme prior to the review in 2008 of the Partnership agreement, Towards 2016, as provided for in that agreement.
EU Directives.
Michael Ring
Question:857 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the Minister who agreed the EU Council Regulations 1290/2005 for the Irish Government when that was going through the European Parliament and when that directive was being agreed; the Minister that was there; the Minister that attended that particular meeting; and the way they represented the Irish Government in that regard. [1838/08]
Council Regulation (EC) No 1290/2007 lays down the legislative framework for the financing of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The Regulation establishes a European Agricultural Guarantee Fund, from which measures such as the Single Farm Payment, Export Refunds and Market Intervention are funded, and a European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, from which co-funding is provided for measures such as REPS, the Early Retirement Scheme, the Farm Improvement Programme and the Installation Aid Scheme. Detailed mechanisms for the operation of the funds are set out in the Regulation.
Discussions on the original Commission proposal for the Regulation commenced at a Council Working Group in October 2004 which was attended by officials in my Department. Political agreement was reached at the Council of Agriculture Ministers in May 2005. In accordance with normal practice, I represented Ireland at the Council on that occasion. As the overwhelming balance of interest for Ireland and other Member States lay in ensuring that there is a sound regulatory framework underpinning the management of EU funding for the CAP into the future, I supported the final proposal which was agreed by a qualified majority of Member States.
A proposal to amend the Regulation was agreed at the Council of Agriculture Ministers in October 2007. The amendment strengthened a number of the financial control mechanisms in the original Regulation and incorporated a requirement which had already been included in the General Budget Regulation (Council Regulation (EC) No 1605/2002) to publish details of the beneficiaries of EU funds. On this occasion, while supportive of the Commission's efforts to strengthen financial control procedures, I abstained in the vote on the basis of concerns about the publication of details of CAP payments. The proposal was approved by the Council by qualified majority vote. My Department does not participate in the deliberations of the European Parliament.
Rural Environment Protection Scheme.
Michael Ring
Question:858 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will introduce a REP scheme mixed grazing supplementary measure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1839/08]
REPS 4, which I launched on 8 August 2007, contains a mixed grazing supplementary measure. REPS participants can receive up to €1,000 a year under the supplementary measure, in addition to their basic payments.
Grant Payments.
Michael Ring
Question:859 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the 8,000 sheep farming applicants who have applied under the national reserve; when those cases will be processed in order that payment can issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1840/08]
As outlined in my recent press statement a special category was included under the 2007 National Reserve for sheep farmers whose existing Single Payment is less than €6,000 and where individual entitlements are less than the District Electoral Division average. Allocations will be capped at the District Electoral Division average value of entitlements or a total Single Payment of €6,000 whichever is the lesser and allocations to successful applicants will not exceed €1,000. It is estimated that the measure will be worth over €6 million annually or €42 million over the next seven years. In order to ensure that the maximum number of eligible sheep farmers would benefit from this measure, my Department had sent application forms to sheep farmers who, according to Department records, might qualify under the measure. This has resulted in the receipt of some 9,000 completed application forms. Allocations to successful applicants have commenced this week and will continue over the coming weeks. Payments will follow shortly after allocations have been made. Applicants who are dissatisfied with my Department's decision on their application may appeal that decision to the Single Payment Independent Appeals Committee.
Michael Ring
Question:860 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be granted the installation aid grant. [1841/08]
The person concerned is an applicant for aid under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme. Her application for payment is being examined within my Department and the outcome will be notified to the person concerned as soon as possible.
Farm Retirement Scheme.
Michael Ring
Question:861 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and granted the early retirement scheme. [1842/08]
The farming transferee for the person named has applied for the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme. On 9 January, 2008 the Inspector dealing with both the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme application and the Early Retirement Scheme application spoke to the transferee and requested the submission of additional outstanding documentation regarding the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme application. As soon as this documentation is received, processing of the Early Retirement Scheme application can be finalised.
Rural Environment Protection Scheme.
Michael Ring
Question:862 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their REP scheme payment. [1843/08]
The application for payment in this case is within the timeframe set out in the Charter of Rights for Farmers.
Grant Payments.
Michael Ring
Question:863 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their disadvantaged area scheme payment in view of the fact that they have submitted all the proof necessary to rectify the dual claim issue. [1844/08]
An application under the 2007 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 15 May 2007. Following processing of the application, issues arose about the area of land declared, the outcome of which was that the person named was deemed to have over-claimed the forage area available to him. This over-claim did not affect his payment under the Single Payment Scheme as the determined area was greater than the number of entitlements held. However, the over-claim has resulted in an over-declaration of greater than 20% of the eligible forage area found for the purposes of the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme. Under the EU provisions governing that Scheme, an over-declaration of more than 20% results in a nil payment for the year in question. Accordingly, there is no payment due to the person named.
Michael Ring
Question:864 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive the second 50% payment of their SPS for 2007. [1846/08]
Following direct contact by officials of my Department with the person named and the submission of required documentation, the balancing payment due to the person named will issue shortly.
Rights of Way.
Michael Ring
Question:865 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the action, following a recent court judgment that a farmer in a situation (details supplied) can take. [1847/08]
The position is that there will always be occasions when livestock farmers will have or will share a right of way. I have no legal authority to interfere in, alter, limit or extinguish such a right. The creation, alteration and extinguishment of private rights of way are primarily a civil issue. The persons exercising a right of way are required to do so within the limits and/or restrictions of the right of way for whatever purpose as granted to them and also the user must respect the rights of user as exercised by the fee simple owner over the right of way, if any.
With regard to the movement of cattle, the fundamental principle of non-co-mingling of animals from different herds, so that animals are not exposed to additional disease risk or do not facilitate the spread of disease between animals or herds, is a requirement that must be observed by all parties who might use a right of way. In any event, good farming practice should dictate that two or more farmers should not use or walk livestock on a right of way at the same time. If it comes to the attention of my Department that herds have co-mingled, it will be necessary to assign the lowest disease status to all such herds. This could be to the detriment of the farmers concerned as they may not be able to trade or sell their livestock. This is primarily a matter for discussion and resolution by the parties concerned, save that I may be obliged to intervene if any breaches of animal legislation occur.
Aquaculture Development.
Joe McHugh
Question:866 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the plan and criteria for cross-Border co-operation between shellfish producers operating on both sides of the Border; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1882/08]
There are a considerable number of cross-Border cooperation arrangements between shellfish producers on the island of Ireland. The CLAMS Process (Coordinated Local Management Scheme) is a nationwide initiative and is also in operation in Northern Ireland to manage the development of aquaculture in bays and inshore waters at a local level. It allows for the integration of aquaculture into the coastal zone, whilst recognising the need to improve environmental compliance, product quality and consumer confidence. There are now 18 CLAMS groups established around the coast of Ireland. This process is jointly operated under the aegis of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture and Rural development and the Loughs Agency. The ECOPACT Initiative is an all island environmental management system (EMS) initiative which caters for the specialist needs of the Irish aquaculture industry and in particular, the shellfish producers. The Irish Quality Mussel and Irish Quality Oyster Schemes are a suite of third-party accredited product quality assurance schemes open to all farmed shellfish producers on the island of Ireland. They are accredited to the EN45011 Standard and are policed by an independent third-party certification body.
The Loughs Agency has responsibility for aquaculture development in Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough. This is a cross-Border body as provided for in the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and established by the North/South Ministerial Council. By the end of 2008 it will have responsibility for licensing aquaculture production on a cross border basis in both Loughs. This will include shellfish production. The Aquaculture Initiative (EEIG) is a specialist cross-Border aquaculture development and facilitation body, jointly managed by Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food, an Bord Iascaigh Mhara and Northern Ireland Seafoods. The Aquaculture Initiative deals with shellfish producers on both sides of the Border covering a remit area of the 6 counties of Northern Ireland and the 6 adjoining counties of the Republic of Ireland. The management of mussel seed uptake is managed under joint arrangements involving my Department, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Loughs Agency.
A review of the current arrangements has recently been undertaken and I am currently examining this report. There is a cross-Border oyster marketing company called Irish North Coast Oyster Company Ltd. (INCO) which was established with assistance from Co-operation Ireland with a view to encouraging collective marketing and sales of oysters farmed by producers both sides of the Border. All of the above initiatives and actions are operated on the basis of assisting shellfish producers on both sides of the Border.
Vessels Decommissioning Scheme.
Joe McHugh
Question:867 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if two boats (details supplied) fall under the decommissioning scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1885/08]
I plan to launch shortly a new decommissioning scheme for vessels 18 meters and over in the polyvalent and beamer segments of the fleet. The scheme will be implemented by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) and details of eligibility and selection criteria for the scheme will be made available when it is launched. When the scheme has been launched those interested should make an application to BIM which will be assessed against the relevant criteria.
Aquaculture Licences.
Joe McHugh
Question:868 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the policy with reference to Lough Swilly in relation to licence holders gaining access to mussel seed on licensed ground; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1892/08]
My Department operates the aquaculture licensing system in full compliance with the provisions of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997. Section 16 of the 1997 Act provides that an aquaculture licence is binding on the State and on all persons, and, subject to section 8(3) of that Act, shall operate to enable the licensee to carry on, in accordance with the licence, such operations as are specified in the licence, free from all prior or other rights, titles, estates or interests, if any. Section 16 also provides that the licensee shall, by virtue of, but subject to the conditions of, the licence and the requirements of any regulations made under section 71, have the exclusive right to do within the boundaries or limits specified in the licence anything authorised by the licence or necessary or expedient to conduct the operations specified in the licence.
Departmental Expenditure.
Enda Kenny
Question:869 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount spent by her Department on media monitoring or press cutting services for each of the years 2002 to 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1976/08]
Media monitoring is part of the routine function of civil servants in the Press Office and Library of the Department.
Coastal Erosion.
Brian O'Shea
Question:870 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the funding provided in her Department’s 2008 estimates of expenditure for work to prevent coastal erosion in County Waterford. [2002/08]
The total national funding allocation provided for Coastal Protection & Coastal Flooding in 2008 is €3.037 million. However, in line with a recent Government decision, responsibility for Coastal Protection and Coastal Flooding will become the responsibility of the Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government. Arrangements are currently in train to effect the transfer. Accordingly, the issue of provision of funding for individual projects will fall to the Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government and the matter should be pursued with that Department.
Food Labelling.
Brian O'Shea
Question:871 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her proposals to introduce country of origin labelling for poultry products. [2029/08]
My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Children, drafted regulations that would require an indication of country of origin on poultry meat, pigmeat and sheepmeat. There is already such a provision for beef.
The draft regulations were notified to the European Commission in December. The Commission and other EU member states have until 14th March to comment on them. I have written to Commissioner Fischer Boel emphasising the merits of the proposed legislation.
Poultry Industry.
Brian O'Shea
Question:872 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when she expects to have the completed Poultry Task Force Report; and if she will publish the report. [2030/08]
The Poultry Expert Group has completed its report. Its recommendations cover matters such as labelling, animal welfare, environmental protection and feedstuffs. These are currently being examined. The Group's report will be available on my Department's website shortly.
Rural Environment Protection Scheme.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:873 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her proposals to resolve the ongoing issue between her Department and persons (details supplied) in County Kildare in regard to refund of REP scheme due to the unusual circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2031/08]
The REPS agreement in question was between the Department and a third party, not the person named. My officials wrote to the third party concerned earlier this month. They will now seek a meeting with this party in an effort to bring the matter to a conclusion.
Grant Payments.
Michael Creed
Question:874 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive payment of their installation aid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2043/08]
The person concerned is an applicant for aid under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme. His application for payment is currently being examined within my Department and the outcome will be notified to the person concerned as soon as possible.
EU Funding.
Denis Naughten
Question:875 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the outstanding payments due to beet farmers; the rate of payment; when payment will be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2049/08]
The total package negotiated in the context of the reform of the EU sugar regime was worth in excess of €310m to Ireland. The former beet growers are beneficiaries under all three elements of the package.
The first element is the compensation for the reduction in the minimum price of beet, which has been already incorporated in the Single Payment with effect from 2006. It is worth approximately €123m to Irish beet growers over seven years. The second element is the EU restructuring aid worth €145m to Ireland. Three parties benefit from this aid: the sugar processor, former beet growers and machinery contractors. In 2007, the High Court found against the Government's original decision on the percentage of the aid to be reserved for the growers and contractors and a new Government decision will be made shortly. However, by agreement with the parties, the first instalment of 40% (€58m) was paid in June 2007, including over €12m to the growers. Subject to the new Government decision, the balance of the aid will be paid in February 2008.
Subsequent to the High Court ruling, there has been an increase in the overall amount of restructuring aid available to Ireland, resulting from an amending EU regulation in October 2007 aimed at making the restructuring aid more attractive for the future. The benefits under the new regulation will apply retroactively to Ireland and the additional payments will issue in June 2008. Under the original Government decision, the growers would have received €40m of restructuring aid but, as a result of the amending EU regulation, which fixed an additional payment for the growers, the total amount to be paid to them will amount to approx €53m regardless of the new Government decision to be made shortly.
The third element of the package is the diversification aid worth almost €44m to Ireland. The first tranche of €22m was paid out to former beet growers in September 2007. The manner and timing of payment of the second tranche is the subject of discussions with the EU Commission.
Milk Quota.
John Deasy
Question:876 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she has proposals to increase milk quota availability to new entrants bearing in mind that present allocations are not viable for those starting from nothing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2057/08]
As the Deputy may be aware, the allocation of milk quota to new entrants has been a feature of the milk quota regime for a number of years. New entrants under 35 years of age received preferential access to milk quota from a specially created priority pool under the Milk Quota Restructuring Scheme until 2007, and the same priority pool arrangement is a feature of the new Milk Quota Trading Scheme. Indeed, the quantities of quota available to new entrants in their own right, and to new entrants farming in partnership with parents, have been considerably increased as a result of my introduction of the latter scheme in 2007.
The Milk Quota Trading Scheme in respect of quota allocations for the 2008/2009 milk quota year is currently in its second stage, and I am expecting to have the second exchange completed by mid-March. This will be followed in April/May by a comprehensive review of the Scheme in consultation with the farming organisations and ICOS, in the course of which any suggested changes will be considered by my Department.
Grant Payments.
John Deasy
Question:877 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her Department will be paying grant aid to farmers whose applications under the farm improvement scheme were suspended in October 2007; when this payment will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2058/08]
Applications received under the Farm Improvement Scheme prior to its suspension on 31 October 2007 are being processed by my Department up to the level of funding provided for the Scheme in the 2006 Partnership agreement, Towards 2016. Payments under the Scheme have already commenced to those farmers who have satisfactorily completed work under the Scheme.
Data Protection.
Simon Coveney
Question:878 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the details of all instances since 1 June 2002 where personal data held by her Department or any agency under its auspices were compromised in any way; if the review by her Department of data security procedures announced on 22 November 2007 is completed; and the findings of that review in terms both of prior shortcomings and of future actions. [2155/08]
Since 1 June 2002 to date, there were no instances where personal data held by my Department or any agency under its auspices, was compromised in any way. The review by my Department of data security procedures announced by the Tánaiste on 22 November 2007 is completed. No significant shortcomings were found. On an ongoing basis my Department reviews its data security procedures with a view to updating and improving them. The data security procedures are also independently reviewed and any recommendations arising from those reviews are actioned.
Question No. 879 answered with Question No. 852.
Grant Payments.
Michael Ring
Question:880 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo did not receive their single payment scheme for the past few years; the action that can be taken to restore these payments in view of the fact that the herd owner has evidence of the stock they held in 2001, 2002 and 2003; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2294/08]
An official of my Department has been in direct contact with the person named on a number of occasions, following which enquiries are ongoing regarding the issues raised. The person named will be contacted again as soon as matters are clarified.
Willie Penrose
Question:881 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will take steps to have a grant issued to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath under the organic conversion scheme; if she will ensure that no further delay takes place in relation to this application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2377/08]
I understand that the question relates to payment for the organic farming supplementary measure in REPS 3. The person named first joined REPS in 2001 and his contract started on 1 August 2001. He applied to transform to REPS 3 in September 2004, using the streamlined transformation arrangements in place at the time. He was allowed to transform to REPS 3 and his new contract was backdated to 1 August 2004. He received payment at the basic rate in 2004 and 2005. On 9 August 2006, a consolidated plan was received along with his third-year application for payment. At that time, however, the person named was not registered with my Department as an organic farmer. This registration did not take place until 6 September 2006. The person named was therefore not eligible for the organic farming supplementary measure.
Bobby Aylward
Question:882 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when approval for grant aid under the farm improvement scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [2448/08]
Applications received under the Farm Improvement Scheme prior to its suspension on 31 October 2007 are being processed by my Department up to the level of funding provided for the Scheme in the 2006 partnership agreement, Towards 2016.
Question No. 883 answered with Question No. 805.
Equal Opportunities Employment.
David Stanton
Question:884 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 281 of 23 May 2006, if she is satisfied that her Department has met the 3% employment quota for people with disabilities; the percentage of people with disabilities employed in her Department; the number of people with disabilities hired from outside the civil service for each of the years from 2002 to date in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2582/08]
As the Deputy is aware, 2006 was the first year of reporting compliance with the 3% employment target under the Disability Act 2005. My Department used the ‘Count Me In' survey, prepared by the Department of Finance and the NDA, to collect this data. Of the employees that responded to the survey, 4.1% indicated that they had a disability as defined under the 2005 Act. This information is reported on in the National Disability Authority (NDA) 2006 Report On Compliance with Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005 On Employment of People with Disabilities in the Public Service. As regards 2007, my Department will shortly undertake a census of staff to establish disability status as defined by the Disability Act 2005. My Department supports the WAM (Willing Able and Mentoring) project and has provided a number of work experience placements to graduates with disabilities.
Recruitment to my Department is carried out by the Public Appointments Service. The figures requested by the Deputy regarding the number of people with disabilities hired from outside the civil service for each of the years from 2002 to date in 2008 are not available.
Decentralisation Programme.
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:885 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of civil and other public servants based in Dublin in her Department and agencies who have applied for decentralisation and who have been transferred to their decentralised posts and are currently in position in the decentralised location outside Dublin; the number of civil and other public servants required for decentralisation under plans; the original and expected date for full decentralisation to be in place; the locations together with details of properties and land owned or purchased or planning permissions sought for the construction of premises for decentralisation; the costs incurred to date; the original budgeted and expected total costs to be incurred for decentralisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2598/08]
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:887 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of civil servants and other public servants who had decentralised as of 31 December 2006 and the current date broken down into individual Government Departments and agencies; the number required for full decentralisation, broken down under individual Departmental and agency plans; the current number of decentralised locations in operation; the agencies with no progress; the values of properties purchased and sold in respect of the decentralisation process to date; the other costs incurred to date with the decentralisation process, broken down by category; the number of Departmental staff involved in administering the decentralisation process since its inception; the number of planning applications in progress in relation to building decentralised premises, and planning applications to be submitted, broken down by location and planning submission date; the original budgeted and expected total costs to be incurred for decentralisation; her further proposals in this regard; the expected date for completion of the full decentralisation process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2999/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 885 and 887 together.
To the end of December 2007, 253 civil servants had decentralised to my Department's offices in Portlaoise. To the end of December 2006, the number was 187. To the end of December 2007, 80 civil servants had decentralised to my Department's offices in Clonakilty. The move to Clonakilty is now substantially complete. The Government's decision on the decentralisation of this Department, including the numbers of posts and scheduled completion dates, is as follows.
|
Office |
Location |
Posts |
Scheduled Completion |
|
Department HQ |
Portlaoise |
600 |
2009 |
|
Cork City & Mallow local offices |
Fermoy |
(Up to) 100 |
2009 |
|
Cork Labs (3) & Limerick Labs (2) |
Macroom |
(Up to) 100 |
2009 |
|
Fisheries |
Clonakilty |
90 |
Complete |
The Government decisions on the agencies under the aegis of this Department are as follows.
|
Agency |
Location |
Posts |
|
Bord Bia |
Enniscorthy |
77 |
|
Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) |
Clonakilty |
95 |
The Office of Public Works (OPW) deals in the first instance with matters relating to the procurement of property and the associated costs. The OPW announced in December that a consortium, the Macquarie Partnership, has won the tender for the project to build the permanent offices in Portlaoise, Mullingar and Carlow (a public private partnership to design, finance, build and maintain). The identification of sites for both Fermoy and Macroom is progressing, with announcements expected. Construction of the permanent office accommodation in Clonakilty for both the Fisheries function of my Department and BIM is underway. OPW has identified a site in Enniscorthy for Bord Bia and the tender process for construction of a building is underway. In the interim period, temporary accommodation has been acquired in both Portlaoise and Clonakilty.
Regarding the costs of decentralisation, the Department sends a quarterly return to the Decentralisation Implementation Group, which details the non-property costs such as travel and overtime. To the end of the last quarter, these costs amounted to €53,922.
Regarding the number of staff involved in administering the process, the programme requires staff resources from a range of corporate functions. Within Personnel, a dedicated Decentralisation Unit comprising four staff was established. However, this Unit also has other responsibilities not directly connected with decentralisation.
Joan Burton
Question:886 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of civil servants and other public servants who have relocated to locations outside of Dublin under the Government’s decentralisation programme; the estimated number of each category who will have relocated by the end of 2008; the breakdown of each set of figures in terms of those who are relocating from Dublin and relocating from elsewhere; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2985/08]
To the end of December, 253 civil servants had transferred to my Department's offices in Portlaoise under the decentralisation programme. 70 of these were assigned to Portlaoise from outside Dublin. The move of the Department's Fisheries function to Clonakilty is now substantially complete. Of the 80 posts moved, 53 were assigned from outside of Dublin.
A revision to the Department's Decentralisation Implementation Plan, including detailed arrangements for 2008, is currently being considered.
Question No. 887 answered with Question No. 885.
Water Charges.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:888 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if the advice (details supplied) to schools not to pay the bills which they received from local authorities for outstanding water rates or charges still stands, having regard to the Government decision of 4 January 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1475/08]
On 18th December, 2007, the advice given to schools was to hold these bills until the Government had issued a more detailed statement. A more detailed statement in January 2008 advised schools that where arrears exist on bills for water charges, schools should raise the matter with the local authority.
Youth Services.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:889 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application for funding to Special Projects for Youth under her Department through the City of Dublin Youth Service Board by the Youth Project in Rathmines, to hire two youth workers that are needed for the project; when she expects to be in a position to make a decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1506/08]
My Department received an application on behalf of the project in question to be considered for funding in 2008 under the Special Projects for Youth Scheme.
Pending completion of the 2008 funding allocations process and owing to budgetary constraints and the high level of existing commitments in the sector, I am not in a position to make any commitments with regard to funding for new projects.
Educational Qualifications.
Damien English
Question:890 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science if she is satisfied that there are sufficient FETAC-accredited programmes in business and enterprise development and that there are sufficient FETAC quality assured institutions offering such programmes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1709/08]
Damien English
Question:892 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science if she is satisfied with the application process for FETAC accreditation made by trainers who provide courses in business and enterprise development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1714/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 890 and 892 together.
FETAC does not accredit trainers as individuals, but does approve training institutions and awards. The process is two-fold: firstly a centre or institution must agree its overall quality assurance arrangements with FETAC in compliance with published criteria, and then the actual programme of education or training being offered, including how it is to be assessed, is submitted for validation by the Council. These processes are designed to ensure that providers are capable of offering quality awards at the appropriate standard, and that assessment of learners is fair and consistent. When this has been done, the learners who successfully complete such programmes and satisfy the assessment criteria are eligible for FETAC awards.
To date in excess of 600 providers of further education and training, incorporating over 1,300 separate centres, have agreed their quality assurance arrangements with FETAC and can offer programmes leading to FETAC awards at Levels 1 to 6 of the National Framework of Qualifications.
FETAC accredits an extensive range of vocational awards designed to prepare learners for employment as operators and craft workers across a range of occupations in the business, tourism, catering, construction, IT, multimedia, sport and recreation, marketing, international trade, travel, art craft and design, community care, childcare, and industrial and service sectors. In addition to these awards, there are a number of general awards which are appropriate to business and enterprise development — for example Start Your Own Business, Enterprise Development, eBusiness, Business Studies, Business Administration and Management, Strategic Customer Relations Management, Business Appraisal, are all current awards which are validated by FETAC. The modular format of FETAC awards (a number of minor awards leading to a major award in a particular area) allows for flexibility for learners in achieving qualifications.
FETAC has also established a Standards Advisory Board, and is setting up Standard Development Groups to develop awards and standards in the future. These provide for representation from a range of stakeholders across education, training, industry and professional bodies in the development of standards and awards. In addition, any provider, in an education or training institution in the public or private sector, or in a workplace or community setting, may submit a new programme or award for validation. In this way FETAC is well placed to identify and respond to changing demands from industry.
It should be noted that under the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act 1999, FETAC is not a direct provider of education and training. Rather, it responds to applications from providers in the public and private sector who seek to have their programmes validated in accordance with the policies and criteria set out by the Council. The development of programmes is a function of providers.
Damien English
Question:891 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to any deficiency in the provision of vocationally related qualifications resulting from a lack of recognition of qualifications from outside the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1710/08]
I am aware that reports have highlighted some difficulties regarding the recognition of migrants' qualifications, and indicate that many highly skilled migrants work in occupations demanding lower levels of skill.
EU Directive 2005/36/EC on the Recognition of Professional Qualifications enables professionals qualified in another Member State to seek recognition of their qualifications and/or experience in Ireland for the purpose of practising their profession. This Directive applies only where the profession is regulated i.e. where the practice of the profession is confined by law, regulation or administrative procedure to persons who hold specific qualifications, or registration/recognition from a specific competent authority or professional body. If a profession is not regulated in the State then recognition of a qualification in terms of gaining employment is a matter for the prospective employer. However, the normal obligations under equality legislation would apply in such cases.
The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland has established Qualifications Recognition — Ireland, a one stop shop for enquiries regarding the recognition of awards from other countries, whether for purposes of the regulated professions, for employment or for access and progression to further or higher education and training. Applicants can complete the application on line, but this needs to be accompanied by a certified copy of the award, a certified copy of the transcript, and certified translations of these documents into Irish or English. The NQAI then refers the documentation to the appropriate bodies for advice, building on its extensive networks with European national contact points and information centres relating to education and training.
The information provided by Qualifications Recognition — Ireland is advisory in nature. It is based on the award documentation presented by the applicant. No advice can be issued regarding a foreign qualification where there is no comparable Irish award type. In addition, advice cannot be provided on the comparability of an award where it is gained in, or issued by, an institution that is not recognised within its home jurisdiction as providing awards that are quality assured.
The recognition service is offered free of charge (although applicants must cover the cost of translating their application documents) and is available to individuals, employers public bodies etc. A leaflet entitled "Qualifications Matter" which outlines the service is available upon request and is also available in Polish, Latvian, Lithuanian and Russian.
The numbers availing of the service are increasing, but those seeking advice reflect only a small proportion of migrant workers in Ireland. The availability of the service has been publicised through contacts, conferences and information provided to migrant groups organisations, employers and education and training providers.
Question No. 892 answered with Question No. 890.
School Transport.
Frank Feighan
Question:893 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will reinstate the school bus service for persons (details supplied) to a school in County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2560/08]
Under the terms of the Primary School Transport Scheme, only eligible children qualify for free transport. In order to be eligible, children must live at least 3.2 kilometres from, and be attending, their nearest national school.
However, children who do not qualify for free transport on distance grounds may be allowed to travel as concessionary fare-payers. This may be allowed subject to the conditions that there are spare seats available after all fully eligible children have been catered for, and provided there is no extra State cost involved by way of altering or extending the route of the service or by providing an additional or larger bus.
My Department has been informed by Bus Éireann that members of the family referred to in the details supplied suppled, are availing of transport on a fare-paying concessionary basis for the school year 2007/08.
Youth Services.
Joe Carey
Question:894 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science when the National Youth Work Development Plan for 2008 to 2012 will be published; the budget it will receive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36056/07]
Towards 2016, the Social Partnership Agreement 2006-2015, provides for consideration to be given to the need for a further plan following a review in 2008 of the National Youth Work Development Plan 2003-2007. The Programme for Government commits to supporting a new Youth Work Development Plan for the period 2008-2012.
In that context my Department will commence the process of reviewing the 2003-2007 Plan, and will then, taking into consideration the review and any other relevant advice or information, consider how best to progress a new Plan. The budget available for any new Plan will, of course, be determined by the annual estimates process and any initiatives pursued will have to take account of the resources available to my Department.
School Enrolments.
Finian McGrath
Question:895 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will assist in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [36071/07]
Existing education policy is that students up to 18 years of age are admitted to primary and second level schools irrespective of their nationality or status. Indeed, under the Equal Status Act, schools may not discriminate in admission to schools except where this is necessary to maintain the religious values or ethos of the school. While the Act does provide for differential treatment in relation to fees for further and higher education for persons who are not nationals of an EU Member State, there is no such condition specified in regard to second level schools.
The admission of persons to the State from outside the EU is a matter for the immigration authorities. Children of refugees, those with humanitarian leave to remain in the State, asylum seekers and dependents of certain work permit holders, are entitled to access free first and second level education. However, the basic conditions for a student visa require that the student attend a full time programme of education and training, pay the appropriate fees and be financially self supporting. Such students have no entitlements to bring their dependents with them to the State.
The Report on the Inter-Departmental Committee on the Internationalisation of Irish Education, published in 2004, set out a strategy with the objective of enhancing the attractiveness of Ireland as a quality venue for international students and increasing the numbers of students coming to Ireland to participate in further and higher education and training and in the language sector. It was envisaged that students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland, other than refugees and those with humanitarian leave to remain in the State, would participate on a fee paying basis.
In the course of the discussions leading to the Report, the position of minors attending school for second level education was discussed, and the existing immigration policy that student visas should be allowed only in respect of attendance at fee-paying schools was confirmed, on the basis that to do otherwise would give rise to additional demands on the State.
In overall discussions with the immigration authorities in regard to student visas at second level, my Department has made clear the requirements under the Equal Status Act, has stressed the need to take due account of the age and vulnerability of children who, while having no entitlement to remain in the State, may already be enrolled in schools in the Free Education Scheme, and the importance of completion of second level education to future life chances.
However, the case raised by the Deputy relates to the dependant of student visa holders from outside the EU, and is essentially a matter for the immigration authorities.
Schools Building Projects.
Ned O'Keeffe
Question:896 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if a grant that has been approved for a school (details supplied) will be granted. [36083/07]
As part of the expansion of the Small Schools Scheme, a grant was allocated in March 2007 to enable the management authority of the school in question to extend and refurbish their school.
The Scheme allows Boards of Management to address their accommodation and building priorities with a guaranteed amount of funding and gives Boards of Management control of their building project.
Currently, the Board has submitted an application for planning permission and a decision is awaited.
John Perry
Question:897 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will ensure that funding is made available for the capital project at a school (details supplied) in County Sligo as soon as possible in view of the fact that submission documents have been lodged for over a year; if she will commit to providing this funding in view of the fact that the school has maximised all available physical infrastructure, due to its exponential expansion from 100 students to over 800 in recent times; her views on the fact that the school faces serious health and safety issues which need to be dealt with immediately but can not be done so without the necessary funding; if she will address these serious concerns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36089/07]
The educational institution referred to by the Deputy is a designated College under the aegis of the Higher Education Authority (HEA). The Authority is responsible for, inter alia, evaluating capital proposals from institutions under its aegis and issuing recommendations to the Department regarding such proposals.
A proposal for capital developments at the College in question is currently being evaluated by the HEA. However, the HEA is not yet in a position to make a recommendation to my Department regarding the proposal as it awaits additional information from the College in this matter. A meeting took place recently between the HEA and the College in order to progress the matter and the HEA was assured that the relevant information it required from the College would be forwarded as soon as possible.
Any recommendation from the HEA on the matter will be considered in the context of advancing projects from the capital envelope under the NDP 2007-2013 and mindful of prioritisation criteria being developed for the sector.
My Department is awaiting documentation for some time in order to release funding for capital projects completed in the summer of 2006 at the College.
School Staffing.
John Perry
Question:898 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the staffing grade and organisational structure inequity that exists in terms of grades and associated salary scales for staff in a school (details supplied) in County Sligo, that the grading and organisational structures are not on a par with other colleges of education despite the school being a school of the National University of Ireland and serious industrial relations issues that this is causing within the school; if she will ensure that this issue is addressed as a matter of urgency as it is no longer a tenable situation in view of the fact that the school is a key provider of university education in the north west region and that it has the correct organisational structure in place to give it a competitive edge in comparison to other institutions in line with the Strategic Plan 2008 to 2013; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36090/07]
I understand that the College in question has had discussions with the Higher Education Authority (HEA) regarding proposals from the College for a reorganisation of its staffing structure. The proposals are under consideration by the HEA in consultation with my Department, having regard to Government policy on pay and public sector numbers. It is my understanding that further discussions with the College are scheduled to take place in the near future.
Inquiry into Child Abuse.
Mary Upton
Question:899 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to a letter dated 1 June 1995 from a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 requesting that her Department send certain papers to the Garda; the reason the papers were not provided to the Garda until December 1996; the further reason there was no reply to the letter at the time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36091/07]
I am not in a position to comment on the exact sequence of events relating to the letter referred to by the Deputy. However, I can confirm once again that a substantial body of correspondence was received from the person concerned, outlining a range of concerns and allegations regarding Finglas Child and Adolescent Centre and related matters.
On receipt of correspondence from that person in 1996, the matter was referred from my Department to the Gardaí for investigation. In addition to this investigation, the Gardaí, in conjunction with the Eastern Health Board, my Department and management of Finglas Child and Adolescent Centre conducted a look-back investigation into allegations of abuse at the Centre. Arising from this investigation, files were sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions regarding allegations of abuse at the Centre. My Department provided every possible assistance to the Gardaí and made available all relevant records in this regard.
I would also like to confirm that relevant documentation held by my Department in relation to the sexual, physical and emotional abuse or neglect of children in industrial and reformatory schools was forwarded to the Commission to Enquire into Child Abuse in compliance with a Discovery Order from the Commission in June, 2003.
The Deputy should note that, arising from the transfer with effect from 1 March last of responsibility for the children's detention schools to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, all papers relating to the administration of the schools, including all correspondence from the person referred to by the Deputy, have been transferred to that Department.
Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme.
Tom Hayes
Question:900 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if there are plans to increase the travel and lunch allowance for people who have to travel to attend VTOS courses as in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [36097/07]
Paul Kehoe
Question:915 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the rates of subsistence available to participants of the vocational training opportunities scheme; the rate that was available to participants for each year since 2000; her plans to increase the levels; her views on the levels of subsistence provided to participants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1085/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 900 and 915 together.
The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) is a second chance education initiative, which is funded by my Department, for unemployed persons who are at least 21 years of age and in receipt of certain social welfare payments for at least six months. It is operated through the Vocational Education Committees. The aim of the Scheme is to give unemployed people education and training opportunities which will develop and prepare them to go into paid employment, or on to further education opportunities leading to paid employment.
A training allowance is paid by the VECs to students who were previously on Jobseekers Benefit or Allowance. The student ceases to receive a social welfare payment and, instead, receives a VTOS training allowance at a rate equivalent to the maximum rate of Jobseekers Benefit, plus payment for an adult or child dependant, if appropriate. VTOS students also retain their social welfare secondary benefits.
The allowances for VTOS students for meals and travel referred to in the question are equivalent to those paid to participants on FÁS training courses. VTOS students may be entitled to a travel allowance if they reside more than 3 miles from a centre. These allowances are increased periodically in line with increases in FÁS rates. There are no plans to increase them in the near future. The rates since 2000 are outlined below:
2002 to date (Euro adjustment of previous rate):
3-5 miles €4.60;
5-10 miles €11.90;
10-20 miles €17.60;
20-30 miles €21.60;
30-40 miles €27.70 and 40-50 miles €32.60.
The meal allowance is €0.80 per day.
2000-2002:
3-5 miles IR£3.60;
5-10 miles IR£9.30;
10-20 miles IR£13.80;
20-30 miles IR£17.00;
30-40 miles IR£21.80 and 40-50 miles IR£25.60.
The meal allowance was IR£0.60 per day.
Irish Language Education.
Brian Hayes
Question:901 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding Circular 0044/2007, in connection with those Gaelscoileanna who are not party to the judicial review proceedings currently under way; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36115/07]
Circular 0044/2007 requires that Irish medium schools should provide for a minimum provision in English of 2.5 hours per week for infant classes, no later than the start of the second term in Junior infants. I fully discussed this issue with Irish language organisations and the National Parent's Council prior to issue of the Circular to schools.
The right of parents and children to choose education through the medium of Irish is fully respected, but this does not obviate the need for schools to implement all aspects of the national curriculum. The achievement of the curriculum objectives in every curriculum area at each of the four levels of primary schooling is an over-riding requirement of all schools.
As the Deputy is aware the issue of Circular 0044/2007 is the subject of a legal challenge in the High Court, scheduled for 11 February 2008. My Department is prohibited from taking steps pursuant to implementation of the Circular until the judicial review has been heard and a final verdict has been given.
Schools Refurbishment.
Joe Carey
Question:902 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the alternative scheme she will introduce to replace the summer works scheme; when the proposed scheme will be operational; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36125/07]
Joe Carey
Question:903 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the arrangements and provisions she has made to compensate schools who have incurred consultant fees in pursuit of a summer works scheme application following the Government’s decision to discontinue the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36126/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 902 and 903 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Summer Works Scheme has, since its introduction just a few years ago, transformed the standard of existing school accommodation. With over 3,700 projects now having been funded under the scheme, the Department's intention is to concentrate the investment in school buildings this year on delivering as many large projects as possible.
While there will be a focus on providing extra places in developing areas, the Department will also be delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country. The emphasis, however, will be on new schools, extensions and major refurbishments, rather than on smaller projects. At primary level schools may use their devolved minor works grant to address such works.
There will not, therefore, be a new Summer Works Scheme as part of the Department's building programme in 2008.
The Professional and Technical Reports provided by schools can be used again for future projects so that schools will not lose the expenditure on them.
Joe Carey
Question:904 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools that have applied for the summer works scheme over the past five years; the number of schools that have sought to improve parking and set down and pick up facilities outside their particular schools; the number of these applications that have been successful and unsuccessful; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36127/07]
A breakdown of the number of schools that made applications under the Summer Works Scheme for the years 2004 to 2007 inclusive is set out below. As there will be no Scheme as part of the Department's Building Programme for 2008, the applications received have not been counted, assessed or categorised by the Department.
Improvements to parking and set down facilities outside the vested area of a school are not covered by the Summer Works Scheme. This is a matter between a school and the relevant local authority. Details of successful and unsuccessful applications for improvements to parking and set down areas within the confines of a school site under the Summer Works Scheme are not readily available.
Applications received under the Summer Works Scheme from Primary and Post Primary schools:
|
Year |
No. of primary applications |
No. of post primary applications |
|
2004 |
782 |
439 |
|
2005 |
868 |
463 |
|
2006 |
665 |
382 |
|
2007 |
1,563 |
698 |
Education Expenditure.
Brian Hayes
Question:905 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the percentage of GDP that will be spent on education for 2008, and was spent on education for each year over the past 20 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36141/07]
Education Expenditure for the years 1988-2007 and "Estimated" 2008 Expenditure expressed as a percentage of GDP is contained in the table below. The percentages for 2007 and 2008 are based on forecasted GDP figures as contained in the 2008 Budget calculations along with the 2007 Provisional Outturn and 2008 Budget Allocation for Vote 26: Education & Science.
|
Year |
Education Expenditure as % of GDP |
|
% |
|
|
1988 |
5.2 |
|
1989 |
4.9 |
|
1990 |
4.8 |
|
1991 |
5.0 |
|
1992 |
5.2 |
|
1993 |
5.0 |
|
1994 |
4.8 |
|
1995 |
4.9 |
|
1996 |
4.8 |
|
1997 |
4.6 |
|
1998 |
4.4 |
|
1999 |
4.1 |
|
2000 |
4.0 |
|
2001 |
4.1 |
|
2002 |
4.1 |
|
2003 |
4.2 |
|
2004 |
4.4 |
|
2005 |
4.5 |
|
2006 |
4.5 |
|
2007 Prov O/turn |
4.6 |
|
2008 Budget |
4.7 |
Schools Building Projects.
James McDaid
Question:906 Deputy James McDaid asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the situation and developments at a school (details supplied). [1010/08]
Tenders for the project referred to by the Deputy are currently with my Department. Progression of all projects to tender and construction are considered in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. As indicated at the post budget education briefing I intend to announce the first tranche of projects that will proceed to construction in 2008 shortly.
Property Transfers.
Finian McGrath
Question:907 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will assist in a query (details supplied). [1011/08]
The Department understands that the lands in question are owned by Dublin City Council and leased to Clontarf Golf Club. It also understands that the sale and rezoning of the land is purely speculative at this stage and Dublin City Council will be responsible for any final decision in this regard. If the lands become available, the Department would be open to asking the local authority to make educational zonings particularly if large residential zonings are coming into play.
School Enrolments.
Michael Creed
Question:908 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of section 29 appeals received by her Department in respect of enrolment at a school (details supplied) in County Cork for the 2008/2009 school year. [1023/08]
My Department has received ten appeals under section 29 of the Education Act 1998 against decisions taken by the school in question to refuse enrolment. A number of these appeals are still in progress.
Departmental Properties.
Enda Kenny
Question:909 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science when her Department will address the slippage that is occurring in a garden (details supplied) in County Dublin adjoining the site owned by her Department; the action she will take to rectify the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1028/08]
My Department appointed a firm of Architects in May 2006 to carry out remedial works in relation to the site in question. Further remedial works in relation to the site will be carried out shortly. Following contact with the Consultant, my Department is satisfied that no damage was caused to the property in question as a result of the fencing works carried out.
Schools Building Projects.
Sean Sherlock
Question:910 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will expedite an application for the major capital works grant to a school (details supplied) in County Cork which originally made an application in May 1999; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1034/08]
An application for capital funding towards the provision of an extension has been received from the school authority referred to by the Deputy. An assessment of projected enrolment trends, demographic trends and housing developments in the area will be required in order to determine the long term accommodation needs of the school. Once the long term projection has been determined and agreed with the school authorities the required building project will be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
State Examinations.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:911 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received a letter (details supplied) from the senior chemistry students of a school which draws to her attention to the serious concerns they have regarding the changes in the time-tabling of the 2008 leaving certificate chemistry exam; if she has had the contents of the letter examined with a view to seeing if the reasonable and rational requests which the students have made can be accommodated in a way so as to enhance and promote the Government’s objectives of stimulating greater study in the sciences of students at second level education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1054/08]
I have received the letter to which the Deputy refers. The new Leaving Certificate examination schedule for 2008 was agreed with a working group representing the Partners in Education, and is designed to reduce the demand on students especially during the first week of the examinations. It advances Chemistry, which is sat by some 7000 students, and Geography, sat by some 25,000 students, to Thursday and Friday respectively of the first week, which, along with Home Economics which is sat by some 12,000 students, ensures that the majority of students get a break of at least one half day during this intensive phase.
The revised timetable ensures that the significant writing pressure that was experienced by all students in the early stages of the schedule has now been reduced. There are no plans to change the timetable for 2008. However, each year, when drawing up the timetable for the following year, the State Examinations Commission invites the input of the Partners in Education so that their experience can inform the formulation of the next year's schedule. I also plan to engage in a consultation with Leaving Cert students after their exams to get their views on the new mix of papers.
Traveller Education.
Joe Costello
Question:912 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on correspondence from a group (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1065/08]
The aim of my Department for Traveller education is to enable Travellers to participate in an equal manner with other service users through integrated educational mainstream provision. I launched the Report and Recommendations for a Traveller Education Strategy in November 2006. The Report covers all aspects of Traveller Education from pre-school right through to further and higher education within a lifelong learning context. The core principle of the report is one of inclusion with an emphasis on equality and diversity and the adoption of an intercultural approach. This is in line with the Government's recommendations in the National Action Plan Against Racism (NAPAR) (2005). The principle of "individual educational need" rather than "Traveller identity" will underpin future actions including allocation of resources.
Education is a key element in supporting greater Traveller participation and empowerment in our society. The link between education, training and enterprise is perhaps the most vital in helping to increase the range of life choices that are available to Travellers. A lifelong learning approach will focus on the journey from Pre-school to Primary, Post-Primary and on to employment or further education and training. The key to success will be improvements in progression rates for Travellers to the end of Junior Cycle, on to Senior Cycle and from STTCs into further studies, training or employment. The Department also recognises that for some adults seeking second chance education they may require short term positive affirmative actions to gain the skills and competences to transfer on and progress into mainstream education, training or employment.
The Senior Traveller Training programme is a positive affirmative action by the Department of Education and Science which seeks to provide an opportunity for members of the Traveller community and other learners to: engage in a programme of learning that affirms their cultural identity; acquire the knowledge, skills and confidence to participate fully in society (Traveller community and settled community), enhance their employability and progress to further education, training, employment or other life choices.
The target group is people who have left school with either minimal or no qualifications. Particular effort is made to encourage parents on to the programme, given the impact this can have on their children's subsequent participation in mainstream primary and post-primary education. The centres have been successful in imparting the essential skills of literacy, numeracy, social/life skills, woodwork, metalwork and home economics, among many others, for Travellers who have left school after primary level or who may not have gone to school at all. Many adult Travellers are now availing of second chance education in these centres. They recognise the value education provides in the context of breaking the cycle of educational and social disadvantage that their community has experienced for many years.
The full programme is two years long encompassing a foundation and a progression phase. In exceptional circumstances learners may attend the programme for three years, if for example they are completing the Leaving Certificate Applied. After completing their programme in a STTC, a learner has the option of progressing on to other Further Education and training courses provided by the VEC or FÁS in their area. These courses may include the part time Back to Education Initiative, full time Post Leaving Certificate courese or they may chose from a number of FÁS options. A learner during their time in the centre and on completion of a programme at a STTC, can avail of the Adult Educational Guidance service in a VEC to explore options in terms of progression to further education and training. Travellers are encouraged to access mainstream literacy classes. In addition nineteen VECs provide literacy classes specifically for Travellers. In respect of the group referred to by the Deputy my department provides funds for Further and Adult Education which are disbursed through the Vocational Education Committees. Applications for support from this fund should be addressed directly to the VEC.
Water Charges.
Brian Hayes
Question:913 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason her Department failed to respond to a proposal (details supplied) in October 2006 to pay for water conservation measures in schools, thereby helping to reduce water bills; if her attention has been drawn to the correspondence on this issue in October 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1070/08]
The water conservation project referred to by the Deputy was implemented in Gorey Community School and resulted in significant savings for the school. The proposal also included for the implementation of these measures in a small number of pilot schools throughout the country. Such measures are similiar to those already adopted as standard policy by my Department when undertaking building projects in schools. My Department will continue to ensure that water conservation issues are addressed in schools through actions such as adoption of good water management practices and, where appropriate, the incorporation of water conservation measures as part of building projects. My Department is in close liaision with the Department of Environment and Local Government regarding water conservation and is supportive of any measures by it that will help reduce water costs for schools.
School Curriculum.
Paul Kehoe
Question:914 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount that was spent by her Department in providing a copy of a biography of Eamon de Valera to schools including purchasing and transport costs; if she consulted with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment in advance of issuing this book to schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1084/08]
The cost to the Department of Education and Science includes a contribution of €29,000 for 2,000 copies of the publication and also the creation of lesson plans for the Judging Dev publication. The €29,000 represents a discount of over 50% on the retail price of the publication and this also includes the cost of lesson plans on the Judging Dev website. Distribution of 2 copies of the book to all post primary schools cost €6,925.80 bringing the overall contribution to €35,925.80.
The History In Service Support Team (HIST) recommended the distribution of the book to my officials, who in turn consulted the Department Inspectorate. The Department History Inspectors consider the material very useful, relevant, and in line with the requirements of the syllabus and the methodology required. It is considered that Judging Dev will assist students in their study of modern Irish History, especially as the emphases in the new syllabuses are on documentary study and individual research. This initiative is right in the centre of such methodology and study.
Question No. 915 answered with Question No. 900.
Capitation Grants.
Enda Kenny
Question:916 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the differential in funding between all-girls schools, co-educational schools and all-boys schools; the reasons behind these differences in funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1092/08]
There is no differential in funding provided by my Department to all-girl, co-educational and all-boy schools. Primary school's running costs are met by my Department's scheme of capitation grants. These grants are intended to contribute towards the general operating costs of schools which would include heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance, painting, teaching aids and other miscellaneous charges. There are no proposals to change these arrangements.
The primary school capitation grant has been increased substantially in recent years. Since 1997 the standard rate of capitation grant has been increased from €57.14 per pupil to €178.58 with effect from 1st January, 2008. This represents an increase of 212% in the standard rate of capitation grant since 1997. Enhanced rates of capitation funding are paid in respect of children with special educational needs who attend special schools or special classes attached to mainstream schools. The current rates range from €457 to €880 per pupil.
The capitation grant is in addition to the Ancillary Services Grant which provides additional funding for primary schools towards the cost of secretarial and caretaking services. The standard rate of grant per pupil under the scheme was increased from €102 per pupil in 2002 to the current rate of €151.50 per pupil. This Government has shown a strong commitment to improving primary school funding in recent years and I will continue to prioritise this area in the context of available resources. The funding arrangements made by my Department for second level schools reflect the sectoral division of our second level system. At the core of all arrangements is a reliance upon capitation as the principle determinant of funding.
My Department provides funding to secondary schools by way of per capita grants, which affords schools considerable flexibility in the use of these resources to cater for the needs of their pupils. There have been significant improvements in recent years in the level of funding for voluntary secondary schools. With effect from January 2008, the standard per capita grant was increased by €15 per pupil and now amounts to €331 per pupil. In addition, voluntary secondary schools have benefited by the increase of €15 per pupil in 2008 in the support services grant bringing that grant to €204 per pupil. The cumulative increase of €30 per pupil in a voluntary secondary school brings the aggregate grant to €535 per pupil. These grants are in addition to the per capita funding of up to €40,000 per school that is also provided by my Department to secondary schools towards secretarial and caretaking services. For example in the case of a secondary school with 500 pupils, this brings annual grants towards general expenses and support service to over €300,000.
Budget allocations for schools in the Community and Comprehensive school sector along with those in the VEC sector are increased on a pro rata basis with increases in the per capita grant. All schools are eligible for recurrent per capita grants towards special classes and curricular support grants. These significant increases in the funding of post primary schools are a clear demonstration of my commitment to prioritise available resources to address the needs of schools. My Department will be considering, in line with the Programme for Government commitment, how best to complete the process of equalisation of funding at second level.
Schools Amalgamation.
Brian O'Shea
Question:917 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the proposed amalgamation of the two secondary schools in Tramore, County Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1098/08]
John Deasy
Question:1035 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the proposed amalgamation of the two Tramore, County Waterford secondary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2059/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 917 and 1035 together.
The school referred to by the Deputy is one of 27 new schools to be provided under my Department's Public Private Partnership Programme (PPP) 2006 to 2010. I have already announced the first two bundles of school projects comprising 4 schools in bundle 1 and 6 schools in Bundle 2. The first bundle consists of four post-primary, two in Co. Laois and two in Co. Offaly is in procurement and will go to construction this year. The second bundle consists of six schools, 5 post-primary and 1 primary school in counties Cork, Limerick, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow are in pre procurement and will be offered to the market shortly.
The make up of further school bundles in my Department's PPP school building programme will be determined on such issues as geographic spread and site availability for each school. I intend announcing further PPP project bundles during the year and the school referred to by the Deputies will be considered in this context.
Judicial Reviews.
Damien English
Question:918 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost to and the damages paid by the State in relation to judicial reviews that her Department were responsible for in each of the years 1997 to 2007 inclusive; and if she will provide the information in tabular readable form. [1109/08]
Firstly, the Department have not been responsible for any judicial review proceedings in the years 1997 to 2007 insofar as the Minister has not been an applicant in proceedings. Of the proceedings in which the Minister was named as a respondent it may be noted that the cost to the State is borne by the Chief State Solicitor's Office in respect of counsel's fees.
Of the cases in which an applicant for judicial review has successfully obtained an order for costs against the Minister these are the subject of negotiation between the Costs Accounting Section of the Chief State Solicitor's Office and the applicant's legal representatives. Under the provisions of Order 99 of the Rules of the Superior Courts a bill of costs may be the subject of review by the Taxing Master. Further, costs paid in the period 1997-2007 may well relate to actions concluded in previous years. Similarly costs incurred in the period 1997-2007 may not yet be the subject of final orders for costs for several years. It may therefore be noted that the figures supplied below in relation to the number of cases in the time period concerned will bear little relation to the costs paid during that time period.
It is uncommon in judicial review cases for damages to be a remedy. Generally an action taken pursuant to Order 84 of the Rules of the Superior Courts seeks orders of certiorari or mandamus, i.e. to quash a particular decision or to compel the Minister to take a particular course of action. Actions taken by plenary summons or personal injuries summons would be the more common route for damages to be pursued. The figures below only relate to judicial review proceedings. In many cases the Department has not been the sole respondent, i.e. cases may involve the provision of particular therapies or other resource allocation, and this may involve other Government Departments or agencies, e.g. the Department of Health & Children or the HSE. In the circumstances the amounts mentioned are those which relate to this Department's contribution. However, it was customary in the past for the Department to partially bear the costs of an child-related action even if the reliefs sought against the Minister for Education & Science were not necessarily granted. In some cases, e.g. those relating to troubled minors, the education-related component is often not at issue between the parties.
Over the period 1997-2007 a number of bodies have transferred from the Department of Education & Science to other Government Departments and State Agencies, e.g. the National Coaching and Training Centre (NCTC) was transferred to the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism; under the provisions of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 the amended Children Act 2001 was commenced, the effect of which was the transfer of the children detention schools to the Irish Youth Justice Service and the HSE in 2007.
In the circumstances the details of costs and damages provided below is generally indicitative of the judicial review proceedings in which my Department was named as a respondent. It does not include actions in which the Department was named as a notice party, nor any actions taken by plenary summons. The costs to which reference is made below are party-and-party costs, but information on any settlement costs are included where available, e.g. there are instances in which a particular financial allocation may be made on an ex-gratia basis to contribute towards an educational or other service sourced by the family of a litigant during the course of proceedings. Any such amount would not constitute damages. On the question of awards, it should be noted that, quite apart from court orders or court settlements, the court proceedings themselves can often involve a high level of non-legal costs, such as the extensive use of the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS), medical fees, witness expenses and so forth. The overall litigation costs cited below may include similar non-legal costs if these were granted to the applicants over the course of the proceedings. Generally however, judicial review cases are contested on the papers and unless there is a need to cross-examine the deponent of an affidavit then the matter of witness expenses should not arise.
|
Year |
€ |
|
1997 |
256,765.12 |
|
1998 |
1,192,178.49 |
|
1999 |
1,647,043.78 |
|
2000 |
1,168,401.17 |
|
2001 |
1,109,104.33 |
|
2002 |
2,103,773.54 |
|
2003 |
717,817.40 |
|
2004 |
601,402.81 |
|
2005 |
446,392.38 |
|
2006 |
77,634.67 |
|
2007 |
57,842.76 |
Damien English
Question:919 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of applications for judicial review that her Department was responsible for in each of the years 1997 to 2007; the number of applications where leave was granted for each year; and if she will present the information in tabular readable form. [1124/08]
The Department has not been responsible for any applications for judicial review during the period in question. The Minister has been named as a respondent in a considerable number of actions in the years 1997 to 2007. However, it may be noted that leave to apply for judicial review is generally granted on an ex-parte basis, i.e. the Minister is not on notice of the application and thus does not have an opportunity to contest the granting of leave on an inter-parties basis. However, in certain circumstances an interim relief given, such as injunctive relief, may be granted by a judge on the condition that the respondent have the opportunity to contest the interlocutory relief.
On occasion a High Court judge may well decide to refuse leave to apply for judicial review on the majority of the reliefs sought. For the purposes of the Deputy's statistics these cases would still count as those in which leave was granted. The granting of leave to apply for judicial review is given at the threshold of ‘arguable/stateable case'. It does not imply that there is necessarily any prospect of successfully quashing a Ministerial decision or the procedures and processes which gave rise to it.
In certain circumstances the Minister may be named as a respondent in a case in which the matters wholly relate to the exercise of a Board of Management's functions under section 15 of the Education Act 1998. Whilst the Department, the NEWB and the Inspectorate offer assistance on the matter of codes of behaviour, admissions policies and related matters, and whilst the provisions of s.29 of the Education Act 1998 offer remedies short of High Court proceedings in situations in which refusal to enrol or permanent exclusion has arisen, it should be noted that the Minister can often be named in legal actions in which there is no basis upon which the reliefs sought could be successfully obtained against the Minister.
Similarly, the Minister may be named as a respondent in cases in which the principal reliefs sought are not of an educational nature, e.g. litigation relating to troubled minors may entail a broad range of state agencies, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the Department of Health and Children, the Irish Youth Justice Service and the Health Service Executive i.e. there are a diverse range of care needs to be addressed, and for which the educational dimension may not necessarily result in any relief being granted against the Department of Education and Science. It may also be noted that, under the provisions of the National Treasury Management Agency (Amendment) Act 2000 the management of personal injury and property damage claims were delegated to the State Claims Agency. The State Claims Agency manages claims relating to community and comprehensive schools. However, few of these actions are taken by way of judicial review.
Further, it may be noted that even if leave to apply for judicial review is granted by the High Court this may be set aside on appeal to the Supreme Court, without the substantive matters being heard at High Court level. In the light of the foregoing the tabular information should be understood to include only those cases in which leave to apply for judicial review has been sought against the Minister. If the Deputy has a specific area of concern in mind, such as the primary or post-primary sectors, education-related industrial relations matters, residential institutions and abuse-related litigation, then this could be explored further.
|
Year |
Number |
|
1997 |
16 |
|
1998 |
41 |
|
1999 |
21 |
|
2000 |
42 |
|
2001 |
24 |
|
2002 |
27 |
|
2003 |
17 |
|
2004 |
13 |
|
2005 |
15 |
|
2006 |
15 |
|
2007 |
9 |
Schools Building Projects.
Phil Hogan
Question:920 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science when work will commence on the new school at Seville Lodge, Kilkenny for a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1186/08]
Tenders for the project referred to by the Deputy are currently with my Department. Progression of all projects to tender and construction are considered in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. As indicated at the post budget education briefing I intend to announce the first tranche of projects that will proceed to construction in 2008 shortly.
Legislative Programme.
Dr Martin Mansergh
Question:921 Deputy Martin Mansergh asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of Acts passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas sponsored by her Department in each year from 2003 to 2007; the Acts which were legislation wholly or mainly required by Ireland’s EU obligations, which were partly so required, and which had no significant or minimal reference to EU legislation; and if in the first two cases Ireland had significant discretion, as to the manner in which EU obligations were translated into domestic law. [1195/08]
The Minister for Education & Science has sponsored the following legislation in the 2003-2007 period:
Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 (No. 30/2004)
Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse (Amendment) Act 2005 (No. 17/2005)
Grangegorman Development Agency Act 2005 (No. 21/2005)
University College Galway (Amendment) Act 2006 (No. 1/2006)
Teaching Council (Amendment) Act 2006 (No. 2/2006)
Institutes of Technology Act 2006 (No. 25/2006)
Education (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2007 (No. 9/2007)
In addition, during this period there was one Private Act which involved the Department of Education & Science, i.e. the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (Charters Amendment) Act 2003 (No. P1/2003). None of these Acts were wholly or mainly required by Ireland's EU obligations. Generally the provisions of the European Communities Acts 1972-2007 would be the principal legal instrument through which Ministers make orders to give effect to EU Directives on various matters. In the education sector this has largely related to the transposition of Qualifications Directives over the past number of years, e.g. during the time period in question the European Communities (Recognition of Qualifications and Experience) Regulations 2003 (S.I. No. 372/2003) gave legal effect to Council Directive No. 99/42/EC of 7th June 1999.
Schools Building Projects.
Áine Brady
Question:922 Deputy Áine Brady asked the Minister for Education and Science the project stage for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1206/08]
The Project to which the Deputy refers is currently at early architectural planning. A Design Team was appointed in December 2007 and has been requested to submit a programme of works, along with a date for receipt of the Stage 2A submission (Developed Sketch Scheme) to my Department.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Brian Hayes
Question:923 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary school children in classes of 30 or more; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1216/08]
The information on class sizes for the 2007/08 school year is currently being compiled by my Department. As the Deputy will be aware, major improvements have been made in staffing at primary level in recent years. There are now in the region of 6,000 more primary teachers than there were in 2002. By the 2006/07 school year, we had reduced the average class size in our primary schools to 24, while the pupil teacher ratio was 16.4:1, including resource teachers etc. In that year, schools were staffed on the basis of a general rule of at least one classroom teacher for every 28 children. Given that the national average was 24, many schools benefited from much more favourable staffing ratios than this. Extra teachers were provided by the Government for the 2007/08 school year to improve primary school staffing so that schools would generally get at least one classroom teacher for every 27 children.
A further initiative in recent years that has been of direct benefit to primary schools has been the change in the criteria for developing schools. For the current school year the threshold for getting a developing school post was reduced specifically to help schools that are seeing large increases in enrolments each year. Over 330 such posts have been sanctioned in the 2007/08 school year compared to 280 in 2006/07. The improvements we have made in school staffing in recent years are absolutely unparalleled. The Government is committed to providing more teachers to our primary schools over the next five years in order to reduce class sizes. We will also continue our focus on measures to improve the quality of education in our primary schools to ensure that increased resources lead to better outcomes for our children.
Special Educational Needs.
Brian Hayes
Question:924 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will intervene directly in connection with a request from a school to provide a person (details supplied) with one to one educational resources in view of the situation that exists within this school, and the best educational requirements for this child; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1217/08]
As the Deputy may be aware, the National Council for special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. The SENO is also a focal point of contact for parents and schools and their role includes identifying appropriate school placements. My officials have been in contact with the NCSE and have been advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy is currently enrolled in a mainstream schooland is in receipt of 5 individual hours resource teaching per week as well as full time special needs assistant support.
I am informed that the parents have applied to enrol their child in a special school and are awaiting a decision on the application from the Board of Management of the school. I also understand that the local SENO is actively involved in the case. I wish to advise the Deputy that the matter of the enrolment of a pupil in a school including a special school is a matter for the Board of Management of the school and my Department has no role in relation to processing applications for enrolment by schools. Where a school refuses to enrol a pupil, the school is obliged to inform parents of their right under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998 to appeal that decision to the Secretary General of my Department. Where an appeal under Section 29 is upheld, the Secretary General of my Department may direct a school to enrol a pupil.
Education Institutions.
Brian Hayes
Question:925 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science her views relating to the fact that businesses in this country can register in the name of their business university, and the potential that this provides in terms of allowing companies to be established as alleged universities; if she has had discussions with other colleagues in Government in connection with this matter; her views on a case (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1218/08]
Ruairí Quinn
Question:971 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the continued operation of a bogus academic institution calling itself the Irish International University which offers substandard worthless degrees and has been allowed to flourish in the United Kingdom for the past seven years; if she will confirm that her Department has never given approval under existing Irish law for the use of the word university in its title; if, having regard to the damage to the reputation of Irish universities and academics internationality, she will take legal action, under existing legislation, to deal with this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1465/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 925 and 971 together.
Section 52 of the Universities Act 1997 prohibits the use of the terms ‘University' where the organisation is engaged in the provision of education services unless the Minister for Education and Science consents to the use of the term. Approval has not been given for the use of the term "university" in the title of the institution referred to in the question and my Department has contacted the body concerned on a number of occasions, explaining the legislative requirement for such approval and requesting them to desist from the use of the term "university" in its title.
The existence of organisations of the type referred to by the Deputy is contrary to the interests of Ireland's higher education institutions, which have sought to preserve the high international standing and reputation for quality which our system enjoys. In this regard a number of steps have been taken to prevent the unauthorised use of the term "university".
Following an approach from my Department the Companies Registration Office has put in place a procedure whereby any business name applied for which features the term "university" will not be accepted without the express approval of my Department. The Irish Domain Registry has also agreed not to register web addresses containing the term "university" without reference to the Department. Officials of my Department and the relevant agencies are considering a number of other options, including the scope for legal action, with a view to strengthening the Department's position in dealing with such commercial organisations.
Site Acquisitions.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:926 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science when a site for the new school at Listellick, Tralee, County Kerry will be approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1239/08]
The Property Management Section of the Office of Public Works (OPW) which acts on behalf of my Department in relation to site acquisitions generally, has been requested to source a suitable site for this school. A number of proposals are under consideration at present. When a suitable site has been identified its acquisition will be considered in the context of my Department's 2008 budget allocation and the School Building and Modernisation Programme.
Psychological Service.
Michael Noonan
Question:927 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason two schools (details supplied) in County Limerick have not been included under the auspices of NEPS; if she will arrange to have them included; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1247/08]
As the Deputy will be aware all primary and post-primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA). Schools that do not currently have NEPS psychologists assigned to them may avail of the SCPA, whereby the school can have an assessment carried out by a member of the panel of private psychologists approved by NEPS, and NEPS will pay the psychologist the fees for this assessment directly. The two schools referred to by the Deputy in his question currently have access to the SCPA service.
I can also inform the Deputy that it is my intention in the current year to expand the number of psychologists employed by the NEPS service, and consequentially the number of schools having access to that service, from the current 139 to some 169. In this regard, following a national recruitment process put in place in late 2007 by the Public Appointments Service, interviews are currently being held to form regional panels from which appointments to priority regions, including Co. Limerick will be made as soon as possible.
Property Transfers.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:928 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 11; if there is an agreement for the school building to be handed over to another school; and when this is expected to take place as there is an urgent demand for Gaelscoil enrolments. [1252/08]
The acquisition process by the Department for the property to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage. However, the Deputy will appreciate that due to the commercial sensitivities attaching to property acquisitions generally, I am not in a position to comment further on this matter at this time.
Computerisation Programme.
Brian Hayes
Question:929 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will publish the report submitted to her by the expert group on information and communication technology provision in education; when it is to be made available; the action she plans to take on foot of the group’s recommendations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1257/08]
The Programme for Government sets out our commitment to implementing a comprehensive Schools' ICT Strategy. This strategy will be underpinned by the investment of €252m which is provided for in the National Development Plan 2007-2013. I appointed a Strategy Planning Group to advise me on the prioritisation of measures under the planned investment over the period of the NDP. Among the issues which the new strategy will address are the upgrading and renewal of hardware, the provision of software and digital content for learning, teacher professional development, curriculum development, the maintenance of the national broadband network for schools and technical maintenance and support requirements. I have now received the report of the Strategy Planning Group and I will shortly be publishing the report, together with my implementation plan.
School Transport.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:930 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will ensure that a larger bus is provided for the pupils attending a school (details supplied) in County Donegal, in line with the policy of reducing the number of school related trips. [1258/08]
Bus Éireann has indicated that the school transport service in question is operating within the guidelines of the school transport scheme. There are no plans to alter the existing arrangements.
School Staffing.
Róisín Shortall
Question:931 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the on-going delay in restoring educational services for pupils in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 8 in view of the fact that a principal is now in place; the reason pupils have not been allowed to return to school; and the provision she is making for the education of these children. [1259/08]
The school re-opened on Monday 14 January 2008 with a limited capacity and a small number of pupils have resumed attendance. The recruitment process for the remaining two teachers has now been completed and both teachers are expected to commence duty on 4th February next. The school is expected to be fully operational on that date and I understand that the school management has notified the parents accordingly. In the interim, current arrangements will continue in place to facilitate the pupils who have not yet returned to the school.
Schools Building Projects.
Frank Feighan
Question:932 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim will be included in the next multi annual school building programme; when that will be; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1275/08]
Denis Naughten
Question:978 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science when a design team will be appointed for a school (details supplied); the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1491/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 932 and 978 together.
I wish to advise the Deputies that the progression of all projects, including the project in question, will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
Charles Flanagan
Question:933 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science when approval might be given to a proposed new eight classroom school at Borris-in-Ossory, County Laois in view of the urgent need to advance the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1276/08]
Tenders for the project referred to by the Deputy are currently with my Department. Progression of all projects to tender and construction are considered in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. As indicated at the post budget education briefing I intend to announce the first tranche of projects that will proceed to construction in 2008 shortly.
Capitation Grants.
Brian Hayes
Question:934 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the imposition of waste charges for schools; if in view of the Government’s recent announcement regarding water charges and the introduction of a flat rate between now and 2010, the same will apply in respect of waste charges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1277/08]
The determination of waste charges is a matter for the waste service provider, whether a local authority or a private service provider. The cost pressures on schools are taken into account by my Department in determining the levels of annual increases in the capitation grants paid to schools to meet their day to day running costs. Primary schools are now getting €178 per pupil to meet their day to day running costs — an increase of nearly 70% on the 2002 rate of €105 and €15 more per child than they got last year. Post-primary schools get €331 per pupil. As the Deputy will be aware, we are committed to doubling the capitation grant for primary schools over the next five years
School Staffing.
Brian Hayes
Question:935 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of principals who have retired early in each year between 1997 and 2007; the number for each year of early retirements in terms of primary and post-primary principals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1278/08]
The number of Principal teachers who retired early before reaching maximum pension age, in each of the calendar years 1997-2007 from (i) primary schools and (ii) secondary, community and comprehensive schools is set out in the following tabular statement:
|
Year |
Primary School Principals Number of Retirees in Year |
Secondary, Community & Comprehensive School Principals Number of Retirees in Year |
Combined Total |
|
1997 |
184 |
42 |
226 |
|
1998 |
196 |
38 |
234 |
|
1999 |
162 |
43 |
205 |
|
2000 |
138 |
41 |
179 |
|
2001 |
111 |
34 |
145 |
|
2002 |
139 |
35 |
174 |
|
2003 |
83 |
51 |
134 |
|
2004 |
220 |
40 |
260 |
|
2005 |
170 |
60 |
230 |
|
2006 |
204 |
37 |
241 |
|
2007 |
171 |
44 |
215 |
Schools Building Projects.
Brian Hayes
Question:936 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if contracts have been awarded to various contractors to allow off-site manufacturing for the proposed design and build schools as envisaged under the Fingal Model Agreement; if this has not occurred, when the awarding of such contracts are expected to take place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1279/08]
My Department has identified a number of rapidly developing areas where additional primary schools will be required to meet demand for school places in September 2008. The Developing Areas Unit of my Department, which was established in the second half of 2007, is charged with the planning and delivery of the required accommodation and this is at an advanced stage.
A tender process has taken place for a drawdown contract facility that will be used to provide additional school places in the rapidly developing areas for 2008 and onwards. This drawdown contract facility is aimed at providing school accommodation in very short timescales using modern methodologies such as off-site construction. Contracts for the provision of the schools will be placed shortly. This method of building procurement, teamed with close co-operation with the relevant local authorities, will help ensure that additional school places are provided in the developing areas within the earliest possible timeframes.
These strategies are underpinned by a budget of €4.5 billion over the lifetime of the National Development Plan. I will make an announcement in the coming days which will identify the specific rapidly developing areas where new school accommodation is planned to be delivered for September 2008.
Site Acquisitions.
Brian Hayes
Question:937 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of meetings between her Department and Fingal County Council under the aegis of the planning coordinating committee for the Fingal model agreement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1280/08]
Brian Hayes
Question:938 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of sites acquired for schools under the Fingal model agreement by her Department; if in view of the shortage of pupil places within the general area, her Department has considered other methods to acquire the sites under the Fingal model agreement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1281/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 937 and 938 together.
I can confirm that there have been four meetings between the Department of Education and Science and Fingal County Council under the aegis of the Planning Coordinating Committee for the Fingal Model Agreement. However, there is extensive communication on an ongoing basis in relation to issues relating to specific sites. Furthermore, a number of sites being acquired under the Fingal School Model are at varying stages of acquisition and, as the Deputy will appreciate, due to commercial sensitivities relating to site acquisition, I am not in a position to comment further at this time.
As the Deputy is aware, the Department and Fingal County Council agreed to develop a new model of partnership for providing school and community facilities. Under the terms of the Fingal School Agreement, the local authority has undertaken to identify and acquire appropriate sites for schools, as recommended by this Department. In return, the design of the schools on these sites will be varied to meet community needs identified by the Council. This enhanced cooperation has the effect of minimising the Department's land requirements and thus reducing site costs while at the same time providing local communities with new schools with enhanced facilities. The range of enhanced combination facilities can include large sports halls, stage and dressing rooms, community meeting rooms, all-weather pitches and playgrounds. These additional facilities, which will be over and above the Department's standard specifications for schools, will be available not only to the school during normal school hours but also to the local community in the evenings, at weekends and during school holidays. It is intended that this model will be used in Fingal to deliver approximately 20 schools in the coming years.
Schools Building Projects.
Bobby Aylward
Question:939 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will arrange for the report to be made available from the technical team in her Department to allow a school project (details supplied) in County Kilkenny to proceed to the design stage under the major capital scheme stage in view of the rapid growth of population in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1293/08]
I can confirm that the Department is in receipt of an application for major capital funding from the school to which the Deputy refers. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and has been assigned a band 2 rating. Technical reports are part of normal internal procedures carried out by the Department and they are not generally made available to schools. Therefore, the release or otherwise of a report has no bearing on when a project proceeds. Progress on individual projects is dependent on the Band Rating assigned to it which will reflect the fact that a school is in a rapidly developing area if this is the case. Progress on the project in question will, therefore, be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme consistent with its Band Rating.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:940 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has made a decision on the tender report in relation to the proposed building project for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 18; if not, when such a decision will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1294/08]
Tenders for the project referred to by the Deputy are currently with my Department. Progression of all projects to tender and construction are considered in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. As indicated at the post budget education briefing I intend to announce the first tranche of projects that will proceed to construction in 2008 shortly.
Pádraic McCormack
Question:941 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding proposed extension works to a school (details supplied) in County Galway where students have to endure classes in very poor conditions in prefabs; if and when their school will be assessed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1302/08]
The building project for the school in question will be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
Schools Refurbishment.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:942 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of the summer works scheme; if there are plans to reintroduce the scheme or a similar one to provide for small scale repair and renovation projects in schools; the number of projects that will now have to be cancelled; the number of schools and the cost of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1303/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Summer Works Scheme has, since its introduction just a few years ago, transformed the standard of existing school accommodation. With over 3,700 projects now having been funded under the scheme, the Department's intention is to concentrate the investment in school buildings this year on delivering as many large projects as possible.
While there will be a focus on providing extra places in developing areas, the Department will also be delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country. The emphasis, however, will be on new schools, extensions and major refurbishments, rather than on smaller projects. At primary level schools may use their devolved minor works grant to address such works.
In the circumstances, there will not be a new Summer Works Scheme as part of the Department's building programme in 2008. This being the case, details in relation to the number of applications received and cost have not been collated by the Department.
The Professional and Technical Reports provided by schools can be used again for future projects so that schools will not be at the loss of expenditure on them.
Institutes of Technology.
Phil Hogan
Question:943 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science the policy position regarding a university for the south east and in particular if she will publish the report of Dr Port in respect of this matter. [1309/08]
Brian O'Shea
Question:1025 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the provision that has been made in the 2008 Estimates of her Department in regard to the upgrading of Waterford Institute of Technology to the university of the south east. [2003/08]
Brian O'Shea
Question:1026 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of official meetings which have taken place to date in 2008 and the dates of the official meetings scheduled to take place in 2008 in her Department in regard to the consideration of the Dr. Jim Port report on the submission by Waterford Institute of Technology to upgrading to university status. [2004/08]
John Deasy
Question:1036 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science if she plans to publish the report carried out by Dr. Jim Port in relation to the upgrading of Waterford Institute of Technology to university status; and if so, if same will occur in 2008. [2060/08]
Seán Connick
Question:1055 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 502 of 23 October 2007, if further consideration has been given to the report of a person (details supplied) examining the designation of Waterford Institute of Technology as a university; when she expects the report to be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2452/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 943, 1025, 1026, 1036 and 1055 together.
I appointed Dr. Jim Port in February 2007 to provide preliminary advice on the merits of the submission by WIT, having regard to; (i) the national strategy for the development of Irish higher education, (ii) implications for regional development in the South-East in the context of the National Spatial Strategy and (iii) any likely implications for the overall structure of higher education in Ireland.
There are significant wider policy issues that need to be considered in advance of any possible statutory review and I am currently considering these in the light of Dr Port's report. Consideration of the of the report forms part of the ongoing work of my Department and the question of making provision in the Estimates of my Department does not arise as consideration of the application has not been finalised.
School Enrolments.
Áine Brady
Question:944 Deputy Áine Brady asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of post primary school places that were available in County Kildare for the years 2002 to 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1318/08]
As a rule, my Department collects information from schools in relation to their enrolments rather than in relation to the number of places available. Enrolment data is available on www.education.ie Through its forward planning processes which involves, among other things, close and regular contacts with local authorities in relation to the extent, rate and pace of housing developments, the Department continuously monitors the availability of school places throughout the country to ensure that all eligible pupils will have a place.
Áine Brady
Question:945 Deputy Áine Brady asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary school places that were available in County Kildare for the years 2002 to 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1319/08]
As a rule, my Department collects information from schools in relation to their enrolments rather than in relation to the number of places available. Enrolment data is available on www.education.ie. Through its forward planning processes which involves, among other things, close and regular contacts with local authorities in relation to the extent, rate and pace of housing developments, the Department continuously monitors the availability of school places throughout the country to ensure that all eligible pupils will have a place.
Schools Building Projects.
Áine Brady
Question:946 Deputy Áine Brady asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools which are receiving funding for capital works in 2008; the extra facilities that will be provided for this funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1320/08]
Progression of all projects to tender and construction are considered in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
As indicated at the post-budget education briefing I intend to announce the first tranche of projects that will proceed to construction in 2008 shortly.
Áine Brady
Question:947 Deputy Áine Brady asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools in County Kildare which received funding for capital works since 1 January 2005; the facilities that were provided for this funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1321/08]
The details sought by the Deputy are given in the tabular statement below.
|
School Name |
Roll No |
Project |
|
Aghards NS, Celbridge |
19794V |
4 classroom extension, GP room & ancillary acc. |
|
Rathmore NS, Naas |
01821V |
New 8 Classroom School |
|
Sallins NS, Sallins |
08099P |
7 classrooms & ancillary acc.& refurbishment |
|
Scoil na Mainstreach, Celbridge |
18551N |
6 classrooms & ancillary accommodation |
|
Ballyshannon NS |
15456E |
2 classroom extension & refurbishment |
|
SN Naomh Mhuire, Donadea |
16777G |
Extension & Refurbishment |
|
SN Cloch Rinnce, Magh Bhealaigh |
18093J |
3 classroom extension & ancillary accommodation |
|
Robertstown NS |
18430B |
3 classrooms & GP room & ancillary acc.& refurb. |
|
Prosperous NS |
18515J |
4 classrooms & ancillary acc. & 2 c/r Autistic Unit |
|
Scoli Bhride, Naas |
20114D |
New 16 classroom school |
|
St Patrick’s NS, Newbridge |
13328I |
Extension & Refurbishment |
|
Scoil Ui Riada, Kilcock |
19897I |
New 16 classroom school |
|
Maynooth Post Primary School |
70700A |
Extension |
|
St Farnan’s PP, Prosperous |
70720G |
Extension |
|
Ardscoil Rath Iomgháin, Rathangan |
70730J |
Extension & Refurbishment |
|
Newbridge College |
61680T |
Extension & Refurbishment |
|
School Name |
Roll No |
Project |
|
Presentation Convent, Maynooth |
00779U |
Extension of 2 c/rand ancillary acc. Under const. |
|
St Laurence’s NS, Sallins |
08099P |
Extension of 8 classrooms. Under Construction |
|
Castledermot NS Mixed |
19786W |
New 16 classroom school — Authorised to commence construction. |
|
Scoil Eoin, Rathstewart |
61630E |
Extension — Under Construction |
|
School Name |
Roll No. |
School Size |
|
Kilkea NS, Castledermot |
17742K |
3 classrooms |
|
Killina NS, Carbury |
17995V |
3 classrooms |
|
Lackagh Ns, Monasterevan |
18179T |
4 classrooms |
|
Cianóg naofa NS, Timahoe |
12998C |
4 classrooms |
|
School Name |
Roll No. |
Additional classrooms |
|
Scoil Eimhin Noafa, Monasterevan |
15769C |
1 mainstream + 1 resource |
|
Allenwood BNS |
16813H |
1 mainstream + 1 resource |
|
SN Ide, Kilmeade |
17650K |
3 mainstream + 1 resource |
|
SN Connlaodh Naofa, Newbridge |
17873H |
1 mainstream + 1 resource |
|
SN Naomh Ioseph, Baile Aibhir |
18378C |
1 mainstream |
|
Rathangan BNS, Rathangan |
15957O |
1 mainstream |
|
Almhaine NS, Kilmeague |
17567A |
3 mainstream + 2 resource |
|
SN Colmcill Naofa, Athy |
17787A |
2 mainstream |
|
Rathmore NS, Naas |
01821V |
4 mainstream |
|
Churchtown NS, Athy |
07790U |
2 mainstream + 1 resource |
|
Scoil na Mainstreach, Kildare |
12747A |
1 mainstream + 2 resource |
|
Scoil Naomh Bríd, Celbridge |
16566Q |
4 resource |
|
Scoil Bhríde, Milltown |
16654N |
2 mainstream + 2 resource |
|
Scoil na Mainstreach, Celbridge |
18551N |
2 mainstream + 2 resource |
|
Scoil Mhuire Snr, Ballymany |
19452Q |
1 mainstream + 5 resource |
|
Scoil Mhuire Jnr, Ballymany |
19550Q |
5 resource |
|
Scoil Chearbhail Uí Dhálaigh, Leixlip |
19680G |
4 mainstream +resource |
|
Killashee NS, Naas |
20087D |
3 mainstream + 2 resource |
|
School Name |
Roll No |
Project |
|
2005 SWS |
||
|
Patrician Secondary School |
61681V |
Toilets |
|
Coláiste Naomh Mhuire |
61730I |
External Environment |
|
Athy Community College |
70650L |
Gas |
|
Colaiste Lorcain |
70670R |
Roofs |
|
St Conleth’s Vocational School |
70680U |
External Environment |
|
Confey Community College |
70691C |
Curricular Requirements |
|
Community School, Clane |
91372D |
Roof works |
|
St Laurences N S |
09414C |
Electrical |
|
Mercy Convent Primary Sch |
15040T |
Electrical |
|
Mercy Convent Primary Sch |
15040T |
Ramps |
|
Mercy Convent Primary Sch |
15040T |
Ceiling repairs |
|
St Brigids Primary School |
15599D |
Electrical |
|
Scoil Chonnla Phadraig |
15870O |
Toilets |
|
Scoil Phadraig Naofa |
16705E |
Electrical |
|
Allenwood B N S |
16813H |
Toilets |
|
Maynooth B N S |
17341U |
Mechanical |
|
S N Bride |
18031K |
Windows |
|
Scoil Mhichil Naofa |
18288B |
Electrical |
|
St Raphaels Special Sch |
18988G |
Mechanical |
|
St Annes Special School |
19277B |
Electrical |
|
St Marks Special School , |
19455W |
Electrical |
|
An Linbh Iosa |
19597T |
Access For All |
|
2006 SWS |
||
|
Patrician Secondary School |
61681V |
Science Lab |
|
Curragh Post-Primary School |
70660O |
Home Economics Room |
|
Colaiste Lorcain |
70670R |
Windows |
|
St Conleth’s Vocational School |
70680U |
Toilets |
|
Kildare Coll Of Further Studies |
70690A |
Play Area |
|
Maynooth Post Primary School |
70700A |
Electrical |
|
St Patrick’s CommCollege |
70710D |
Access For All |
|
Ardscoil Rath Iomgháin |
70730J |
Roofs |
|
St Wolstan’s Community Sch |
91505T |
Mechanical |
|
Coláiste Éamann Rís |
61510R |
Windows |
|
St Kieran’s College |
61560J |
Access For All |
|
Churchtown N S |
07790U |
Play Area |
|
St Davids Ns |
11893G |
Electrical |
|
Kildare Monastery N S, |
12747A |
Electrical |
|
Mercy Convent Primary School |
15040T |
Windows |
|
St Brigids N S |
16302F |
Play Area |
|
Scoil Brid, |
16566Q |
Electrical |
|
Allenwood B N S |
16813H |
Windows |
|
Maynooth B N S |
17341U |
Electrical |
|
S N Colmcille Naofa Kildare |
17787O |
Mechanical |
|
S N Bride |
18031K |
Toilets |
|
S N Coill Dubh |
18096P |
Windows |
|
Scoil Mhichil Naofa |
18288B |
Toilets |
|
St Conleths N S |
18449W |
Toilets |
|
St Annes Special School, |
19277B |
Electrical |
|
St Marks Special School |
19455W |
Mechanical |
|
San Carlo Junior Ns |
19653D |
Play Area |
|
2007 SWS |
||
|
Patrician Secondary School |
61681V |
General Upgrade to Toilets |
|
Holy Family Secondary School |
61682A |
Partial Replacement of Roof |
|
Cross And Passion College |
61690W |
Partial Replacement of Windows |
|
Scoil Dara |
61691B |
Partial Replacement of Windows |
|
Coláiste Naomh Mhuire |
61730I |
Upgrade Electrical |
|
Curragh Post-Primary School |
70660O |
Science Lab |
|
Colaiste Lorcain |
70670R |
Science Lab |
|
St Conleth’s Vocational Sch |
70680U |
Classroom |
|
Kildare CollOf Further Studies |
70690A |
General Upgrade to Toilets |
|
Confey Community College |
70691C |
General Upgrade to Toilets |
|
Maynooth Post Primary Sch |
70700A |
Partial Replacement of Windows |
|
St Patrick’s Community Coll |
70710D |
Science Lab |
|
St Farnan’s Post Primary Sch |
70720G |
Partial Replacement of Windows |
|
S N Cianog Naofa |
12998C |
Complete Replacement of Windows |
|
S N Cianog Naofa |
12998C |
Upgrade Mechanical & electrical |
|
Mercy Convent Primary Sch |
15040T |
Partial Replacement of Windows |
|
Ballyshannon N S |
15456E |
PE Hall Repairs |
|
Scoil Chonnla Phadraig |
15870O |
Upgrade Mechanical |
|
Rathangan B N S |
15957D |
Sewerage |
|
Scoil Chorbain |
17254C |
General Upgrade to Toilets |
|
Almhaine N S |
17567A |
Sewerage |
|
Almhaine N S |
17567A |
Upgrade Electrical |
|
S N Colmcill Naofa |
17787O |
Complete Replacement of Windows |
|
S N Mhuire Girls |
18073D |
Sewerage |
|
Cadamstown NS |
18092H |
Boiler Replacement |
|
S N Coill Dubh |
18096P |
Upgrade Electrical |
|
S N Scoil Treasa |
18445O |
Boiler Replacement |
|
St Raphaels Special Sch |
18988G |
Upgrade Electrical |
|
St Marks Special School |
19455W |
Complete Replacement of Windows |
|
St Brigids N S |
19675N |
Complete Replacement of Windows |
Schools Refurbishment.
Sean Sherlock
Question:948 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science the action the management of primary and secondary schools should take to finance essential once off repair and maintenance works in view of the winding up of the summer works grant scheme by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1329/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Summer Works Scheme has, since its introduction just a few years ago, transformed the standard of existing school accommodation. With over 3,700 projects now having been funded under the scheme, the Department's intention is to concentrate the investment in school buildings this year on delivering as many large projects as possible.
While there will be a focus on providing extra places in developing areas, the Department will also be delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country. The emphasis, however, will be on new schools, extensions and major refurbishments, rather than on smaller projects. At primary level schools may use their devolved minor works grant to address such works. Capitation grants at post primary level are intended to cover necessary minor works.
Research Funding.
Brian O'Shea
Question:949 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science her proposals to increase research and development capacity in third level institutions in the south east region to extend fourth level provision in the south east region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1334/08]
The Government's Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation is a multi annual, multi-billion euro investment in research and development activity for the period to 2013. The Strategy aims to see Ireland secure its position as one of the world's advanced knowledge economies and become renowned worldwide for the excellence of its research.
Central to this will be the development of the capacity of our higher education system for the achievement of key targets during the lifetime of the Strategy such as doubling the number of PhD graduates, attaining the necessary intellectual critical mass, advancing the quality of our post-graduate and PhD training, strengthening arrangements for industry collaboration and providing all the necessary supporting structures to achieve the research objectives of a range of sectors. The growth of fourth level education under the strategy will have a major impact on the profile of our higher education institutions.
My Department provides significant annual funding to support the development of research activities in our third level institutions. In 2008 an amount of €106 million in recurrent funding is being provided together with €94.3 million in capital funding.
The purpose and function of funding support in this context is to develop research capability and capacity in the Higher Education System, as a whole. It is not focused on specific institutions or regions. Allocations for research activities are, in the main, made as a result of independent evaluation and ultimately selected on the basis of the quality of the submitted proposal when matched against the criteria specified in the call for proposals.
School Staffing.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:950 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Dublin has had their teacher’s salary discontinued by her Department; if the person has made direct representations to her; the consideration she is giving to the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1337/08]
Matters relating to the person in question's employment as a teacher are the subject of ongoing legal proceedings, now before the Supreme Court. In the circumstances, it would be inappropriate for me to comment in any way on these matters.
Schools Building Projects.
James Bannon
Question:951 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of a new school building for a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1338/08]
The need for a new school building for school in question is acknowledged by my Department. The building project required to deliver the new school building will be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
Site Acquisitions.
James Bannon
Question:952 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the lack of progress in relation to the acquisition of a site for the new post primary school in Kinnegad, County Westmeath, which was recommended in the report of the Commission on School Accommodation for the N4/M4 corridor; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1339/08]
The N4/M4 Area Development Plan indicates that a post primary school will not be required for Kinnegad until post 2011. The Department will ask the local authority to reserve a site at the appropriate time for this development.
School Building Projects.
James Bannon
Question:953 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the provision of additional post primary accommodation for the town of Mullingar and the provision of a replacement school (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1340/08]
I can confirm to the Deputy that the Department is in receipt of applications for large scale capital funding from 3 post primary schools in Mullingar. These applications have been assessed in accordance with the published criteria for large scale building projects and progress on the individual projectswill be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
Michael Creed
Question:954 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science the stages involved in the provision of a new primary school and the provision of an extension to an existing primary school in sequence; the way this process differs if at all where a new school is required for the amalgamation of two existing schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1368/08]
I wish to advise the Deputy that all applications for new school buildings and extensions to existing buildings are assessed in accordance with established criteria which was agreed with the education partners. I am arranging to send a copy of this to the Deputy. The initiative for an amalgamation may come from a variety of sources, such as parents, staff, boards of management and the Patron. However, the patron has the key role in the initial stage of establishing feasibility and the decision-making authority for amalgamation belongs to the patron/s subject to my approval. My Department's role is to facilitate any such proposals.
Sean Sherlock
Question:955 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science when moneys will be allocated to Cork VEC for the appointment of a design team to draw up plans for a new school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1370/08]
Schedules of overall accommodation for the school to which the Deputy refers have been agreed with Co. Cork Vocational Education Committee to cater for a long term projected enrolment of 325 pupils. Further progression of this project will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
School Transport.
Sean Sherlock
Question:956 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will extend an existing school bus route in north Cork (details supplied) to accommodate eleven school going children who are currently being dropped at a busy crossroads; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1371/08]
Primary school transport routes are planned so that, as far as possible, no eligible child will have more than 2.4 kilometres to travel to a pick-up point. Pupils living off the main route of a service are generally expected to make their own way, or to be brought to convenient pick-up points along the main route. Home pick-ups were never envisaged as being part of the School Transport Scheme.
Bus Éireann which operate the school transport scheme, on behalf of my Department, have advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy, in the details supplied, resides 1.76 kilometres from the pick up point. The planning of routes and timetabling of services is an operational matter for Bus Éireann.
Adult Education.
Brian Hayes
Question:957 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if a review of the National Adult Learning Council has been carried out; if she has received a copy of this review; if it is proposed the review will be made publicly available; the action, she will take on foot of the review’s recommendations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1372/08]
The National Adult Learning Council was formed in March 2002 on an ad-hoc basis with the intention that it would be established as a statutory body under Section 54 of the Education Act 1998.
Following the formation of the ad-hoc Council, concerns emerged that the functions envisaged for it were too wide-ranging and were not sufficiently focused. Additionally, a number of developments had occurred which would impact on the work of the Council.
A strategic review of the role and functions of the Council was undertaken to address these concerns. The outcome of the review has been under consideration in my Department. I expect to be in a position soon to make a decision on the best way forward. The decision will be based on how best to provide in the most cost-effective manner for the learning needs of young people who leave school early or who may not wish to progress directly into employment or higher education and of adults seeking second-chance education in the adult, further and vocational education sector. It will also be necessary in that context to take account of existing provision and structures.
Educational Disadvantage.
Brian Hayes
Question:958 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of the Educational Disadvantage Committee; if there are plans for the committee to reconvene; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1373/08]
The Educational Disadvantage Committee was established in March, 2002 under the Education Act, 1998. Members were appointed to the Committee for a period not exceeding three years. The term of office of the Committee was extended until 30 June 2005 in order to facilitate the completion of the Committee's final report.
The role of the Committee is to advise on policies and strategies to be adopted to identify and correct educational disadvantage.
My Department wrote to the education and social partners seeking their views on the composition and future work of the committee and these are under consideration.
Health and Safety Regulations.
Brian Hayes
Question:959 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if a no running policy exists in some schools where children are not entitled to run in a school yard; her views in respect of this measure; if the issue has been brought to her attention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1383/08]
In accordance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, it is the responsibility of individual school management authorities to have a safety statement in place in their schools. It is also a matter for school authorities to determine school policies, taking into account any health and safety risks to children running in the school yard.
It is my view that it is important for children to avail of the opportunity to exercise at school and that children should be able to run in the school yard unless there are very compelling local reasons for the school to prohibit such activity.
Higher Education Grants.
Michael D'Arcy
Question:960 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Science if there are grants available for a course (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1397/08]
In relation to the support available for students studying abroad, my Department's student maintenance grant schemes provide maintenance grants to undergraduate students pursuing approved third level courses in other E.U. Member States.
An approved undergraduate course in this context is defined as a full-time undergraduate course of not less than two years duration pursued in a university or third level institution, which is maintained or assisted by recurrent grants from public funds in another EU Member State.
Where a grant application is made in respect of a course being pursued in a third-level institution abroad, such as the college referred to by the Deputy, it is a matter for the awarding body (Local Authority or VEC) to satisfy itself regarding the status of the institution and as to whether the course and institution meet the terms of the relevant scheme.
Section 473A, of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997, provides tax relief, at the standard rate of tax, for tuition fees paid in respect of approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including certain approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in E.U. Member States and in non EU countries.
The application form (I.T. 31 Form) to claim tax relief on tuition fees is available from the Revenue Commissioners website at www.revenue.ie or alternatively from the candidate’s Local Tax Office.
Any general extension to the scope of the grants scheme can be considered only in the light of available resources and in the context of competing demands and priorities within the education sector.
Schools Building Projects.
Olwyn Enright
Question:961 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application by a school (details supplied) in County Laois to demolish the existing school and construct a new generic building; the status of the application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1407/08]
Tenders for the project referred to by the Deputy are currently with my Department.
Progression of all projects to tender and construction are considered in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
As indicated at the post-budget education briefing I intend to announce the first tranche of projects that will proceed to construction in 2008 shortly.
Special Educational Needs.
Olwyn Enright
Question:962 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the directive that has been given to the National Council for Special Education, in relation to replies to queries regarding people who have applied to or use the supports provided by the council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1408/08]
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) operates within the policy parameters set out in Department circulars in allocating resources to schools to support pupils with special educational needs.
The NCSE has advised my Department that it deals with queries from individuals in a timely manner. In addition, all schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
Capitation Grants.
Pat Breen
Question:963 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has plans to increase the capitation grants payable to post primary schools to cover the annual maintenance and insurance costs of installing lifts for access for students with disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1419/08]
The funding arrangements made by my Department for second level schools reflect the sectoral division of our second level system. At the core of all arrangements is a reliance upon capitation as the principle determinant of funding.
My Department provides funding to secondary schools by way of per capita grants, which affords schools considerable flexibility in the use of these resources to cater for the needs of their pupils.
There have been significant improvements in recent years in the level of funding for voluntary secondary schools. With effect from January 2008, the standard per capita grant was increased by €15 per pupil and now amounts to €331 per pupil. In addition, voluntary secondary schools have benefited by the increase of €15 per pupil in 2008 in the support services grant bringing that grant to €204 per pupil.
The cumulative increase of €30 per pupil in a voluntary secondary school brings the aggregate grant to €535 per pupil. These grants are in addition to the per capita funding of up to €40,000 per school that is also provided by my Department to secondary schools towards secretarial and caretaking services. For example in the case of a secondary school with 500 pupils, this brings annual grants towards general expenses and support service to over €300,000.
Budget allocations for schools in the Community and Comprehensive school sector along with those in the VEC sector are increased on a pro rata basis with increases in the per capita grant. All schools are eligible for recurrent per capita grants towards special classes and curricular support grants.
The funding mechanisms in place afford schools considerable flexibility in the use of their resources to cater for the needs of their pupils. This is in my view, in general, a preferable approach to putting in place grants for specific cost items, such as those referred to by the Deputy.
These significant increases in the funding of post primary schools are a clear demonstration of my commitment to prioritise available resources to address the needs of schools.
Schools Refurbishment.
Denis Naughten
Question:964 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will approve funding under the summer works scheme for a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon; when she will make a decision on the application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1423/08]
An application for the Summer Works Scheme 2008 has been received from the school referred to by the Deputy.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Summer Works Scheme was introduced in 2004. Since then, over 3,000 projects costing in excess of €300 million have been completed. Considerable extra investment has been provided in the Budget to increase funding for school buildings to almost €600 million this year. With so many small projects having been completed over the past few years, I am focusing on delivering as many large scale projects as possible in 2008. There is not, therefore, a new Summer Works Scheme as part of our building programme this year.
Schools Building Projects.
Joe Costello
Question:965 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science when she will replace the 12 year old, leaking, draughty, unhealthy building which is school to the 220 young children of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 7, with a new permanent building; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1429/08]
The Department acknowledges the need for a solution to the accommodation difficulties at the school to which the Deputy refers and it is committed to working to achieve a satisfactory solution as soon as possible.
The task of locating suitable accommodation in an area where a school wants to be permanently located is not always an easy one and cannot be underestimated particularly where an area is built up, as is the case with the school in question.
The Department is actively pursuing a number of options. One of these options is the building of a permanent structure on the school's current site. A number of issues have arisen in relation to this proposal for which clarification is being sought. When progress has been made, the school authorities will be notified immediately.
Higher Education Grants.
Paul Connaughton
Question:966 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science when a decision will be made in respect of a higher education grant in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; if her attention has been drawn to the special circumstances in this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1438/08]
I refer to my previous parliamentary response of 26th September 2007 PQ No. 20429/07 refers.
I would like to reiterate to the Deputy Clause 7.7 of both the Higher Education Grant Scheme and the Vocational Education Committees' Scholarship Scheme states inter alia the following: -“Grant aid for postgraduate students shall be limited to a maximum of four years.”
Special Educational Needs.
Enda Kenny
Question:967 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on a pilot scheme of dual enrolment for special needs children between special and mainstream schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1452/08]
The Deputy will be aware that the Programme for Government contains a commitment to develop special schools as centres of excellence and outreach facilities and allow for dual enrolment so that children can attend both a special school and a mainstream school as appropriate.
The concept of dual enrolment raises a range of practical issues which require careful consideration. These issues relate to such matters as the educational needs of the children concerned, the manner in which staffing and funding resources allocated in respect of such children should be apportioned between two schools catering for the same pupil for limited periods. Issues relating to capitation funding and entitlement to special transport services would also arise.
The National Council for Special Education is undertaking a Review of Special Schools and Special Classes and this issue will be considered further in the context of the Report on this Review which I expect to receive this year.
Standardised Tests.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:968 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if the results of standardised testing at primary school level will be collated by her Department; if such aggregate results will be published; if she and her Department will use such information to inform policy on literacy and numeracy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1462/08]
A circular issued from my Department to all primary schools in December 2006 asking them to implement standardised testing in English reading and Mathematics beginning in the calendar year 2007 for all pupils at the end of first class OR the beginning of second class, AND at the end of fourth class OR the beginning of fifth class.
Schools have also been asked to ensure that, with effect from the current school year, the results of testing are reported to parents in respect of their own children in accordance with a broader reporting template, designed to report progress on children's learning to parents. This template is being finalised by the NCCA and will be available very shortly.
There is widespread acceptance of the value of standardised testing as one of a range of modes of assessment that help teachers to make more informed decisions in relation to teaching and learning. The results of standardised tests can be used to inform parents of pupils' progress and to assist in the identification of pupils that may require support. While the results of standardised testing will not be reported by schools to the Department, they will be made available to inspectors conducting evaluations. However, the results of these tests will not be aggregated at Department level nor will inspectors make references to test data in their reports in any way which would facilitate the compilation of league tables.
The programme of standardised testing is complemented by a separate programme of national monitoring targeted at:
A nationally representative sample of schools
A representative sample of schools in the School Support Programme of DEIS
A representative sample of Irish medium schools
The national monitoring will be repeated on a cyclical basis. The purpose of this programme is to identify changes in national trends over time for particular categories of school and to inform ongoing policy development.
School Staffing.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:969 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost to the Exchequer of employing one full-time special needs assistant; the starting hourly rate of pay for a special needs assistant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1463/08]
I attach a copy of the current special needs assistant's pay scales, for the information of the Deputy. The starting hourly rate of pay for a special needs assistant is €13.91.
The current salary scale is applicable from the 1st June 2007 as a result of the implementation of Phase 2 of the "Towards 2016" Social partnership Agreement.
Special Educational Needs.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:970 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department monitors the outcome for children with special needs who have been assigned a special needs assistant at primary and second level; the number of special needs assistants employed to support the academic needs of children with special needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1464/08]
The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers, for allocating special needs assistants (SNAs) to schools and for reviewing such allocations.
I wish to clarify for the Deputy that SNA support is provided to school authorities to assist them to cater for children who have care needs arising from a disability. There are currently in excess of 9,800 special needs assistants in primary, post-primary and special schools supporting children with special care needs.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that my Department has recently commenced a value for money and policy review of the special needs assistant scheme. It is expected that the review will be completed during 2009.
Question No. 971 was answered with Question No. 925.
School Staffing.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:972 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teacher principal posts vacant for more than two months in primary schools, voluntary secondary schools, community colleges and schools and VEC secondary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1466/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is not available in my Department.
The appointment of staff to vacant posts in primary and second level schools, including that of Principal is a matter for the relevant school authority at primary and post-primary level subject to agreed procedures.
Schools Building Projects.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:973 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the number in respect of the thirty schools that were contacted by her Department before Budget 2008 that were informed to put a hold on their building projects that have now been contacted by her Department and allowed proceed; the number of these thirty schools that were given permission to proceed to the next stage, including work on site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1467/08]
Progression of all projects to tender and construction are considered in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
As indicated at the post budget education briefing I intend to announce shortly the first tranche of projects that will proceed to construction in 2008.
Proposed Legislation.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:974 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when the Student Support Bill will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1468/08]
The Student Support Bill is at the final stages of preparation for publication. I hope to be in a position to have the Bill published very shortly.
School Staffing.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:975 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if, having regard to the increase of retiring teachers from 641 in 2001 to 1,060 in 2006 and approximately 1,300 in 2007, she will outline the projections her Department has for the number of anticipated retirements in 2008, 2009 and 2010; if such figures indicate that an increase in the recruitment of trainee teachers is required; if so, the steps she proposes to take in order to meet this potential provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1469/08]
Precise projection of retirement from the teaching profession in any year is difficult. The vast majority of teachers retire voluntarily, which they may do from age 55 to age 65, providing they have the requisite service.
For 2008, our estimates for projected retirements in the calendar year (Primary, Secondary, Community and Comprehensive schools) is 1,245. In the years 2009 and 2010, the projections are 1,410 and 1,432 respectively.
The numbers of graduates coming from the various centres for initial teacher education annually at present is in the region of 2,900. My Department continually monitors the situation in relation to retirements and the many other factors affecting supply and demand of teachers, in the light of system needs and available resources going forward.
I am satisfied that my Department will take the necessary steps to enable the future demand and need for teachers to be met. The Deputy might be interested to note that, in this context, my Department approved an additional 210 for the current intake to the Post graduate Diploma in Education (Primary), commencing February 2008.
Water Services.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:976 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has advised primary schools to install water meters on their premises as a conservation measure; the number of primary schools which have water meters installed as of December 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1470/08]
The Deputy will appreciate that the installation of water meters in schools is a matter for my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in conjunction with individual local authorities.
Water Charges.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:977 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the action or measures her Department has taken to ensure that local authorities do not charge water rates to schools in excess of the €3, €3.50 or €4 per capita for the years 2007, 2008 and 2009 in accordance with the decision of the Government regarding schools water rates as announced on 4 December 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1471/08]
The Deputy will appreciate that the implementation of the Government decision on water charges for schools is a matter for my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in conjunction with individual local authorities.
Question No. 978 was answered with Question No. 932.
Schools Building Projects.
M. J. Nolan
Question:979 Deputy M. J. Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Science when a new school building (details supplied) in County Carlow will be approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1492/08]
The Stage 3 documentation for the project referred to by the Deputy is currently being examined by my Department's Technical Staff. Progression of all projects to tender and construction are considered in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. As indicated at the post budget education briefing I intend to announce the first tranche of projects that will proceed to construction in 2008 shortly.
Departmental Properties.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:980 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of Department owned computer desktops or laptops or other data devices, such as BlackBerries and memory keys, reported lost, missing or stolen from her Department in each year from 2002 to 2007; the number of these that were later recovered or found; the number still missing; if any sensitive or private data was compromised; the measures in place within her Department to secure such portable or at risk data devices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1512/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out as follows:
2002-2004 no items were reported lost stolen or missing.
2005 2 USB memory cards were reported stolen. Both cards are still missing.
2006 2 USB memory cards were reported lost and 1 memory card was reported stolen. The stolen memory card was recovered and 1 of the lost memory cards was subsequently found later that year. The other lost memory card is still missing.
2007 2 laptops were stolen and 1 USB memory card were reported lost. The laptops and the memory card are still missing.
No sensitive or private data was reported as having been compromised. The laptops had a dual level of password protection and the USB memory cards were password protected.
All desktop and laptop computers owned by my Department are password protected. Blackberry devices are both PIN and password protected. Encryption of USB memory keys is currently being investigated.
Site Acquisitions.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:981 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on purchasing a site for the proposed school (details supplied) in County Kerry from Tralee Town Council at its recently purchased lands at Lohercannon, Tralee. [1528/08]
An application for capital funding towards the provision of a new school building has been received from the school authority referred to by the Deputy. An assessment of the projected enrolment trends, demographic trends and the housing developments in the area will be required to determine the long term projected staffing figure on which the school's accommodation needs will be based. The required building project will be considered in the context of the multi-annual school building programme.
Higher Education Grants.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:982 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if a back to education grant or higher education grant will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1535/08]
My Department funds three maintenance grant schemes for third level students which are administered by the Local Authorities and the Vocational Education Committees. These are the Higher Education Grants Scheme, the Vocational Education Committees' Scholarship Scheme, the Third Level Maintenance Grants Scheme for Trainees and the Maintenance Grants Scheme for Students attending Post Leaving Certificate Courses.
The Higher Education Grants Scheme is administered by the Local Authorities. The other three schemes are administered by the Vocational Education Committees.
Under the terms of the maintenance grants schemes grant assistance is awarded to students who meet the prescribed conditions of funding including those which relate to age, residence, means, nationality and previous academic attainment.
The decision on eligibility for third level grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority — i.e. the local authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is required.
If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to the relevant local authority or VEC.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by the relevant local authority or VEC, and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to my Department.
Alternatively, as already indicated, the local authority or VEC may, itself, in exceptional circumstances, seek clarification on issues from my Department.
The Back to Education Allowance Scheme is administered by the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the candidate referred to by the Deputy should contact them directly to establish her eligibility.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:983 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a higher education grant has been refused in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1536/08]
Under the terms of the maintenance grants schemes grant assistance is awarded to students who meet the prescribed conditions of funding including those which relate to age, residence, means, nationality and previous academic attainment.
The decision on eligibility for third level grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority — i.e. the local authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is required.
If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to the relevant local authority or VEC.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by the relevant local authority or VEC, and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to the Higher Education — Equity of Access Unit in my Department.
Schools Building Projects.
Billy Timmins
Question:984 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to an application from a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow for a new school; if sanction will be given as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1574/08]
The revised Stage 3 documentation for the project referred to by the Deputy is currently being examined by my Department's Technical Staff. Progression of all projects to tender and construction are considered in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. As indicated at the post budget education briefing I intend to announce the first tranche of projects that will proceed to construction in 2008 shortly.
School Accommodation.
Martin Ferris
Question:985 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will commit to replacing the prefabricated school buildings at a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [1614/08]
Sean Sherlock
Question:994 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will expedite the allocation of funding for construction of a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1740/08]
David Stanton
Question:1080 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 192 of 2 October 2003, the further progress that has been made in relation to the present and future needs of a school (details supplied) in County Cork; if her attention has been drawn to the recent difficulties experienced by the pupils and staff at the school, which led to the temporary closure of the school, due to rat infestation; if she will expedite a new building for the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2620/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 985, 994 and 1080 together.
The school authority in question has submitted an application to my Department for a new school. Applications for large scale capital funding are assessed and banded in accordance with published prioritisation criteria. These criteria were agreed following consultation with the Education Partners and the progression of individual projects is considered in the context of the multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
My Department has been in contact with the school authorities and has indicated to them that it would look favourably on an application to replace existing prefabs at the school. In order to progress this matter, a completed application form for rental of temporary accommodation is awaited form the Board of Management.
School Supervision and Substitution Scheme.
John O'Mahony
Question:986 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of supervisors currently employed in post primary schools in County Mayo; the rate of payment made to such supervisors; and the financial contribution her Department makes to their payment. [1615/08]
An agreement was reached between the managerial authorities of second level schools, my Department and the Teachers' Unions for the provision of funding for supervision and substitution duties in Post Primary schools in 2002, and has been in operation since then.
Under the agreed scheme, schools are given an allocation of hours for substitution and supervision each year, based on the number of whole time equivalent teachers in the school. Permanent, Fixed Term wholetime and Regular part-time teachers can participate in the scheme.
Where teachers do not take up the total hours allocated for supervision/substitution, a grant for the balance of hours is issued to the management authority. The school Management may offer the balance of hours of substitution / supervision available to substitute and/or part-time staff or employ personnel solely for supervision purposes and pay them out of this grant.
Under the terms of the Supervision / Substitution scheme grants totalling €444,423.02 were paid to schools in Co. Mayo in the 2006/2007 school year and the management authorities were entitled to employ substitute or part-time staff at a rate of €46.97 per hour, or non-teaching staff at a rate of €20.93 per hour. My Department has no record of the numbers of supervisors employed directly by school managements.
The rate of payment for the 2007/2008 schools year is €46.97 per hour for teaching staff and €21.35 for non-teaching staff.
Schools Building Projects.
Pat Breen
Question:987 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 473 of 23 October 2007 when the long term projection assessment for a school (details supplied) in County Clare will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1644/08]
The long term projected staffing assessment in respect of the school referred to by the Deputy will be considered in the context of the multi annual School Building and Modernisation programme.
Schools Refurbishment.
Phil Hogan
Question:988 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science when finance will be made available for a public address system at a school (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1670/08]
The School Building Unit of my Department has been in communication with the Management of this school in relation to funding for a public address system for the school.
The school has been advised that there is no funding available for the system at present. The school have also been advised that their correspondence has been held on file for further consideration. It is also open to the school to fund the system from their minor Works Grant, paid last December.
Water Charges.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:989 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science the action she will take to deal with the concerns of parents in respect of the recent announcement regarding water charges for schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1684/08]
The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government will advise local authorities of the detailed arrangements which will be put in place to implement the decision on water charges for schools.
An information package is currently being prepared for schools on the most appropriate measures to minimise excess consumption of water and to reduce wastage where it exists. As part of this exercise, technical guidance and specifications for the most common problems that are likely to arise in this area will be provided. In addition, water conservation issues will continue to be addressed by my Department as a matter of routine where new schools are being built or where major renovations are being carried out to existing schools under the schools modernisation programme.
Schools Building Projects.
Willie Penrose
Question:990 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will take steps to provide the financial allocation necessary to enable a school (details supplied) to proceed with its school building project; if she will allow the matter to proceed to construction without any further delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1692/08]
Tenders for the project referred to by the Deputy are currently with my Department. Progression of all projects to tender and construction are considered in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. As indicated at the post budget education briefing I intend to announce the first tranche of projects that will proceed to construction in 2008 shortly.
Willie Penrose
Question:991 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if in view of the fact that the cost of building three additional classrooms at a school (details supplied) in County Longford is far greater than the allocation of €360,000 provided for same, her attention has been drawn to the fact that significant additional costs have arisen from issues; if in the foregoing context of same she will ensure that her Department provides the additional finance to enable this progressive school to complete these vital and necessary additional accommodation facilities at this school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1694/08]
As part of the expansion of the Permanent Accommodation Scheme, a grant of €360,000 was allocated to the school in question to provide permanent accommodation of three mainstream classrooms.
An official from my Department has been in contact with the Consultant for the project and he was advised to submit an appeal for additional funding when the tendering process has been completed.
Site Acquisitions.
John Curran
Question:992 Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the acquisition of a site and provision of a new replacement school for a school (details supplied) in County Dublin. [1695/08]
The Department is keenly aware of the need to acquire a site for the school to which the Deputy refers. The Department is in consultation with the Local Authority in relation to this matter and it will be in direct contact with the school authority when this issue has been resolved.
Data Protection.
Damien English
Question:993 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of and the records kept by her Department of attempted hacking or suspected cyber attacks or other malicious computer security breaches committed against her Department’s computer systems. [1723/08]
There have been no attempted hacking, suspected cyber attacks or other malicious computer security breaches committed against my Department's computer systems in so far as it is possible to ascertain.
My Department's computer systems are protected by a secure dual firewalling mechanism implemented to deter hacking attempts.
Question No. 994 answered with Question No. 985.
Schools Building Projects.
James McDaid
Question:995 Deputy James McDaid asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation regarding a school (details supplied). [1744/08]
Tenders for the project referred to by the Deputy are currently with my Department.
Progression of all projects to tender and construction are considered in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
As indicated at the post budget education briefing I intend to announce the first tranche of projects that will proceed to construction in 2008 shortly.
James McDaid
Question:996 Deputy James McDaid asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation with regard to a school (details supplied) in County Donegal. [1745/08]
The building project for the School referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning.
The School authorities have recently been requested to submit an addendum to the original stage 3 report (developed sketch scheme). When this information is received it will be evaluated by my Department's technical team.
Progression of the project to tender and construction will be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation programme.
Site Acquisitions.
James McDaid
Question:997 Deputy James McDaid asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding developments at a school (details supplied) in County Donegal. [1746/08]
The Property Management Section of the Office of Public Works (OPW), which acts on behalf of my Department in relation to site acquisitions generally, has been requested to source a site for this school. A number of sites have been identified and are being assessed by the OPW. Once a suitable site has been identified, its acquisition will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme.
Schools Building Projects.
Bernard Allen
Question:998 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation regarding a new building to replace the antiquated dangerous building at a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and when work will commence on the project. [1749/08]
An extension/refurbishment project proposed for the school referred to by the Deputy is at the early stages of architectural planning. The progression of this project will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme.
Special Educational Needs.
Bobby Aylward
Question:999 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding Parliamentary Question No. 716 of 11 December 2007 regarding increased resource hours for a pupil (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and the reason for the delay in a meeting being arranged with the child’s parents as promised in the reply. [1750/08]
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has advised my Department that the special educational needs of the child in question were considered by the Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENO). The child's needs fall to be catered for from within the school's general allocation model of teaching resources rather than through the provision of additional teaching hours. I am informed by the NCSE that the local SENO will make arrangements to meet the parents shortly to discuss the child's special educational needs.
Schools Building Projects.
Phil Hogan
Question:1000 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science when sanction will be given to proceed with the building of a new school (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1755/08]
I can confirm to the Deputy that the Department is in receipt of an application for large scale capital funding from the school to which he refers. The project has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a Band 2 rating. Progress on the proposed works is being considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
Site Acquisitions.
Deirdre Clune
Question:1001 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made to identify and purchase a site to accommodate a school (details supplied) in County Cork; when she expects that the final purchase will take place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1763/08]
My Department has received a notification of intention to apply for recognition for a new Educate Together Primary School in the town specified by the Deputy. The New Schools Advisory Committee (NSAC), an independent advisory committee has been charged with the task of assessing, using a given set of criteria, applications to open new primary schools and make recommendations. The consultation process is currently under way. The NSAC will furnish me with a report which I will consider upon receipt.
Generally a school does not become eligible for capital funding until such time as it demonstrates viability and secures permanent recognition.
Departmental Funding.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:1002 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to a request from a school (details supplied) in County Dublin for funding for a rainwater harvesting system and solar panels as part of the extension from eight to 24 rooms and her Department’s refusal to sanction such funding; if this decision will be reversed in view of the future requirements facing schools in relation to water charges, especially as this is a brand new extension that does not require retrofitting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1766/08]
The proposed extension and refurbishment project for this school is at an early stage of architectural planning.
A stage 1/2 report was recently reviewed by officials from my Department. Approval to proceed to stage 2a (developed sketch scheme) was forwarded to the Board of Management in December 2007.
My Department does not have any request for funding for rain water harvesting or solar panels on file; however officials from my Department have requested additional information in relation to the annual water consumption and the design measures that are being taken to minimise water usage as part of this next submission.
On receipt of this additional information, which will be incorporated into the submission, it will be examined by the Department.
Planning Issues.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:1003 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if there are plans to review the planning requirements and funding for school extensions to take into account water and energy saving technologies, that will ultimately cut school running costs in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1767/08]
My Department is reviewing renewable options for energy generation in schools through a number of research projects including, Tory wind turbine project, INTERREG solar hot water heating projects and Biomass wood pellet / wood chip boiler and solar projects. The Tory Island project involves the supply and installation of two wind turbines to provide electrical energy to serve the existing community facility and Vocational School situated on Tory Island.
My Department would encourage schools to consider the use of wind generated electricity which is available nationally through the National Grid. This in effect allows the school to benefit from the environmental and lower cost benefits of wind generated electricity without being exposed to operating and maintenance issues and reliability of supply.
With respect to energy programmes that would compliment environmental work currently taking place under the green flags initiative for the past nine years the Planning and Building Unit within my Department have been using a process called the DART approach (Design, Awareness, Research, and Technology) to develop sustainable and energy efficiency in educational buildings. The policy is driven by technical guidance documents, informed by building unit professional and technical staff, external partnerships and updated by continued energy research and development.
Rather than develop a unique focus on energy design my Department has taken a more holistic approach and have developed their technical guidance on energy efficiency in school designs as an integral part of the suite of technical guidance documents. These guidelines encourage the design team to take a complete design team approach from project conception.
The incorporation of low energy design has been done on a hybrid basis by maximising natural resources and utilising technologies. This involves focusing on areas such as natural ventilation, passive solar design, day lighting and reducing infiltration, enhanced insulation, lighting and heating controls and water efficiency.
The focus to date on sustainability in schools has been to reduce the energy demand in schools. This has proven quite successful with modern day schools typically using three times less energy than schools built ten years ago and also using less than half the energy than what is termed as good international practice for schools.
School Closures.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:1004 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools that have shut down in 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008 as a result of rodent infestation; and the number of school days that were lost. [1772/08]
In accordance with the Health Safety and Welfare at Work Act 1989, it is the responsibility of school management authorities to address health and safety issues, including rodent infestation, that present within school grounds.
School authorities may use their capitation grant or minor works grant to deal with urgent issues relating to vermin infestation. Where this is the case and if only minor costs are involved, such as where a pest control company is employed, the matter may not come to my Departments attention. Where significant works are required an emergency works grant may be provided to solve the problem.
My Department is aware of 6 cases of rodent infestation in the school years 2005/2006, 2006/2007 and to date in 2007/2008.
School Accommodation.
Jack Wall
Question:1005 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the provision of a new primary school (details supplied) in County Kildare; the position in relation to discussions with primary schools regarding a possible rationalisation or re-configuration of primary educational facilities in the area where the schools are located; the stage the discussions are at; the agreements that have been reached; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1774/08]
Discussions are ongoing with the authorities of the schools to which the Deputy refers in relation to their long term accommodation needs.
As part of this process, meetings have also taken place with both Kildare County Council and Athy Town Council with a view to ensuring that the appropriate level of educational provision is made in the context of planned housing developments.
The Department expects to be in a position to make a decision on the long term needs of Athy shortly and will have further discussions with school management authorities at that stage.
Schools Refurbishment.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:1006 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide on a county basis a breakdown of schools that have already submitted applications for the summer works scheme for 2008. [1779/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Summer Works Scheme has, since its introduction just a few years ago, transformed the standard of existing school accommodation. With over 3,700 projects now having been funded under the scheme, the Department's intention is to concentrate the investment in school buildings this year on delivering as many large projects as possible.
While there will be a focus on providing extra places in developing areas, the Department will also be delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country. The emphasis, however, will be on new schools, extensions and major refurbishments, rather than on smaller projects. At primary level schools may use their devolved minor works grant to address such works.
In the circumstances, there will not be a new Summer Works Scheme as part of the Department's building programme in 2008. This being the case, the detail requested by the Deputy has not been collated by the Department.
The Professional and Technical Reports provided by schools can be used again for future projects so that schools will not be at the loss of expenditure on them.
Departmental Funding.
Finian McGrath
Question:1007 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a grant (details supplied). [1795/08]
The school referred to by the Deputy was one of 818 schools that were approved for a total of €3.33 million in grant aid from the Dormant Accounts Fund Small Scale ICT Scheme for DEIS Schools.
The Department wrote to the Chairperson of the Board of Management of the School in November 2007 setting out the terms and conditions of the offer of the grant aid. There terms and conditions include, inter alia; that the grant aid will be paid in one instalment on satisfactory completion of the project and submission to the Department of a completed grant aid claim form. To date, the school has not returned the grant aid claim form.
Once the grant aid claim form has been received and checked that it is in order for payment the grant will be paid to the school within a matter of weeks.
Schools Building Projects.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:1008 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress to date in the proposed building of a school (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1809/08]
The process of appointing a design team to the building project referred to by the Deputy is underway. An advertisement seeking design team consultants has been posted on the public procurement portal: www.etenders.gov.ie
Michael Ring
Question:1009 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if the tender documentation for a project (details supplied) in County Mayo has been completed; the estimated timing and funding for the stages to completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1812/08]
The tender documentation for the project referred to by the Deputy is nearing completion.
Progression of all projects to tender and construction are considered in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
As indicated at the post budget education briefing I intend to announce the first tranche of projects that will proceed to construction in 2008 shortly.
Physical Education Facilities.
Michael Ring
Question:1010 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding that has been put in place for a sports hall in a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; the breakdown of the timing and funding of each stage of the project to date; the estimated timing and funding for the stages to completion; when it will go to tender; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1813/08]
The progression of all projects to tender and construction, including the proposed PE Hall at the school in question, will be considered in the context of the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. As indicated at the post budget education briefing, I intend to announce shortly the first tranche of projects that will proceed to construction in 2008.
Departmental Schemes.
Michael Ring
Question:1011 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason she abolished a scheme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1814/08]
Michael Ring
Question:1013 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding in place for a scheme (details supplied) for 2008. [1816/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1011 and 1013 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Summer Works Scheme has, since its introduction just a few years ago, transformed the standard of existing school accommodation. With over 3,700 projects now having been funded under the scheme, the Department's intention is to concentrate the investment in school buildings this year on delivering as many large projects as possible.
While there will be a focus on providing extra places in developing areas, the Department will also be delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country. The emphasis, however, will be on new schools, extensions and major refurbishments, rather than on smaller projects. At primary level schools may use their devolved minor works grant to address such works.
There will not, therefore, be a new Summer Works Scheme as part of the Department's building programme in 2008.
The Professional and Technical Reports provided by schools can be used again for future projects so that schools will not be at the loss of expenditure on them.
Michael Ring
Question:1012 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of applications lodged to a scheme (details supplied) for the past five years. [1815/08]
A breakdown of the number of schools that made applications under the Summer Works Scheme for the years 2004 to 2007 inclusive is as follows:
|
Year |
No. of Primary Applications |
No. of Post-Primary Applications |
|
2004 |
782 |
439 |
|
2005 |
868 |
463 |
|
2006 |
665 |
382 |
|
2007 |
1,563 |
698 |
As there will be no Scheme as part of the Department's Building Programme for 2008, the applications received have not been counted, assessed or categorised by the Department.
Question No. 1013 answered with Question No. 1011.
Computerisation Programme.
Michael Ring
Question:1014 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science when she will publish her proposals for a comprehensive programme for computers in primary schools; the budgetary allocation for 2007 for such a programme; the expenditure by her Department in 2007 under this heading; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1861/08]
The Programme for Government sets out our commitment to implementing a comprehensive Schools' ICT Strategy. This strategy will be underpinned by the investment of €252m which is provided for in the National Development Plan 2007-2013. I appointed a Strategy Planning Group to advise me on the prioritisation of measures under the planned investment over the period of the NDP. Among the issues which the new strategy will address are the upgrading and renewal of hardware, the provision of software and digital content for learning, teacher professional development, curriculum development, the maintenance of the national broadband network for schools and technical maintenance and support requirements.
I have now received the report of the Strategy Planning Group and I will shortly be publishing the report, together with my implementation plan. This new investment will build on the investment made in the integration of ICT into teaching and learning since the introduction of the ICT in Schools Programme in 1998.
As the Deputy will be aware, the recent priorities under the Programme have been the development of schools' internal networking facilities and the provision of broadband connectivity for schools, which my Department has pursued in partnership with the Telecommunications and Internet Federation within IBEC. Over 140,000 training places have been provided for teachers to improve their ICT skills and assist them to integrate ICT into their teaching practice, while ICT has been included within the pre-service training provided by our teaching training providers. Scoilnet has been developed as a comprehensive resource for teachers and students and a range of relevant digital content has been created specifically to complement the curriculum.
The provisional figure for expenditure by my Department under the ICT in Schools Programme in 2007 is some €11.5m. Specifically in relation to primary schools, I would also mention that since 2006, the Grant Scheme for Minor Works to National School properties includes ICT equipment within the range of approved school expenditure. Disadvantaged primary schools are also benefiting from the ICT Grant Scheme for DEIS Schools from the Dormant Accounts (Educational Disadvantage) Fund.
Special Educational Needs.
Michael Ring
Question:1015 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if a classroom assistant will be granted to a child (details supplied) in County Mayo. [1863/08]
The National Council for Special Education is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
My officials have been in contact with the NCSE and I understand that the SENO has been liaising with the school and the parents of the pupil referred to by the Deputy in recent days regarding the child's needs.
School Enrolments.
Michael Ring
Question:1016 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of post primary pupils enrolled at the present date. [1864/08]
I wish to advise the Deputy that the overall total enrolment in the post-primary sector was 333,718 for the 2006/07 school year. The annual October Returns from schools which provides this data is still being processed for the 2007/08 school year. Accordingly, I am unable at present to provide the Deputy with enrolment information in respect of the current school year.
Michael Ring
Question:1017 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary school children enrolled at the present date. [1865/08]
Enrolment data for the school year 2007/2008 are currently being compiled by my Department and are not yet available.
Special Educational Needs.
Joe McHugh
Question:1018 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will allocate special resource training to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal who has been diagnosed with dyslexia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1895/08]
As the Deputy is aware, a new general allocation system was introduced in May 2005, under which schools have been provided with resource teaching hours, based on their enrolment figures, to cater for children with high incidence special needs such as dyslexia and those with learning support needs.
The general allocation system means that rather than schools having to make individual applications to this Department for resources for such pupils, resources are provided in advance to the school. The school attended by the pupil referred to by the Deputy has been allocated 0.86 teaching posts (22.5 hours) to provide for the educational needs of the pupils with high incidence special needs and learning support needs.
The board of management may decide how these hours are divided among the pupils in the school, to ensure that all their needs are met. Research shows that some pupils with special needs will respond better with one-to-one tuition. Others, however, do better when taught in small groups. Often it is best for resource/learning support teachers to work with pupils in the classroom rather than taking them away to a separate room, as the pupils then have to catch up on work done by the rest of the class in their absence.
My Department issued a comprehensive circular, SP ED 02/05 to schools which provides guidelines on the manner in which they should use the resources that have been allocated to them to best effect.
As the pupil in question has been diagnosed with dyslexia her special educational needs should be catered for within the general allocation granted to the school.
Schools Recognition.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:1019 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science when a decision will be made on an application for recognition for a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the school will not be able to continue its work much longer without recognition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1902/08]
The request for recognition to which the Deputy refers is associated with an application from the organisation in question for inclusion in the Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) pilot programme which is funded by my Department. The pilot programme will not be expanded and applicant groups have been so advised.
The Deputy will be aware of my commitment to ensuring that all children including those with special needs can have access to an education appropriate to their needs preferably in school settings through the primary and post primary school network. This facilitates access to individualised education programmes, fully qualified professional teachers who have received additional training in autism, special needs assistants, and the appropriate school curriculum with the option where possible of full/partial integration and interaction with other pupils. As each child with autism is unique it is important that children have access to a range of methods so their broader needs can be met.
In excess of 275 autism-specific classes have now been approved around the country at primary and post primary level by my Department in conjunction with the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), while more are being set up as required. At primary level there are a maximum of six children in each special class with a teacher and at least two special needs assistants. Extra assistants are provided where the children need them on a case by case basis.
The pilot programme was established in the absence of this network of special classes in our schools. The Deputy will be aware that the Programme for Government commits to the long-term funding for the centres that are currently in the ABA pilot programme subject to agreement with my Department on standards that will enable the Department to support them as primary schools for children with autism. I am pleased to advise that the issue is being actively progressed.
In terms of autism provision in other locations, we will continue to work to ensure that all children can have access to a broad programme, with provision for ABA as appropriate, in special classes.
School Enrolments.
Michael Creed
Question:1020 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of immigrant children currently enrolled in primary and post primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1905/08]
My Department estimates that there are in the region of 28,000 pupils in our schools whose first language is not English or Irish.
In order to meet their language needs, my Department in May 2007 issued a circular, reference 0053/2007, to the managerial authorities of all schools — both primary and post primary — to assist them in providing an inclusive school environment to meet the needs of pupils for whom English is a second language. The circular outlines the resources that are available to assist schools in this task. The circular is accessible on the website of my Department.
The level of extra financial or teaching support provided to any school is determined by the numbers of eligible non-English speaking students enrolled. An individual school may be allocated up to six language support posts under the arrangements now in place. There are now over 1,900 language support teachers in our primary and post-primary schools.
Languages Programme.
Michael Creed
Question:1021 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science the provision currently available for English language support for immigrant children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1909/08]
In May 2007, I approved the issuing of Circular 53/2007 to the Managerial Authorities in primary and post primary schools. This circular outlines the resources available to meet the needs of pupils for whom English is a second language. I removed the limit of two Language Support Teachers per school and extended the provision of language support beyond two years, where a specific request is made. In fact, it is now possible for some schools with over 121 such pupils to have 6 language support teachers. There are now in over 1,900 language support teacher posts allocated to primary and post primary schools, compared with just 262 in 2001/2002.
These additional resources will assist in providing an inclusive school environment to meet the needs of pupils for whom English is a second language. Such an inclusive school environment reflects values and affirms linguistic, ethnic and cultural diversity.
In addition to the language resource teachers there is a significant amount of resources available including the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment's (NCCA) Guidelines — "Intercultural Education in the Primary School" and "Intercultural Education in the Post- Primary school". The NCCA has also published "English as an Additional Language in Irish Primary Schools". Integrate Ireland Language and Training (IILT) has produced a resource book "Up and Away" for English language support in primary schools.
IILT in collaboration with the Southern Education and Library Board (in Armagh) published a "Toolkit for diversity in the primary school — Together towards Inclusion". This was a joint North South project. It was completed in December 2007 and will be distributed to schools shortly.
In addition, a language assessment kit, prepared by IILT, will be provided to all primary schools shortly. This will enable accurate initial and on-going assessment of the language proficiency of newcomer children. It is proposed to have an assessment kit for post-primary schools available later in the year.
Schools Building Projects.
Paul Kehoe
Question:1022 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of the application for capital funding for major capital works for a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; when a decision will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1918/08]
I can confirm to the Deputy that the Department is in receipt of an application for large scale capital funding from the school to which he refers. The project has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a Band 2 rating. Progress on the proposed works is being considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
School Absenteeism.
Brian Hayes
Question:1023 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the breakdown of the figures for student absenteeism numbers for both primary and post primary schools in Cork each year from 2002 to 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1973/08]
The Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 established the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) as the single national body with responsibility for school attendance. The Act provides a comprehensive framework promoting regular school attendance and tackling the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving. The general functions of the Board are to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education.
Under the terms of the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000, one of the functions of the Board is to conduct and commission research into the reasons for non-attendance on the part of students and into the strategies and programmes designed to prevent it. Ongoing activities of the Board include the development of a Code of Behaviour and Attendance Strategies for Schools.
The first national data on school attendance has been collected and is being used to inform the Board's work. In relation to the effectiveness of the service, it is encouraging to note research findings indicate that attendance at school in the areas where EWOs are working intensively improved with the mean percentage of students absent 20 days or more having decreased by over 4% in 2004/05 compared with the previous year. The NEWB collects data for absences over 20 days. The first year data was collected on an individual county basis was for the 2004/05 school year.
In relation to the Deputy's specific question relating to student absenteeism in the Cork region I am informed that data in the format requested is available from the 2004/2005 school year. The published data for 2004/05 indicates that 7.4% of primary pupils in Cork were absent for more than 20 days during that school year. The figure for post-primary pupils was 12.5% for the same period. These figures compare favourably with the national averages for pupils absent for more than 20 days (10% for primary and 18.8% at post primary level). The 2005/06 data is currently being prepared by the NEWB for final publication and the 2006/2007 data has not yet been analysed.
This government is determined to do all that is possible to ensure that every child gets all the opportunities and support they need to enable them to achieve their potential and participate fully in education.
Departmental Expenditure.
Enda Kenny
Question:1024 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount spent by her Department on media monitoring or press cutting services for each of the years 2002 to 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1981/08]
The cost of media monitoring and press cutting service to my Department for each of the years 2002 to 2007 is set out below. The service currently being provided to the Department enables all staff, across the Department, to access newspaper clippings from national and regional newspapers, via the Department's intranet. It also enables the storage and retrieval of archived clippings. The figures below include media alerts service for regional radio stations, tapes and transcripts which could not be provided by the Government's Communications Unit.
2002: €5,457
2003: €33,859
2004: €52,450
2005: €64,000
2006: €54,990
2007: €61,523
Questions Nos. 1025 and 1026 answered with Question No 943.
Physical Education Facilities.
Tom Hayes
Question:1027 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science when the funding promised for a sports hall (details supplied) in County Tipperary in 2006 will be available. [2010/08]
Officials from my Department are currently examining a revised Stage 3 submission (developed sketch scheme). On completion of this examination, the school's board of management will be kept in touch of developments.
Schools Building Projects.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:1028 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide full details in respect of planning permission being sought from South Dublin County Council for a two storey eight classroom building on her Department’s site at Kingswood Heights, Tallaght, Dublin 24; her views on the interest and concern being generated by this application in view of the fact that the future use of the building is not being confirmed; if there are specific plans to locate a particular school in the building; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2018/08]
Brian Hayes
Question:1054 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a planning application has been submitted in connection with the proposal to establish a new national school (details supplied) in Dublin 24 where there are two existing schools, both junior and senior, in the immediate area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2451/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1028 and 1054 together.
The Department has been criticised in the past for a perception that it had not adequately planned for school provision in certain areas. The action which it is taking in Tallaght is indicative of the proactive approach which it is taking on a nationwide basis to ensure that there will be sufficient accommodation available into the future as further planned housing developments come on stream.
The Department is aware that there is sufficient primary school provision inthe Tallaght area for the immediate future but it is charged with looking beyond that to ensure that all eligible pupils have a place to go to school.
In that context, the Department has lodged a planning application for the provision of an 8 classroom primary school building on the site to which the Deputy refers, which can be activated at short notice if and when required.
The Department has no plans in the immediate future to provide the accommodation on the site.
Education Welfare Service.
Mary Upton
Question:1029 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has satisfied herself that the Education Welfare Board is adequately resourced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2021/08]
The Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 established the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) as the single statutory body with responsibility for school attendance. The Act provides a comprehensive framework promoting regular school attendance and tackling the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving. The general functions of the Board are to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education. The Board runs promotional campaigns on the importance of attendance and finishing school and provides a service locally through its Education Welfare Officers to parents, children and schools.
An additional 15 staff was allocated to the NEWB in 2007. This brings the current authorised staffing of the Board to 109 posts of which 90 are allocated to working directly in the service delivery area. The staffing complement is comprised of 19 HQ and support staff, 5 regional managers, 13 Senior EWOs and 72 EWOs.
It should, however, be remembered that the service provided by the Board is just one aspect of the comprehensive framework that this Government has put in place to improve school attendance and encourage more young people to finish school. In this regard, extra supports targeted at young people in disadvantaged areas include both educational initiatives such as intensive literacy programmes and the provision of breakfast and homework clubs. In fact, in addition to the NEWB, there are currently in excess of 620 staff within the education sector in education disadvantage programmes of which over 130 are additional posts allocated under DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) the action plan for educational inclusion which provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and a new integrated School Support Programme (SSP). The SSP incorporating the School Completion Programme (SCP) and the Home School Community Liaison Scheme (HSCL) is a preventative measure designed to combat issues of poor attendance and early school leaving. The Home School Community Liaison Scheme works to involve parents in their children's education which is a crucial component in convincing young people of the value of education. School attendance is a central objective of School Completion Programme with targeted interventions for children at risk of early school leaving through a variety of extra supports aimed at encouraging them to stay in school. The supports cover both educational and non-educational interventions and are provided during and outside of school time. Consequently work is ongoing to develop appropriate protocols for all agencies and services to work together in collaboration and to ensure that optimum use is made of the resources deployed.
This government is determined to do all that is possible to ensure that every child gets all the opportunities and support they need to enable them to achieve their potential and participate fully in education. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that funding to the Board last year amounted to €9.808 million. This represented an increase of 20% on the 2006 allocation and of 50% on the 2004 level. This substantial increase in funding gave a clear indication of this Government's commitment to prioritise investment in favour of those most at risk. Through increased investment and improved services we are determined to optimise access, participation and educational outcomes at every level of the system for disadvantaged groups. The allocation to the Board in 2008 is €10.119 million.
I will be keeping the issue of resources for the NEWB under review in light of the rollout of services, the scope for integrated working and any proposals that the Board may put to me in relation to clearly identified priority needs.
Mary Upton
Question:1030 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she is satisfied that the Education Welfare Board is in a position to provide back-up services to school principals where behavioural problems of or serious incidents by pupils are reported to the board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2022/08]
The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) was established under the Education (Welfare) Act 2000 as the single statutory body with responsibility for school attendance. The Act provides a comprehensive framework promoting regular school attendance and tackling the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving. The general functions of the Board are to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education. The Board runs promotional campaigns on the importance of attendance and finishing school and provides a service locally through its Education Welfare Officers to parents, children and schools. Therefore the provision of services to schools to address behaviour problems does not fall directly within the remit of the Board.
The Deputy may be assured however that the Board operates in close liaison with the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) and is developing working protocols to ensure interagency collaboration to address issues of behaviour that impact negatively on attendance.
My Department remains committed to the development of a strong and robust approach to dealing with the issue of student behavioural problems and has introduced significant measures over the recent years to address this matter.
In early 2006, I announced an implementation strategy following publication of "School Matters" the Report of the Task Force on Student Behaviour in Second Level Schools, and that strategy is now well advanced. At the core of the recommendations of the Task Force was the putting in place of a National Behaviour Support Service (NBSS). The NBSS was established in 2006 with the appointment of a National Co-ordinator and five Assistant National Co-ordinators. In addition, ten Regional Development Officers and fourteen part-time Associates were recruited to ensure the success of this significant initiative. A key feature of the composition of the National Behaviour Support Service is the assignment to it of a team of four psychologists. These have been seconded from the National Educational Psychological Service and their presence will ensure that the team operates in a multi-disciplinary way.
In addition all primary and post primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA). Schools that do not currently have NEPS psychologists assigned to them may avail of the SCPA, whereby the school can have an assessment carried out by a member of the panel of private psychologists approved by NEPS, and NEPS will pay the psychologist the fees for this assessment directly.
It has always been the policy of NEPS, within the normal boundaries of finance and process, to endeavour to respond positively and flexibly to extraordinary need and circumstance as presented by school authorities on occasion and it is open to school Principals who have urgent needs for pupil assessment in excess of allocation to discuss the matter with the local NEPS Regional Director.
My Department is committed to supporting schools and I want to advise the Deputy that since its establishment the number of psychologists allocated to NEPS has trebled. Notwithstanding this and as I have previously announced my Department is committed to further increasing psychological services, so that by 2009 there will be 200 NEPS psychologists working to support schools. Current numbers stand at 138 and it is my intention to expand psychologist numbers further to some 169 during 2008.
Mary Upton
Question:1031 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary school pupils that have come to the attention of the board in 2006 and 2007 and for whom alternative school places were sought; the number of such pupils for whom places in alternative education were provided; the length of time such pupils were waiting to be placed in alternative education; the number for whom places were not found; the role of the board in accessing such places; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2023/08]
Mary Upton
Question:1032 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of second level pupils in 2006 and 2007 that have come to the attention of the board and for whom alternative school places were sought; the number of such pupils for whom places in alternative education were provided; the length of time such pupils were waiting to be placed; the number for whom places were not found; the role of the board in accessing such places; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2024/08]
Mary Upton
Question:1033 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary school pupils that came to the attention of the Education Welfare Board because of absence from school in 2006 and 2007; the action taken by the board in these cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2025/08]
Mary Upton
Question:1034 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of second level pupils who came to the attention of the Education Welfare Board because of absence from school in 2006 and 2007; the action taken by the board in these cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2026/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1031 to 1034, inclusive, together.
The Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 established the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) as the single statutory body with responsibility for school attendance. The Act provides a comprehensive framework promoting regular school attendance and tackling the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving. The general functions of the Board are to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education. The Board runs promotional campaigns on the importance of attendance and finishing school and provides a service locally through its Education Welfare Officers to parents, children and schools.
The current allocation to the Board is €10.119 million and an additional 15 staff allocated to the NEWB in 2007 brings the current authorised staffing of the Board to 109 posts of which 90 are allocated to working directly in the service delivery area. The staffing complement is comprised of 19 HQ and support staff, 5 regional managers, 13 Senior EWOs and 72 EWOs.
In meeting its responsibility, the Board works with schools, families and other agencies and services to ensure that appropriate interventions are made. The needs of children vary considerably from those who are not attending school, to those for whom there is no school place while in other cases, placement in an alternative education programme like Youthreach may be more appropriate. In exceptional cases where difficulties arise with placement my Department sanctions home tuition hours to facilitate ongoing minimum education until a suitable long term solution is put in place by the Board.
The Board estimates that it works with about 10,000 cases per year involving students with reported school attendance difficulties. The reasons for non-attendance range from those children who experience a variety of problems that impact negatively on their attendance in school to cases which involve parents who fail to enrol their child in a school or to ensure their child's regular attendance at school. The Board have also informed me that the detailed data requested by the Deputy is not currently collected by the Board.
The Board also has particular responsibility under the Act in terms of children who are educated in settings outside of a recognised school. Under Section 14 of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000, parents of such children must apply to the Board to have their child registered and an assessment is then carried out. Such assessments are conducted in accordance with guidelines issued by my Department. The aim of the assessment is to ensure that each child receives at least "a certain minimum education" in the alternative.
This government is determined to do all that is possible to ensure that every child gets all the opportunities and support they need to enable them to achieve their potential and participate fully in education. The service provided by the Board is just one aspect of the comprehensive framework that this Government has put in place to improve school attendance and encourage more young people to finish school. In this regard, extra supports targeted at young people in disadvantaged areas cover both educational and non-educational interventions and are provided during and outside of school time. These include intensive literacy programmes and the provision of breakfast and homeworkclubs.
In addition to the NEWB, there are currently in excess of 620 staff within the education sector in education disadvantage programmes of which over 130 are additional posts allocated under DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) the action plan for educational inclusion which provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and a new integrated School Support Programme (SSP).
The School Completion Programme (SCP) and the Home School Community Liaison Scheme (HSCL) are preventative measures designed to combat issues of poor attendance and early school leaving. The Home School Community Liaison Scheme works to involve parents in their children's education which is a key component in convincing young people of the value of education. School attendance is a central objective of School Completion Programme with targeted interventions for children at risk of early school leaving through a variety of extra supports aimed at encouraging them to stay in school. Consequently work is ongoing to develop appropriate protocols for all agencies and services to work together in collaboration and to ensure that optimum use is made of the resources deployed.
Question No. 1035 answered with Question No. 917.
Question No. 1036 answered with Question No. 943.
Schools Building Projects.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:1037 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will confirm plans to build a new primary school at Saggart, County Dublin; her proposals in this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2063/08]
The Department has acknowledged the need to relocate the existing primary school in Saggart to a green-field site. The acquisition of a site for this development is being actively pursued with the relevant landowners. However, due to the commercial sensitivities attaching to property acquisitions generally, I am not in a position to comment further on this matter at this time.
When a site has been finalised, progress on the provision of a new school building can be considered under the School Building and Modernisation Programme.
Site Acquisitions.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:1038 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made regarding the acquisition of a site for a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2066/08]
The Department has been in contact with the Patron in relation to a possible accommodation solution for the school to which the Deputy refers. The Patron has confirmed that the option in question will be considered. The Department is now awaiting the outcome of the localised deliberations and the Patron's views in this matter.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:1039 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress to date regarding the provision of a new school for the Termonabbey and Aston Village area of Drogheda, County Louth; if the site has been purchased; if a patron has been identified for the school; the facilities and accommodation that will be provided; if a playground, indoor gymnasium and hall will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2102/08]
The Department plans to open a new primary school for the Aston Village area of Drogheda next September. The school will ultimately be a 24-classroom school, however, the Department is planning to install an 8-classroom school together with ancillary accommodation initially to allow the school open in September 2008. The Department will subsequently extend this school to a full-size 24-classroom school with the full range of ancillary accommodation appropriate to a school of this size including a General Purpose Room for indoor PE activities and outdoor play areas. Gymnasiums are not provided at primary level.
An application for Patronage has been made to the New Schools Advisory Committee (NSAC). I expect to be in a position to make an announcement on the outcome of all applications before the NSAC in April. The Department is currently in the process of acquiring a site for the new school. Due the commercial sensitivities attaching to site acquisitions generally, the Deputy will appreciate that I am not in a position to comment further on this aspect of the matter until such a time as the acquisition has been completed.
Third Level Participation.
John Deasy
Question:1040 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the participation rate in third level education in each of the years 2003 to 2007 in the border, midland, west, Dublin, mid-east, mid-west, south east and south west regions of the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2103/08]
John Deasy
Question:1041 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the participation rate in university education in each of the years 2003 to 2007 in the Border, midland, west, Dublin, mid-east, mid-west, south east and south west regions of the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2104/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1040 and 1041 together.
Participation rates by county are currently only available from national studies of new entrants to higher education. These have been commissioned by HEA since 1980 in six-yearly intervals. The most recent survey of this type was conducted in 2004. The previous survey of all new entrants to higher education took place in 1998.
The studies produced a national participation rate and participation rates by county. Participation rates by region were not produced. Table 1 below shows the 1998 and 2004 admission rates, and the changes between the two years. This refers to new entrants attending higher education institutions in the Republic of Ireland. Table 2 shows the 2004 county admission rates when adjusted to take into account of attendance at Northern Irish higher education institutions. Table 3 shows the comparable 1998 rates. Counties most affected by adjusting for intake into Northern Irish institutions are Donegal and Monaghan.
|
County |
Rate in 2004% |
Rate in 1998 % |
Change in Rate 1998-2004 % Points |
|
Carlow |
60.3 |
44.4 |
15.9 |
|
Cavan |
52.5 |
45.3 |
7.2 |
|
Clare |
59.3 |
50.0 |
9.3 |
|
Cork |
58.1 |
48.9 |
9.2 |
|
Donegal |
46.3 |
35.1 |
11.2 |
|
Dublin |
50.8 |
37.7 |
13.1 |
|
Galway |
67.4 |
56.7 |
10.7 |
|
Kerry |
67.0 |
52.7 |
14.3 |
|
Kildare |
54.0 |
41.1 |
12.9 |
|
Kilkenny |
51.1 |
40.9 |
10.2 |
|
Laois |
52.2 |
38.5 |
13.7 |
|
Leitrim |
64.2 |
52.8 |
11.4 |
|
Limerick |
53.2 |
50.3 |
2.9 |
|
Longford |
60.3 |
49.1 |
11.2 |
|
Louth |
53.9 |
42.6 |
11.3 |
|
Mayo |
66.8 |
55.7 |
11.1 |
|
Meath |
60.7 |
45.4 |
15.3 |
|
Monaghan |
44.5 |
40.7 |
3.8 |
|
Offaly |
47.1 |
37.8 |
9.3 |
|
Roscommon |
57.8 |
50.2 |
7.6 |
|
Sligo |
70.5 |
55.6 |
14.9 |
|
Tipperary |
56.3 |
48.6 |
7.7 |
|
Waterford |
48.7 |
41.2 |
7.5 |
|
Westmeath |
40.8 |
48.9 |
-8.1 |
|
Wexford |
54.1 |
43.8 |
10.3 |
|
Wicklow |
49.6 |
41.0 |
8.6 |
Caution is needed in interpreting county admission rates due to the small numbers involved
|
County |
Number of New Entrants |
Admission Rate Excluding Students in Northern Colleges (%) |
Admission Rate Including Students in Northern Colleges (%) |
Changes In Admission Rates (% Points) |
|
Carlow |
459 |
60.3 |
60.5 |
0.1 |
|
Cavan |
517 |
52.5 |
54.4 |
1.9 |
|
Clare |
999 |
59.3 |
59.4 |
0.1 |
|
Cork |
4,064 |
58.1 |
58.1 |
0.1 |
|
Donegal |
1,132 |
46.3 |
60.2 |
14.0 |
|
Dublin |
7,931 |
50.8 |
50.9 |
0.1 |
|
Galway |
2,204 |
67.4 |
67.6 |
0.2 |
|
Kerry |
1,428 |
67.0 |
67.0 |
0.0 |
|
Kildare |
1,438 |
54 |
54.2 |
0.2 |
|
Kilkenny |
721 |
51.1 |
51.3 |
0.1 |
|
Laois |
524 |
52.2 |
52.2 |
— |
|
Leitrim |
287 |
64.2 |
65.4 |
1.2 |
|
Limerick |
1,488 |
53.2 |
53.3 |
0.1 |
|
Longford |
334 |
60.3 |
60.8 |
0.5 |
|
Louth |
875 |
53.9 |
56.9 |
3.1 |
|
Mayo |
1,425 |
66.8 |
67.3 |
0.4 |
|
Meath |
1,368 |
60.7 |
61 |
0.3 |
|
Monaghan |
440 |
44.5 |
57.6 |
13.1 |
|
Offaly |
536 |
47.1 |
47.2 |
0.1 |
|
Roscommon |
556 |
57.8 |
58.1 |
0.3 |
|
Sligo |
688 |
70.5 |
72.3 |
1.9 |
|
Tipperary |
1,357 |
56.3 |
56.4 |
0.1 |
|
Waterford |
796 |
48.7 |
48.7 |
— |
|
Westmeath |
503 |
40.8 |
40.8 |
0.1 |
|
Wexford |
1,033 |
54.1 |
54.2 |
0.1 |
|
Wicklow |
909 |
49.6 |
49.8 |
0.1 |
|
State |
34,012 |
55 |
56.0 |
1.0 |
|
County |
Number of New Entrants to Northern Colleges |
Admission Rate Excluding Students in Northern Colleges |
Admission Rate Including Students in Northern Colleges |
Changes in Admission Rates |
|
Carlow |
0 |
0.444 |
0.444 |
0.0 |
|
Dublin |
25 |
0.377 |
0.378 |
0.1 |
|
Kildare |
8 |
0.411 |
0.414 |
0.3 |
|
Kilkenny |
4 |
0.409 |
0.411 |
0.2 |
|
Laois |
0 |
0.385 |
0.385 |
0.0 |
|
Longford |
1 |
0.491 |
0.492 |
0.1 |
|
Louth |
66 |
0.426 |
0.458 |
3.2 |
|
Meath |
10 |
0.454 |
0.458 |
0.4 |
|
Offaly |
1 |
0.378 |
0.379 |
0.1 |
|
Westmeath |
4 |
0.489 |
0.492 |
0.3 |
|
Wexford |
7 |
0.438 |
0.441 |
0.3 |
|
Wicklow |
5 |
0.41 |
0.413 |
0.3 |
|
Clare |
1 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
0.0 |
|
Cork |
7 |
0.489 |
0.49 |
0.1 |
|
Kerry |
2 |
0.527 |
0.528 |
0.1 |
|
Limerick |
4 |
0.503 |
0.505 |
0.2 |
|
Tipperary |
2 |
0.486 |
0.472 |
0.0 |
|
Waterford |
1 |
0.412 |
0.412 |
0.0 |
|
Galway |
15 |
0.567 |
0.571 |
0.4 |
|
Leitrim |
8 |
0.528 |
0.543 |
1.5 |
|
Mayo |
7 |
0.557 |
0.56 |
0.3 |
|
Roscommon |
5 |
0.502 |
0.506 |
0.4 |
|
Sligo |
22 |
0.556 |
0.574 |
1.8 |
|
Cavan |
18 |
0.453 |
0.468 |
1.5 |
|
Donegal |
315 |
0.351 |
0.456 |
10.5 |
|
Monaghan |
98 |
0.407 |
0.488 |
8.1 |
|
TOTAL |
636 |
0.444 |
0.453 |
0.9 |
Data Protection.
Simon Coveney
Question:1042 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the details of all instances since 1 June 2002 where personal data held by her Department or any agency under its auspices were compromised in any way; if the review by her Department of data security procedures announced on 22 November 2007 is completed; and the findings of that review in terms both of prior shortcomings and of future actions. [2160/08]
There are a range of measures in place to safeguard personal data held by various business units in my Department. My Department has produced a set of guidelines for all staff which sets out the issues to be considered when collecting, storing and processing personal data. Staff are made aware of their obligations under the Data Protection Acts, 1988 and 2003 at induction courses when they join the Department and at Records Management Training courses. The guidelines prepared by the Department have been approved by the Data Protection Commissioner. If a person or organisation thinks that a person or organisation has not met their obligations under the Data Protection Acts then they can make a complaint to the Data Protection Commissioner. The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner has confirmed that a total of 22 complaints in relation to this Department have been made to the Commissioner since that office was established in 1989. These complaints would not necessarily relate to instances where personal data has been compromised. Of these, one complaint is currently being processed and all other complaints have been resolved. Data is currently being compiled in relation to agencies and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The review of systems and procedures in relation to the protection of personal information is ongoing and therefore I am not in a position to comment on the findings of the review at this time.
School Catchment Areas.
Leo Varadkar
Question:1043 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if the two new VEC national schools in Dublin 15 will have catchment areas; the way the boundary of these catchment areas will be decided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2244/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, I announced in December 2007 that the new state model of community national school, under the patronage of County Dublin VEC, is to be piloted in two locations from September 2008. It is intended that the new schools will be opened in the Phoenix Park and in Phibblestown. A further school, in Diswellstown, Dublin 15, which opened under the temporary patronage of the Catholic Church in September 2007, is to transition to the new community national school model after a two year period.
Detailed implementation work is now under way for the opening of the two new schools under the new model from next September. This is being overseen by a steering group involving the VEC and officials from the relevant sections of the Department. As part of the implementation process, the precise catchment areas for the new schools will be defined at an early stage after consultation with other schools and interested parties in the area.
Leo Varadkar
Question:1044 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on splitting the Dublin County VEC into smaller areas to match the current local authorities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2245/08]
I have no plans to restructure County Dublin VEC in the manner referred to by the Deputy. Section 35 of the Vocational Education (Amendment) Act, 2001, provided a mechanism whereby the Minister for Education and Science could, in the period preceding the local elections of June 2004, vary by regulation, the boundaries of the Dun Laoghaire Vocational education area, as set out in the Vocational Education Act, 1930, to become co-terminous with the area of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown county area, as established under the Local Government (Dublin) Act, 1993.
Following consultation with both County Dublin VEC and Dun Laoghaire VEC, my predecessor as Minister decided to make no order under section 35. This provision in the Vocational Education (Amendment) Act, 2001, has now lapsed.
Vocational Education Committees.
Leo Varadkar
Question:1045 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will introduce legislation to place the establishment of the new VEC national schools on a statutory basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2270/08]
In December 2007 I announced that a new State model of community national school, under the patronage of County Dublin Vocational Education Committee (VEC), is to be piloted from September 2008.
I also indicated that I would be bringing proposals to Government to provide necessary amending legislation to underpin the VEC role in the primary sector. Preparatory work is underway in this regard. In the meantime I, as Minister, will act as interim patron in advance of the legislation being enacted.
School Staffing.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:1046 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received representations from the Irish Sciences Teachers Association, Pharmachem Ireland, The Institute of Physics, the ASTI and the TUI to make provision for the employment of laboratory technicians and assistants in all second level schools in order to enhance the quality of science education and increase the participation rate in line with Government stated policy and the commitments to science research at third level as evidenced by the pro-activities of Science Foundation Ireland; the estimated cost of the provision of laboratory technicians and assistants for every second level school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2299/08]
Jack Wall
Question:1048 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of the provision of laboratory technicians in each second level institution; if the provision of the technicians has been resolved; if not, when it is envisaged that it will happen; the number of schools that have such technicians; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2365/08]
I propose to take Question Nos. 1046 and 1048 together.
My Department does not allocate provision for laboratory technicians/assistants in second level schools. The recommendation made by the Task Force Report in this area, in 2002 prices, was costed at €18.8m annually. The current cost of such provision is estimated at c.€24.6m for science subjects only, but could exceed €120m annually if applied to other practical subjects. While I have made it clear that I am not yet convinced of the need for lab assistants and that I believe that their provision would lead to demands for similar assistance in other subjects with a strong practical component, the Government is committed under the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation to re-visit the issue in the light of available resources. However, at the current time, resources for this are not available.
As the Deputies will be aware, the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation 2006 to 2013 sets out a range of measures to further strengthen science teaching and learning and improve the uptake of senior cycle Physics and Chemistry. These include ensuring that the project based hands-on investigative approach now in place at junior cycle is extended to senior cycle, that the appropriate type of assessment is used and that there is an emphasis on the inter-disciplinary nature of science in society.
Other aspects of the Plan include reviewing the implementation of the primary science curriculum to ensure its effectiveness in stimulating interest and awareness in science at a very young age; strengthening teacher training in this area; reforming maths and Leaving Certificate Physics and Chemistry curricula; promotion of science initiatives in Transition Year; and the provision of information and brochures on science opportunities and careers, linking effectively with school guidance services.
Taken together, the comprehensive set of measures provided for in the SSTI will build on the improvements made in recent years and ensure even greater support for science education.
Physical Education Facilities.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:1047 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress being made towards the provision of a physical education hall at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 12; her views on the long running campaign to provide these much needed facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2339/08]
The Department is in receipt of an application for major capital funding for general classroom accommodation and a PE hall, from the school referred to by the Deputy. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and has been assigned a band 2 rating. Progress on the project will be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation programme.
Question No. 1048 answered with Question No. 1046.
School Transport.
Jack Wall
Question:1049 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the criteria laid down in relation to the school transport system; if there is special circumstances in relation to families who have special needs cases where the family have children in separate schools and thus there is a greater demand on the parents to provide such transport due to their circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2369/08]
Pupils with special needs are generally provided with school transport to the nearest school that is or can be resourced to meet their educational needs. Applications for school transport for pupils with special needs should be made through the local Special Education Needs Organiser. Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department, will endeavour to provide a reasonable level of service to meet each pupil's transport needs.
My Department also allocates funding to schools to enable them, where necessary, to employ escorts on school transport services to cater for children with special educational needs whose care requirements are such as to necessitate continuous support.
Where the provision of a transport service is not possible, my Department may offer a grant to the parents towards the cost of making private transport arrangements.
Schools Building Projects.
Charles Flanagan
Question:1050 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science the mechanisms that exist to facilitate schools in applying for retrospective funding for building projects. [2429/08]
It is not the policy of my Department generally to sanction retrospective funding for projects which were progressed without prior approval. My Department issued a circular to Primary and Post Primary School Authorities advising that it is inappropriate for school authorities to commit to projects and to apply retrospectively for funding. Therefore funding is not provided for projects undertaken by schools without prior approval from my Department; extras on authorised projects where schools have extended the scope of works without prior approval; variations on authorised projects with the exception of those variations detailed in the circular; or variations and extras on any project carried out without my Department's approval. Costs incurred in advancing a project beyond the authorised stage are a matter for the school management authority.
John O'Mahony
Question:1051 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science when permission will be given to go to tender for the building of a new school (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2434/08]
I understand that the tender documentation for the project referred to by the Deputy is nearing completion. Progression of all projects to tender and construction are considered in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. As indicated at the post budget education briefing I intend to announce the first tranche of projects that will proceed to construction in 2008 shortly.
School Fees.
Brian Hayes
Question:1052 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a school (details supplied) in Dublin 4 which obtained temporary recognition from her Department in September 1999, under the strict condition that the school authorities concerned agreed to discontinue the private fee structure that was in place up to that point, now charges annual or voluntary contributions in excess of €3,000 per annum; if she will confirm that this is the situation, and that such annual or voluntary contributions have been in place since 1999; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2441/08]
Voluntary contributions by parents of pupils in recognised primary schools are permissible provided it is made absolutely clear to parents that there is no question of compulsion to pay and that, in making a contribution, they are doing so of their own volition. The manner in which such voluntary contributions are sought and collected is a matter for school management, however their collection should be such as not to create a situation where either parents or pupils could reasonably infer that the contributions take on a compulsory character.
The school referred to by the Deputy currently has temporary recognition. All issues, including the matter of payment of fees, would be taken into account in the context of consideration being given to extending permanent recognition to the school.
Schools Building Projects.
Brian Hayes
Question:1053 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in respect of all of the contracts entered into with various companies under the public private partnership model in building new school facilities, it is the case that such contracts require catering and canteen facilities to be provided by the company in question; if she will confirm the fact that where a school, which is built under this model, wants to remove various vending machines within the school, that compensation, under the contract, must then be paid to the company in question for breach of contract; if this issue has been brought to her attention; the position regarding the legality of this practice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2450/08]
My Department has to date entered into three separate contracts for the design, build, finance, maintain and operate of school/college accommodation under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. The three projects are the 5 Pilot PPP Schools, the National Maritime College and the Cork School of Music. In all three contracts the provision of catering and vending services by the PPP operator is permitted. All three contracts stipulate that , if catering and/or vending is provided, the PPP Operator must pay a guaranteed income to the authority regardless of the level of net income received from these services. Provision is also made in the contract for the sharing of any net income generated above a certain limit.
There is no provision in any of the three contracts to pay compensation for breach of contract as a result of the withdrawal of vending machines from any of the school or colleges. The contract does provide that where products sold by the PPP Operator by means of vending are withdrawn from sale, either at the request of the Minister or because of a change in law then the guaranteed amount of net vending income will be revised to reflect the financial impact on the PPP Operator.
Question No. 1054 answered with Question No. 1028.
Question No. 1055 answered with Question No. 943.
Teaching Qualifications.
Brian Hayes
Question:1056 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of applications received by the Teaching Council since its establishment, from teachers currently working in schools and requesting to be recognised for the purposes of admission to the register of primary or post primary teachers; the number of applications which have been unsuccessful due to lack of appropriate qualifications on behalf of the applicant, in each years since the establishment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2469/08]
My Department has made enquiries of the Teaching Council in relation to the Deputy's question and the following information has been received: Over 45,000 teachers who were already teaching in schools on the establishment day of the Teaching Council (28 March 2006), following verification of their details, were automatically deemed registered at that date and have since renewed their registration. These teachers were registered under section 31(2) of the Teaching Council Act. A number of these are unqualified and while they can be registered their certificate will indicate that they are not qualified teachers.
There are also in the region of 10,000 teachers who were deemed registered on establishment day, under section 31(2), but who have not renewed their registration. These teachers will now need to register under section 31. As with new applications, this will involve the submission of transcripts and proof of identity etc. It is anticipated that a number of these persons will be refused registration as they may not have the qualifications to be registered. For new applicants, there are two paths to registration with the Teaching Council: 1. Via qualifications recognition (applicants presenting qualifications that have not been previously recognised by the Council) 2. Via direct registration (applicants presenting previously recognised qualifications — usually graduates of Irish Teacher Education Programmes)
As part of the qualifications recognition process, transcripts, course outlines, course handbooks etc are assessed and the applicant is either recognised or not or may receive recognition pending the completion of shortfalls as a result of this process.
It is only when the recognition process is completed that an applicant will seek registration. As a result, almost all applicants that seek registration via this route are registered (unless there is a problem with Garda Vetting, Original Transcripts or Proof of Identity etc.), their qualifications having already been recognised as acceptable for registration as a teacher.
Since Establishment day, 1,328 applications for the recognition of primary teaching qualifications have been received. Approximately 80 applications have not been granted recognition. The remainder have either received full recognition or have been granted provisional recognition on the basis that a number of shortfalls (primarily in the Irish Language) will be fulfilled. There are also 34 applications from those who have completed a SCITT (School Centred Initial Teacher Training) programme of Teacher Education that are in the process of recognition.
At post-primary level, 1,046 applications for recognition have been received, but it is not possible to determine the exact number that have been recognised, as some applicants have received recognition of their degree or teacher training or both, and some are already recognised and were seeking additional subjects. Of the 1,046, applications, at least 50 applications are from applicants seeking recognition of their degree prior to entering the Postgraduate Diploma in Education.
A total of 159 applications for recognition in the Further Education sector have been received within the past 12 months. The Council has commenced the recognition process and will issue its first batch of decisions in the near future.
Since the Council was established in March 2006 to December 20th 2007, the Teaching Council has registered approximately 3,400 teachers via the Direct Registration Route. The vast majority of these applicants have graduated from Teacher Education Programmes in Ireland or were recognised as teachers prior to the establishment of the Teaching Council.
Three applicants (for post-primary registration) have been refused registration as their undergraduate degree does not satisfy the subject specific requirements of the Council (no teaching subject in the degree). One applicant (seeking to register as a primary teacher via the postgraduate route) did not satisfy the Department's requirement of a level 8 degree and consequently cannot be registered.
There are approximately 150 cases seeking registration where the Council received an application for registration with items missing from the application. The Council has corresponded with each applicant identifying the missing items. However there have been no responses from these applicants. The Council will further process these applications upon receipt of the outstanding information required.
Schools Building Projects.
Emmet Stagg
Question:1057 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the fact that her Department has agreed to lease a site for a new national school in Maynooth at Railpark where it is proposed to provide temporary accommodation comprising eight classrooms by September 2008, she will confirm that the proposal to expand a school (details supplied) to a 24 classroom school through the provision of an extension comprising of eight additional classrooms will proceed and is not affected in any way by the proposed new school; if funding will be provided for the required extension to this school in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2500/08]
The Department considers it prudent to plan for the establishment of a new primary school in Maynooth in September 2008 and is currently in discussions for the drawing up of a lease of a temporary site in this matter.
With regard to the plans to expand an existing school in Maynooth referred to by the Deputy, the Department has agreed the expansion of this school to a 24-classroom school with the school authorities and progress on this project will be considered under the School Building and Modernisation Programme. The proposal to open a further primary school in Maywood will not affect the planned expansion of this existing school to a 24-classroom school.
Emmet Stagg
Question:1058 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received the stage one submission in relation to the provision of the new national school for Kill County Kildare. [2502/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1082 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in respect of the proposed new national school at Kill, County Kildare; the extent to which plans have been advanced over the holiday period; when it is intended the works will begin; the number of school places to be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2741/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1058 and 1082 together.
My Department received the Stage 1 submission on Thursday 25 January and a review meeting to assess this submission was held on Monday 28 January between officials from my Department, the Design Team and the school.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that verbal approval of the Stage submission was given and authorisation to progress to Stage 2a was given (Developed Sketch Scheme).
On completion, the school will have accommodation comprising of 32 classrooms, ancillary accommodation and a Special Needs Unit.
School Enrolments.
Emmet Stagg
Question:1059 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 235 of 28 November 2007 if an examination has been conducted as to the reason why 69% of pupils who are taught in gaelscoileanna fail to proceed to education in a school (details supplied); the reason for same is the fact there is no secondary Irish school in north Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2511/08]
My Department has not carried out an examination as to why all pupils from the designated feeder gaelscoileanna do not continue their second level education through the medium of Irish in the school to which the Deputy refers.
The school in question has been provided to meet the needs of pupils from a wide area including parts of Meath, Dublin and North Kildare who wish to continue their education through the medium of Irish.
Site Acquisitions.
Emmet Stagg
Question:1060 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if there has been a successful outcome in relation to the purchase of a site for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare. [2514/08]
Site identification and acquisition procedures are on-going in relation to a site for a permanent home for the school in question.
Emmet Stagg
Question:1061 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science when a school (details supplied) in County Kildare will move to a new temporary site. [2515/08]
Planning Permission has now been granted for temporary accommodation on the new temporary site at the GAA grounds for the school referred to by the Deputy and it is expected that the school will relocate to this new temporary site after the Easter break.
Psychological Service.
Emmet Stagg
Question:1062 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of educational psychologists employed by National Education Psychologists Service as of 31 December 2006 and 31 December 2007; and the additional Kildare schools that will receive a direct service in 2008. [2516/08]
I can inform the Deputy that the number of psychologists employed within my Department's Service has increased from 128 on 31/12/06 to 136 on 31/12/07 and currently stands at 138. The majority of the additional appointments have been made since September 2007. Two psychologists who were appointed in December last have been assigned to the NEPS Naas office and will following the requisite induction and work shadowing process be shortly assigned schools within Co. Kildare.
My Department is currently compiling school coverage data for the NEPS service nationally. This task will be completed shortly at which stage I will forward relevant detail on Co. Kildare to the Deputy for his information.
Schools Building Projects.
Emmet Stagg
Question:1063 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science when she expects the stage one documentation to be provided in respect of the new national school for Ardclough in County Kildare. [2517/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1088 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the provision of the proposed new primary school at Ardclough, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2747/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1063 and 1088 together.
My Department is currently awaiting a date for receipt of this submission from the Design Team. On receipt of this date, a date for review of the submission will be arranged.
Pat Breen
Question:1064 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 482 of 6 February 2007, the status of an application for a new prefabricated building for a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2519/08]
The school referred to by the Deputy has made an application to my Department for temporary accommodation to accommodate a learning support and resource teacher. My Department has already given approval in principle for the rental of temporary accommodation to meet this need. Proposed costs submitted by the school authority are currently under consideration and a decision will be communicated to the school authorities soon.
Special Educational Needs.
Finian McGrath
Question:1065 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will assist persons (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [2522/08]
The National Council for Special Education is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers, for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO.
Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
I have arranged for the details supplied by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply. The Council has advised that it will contact the family directly in regard to their concerns.
Schools Building Projects.
Emmet Stagg
Question:1066 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the provision of a permanent school for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare. [2533/08]
The School's Board of Management, as client on this project, are currently in the final stages of re-appointing a Consultant Architect for this project.
On receipt of this recommendation of appointment by the Department, it will be examined and the Board of Management will be kept informed of developments.
Emmet Stagg
Question:1067 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if stage three of the permanent school building project for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare has been approved. [2534/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1086 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the provision of the promised permanent facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if site preparations are in hand or proposed; the extent to which plans have been advanced; when site works are expected to start; the number of school places intended thereat. [2745/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1067 and 1086 together.
I am pleased to inform the Deputies that approval of the Stage 3 submission (developed sketch scheme) was recently given.
The project will be progressed in conjunction with Co Kildare VEC as part of the Pipers' Hill Campus project in Naas. On completion it is anticipated that the school will cater for 16 classrooms plus ancillary accommodation.
Emmet Stagg
Question:1068 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the provision of the required extension to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare. [2535/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1099 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a stage three submission planning issue in the case of a school (details supplied) in Kilcock, County Kildare; her plans to progress same in early date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2771/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1068 and 1099 together.
My Department is currently awaiting a date for receipt of the Stage 3 submission from the School's Board of Management, as client on this project. On receipt of this date a review meeting will be arranged.
Emmet Stagg
Question:1069 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if a design team has been appointed for the required extension to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare. [2536/08]
The process of appointing a design team to the school building project referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage. Progression of all projects to tender and construction will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
School Enrolments.
Emmet Stagg
Question:1070 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of national school children in County Kildare in 2007/2008; the number of same in classes of less than 20; and the number of pupils for each age in such classes. [2541/08]
Enrolment data for the school year 2007/2008 are currently being compiled by my Department and are not yet available
Schools Building Projects.
Emmet Stagg
Question:1071 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if the tender has been approved for the required extension to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare. [2542/08]
The progression of all projects to tender and construction, including the proposed extension at the school in question, will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. As I indicated at the post budget education briefing, I intend to announce shortly the first tranche of projects that will be proceeding to construction in 2008.
Special Educational Needs.
Emmet Stagg
Question:1072 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has concluded her examination of the National Council for Special Education implementation report in relation to the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004. [2543/08]
The National Council for Special Education was required by the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act 2004 to make a report on the implementation of the Act. This report is essentially advice to the Minister on the steps the Council considers should be taken to implement the Act. The report sets out an action plan, where the Council envisages implementation of the provisions of the Act over a four year period. The Council report acknowledges that further work, analysis and discussion, especially with the key stakeholders involved, needed to take place given the extensive and fundamental developments required to implement the Act. The report further acknowledged that it would not be appropriate for the Council to be prescriptive nor definitive in many areas, and it has put forward its views and recommendations in order to stimulate the necessary discussions and debate.
I have previously indicated that I accept the core thrust of the principles and recommendations set out by the Council in its Implementation Report, and I am anxious to implement the Act in full in the quickest time possible. However, having considered the scale of the issues raised in the Council's implementation plan, and the consultations to date with the Education Partners, I consider that a five year timeframe is the appropriate period in which to implement the provisions of the Act. As the Deputy will be aware, the legislature, in passing the Act, clearly recognised that implementation would require a considerable change agenda and, for this reason, the Act specifically allows for a five year implementation period.
A working group in my Department is finalising its examination of the Councils Implementation Report and the issues raised in discussions with the Education Partners are also being considered in this context. It is envisaged that proposals for the implementation of the Act will be completed shortly with a view to the full implementation of the Act by 2010.
My Department is anxious to work closely with the staff of the Council in regard to the examination of the Report and to advance the implementation process. The staff of the Council has been kept informed of the status of the examination and of the issues associated with the implementation of the Act.
It must also be acknowledged that, during this necessary period of preparation and planning for the roll-out of the EPSEN Act, my Department continues to expand capacity and services for students with special educational needs. I am committed to continuing this expansion of services to ensure that schools have the necessary capacity to support students with special educational needs.
David Stanton
Question:1073 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the budget available for each year since 2002 respectively under the equipment for use by students with disabilities in second level schools with a list of the equipment covered by the scheme; the amount expended under this scheme for each year since 2002 respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2567/08]
My Department provides for a scheme of grants towards the purchase of equipment for the use of students in second-level schools who have been diagnosed as having serious physical and/or communicative disabilities of a degree which makes ordinary communication through speech and/or writing impossible for them. The purpose of the grant-aid is to provide the students in question with equipment of direct educational benefit to them. Examples of such equipment include laptop computers, desktop computers, word processors, tape recorders, software, tapes, braillers, audiology equipment etc.
Following the establishment of the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), all applications for assistive technology are submitted by school management to the Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) with assigned responsibility for the school. The SENO examines applications and makes a recommendation to my Department.
The annual amount expended on equipment for students with disabilities in second-level schools since 2002 is as follows:
2002 — €474,127.99; 2003 — €469,810.71; 2004 — €385,224.46; 2005 — €406,171.30; 2006 — €501,075.36; 2007 — €542,967.83.
Higher Education Grants.
David Stanton
Question:1074 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the maximum amount of holiday earnings which a third level student can earn before affecting the amount of higher education grant for which they will be eligible; when this amount was last raised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2568/08]
The assessment of means under my Department's third level student support schemes is based on gross income from all sources of the candidate and his/her parents/guardians, where applicable, with certain social welfare and health service executive payments being exempt.
Clause 13 of the Higher Education Grant Scheme deals with the declaration of income and other information. The clause includes the following: "A declaration of reckonable income shall be made by the candidate and the candidate's parents or guardians or, in the case of an independent mature candidate, by the candidate and the candidate's spouse, if applicable, and they shall submit to the Local Authority such information and documentation as may be required by it to process the application in full. It will be the responsibility of candidates to ensure that the statement of income and other details sought is full and complete in every respect. If a candidate's failure to provide this full and complete information be the result of a deliberate material omission or inaccuracy, the candidate(s) shall be liable to prosecution, loss of grant and repayment, with interest, of any portion of a grant already received."
It is necessary, therefore, that information regarding all income, including that from after school/weekend employment, is accounted for when completing the grant application form. However, in the assessment of means, allowance is made for "holiday earnings" on the part of the candidate. Under the terms of the Scheme's holiday earnings are considered as a candidate's reasonable earnings from employment outside of term time. At present holiday earnings of up to €3,810 are excluded in the calculation of reckonable income for grant purposes. This threshold is currently under review, together with the overall income eligibility thresholds and rates of grant, as part of the annual review of student grants schemes undertaken by my Department.
Special Educational Needs.
David Stanton
Question:1075 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has begun a value for money and policy review of special needs provision in schools with details of the terms of reference of this review; if not, when she expects this review to begin; when the review is expected to be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2581/08]
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has recently commenced a value for money and policy review of the special needs assistant scheme. The terms of reference are currently being considered and are expected to be finalised shortly. I will arrange for a copy of the agreed terms of reference to be sent to the Deputy in due course. It is expected that the review will be completed during 2009.
Equal Opportunities Employment.
David Stanton
Question:1076 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 281 of 23 May 2006, if she is satisfied that her Department has met the 3% employment quota for people with disabilities; the percentage of people with disabilities employed in her Department; the number of people with disabilities hired from outside the civil service for each of the years from 2002 to date in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2587/08]
In accordance with the requirements of Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005 my Department reported to the monitoring committee in the Department of Finance in 2007 on its compliance with the 3% requirement. This report formed part of the data supplied to the National Disability Authority (NDA). The NDA has presented its 2006 Report On Compliance with Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005 on Employment of People with Disabilities in the Public Service to the Minister of State with responsibility for Disability and Mental Health.
In common with all Government departments my Department derived the statistical information which formed the basis of its report to the monitoring committee from the result of the "Count Me in Survey" devised by the National Disability Authority (NDA). Twenty seven per cent (27%) of the staff of my Department responded to the survey. Of the 27% of staff who responded 7.34% disclosed a disability. If the number of returns disclosing a disability is set against the total number of employees of the Department, this 7.34% reduces to 1.97%. The "Count Me in Survey" was circulated to all staff of the Department. This was done on two occasions in an attempt to maximise the number of completed survey forms returned.
Concerns regarding the reliability of the statistical information produced using the methodology employed in 2006 have been expressed by a number of sources including the NDA itself in its report the Minister of State, where it points out that the data as compiled and presented must be treated with caution. I understand that the NDA is in process of developing an alternative data collection process for 2007.
In previous years — prior to using the "Count Me In" survey which limited inclusion in statistics to employees who self disclose a disability — a number of employees in addition to those who self-disclosed in response to the "Count Me In" survey were included in statistical returns on the basis that they were initially recruited through competition confined to people with disability and/or because workplace adjustments had been made for them. If account is taken of these employees who did not complete the "Count Me In" survey the percentage of people with a disability employed by my Department rises to 3.44% of the total number of employees.
The Public Appointments Service (PAS) recruits most of the staff for my Department. My Department conducts a very limited level of recruitment and this is confined to certain posts such as service posts and temporary and contract posts. Both the PAS and my Department conduct recruitment in line with codes of practice set out my the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA), these codes include a code specifically on the external and internal appointment of persons with disabilities to positions in the civil service and certain public bodies. In 2006 the PAS held an open recruitment competition at Executive Officer level for people with disabilities. I would anticipate that my Department will be in a position to offer posts to some of those candidates who were successful in this competition as soon as there is a panel in place.
My Department has not compiled or maintained records on the disability status of new recruits.
Decentralisation Programme.
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:1077 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of civil and other public servants based in Dublin in her Department and agencies who have applied for decentralisation, who have been transferred to their decentralised post and are currently in position in the decentralised location outside Dublin; the number of civil and other public servants required for decentralisation under plans; the original and expected date for full decentralisation to be in place; the locations together with details of properties and land owned, purchased or planning permissions sought for the construction of premises for decentralisation; the costs incurred to date; the original budgeted for and expected total costs to be incurred for decentralisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2603/08]
One hundred and eighty one Dublin based civil servants in my Department have applied to decentralise. A further 49 Dublin based civil servants from my Department have transferred to decentralised positions outside of Dublin. Under the Government's decentralisation programme, 400 posts are scheduled to move from the Dublin offices of my Department to Athlone and Mullingar.
The report of 19 November 2004 from the Decentralisation Implementation Group (DIG) to the Minister for Finance gave indicative dates for decentralisation to Athlone and Mullingar as Q4 2006 and Q2 2008 respectively. The current position is that the Athlone element of the decentralisation could be complete by the end of Q2 this year. The Mullingar element will be completed when the new office accommodation for my Department is ready for occupation. The recent announcement by Office of Public Works (OPW) of a preferred tenderer for a bundle of 3 Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects to include the office accommodation in Mullingar means that this accommodation should be ready for occupation sometime in 2010.
The new building in Athlone is sited on the same campus as my Department's existing offices in Athlone on land that was already in State ownership. The OPW has procured a site in Mullingar for the development of the new office for my Department. The OPW is charged with the responsibility for the property aspects of the programme of decentralisation — including the procurement of property for decentralising organisations and the disposal of property in Dublin that will become surplus — so the management of and reporting on this aspect of the programme is a matter for the OPW.
To date, no non-capital costs have been incurred in connection with the decentralisation of my Department. The State bodies under the aegis of my Department that are scheduled to decentralise are: the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) and the National Education Welfare Board (NEWB) to Portarlington; the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI), the Higher Education Training and Awards Council (HETAC) and the Further Education Training and Awards Council (FETAC) to Edenderry; the Higher Education Authority (HEA) to Athlone. The full decentralisation of these bodies will involve the relocation of 145 posts from Dublin. Forty three employees of these bodies have either indicated an interest in decentralisation or are recent recruits who are committed relocate as part of a contract of employment. A further 3 Dublin based employees have transferred out of these bodies to decentralised positions outside of Dublin.
On the basis of progress to date towards the provision of permanent accommodation in Portarlington, the NCCA and NEWB may be able to occupy their new permanent accommodation by the end of 2009. Both of these bodies anticipate moving some employees into temporary accommodation outside of Dublin in advance of this. The position is less clear in relation to the NQAI, HETAC, FETAC and the HEA. None of these bodies were identified as potential early movers in the DIG report of 19 November 2004.
Schools Building Projects.
Dinny McGinley
Question:1078 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science if approval has been given for a new vocational school in Stranorlar, County Donegal; if planning permission has been approved; the stage the planning for the project is at; the estimated cost of the new project; when it is expected that work will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2616/08]
The progression of all projects to tender and construction, including the proposed new school building in Stranorlar, will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. As indicated in the post budget education briefing, I intend to announce shortly, the first tranche of projects that will be proceeding to construction in 2008.
David Stanton
Question:1079 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has examined the possibility of financing the construction of a new Gaelscoil (details supplied) in Midleton, County Cork in view of the fact that a site is available and that the school has a pressing need for a new building; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2619/08]
While an application for capital funding towards the provision of new school building has been received from the school authority referred to by the Deputy, the Deputy may be aware that the school authority and a private construction firm without the direct involvement of my Department were involved in an initiative to build a 16 classroom school on land owned by the developer at no cost to the school or the Department.
The Department has not been involved in the design of the school nor has capital funding been provided in respect of the project. However following a recent communication from the private construction firm I understand that the proposal to construct a new school is changed to an offer of a site.
In order to progress the application an assessment of projected enrolment trends, demographic trends and housing developments in the area will be required in order to determine the long term projected staffing figure on which the school's accommodation needs will be based. Once the long term projection has been determined and agreed with the school authorities the required building project will be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation programme.
Question No. 1080 answered with Question No. 985.
Joanna Tuffy
Question:1081 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will confirm that the new primary school for Saggart, County Dublin will be constructed and ready for use in September 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2621/08]
The Department has acknowledged the need to relocate the existing primary school referred to by the Deputy to a green-field site.
The acquisition of a site for this development is being actively pursued with South Dublin County Council and the relevant landowners. However, due to the commercial sensitivities attaching to property acquisitions generally, I am not in a position to comment further on this matter at this time. When this matter has been finalised, progress on the provision of a new school building will be progressed.
Question No. 1082 answered with Question No. 1058.
School Places.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1083 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which she expects each of the schools, primary and post-primary at Maynooth, County Kildare to be in a position to meet the population requirements for the future; if she has discussed the situation with the relevant schools authorities with a view to ensuring ready access to adequate school places at both primary and second level for the foreseeable future; if she has an integrated plan in mind in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2742/08]
I am aware that many areas located within close proximity to Dublin, including Maynooth, continue to experience population growth, a position that almost inevitably places some strain on existing educational provision. To proactively plan for such areas of increased growth my Department is included among the prescribed authorities to whom local authorities are statutorily obliged to send draft development plans or proposed variations to development plans for comment. As a matter of course meetings are arranged with local authorities to establish the location, scale and pace of any major proposed developments and their possible implications for school provision so as to ensure as far as possible the timely delivery of the required education infrastructure. Discussions also take place with existing schools if and when appropriate.
In Maynooth, the Department has already made significant interventions including the provision at primary level of a new 16 classroom school for Scoil Uí Fhiaich, an extension to the Presentation Convent primary school to bring capacity to 24 classrooms and the planned extension to Maynooth Boys primary school to also bring this up to a 24 classroom facility.
At post-primary level a building project was completed in 2007 to bring the capacity of the existing school up to 800 pupil places. Further plans are in train to extend the school further to cater for a long-term enrolment of 1,000 pupils.
The Department is currently working to ensure that there will be sufficient places available for eligible pupils in the area for 2008 and beyond.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1084 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which she expects each of the schools, primary and post-primary at Celbridge, County Kildare to be in a position to meet the population requirements for the future; if she has discussed the situation with the relevant schools authorities with a view to ensuring ready access to adequate school places at both primary and second level for the foreseeable future; if she has an integrated plan in mind in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2743/08]
In response to the need for additional primary school places in Celbridge, the Department recognised a new primary school which commenced operation this September. The schools initial intake was 79 pupils. The school is located in temporary accommodation, the refurbishment of which was funded by the Department to ensure that it was suitable for school use. Site identification and acquisition procedures are on-going for a permanent home for the school. It is intended that the site will also facilitate the development of a post primary school. The Deputy will probably be aware that under the Area Development Plan for the N4/M4 corridor published by the Commission on School accommodation, provision of a new post primary school for Celbridge is recommended post 2011.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1085 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which she expects each of the schools, primary and post-primary at Naas, County Kildare to be in a position to meet the population requirements for the future; if she has discussed the situation with the relevant schools authorities with a view to ensuring ready access to adequate school places at both primary and second level for the foreseeable future; if she has an integrated plan in mind in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2744/08]
I am aware that many areas located within close proximity to Dublin, including Naas, continue to experience population growth, a position that almost inevitably places some strain on existing educational provision. To proactively plan for such areas of increased growth my Department is included among the prescribed authorities to whom local authorities are statutorily obliged to send draft development plans or proposed variations to development plans for comment. As a matter of course meetings are arranged with local authorities to establish the location, scale and pace of any major proposed developments and their possible implications for school provision so as to ensure as far as possible the timely delivery of the required education infrastructure. Discussions also take place with existing schools if and when appropriate.
In Naas the Department has already made significant interventions in recent years including the provision of 2 new primary schools and the significant expansion of existing post primary schools. The Department is currently working to ensure that there will be sufficient primary places available in 2008 for all eligible pupils and plans are also progressing for a new 1,000 pupil post primary school and for a 16 classroom school for the Gaelscoil. As with all areas experiencing growth, the Department will continue to keep the situation under review.
Question No. 1086 answered with Question No. 1067.
Schools Building Projects.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1087 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the provision of extra facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2746/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1089 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to an application for major capital funding in the case of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; her plans for same in the next six months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2761/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1090 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to an application for major capital funding in the case of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; her plans for same in the next six months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2762/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1092 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to an application for major capital funding in the case of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; her plans for same in the next six months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2764/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1093 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to an application for major capital funding in the case of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; her plans for same in the next six months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2765/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1094 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to an application for provision of extra accommodation facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; her plans to progress same in the next three to six months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2766/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1095 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to provision of classroom and accommodation facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2767/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1098 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to an application for large scale capital funding to meet the long term needs of a school (details supplied); her plans to move same forward in early date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2770/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1087, 1089, 1090, 1092 to 1095, inclusive, and 1098 together.
I can confirm to the Deputy that the schools to which he refers have applied for large scale capital funding. The applications have been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects. Progress on individual projects will be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
Question No. 1088 answered with Question No. 1063.
Questions Nos. 1089 and 1090 answered with Question No. 1087.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1091 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to an application for major capital funding in the case of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; her plans for same in the next six months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2763/08]
I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has applied for large scale capital funding. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building works and progress on the project will be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
Questions Nos. 1092 to 1095, inclusive, answered with Question No. 1087.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1096 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received a tender report from a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; her plans to progress this matter in the next three to six months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2768/08]
The progression of all projects to tender and construction, including the proposed extension at the school in question, will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. As I indicated in the post budget education briefing, I intend to announce shortly the first tranche of projects that will proceed to construction in 2008.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1097 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when it is expected progress of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare to tender and construction stage will have taken place; her plans to progress same in the next six months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2769/08]
The school referred to by the Deputy was authorised in 2007 to proceed to Planning Permission and preparation of the tender documentation. Progression of all projects to tender and construction are considered in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. As indicated at the post budget education briefing I intend to announce the first tranche of projects that will proceed to construction in 2008 shortly.
Question No. 1098 answered with Question No. 1087.
Question No. 1099 answered with Question No. 1068.
School Accommodation.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1100 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which she expects each of the schools, primary and post-primary at Clane, County Kildare to be in a position to meet the population requirements for the future; if she has discussed the situation with the relevant school authorities with a view to ensuring ready access to adequate school places at both primary and second level for the foreseeable future; if she has an integrated plan in mind in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2772/08]
An application for large scale capital funding has been received from one of the primary schools in Clane and the Department has contacted the other school in relation to its long term requirements. The Department has no application for capital funding at post primary level but it is keeping the situation under review. As the Deputy will be aware, all applications for large scale capital funding are assessed against published prioritisation criteria. Progress on individual projects will be considered in the context of the multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
Decentralisation Programme.
Joan Burton
Question:1101 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of civil servants and other public servants, who have relocated to locations outside of Dublin under the Government’s decentralisation programme; the estimated number of each category who will have relocated by the end of 2008; the breakdown of each set of figures in terms of those who are relocating from Dublin and relocating from elsewhere; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2990/08]
The records maintained by my Department are confined to the transfers of civil servants in and out of my Department. These records show that to date 49 civil servants who were previously assigned to Dublin posts have relocated to posts outside of Dublin under the programme of decentralisation. A further 3 people who were employed in Dublin in a State body under the aegis of my Department have relocated to posts outside of Dublin. These records also show that 78 civil servants who were previously assigned to offices in my Department in locations outside of Dublin have relocated to other locations under the programme of decentralisation.
Estimating the numbers to relocate this year is difficult as the programme is voluntary and actual relocation depends on decisions made by individuals close to the time of any proposed relocation as well as the rate of progress a large number of external organisations towards their decentralisations. I can tell the Deputy that my Department expects to relocate approximately 50 to 60 Dublin based civil servants, along with approximately 15 to 20 civil servants who are based outside of Dublin during the course of the relocation of posts from Dublin to the midlands from Dublin this year.
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:1102 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of civil servants and other public servants who have decentralised as at 31 December 2006 and the current date broken down into individual Government Departments and agencies; the number required for full decentralisation, broken down under individual Departmental and agencies plans; the number of currently decentralised locations in operation; the agencies with no progress; the values of properties purchased and sold in respect of the decentralisation process to date; the other costs incurred to date with the decentralisation process, broken down by category; the number of Departmental staff involved in administrating the decentralisation process since it’s inception; the number of planning applications in progress in relation to building decentralised premises and planning applications to be submitted, broken down by location and planning submission date; the original budgeted and the expected total costs to be incurred for decentralisation; his further proposals in this regard; the expected date for completion of the full decentralisation process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3004/08]
Details of the records held by my Department on the numbers of civil servants who have relocated under the programme of decentralisation are provided on the table attached.
At present my Department has two main locations outside of Dublin in Athlone and Tullamore. In addition to this it has smaller regional offices outside of Dublin in Navan, Naas, Waterford, Cork, Limerick, Sligo, Galway and Mullingar along with a number of offices throughout the State accommodating Inspectors and psychologists working locally.
The agencies in the Education sector scheduled to decentralise are the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, the National Education Welfare Boards, the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland, the Higher Education Training and Awards Council, the Further Education Training and Awards Council and the Higher Education Authority. The rate of progress towards decentralisation by these agencies varies, ranging from recruitment policies that support the programme to plans for an advance movement of posts this year.
All aspects of property procurement and disposal in connection with the programme of decentralisation is a matter for the Office of Public Works. No non-capital costs have been incurred by my Department to date under the programme of decentralisation. The agencies in the Education sector have reported just in excess of €13,000 in non-capital expenditure to date.
No member of the staff of my Department is assigned to manage the implementation of the programme of decentralisation on an exclusive basis. The tasks involved are undertaken by staff members assigned to the Human Resources and Corporate Services areas as part of their work.
|
To |
DES |
DAFF |
CRGA |
Defence |
DAST |
PRAI |
CENR |
JELR |
Social & Family Affairs |
Finance |
GRO |
IPS |
REV |
RSA |
OPW |
|
31-Dec-06 |
37.00 |
11.00 |
2.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
2.00 |
3.00 |
9.00 |
3.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
3.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
from 1 Jan 2007 to date |
29.00 |
2.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
4.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
5.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
4.00 |
6.00 |
1.00 |
|
location/s |
Athlone, Mullingar, Tullamore |
Portlaoise |
T/curry |
Galway |
K/arney |
R/common |
Cavan, Clonakilty |
P/arlington |
Galway, Sligo, Tullamore Longford |
Tullamore |
R/common |
Longford |
Nenagh, Galway, Newcastle West |
Loughrea |
C/morris |
|
Totals |
66.00 |
13.00 |
2.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
4.00 |
3.00 |
3.00 |
14.00 |
4.00 |
1.00 |
2.00 |
7.00 |
6.00 |
1.00 |
Key to abbreviations
DES — Education & Science
DAFF — Agriculture, Food & Fisheries
CRGA — Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs
DAST — Arts, Sport & Tourism
PRAI — Property Registration Authority of Ireland
CENR — Communication, Energy & Natural Resources
JELR — Justice, Equality & Law Reform
GRO — General Registration Office
REV — Office of the Revenue Commissioners
RSA — Transport/Road Safety Authority
OPW — Office of Public Works
Judicial Reviews.
Damien English
Question:1103 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Defence the cost to and the damages paid by the State in relation to judicial reviews that his Department were responsible for in each of the years 1997 to 2007 inclusive; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [1108/08]
Damien English
Question:1104 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Defence the number of applications for judicial review that his Department was responsible for in each of the years 1997 to 2007; the number of applications where leave was granted for each year; and if he will present the information in tabular readable form. [1123/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1103 and 1104 together.
Records in relation to judicial reviews are only maintained in my Department where leave to apply is granted and the following table gives the relevant numbers for each of the years 1997-2007. My Department does not keep a separate record in relation to expenditure on judicial reviews. Such expenditure is included in Subhead T of my Department's Vote. Payments from Subhead T covers expenditure in relation to compensation claims and legal costs arising in relation to the majority of legal proceedings, including judicial reviews, to which my Department is exposed. Accordingly, it is not possible to provide the financial data as requested by the Deputy.
|
Year |
No. of applications where leave for Judicial Reviews was granted |
|
1997 |
1 |
|
1998 |
2 |
|
1999 |
3 |
|
2000 |
1 |
|
2001 |
3 |
|
2002 |
4 |
|
2003 |
1 |
|
2004 |
9 |
|
2005 |
6 |
|
2006 |
8 |
|
2007 |
5 |
In the period in question approximately €345 million has been paid out of Subhead T in respect of approximately 17,600 claims for compensation.
Defence Forces Strength.
Dr Martin Mansergh
Question:1105 Deputy Martin Mansergh asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel serving in the permanent Defence Force in 1987; the number serving in 2007; and the proportion that defence expenditure formed in relation to gross Government expenditure in 1987 and in 2007. [1188/08]
The strength of the Permanent Defence Force on 31 December 1987 was 13,170 and on the 31 December 2007 was 10,434, as advised by the military authorities. Gross expenditure on Defence as a percentage of total Government expenditure was 4.1% in 1987 and 1.8% in 2007. The latter figure is based on Revised Estimates Volume for 2007.
Legislative Programme.
Dr Martin Mansergh
Question:1106 Deputy Martin Mansergh asked the Minister for Defence the number of Acts passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas sponsored by his Department in each year from 2003 to 2007; the Acts which were legislation wholly or mainly required by Ireland’s EU obligations, which were partly so required, and which had no significant or minimal reference to EU legislation; and if in the first two cases Ireland had significant discretion, as to the manner in which EU obligations were translated into domestic law. [1194/08]
My Department sponsored two Acts which were passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas during the period specified by the Deputy. These were the Defence (Amendment) Act 2006, which was enacted on 12 July 2006, and the Defence (Amendment) Act 2007, which was enacted on 21 April 2007. Neither Act was wholly or partly required by Ireland's EU obligations.
Defence Forces Recruitment.
P. J. Sheehan
Question:1107 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Defence if he will review the rules governing the persons who may apply to become a Defence Forces officer cadet in order to include a 3% quota for persons with disabilities such as a person (details supplied) who is otherwise qualified and capable of taking on officer training and responsibilities. [1314/08]
The Defence Forces are committed to the principles of equal opportunities, in all employment policies, procedures and regulations. The Defence Forces operate in an environment which is free from discrimination as provided by the Equality Acts. However, the Defence Forces have a derogation from the terms of the Employment Equality Act (1998) in respect of the criteria of physical ability and age. Accordingly recruitment criteria based on age and physiological requirements are permitted by legislation. Similar derogations apply to the Garda Síochána and Prison Service.
All members of the Defence Forces are encouraged to participate in the full range of operational and ceremonial activities and are eligible for assignment to all military appointments and educational and training courses and for promotion. Therefore on entry to the Defence Forces all recruits should be capable of performing the full range of duties and tasks.
The current age, medical and physical requirements for entry into the Permanent Defence Force reflect the difficult and strenuous physical demands of the training and operational environment in which all recruits must operate. The requirement of recruit training include the ability to bear arms, operate weapon systems, perform under severe pressure and undergo extremes of climate and hazardous terrain.
Defence Forces Property.
Sean Sherlock
Question:1108 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Defence if there is legislation that would prevent groups or organisations outside the Defence Forces from using Reserve Defence Force buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1389/08]
There is no legislation in place to prohibit the civilian use of Reserve Defence Force (RDF) premises. A request by a community group or organisation for the use of a building is fully considered in my Department and can be acceded to, if deemed appropriate. The primary factors that are taken into account when considering an application are the ongoing training and administration requirements of the RDF and the suitability of the building for the intended purpose.
Departmental Properties.
Sean Sherlock
Question:1109 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Defence his plans for the land owned by his Department in Fermoy known as The Showgrounds in view of the fact that this is the only undeveloped green area left in Fermoy town centre and a number of local clubs and other organisations are actively seeking accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1477/08]
The site in question forms part of lands under lease to a Company that is now in dissolution. The legal position in that regard is currently under consideration in consultation with the Office of the Chief State Solicitor. A decision on the future use of the property will be taken when the legal issues have been clarified.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:1110 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Defence the number of Department owned computer desktops or laptops or other data devices, such as blackberries and memory keys, reported lost, missing or stolen from his Department in each year from 2002 to 2007; the number of these that were later recovered or found; the number still missing; if any sensitive or private data was compromised; the measures in place within his Department to secure such portable or at risk data devices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1511/08]
In relation to my Department no officially issued computer desktops, laptops or other data devices, such as blackberries and memory keys, have been reported lost, missing or stolen since 2002. All portable devices are issued on foot of a business requirement authorised at senior level and are recorded, tracked and maintained in accordance with the Department's ICT Security Policy and procedures certified to ISO27001 standard.
In relation to the Defence Forces, two desktop computers were stolen in 2007 from a Defence Forces installation during the UNMIL mission to Liberia and were not recovered. The PCs were on a restricted network and all data was on network drives rather than the PCs hard disk, so no compromise of data arose. A non-networked laptop computer, containing no sensitive or personal data, went missing in transit during a reconnaissance visit associated with humanitarian relief to the Tsunami in 2005 and was not recovered. A non-networked laptop computer with no personal or sensitive data was stolen from a member of the Defence Forces in 2004 while on an OSCE mission in Georgia and was not recovered.
Naval Service Vessels.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1111 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if the LE Eithne is or has been equipped with a helicopter to assist with rescue operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1623/08]
The Naval Service provides the maritime element of the Defence Forces and has a general responsibility to meet contingent and actual maritime Defence requirements. The main day-to-day role of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union. However, as the need arises, Naval Service vessels may be deployed to other duties such as search and rescue, aid to the civil power, drug interdiction operations and assistance with pollution control.
The Irish Coast Guard has overall responsibility for the provision of maritime Search and Rescue services within the Irish Search and Rescue region. In accordance with the roles assigned to them by Government in the White Paper on Defence, the Defence Forces are committed to providing support to the civil authorities including in relation to Search and Rescue. In this regard, the Naval Service and Air Corps provide support to the Coast Guard as the need arises and within their available capability. LE Eithne, as with the other ships in the fleet, is tasked with such support as the need arises.
LE Eithne was designed to operate helicopters in order to enhance the ship's operational capabilities. The chosen helicopter for the vessel was the Air Corps Dauphin, and helicopter capabilities of the LE Eithne were stood down on the withdrawal from service of the Dauphin helicopters in 2006. The ship is no longer involved in helicopter operations in its day to day roles.
Data Protection.
Damien English
Question:1112 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Defence the number of and the records kept by his Department of attempted hacking or suspected cyber attacks or other malicious computer security breaches committed against his Department’s computer systems. [1722/08]
My Department's computer systems are subject to the normal range and frequency of intrusion attempts. A variety of highly effective protective measures are employed. To protect the security of systems within the Defence organisation, statistics are not published.
Departmental Expenditure.
Enda Kenny
Question:1113 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Defence the amount spent by his Department on media monitoring or press cutting services for each of the years 2002 to 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1980/08]
My Department currently employs the services of private media monitoring companies to provide it with copies of articles relating to Defence matters in local and national newspapers. Copies of these articles are circulated by the Press Office to myself and senior officials within my Department and are also available to all members of staff on the Department's intranet. The annual cost of the service since 2002 is as follows:
|
Year |
Cost per annum including VAT€ |
|
2002 |
29,757 |
|
2003 |
29,869 |
|
2004 |
29,294 |
|
2005 |
29,227 |
|
2006 |
29,736 |
|
2007 (to 31st Oct.) |
29,601 |
Data Protection.
Simon Coveney
Question:1114 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Defence the details of all instances since 1 June 2002 where personal data held by his Department or any agency under its auspices were compromised in any way; if the review by his Department of data security procedures announced on 22 November 2007 is completed; and the findings of that review in terms both of prior shortcomings and of future actions. [2159/08]
There are rigorous ICT security policies in place in the Department of Defence and Defence Forces. There has been no reported incident of personal data being compromised in the period specified by the Deputy. The review of data security procedures announced by An Tánaiste on 22 November 2007 is currently under way in my Department and is being co-ordinated centrally for all Departments.
Departmental Staff.
David Stanton
Question:1115 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 281 of 23 May 2006, if he is satisfied that his Department has met the 3% employment quota for people with disabilities; the percentage of people with disabilities employed in his Department; the number of people with disabilities hired from outside the civil service for each of the years from 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2586/08]
In order to comply with the reporting responsibilities under the Disability Act, 2005, the Department carried out a survey in 2007 in relation to the disability status of staff. The percentage of all staff who declared that they had a disability, as defined under the Disability Act, 2005, at that time was 2.3%.
In the period since the survey was carried out, a number of staff who had declared a disability have retired and a number of additional staff have provided declarations. Adjusting the survey result for these changes, the percentage of staff with disabilities now stands at 2.7%.
Taking account of factors such as the response rate to the survey and cases where staff declared a disability but did not wish to be counted, the Department is satisfied that is has met the 3% employment quota set under the Disability Act, 2005. A further survey of staff is planned to be carried out shortly and this will provide staff with a disability, who may not have disclosed the matter previously, another opportunity to declare their position.
All the staff referred to above were employed by the Department prior to 2002. During 2006 the Department participated in the Willing and Able Mentoring pilot programme on the employment of people with disabilities, sponsored by AHEAD. Participants in the programme were drawn from both the public and private sector. Under the programme the Department employed one person on a six-month contract that expired early in 2007.
Decentralisation Programme.
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:1116 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Defence the number of civil and other public servants based in Dublin in his Department and agencies who have applied for decentralisation, who have been transferred to their decentralised post and are currently in position in the decentralised location outside Dublin; the number of civil and other public servants required for decentralisation under plans; the original and expected date for full decentralisation to be in place; the locations together with details of properties and land owned, purchased or planning permissions sought for the construction of premises for decentralisation; the costs incurred to date; the original budgeted for and expected total costs to be incurred for decentralisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2602/08]
Joan Burton
Question:1117 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Defence the number of civil servants and other public servants, who have relocated to locations outside of Dublin under the Government’s decentralisation programme; the estimated number of each category who will have relocated by the end of 2008; the breakdown of each set of figures in terms of those who are relocating from Dublin and relocating from elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2989/08]
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:1118 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Defence the number of civil servants and other public servants who have decentralised as at 31 December 2006 and the current date broken down into individual Government Departments and agencies; the number required for full decentralisation, broken down under individual Departmental and agencies plans; the number of currently decentralised locations in operation; the agencies with no progress; the values of properties purchased and sold in respect of the decentralisation process to date; the other costs incurred to date with the decentralisation process, broken down by category; the number of Departmental staff involved in administrating the decentralisation process since it’s inception; the number of planning applications in progress in relation to building decentralised premises and planning applications to be submitted, broken down by location and planning submission date; the original budgeted and the expected total costs to be incurred for decentralisation; his further proposals in this regard; the expected date for completion of the full decentralisation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3003/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos 1116 to 1118, inclusive, together.
The Government Decision on decentralisation, announced by the Minister for Finance in his Budget Statement on 3 December 2003, provides for the transfer of my entire Department's Dublin based civil service staff to Newbridge, Co. Kildare. The number of posts to be relocated to Newbridge is about 200. A total of 338 personnel have made applications under the Cental Applications Facility (CAF) to decentralise to Newbridge, the vast majority of whom are Dublin based applicants. Currently, 143 Newbridge bound staff are in their decentralising posts which reflects about 80% of the total administrative and clerical staff requirement. All of these staff were Dublin based prior to any decentralisation-related moves and about one third were already serving in my Department in December 2003. No staff have transferred to Newbridge yet, as the construction of the Department's new headquarters is not expected to be completed until 2009.
In addition to the civil servants, 43 military personnel will be located in Newbridge. A further 335 military personnel together with 78 support staff will decentralise to the new Defence Forces Headquarters building in the Curragh Camp.
The Civil Defence Board, which is a State Authority under the aegis of the Department of Defence, transferred to its new purpose built Headquarters in Roscrea in May 2006 with a staff of 17. To date, a total of 21 staff have transferred from Dublin posts in my Department to the Civil Defence Board in Roscrea and a further 9 staff members transferred from other provincial locations. 8 staff members have transferred under the CAF to my Department's offices in Renmore, Co Galway.
My Department's Decentralisation Unit manages the decentralisation programme for the Department and currently has three members of staff. The sale of a site in Newbridge as approved by Kildare County Council will shortly be finalised. The planning process has also been completed. The OPW has selected a preferred tenderer who will carry out the construction of the Department's headquarters.
Garda Investigations.
Finian McGrath
Question:1119 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support the call for a proper public inquiry into the Omagh bombing; and if he will support the families in their quest for truth and justice. [1013/08]
As a person is facing criminal proceedings in this jurisdiction in connection with the Omagh bombing, I do not consider it would be appropriate to make any comment at this stage, other than to confirm that the Garda Síochána has co-operated and will continue to co-operate fully with the Police Service of Northern Ireland in the ongoing criminal investigation of this terrible atrocity.
Decentralisation Programme.
Tom Hayes
Question:1120 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of employees the Private Security Authority employs nationally; the number of these that are based in Tipperary through decentralisation; the number planned to re-locate to Tipperary in 2008; and when it is planned for this transfer to take place. [2009/08]
As part of my Department's Decentralisation Programme, the Private Security Authority (PSA) decentralised to Tipperary Town in February 2005. The PSA has a total staff of forty-one, thirty-seven of whom are based in Tipperary. Twenty-eight members of staff were recruited under the decentralisation process. I can also inform the Deputy that, in addition to the above, work is now well under way to transfer sixty posts from the Irish Naturalisation Immigration Service to the town in the first half of this year.
Residency Permits.
Willie Penrose
Question:1121 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of dependants of persons who have arrived in this country with particular skills and specialties, and who have received the appropriate work authorisation permits, and in particular what happens to such dependants when they themselves reach the age of majority (details supplied); if in this context he will consider favourably their position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2375/08]
Subject to the requirement to consider each case on its merits, the general position is that a child reaching 18 in the circumstances outlined by the Deputy would, unless there are issues surrounding his or her conduct, be permitted to remain in the State either as a dependant of their parent or in their own right. They would receive an immigration stamp reflecting their status as a student (Stamp 2 or 2A) or otherwise as a dependant (Stamp 3). This presupposes that their parents are legally in the State and that the children themselves have registered with the Immigration authorities when required. Currently all non-EEA nationals over the age of 16 are required to be registered. If the person wishes to take up full-time employment they should apply to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Further information can be obtained on that Department's website at www.entemp.ie.
Denis Naughten
Question:1122 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to review the regulations on business permissions which can prevent members of immigrant communities from starting a business here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2477/08]
The right to operate a business is something that depends on the immigration status of the foreign national. EEA nationals and those who have a Stamp 4 permission are entitled to operate a business. Those here on more restricted permissions do not enjoy this right. For a person who is coming to the State specifically for this purpose there is a scheme in operation whereby they are required to satisfy certain criteria including investment of some €300K in their business. The original rationale for this scheme was to encourage employment creation. My Department will be conducting a review of the Business Permission scheme in the near future. The Deputy's point of interest will be taken into consideration at that time.
Citizenship Applications.
Michael Creed
Question:1123 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason an application for citizenship by a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not been responded to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36045/07]
An application for residence in the State on the sole basis of marriage to an Irish national was received from the person in question in May 2007 and was acknowledged on 6 June 2007. Applications of this kind, in fairness to all other such applicants, are dealt with in strict chronological order and currently processed within twelve months. It should be noted that marriage to an Irish national does not confer an automatic right of residence in the State.
Private Aerodromes.
Martin Ferris
Question:1124 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of private airports in operation within the State; and if they are subject to the same monitoring by customs and excise, the Gardaí and immigration authorities as those operated by Aer Rianta. [36048/07]
It is understood that the Deputy is referring to aerodromes licensed by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA). I am informed by the Department of Transport that there are 15 aerodromes licensed by the IAA for private use in the State. In addition, there are 14 other aerodromes licensed by the IAA for public use including Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports.
Section 6 of Immigration Act, 2004 states that a non-national coming by sea or air from outside the State shall not, without the consent of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, land elsewhere than at an approved port. A non-national who lands in the State in contravention of these provisions is deemed to be a non-national who has been refused a permission to land in the State, and is guilty of an offence.
The Immigration Act 2004 (Approved Ports) Regulations, 2004 came into operation on 13 February 2004. The ports specified in the Schedule to these Regulations are prescribed for the purposes of section 6(2), Immigration Act, 2004 and, therefore, are approved for entry into the State.
Members of An Garda Síochána who have been appointed as Immigration Officers in accordance with the provisions of the Immigration Act, 2004, fulfil immigration control duties at ports which have been approved for the landing of non-nationals. Airports which are not approved for entry into the State for the purposes of the Act are monitored by members of An Garda Síochána in the relevant Garda Districts concerned. The Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) provides backup and expertise to local Garda District personnel in this respect.
Provisions under the Air Navigation & Transports Acts, relating to the power of entry by members of An Garda Síochána to aerodromes, may be utilised for the purpose of undertaking such monitoring. If non-nationals are found to have landed in the State in breach of the provisions of section 6 of the Immigration Act, 2004, the circumstances of such incidents are subject to thorough investigation. Monitoring by Customs and Excise is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners for whom the Minister for Finance has responsibility.
Garda Vetting Services.
Phil Hogan
Question:1125 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a clearance certificate will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36065/07]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that a vetting application in respect of the person in question was received by the Garda Central Vetting Unit on 25 October, 2007. I am further informed that this application was processed and returned to the requesting organisation on 11 December, 2007.
Garda Deployment.
Michael Kennedy
Question:1126 Deputy Michael Kennedy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí participating in bicycle patrols in each of the stations in Swords, Malahide, Balbriggan, Skerries and Lusk/Rush; the duties they perform in this role; the length of time each have been in the role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36067/07]
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that details of the Mountain Bike patrols in Swords, Malahide, Balbriggan, Skerries and Rush Garda stations are as follows:
Swords: There are three members participating in mountain bike patrols. Two members completed training in February 2007 while the third was trained in June 2007.
Malahide: There are three members participating in mountain bike patrols. Two members completed training in February 2007 while the third was trained in June 2007.
Balbriggan: There are two members participating in mountain bike patrols. One Garda completed training over 4 years ago. The second member completed training in June 2007.
Skerries: There are two members participating in mountain bike patrols. Both members completed training in February 2007.
Rush: There is one Garda participating in mountain bike patrols who has recently been trained.
Members on mountain bike patrol perform duties as directed by their supervisors which includes active patrolling of public order hot-spots, and the detection of crime and other offences, including the prevention of anti-social activity. Members on these duties may also be deployed at venues or sporting events which attract large numbers of people. Given the high visibility and unrestricted access to areas where patrol vehicles cannot access, mountain bike patrols have proven to be an effective method of patrolling. They are also ideal for patrolling park land and open areas.
Television Licences.
Ciaran Lynch
Question:1127 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of television licences purchased for use in each prison in the jurisdiction for each year since 2000; and the annual cost of same. [36068/07]
The table below shows the number and cost of television licences purchased for use within prisons in each of the relevant years. Each institution is required to purchase a single licence annually in respect of all of the television sets it owns.
|
Year |
Number of Licenses |
Cost |
|
€ |
||
|
2000 |
15 |
1,333 |
|
2001 |
15 |
1,333 |
|
2002 |
16 |
1,712 |
|
2003 |
15 |
2,250 |
|
2004 |
14 |
2,128 |
|
2005 |
14 |
2,128 |
|
2006 |
14 |
2,170 |
|
2007 |
14 |
2,212 |
Garda Equipment.
Ciaran Lynch
Question:1128 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount An Garda Síochána has spent on the purchase of firearms and handcuffs and other restraints each year since 2000. [36069/07]
Expenditure on firearms and related items for the years 2004 to 2007 is outlined in the table below. The figures include both the purchase of firearms and items such as ammunition, holsters, repair/ maintenance and component/replacement parts.
|
Item Description |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
Firearms and related items |
€814,231 |
€608,925 |
€1,715,343 |
€772,132 |
I am informed by the Garda authorities that expenditure for firearms for the period 2000 to 2003 and expenditure in relation to handcuffs and other restraints, which is charged to a general operation code, is not readily available and could not be obtained without the allocation of a disproportionate amount of staff time. I can inform the Deputy that a request for tender for the supply of up to 15,000 handcuff sets was issued by the Garda Síochána in July 2007 and the evaluation of the tender proposals received is almost complete.
Legislative Programme.
Finian McGrath
Question:1129 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on bringing in a new law on vehicular manslaughter. [36073/07]
I would like to draw the Deputy's attention to the Law Reform Commission's Report on "Homicide: Murder and Involuntary Manslaughter" which was published yesterday. In respect of the criminal offence of manslaughter and related motoring offences the Commission has recommended that the existing road traffic offence of dangerous driving causing death should continue to exist alongside the more serious offence of manslaughter. It would therefore be the case that where there is a very high degree of culpability, a driver responsible for a road death could be prosecuted for manslaughter.
The Commission has also recommended the creation of a new offence of ‘careless driving causing death' to deal with fatalities caused by careless motoring. The aspects of the Commission's Report relating to motoring offences are, of course, matters for The Minister for Transport.
Residency Permits.
Finian McGrath
Question:1130 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will assist and advise on a case (details supplied). [36074/07]
The person referred to by the Deputy was recently granted permission to remain by her local Immigration Office until the 31 July 2008 on student conditions.
Deportation Orders.
Noel O'Flynn
Question:1131 Deputy Noel O’Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who has applied to remain in the State on humanitarian grounds; and if he will expedite the matter. [36080/07]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 21 September, 2006 and applied for asylum on 25 September, 2006. The application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), she was informed, by letter dated 9 October 2007, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. In addition, she was notified that she was eligible to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with regulations known as the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, S.I. No. 518 of 2006, which came into force on 10 October, 2006. The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and this application will be considered in due course. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the Subsidiary Protection application is refused, the case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will be considered under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the Prohibition of Refoulement. When this latter consideration has been completed, the case file of the person concerned will be passed to me for decision.
Garda Investigations.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:1132 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 33 of 13 December 2007, if he will confirm that Operation Bedrock is an ongoing investigation specifically into Tara campaigners; the person who prepared the policing plan referred to in his reply; the person who or the Department which is responsible for commissioning or monitoring this operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36085/07]
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:1133 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if Operation Bedrock includes the monitoring of private phone conversations, e-mails, personal financial records or personal and private data of individuals associated with the Tara campaign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36086/07]
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:1134 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an investigations into Tara campaigners other than Operation Bedrock are ongoing. [36087/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1132 to 1134, inclusive, together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that Operation Bedrock is in place to uphold the law in the context of the construction of the M3 motorway. The policing plan has been prepared by the responsible Garda Divisional Officer in respect of the obligations on An Garda Síochána to prevent any breaches of the criminal law during the construction of the M3 Motorway. The policing measures in place are deemed necessary by local Garda management to prevent any such breaches. I am further informed that it is not the policy of An Garda Síochána to comment on security matters.
Residency Permits.
Finian McGrath
Question:1135 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if persons (details supplied) will be assisted. [36094/07]
I have been informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the persons referred to by the Deputy were granted permission to remain in the State for a four month period to enable a prospective employer apply for a Work Permit on their behalf. Inquires carried out by the Immigration Division indicate that they attended their local Immigration Office on 13th December 2007 and were granted permission to remain until 3rd April 2008.
Legislative Programme.
Denis Naughten
Question:1136 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question Nos 195 and 196 of 24 April 2007 if he will report on the issues and the progress to date; the position regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36143/07]
A Legal Costs Bill and a Family Law Bill are included in the Government's Legislation Programme as announced by the Chief Whip on 29 January 2008.
Criminal Prosecutions.
Charles Flanagan
Question:1137 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prosecutions and the number of convictions that have taken place for driving under the influence of drugs each year for the past five years. [1008/08]
Following the submission in 2004 of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, it was decided that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, from the Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act 2005 consequently makes provision for this and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. Following the setting up of the necessary technical systems and auditing of the data from which the statistics are compiled, the CSO is now compiling and publishing criminal statistics and has published provisional headline crime statistics since the third quarter of 2006. I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.
Charles Flanagan
Question:1138 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prosecutions and the number of convictions for perjury each year for the past ten years. [1009/08]
Following the submission in 2004 of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, it was decided that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, from the Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act 2005 consequently makes provision for this and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. Following the setting up of the necessary technical systems and auditing of the data from which the statistics are compiled, the CSO is now compiling and publishing criminal statistics and has published provisional headline crime statistics since the third quarter of 2006. I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.
Garda Deployment.
Finian McGrath
Question:1139 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will put in place a safety and security plan at a location (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [1015/08]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the location referred to is in Clontarf Garda Sub-District and is patrolled by foot and mobile patrols from that Garda station. Members of the local Community Policing Unit allocated to this area liaise with the local community providing crime prevention and security advice.
I am further informed that a number of incidents of public disorder which occurred recently in the area concerned were followed up by members of the local Community Policing Unit. Additional Garda patrols, including patrols by District Detective and Drug Units, the Community Policing Unit and the Mountain Bike Units, supplemented as required by the Divisional Crime Task Force and Traffic Units, have been directed to pay particular attention to the location concerned.
Current policing policy in the area is predicated on the prevention of crime, including crimes of violence against persons and property, the prevention of public order offences and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of the quality of life of the residents. This strategy is, and will continue to be, central to the delivery of the policing service in this area.
Garda Investigations.
Finian McGrath
Question:1140 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will investigate the use of agents and their role in the Omagh bombing; and if he will assist the families on the matter. [1016/08]
The Garda Síochána continues to co-operate fully with the Police Service of Northern Ireland in the ongoing investigation into this atrocity, and this co-operation extends to all potential lines of enquiry. Moreover, appropriate mechanisms are in place within the Garda Síochána to keep the victims' families updated on any new developments.
In addition, the Nally Group already enquired into allegations made by a Garda Detective Sergeant concerning, inter alia, the handling by the Garda Síochána of intelligence information associated with the Omagh bombing. The Nally Group’s Report was published in November 2006 in edited form to, inter alia, protect covert Garda operational procedures and national security. The Nally Report concluded that there was no foundation for the allegations made and that they were a direct consequence of and were motivated solely by concerns arising from the difficulties in which the Detective Sergeant found himself with his superiors in the Garda Síochána and with the criminal law.
Residency Permits.
Finian McGrath
Question:1141 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will assist persons (details supplied) in Dublin 1. [1050/08]
The adult persons referred to by the Deputy were granted permission to remain in the State until 31st July 2008 on student conditions. The minor members of the family are not required to register with their local immigration officer until they reach age 16.
Joe Costello
Question:1142 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the application for family reunification of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1068/08]
The person in question made an application for Family Reunification on behalf of his wife and child in October 2006. The application was forwarded to the Refugee Applications Commissioner for investigation as required under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996. This investigation is completed and the Commissioner has forwarded a report to my Department. This application will be considered by my Department and a decision will issue in due course. At the present time Family Reunification applications are taking up to 24 months to process.
Garda Investigations.
Tony Gregory
Question:1143 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 844 of 11 December 2007, if he will request the Garda Authorities to review the closed circuit television footage referred to and to pursue again that aspect of the case as it may help identify those involved. [1069/08]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that as part of their investigation a large quantity of closed circuit television footage was seized at the time of the incident referred to. This footage was not sufficient to identify any suspects. I am further informed that the local Garda management are currently carrying out a full review of this aspect of the investigation and any new lines of enquiry arising will be thoroughly investigated. As this is an ongoing Garda investigation it would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this time.
Citizenship Applications.
Willie Penrose
Question:1144 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will take steps to expedite an application for naturalisation by a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath which is over one year with his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1089/08]
Officials in the Citizenship section of my Department inform me that processing of the application from the person referred to in the Deputy's question has commenced and that the file will be forwarded to me for a decision in the coming months. I will inform the Deputy and the person in question when I have reached a decision on the matter.
Residency Permits.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:1145 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if discussions have taken place between him and the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Education and Science to provide for coherence, transparency, efficiency and effectiveness in the system of allocating visas to foreign nationals outside the EEA, who seek to come here to pursue their studies in recognised Irish institutions as recommended in a recent report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1100/08]
Various meetings have taken place between officials of my Department and those of the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Education and Science on the matter of student immigration since the Report. Other Departments and agencies also participated. Numerous bilateral contacts on the issue involving my Department have also taken place.
Since the publication of the Report a key development in terms of visa applications has been the transfer of this function to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform under the management of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service. This allows visas to be managed as part of an overall immigration system. Visa offices have been opened in a number of key countries with a view to providing an effective pre-clearance system.
My Department has for a number of years had in place a set of detailed student visa guidelines. These are available on the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service website (www.inis.gov.ie). The guidelines are intended to assist frequent and high volume users of the student visa scheme and are updated as need arises.
However, it is important to understand the overall context here. Students like all migrants are subject to the State's immigration controls and as Minister I need to be satisfied that people coming into the State for study purposes are doing so for genuine educational purposes. I have some concerns in this respect and I am having a review conducted by my Department of our student immigration policies and procedures with a view to improving overall transparency and reducing the scope for abuse.
Judicial Reviews.
Damien English
Question:1146 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost to and the damages paid by the State in relation to judicial reviews that his Department were responsible for in each of the years 1997 to 2007 inclusive; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [1115/08]
Damien English
Question:1147 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of applications for judicial review that his Department was responsible for in each of the years 1997 to 2007; the number of applications where leave was granted for each year; and if he will present the information in tabular readable form. [1130/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1146 and 1147 together.
I have set out information relevant to the Deputy's query, in particular insofar as 2007 is concerned, in the table. In light of the limited time available for reply and the nature of the request, it would not be feasible to compile the equivalent figures over a 10 year period without the application of a disproportionate amount of staff time.
|
Costs and Damages in 2007 |
New Applications in 2007 |
Number of Applications where Leave was granted in 2007 |
|
€4,002,778.42 |
235 |
116 |
The Deputy should note that the information provided concerning costs and damages, new applications and applications where leave was granted in 2007 reflects that presently available to my Department. The Deputy should also note that there may be instances of leave having granted to seek judicial review in 2007 where the related papers have not yet been forwarded to my Department.
I can further inform the Deputy that the Chief State Solicitor Office (CSSO) acts on my behalf in civil actions involving my Department and all costs in relation to legal advice or assistance given to my Department are borne by the vote of the CSSO. However, in civil cases where the Court awards costs against my Department or where the case is settled prior to the Court hearing and one of the terms of the settlement is that my Department bears the legal costs of the opposing side, these costs are paid from my Department's vote.
Garda Districts.
Leo Varadkar
Question:1148 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has requested that the Garda Commissioner reassign the Ongar area to Blanchardstown; the reply he received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1160/08]
The detailed allocation of Garda resources and the designation of areas to be covered by any individual Garda District are matters for the Garda Commissioner to decide in accordance with his identified operational requirements. As set out in the 2008 Policing Plan, which I recently approved before laying it before both Houses of the Oireachtas, An Garda Síochána plans to carry out an examination this year of Divisions and Districts within the Dublin Metropolitan Region in light of demographic and infrastructural changes and for the purposes of alignment with the four local authority areas. I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the coverage by the Force of the Ongar area of west Dublin forms part of these deliberations.
Citizenship Applications.
Leo Varadkar
Question:1149 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will grant long-term residency and naturalisation to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1161/08]
The position in relation to granting long term residency is as follows: Persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements.
The dependants of the aforementioned, who have been legally resident in the State for over five years may also apply for long term residency. This particular long term permission does not grant an exemption from employment permit requirements to any such dependants. Time spent in the State on student conditions cannot be counted towards long term residency. While applications for long term residency are under consideration, the person concerned should ensure that their permission to remain in the State is kept up to date.
An application for long term residency from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in June 2007. I understand that applications received in July 2006 are currently being dealt with. As soon as a decision is made on the case, the person concerned will be notified. An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in the Citizenship section of my Department in August 2007.
Officials in that section are currently processing applications received in the middle of 2005 and have approximately 14,000 applications on hand to be dealt with before that of the person concerned. These are generally dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. It is likely, therefore, that further processing of the application will commence in early 2010. I will inform the Deputy and the person in question when I have reached a decision on the application.
Leo Varadkar
Question:1150 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will grant long-term residency and naturalisation to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1162/08]
The position in relation to granting long term residency is as follows: Persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements.
The dependants of the aforementioned, who have been legally resident in the State for over five years may also apply for long term residency. This particular long term permission does not grant an exemption from employment permit requirements to any such dependants. Time spent in the State on student conditions cannot be counted towards long term residency. While applications for long term residency are under consideration, the person concerned should ensure that their permission to remain in the State is kept up to date.
An application for long term residency from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in April 2007. I understand that applications received in July 2006 are currently being dealt with. As soon as a decision is made on the case, the person concerned will be notified. An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in the Citizenship section of my Department in July 2007. Officials in that section are currently processing applications received in the middle of 2005 and have approximately 13,800 applications on hand to be dealt with before that of the person concerned. These are generally dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. It is likely, therefore, that further processing of the application will commence in early 2010. I will inform the Deputy and the person in question when I have reached a decision on the application.
Crime Levels.
Tom Hayes
Question:1151 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of drug related arrests that took place in Tipperary south in 2007 and separately in Cashel, Tipperary, Clonmel, Cahir, Fethard and Carrick-on-Suir. [1169/08]
Following the submission in 2004 of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, it was determined by the Government that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over from An Garda Síochána by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency.
The Garda Síochána Act 2005 consequently made provision for this and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. Following the setting up of the necessary technical systems and auditing of the data from which the statistics are compiled, the CSO is now compiling and publishing criminal statistics and has published provisional headline crime statistics since the third quarter of 2006. Accordingly, I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.
Garda Strength.
Tom Hayes
Question:1152 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extra Garda resources and staff that will be allocated to Cashel in view of increased problems with drugs, including serious issues with heroin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1170/08]
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of Cashel Garda station as at 31 December 2007, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 12. Cashel forms part of the Cahir District and on the same date the personnel strength of Cahir District was 57. The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day the overall strength of the organisation may fluctuate due, for example, to retirements, resignations etc.
It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of the Garda station referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country.
Garda strategies for dealing with drug offences are designed to undermine the activities of organised criminal networks involved in the trafficking and distribution of illicit drugs. These strategies include gathering intelligence on individuals and organisations involved in the distribution of drugs (including the support structures underpinning this activity), conducting targeted operations on criminal networks based on intelligence gathered and working in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies both within and outside the jurisdiction to address the national as well as international aspects of drug trafficking and distribution.
National units, such as the Garda National Drugs Unit, the Criminal Assets Bureau and the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation all have specific roles in reducing drug supply and seizing the ill-gotten gains of drug traffickers. All of these units operate under the direction of the Assistant Commissioner, National Support Services.
These strategies continue to result in operational successes as evidenced by the ongoing levels of drugs seized by the Gardaí. The trafficking and distribution of all illicit drugs at local, national and international levels is constantly monitored by the Gardaí.
The enforcement of the law relating to drugs continues to be a key element in the Government's policing priorities which is reflected in An Garda Síochána's Policing Plan for 2008.
Residency Permits.
Denis Naughten
Question:1153 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for leave to remain by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1184/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 8 December, 1999 and applied for asylum on 29 December, 1999. The application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), he was informed, by letter dated 24 June 2002, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned. I expect the file to be passed to me for decision in due course.
Legislative Programme.
Dr Martin Mansergh
Question:1154 Deputy Martin Mansergh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Acts passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas sponsored by his Department in each year from 2003 to 2007; the Acts which were legislation wholly or mainly required by Ireland’s EU obligations, which were partly so required, and which had no significant or minimal reference to EU legislation; and if in the first two cases Ireland had significant discretion, as to the manner in which EU obligations were translated into domestic law. [1201/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table:
|
Name of Act passed |
Wholly or mainly required by EU obligations |
Partly required by EU obligations |
Not required by EU obligations |
|
2003 |
|||
|
Data Protection (Amendment) Act 2003 (No. 6 of 2003) |
This Act gives effect to Directive 95/46/EC which permits limited discretion to Member States in respect of certain matters. |
— |
— |
|
Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2003 (No. 16 of 2003) |
— |
— |
Not required |
|
Criminal Justice (Illicit Traffic by Sea) Act 2003 (No. 18 of 2003) |
— |
— |
Not required |
|
Garda Síochána (Police Co-operation) Act 2003 (No. 19 of 2003) |
— |
— |
Not required |
|
European Convention on Human Rights Act 2003 (No. 20 of 2003) |
— |
— |
Not required |
|
Immigration Act 2003 (No. 26 of 2003) |
— |
Provided for the making of orders as necessary to give effect to Council Regulation (EC) No 343/2003 of 18 February, 2003 establishing the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsibility for examining an asylum application lodged in one of the Member States by a third-country national. |
— |
|
Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003 (No. 31 of 2003) |
— |
— |
Not required |
|
Criminal Justice (Temporary Release of Prisoners) Act 2003 (No. 34 of 2003) |
— |
— |
Not required |
|
European Arrest Warrant Act 2003 (No. 45 of 2003) |
The European Arrest Warrant Act 2003 gives effect to the Council Framework Decision of 13 June 2002 on the European arrest warrant and the surrender procedures between Member States |
— |
— |
|
2004 |
|||
|
Immigration Act 2004 (No. 1 of 2004) |
— |
— |
Not required |
|
Private Security Services Act 2004 (No. 12 of 2004) |
— |
— |
Not required |
|
Tribunals of Enquiry (Evidence) (Amendment) Act 2004 (No. 13 of 2004) |
— |
— |
Not required |
|
Twenty-seventh Amendment of the Constitution Act 2004 |
— |
— |
Not required |
|
Child Trafficking and Pornography (Amendment) Act 2004 (No. 17 of 2006) |
— |
— |
Not required |
|
Name of Act passed |
Wholly or mainly required by EU obligations |
Partly required by EU obligations |
Not required by EU obligations |
|
2004 — continued |
|||
|
Criminal Justice (Joint Investigation Teams) Act 2004 (No. 20 of 2004) |
The Criminal Justice (Joint Investigation Teams) Act 2004 gives effect to Council Framework Decision 2002/465/JHA of 13 June 2002 on Joint Investigation Teams. |
— |
— |
|
Commissions of Investigation Act 2004 (No. 23 of 2004) |
— |
— |
Not required |
|
Equality Act 2004 (No. 24 of 2004) |
This Act gives effect to certain provisions of the EC anti-discrimination directives (the Race Directive 2000/43/EC, the Framework Employment Directive 2000/78/EC and the Gender Equal Treatment Directive 2002/73/EC) and EU regulations concerning the burden of proof in cases of discrimination based on sex. Ireland had significant discretion as to the implementation of some aspects of the above Directives. This discretion extended, for example, to: providing for genuine and determining occupational requirements, including religious ethos providing for positive action definition of harassment according to the laws and practices of Ireland inclusion of the armed forces in the scope of application providing for differences in treatment on the grounds of age maintaining and introducing more favourable provisions for the protection of the principle of equal treatment than those set out in the Directives opt for an additional 3 years to implement provisions relating to age and disability. |
— |
— |
|
Maternity Protection Act 2004 (No. 28 of 2004) |
This Act also gives effect to EU regulations concerning the burden of proof in cases of discrimination based on sex. |
— |
— |
|
Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (No. 31 of 2004) |
— |
— |
Not required |
|
Name of Act passed |
Wholly or mainly required by EU obligations |
Partly required by EU obligations |
Not required by EU obligations |
|
2004 — continued |
|||
|
Intoxicating Liquor Act 2004 (No. 34 of 2004) |
— |
— |
Not required |
|
Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 2004 (No. 38 of 2004) |
— |
— |
Not required |
|
2005 |
|||
|
Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Act 2005 (No. 1 of 2005) |
— |
— |
Not required |
|
Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005 (No. 2 of 2005) |
— |
— |
Not required |
|
Disability Act 2005 (No. 14 of 2005) |
— |
— |
Not required |
|
Garda Síochána Act 2005 (No. 20 of 2005) |
— |
— |
Not required |
|
Adoptive Leave Act 2005 (No. 25 of 2005) |
— |
— |
Not required |
|
Transfer of Execution of Sentences Act 2005 (No. 28 of 2005) |
— |
Chapter 5 of the Title III of Schengen Convention — Ireland did not have significant discretion as to the manner in which these obligations were translated into domestic law.Additional Protocol to the European Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons |
— |
|
Coroners (Amendment) Act 2005 (No. 33 of 2005) |
— |
— |
Not required |
|
2006 |
|||
|
Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006 (No. 11 of 2006) |
— |
— |
Not required |
|
Registration of Deeds and Title Act 2006 (No. 12 of 2006) |
— |
— |
Not required |
|
Parental Leave (Amendment) Act 2006 (No. 13 of 2006) |
— |
— |
Not required |
|
Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2006 (No. 15 of 2006) |
— |
— |
Not required |
|
Criminal Justice Act 2006 (No. 26 of 2006) |
— |
Arises partly from EU requirement: Part 7 (Organised crime implements, interalia, the EU Joint Action 21 December, 1998 on making it a criminal offence to participate in a criminal organisation). |
— |
|
Name of Act passed |
Wholly or mainly required by EU obligations |
Partly required by EU obligations |
Not required by EU obligations |
|
2006 — continued |
|||
|
International Criminal Court Act 2006 (No. 30 of 2006) |
— |
— |
Not required |
|
Europol (Amendment) Act 2006 (No. 37 of 2006) |
This Act implements additional protocols to Europol Convention 1997 |
— |
— |
|
2007 |
|||
|
Courts and Court Officers (Amendment) Act 2007 (No. 4 of 2007) |
— |
— |
Not required |
|
Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) (Amendment) Act 2007 (No. 6 of 2007) |
— |
— |
Not required |
|
Prisons Act 2007 (No. 10 of 2007) |
— |
— |
Not required |
|
Criminal Justice Act 2007 (No. 29 of 2007) |
— |
— |
Not required |
|
Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Act 2007 (No. 36 of 2007) |
— |
— |
Not required |
Crime Prevention.
Joe Costello
Question:1155 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has proposals to fingerprint all non-EU nationals as reported in the media; if so what he proposes to do with the fingerprints in Ireland and in the EU; the way he proposes to secure the database of fingerprints; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1210/08]
The legislative basis for the taking of fingerprints in respect of foreign nationals who enter the State is provided for as far back as the Aliens Order of 1946. This Order imposed, subject to a small number of exceptions, a registration requirement on foreign nationals which included a requirement to provide fingerprints when so required by a registration officer. The limited number of exceptions to the registration requirement includes those aged under 16 years and those whose visit was for a period of not more than three months. Since that time the registration process, including the fingerprint requirement, has been preserved, in respect of non-EEA nationals, in subsequent legislation, most recently in the Immigration Act 2004. However, the requirement to provide fingerprints under this provision has rarely, if ever, been used. Fingerprints are not taken on a routine basis during registration.
For asylum processing and identification purposes, section 9A of the Refugee Act 1996, as inserted by the Immigration Act 2003, provides powers for authorised officers and immigration officers to take the fingerprints of an asylum applicant. In practice, fingerprints are taken from all applicants for asylum. Where an asylum applicant refuses to provide fingerprints he or she will be deemed not to have made reasonable efforts to establish his or her true identity and will be deemed to have failed in his or her duty to cooperate. In addition, Ireland is a participant in the Eurodac system. This system, established under Council Regulation 2725/2000, requires Member States to take the full fingerprints of every applicant for asylum over 14 years of age. This is done in order to facilitate the application of the Dublin II Regulations, which makes it possible to determine the Member State responsible for examining an asylum application.
The use of biometric information (including fingerprints) for immigration purposes has been the subject of ongoing review having regard to available technology, efforts to combat identity fraud and our international obligations. As the Deputy will be aware, my Department published its ‘Outline policy proposals for an Immigration and Residence Bill — A Discussion Document' in April 2005. A common thread throughout that document was the need to make greater use of technology, in particular, biometric identifiers, for the purposes of enhancing security in relation to border control processes. It also highlighted the role of biometric identifiers in ensuring the security and integrity of documentation such as visas and residence permits and also for registration purposes. In addition, the Discussion Document pointed to the need to introduce registration for those under 16 years of age so as to deal more effectively with the increasing movement of minors and to provide further protections against the crime of human trafficking. In providing for the registration of children the necessity to take their fingerprints may be required.
The proposals in this Document are reflected in the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill, which was published yesterday. The Bill incorporates the taking of biometric information into many of the immigration processes set out in the Bill including border controls, registration, issuance of permits etc.
As the Deputy will be aware, the commissioning of the first phase of the new national Automatic Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) began on 22 October 2007. When it is fully rolled out, this system will give the Garda National Immigration Bureau the capacity and equipment necessary to electronically capture and store the fingerprints of all non-EEA nationals upon registration. The new system will complement the existing electronic registration card system which has been designed with this in mind. It will also provide the Garda National Immigration Bureau with facilities to capture prints at air and sea ports and mobile fingerprinting capture and search capability. The AFIS system will also be integrated with the Garda Information Systems and will provide full interoperability between PULSE, the National Immigration Bureau and the Garda Technical Bureau which will lead to further efficiencies in the processing of fingerprint data by linking it to the other electronic records in An Garda Síochána. These developments will be completed during 2008.
Fingerprints are stored on the AFIS database which is housed in a secure location in a Garda facility. Access to the AFIS database itself is controlled by use of passwords and access controls and a full audit trail is kept of all transactions associated with the AFIS system. All passwords are managed and controlled and comply with international and industrial standards.
Sentencing Policy.
Charles Flanagan
Question:1156 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he proposes to reform the civil law to promote alternatives to custody by way of civil remedy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1214/08]
The Fines Bill 2007 — which forms part of my Department's legislative programme — provides for the updating and indexing of fines. It also provides for the payment of fines by instalment and ensures that a court shall take a person's financial circumstances into account before imposing a fine.
Proposed Legislation.
Charles Flanagan
Question:1157 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he proposes to produce legislation to licence and control the debt collection industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1215/08]
I am assuming that the Deputy is referring to the context in which consumer credit operates. This matter does not come within the remit of my Department.
EU Directives.
Denis Naughten
Question:1158 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps which he is taking to fully implement European Directive 2004/38/EC; the communication between his Department and the EU Commission on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1222/08]
The European Directive 2004/38/EC was transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) Regulations 2006 S.I. 226 of 2006 which was signed by my predecessor on 28 April 2006. The Regulations were amended in December 2006 by the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons)(No. 2) Regulations S.I. 656 of 2006 to take into account the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the EU on 1 January 2007.
The transposition of that Directive, with particular reference to Regulation 3(2) which requires that a non-EEA family member accompanying an EU citizen who is exercising free movement rights must first be lawfully resident in another Member State, was upheld in the High Court in May 2007. This case is now pending before the Supreme Court. A number of cases are currently before the courts. In the circumstances it would not be appropriate for me to comment in more detail on this particular issue.
My Department exchanged written communication with the Commission in 2006 in regard to residence cards issued by other Member States under the Directive and in regard to visa processing for persons to whom the Directive applied. My Department is also due to discuss the Directive more generally with the Commission in the coming weeks.
Residency Permits.
Damien English
Question:1159 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for persons (details supplied); and when he expects a decision will be made. [1233/08]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the applications referred to were approved on 29 January 2008.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:1160 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and the position regarding the status of the application. [1238/08]
I understand that the Immigration Division of my Department will be in touch shortly with the person concerned outlining the options open to her.
Departmental Bodies.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:1161 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the make-up of the new advisory group on alcohol abuse, chaired by Dr Gordon Holmes; if it includes representatives of the drinks industry or of employers’ groups acting on behalf of the drinks industry; the remit of the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1251/08]
The members of the Government Alcohol Advisory Group are:
Dr Gordon Holmes (Chair);
Chief Superintendent John Twomey, Garda Síochána;
Professor Ian O'Donnell, University College Dublin;
Dr Declan Bedford, Health Services Executive;
Mr Seamus Carroll, Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform; and
Mr Robbie Breen, Department of Health and Children.
I intend to bring forward proposals for changes in the law on the public order aspects of the sale and consumption of alcohol for enactment before the Summer recess. In this context, the select Group under Dr Holmes's Chairmanship has been established to examine the following areas and to report to me by 31 March with their assessment of the best way forward—
the increase in the number of supermarkets, convenience stores and petrol stations with off-licences and the manner and conditions of sale in such outlets, including below unit-cost selling and special promotions;
the increase in the number of licensed premises availing of special exemption orders which permit longer opening hours; and
the use, adequacy and effectiveness of existing sanctions and penalties, particularly those directed towards combating excessive and under-age alcohol consumption.
The Group as established was always intended to be small in number and to focus on the specific remit outlined above. The Group will, of course, be in a position to have regard to submissions from interested parties, including the drinks industry. I welcome the fact that the Group has already published an advertisement in newspapers calling for submissions from interested parties and individuals and I look forward to receiving the Group's report in due course.
Citizenship Applications.
Jack Wall
Question:1162 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of an application for naturalisation by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1261/08]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department on the 14 August 2006. Officials in that Section are currently processing applications received in the middle of 2005 and have approximately 6,400 applications on hand to be dealt with before that of the person concerned. These are generally dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. It is likely, therefore, that further processing of the application will commence in the first half of 2009. I will inform the Deputy and the person in question when a decision is reached in the case.
Jack Wall
Question:1163 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of an application by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare for naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1263/08]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in June 2005. Officials in that Section are currently processing applications received in the middle of 2005 and the applicants file will therefore be forwarded to me for a decision in due course. I will inform the Deputy and the person in question when a decision is reached in the case.
Residency Permits.
Joe Costello
Question:1164 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the application for family reunification of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1273/08]
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question made a Family Reunification application in April 2005. I also understand that the Immigration Division has recently been in contact with the person concerned requesting documentation. On receipt of the requested documentation, the application will be further considered.
Refugee Status.
Joe Costello
Question:1165 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the judicial review in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1274/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted.
While it is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications, the Deputy may wish to note that the average length of time taken by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal to process and complete substantive appeals is approximately 17 weeks and 9 weeks for accelerated appeals. I would point out to the Deputy that delays in finalising cases can occur for a variety of reasons, including giving applicants and appellants the fullest opportunity possible to present their cases and the determination of Judicial Review proceedings, where appellants pursue such a course of action.
Where the latter is relevant, the time taken to discharge any proceedings is a matter for the Courts and is not something that I, as Minister, can comment on. It is, of course, open to the applicant or the appellant to withdraw any Judicial Review proceedings which they may have instigated and this would allow for their appeal to be processed in the normal manner. A final decision on this application will be made upon receipt of the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Child Abduction.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:1166 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will investigate case no. LR 10.6.1281 (details supplied) regarding the removal of an Irish citizen child from the State contrary to court order granting the Irish father custody of the child, and the subsequent application under the Hague Convention for the return of said child; the status of this case; the reason for the delay in resolving this matter; and if progress is being made or is expected to be made in the near future. [1284/08]
As the Deputy will appreciate, it would not be appropriate for me to comment in detail on an individual case except to say that the Central Authority for Child Abduction has been in touch with the applicant and is keeping him fully informed of developments as they occur. The Central Authority for Child Abduction operates in my Department for the purposes of the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.
The purpose of the Convention is to facilitate the return of children who have been wrongfully removed from the contracting state where they are habitually resident to another contracting state.
Where a child under the age of 16 is wrongfully removed from the State in breach of guardianship or custody rights, the person whose rights have been breached can make an application under the Hague Convention.
The usual course of action for the Central Authority in the receiving state is to secure the return of the child either voluntarily or by initiating court proceedings in that state. The terms of the Convention require that the wrongfully removed child be returned to the country of its habitual residence, except where the Court in the country to which the child was removed determines that one of the limited and exceptional circumstances set out in the Convention applies.
Residency Permits.
Joe Costello
Question:1167 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the application for family reunification in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1291/08]
The person in question made a Family Reunification application on behalf of his wife and mother in February 2007. The application was forwarded to the Refugee Applications Commissioner for investigation as required under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996. This investigation is completed and the Commissioner has forwarded a report to my Department. This application will be considered by my Department and a decision will issue in due course. At the present time Family reunification applications are taking up to 24 months to process.
Crime Prevention.
Áine Brady
Question:1168 Deputy Áine Brady asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans An Garda Síochána have to introduce further youth diversion programmes in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1316/08]
Garda Youth Diversion Projects are community-based, multi-agency crime prevention initiatives which seek to divert young people from becoming involved (or further involved) in anti-social and/or criminal behaviour by providing suitable activities to facilitate personal development and promote civic responsibility. The Garda Youth Diversion Projects are funded by my Department and administered through the Community Relations Section of An Garda Síochána. There were 100 projects established by the end of 2007 and it is the Government's intention, under the agreed Programme for Government, to establish a further 68 projects over its lifetime.
The Garda Commissioner brings forward proposals to me for the establishment of new Garda Youth Diversion Projects following periodic assessment of applications received from community groups etc. The locations for new Projects are selected on the basis of factors including the level of juvenile crime in the area and the number of young people referred to the Juvenile Diversion Programme. There are two Projects already established in Co. Kildare- in The Curragh and Celbridge. Should any application be received for a further Garda Youth Diversion Project in the Co. Kildare area it will be given due consideration by the Garda Commissioner.
Garda Divisions.
Áine Brady
Question:1169 Deputy Áine Brady asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the benefits the re-drawing of the Garda boundaries will have for County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1317/08]
Proposals to alter the boundaries of a Garda regional or divisional geographical area, or to establish or relocate a divisional or district headquarters are matters in the first instance for the Garda Commissioner in the context of the Annual Policing Plan. The 2008 Policing Plan sets out the Commissioner's plans to realign the boundaries of a number of Garda Divisions around the country to make them coterminous with local authority boundaries. I recently approved the plan before laying it before the Houses of the Oireachtas. Included in the plan is the creation of a new Kildare Garda Division with Naas as its headquarters.
The key benefits of this initiative for County Kildare and more widely are:
greater efficiencies and effectiveness in facilitating the establishment and working of Joint Policing Committees;
reduced duplication of effort for Garda management where Garda Divisions and Districts currently cross Local Authority boundaries; and
better consultation between An Garda Síochána and elected representatives concerning matters of public disorder and other anti-social behaviour and crime in general.
A detailed programme of work is currently being developed by An Garda Síochána to implement the establishment of the Kildare Division and the other changes contained in the policing plan. This programme of work will also examine the geographical areas of district and sub-district stations arising from the re-alignment of the regional and divisional boundaries set out in the plan and will set out a timetable for the establishment of the new divisions.
Visa Applications.
Lucinda Creighton
Question:1170 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if D study visas for non-EU citizens can be granted for courses that include internships; if the rules concerning same have changed in the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1341/08]
Lucinda Creighton
Question:1171 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of D study visas granted for courses involving internships issued in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1342/08]
Lucinda Creighton
Question:1176 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if D study visas were granted for students to do internships here in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1378/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1170, 1171 and 1176 together.
Every visa application is considered on its own merits and an application for a visa to pursue a course in Ireland which involves an internship is not regarded as exceptional. Detailed information regarding the process and requirements for a study visa is available for all potential applicants on the Website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service — www.inis.gov.ie.
Certain criteria for study visas occasionally need to be reviewed, for example, the estimated cost of living for an academic year. However, the fundamental process and requirements have not been changed in the past three years.
Applications for study visas involving internships are not considered separately and, hence, there are no figures available. I can inform the Deputy, however, that the number of study visa applications received in Dublin during 2007 was 3,712 and the total number approved was 1,098.
Citizenship Applications.
Billy Timmins
Question:1172 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to the application of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if same will be dealt with as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1361/08]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in the Citizenship section of my Department in March 2005.
Officials in that section inform me that processing of the application has commenced and that the file will be forwarded to me for a decision in due course.
I will inform the Deputy and the person concerned when I have reached a decision on the matter.
Garda Deployment.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:1173 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí currently allocated to Ballyporeen Garda Station, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1362/08]
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that as at 31 December 2007, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the total strength of Ballyporeen Garda Station was 1. Ballyporeen forms part of the Cahir District. The total strength of Cahir District as at the same date was 57.
The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day the overall strength of the organisation may fluctuate due, for example, to retirements, resignations etc.
It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of the Garda Station referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:1174 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí and civilian staff currently allocated to Cahir Garda Station; the number of dedicated members assigned to anti-drug policing and traffic duties; the number of foot patrols conducted during the month of December 2007; if there are plans to increase the number of members and civilian staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1363/08]
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that as of 31 December 2007, the latest date for which figures are readily available the personnel strength of Cahir Garda Station was 40. The personnel strength of the Traffic Unit and the number of civilian staff attached to Cahir Garda Station at the same date was 11 and 4 respectively. I am also informed that there is a Divisional Drugs Unit in operation in the Tipperary Division and one member of this Unit is based at Cahir Garda Station.
All Gardaí have responsibility, inter alia, to deal with Traffic and Drug related issues as and when they arise.
A dedicated Human Resource Directorate has been established in the Garda Síochána to serve the needs of the civilian, administrative, professional, technical and industrial staff in the Garda Síochána and to promote an extensive programme of civilianisation.
For security and operation reasons, it is not the practice of the Garda Síochána to provide details regarding foot patrols conducted.
It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of the Garda Station referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda Stations throughout the country.
Asylum Applications.
Joe Costello
Question:1175 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide the figures (details supplied) for each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1364/08]
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to Somali asylum applications for each of the last ten years is set out in the tables.
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the number of applications for family reunification received from Somali nationals in each of the last ten years and the number of those applications which were granted is not readily available. It would require an inordinate amount of time to obtain these figures and if they are to be provided it will distract the limited staff resources available in this work area from the processing of applications on hand. I can however advise the Deputy that there are currently 1956 applications for family reunification being processed by my Department and of that total approximately 75% are Somali Nationals.
|
Year |
No. of applications received |
Year |
No. of applications received |
|
1998 |
75 |
2003 |
183 |
|
1999 |
123 |
2004 |
197 |
|
2000 |
138 |
2005 |
367 |
|
2001 |
70 |
2006 |
161 |
|
2002 |
77 |
2007 |
144 |
|
Total |
1,535 |
|
Year |
Number of decisions/ recommendations to grant refugee status at first instance |
Number of decisions/recommend-ations to grant refugee status at appeal stage |
Total number of decisions/ recommendations to grant refugee status |
|
1998 |
53 |
3 |
56 |
|
1999 |
12 |
75 |
87 |
|
2000 |
14 |
36 |
50 |
|
2001 |
34 |
22 |
56 |
|
2002 |
35 |
19 |
54 |
|
2003 |
24 |
19 |
43 |
|
2004 |
82 |
10 |
92 |
|
2005 |
86 |
31 |
117 |
|
2006 |
60 |
39 |
99 |
|
2007 |
28 |
14 |
42 |
|
Total |
428 |
268 |
696 |
Processing times
The average processing time for Somali asylum applications at first instance in the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner was approximately five months in 2007.
The average processing time for Somali asylum applicants at the Refugee Appeals Tribunal where applicants didn't require access to previous appeal decisions was approximately six months in 2007, and eleven months in 2007 where access to previous appeal decisions was required.
|
Year |
Total no. of decisions/ recommend-ations to grant refugee status at first instance and appeal stage |
Total no. of decisions/ recommend-ations to refuse refugee status at first instance and appeal stage |
|
1998 |
168 |
1,368 |
|
1999 |
517 |
5,430 |
|
2000 |
605 |
7,443 |
|
2001 |
941 |
7,965 |
|
2002 |
1,992 |
11,066 |
|
2003 |
1,177 |
11,609 |
|
2004 |
1,138 |
11,854 |
|
2005 |
966 |
8,191 |
|
2006 |
648 |
5,461 |
|
2007 |
579 |
4,961 |
|
Total |
8,731 |
75,348 |
Question No. 1176 answered with Question No. 1170.
Garda Stations.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:1177 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if further consideration will be given to the need for a second Garda station in Tallaght, Dublin 24; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Tallaght is the third largest population centre here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1379/08]
Charlie O'Connor
Question:1220 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action he will take to ensure that progress is being made in respect of plans for the replacement of the Garda station site at Tallaght, Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1688/08]
Charlie O'Connor
Question:1221 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will put pressure on the Garda Authorities to assign additional Gardaí to Tallaght, Dublin 24, the third largest population centre here; if his attention has been drawn to the needs of the region in that regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1689/08]
Charlie O'Connor
Question:1264 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide additional resources to An Garda Síochána to allow for extra policing activity in the Tallaght west area of Dublin 24; if his attention has been drawn to the particular challenges for the Gardaí in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2410/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1177, 1220, 1221 and 1264 together.
In accordance with section 22 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, proposals in relation to the opening and closing of Garda stations are a matter, in the first instance, for the Garda Commissioner in the context of the Annual Policing Plan. I have been informed by the Garda authorities that their accommodation requirements for policing the Tallaght area will be best met by the re-development of the existing Garda Station site at the Square.
The Commissioners of Public Works, who have responsibility for the provision, refurbishment and maintenance of Garda buildings, are appraising the existing site with a view to maximising its development potential for the State. Planning is at an advanced stage for a development of the site to address all Garda requirements for Tallaght, which will include a significant increase in the current accommodation available to the Gardaí as well as facilitating the re-location of the Divisional Headquarters. I can assure the Deputy that there will be no avoidable delay in addressing Garda accommodation needs in Tallaght.
The Deputy will be aware that it is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account. I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that as at 31 December 2007, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the total strength of Tallaght Garda Station was 181. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of Tallaght will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of Garda needs.
I am aware of the policing challenges facing An Garda Síochána in the Tallaght area, many of which I have determined as overall priorities for An Garda Síochána in the 2008 Policing Plan and which the Commissioner has elaborated on as strategic goals for 2008 in the context of the Plan.
Residency Permits.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:1178 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application for family reunification will be decided in relation to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1391/08]
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that there is no record of any application for Family Reunification for the person in question.
A Family Reunification information leaflet detailing the application process for Family Reunification was issued to the legal representative of the person in question in October 2006 and again in September 2007 and to date there is no record of the completed application form having been received in the Family Reunification section of my Department.
Asylum Applications.
Jack Wall
Question:1179 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of an application by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare to remain in the State in view of the medical condition of the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1412/08]
The person referred to by the Deputy applied for Asylum on 30 December 2005. The claim was assessed by the Refugee Applications Commissioner who concluded that the person concerned did not meet the criteria for recognition as a refugee. The Commissioner's recommendation was communicated to her by letter dated 26 April 2006. This communication advised the person of her entitlement to appeal the Commissioner's recommendation to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, which she duly did.
The Refugee Appeals Tribunal considered the person's appeal, following which the Tribunal affirmed the Commissioner's earlier recommendation to reject her claim. The outcome of the appeal was made known to the applicant by letter dated 12 November 2007.
In accordance with normal procedures, the applicant's file was forwarded to my Department's Ministerial Decisions Unit for final processing of the Asylum claim. A letter was issued to her from my Department on 22 January 2008 advising her formally that her asylum claim had been rejected and affording her three options as follows:
1.Return home voluntarily
2.Consent to the making of a deportation order, or
3.Make written representations to me within 15 working days for temporary leave to remain in the state and/or make an application for subsidiary protection under the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (SI No. 518 of 2006).
My Department currently awaits a response from the person concerned to indicate which option she intends to pursue.
Citizenship Applications.
Denis Naughten
Question:1180 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 448 of 9 October 2007, when he expects an application for a certificate of naturalisation by a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1424/08]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Questions 448 of 9 October 2007, 136 of 24 April 2007 and 258 of 31 January 2007.
I have already informed the Deputy that it is likely that the application on behalf of the person concerned will be processed in early 2008. This is still the position.
I will inform the Deputy and the person in question when I have reached a decision on the matter.
Residency Permits.
Paul Connaughton
Question:1181 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not been granted residency; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that their passport was lost or mislaid and that they can prove their residency by way of permits and by affidavit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1440/08]
Long term residency was introduced by way of an administrative scheme in May 2004. The position in relation to granting long term residency is as follows: Persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements.
Long term residency is granted on the basis that a non EEA national had completed five years (60 months) legal residence in the State which is reflected in the corresponding stamp 1 or stamp 4 endorsements in a person's passport and not by the dates of commencement and expiry of each work permit.
At time of processing, each application is examined to verify the applicant meets the residency criteria. An application, from the person referred to by the Deputy, for long term residency was refused in July 2007 on the basis that the person concerned had only submitted proof of 47.14 months legal residence.
Prisoner Transfers.
Joe Costello
Question:1182 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will reply to an e-mail from a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1442/08]
The person referred to by the Deputy has made four separate applications for transfer to a prison in this jurisdiction under the Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons, all of which have been refused after careful consideration. In refusing the person's latest application for transfer, I believed that, on balance, he had closer ties to places other than this jurisdiction. In particular, I was not satisfied that he would normally be resident in this jurisdiction, were it not for his imprisonment. In addition, I was of the opinion that he does not have sufficient family support residing in this jurisdiction.
The person referred to by the Deputy has been notified of the reasons for refusal of his applications. It is not the practice of my Department to comment, or to respond to members of the public, on matters which are personal to individual prisoners.
The Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons does not confer an automatic right on any prisoner to be transferred nor does it confer an obligation on any State to comply with a transfer request. This is clearly set out in the Explanatory Report to the Convention.
Paramilitary Organisations.
Enda Kenny
Question:1183 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the organisation known as the Real IRA exists; if it is a proscribed organisation; the extent of its membership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1454/08]
Enda Kenny
Question:1184 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the organisation known as the Provisional IRA still exists; if it is a proscribed organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1455/08]
Enda Kenny
Question:1185 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the unit referred to as the Army Council of the IRA is still in existence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1456/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1183 to 1185, inclusive, together.
Pursuant to the Unlawful Organisation (Suppression) Order 1939, the organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army (also the IRA and Oglaigh ne hÉireann) continues to be an unlawful organisation.
The so-called Real IRA (RIRA) continues to exist and is currently actively engaged in terrorist activity. The Garda Síochána continues to actively combat such activity. For operational reasons, it is not the practice nor would it be in the public interest to comment upon the extent of its membership.
The so-called Provisional IRA (PIRA) continues to exist but has been on ceasefire since 1997 and is not currently involved in terrorist or criminal activity according to the best advice available to me, including the most recent report of the Independent Monitoring Commission.
With regard to an Army Council of the IRA, in relation to PIRA, although there is ongoing debate as to the continued existence or otherwise of such a body, there is no evidence that such a body has recently convened. Equivalent bodies exist and are active in respect of both RIRA and the so-called Continuity IRA.
Garda Stations.
Bernard Allen
Question:1186 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make a statement on the proposed closure of the Watercourse Road Garda Station, Blackpool, Cork; the plans he has to replace that station; and the location of same. [1484/08]
Bernard Allen
Question:1227 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans he has to replace McCurtain Street Garda Station, Cork, which was closed some time ago. [1733/08]
Bernard Allen
Question:1228 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make a statement on the closure of Mallow Road Garda Station, Cork; if it will be replaced; and the location of same. [1734/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1186, 1227 and 1228 together.
The formulation of proposals in relation to the opening and closing of Garda stations is a matter, in the first instance, for the Garda Commissioner in the context of the annual policing plan, as provided for in section 22 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005. Having approved the 2008 Annual Policing Plan I recently laid it before the Houses of the Oireachtas. It sets out the Commissioner's proposal to close the Watercourse Road and the Mallow Road Garda Stations and to merge these stations as a new Garda Station in Blackpool, which will provide improved facilities for the future policing in these areas of Cork city.
The future of McCurtain Street Station will be a matter for consideration by the Garda Authorities.
Illegal Weapons.
Finian McGrath
Question:1187 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will introduce regulations to deal with dangerous weapons and swords. [1500/08]
The Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, 1990 legislates to prohibit the unlawful carrying of knives or articles which have a blade or are sharply pointed or any article made or adapted to cause injury. It is an offence for any person to manufacture, import, sell, hire or loan such weapons. Any person found guilty of such offences is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding €5,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years or both.
I understand from the Garda Commissioner that the Garda Authorities are reviewing the current legislation pertaining to offensive weapons and that he will advise me of his recommendations in due course.
Departmental Properties.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:1188 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Department owned computer desktops or laptops or other data devices, such as blackberries and memory keys, reported lost, missing or stolen from his Department in each year from 2002 to 2007; the number of these that were later recovered or found; the number still missing; if any sensitive or private data was compromised; the measures in place within his Department to secure such portable or at risk data devices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1518/08]
No data has been compromised because of lost data devices. In 2005, arising from burglary, four laptops containing no sensitive or private data were stolen from a Departmental building.
No desktops have been lost or stolen.
The Department has no record of stolen Blackberries, although a small number have been lost and not recovered to date. They were quickly missed, the accounts frozen and the data removed by the server. There was no loss of data.
The Department's IT system is designed to allow staff who need access to official information off-site to access the Department's information via a secure portal. This means that they are working on the Department's IT network and no Departmental data rests on the device they are using to access the portal. The capability to download information on to devices such as USB keys is heavily restricted. There have been no reports of data being lost or compromised.
Detention Centres.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:1189 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he received the most recent report of the Expert Group on Children Detention Schools; when he proposes to publish the report; if in the interim he will outline the main recommendations of the group; if those recommendations are compatible with the apparent intention, as reported in the media, to detain children in the proposed new Thornton Hall complex; when it is proposed to make decisions on such recommendations as have been made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1522/08]
Pat Rabbitte
Question:1190 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child as they relate to detention of a child in the custody of the State; if a proposed detention centre for children as part of the Thornton Hall complex is compatible with those provisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1523/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1189 and 1190 together.
The Expert Group on Children Detention Schools was tasked by the Minister for Children in 2006 to initiate and plan for the necessary redevelopment of existing children detention schools and for the development of new facilities to extend the children detention school model to all children who have been ordered to be detained by the Court, and to advise accordingly. Having examined a number of options for such a redevelopment of the children detention schools the Expert Group submitted its final report to my colleague, Mr. Brendan Smith T.D., Minister for Children, in December 2007. I understand that Minister Smith is considering the Expert Group report and intends to bring recommendations to Government in the near future. In light of this, it would be inappropriate for me to make any further comment on the report at this time except to say that the Report will be published at an early date.
The redevelopment of children detention school places will take time as it requires detailed planning, design and consultation with stakeholders to ensure that high quality facilities are created. In the interim it is necessary to retain the use of St. Patrick's Institution until suitable children detention school places can be created with regard to 16 and 17 year old boys.
As all prison accommodation on the Mountjoy site, including St. Patrick's Institution, is to be closed it is necessary to make provision for interim accommodation, should it be required, for 16 and 17 year old boys on the Thornton Hall campus. The campus structure of Thornton Hall will ensure that a facility for 16 and 17 year old boys is completely segregated from facilities being used by adult offenders. While it is prudent to ensure detention services are available to the Courts the redevelopment of children detention school places will not be affected by this interim measure. On completion of the detention school development project all children under 18 years of age being detained will only be accommodated in dedicated children facilities. This is compatible with Article 37 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and as provided for in the Children Act 2001, as amended.
Asylum Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1191 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or anticipated residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1547/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 6 March 2000 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Asylum Division, Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), he was informed, by letter dated 30 November 2001, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of submitting written representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain in the State. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned.
I understand that the processing of the file of the person concerned is nearing completion and I expect it to be submitted to me for decision shortly. When a decision is made, an official of my Department will convey the decision to the person concerned, in writing. I expect this process to be completed within the next two weeks.
Residency Permits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1192 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected position in the application for family reunification in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1548/08]
I refer the Deputy to my previous answer to Question Number 1008 put down for answer on 26 September, 2007.
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question made a Family Reunification application in May 2007.
The application was forwarded to the Refugee Applications Commissioner for investigation as required under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996. This investigation has been completed and the Commissioner has forwarded a report to my Department.
This application will be considered by my Department and a decision will issue in due course.
At the present time Family Reunification applications are taking up to 24 months to process.
Citizenship Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1193 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1549/08]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in the Citizenship section of my Department in October 2002.
The file was forwarded to my predecessor in January 2005 and he decided to refuse the application. The reason for refusal was disclosed to the person concerned in a letter dated 2 February 2005.
It is open to the person in question to lodge a new application should she be in the position to meet the statutory requirements applicable at that time.
Residency Permits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1194 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when family reunification will be granted in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1550/08]
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that one of the persons in question made an application for Family Reunification in June 2005 in respect of her mother, sister and daughter and an application for her husband in September 2005.
Correspondence issued in April 2007 advising the person concerned of the decision made on her application. However, it would appear that the correspondence in respect of her spouse was not received by the person referred to by the Deputy despite it being re-issued to the address provided by the person concerned. This correspondence was subsequently returned by An Post marked ‘Not Called For'.
The Immigration Division of my Department has recently re-issued this correspondence, advising her of the decision in her case.
Visa Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1195 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a green card will be renewed in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway in view of the fact that the person is in adult education in Galway and has a stamp four visa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1551/08]
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person concerned should attend at their local Immigration office prior to the expiry date of their current permission to remain to seek an extension of same.
Residency Permits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1196 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1552/08]
I refer the Deputy to my previous answer to Parliamentary Question No. 1025 put down for answer on the 26th September 2007.
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question made a Family Reunification application in March 2006.
This application is under consideration by my Department and a decision will issue in due course.
At the present time Family Reunification applications are taking up to 24 months to process.
Visa Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1197 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a green card will be renewed in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1553/08]
The person in question arrived in the State on 16 April 2003 and applied for asylum. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Following consideration of her case under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), as an exceptional measure, the person in question was granted temporary leave to remain in the State on 30 November 2004. This was renewed on 1 December 2005 and also on 10 January 2007. An application for a renewal of her temporary leave to remain in the State was received in my Department on 3 December 2007. Following consideration of this application, the temporary leave to remain in the State of the person concerned was renewed, on 22 January 2008, for a further period of three years i.e. to 10 January 2011.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1198 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a green card will be renewed in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1554/08]
The person in question arrived in the State on 16 April 2003 and applied for asylum. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Following consideration of her case under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), as an exceptional measure, the person in question was granted temporary leave to remain in the State on 30 November 2004. This was renewed on 1 December 2005 and also on 10 January 2007. An application for a renewal of her temporary leave to remain in the State was received in my Department on 3 December 2007. Following consideration of this application, the temporary leave to remain in the State of the person concerned was renewed, on 22 January 2008, for a further period of three years i.e. to 10 January 2011.
Residency Permits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1199 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if residency status will be extended on a permanent basis in the case of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 15, in view of the fact that this family have resided and worked here continuously since 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1555/08]
The position in relation to granting long term residency is as follows: Persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements.
The dependants of the aforementioned, who have been legally resident in the State for over five years may also apply for long term residency. This particular long term permission does not grant an exemption from employment permit requirements to any such dependants.
Time spent in the State on student conditions cannot be counted towards long term residency.
While applications for long term residency are under consideration, the person concerned should ensure that their permission to remain in the State is kept up to date.
An application for long term residency from the first named person referred to by the Deputy was received in June 2007. I understand that applications received in July 2006 are currently being dealt with. As soon as a decision is made on the case, the person concerned will be notified. There is no record of an application for long term residency from the second named person.
Citizenship Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1200 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an examination for naturalisation will be completed in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1556/08]
I refer the Deputy to the replies to Parliamentary Question Numbers 695 and 1045 for answer on 26 June 2007 and 26 September 2007 respectively. The position remains as stated.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1201 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will qualify for naturalisation in view of the fact that they were out of work for two months out of the past three full years of employment due to an accident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1557/08]
The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. These conditions are that the applicant must—
be of full age, or by way of exception, be a minor born in the State
be of good character
have had a period of one year's continuous residency in the State immediately before the date of application and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, have had a total residence in the State amounting to four years
intend in good faith to continue to reside in the State after naturalisation
have made, either before a Judge of the District Court in open court or in such a manner as the Minister, for special reasons allows, a declaration in the prescribed manner, of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person mentioned in the Deputy's question was received in the Citizenship section of my Department in May 2002.
The file was forwarded to my predecessor in November 2004 and he decided to refuse the application. The reason for refusal was disclosed to the person concerned in a letter dated 25 November 2004.
It is open to the person in question to lodge a new application should he be in a position to meet the statutory requirements applicable at that time.
Visa Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1202 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin to join a spouse visa who has a family member with special needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1558/08]
As noted in my reply to the Deputy's question of 13 December, 2007 (Ref: 34784/07), the application referred to was refused by the Visa Officer in Cairo on 26 November, 2007.
The applicant lodged an appeal but the decision was upheld by the Appeals Officer on 17 December, 2007 because there were still concerns around the couple's relationship history prior to marriage. The decision of the Appeals Officer is final and the only option for the applicant now is to make a further application.
In notifying the applicant of the outcome, the Appeals Officer made clear the matters which would need to be addressed should a fresh application be made.
Residency Permits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1203 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1559/08]
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question is the subject of a Family Reunification application which was refused in July 2006.
I refer the Deputy to my previous answer to Question Number 1044 put down for answer on 26 September 2007.
I understand that the representatives of the person in question have been in contact with the Immigration Division regarding this matter and a response has issued to them.
Visa Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1204 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected position in relation to a visa application in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1560/08]
Based on the information provided, the Visa Office Dublin has been unable to trace a visa application from the person concerned. If the children wish to travel to Ireland they must apply for the appropriate visa at their nearest Consulate or Embassy in their country of permanent residence.
Citizenship Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1205 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when naturalisation will be approved in the case of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1561/08]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the first person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in the Citizenship section of my Department in August 2005. Processing of that application will be complete on receipt of certain documentation requested by officials in the Citizenship section.
I will inform the Deputy and the person concerned when I have reached a decision on the matter.
In relation to the second individual referred to in the Deputy's question, Officials in my Department inform me that there is no record of any application for either a certificate of naturalisation or for long term residency.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1206 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application for residency and naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1563/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 16 January, 2003 and applied for asylum. The application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), he was informed, by letter dated 31 August 2004, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned.
I understand that the file of the person concerned is being processed and I expect it to be submitted to me for decision shortly. When a decision is made, an official of my Department will convey this decision to the person concerned, in writing.
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the spouse of the person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in the Citizenship section of my Department in August 2007. On examination of the application it was determined that the person concerned did not meet the statutory residency requirements as set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. A letter informing the applicant of this was issued on 28 January 2008. It is open to the person in question to lodge a new application if and when she is in a position to meet the statutory requirements applicable at that time.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1207 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1564/08]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 711 on 26 June 2007 in which I advised him that it is likely that the application will be submitted to me for a decision by mid 2008. The position remains unchanged.
Asylum Applications.
Billy Timmins
Question:1208 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 184 of 12 December 2007 for persons (details supplied); the reason there is a delay; the information that is required to process this application; if they are waiting for information, the information that is needed; if they have contacted the family in relation to this; if this can be dealt with as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1573/08]
The persons in question are aware of the reasons for the delay which centres around their entry into the State under assumed identities. I am therefore not in a position, at this stage, to advise when this matter will be concluded.
Garda Deployment.
Jack Wall
Question:1209 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the new Kildare Garda division will be up and running; the location of the headquarters; if this change will result in increased areas for each station; if there will be an increase in the number of Gardaí located at each station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1587/08]
Proposals to alter the boundaries of a Garda regional or divisional geographical area, or to establish or relocate a divisional or district headquarters are matters in the first instance for the Garda Commissioner in the context of the Annual Policing Plan. I recently approved the 2008 Annual Policing Plan and laid it before the Houses of the Oireachtas. It sets out the Commissioner's proposals to realign the boundaries of a number of Garda Divisions around the country to make them coterminous with local authority boundaries. Included in this realignment is the creation of a new Kildare Garda Division with Naas being proposed as the divisional headquarters.
A detailed programme of work is currently being developed by An Garda Síochána to implement the establishment of the Kildare Division and the other changes contained in the policing plan. This programme of work will also examine the geographical areas of district and sub-district stations arising from the re-alignment of the regional and divisional boundaries set out in the plan.
It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking all factors into account. The needs of the Kildare Division will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of Garda needs.
Crime Levels.
Jack Wall
Question:1210 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of burglaries recorded at each Garda station in Kildare for 2007; the number of detections which resulted from these burglaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1588/08]
Following the submission in 2004 of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, it was decided that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, from the Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act 2005 consequently makes provision for this and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. Following the setting up of the necessary technical systems and auditing of the data from which the statistics are compiled, the CSO is now compiling and publishing criminal statistics and has published provisional headline crime statistics since the third quarter of 2006. I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.
Garda Strength.
Brian O'Shea
Question:1211 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he expects additional personnel will become available to An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1620/08]
The unprecedented increase in the strength of the Garda Síochána is continuing in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, with an intake of approximately 1,100 recruits per annum. In addition, there is a significant expansion under way in the number of civilian staff being made available to the Commissioner.
Visa Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1212 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the procedure to be followed for a stamp four visa application to be made in the names of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1627/08]
I would refer the Deputy to my replies to Questions Nos. 423 on 27 September, 2006 and 259 on 5 July, 2007. The persons concerned were refused permission to remain in the State under the revised arrangements announced on 15th January 2005, commonly referred to as the IBC/05 Scheme. My Department is currently considering a number of judgements delivered by the Supreme Court relating to the IBC/05 Scheme. The implications for individual cases, and for the Judicial Review proceedings ongoing in this case, are being assessed.
Asylum Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1213 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress in regard to the application for family reunification in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1628/08]
I refer the Deputy to my previous answers to Question No. 317 put down for answer on 31 January 2007 and Question No. 167 put down for answer on 27 September 2007. I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the review of this application was completed and the person in question was notified that the original decision was upheld. A new Family Reunification Application was received from the person in question in December 2007 and is currently with the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1214 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application for family reunification in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Clare is expected to be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1629/08]
The person in question made an application for Family Reunification in December 2005. The application was forwarded to the Refugee Applications Commissioner for investigation as required under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996. This investigation is completed and the Commissioner has forwarded a report to my Department. This application will be considered by my Department and a decision will issue in due course.
Residency Permits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1215 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency position in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1630/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted.
While it is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications, I would point out to the Deputy that delays in finalising cases can occur for a variety of reasons, including giving applicants and appellants the fullest opportunity possible to present their cases and the determination of Judicial Review proceedings, where appellants pursue such a course of action. Where the latter is relevant, the time taken to discharge any proceedings is a matter for the Courts and is not something that I, as Minister, can comment on. It is, of course, open to the applicant or the appellant to withdraw any Judicial Review proceedings which they may have instigated and this would allow for their appeal to be processed in the normal manner.
A final decision on this application will be made upon receipt of the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Visa Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1216 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a visa to visit the US will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1632/08]
My Department has no function in the process of applying for a visa to visit the United States.
Residency Permits.
Pat Breen
Question:1217 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1649/08]
The position in relation to granting long term residency is as follows: Persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements. The dependants of the aforementioned, who have been legally resident in the State for over five years may also apply for long term residency. This particular long term permission does not grant an exemption from employment permit requirements to any such dependants. Time spent in the State on student conditions cannot be counted towards long term residency.
While applications for long term residency are under consideration, the person concerned should ensure that their permission to remain in the State is kept up to date. An application for long term residency from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in August 2006. I understand that applications received in July 2006 are currently being dealt with. As soon as a decision is made on the case, the person concerned will be notified.
Road Traffic Offences.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:1218 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of alcohol breath tests that were carried out over the Christmas 2007 period; the way this compares with the amount carried out in 2005 and 2006; the number of drivers who were found to be over the alcohol limit during Christmas 2005, 2006 and 2007; and if any drivers were found under the influence of drugs during the same time periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1659/08]
In the time available it has not been possible for the Garda authorities to supply the details requested by the Deputy. I will be in contact with the Deputy when the information is to hand.
Residency Permits.
Phil Hogan
Question:1219 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made in respect of the residency application of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1668/08]
The position in relation to granting long term residency is as follows: Persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements. The dependants of the aforementioned, who have been legally resident in the State for over five years may also apply for long term residency. This particular long term permission does not grant an exemption from employment permit requirements to any such dependants. Time spent in the State on student conditions cannot be counted towards long term residency.
While applications for long term residency are under consideration, the person concerned should ensure that their permission to remain in the State is kept up to date. An application for long term residency from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in January 2007. I understand that applications received in July 2006 are currently being dealt with. As soon as a decision is made on the case, the person concerned will be notified.
Questions Nos. 1220 and 1221 answered with Question No. 1177.
Willie Penrose
Question:1222 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will confirm receipt of an application for residency by a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will take steps to have same expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1690/08]
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that an application by the person concerned for residence in the State based on EU Treaty Rights was received on 2nd November 2007. Applications based on EU Treaty Rights are currently being processed within the six month statutory time frame allowed. A decision will issue to the applicant in due course.
John Curran
Question:1223 Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he expects an application for long term residency made by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22 to be processed. [1696/08]
The position in relation to granting long term residency is as follows: Persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements. The dependants of the aforementioned, who have been legally resident in the State for over five years may also apply for long term residency. This particular long term permission does not grant an exemption from employment permit requirements to any such dependants. Time spent in the State on student conditions cannot be counted towards long term residency.
While applications for long term residency are under consideration, the person concerned should ensure that their permission to remain in the State is kept up to date. An application for long term residency from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in September 2006. I understand that applications received in July 2006 are currently being dealt with. As soon as a decision is made on the case, the person concerned will be notified.
Citizenship Applications.
Damien English
Question:1224 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on an application for naturalisation by a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1706/08]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in the Citizenship section of my Department in October 2003. When my predecessor considered the application of the person in question in April 2007, it was decided to defer making a final decision in this case until mid 2008. The person concerned was notified of this position and the reasons for it. I expect the file will be forwarded to me in the coming months for a decision. I will inform the Deputy and the person concerned when I have reached a decision on the matter.
Visa Applications.
Damien English
Question:1225 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) is allowed to remain in the State while making an application to his Department to extend their stay in the State for a specific timeframe, especially due to the illness of their daughter-in-law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1716/08]
The person concerned was granted a C visit visa to enter the State for a period of three months. It now appears that she is seeking an extension of her permission to remain in the State. An examination of the papers in relation to the case indicates that the person concerned sought an extension of her C Visit Visa with the Immigration Division of my Department and was refused. Notification of this decision issued on the 4th January 2008.
A wrap-around information sheet accompanies every visa application form. That sheet makes it clear to the applicant that, in general, persons granted visas for particular purposes are not permitted to remain in the State for any purpose other than that for which the visa was granted. Every visa applicant is required to state on the application form the dates on which he or she proposes to enter and leave Ireland. He or she is also required to declare that the information supplied is correct and complete. A C Visa is granted for visits of less than 90 days. As a consequence it is not the general policy to extend permission to remain to persons who are admitted initially for a period of 90 days or less on a C visa, save in very exceptional and unforeseen circumstances.
The person concerned must leave and reapply from outside the State should she wish to return. She should include in her new visa application the purpose and duration of her intended stay.
Data Protection.
Damien English
Question:1226 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of and the records kept by his Department of attempted hacking or suspected cyber attacks or other malicious computer security breaches committed against his Department’s computer systems. [1729/08]
There is no record of any attack having been successful, nor is there any evidence that the Department has ever been specifically targeted. The Department actively maintains the IT network's perimeter defences and regularly carries out penetration testing to ensure they cannot be breached. I understand that it is not uncommon for hackers to attempt to penetrate my Department's website. I also understand that this applies to every major website in the world.
Questions Nos. 1227 and 1228 answered with Question No. 1186.
Garda Deployment.
Jack Wall
Question:1229 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí stationed at a Garda station (details supplied) in County Kildare; if this number has increased over the past five years; the areas that this station serves; the opening hours of this station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1738/08]
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that Kilcullen Garda Station forms part of the Carlow/Kildare Division. Kilcullen Garda Station covers the town of Kilcullen and the surrounding area and is in the Kildare District. The personnel strength of Kilcullen Garda Station and the Carlow/Kildare Garda Division from 31 December 2003 to 2007 ( the latest date for which figures are readily available) was as set out in the table:
|
31/12/03 |
31/12/04 |
31/12/05 |
31/12/06 |
31/12/07 |
|
|
Kilcullen Garda Station |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
|
Carlow/Kildare Garda Division |
323 |
323 |
331 |
367 |
402 |
Kilcullen Garda Station is open to the public from 10am to 1pm daily. Outside of these hours, calls are diverted to Kildare Garda Station.
It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of the Garda Station referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country.
Deportation Orders.
Paul Kehoe
Question:1230 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the application to have the deportation order revoked for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1741/08]
I am informed by the Immigration Division that my Department has now completed its investigations in this matter and a recommendation is being made to me as to whether the deportation order should or should not be revoked. I will inform the Deputy of my decision in due course.
Asylum Applications.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:1231 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a decision is imminent in relation to the application for the reunification of a person (details supplied) with their mother, especially in view of their brother’s serious illness; the timeframe for such a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1769/08]
I refer the Deputy to my previous answer to Question No. 840 put down for answer on 11 December 2007. I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question is the subject of a Family Reunification application made in February 2006. A request for documentation issued to the representative of the person concerned on 6 December 2007. On receipt of the requested documentation, the application will be considered further and a decision will issue in due course.
Immigration Applications.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:1232 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will give the case his urgent attention. [1797/08]
The Immigration Division of my Department has recently been in correspondence with the person concerned requesting documentation regarding her current position in the State. On receipt of this documentation her case will be further considered.
Asylum Applications.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:1233 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; if he will give this case his urgent attention; and the options available to the person. [1798/08]
The person referred to entered the State on 18th January 2008 having travelled from Northern Ireland by train. His entry to the State was in breach of the provisions of section 4 of Immigration Act, 2004, as he was not in possession of a valid Irish visa. A lawful requirement was made of the said person, by a member of An Garda Síochána, pursuant to the provisions of section 12 of the Act of 2004, to produce a valid passport or other equivalent document issued by or on behalf of an authority recognised by the Government, which establishes his identity. The person stated that he had lost a passport which had been issued to him. He was subsequently detained, pursuant to the provisions of section 5 of Immigration Act, 2003 and brought to Dundalk Garda station. He was subsequently brought to Cloverhill Prison where he remains detained pending his intended removal from the State.
The said person was previously refused permission to enter the State, at Dundalk, on 5th October 2006, again having travelled from Northern Ireland. On that occasion he was returned to Northern Ireland. He then lodged an application for residency in the UK, based on being a family member of an EEA national. It is understood that this application was subsequently withdrawn. The said person, therefore, does not have permission to continue to reside in the UK.
Garda Deployment.
John Cregan
Question:1234 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if responsibility for policing the Kilbehenny area of County Limerick is changing from Mitchelstown, which is in very close proximity to the area and has served it very will for many years, to Bruff Garda Station, which would be situated much further from the Kilbehenny area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1803/08]
Proposals to alter the boundaries of a Garda regional or divisional geographical area, or to establish or relocate a divisional or district headquarters are matters in the first instance for the Garda Commissioner in the context of the Annual Policing Plan. I recently approved the 2008 Annual Policing Plan and laid it before the Houses of the Oireachtas. It sets out the Commissioner's proposals to realign the boundaries of Garda Divisions around the country to make them coterminous with local authority boundaries. Included in this is the realignment of the boundary of the Cork North Garda Division. The planned changes will bring about greater efficiencies and effectiveness in facilitating the establishment and functioning of Joint Policing Committees.
A detailed programme of work is currently being developed by An Garda Síochána to implement these planned changes for the Cork North and other Garda Divisions. This programme of work will also examine the geographical areas of district and sub-district stations arising from the regional and divisional boundary realignments set out in the plan and will set out a timetable for the establishment of the new divisions.
EU Directives.
Barry Andrews
Question:1235 Deputy Barry Andrews asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there are protocols in place to allow the Gardaí to obtain information from other jurisdictions regarding the previous criminal convictions in those jurisdictions of non-Irish nationals arriving here, following the conviction of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1808/08]
The case referred to by the Deputy was one where the person convicted was an EU national and as such entitled to reside in another Member State, in this case Ireland.
The obligations on Member States to permit the free movement of European citizens are set out in Directive 2004/38/EC which is transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) (No. 2) Regulations 2006. Provision is made in the Directive for the exchange of information from police records with the Member State of origin or any other Member State as required. Such an exchange of information is permitted ‘In order to ascertain whether the person concerned represents a danger for public policy or public security. . .' However, ‘Such enquiries shall not be made as a matter of routine' and the Member State consulted shall have up to two months to reply to such a request.
The Directive also provides (in Article 27) that ‘ Member States may restrict the freedom of movement and residence of Union citizens', however, these measures ‘shall comply with the principle of proportionality and shall be based exclusively on the personal conduct of the individual concerned. Previous criminal convictions shall not in themselves constitute grounds for taking such measures'. The scope for a Member State to refuse entry to its territory is further restricted to the extent that the ‘personal conduct of the individual concerned must represent a genuine, present and sufficiently serious threat...' and that ‘Justifications that are isolated from the particulars of the case or that rely on considerations of general prevention shall not be accepted'.
In relation to the exchange of information on criminal records between Member States more generally the Deputy might be interested to note that at its meeting on 12-13 June, 2007 the Council of the European Union reached an agreement on a general approach on a proposal for a Council Framework Decision on the organisation and content of the exchange of information extracted from criminal records between Member States. Discussions are ongoing with a view to the formal adoption of the Framework Decision as soon as possible. This agreement follows the adoption in 2005 by the Council of a Decision on the exchange of information extracted from the criminal record, which supplements the relevant provisions of the Council of Europe 1959 European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters.
In addition, the Garda Síochána may forward a request for the record of the criminal convictions of a person to the country concerned through the Interpol channel. The requisite information may then be received through that channel.
EU Agencies.
Barry Andrews
Question:1236 Deputy Barry Andrews asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Government contributes directly to Frontex, the EU border monitoring agency; if it has a role in detecting drug smuggling into Ireland; if not, his views on whether its remit should be expanded to include this role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1810/08]
The European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union (FRONTEX) was established in 2005 following the adoption of Council Regulation (EC) No 2007/2004. The FRONTEX Regulation is a measure under Title IV of the Treaty establishing the European Community concerning visas, asylum, immigration and other policies related to free movement of persons. The Agency is tasked with improving the coordination of operational cooperation between the Member States in the field of external border management and liaises closely with other Community Agencies responsible for the security of the external borders.
Ireland is not bound by, or subject to, the application of the Regulation establishing FRONTEX as the Regulation was brought forward as an instrument constituting a development of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in which Ireland does not take part. Ireland and the United Kingdom may nevertheless take part in FRONTEX activities with the agreement of the Management Board. In 2007 arrangements were made which allow for participation by Ireland in the Agency on the basis of an agreed annual request and financial contribution. Ireland requested participation in 2007 and made a financial contribution of €250,000.
The question of whether the role of the Agency should be broadened to include drug smuggling is a matter that can only be decided by the Council of the European Union. Any proposal to broaden the remit of the Agency would require an assessment of the added value to be gained and an examination of the legal basis upon which the Agency is founded.
There is already considerable ongoing work taking place internationally to prevent drug smuggling into Ireland. The Garda National Drugs Unit continually strives to increase the level of cooperation through international law enforcement agencies, Interpol and Europol and Garda liaison officers are currently in place in the UK, Spain, the Netherlands and at Europol and Interpol. These officers liaise with the police and judicial authorities in those and neighbouring jurisdictions in the context of serious and organised criminal activity, including drug dealing, which has an Irish dimension. Ongoing cooperation through these arrangements continue to result in a number of significant drug seizures and arrests and has been successful in dismantling national and international drug trafficking networks who seek to supply and distribute drugs within the State. In addition, the Criminal Assets Bureau continues its statutory remit to deprive criminals of their assets pursuant to the Proceeds of Crime Acts 1996 to 2005 and relevant Revenue and Social Welfare legislation irrespective of where the people in question may be located.
The recent establishment of the Maritime Analysis and Operational Centre in Lisbon will further enhance efforts in detecting drug dealing into Europe. Ireland is one of the founding members of this centre. This Centre which is international and inter-agency, is focusing on intelligence exchange leading to the interdiction of large maritime and aviation drug shipments, and the severing of links between transportation networks and the shore based command and control personnel. Ireland will place a Garda Drugs Liaison Officer and a Customs Liaison Officer at the Centre on a full time basis. The Naval Service will place an officer at the Centre as the need arises when it is involved in operational activity there.
Finally, I will continue to keep the measures and resources for tackling organised crime, including drug trafficking, under review. I will also continue to work with my EU colleagues in the Justice and Home Affairs Council to ensure that every possible measure, legislative or otherwise, is put in place to enhance EU strategies for combating transnational organised crime.
Asylum Applications.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:1237 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of people who have been granted subsidiary protection here; the average length of time it takes to process applications for subsidiary protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1901/08]
I presume the Deputy is referring to applications for Subsidiary Protection made on foot of the European Union Council Directive 2004/83/EC of 29 April 2004 to which my predecessor gave effect in Irish Law on 10 October 2006 by way of Statutory Instrument No. 518 of 2006 — European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006.
An application for Subsidiary Protection arises where a non — national, who has been refused refugee status, is served with a notice of intention to deport under section 3 (3) (a) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended. A person so served is afforded four options, viz. to leave the State voluntarily; to consent to the making of a Deportation Order; to apply for Subsidiary Protection or to make representations in writing within 15 working days setting out reasons as to why a Deportation Order should not be made and why temporary Leave to Remain in the State be granted instead. Applications for Subsidiary Protection are considered on their individual facts, merits and circumstances and in accordance with the criteria set out in the Regulations. Statistics are not maintained as to the duration of the consideration process in respect of each application, as no two cases are the same.
To date, two persons have been granted Subsidiary Protection in the State.
Criminal Assets Bureau.
Barry Andrews
Question:1238 Deputy Barry Andrews asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has plans to expand the remit of the Criminal Assets Bureau towards recovering the proceeds of crime from individuals at a lower level of criminal activity than is currently the practice; if he has spoken to the Garda Commissioner in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1908/08]
The Criminal Assets Bureau has been at the forefront of the fight against organised crime, including drug trafficking, in this jurisdiction since its inception in 1996. The significant successes that the Bureau continues to achieve by its operations demonstrates the effectiveness of its approach in pursuing illegally gotten gains. The manner in which the Bureau operates has, in the period of its existence, come to be viewed, both domestically and internationally, as a very successful model for targeting persons seeking to derive profits from criminal activities.
In relation to the issue of the Bureau's work at local levels, I can inform the Deputy that in order to maximise the benefit that can be derived from local knowledge, officers from the Criminal Assets Bureau work closely with Gardaí from specific regions and localities in order to ensure that the efforts of the Bureau are targeted in the most effective manner possible. I have also already included in the Government's policing priorities for 2008 for An Garda Síochána a specific reference to enhanced liaison arrangements between Garda Divisions and the Criminal Assets Bureau in the pursuit of those engaged in drug dealing at all levels.
The Bureau continues to utilise the services of Divisional Criminal Assets Profilers throughout the country. At present twenty seven divisional profilers have been appointed and are operational and the complement of Divisional profilers will continue to be monitored and reviewed on an on-going basis. The use of local Garda officers in this way ensures that preparatory groundwork can be carried out in advance of a full investigation by the Bureau. Asset profilers have at all times recourse to the expertise and advice of the Bureau. Essentially a key function of these profilers is to ascertain and build up information at local levels and point out individuals at whom the Bureau's work can be targeted. Such information is then investigated and followed up further by the Criminal Assets Bureau.
Finally, I can assure the Deputy that any individuals in local communities who believe they can openly flaunt wealth or assets secured through illegal activities, including drug dealing, will be vigorously pursued by the Gardaí either through the provisions of the Criminal Justice Act 1994 or through the work of the Criminal Assets Bureau under its statutory remit.
Residency Permits.
Michael Ring
Question:1239 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action that can be taken to regularise the status of an undocumented person who has lived in this State for the past eighteen years; if this person can now apply for long term residency; the way the status of such a person can be legalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1945/08]
The person concerned must contact the Immigration Division of my Department with details of their entry to the State, their activities since their arrival in the State and details of their future intentions together with all supporting documentation.
Michael Ring
Question:1240 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review an application for residency under the IBC scheme of 2005 for persons (details supplied) in County Mayo; if he will allow these people to work, and so on here until such time as his Department’s appeals in relation to the IBC/05 scheme are concluded in the Supreme Court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1946/08]
Judgements in relation to the matters appealed under the IBC/05 scheme were delivered by the Supreme Court on 20th December, 2007 and the implications of these judgements for individual cases are currently being assessed.
Michael Ring
Question:1241 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when long term residence will be granted to persons (details supplied) in County Mayo. [1947/08]
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the applications for long term residency in respect of the persons concerned are in the final stages of processing. As soon as a decision is made, the applicants will be notified in writing.
Michael Ring
Question:1242 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application for long term residency will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [1948/08]
As outlined in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 910 on 26th September 2007, persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements. While applications for long term residency are under consideration, the person concerned should ensure that their permission to remain in the State is kept up to date.
An application for long term residence from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in October 2006. I understand that applications received in July 2006 are currently being dealt with. As soon as a decision is made on the case, the person concerned will be notified.
Visa Applications.
Michael Ring
Question:1243 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a visa application will be granted to a person (details supplied) to enable them to join their spouse here. [1949/08]
The application referred to by the Deputy was refused by the Visa Officer in Cairo on 8 January 2008. The reasons for refusal were as follows: 1. The applicant did not provide sufficient information regarding the relationship history, prior to the marriage and 2. Inconsistencies in some of the applicant's statements. A letter, dated 8 January, 2008, informed the applicant of the decision and explained the reasons.
The decision of the Visa Officer may be appealed within two months of the date of decision, in this case before 8 March 2008. Guidelines on making an appeal can be found on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service at www.inis.gov.ie
Residency Permits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1244 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if residency status will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1968/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 18 February, 2004 and applied for asylum. The application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), he was informed, by letter dated 10 August, 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned. I expect the file to be passed to me for decision in due course.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1245 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if documentation relating to family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22 has been authenticated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1969/08]
I refer the Deputy to my previous answer to Question Number 153 put down for answer on 11 October 2007.
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question made a Family Reunification application in January 2006. Further documentation was requested in February 2007 and was received in July 2007.
In the course of processing the application, questions arose in relation to the authenticity of certain documents submitted. This issue is currently being investigated and the person in question was advised accordingly by the Family Reunification Section of my Department in October 2007. This application is under consideration and a decision will issue in due course.
Departmental Expenditure.
Enda Kenny
Question:1246 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount spent by his Department on media monitoring or press cutting services for each of the years 2002 to 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1987/08]
The amount spent by my Department on media monitoring and press cutting services for the years 2005-2007 (the period for which records are readily available) is set out in the table.
|
Year |
€ |
|
2005 |
32,311 |
|
2006 |
42,543 |
|
2007 |
37,230 |
Visa Applications.
Beverley Flynn
Question:1247 Deputy Beverley Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a decision has been made on visa applications by persons (details supplied). [2005/08]
The applications referred to by the Deputy were refused by the Visa Officer in New Delhi. The applicants appealed the decision on 17 December, 2007 and the cases are currently under consideration by an Appeals Officer.
In the normal course of events, the timescale for processing an appeal is four to six weeks. Hence, in the absence of any unusual circumstances, I would expect a decision in the case shortly.
Garda Recruitment.
Mary Upton
Question:1248 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on abolishing the upper age limit of 35 for entering An Garda Síochána in view of the fact that other restrictions on entry such as those based on height and eyesight for example have been abolished; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2028/08]
The Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments)(Amendment) Regulations 2004 (SI No 749 of 2004) set the maximum age for recruitment to An Garda Síochána at 35 years. This was the maximum age recommended by the Garda Commissioner taking into account the training and operational requirements of the Force and the relevant legislation. There are currently no proposals to increase the age limit.
Citizenship Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1249 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when it is expected naturalisation will be completed in the cases of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2032/08]
Applications for certificates of naturalisation from the persons referred to in the Deputy's question were received in the Citizenship section of my Department in August 2006.
Officials in that section inform me that processing of the applications is complete and the files will be forwarded to me for a decision in the very near future.
I will inform the Deputy and the persons concerned when I have reached a decision on the applications.
Brendan Howlin
Question:1250 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application for naturalisation by a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be dealt with by his Department; the waiting period for processing of naturalisation applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2048/08]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in the Citizenship section of my Department in August 2006.
Officials in that section are currently processing applications received in June 2005 and have approximately 6,500 applications on hand to be dealt with before that of the person concerned. These are generally dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. It is likely, therefore, that further processing of the application will commence in early 2009. The current processing time for applications for certificates of naturalisation is approximately 30 months.
I will inform the Deputy and the person in question when I have reached a decision on the matter.
Data Protection.
Simon Coveney
Question:1251 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the details of all instances since 1 June 2002 where personal data held by his Department or any agency under its auspices were compromised in any way; if the review by his Department of data security procedures announced on 22 November 2007 is completed; and the findings of that review in terms both of prior shortcomings and of future actions. [2166/08]
There are no instances since 1 June 2002 where personal data held electronically by my Department or its associated bodies was compromised.
The review of data security procedures announced by the Tánaiste in November is not yet complete and my Department is currently compiling its response to the review.
Asylum Applications.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:1252 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of an application for asylum by a person (details supplied) which dates back to 2007; the reason for the delay which is being experienced in this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2189/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 17 August 2003 and applied for asylum the following day. The person concerned did not attend for interview at the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner as she was directed to do and, as a consequence, her application was deemed to be 'withdrawn'. She was notified by letter dated 15 June 2004 that the Refugee Applications Commissioner was recommending to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform that she should not be declared a refugee. In addition, she was notified that there was no appeal against this recommendation.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 5 July 2004, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. No response was received to this letter at that time.
On 8 September 2006, the person concerned, through her legal representative, sought to be re-admitted to the asylum process, in accordance with the provisions of Section 17 (7) of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended). This request was duly considered and, by letter dated 9 October 2006, the person concerned was informed (through her legal representative) that her application for re-admittance to the asylum process had been refused.
The file of the person concerned now falls to be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended). When this consideration has been completed, the file will be passed to me for decision.
The principal reasons for the delay in having the case of the person concerned processed to completion would appear to be her non-engagement in the asylum process while her case was before the Refugee Applications Commissioner and her having been outside the State for a number of years since the lodgement of her initial application for asylum.
Garda Vetting Services.
Mary Upton
Question:1253 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will ensure that the Garda clearance request in relation to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6W will be processed as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2194/08]
In the time available, it has not proved possible to establish the position in relation to this matter. However, I will be in separate contact with the Deputy with a substantive reply as soon as possible.
Liquor Licensing Laws.
Seymour Crawford
Question:1254 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has satisfied himself with the fact that up to 58% of the alcohol consumed here is being bought in premises other than pubs and hotels; if he will take steps to curtail such easy access structures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2211/08]
While up-to-date data relating to the sale of alcohol through off-licences and mixed trading premises are not yet available, I accept that there has been a marked increase in the sale of alcohol for consumption other than in licensed premises in recent years.
As the Deputy is no doubt aware, I intend to bring forward proposals for changes in the law relating to the public order aspects of the sale and consumption of alcohol which will, I hope, attract the support of both Houses for enactment before the Summer recess. In this context, a Government Alcohol Advisory Group has been established under the chairmanship of Dr Gordon Holmes and I have asked the Group to examine, inter alia, the increase in the number of supermarkets, convenience stores and petrol stations with off-licences and the manner and conditions of sale in such outlets, including below unit-cost selling and special promotions.
In view of the urgency of the matter, I have requested the Group to report to me by 31 March with their assessment of the best way forward. The Group has already published an advertisement in newspapers calling for submissions from interested parties and individuals and I look forward to receiving the Group's report in due course.
Road Safety.
Seymour Crawford
Question:1255 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if research has been carried out on the number of accidents that occurred causing death which could be clearly shown to be related to the consumption of alcohol; the number of those that would have been tested to show their alcohol levels were above 80mg; the number of accidents that could clearly be shown to have been caused by those under 80mg; his views on whether there is a need for more personnel on the beat particularly during the early hours of the morning in order that the law could be fully utilised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2212/08]
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for carrying out research into the causes of road accidents and developing measures and practices to improve safety on our roads. As the Road Safety Authority comes under the aegis of the Department of Transport the matter referred to by the Deputy concerning research into road accidents is the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Transport.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that traffic policy demands vary from place to place and time to time. It is a matter for local Garda management to schedule Garda operations to meet what is required and to provide optimum use of resources. In every Garda Division, certain areas are identified as collision prone zones and Garda resources are focused particularly on these. An Garda Síochána carry out ongoing and targeted campaigns in relation to drink driving, particularly through the operation of mandatory alcohol testing, speeding and seatbelt wearing.
Residency Permits.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:1256 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for leave to remain by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; the length of time it is taking his Department to process such applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2218/08]
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that a decision in relation to the application for residence in the State based on EU Treaty Rights issued to the person concerned, at the last notified address, by registered post on 17th July 2007.
The decision letter was returned to the Immigration Division of my Department by An Post marked "not called for" and was re-issued on 5th October 2007. The decision letter was again re-issued to the applicant's legal representatives on 12th December 2007 following notification of their appointment as representatives for the applicants.
Applications for residence in the State based on EU Treaty Rights are currently being processed within the six month statutory time frame.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:1257 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application under the family reunification scheme for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; the length of time his Department is taking to process such applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2220/08]
I understand the Immigration Division of my Department will be in touch shortly with the legal representative of the person concerned.
Small Claims Court.
Leo Varadkar
Question:1258 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has plans to increase the maximum award that can be made by the Small Claims Court; when the limit was set; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2247/08]
The small claims limit was set at €2,000 with effect from 7 February 2006. While I am satisfied that the new limit is appropriate, the matter will be kept under review in my Department
Citizenship Applications.
Leo Varadkar
Question:1259 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will approve the naturalisation application of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2271/08]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in the Citizenship section of my Department in September 2006.
Officials in that section are currently processing applications received in June 2005 and have approximately 7,300 applications on hand to be dealt with before that of the person in question. These are generally dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. It is likely, therefore, that further processing of the application will commence in the first half of 2009.
I will inform the Deputy and the person concerned when I have reached a decision on the matter.
Residency Permits.
Leo Varadkar
Question:1260 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will grant long-term residency to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2272/08]
The position in relation to granting long term residency is as follows: Persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements.
The dependants of the aforementioned, who have been legally resident in the State for over five years may also apply for long term residency. This particular long term permission does not grant an exemption from employment permit requirements to any such dependants.
Time spent in the State on student conditions cannot be counted towards long term residency.
While applications for long term residency are under consideration, the person concerned should ensure that their permission to remain in the State is kept up to date.
An application for long term residency from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in February 2007. I understand that applications received in July 2006 are currently being dealt with. As soon as a decision is made on the case, the person concerned will be notified.
Prison Education Service.
Finian McGrath
Question:1261 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding a request from a person (details supplied). [2275/08]
I can advise the Deputy that I have received a request from the person in question, however, in light of recommendations made by the Parole Board with regard to the management of this person's sentence, the request has been refused.
Civil Partnership Legislation.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:1262 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to introduce legislation in respect of civil partnerships; the consultations he has had in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2343/08]
The Civil Partnership Bill is included in the Government's Legislative Programme as announced by the Chief Whip on 29 January 2008.
In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government the proposals for the Bill that are being prepared in my Department take into account the report of the Law Reform Commission and the Colley Options paper. Both reports were finalised against a background of wide consultation.
I undertook in the House to bring my proposals to Government by the end of March, 2009. I intend that the detailed proposals will form the basis for consultation.
Residency Applications.
Jack Wall
Question:1263 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of an application for residency by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2367/08]
On 9th February, 2005 the person in question applied for permission to remain in the State under the revised arrangements for non-EEA parents of children born in Ireland prior to 1st January , 2005, commonly referred to as the IBC/05 Scheme. The application was refused on 8th November, 2005 as the person in question did not meet the criteria of the scheme.
Judgements relating to the IBC/05 scheme were delivered by the Supreme Court on 20th December, 2007 and the implications of these judgements for individual cases are currently being assessed.
On 7th March, 2007 the individual concerned also submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection under the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006, S.I. No. 518 of 2006. This application will be considered in due course.
Question No. 1264 answered with Question No. 1177.
Residency Permits.
Mary O'Rourke
Question:1265 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the case of a person (detail supplied) in County Westmeath. [2414/08]
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that an application by the person concerned for residence in the State based on EU Treaty Rights was received on 2nd November 2007.
Applications based on EU Treaty Rights are currently being processed within the six month statutory time frame allowed. A decision will issue to the applicant in due course.
Citizenship Applications.
Mary O'Rourke
Question:1266 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [2415/08]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in the Citizenship section of my Department in December 2007.
The application has not been examined in detail. Examination of the residency requirement will take place in the near future and the applicant will be contacted at that time informing him when his application will be further examined or, of any shortfall in his residency.
Bullying in the Workplace.
Tony Gregory
Question:1267 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of bullying and harassment cases taken within his Department for each of the past 10 years; and the number that have been upheld. [2423/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is available for the period 2000 to date and is set out in the table hereunder.
|
Year |
No of cases taken |
Number of cases upheld |
|
2000 |
1 |
1 |
|
2001 |
2 |
Nil |
|
2002 |
1 |
1 |
|
2003 |
Nil |
N/A |
|
2004 |
3 |
Nil |
|
2005 |
3 |
1 |
|
2006 |
4 |
1 |
|
2007 |
6 |
Nil to date — 3 cases ongoing |
Records prior to 2000 are not available.
Garda Investigations.
Charles Flanagan
Question:1268 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will arrange for the report of an inquiry commissioned by his Department in November 2006 into a matter relating to a person (details supplied) in County Clare to be released to that person. [2430/08]
No inquiry was commissioned by my Department into the matter referred to by the Deputy. I am informed by the Garda authorities that, as a result of a Garda investigation into a fatal road traffic collision on 29 June, 2003, the person referred to was charged in connection with the incident and pleaded guilty before the Circuit Court to a charge of dangerous driving causing death.
Arising from correspondence received from the person in October 2006, the Garda Commissioner ordered a review of the case. A full assessment of the investigation files and other issues raised in the correspondence concluded that no basis could be found for the numerous allegations made. The person requested a copy of the review findings from the Garda authorities and was advised that it is not Garda policy to issue such reports. Garda officers met the person on 8 October, 2007. I am informed that a number of further issues arose at the meeting, and the officers undertook to clarify these matters. These issues are currently being attended to, and contact is being maintained with the person.
Garda Deployment.
Finian McGrath
Question:1269 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on an issue (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [2443/08]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that Gardaí from Raheny and Clontarf Garda stations police the area concerned and maintain regular contact with the management of the premises referred to in order to address any public order issues which may arise.
I am further informed that additional Gardaí, including a dedicated Public Order Unit, are deployed in this area, particularly during weekends and when events are being held. Inspections are carried out of all licensed premises in the area to ensure that the provisions of the liquor licensing and other relevant legislation are being complied with. These measures have resulted in an increase in the number of incidents detected and persons arrested.
A Policing Forum, consisting of relevant stakeholders, including the Inspector in Charge at Clontarf Garda station, local residents' groups and the management of local licensed premises, has been established and discusses, inter alia, issues regarding licensing and the concerns of residents.
Current policing plans in the area are predicated on the prevention of anti-social behaviour and public disorder, the prevention of crime, including crimes of violence against persons and property, and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of quality of life of the residents. Garda Units are directed to pay particular attention to areas where anti-social behaviour is likely to occur. This strategy will continue to be central to the delivery of a policing service to the area in question.
Visa Applications.
Seán Connick
Question:1270 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision on an application for a working visa by a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be made. [2456/08]
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that an application by the person concerned for residence in the State based on EU Treaty Rights was received on 20th September 2007.
Applications based on EU Treaty Rights are currently being processed within the six month statutory time frame allowed. A decision will issue to the applicant in due course.
Residency Permits.
Mary O'Rourke
Question:1271 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath who seeks long term residency. [2457/08]
As outlined in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 453 on 6th November 2007, persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements.
While applications for long term residency are under consideration, the person concerned should ensure that their permission to remain in the State is kept up to date.
An application for long term residence from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in August 2006. I understand that applications received in July 2006 are currently being dealt with. As soon as a decision is made on the case, the person concerned will be notified.
Registration of Title.
Sean Fleming
Question:1272 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a new land certificate for a person (details supplied) in County Laois will be issued. [2466/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, under the provisions of the Registration of Deeds and Title Act 2006, the Property Registration Authority was established as and from 4 November, 2006. The Property Registration Authority replaces the Registrar of Deeds and Titles as the registering authority in relation to property registration in Ireland and, subject to the above Act, is independent in the performance of its functions.
I would also like to refer the Deputy to a service for TDs and Senators concerning the current status of applications, such as the subject of this question, which was introduced in May 2006. The service was introduced, inter alia, to provide a speedier and more cost effective alternative to submitting Parliamentary Questions. This service, which is operated by the Property Registration Authority, is available all year round.
I can further inform the Deputy that his query has been forwarded to the Property Registration Authority for attention and direct reply via the above mentioned service.
Property Registration.
Denis Naughten
Question:1273 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the outsourcing contracts operational within the property registration authority; the type of work outsourced in each and the value of each contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2478/08]
In common with other Government agencies, the Property Registration Authority procures a range of specialist services from external contractors. While provided externally, these contracts would not in the normal course of events be characterised as ‘outsourcing' of core functions. These services includes such matters as; provision of training courses, waste-management/cleaning, building maintenance, microfilming and file storage, secure mail delivery, translation and telephonist services. Software maintenance and development services are also procured from appropriate expert external providers, including substantial development, imaging and data capture services in connection with the Digital Mapping Project. The total value of the imaging, digital mapping and folio data capture projects is €11.246m over the period 2004 to 2010, excluding license costs.
Residency Permits.
Denis Naughten
Question:1274 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to ensure that the Garda National Immigration Bureau registration runs concurrent with the term of a persons work permit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2479/08]
In general, permission to remain in the State as confirmed by the Garda National Immigration Bureau Certificate of Registration is granted for an initial period of one year, unless the proposed stay in Ireland is of a shorter duration.
The requirement to renew at regular periods of one year allows for greater control over the immigration process whereby checks can be carried out to ensure that a person is still meeting the conditions attached to the type of permission he or she was granted.
It is not considered that the requirement to register annually is unduly onerous particularly in the earlier stages of a migrant's residence in Ireland.
My Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment are reviewing at present the opportunities for streamlining their joint processes and I will ensure that this issue is examined as part of that process.
Denis Naughten
Question:1275 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when INIS will issue details on the application procedure for green card holders to apply for permanent residency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2481/08]
The Green Card employment permit system commenced operating in February 2007. I understand that this class of permit, granted by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, is open to persons earning above €60K per annum or those earning over €30K in occupations where high level strategic skills shortages exist. Green Card holders can, after two years, apply for long term residence. Therefore the earliest date at which Green Card holders will be eligible to apply for long-term residence will be February 2009. No procedure for processing applications has yet been put in place.
As the Deputy will be aware, section 36 of the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill 2008 which was published yesterday contains provisions for the issue of long term residence to foreign nationals who meet eligibility criteria. It is my intention to set out the manner in which applications may be made for long-term residence in the coming months.
Denis Naughten
Question:1276 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the waiting time for processing a long-term residency application; the number of applications to hand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2485/08]
The average length of time taken to finalise applications for Long Term Residency is currently approximately 18 months.
Officials in that Division are currently processing applications received in July 2006 and have approximately 6,755 applications on hand.
Citizenship Applications.
Denis Naughten
Question:1277 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a police clearance certificate is required for applicants for citizenship who meet the five year residency rule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2486/08]
The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. One such condition is that the applicant must be of good character.
This is established by carrying out enquiries with the Garda National Immigration Bureau and is a necessary stage in the processing of applications notwithstanding the fact that the applicant may fulfill the residency criteria.
Road Traffic Offences.
Richard Bruton
Question:1278 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has data on the number of fines issued or prosecutions taken in respect of cyclists riding on the footpath or motorists parking on footpaths or on cycle lanes; and if he will provide the details that are available. [2488/08]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that statistics are not compiled in such a way as to establish the number of fines issued or prosecutions taken in respect of cyclists riding on footpaths.
The following table shows the number of prosecutions commenced during 2006 and 2007 for careless riding of a pedal cycle, dangerous riding of a pedal cycle and riding a pedal cycle without reasonable consideration:
|
2006 |
2007 |
|
|
Careless riding of a pedal cycle |
13 |
5 |
|
Dangerous riding of a pedal cycle |
7 |
3 |
|
Riding a pedal cycle without reasonable consideration |
22 |
3 |
Following a recent operation in Dublin north inner city, school-goers were identified as the primary offenders for cycling offences. Through the Schools Programme members of An Garda Síochána aim to educate school-goers of the obligations on all road users under the Road Traffic Acts.
The Fixed Charge Penalty system was expanded with effect from 3 April, 2006 to include the offences of parking on a footpath or cycle lane.
The following table shows the number of Fixed Charge Notices issued with regard to those offences in 2006 (from 3 April)) and 2007:
|
2006 (from 3 April) |
2007 |
|
|
Parking a vehicle on a footpath |
4,682 |
7,478 |
|
Parking a vehicle on a cycle track |
503 |
1,097 |
I am further informed that, depending on the circumstances and seriousness of such incidents, members of An Garda Síochána may decide to deal with offenders by way of caution or warning.
Garda Accommodation.
John Perry
Question:1279 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will ensure that funding is provided for the renovation of private living quarters at a Garda station (details supplied) in County Sligo to bring it up to living standards, in view of the fact that renovation works on the main Garda station are already taking place and that this would allow the local Garda sergeant to move with their family to reside permanently at the station; his views on whether this would be a very positive step in terms of community based policing, in view of the fact that this village is one of the major satellites of Sligo Town with upwards of 600 new houses built in recent years, and the expressed wish of the local people and the sergeant for this area to have a community based Garda presence; if he will now ensure allocation of funding for this as the benefits would far outweigh financial costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2497/08]
The detailed allocation of Garda resources, including accommodation, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner to decide in accordance with his identified operational requirements. I have sought the views of the Garda authorities on the Garda Station to which the Deputy has referred and I will revert to him when the information is to hand.
Liquor Licensing Laws.
Emmet Stagg
Question:1280 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of on the spot fines issued by An Garda Síochána for breaches of the control of consumption and possession of alcohol by-laws in Maynooth, Leixlip, Celbridge, Clane, Kilcock, Robertstown, and Prosperous County Kildare in 2007. [2510/08]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there were 95 on the spot fines issued in Maynooth and 75 issued in Celbridge for breaches of control of consumption and possession of alcohol bye laws for 2007.
Neighbourhood Policing.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:1281 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Waterford City Council officials have informed members of the JPC that it cannot hold public meetings until additional guidelines are produced by his Department in view of the fact that Letterkenny JPC have conducted two public meetings, the existing guidelines published on 23 May 2007 governing both Waterford JPC and Letterkenny JPC make provisions for the conduct of public meetings and his response to a parliamentary question on 7 November 2007 that it is the responsibility of each JPC to fulfil the provisions of those guidelines. [2525/08]
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:1282 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if any JPC has rolled out the neighbourhood policing fora provided for in the guidelines governing JPCs. [2526/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1281 and 1282 together.
The Joint Policing Committees currently established in a pilot phase operate under revised guidelines issued by my predecessor as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in May 2007, following consultations with the Ministers for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. These guidelines revised the original guidelines issued in June 2006 so as to enable the establishment of a number of additional Committees to take place. There are currently 29 Committees in operation. The purpose of the pilot phase is to gain experience from the operation of a number of Committees in a variety of local authority areas before rolling them out to all local authority areas in the State. In general the outcome to date has been positive, and the Committees are meeting definite local needs.
The experience gained from the operation of the Committees is currently being evaluated. As a first step in this evaluation my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and I held a consultation seminar on 29 November, 2007 with participants in the pilot Committees to consider the lessons from their operation to date in preparation for the roll out. The seminar was a very useful exercise and following on from it work has commenced on revising the guidelines in the light of the experience gained to date. Following consultation with my Ministerial colleagues I intend to issue guidelines to enable the roll out of the Committees to take place as soon as possible.
Section 10 of the current guidelines provides for the arranging and hosting of public meetings by Joint Policing Committees. The guidelines are drafted in such a way as to enable Committees to operate as effectively and flexibly as possible so as to meet the various needs of their own areas. As part of this approach the guidelines envisage that Committees would hold public meetings at regular intervals.
Section 36 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides for the establishment of local policing fora by a Joint Policing Committee as they are considered necessary. The current guidelines provide that supplemental guidelines for the fora will be made at a later date (paragraph 13.3). It is intended that this will happen in the context of the revision of the Committee guidelines. A steering group, chaired by my Department and with membership from An Garda Síochána, the National Drugs Strategy Team and the community sector, has been established to contribute to the development of the supplemental guidelines, and its work is well advanced.
Departmental Bodies.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:1283 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the fact that principle 8 of the Press Council’s Code of Practice for Newspapers and Periodicals which deals with incitement to hatred omits the ground of membership of the travelling community; if he will bring forward an amendment to the Defamation Bill 2006 to ensure that statutory recognition of the Press Council will be conditional on the full incorporation by the Press Council of all the grounds covered by the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act 1989; and if he will take steps to persuade the Press Council to immediately rectify the situation. [2527/08]
I understand that the Press Council is in the process of considering various comments it has received about its Code of Practice with a view to improving its content, where this is necessary. I look forward to any refinements that the Council may make. In any event, there will be an opportunity to debate all issues as they arise when the Bill comes before the House for debate.
Garda Equipment.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:1284 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will take steps to ensure tasers which have been available to the gardaí since September 2007 are withdrawn in view of the death of a Polish man who did not speak any English and was killed by a taser in an airport in Canada in December 2007, the death of a man in England in January 2008 having been hit by a taser and research undertaken by Amnesty International in north America which has shown 250 people have died after being shot by tasers. [2528/08]
Following proposals made by the Garda Commissioner and taking account of recommendations made by the Garda Síochána Inspectorate in its report on barricade incidents, An Garda Síochána was authorised to add conductive electric devices (CEDs) to the range of less lethal options available to the Garda Emergency Response Unit (ERU). The purpose of less lethal options is to provide an alternative to the use of lethal force when a critical incident requiring such action may arise. The Garda authorities carried out extensive research and consultation with relevant professional bodies, including other law enforcement agencies and medical professionals, before the introduction of CED's. Their use is limited to members of the ERU who have undergone appropriate training and qualification in their use and deployment is regulated and controlled by detailed guidelines. I am satisfied with the approach adopted by the Garda authorities in this regard.
Citizenship Applications.
Sean Sherlock
Question:1285 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on an application for citizenship for a person (details supplied) in County Cork; if he will expedite a decision on the application in view of the circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2531/08]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in the Citizenship section of my Department in August 2007. Applications are generally dealt with in chronological order and this practise is not deviated from except in exceptional circumstances. However, due to the circumstances outlined in your question, I understand that a submission will shortly be made to my Office for a decision on whether this case might be expedited.
Garda Deployment.
Emmet Stagg
Question:1286 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí assigned to each Garda division here; and the population of each division as determined in Census 2006. [2538/08]
As of the 31 December last, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the personnel strength of each Garda Division was as follows:
|
Division |
Strength |
|
DMR South Central |
773 |
|
DMR Southern |
623 |
|
DMR Northern |
761 |
|
DMR West |
758 |
|
DMR North Central |
694 |
|
DMR Eastern |
618 |
|
Louth/Meath |
533 |
|
Longford/Westmeath |
318 |
|
Laois/Offaly |
312 |
|
Carlow/Kildare |
402 |
|
Wexford/Wicklow |
365 |
|
Waterford/Kilkenny |
428 |
|
Tipperary |
361 |
|
Cork City |
656 |
|
Cork North |
285 |
|
Cork West |
294 |
|
Kerry |
318 |
|
Limerick |
593 |
|
Clare |
314 |
|
Galway West |
424 |
|
Galway East/Roscommon |
280 |
|
Mayo |
313 |
|
Sligo/Leitrim |
300 |
|
Donegal |
476 |
|
Cavan/Monaghan |
401 |
|
TOTAL |
11,595 |
Other members are attached to specialised units such as the Traffic Corps, Divisional Detective Units, Drug Units etc which gives a total attested strength of the force on 31 December 2007 of 13,755. The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day the overall strength of the organisation may fluctuate due, for example, to retirements, resignations etc.
The Small Area Population Statistics (SAPS) for each county have been collated by the CSO from the 2006 census and this information is available on the CSO website at www.cso.ie. The Deputy will be aware that Garda Divisional boundaries are not co-terminus with County boundaries. The Deputy will also be aware that I recently approved the 2008 Annual Policing Plan and laid it before the Houses of the Oireachtas. It sets out the Commissioner's proposals to realign the boundaries of a number of Garda Divisions around the country to make them coterminous with local authority boundaries. A detailed programme of work is currently being developed by An Garda Síochána to implement the changes contained in the policing plan. This programme of work will also examine the geographical areas of district and sub-district stations arising from the re-alignment of the regional and divisional boundaries set out in the plan. The SAPS for each Garda Division are being developed by An Garda Síochána with the assistance of the CSO. It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of each different Garda Division will be fully considered by the Commissioner.
Crime Levels.
Emmet Stagg
Question:1287 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the provisional headline crime statistics for the Carlow and Kildare division in 2007; and the provisional detection rate for the division. [2539/08]
Following the submission in 2004 of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, it was decided that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, from the Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act 2005 consequently makes provision for this and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. Following the setting up of the necessary technical systems and auditing of the data from which the statistics are compiled, the CSO is now compiling and publishing criminal statistics and has published provisional headline crime statistics since the third quarter of 2006. I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.
Citizenship Applications.
Brendan Howlin
Question:1288 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the waiting period for processing of applications for naturalisation; when the application for naturalisation of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford was received in his Department; when, approximately, this application will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2557/08]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in the Citizenship section of my Department in December 2006. Officials in that section are currently processing applications received in July 2005 and have approximately 9,000 applications on hand to be dealt with before that of the person concerned. These are generally dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. The current processing time for applications for certificates of naturalisation generally is approximately 30 months. However, I understand that the person in question is married to an Irish national and I have allocated additional resources to ensure that these cases are dealt with expeditiously. I will inform the Deputy and the applicant when I have reached a decision on the matter.
Garda Deployment.
Frank Feighan
Question:1289 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will take action in relation to the fact that there are only three gardaí stationed at Ballinamore, County Leitrim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2558/08]
As of 31 December 2007, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the total strength of Ballinamore Garda Station was 5. The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day the overall strength of the organisation may fluctuate due, for example, to retirements, resignations etc. It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of the Garda Station referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country.
Irish Language.
Finian McGrath
Question:1290 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will advise and assist on a query by a person (details supplied). [2561/08]
The Legal Practitioners (Qualification) Act 1929 provides that a person wishing to be admitted to practice as a barrister-at-law must satisfy the Chief Justice by such means as the Chief Justice shall prescribe that he or she possesses a competent knowledge of the Irish language. The Legal Practitioners (Irish Language) Bill 2007 that is before the House provides for the repeal of the 1929 Act and its replacement with new provisions to promote the better use of the Irish language by legal practitioners and the provision of legal services through Irish. For that purpose the Bill provides that King's Inns shall provide a course on Irish legal terminology and the understanding of legal texts in the Irish language for all persons undertaking the barrister-at-law degree course, offer an optional advanced course and examination on the practice of law through the Irish language and establish a register of persons who have undertaken the advanced course and passed the examination.
Equal Opportunities Employment.
David Stanton
Question:1291 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 281 of 23 May 2006, if he is satisfied that his Department has met the 3% employment quota for people with disabilities; the percentage of people with disabilities employed in his Department; the number of people with disabilities hired from outside the civil service for each of the years from 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2593/08]
In 2006, in accordance with Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005, my Department commenced compiling data relating to the number of people working in the Department who have a disability. The data received indicates that the percentage of people working in my Department who have a disability is 3.1%, marginally in excess of the 3% employment target. It must be noted that the National Disability Authority has identified certain limitations which are common to all public service and civil service bodies in relation to the data gathering process and it is my understanding that further proposals are to be made by the NDA in this regard. It is not possible to say how many people with disabilities have been hired from outside the Civil Service as people are not required to disclose a disability when they are being employed. However, I can say that my Department does invite new employees to voluntarily disclose if they have a disability in order to try and facilitate reasonable accommodation.
Decentralisation Programme.
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:1292 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of civil and other public servants based in Dublin in his Department and agencies who have applied for decentralisation, who have been transferred to their decentralised post and are currently in position in the decentralised location outside Dublin; the number of civil and other public servants required for decentralisation under plans; the original and expected date for full decentralisation to be in place; the locations together with details of properties and land owned, purchased or planning permissions sought for the construction of premises for decentralisation; the costs incurred to date; the original budgeted for and expected total costs to be incurred for decentralisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2608/08]
Joan Burton
Question:1296 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of civil servants and other public servants, who have relocated to locations outside of Dublin under the Government’s decentralisation programme; the estimated number of each category who will have relocated by the end of 2008; the breakdown of each set of figures in terms of those who are relocating from Dublin and relocating from elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2995/08]
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:1297 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of civil servants and other public servants who have decentralised as at 31 December 2006 and the current date broken down into individual Departments and agencies; the number required for full decentralisation, broken down under individual departmental and agency plans; the number of currently decentralised locations in operation; the agencies with no progress; the values of properties purchased and sold in respect of the decentralisation process to date; the other costs incurred to date with the decentralisation process, broken down by category; the number of departmental staff involved in administrating the decentralisation process since its inception; the number of planning applications in progress in relation to building decentralised premises and planning applications to be submitted, broken down by location and planning submission date; the original budgeted and the expected total costs to be incurred for decentralisation; his further proposals in this regard; the expected date for completion of the full decentralisation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3009/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1292, 1296 and 1297 together.
Under my Department's decentralisation programme, just over nine hundred posts are scheduled to relocate from Dublin to seven different provincial locations by 2010. I am pleased to report that, to-date, four hundred and twenty officers have taken up duty and the Department now has a presence in all of our seven locations. Within that number, two hundred and twenty-three officers transferred from Dublin. Around one hundred and thirty posts are due to relocate in 2008 but because the validation process, which is required under the central agreements, is still under way, it is not possible, at this stage, to provide a breakdown between Dublin and provincial applications. However, I can say that, by the end of 2008, my Department will have successfully moved 60% of its total complement of decentralising posts, with two years of the programme still to run. The administration of the decentralisation programme within my Department is carried out by five officers. All matters relating to the provision of office accommodation, buildings and other property solutions, required under the programme, are primarily the responsibility of the Office of Public Works and I am informed by the OPW that the following table sets out the relevant details. The non-property costs, such as IT and training, incurred by my own Department, up until the end of the third quarter of 2007, amounted to nearly €1.3m.
|
Location |
Division/Agency |
Status |
Site Acquisition Costs (€1,000) |
Yearly Rental Costs (€1,000) |
Fit out costs/Building Purchased (€1,000) |
|
Longford |
Irish Prison Service |
Perm. Ownership |
576 |
||
|
Navan |
National Property Services Regulatory Authority |
Lease |
575.4 |
2,135.2 |
|
|
Navan |
Justice |
Lease |
440.0 |
309.4 |
|
|
Portarlington |
Data Protection Commissioner |
Lease |
73.5 |
||
|
Roscommon |
Property Registration Authority |
Perm. Ownership |
3,000 |
||
|
Roscrea |
Equality Authority |
Lease |
108.0 |
||
|
Thurles |
Garda |
Perm. Ownership |
968 |
||
|
Thurles — Lease 1 |
Garda |
Lease |
186.2 |
1,267.0 |
|
|
Thurles — Lease 2 |
Garda |
Lease |
66.3 |
||
|
Tipperary |
Private Security Authority |
Lease |
69.2 |
||
|
Tipperary |
Private Security Authority |
Perm. Ownership |
1,625 |
The staffing details in respect of individual locations and agencies, requested by the Deputies in respect of my Department, are contained in the following table.
|
DJELR Division or Agency |
Location |
Total No. of Posts to Decentralise |
No. of staff in place |
|
Irish Prison Service |
Longford |
141 |
116 |
|
Property Registration Authority |
Roscommon |
230 |
74 |
|
Office of the Data Protection Commissioner |
Portarlington |
23 |
23 |
|
Private Security Authority |
Tipperary |
41 |
41 |
|
Irish Naturalisation Immigration Service |
Tipperary |
186 |
0 |
|
Sections of Garda HQ |
Thurles |
118 |
|
|
(1) Garda Central Vetting Unit |
(1) 58 |
||
|
(2) Fixed Charge Processing Section |
(2) 55 |
||
|
National Property Services Regulatory Authority |
Navan |
7 |
6 |
|
Garda Civilian Human Resources Directorate |
Navan |
38 |
38 |
|
Office of the Director of Probation Service |
Navan |
18 |
0 |
|
Equality Authority |
Roscrea |
55 |
9 |
|
Garda Ombudsman Commission |
Roscrea |
23 |
0 |
|
Equality Tribunal |
Portarlington |
42 |
0 |
Garda Deployment.
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:1293 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí stationed in the Limerick Garda districts, broken down by Garda station and Garda rank as at the current date, 31 December 2006 and 31 December 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2611/08]
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the number of Gardaí stationed in the Limerick Garda districts, broken down by Garda station and rank on 31 December 2007 ( the latest date for which figures are readily available) and on 31 December 2006 is set out in the table here under. The figures broken down by rank for 31 December, 2005 are not readily available, however the total strength in each station is shown to the left of the table giving details of the 2006 figures.
|
Total 31/12/05 |
Stations |
C/Supt |
Supt |
Insp |
Sergt |
Gda |
Total 31/12/06 |
|
191 |
Henry St |
1 |
1 |
6 |
23 |
181 |
212 |
|
4 |
Mary St |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
3 |
4 |
|
4 |
Castleconnell |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
4 |
5 |
|
3 |
Ardnacrusha |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
3 |
4 |
|
49 |
Mayorstone Pk |
— |
— |
— |
11 |
49 |
60 |
|
99 |
Roxboro Rd |
— |
1 |
3 |
14 |
87 |
105 |
|
3 |
Patrickswell |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
2 |
Ballyneety |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
1 |
Caherconlish |
— |
— |
— |
— |
2 |
2 |
|
22 |
Askeaton |
— |
1 |
— |
3 |
20 |
24 |
|
3 |
Adare |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
1 |
Pallaskenry |
— |
— |
— |
— |
2 |
2 |
|
4 |
Croom |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
3 |
4 |
|
3 |
Foynes |
— |
— |
— |
— |
2 |
2 |
|
1 |
Glin |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
1 |
Shanagolden |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
6 |
Rathkeale |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
5 |
6 |
|
21 |
Bruff |
— |
1 |
— |
2 |
20 |
25 |
|
2 |
Kilfinane |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
1 |
Ballylanders |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
3 |
Hospital |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
1 |
Bruree |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
5 |
Kilmallock |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
4 |
5 |
|
4 |
Pallas |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
3 |
Cappamore |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
1 |
Murroe |
— |
— |
— |
— |
2 |
2 |
|
2 |
Drumcollogher |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
27 |
Newcastlewest |
— |
1 |
1 |
4 |
23 |
29 |
|
12 |
Abbeyfeale |
— |
— |
— |
2 |
11 |
13 |
|
1 |
Ballingarry |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
1 |
Tournafulla |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
1 |
Athea |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
1 |
Kilmeedy |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
1 |
Castletown |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Stations |
C/Supt |
Supt |
Insp |
Sergt |
Gda |
Total 31/12/07 |
|
Henry St |
1 |
2 |
7 |
26 |
190 |
226 |
|
Mary St |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
13 |
14 |
|
Castleconnell |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
4 |
5 |
|
Ardnacrusha |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
3 |
4 |
|
Mayorstone Pk |
— |
— |
— |
13 |
68 |
81 |
|
Roxboro Rd |
— |
1 |
4 |
15 |
107 |
127 |
|
Patrickswell |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
Ballyneety |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Caherconlish |
— |
— |
— |
— |
2 |
2 |
|
Askeaton |
— |
1 |
— |
3 |
18 |
22 |
|
Adare |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
Pallaskenry |
— |
— |
— |
— |
2 |
2 |
|
Croom |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
3 |
4 |
|
Foynes |
— |
— |
— |
— |
2 |
2 |
|
Glin |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Shanagolden |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Rathkeale |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
5 |
6 |
|
Bruff |
— |
1 |
— |
2 |
22 |
25 |
|
Kilfinane |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Ballylanders |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Hospital |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Bruree |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Kilmallock |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
Pallas |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
Cappamore |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
Murroe |
— |
— |
— |
— |
2 |
2 |
|
Drumcollogher |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Newcastlewest |
— |
1 |
1 |
4 |
23 |
29 |
|
Abbeyfeale |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
10 |
11 |
|
Ballingarry |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Tournafulla |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Athea |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Kilmeedy |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Castletown |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day the overall strength of the organisation may fluctuate due, for example, to retirements, resignations etc. It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of the Garda Divisions referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda Divisions throughout the country.
Proposed Legislation.
Joanna Tuffy
Question:1294 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the number of complaints by dissatisfied homeowners against property management companies and the urgent need for legislation to deal with this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2625/08]
The position is that the Law Reform Commission published a Consultation Paper on Multi-Unit Developments in December 2006 which drew attention to a broad range of issues arising in relation to the governance and operation of such developments, including problems arising from the manner in which company law currently applies to property management companies. In recognition of the cross-cutting nature of many of the issues identified by the Law Reform Commission, a high-level interdepartmental committee has been established to assist in the development of a coherent and comprehensive response to the problems arising in this area. A key task of this committee will be to identify the legislative and other actions to be taken in response to definitive recommendations for reforms which, following a lengthy consultation process, will be set out in the Law Reform Commission's forthcoming Report on Multi-Unit Developments, and to determine a timescale for their implementation. I understand that the Report will be published early this year.
Citizenship Applications.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:1295 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the naturalisation application by a person (details supplied); if same will be dealt with urgently. [2626/08]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in the Citizenship section of my Department in February 2006. Applications are generally dealt with in chronological order and this practise is not deviated from except in exceptional circumstances. However, due to the circumstances outlined in your question, I understand that a submission will shortly be made to my Office for a decision on whether this case might be expedited.
Questions Nos. 1296 and 1297 answered with Question No. 1292.
Housing Aid for the Elderly.
Sean Sherlock
Question:1298 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the allocation made in the years 2006 and 2007 and the proposed allocation for 2008 toward housing aid for the elderly and the breakdown of these figures for County Cork including each administrative area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36041/07]
The special housing aid for the elderly scheme is currently administered by a Task Force under the aegis of my Department and operated at a local level by the Health Service Executive. A total of €22.012 million in 2006 and €19.132 million in 2007 was allocated to the Health Service Executive for the operation of this scheme nationally. Of this €4.8 million in 2006 and €3.498 million in 2007 was allocated to the southern HSE region, which includes County Cork. It is a matter for the HSE to apportion funding within regions. The special Housing Aid for the Elderly is being discontinued with effect from the end of March 2008. The scheme is being replaced by a new Housing Aid for Older People Scheme which was introduced in November 2007 and is being administered by the Local Authorities. All applications submitted under the old scheme will be dealt with by the HSE. The allocation to the HSE in 2008 will be determined in the context of the applications on hand and the overall level of grant commitments within HSE regions.
Departmental Expenditure.
Michael Ring
Question:1299 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way the €20 million allocated in Budget 2006 for the purchase of carbon allowances was expended; the amount of carbon credits thus purchased and the recipients of this sum of money for such purchases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1922/08]
Michael Ring
Question:1300 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the moneys allocated in budget 2008 for the purchase of carbon allowances; his plans for this expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1925/08]
Michael Ring
Question:1301 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of his commitment in budget 2007 to allocate €270 million for the purchase of carbon allowances in the period 2007 to 2013, he will detail the amount allocated under this heading in 2007; the amount of carbon credits purchased with this money; the persons, companies and organisations from whom these credits were purchased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1926/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1299 to 1301, inclusive, together.
The Government has announced the provision of €270 million for the purchase of carbon allowances over the period 2007-13. This sum is in addition to €20 million provided in my Department's Vote in 2006. No additional funding was required or provided in Budget 2008. Following the enactment of the Carbon Fund Act in March 2007, the National Treasury Management Agency is now statutorily designated as purchasing agent for the acquisition of carbon allowances. The Agency is developing a purchasing programme on foot of the potential need indicated in the National Climate Change Strategy to purchase up to 18 million allowances in partial fulfilment of Ireland's obligations pursuant to the Kyoto Protocol. A national policy framework on the purchase of allowances, which is set out in Annex 3 to the National Climate Change Strategy 2007-12, provides guidance for the Agency in this regard.
In 2006, Ireland committed to investing €20m in the Multilateral Carbon Credit Fund offered by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and a further €20m in Funds offered by the World Bank, namely the Carbon Fund for Europe and the second tranche of the BioCarbon Fund. No other commitments were made prior to the designation of the National Treasury Management Agency as purchasing agent. The return on these investments, in terms of the actual amount of credits acquired, will depend on the price of carbon as projects in the Fund mature and credits become available to the Fund participants. Current indications from the Fund managers point to a price in the range of €7 to €12 per credit. Total expenditure on these funds to date is €23.7m, €20m in 2006 and the remainder in 2007. Any further investments and related payments are a matter for the National Treasury Management Agency.
Mobile Telephony.
Michael McGrath
Question:1302 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps that have been taken to implement the recommendations of the 2005 report by the Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources on non-ionising radiation from mobile phone handsets and masts. [2424/08]
Following a Government decision in 2005, an Inter-Departmental Committee was established to examine Government policy in relation to the possible health effects of non-ionising radiation and to advise on the appropriate action to be taken in regard to the recommendations of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, contained in their report "Non-ionising radiation from mobile phone handsets and masts". In accordance with the Government decision, the Inter-Departmental Committee set up an Expert Group on Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields, which published its report in 2007. The Expert Group consulted with industry, recognised national and international experts and the wider community in order to complete its report, which is aimed at the Government and the public, rather than the scientific community. The Report examined a wide range of issues in relation to the potential health effects of electromagnetic fields, including those produced by electric appliances in the home and from electricity pylons. It answers many of the health risk questions raised by the public in relation to the potential effects of electromagnetic fields, and is available for download on the Department's website (www.environ.ie). Following the publication of the report, responsibility for the health effects of electromagnetic fields was transferred by Government decision to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government where the Report and its recommendations are currently under consideration.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
Richard Bruton
Question:1303 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his assessment of the climate change targets set by the EU for Ireland and their impact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2572/08]
The European Commission published a package of energy and climate change proposals on 23 January 2008. The proposals are intended to meet the commitments made by EU Heads of State and Government at the 2007 Spring meeting of the European Council that EU greenhouse gas emissions be reduced by at least 20% on 1990 levels by 2020 and that renewable energy contribute 20% of the EU's energy requirements by 2020. The package comprises the following proposals: a decision on the effort-sharing proposal for Member States to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to meet the Community's greenhouse gas emission reduction commitments up to 2020; a directive amending the original EU Emissions Trading Scheme Directive (2003/87/EC) so as to improve and extend the scheme; a directive on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources; and a directive or Regulation on carbon capture and storage.
In the case of greenhouse gas emissions, in the event of the EU target increasing in the context of a new international agreement to succeed the Kyoto Protocol, the proposed level of effort for individual Member States will have to be revisited. In Ireland's case, the effect of the proposals would be installations in the emissions trading sector would participate in a new Emissions Trading Scheme managed by the Commission rather than by national Governments, with an overall target of a reduction of 21% in emissions by 2020 as compared to 1995: outside of the emissions trading sector, the required reduction in our domestic greenhouse gas emissions would be 20% by 2020 as compared to 2005; and there would be an overall target of 16% of final energy consumption from renewable energy to be met across the electricity, heat and transport sectors by 2020.
In response to the publication of the package, the Government reaffirmed its commitment to meeting the challenge of climate change. While it is too early in the process to draw any specific conclusions on the package of measures, the proposals raise very serious economic and social issues for Ireland, and require very careful consideration. The greenhouse gas and renewable energy targets may be challenging but so too is the threat of climate change. The scientific advice from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is that these are the scale of emission reductions that must be made by developed countries if greenhouse gases are to be stabilised in the atmosphere at a safe level. The Government has established a Technical Analysis Steering Group to undertake detailed analysis of the proposals and their implications for the purpose of informing the Government's response to the proposals and for subsequent discussions with the Commission and other Member States.
Private Rented Accommodation.
Michael McGrath
Question:1304 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has plans to regulate the standard of private rented accommodation. [2881/08]
Ciaran Lynch
Question:1384 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will introduce regulations and standards for the rented housing sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2182/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1304 and 1384 together.
Minimum standards for private rented accommodation are prescribed in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 1993, which specify requirements in relation to matters such as the structural condition of dwellings and their sanitary facilities, heating and ventilation. All landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties comply with these regulations. Failure to do so is an offence, subject, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding €3,000, or a term of six months in prison or both and €250 for each day of a continuing offence. Responsibility for enforcing the regulations rests with the relevant local authority. In September 2006 a comprehensive Action Programme to promote improvement in standards of private rented accommodation was announced, involving a range of measures including improved regulation, enforcement, funding and information. Good progress is being made with this Programme, an important element of which is the updating of the existing standards regulations in consultation with relevant interests. Submissions received in that regard are being considered and draft revised regulations should be available by the end of March 2008.
Local Government Elections.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:1305 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to review the boundaries in advance of the 2009 local elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2847/08]
Michael Ring
Question:1364 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he ordered the review in relation to the electoral boundaries for the county council elections; when this review will be finished; and when he will make an announcement on the outcome of the review. [1872/08]
Charlie O'Connor
Question:1401 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has plans to order consideration of the local authority boundaries in advance of the 2009 local elections; the schedule he proposes to follow in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2340/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1305, 1364 and 1401 together.
On 8 January 2008 I announced that I had established two committees to review local electoral areas. One committee will report on the areas of Dublin City, Cork City, Galway City, Limerick City, Waterford City, and Dun-Laoghaire-Rathdown, Fingal and South Dublin County Councils. The other committee will report on the electoral areas in counties outside of Dublin, on the borough councils of Drogheda and Sligo and on the town councils of Bray and Dundalk. The committees are required to report as soon as possible and, in any event, not later than 20 June 2008.
Departmental Reviews.
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:1306 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the review processes that have taken place or he has requested to be undertaken in respect of the budgeting, financial and reporting systems within his Department and agencies; the costs incurred to date; the expected total costs; the deadlines that have been imposed for such reviews; if he will make the reports findings public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3020/08]
Ciaran Lynch
Question:1387 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he expects the value for money and policy review to be completed in March 2008; if it is his intention to publish the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2185/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1306 and 1387 together.
It is assumed that the questions refer to the efficiency review of all administrative spending currently being conducted arising from the Budget Day announcement by the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance. The review is under way in my Department and the results will be communicated to the Department of Finance, as required, by March. The Tánaiste will report to Government on the outcome of the efficiency reviews across all Departments. Government will consider the question of publication of the outcome of the exercise in due course.
Motor Taxation.
Michael Ring
Question:1307 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether the implications on certain categories as a result of a change in a system (details supplied) is fair; and if he will make changes to rectify this discrepancy. [2802/08]
Frank Feighan
Question:1308 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if imported used vehicles from the EU after 1 July 2008 and are VRT duty paid after that date, will have the new motor tax scheme based on CO2 emissions applied to those same vehicles; if so, if he expects that imported used cars for sale on the market here will have an advantage over cars registered here originally which will carry a higher level of motor tax throughout its lifetime on the road. [2871/08]
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:1319 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on including fuel efficient cars bought prior to 1 July 2008 in the new motor tax regime for fuel efficient cars to be introduced at that time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1063/08]
Richard Bruton
Question:1326 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the anomaly in the proposed tax regime for motor vehicles whereby persons who go out now and buy a high emission vehicle will avoid the new VRT, whereas persons who have on grounds of social responsibility bought low emission cars ahead of the Government move on VRT will find themselves penalised in relation to the motor tax regime for the future; and if he will take steps to address these anomalies. [1174/08]
Phil Hogan
Question:1342 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the arrangements for all imported cars into the State in relation to the new emissions based car tax regime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1448/08]
Phil Hogan
Question:1343 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will apply the new emissions car tax regime to all second hand and new imported cars into the State; the way he will test the vehicles for their emissions and apply the appropriate vehicle tax label; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1449/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1351 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if car tax governing low emission vehicles will be implemented from 1 January 2008 instead of 1 July 2008 which at present discriminates against all early adopters interested in purchasing energy efficiency cars before then; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1539/08]
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:1371 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans, following the new VRT emissions-based system, in place to fairly calculate and levy motor tax charges on the emissions caused by similar new cars being imported from the UK and other jurisdictions after 1 July 2008, in view of the fact that as it currently stands identical new cars with equal emissions will be taxed differently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2007/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1307, 1308, 1319, 1326, 1342, 1343, 1351 and 1371 together.
Budget 2007 announced proposals for new motor tax and vehicle registration tax (VRT) systems to reward low CO2 emitting and penalise high CO2 emitting, cars. It was made clear at the time that the new system would apply to new cars and pre-owned imported cars. A public consultation process was held from December 2006 to March 2007 following press notices inviting public submissions. Both the public consultation process and subsequent press comment pointed to the desirability of members of the public having reasonable notice of any tax changes being introduced and the need for an acceptable lead-in period for the motor trade. It was against this background that 1 July 2008 was chosen as the starting date for both the new motor tax and VRT systems.
The aim of the new system is to influence the purchasing decisions of consumers in the future. From 1 July 2008, anyone buying a new or pre-owned imported car will be aware of both the motor tax and vehicle registration tax (VRT) rates which will apply, based on CO2 emissions. In order to promote awareness of the new CO2-based motor tax and VRT systems, and to influence purchasing decisions of car buyers, a new mandatory labelling system will be introduced which will be accompanied by an active public information campaign. Existing cars were purchased in the knowledge that the basis of assessment for both motor tax and VRT was engine capacity (c.c.) and not CO2 emissions. In view of the fact that the CO2 rating for similar size cars (in terms of engine capacity) can vary as much as 45%, it would be inequitable to apply the new CO2 system to the existing fleet. It would also be unfair to penalise car owners for a purchasing decision made in the past. In addition, it is essential that there is certainty and accuracy in term of CO2 ratings. Under both the new motor tax and VRT systems, the CO2 rating will be based on the car's Certificate of Conformity, under EU type approval law. This CO2 rating will be captured initially by the Revenue Commissioners at vehicle registration tax stage and passed on to the national vehicle file. In the absence of a certificate and the Revenue Commissioners not being satisfied as to the CO2 rating the motorist will be required to pay the highest motor tax rate. The same scenario will apply to VRT in relation to a CO2 rating that cannot be obtained. CO2 ratings are not available for the vast bulk of the existing fleet. Finally, I understand that the new motor tax systems based on CO2 emissions introduced by Cyprus, Netherlands, Portugal, United Kingdom and Norway were confined to new or pre-owned imported cars. In addition, at EU level the proposal for a Council Directive on passenger car related taxes envisages its application to newly registered cars only.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
Simon Coveney
Question:1309 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide a comprehensive list of the emission reductions projected to be achieved by each of the measures contained in the national climate change strategy, combining to achieve a net reduction to 66.216 million tonnes as a yearly average over 2008 to 2012 as outlined in the carbon budget. [36057/07]
A list of the principal measures intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the projected average annual level of reduction for each measure in the period 2008-2012 is set out in tables 2.1 and 2.2 of the National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2012. Annex 1 of the Strategy indicates that the combined effect of these measures is projected to result in net emissions of 66.216 million tonnes on average in the period 2008-2012. A copy of the Strategy is available in the Oireachtas library.
Alternative Energy Projects.
Mattie McGrath
Question:1310 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his Department’s policy in relation to wind energy development and in particular to the range of factors that planning authorities and An Bord Pleanala must consider when dealing with planning applications for wind energy developments, on the respective importance to be accorded to local authority zonings or designations as to the unsuitability of particular areas for wind farming as against national or Departmental policy emphasising the need for the country to develop its wind energy resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36076/07]
The Wind Energy Development Guidelines, which were published by my Department on 29 June 2006, provide advice to planning authorities on catering for wind energy through the development plan process. The guidelines are also intended to ensure a consistency of approach throughout the country in the identification of suitable locations for wind energy development and the treatment of planning applications for wind energy developments. Essentially, the guidelines assist planning authorities to identify areas where there is significant wind energy potential. These areas are then to be mapped in the development plan to provide clarity for the public, developers and the planning authority. The guidelines require planning authorities to be favourably disposed to granting planning permission in those areas, subject to the siting and design criteria contained in the guidelines. The guidelines identify 6 main topographical landscapes for the siting of wind turbines and contain extensive illustrations to demonstrate practical examples of what is, and is not, considered acceptable. Under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála are required to have regard to any planning guidelines issued to planning authorities in the performance of their functions.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Joe Carey
Question:1311 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in regard to the provision of sewage facilities in Broadford, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36128/07]
The Broadford Sewerage Scheme has been approved for funding under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 as part of the Rural Towns and Villages Initiative. My Department approved Clare County Council's revised Preliminary Report for the scheme in December 2006. In accordance with devolved procedures for schemes costing less than €5m, it is a matter for the Council to advance the scheme to construction.
Farm Waste Management.
Denis Naughten
Question:1312 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans he has to establish a scheme to deal with waste farm materials other than plastic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36142/07]
A successful producer responsibility initiative has been in operation since mid 1997 in relation to farm film silage bale wrap. My Department has been working with industry with a view to replicating this success for other waste materials arising on farms. These discussions are ongoing. The provision of environmentally sound recovery outlets for these materials, such as fertiliser bags and used chemical containers, is being addressed by the EPA in the context of the draft second National Hazardous Waste Management Plan. The Plan has been published in draft form by the Agency for public consultation which affords all stakeholders an opportunity to make observations as to its contents. The deadlines for submissions to the EPA on the contents of the draft Plan, which is published on the Agency's website at www.epa.ie, is tomorrow, 31 January 2008.
Social Welfare Benefits.
John O'Mahony
Question:1313 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the living alone allowance is part of a person’s income for rent assessment purposes for local authority tenants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36145/07]
The making and amending of rent schemes is the responsibility of local authorities as an integral part of their housing management functions subject to the following broad principles laid down by my Department: the rent payable should be related to income and a smaller proportion of income should be required from low income households; allowances should be made for dependent children including those under 21 years of age in full-time education; a contribution towards rent should be required from subsidiary earners in the household; provision should be included for the acceptance of a lower rent than that required under the terms of the scheme in exceptional cases where payment of the normal rent would give rise to hardship; and appropriate local factors should be taken into account including the costs of the maintenance and management of the stock of rented dwellings and the adequacy of the rental income to meet such costs. Decisions on whether or not to disregard either a proportion of income or particular sources of income for the purposes of calculating rents are matters for each individual local authority and I have no function in such matters.
Environmental Policy.
Martin Ferris
Question:1314 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has plans to phase out the use of incandescent light bulbs. [1003/08]
Róisín Shortall
Question:1331 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a full cost benefit analysis and health risk evaluation will be carried out prior to the introduction of proposals regarding compact fluorescent light bulbs; and if he will address concerns regarding the disposal of CFLs. [1260/08]
Phil Hogan
Question:1345 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason he has not included in the carbon budget, projected emissions cuts from the introduction of a new national standard for energy efficient light bulbs from 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1451/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1314, 1331 and 1345 together.
The Programme for Government commits to phasing out the use of incandescent light bulbs in favour of more energy efficient alternatives. More recently, in my Carbon Budget Statement of 6 December last, I announced that a minimum energy efficiency standard for lighting will be introduced from 2009 and advised that this measure will deliver emissions savings of up to 700,000 tonnes per year from residential lighting alone when incandescent bulbs are fully replaced in all domestic light fittings. As modern energy efficient lights typically use only 20% as much energy as their incandescent alternatives and last up to 15 times longer, significant savings for consumers are possible. According to the ESB, one compact fluorescent lamp could save up to €170 over the lifetime of the bulb.
Savings in electricity consumption from more energy efficient lighting will lead indirectly to a reduction in emissions from electricity generation. As all electricity generation plants in Ireland are included in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and have their emissions capped for the 2008-2012 period in advance, any reduction in emissions within the ETS sector during the period will not lead to any further reduction in Ireland's national distance to target for Kyoto Protocol compliance. The emissions savings will however count towards the Government's domestic 3% average annual reduction commitment. In formulating proposals for a minimum energy efficiency standard, it will be necessary to have regard to a range of factors, including the availability of alternative lamp technologies in the market to meet consumer requirements. To this end, I have recently established an Inter Departmental Group on Energy Efficient Lighting to, inter alia, advise me on the technical basis on which such a standard might be developed, the potential impacts of the proposal on specific groups and any other relevant issues. It is also my intention that the efficiency standards proposed will be subject to a public consultation and as part of this process, I propose to invite submissions from stakeholders that may be adversely affected. Finally, as compact fluorescent bulbs are likely to become more widespread, I have asked the EPA to draw up guidelines on the safe disposal of these products.
Denis Naughten
Question:1315 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will implement the European Court of Justice decision which impacts on stocking rates on commonages in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1017/08]
I assume that the Question refers to the ruling by the European Court of Justice in case C-117/00 against Ireland's implementation of the Birds Directive, the thrust of which was recently reaffirmed in case C-418/04. In order to comply with Ireland's obligations under the Birds Directive, identified in that ruling, my Department has been working with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to devise a prescription for the implementation of grazing restrictions in the Twelve Bens/Maumturks regions of Galway. I expect that discussion between the two Departments will be finalised shortly. My colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and I intend to implement the necessary measures starting in November 2008, following consultations with the relevant landowner stakeholders.
Departmental Expenditure.
Seán Barrett
Question:1316 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position on the leasing of storage space for electronic voting machines and equipment on a constituency basis; the length and cost of lease in each case; the allowance which will be made for depreciation and obsolescence in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1019/08]
Responsibility for storage of manual voting equipment has always been a matter for the local returning officers and so similar responsibility was assigned to them in regard to the electronic voting equipment. In the majority of cases, leases were entered into by them for the storage of the machines, which have a 20-year lifespan. The Government decision to centralise storage of the electronic voting equipment was made taking into account a range of factors, including costs of local and centralised arrangements and the likely benefits to be realised; the majority of the electronic voting machines are now stored in containers at Gormanston Aerodrome. The following table sets out information provided by returning officers regarding storage arrangements entered into by them in each of the 25 locations involved:
|
City/County |
Location of Storage Premises |
Storage Costs 2007 (incl. VAT) |
Lease |
|
€ |
|||
|
Carlow-Kilkenny |
Mortarstown |
24,653.65 |
2 years |
|
Cavan-Monaghan |
Monaghan Town |
21,304.00 |
25 years |
|
Clare |
Ennis |
3,600.00 |
Monthly basis |
|
Cork City |
Togher |
47,867.10 |
10 years |
|
Cork County |
Ballygarvan |
35,913.29 |
Annual basis |
|
Donegal |
Letterkenny |
14,287.80 |
Annual basis |
|
Dublin City |
Ballycoolin |
6,954 |
8 years |
|
Dublin County |
Finglas |
Nil |
Annual basis |
|
Galway |
Galway City |
5,000 |
N/A |
|
Kerry |
Tralee |
28,003.00 |
10 years |
|
Kildare |
Clane |
29,364.82 |
9 years 9 months with 5 year break clause |
|
Laois-Offaly |
Portlaoise |
27,647.60 |
5 years |
|
Limerick |
Limerick City |
28,423.10 |
4 years 9 months |
|
Longford |
Longford Town |
19,806.04 |
4 years 9 months |
|
Roscommon |
Roscommon Town |
10,494.82 |
2 years 6 months |
|
Louth |
Dundalk |
543.46 |
N/A |
|
Mayo |
Castlebar |
38,608.00 |
Annual basis |
|
Meath |
Navan |
26,154.72 |
9 years 9 months |
|
Sligo |
Sligo Town |
3,100.00 |
N/A |
|
Leitrim |
Carrick-on-Shannon |
3,200.00 |
1 year |
|
Tipperary (N&S) |
Clonmel |
55,600.00 |
5 years |
|
Waterford |
Waterford City |
57,192.03 |
10 years |
|
Westmeath |
Mullingar |
21,440.30 |
4 years 9 months |
|
Wexford |
Drinagh |
19,164.46 |
Monthly basis |
|
Wicklow |
Kilcoole |
Nil |
Annual basis |
My Department engaged consultants with valuation expertise in May 2007, following a competitive tendering process, to examine individual lease arrangements and to make recommendations as to termination of the leases, where appropriate. The consultants recommendations are currently under consideration in the Department.
Decentralisation Programme.
Paul Kehoe
Question:1317 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when his Department expects to relocate to County Wexford; the number of civil servants who have applied for relocation to Wexford; the number of new vacancies that are expected to arise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1025/08]
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:1413 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of civil and other public servants based in Dublin in his Department and agencies who have applied for decentralisation, who have been transferred to their decentralised post and are currently in position in the decentralised location outside Dublin; the number of civil and other public servants required for decentralisation under plans; the original and expected date for full decentralisation to be in place; the locations together with details of properties and land owned, purchased or planning permissions sought for the construction of premises for decentralisation; the costs incurred to date; the original budgeted for and expected total costs to be incurred for decentralisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2605/08]
Joan Burton
Question:1417 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of civil servants and other public servants, who have relocated to locations outside of Dublin under the Government’s decentralisation programme; the estimated number of each category who will have relocated by the end of 2008; the breakdown of each set of figures in terms of those who are relocating from Dublin and relocating from elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2992/08]
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:1418 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of civil servants and other public servants who have decentralised as at 31 December 2006 and the current date broken down into individual Departments and agencies; the number required for full decentralisation, broken down under individual departmental and agency plans; the number of currently decentralised locations in operation; the agencies with no progress; the values of properties purchased and sold in respect of the decentralisation process to date; the other costs incurred to date with the decentralisation process, broken down by category; the number of Departmental staff involved in administrating the decentralisation process since it’s inception; the number of planning applications in progress in relation to building decentralised premises and planning applications to be submitted, broken down by location and planning submission date; the original budgeted and the expected total costs to be incurred for decentralisation; his further proposals in this regard; the expected date for completion of the full decentralisation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3006/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1317, 1413, 1417 and 1418 together.
Under the decentralisation programme, all Dublin based operations of my Department are being decentralised, with the exception of Met Éireann, ENFO, the Private Rented Tenancies Board and a small co-ordination section which it is proposed to retain in Dublin to assist with the Department's Dáil and other business. A total of 682 Dublin based posts will be transferred to four locations in the South East: Wexford (270 posts); Waterford (225 posts); New Ross (125 posts) and Kilkenny (62 posts). The original indicative timescales for the completion of the Department's offices in Wexford, Kilkenny, New Ross and Waterford as set out in the Progress Report (June 2005) from the Decentralisation Implementation Group (DIG) were Q3 2007, End 2008, Early 2009 and Mid 2009 respectively. However, as outlined in the most recent Progress Report from the DIG (September 2007), the indicative timescales for the completion of the Department's offices have been revised as follows, Q 3 2008, Q 4 2009, Q 2 2010 and Q 3 2010 respectively.
My Department established an advance office in Wexford, currently staffed by 40 people, which has been operational since 25 June 2007. Of the 40 staff, one staff member transferred from an original location outside of Dublin and one staff member was recruited locally. The remainder of the staff transferred from an original Dublin based location. My Department's permanent offices in Wexford are currently under construction and it is expected that the remaining 230 posts, bringing the total to 270, will transfer to Wexford over the course of 2009. At present a total of 177 staff, including those in the advance office, have applied to decentralise to Wexford. The process of filling the posts due to transfer in 2009 is ongoing. In addition my Department has almost 400 staff based in 40 regional locations across the country.
The cost of procuring and fitting out office accommodation is a matter for the Office of Public Works (OPW). In this regard OPW are currently managing construction of the Department's Headquarters in Wexford for which site acquisition costs amounted to €3.5m. The annual leasing costs in respect of the advance office amount to €75,000 per annum while the fit out costs amounted to €206,000. Procurement options for the accommodation in the remaining 3 locations are under consideration by OPW. At the end of Q 3 2007 my Department had incurred €84,470 in respect of training, IT, travel and subsistence and miscellaneous accommodation costs under the decentralisation programme. There are 8 Departmental staff directly involved in the administration of the decentralisation programme for my Department. Other staff though not directly involved in administration provide support in areas such as training and communications. The decentralisation programme also provides for the relocation of the Local Government Computer Services Board (91 posts) and the National Building Agency (48 posts) to Drogheda and Wexford respectively.
Departmental Bodies.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:1318 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will investigate whether the make-up of the board of An Bord Pleanála is in accordance with the spirit and letter of the Act which established it; if he is satisfied that the number of professional planners on the board is in accordance with the intention that its make-up should represent the general interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1052/08]
James Bannon
Question:1332 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the composition of An Bord Pleanála, which under the establishment order was intended to be representative of all sectors of Irish society, with reference to the composition of rural organisations (details supplied). [1270/08]
James Bannon
Question:1333 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the ten ordinary members of the current board of An Bord Pleanála’s non-expert members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1271/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1318, 1332 and 1333 together.
An Bord Pleanála (the Board) was established in 1977, under the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1976, primarily to allow independent consideration of planning authorities' decisions on planning applications in the event that such decisions are appealed. The procedures for the appointment of ordinary members of An Bord Pleanála are set out in the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended by Sections 14-16 of the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006. In addition, Article 11 of the Planning and Development Regulations, 2006 amended the list of prescribed bodies for the purposes of making nominations to the Board. These provisions require selections to be made by the Minister from nominees put forward by four representative panels of nominating bodies prescribed for this purpose. The composition of each panel is listed in the table below. The current Board includes appointees from each of the four representative panels. Appointees to the Board do not represent their nominating body, but are appointed to provide, as a function of the Board, an independent consideration of planning authorities' decisions submitted to the Board on appeal. I am satisfied that the current nomination and appointment processes are fair and transparent. Furthermore, as the legislative provisions underpinning these processes have only recently been endorsed by the Oireachtas, I have no proposals to make any further amendments at this time.
|
Panel |
Nominating Bodies |
|
Planning and Development (Panel A) |
The Irish Planning Institute |
|
The Royal Town Planning Institute, Irish Branch — Southern Section |
|
|
The Institution of Engineers of Ireland |
|
|
The Society of Chartered Surveyors in the Republic of Ireland |
|
|
The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland |
|
|
The Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland |
|
|
The Irish Landscape Institute |
|
|
Economic Development & Construction Industry (Panel B) |
The Construction Industry Federation |
|
Forfás |
|
|
The Irish Business and Employers’ Confederation |
|
|
Chambers Ireland |
|
|
The Irish Auctioneers and Valuers Institute |
|
|
The Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers |
|
|
Fáilte Ireland |
|
|
The International Centre for Local and Regional Development |
|
|
Udaras na Gaeltachta |
|
|
Local Government, Trade Union, & Farming (Panel C) |
The County and City Managers’ Association |
|
The General Council of County Councils |
|
|
The Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland |
|
|
The Local Authority Members’ Association |
|
|
The Institute of Public Administration |
|
|
The Irish Farmers’ Association |
|
|
The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers’ Association |
|
|
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions |
|
|
Environment & Amenities, Voluntary Bodies, Charities, Irish Language Interests, Disabilities, Young People (Panel D) |
An Taisce — the National Trust for Ireland |
|
The Heritage Council |
|
|
The Combat Poverty Agency |
|
|
The Irish Council for Social Housing |
|
|
The National Women’s Council |
|
|
The Irish Countrywomen’s Association |
|
|
People with Disabilities in Ireland Ltd |
|
|
Comhar — The National Sustainable Development Partnership |
|
|
The Institute of Archaeologists of Ireland |
|
|
Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge |
|
|
The National Disability Authority |
|
|
The National Youth Council of Ireland |
|
|
The Irish Rural Dwellers Association |
|
|
Established Civil Servant (Panel E) |
Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government |
Question No. 1319 answered with Question No. 1307.
Local Government Reform.
Shane McEntee
Question:1320 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has proposals to establish a town council in Ashbourne, County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1071/08]
Michael Ring
Question:1363 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to the election of a directly elected mayor for each local authority in the country. [1871/08]
Emmet Stagg
Question:1407 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the Green Paper on Local Government Reform will be published; when he anticipates the completion of the White paper on Local Government Reform; and his views on whether new town councils will be established for election in June 2009. [2518/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1320, 1363 and 1407 together.
In accordance with the Programme for Government, my Department will be publishing the Green Paper on local government reform shortly. The Green Paper will examine a number of issues with the objective of making local government more transparent and responsive, and will set out options for reform in advance of a subsequent White Paper, which I intend to publish later in 2008. Issues to be considered in the Green Paper will include the provision of directly elected mayors and the establishment of town councils in those towns that have shown significant population growth in recent years. The Government Programme states that a directly elected Mayor for Dublin with executive powers will be introduced by 2011.
Waste Management.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:1321 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if local authorities with private waste collection providers have the legal right or if it is possible for a local authority to establish a waiver scheme with private waste service providers; if the Government will consider compelling local authorities in the future to establish waiver schemes, for publicly or privately provided waste collection services; if the Government will consider setting up standards and guidelines for waiver schemes to ensure consistency across the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1099/08]
Billy Timmins
Question:1356 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to old age pensioners who are paying a private waste collection company for their refuse removal; if there is financial assistance that they can avail of to assist with this as in the past there was a waiver system in place for OAP’s from the local authority when they ran the service; if there is no assistance available if he has plans to introduce assistance for those on social welfare who have no option but to pay private companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1758/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1321 and 1356 together.
Waste management services have traditionally been provided at a local level, with individual arrangements being locally determined and tailored to local circumstances. The present legal framework, as determined by the Oireachtas, reflects this. In accordance with section 52 of the Protection of the Environment Act 2003, the determination of waste management charges, and any associated waiver scheme, is a matter for the relevant local authority, where it acts as the service provider. Similarly, where a private operator provides the collection service, it is a matter for that operator to determine charges. Generally speaking, waiver schemes do not operate in respect of privately supplied collection services.
My Department understands that previous legal advice obtained by a local authority suggests that in an area which is serviced by the private sector the local authority may not provide a waiver in respect of charges for a service which is not directly provided by the local authority. However, a local authority does have discretion itself to provide a waste collection service, including a waiver of some or all of the charges which it may determine, or to procure competitively for a service provider to collect waste on its behalf.
My Department has also completed a public consultation on issues surrounding the regulation of the waste management sector, including the need for any public service obligations in respect of collection services to certain households or in specific areas. Following my Department's consideration of over fifty, many very detailed, submissions received which cover a range of complex issues, I am developing policy proposals to address the issues arising in the context of waste regulation.
Judicial Reviews.
Damien English
Question:1322 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the cost to and the damages paid by the State in relation to judicial reviews that his Department were responsible for in each of the years 1997 to 2007 inclusive; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [1111/08]
Damien English
Question:1323 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of applications for judicial review that his Department was responsible for in each of the years 1997 to 2007; the number of applications where leave was granted for each year; and if he will present the information in tabular readable form. [1126/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1322 and 1323 together.
The information sought in relation to all judicial reviews over the period in question is not readily available. However, details of judicial reviews for which information is readily available are set out in the following table. The costs of defending cases are met by the Office of the Chief State Solicitor. This Department would be responsible for meeting the costs of any damages awarded but there is no record of damages being awarded against the Department in these cases.
|
Number |
Granted |
Not Granted |
Case Ongoing |
|
|
1998 |
1 |
1 |
||
|
1999 |
1 |
1 |
||
|
2004 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
|
|
2005 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
2006 |
7 |
4 |
3 |
|
|
2007 |
4 |
Case settled before hearing |
3 |
|
|
2008 |
1 |
Ongoing |
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Leo Varadkar
Question:1324 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on proposals to route a sewer through the Tolka River Valley Park in Dublin 15; the current and future role of his Department in this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1156/08]
Leo Varadkar
Question:1325 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has legislative powers to prevent the routing of a sewer through a natural amenity such as the Tolka River Valley Park; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1157/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1324 and 1325 together.
While my Department has received no specific proposals relating to the works in question, I understand that they may form part of the Blanchardstown Sewerage Scheme (Network) which is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 as a scheme to advance through planning. I also understand that Fingal County Council has appointed consultants to prepare a Preliminary Report for the scheme which will address all relevant habitat protection and natural amenity issues and which will be examined in my Department.
Question No. 1326 answered with Question No. 1307.
Legislative Programme.
Dr Martin Mansergh
Question:1327 Deputy Martin Mansergh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of Acts passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas sponsored by his Department in each year from 2003 to 2007; the Acts which were legislation wholly or mainly required by Ireland’s EU obligations, which were partly so required, and which had no significant or minimal reference to EU legislation; and if in the first two cases Ireland had significant discretion, as to the manner in which EU obligations were translated into domestic law. [1197/08]
Acts passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas sponsored by my Department in each year from 2003 to 2007 are listed in the table below. Details are also provided as to the extent of reference within these Acts to EU legislation/obligations and, in the case of Acts wholly or partly required by EU obligations, whether Ireland had significant discretion as to the manner in which these obligations were translated into domestic law.
|
Year |
DEHLG Acts 2003-2007 |
Act arising wholly/mainly from EU Requirement |
Act partly related to EU Legislation |
Act with minimal ref to EU Legislation |
Discretion in terms of translation =Significant/Not Significant |
|
2003 |
Licensing Of Indoor Events Act 2003 |
— |
— |
— |
|
|
2003 |
Local Government Act 2003 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
2003 |
Local Government (No. 2) Act 2003 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
2003 |
Motor Vehicle (Duties And Licences) Act 2003 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
2003 |
Protection Of the Environment Act 2003 |
— |
— |
Not significant |
|
|
2003 |
Containment of Nuclear Weapons Act 2003 |
— |
— |
— |
|
|
2004 |
European Parliament Elections (Amendment) Act 2004 |
— |
— |
Not significant |
|
|
2004 |
Electoral (Amendment) Act 2004 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
2004 |
National Monuments (Amendment) Act 2004 |
— |
— |
— |
|
|
2004 |
Residential Tenancies Act 2004 |
— |
— |
— |
|
|
2004 |
Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters and Payments Act 2004 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
2004 |
Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
2005 |
Electoral (Amendment) Act 2005 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
2006 |
Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act |
— |
— |
Not significant |
|
|
2006 |
Building Societies (Amendment) Act 2006 |
— |
— |
— |
|
|
2006 |
Electoral (Amendment) Act 2006 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
2006 |
Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Act 2006 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
2007 |
Carbon Fund Act 2007 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
2007 |
Building Control Act 2007 |
— |
— |
Not significant |
|
|
2007 |
Electoral (Amendment) Act 2007 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
2007 |
Water Services Act 2007 |
— |
— |
Not significant |
|
|
2007 |
Local Government (Roads Functions) Act 2007 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Denis Naughten
Question:1328 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will approve the appointment of a tender for the group water DBO project in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1236/08]
The project in question is being funded by my Department under the Rural Water Programme and involves the provision of eleven new water treatment plants, and associated works, for twenty six group water schemes and two public water supplies in County Roscommon.
Roscommon County Council's Tender Recommendation for the works is being examined in my Department and is being dealt with as quickly as possible.
Brian O'Shea
Question:1329 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when it is estimated that construction will begin on Ring, County Waterford water supply scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1249/08]
The Ring Helvic Water Supply Scheme has been approved for funding under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-09 at an estimate cost of €3.57m.
My Department is awaiting submission of Waterford County Council's Preliminary Report for the scheme.
Local Authority Staff.
Martin Ferris
Question:1330 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the fact that county managers are not required to implement majority or even unanimous motions passed by their local authority. [1256/08]
The elected council and the county/city manager carry out their respective reserved and executive functions in accordance with the various legislative codes under which local authorities operate. The Local Government Act 2001 provides that it is the duty of every manager to carry into effect all lawful directions of the elected council of a local authority or a joint body for which he or she is manager in relation to the exercise and performance of the reserved functions of the local authority or joint body.
My Department will be publishing a Green Paper on local government reform in the coming weeks in accordance with the Programme for Government. The Green Paper will examine a number of issues with the objective of making local government more transparent and more responsive, and will set out options for reform in advance of a subsequent White Paper. Issues to be considered in the Green Paper will include that of ensuring a proper balance of power at local levels between the elected representatives and the Manager.
Question No. 1331 answered with Question No. 1314.
Questions Nos. 1332 and 1333 answered with Question No. 1318.
Waste Management.
Phil Hogan
Question:1334 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has quantified the volume of plastic bottles going to landfill; if he plans to introduce a levy similar to the plastic bag levy to help reduce the impact of such waste; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1310/08]
There is no specific information available to my Department on the volume of plastic bottles sent to landfill. All beverage containers, including plastic bottles, are packaging. National waste statistics for all waste streams, including packaging, are published by the EPA with the most recent being the National Waste Report 2006, published yesterday. Directive 94/62/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on packaging and packaging waste (the Packaging Directive) is based on the concept of producer responsibility, which effectively requires producers to contribute to the waste management costs of products which they have placed on the market at end-of-life. Under the Directive, Ireland was required to achieve a 25% recovery rate of packaging waste by 1 July 2001, increasing to a 50% recovery rate by 31 December 2005.
Practical implementation of the Directive in Ireland is organised mainly through a collective industry-based compliance scheme operated by Repak Limited which is working successfully. The National Waste Report 2006 states that packaging waste recovery increased to 57.3% in that year, indicating that Ireland continues to exceed the current target recovery rate of 50% set by the Packaging Directive. This compares with a recovery rate of 14.8% in 1998. Directive 2004/12/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council amending the Packaging Directive introduces a new increased packaging waste recovery target of 60% (with 55% by way of recycling) as well as material specific recycling targets for glass, paper/board, metals, plastics and wood. These targets, including the plastic packaging recovery target of 22.5%, have to be achieved by Ireland by 2011. The recovery rate for plastic packaging in 2006 was 20.7%.
I fully recognise that despite progress on recycling we need to continue to improve our performance. The Programme for Government commits us to a comprehensive review of waste management planning, which I have directed my Department to initiate. This review will ensure that our waste management plans reflect best international practice and that we have the policies and infrastructure to meet ambitious environmental objectives. The review will also look at the desirability of other producer responsibility schemes, including deposit and refund for beverage containers.
In the interim, I have recently challenged industry to develop appropriate measures to address packaging waste litter, in particular in relation to beverage containers. At present, the arrangements for recovering packaging waste from consumers and householders consist principally of segregated collections for dry recyclables and an extensive network of bring banks and civic amenity sites. My Department will continue to discuss these issues in the context of finalising a four-year strategy for the packaging waste sector which is currently being developed under the aegis of the National Strategy Group on Packaging Waste Recycling which is representative of the relevant public and private sector stakeholders.
Register of Electors.
John Cregan
Question:1335 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if an Irish citizen working in the US is entitled to cast a vote in a general election here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1324/08]
In order to be able to vote at elections and referenda in this jurisdiction, a person's name must be entered in the register of electors for a constituency in the State in which the person ordinarily resides.
Postal voting is provided for in electoral law in respect of certain categories of person who are entered in the register of electors. The Electoral Act 1992 provides for postal voting by wholetime members of the Defence Forces, members of the Gardaí, and Irish diplomats serving abroad and their spouses. Subsequent legislation enacted by the Oireachtas has extended postal voting to other categories: electors living at home who are unable to vote because of a physical illness or a physical disability (the Electoral (Amendment) Act 1996); electors whose occupation, service or employment makes it likely that they will be unable to vote in person at their local polling station on polling day — in these cases, the law provides for completion of the necessary voting documentation at a Garda station (the Electoral Act 1997); full-time students registered at their home who are living elsewhere while attending an educational institution in the State (the Electoral Act 1997); certain election staff employed at the poll outside the constituency where they reside (the Electoral (Amendment) Act 2001); and electors who because of the circumstances of their detention in prison pursuant to an order of a court are likely to be unable to go in person on polling day to vote (the Electoral (Amendment) Act 2006).
While electoral law is subject to ongoing review, there are no proposals to alter the existing arrangements along the lines referred to in the Question.
Local Authority Housing.
Jack Wall
Question:1336 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to install central heating in council properties for a local authority (details supplied); if there will there be a priority on the type of property that will receive central heating; the amount that will be invested in such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1376/08]
In 2004 my Department introduced a central heating programme which provides funding for the installation of central heating in existing local authority dwellings. Under the programme a grant of €6,000 or up to 80% of the cost, whichever is the lesser, is available. From 1 January 2007, the central heating programme has been included as part of a local authority's improvement works programme.
The local authority concerned has a central heating programme in place which will continue into 2008. The details of its proposed programme for this year are a matter for the authority itself, in the context of preparing its improvement works programme, which is due to be submitted to my Department by end January 2008.
Departmental Funding.
Róisín Shortall
Question:1337 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of funding provided to an organisation (details supplied) in each of the years this century; the purpose of this funding in each of these years including details of specific projects; and the way the expenditure of this funding is verified and accounted for. [1398/08]
Capital funding is available through my Department's Capital Loan and Subsidy Scheme to approved voluntary and co-operative housing bodies to provide accommodation to meet the housing needs of low income families and other groups with special housing needs. My Department's involvement with the scheme relates primarily to the provision of funds and ensuring that the requirements of the Capital Works Management Framework are fully implemented. The administration of the scheme, the appraisal of projects and the certification and payment of capital grants to the approved bodies is the responsibility of the appropriate local authority.
The information requested in relation to the capital funding approved in respect of projects advanced by the National Association of Building Co-operatives is set out in the following table:
|
Project Name |
Date of Payment |
No. of Units |
Payment Amount |
|
€ |
|||
|
Phase 2, New St, Dean Street, Dublin 8 |
2002 |
15 |
500,000 |
|
2003 |
2,000,000 |
||
|
Newtown Court, Malahide Road, Dublin 17 |
2002 |
193 |
3,000,000 |
|
2003 |
13,000,000 |
||
|
‘Cardy Rock’, Bremore, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin |
2004 |
45 |
5,049,185 |
|
Riversdale / Sandyford, Dundrum, Dublin |
2003 |
23 |
3,653,093 |
|
2004 |
953,115 |
My Department also provides grant assistance towards the administrative and general expenses of certain not-for-profit bodies, including the National Association of Building Co-operatives, who conduct research and provide information, advice or training in relation to housing. This funding, set out in the table below, is verified and accounted for through the submission of audited accounts and an audited statement confirming how funding was spent.
|
Year |
€ |
|
2000 |
88,882 |
|
2001 |
126,974 |
|
2002 |
140,000 |
|
2003 |
150,000 |
|
2004 |
180,000 |
|
2005 |
192,000 |
|
2006 |
200,000 |
|
2007 |
230,000 |
|
Total |
1,307,856 |
Local Authority Funding.
Pat Breen
Question:1338 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will allocate extra funding to Clare County Council to redress the shortfall in the 2008 Local Government Fund allocation to Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1418/08]
I am providing some €999.2m in general purpose grants from the Local Government Fund to local authorities for 2008. These grants are my contribution to local authorities to meet the difference between the cost to them of providing an acceptable level of day to day services and the income available to them from local sources and from specific grants. The amount being made available for general purpose grants this year represents an increase of some €51.5m, or 5.4%, over the amount provided for 2007 and continues the trend of providing additional general funding to local authorities.
Clare County Council's general purpose allocation for 2008 is €16,476,569, an increase of 5.13% over the 2007 allocation. General purpose grants to Clare County Council have increased by some 460% since 1997 which is more than twice the average increase to local authorities over that period.
I am satisfied that the general purpose allocation I have provided to the Council for 2008, together with the income available to it from other sources, will enable the Council to provide an acceptable level of services to its customers.
Planning Issues.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:1339 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the exact date on which he will publish the revised and updated Residential Density Guidelines 1999. [1432/08]
I intend to issue a public consultation draft of Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas in the very near future: the public consultation period will last 12 weeks. These draft guidelines will update and replace my Department's 1999 Residential Density Guidelines for Planning Authorities.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Paul Connaughton
Question:1340 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department is in receipt of a proposal from Galway County Council to build a new sewerage treatment plant at Mountbellew, Ballinasloe, County Galway; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the present system is overloaded and is polluting the nearby Shiven River; the proposed cost of the project; when his Department will return the file to Galway County Council; if money is available for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1439/08]
Paul Connaughton
Question:1405 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if an application for a new sewerage treatment plant for Mountbellew has been received in his Department; when approval will be given; the proposed cost of the project; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the existing sewerage treatment plant is severely polluting the near by Shiven River; if his further attention has been drawn to the recent ruling of An Bord Pleanála which effectively curbs all future building in the town unless a treatment plant is approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2442/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1340 and 1405 together.
The Mountbellew Sewerage Scheme, which is being advanced as part of a grouped project, is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007- 2009 as a scheme to start construction in 2008 at an estimated cost of €5.958m.
Galway County Council's Preliminary Report for the scheme is being examined in my Department and is being dealt with as quickly as possible.
Local Authority Funding.
Olwyn Enright
Question:1341 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of playgrounds funded by his Department in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007; the number planned for 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1444/08]
The number of playgrounds awarded grant aid by my Department under the 2004, 2005 and 2006 playground schemes was 34, 38 and 89 respectively. As many local authorities experienced some delays in providing these playgrounds due to a variety of planning and technical issues, consideration of a scheme in 2007 was deferred to allow local authorities to make progress with their outstanding projects. I expect to make an announcement regarding a new scheme in 2008 over the coming months in the light of experience gained with the schemes to date.
Questions Nos. 1342 and 1343 answered with Question No. 1307.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
Phil Hogan
Question:1344 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the assumptions underlying his projections for transport related green house gas emissions in the 2008 to 2012 period contained in the recent carbon budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1450/08]
The projections for transport related greenhouse gas emissions in the 2008 to 2012 period in the carbon budget are those contained in the National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2012.
The projections in the Strategy are based on projections prepared for my Department and published in a report, Determining the Share of National Greenhouse Gas Emissions for Emissions Trading in Ireland 2008-2012, in March 2006. The report is available to download from my Department's website www.environ.ie. The projections for individual sectors take account of the policies and measures in place or already announced while the report was being prepared.
The effects of additional policies and measures put in place in advance of the publication of the Strategy were calculated, and the projections for the transport and other sectors adjusted accordingly. As set out in the Strategy, projections of transport emissions were also revised upward to take account of the initial decision of the European Commission in November 2006 on Ireland's National Allocation Plan. Relevant measures in the transport and other sectors are set out in the Strategy, which is available in the Oireachtas library.
Question No. 1345 answered with Question No. 1314.
Water Charges.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:1346 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if it is his intention to amend the Local Government (Financial Provisions) Act 1997 in view of the Government’s decision to cap the amount of water charges to be paid by schools to local authorities; the nature of the changes being contemplated; when he will publish the Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1472/08]
Ruairí Quinn
Question:1347 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will amend S.I. 772 of 2003 in order to enable local authorities to confine the amount of their water charges to schools in line with the per capita allowances of €3, €3.50 and €4 per pupil for the years 2007, 2008 and 2009 in line with the Government decision of 4 January 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1473/08]
Charlie O'Connor
Question:1353 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action his Department will take to deal with the widespread concern regarding the recent Government announcement on water charges for schools; his plans to discuss the matter with local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1685/08]
Phil Hogan
Question:1367 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the result of his discussions with the Department of Education and Science in respect of compensating schools for the implementation of the Water Framework Directive in respect of 2008; the additional cost to his Department of any conclusions reached in respect of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1998/08]
Michael Ring
Question:1399 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there is an exemption from water charges for certain offices (details supplied); and the premises that are exempt from these charges. [2289/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1346, 1347, 1353, 1367 and 1399 together.
Following on from a commitment in the Programme for Government in relation to school water charges, the Government decided on 4 January 2008 to introduce transitional arrangements for charging schools for water services, pending schools being charged for water services on a full cost recovery and volumetric basis with effect from 1 January 2010.
In summary, for 2007 a flat rate of €3.00 per pupil will apply (bills for 2007 are to be recalculated on this basis and schools given a credit in respect of any excess payment and outstanding bills for 2007 are to be revised on this basis); for 2008 a flat rate of €3.50 per pupil will apply, and for 2009 a flat rate of €4.00 per pupil will apply. The relevant rates for schools receiving a water supply, but not waste water facilities, will be €2.25 in 2007, €2.63 in 2008 and €3.00 in 2009. Apart from any readjustment to arrears for 2007 arising from the recalculation of bills at the rate of €3.00 per pupil, schools are legally liable to pay all other outstanding arrears, regardless of the number of years involved. Schools owing arrears of water charges are being advised to discuss a payment arrangement for the outstanding arrears with the relevant local authority. In order to comply with the requirements of the Water Framework Directive, the transitional arrangements outlined above will terminate at the end of 2009.
The details of these arrangements have been communicated to local authorities and they have been advised that any reduction in income during the transitional period will be met through existing provisions within the Local Government Fund.
Implementation of the Government Decision of 4 January 2008 in relation to school water charges does not require an amendment of the Local Government (Financial Provisions) Act 1997 or of the European Communities (Water Quality) Regulations 2003.
I have not had discussions with my colleague, the Minister for Education and Science, in respect of compensating schools for the implementation of the Water Framework Directive in respect of 2008 as the funding of school running costs is a matter for her.
Local authorities are required to recover the cost of providing water services from the users of these services, with the exception of households using the services for domestic purposes. There is no provision for an exemption from water charges in the case of any non-domestic users, whether army barracks, garda stations, hospitals, airports, sports clubs, social welfare offices, Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Food offices or Post Offices. In accordance with existing legislation, only ordinary household use of water within a dwelling house is exempt from water charges.
Departmental Properties.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:1348 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of Department owned computer desktops or laptops or other data devices, such as blackberries and memory keys, reported lost, missing or stolen from his Department in each year from 2002 to 2007; the number of these that were later recovered or found; the number still missing; if any sensitive or private data was compromised; the measures in place within his Department to secure such portable or at risk data devices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1514/08]
No Department owned computer desktops or memory keys have been reported lost, missing or stolen, during the period 2002 to 2007. During 2007, twelve Department owned laptops were stolen from the Custom House and one was stolen while in transit between Department offices. Ten of these were recovered almost immediately. Nine of these laptops were obsolete and had already been prepared for recycling. Of the three laptops not recovered, one was new and unused. One also contained a 3G card. One Blackberry device was reported lost in 2005 and two were reported lost in 2007. All unrecovered devices were password protected and no sensitive or private data was compromised.
Security systems in the Custom House have since been upgraded and my Department, in conjunction with the Office of Public Works, is installing a new CCTV system. My Department already has a range of data protection initiatives in place. A review of the operation of systems and procedures to protect the confidentiality of personal data and to prevent its improper release is being finalised at present. Any issues emerging from the review which need to be addressed will be followed up.
Social and Affordable Housing.
Jack Wall
Question:1349 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the meetings or contact his Department has had with a local authority (details supplied) in County Kildare; the outcome of such meetings and contact in relation to the purchasing of nine social houses; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the local authority gave a commitment to purchase these houses; and when moneys will be sanctioned to complete the purchase of the houses. [1526/08]
Jack Wall
Question:1350 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position of an application by a local authority (details supplied) in County Kildare to purchase social houses; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the local authority gave a commitment in January 2007 to purchase the houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1527/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1349 and 1350 together.
I refer to the reply to Question No. 232 of 18 October 2007. The position is unchanged.
My Department is in regular communications with the Kildare housing authorities in relation to their social housing programmes and has formal meetings on a biannual basis as part of the Housing Action Plan process. The Department is scheduled to meet the Kildare Housing Authorities again in March 2008.
Question No. 1351 answered with Question No. 1307.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Pádraic McCormack
Question:1352 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position as regards the provision of a sewerage scheme in Oughterard, County Galway; if the report from Galway County Council has been approved; if and when consultants can be employed without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1663/08]
Michael D. Higgins
Question:1358 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the present position in relation to the development of a new sewerage system for Oughterard, County Galway; and if, in view of the implications for Lough Corrib in every respect for both residents and tourists, he will indicate the projected timescale for delivery. [1770/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1352 and 1358 together.
The Oughterard Sewerage Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 as a scheme to start construction in 2008.
Galway County Council's brief for the appointment of consultants to prepare Contract Documents for the scheme was received in my Department in December 2007 and is being dealt with as quickly as possible.
Question No. 1353 answered with Question No. 1346.
Data Protection.
Damien English
Question:1354 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of and the records kept by his Department of attempted hacking or suspected cyber attacks or other malicious computer security breaches committed against his Department’s computer systems. [1725/08]
My Department ensures that all relevant security measures, including the use of hardware firewalls, anti-virus, anti-spam and malware scanners are in place to protect its network against potential intrusion by hackers via the internet. All of my Department's computer security systems are subjected to ongoing independent security audits and any enhancements to the systems are installed as required. Records of attempted attacks are not readily available and there is no record of any actual breaches of my Department's systems.
Environmental Policy.
Billy Timmins
Question:1355 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to smoke free status for Wicklow Town, County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1757/08]
The ban on the marketing, sale and distribution of bituminous coal currently applies in 16 urban areas nationally. The selection of these areas took account of air quality monitoring data and population size. On the basis of these criteria, the ban currently applies to two towns in Co. Wicklow, Bray and Arklow.
In April 2006, the Department and the Solid Fuel Trade Group signed a new negotiated agreement on further reducing the sulphur content of bituminous coal and petcoke, and the maintenance of existing limitations on the marketing, sale and distribution of solid fuels in designated smokeless zones.
This agreement follows on from a previous agreement put in place in 2002 and runs until the end of the current fuel season in April 2008. Under the agreement, there is a temporary moratorium on the designation of further coal ban areas, except where required to ensure adherence to air quality standards. This has not been necessary.
A review of the 2006-2008 agreement will take place shortly with a view to putting in place a further agreement for the following 3-year period. The designation of any new towns will be considered in the course of the review and will have regard, inter alia, to local air quality standards and population.
Question No. 1356 answered with Question No. 1321.
Special Amenity Areas.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:1357 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the process to extend the Liffey Valley Special Amenity Area Order (details supplied) will commence, further to discussions and ongoing correspondence in relation to this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1768/08]
The making, amending, review or revoking of a Special Amenity Area Order, including the making of such an order following a Ministerial direction, is governed by sections 202 and 203 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. Prior to the coming into force of the Planning and Development Act 2000, the relevant provisions in relation to special amenity area orders were contained in sections 42 and 43 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act 1963, as amended.
Under the provisions of the 1963 Act, as amended, Dublin County Council, following a Ministerial direction, made a special amenity area order for the Liffey Valley from Lucan Bridge to the city boundary in March 1987 : the order was confirmed by the Minister on 8 March 1990. The making of any further special amenity area order in relation to the Liffey Valley area would be dealt with under the provisions of the 2000 Act.
It is an objective of South Dublin County Council's current Development Plan to investigate the feasibility of extending the Special Amenity Area Order to further lands, including part or all of St Edmondsbury and Woodville lands. The extent and location of the land to be covered by any such Order would be affected by the measures required to give effect to the recommendation of the Affordable Homes Partnership to use lands at St Edmondsbury and Woodville for affordable housing. This matter is currently under consideration by the Council, in consultation with the Affordable Homes Partnership and other stakeholders. A final decision in the matter has yet to be taken.
Question No. 1358 answered with Question No. 1352.
Local Authority Housing.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:1359 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there is a statutory or working definition of sheltered accommodation for the purposes of local authority housing provision and allocation; if he will outline this definition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1780/08]
Specific state support for the accommodation needs of older people or people with special housing needs ranges from grant schemes which allow people to remain in their homes to the provision of specific sheltered housing options.
Both the local authorities and the voluntary and co-operative housing sectors are providing an expanded range of social housing options and a wide range of accommodation types to meet special housing needs, including in relation to sheltered housing with low-level, on-site supports. Sheltered housing usually comprises a group scheme of dwellings with provision for on-site delivery of services to allow for assisted independent living. For most vulnerable groups, interventions in this area generally require an inter-agency response particularly where there is a care dimension to the supports required.
My Department's housing policy statement, Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities, sets out a new approach to social housing provision and a new focus on meeting individual needs by providing homes for life in safe and well-planned neighbourhoods. This approach allows supports to be geared to the particular needs of people in different phases of their life. For older people, grants to adapt their homes to address mobility problems can supplement other supports to enable them to continue living independently at home for as long as possible.
A cross-departmental team on sheltered housing has been established by my Department to oversee progress in this area. Provision is being made for consultation with social partners through the Housing Forum.
Social and Affordable Housing.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:1360 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to recent statements by consumer watchdogs listing mortgage protection insurance among the types of insurance that consumers should avoid as they may not be worth the money spent on them; if, in view of this, he will amend the legislation that requires purchasers of affordable homes under the shared ownership scheme to take out mortgage protection insurance with their local authority, often at a rate several times higher than that offered by private insurers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1796/08]
The local authority mortgage protection insurance scheme has applied to all house purchase loans approved by authorities on or after 1 July 1986. One of the conditions of the scheme, which is a group policy, is that it is obligatory for all local authority borrowers who meet the eligibility criteria to join. Altering this condition would have a negative impact on the scheme and increase the cost for all existing borrowers.
The scheme is overseen by the Mortgage Protection Committee, which is a sub-committee of the County and City Managers' Association (CCMA) and is representative of the CCMA, the Housing Finance Agency and a representative of my Department. The Committee has recently sought tenders for an independent review and evaluation of the existing arrangements and will consider the recommendations arising from that review in due course following the appointment of a successful tenderer and receipt of their report.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Dinny McGinley
Question:1361 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there is an application in his Department for the development and provision of a sewerage scheme (details supplied) in County Donegal; when the application was received; the stage planning has reached; the estimated cost of the project; if provision has been made in the 2008 Estimates for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1817/08]
The Gweedore Sewerage Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services investment Programme 2007-2009 as a scheme to start construction in 2008, at an estimated cost of €26m.
Additional information requested by my Department was received from Donegal County Council in December 2007 and is being considered as speedily as possible in conjunction with the Council's Tender Documents for the scheme.
Dinny McGinley
Question:1362 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the development and provision of Killybegs sewerage scheme; the stage the plan this sewerage scheme has reached; when it is expected to go to tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1818/08]
The Killybegs Sewerage Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 as a scheme to start construction in 2008.
The wastewater treatment plant is being grouped with Bundoran and my Department is awaiting Tender Documents from the Council for both plants. The Council's Contract Documents for certain elements of the collection system and for the sea outfall are being examined in the Department and are being dealt with as quickly as possible. Contract Documents for the remainder of the collection system are awaited from the Council.
Question No. 1363 answered with Question No. 1320.
Question No. 1364 answered with Question No. 1305.
End-of-Life Vehicles.
Joe McHugh
Question:1365 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the end of life vehicle facilities, properly permitted and complying with current standard regulation in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1886/08]
The Waste Management (End-of-Life Vehicles) Regulations 2006 provide the regulatory framework for the implementation in Ireland of Directive 2000/53/EC on end-of-life vehicles.
Under the Regulations, any facility which meets the required standards and holds a valid waste permit may become an authorised treatment facility. Local authorities are the designated competent authorities under the statutory waste permitting regime — my Department has no function in this matter. Donegal County Council will be able to provide details of the authorised treatment facilities operating within its functional areas.
Departmental Expenditure.
Enda Kenny
Question:1366 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount spent by his Department on media monitoring or press cutting services for each of the years 2002 to 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1983/08]
I refer to the reply to Question Nos 944, 946, 948, 953, 954 and 957 of 11 December 2007.
As part of a range of functions undertaken by my Department's Press Office, a daily news cuttings service is made available to all staff. This service has been provided in- house by Press Office staff since 2002 and it is accessible to all staff via the Department's intranet. The Department has been charged a licence fee for this service since 2005, amounting to just under €1300 (incl. VAT) per annum.
The press cuttings are collated by the Higher Executive Officer, Executive Officer and Clerical Officer in the Press Office every morning. In addition, regional cuttings are provided on a weekly basis by News Access Ltd to the Department's senior management team, the Minister's and the Ministers' of State Offices. At the end of last year, my Department changed the regional cuttings service to an electronic format. This is a more efficient system and has eliminated the use of paper. The cost of the regional cuttings service (incl VAT) since 2002 has been as follows:
2002 — €16,794
2003 — €11,401
2004 — €22,807
2005 — €11,593
2006 — €7,241
2007 — €8,745 (10 months)
Question No. 1367 answered with Question No. 1346.
Register of Electors.
Sean Fleming
Question:1368 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of funding from the local authorities own funds that will be spent by each local authority on work on the voters register for 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1999/08]
Sean Fleming
Question:1369 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the allocation of funding that has been made from his Department on a local authority basis in 2008 for work on the voters register in view of the fact that the draft to be produced at the end of 2008 will form the basis for the register for 2009 which will be used for the local and European elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2000/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1368 and 1369 together.
In law the preparation of the Electoral Register is a matter for each local registration authority. It is their duty to ensure, as far as possible and with the cooperation of the public, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the Register.
Expenditure by local authorities on the services for which they are responsible is funded from a range of sources, including grants provided by my Department, goods and services income and rates on commercial and industrial property. The grants provided by my Department include general purpose grants, which in 2008 amount to €999 million — an increase of €51 million or 5.4% over the amount provided for 2007. The cost of work on the compilation and publication of the Electoral Register is generally met from these sources of funding available to local authorities. The amount of funding allocated by each authority to carry out this work in any particular year is a matter for the authority concerned.
My Department funds an annual advertising campaign, at a cost of some €160,000, which encourages people to check that their details are correctly recorded on the Electoral Register.
Planning Issues.
Brian O'Shea
Question:1370 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will review the National Spatial Strategy with a view to giving hub status to Dungarvan, County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2001/08]
The 20-year National Spatial Strategy (NSS) which was published in November 2002 aims to achieve a better balance of social, economic and physical development across Ireland, supported by more effective planning, and has designated nine gateways and nine hubs which have the capacity to grow sustainably and to act as drivers of growth for their hinterlands and wider regions.
Among the principal objectives of the Strategy are to build up the strengths of all areas in order to achieve more balanced regional development through a better spread of economic activity, employment and population growth; to energise the potential of all urban and rural areas with the support of a stronger urban structure, including the gateways, hubs and other towns; and to set a national context for regional and local planning strategies.
I have no plans to review the designations of gateways and hubs identified in the Strategy.
Question No. 1371 answered with Question No. 1307.
Archaeological Sites.
Thomas Byrne
Question:1372 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if in relation to a development by Meath County Council (details supplied), his Department was consulted by the said council in relation to any archaeological investigations on the said site; the extent of the consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2039/08]
Thomas Byrne
Question:1373 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if in relation to a development by Meath County Council (details supplied), his Department issued a licence to carry out archaeological digs; when such a licence was issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2040/08]
Thomas Byrne
Question:1374 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if in relation to a development by Meath County Council (details supplied), his Departments attention was drawn to the extent of the archaeological dig carried out; the results thereof and the costs thereof as known to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2041/08]
Thomas Byrne
Question:1375 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if in relation to a development by Meath County Council (details supplied), his Department proposes to repay to Meath County Council the costs of the archaeological dig carried out thereon by way of grant-in-aid or other central Exchequer funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2042/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1372 to 1375, inclusive, together.
In May 2006, my Department, in its role as prescribed body under the relevant planning regulations, was notified by Meath County Council in accordance with the provisions of Part 8 of those regulations of its intention to carry out the development referred to in the questions. My Department's National Monuments Service advised the Council that the proposed development was within the zone of archaeological potential established around the town of Nobber and recommended to the Council that an archaeological impact assessment of the proposed development site be carried out to assess the potential impact, if any, of the development on archaeological remains in the area where the development was proposed. This recommendation was not acted upon by the Council, who did not notify the Department of their decision in the matter, as requested.
During the course of the subsequent construction works the National Monuments Service was contacted by a local resident and was informed that archaeological material had been uncovered at the site. My Department contacted the local authority about the implications of what had been uncovered and the local authority then employed an archaeologist to monitor further works at the development site.
Following confirmation of the presence of archaeological features at the site, a licence for archaeological excavations to determine the nature and extent of those features and to assist in deciding on any measures that might be possible at that stage to mitigate the archaeological impacts of the works was applied for by a firm of archaeological consultants on behalf of the Council. The licence was issued by my Department in late April 2007. Subsequently, the National Monuments Service agreed a programme of further monitoring and recording with the Council's archaeological consultant in July 2007. The full programme of archaeological works was concluded in December 2007. A post-excavation preliminary report required as a condition of the excavation licence is due to be completed by the Council's archaeological consultant in February 2008 and submitted to my Department.
The determination of the costs of the archaeological works is a matter for Meath County Council in the first instance in consultation with its archaeological consultants. As funding for this local authority housing development is being provided by my Department to Meath County Council the Department has requested a breakdown of all relevant costs, including archaeological costs.
I have asked my Department to seek an urgent report from the local authority in relation to this issue.
Planning Issues.
Ciaran Lynch
Question:1376 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if it is his intention to remove the charge for planning objections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2110/08]
Joanna Tuffy
Question:1415 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide details of the enhanced service provided by planning authorities to persons who make formal submissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2622/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1376 and 1415 together.
The €20 fee for making a submission on a planning application was introduced in the context of the comprehensive review of planning legislation which culminated in the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Planning and Development Regulations 2001. The fee was introduced in tandem with the increased rights given to 3rd parties in the planning process in the revised legislation. Since the enactment of the 2000 Act planning authorities are statutorily obliged to acknowledge submissions on planning applications and to consider those submissions before making decisions on planning applications. Persons who make submissions are also entitled to be notified of
any new information provided;
the decision of the planning authority;
an appeal against the decision of the planning authority.
This administrative framework is expensive to administer and the purpose of the €20 fee is to contribute to the increasing costs for planning authorities in administering the development consent system while not discouraging public participation in the process. The fee also facilitates the identification of those persons who have made a submission on a planning application and who are therefore entitled to appeal decisions. Further, the fee is payable once; if a person who has paid a fee makes a further submission or observation, no fee is payable in respect of the subsequent submission or observation.
My Department is currently examining the costs of the planning service with a view to reviewing the Regulations relating to planning application fees in the context of improving further service delivery. Any proposed changes to the current fees structure, including the fee for making a submission on an application, will require the endorsement of the Oireachtas.
Register of Electors.
Ciaran Lynch
Question:1377 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action required of citizens of other EU states in order to be entered into the electoral register; if an equivalent requirement is placed on Irish citizens living in other EU countries; the position regarding non-EU citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2111/08]
The compilation of a register of electors is a matter for the appropriate registration authority (City or County Council) in accordance with electoral law. In order to vote, a person's name must be entered on the register for a constituency in the state in which the person ordinarily resides and the person's citizenship determines the polls at which he or she is entitled to vote.
Irish citizens may vote at all polls; British citizens may vote at Dáil, European and local elections; other EU citizens may vote at European and local elections; and non-EU citizens may vote at local elections only. Electors are entered on the register according to their eligibility to vote based on information furnished by them to the registration authority: Irish citizens are shown on the register with no letter after their names; British citizens have D after their names; other EU citizens an E; and non-EU citizens the letter L. Further information in relation to the registration process may be obtained from the relevant registration authority.
EU legislation relating to voting at European Parliament elections provides that persons who are not nationals of the member state in which they reside but who meet the same conditions in respect of the right to vote as that State imposes on its own nationals have the right to vote in that member state. Within this framework, the relevant legislation provides for a system of declarations by EU citizens who are not nationals of the member state in which they reside, and of information exchange between the member states, to help ensure that no person votes more than once at such elections.
Social and Affordable Housing.
Ciaran Lynch
Question:1378 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if teams with responsibility for the negotiation and successful conclusion of Part V agreements have been established by local authorities; if he has placed a requirement on local authorities to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2112/08]
Ciaran Lynch
Question:1380 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, where written guidance for developers on Part V policy exists, it encourages a joint approach by developers and housing associations for the development, delivery and management of social and affordable housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2177/08]
Ciaran Lynch
Question:1381 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has provided local authorities with detailed guidance on Part V pre-planning discussions; if this guidance emphasises the importance of discussion as a prerequisite to any application for residential development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2179/08]
Ciaran Lynch
Question:1388 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of local authorities that have produced and disseminated written guidance for developers on Part V policy for Part V output and pre-planning negotiation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2191/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1378, 1380, 1381 and 1388 together.
Since the introduction of Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000, my Department has issued a range of implementation guidelines for local authorities. In addition, the Affordable Homes Partnership (AHP), working in conjunction with my Department, published a Resource Pack on concluding Part V agreements in 2006. The Pack, which was updated in 2007, was developed on foot of a series of workshops held for local authority personnel, professionals involved in the Part V process and the Irish Home Builders Association (IHBA). It provides guidance on the various issues arising and includes a structured step by step framework to assist in reaching Part V agreements. In terms of reaching early agreements, it emphasises the important role of meaningful pre-planning discussions between developers and local authorities.
Copies of the Resource Pack have been disseminated widely to all those involved in the implementation of the Part V process, including the IHBA. The need for further guidance tailored to local circumstances is a matter for individual local authorities to consider.
In addition, in the context of regional seminars for local authorities held by my Department and the AHP, the importance of ensuring that authorities make arrangements to support the efficient operation of Part V, involving both their housing and planning functions, has been highlighted. The specific arrangements in this regard are a matter for individual local authority managers, as part of their overall responsibility for the management of their authority's staff and other resources.
My Department has also encouraged local authorities to take a proactive role in facilitating the involvement of the voluntary and co-operative sector in the provision of housing under Part V. It is important that this is taken forward in a planned manner in each local authority area, in the context of the preparation and implementation of Housing Action Plans, which are the vehicle through which authorities plan for the delivery of housing programmes at local level.
The range of measures outlined has played an important part in supporting delivery under Part V which, in 2006, increased by 60% on the previous year. I expect that full year data for 2007 will, in due course, show another strong Part V performance.
Data Protection.
Simon Coveney
Question:1379 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the details of all instances since 1 June 2002 where personal data held by his Department or any agency under its auspices were compromised in any way; if the review by his Department of data security procedures announced on 22 November 2007 is completed; and the findings of that review in terms both of prior shortcomings and of future actions. [2162/08]
I am not aware of any instances where personal data held by my Department was compromised during the period concerned. The review of the operation of systems and procedures to protect the confidentiality of personal data and to prevent its improper release is being finalised. My Department already has a range of data protection initiatives in place and any issues emerging from the review which need to be addressed will be followed up.
The protection of personal data held by agencies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for the agencies concerned.
Questions Nos. 1380 and 1381 answered with Question No. 1378.
Register of Electors.
Ciaran Lynch
Question:1382 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the internationally accepted norm that, of those entitled to register, 85% is the highest number of persons who appear on the register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2180/08]
In law the preparation of the Register of Electors is a matter for each local registration authority. It is their duty to ensure, as far as possible and with the cooperation of the public, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the Register. In their work in this area, local authorities do not compile data which would permit specific conclusions to be drawn relating to levels of overall registration for electoral purposes.
In working to compile the Register for 2007/8, which is currently in force, local authorities undertook and completed the most extensive registration campaign in decades. On the basis of the work undertaken, I am satisfied that local authorities achieved a significant improvement in the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the Register compared to previous years.
My Department has advised local authorities that the approach in respect of the 2008/9 Register should be to maintain and build on the progress they have made to date. Authorities are required to publish the Register for 2008/9 on 1 February 2008.
Departmental Bodies.
Ciaran Lynch
Question:1383 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of reports that have been commissioned by his Department since he took office; the number of committees and commissions that have been set up by his Department in that time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2181/08]
There were 16 reports commissioned and 10 committees/working groups set up in the period in question. Details are set out in the following tables.
|
Examination of the Department’s supervisory and management role in relation to a civil works contract undertaken by Limerick City Council |
|
Engineering Report on the stability of the esker at Rath Lugh, Co. Meath |
|
Study on Certain Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases (F-gases) in the context of European Regulation |
|
Assessment of Need for “Living over the Shop” Tax Incentives to Support Urban Regeneration in NSS Gateways |
|
Evaluation of European Spatial Network Research (ESPON) 2002-2006 |
|
11 scientific surveys of habitats and species were commissioned in the period by the Department’s National Parks and Wildlife Service |
|
Steering Committee with representatives from a broad spectrum of public and private sector nominees to oversee the development of a new Policy on Architecture. Three Focus Groups will to specialise on the three core themes, namely “Promoting quality in the built environment; Promoting sustainability; and Promoting awareness.” |
|
Lismullin Advisory Committee, to advise the Minister on the excavations at the national monument discovered on the route of the M3 motorway at Lismullin, Co. Meath. |
|
The High Level Group on Climate Change, comprising senior officials from relevant Government Departments and chaired by the Department, to coordinate the implementation of the National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2012. |
|
An Inter Departmental Group on Energy Efficient Lighting, comprising officials from the Department, the Departments of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, and Sustainable Energy Ireland. The purpose of the Group is, inter alia, to advise the Minister on the technical basis for a minimum standard of energy efficiency for lighting. |
|
Two committees to review local electoral areas. |
|
Steering Group to oversee the procurement and management of the major review of waste management provided for in the Programme for Government. |
|
The Limerick City Boundary Committee |
|
A non-statutory Green Paper Consultative Committee to advise on the production of the Green Paper on Local Government Reform. |
|
Steering Committee for the Government Climate Change Communications and Public Awareness Campaign |
Question No. 1384 answered with Question No. 1304.
Social and Affordable Housing.
Ciaran Lynch
Question:1385 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the criteria under which certain homeless persons who have been less than 18 months on rent supplement, and who have a long-term housing need, are eligible for consideration under the rental accommodation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2183/08]
Ciaran Lynch
Question:1386 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the parameters of the discretion available to local authorities in admitting tenants to the rental accommodation scheme who are less than 18 months on rent supplement and who have been assessed as having a long-term housing need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2184/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1385 and 1386 together.
The Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) mainly provides for the accommodation needs of Rent Supplement recipients of 18 months duration who are assessed as having a long-term housing need. However local authorities have discretion in utilising RAS in cases, including certain homeless cases, of persons who are less than eighteen months on Rent Supplement and who are assessed as having a long-term housing need.
While the accommodation needs of homeless persons are mainly met by a range of tailored services, RAS may be used by local authorities to accommodate homeless persons. Authorities determine suitability for RAS on a case-by-case basis having regard to long-term housing need and suitability for independent living. Tenancy sustainment support is provided in many cases for persons undertaking the transition from homelessness to independent living in rented accommodation.
Question No. 1387 answered with Question No. 1306.
Question No. 1388 answered with Question No. 1378.
Ciaran Lynch
Question:1389 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a system of standard construction costs has or will be established and introduced to help streamline the negotiation of Part V agreements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2192/08]
A wide range of guidance and training has been provided by my Department and the Affordable Homes Partnership to support the streamlined and efficient implementation of Part V. I do not consider that a nationwide system of standard construction costs in relation to Part V would be practical given that costs vary considerably from project to project based on design, house size, site location and characteristics, local labour costs etc. However, in the context of monitoring the implementation of Part V, I will keep under review the possible scope for piloting a standardised costs approach in a particular region and the utility that any such arrangement might provide.
Ciaran Lynch
Question:1390 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, where a local authority social housing scheme is below cost limits and where a housing association can demonstrate a capacity to carry out a housing development programme professionally and within costs, there is still a requirement for prior approval from his Department before entering a contract to build out a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2193/08]
The provision of accommodation by approved voluntary and co-operative housing bodies is an integral part of my Department's overall response to delivering on social housing need. Funding of up to 100% of the approved cost is available to approved housing bodies for the provision of permanent accommodation for low-income families and for persons with special housing needs, including the elderly, the homeless and people with an intellectual or physical disability.
In accordance with the terms and conditions governing the approval of projects funded under my Department's Capital Funding Schemes and the requirement to implement robust financial management and control procedures, local authorities are required to obtain prior approval from my Department before proceeding with the construction or acquisition of houses by approved bodies.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Seymour Crawford
Question:1391 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the proposed improvements to the sewerage system in Castleblaney town; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the water from Lough Muckno to which the Castleblaney sewerage system is attached is one of the main supplies for the water system in Dundalk; his views on whether in this situation it should be an issue that deserves some urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2210/08]
The Castleblayney Sewerage Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 as a scheme to start construction in 2008.
The scheme is being advanced as a grouped project with Ballybay and Clones and my Department is awaiting Preliminary Reports from Monaghan County Council for the three locations which will be dealt with urgently by my Department.
Planning Issues.
Leo Varadkar
Question:1392 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason local authorities can not require the transfer of school sites to local authorities gratis in the same way that open space and public roads and footpaths must be so transferred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2240/08]
Seamus Kirk
Question:1406 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on bringing forward amending legislation to oblige developers to make a financial contribution towards the cost of school extensions arising directly from new housing schemes built within school catchment areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2490/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1392 and 1406 together.
Under the Planning and Development Act 2000, the development plan must set out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area concerned. To guide local authorities in the preparation of these plans and in addressing key issues, my Department published Development Plan Guidelines for Planning Authorities in June 2007, emphasising that mandatory development objectives in the plan must include objectives for the provision, or facilitation of the provision, of services for the community including, in particular, schools, crèches and other education and child care facilities. The Guidelines take more significant and inclusive account of school planning, addressing the critical inter-relationship between land use and schools, and set the context for forward planning and engagement by local authorities with the Department of Education and Science.
The Guidelines create a clear linkage between the objective for the provision of schools with the current guidelines used by the Department of Education and Science in relation to school accommodation. Planning authorities are advised to secure the maximum degree of co-ordination with the Department of Education and Science in relation to school requirements and their future provision before land is zoned or re-zoned for substantial residential development. In this context my Department is working with the Department of Education and Science and the County and City Managers' Association to develop a new protocol to ensure the timely acquisition of school sites in newly developing and fast growth areas. This is one of a range of procedural initiatives being undertaken by my Department and the Department of Education and Science to strategically plan for and co-ordinate the delivery of schools in tandem with new development. The need for any necessary legislative changes to underpin this work is also being considered.
Proposed Legislation.
Leo Varadkar
Question:1393 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the Designation of Lands Act will include provisions relating to new school sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2241/08]
Leo Varadkar
Question:1396 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the Designated Lands Bill will be published; when the heads of the bill were agreed by cabinet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2268/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1393 and 1396 together.
The Government approved the drafting of the Designated Land (Housing Development) Bill on 1 December 2006. The General Scheme of the Bill, which is under consideration by the office of the Parliamentary Counsel, provides for:
powers for planning authorities to enter into a binding agreement with, or impose requirements on, the owners of designated land in order to bring such land into housing development;
an amended compensation mechanism whereby designated land, if not developed in agreement with, or in accordance with requirements imposed by, the relevant planning authority, could be compulsorily acquired at below market value;
as a possible alternative to compulsorily acquisition, the imposition by planning authorities of an annual development incentive levy on designated land; and
mandatory registration of, and the imposition of a levy on, land purchase options.
Insofar as the integration of housing development with the provision of schools is concerned, I refer to the reply to Question Nos. 1392 and 1406 on today's Order Paper.
Waste Management.
Leo Varadkar
Question:1394 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the regulator framework for waste collection requires competitive tendering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2243/08]
Section 33 of the Waste Management Act 1996 requires local authorities, subject to certain exceptions, to collect or arrange for the collection of household waste. The current regulatory framework does not require competitive tendering though this option is available to individual local authorities.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
John Perry
Question:1395 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the problems being encountered in Ballymote, County Sligo due to the non-provision of funding for the Ballymote sewage scheme; if he will provide an undertaking to have funding provided for this scheme as a matter of priority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2264/08]
The Ballymote Sewerage Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 as a scheme to advance through planning. My Department is awaiting submission of a Preliminary Report for the scheme by Sligo County Council.
Question No. 1396 answered with Question No. 1393.
Climate Change Strategy.
Leo Varadkar
Question:1397 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the evidence that exists for rising sea levels here; the locations where sea levels have risen; the effect this has had; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2269/08]
At a global level, rising sea levels is one of the most serious concerns in relation to climate change and, as pointed out in Chapter 11 of the National Climate Change Strategy, it is already known that the Irish climate is experiencing changes consistent with those occurring at a global scale.
The 2007 Fourth Assessment Report from the InterGovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) points to the fact that global average sea-level rose by 1.8mm per year between 1961 and 2003. This rate has increased to 3.1mm per year between 1993 and 2003 but it is not clear if this faster rate represents a new norm or part of a long-term cycle. Total sea-level rise over the 20th Century is 0.17m, with thermal expansion and melting of land ice estimated to have contributed about half of the recently observed rise. Potential accelerated sea-level rise due to increased ice melt is a significant threat.
In a 2006 research project on the Implications of the EU Climate Protection Target for Ireland which was undertaken for the EPA, the Irish Climate Analysis and Research Unit at the Department of Geography, National University of Ireland, Maynooth, point out, inter alia, that "in Ireland, the impacts of sea level rise will be most apparent in the major coastal cities of Cork, Dublin, Galway and Limerick. Counties in the south-east will be most affected, having sandy and mud cliff coastlines. Other low-lying areas such as Louth and North Dublin may be affected as they have little or no protection. The major effects will be a loss of land due to inundation and increased erosion and increased risk of flooding both in the coast and along major rivers during storm surge events.".
Local Authority Housing.
Finian McGrath
Question:1398 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding a query (details supplied). [2274/08]
The provision of accommodation by approved voluntary and co-operative housing bodies is an integral part of my Department's overall response to delivering on social housing need. Under the Voluntary Housing Capital Assistance Scheme, funding of up to 100% of the approved cost is available for the provision of permanent accommodation for persons with special housing needs, including those with an intellectual disability.
Both the local authorities and the voluntary housing sector are providing an expanded range of social housing options and a wide range of accommodation types to meet special housing needs, including those in need of sheltered housing with low-level, on-site supports. For vulnerable groups, interventions in this area generally require an inter-agency response particularly where there is a care dimension to the supports required.
My Department does not have comprehensive information on specific projects which cater for persons with an intellectual disability. This information could best be obtained from the relevant local authority or the Health Service Executive.
The Government's housing policy statement, Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities, reflects the commitment in Towards 2016 to develop a national housing strategy for people with a disability. The strategy, which will be developed by end 2009, will support the provision of tailored housing and housing supports for people with a disability. The specific housing needs of people with an intellectual disability will be further examined in this context.
Question No. 1399 answered with Question No. 1346.
Waste Disposal.
Phil Hogan
Question:1400 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views in relation to the use of food waste disposal units in domestic homes; if such units can play a constructive role in the sustainable disposal of some food waste that can not be composted and would otherwise be sent to landfill; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some local authorities in the UK are issuing grants for homeowners to install such devices; if similar incentives are being considered here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2301/08]
In-sink macerator units, or food waste disposal units, are used in some household and commercial premises to dispose of organic kitchen waste to the sewer, thus removing the material from the normal solid waste stream and transferring it to the local wastewater treatment plant for treatment. A study into such units is currently being carried out under the Environmental Research Technological Development and Innovation Programme and the results will inform future policy. This report will be published by the EPA later this year.
Question No. 1401 answered with Question No. 1305.
Local Authority Housing.
Jack Wall
Question:1402 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position of a local authority housing scheme (details supplied) in County Kildare that a local authority sought under a Part V agreement; the reason the matter has not been resolved to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2366/08]
I understand that a Part V agreement has been reached in respect of 24 Social and Affordable dwellings in this scheme, and has approved the acquisition of the 18 social dwellings for inclusion in the Social Housing Investment Programme. I also understand that the housing authority is endeavouring to conclude the arrangements to acquire the dwellings.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Jack Wall
Question:1403 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a local authority has made an application to his Department in relation to the provision of a water supply in an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2370/08]
I understand that works recently carried out under Contract 3B (Trunk Watermains from Ardscull to Athy) of Phase 1 of the Kildare Water Supply Scheme, which is being funded under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009, will provide interim water supply facilities for the Ballyroe area. A longer-term solution will be provided by another element of Phase 1 of the Kildare Water Supply Scheme — the River Barrow Abstraction Scheme and Associated Pipelines. This project is also included in the Investment Programme as a scheme to begin construction in 2008.
Proposed Legislation.
Ciaran Lynch
Question:1404 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the Social Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill will be introduced; when a legislative framework will be put in place to enable council tenants who live in flats to purchase their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2398/08]
The Social Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, currently being drafted, is expected to be published in mid-2008. Work on addressing the complex legal issues relating to the tenant purchase of local authority apartments and maisonettes is being advanced in that context.
Question No. 1405 answered with Question No. 1340.
Question No. 1406 answered with Question No. 1392.
Question No. 1407 answered with Question No. 1320.
Fire Services.
Emmet Stagg
Question:1408 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the risk based approach to fire safety management report has been completed; and his views on providing additional resources to councils to provide full-time fire services in towns with a population in excess of 10,000. [2532/08]
The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs, the provision of a premises and the making of such other provisions as it considers necessary or desirable, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under section 10 of the Fire Services Act 1981.
The Department's role is one of supporting and assisting local authorities in delivering fire services through the setting of general policy and the provision of capital funding. Under the Fire Services Change Programme a risk based approach to fire safety management is being developed. Dublin City Council, who is the contracting authority for the appointment of a supplier for the development of a risk based utility software package and expects to complete the tendering process and appoint a preferred supplier shortly. When this system is available it will assist fire authorities in carrying out a risk based approach to safety management in their functional areas which will inform the allocation of resources.
It may well be the case that account would be taken of factors others than population in considering the appropriate level of fire cover.
Local Authority Staff.
Emmet Stagg
Question:1409 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the outcome of the review in relation to the ceiling on local authority staff numbers in areas which have experienced high population growth. [2537/08]
Consultations are ongoing with the Department of Finance in relation to the current ceiling on local authority staff numbers including impacts in relation to increased servicing requirements in areas which have experienced high population growth.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Emmet Stagg
Question:1410 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received the preliminary report in relation to sourcing additional water for the greater Dublin area. [2549/08]
I understand that a Preliminary Report is currently being prepared by Dublin City Council as part of a Strategic Environmental Assessment relating to long-term water supplies for the Greater Dublin Area.
Services for People with Disabilities.
David Stanton
Question:1411 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 53 of 14 November 2007, the names of the nine local authorities who had drawn up implementation plans in November 2007 following completion of accessibility audits with a list of which local authorities have now completed accessibility audits and implementation plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2580/08]
Following the completion of accessibility audits, local authorities are required to draw up implementation plans setting out programmes to give effect to the commitments and objectives contained in the Disability Act 2005 and the Department's related Sectoral Plan. Each implementation plan will be published and placed on the authority's website.
The following thirteen local authorities, including the nine referred to in reply to Parliamentary Question No. 53 of 14 November 2007, have forwarded a copy of their implementation plans to the Department. The remaining local authorities have indicated that they are at an advanced stage in the preparation of their plans and expect to complete and publish them early this year.
County Councils
Cavan
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown
Fingal
Galway
Kerry
Kildare
Kilkenny
Laois
Sligo County
Westmeath
Wexford
City Councils
Limerick City
Waterford City
Equal Opportunities Employment.
David Stanton
Question:1412 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 281 of 23 May 2006, if he is satisfied his Department has met the 3% employment quota for people with disabilities; the percentage of people with disabilities employed in his Department; the number of people with disabilities hired from outside the civil service for each of the years from 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2589/08]
I am satisfied that my Department is meeting the 3% employment quota for people with disabilities. Arising from the most recent survey of staff in my Department 3.2% of respondents had a disability. It is intended to carry out a further survey of staff shortly.
The Department's records indicate that, since 2002, one person with a disability was employed by my Department, from outside the Civil Service. In addition a number of staff with disabilities have joined my Department from other Government Departments during this period. My Department also took part in the Willing Able Mentoring project in 2006/2007 when a graduate with a disability was given work experience with the Department.
Question No. 1413 answered with Question No. 1317.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Dinny McGinley
Question:1414 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there are plans to extend and upgrade sewerage disposable facilities at Dromore/Killygordon, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2614/08]
The Killygordon/Crossroads Sewerage Scheme was one of a bundle of sewerage schemes ranked as sixth priority on the list of water and sewerage schemes submitted by Donegal County Council in response to my Department's request to all local authorities in 2006 to undertake assessments of needs for capital works in their areas and to prioritise their proposals on the basis of these assessments. The assessments were taken into account in the preparation of my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 which was published in September 2007 and is available in the Oireachtas Library. Given the level of competing demand for the available funding and the priorities identified by the elected members of Donegal County Council, it was not possible to include the Killygordon/Crossroads scheme in the current Programme.
Question No. 1415 answered with Question No. 1376.
Electricity Consumption.
Joanna Tuffy
Question:1416 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of electricity used in the Custom House for the past three years; if he will provide a monthly breakdown for this period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2623/08]
The total amount of electricity used in the Custom House over the past three years is set out in the table. While electricity consumption has increased between 2005 and 2007 by 5%, total energy consumption in the same period has decreased by 6%.
In accordance with its Environmental Policy Statement, my Department is fully committed to the conservation and effective management of our consumption of resources, including electricity consumption. This is a critical element of our ongoing accreditation to ISO 14001, achieved for our Headquarters in the Custom House. To minimise energy consumption, my Department's policy is to use a number of energy saving devices such as energy efficient lights, powersave function on electrical office equipment and photocopiers with duplex facilities etc. Staff are encouraged on an ongoing basis to avail of all opportunities to reduce wastage within offices. My Department is also working with the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Sustainable Energy Ireland with a view to introducing further energy saving measures.
My Department has also committed to obtaining its electricity from renewable sources and, following a tender process under the auspices of the OPW, a contract is now in place with Energia for the supply of electricity from renewable sources to the Department's main offices.
My Department will also be among the first Departments to participate in the recently launched OPW Optimising Power @ Work, Staff Energy Awareness Campaign. This aims at achieving a minimum of 15% reduction in total annual carbon dioxide emissions by implementing an intensive staff energy awareness campaign to ensure that buildings are being operated in the most efficient manner possible with respect to all energy consuming processes.
|
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
||
|
Jan-Feb 05 |
176,437 |
January |
97,687 |
104,878 |
|
Mar-Apr 05 |
169,715 |
February |
87,762 |
95,430 |
|
May-Jun 05 |
161,970 |
March |
94,059 |
100,474 |
|
Jul-Aug 05 |
166,622 |
April |
78,973 |
82,666 |
|
Sep-Oct 05 |
177,108 |
May |
88,845 |
87,318 |
|
November |
96,783 |
June |
81,966 |
83,638 |
|
December |
92,143 |
July |
86,107 |
84,398 |
|
August |
85,274 |
83,327 |
||
|
September |
87,468 |
80,321 |
||
|
October |
94,937 |
93,871 |
||
|
November |
98,967 |
100,516 |
||
|
December |
92,232 |
96,718 |
||
|
Total |
1,040,778 |
1,074,277 |
1,093,555 |
Questions Nos. 1417 and 1418 answered with Question No. 1317.
Electricity Generation.
Joe McHugh
Question:1419 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans, in conjunction with his counterpart in Northern Ireland, to explore mechanisms to allow a single market for sustainable energy, which includes the necessary subventions to maximise the potential of the wind resource, which is particularly strong on the west coast of Ireland. [36050/07]
Renewable energy generators, North and South, are operating within the Single Wholesale Electricity Market on the island, which was established on 1 November 2007. In relation to support mechanisms for renewable energy, it is the case that the two jurisdictions operate different schemes.
The support mechanism for new renewable energy powered projects in the electricity market in Ireland is the renewable energy feed-in tariff programme (REFIT), which is based on fixed-feed-in tariffs. The subvention in Northern Ireland for similar projects is the Renewable Obligations Certificates programme (ROCs), which is part of a wider UK support programme based on certificate trading. There are no proposals to move towards a single support mechanism.
Fisheries Protection.
Joe Carey
Question:1420 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of drift net fishermen of the River Fergus, County Clare who have received payment through the salmon hardship scheme; when all drift net fishermen will receive payment of this compensation; if he will ensure that payment of compensation is made promptly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36129/07]
The Salmon Hardship Scheme is being administered by BIM. I have no role in operating the scheme or information about individual applications. The closing date for making a claim from the scheme was 31 December 2007 and I understand payments are ordinarily made within a six-week period of submission of a valid claim.
Prospecting Licences.
Michael Ring
Question:1421 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the possible impact of a project (details supplied) in County Mayo on the tourism industry in that region; if his Department is in support of the proposals; if grant aid has issued in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1848/08]
Michael Ring
Question:1450 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has received a report and recommendation from the Exploration and Mining Division of his Department in respect of the application for prospecting licences in Mayo by a company (details supplied); if he will provide this Deputy with a copy of the report and recommendations; when a decision on the application will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1849/08]
Michael Ring
Question:1451 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of observations or objections that were received by him or his Department in relation to the application for prospecting licences in Mayo by a company (details supplied). [1850/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1421, 1450 and 1451 together.
A total of 244 replies were received in response to the notice of the Minister's intention to grant a prospecting licence to the company. The total of 244 includes a group petition of 122 signatures.
The Exploration and Mining Division of the Department is currently compiling its report and recommendation and I expect to receive this in the near future, following which a decision will be made on the application. It is not the practice to make internal reports of this nature available outside the Department. However, the Department will in this instance, publish on its website, an overview of the submissions made. The question of grant aid does not arise in this case.
Fisheries Protection.
Joe McHugh
Question:1422 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will clarify the cost of tags for the drift net salmon season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1873/08]
Joe McHugh
Question:1423 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the decision with respect to the €10 fee for salmon tags for 2008 season (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1891/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1422 and 1423 together.
The introduction of a charge for tags for salmon harvested for commercial and recreational purposes in the Foyle catchment during the 2008 season is a proposal introduced by the Loughs Agency in the context of the future management of the wild salmon fishery following cessation of the mixed stock harvest at sea.
The proposal was introduced during the public consultation exercise undertaken in relation to the cessation of the mixed stock fishery and preparation of a hardship package for those affected by the initiative. The Loughs Agency is at present preparing to go to public consultation on the statutory by-law that would give effect to the specific proposal. The proposal will ultimately fall to the North-South Ministerial Council for decision.
Alternative Energy Projects.
Finian McGrath
Question:1424 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will respond to a query on renewable energy (details supplied). [2045/08]
Simon Coveney
Question:1428 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has identified potential sites for storage of electricity on a large scale such as large scale pumped storage or compressed air energy storage; and the steps he has taken and the incentives he plans to provide to ensure the identification and development of such sites. [36108/07]
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:1432 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the action, in view of the commitment in the National Development Plan to spend vast sums of money on increased energy storage, he has taken to encourage the development of electricity storage schemes to support renewables penetration; if he will ensure that electricity produced from such schemes is defined under the Electricity Regulations Act 1999 as renewable, sustainable and alternative energy in order that it is given priority when EirGrid selects generating stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1061/08]
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:1433 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has succeeded in identifying suitable sites to store electricity on a large scale in the Republic of Ireland; the incentives he will offer to find and develop such sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1062/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1424, 1428, 1432 and 1433 together.
EU law on the promotion of renewable energy resources in the electricity market (Directive 2001/77/EC), precludes member states from defining electricity from energy storage systems as "renewable energy sourced electricity". It is not possible, therefore, to amend domestic legislation to give priority dispatch to electricity produced from such energy storage systems as renewable energy sourced electricity.
Energy storage has been developed over the years in Ireland where it can make a useful contribution to balancing electricity supply and consumer demand. This is the case at the ESB's pumped water power station at Turlough Hill. Compressed air storage is widely used at small scale within industry, but not generally for power generation at significant scale. It is possible that new technology developments could enhance the viability of storage options in the future. Developments will be kept under close review by my Department in consultation with EirGrid and the energy sector.
Under the National Development Plan energy reserve storage including gas and oil, is highlighted as a national strategic priority. A study of the possible options for gas storage on an all-island basis has recently been completed and is being considered by my Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Industry Northern Ireland. My Department has recently commissioned a review of Ireland's access to oil supplies and storage options. Both of these studies will critically inform future decisions to enhance security of energy supply, in relation to gas and oil.
The "All Island Grid Study" published earlier this month, examines the ability of the electricity systems on an All-Island basis to absorb power from renewable energy powered projects. Its finding shows that a target of 42% is feasible. The Study is not prescriptive on the alternative technologies, including pumped storage, which a liberalised electricity market may bring forward to balance customer demand and supply as the renewable energy powered capacity increases.
Telecommunications Services.
Liz McManus
Question:1425 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a detailed map showing the availability of broadband here; if he will highlight the types of broadband available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36040/07]
The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg.
Details of broadband services available throughout the country are available on my Department's Broadband website www.broadband.gov.ie which shows DSL and Wireless broadband coverage available in any area.
In addition, as part of the Procurement Process for the National Broadband Scheme (NBS), a complex mapping exercise was undertaken to identify all areas where broadband services are and are not available. This map is available on my Department's main website www.dcenr.ie.
Joe McHugh
Question:1426 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will expedite the upgrade of broadband infrastructure in County Donegal, in view of the fact that hundreds of households and businesses can not access broadband facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36049/07]
The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg.
The role of the Government is to formulate regulatory and infrastructure policies to facilitate the provision of high quality telecommunications services, by competing private sector service providers.
The widespread provision of broadband services continues to be a priority for the Government. In that regard my Department has undertaken initiatives to address the gaps in broadband coverage. These include providing grant-aid under the recently concluded Group Broadband Scheme and investment in Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs).
To date, under the MANs Programme, Donegal has received a total of nine MANs. The following towns can now offer high speed, open access fibre optic networks: Letterkenny, Gweedore, Ballyshannon, Buncranna, Bundoran, Cardonagh, Donegal Town, Ballybofey and Stranorlar.
Under the Group Broadband Scheme, grant aid was paid for the provision of broadband in North Central Donegal and around the areas of Ardara, Raphoe, Manorcunningham and Newtowncunningham.
There are still some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband services. Accordingly, the procurement process for a National Broadband Scheme (NBS) is under way. The NBS will provide broadband services to areas that are currently unserved and will ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband in unserved areas, including unserved areas in Donegal, are met.
The first phase of the procurement process (Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ)) is now complete, and four candidates pre-qualified to enter the next phase of the procurement process. As my Department indicated on 2 September 2007, the four candidates were, in alphabetical order, BT Communications Ireland Ltd Consortium, Eircom Ltd, Hutchinson 3G Ireland Ltd and IFA/Motorola Consortium.
Following the withdrawal of the IFA/Motorola Consortium as a candidate the remaining three candidates have now commenced "Competitive Dialogue" with the Department and are developing their proposed solutions to meet the Department's requirements for the delivery of broadband to the unserved areas of the country. It is anticipated that a preferred bidder will be selected and appointed in June 2008.
Alternative Energy Projects.
Simon Coveney
Question:1427 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to provide highly flexible modern generation plants as backup for the increasing share of Ireland’s electricity needs that will be accounted for by intermittent renewable sources such as wind and wave as Ireland moves towards its 2020 target of 33% renewable energy; the emission levels such plants are expected to have; and the extent to which this will affect Ireland’s ability to reach the target. [36107/07]
Simon Coveney
Question:1463 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress that has been made in ensuring the provision of 240MW of mid-merit/flexible generating plant by autumn 2008, as stated in the Energy White Paper of March 2007. [2014/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1427 and 1463 together.
It is a matter for market players to bring forward proposals for new dispatchable plants in the competitive electricity generation market. Under the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999, the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) has statutory responsibility for the issue of licences to generate electricity and authorisations to construct power generation plants. EirGrid is responsible for the provision of grid connection offers. In that context both the CER and EirGrid will continue to monitor and progress proposals by market players for the provision of mid merit flexible plant. I am firmly of the view that additional flexible plant is critically needed to support the growth of renewable energy and a balanced power generation portfolio.
I am advised by the CER that there is currently significant interest in developing mid-merit/flexible generating plant. I welcome this interest by market players. The CER published a direction to EirGrid in December 2007 to issue a connection offer for a proposed 98MW Open Cycle Gas Turbine plant at Purcellsinch in Co. Kilkenny. EirGrid has also received grid connection applications for another four 100MW flexible generating units in Tipperary, Mayo and Roscommon, which are currently under consideration. I fully expect and will encourage investors in new generation to take account of the need for increased plant flexibility and to deliver the least cost and most appropriate plant technology for new generation capacity.
Question No. 1428 answered with Question No. 1424.
Telecommunications Services.
Andrew Doyle
Question:1429 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of the 4,100 primary and secondary schools that have received broadband connectivity under the broadband for schools programme; if the NGN standard will apply to the national broadband scheme specifications; the regions or areas included in the national broadband scheme; the reason the fastest speed offered to businesses here costs four to five times the cost of higher speed services in France, Germany and Hungary; and the plans being developed to introduce faster broadband speed for business use here. [1040/08]
The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. I have no function in respect of pricing of these services.
To date, under the Schools Broadband Programme, 3,850 of the country's schools or 98% have received broadband access.
The role of the Government is to formulate regulatory and infrastructure policies to facilitate the provision of high quality telecommunications services, by competing private sector service providers.
The widespread provision of broadband services continues to be a priority for the Government. In that regard my Department has undertaken initiatives to address the gaps in broadband coverage. These include providing grant-aid under the recently concluded Group Broadband Scheme and investment in Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs).
There are still some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband services. Accordingly, the procurement process for a National Broadband Scheme (NBS) is under way. The NBS will provide broadband services to areas that are currently unserved and will ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband in unserved areas are met. It is anticipated that a preferred bidder will be selected and appointed in June 2008.
A complex mapping exercise was undertaken in order to identify all areas where broadband services are and are not available. My Department and ComReg contacted service providers and requested details of their current and planned broadband coverage. Areas that are not currently served but are expected to be served by 1 July 2008 will not be covered by the National Broadband Scheme (NBS). However, if those areas remain unserved on 1 July, 2008, the NBS winning Service Provider will be permitted to serve those areas under the scheme.
Details of broadband services available throughout the country are available on my Department's Broadband website www.broadband.gov.ie which shows DSL and Wireless broadband coverage available in any area.
In addition, as part of the Procurement Process for the National Broadband Scheme (NBS), a complex mapping exercise was undertaken to identify all areas where broadband services are and are not available. This map is available on my Department's main website www.dcenr.ie.
The final product that customers will receive from the NBS will be an always on service of at least 1Mbit/s down and 128kbits/s up. Service Providers are also required to offer improved products in the future.
Worldwide, the telecommunications sector is focusing its investment plans on what has become knows as Next Generation Networks (NGNs), which are likely to see the delivery of higher-bandwidth broadband services over fibre-optic infrastructure. I understand many of the service providers in Ireland are formulating plans for the rollout of NGNs. My Department is currently considering policy options in relation to the optimum role for Government in encouraging and facilitating the planning and rollout of next generation broadband in Ireland, including how existing Government owned infrastructure, and possible future government investment, could help achieve national policy objectives in this area. I expect to publish a draft policy paper on Next Generation Broadband Networks for public consultation in the coming months.
Electricity Generation.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:1430 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amounts that were spent by EirGrid on each of the ancillary services in each of the past five years; the persons to whom they were paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1058/08]
I am advised that EirGrid's Ancillary Services currently pay for the services needed for operating reserve, reactive power and black start which are essential for system security. These services are an operational matter for EirGrid as the State Body responsible for system security and generation adequacy.
EirGrid informs me that operating reserve arises in the event of a loss of output from a generator, group of generators or an interconnector, or an unexpected change in system demand. Generators must provide a fast acting response to make up the shortfall in generation and units are paid for being available to provide this response. When the reserve is utilised, generators are paid for the additional energy supplied through the energy market.
The second ancillary service relates to reactive power. I understand from EirGrid that generation units can vary their effect on the system voltage to compensate for transmission lines losses and customer loads. The provision of reactive power by all generation units for voltage support is vital to maintain a secure and stable transmission system.
In addition, "black start" is a vital system service whereby electricity can be provided to the transmission system by generators who have a separate power source on-site which can start the generator independently of the grid. This service enables the system to restart in the event of a major incident.
EirGrid has provided the following table, which shows details of the amounts paid for each of these services for the period 2003 to end October, 2007:
|
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Operating Reserve |
15,938,371 |
16,089,460 |
16,929,911 |
17,462,589 |
15,533,871 |
|
Black Start |
1,550,000 |
1,560,648 |
1,550,004 |
1,615,333 |
1,341,826 |
|
Reactive Power |
14,134,028 |
12,385,192 |
13,199,887 |
10,542,169 |
9,080,978 |
|
TOTAL |
31,622,399 |
30,035,300 |
31,679,802 |
29,620,091 |
25,956,675 |
Aughinish Alumina, ESB, Synergen, Tynagh Energy, Edenderry Power and Huntstown Power Company received payments for the provision of ancillary services over the period.
Advertising Standards.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:1431 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the measures, legislative or otherwise, he will introduce to restrict the use of advertisements that are aimed specifically at children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1060/08]
Section 19(1)(c) of the Broadcasting Act, 2001, provides that the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland shall, upon being directed by the Minister to do so, prepare a code specifying standards to be complied with, and rules and practices to be observed, in respect of advertising, tele-shopping material, sponsorship and other forms of commercial promotion employed in any broadcasting service or sound broadcasting service which relate to matters likely to be of direct or indirect interest to children.
The Children's Advertising Code, drawn up by the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland on foot of this legislative provision, sets down measures to be complied with in such areas as endorsement of products by children, protection of children from scenes which will cause distress to them and standards in the area of advertising relating to diet and nutrition. The code became operational in January, 2005 and is due for review during 2008.
As the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland is an independent statutory organisation responsible inter alia, for the development of codes and rules in relation to programming and advertising standards, I have no statutory function in the development of such codes.
Questions Nos. 1432 and 1433 answered with Question No. 1424.
Departmental Schemes.
Brian O'Shea
Question:1434 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 528 of 6 November 2007, when in 2008 the results from the research component of the Waterford warmer homes Initiative will be available to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1097/08]
The results of the research component for the Waterford Initiative will be available in summer 2008. The research is assessing the effectiveness of the delivered interventions in addressing fuel poverty, the bulk of which were carried out during 2007.
Judicial Reviews.
Damien English
Question:1435 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the cost to and the damages paid by the State in relation to judicial reviews that his Department were responsible for in each of the years 1997 to 2007 inclusive; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [1106/08]
Damien English
Question:1436 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of applications for judicial review that his Department was responsible for in each of the years 1997 to 2007; the number of applications where leave was granted for each year; and if he will present the information in tabular readable form. [1121/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1435 and 1436 together.
The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources was established in June 2007. The majority of current Departmental functions arise from significant transfer of responsibilities between departments in 2002, 2006 and again in 2007. The identification of records prior to January 2006 cannot be facilitated without undue commitment of staff resources and administrative cost. However, if the Deputy has a question in relation to a specific item I will make appropriate enquiries.
The information sought by the Deputy as and from 1 January 2006 is set out below.
|
Year |
Judicial Review |
Leave Granted/Refused |
Damages Paid |
Costs |
|
2007 |
In respect of decision by Minister to refuse an application by a company for an offshore Frontier Exploration Licence |
Granted |
Case ongoing |
Natural Gas Grid.
Simon Coveney
Question:1437 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the three countries that provided the highest proportions of Ireland’s natural gas consumption in each year between 1998 and 2007, including Ireland; and the proportion of Ireland’s natural gas consumption provided by each in each year. [1177/08]
Throughout the period in question the sources of Ireland's natural gas supply have been indigenous production combined with imports from the UK to Ireland via sub-sea gas interconnection to the Moffat entry point located onshore in Scotland. The source of imported supply has largely been the North Sea although this situation is changing as the UK has moved to become a net gas importer. UK gas import come from a range of sources and by a variety of routes from Continental Europe and from Norway.
The consumption breakdown in percentage terms for the years 1998-2006 is set out in the table below. While figures for 2007 are not yet available it is expected that the breakdown for 2007 will be similar to 2006 figures.
|
Year |
Indigenous supply % |
Imports from UK % |
|
1998 |
52 |
48 |
|
1999 |
38 |
62 |
|
2000 |
29 |
71 |
|
2001 |
19 |
81 |
|
2002 |
19 |
81 |
|
2003 |
16 |
84 |
|
2004 |
20 |
80 |
|
2005 |
13 |
87 |
|
2006 |
9 |
91 |
Energy Resources.
Simon Coveney
Question:1438 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Ireland’s total energy import dependency on the UK, in the context of SEI’s announcement in December 2007 that the overall energy import dependency has reached91%. [1178/08]
Sustainable Energy Ireland advises that in 2006, the latest year for which full statistics are available, 66% of Ireland's total energy requirement was imported from the UK. Ireland's total energy import dependency was just over 90% in 2006.
Oil represents 63% and gas 35% of the quantity of fuel imported from the UK. It is also the case that 90% of Ireland's gas supply is imported from the UK. These statistics underline the urgent challenge for Ireland in terms of security of supply, competitiveness and sustainability and I am committed to expediting the actions under the Energy Policy Framework and the Programme for Government to address these challenges.
Legislative Programme.
Dr Martin Mansergh
Question:1439 Deputy Martin Mansergh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of Acts passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas sponsored by his Department in each year from 2003 to 2007; the Acts which were legislation wholly or mainly required by Ireland’s EU obligations, which were partly so required, and which had no significant or minimal reference to EU legislation; and if in the first two cases Ireland had significant discretion, as to the manner in which EU obligations were translated into domestic law. [1192/08]
The table below contains a list of Acts passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas, which were sponsored by my Department in each year from 2003 to 2007 with reference to any EU legislative obligations.
|
Year |
Act |
Legislation requirement with regard to EU obligations |
Ireland’s discretion as to the manner in which EU obligations were translated into domestic law |
|
2003 |
Broadcasting (Major Events Television Coverage) (Amendment) Act 2003 |
Wholly required, Council Directive No. 89/552/EEC of 3 October 1989 as amended by Directive No. 97/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 June 1997 |
None; legislative transposition required. |
|
2003 |
Broadcasting (Funding) Act 2003 |
No |
Not applicable |
|
2004 |
Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Act 2004 |
No |
Not applicable |
|
2006 |
Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 |
1. To replace the definition of combined heat and power contained in Irish law with that contained in Directive 2004/8/EC; and 2. To provide for full gas market opening by 1 July 2007 in accordance with Directive 2003/55/EC. |
Not Applicable in that there is minimal reference to EU legislation within context of the overall Act as it only contained 2 sections of a total 30 sections with reference to Directives. |
|
2007 |
Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (SINGLE Electricity Market) Act 2007 |
No |
Not applicable |
|
2007 |
Foyle and Carlingford Fisheries Act |
No |
Not applicable |
|
2007 |
Communications Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2007 |
The Act was not wholly required with regard to EU obligations. However, The Commission for Communications Regulation’s enforcement powers with regard to obligations under the EU regulatory framework for electronic communications which were transposed by secondary legislation in 2003, were supplemented and strengthened under this Act. |
Ireland had discretion as to the manner in which obligations under the EU regulatory framework were transposed. This was done in two stages — Regulations under the European Communities Act, 1972 to give immediate effect to the obligations; and then this was supplemented by primary legislation which enabled the provision of indictable penalties for serious breaches of the framework. |
|
2007 |
National Oil Reserves Agency Act, 2007 |
No |
Not applicable |
|
2007 |
Broadcasting (Amendment) Act, 2007 |
No |
Not applicable |
Telecommunications Services.
James Bannon
Question:1440 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when broadband will be rolled out in Lisryan village on the outskirts of Granard, County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1267/08]
Sean Sherlock
Question:1442 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the timeframe for roll-out of the national broadband scheme; if it will take on the responsibilities previously adopted by the group broadband scheme, as administered by the South West Regional Authority; if it will ensure 100% penetration of broadband to a number of rural Cork east areas (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1304/08]
Billy Timmins
Question:1444 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position in relation to broadband for Shillelagh, County Wicklow; if same will be rolled out as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1328/08]
Frank Feighan
Question:1466 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he envisages the provision of broadband to cover all of County Leitrim as it is of particular importance to rural areas to facilitate business and other interests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2559/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1440, 1442, 1444 and 1466 together.
The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. The role of the Government is to formulate regulatory and infrastructure policies to facilitate the provision of high quality telecommunications services, by competing private sector service providers.
The widespread provision of broadband services continues to be a priority for the Government. In that regard my Department has undertaken initiatives to address the gaps in broadband coverage. These include providing grant-aid under the recently concluded Group Broadband Scheme and investment in Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs). There are still some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband services. Accordingly, the procurement process for a National Broadband Scheme (NBS) is under way. The NBS will provide broadband services to areas that are currently unserved and will ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband in unserved areas are met.
The first phase of the procurement process (Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ)) is now complete, and four candidates pre-qualified to enter the next phase of the procurement process. As my Department indicated on 2 September 2007, the four candidates were, in alphabetical order, BT Communications Ireland Ltd Consortium, eircom Ltd, Hutchinson 3G Ireland Ltd and IFA/Motorola Consortium.
Following the withdrawal of the IFA/Motorola Consortium as a candidate the remaining three candidates have now commenced "Competitive Dialogue" with the Department and are developing their proposed solutions to meet the Department's requirements for the delivery of broadband to the unserved areas of the country. It is anticipated that a preferred bidder will be selected and appointed in June 2008.
Details of broadband services available throughout the country are available on my Department's Broadband website www.broadband.gov.ie which shows DSL and wireless broadband coverage available in any area. In addition, as part of the Procurement Process for the National Broadband Scheme (NBS), a complex mapping exercise was undertaken to identify all areas where broadband services are and are not available. This map is available on my Department's main website www.dcenr.ie.
Willie Penrose
Question:1441 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if, in the context of the Government’s new national broadband scheme, a service provider has been put in place as a result of the process initiated by his Department; the position in relation thereto; the amount of funding that has been allocated for the national broadband scheme by the Government and the ERDF in 2008; the estimated time it will take to complete the scheme; if minimum technical performance standards will apply to satellite or mobile broadband alternatives which might be considered as acceptable solutions within the scope of the scheme; and the standards in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1285/08]
The first phase of the procurement process (Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ)) for the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) is now complete, and four candidates pre-qualified to enter the next phase of the procurement process. As my Department indicated on 2 September 2007, the four candidates were, in alphabetical order, BT Communications Ireland Ltd Consortium, eircom Ltd, Hutchinson 3G Ireland Ltd and IFA/Motorola Consortium.
Following the withdrawal of the IFA/Motorola Consortium as a candidate the remaining three candidates have now commenced "Competitive Dialogue" with the Department and are developing their proposed solutions to meet the Department's requirements for the delivery of broadband to the unserved areas of the country. It is anticipated that a preferred bidder will be selected and appointed in June 2008. I do not propose to make public the funding allocated to the NBS as knowledge of the estimated cost could influence the negotiation process currently under way.
While the NBS is technology neutral, the technical standards to be provided by the winning Service Provider will be fully specified in the NBS contract. Currently it is envisaged that a minimum of 1Mbps download and 128kbps upload speed with a maximum of 48:1 contention ratio will be provided. Service Providers are also required to offer improved products in the future.
Question No. 1442 answered with Question No. 1440.
Sean Sherlock
Question:1443 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the process for assessment and application under the new national broadband scheme in view of the fact that the tender process for a provider is nearing completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1305/08]
The procurement process for a National Broadband Scheme (NBS) is under way. The NBS will provide broadband services to areas that are currently unserved and will ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband in unserved areas are met.
The first phase of the procurement process (Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ)) is now complete, and four candidates pre-qualified to enter the next phase of the procurement process. As my Department indicated on 2 September 2007, the four candidates were, in alphabetical order, BT Communications Ireland Ltd Consortium, eircom Ltd, Hutchinson 3G Ireland Ltd and IFA/Motorola Consortium.
Following the withdrawal of the IFA/Motorola Consortium as a candidate the remaining three candidates have now commenced "Competitive Dialogue" with the Department and are developing their proposed solutions to meet the Department's requirements for the delivery of broadband to the unserved areas of the country. It is anticipated that a preferred bidder will be selected and appointed in June 2008.
The process for assessing applications for a broadband service under the NBS will be a matter for the winning Service Provider.
Question No. 1444 answered with Question No. 1440.
Departmental Properties.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:1445 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of Department owned computer desktops or laptops or other data devices, such as blackberries and memory keys, reported lost, missing or stolen from his Department in each year from 2002 to 2007; the number of these that were later recovered or found; the number still missing; if any sensitive or private data were compromised; the measures in place within his Department to secure such portable or at risk data devices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1509/08]
There have been no reported losses of desktop PCs or memory keys in my Department over this period. The number of laptop PCs and Blackberry devices lost in the same period is shown in the table below.
|
Year |
Laptop |
Blackberry |
|
2002 |
0 |
0 |
|
2003 |
4 |
0 |
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
4 |
0 |
|
2006 |
1 |
0 |
|
2007 |
1 |
1 |
|
Total |
10 |
1 |
Laptop devices are accessed via a strong password (a combination of any three from uppercase, lower case, numbers and wildcard characters such as "^" or "&"), which are tied to the users network login and changed every 30 days. The password is required on start-up and after fifteen minutes of inactivity. Blackberry devices lock and require a password to reactivate after ten minutes of inactivity. They can also be wiped clean from within the management software.
There have been no reports that any sensitive data has been compromised by these losses. The level of personal information relating to members of the public processed within my Department is very small. The level of safeguards set for these devices has historically been considered appropriate for the type of user and the sensitivity of the information that might be contained on them. The desirability of additional safeguards will be considered as part of the annual ICT security review.
Data Protection.
Damien English
Question:1446 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of and the records kept by his Department of attempted hacking or suspected cyber attacks or other malicious computer security breaches committed against his Department’s computer systems. [1720/08]
Virtually every computer or network connected to the internet is being probed for vulnerabilities by third parties. My Department's network is no exception, and it receives a high volume of spurious traffic. There is no record kept of these probes. The traffic is stopped by firewalls on the Department's IT system.
All traffic that is permitted through the external firewall is inspected by a network Intrusion Detection System, which monitors the perimeter of the network for suspicious activity. This device inspects the millions of packets of data that enter and leave the network daily. Most of this traffic is legitimate, including email, Internet access by staff, et cetera, but if there are suspicious packets of data addressed to the Department's network on a daily basis, these are identified, inspected, catalogued and logged by the system.
Over the last nine months the analysis of incoming traffic by the system has not identified any attempt to hack or infiltrate the network, however, there have been over 65,000 occurrences of spyware, viruses, malware, et cetera, recognised by the system. The objective of all these is, of course, to compromise computers on the network.
In addition to the intrusion detection system there are additional safeguards in the form of secondary firewalls, web content filtering, multiple anti-virus, anti-spyware and anti spam devices installed to block dangerous traffic and protect the network. The portfolio of measures that operates to protect the network of the Department would be considered best practice in the State or private sectors.
Alternative Energy Projects.
Simon Coveney
Question:1447 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if a formal consultation on bio-fuels obligation was launched in 2007 as stated in his introductory brief; when this consultation will report; if the consultation will take into account recent international developments indicating the potential environmental damage of large-scale bio-fuels cultivation; and his views on the future of bio-fuels. [1764/08]
I intend to launch the public consultation process on the proposed Biofuels Obligation shortly. The outcome of the consultative process will inform the design and implementation of the Biofuels obligation.
The Energy Commission has recently published its proposals for a new Directive on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources, which include the minimum mandatory target of 10% market penetration of biofuels in transport in all Member States by 2020. The Commission's proposals in relation to biofuels underline the imperative of sustainability and sets out a range of environmental sustainability criteria which would be mandatory and subject to verification.
Emissions from transport continue to rise and promoting the increased sustainable use of biofuels in transport will play a vital role in reducing the level of greenhouse gas emissions and energy intensity in the transport sector. Ireland's national biofuels obligation will take full account of EU developments in relation to biofuels and related sustainability concerns. I intend to work very closely with my EU colleagues in the negotiation of the Directive to ensure that all biofuels placed on the European and Irish market are produced in line with all appropriate sustainability criteria.
Departmental Reports.
Simon Coveney
Question:1448 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the results of the feasibility study and cost benefit analysis on gas to the north west completed in May 2007; and the results of the submission of the report for Ministerial consideration that was scheduled to follow. [1765/08]
I can advise that the study, Gas to the Northwest, which was finalised and submitted to my Department in October last will be submitted to Government shortly for its consideration.
Telecommunications Services.
Tom Hayes
Question:1449 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on making Tipperary town a wireless Internet hot-spot, in order to boost the communications infrastructure. [1790/08]
The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. The role of the Government is to formulate regulatory and infrastructure policies to facilitate the provision of high quality telecommunications services, by competing private sector service providers.
I welcome the roll out of all electronic communication infrastructure by service providers, which increases competition in the market. Increased competition gives rise to better quality services, increased choice and more competitive prices, all of which are good for the Irish consumer. I would also welcome the development of wireless connectivity in Tipperary town within this evolving competitive national market.
Questions Nos. 1450 and 1451 answered with Question No. 1421.
Grant Payments.
Michael Ring
Question:1452 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if each application for a scheme (details supplied) is checked individually to see that it is compliant with the law. [1851/08]
Michael Ring
Question:1453 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of funding that was put in place for a scheme (details supplied) in 2007; and the amount of this money that was used. [1852/08]
Michael Ring
Question:1454 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of people who availed of a scheme (details supplied) in 2007. [1853/08]
Michael Ring
Question:1455 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was refused grant-aid in view of the fact that this person had everything in order, their application was in on time and they desperately need this grant-aid, they are entitled to it and had believed they were going to get it. [1854/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1452 to 1455, inclusive, together.
The House of Tomorrow, as with all of Sustainable Energy Ireland's (SEI) grant programmes, involves the disbursement of Exchequer funding to private sector clients for the installation and/or demonstration of a variety of different sustainable energy technologies and solutions. In all SEI programmes the particular qualifying criteria are specified in the application guide and forms. Where commercial companies are involved, such as with the House of Tomorrow programme, SEI verifies that the grant recipient has a valid tax clearance certificate, both at the time of application and at the time of any grant payment.
The Application Guide for the House of Tomorrow programme also includes the provision that the goals and requirements of the Programme do not supersede existing Building Regulations and planning requirements. Where some aspects of energy efficient design might challenge prevailing building standards, applicants are encouraged to make reference to the Department of the Environment, Heritage, and Local Government's Social Housing Design Guidelines.
In 2007, the allocation within SEI's capital budget for the House of Tomorrow programme was €8m. This was to allow for the discharge of grant payments maturing under this programme. This budget was fully spent by end 2007. SEI made payments in 2007 to 68 approved grantees. In 2007, SEI also approved grants for, and issued letters of offer to, a total of 34 new projects under the programme.
The House of Tomorrow programme opened in 2001 and by July 2007 had committed grants to housing developments comprising around 6,000 units. The programme closed for applications in June, arising from the Government's announcement of the proposed revision of Part L of the Building Regulations to require energy and CO2 performance levels in new homes similar to those which had been demonstrated as achievable through the House of Tomorrow programme. These levels are some 40% higher than the current regulations require. The proposed revisions to the regulations, together with these new performance requirements, were published in September for consultation by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
In light of these developments it was decided to discontinue grant aid for new projects in respect of standards that are intended to be made mandatory. The strong interest in the House of Tomorrow programme in the period prior to the closure meant that there was a large number of grant applications still being processed. My colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, has also committed to reviewing the regulations in 2010 to achieve 60% above current levels, with the ultimate aim of achieving a zero carbon standard for new houses in the medium to long term.
Given the proposed revisions of the regulations, the grant applications in hand under the House of Tomorrow Programme were subject to detailed review to establish whether, on the basis of possible achievement of such a 60% performance level, support could be warranted. Any applicant who has not qualified for funding under the Programme would have received an explanatory letter outlining the reasons from SEI.
Telecommunications Services.
Michael Ring
Question:1456 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when landline broadband will be available in an area (details supplied) in County Mayo. [1855/08]
The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. I have no function in the matter of the enabling of exchanges owned by private companies. However it is hoped that the facilitation of greater competition in the area via the introduction of broadband from different technology platforms will encourage the more rapid enabling of all exchanges for broadband.
Community Development.
Joe McHugh
Question:1457 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there is a plan to assist fishermen to diversify into projects other than salmon fishing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1881/08]
Joe McHugh
Question:1458 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the measures of additional compensation/seed capital fund/venture capital fund that was announced for drift and draft net fishermen at the time of the drift and draft net ban; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1883/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1457 and 1458 together.
The Community Support Scheme, recommended by the Report of the Independent Group, has been drafted to focus primarily on those communities where commercial salmon fishing has been a well-established activity and where its withdrawal demonstrably impacts on the economic and social fabric, for example, Gaeltacht areas.
The scheme is to be administered by the LEADER companies under the supervision of my Department in conjunction with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (DCRGA). Details of the scheme will be announced shortly. Available funds will be allocated to those affected fishery districts, proportionate to the impact of the cessation of the mixed stock fishery. Consultations with the LEADER companies, conducted through DCRGA, also informed the most effective distribution of funds.
Broadcasting Services.
Paul Kehoe
Question:1459 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason the national television station RTE is not available for free view on Sky and the public have to pay a licence fee when funding is available through advertising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1899/08]
RTÉ transmits on a free-to-air terrestrial platform and also makes its programmes available to cable and satellite operators. To avail of the services provided by these operators, a person must pay the service provider separately for these services. RTÉ currently has exclusive carriage contracts with SKY therefore their services are unavailable on any other satellite network.
Under the Broadcasting Authority Acts, 1960 to 2007, RTÉ is the national public service broadcaster and as such is required to provide a wide range of radio and television programmes to cater for the general public and minority interests, and to have regard to the culture of Ireland. Successive Governments have determined that advertising revenue alone would not be sufficient to enable RTÉ to meet its statutory obligations.
Telecommunications Services.
Michael Creed
Question:1460 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of money that has been invested in the MANs broadband project in Cork city; the number of households and businesses that have been connected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1913/08]
Michael Creed
Question:1461 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of money that has been invested in the MANs broadband project in County Cork; the number of businesses and households that have been connected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1914/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1460 and 1461 together.
Under the First Phase of the Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) Programme Cork City received a MAN of 58.70 KM in length at a total cost of €12.10 million. This MAN is being managed by eNet the Management Services Entity (MSE) appointed for all Phase 1 MANs.
By linking local and backhaul networks and through the deployment of 200 direct fibre-optic connections the Cork City MAN is currently allowing 17 telecommunications operators to provide a range of broadband services to their customers (end-users) in Cork City. As the MAN is a wholesale network, offering fibre optic cables, duct space and co-location facilities to the telecommunications sector on an open-access basis, the actual number of individual end-users and their profiles is a matter for the telecoms operators using the network.
Departmental Expenditure.
Enda Kenny
Question:1462 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount spent by his Department on media monitoring or press cutting services for each of the years 2002 to 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1978/08]
My Department's Press Office operates a print media press clippings service that is available on subscription to all staff in the Department. Daily press clippings, relevant to the Department's business, are provided electronically by an outside agency, contracted by the Department following an open tender competition in mid 2005.
Between 2003 and 2005 a similar service was provided to the Department from an alternative service provider. In 2002 an in-house press clippings service was provided. In addition my Department occasionally obtains transcripts/recordings of broadcast media items of particular importance to the Department. Both of these services are provided to ensure that staff in my Department are kept up to date with news that may be of relevance to their area.
The total cost of these services, including VAT, from 2002 to date, is provided in the table herewith:
|
Year |
Total Cost |
|
€ |
|
|
2002 |
11,158.69 |
|
2003 |
43,045.02 |
|
2004 |
70,124.32 |
|
2005 |
63,845.13 |
|
2006 |
28,306.58 |
|
2007 |
22,294.81 |
Question No. 1463 answered with Question No. 1427.
Electricity Generation.
Simon Coveney
Question:1464 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress that has been made to date in the development of a land-bank of ESB owned sites to facilitate independent power generation investment; the results of the launch of the sales process for sites committed for divestment in 2007 under the CER-ESB Asset Strategy Agreement including those at Shannonbridge/Lanesboro and Poolbeg 3; and when he expects independent power generation operators to begin generation at those sites. [2015/08]
EirGrid has been asked to work with the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) in developing options for a State owned landbank and preliminary analysis is under way.
The process of divestment of ESB sites is a commercial matter for the Board and Management of the ESB in accordance with the terms of the Asset Strategy Agreement with the Commission for Energy Regulation and not one in which I have a direct role. However, I understand that the process has commenced with a request by ESB for the submission of indicative bids. A further short-listing will precede the selection of final preferred bidders. My approval for any disposal of assets will be required. The CER has responsibility for monitoring ESB's compliance with the terms of the Asset Strategy, designed to reduce ESB's market share in power generation to 40% in an all-island context.
Under the Electricity Act, 1999, the CER has statutory responsibility for the issue of licences to generate electricity and authorisations to construct or reconstruct power generation plants. Accordingly, decisions in due course by the ultimate purchasers regarding the commencement of power generation on those sites will be a commercial matter for the entities concerned, subject to CER authorisation and not one in which I have a function.
Data Protection.
Simon Coveney
Question:1465 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the details of all instances since 1 June 2002 where personal data held by his Department or any agency under its auspices were compromised in any way; if the review by his Department of data security procedures announced on 22 November 2007 is completed; and the findings of that review in terms both of prior shortcomings and of future actions. [2157/08]
My Department has developed and maintains a number of systems that contain personal data in addition to internal systems such as payroll or HR. These include an Integrated Fisheries Information System, a Foreshore Coastal Zone Management System, a Marine Vessel Registration System, a Mineral Exploration Licensing System, and a Petroleum Exploration System. Although the functions supported by most of these applications have been transferred to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and to the Minister for Transport, my Department continues to manage and maintain them at this time.
There is one potential compromise of personal data that my Department is aware of in the time frame referred to by the question. The Integrated Fisheries Information System is used by the Sea Fisheries Division of the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Food. On the weekend of the 2nd to the 5th November 2007, following a software upgrade, a defect was introduced into the system whereby a registered "Sales Notes" user could search for and view information on fish sales associated with other customers of the Department. Whilst this information did not include personal information it did identify the vessel name.
The vulnerability was in place for seventy hours and just two individuals accessed the search facility in that time. Shortly after the fault being brought to the Department's attention, the system was disabled and the fault rectified. In addition, procedures have been put in place to prevent a similar occurrence in the future.
Data security procedures are a day to day operational matter for State Agencies and I have no function in that regard. The review of data security procedures requested by An Tánaiste is not complete at this time. It is being prepared by my Department for submission to the Department of Finance.
Question No. 1466 answered with Question No. 1440.
Equal Opportunities Employment.
David Stanton
Question:1467 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 281 of 23 May 2006, if he is satisfied that his Department has met the 3% employment quota for people with disabilities; the percentage of people with disabilities employed in his Department; the number of people with disabilities hired from outside the Civil Service for each of the years from 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2584/08]
A survey conducted in the first quarter of 2007, in conjunction with the National Disability Authority, showed that 3.1% of staff in the former Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (DCMNR) were classified as having a disability.
My Department, primarily through our Disability Liaison Officer, continues to work with the Department of Finance, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, and the National Disability Authority, in the implementation of the provisions of the Disability Act 2005, including those relating to the recruitment and employment of people with disabilities in the Civil Service.
Decentralisation Programme.
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:1468 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of civil and other public servants based in Dublin in his Department and agencies who have applied for decentralisation, who have been transferred to their decentralised post and are currently in position in the decentralised location outside Dublin; the number of civil and other public servants required for decentralisation under plans; the original and expected date for full decentralisation to be in place; the locations together with details of properties and land owned, purchased or planning permissions sought for the construction of premises for decentralisation; the costs incurred to date; the original budgeted for and expected total costs to be incurred for decentralisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2600/08]
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:1472 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of civil servants and other public servants who have decentralised as at 31 December 2006 and the current date broken down into individual Departments and agencies; the number required for full decentralisation, broken down under individual departmental and agencies’ plans; the number of currently decentralised locations in operation; the agencies with no progress; the values of properties purchased and sold in respect of the decentralisation process to date; the other costs incurred to date with the decentralisation process, broken down by category; the number of departmental staff involved in administrating the decentralisation process since its inception; the number of planning applications in progress in relation to building decentralised premises and planning applications to be submitted, broken down by location and planning submission date; the original budgeted and the expected total costs to be incurred for decentralisation; his further proposals in this regard; the expected date for completion of the full decentralisation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3001/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1468 and 1472 together.
As part of the Government's decentralisation programme, the headquarters of my Department is scheduled to relocate to Cavan at the end of 2009. This will involve the relocation of approximately 300 posts. 19 staff members transferred as an advance party to Cavan prior to 31st December 2006, with a further 26 transferring during 2007 bringing the total working there at present to 45. Current plans envisage this figure being augmented by approximately a further nine staff in 2008. In addition, my Department continues to progress 120 potential applications from civil servants who have expressed an interest in relocating to Cavan.
No staff members are designated exclusively to the decentralisation work area. The human resource/staffing aspects are overseen by officials in my Department's Personnel Division. Officers in the Staff Development Unit also play a role in terms of inducting/training new entrants. In addition, the Corporate Services Division deals with the accommodation/health and safety aspects of the project.
The bulk of costs associated with the decentralisation programme are to be met by The Office of Public Works. However, I can advise the Deputy that costs incurred by my Department are reported on a regular basis to the Department of Finance and a breakdown of costs reported to date is set out in the table below:
|
Travel and Subsistence |
Incidental Expenses |
Postal and Telecom Expenses |
Office Machinery |
Office Premises Expenses |
Total |
|
43,755 |
— |
4,615 |
48,637 |
7,531 |
104,538 |
A significant portion of these costs related to the relocation of the Seafood functions of the former Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to Clonakilty, County Cork. Responsibility for these functions has since transferred to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The decentralisation programme also entails the relocation of Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) with 42 Posts to Dundalk and the Central Fisheries Board with 62 posts Board to Carrick-on-Shannon.
SEI has worked with the OPW in securing accommodation on Dundalk for an advance party based in Dundalk ahead of the permanent move. Two SEI personnel relocated from Dublin to Dundalk prior to December 2006. It is expected that the advance party of 12-15 staff will be in Place in Dundalk by end 2008. Costs incurred by SEI to date, are €58,000 for accommodation rent/overhead and €21,000 for site/building assessment.
In relation to the Central Fisheries Board no staff have to date relocated under the Decentralisation programme. It is understood from OPW that there are significant challenges in identifying suitable accommodation in Carrick-on-Shannon. On that basis no costs have as yet been incurred.
As of 1st January this year my Department has taken over responsibility for the Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSI). Under current plans, this agency is due to relocate to Dungarvan, County Waterford. My officials are in discussion with OSI management regarding agreeing a framework to progress this policy objective.
In relation to projected completion dates, the Government's Decentralisation Implementation Group has set out an indicative construction completion date for Cavan of end 2009. The DIG adopted a more individualised approach to timetables for State agencies. The group did however ascribe "early mover status" to SEI and that Agency continues to progress its advanced move plans.
Property acquired or sold in respect of the decentralisation process is a matter entirely for the Office of Public Works as is the matter of applications under the planning process. I have no function in these matters.
Alternative Energy Projects.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1469 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the exportation from Ireland of pure plant oil which did not find favour with his Department in the context of alternative energy production; the number of production units currently exporting bio-fuels; his proposal to ensure that such products are retained with maximum benefit to the economy here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2759/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1470 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason the pure plant oil production by a company (details supplied) is being exported while it appears emphasis is being placed on the promotion of such alterative energies for use here; his proposals to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2760/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1469 and 1470 together.
The Biofuels Mineral Oil Tax Relief Schemes were publicly advertised as competitive calls for proposals from producers meeting the criteria laid out in the Guidance Notes relating to the schemes. Under EU State Aids Rules preference could not be given to any participants within the competitive process by virtue of the origin of biofuels feedstocks. There were specific limits on the amount of excise relief available under the various categories in each scheme and this was stipulated in the relevant Guidance Notes. The highest scoring applicants were successful in each competition.
The planned introduction of a Biofuels Obligation in 2009, will require all fuel suppliers to ensure that biofuels represent a certain percentage of their annual fuel sales. By moving to an obligation market players will have long-term certainty to develop projects of economically viable scale. Details of the number of production units exporting biofuels would be a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. These data are not held in my Department.
Decentralisation Programme.
Joan Burton
Question:1471 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of civil servants and other public servants, who have relocated to locations outside of Dublin under the Government’s decentralisation programme; the estimated number of each category who will have relocated by the end of 2008; the breakdown of each set of figures in terms of those who are relocating from Dublin and relocating from elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2987/08]
As part of the Government's decentralisation programme, the headquarters of my Department is scheduled to relocate to Cavan at the end of 2009. An advance party of 45 is currently in situ in Cavan of which 40 were Dublin based and five were non-Dublin based. Current plans envisage this figure being augmented by approximately a further nine staff in 2008, the majority of whom will be relocating from Dublin based departments.
Question No. 1472 answered with Question No. 1468.