asked the Taoiseach (a) on what aspects of the business of his Department working parties or study groups, which include persons other than departmental officials, have been set up since 1 January 1977, (b) the date of establishment and the terms of reference in each case, (c) whether a report has been submitted in each case and (d) the effect of such report and the action, if any, taken by him thereon.
Written Answers . - Departmental Advisory Bodies .
400.
: There was one such group set up since 1 January 1977.
This group were set up by me in January 1979 to consider what arrangements should be made for the removal of the geology and folk life collections from the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham to some suitable location.
The group considered a number of locations and reported in March 1979, recommending the interim transfer of the collection to the old Saint Conleth's Reformatory at Daingean, County Offaly. Relocation of the artefacts from the Royal Hospital was carried out under the direction of the National Museum.
401.
asked the Minister for Energy (a) on what aspects of the business or his Department working parties or study groups, which include persons other than departmental officials, have been set up since 1 January 1977, (b) the date of establishment and the terms of reference in each case, (c) whether a report has been submitted in each case, and (d) the effect of such report and the action, if any taken by him thereon.
: The information requested by the Deputy is as follows:
(a) Uranium exploration — a Working Group on Uranium Exploration has been established, under the chairmanship of the Department of Energy, and comprising representatives of the Department of the Environment, the Department of Health, the Department of Labour, the Geological Survey Office and the Nuclear Energy Board.
(b) Date of establishment: 27 February 1980. Terms of reference: To keep under review developments in relation to uranium prospecting in Ireland and uranium exploration and mining regulatory procedures in other countries; to provide information of such prospecting and to ensure adequate consultation between the various Departments concerned.
(c), (d) The work of the group is of an on-going, monitoring nature and the question of submission of a formal report does not arise.
402.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs (a) on what aspects of the business of his Department working parties or study groups, which include persons other than departmental officials have been set up since 1 January 1977, (b) the date of establishment and the terms of reference in each case, (c) whether a report has been submitted in each case, and (d) the effect of such report and the action, if any, taken by him thereon.
: No working party or study group of the kind envisaged in the Question has been set up by my Department since 1 January 1977.
403.
asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism (a) on what aspects of the business of his Department working parties or study groups, which include persons other than departmental officials, have been set up since 1 January 1977, (b) the date of establishment and the terms of reference in each case, (c) whether a report has been submitted in each case and (d) the effect of such report and the action, if any, taken by him thereon.
: Bearing in mind the nature of the business of my Department, and the different mechanisms which are adopted to deal with that business. I am satisfied that it would not be possible to provide a satisfactory reply to this question, especially as considerable difficulties of interpretation arise in respect of it.
404.
asked the Minister for Justice (a) on what aspects of the business of his Department working parties or study groups, which include persons other than departmental officials, have been set up since 1 January 1977, (b) the date of establishment and the terms of reference in each case, (c) whether a report has been submitted in each case and (d) the effect of such report and the action, if any, taken by him thereon.
: I assume that the question does not apply to informal or ad hoc groups involving officials of my Department and members of the Garda Síochána which are formed as the occasion arises to examine particular aspects of the work of my Department. Details of other groups are set out below:
|
Study Group |
Date of Establishment |
Terms of Reference |
Reports Submitted |
Action as a result of report |
|
Advisory Committee on Garda Radio Net-work. |
October 78 |
No formal terms of reference. This group is advising on all matters relating to a new radio-communications system for the Garda Síochána. |
It is not intended that a formal report will be produced. |
|
|
Garda Síochána Committee of Inquiry. |
November 78 |
To consider, report and make recommendations to the Minister for Justice on—(a) the appropriate rates of pay for ranks of the Garda Síochána up to and including the rank of Chief Superintendent;(b) problems in regard to differentials and earnings for different ranks and for particular groups within ranks arising from earnings or differences in earnings on overtime and during unsocial hours; |
A report was presented to the Houses of the Oireachtas on 11 May 1979. |
The recommendations for increases in pay and rent allowances have been implemented. |
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(c) the extent to which types of work at present performed by members of the Force could appropriately and with advantage be undertaken by civilians, and the way in which changes in this regard should be implemented; |
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(d) a scheme of accelerated promotion for selected and specially-trained members; and |
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(e) whether there should be a scheme to supplement the standard recruitment arrangements for the force by the recruitment through special competitions of a limited number of persons with higher qualifications, and, if so, the conditions on which such persons should be recruited, the rate of pay which should apply to them, and the arrangements which should be made for their subsequent assimilation to the rank structure of the force. |
405.
asked the Minister for Finance (a) on what aspects of the business of his Department working parties or study groups, which include persons other than departmental officials have been set up since 1 January 1977, (b) the date of establishment and the terms of reference in each case, (c) whether a report has been submitted in each case, and (d) the effect of such report and the action, if any, taken by him thereon.
: The information sought by the Deputy is as follows:
*1. Committee on Dublin Inner City
(a) Social and economic problems of Dublin Inner City.
(b) 19 July 1978.
Terms of reference:
To recommend policy decisions and other measures to be taken in relation to the special economic and social problems of the Dublin Inner City area.
(c) Report submitted.
(d) Considered by the Government on 9 May 1979 which decided to establish an Inner City Group to further the work of the committee; to develop a programme of action by the various Departments and public agencies operating in the Inner City area and to co-ordinate the activities and public policies of these bodies. A sum of £1 million was allocated in 1979 to underpin these activities.
Responsibilities for the Inner City Group and the special fund established by this £1 million was transferred to the Minister for the Environment in February 1980.
*2. (a) Government-ICTU Working Parties on Taxation, Employment, Industrial Democracy and Education and Training.
(b) Established in March 1979 as part of the discussions on a National Understanding for Economic and Social Development. The reports of the Working Parties formed part of the 1979 national understanding. The texts of the reports are in Appendix 2 to the understanding. Provision was made in that understanding for the continuation of the Working Party on Taxation to review, on a regular basis, such matters as either side may wish to discuss.
(c) A report on taxation was submitted in January 1980.
(d) The report was largely factual, outlining the main topics considered by the Working Party and did not require any specific action. ICTU proposals for tax changes in the 1980 budget were submitted separately and were fully considered in framing the budget.
*3. (a) Government-Employer and Industry organisations.
(b) Established on 22 March 1979 in the context of the negotiations on the 1979 national understanding to consider proposals by these organisations in regard to a national plan.
(c) and (d) The report of the Working Party formed part of the national understanding. The text of the report is in Appendix 3 to the understanding.*************
*4. Sub-Committee of the Central Development Committee on non-Gaeltacht Islands
(a) Implementation of Government decision on measures to improve life on non-Gaeltacht islands.
(b) 13 March 1979.
To monitor progress on the implementation of the Government decision in relation to non-Gaeltacht islands and to consider general non-Gaeltacht island matters.
(c) Progress report submitted.
(d) It has kept the Minister informed of progress on the implementation of the Government decision on non-Gaeltacht islands.
*5. Sub-Committee of the Central Development Committee on peat resources in the West.
(a) Development of peat resources in the west.
(b) 13 June 1979.
Terms of reference as follows:
To examine the general question of peat resources, in the counties for which the Central Development Committee has responsibility, as follows:
—ownership and allotment of bogs
—development of bog through cooperative activity
—problems related to turf cutting such as drainage, roads, mechanisation
—bog maintenance
—use of cutaway bogs.
(c) Report Submitted.
(d) Report was referred to the Minister for Energy who has since indicated his intention to introduce legislation aimed at promoting the development of bogs by private individuals and groups.
6. (a) Commission on Taxation.
(b) Established in March 1980 with the following terms of reference:
To enquire generally into the present system of taxation and to recommend such changes as appear desirable and practicable so as to achieve an equitable incidence of taxation, due attention being paid to the need to encourage development of the national economy and to maintain an adequate revenue yield; and to provide interim reports on such matters as the Commission considers desirable or as may be referred to it by the Minister for Finance for specific consideration.
(c) A report has not yet been submitted.
(d)—
7. (a) Financing of public expenditure.
(b) Date of establishment—21 October 1980
Terms of reference:
To consider alternative sources of financing departmental programmes.
(c) No report has yet been furnished.
(d)—
* These Working Parties or StudyGroups were established by the Minister for Economic Planning and Development.
406.
asked the Minister for Defence (a) on what aspects of the business of his Department working parties or study groups, which include persons other than departmental officials, have been set up since 1 January 1977, (b) the date of establishment and the terms of reference in each case, (c) whether a report has been submitted in each case, and (d) the effect of such report and the action, if any, taken by him thereon.
: Arising out of an incident at the Glen of Imaal, County Wicklow on 14 April 1979 in which a number of children were killed and injured the Minister for Defence established a committee—
To examine safety measures at the Glen of Imaal and to make recommendations as to any further safety precautions which might be deemed necessary to be taken to minimise danger to the public arising out of the use of the lands by the Department of Defence at the Glen of Imaal as a training ground for the firing of infantry artillery and cavalry weapons.
The committee were established on 6 June 1979 and furnished a report to the Minister. Following on the report the following measures have been implemented:
An old Churchill tank which was an attraction to young visitors to the area has been buried;
A considerable amount of fencing has been erected with a view to restricting access by members of the public to certain areas of my Department's lands in the area and further fencing works are being considered and new warning notices have been placed at appropriate locations;
The area is patrolled at week-ends by military personnel:
Before each bank-holiday week-end members of the public are advised by notices in the press and on television as well as by radio announcements not to enter the lands;
A permanent military staff is being established at Coolmoney Camp, this staff will include amongst its responsibilities the implementation of safety measures in the Glen of Imaal.
My Department's information officer has addressed leaders of the National Youth Council of Ireland on the hazards existing on the firing range.
In addition to what has already been done other measures are being considered, for example, improving further liaison with youth organisations and the types and location of warning notices.
407.
asked the Minister for Labour (a) on what aspects of business of his Department working parties or study groups, which include persons other than departmental officials, have been set up since 1 January 1977, (b) the date of establishment and the terms of reference in each case, (c) whether a report has been submitted in each case, (d) the effect of such report and the action, if any, taken by him thereon.
: The information sought by the Deputy is given in the following schedule.
|
(a)Working Group |
(b)Date of establishment and terms of reference |
(c)Was a report submitted? |
(d)Effect of report |
|
1. Working group to advise on the feasibility of ratifying I.L.O. Convention No. 140 — paid Educational Leave |
13 February 1980. |
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To make proposals for future policy on paid educational leave with a view to enabling the Government to take a decision on the question of ratifying the Convention. |
Report submitted on 30 June 1980. |
Under consideration. |
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2. Manpower Consultative Committee |
30 November 1978. |
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The following sub-Committees report to the main Committee:(i) Sub-Committee on Occupational Shortages(ii) Working Party on Attitudes towards Industrial Employment(iii) Sub-Committee on Youth Employment |
To advise on the role of manpower policy in economic and social development |
Yes. Published on 9 April 1980. |
(a) Recruitment campaign abroad which has secured additional key personnel in the occupations in short supply in Irish industry.(b) Major educational programme providing additional places in third level education courses which lead to qualifications in the short supply occupations.(c) Arising from a recommendation made by the Working Party on Attitudes Towards Industrial Employment, a Schools/Industry link scheme was set up on a pilot basis in Athlone during 1979-80. These schemes are being extended to nine other centres during 1980-81. |
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3. Employment Action Team |
28 September 1977 |
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(a) To draw up a list of schemes to stimulate youth employment. listing them in order of priority. |
The Team made two submissions to the Minister for Labour in the course of its existence. |
The progress of the Team was reported on in a number of Parliamentary Questions in 1977 and 1978 and in the course of introducing Departmental Estimates in the Dáil. |
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(b) To establish the number and categories of young persons likely to be affected. |
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(c) To cost the schemes. |
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(d) To recommend where responsibility for implementation should lie. |
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(e) To submit the proposals to the Minister for Labour for his approval in the normal course. |
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(f) To monitor and advise on approved schemes and expediting their implementation. |
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4. Alumina Project Group |
9 May 1980. |
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(a) To examine the organisation and structures governing labour/management relations on the Alcan site at Aughinish. |
No |
— |
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(b) To make recommendations for any changes needed to secure a good industrial relations climate on the site. |
Note: 1. The working parties or study groups listed in the schedule are confined to those set up by the Minister for Labour or the Department of Labour.
2. The reference to Departmental officials has been construed as embracing officials of Departments and State-sponsored bodies.
3. The schedule does not include commissions formally constituted e.g. Commission on Industrial Relations or advisory bodies established under statute e.g. the Factories Advisory Council.
408.
asked the Minister for the Public Service (a) on what aspects of the business of his Department working parties or study groups, which include persons other than departmental officials, have been set up since 1 January 1977, (b) the date of establishment and the terms of reference in each case, (c) whether a report has been submitted in each case, and (d) the effect of such report and the action, if any, taken by him thereon.
: The information sought by the Deputy in respect of my Department is as follows:
|
(a)Aspect of business of Department dealt with by Working Party/Study Group |
(b)Date of Establishment |
(c)Terms of Reference |
(d)Whether report has been submitted |
(e)Effect of report; Action taken thereon |
|
Recruitment of Administrative Officers and Inspector of Taxes |
June 1977 |
1 To examine the arrangements for the selection of candidates for appointment as Administrative Officer and Inspector of Taxes in the Civil Service. |
Yes. |
Improvement in the arrangements for the recruitment of Administrative Officers and Inspectors of Taxes. |
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2 To consider whether any changes are necessary or desirable in these arrangements and, if so, to recommend suitable alternative arrangements. |
Most of the recommendations have been implemented. The remaining recommendations are still under consideration. |
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3 In any recommendations for changes, to have regard |
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(a) to the likely effect of such changes on the disposition of suitable candidates to present themselves for competition; and |
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(b) to any additional costs in time and money of giving effect to such changes |
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Arrangements for the training of civil servants |
September 1979 |
To review, on a continuing basis, the activities of both the Civil Service Training Centre (of the Department of the Public Service) and the Institute of Public Administration in the field of direct training for the civil service. |
The working party is finalising its first report. |
— |
|
Policy for the development of the use of computers for government services (i.e. broadly those financed by the exchequer). |
February 1980 |
(i) In the government services to review(a) present organisational, technological and personnel arrangements for the development and operation of computerised systems; and |
No. |
— |
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(b) the broad range and scope for further computerisation of systems and operations |
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(ii) In the light of the review referred to at (i) above and of current developments in computer and telecommunications technologies, to make recommendations as to the organisational arrangements best suited to the operation and further development of computerised systems having regard in particular to organisational efficiency and effectiveness; level of service to users and recipients of the service security needs; cost considerations; personnel considerations (including career structures and recruitment and training procedures). |
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(iii) To estimate and comment on the likely effects of computerisation on future employment levels in government services. |
409.
asked the Minister for Education (a) on what aspects of the business of his Department working parties or study groups, which include persons other than departmental officials, have been set up since 1 January 1977, (b) the date of establishment and the terms of reference in each case, (c) whether a report has been submitted in each case and (d) the effect of such report and the action, if any, taken by him thereon.
: The following working parties and study groups were set up by my Department since 1 January 1977.
|
(a)Nature of working party or study group |
(b)The date of establishment and terms of reference |
(c)Whether report submitted |
(d)Effect of report and action, if any |
|
1. Inservice Training of Teachers. |
17 June 1980. |
No. |
— |
|
To identify priority areas of in-service training of teachers and to make recommendations to the Department. |
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2. Religious Education. |
24 October 1979. |
No. |
— |
|
To advise the Minister on the question of having Religious Education examined at the Leaving Certificate Examination. |
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3. Grading structure of the clerical and administrative staff of Vocational Education Committees. |
27 May 1977.To assess the level and volume of work of the various grades employed by the Vocational Education Committees and to consider how these grades relate to the new grading structure in the Health Board and Local Authority areas. |
Yes. |
The report recommended a new grading structure and such structure has been sanctioned on 5 May 1980. |
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4. Religious Education (Syllabus Committee). |
27 May 1980. |
No. |
— |
|
To draft a syllabus for Religious Education at Leaving Certificate Course level. |
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5. Transfer of pupils from Primary to Post-Primary Education. |
12 June 1978.To report on the problems of transition from child centred primary to subject centred post-primary schools and to make recommendations as to changes which may be necessary in primary and post-primary curricula in order to alleviate these problems. |
No. |
— |
|
6. Academic staff structures in Regional Technical Colleges of Technology under Vocational Education Committees. |
It was decided in December 1978 that a Working Party of the Teachers' Conciliation Council be set up to consider claims from the Teachers' Union of Ireland seeking |
A report and recommendations were submitted by the Working Party to the Conciliation Council for Teachers. |
The effect of the recommendations would be to create new staffing structures in the Regional Technical Colleges and Colleges of Technology. |
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(1) that, with effect from 1 January 1978, the Principals of all Regional Technical Colleges and Colleges of Technology on the Senior Lecturer Scale II be paid the salary scale for Principals as set out in Agreed Report 5/72. |
Approval for the implementation of the recommendations was conveyed by the Department to the Vocational Education Committees by Circular Letter dated 14 January, 1980. |
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(2) a revised scale of pay for the grade of Assistant Lecturer and the assimilation of all serving Class III Teachers in the Colleges to the revised scale. |
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(3) the application of the Structures in Cork RTC to the other RTCs. |
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Department of Education, including the rates of payment for such work. |
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7. Appointment, qualifications of permanent wholetime teachers under Vocational Education Committees. |
October 1980.The terms of reference are to update Memorandum V.7. |
No. |
— |
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8. Programmes of youth organisations and youth services. |
Committee established by the Minister of State at the Department of Education under the chairmanship of District Justice James J. O'Sullivan on 4 May 1978.To report on the nature and effectiveness of the programmes being carried out by the Youth Organisations (non-uniformed) in receipt of grants, direct or indirect, from the Department of Education and to make any recommendations deemed appropriate for the improvement and development of the youth services. |
The report of the Committee “Development of Youth Work Services in Ireland” was submitted to the Minister of State at the Department of Education on 16 July 1980. |
The report which contains 100 recommendations was published on 2 October 1980.The recommendations relate to the Department of Education, Vocational Education Committees, other Government Departments, Local Authorities and Youth Organisations. Of the recommendations relating to the Department of Education 17 have already been acted on and immediate consideration will be given to the other recommendations as soon as the views of the other interested parties involved are available. |
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9. Working Party on the Education of the Physically Handicapped. |
Established 24 October 1977.To review the provision made for the education of the physically handicapped and to make appropriate recommendations, having regard to the need to make the best possible use of the resources available. |
No. |
— |
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10. Working Party on the care and training of children with severe and profound mental handicap. |
Established 28 February 1980.To examine the educational and training needs of children with severe and profound mental handicap. |
No. |
— |
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To consider the nature of the personnel necessary to meet these needs. |
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To make appropriate recommendations to the Minister for Education and the Minister for Health and Social Welfare. |
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11. Pay, allowances and duties of Caretakers and Assistant Caretakers in Comprehensive and Community Schools in Dublin. |
June 1979.To make recommendations in regard to pay, allowances and duties of Caretakers and Assistant Caretakers in Comprehensive and Community Schools in the City of Dublin and in the County of Dublin. |
Yes. April 1980. |
The granting of the same rates of pay and overtime to the Caretakers and Assistant Caretakers concerned as are paid to employees of the City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee who perform similar work. An agreed procedure for the filling of caretaking posts and a revised duty specification for the caretaker grades has also been introduced as a consequence of the report. |
410.
asked the Minister for Agriculture (a) on what aspects of the business of his Department working parties or study groups, which include persons other than departmental officials, have been set up since 1 January 1977, (b) the date of establishment and the terms of reference in each case, (c) whether a report has been submitted in each case, and (d) the effect of such report and the action, if any, taken by him thereon.
: The following working parties and study groups have been set up in my Department since 1977.
1. (a) In respect of Milk Recording.
(b) Established 27 July 1977.
Terms of Reference:
To investigate and report on the practicability problems, costs involved and the benefits which would be derived from a more flexible milk recording system in this country.
(c) Yes.
(d) Result: The recommendations in the "Report of the Study Group for a revised Milk Recording System" have been partly implemented on a pilot basis in the areas of the South Western Cattle Breeding Society Limited and the Cork District Milk Board. The extension of the new type of service to the country generally is under examination at present.
2. (a) In respect of Clerical Staffing and Grading in County Committees of Agriculture.
(b) Established December 1977.
Terms of Reference:
To assess the level and volume of work of the various grades employed by the committees;
To consider how these grades relate to the new grading structure in the local authority area and the grading structure at present applicable to the Staff employed by the Vocational Education Committee.
(c) Yes.
(d) Result: Recommendations of working party are presently being implemented.
3. (a) In relation to Training in Farm Home Management.
(b) Established 31 May 1978.
Terms of Reference:
To examine and report on the possibility of having a degree course in Farm Home Management set up at UCC.
(c) Yes.
(d) Result: The report recommended that there should be such a degree course and this has been implemented with effect from 1980-81 academic year.
4. (a) In relation to Staffing Requirements of Committees of Agriculture.
(b) Established in October 1978.
Terms of Reference:
To examine and report on the requirements of Committees of Agriculture in relation to staff of advisory, technician and clerical levels.
(c) Yes.
(d) Result: The report recommended a phased increase in the numbers of instructors in agriculture.
5. (a) In relation to night watchman post at Botanic Gardens.
(b) Established 11 October 1978.
Terms of Reference:
To evaluate the post of Night Watchman at Botanic Gardens.
(c) Yes.
(d) Result: The report agreed that parity existed between Night Watchman and Garden Constable. The recommendations were implemented.
6. (a) In relation to agricultural advisory work in hill areas.
(b) Established in April 1979.
Terms of Reference:
To devise and recommend a co-ordinated programme of development for the hill areas, using agricultural advisory training and education services to improve standards (particularly of animal nutrition) in such a way as to achieve the maximum benefit.
(c) Yes.
(d) The report recommended adoption in each county concerned of a programme of special advisory and training activities directed towards hill sheep producers, in-service training for advisors serving hill farmers, desirable areas for research and investigation and subsidies for lambs on certain conditions.
Approval was given for (a) the initiation of the county advisory and training programmes and their subsequent monitoring by the Department and (b) a visit by three officers concerned in the programmes to study developments in hill-sheep management in Scotland. The recommendations for lamb subsidies were taken into account by me in subsequent incentive measures for sheep production.
7. (a) In relation to Agriculture on non-Gaeltacht Islands.
(b) Established on 24 October 1979.
Terms of Reference:
To advise the Minister for Agriculture on Agricultural Developments in these islands.
(c) No.
8. (a) In respect of Agricultural Development.
(b) Established on 15 April 1980.
Terms of Reference:
To identify potential areas of development in the horticultural industry and to make recommendations to the Minister on the measures needed to achieve such development as well as on specific programmes and projects. The Group should give special attention to the potential for creating new jobs in the industry with particular reference to enabling trained young people to become established in commercial production.
(c) No.
9. (a) In respect of pedigree pig breeding.
(b) Established on 24 July 1980.
Terms of Reference:
To examine areas of common concern in the pedigree pig breeding industry.
(c) No.
10. (a) In respect of EEC developments in Agriculture.
(b) Established on 28 October 1980.
Terms of Reference:
To explore the possibilities within the EEC context for improving farm prices and incomes in Ireland.
(c) No.
411.
asked the Minister for the Gaeltacht (a) on what aspects of the business of her Department working parties or study groups, which include persons other than departmental officials, have been set up since 1 January 1977, (b) the date of establishment and the terms of reference in each case, (c) whether a report has been submitted in each case and (d) the effect of such report and the action, if any, taken by her thereon.
: Ar 4 Deireadh Fómhair 1979 bunaíodh coiste leis na téarmaí tagartha seo a leanas:
An cúnamh a thugann an Stát don fhoilsitheoireacht Ghaeilge a scrúdú agus moltaí a dhéanamh i dtaobh na slite is fearr chun leas a bhaint as.
Fuarthas tuarascálacha le fíordhéanaí faoi dhá ghné ar leith den cheist agus tá siad sin á scrúdú i mo Roinnse faoi láthair.
412.
asked the Minister for Health (a) on what aspects of the business of his Department working parties or study groups, which include persons other than departmental officials, have been set up since 1 January 1977 (b) the date of establishment and the terms of reference in each case, (c) whether a report has been submitted in each case, and (d) the effect of such report and the action, if any, taken by him thereon.
: The information requested by the Deputy is as follows:—
|
Working Party/Study Group |
(a) Date of Establishment(b) Terms of Reference |
Report Submitted |
Effects of/Action on Report |
|
Study group to consider present arrangements for providing information for patients in hospitals, on the facilities and services available to them. |
(a) December 1977(b) (i) To consider the present arrangements for providing information for patients in hospitals, both in-patients and out-patients, on the facilities and services available to them and to make recommendations as to how these could be improved;(ii) To consider the present arrangements for receiving persons attending the out-patients Departments of hospitals and to make recommendations as to how these may be improved. |
Yes |
Two booklets “A guide for Hospital Managements” and a “model booklet to serve as a guide to help patients and visitors” were published by the Department in February 1980 and circulated to all hospital authorities.The Minister for Health recommended that each hospital should issue its own booklet for patients and visitors based on the model booklet. |
|
Working group on medical laboratory technicians/technologists |
(a) 21 June 1978(b) To examine the existing grading structure for medical laboratory technicians/technologists and to make recommendations to the Minister regarding the grading structure considered appropriate in the light of developments in the service. |
An Interim Report has been produced. |
Some of the recommendations in the interim report have been implemented in certain hospital laboratories. |
|
Working group on the requirements and organisation of specialist services in Cork city. |
(a) November 1979(b) To consider and make recommendations to the Minister for Health on the specialties required, the level of provision and the location and organisation of the necessary units in Cork City. |
Yes |
The recommendations have been accepted by the Minister for Health and the report has been forwarded to the relevant bodies for their information. |
|
Working group on hospital services at Athlone. |
(a) July 1980(b) To examine and advise on the services in Athlone Hospital. |
Yes |
The report has been forwarded to the Midland Health Board for their consideration. |
|
Working group to consider the organisation of public general hospital services in the south-east Dublin and east Wicklow area. |
(a) September 1980(b) (i) To consider the general hospital services, specialties and bed numbers required to serve the population of south-east Dublin city and county, Dún Laoghaire and the eastern portion of County Wicklow. |
No |
—— |
|
(ii) To consider how best these requirements can be provided having full regard to the existing general hospitals in the area and their capacity for development and to report on these matters. |
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|
Joint working party on dental services. |
(a) 12 June 1978.(b) To examine existing dental services and to make recommendations for consideration by the Minister in the formulation and establishment of an overall dental policy. |
Yes |
Suggestions for improving prevention and treatment measures and the development of the services.Action taken:—1. Choice-of-dentist scheme introduced. |
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2. An improved staffing structure for health board dentists has been approved. |
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3. Steps are being taken to appoint consultant orthodontists and oral surgeons as recommended in the report. |
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4. Other recommendations are under active consideration, or being discussed with relevant professional interests, as appropriate. |
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Working group on orthoptists. |
(a) 11 October 1979.(b) To determine the number of orthoptists required and to consider whether a training school for orthoptists should be established. |
Yes. |
Suggestions for increasing the number of orthoptists and the recruitment and training of orthoptists. The report is being considered. |
|
Working group on superannuation of temporary ophthalmologists. |
(a) 11 October 1979. |
No. |
— |
|
(b) To consider the possibility of pension and other superannuation benefits for pensionable officers being extended to ophthalmologists who had long term temporary employment with health boards and who had devoted a considerable part of their time to the provision of services for the boards. |
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Working group on medical staffing of community ophthalmic services. |
(a) 15 June 1980.(b) To determine the number of ophthalmic medical practitioners required in the light of the involvement of ophthalmic opticians in the provision of refraction services. |
No. |
— |
|
Study group on nurse staffing in mental handicap residential and day centres. |
(a) 15 May 1979(b) To consider and make recommendations on the staffing requirements of mental handicap centres, residential and day, and in particular to examine the extent to which (non-nursing) personnel might be employed in a supporting role and the extent to which such personnel might require to be provided with a formal course of training. |
No. |
|
|
Co-ordinating committee to review financing arrangements of residential homes. |
(a) September 1979(b) To carry out a study of the organisation, staffing and financing of homes providing residential care for children. |
Yes |
Arrangements to transfer homes to a new system of financing are under consideration. |
|
Co-ordinating committee to review services for travelling people in the Dublin area. |
(a) July 1979(b) To develop greater co-ordination between the various agencies involved and to identify the major issues to be tackled in improving services for travelling people in the Dublin area. |
No. |
Agreement has been reached on the priorities in the provision of servicesThe work of the committee is continuing. |
|
National Manpower Planning Committee for Personal Social Services. |
(a) February 1977(b) (1) to obtain and analyse up-to-date information on the deployment and utilization of staff in the personal social services and on the current arrangements for their education and training; |
An Interim Report on the employment of Social Workers will be submitted shortly. |
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(2) to assess, in co-operation with relevant bodies, the numbers and types of manpower likely to be needed for the planning and delivery of the personal social services and to identify the training requirements of each category of staff required; |
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(3) to advise the relevant bodies of these assessments and to assist them, as appropriate, in their subsequent decision-making on the advice tendered by the committee; |
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(4) to examine and make recommendations to the relevant bodies on the training needs of staffs already engaged in the planning and provision of personal social services; |
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(5) to consider and make recommendations on such other cognate matters as may from time to time be referred to it by the Minister for Health. |
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Working group on the training of community welfare officers. |
(a) 17 August 1977 |
Yes |
The report was circulated to interested parties. |
|
(b) To report and make recommendations on further training requirements of community welfare officers. |
The working group restricted themselves to considering the short-term training needs of community welfare officers, as it was considered too early to assess total training needs, as these would only become apparent after the supplementary welfare allowances scheme had been in operation for some time. |
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Working party on a common contract and a common selection procedure for consultants. |
(a) 2 December 1977(b) Its terms of reference are:-In the context of the present level of eligibility for hospital services, to examine and report to the Minister on:—1. the form of contract of employment to be entered into between consultants and their employing authorities (e.g. health boards and public voluntary hospitals)2. the feasability of applying this form of contract to certain consultants who are attached to private hospitals and3. the establishment of a common selection procedure for consultants employed by hospitals providing services under the Health Acts. |
The working party submitted an interim report on item 1 of its terms of reference in October 1978 and the Minister received a report from the chairman of the working party on the pricing of the contract in July 1979. The working party, in February 1980, submitted the form of contract based on the recommendations of their interim report. |
The Minister for Health has indicated his acceptance of the working party's recommendations, and has decided that he shall approve of the implementation of the new contract as from 1 April 1981 in the case of health boards and such other hospital authorities as agree to accept the new provisions in full. Discussions with the interested parties are continuing. |
413.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare (a) on what aspects of the business of his Department's working parties or study groups, which include persons other than Departmental officials, have been set up since 1 January 1977, (b) the date of establishment and the terms of reference in each case, (c) whether a report has been submitted in each case and (d) the effect of such report and the action, if any, taken by him thereon.
: The following working parties and study groups which included persons other than officials of Government Departments have been established since 1 January 1977 and are concerned with the business of my Department:
1. (a) and (b) A working party to examine fuel schemes and heating services for the needy was established in January 1978.
(c) A report was submitted on 5 July 1978.
(d) The report resulted in a national fuel scheme which was introduced on a countrywide basis from October 1980. Vouchers under the scheme have a fixed value and may be used to purchase any fuel and to pay gas or ESB bills. Fixed value vouchers have also been introduced to replace the old system in certain urban areas, under which 1 cwt. of turf was supplied.
2. (a) and (b) A working party was established on 31 October 1977 to consider the need for a school meals scheme and whether any variations or alternatives would be worthy of consideration.
(c) A report was issued on 3 April 1979.
(d) The report is still under consideration.
3. (a) and (b) A review committee was established on 26 October 1978 to review the Intermittent Unemployment Insurance or wet-time scheme.
(c) No report has been submitted to date.
414.
asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry (a) on what aspects of the business of his Department working parties or study groups, which include persons other than departmental officials, have been set up since 1 January 1977, (b) the date of establishment and the terms of reference in each case, (c) whether a report has been submitted in each case, and (d) the effect of such report and the action, if any, taken by him thereon.
: Two working parties were set up in my Department since 1 January 1977. The details requested by the Deputy regarding these are as follows:—
1. (a) Development of Rossaveel as a fishery harbour.
(b) A committee entitled the Rossaveel Harbour Development Advisory Committee was set up on 3 March 1980 to recommend for consideration by the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry appropriate works in order of priority for the development of the infrastructure of Rossaveel Major Fishery Centre and other matters incidental thereto.
(c) No report has been furnished. The committee's work is not completed.
(d) —.
2. (a) Working Party on the Marketing of Timber from State forests.
(b) The working party, in which representatives of the Home Grown Timber Merchant's Association participate, was set up in April 1978 to consider alternative systems for the sale of a percentage of timber from State forests to the existing system of inviting tenders for lots available for sale.
(c) An interim report was submitted to me in September 1979.
(d) The recommendations of the working party provided for the introduction of a system of sale whereby timber merchants would be supplied with a proportion of their annual requirements of saw-log by direct sale and outside the tender system, subject to their mills meeting certain agreed criteria. The sawmillers representatives wished, however, to have the proposal tied in with an agreed pricing structure for timber sold under the system and the working party is now examining the possibility.
415.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs (a) on what aspects of the business of his Department working parties or study groups, which include persons other than departmental officials, have been set up since 1 January 1977, (b) the date of establishment and the terms of reference in each case, (c) whether a report has been submitted in each case and (d) the effect of such report and the action, if any, taken by him thereon.
: The information requested is set out in the attached statement.
|
(a) Aspects of Business |
(b) Date established and terms of reference |
(c) Report Position |
(d) Effect of Report and action taken |
|
1. Organisation of Postal and Telecommunications Services. |
On 8 July 1978 the Posts and Telegraphs Review Group was established with the following terms of reference:(i) To examine and report on the feasibility of giving to the telecommunications service such form of autonomous organisation as is likely to be most effective in meeting current public demand and providing for future development and expansion: and to make specific proposals regarding the nature, powers and functions of the organisations recommended.(ii) To examine and report on the organisational arrangements necessary to secure the modernisation of the postal system so as to promote an efficient delivery system nationwide. |
Report submitted on 28 May 1979. |
The basic recommendations were that:(i) The telecommunications and postal services should be taken out of the civil service and set up as two separate State-sponsored bodies, and(ii) That an interim board be appointed to assume the widest possible responsibilities, consistent with the legal framework, for the operation and development of telecommunications services.The Government decided in July 1979 to accept these recommendations and two interim boards, one for the telecommunications service, as recommended by the Review Group, and one for the postal service, were appointed in October 1979. A Green Paper was published in May 1980 containing proposals in general terms for the reorganisation of the postal and telecommunications services. |
416.
asked the Minister for Transport (a) on what aspects of the business of his Department working parties or study groups, which include persons other than departmental officials, have been set up since 1 January 1977, (b) the date of establishment and the terms of reference in each case, (c) whether a report has been submitted in each case, and (d) the effect of such report and the action, if any, taken by him thereon.
: The information requested by the Deputy is as follows:
|
(a)Working Party or Study Group which include persons other than Departmental officials, set up since 1 January, 1977 |
(b)Date of establishment and terms of reference |
(c)Whether a report has been submitted |
(d)Effects of report and action |
|
1. National Bird Hazard Committee |
June, 1977. |
No. (Functions of Committee are ongoing). |
— |
|
(i) To record all bird strike reports at Irish Airports |
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(ii) To investigate all such reports and to disseminate relevant findings. |
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(iii) To recommend and institute action to combat same. |
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(iv) To create a better awareness of the bird hazard to aircraft. |
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(v) To obtain expert advice relating to the control and reduction of the bird population in and around airports. |
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(vi) To communicate with and co-ordinate activity with bird hazard committees in other countries. |
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2. Dublin Transportation Task Force. |
April, 1980. |
No. |
— |
|
(i) To implement the Government decision to establish a Dublin Transportation Authority. |
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(ii) Pending the establishment of the Authority the task force was given responsibility, in respect of the Dublin area, for traffic management and for an evaluation of road and rail investment plans. |
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3. Working Party to examine proposals for the development of airport facilities to serve Knock and the Connaught region generally. |
October, 1980.To carry out a detailed examination of issues affecting the cost and viability of the airport project (already approved in principle) in order to establish the nature of the facilities to be provided and the scale of operations that would be appropriate. |
No. |
— |
|
4. Transport Consultative Commission. |
September, 1978.To investigate and report on the measures necessary to achieve the most efficient and economic transport system for goods and passengers having regard to the need to maintain a flexible competitive transport system, thereby ensuring the facilities necessary for industrial development through the country as a whole. |
Commission presented its first report in March 1980 on passenger services in the Dublin area. The commission are currently examining the structure, adequacy, cost and efficiency of the services provided for domestic and international road haulage. |
On the basis of the recommendations in the commission's first report, the Government decided to set up a Dublin Transportation Authority. A task force was established to pave the way towards the setting up of the Authority. (See 3 above). |
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5. Irish Search and Rescue Committee. |
June, 1978. |
No. (Functions of Committee are ongoing). |
— |
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(i) To keep under review the general arrangements for marine search and rescue in Ireland and to make recommendations for any improvements considered necessary. |
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(ii) To consider the implications of any internal changes in equipment, deployment or organisation in any of the search and rescue organisations in advance of such changes and to take any necessary measures. |
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(iii) To consider as necessary liaison with neighbouring foreign search and rescue organisations and any regional search and rescue agreements in which Ireland is a participant. |
417.
asked the Minister for the Environment (a) on what aspects of the business of his Department working parties or study groups, which include persons other than Departmental officials, have been set up since 1 January 1977, (b) the date of establishment and the terms of reference in each case, (c) whether a report has been submitted in each case and (d) the effect of such report and the action, if any, taken by him thereon.
: The information required by the Deputy is set out in tabular form below. Several other technical committees are set up from time to time to study specialised aspects of the Department's work. These studies are performed on a continuing basis.
|
Working Party/Study Group |
Date of establishment and terms of reference |
Whether a report has been submitted. |
Further developments |
|
1. European Assembly Constituency Commission. |
16 August 1974 to advise on the formation of constituencies for the elections to the Assembly of the European Communities. |
Yes—4 October 1977 Report published (pr. 6626). |
The recommendations of the commission were implemented by the European Assembly Election Act, 1977. |
|
2. Steering group on Irish in the Local Government Service. |
3 July 1979; to encourage the use of Irish in the Local Government area. |
Yes—July 1980. |
The report outlined progress to date in this area and the group's work is continuing. |
|
3. Working group to examine remuneration in the local government and health board sectors. |
September 1979: to carry out a general review of the arrangements for determining remuneration in the local government and health board sectors. |
No. |
— |
|
4. Dáil Éireann Constituency |
9 October 1979: to advise on the formation of constituencies for the election of Members to Dáil Éireann. |
Yes—21 April 1980 Report published (Prl. 8878). |
The recomme Commission. Commission were implemented by the Electoral (Amendment) Act, 1980. |
|
5. Dublin Inner City Group. |
12 March 1980: to further the work of the inter-departmental committee on Dublin inner city and to develop a programme of action by the various departments and public bodies operating in the inner city. |
No. |
— |
|
6. Working group on interest rates in building societies. |
22 April 1980: to examine the problems then facing building societies in relation to interest rates and to make recommendations. |
Yes—28 April 1980. |
A subsidy on the investment rate was introduced on 28 April 1980 and continued, with modifications, until 1 October 1980. The subsidy enabled the building societies to maintain their mortgage interest rate at that which prevailed in April 1980 and which continues to obtain. |
|
7. The Environment Council. |
June 1978; to advise the Minister on Environmental functions generally and to give priority to the question of environment policy. |
Two reports have been submitted and published—“Towards an Environment Policy”. September 1979 (Prl. 8215) and “Litter and the Environment”. June 1980 (Prl. 8953). |
The first report was distributed for views and comments and the recommendations of the second report are under consideration in the Department. |
|
8. Task Force on Port Industry (set up by the Inner City Group at (5) above) |
17 June 1980; to examine the practicabilities of job creation in the Dublin port area with particular reference to the Inner City. |
No. |
— |
|
9. Study Group on investment by the private sector in the provision of infrastructure |
15 September 1980; to promote and monitor progress relating to investment by the private sector in the provision of infrastructure. |
No. |
— |