David Stanton
Question:153 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the Government policy on sport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25529/04]
Written Answers.
The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies received from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 41, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 42 to 143, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 144 to 152, inclusive, answered orally.
Sport and Recreational Development.
The Government policy objective for sport is to promote and encourage an active sports sector, with increased participation in sport, especially by young people in areas of disadvantage and to support the provision of good quality, sustainable facilities and opportunities for people to play an active role in sport. In order to contribute to a more healthy lifestyle, it is vital that people of all ages and from all backgrounds have equal opportunities to engage in sporting activity and are encouraged to participate at the level which suits their needs. In addition, the Government, through the strategies of the Irish Sports Council supports the pursuit of excellence and success in national and international competition by our elite sportsmen and sportswomen.
My Department's statement of strategy 2003-05 has identified the key areas to be addressed. These include the creation of expanded opportunities to participate in sport through facilitating the provision of sporting facilities at local, regional and national level with a particular emphasis on providing facilities for young people in disadvantaged areas. It underpins the important role of the Irish Sports Council in assisting with the provision of sports programmes.
This departmental strategy for sport guides the actions of the Irish Sports Council in its promotion and development of sport as outlined in its own statement of strategy 2003-05, Sport For Life, which maps out a threefold strategy: to increase participation in sport; to create an environment to develop sporting abilities; and to enable our best sports people to achieve world class standard. The Irish Sports Council has been allocated funding of €30.7 million for 2004 to operate a range of initiatives and programmes from the Buntús primary schools programme and the youth field sports programme all the way up to the high performance strategy and international carding scheme.
My Department's sport capital programme has been enormously beneficial to clubs, sports organisations and voluntary and community groups, directing funds to virtually every village, parish and town throughout the country. Since 1998, on the sports capital side alone, my Department has allocated almost €331 million to over 4,200 projects around the country to assist towards the cost of providing sport and recreational sport facilities. In consultation with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, 1,266 projects located in areas designated as disadvantaged have been allocated funding of over €121 million in the four year period 2001-04.
The tax relief on donations to certain sports bodies scheme, established under section 847a of the Taxes Consolidation Act came into effect on 1 May 2002. Since then 83 projects, drawn from nine sporting disciplines and with a total project cost of €76 million, have been approved by my Department.
Under the local authority swimming pool programme, my Department is committed to supporting 55 local authority swimming pool projects throughout the country. Delivery of this programme is well underway with a total €43 million paid out in the period 2000-04 with 14 projects completed, eight under construction and the remaining 33 projects at various stages.
The Government decision earlier this year to support the redevelopment of a 50,000 all seated stadium at Lansdowne Road in association with the IRFU and FAI along with a sporting campus at Abbotstown is further progress towards bringing our national sporting infrastructure into the 21st century alongside other recent national projects such as the national aquatic centre and the national rowing centre at Inniscarra. I am satisfied that we now have in place a vibrant policy through which persons of all ages can participate in sport.
Arts Council.
Paul McGrath
Question:154 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has received the report, Towards a Policy for the Traditional Arts, from the Arts Council, which he commissioned some time ago; the timeframe for the implementation of this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25545/04]
The remit of the special committee on the traditional arts established by me, in accordance with section 21 of the Arts Act 2003, was to make recommendations to the Arts Council on the role of the council in relation to the traditional arts. The committee presented their report to me last month. I believe that it represents a very valuable contribution to the process of ensuring that our traditional arts sector is acknowledged and cherished for its quality and diversity. I wish to pay particular tribute to the work of the committee which produced the report and which was so ably led by Mr. Jerome Hynes. Responsibility for follow-up action, including decisions regarding implementation of the report's recommendations, rests with the Arts Council which, I understand, has invited feedback from the sector. I look forward to engaging in due course with the council on its implementation strategy.
Tourism Industry.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:155 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on figures from the Central Statistics Office in August 2004 which highlight the high costs of accommodation and eating out here; his further views on the consequences of such figures for the tourist industry. [25438/04]
Gay Mitchell
Question:174 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the measures which are proposed to restore the competitiveness of tourism here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25539/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 155 and 174 together.
I have already made very clear my views on the growing level of dissatisfaction expressed by overseas visitors about the value for money, particularly in terms of the cost of eating out, of the overall tourism experience in Ireland. One of the strongest messages of the tourism policy review group is that restoring competitiveness is the major challenge facing the tourism sector. In short, delivering value for money will be of paramount importance for maximising future growth opportunities.
The reality is that Ireland has never been marketed as a low cost destination. However, during the years of significant growth in the 1990s, it was competitive and was seen to be offering holidaymakers value for money.
The consumer price index for August 2004 did show price increases in the restaurants and hotels category at the level of 0.3% for the month and 4.5% for the year. However, by end September 2004, there was no further deterioration in the annual rate of increase. In the context of value for money, it is important to point out that there continues to be very attractive packages on offer in regard to access, accommodation and dining out.
Competitiveness is a function of the overall Irish tourism experience for customers relative to other competing locations. My contribution towards the restoration of competitiveness is to see a coherent tourism action plan implemented effectively in co-operation with all the major players. To this end, I have established a high level implementation group to advise and assist in driving forward and monitoring the comprehensive action plan set out in the report of the tourism review group.
I received the first progress report from the implementation group at the end of August. Few people involved in the industry were surprised to learn that the group found that strong areas of concern remain in relation to the competitiveness and value for money available in wide segments of Irish tourism. The group has re-affirmed that sustained efforts to address the issues that have undermined competitiveness within both the industry itself and within the Government sector, along the lines of the review group's recommended actions, are essential.
The implementation group will continue its work over the remainder of the period of the initial two year tourism action plan. It will continue to meet at monthly intervals and to encourage, through regular consultations, the relevant Departments, State agencies and industry representative groups to progress the implementation of the recommended actions.
Abbey Theatre Players.
Jack Wall
Question:156 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has proposals to address the funding difficulties at the Abbey Theatre; his views on the possibility of staff redundancies at the theatre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25418/04]
Seán Ryan
Question:164 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the recent TNS-MRBI opinion poll which found strong support among the public for State funding for the Abbey Theatre; if he will address the funding problems at the theatre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25425/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 156 and 164 together.
I have been briefed on the problems currently being encountered at the Abbey Theatre by the chairperson of the Arts Council. Financial support of the Abbey is a matter for the Arts Council. I understand that the council has been in close dialogue with the Abbey and wishes to support the organisation through its current difficulties. The council is conducting an independent review to help inform the council's response. My Department's role is confined to the overall funding of the Arts Council, which itself decides how funds made available by my Department are disbursed. I am not in the least surprised by a positive public attitude towards the Abbey. The Abbey has an iconic place in the Irish psyche, in our cultural life, and I share the view that the Abbey must be cherished and supported.
Tax Code.
Brian O'Shea
Question:157 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the recent figures he issued regarding the declining number of certificates issued for the section 481 tax break in the first seven months of 2004; his views on the decline in the amount of film production here recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25420/04]
I do not believe that there is any evidence to suggest that the Irish film sector is in decline. During the first seven months of 2004, 11 film projects were certified by my Department for the purposes of the section 481 tax relief. This is down somewhat from the 15 projects certified during the same period of 2003, but is very similar to the 12 projects certified during the first seven months of 2002. To date in 2004, my Department has certified 16 projects in this context.
I am aware that there are competitive pressures coming to bear on the effort to attract international film productions, particularly from economies where wage rates and other costs are far lower than in Ireland. However, we also have advantages, such as our use of the English language, our historical links particularly with the United States, the very high skill and experience levels of our film professionals, our relatively low level of bureaucracy, and the variety of locations available within quite short distances of one another. The Government has done its part in that film producers now have certainty going forward, as the section 481 scheme has been extended to 2008, with the amount that can be raised increasing substantially from 2005.
I have every confidence that Irish film-makers will take full advantage of this decision, and that our industry has a very bright future. The indications available to my Department suggest that there has already been quite a significant pick up in activity, and that producers are generally optimistic about the industry's prospects. It is my intention to travel to the United States early next year to support the efforts of the Irish Film Board to persuade film producers that Ireland is an attractive location for international film productions.
Question No. 158 answered with QuestionNo. 151.
Sport and Recreational Development.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:159 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to the need for an integrated approach to facilitate participation in sport at an early age between his Department and the Departments of Education and Science and Health and Children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25497/04]
As the Deputy is aware, the Irish Sports Council is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, including initiatives to promote sport among young people. The provision in funding for the Irish Sports Council in the 2004 Estimates is over €30 million, in comparison to just over €13 million in 2000.
This Government recognises the major role that sport can play in the lives of young people. The Irish Sports Council is responsible for a number of initiatives aimed at encouraging young people to participate in sport. There are currently 16 local sports partnerships in operation around the country. One of the central aims of the local sports partnerships is to create greater opportunities for participation by all in sport and to ensure that resources are co-ordinated and used to their best effect at a local level.
The sport for young people grant scheme is promoted through vocational education committees which do not currently have local sports partnerships in their areas to create sporting opportunities to participate in sport for young people, particularly those in areas of social and economic disadvantage. This grant scheme is open to the vocational education committees. The designated areas scheme-underage participation scheme provides funding to the FAI, GAA and IRFU, to assist these organisations to develop programmes for increasing participation in sport by young people in the three main field sports.
The Buntús programme is also being rolled out by the Irish Sports Council through the local sports partnership network to primary schools. The programme aims to support the primary PE curriculum by providing equipment, resource cards and training to teachers and allows teachers and introductory level coaches introduce sport to children in a safe and fun way.
The code of ethics and good practice for children's sport was launched in 2000 by the Irish Sports Council and provides guidelines to sports organisations in promoting good practice in children's sport. The core message in the code is that sport must be safe, must be fun and no matter what young people are involved in, that it takes place in a spirit of fair play.
My Department and the Irish Sports Council maintain an ongoing liaison with the Department of Health and Children in relation to matters of mutual concern. Officials of the Department and the council have actively participated in the development of key initiatives such as, for example, the national children's strategy, the national children's play and recreation policy, healthy heart strategies. My Department has also contributed to the task force on obesity established by the Department of Health and Children and which is being chaired by Mr. John Treacy, chief executive of the Irish Sports Council.
Finally, the European Year of Education through Sport 2004 is an important European Commission initiative in the area of education and sport, which I launched along with my colleague, the Minister for Education and Science, in Croke Park in January this year. As part of our national programme in this regard, this initiative will be used to promote the importance of sport within the education system, particularly in promoting social inclusion. My Department, the Departments of Education and Science and Health and Children as well as the Sports Council and other relevant bodies are represented on the national steering committee of the European Year of Education through Sport 2004.
Tourism Industry.
David Stanton
Question:160 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the impact on tourism of the 9 p.m. ban on children in licensed premises since the inception of the ban; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25528/04]
It is too early to say with confidence what precise impact the 9 p.m. restriction has had on tourism business this year. There are, at present, no official figures which measure the actual situation. Nevertheless, I am aware that many people in the hospitality trade, both at individual and representative group level, have described this particular measure as having a negative impact on trade. If there are difficulties, my understanding is that they are more likely to be concentrated in areas outside of Dublin, particularly as regards family holidays over the summer period.
The Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2004, which has recently been passed by both Houses, provides for an extension to 10 p.m. of the time that persons under the age of 18 years may remain in licensed premises from May to September. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has also agreed to consider issues of concern to the tourism industry in the context of the comprehensive review of the intoxicating liquor legislation that is currently underway.
I know from experience the difficulties in coming up with enforceable formulae to tackle the presence of minors on licensed premises and I warmly welcome the Minister's openness to addressing legitimate concerns without, of course, undermining the basic thrust of Government policy in relation to underage drinking.
National Stadium.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:161 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on possible delays in the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road due to asbestos in the stadium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25433/04]
The Lansdowne Road Stadium Development Company is responsible for the day to day matters in relation to the development of the stadium. A project director has been appointed and progress on the stadium plans are well underway. At this stage, delays in the redevelopment of the stadium are not anticipated.
Performing Arts.
Pat Breen
Question:162 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the proposed academy for the performing arts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25543/04]
In January 2003, it was decided that responsibility for an Irish academy for the performing arts would be transferred to my Department from the Department of Education and Science. The likely timescale for the commencement of the project is dependent on how it is decided to proceed. I have already stated previously that one of my priorities, as Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, is to examine the synergy between the education and the arts. Many communities, schools and universities contribute enormously to the furtherance of arts education and training. It is in this context that my Department will be examining the issue. Until such time as I have concluded my deliberations and decided the most appropriate course of action, it will not be possible to indicate a likely timescale. Capital funding is currently not available to progress the development of the project.
Tourism Industry.
Tom Hayes
Question:163 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of actions proposed in the report, New Horizons for Irish Tourism, which have now been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25548/04]
Joe Costello
Question:172 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the way in which he will respond to the call recently from the national tourism strategy group for fast turn-around facilities at Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25435/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 163 and 172 together.
In January 2004, I established the tourism action plan implementation group whose fundamental task is to monitor the implementation of the recommendations within the report of the tourism policy review group, New Horizons for Irish Tourism: An Agenda for Action, to assess progress and to report on how any constraints that are found to be impeding progress might be addressed.
The tourism action plan implementation group presented its first progress report to me at the end of August. It is available on my Department's website www.arts-sport-tourism.gov.ie and a copy has been placed in the Oireachtas Library.
The group found that overall the initial progress in the implementation process has been good with strong commitment and support from the tourism industry and the Government to the strategy and recommendations of the review group. It reported that the areas where progress is most advanced lie in those relating to administrative and co-ordinating activities, as the key actors gear up to implement the new strategy, and that the areas where progress is least advanced lie in the more specific areas of what can be termed the "real economy".
There is a detailed schedule appended to the report setting out progress achieved up to mid-2004 for each of the 70 recommendations in the New Horizons document. The implementation group will continue its work over the remainder of the period of the initial action plan. It will continue to meet at monthly intervals and to encourage, through regular consultations, the relevant Departments, State agencies and industry representative groups to progress the implementation of the recommended actions in the report of the review group.
As the Deputy is aware, ministerial responsibility for aviation matters rests with my colleague, the Minister for Transport who, I understand, has asked the new Dublin Airport Authority, which took office on 1 October 2004, to give priority to addressing capacity requirements at Dublin Airport including providing additional facilities for the fast turnaround of aircraft. In the context of my commitment to ensure the better integration of national tourism policy with other Government policies, including transport, I will continue to liaise with my colleague, the Minister for Transport on this issue and my Department's officials will participate fully in inter-departmental-agency fora to drive forward the tourism agenda as recommended in the New Horizons report. The tourism action plan implementation group will continue to monitor capital investment developments at Dublin Airport and will report on progress again in due course.
Question No. 164 answered with QuestionNo. 156.
National Conference Centre.
Pádraic McCormack
Question:165 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the provision of a national conference centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25547/04]
Mary Upton
Question:180 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of groups or companies which have expressed interest in the construction of the proposed national conference centre; when the contract is likely to be awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25431/04]
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:182 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of submissions received in response to the Office of Public Works advertisement for expressions of interest to provide a national conference centre in Dublin; the number of candidates that were short-listed; the location of the site in each case; the likely date on which a decision will be made on the successful candidate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25368/04]
Willie Penrose
Question:186 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress being made in relation to the provision of a national conference centre; the likely location of the centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25423/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 165, 180, 182 and 186 together.
On 7 July last I announced that three of the four candidates who submitted expressions of interest in the provision of a national conference centre in the Dublin area had been short-listed to proceed to the next stage of the competition. As required, each short-listed consortium proposed an acceptable site in the Dublin area.
As I informed the House in reply to an earlier question today, the Government decision to proceed with the provision of a national conference centre also provided that its provision should be pursued under a public private partnership arrangement. This is a necessarily complex procedure and one that is required to be undertaken in accordance with the Department of Finance's interim guidelines for the provision of infrastructure and capital investments through public private partnerships.
As part of the procedural requirements of the PPP process, a public sector benchmark exercise and a benefit assessment must be undertaken before the next detailed proposals stage can be initiated. These exercises are being carried out and are close to finalisation. In addition, every effort is being made by the Office of Public Works and its advisers to complete as soon as possible the detailed project contract documentation required. As I explained to the House on 1 July last, the preparation of this documentation is demanding and time-consuming, with details requiring careful scrutiny and consideration.
At that time, I also expressed the hope that the procurement process would be sufficiently advanced to facilitate a Government decision before the end of the year. This has not proved possible and the firm objective now is to ensure that invitations to tender are issued to the three pre-qualified candidates before Christmas.
On the assumption that tender invitations will be ready for issue in December, and allowing several months for engagement with the selected tenders, current indications are that a preferred bidder could be selected by late summer 2005. While, I am reluctant to be categorical, given the complexity of the process, my personal priority and that of the Government, is to have this project brought to a conclusion at the earliest possible date while ensuring that the relevant procedures and guidelines pertaining to the process are closely observed and that nothing is done that might jeopardise its successful conclusion.
Question No. 166 answered with QuestionNo. 151.
Tourism Industry.
Mary Upton
Question:167 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to the figures revealed by Fáilte Ireland in July 2004 which show that there has been a dramatic fall in tourist numbers in many parts of the country in the summer of 2004; the measures he proposes to redress the regional imbalance in the number of tourists especially in the west and north west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25432/04]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:175 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to the widespread concern among many sectors of the tourism industry in the regions regarding the very patchy season in 2004; and the proposals he has to win back market share for the regions. [25538/04]
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:223 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his Department has carried out a review of the regional tourism authorities, as promised some time ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25369/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 167, 175 and 223 together.
While CSO figures show an increase of 5% in overseas visitor numbers in the first seven months of the year, evidence on the ground suggests that this level of growth has not been shared equally throughout the country or among different sectors of the industry. The trend towards shorter holidays is clearly impacting on regional spread and some tourism enterprises, particularly in rural areas are reporting a difficult year.
One of the key objectives of national tourism policy is to achieve as wide as possible a distribution of visitor numbers across the different regions with the consequent distribution of tourism revenue. Achieving that goal has long been recognised as a major challenge for Government, the tourism agencies and the industry alike, a view that has been echoed in the progress report submitted recently by the tourism action plan implementation group.
The Government, for its part, has committed substantial resources to enable the tourism agencies to support the tourism industry across the length and breadth of Ireland to win its fair share of business.
In regard to the promotion and development of tourism by the regions themselves, Fáilte Ireland is channelling in the region of €5 million directly into the regional tourism authorities to strengthen and enhance their operational and marketing capabilities this year. This investment, which represents a 20% increase in funding to the RTA network, is designed to ensure both a high quality visitor servicing experience at key tourist information offices and also a strong overseas promotional effort, in co-operation with Tourism Ireland.
Building on this, and on foot of the recommendations of the report of the tourism policy review group, Fáilte Ireland is now actively considering the question of how best to establish a closer correlation between the identified core visitor servicing and development functions provided at regional level and the State financial support system.
Home holidays promotions and supporting the RTAs represent just two of the many ways Fáilte Ireland is funding the development of tourism in the regions. In total this year, Fáilte Ireland is investing in the order of €25 million in developing regional tourism, from supporting local festivals to building capability and strengthening the tourism product itself. Initiatives such as the festivals and cultural events programme will continue to favour the less developed regions. The tourism product development scheme is supporting the development of tourism capital infrastructure in a sustainable way that widens the spatial spread of tourism, diverts pressure from highly developed areas and increases the under performing regions' share of overseas tourism revenue. Both tourism agencies are investing resources in encouraging good air links. Already, Knock and Galway airports are reaping the rewards of their efforts to promote direct access to the west, particularly from Britain.
As the Deputy is aware, I have no direct responsibility in regard to individual actions or measures relating to tourism promotion or development insofar as specific areas of the country are concerned. These are a day to day function of the tourism agencies at national and regional levels.
Genealogy Project.
John Perry
Question:168 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when he expects the Irish genealogical project to be completed; the reason for the delay in completion, in view of the fact that 1994 was the target year of completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25370/04]
I refer the Deputy to the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 15 of 1 July 2004.
As I indicated on that occasion, the primary aim of the Irish genealogical project, which has been the responsibility of my Department since 1997, is to compile all church and civil records up to 1900. The number of records involved is in excess of 20 million. I am advised that to date about three quarters of church records and 40% of civil records have been indexed by 35 designated Irish Genealogical Limited centres. Some €380,000 has been allocated in support of this project from subhead D4 in my Department's Vote in the current financial year.
The Irish Genealogy Limited business plan 2005-07 has a target of completion of 90% of church records by the end of 2007, subject to the necessary financial resources being available. Due to the prioritising of the indexing of church records, a target date for completion of the cataloguing of civil records has not been determined.
National Cultural Institutions Act.
Paul Kehoe
Question:169 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if section 13 of the National Cultural Institutions Act 1997 is in itself insufficient to resolve legal problems related to official grants of arms; if he intends to implement this section of the Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25262/04]
Damien English
Question:176 Mr. English asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has given consideration to introducing a genealogy and heraldry Bill to authorise the creation of a new post of State herald-Stát Aralt within the National Library of Ireland, with clearly defined powers and duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25263/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 169 and 176 together.
I have no plans to introduce a genealogy and heraldry bill to authorise the creation of a new position of State herald. Rather, it is my intention that section 13 of the National Cultural Institutions Act 1997 relating to genealogy and heraldry will be implemented in the next stage of phased implementation of the Act, which will result in the establishment of statutory boards for, and autonomy of, the National Museum and National Library from 1 January 2005. The advice available to me does not suggest that section 13 is inadequate for this purpose but, as the Deputy will appreciate, legal interpretation of the section in the final analysis is a matter for the courts.
Sports Funding.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:170 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the areas and projects which will benefit from his Department’s funding of sport development officers; if his project will be mainstreamed and expanded throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22688/04]
The Programme for Prosperity and Fairness committed the Government to the introduction of local sport partnerships to help promote and develop sport at local level. In its first strategy document, A New Era for Irish Sport — 2000-2002, the Sports Council identified the establishment of local sports partnerships as one of its main priorities.
The Irish Sports Council, following evaluation of proposals from local bodies, approved and funded the establishment of eight partnerships in May 2001. A further four were established in early 2002. These are located in Clare, Donegal, Fingal, Kildare, Laois, Roscommon, Sligo, Tipperary North, Cork, Limerick, Meath and Waterford.
At my Department's request the Sports Council commissioned a review of the operation of four of the original eight partnerships. Arising from this review, I authorised the Irish Sports Council last year to extend the network of local sports partnerships by a further four, bringing the total number of LSPs to 16. These four partnerships are now being established in Kerry, Westmeath, Kilkenny and Mayo. This year, €2.3 million has been allocated to the LSPs to cover the 12 existing and four newly established projects. Since 2001, a total of almost €6.7 million has been allocated to the LSPs by the Irish Sports Council.
An independent appraisal and review of the entire local partnership process will be carried out by my Department later this year to obtain confirmation that this element of sport policy continues to have an impact at local level. The question of extending the partnerships to further areas of the country will be considered in the light of the outcome of that appraisal.
Question No. 171 answered with QuestionNo. 150.
Question No. 172 answered with QuestionNo. 163.
Abbey Theatre Players.
Joe Sherlock
Question:173 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the relocation of the Abbey Theatre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25427/04]
I refer the Deputy in this context to my reply Priority Question No. 144 of today.
Question No. 174 answered with QuestionNo. 155.
Question No. 175 answered with QuestionNo. 167.
Question No. 176 answered with QuestionNo. 169.
Departmental Programmes.
Billy Timmins
Question:177 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if it is his intention to introduce a follow up programme to replace the ACCESS programme to upgrade existing arts and heritage centres, especially the content and quality of the displays and interpretative material in these centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25546/04]
The ACCESS programme provided grants of €45.71 million for the development of 44 arts and cultural facilities around the country, and has transformed the level of access to the arts for a great many people in local communities. The provision of adequate facilities is a key element in making the arts something that everyone can enjoy and participate in.
I am currently reviewing the need for a successor programme to ACCESS, to address priority needs for the provision and upkeep of performance and display space following which I will engage in consultations with the Minister for Finance on the parameters for such a programme.
Sports Review Group.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:178 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has established the Athens review group; the timeframe for the publication of its report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25530/04]
The Deputy will be aware that the Irish Sports Council, as the statutory agency for the promotion and development of sport in Ireland, is responsible in partnership with both the Olympic Council of Ireland and the relevant national governing bodies of sport, for all matters relating to the preparation and participation of Irish competitors at the Olympic Games.
My Department has already engaged with the Irish Sports Council in regard to Ireland's performance at Athens. The council has initiated a review of Team Ireland's participation in this year's Olympic and Paralympic Games. The review involves questionnaires, one-to-one meetings with the athletes, support personnel, coaches and performance directors.
The aim of the review is to produce an objective assessment of the preparation and performance of the Irish teams at the Athens Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2004, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of all aspects of the programmes throughout the four year cycle, with a view to making recommendations regarding the development of a programme for Beijing in 2008.
Wharton Consulting, a leading consultancy firm based in Britain, is conducting the review under the direction of a steering committee established by the Sports Council and on which my Department is represented. Wharton Consulting was selected by the Sports Council following a public tender process and has considerable experience working with sporting organisations in England, including Sport England. The review is due for completion by 1 December 2004 and it is the intention of the Irish Sports Council to publish the report in due course.
National Concert Hall.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:179 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the future development of the National Concert Hall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25541/04]
The OPW commissioned an outline report on the feasibility of reconfiguring the Earlsfort site to meet the long term needs of the National Concert Hall. This study concludes that all of the needs of the National Concert Hall for the long-term could be met if the entire Earlsfort Terrace site were to become available. This report is being examined in consultation with all of the parties involved, following which I intend to bring proposals to Government in the near future for long-term strategic development of the National Concert Hall.
Question No. 180 answered with QuestionNo. 165.
Sports Capital Programme.
Emmet Stagg
Question:181 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of new public facilities such as swimming pools, gymnasia, synthetic and floodlit playing pitches which have been resourced and provided by his Department since June 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25429/04]
Under the national lottery funded sports capital programme administered by my Department, funding is allocated to projects which provide sports and recreational facilities at local, regional and national level. Since June 2002 a total of €114.45 million has been allocated to 1,357 projects throughout the country under the 2003 and 2004 sports capital programmes. The projects funded through the programme form the backbone of sporting infrastructure in the country and provide the means for greater public participation in sporting activities. These projects include facilities such as development of natural playing surfaces, synthetic and all-weather surfaces, floodlighting, indoor sports halls, changing facilities and a vast range of sporting equipment.
In terms of municipal public facilities, it has been a key objective of sport policy, particularly in recent years, to support a number of multi-sport centres on a regional basis throughout the country, most of which would be under the management and control of local authorities. Of course, such projects must, like all others, comply with the terms and conditions of the sports capital programme.
A total of 26 such projects in urban centres have been allocated a total of over €14.7 million under the 2003 and 2004 programmes, providing facilities in areas such as Finglas, Ringsend, Ballyfermot, Monkstown, Mahon in Cork, Limerick, Dundalk, Trim, Thurles, Killarney, Waterford, Sligo and Youghal.
My Department also administers the local authority swimming pool programme, which provides grant aid towards either the capital costs of new pools or the refurbishment of existing pools. The closing date for receipt of applications from local authorities under the current programme was 31 July 2000.
Since June 2002, grant-aid has been approved for the following swimming pool projects: Finglas, aquadome Tralee, Tralee sports and leisure centre, Grove Island in Limerick, Clonmel, Churchfield in Cork city, Tuam, Ballymun in Dublin, Cobh, Youghal, Ballyfermot in Dublin and Drogheda. Four of these projects are open to the public and eight are under construction or about to start construction.
The National Aquatic Centre at Abbotstown was completed in March 2003, on time and within its budget of €71 million. It provides international standard facilities for swimming and diving as well as extensive leisure water facilities. Commitments in regard to the provision of sporting facilities are outlined in the programme for Government which are being implemented nationwide.
Question No. 182 answered with QuestionNo. 165.
Tourism Industry.
Eamon Ryan
Question:183 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the latest CSO figures which suggest that while domestic holiday trips were up 10%,, nights spent in guest houses and bed and breakfasts fell by 9.4% and self catering and rented houses fell by 16%; his further views on whether these figures are related to high prices charged for stays, or high costs for the tourist industry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25509/04]
I welcome the overall results of the latest CSO household travel survey for the quarter to the end of June, which show an increase of 10% in the number of domestic holiday trips and an increase of 16% in expenditure over the same quarter last year. This level of performance is encouraging given the competitive challenges facing the Irish tourism industry and the attractive alternative holiday offerings available to the Irish consumer.
The CSO statistics also show variations in the level of performance among the different categories of accommodation providers with increases in the number of bed nights in the case of hotels, caravan and camping sites and own holiday homes and reductions, to which the Deputy refers, in the case of guest houses bed and breakfasts, self-catering and rented houses. Extreme caution should be exercised, of course, in interpreting trends over such a limited timeframe. While price is always a consideration in holiday choice, variations in performance in the case of these statistics may be more indicative of emerging changes in market share among the different accommodation categories, related to such factors as changing consumer tastes and variations in supply levels. Whereas significant additions have been made in recent years to the supply of hotel rooms, I understand that the number of approved bed and breakfasts has been declining at an annual average rate of 10%.
I had a very useful meeting with representatives of the Town and Country Homes Association, the largest representative group of approved bed and breakfasts, on 12 October during which the association committed itself to reviewing its product and marketing positioning in the light of changing consumer trends. For my part, I indicated my strong view that the bed and breakfasts product was an important and integral component of the Irish holiday experience, in particular to visitors from overseas, and gave an assurance that support would continue to be available through the State tourism agencies to strengthening the capability of the sector in the future.
National Library.
John Deasy
Question:184 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when the vacant post of director of the National Library of Ireland will be filled; if the salary on offer for the position might be reviewed in the interests of securing the services of a suitably qualified person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25264/04]
Arrangements for the filling of the post are in train in the context of the establishment of the National Library as a separate legal entity in accordance with the provisions of the National Cultural Institutions Act 1997. The objective is to give effect to those provisions from 1 January 2005. The salary for this post is based on recommendations of the review body on higher remuneration in the public sector. There are no proposals to change it at present.
Campus Stadium Ireland.
Emmet Stagg
Question:185 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his proposals for the inclusion in the Abbotstown campus of an indoor sports arena; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25430/04]
In January 2004, the Government decided to proceed with the development of a sports campus at Abbotstown. I requested Campus Stadium Ireland Development Limited to meet with the various sporting bodies and draw up a developmental plan for a campus of sports facilities at Abbotstown. This work is now nearing completion and I expect to receive the proposals of the board of CSID for phased development of the component elements of the campus in the very near future and to be in a position to bring them to Government for decision before the end of the year, which will be the basis for a Government decision on the future of the sports campus project.
Question No. 186 answered with QuestionNo. 165.
Question No. 187 answered with QuestionNo. 151.
Question No. 188 answered with QuestionNo. 149.
Foreign Adoptions.
Gay Mitchell
Question:189 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of post placement adoption reports that were not provided in time to the authorities in Belarus; if her Department’s attention is drawn to the fact that they have now suspended adoptions to Irish persons until these reports are completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25875/04]
Paul Kehoe
Question:200 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the efforts she has made to liaise with the Adoption Board and Belarus to ensure that it reopens to foreign adoptions and that responsibilities which Ireland may have in relation to adoption in Belarus, especially post placement reports, are effectively implemented to assist persons (details supplied) in County Wexford. [25611/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 189 and 200 together.
Arrangements with the central authorities of other countries are primarily a matter for the Adoption Board. I have been informed by the board that the adoption centre in Belarus has confirmed that intercountry adoptions to all countries have been suspended by the Belarussian Government, pending a review of intercountry adoption laws, procedures and practices in Belarus. This suspension also applies to adoption applications already in Belarus.
I have also been advised by the Adoption Board that the board is in routine contact with the adoption authorities in Belarus to ensure that we are in full conformity with their intercountry adoption requirements at all times. The board regularly monitors and follows up on any outstanding post placement reports. Post placement reports from Ireland were not a factor in the decision to suspend adoptions.
The adoption centre in Belarus is awaiting further clarification from the Belarussian Government as to the scope of the internal review of intercountry adoption that is to be carried out. The board will remain in close contact with the adoption centre as regards developments.
Vaccination Programme.
Brian O'Shea
Question:190 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the national supply of the influenza vaccine; if the cost of the vaccine is refundable to senior citizens; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25573/04]
Notwithstanding a problem with one supplier that affected supplies worldwide, ample supplies of vaccine have been secured for this country for the 2004-05 influenza season. Some 200,000 doses of 'flu vaccine were distributed around the country in early September 2004. A further 192,680 doses were distributed during the first week in October. Another 200,000 doses will be delivered later this month. This compares favourably with last year when approximately 470,000 doses of vaccine had been distributed by the middle of November.
The vaccine is available free of charge from general practitioners to medical cardholders who are deemed to be at risk of serious illness as a result of contracting the disease. Persons in the "at risk" group who do not have a medical card can obtain the vaccine free of charge, however, the fee for administering the vaccine in such cases is a matter between the general practitioner and the patient.
The "at risk" groups include persons aged 65 years or older, those with specific chronic illness such as chronic heart, lung or kidney disease, and those with a suppressed immune system. For persons in the "at risk" groups, complications arising from influenza such as pneumonia are common and can be fatal particularly in the elderly.
My Department asked health boards on 23 September last to advise GPs to concentrate their efforts on ensuring that patients at greatest risk receive priority vaccination. A national and local media campaign is planned by the Health Boards Executive to take place at the beginning of November in order to remind those who are in the "at risk" group and who have not yet received the vaccine to do so immediately.
Medical Cards.
Brian O'Shea
Question:191 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her proposals to extend the right to a medical card to all children with an intellectual disability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25574/04]
Brian O'Shea
Question:192 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her proposals to increase substantially the income limits for qualifying for a medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25575/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 191 and 192 together.
The Government is fully committed to the extension of medical card coverage as set out in the health strategy. This will focus on people on low incomes. The timing of the introduction of the extension will be decided having regard to the prevailing budgetary position.
Income guidelines are drawn up each year by the health board-authority chief executive officers to assist in the determination of a person's eligibility for a medical card and these are revised annually in line with the consumer price index, CPI. The last such increase was notified in January 2004. For those who do not qualify for a medical card there is a number of schemes that provide assistance towards the cost of medication. Under the long-term illness scheme persons suffering from a number of conditions can obtain the drugs and medicines required for the treatment of that condition free of charges. The conditions in question include intellectual disability. Under the drug payments scheme, a person and his or her dependants will not have to pay more than €78 in any calendar month for approved prescribed drugs and medicines.
Health board chief executive officers have discretion in relation to the issuing of medical cards and a range of income sources are excluded by the health boards when assessing medical card eligibility. Despite someone having an income that exceeds the guidelines, a medical card may still be awarded if the chief executive officer considers that a person's medical needs or other circumstances would justify this. It is open to all persons to apply to the chief executive officer of the appropriate health board for health services if they are unable to provide these services for themselves or their dependants without hardship.
The health strategy includes a whole series of initiatives to clarify and expand the existing arrangements for eligibility for health services, including recommendations arising from the review of the medical card scheme carried out by the health board CEOs under the PPF which include: streamlining applications and improving the standardisation of the medical card applications process to ensure better fairness and transparency; providing clearer information to people about how and where to apply for medical cards; and proactively seeking out those who should have medical cards to ensure they have access to the services that are available.
In addition, my Department is committed to the preparation of new legislation to update and codify the whole legal framework for eligibility and entitlements in regard to health services.
Health Board Allowances.
Brian O'Shea
Question:193 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will standardise and increase the rate of health board travel allowance awarded by health boards to intellectual disability services to assist with travel costs of persons attending their day services (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25576/04]
A strategic review of disability services is currently being undertaken by my Department. The issue of the travel allowances will be considered in the course of this review.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Brian O'Shea
Question:194 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her proposals to provide 600 additional respite places over a three year period for children and adults with an intellectual disability and to have a specified number of these places reserved for children and adults with more significant disabilities and challenging behaviour; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25577/04]
Brian O'Shea
Question:195 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if it is her intention to provide at least €80 million in revenue and €40 million in capital in 2005 in order for a three year investment programme to provide 600 additional residential respite places for persons with an intellectual disability; if a similar level of resources will be provided for the following two years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25578/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 194 and 195 together.
The Deputy will appreciate that I cannot at this stage give specific commitments in relation to levels of expenditure in 2005. As part of the national strategy on disability, the Government recently announced a multi-annual investment programme which is being considered in the course of the current Estimate and budget discussions with the Department of Finance.
Brian O'Shea
Question:196 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to recommendation 626 of the report of the commission on the status of people with disabilities 1996, her proposals for the introduction of a variable cost of disability payment which is based on the needs of the person with the disability in recognition of the extra costs associated with their disability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25584/04]
Under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, an inter-departmental working group, chaired by the Department of Health and Children, was established to examine the feasibility of introducing a cost of disability payment — PPF3.10.11.
The National Disability Authority, on behalf of the working group, and in line with its own remit, commissioned research into the feasibility of a cost of disability payment in Ireland. The purpose of this research was to advise regarding: the additional costs incurred by people with disabilities, owing specifically to the direct or indirect costs of the disability; and the appropriate mechanisms, or instruments by which to address identified additional costs.
The resultant report, Disability and the Cost of Living, was published by the NDA early in 2004. The working group in March of this year produced a position paper, which gave an overview of the work it has undertaken to date. It outlined the group's current thinking and also gave an indication of the next steps the working group intends to take.
The working group recommends that urgent steps be taken to improve the quality of data relating to disability in Ireland. This might include, for example, adjustment of existing data gathering exercises undertaken by the Central Statistics Office or other relevant bodies to include questions on the numbers per household with disabilities, the nature of the disability, severity of impairment, etc. The working group considers that it is vital that comprehensive data is available on which to base consideration of the feasibility of a cost of disability payment. Given its advisory and research remit, the working group considers that the National Disability Authority has an important role to play in addressing these data gaps along with other relevant bodies.
The working group acknowledges that a number of Departments and agencies have previously carried out reviews of the various supports-payments for people with disabilities. However, these reviews have tended to focus solely on the operation of individual schemes, without taking a broader overview of how these measures fit into the overall system of disability supports. The working group proposes to examine the scope for rationalising and streamlining the various disability supports measures, with a particular focus on mitigating the additional costs of disability for a greater number of people with disabilities, particularly in the case of those who wish to move from a position of total welfare dependence to one of greater economic independence. The working group is now proceeding to follow up on these various matters.
Vaccination Programme.
Brian O'Shea
Question:197 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a refund will be made in regard to the cost of the influenza vaccine for a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25585/04]
Notwithstanding a problem with one supplier that affected supplies worldwide, ample supplies of vaccine have been secured for this country for the 2004-05 influenza season. Some 200,000 doses of 'flu vaccine were distributed around the country in early September 2004. A further 192,680 doses were distributed during the first week in October. Another 200,000 doses will be delivered later this month. This compares favourably with last year when approximately 470,000 doses of vaccine had been distributed by the middle of November.
The vaccine is available free of charge from general practitioners to medical cardholders who are deemed to be at risk of serious illness as a result of contracting the disease. Persons in the "at risk" group who do not have a medical card can obtain the vaccine free of charge, however, the fee for administering the vaccine in such cases is a matter between the general practitioner and the patient.
The "at risk" groups include persons aged 65 years or older, those with specific chronic illness such as chronic heart, lung or kidney disease, and those with a suppressed immune system. For persons in the "at risk" groups, complications arising from influenza such as pneumonia are common and can be fatal particularly in the elderly.
My Department asked health boards on 23 September last to advise GPs to concentrate their efforts on ensuring that patients at greatest risk receive priority vaccination. I have read the details provided by the Deputy in relation to a person in County Waterford who fits the "at risk" criteria and is a medical card holder. I am concerned that this person found it necessary to purchase 'flu vaccine privately on 8 October 2004. At that stage, 392,680 doses had been distributed around the country, that is, 63,280 more doses than the same time last year. Having regard to the circumstances involved, my Department is writing to the chief executive officer of the South Eastern Health Board asking that he arrange for a refund of the costs incurred by the person in question in purchasing 'flu vaccine.
Health Board Allowances.
Michael Ring
Question:198 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive the arrears of their blind welfare allowance. [25599/04]
The assessment of entitlement to and payment of the blind welfare allowance, including the payment of arrears, is a matter for the relevant health board. Accordingly, a copy of the Deputy's question has been referred to the chief executive officer, Western Health Board, with a request that she examine the case and reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
Michael Ring
Question:199 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when arrears of blind welfare allowance that is due to persons for a number of years as a result of the misinterpretation of the blind welfare allowance circular 4/79, will be awarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25600/04]
The Department of Health and Children has received from the health boards an estimation of the cost of implementing the revised methodology of calculating blind welfare allowance. The matter is under consideration in the context of the Estimates process.
Question No. 200 answered with QuestionNo. 189.
Hospital Waiting Lists.
John Perry
Question:201 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Sligo will be called for an operation in Beaumont Hospital; when a decision will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25614/04]
Responsibility for the provision of health services to persons living in County Sligo rests with the North Western Health Board. My Department has asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Trevor Sargent
Question:202 Mr. Sargent asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if it is in line with Government policy for a health board to disburse money directly to parents of a child with Down’s syndrome rather than engage a speech therapist on the understanding that the parents will procure speech and language therapy privately; and if this practice has been authorised by her Department and the Comptroller and Auditor General. [25624/04]
As the Deputy may be aware responsibility for the provision of services to persons with an intellectual disability, including Down's syndrome, is a matter for the relevant health board. The allocation of funding for the provision of requisite services is determined by the health board on a case by case basis. It is a matter for the relevant health board to ensure that all sanctions have been obtained and that an adequate monitoring system is in place to guarantee appropriate disbursement of public funds.
Health Board Services.
Mary Upton
Question:203 Dr. Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if every assistance will be given to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25681/04]
I am aware of the circumstances of this case. Responsibility for the provision of care and treatment of the named individual rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has therefore asked the regional chief executive to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and reply to her directly.
Carriage of Dangerous Goods.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:204 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that patients are frequently required to send their blood and urine samples to laboratories via the postal service; her views on whether this is a satisfactory method of transporting bodily fluids in view of the safety risk and the possibility of loss, damage or interference with the sample; if steps will be taken to end this practice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25682/04]
EU Directive 94/55/EEC brought into legislation by SI 492/2001, the Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road Regulations 2001, sets out an agreement on the international carriage of dangerous goods by road. Samples, which have no inherent infection danger and are appropriately packaged, may at present be sent by post. Other samples, which carry a danger of infection, should conform to the requirements of the directive and be appropriately transported.
Health board officials have raised the issue of the collection and transport of blood and other samples from general medical service scheme doctors' practice premises with my Department, and the implications of introducing an appropriate collection system is being evaluated by the health boards.
Departmental Priorities.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:205 Mr. O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the priorities of her Department following the recent Cabinet changes; the programme being followed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25683/04]
Current health policy is informed by the health strategy, Quality and Fairness — A Health System for You, which is underpinned by the guiding principles of equity, people-focus, quality and accountability. The Government is committed to sustaining and improving health service developments and to reforming the way in which the health service works so that funding is used efficiently and effectively for the purposes intended. Within this overall context, I will give priority to supporting those who need to access the health care they require.
With a view to ensuring that acute hospital services meet the needs of patients in a timely and effective manner, my focus is on the reduction of waiting lists and waiting times for inpatient and day-case treatments. This initiative is being facilitated by the national treatment purchase fund. I am also committed to tackling the problems in accident and emergency departments. Among the initiatives undertaken to date to assist in dealing with this issue is that of facilitating the discharge of patients, notably elderly, from acute hospitals to more appropriate settings. I am concerned that the elderly should receive appropriate care either in a residential setting or in their own homes.
Another priority is the improvement of cancer services and my intention is to build on the considerable investment made since 1997 in the development of such services. In line with the programme for Government, I am committed to extending medical card eligibility to more people on low incomes.
The general question of services for those with a disability is also a priority. Under the recently published Disability Bill 2004, my Department has published an outline sectoral plan in respect of the specific health and personal social services provided for people with disabilities. This is an interim plan designed to encompass a programme of work, which is to be undertaken over the next 12 to 18 months. The main aspects of this programme are related to the provisions contained in the Disability Bill 2004, together with a strategic review of the services as a whole.
The programme of reform of the health service announced by the Government in June 2003 is now well underway. This initiative will result in the consolidation of a multiplicity of different structures within a single agency, the health service executive. Additionally, with a view to achieving the aim of the delivery of high quality health services that are based on evidence-supported best practice, the health information and quality authority will be established on a statutory basis.
The board of the Interim Health Service Executive was appointed in late 2003 and the Interim Health Service Executive was established on a statutory basis in March 2004. The Interim Health Service Executive is charged with drawing up a plan, for my approval, for the establishment of a unified management structure for the proposed new health service executive. It is also making plans for the smooth transition from the current structures to the new HSE structure.
I will soon be bringing forward legislation to give effect to the health reform programme.
Cancer Screening Programme.
Liz McManus
Question:206 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the need for a national prostate cancer screening programme; her plans for this; when it is likely to be rolled out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25684/04]
The national cancer strategy is currently being developed by the national cancer forum in conjunction with my Department. As part of this work, a multi-disciplinary sub-group of the national cancer forum has reviewed all issues relating to screening, including examining specific diseases such as prostate and colorectal cancer. The group advised that insufficient evidence exists to recommend the introduction of a population based prostate screening programme in this country. The group also recommended that this issue should be reassessed when the results are available from randomised trials currently being conducted. The group's recommendation will inform the development of the new national cancer strategy.
This position is consistent with recent recommendations adopted by the European Union. This advocates the introduction of cancer screening programmes, which have demonstrated their efficacy having regard to professional expertise and priority setting for health care resources. The proposals do not make specific recommendations in respect of screening for prostate cancer.
Departmental Investigations.
Seymour Crawford
Question:207 Mr. Crawford asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason Parliamentary Question No. 244 of 7 July 2004, referred to in written reply to Parliamentary Question 831 of 29 September 2004 has still not been answered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25685/04]
The collation of the information requested by the Deputy is now almost complete. The details will be made available to the Deputy on Tuesday, 26 October 2004.
Health Board Services.
Richard Bruton
Question:208 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24 will obtain a full assessment concerning their application for domiciliary care allowance; the reason it has taken five months for a decision to be taken in this case, in view of the fact that an application was made in May 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25712/04]
The assessment of entitlement to and payment of the domiciliary care allowance is a matter for the relevant health board and the Eastern Regional Health Authority in the first instance. Accordingly, a copy of the Deputy's question has been forwarded to the regional chief executive of the Eastern Regional Health Authority with a request that he examine the case and reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
Finian McGrath
Question:209 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason there is a waiting list of one year for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 who urgently requires the community occupational therapist assessment for their stair-lift grant; and if she will make this issue a priority. [25744/04]
The provision of health related services, including occupational therapy, for people with physical and-or sensory disabilities is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards in the first instance. Accordingly, the Deputy's question has been referred to the chief executive officer of the Eastern Regional Health Authority with a request that he examine the matter and reply directly to the deputy, as a matter of urgency.
Billy Timmins
Question:210 Mr. Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the Health Board in the South East will assist in community based cardiac self-help defibrillator schemes as currently happens in the Eastern Regional Health Authority Area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25745/04]
The Department of Health and Children is aware of the potential to reduce the number of sudden cardiac deaths in the community. The provision of community-based cardiac defibrillators, including their placement and the ongoing training of relevant personnel and community volunteers, is to be examined by the recently established task force on sudden cardiac death.
I understand that many communities around the country have purchased or are in the process of purchasing an automatic external defibrillator, AED. I am advised that the South Eastern Health Board and other health boards are considering supporting such initiatives, as part of the ongoing implementation of the cardiovascular health strategy.
Organ Retention.
Brian O'Shea
Question:211 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her proposals in regard to the concerns of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford regarding organ retention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25836/04]
The terms of reference of the post mortem inquiry require it to review post mortem policy, practice and procedure in all hospitals in the State since 1970, with particular reference to organ removal, retention, storage and disposal. The inquiry is also mandated to examine any arrangements with pharmaceutical companies regarding retained organs including pituitary glands. The chairman has confirmed that the inquiry has received considerable co-operation from each of the hospitals with which it is dealing and that the inquiry's non-statutory nature has not thus far significantly hampered its substantive work.
The chairman has indicated that she will provide a report on paediatric hospitals in December 2004. Ongoing consultations are taking place with the inquiry regarding the other elements of its remit, having regard to the Government decision that the inquiry should conclude by 31 March next. Pending receipt of the chairman's report, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the actions of specific pharmaceutical companies.
I am advised that individual hospitals have adopted differing policies for contacting next of kin of deceased persons whose organs were retained.
At the end of August 2004, the inquiry had incurred direct expenditure of €11,577,610. This includes fees to the inquiry's legal team and costs associated with the establishment and rental and administration of the inquiry office. My Department has also provided funding to the Eastern Regional Health Authority and Parents for Justice in respect of inquiry — related expenditure amounting to €6,780,424. This brings the total expenditure relating to the inquiry to the end of August 2004 to €18.358 million.
The persons who wrote to the Deputy may wish to make contact with the relevant hospital for further details on the particular post-mortem that affects them.
Departmental Priorities.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:212 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Finance the priorities of his Department following the recent Cabinet changes; the programme being followed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25725/04]
The priorities for my Department are set out in our Statement of Strategy 2003-2005, which was published in April 2003 and which reflects the goals and objectives published in the programme for Government in June 2002.
In accordance with the provisions of the Public Service Management Act, which requires that Departments publish a revised statement of strategy within six months of a change of Minister, my Department is currently revising its statement. This will continue to reflect the goals and objectives in the programme for Government, having regard to developments since the last statement was published, including changes in our business environment.
Tax Collection.
Finian McGrath
Question:213 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 received a bill from the Collector General for a capital gains tax liability of €359.80 against cash received on free First Active shares; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25742/04]
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they have written to First Active members who received payment from the Royal Bank of Scotland in respect of its acquisition of First Active. As with previous disposals of shares in this type of situation, this transaction gives rise to a potential capital gains tax, CGT, liability on the members in respect of the disposal of their First Active shares. Any CGT liability on disposal of these shares is due for payment on or before 31 October 2004. First Active shareholders have been notified by Revenue of their CGT obligations.
From the information supplied to the Revenue Commissioners, the person referred to by the Deputy received a payment of €3,069 from Royal Bank of Scotland and, provided she had no other gain or loss, her CGT liability is calculated as follows:
|
Cash Received |
€3,069 |
|
Allowable Costs |
Nil (as the shares were acquired at no cost they have a nil base) |
|
Chargeable Gain |
€3,069 |
|
Less Personal Exemption |
(€1,270) |
|
Net Chargeable Gain |
€1,799 @ 20% = €359.80 |
The chargeable gain above can be reduced by any allowable losses arising in 2004 together with any unused allowable losses from disposals of assets chargeable to capital gains tax in any previous year.
I have also been informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the Revenue documentation sent to the person includes a computation sheet and a payslip. The payslip and payment should be sent to the Collector General's office. The documentation issued also includes a special Revenue help-line number for any further assistance required by the person referred to by the Deputy.
Alternative Energy Projects.
Martin Ferris
Question:214 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the proportion of bioethanol or alcohol contained in car fuels sold here. [25813/04]
There is currently no bioethanol or alcohol contained in car fuels sold in Ireland. More than 18,000 litres of pure plant oil has however been produced and sold as an alternative vehicle fuel since May 2003.
In March 2004, my Department secured an amendment to the Finance Act 1999, which provides for the introduction of a scheme for excise tax relief for biofuels. The purpose of the scheme is to allow qualified and conditional relief from excise of biofuel used in approved pilot projects for either the production of biofuel or the testing of the technical viability of biofuel for use as a motor fuel.
My Department is finalising details of the scheme with the Department of Finance. The European Commission has confirmed that the scheme would represent a state aid and consequently its approval is required. The EU Energy Tax Directive of 2003 envisages such tax relief and the Commission has approved schemes for excise relief of biofuel in other EU member states. Formal application for Commission approval will be made shortly and, assuming approval is granted, the necessary commencement order will then be signed.
Departmental Priorities.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:215 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the priorities of his Department following the recent Cabinet changes; the programme being followed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25722/04]
The goals, objectives, strategies and outputs in respect of each of the areas under my Department's remit are set out in the Department's Statement of Strategy 2003 — 2005. This reflects Government priorities as set out in An Agreed Programme for Government and the shared agenda set out in the social partnership agreement, Sustaining Progress. The statement of strategy can be accessed at www.dcmnr.gov.ie. My Department has begun work on the preparation of a new statement of strategy that will set out the strategic challenges and goals over the next three years.
Visa Applications.
Pat Carey
Question:216 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way in which an Irish national can obtain a visa to visit Libya to explore possible trading arrangements between Libya and Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25616/04]
Irish nationals require a visa to enter Libya. An Irish national resident in Ireland should apply for a visa to the Embassy of the Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriaya, The Libyan People's Bureau, 61-62 Ennismore Gardens, London SW71NH. An Irish national resident outside Ireland should apply to the Libyan Embassy accredited to his or her country of residence.
Mary Upton
Question:217 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding an application for a student visa (details supplied). [25708/04]
The application, which is the subject of the Deputy's question, was made on 17 August 2004 and was referred to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform for decision. Following an initial refusal of the application by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, it was approved on appeal. This decision was forwarded to the Department of Foreign Affairs visa office on 14 October. The Department of Foreign Affairs visa office is in contact with the applicant with a view to arranging the issuing and collection of the visa.
Departmental Priorities.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:218 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the priorities of his Department following the recent Cabinet changes; the programme being followed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25716/04]
The Department's priorities remain as set out in the programme for Government, the strategy statement of the Department of Foreign Affairs 2003-05 and the commitments in Sustaining Progress.
I am in discussion with senior officials in my Department about priorities for the period ahead. In this regard also, the Public Service Management Act 1997 requires Departments to produce a new strategy statement within six months of the appointment of a new Minister. My Department will begin the preparation of this statement for the period 2005 to 2007 at an early date.
Foreign Conflicts.
Finian McGrath
Question:219 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs about the Shot At Dawn Campaign (details supplied) pardons issue; if there are further developments from the British authorities. [25743/04]
In the period since the Deputy's last question on this matter in September 2003, officials from my Department travelled to London to meet the Ministry of Defence with a view to exploring how best to make progress on this issue. Our aim is to restore the good names of the Irishmen concerned.
The Ministry of Defence responded positively to our request for certified copies of the files for the courts-martial of the 26 Irish soldiers executed by the British Army during the First World War, although one file could not be located. Much of the information on the files supplied by the Ministry of Defence, including the transcripts of the courts-martial trials, is hand written and therefore difficult at times to decipher. However, the files provide us with a detailed and often harrowing picture of the circumstances in which these unfortunate men found themselves.
My Department is finalising a report, which we intend to forward to the British side. The research on which the report is based substantiates the concerns about these cases, which moved us to support the Shot at Dawn Campaign. Once complete, this report will be passed to the British side and it is envisaged that further discussion will take place once they have had the necessary time to consider its contents. My officials have remained in close contact with the Shot at Dawn Campaign (Ireland) co-ordinator, Mr. Mulvany, throughout these deliberations, and will continue to update him regularly as developments arise in the period ahead.
Inward Investment.
Billy Timmins
Question:220 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the election manifestos of the candidates in the US presidential election contain commitments that may impact on the economic situation here, particularly with respect to foreign direct investment and proposals to limit this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25805/04]
My Department, through our embassy in Washington, closely monitors the US presidential election campaign, including any policy positions on the US economy, which might possibly have an impact on trade and investment with Ireland. In my view, however, it would not be appropriate or prudent to comment publicly on possible issues in this area during the election campaign itself. At the same time, if we have any concerns at the end of the campaign, we will of course take these up with the incoming administration.
Arts Council.
Tony Gregory
Question:221 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount per capita which the State contributes to the arts; the way in which this compares with average State support for the arts in other EU countries; if it is his intention to respond to the request of the Arts Council that its State funding increase to €70 million in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25615/04]
The principal vehicle for the delivery of State support to the arts is the Arts Council. My Department's subvention to the Arts Council in 2004 will amount to €52.5 million. In addition capital expenditure in support of the arts and expenditure on international cultural exchange is provided in sub-heads D5 and D3 of my Department's Vote totals €18.911 million. Based on the CSO figures of a total 2004 population for the State of 4.04 million, this constitutes a per capita amount of €17.67. In seeking to compare figures for other EU states, great care has to be taken as adjustments are necessary to take account of differing sizes of arts sectors, the nature of activities undertaken, whether funding of the arts is centralised or handled at the regional or local level and the cost structures that apply in each country. There can also be significant differences of approach from one country to another regarding what is described as “art” and what is included as “arts spend.”
Tourism Industry.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:222 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to the widespread concern among many sectors of the tourism industry in the regions regarding the very patchy season in 2004; and the proposals he has to win back market share for the regions. [25746/04]
While CSO figures show an increase of 5% in overseas visitor numbers in the first seven months of the year, evidence on the ground suggests that this level of growth has not been shared equally throughout the country or among different sectors of the industry. The trend towards shorter holidays is clearly impacting on regional spread and some tourism enterprises, particularly in rural areas, are reporting a difficult year.
One of the key objectives of national tourism policy is to achieve as wide as possible a distribution of visitor numbers across the different regions with the consequent distribution of tourism revenue. Achieving that goal has long been recognised as a major challenge for Government, the tourism agencies and the industry alike. This view has been echoed in the progress report submitted recently by the tourism action plan implementation group.
The Government for its part has committed substantial resources to enable the tourism agencies to support the industry across the length and breadth of Ireland to win its fair share of business.
To assist the promotion and development of tourism by the regions themselves, Fáilte Ireland is channelling approximately €5 million directly into the regional tourism authorities to strengthen and enhance their operational and marketing capabilities this year. This investment, which represents a 20% increase in funding to the RTA network, is designed to ensure both a high quality visitor servicing experience at key tourist information offices and also a strong overseas promotional effort, in co-operation with Tourism Ireland.
Building on this, and on foot of the recommendations of the report of the tourism policy review group, Fáilte Ireland is now addressing how best to establish a closer correlation between the identified core visitor servicing and development functions provided at regional level and the State financial support provided through the tourism agencies. This work should be completed later this year and should provide guidance to Fáilte Ireland on the most appropriate regional structures for the discharge of its functions and the relationships and arrangements that should apply at regional level.
Home holidays promotions and resourcing the RTAs represent just two of the many ways Fáilte Ireland is supporting the development of tourism in the regions. In total this year, Fáilte Ireland is investing approximately €25 million on developing regional tourism, from supporting local festivals to building capability and strengthening the tourism product itself. Initiatives such as the festivals and cultural events programme will continue to favour the lesser-developed regions. The tourism product development scheme is supporting the development of tourism capital infrastructure in a sustainable way that widens the spatial spread of tourism, diverts pressure from highly developed areas and increases the under performing regions' share of overseas tourism revenue.
The development of good access, particularly air access, is key to strengthening the competitive position of the regions. Both tourism agencies recognise this issue and are investing significant time and resources in encouraging good air links. Already, Knock and Galway airports are reaping the rewards of their efforts to promote direct access to the west, particularly from Britain.
As the Deputy is aware, I have no direct responsibility for individual actions or measures relating to tourism promotion or development in so far as specific areas of the country are concerned. These are day to day functions of the tourism agencies, at national and regional level.
Question No. 223 answered with QuestionNo. 167.
Sports Capital Programme.
Seán Crowe
Question:224 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his proposals to use his office to investigate activities regarding the Tallaght stadium in view of the large amount of public funding invested in same; and if he will report on this matter. [25622/04]
Charlie O'Connor
Question:226 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will report on recent contacts with a football club (details supplied) regarding its unfinished stadium; if his attention has been drawn to the widespread concern in the region that the community has been left with a serious eyesore; the action open to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25720/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 224 and 226 together.
Following applications from the club, grants totalling €2.57 million were allocated, under the sports capital programme, towards the development of a new stadium in Tallaght for the club referred to by the Deputy, Shamrock Rovers Football Club, in each of the years 2000, 2001 and 2002. This project was identified as a priority by the, Football Association of Ireland, FAI, to receive funding under the programme.
Of the funding allocated, €2,441,251 was paid to the club in 2001 and 2002 in respect of works certified by invoices and approved by the Office of Public Works, which acts as technical advisers to my Department. These combined payments represent 95% of the total grants allocated; the remaining 5%, in this case €128,487, is retained in accordance with standard practice pending the receipt of certification of completion of the defects liability period of the project.
Following considerable rises in project costs since 2002, the club advised my Department that it was in discussions with a number of interested parties in an effort to secure additional funding to complete the project. It has not, however, provided my Department with information on the current status of these discussions despite repeated requests to do so. My Department has discussed the importance of bringing this project to a satisfactory conclusion at meetings with the Football Association of Ireland and with South Dublin County Council on a number of occasions and remains committed to constructive engagement with the parties involved.
Departmental Priorities.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:225 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the priorities of his Department following the recent Cabinet changes; the programme being followed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25719/04]
The priorities for my Department are set out in the programme for Government and are further articulated in my Department's statement of strategy which is available on my Department's website. Progress on the delivery of these priorities is set out in my Department's first annual report 2002-03 which is also available on my Department's website.
In addition to the foregoing, my Department will be taking all possible steps to implement Government policy on decentralisation regarding the core Department and the three agencies under its aegis designated to be decentralised.
Question No. 226 answered with QuestionNo. 224.
Sports Capital Programme.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:227 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent to which his Department has funded sporting or recreational groups directly or indirectly in the past 12 months; his plans for the future in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25818/04]
The national lottery-funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.
Under the 2004 sports capital programme €61 million was allocated in respect of 738 projects. These allocations give very real, practical effect to the commitment made in the programme for Government that we will continue to invest in sports facilities around the country. This ongoing investment is yielding an excellent network of facilities for all levels of sport in Ireland and is providing a framework on which the delivery and implementation of national sports policy can be built, covering the three main pillars of our sports strategy — participation, performance and excellence.
An amount of €100,000 was also allocated this year towards the renovation of the accommodation at Mosney, which is used to house the participants in the national finals of the Community Games.
The Irish Sports Council is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport. The provision in funding for the Irish Sports Council in the 2004 Estimates is more than €30 million of which €11 million has been allocated to national governing bodies of sport and more than €2 million to local sports partnerships to help promote and develop sport at local level.
Question No. 228 answered with QuestionNo. 151.
Sport and Recreational Development.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:229 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his priorities for the development of sporting and recreational facilities in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25822/04]
The programme for Government outlines a number of priority areas regarding the future provision of sports facilities to which I am fully committed to implementing.
I will continue to invest in sports facilities around the country through the national lottery and Exchequer funding, particularly at local level where clubs of all codes, run by volunteers, remain the backbone of Irish sport. The development of quality infrastructure is crucial to the development of sport. The sports capital programme is the primary vehicle through which the capital provision of sports facilities at all levels and of all types throughout the country are funded. Since 1998, almost €331 million has been allocated under the programme to more than 4,200 deserving projects in parishes, villages and towns all over the country. Details of the 2005 programme will be announced in due course.
The allocation of funding under the sports capital programme will continue to help build facilities, which will serve the needs of the sporting bodies both nationally and locally. Special priority is given under the sport capital programme to proposals for facilities in disadvantaged areas — in line with Government policy aimed at increasing participation in sport in these areas. In the four years to 2004, a total of €121 million was allocated to 1,266 projects in disadvantaged areas. My Department will continue to liaise closely with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs to determine priority projects impacting on such areas.
I am committed to working with local authorities to provide at municipal level a range of public facilities such as swimming pools, gymnasia and synthetic floodlit playing pitches. Under the swimming pool programme, the development of pools for the future is done in a structured and focused way, concentrating on areas of greatest need, and enhancing upon the quality of those built in the 1970s and 1980s. Grants of up to a maximum of €3.8 million are available towards both the refurbishment of existing pools or the provision of a new pool, subject in both cases to the total grant not exceeding 80% of the eligible cost of the project or, in the case of projects located in designated disadvantaged areas, 90% of the eligible cost. Support is available towards the cost of the swimming pool, toddler pool, sauna and steam room.
Under present programme, my Department is committed to supporting 55 local authority swimming pool projects throughout the country. Delivery of this programme is well underway with a total €43 million paid out in the period 2000 to 2004 with 14 projects completed, eight under construction and the remaining 33 projects at various stages. Other municipal projects earmarked for Government support include the provision of gymnasia and synthetic floodlit playing pitches funded in part under my Department's sports capital programme.
The Government decision earlier this year to support the re-development of a 50,000 all-seated stadium at Lansdowne Road in association with the IRFU and FAI along with a sporting campus at Abbotstown is further progress towards bringing our national sporting infrastructure. The Department has been working with Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Limited to secure a developmental plan for a campus of sports facilities at Abbotstown. This work is now nearing completion and it is expected that proposals will be presented to me in late autumn, which will be basis for a Government decision on the future of the sports campus project.
The Government is committed to completing a national audit of local sports facilities and to putting in place a long-term strategic plan to ensure the development of such necessary facilities throughout the country. The first step towards developing such a strategy, a review of the existing sports capital programme under the Department's expenditure review programme, is being finalised. The outcome of this review will help identify the level of facilities that have been put in place in recent years with the assistance of national lottery funding and produce recommendations on priorities for future funding.
Following this it is my intention to establish an inter-agency steering group to commence work immediately on developing a long-term strategic plan for the provision of sports facilities. In addition to overseeing the commencement of the audit of sports facilities, this group will determine a framework for establishing priorities for future sports facility provision.
Employment Support Services.
Tom Hayes
Question:230 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when his Department will make places available for over 55s in community employment schemes. [25621/04]
Community employment, CE, provides work experience and training opportunities for the long-term unemployed and other disadvantaged groups with the aim of progressing participants to a job in the open labour market. Approximately 16% of participants are currently aged between 55 and 65 years of age, which amounts to 3,316 participants, and these people are working in CE projects countrywide.
Departmental Priorities.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:231 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the priorities of his Department following the recent Cabinet changes; the programme being followed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25723/04]
The ambitious commitments set out in the programme for Government have not been affected by the recent Cabinet changes. The responses to these commitments, insofar as they relate to my Department, are set out in the Department's statement of strategy 2003-05. Under Section 4 of the Public Service Management Act 1997, Secretaries General and heads of office are obliged to submit statements of strategy to Ministers within six months of the Minister coming into office. I am in discussion with my officials on our existing strategy, which gives effect to the programme for Government, to see whether any part of the strategy needs to be re-visited in the light of our significant achievements in meeting our programme for Government commitments to date. I shall be instructing the Secretary General of my Department in this regard once I have completed my assessment.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Joan Burton
Question:232 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason the carer’s allowance is now being included for the purposes of rent assessment by local authorities; if it is the policy of his Department that the carer’s allowance be included for the purposes of rent assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25591/04]
The manner in which local authority tenants are assessed for rent is a matter for the various local authorities and my Department has no function in that regard.
My Department has a role regarding certain private sector tenants. The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on behalf of my Department by the health boards, provides for the payment of rent supplement to eligible people residing in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available from any other source.
The regulations governing rent supplement stipulate that, in addition to a minimum contribution, currently €13, each recipient is required to contribute towards his or her rent any additional assessable means he or she has over and above the appropriate basic supplementary welfare allowance rate. The means test provides for a disregard of a portion of carer's allowance when assessing entitlement to rent supplement. In the case of a couple, where either spouse or partner is in receipt of carer's allowance, the amount disregarded is the rate of carer's allowance in payment less the adult dependant rate of supplementary welfare allowance. In the case of a single person or a lone parent the amount disregarded is the rate of carer's allowance in payment less the personal rate of supplementary welfare allowance.
Grant Payments.
Brian O'Shea
Question:233 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his proposals to extend the bereavement grant to uninsured persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25592/04]
The bereavement grant is a payment based on PRSI contributions, designed to assist families in dealing with death and funeral expenses. The grant is payable on the death of an insured person or a family member, including a child under age 18, or under age 22 if in full time education.
In the case of persons over these ages, the grant is paid on the basis of their own PRSI contributions. Where there are insufficient PRSI contributions, assistance may be available under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. Under this scheme, a health board may make a single payment to help meet once-off exceptional expenditure, for example, for funeral expenses, which a family could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their income. Any change to the bereavement grant scheme would have to be considered in a budgetary context.
Social Welfare Code.
Brian O'Shea
Question:234 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on whether disability allowance should be granted with associate benefits to a person in their own right in order that when a person a receiving disability allowance and who married a person who is working there be no risk of losing disability allowance and benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25593/04]
Social assistance payments, such as disability allowance are payable subject to a means test to people who are not qualified for insurance-based payments under the social welfare system.
In assessing means, account is taken of the claimant's own means and, in the case of a couple, the means of the couple are assessed. In addition, the value of any capital is also assessed. In this regard, claimants of disability allowance are treated under the social welfare code in the same way as people who experience other contingencies such as unemployment, old age or widowhood. To depart from current arrangements, in this regard, would have major implications in terms of the cost and financing of the system. There are no plans at present for a change on these lines.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Michael Ring
Question:235 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason the disability allowance of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was reduced from €134. [25612/04]
The person concerned has been in receipt of disability allowance since June 1998. Under the legislative provisions that apply to disability allowance all income, which the claimant and his or her spouse or partner have, is assessable for means purposes.
Following a review, the person concerned was assessed with means derived from his partner's employment. Accordingly, his means have been assessed at €61.37 per week and his weekly rate of disability allowance has been reduced to €74.80 plus €33.60 for dependent children, making a total of €108.40. The revised level of payment was effective from 29 September 2004.
He was notified on 15 September 2004 of his revised entitlement, the reason for it and of his right of appeal to the social welfare appeals office. He lodged an appeal on 4 October 2004. This is being processed and he will be notified directly of the outcome. As part of this process the case will be, reviewed by a deciding officer before being referred to an appeals officer for consideration. If there are grounds for an assessment that is more favourable to the person concerned then the decision will be revised to reflect this.
Under social welfare legislation, decisions on claims must, be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.
Departmental Priorities.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:236 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the priorities of his Department following the recent Cabinet changes; the programme being followed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25675/04]
David Stanton
Question:239 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his main priorities objectives and targets over the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25797/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 236 and 239 together.
My priority for the year ahead is to make significant progress in delivering on the social welfare commitments contained in the programme for Government, Sustaining Progress and the national anti-poverty strategy. Resources will be targeted on helping those most in need in order, not alone to raise their standard of living, but to ensure that everyone is a valued citizen who can make his or own individual contribution to society regardless of his or her particular circumstances.
This will include initiatives relating to: older people who were central to the building of the new Ireland and who want to spend their later years in security; children who, given the right chances, will provide a strong and vigorous basis for this countries future; the thousands of carers throughout the country who selflessly sacrifice so much of their lives to look after loved ones; widows and widowers who have had to face many difficulties; people with disabilities who struggle against great personal odds and are an example to all; and all those others who experience a range of contingencies and who require income and other supports at various difficult stages of their lives.
Throughout my career in public life, my goal has been clear. I have fought to sustain economic progress so that we could do something positive with it for all in society. That is the purpose of economic growth. I will do my utmost, in my new role, to make a difference to the lives of the people around the country who depend on our social welfare system.
Social Welfare Code.
Jack Wall
Question:237 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position in regard to the ongoing dispute between community welfare officers and social welfare area offices regarding the officer from whom an award should issue to a person when an application is in dispute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25677/04]
Where a person is awaiting a decision on an application for assistance from my Department, or where such an application is in dispute, and that person finds that he or she has insufficient means with which to provide for his or her basic needs, it is open to that person to apply for assistance under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on behalf of my Department by the health boards.
There is no automatic entitlement to supplementary welfare allowance. An assessment of a person's means and needs is carried out and where there is a shortfall in a person's income, a payment may be made to bring it up to the appropriate supplementary welfare allowance rate.
The decision to pay supplementary welfare allowance is a matter for the appropriate health board and would have regard to the particular circumstances involved in individual cases with due regard to any hardship factors. This is not related to any dispute but is an operational policy decision taken by the relevant boards.
Legislative Programme.
David Stanton
Question:238 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his legislative plans for 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25796/04]
The legislative plans for my Department in 2005 entail the introduction of three Bills. These are the social welfare (miscellaneous provisions) Bill 2005, the social welfare (consolidation) Bill 2005 and the social welfare Bill 2005.
The social welfare (miscellaneous provisions) Bill will provide for any amendments to the social welfare schemes consequent on the budget 2005 which are not provided for in the Social Welfare Act 2004 to be introduced immediately following the budget and any additional measures requiring a basis in legislation. This Bill is provisionally scheduled for publication early in 2005.
To improve accessibility to the existing body of social welfare legislation, it is intended that a social welfare consolidation Bill, will be introduced. This Bill will bring together, in a single document, the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 1993 and the amending legislation enacted in the intervening years, thereby facilitating easier access to the social welfare code.
Immediately following the Budget Statement by the Minister for Finance in December 2004, a social welfare Bill that will provide for the implementation of budget increases in social welfare payments and any other changes, which would normally be scheduled to take effect from January 2005.
It is intended that the Comhairle (Amendment) Bill 2004, which was published in September last, will be progressed in conjunction with the Disability Bill. Progression to enactment is likely to continue into 2005.
Question No. 239 answered with QuestionNo. 236.
Departmental Agencies.
David Stanton
Question:240 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the agencies that operate under the aegis of his Department; the areas of responsibility of each such agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25799/04]
Six agencies operate under the aegis of my Department, namely, the Pensions Board, the Pensions Ombudsman, the Combat Poverty Agency, Comhairle, the Family Support Agency and the Social Welfare Tribunal.
The remit of the Pensions Board, which was established on 21 December 1990, is to monitor and supervise the operation of the Pensions Act, and pensions developments generally.
The remit of the Pensions Ombudsman, established in September 2003, is to investigate and decide on complaints and disputes involving occupational pension schemes and personal retirement savings accounts, PRSAs.
The Combat Poverty Agency has an advisory, research and public information role regarding poverty issues and a role in initiating and evaluating programmes in this area. Its role is set out in the Combat Poverty Agency Act 1986. Comhairle, which was established on 12 June 2000, is the national agency responsible for supporting the provision of information, advice and advocacy services to members of the public on a wide range of social and other services. Comhairle has a statutory commitment to assist and support people, particularly those with disabilities, in understanding their needs and options and in accessing their entitlements to social and other services. Comhairle provides financial and other supports to the network of 85 independent citizens information centres, CICs, and in addition, operates the citizen's information phone service. Comhairle has also developed oasis.gov.ie as a web-based source of information on public services.
The Family Support Agency has responsibilities for family mediation services, marriage and relationship counselling, promotion of information, and research and provision of advice on family related issues, and developing a range of family support services, as set out in the Family Support Agency Act 2001.
The remit of the Social Welfare Tribunal, which was established in 1982, is to deal with cases where entitlement to unemployment benefit or assistance is refused due to an involvement in a trade dispute.
Driving Tests.
Trevor Sargent
Question:241 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport the plans he has to ensure that all drivers on roads here are fully qualified to drive or if unqualified are required to be accompanied by a qualified driver, display “L” plates and observe other road safety criteria for drivers without a full licence. [25596/04]
Drivers who hold driving licences have passed the requisite tests of their competence to drive. Provisional licence holders are required to be accompanied by and under the supervision of a qualified person at all times, when driving in a public place. The only exception to this is where the driver holds a second provisional licence in respect of category B vehicles, cars, or is the holder of a provisional licence to drive motorcycles, tractors or work vehicles. Generally, the holder of a provisional licence must display an "L" plate front and rear of the vehicle.
Over the years various changes have been made to the regulatory conditions under which provisional licences have effect. I am considering whether further changes are desirable in this regard.
Traffic Corps.
Trevor Sargent
Question:242 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport when he will be implementing the Government promise to create a traffic corps. [25597/04]
Implementation of the commitment in the programme for Government relating to the establishment of a dedicated traffic corps is being considered further in the light of the recent Government decision to significantly increase Garda numbers and the recent announcements by my colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, following discussions with my predecessor, that increased resources will be made available to the Garda, and that enforcement levels will increase especially at weekends.
Departmental Priorities.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:243 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Transport the priorities of his Department following the recent Cabinet changes; the programme being followed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25717/04]
The programme for Government of June 2002 sets out the agreed agenda for this partnership Government over five years. I will continue to deliver on the programme's various transport commitments. My Department's statement of strategy, which will be published in due course, will provide further details on these commitments.
Light Rail Project.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:244 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Transport if he will seek assurances from the RPA that an evaluation will be made in respect of the need for lighting along the Luas line in Tallaght and action taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25718/04]
The issues raised by the Deputy are matters which are the day to day responsibility of the Railway Procurement Agency and I have brought his concerns to the agency's attention.
Departmental Priorities.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:245 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the priorities of his Department following the recent Cabinet changes; the programme being followed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25701/04]
The Deputy will be aware that there have been no changes at ministerial level in my Department. The priorities for my Department reflect the relevant commitments in the Programme for Government.
Departmental Schemes.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:246 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if rural Dublin Leader will obtain places on the rural employment scheme; the location of those places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25702/04]
I announced the extension of the rural social scheme to the remaining Leader companies, including Rural Dublin Leader, on 28 September. The allocation of places on the scheme to particular areas, covered by a Leader company, will depend on the proposals put forward for projects and the availability of participants to work on these projects in that area.
Departmental Programmes.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:247 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the projects in Tallaght, Dublin 24, which have benefited from RAPID funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25703/04]
My Department, supported by Area Development Management — ADM — Limited co-ordinates the implementation of the RAPID programme. It is a matter for each of the other Departments to report on progress on its implementation of RAPID and details of funding for the proposals that fall within its remit. Reports for all Departments can be accessed on ADM's website at www.adm.ie.
My Department has made allocations to the following projects from the Tallaght area implementation team plans:
|
Project |
Funding Stream |
Status |
|
Managers/Staff for Community facilities in RAPID areas |
Young People’s Facilities, Services Fund |
Approved |
|
Premises for Addiction Response Project, Killinarden |
National Drugs Strategy |
Approved |
The Deputy will also be aware of a number of co-funded measures introduced by my Department this year. I refer to Question No. 1279 of 29 September 2004 for the details of these projects.
Dormant Accounts Fund.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:248 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the Dormant Accounts Fund will be receiving applications for disbursement of its €30 million annual budget. [25728/04]
Decisions on the disbursement of funds from dormant accounts are currently a matter for the Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board, an independent body established under the Dormant Accounts Acts. The board has engaged Area Development Management Ltd. to administer the initial round of funding on its behalf.
In June 2004, the Government announced an increase in the overall amount that the Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board may spend from €30 million to €60 million under this initial round of funding. To date the board has approved 133 projects for funding totalling approximately €12.5 million. Over the coming months further allocations will be made by the board up to a total figure of €60 million. I understand that the board, at its meeting yesterday, considered a large number of further applications recommended for funding.
Grant Payments.
Tom Hayes
Question:249 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the payments of area based compensation, REP scheme and other premia will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [25604/04]
The 2004 area aid application for the person named has been fully processed with an area determined for payment purposes of 68.38 hectares of forage land. The person named has lodged no applications to date under the 2004 EU special beef premium scheme. An application for 2004 suckler cow premium in respect of 21 animals was lodged on 24 June 2004. It has been processed for payment and the 60% advance instalment will issue to the herdowner shortly. The person named has submitted an application under the 2004 extensification premium scheme. Payments under this scheme are due to commence in June 2005. The application will be considered in due course.
The person named has had two animals deemed eligible under the 2004 EU slaughter premium scheme. Advance payments of 60% commenced on 16 October 2004 and payment in the amount of €96.00 has issued in respect of these animals. Payment of the 2004 ewe premium was made to the person named on the 19 October 2004. Payment of the supplementary premium and 2004 area based compensatory allowance, which had been withheld pending clearance of the area aid application will be made shortly.
The person named is a REPS participant and payment has issued under the scheme for the period 1 November 2003 to 30 October 2004. The anniversary date of the REPS plan is 1 November and on receipt of an application payment will be processed in accordance with the protocol on direct payments to farmers.
Veterinary Inspection Service.
Billy Timmins
Question:250 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if there is a particular place, office or committee such as in the UK with its BSE-CJD incidents panel at which an experience with SRM could be reported in order that a person may be offered expert medical advice and that the incident be reported; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25619/04]
In relation the meat sector, the designation of SRM and the controls which are required regarding SRM are set down in EU and national regulations. The controls at meat export plants are overseen by my Department's veterinary inspectorate and those at non-export plants by the local authority veterinary services. Both my Department and the local authorities operate under a service contract with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, which also has a statutory role in auditing the procedures and the food safety controls in place throughout the meat industry. The EU food and veterinary office also audit and report on the controls in place at meat plants including those relating to the removal and disposal of SRM.
The various audits on the SRM controls operated by my Department have indicated that they are satisfactory and fully in line with best practice. It the Deputy has a specific incident in mind I will have the matter investigated. Questions relating to human health and medical advice are for the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children.
Departmental Priorities.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:251 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the priorities of her Department following the recent Cabinet changes; the programme being followed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25715/04]
My Department's statement of strategy 2003-05 sets out the current goals and strategies of the Department based on the programme for Government. I am currently preparing a new statement of strategy to cover the years 2005 to 2007 which will, while remaining based on the programme for Government, revise these goals and strategies in the light of current and likely future developments.
Renewable Energy.
Martin Ferris
Question:252 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her Department’s policy regarding the promotion of biomass production and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25729/04]
The Department of Agriculture and Food is aware of the potential of biomass, including wood biomass, in the generation of renewable energy. Biomass production from early forest thinnings offers considerable scope for use in renewable heat and electrical energy production. In this regard, the National Council for Forest Research and Development is closely involved with the work of the bioenergy strategy group, which was established by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.
The strategy group's objectives are to examine the potential supply and use of biomass in meeting Ireland's renewable energy targets and to make recommendations to the Government on financial and structural supports and any adjustments to the regulatory environment that will help to realise the potential of biomass. Consultants engaged by Sustainable Energy Ireland are considering options for the implementation of the EU Biofuels Directive, 2003/30/EC, in Ireland. The consultants' report, which is due to be published near the end of this month, will feed into the bioenergy strategy group's analysis of the sector. The bioenergy strategy group is due to report by the end of the year.
The forestry service has provided funding for a pilot project involving 47 hectares of short rotation willow coppice for biomass production. A number of biomass energy projects, supported under Sustainable Energy Ireland's research, development and demonstration programme, are up and running. The projects include a combined heat and power plant at Enniskeane in County Cork, a district heating system at Jerpoint in County Kilkenny and the new Coillte Teoranta offices at Newtownmountkennedy in County Wicklow.
The Department of Agriculture and Food introduced an energy crops scheme in March 2004 under the conditions laid down in Title IV, Chapter 5 of Council Regulation No. 1782 of 2003. Under the scheme, aid of €45 per hectare is granted for areas sown under energy crops and used for the production of biofuels and-or electrical and thermal energy produced from biomass. The aid is granted only in respect of areas whose production is covered by a contract between the farmer and a processor, except in the case of processing undertaken by the farmer on his or her holding. Any agricultural raw material with the exception of sugar beet may be grown under the energy crops scheme provided that it is intended primarily for use in the production of energy products derived from biofuels or biomass.
Grant Payments.
Paul Connaughton
Question:253 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the outcome of an application under force majeure in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this person inherited their farm in 1998 and did not have sufficient time to build up numbers to their present level. [25789/04]
The Department of Agriculture and Food contacted the person in question because there was no record of a force majeure application in his name on the single payment database. The person required a copy of his provisional entitlement statement, which had been mislaid, to submit a force majeure application by the closing date of 29 October 2004. Arrangements have been made to issue a duplicate of the provisional entitlement statement to the person in question.
Paul Connaughton
Question:254 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway only received single payment entitlements of €2,100; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25791/04]
The single payment entitlement is calculated using the average number of animals and hectares on which direct payments were made during the reference period of 2000, 2001 and 2002. The single payment provisional entitlement statement which issued to the person in question is reflective of the average direct payments made during the reference years to that person and has been calculated in accordance with the criteria laid down in the EU regulations underpinning the single payment scheme. If the person in question wishes to have any aspect of the provisional entitlement statement reviewed, he may seek such a review by completing a single payment scheme review form which is available from the Department of Agriculture and Food.
Paul Connaughton
Question:255 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding the single payment for a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25792/04]
A statement of provisional entitlements under the single payment scheme was posted to the person in question on 7 October 2004. As it seems that the person has not received his statement to date, arrangements have been made to issue a further copy of it as soon as possible.
Departmental Schemes.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:256 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food, further to Parliamentary Question No. 89 of 13 October 2004, the manner and method of disposal of the carcasses of the remaining 52,860 animals not accounted for; if such carcasses are still in storage or have otherwise been disposed of; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25824/04]
Apart from hides, the carcasses of all animals slaughtered under both the purchase for destruction and special purchase schemes in 2001 were rendered and incinerated. The combined total of animals destroyed under the two schemes was 492,860.
Registration of Title.
Michael Ring
Question:257 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application made on a folio with the Land Registry Office for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be complete. [25602/04]
I am informed by, the Registrar of Titles that the applications referred to by the Deputy are as follows. An application for transfer of part was lodged on 7 October 2002. Dealing number D2002SM008857H refers. An application for transfer of part was lodged on 14 February 2003. Dealing number D2003SM001425J refers. An application for release was lodged on 2 October 2003. Dealing number D2003SM008231J refers.
I am further informed that those applications are receiving attention in the Land Registry and, subject to no queries arising, will be completed within the next few weeks.
Citizenship Applications.
Tom Hayes
Question:258 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when citizenship details will be determined for a person (details supplied). [25603/04]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that a certificate of Irish citizenship for the person referred to was issued on 6 September 2004 by the citizenship section of my Department.
As the declaration was lodged originally at the Irish Embassy in The Hague, the certificate was forwarded to the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin for transmission to officials at the embassy, who, if they have not already done so, will forward the certificate to the person concerned.
Visa Applications.
Pat Carey
Question:259 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the visa appeal by a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25608/04]
I can confirm that the visa application in question was approved on appeal on 18 October 2004.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:260 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) in County Louth will be granted a visa extension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25609/04]
The person in question applied for a C visit visa in December 2003 to visit her son and grandchildren who were residing in the State. The visa application was refused as the deciding officer was not satisfied that the applicant would adhere to the conditions of the visa and return to China after her visit. In January 2004 an appeal against the refusal was received which included a statement that the applicant was not seeking an extension to the visa and would accept an endorsement on the visa to that effect. The visa appeals officer considered the application in the light of this new information and the applicant was granted a C visit visa on the 29 January 2004.
The applicant entered the State on 9 April 2004 and was granted permission to remain until 8 July 2004. As an exceptional measure, permission to remain for a further three months was granted to the person concerned by her local immigration officer. In light of the fact that the visa was granted on the understanding that the applicant would not seek to stay beyond the period of time for which she had applied, the immigration division of my Department is not prepared to grant any further extension of permission to remain in this case. It is open to the person concerned to re-apply from outside the State should she wish to return. She should include in her new visa application information outlining the purpose and duration of her intended stay.
Citizenship Applications.
Billy Timmins
Question:261 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application for a certificate of naturalisation by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25620/04]
I have been informed by officials in the citizenship section of my Department that the application for naturalisation by the person in question is now in the final stages of processing and that it will be forwarded to me for a decision in the near future. I will inform the Deputy and the person concerned as soon as I have reached a decision in this case.
Garda Deployment.
Gay Mitchell
Question:262 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 1165 of 30 September 2004, if the issues raised by the persons concerned will be comprehensively reviewed. [25686/04]
As the Deputy is aware, I have no role in the investigation of criminal complaints or the allocation of Garda resources. These are matters for local management within the Garda Síochána. I understand that the issues raised by the person concerned will be kept under review by the Garda authorities.
Departmental Priorities.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:263 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the priorities of his Department following the recent Cabinet changes; the programme being followed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25687/04]
The priorities for my Department have not changed following the recent Cabinet changes and these continue to relate to the implementation of An Agreed Programme for Government and Sustaining Progress commitments for which my Department is responsible.
My Department is responsible, in a lead role, for the implementation of in excess of 80 of the 477 total commitments contained in An Agreed Programme for Government and a number of important commitments in the Sustaining Progress social partnership agreement. Significant progress has been achieved on many of these commitments to date and further progress is expected on other commitments.
Specific priorities for my Department over the next 12 months include recruitment of additional gardaí. The Government at its meeting on 12 October 2004 approved my proposals for increasing the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 in line with a key commitment in the programme for Government. These additional gardaí will be targeted at those areas of greatest need, especially areas experiencing a significant drugs problem and a large number of public order offences.
The Garda Síochána Bill 2004 contains the most comprehensive and important proposals on policing since the foundation of the State. It will also replace the Garda Síochána Complaints Board with a new fully independent Garda Ombudsman Commission. The Bill is awaiting Committee Stage in the Seanad.
Regarding penalty points and the traffic corps, the Garda Síochána is to increase its enforcement activities with the focus on high risk locations and times. Discussions are underway, in the context of an increase in Garda resources, on the establishment of a dedicated traffic corps. A new internal youth justice task force has been established in my Department with the strategic objective of examining and developing the scope for rationalising and restructuring the State's services in the important area of youth justice.
A significant number of judges will be appointed within the next month or so. These additional judges will, inter alia, help reduce delays and improve the efficiency of the handling of cases. My Department will continue to focus on modernisation and reform of the Prison Service and probation and welfare service. Talks with the Prison Officers Association with regard to the introduction of the proposed annualised hours system and elimination of overtime working have almost been finalised. A Prison Bill, providing for various reforms such as the contracting out of prisoner escort services and the video-conferencing of certain pre-trial hearings, has been drafted. Work has also advanced on the selection of a suitable site for a new Mountjoy complex.
My Department will continue to focus on the processing of applications by non-nationals to remain in the State on foot of being parents to an Irish-born child and improving the processing timescales for asylum applications. The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Bill 2004, which implements the decision of the people in last June's citizenship referendum is due to have its second reading in the Dáil next week.
My Department will continue to play an active role in advancing the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, with particular emphasis on those areas for which my Department is responsible.
The Disability Bill 2004 is a key element of the national disability strategy launched by the Taoiseach on 21 September 2004. Second and Subsequent Stages of the Bill will be taken as soon as Dáil time can be arranged.
My Department continues to support the creation of centre-based child care places through funding provided under the equal opportunities childcare programme 2000-2006. Over 20,500 of the programme target of 28,500 new places have already been created, while 20,600 existing places also benefit from the fund.
A wide range of other legislative proposals is also being progressed by my Department. These include the Criminal Justice Bill 2004; Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Bill 1999; Criminal Law (Insanity) Bill 2002; Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Bill 2002; Criminal Justice (International Co-operation) Bill; Immigration and Residence Bill; Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2004; Judicial Council Bill; Adoptive Leave Bill 2004 and Parental Leave Bill.
Prison Accommodation.
Jack Wall
Question:264 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans his Department has for the vacated Curragh Prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25688/04]
No decision has been taken in regard to the future of the Curragh Place of Detention pending the outcome of the current negotiations with the Prison Officers' Association on new working arrangements. The negotiations are nearing conclusion and I am hopeful of agreement being finalised in the near future.
Garda Strength.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:265 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí assigned to each Garda station in County Kerry; if he will list those stations and the number of gardaí at each; the number of gardaí assigned to each Garda station in County Kerry as at 1 January 1997; and if he will provide this information in tabular form. [25713/04]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of the Kerry division as at 18 October 2004 was 264, all ranks. The personnel strength of the Kerry division as at 31 January 1997 was 231, all ranks.
I am further informed that Garda statistics regarding the personnel level in every Garda station within each Garda division only refers back to 31 January 1997. Accordingly, the strength of each Garda station within the Kerry division as at 31 January 1997 and 18 October 2004 is as set out hereunder:
|
Station |
31/01/97 |
18/10/04 |
|
Abbeydorney |
1 |
1 |
|
Annascaul |
2 |
1 |
|
Ardfert |
2 |
2 |
|
Ballinskelligs |
1 |
1 |
|
Ballybunion |
8 |
6 |
|
Ballyduff |
1 |
3 |
|
Ballyferriter |
1 |
1 |
|
Ballyheigue |
2 |
2 |
|
Ballylongford |
1 |
1 |
|
Barraduff |
2 |
1 |
|
Beaufort |
2 |
1 |
|
Brosna |
2 |
1 |
|
Caherciveen |
17 |
23 |
|
Camp |
1 |
1 |
|
Castlegregory |
2 |
2 |
|
Castleisland |
8 |
10 |
|
Castlemaine |
3 |
1 |
|
Clochan |
1 |
1 |
|
Dingle |
7 |
9 |
|
Farranfore |
2 |
2 |
|
Fenit |
1 |
1 |
|
Glenbeigh |
2 |
2 |
|
Kenmare |
6 |
8 |
|
Kilgarvan |
1 |
1 |
|
Killarney |
37 |
46 |
|
Killorglin |
5 |
10 |
|
Knocknagoshall |
1 |
1 |
|
Laurragh |
1 |
1 |
|
Listowel |
23 |
30 |
|
Lixnaw |
2 |
1 |
|
Moyvane |
1 |
1 |
|
Portmagee |
1 |
1 |
|
Sneem |
2 |
2 |
|
Tarbert |
3 |
2 |
|
Tralee |
75 |
84 |
|
Valentia Island |
2 |
1 |
|
Waterville |
2 |
2 |
|
Total |
231 |
264 |
Irish Prison Service.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:266 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason the Government has reneged on its promise made in 2000 to expand the successful CONNECT prisoner rehabilitation project piloted in Mountjoy Prison into all prisons by 2006 with a budget of €58 million, when a 2001 review of the pilot found that participants were ten times less likely to re-offend on release than other prisoners; the further reason most of the €58 million allocated for CONNECT was officially withdrawn; and his plans for the future roll-out of this project, including budgetary allocations for 2005 and the timescale. [25726/04]
The CONNECT project was launched in 2000 as a part of the Prison Service training and development programme, with funding amounting to €58 million allocated under the national development plan. There is no separate budget for this programme. The funding involved is provided annually by the Exchequer as part of the prisons Vote. Expenditure since 2000 has gone mainly to funding salary and incidental costs incurred in providing vocational training in the prisons, as well as meeting the cost of some capitals works and materials used in the manufacture of products in prison workshops for the Special Olympics in 2003.
The CONNECT projects at Mountjoy Prison, the Dóchas centre and the training unit were established with the support of the National Training and Development Institute, NTDI, and are now capable of independent operation. A process of internal review during 2002 prompted a refocusing of the project prior to its roll-out to further institutions. In particular, the review identified the need for new management structures so as to better support the project's sentence management processes in the delivering institutions. Following this internal review, roll-out of the project commenced at Limerick Prison but was subsequently put on hold against the background of the current industrial relations and attendant financial difficulties. The intention is, however, that the roll-out will resume with renewed NDTI support when there is a successful outcome to the current negotiations with the Prison Officers' Association. The CONNECT projects in Mountjoy Prison, the Dóchas centre and the training unit, which are similarly affected by the current industrial relations and financial difficulties, will also resume full operations at that point.
Garda Recruitment.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:267 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there are plans to introduce a programme or campaign of targeted recruitment of ethnic minorities to the ranks of the Garda Síochána; if not, his views on whether such a programme would be appropriate and beneficial to Ireland’s increasingly diverse and multicultural society; and if he will raise this matter with the Garda Commissioner. [25727/04]
Entry to the Garda Síochána is governed by the provisions of the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 1988, as amended.
In connection with my recent announcement of the Government's intention to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 and as part of the preparation for the upcoming recruitment campaign, I have taken the opportunity to ask the Garda Commissioner to review the eligibility criteria for entry to the Garda Síochána. This is an opportune moment to ensure that the criteria for entry meet the needs of the Garda Síochána and the society they serve. One particular aspect which I know the commissioner has already studied is the maximum age of entry but there may be other criteria which would benefit from review. It is right, for example, that future intakes of recruits to the Garda Síochána should, as far as possible, reflect the composition of Irish society and I am anxious to see if there are any possible changes to the existing criteria which might facilitate recruitment from different ethnic backgrounds in our community.
Departmental Funding.
Paul Connaughton
Question:268 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an EOCP grant will be awarded to a play school (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25811/04]
As the Deputy may be aware the equal opportunities child care programme provides grant assistance towards the staffing costs of community-not-for-profit based child care services which have a clear focus on disadvantage. I have been informed by the child care directorate of my Department that the project referred to by the Deputy was awarded such a grant, totalling €24,000, over two years. I understand this grant has been fully drawn down and that, up to this point, no application has been received from the group in question for funding for a third year.
Should such an application be received, it will be assessed by ADM Limited on behalf of my Department in the usual manner. The application and appraisal will be considered by the programme appraisal committee which will make a recommendation to me before I make my final decision on the application.
Departmental Schemes.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:269 Mr. Ó Fearghail asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools that provide a breakfast club for their students; and if her Department has considered the introduction of a universal meal system. [25586/04]
Meal provision is an integral element of the school completion programme, SCP, which is my Department's main programme for tackling early school leaving. There are currently 82 SCP "clusters", encompassing 299 primary and 111 post-primary schools. The majority of these clusters operate some level of breakfast support-meal provision.
My colleague, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, administers the school meals scheme which aims to supplement the nutritional intake of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds in order to allow them to fulfil their potential within the educational system and also to reduce the risk of early school leaving. Under this scheme in 2003, school meals were provided in 729 primary and post-primary schools, encompassing approximately 76,000 pupils, at a cost of €3.3 million. Increased provision of €6 million is being made available to support the school meals scheme in 2004. Officials in my Department are co-operating with the Department of Social and Family Affairs, on an ongoing basis, with a view to further expanding the number of schools participating in the scheme, as well as ensuring that available resources are targeted at those pupils most in need.
Special Educational Needs.
Seymour Crawford
Question:270 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science when a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan can expect to have a resource teacher; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25587/04]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department sanctioned four hours resource teaching support per week for the pupil in question. A letter to this effect issued to the school authorities on 23 September 2004.
College Closures.
Joan Burton
Question:271 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she intends to reconsider the proposal to close a college (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25588/04]
The issue of the future of the college, which is the subject of the question posed by the Deputy, arose in the context of a decision by the trustees of the college that, due to personnel and financial considerations, they were no longer in a position to fulfil the role of trustees of the college. Following discussions between the trustees and my Department, it was agreed that a consultant would be appointed who would meet relevant parties and prepare a report on the options for the college's future.
The consultant's report was thoroughly examined in my Department and the options for the future of the college were set out for my predecessor's consideration. Having carefully considered all of them and having taken into account other factors such as the national spatial strategy, relevant costs in a time of financial constraint, a Government decision to restrict public service numbers, the need to secure value for money and a better allocation of resources, my predecessor, the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Noel Dempsey, decided that these considerations are best served by the closure of the college and the designation of St. Angela's College, Sligo, as the sole centre for the training of home economics teachers.
It was agreed that the closure of the college would be phased over three academic years to facilitate students currently enrolled in the college to fully complete their studies without moving location and to ensure that there was an adequate transition period for staff. On that basis there has been no intake of first year students to the college for the 2004-05 year. Instead these students are now in St. Angela's College. Officials from my Department have already met the trustees and management authorities of the college to discuss the necessary practical arrangements, including arrangements in relation to the position of the staff of the college. I have no plans to reconsider the decision to close the college.
Site Acquisitions.
Joan Burton
Question:272 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that children are being bussed from Ongar and Castaheany, Clonee, Dublin 15, to Lucan; and the action she proposes to take to ensure that the reserved primary school sites in the area are fully acquired by her Department to provide primary school places to facilitate children from the many thousands of new homes occupied and under construction in the Castaheany and Ongar area of Dublin 15. [25589/04]
The school planning section of my Department is aware of the rate and pace of housing developments in the Castaheany-Ongar Road area and is constantly keeping the situation under review. With regard to the provision of long-term accommodation for Castaheaney Educate Together national school, my Department is actively working with the school authority in exploring all options to cater for its needs. Any decisions on capital investment for the school will be reflected in the multi-annual programme, which I intend to publish later this year.
College Closures.
Seán Crowe
Question:273 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount estimated will be saved by her Department by the closure and transfer of training from a college (details supplied) in County Dublin to a college in County Sligo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25590/04]
The issue of the future of the college, which is the subject of the question posed by the Deputy, arose in the context of a decision by the trustees of the college that, due to personnel and financial considerations, they were no longer in a position to fulfil the role of trustees of the college. Following discussions between the trustees and my Department, it was agreed that a consultant would be appointed who would meet with relevant parties and prepare a report on the options for the college's future.
The consultant's report was thoroughly examined in my Department and the options for the future of the college were set out for my predecessor's consideration. Having carefully considered all of them and having taken into account other factors, such as the national spatial strategy, relevant costs in a time of financial constraint, a Government decision to restrict public service numbers, the need to secure value for money and a better allocation of resources, the former Minister, Deputy Noel Dempsey, decided that these considerations are best served by the closure of the college and the designation of St. Angela's College, Sligo, as the sole centre for the training of home economics teachers.
My Department expects that, arising from operational efficiencies and economies of scale, some level of savings in current expenditure will be achieved as a result of the decision to concentrate the future of home economics teacher training in St. Angela's College, Sligo. The Deputy will be aware that the closure of the college and the transfer of home economics education to St. Angela's College, Sligo, means that this process is essentially in a transitional phase at present. As such, it is difficult to estimate accurately at this stage what those savings will be.
In the context of capital expenditure, the position is different. If my Department pursued any of the options as discussed in the consultancy study in regard to maintaining the college in Dublin, it would have involved a significant capital outlay. It is difficult to estimate accurately the level of capital costs involved, particularly in view of the level of negotiations required to agree a price for the purchase of property in the Dublin region, combined with the length of time which has lapsed since the completion of the report in question.
Special Educational Needs.
Michael Ring
Question:274 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has not been provided with the educational support they need; and when they will be provided with a special needs assistant following their assessment in 2003. [25601/04]
I can confirm that my Department received an application from the school to establish a special class for autism. Such a class may cater for the educational needs of the pupil in question. The application is currently being considered and the special education section of my Department is liaising with my Department's National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS, and building unit as part of this process. My officials will be making early contact with the school concerning the child's needs.
College Closures.
Trevor Sargent
Question:275 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to address the large degree of protest regarding the imminent closure of a college (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will rescind the decision, particularly in view of the importance of life skill education and the need to address the growing problems of diet related illness such as diabetes and obesity. [25625/04]
I assure the Deputy that the overall net annual output of home economics teachers will not be affected by the decision to close the college in question and concentrate the future of home economics teacher training in St. Angela's College, Sligo.
The issue of the future of the college arose in the context of a decision by the trustees of the college that, due to personnel and financial considerations, they were no longer in a position to fulfil the role of trustees of the college. Following discussions between the trustees and my Department, it was agreed that a consultant would be appointed who would meet with relevant parties and prepare a report on the options for the college's future.
The consultant's report was thoroughly examined in my Department and the options for the future of the college were set out for my predecessor's consideration. Having carefully considered all of them and having taken into account other factors, such as the national spatial strategy, relevant costs in a time of financial constraint, a Government decision to restrict public service numbers, the need to secure value for money and a better allocation of resources, the former Minister, Deputy Noel Dempsey, decided that these considerations are best served by the closure of the college and the designation of St. Angela's College, Sligo, as the sole centre for the training of home economics teachers.
It was agreed that the closure of the college would be phased over three academic years to facilitate students currently enrolled in the college to fully complete their studies without moving location and to ensure that there was an adequate transition period for staff. On that basis there has been no intake of first year students to the college for the 2004-05 year. Instead, these students are now in St. Angela's College. Officials from my Department have already met the trustees and management authorities of the college to discuss the necessary practical arrangements, including arrangements regarding the position of the staff of the college. I have no plans to reconsider the decision to close the college.
With regard to the output of home economics teachers, I will ensure the position is kept under review to ensure there are no shortfalls of teachers, given the increasing importance of diet and related issues in schools as well as in society generally.
Special Educational Needs.
Sean Fleming
Question:276 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Science when a special needs assistant will be appointed for a person (details supplied) in County Laois; when the review in relation to a special needs assistant and overall special education will be completed; and when her Department will be in a position to sanction this and other appointments. [25630/04]
I can confirm that my Department has received an application for a special needs assistant, SNA, for the pupil in question. The Deputy may be aware that my Department has established a team to review SNA support in mainstream schools generally. The team commenced its task recently. The team is assessing the levels and deployment of such support to ensure that the needs of children are being met in the context of new applications for resources for the school. I am endeavouring to ensure that the review and the notification of schools regarding outstanding applications for SNA support are completed in the earliest possible timeframe.
Psychological Service.
Brian O'Shea
Question:277 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of psychologists that will be required by the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS, to cover all the first level and second level schools in County Waterford; the number of psychologists currently employed in County Waterford by the NEPS; when the remaining posts in County Waterford will be filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25631/04]
The National Educational Psychological Service development plan for the south eastern region estimates that five educational psychologists will be needed in order to provide a service to all primary and post-primary schools in County Waterford. At present, three NEPS psychologists are assigned to the county. Government policy on public service numbers and budgetary provisions in 2005 and subsequent years will determine the rate of further recruitment of psychologists to NEPS and when the target staffing level for County Waterford area will be attained.
Departmental Reports.
Seán Ryan
Question:278 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of a report (details supplied); and when she proposes to implement the recommendations of the report. [25632/04]
The post leaving certificate review was commissioned by my Department to examine the sector and make recommendations as necessary regarding the organisational, support, development, technical and administrative structures and resources required in schools and colleges with large scale post leaving certificate, PLC, provision, having regard to good practice in related areas across the system and in other countries. The final report was completed in April 2003.
The report contains 21 over-arching recommendations, incorporating over 90 sub-recommendations. The recommendations of the report are wide-ranging and encompass proposals that extend beyond PLC provision. There are issues which impact on the shaping of structures for the delivery of further and adult education into the future and may have implications for other sectors which require consideration at an inter-departmental level. There are significant cost implications in the report's recommendations which must be measured against needs across the education system, as well as substantial industrial relations issues which will have to be processed through the normal industrial relations channels. PLC provision is only one aspect of the Department's provision in the further and adult education area.
Developments in recent years in adult literacy and community education, the introduction of part-time options in further education for priority target groups under the back to education initiative and programmes for young early school leavers, as well as the range of self-financed courses run by VECs and schools, are all part of the strategy to offer wider choices and options for further and second chance education. VEC outreach programmes in prisons and other institutions, as well as co-operative ventures with other training providers, for example, FÁS and Fáilte Ireland, are also important in the overall mix of provision.
The rapid expansion of activity in this area in recent years makes it imperative that the overall structures for the delivery of further and adult education are reviewed with a view to establishing a robust, co-ordinated and coherent system into the future. These structures should encompass all opportunities for further and adult education and training and vocational education and training within the context of overall national and EU policies relating to lifelong learning. The options for greater integration and coherence in the organisation and management of this total provision need to be fully explored. My Department acknowledges that the further education colleges will have a key role in advancing this aim and the research which informed the McIver report, together with the report's recommendations, will assist in the development of an overall framework.
Arising from my Department's discussions with management and trade union representatives with regard to the recommendations of the McIver report, each of these organisations has indicated what their priorities are in relation to the implementation of the recommendations. As the principal representative body for the management of further and adult education, the IVEA has submitted a document to my Department which outlines its view of the way forward in the prioritisation of the report's recommendations. This document places the recommendations of the McIver report in the wider context of the structures required to support the development of further and adult education into the future. My Department is currently engaged in more intensive discussions with the IVEA with regard to their proposals, and will embark on further discussions with the staff interests when the structural and financial details of the IVEA proposals have been clarified.
Departmental Priorities.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:279 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science the priorities of her Department following the recent Cabinet changes; the programme being followed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25689/04]
The priorities of my Department are informed by the programme for Government and are reflected in the statement of strategy. As the Deputy will be aware, there is a statutory requirement that a new statement of strategy be prepared within six months of a Minister assuming office. In that context, the areas of capital projects, special education needs, advancement towards a knowledge economy and response to related skills needs, together with the area of educational disadvantage, are amongst those which I believe must receive attention. I would also emphasise that expenditure decisions must be fair and balanced in dealing with the wide range of demands across the education sector.
Special Educational Needs.
Brendan Howlin
Question:280 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of applications received from primary schools in County Wexford for special needs assistants in the school year September 2003 to August 2004; the number of special needs assistants appointed to primary schools in County Wexford to date in 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25690/04]
The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available. My officials will make arrangements to have the available information compiled and forwarded directly to the Deputy.
Teachers’ Life Expectancy.
Olwyn Enright
Question:281 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the average life expectancy of secondary teachers retiring under the secondary teachers superannuation scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25691/04]
The specific information sought by the Deputy on average life expectancy of secondary teachers retiring is not available since my Department has not undertaken such a study. The Commission on Public Service Pensions, in its final report in November 2000, considered the issue of life expectancy generally. The commission noted that no public service mortality tables were available and considered standard tables of mortality published by the Institute of Actuaries and the Faculty of Actuaries and projections on life expectancy carried out by the Central Statistics Office.
The CSO projections showed that in 1996 the life expectancy of women aged 65 was 17.3 years whereas the life expectancy of men was 13.5 years. Life expectancy generally is increasing and the corresponding life expectancy in 2006 for a 65 year old was projected to be 18.3 years for women and 14.2 years for men.
In projecting the future costs of public service pensions, the commission assumed life expectancy at age 65 of 20.3 years for women and 16.5 years for men.
Departmental Expenditure.
Olwyn Enright
Question:282 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the per capita expenditure on second level pupils here is significantly below the OECD average; if she has plans to bring facilities, resources and staffing up to best practice in the OECD; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25692/04]
Expenditure per student at second level has increased significantly over the past decade. In 2001 — the latest year for which internationally comparable data are available — the figure stood at US$5,245 compared to an OECD average of US$6,510 in the same year. However, in 1997 spending was US$3,864 per second level student in Ireland compared to a comparable figure of US$5,273 internationally, as published by the OECD. The gap has therefore narrowed from being 27% below the OECD average in 1997, when we entered Government, to 19% in 2001.
According to data provided by my Department, per pupil expenditure, in Ireland, at second level has increased by 22% from €5,172 in 2001 to €6,308 in 2003. Although no internationally comparable data are currently available for years later than 2001, the gap between expenditure here and across the OECD is likely to have narrowed further.
Historically, expenditure at first and second level in Ireland has lagged behind other countries due to larger classes. In addition, relatively less goes on spending other than teaching staff salaries. For example, 23% of total current expenditure in 2001 went on spending other than teacher salaries compared to 36% on average across the OECD.
However, increased national income and public expenditure has enabled us to reduce average class size over time as well as increase expenditure on salaries and other areas of current expenditure. In the case of the student-teacher ratio, the figure for Ireland at second level has fallen from 17.1 in 1991-92 to 14.3 in 2001-02 leaving us only slightly above the international average of 13.6 in 2001-02.
Since the financial year referred to in the OECD report of 2001, second level schools have benefited from substantial increases in funding. The standard capitation grant which is the main source of funding towards the running costs of secondary schools now stands at €274 per pupil from 1 January last. In the case of disadvantaged schools, an additional per capita grant of €38 is paid, bringing the total per capita grant to €312.
Introduced with effect from the 2000-01 school year, the per capita grant paid under the school services support initiative for secondary schools now stands at €131 per pupil from January last. This per capita grant is in addition to a range of equalisation grants of up to some €15,500 per school per annum that were also approved for voluntary secondary schools. For a secondary school with 500 pupils, this amounts to additional support services funding of some €80,000 annually.
It is my intention to improve further the financial position of schools in the light of available resources and continuing priority to the disadvantaged.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Olwyn Enright
Question:283 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the average class size for classes in English in the junior cycle of second level schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25693/04]
Olwyn Enright
Question:284 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the average class size for classes in Irish in the junior cycle of second levels schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25694/04]
Olwyn Enright
Question:285 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the average class size for classes in mathematics in the junior cycle of second level schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25695/04]
Olwyn Enright
Question:286 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the average class size for classes in history in the junior cycle of second level schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25696/04]
Olwyn Enright
Question:287 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the average class size for classes in geography in the junior cycle of second level schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25697/04]
Olwyn Enright
Question:288 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the average class size for classes in French in the junior cycle of second level schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25698/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 283 to 288, inclusive, together.
To assist the work of the expert group on the allocation of teachers to second level schools, my Department undertook a detailed analysis of class sizes at second level. In doing so, it drew on school returns and its internal databases. The analysis is replicated in the report of the expert group which was published in October 2001.
This report noted that subject provision, subject choice and class sizes are influenced by a combination of factors such as school size, time tabling decisions, teacher allocation, subject expertise and the length of the school day, in addition to decisions made at individual school level on the basis of enrolments, ability levels of the pupils and programmes offered. The report also indicated that class sizes were generally higher for junior cycle subjects.
In practice schools are accorded a considerable local discretion in the way in which they organise matters of subject choice, teacher allocation and class size.
The analysis disclosed a significant variation of class sizes between schools and between subject areas and for this reason averages have to be treated with caution. By way of example, while the average class size for English at junior cycle was 22.6, the following range of class sizes applied:
|
Class size |
Percentage of classes |
|
14 or less |
14.1 |
|
15- 19 pupils |
11.4 |
|
20- 24 pupils |
25.7 |
|
25- 29 pupils |
30.9 |
|
More than 30 |
17.9 |
In relation to the specific subjects referred to by the Deputy the report indicated average class size for the 1999-2000 school year was as follows:
|
English |
22.6 |
|
Irish |
23.3 |
|
Mathematics |
22.6 |
|
History |
24.2 |
|
Geography |
24.2 |
|
French |
23.8 |
The Deputy will be aware that further improvements have occurred in the pupil-teacher ratio in recent years. Since the report was compiled, the ratio fell from 15.1:1 in the 1999-00 school year to 13.48:1 in the 2003-2004 school year.
Higher Education Grants.
Dinny McGinley
Question:289 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science if a higher education grant will be approved for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal. [25699/04]
Under the terms of my Department's higher education grants scheme, a student is not eligible for grant assistance in respect of a second period of study at the same level, irrespective of whether or not a grant was paid previously. The scheme also provides that grants may not be paid to candidates who already hold a postgraduate qualification and are pursuing a second postgraduate qualification.
Notwithstanding this condition, candidates who already hold a postgraduate qualification and are progressing to a further postgraduate course at a higher level, which represents progression from the level at which the previous postgraduate qualification or qualifications was attained, may be deemed eligible for grant aid.
In the case cited by the Deputy, the student support unit of my Department has contacted the relevant awarding authority and has requested a copy of all documentation submitted in respect of the student's grant application. My Department will be in a position to consider the case fully upon receipt of this information and will notify the Deputy directly of the decision.
Special Educational Needs.
Dinny McGinley
Question:290 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science when a full-time classroom assistant will be approved for a person (details supplied) County Donegal. [25700/04]
I confirm that my Department received an application for special needs assistant support for the pupil referred to by the Deputy. My officials are considering the application in consultation with the departmental inspectorate. Contact will be made with the school authorities as soon as this process has been completed.
Weight of Schoolbags.
Brian O'Shea
Question:291 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science her proposals to meet the concerns of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford regarding the weight of a student’s schoolbag; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25714/04]
As the Deputy is aware, a working group was set up in autumn 1997 to examine the potential problems caused by the weight of heavy school bags. The group presented its report in July 1998 in which it formulated proposals to alleviate problems associated with the weight of schoolbags. The report acknowledged that many of the solutions belong at local school level and one of the main recommendations related to the need to heighten the awareness of the potential health hazards posed by excessively heavy schoolbags.
In this regard, my Department, at primary and post-primary levels, initiated an awareness raising campaign by disseminating the report, with an accompanying circular, to all primary and post-primary schools. Furthermore, information leaflets and posters were distributed to all schools, highlighting the potential health hazard of heavy schoolbags and outlining a range of local measures that could be adopted in order to alleviate the problem. It is a matter for each school to choose those measures that would be most suited to its individual needs.
Positive action has been taken by many schools. At second level, actions taken by some schools consist of a range of measures, including the provision of lockers, the arrangement of the timetable into double class periods, active liaison with parents and the co-ordination of homework by subject teachers.
If a parent is concerned at ongoing problems with regard to the weight of his or her children's schoolbags, this should be taken up in the first instance with the management authorities of the school concerned. In exceptional cases, where issues remain unresolved and all local avenues of appeal have been exhausted, my Department may, on receipt of the written authorisation of a pupil's parents, refer a complaint to the management authority of a school. Following consideration of the school's response, the case may be referred to my Department's inspectorate for the purpose of making local inquiries. The outcome of my Department's investigations, when completed, is communicated to the parents.
Defence Forces Regulations.
Billy Timmins
Question:292 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the way in which a member of the Defence Forces can be discharged on conduct grounds with respect to criminal or civil convictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25617/04]
Defence Forces regulations provide for the discharge of an enlisted person as a result of conviction by the civil power and on conviction by the Special Criminal Court. The discharge may be carried out on the application of the individual's commanding officer, but where an appeal is pending no decision is taken on discharge until the appeal has been determined.
Departmental Priorities.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:293 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Defence the priorities of his Department following the recent Cabinet changes; the programme being followed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25724/04]
My priorities are set out in the White Paper on Defence and in An Agreed Programme for Government. I intend to follow through on the implementation of the White Paper on Defence and the other commitments we have made to the ongoing modernisation and reform process and to ensure that the Defence Forces are equipped to meet challenges at home and overseas.
Housing Grants.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:294 Mr. Ó Fearghail asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has completed its review of the disabled persons grant scheme and the essential repairs grant scheme; if it is envisaged that these schemes will be 100% funded by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25606/04]
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:295 Mr. Ó Fearghail asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is currently a huge disparity between the levels of provision at county council level for disabled persons and essential repairs grants; if he will encourage local authorities that are making inadequate provision to meet their locally identified need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25607/04]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
I propose to take Questions Nos. 294 and 295 together.
A review of the disabled persons grant scheme is currently being finalised in my Department. On its completion, it will be possible to determine the changes, if any, required to the regulations governing the scheme to ensure that the funding available is directed at those persons in greatest need of such assistance.
The administration of the disabled persons and essential repairs grant schemes is a matter for individual local authorities. The framework for the operation of the schemes is laid down in statutory regulations and, as far as practicable, is designed to give an appropriate degree of flexibility to local authorities with regard to their administration. It is a matter for the authorities to decide on the level of funding to be provided for the schemes in their areas from within the allocations notified to them for this purpose by the Department and to manage the operation of the schemes within these allocations.
The Department recoups to local authorities two thirds of their expenditure on the payment of individual grants and it is the responsibility of the authorities to fund their one third contribution from their own resources from amounts provided for that purpose in their annual estimates of expenditure. The provision of adequate amounts from their own estimates to meet their one third contribution is entirely a matter for the local authorities and one in which my Department has no direct function.
Capital allocations totalling €65 million for expenditure in 2004 on the disabled persons and essential repairs grants were notified to local authorities on 20 May. They were advised to notify my Department if their allocation was either inadequate or surplus to their requirements, in order to facilitate the reallocation of funds to obtain optimum effectiveness from the funding available. Additional allocations totalling some €5.9 million were made to a number of local authorities on 9 September on foot of requests for increased allocations received from the authorities involved.
While it is open to a local authority to seek a higher allocation in the event of increased demand, an increased capital allocation would not, of itself, allow increased expenditure without a corresponding revision of the authority's own provision for expenditure on the scheme.
Local Authority Housing.
John McGuinness
Question:296 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a revised estimate was submitted by Kilkenny Borough Council for the refurbishment scheme at Ossory Park, Kilkenny; the amount drawn down by the KBC to date for this scheme; the number of houses now being completed; the expected finish date for the remaining houses in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25618/04]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
The pilot phase of the refurbishment of Ossory Park involves work to a total of 16 houses. My Department understands that work to 13 houses has been completed to date and the contractor is scheduled to complete work on the remaining three houses by the end of 2004. The amount of Exchequer funding recouped to Kilkenny Borough Council to date is €1.003 million. In the light of experience gained from the pilot phase of refurbishment it is understood that Kilkenny Borough Council is considering revised proposals for the next phase of the scheme which may involve the demolition of some houses and their replacement with new houses. The assessment of these revised proposals is taking place in consultation with the residents in the estate and detailed plans and costings are expected from the council in due course.
Brian O'Shea
Question:297 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his proposals to put structures in place to link the information on residential services requirements recorded on the national intellectual disability database with local authority housing waiting lists (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25633/04]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
Local authorities will be undertaking the next statutory assessment of housing needs in March 2005. My Department will issue detailed guidelines to local authorities in relation to this assessment by end 2004 and consideration will be given in this context to the recommendation referred to in the NAMHI budget 2005 submission to the Government.
Social and Affordable Housing.
Jack Wall
Question:298 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of applications for the shared ownership loan submitted to Kildare County Council in each of the past three years; the number accepted and drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25709/04]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
Activity under the shared ownership scheme for each local authority is published in my Department's housing statistics bulletins, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library.
Jack Wall
Question:299 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans to investigate the interest rates of the shared ownership loans as operated by local authorities in view of present bank interest rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25710/04]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
The current variable interest rate to local authority borrowers is 2.95%, which represents a competitive rate of lending. A fixed interest rate is not available for shared ownership loans. The interest rate on local authority housing loans, including shared ownership mortgage loans, is determined by the Housing Finance Agency by reference to mortgage rates prevailing in the financial market. Local authority loan rates compare favourably with the equivalent rates charged by commercial lending agencies.
It is not proposed to change these current arrangements. These were revised, with effect from 1 January 2003, so that loans to repay the local authority equity in shared ownership transactions would be provided from variable interest rate loan finance instead of index linked finance.
Departmental Priorities.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:300 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the priorities of his Department following the recent Cabinet changes; the programme being followed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25721/04]
My Department's priorities are formally set out in its statement of strategy 2003-2005 which is available in the Oireachtas Library. Following my appointment as Minister, this strategy is being reviewed in the light of the objectives of the programme for Government and progress since 2003 with a view to the publication of a revised strategy early in 2005.
Water Charges.
Billy Timmins
Question:301 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position on water charges for national schools in view of the fact that many schools are struggling to raise funding from parents and friends; if this charge can be dropped from schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25740/04]
The national water pricing policy framework provides, in accordance with the EU water framework directive, for recovery by local authorities of the cost of providing water services from the users of these services, with the exception of households using the services for domestic purposes.
The policy framework also envisages the metering of all non-domestic users by 2006. This move to universal metering of non-domestic users, including schools, is intended to ensure that charges more fairly reflect actual usage.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Denis O'Donovan
Question:302 Mr. O’Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the Inishannon regional water scheme and the extension of same to the areas of Ballinspittle, Garretstown and Kilbritton; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25802/04]
I refer the Deputy to the reply to Question No. 453 of 5 October 2004.
Denis O'Donovan
Question:303 Mr. O’Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the Castletownbere sewerage scheme; when grant aid will be allocated for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25803/04]
The Castletownbere sewerage scheme has been approved for funding in my Department's water services investment programme 2004-06 under the rural towns and villages initiative, at an estimated cost of €4.95 million. Further progress with the scheme is contingent on the outcome of ongoing discussions between Cork County Council and the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to determine the most appropriate location for the wastewater treatment plant.