Vol. 594 No. 1
68 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on his recent statement (details supplied); his views in this regard especially in relation to the impact of high prices on the Irish tourism industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31416/04]
The Oxford English Dictionary defines "rip-off" as "cheating someone, especially financially". On that basis, the phrase "rip-off Ireland" clearly conveys the impression that Ireland is, by definition, a cheating destination. It is a phrase that attempts to equate Ireland with cheating. When a phrase like this is propagated throughout the print media, radio, TV and the Internet, it has a corrosive effect on Ireland's image abroad. It works to neutralise and subvert the extraordinarily good work being done by organisations like Tourism Ireland in promoting the island of Ireland abroad.
We need to distinguish between the need to deliver good value for money — which was emphasised as a key priority by the Tourism Policy Review Group — and the misguided and unfair portrayal of Ireland as a cheating destination. There is a real difference between cheating someone and pricing goods or services at a level that some consumers consider unduly high for what is on offer. Sometimes we use words without too much regard to their proper meaning or their ultimate impact.
It is a fact that Ireland is a high price location. It is also a high cost destination. That is a reflection of our rapid economic expansion and our increasing income levels. Tourism is, as we know, a particularly labour intensive industry. However, that is not to say that we cannot, and do not, deliver a high quality, value for money holiday experience to our visitors.
We all recognise the importance of being vigilant in terms of competitiveness, quality and service standards, and customer satisfaction. We need to have regard to the research that has been pointing to growing levels of dissatisfaction in recent years. However, we can still draw some comfort from the 92% of visitors in 2004 who, when surveyed, said that their holiday in Ireland matched or exceeded their expectations and the fact that 75% of them would definitely recommend a holiday in Ireland to a friend.
The main challenge for our tourism industry is competitiveness. We can address that in a number of ways. First, the industry will need to focus on improving its capability and performance in areas such as quality assurance, productivity enhancement, cost and yield management, use of new information and communication technologies, and adoption of best human resource practices. I know that Fáilte Ireland is working to support the industry in this regard. Second, this challenge can be addressed through attractive price and discount offers, imaginatively packaged and marketed to the customer, of which there are many recent examples. Third, the Government must play its part with appropriate macroeconomic policies, improving competition and moderating taxes and charges for public services.
69 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he intends to bring proposals to Government to finance a sports campus at Abbotstown; when such a proposal is likely to emerge; the estimated cost of such a project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31425/04]
I have recently received from Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Limited the development control plan for the sports campus at Abbotstown. This plan provides an overall outline for the progress of the whole campus, focusing in particular on the first phase of the development.
It is my intention to present proposals on the development of the campus at Abbotstown to Government before the end of the year. In the meantime, I do not intend to make any further statement or go into detail on this matter until I have presented my proposals and secured the agreement of my Cabinet colleagues.
70 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will comment on the level of funding to be allocated to the Arts Council for 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31474/04]
The Estimates for 2005 provide for total funding of €61million for the Arts Council in 2005. This represents an increase of some 16% on the 2004 figure, which was, in turn, 19% greater than the provision for 2003. These increases demonstrate, in the most tangible way possible, the seriousness of the Government's commitment to the arts, and will allow the Arts Council to proactively continue with the development of the arts throughout the country.
71 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the funding that has been provided in the Estimates to develop sport among young persons and particularly in schools. [31448/04]
157 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent to which he expects to assist in the promotion of sports in all schools and colleges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31647/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 71 and 157 together.
The Irish Sports Council is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, including initiatives to promote sport among young people. The allocation for the Irish Sports Council in the 2005 Estimates is about €34.5 million which is some €3.5 million up on 2004. I am not yet in a position to give a precise indication of the level of funding for sport for young people in 2005 as the council's internal budget process for 2005 is not yet complete. I would expect, however, that expenditure patterns established in 2004 and earlier years will continue in 2005 and, in addition, will provide for the recently announced Government initiatives in support of hurling and the GAA in Dublin.
There are currently 16 local sports partnerships, LSPs, 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. In 2004, €2.3 million was allocated to the LSPs. Under this allocation, 12 projects nationwide received funding from the LSPs to the tune of €114,432 under the Challenge programme for mainly youth sports. Two thirds of discretionary LSP resources, including sports co-ordinator time, are allocated to youth sport projects.
The Buntús programme is also being rolled out by the 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. Again in 2004, an additional €200,000 was allocated to this programme.
The sport for young people grant scheme is distributed through the vocational education committees to promote sporting opportunities for young people, particularly those in areas of social and economic disadvantage. This grant scheme is available to the vocational education committees which do not currently have local sports partnerships in their areas and in 2004, €450,000 was allocated for this purpose.
Sports Council allocations to GAA, IRFU and FAI last year came to almost €7 million. Most of this funding is targeted at young people. As I mentioned, a further €2.5 million will be allocated next year, €1 million for the development of GAA in Dublin and €1.5 million for the development of hurling and camogie nationwide.
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 sport young people are involved in it should take place in a spirit of fair play.
The European Year of Education through Sport 2004, EYES 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 has been used to promote the importance of sport within the education system, particularly in promoting social inclusion.
The national lottery-funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding for sporting and recreational facilities and equipment. While responsibility for the provision of facilities in national and secondary schools rests with the Department of Education and Science, applications from schools and colleges may be considered under the programme in certain circumstances.
The programme for Government includes a commitment to putting in place a long-term strategic plan to ensure the development of local sports facilities throughout the country. As part of that plan, an inter-agency steering group will be set up to oversee the implementation of this long-term strategy. One of the issues likely to be considered by this group will be potential for greater co-operation between the Departments in the administration of programmes aimed at meeting the sporting and recreational needs of communities and maximising the use of existing sports facilities by local communities and, in particular, those located in schools.
72 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he would provide an update regarding the proposed audit of the country’s sports facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31436/04]
95 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if a national audit of sports facilities has been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31460/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 95 together.
A promise in An Agreed Programme for Government is leading to the preparation of a long-term strategic plan for prioritising the provision of these facilities throughout the country. My Department is currently drawing up plans for the conduct of a national audit of local sports facilities. Given the scale of such a task, some key decisions are to be taken now as to the type of information to be recorded and how it will be used. This will, in turn, determine the scope of the proposed audit and impact on the length of time it will take to complete.
As I mentioned previously, it could take a number of years to complete a comprehensive audit of all sports facilities so possible options to conduct the work in stages must be examined if it can yield useful results in the short term for input into the proposed strategic plan for the provision of sports facilities.
74 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if a consultation programme has been put in place to keep local residents informed about the redevelopment proposals for Lansdowne Road stadium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31463/04]
78 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has recently engaged in discussions with the IRFU and the FAI regarding the unavailability of Lansdowne Road for matches during the period in which it will be renovated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31437/04]
84 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the projected timescale for the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road stadium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31464/04]
155 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position in regard to his discussions with the various sporting authorities with particular reference to the provision of alternative stadium facilities during the course of the forthcoming refurbishment of Lansdowne Road, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31641/04]
I propose to take QuestionsNos. 74, 78, 84 and 155 together.
The Lansdowne Road Stadium Development Company Ltd was established by the IRFU and FAI to develop the stadium at Lansdowne Road and this company is responsible for all matters relating to building and delivering the stadium. The company has already engaged in a proactive programme of consultation and communication with the residents in the vicinity of the stadium, with the aim of becoming aware of and dealing with their concerns from the outset. In this context a consultative forum, with an independent chairman, has been set up through Dublin City Council to act as a channel through which the residents' anxieties and fears can be made known, dealt with and resolved. As the project progresses through its various stages, regular information will be provided, in good time, both through this forum and directly to the residents associations.
In relation to the potential disruption of matches at the stadium, it is true that once the redevelopment work gets under way, the stadium will be unavailable for some part of that scheduled construction period. I am aware that the IRFU and the FAI have considered a number of contingency options for rugby and soccer matches during the period when the pitch will be unavailable. My Department is in regular liaison with both bodies through the Lansdowne Road Stadium Steering Group, and this, among many other matters, has been discussed. I am confident that when the time for a decision arrives the IRFU and FAI will choose the most attractive and gainful option which presents at that time.
In relation to the timescale for the project, a very good beginning has been made. Tenders have being issued to secure a design team and a project management team for the project and it is expected that both teams will be in place by early March 2005. The planning application process will be executed during 2005, it is expected that enabling works will happen during 2006and the main construction work during 2007 and 2008.
75 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of new swimming pools, constructed since 2002, aided by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31461/04]
My Department 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 programme provides for a maximum grant level of 80% of eligible costs — 90% in the case of disadvantaged areas — subject to a maximum of €3.8 million.
Since 2002, grant aid has been approved towards the cost of 13 swimming pool projects. Five pools, located in Finglas in Dublin, Ballinasloe, the Aquadome in Tralee, the Regional Sports and Leisure Centre in Tralee and Grove Island in Limerick, are open. The remaining eight pools, located in Clonmel, Churchfield in Cork city, Tuam, Ballymun in Dublin, Cobh, Youghal, Ballyfermot in Dublin and Drogheda, are under construction or about to start construction.
76 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he received a report on setting up a new cultural relations commission in June 2004; if this proposal has been approved by the Cabinet; when the new commission will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31334/04]
My Department commissioned a report on the structures and mechanisms that would appropriately support the promotion of Irish arts abroad into the future in light of my statutory responsibility under the Arts Act 2003. This report was delivered in July 2004 and is under consideration in consultation with the Department of Foreign Affairs.
I will shortly announce details of the new structures that will apply to the support of Irish arts abroad into the future. These will take the place of the recently wound-up Cultural Relations Committee.
77 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the terms and conditions attached to the funding announced by him on 22 November 2004 for the horseracing industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31422/04]
Horse Racing Ireland, HRI, was established as the statutory body with responsibility for the horseracing industry under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001. The general functions of HRI, as outlined in the Irish Horseracing Industry Act 1994, as amended by the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001, comprise the development and promotion of the Irish horseracing industry, including the development of authorised racecourses and the making of grants, loans and other disbursements to authorised racecourses.
HRI receives a guaranteed level of funding from the horse and greyhound racing fund which is based on accrued excise duty on off-course betting, subject to a minimum level based on the year 2000 level adjusted for inflation. Any shortfall in the amount generated by the excise duty is made up by direct Exchequer subvention. The Government has decided to increase the limits of the horse and greyhound racing fund to €550 million to continue the fund for a further four years to 2008. By the end of 2004, Horse Racing Ireland will have received €206.4 million from the fund.
As announced on 22 November 2004, the new racecourse capital development fund that HRI has put in place provides a matching funding scheme for Irish racecourses to substantially upgrade their facilities over the next five years. The total investment by racecourses and HRI combined will be almost €200 million over the period. HRI will provide up to €110 million of the money in grant aid and the racecourses will finance the balance from their own resources. The overall management of the programme, including ensuring compliance with the terms and conditions relating to the grant allocations, is a matter for Horse Racing Ireland.
79 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he intends to bring proposals to Government in the near future for the long-term, strategic development of the National Concert Hall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31333/04]
88 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if proposals are under consideration by his Department with regard to improving facilities at the National Concert Hall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31470/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 88 together.
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 179 of 20 October 2004. My Department is engaged in consultations with the Department of Education and Science at present on issues arising from the Office of Public Works report.
80 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of Irish people holidaying at home in 2004 for the latest period for which figures are available; the way in which these compare with the same period in 2003. [31420/04]
The Central Statistics Office, CSO, which does not come under the aegis of my Department, is responsible for the collection and publication of official statistics on holiday trips in the domestic market, which continues to provide good year-round business and is particularly important in the context of a volatile overseas marketplace.
I understand that the latest estimates available from the CSO household travel survey for the period January to June 2004 show: total domestic holiday trips at 1.3 million, up 8.5% on the same period in 2003; expenditure on domestic holidays up 9% to €227 million over the same period; short domestic holidays or breaks involving stays of one to three nights up 6% to just under 1 million trips; longer holidays of four or more nights up 18% to 312,000; and total nights on domestic holidays up 8% to 4 million nights.
81 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has made a decision on the way in which to advance an investigation into alleged looting by Nazis of the Hunt Museum collection in Limerick; if the resources are in place to allow for this investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31429/04]
The Hunt Museum is not a State body under the aegis of my Department but rather a private museum managed by the Hunt Museum Trust. In those circumstances it is a matter for the Hunt Museum in the first instance to respond to allegations relating to the provenance of some items in the Hunt collection. I understand that arrangements have been made by the museum to have these allegations assessed by reputable independent experts. I have asked the museum authorities to keep me posted on progress.
In dealing with this matter it is imperative that the museum be afforded the presumption of innocence until, and unless, the allegations are found to be true.
83 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has made any contacts with the Department of Education and Science to advise on the provision and expansion of sporting facilities in national and secondary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31468/04]
The national lottery-funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding for sporting and recreational facilities and equipment. While responsibility for the provision of facilities in national and secondary schools rests with the Department of Education and Science, applications from schools and colleges may be considered under the programme in certain circumstances.
Such applications must be made jointly with local sports clubs or community groups and must: provide for significant levels of usage — at least 30 hours per week throughout the year — by the local community during periods when the facilities are not being used by the school; and demonstrate that the facilities concerned will meet an identified deficiency in that locality, as formally agreed with other local groups and-or the local authority.
In this regard some discussions have taken place between officials from the Department of Education and Science and my Department during the period of the 2003 and 2004 sports capital programmes on considering applications involving schools. Under the 2004 sports capital programme, grants were allocated to ten such projects where the proposed facilities were to be clearly shared between schools and other community groups, including local basketball, GAA and soccer clubs.
The programme for Government includes a commitment to putting in place a long-term strategic plan to ensure the development of local sports facilities throughout the country. As part of that plan, an inter-agency steering group will be set up to devise this long-term strategy. It is proposed that, in addition to a number of other Departments, the Department of Education and Science would be represented on this steering group.
One of the issues likely to be considered by this group will be potential for greater co-operation between the Departments in the administration of programmes aimed at meeting the sporting and recreational needs of communities and maximising the use of existing sports facilities by local communities and, in particular, those located in schools.
85 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism further to the Estimates he announced for 2005 recently, the way in which he intends to spend the increased allocation for tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31417/04]
As the Deputy may be aware, the total allocation for tourism services in 2005 is almost €123 million, which constitutes an 8% increase over the 2004 figure. The increase of 14% in the tourism marketing fund to almost €35.8 million builds on the increased funding provided in 2004. This will help support and refresh the promotion drive by Tourism Ireland Ltd., in key overseas markets.
Increased funding of €3.6 million is being provided to Fáilte Ireland, which will be used in part to provide for new and expanded policy measures in 2005 to address marketing, human resource development and regional and research objectives. The increased level of funding will also support the recently completed restructuring of the tourism State agencies, with the establishment of Tourism Ireland Ltd., and Fáilte Ireland, and will help advance work on implementing the recommendations of the Tourism Policy Review Group, which set out a new vision and strategy for Irish tourism for the period to 2012.
86 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount of funding allocated to the Arts Council in 2005; whether this will be adequate to redress the cutbacks in funding for the Arts Council in 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31427/04]
An amount of €61 million has been allocated to the Arts Council for 2005. This represents an increase of some 16% on the amount provided in 2004, which was 19% greater than the 2003 figure. These increases demonstrate, in the most tangible way, the Government's commitment to the arts, and will allow the Arts Council to move forward in a proactive way to support and develop the arts throughout the country. I would also point out that funding for the Arts Council increased by over 80% between 1997 and 2002.
87 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if an interdepartmental body exists or existed between his Department and the Department of Education and Science to advise on the teaching of the arts in schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31467/04]
An Art and Education Liaison Committee, with representation from the then Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, the Department of Education and Science and the Arts Council, was established in 1999 and met on a number of occasions between then and 2001 when the arrangement was discontinued. Less formal contacts between my Department and the Department of Education and Science continue to take place from time to time. However, there are close and ongoing contacts between the Arts Council and the Department of Education and Science in this context.
It is my intention, over the coming months, to look again at the whole area of the arts in education, in particular with a view to seeing how my Department can best assist the Arts Council in this area.
92 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the efforts being undertaken by his Department to support the Cork city of culture for 2005; the projected visitor numbers for the period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31465/04]
The Government has committed financial support of €7.85 million to celebrate the designation of Cork as European capital of culture for 2005. Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland are actively promoting Cork 2005 by all means available to them. I understand from a recent report on European cities and capitals of culture, commissioned by the European Commission, that being the European capital of culture seems to have a measurable impact on visitor numbers and expenditure in the cities involved. The report indicates that, over the past decade, the average increase in overnight stays in each city when compared to the previous year was over 12%.
93 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will report on his recent visit to the USA designed to help sell Ireland as a top location for film producers; if the section 481 tax relief is to be maintained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31432/04]
I have not visited the USA in this context, but I plan to do so in the new year. Under the provisions of the Finance Act 2004, the section 481 scheme has been extended to the end of 2008. The maximum amount that can be raised will increase from €10.48 million to €15 million from 2005.
96 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the allocation provided to the sports budget in his Department for 2005; the place to which this money will be targeted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31424/04]
The abridged version of the Estimates for public services and the summary public capital programme for 2005, which were published on 18 November, provide for a 17% increase in the sports budget of the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, bringing the available finances to €130.7 million. Some €68.8 million will be provided as a result of the extension for another four years of the horse and greyhound fund. The funding will be targeted at the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road stadium, the funding of the Irish Sports Council and a number of new initiatives which will begin next year. A nationwide GAA development strategy will concentrate on hurling and camogie, the development of Gaelic games in Dublin and programmes to attract women into sport. Capital grants will be provided for sports facilities under the sports capital programme and the local authority swimming pools programme will be supported. I will bring proposals to the Government soon for the development on a phased basis of a sports campus at Abbotstown.
97 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has put in place a new fund to support the development of community facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31458/04]
The Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism administers two capital grants schemes towards the provision of community sports facilities. Under the sports capital programme funding is allocated to organisations and clubs to assist them in the provision of sports facilities, while under the local authority swimming pool programme grants are available to local authorities towards the cost of building and refurbishment of swimming pools. The proposed community facilities fund to support the development of facilities not covered by existing schemes, as set out in An Agreed Programme for Government, will be created under the local government fund, which is the responsibility of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
100 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the projected level of funding that his Department will allocate for the construction of a new building for the Wexford Festival Opera; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31479/04]
The Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, which has not made an allocation for the development of a new building for the Wexford Festival Opera, does not have the financial resources available to do so, having regard to other departmental priorities. It is not possible to say if and when that might change.
101 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the controversy surrounding the positive drug tests on the horse, Waterford Crystal; if he is concerned about the implications of the case for Irish sport in general; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31421/04]
I learned with great disappointment of Waterford Crystal's positive drug tests. The tests were carried out by the world governing body of equestrian sport, the FEI, which is responsible for the global anti-doping programme for horses involved in equestrian sports, including testing at international shows held in Ireland. This position is recognised and endorsed by the World Anti-Doping Agency. The Irish Sports Council recognises the role of the FEI in this regard and will accept its findings at the conclusion of the process. The results are a major setback for equestrian sport and sport in general in Ireland. I express my strong condemnation of the use of prohibited substances and methods in any form in sport.
102 Mr. Durkan asked the Taoiseach the extent to which the number of tourists here has increased/decreased in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31648/04]
The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the following statement:
|
Year |
Visits ’000 |
Annual Change ’000 |
% Annual Change |
|
1998 |
5,716 |
— |
— |
|
1999 |
6,068 |
352 |
6.2 |
|
2000 |
6,310 |
242 |
4.0 |
|
2001 |
5,990 |
-320 |
-5.1 |
|
2002 |
6,065 |
75 |
1.3 |
|
2003 |
6,369 |
304 |
5.0 |
103 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Taoiseach the number of civil servants and other staff employed on constituency and public relations work for each of his Ministers of State; the grade and remuneration of each of these members of staff; and if he will compare these employees to those employed by the corresponding Minister of State at November 2001. [31688/04]
The details of the staff employed on constituency work in the Office of the Government Chief Whip are set out in the following table. There has been a reduction of one clerical post in the office since 2001. No staff are employed on public relations work.
|
Grade |
Office |
Salary |
|
€ |
||
|
Special Adviser |
Govt. Chief Whip Constituency Office |
71,990 |
|
Personal Secretary |
Govt. Chief Whip Constituency Office |
39,874 |
|
Personal Assistant |
Govt. Chief Whip Constituency Office |
39,035 |
|
Civil Servant — Staff Officer |
Govt. Chief Whip Constituency Office |
34,906 |
In November 2001, there was a special adviser, personal secretary, personal assistant and two clerical staff employed on constituency work in the office of the Government Chief Whip. No staff of the Department of the Taoiseach are employed on constituency or public relations work for the Minister of State for European affairs, although the Minister of State has a constituency office in the Department of Foreign Affairs. There was no Minister of State other than the Government Chief Whip in the Department of the Taoiseach in November 2001.
104 Mr. Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the extent of the claims outstanding in respect of MDU in respect of medical claims; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31620/04]
The Medical Defence Union, which is a mutual organisation that provides professional indemnity cover to Irish doctors and dentists, is registered in the United Kingdom. According to the 2003 annual report of the union, which does not publish separate data on the extent of claims against its Irish members, it is making provision for indemnity of £105.8 million. A note that accompanies the accounts states that the provision for indemnity has been restricted by £28.9 million to maintain the indemnity provision at no more than the net assets of the group.
105 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the excellent work of an organisation (details supplied) in providing a wide spectrum of domestic violence services in the locality; if his attention has further been drawn to the funding crisis facing the organisation, and that the existing level of funding is estimated to cover only 25% of the projected cost of running the project in the upcoming year due to increased demand for its services; if he will make the necessary funding available through additional funding under the violence against women vote to ensure that the this organisation can continue its work and fulfil its mandate. [31730/04]
The Department of Health and Children does not directly fund health and personal social services to victims of abuse. Moneys are made available each year to the health boards for the provision of services to female victims of domestic violence. The North Western Health Board is responsible for resourcing the provision of such services in its area.
106 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason no funding was provided to the ERHA in 2004 for dermatology services; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this has led to excessive waiting lists of over a year; if funding will be provided in 2005 for these services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31587/04]
The development of dermatology services in the eastern region is a matter for consideration by the Eastern Regional Health Authority in the first instance. The Department of Health and Children has asked the regional chief executive of the authority to investigate this matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.
107 Mr. Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on a method (details supplied) for the treatment of asthma; and if she will take steps to ensure that information and instruction on this method become generally available. [31588/04]
The diagnosis and treatment of asthma is a complex and difficult area of medical practice. A great deal of research is being done throughout the world on the subject. The use of any treatment modality in areas of medical practice such as asthma management is a matter for practitioners based on best practice as reflected in international peer-reviewed scientific literature, standards and guidance provided by professional and technical bodies with expertise in the area and practitioners' individual experience. It would be inappropriate for me, therefore, to advocate the use of any particular programme of treatment, the Buteyko method in this instance, in the difficult area of asthma management.
108 Ms F. O’Malley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will consider removing the fixed pricing policy which exists between the Government and the pharmaceutical industry. [31589/04]
All aspects of the drug delivery system, from the manufacturer to the patient, are under review. I expect to take definitive decisions soon on the report of the pharmacy review group, which was published in February 2003. The health service procurement improvement project has analysed the State's procurement of pharmaceutical goods and services. A national drugs prescribing group is evaluating proposals on the control of drugs costs contained in various reports, such as the Brennan report and the Deloitte & Touche report, to determine their feasibility and early delivery as part of the health reform agenda.
An agreement that has been reached between the Department of Health and Children, the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association and the Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers of Ireland sets out the supply terms and prices of medicines supplied to the health services. It covers all reimbursable prescription medicines in the general medical services and community drug schemes and all medicines supplied to hospitals and health boards. The Department will re-enter negotiations with the associations soon because the current agreement will expire in the middle of next year. I am sure the Deputy appreciates that it is not appropriate for me to comment on issues which may arise in the forthcoming negotiations.
109 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive speech therapy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31590/04]
The provision of health services, including speech and language therapy services, to people with a physical or sensory disability rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards in the first instance. Accordingly, the Deputy's question has been referred to the regional chief executive of the Eastern Regional Health Authority with a request that he examine the matter raised and reply directly to the Deputy, as a matter of urgency.
110 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to persons who need transport to attend regular hospital appointments, in particular persons whose only income is social welfare, who are in poor health, who live either alone or with dependant spouses, who have no means of their own and have no family; the assistance in place for persons such as this who have no way of obtaining transport to attend hospital appointments; the action she can take in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31591/04]
Patient transport is a matter for the chief executive officer of each health board. If the Deputy is referring to a particular case and is in a position to supply details, I would be happy to have the circumstances investigated.
111 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the timescale for the building, completion and opening of the new hospital in Dingle; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31595/04]
As the Deputy is aware, the provision of health services in Dingle is a matter for the Southern Health Board in the first instance. The health board, in consultation with the Department of Health and Children, decided to build a new 72-bed community hospital in Dingle, County Kerry, to replace the existing hospital. The new hospital will comprise a mix of beds for continuing care, rehabilitation and convalescence, respite, palliative care and direct admissions by local GPs and primary care teams. There will be a central module, a day care unit, a mental health day care unit and an ambulance base. The next step in progressing the Dingle project is to invite tenders for its construction. Any decision on progressing the project will be considered by the Department in the context of the significant additional revenue funding and the staff which will be required by the board to operate the new hospital and having regard to the board's employment ceiling and funding available to the Department.
112 Mr. Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of current legal actions against tobacco companies in the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31596/04]
I have been advised that no legal proceedings are being taken by the State against tobacco companies. I am aware that legal proceedings are being taken by a number of private individuals against tobacco companies, however, and the State has been joined as a respondent in some of the proceedings. The Deputy may wish to note that a number of tobacco companies have instituted legal proceedings against the State about the regulation of tobacco products under the Public Health (Tobacco) Acts and the relevant proceedings are before the courts at present.
113 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a CAT scan will be provided immediately for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; the reason this person has been informed that they must wait six months; if a response will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31597/04]
Responsibility for the provision of health services for residents of County Kilkenny is a matter for the South Eastern Health Board in the first instance. The Department has, therefore, asked the chief executive officer of the South Eastern Health Board to investigate the matter and reply to the Deputy directly.
114 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the current waiting time for processing both new medical card applications and medical card renewals in County Wexford; the efforts being made to reduce the delays; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31598/04]
The Department of Health and Children has been advised by the South Eastern Health Board that it is not aware of significant delays being experienced by applicants for medical cards. Delays may occur in the processing of initial or renewal applications for medical cards if the required documentation has not been supplied by the applicant to allow an assessment. If the Deputy is aware of difficulties being experienced by an individual, I will be happy to receive the details and have them passed to the South Eastern Health Board, which has indicated its willingness to investigate any such case.
115 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will receive the orthodontic treatment needed; if there will be a charge for this treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31599/04]
Responsibility for the provision of orthodontic treatment to eligible persons in County Wexford rests with the South Eastern Health Board. The Department of Health and Children has asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.
116 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will consider utilising the facilities under proper medical supervision at Ely Hospital, Wexford town to address the chronic overcrowding at Wexford General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31600/04]
Responsibility for the provision of health services in County Wexford is a matter for the South Eastern Health Board in the first instance. The Department of Health and Children has asked the chief executive officer of the board to reply directly to the Deputy about the matter he has raised.
117 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when she will sanction the funding for 19 additional beds in Wexford General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31601/04]
118 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has sanctioned the funding for 19 additional beds in Wexford General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31602/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 118 together.
The Department of Health and Children accepts the need for an additional 19 inpatient beds at Wexford General Hospital. It is hoped to make progress in this regard in the context of the health capital investment framework between 2004 and 2008, in line with the overall funding resources available under the framework.
119 Mr. Cuffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has plans to review the Health (Nursing Homes) Act 1990; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31603/04]
A working group comprising all stakeholders has been established by the Department of Health and Children to review the Health (Nursing Homes) Act 1990 and associated regulations. The group was established following the publication of Professor Eamon O'Shea's report, Review of the Nursing Home Subvention Scheme, and the Mercer report on the future financing of long-term care, which was commissioned by the Department of Social and Family Affairs. The review will take into account issues which have arisen over the years arising from the interpretation of certain aspects of the 1990 Act and regulations, as well as the Ombudsman's report on the operation of the scheme. The objective of the review is to develop a scheme that will be transparent, offer a high standard of care for clients, provide equity in the system to include standardised dependency and means testing, be less discretionary, provide a home and nursing home subvention depending on need, be consistent in implementation throughout the country, be financially sustainable and draw on experience of the operation of the existing scheme.
120 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the cost of a private bed in each public hospital in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31604/04]
The specialty costing system used by the Department of Health and Children as part of its national casemix programme collects costs from specific major acute hospitals. The costs, which are aggregated and vary between hospitals, relate to all public and private inpatients. The cost collection system does not differentiate between the status of patients being treated. The average inpatient cost per bed day for 2001 and 2002, the latest years for which audited data is available, is detailed in the following attached table. Cost details for 2003 are being finalised as part of the 2005 casemix budget allocations. The bed day costs for each hospital do not take account of the complexity of the cases treated or specialties involved. Teaching hospitals and tertiary referral centres have more complex and costly cases, resulting in higher bed day costs. The following table gives further details. It should be noted that certain costs, such as day cases, outpatient services, long stay cases, psychiatry and renal dialysis, capital and depreciation are excluded from the calculation.
|
Hospital |
2002 |
2001 |
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
Group 1 |
||
|
Beaumont Hospital |
603 |
517 |
|
Cork University Hospital |
746 |
683 |
|
Connolly Memorial Hospital |
622 |
511 |
|
Mater Misericordiae Hospital |
626 |
539 |
|
St. James’ Hospital |
696 |
540 |
|
St. Vincent’s Hospital |
692 |
529 |
|
AMNCH, Tallaght |
622 |
591 |
|
UCH, Galway |
616 |
508 |
|
Group 2 |
||
|
Waterford |
488 |
422 |
|
Cavan |
433 |
371 |
|
Croom |
629 |
514 |
|
St. Mary’s, Gurranabraher |
553 |
435 |
|
Letterkenny |
406 |
339 |
|
Limerick |
533 |
447 |
|
Longford/Westmeath |
429 |
422 |
|
Louth |
380 |
317 |
|
Mallow |
475 |
416 |
|
Mayo |
533 |
429 |
|
Mercy |
616 |
471 |
|
Merlin Park |
435 |
373 |
|
Monaghan |
641 |
449 |
|
Navan |
508 |
431 |
|
OLOL, Drogheda |
517 |
471 |
|
Portiuncula |
468 |
348 |
|
Portlaoise |
515 |
462 |
|
Sligo |
466 |
420 |
|
South Infirmary/Royal Victoria |
465 |
380 |
|
St. Colmcille’s |
439 |
417 |
|
St. Luke’s, Kilkenny |
480 |
420 |
|
Tralee |
474 |
403 |
|
Tullamore |
510 |
475 |
|
Wexford |
479 |
409 |
|
National Average |
542 |
479 |
121 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the timescale for delivery of the promised 200,000 general practitioner-only cards; the legislation that will be necessary to provide for them; the estimated cost per card in comparison with the cost per card of the full medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31636/04]
Subject to clarifying legislative and administrative issues, the new doctor visit card will be introduced as early as possible in 2005. The estimated cost of 200,000 new doctor visit cards will be approximately €50 million in a full year, which means an estimated cost per card per year of €250, compared to an estimated annual cost of €1,000 for a full medical card. The Department of Health and Children will work closely with the health boards and authority in the coming weeks. It will work with the HSE, which is due to assume responsibility for the service in 2005, to oversee the operation of the scheme. Arrangements have been agreed to put the processes required in train. The Irish Medical Organisation, which has been made aware of the initiatives, has indicated that the developments are in line with its views.
122 Mr. Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the measurers she proposes to put in place to shorten the waiting time for orthodontic treatment in the Southern Health Board area, as it is now over four years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31638/04]
The provision of orthodontic services is the statutory responsibility of the health boards-authority in the first instance.
The aim of my Department is to develop the treatment capacity of orthodontics in a sustainable way over the longer term. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that a number of measures have been adopted to improve orthodontic services in the Southern Health Board, SHB, area and on a national basis.
The grade of specialist in orthodontics has been created in the health board orthodontic service. In 2003, my Department and the health boards funded 19 dentists from various health boards for specialist in orthodontics qualifications at training programmes in Ireland and at three separate universities in the United Kingdom. These 19 trainees for the public orthodontic service include six dentists who successfully completed their training in September 2004 and have taken up duties with the boards. These measures will complement the other structural changes being introduced into the orthodontic service, including the creation of an auxiliary grade of orthodontic therapist to work in the orthodontic area.
Furthermore, the commitment of the Department to training development is manifested in the funding provided to both the training of specialist clinical staff and the recruitment of a professor in orthodontics for the Cork Dental School. This appointment at the school will facilitate the development of an approved training programme leading to specialist qualification in orthodontics. My Department has given approval in principle to a proposal to further substantially improve training facilities for orthodontics at the school, which will ultimately support an enhanced teaching and treatment service to the wider region under the leadership of the professor of orthodontics.
In June 2002, my Department provided additional funding of €5 million from the treatment purchase fund to health boards-authority specifically for the purchase of orthodontic treatment. This funding is enabling boards to provide both additional sessions for existing staff and purchase treatment from private specialist orthodontic practitioners. The SHB was allocated an additional €720,000 from this fund for the treatment of cases in this way.
The chief executive officers of the health boards-authority have informed my Department that at the end of the September 2004 quarter, there were 22,168 patients receiving orthodontic treatment in the public orthodontic service. This means that there are over twice as many patients getting orthodontic treatment as there are waiting to be treated and more than 6,000 extra patients are getting treatment from the health boards/authority since the end of the September 2001 quarter. The chief executive officer of the SHB has informed my Department that at the end of the September 2004 quarter there 3,400 patients receiving orthodontic treatment in the Southern Health Board area. This compares favourably with a figure of 2,300 receiving such treatment at the end of the September 2001 quarter, and represents an increase of 1,100 patients in treatment, or an increase of almost 48%, over the four-year period.
123 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of civil servants and other staff employed on constituency and public relations work for each of her Ministers of State; the grade and remuneration of each of these members of staff; and if she will compare these employees to those employed by the corresponding Minister of State at November 2001. [31689/04]
Set out below are tables for constituency offices of Ministers of State broken down by numbers of staff — civil servants and non-civil servants — and amount paid in respect of salary.
|
Number of Staff |
Grade |
Annual Salary |
|
€ |
||
|
3 |
CO |
83,099.27 |
|
2 |
Personal Secretary and Assistant (non-civil servants) |
87,318.62 |
|
Total 5 |
170,417.89 |
|
Number of Staff |
Grade |
Annual Salary |
|
€ |
||
|
1 |
EO |
36,312.71 |
|
1 |
SO |
27,103.65 |
|
1 |
CO |
25,399.41 |
|
2 |
Personal Secretary and Assistant (non-civil servant) |
92,826.22 |
|
Total 5 |
181.641.99 |
|
Number of Staff |
Grade |
Annual Salary |
|
€ |
||
|
1 |
EO |
41.305.89 |
|
2 |
CO |
56,659.91 |
|
1 |
Personal Secretary (non-civil servant) |
42,587.86 |
|
Total 4 |
140,553.66 |
|
Number of Staff |
Grade |
Annual Salary |
|
€ |
||
|
2 |
CO |
46,570.09 |
|
1 |
EO |
31,627.37 |
|
1 |
Personal Assistant (non-civil servant) |
37,567.79 |
|
Total 4 |
115,765.25 |
|
*Number of Staff |
Grade |
Annual Salary |
|
€ |
||
|
2 |
EO |
61,877.14 |
|
6 |
CO (4 WTE) |
102,131.93 |
|
3 |
Personal Assistant (1 WTE) (non-civil servant) and Secretary |
66,580.06 |
|
Total 11 |
230,589.13 |
*Please note that the private office and constituency office work was covered by all staff as one team.
124 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved the domiciliary care allowance. [31704/04]
The assessment of entitlement to and payment of the domiciliary care allowance is a matter for the relevant health board. Accordingly, a copy of the Deputy's question has been forwarded to the chief executive officer of the Western Health Board with a request that she examine the query and reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
125 Dr. Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 20 will continue to receive support for counselling at a centre; if she will review this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31728/04]
Responsibility for the provision of the services referred to by the Deputy 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.
126 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the SWAHB will review a refusal to agree an application for a medical card for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12. [31745/04]
Responsibility for the provision of a medical card is, by legislation, a matter for the chief executive officer of the relevant health board/authority. My Department has, therefore, asked the regional chief executive of the Eastern Regional Health Authority to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.
127 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the allocation of funding for a project (details supplied) in County Cork. [31746/04]
Since the first out of hours co-operative began in 2000, in excess of €72 million has been provided to health boards by my Department to allow their development. The Southern Health Board has received over €10 million for this area between 2001 and 2004. These funds do not include fees paid to participating general practitioners for attending patient calls.
Out of hours services in the Southern Health Board area began on 16 October 2001 and are now operating in Cork city and part of Cork county, south Kerry to Tralee and west Cork, except for the Beara Peninsula.
Decisions in respect of the geographical area to be covered, in any expansion, are matters which fall within the remit of the relevant health board to decide, having regard to the strategic, financial and other issues involved.
The Southern Health Board has advised my Department of its future plans to develop out of hours services in the remaining areas within the board. Such developments will be considered in the context of service requirements, health board proposals and funding availability.
128 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if there will be no delay in providing an MRI scan for a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; the current waiting period for this scan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31831/04]
The provision of hospital services for people resident in County Waterford is, in the first instance, a matter for the South Eastern Health Board. My Department has, therefore, asked the chief executive officer of the board to reply to the Deputy directly on this issue.
129 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Finance if staff at the letterpost area office located at Mullingar will be afforded the opportunity to transfer to the offices of the Department of Education and Science which are being decentralised to Mullingar under the decentralisation plan. [31614/04]
All applications to participate in the decentralisation programme must be submitted through the central applications facility launched in May 2004. The creation of the central applications facility was recommended by the decentralisation implementation group in its report of March 2004. In paragraph 2.13 of that report, the group recommended that applications would be invited from all civil servants, staff of all non-commercial State-sponsored bodies and staff of the two commercial State companies included in the programme. Staff of the remaining commercial State companies, including An Post, are not eligible to participate in the programme.
130 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Finance if it is possible for persons employed by An Post and who hold civil service status to transfer to one of the Departments that is being decentralised under the scheme of decentralisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31615/04]
All applications to participate in the decentralisation programme must be submitted through the central applications facility launched in May 2004. The creation of the central applications facility was recommended by the decentralisation implementation group in its report of March 2004. In paragraph 2.13 of that report, the group recommended that applications would be invited from all civil servants, staff of all non-commercial State-sponsored bodies and staff of the two commercial State companies included in the programme.
Staff of the remaining commercial State companies, including An Post, are not eligible to participate in the programme.
132 Mr. M. Smith asked the Minister for Finance his proposals in respect of the decentralisation programme for Thurles and Roscrea; the position with regard to the acquisition of sites or accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31618/04]
The report of the decentralisation implementation group entitled "Selection of organisations/locations for inclusion in the first phase of moves" was published on 24 November 2004. It included details of those organisations and locations to be included in the first phase of moves together with details of the criteria used by the group to select those locations. Roscrea is not among those locations. The contents of the group's report can be accessed at www.finance.gov.ie. The decentralisation implementation group will report again in spring 2005 on the organisations and locations not covered in the report.
On Thurles, the decentralisation implementation group notes in paragraph 3.2 of its report that a total of 200 jobs, comprising jobs of gardaí and civil servants, are due to be relocated to Thurles. The group recommends that the Garda Commissioner should, in conjunction with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, prepare an updated implementation plan by 14 February 2005, including an implementation schedule with a phased timeline.
133 Mr. Healy asked the Minister for Finance the progress which has been made to commence before 31 December 2004, the public consultation process of the Clonmel flood alleviation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31621/04]
When I visited Clonmel on 29 October following the flooding of the town, I indicated that I would try to bring forward the scheme exhibition and public consultation process, which was scheduled for the beginning of 2005, to this year.
I have had detailed discussions with officials of the Office of Public Works about the possibility of accelerating the process and I am advised that it is not possible to do so. Measurements taken by OPW staff in the river during the flood have produced significant additional and up to date information, which must be taken into account before the design of the scheme is finalised and put on exhibition for the public consultation.
I am satisfied that it would not be wise in the circumstances to rush the design of the scheme. I hope to meet with the town council shortly to brief the members fully on the position.
134 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Finance the timescale for the transfer of 50 members to Kilrush in County Clare regarding the Government’s proposal for decentralisation; if the Government has identified and purchased the site for a building; the breakdown of the locations from which the applicants are coming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31622/04]
The report of the decentralisation implementation group entitled "Selection of organisations/ locations for inclusion in the first phase of moves" contains details of those organisations/locations which will be included in the first phase of moves. Kilrush will be among those locations. Details provided by the OPW show an indicative timescale for completion of construction of office accommodation in Kilrush as the fourth quarter of 2006. The full report is available on the website of the Department of Finance, www.finance.gov.ie. A total of 72 applications has been received from civil and public servants for transfer to Kilrush. Some 13 of these applications are from Dublin and 59 are from provincial locations around the country. The purchase of a site in Kilrush has not yet been finalised.
135 Mr. Breen asked the Minister for Finance if, under the decentralisation programme the Government has abandoned plans to decentralise Enterprise Ireland to Shannon in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31623/04]
The report of the decentralisation implementation group entitled "Selection of organisations/ locations for inclusion in the first phase of moves" which I published on 24 November 2004 sets out the list of organisations-locations to be included in the first phase of moves. The report also sets out the criteria the implementation group used to select these locations. Shannon is not among these locations. The full contents of the reportare available on the Finance website at www.finance.gov.ie. I can confirm the Government has not abandoned plans to relocate Enterprise Ireland to Shannon.
In its report the implementation group states that it will report again in spring 2005 concerning the locations and organisations not covered in the current report.
136 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Finance if he will abolish income tax on maintenance payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31627/04]
The present arrangements regarding the taxation of maintenance payments have been in place since June 1983. The general position in the case of legally enforceable maintenance agreements in this jurisdiction is as follows: the spouse who pays the maintenance is entitled to a tax deduction for payments made for the benefit of the other spouse; the maintenance payments are taxed in the hands of the receiving spouse; and the couple are treated for tax purposes as if unmarried. However, a separated couple may, except where a civil annulment has been obtained, jointly elect to be treated for tax purposes as if the separation had not taken place, provided they are both resident in the State and, if divorced, neither have remarried.
When such an election is made, the maintenance payments are ignored for tax purposes — the payer does not receive a tax deduction for them and the receiving spouse is not taxable on them. Where the receiving spouse has income other than the maintenance, separate assessment will apply in respect of that income. The Revenue Commissioners information leaflet IT2, Taxation of Married Couples, which is available on the Revenue Commissioners website at www.revenue.ie, sets out how separate assessment works.
In the case of non-legally binding maintenance payments, such payments are not taxable in the hands of the receiving spouse and the paying spouse cannot claim a tax deduction for them. However, the paying spouse would be entitled to the married person's tax credit if he or she is wholly or mainly maintaining the other spouse.
In the arrangements which apply, there is an underlying principle in place that income — in the form of the maintenance payments — should be subject to taxation. If the general position on legally enforceable separation agreements were to be altered so that the payer rather than the recipient were to be subject to tax on the amount of the maintenance, such a move would benefit recipients but the position of those who are required to make such payments would disimprove.
If maintenance payments were not subject to the taxation in the hands of either the recipient or the payer, this would run contrary to the general principle that income should be subject to taxation. As the Deputy is aware, it is not the practice to comment on proposals, if any, to change tax law in the lead-up to the annual budget.
137 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Finance the efforts that are being made to identify landlords in the private rented sector who fail to declare their investment properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31628/04]
138 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Finance if there are plans to investigate landlords in the private rented sector who refuse to accept rent allowance from tenants in order to ascertain if they are declaring their investment properties. [31629/04]
139 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Finance the number of landlords in the private rented sector identified as failing to declare their investment properties in the past five years to date. [31630/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 137 to 139, inclusive, together.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that landlords in the private rented sector are controlled and monitored for tax compliance purposes in the same way as taxpayers in all other sectors. Special compliance districts, set up under the restructuring of Revenue, monitor any activity that has been brought to their attention, whether through returns lodged, claims made or any other source.
Whilst Revenue are not in a position to state the number of landlords in the private rented sector who failed to declare their investment properties in the past five years, all information available to and information received by Revenue, including information from tenants via rent relief forms, is acted upon on an ongoing basis with a view to ensuring compliance with tax law.
Tenants wishing to claim rent relief on private rented accommodation are required to complete the relevant form, Rent 1, and provide details of the landlord's name, address and personal public service, PPS, number. These forms provide useful information for the Revenue Commissioners. Forms received without PPS numbers are traced by reference to name and address.
I am also informed by the Revenue Commissioners that projects specifically aimed at investigating landlords in the private rented sector are regularly undertaken in all regions to monitor this sector. These focus on identifying cases where income would appear to be understated vis-à-vis properties held. Arising out of these projects, some cases are referred for further investigation and audit by Revenue. Throughout 2003, audits were concluded in 250 cases where rental income was the main source of income returned. The yield in all 250 cases was €3.25 million in tax, interest and penalties.
Cases are selected for investigation by Revenue on the basis of perceived tax at risk. This means that most cases are chosen for audit-investigation following a risk analysis that may suggest the possibility of non-compliance with any of the taxes. Cases may also be selected on the basis of external-further information provided to the Revenue Commissioners.
The Deputy may also wish to note that under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, there is provision for supply of tenancy registration details or confirmation of the fact of registration by the Residential Tenancies Board to the Revenue Commissioners. This Act requires such data to be supplied by the board at the request of the landlord or at the request of the Revenue Commissioners on furnishing the PPS number or other unique identifier to the board.
140 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that the Government’s e-tenders website (details supplied) is compliant with reasonable accessibility guidelines, in view of the fact that two major websites which validate compliance with accessibility guidelines indicate that the site fails to meet priority one, priority two and priority three standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31687/04]
First, let me say that I am fully committed to accessibility for all. In the case of people with disabilities and access to the e-tenders website, work is ongoing to meet all WAI/WCAG accessibility standards, priority levels one to three.
A recent outline accessibility study, carried out by the National Disability Authority, NDA, found that the site was reasonably compliant in relation to priority one. Some relatively minor changes are required to achieve full compliance and this work is in progress. To achieve compliance with priority two, which is the minimum level recommended by the NDA, a full audit will be undertaken in early 2005 to establish the requirements for ensuring full compliance. This study will not rely solely on automated checking tools but will address the execution of typical tasks with the help of people with disabilities. In adopting priority three, consideration will be given to the availability of software and technical capability — connectivity and browser levels — of existing users, including SMEs.
141 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of civil servants and other staff employed on constituency and public relations work for each of his Ministers of State; the grade and remuneration of each of these members of staff; and if he will compare these employees to those employed by the corresponding Minister of State at November 2001. [31690/04]
One personal assistant and one personal secretary are employed on constituency and communications work for the Minister of State at the Department of Finance with responsibility for the Office of Public Works. There are two civilian drivers who may, as appropriate, provide services which are constituency related. The number of staff in 2004 reflects the November 2001 position when there was one personal assistant, one personal secretary and two civilian drivers.
The grade and pay scales of these staff are set out in the following table. The actual pay of individuals is not given in the normal course as it is deemed to be personal information. The pay scale for civilian drivers is a one point scale. Travel and subsistence is payable if appropriate. A pension contribution of 11% of salary is payable to an approved pension provider as apart of the remuneration of the personal assistant.
In addition, a consultant, Monica Leech Communications, was retained by the office from December 2001 to July 2003 to assist in the provision and co-ordination of information on behalf of the Minister of State. The total payment to Monica Leech Communication was €42,902, inclusive of VAT and expenses.
142 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6W is continuing to have DIRT retained; if such deductions will cease; and if a further refund will be issued for the years after 2001. [31781/04]
Chapter 4 of Part 8 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for a retention tax on the interest accruing on deposit accounts of Irish resident individuals. Therefore, such deductions will not cease when a person becomes 65. However, an individual is entitled to a repayment of the DIRT deducted in situations where: (i) he or she or his or her spouse is either aged 65 years or over at any time during the tax year or permanently incapacitated by reason of mental or physical infirmity from maintaining himself or herself — or became so incapacitated — at any time during the tax year; and (ii) the income of the individual, inclusive of the deposit interest, is below the appropriate income exemption limit for tax purposes.
However, before a refund can be made, the taxpayer must submit a form 54D together with certificates of retention tax paid. Any refunds arising for the years 2002 to 2004 for the person concerned will be dealt with on receipt of this information for each year.
I understand that the Revenue Commissioners have written to the taxpayer requesting certificates of retention tax for the years 2002 to 2004. Forms 54D, required to claim a repayment in respect of DIRT, have also been sent to the taxpayer for completion for the years 2002 to 2004.
143 Mr. Healy asked the Minister for Finance the criteria which were used to decide on the decentralisation locations announced on 24 November 2004; the reason Tipperary town has not been included in this announcement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31782/04]
The report of the decentralisation implementation group entitled "Selection of organisations/locations for inclusion in the first phase of moves" published on 24 November 2004 gave details of the locations to be included in the first phase of moves. Tipperary town is not among these locations. The full contents of the group's report, which details the selection criteria used, are available at www.finance.gov.ie. The implementation group will report again in spring 2005 on those locations and organisations not covered in the current report.
144 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if her attention has been drawn to the widespread concern among the medical profession of over-exposure to mobile phones here, which is resulting in headaches, dizziness, distorted vision and biological effects; her views on whether it is appropriate that mobile phones carry a health warning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31747/04]
I am aware of the concerns to which the Deputy refers and, correspondingly, I maintain within my Department the expertise necessary to advise me on health issues relating to electromagnetic energy, including that related to mobile phone usage. I am advised that the concern is not widespread throughout the medical profession, but is limited to a small number of general practitioners.
Ireland participates in a number of international bodies which undertake detailed programmes of research into interactions between electromagnetic energy and people. The very latest reports in this area conclude that, notwithstanding many years of investigation, no adverse health effects, be they headaches, dizziness, distorted vision or other biological effects, have been demonstrated to have been caused by electromagnetic energy emitted by mobile phones. I appreciate that some people still maintain that these facilities are responsible for various symptoms and illnesses that they suffer. I sympathise with those people. The overwhelming weight of evidence is that facilities such as mobile phones are not responsible for their condition. Focused research is continuing and my Department will monitor this area closely.
Ireland also participates in the relevant bodies that monitor and set guidelines for limiting exposure to electromagnetic energy from such installations to levels many times lower than the experimental levels at which no adverse health effects result — this is known as the "precautionary principle". These bodies continuously review the relevant research already referred to, and periodically meet to decide whether or not the guidelines continue to be appropriate in the light of the most up-to-date reports. These guidelines are utilised as operating limits in the licences issued to the operators of telecommunications facilities, and measurements carried out on behalf of ComReg, the telecommunications regulator, have shown total compliance with the limits. I am, therefore, advised that there is no reason for me to act in terms of requiring mobile phones to carry a health warning.
145 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on reports to the effect that gas and electricity prices here have been unnecessarily increased based on an inflated valuation of the respective distribution networks; if, as has been indicated, domestic and industrial consumers have been unnecessarily penalised through price hikes; if he has evaluated the impact on the consumer; if he intends to issue any direction arising from this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31439/04]
I do not have a function regarding the pricing of gas or electricity. These are matters which fall under the statutory remit of the Commission for Energy Regulation. I have no power to give directions of the type suggested. I have brought the relevant newspaper article to the attention of CER.
146 Mr. English asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when persons (details supplied) in County Meath will receive telephone connections; the reason it is taking so long; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31616/04]
I have no statutory function regarding this matter. It is an operational issue for the service provider concerned. Responsibility for the regulation of the telecommunication service providers rests with the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, which is an independent statutory body.
147 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of civil servants and other staff employed on constituency and public relations work for each of his Ministers of State; the grade and remuneration of each of these members of staff; and if he will compare these employees to those employed by the corresponding Minister of State at November 2001. [31691/04]
The number of civil servants and other staff employed on constituency work for the Minister of State at my Department, Deputy Gallagher, is as follows:
|
Title |
Grade/ Grade Equivalent |
Remuneration |
|
Personal Assistant |
Higher Executive Officer |
HEO Salary scale —€38,270 (min) to €48,558 (2nd long service increment) |
|
Personal Secretary |
Secretarial Assistant |
Secretarial Assistant Salary Scale: €19,116 (min) to €36,883 (2nd long service increment) |
|
Private Secretary* |
Higher Executive Officer |
HEO Salary scale —€38,270 (min) to €48,558 (2nd long service increment) + €17,048 allowances |
|
Clerical Officer |
Clerical Officer |
Clerical Officer — Salary Scale (full PRSI) €20,117 (min) to €32,622 (2nd long service increment) |
|
Clerical Officer |
Clerical Officer |
Clerical Officer — Salary Scale (full PRSI) €20,117 (min) to €32,622 (2nd long service increment) |
*A quarter of the private secretary's time was taken up with constituency duties. While there were no public relations staff employed, the resources of the Department's press office were available to the Minister of State.
At November 2001, the staff employed on constituency work by the then corresponding Minister of State, Deputy Hugh Byrne, were as follows:
|
Title |
Grade/ Grade Equivalent |
Remuneration |
|
Personal Assistant |
Higher Executive Officer |
HEO salary scale €32,582.75 (min) to €41,282.99 (2nd long service increment) +10% allowance |
|
Personal Secretary |
Secretarial Assistant |
Secretarial Assistant Salary Scale: €13,946 (min) to €31,733 (2nd long service increment) +10% allowance |
|
Private Secretary* |
Higher Executive Officer |
HEO salary scale €32,582.75 (min) to €41,282.99 (2nd long service increment) + €14,205 (allowances) |
|
Clerical Officer |
Clerical Officer |
Clerical Officer — Salary Scale (full PRSI) €17,308.63 (min) to €28,067.10 (2nd long service increment) |
|
Clerical Officer |
Clerical Officer |
Clerical Officer — Salary Scale (full PRSI) €17,308.63 (min) to €28,067.10 (2nd long service increment) |
*A quarter of the private secretary's time was taken up with constituency duties. While there were no public relations staff employed, the resources of the Department's press office were available to the Minister of State.
148 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason there is a change in the guidelines for the renewal of drift and draft net licences for the 2005 fishing season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31748/04]
I recently introduced the Control of Fishing for Salmon (Amendment) Order 2004 for the purpose of extending from 30 November to 31 January the date by which applications for commercial fishing licences must be received by the regional fisheries boards. This will allow the fisheries boards more time to put in place the annual administrative arrangements for salmon fishing licensing, as well as removing the onus on fishermen to lodge their licence applications so far in advance of the start of the salmon fishing season.
The Deputy will be aware that a sub-group of the National Salmon Commission has comprehensively reviewed the provisions of the Control of Fishing for Salmon Order 1980 and subsequent amendments. A number of practicable amendments to the orders have been identified with a view to updating and improving the qualifying criteria under which licence applications would be prioritised and assessed by the regional fisheries boards. These amendments reflect best practice in the context of the current management of a licensing system.
A draft order, incorporating the proposed amendments, has been referred to the Attorney General's office for legal advice on its applicability. It is my intention that the final draft will revert to the National Salmon Commission for its endorsement, following consultation with the stakeholders whom it represents, before implementing any changes to the orders.
149 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding the buyout of drift and draft net fishing licences in the Shannon Estuary and the Feale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31749/04]
The Government has consistently ruled out buyout as an effective means of achieving the restoration of salmon stocks and instead promoted the application of quotas on commercial fishing and bag limits on angling to achieve catch reductions as the best instrument available to achieve this objective. Moreover, no convincing case has been advanced as to the public good that would be achieved by the State in the context of a publicly funded buyout, nor why stakeholders benefiting from increased numbers of salmon entering the rivers should not contribute in whole or in part towards achieving that increase. Consequently, I have no plans to introduce proposals to purchase commercial salmon fishing licences including those licences in the Shannon Estuary and Feale. As I previously indicated to the House, I would be prepared, however, to keep the matter under review and would be open to any relevant proposals whereby stakeholders benefiting from any reduction in commercial catch might fund in whole or in part any compensation arising.
150 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the Government’s policy regarding the future of small, rural post offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31780/04]
The Government and the board of An Post are committed to the objective of securing a viable and sustainable rural post office network as set out in the programme for Government.
It may be useful, at this stage, to illustrate the current strength of the network. There are 1,000 automated post offices, 475 non-automated post offices and 160 postal agencies. An Post has established 3,000 Postpoint outlets in retail premises, of which 600 can be used for bill payment.
The future of the post office network has been subject to a number of studies and reviews in recent years and many of the recommendations made have been implemented. The post office network at present has a high volume of people passing through the premises, a recognised brand name and a countrywide retail network. The priority for all stakeholders is to build on these strengths to maintain and increase the amount of business being conducted through the network in order to secure its future.
There is widespread recognition that the best development strategy to sustain the network is for An Post to continue adapting to its customer needs within the financial constraints in which it now finds itself. As part of this strategy, An Post has secured additional business for the network, including bill pay facilities for the ESB, phone top-ups through their Postpoint service and a contract with the AIB under which the bank's customers can access their accounts through the network. Further opportunities from both the public and private sectors are being actively explored by the company with a view to bringing on stream additional services at the post office counter, where possible.
The long-term future of the post office can only be secured by meeting the demands of customers. In this regard, I have asked the Irish Postmasters' Union and An Post to work in partnership with a view to securing existing business and to pursue new business opportunities at every opportunity. As outlined above, that strategy is being followed with some success by the company.
The overarching objective going forward continues to be the retention of post office services, in as many locations as possible, in the manner which best meets consumer needs whether services are provided via post offices, postal agencies or the Postpoint network.
151 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare whose current passport was issued by the Irish Embassy in Madrid on 4 April 2002 and who wishes to travel to the US in five weeks’ time, may exchange their current passport for a machine readable passport without incurring any associated costs or any deduction in the length of validation of their passport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31653/04]
The position is that the appropriate statutory fee has to be paid on each occasion when a passport is sought. The relevant fees are set out in SI 82 Diplomatic and Consular Fees (Amendment) Regulations 2004. There is no provision in these regulations for the issue of replacement passports free of charge.
The situation in question has arisen because of a change in US requirements. From 26 October 2004, all Irish passport holders visiting the United States require an individual machine-readable passport to avail of the US visa waiver programme. Holders of hand-written passports have the option of either replacing their existing passport with a machine readable one, including, as indicated above, paying the appropriate fee, or obtaining a visa, in advance, from their nearest US diplomatic or consular mission. These new requirements apply to all visa waiver countries, including Ireland.
My Department, on being informed of this new requirement, sought to publicise it so that holders of Irish passports that are not machine-written would be able to obtain new machine-readable passports in good time if they envisaged travelling to the US, or, alternatively, to obtain visas. An arrangement was also put in place last year to produce machine-readable passports in Dublin for applicants abroad who requested such a passport, although this would not have benefited the person in question given that his passport was issued in 2002.
My Department is currently developing a new passport system and when this is fully operational, all Irish passports, whether issued at home or abroad, will be machine-written. In the meantime, I am afraid that, because of the change in US requirements, the Department is not in a position to be of assistance regarding the person's request other than in the normal way, to facilitate the issuing of a new passport to him.
152 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of civil servants and other staff employed on constituency and public relations work for each of his Ministers of State; the grade and remuneration of each of these members of staff; and if he will compare these employees to those employed by the corresponding Minister of State at November 2001. [31692/04]
The tables below set out the total number of staff serving in the constituency offices of Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs, Deputy Treacy, and the Minister of State with responsibility for overseas development and human rights, Deputy Conor Lenihan, respectively.
|
Grade |
Number |
Salary Scale w.e.f. 01/12/04 |
|
Personal Secretary |
1 |
€19,499 —€35,657 |
|
Executive Officer |
1 |
€27,057 —€40,083 |
|
Clerical Officer |
3 |
€20,520 —€31,573 |
|
Grade |
Number |
Salary Scale w.e.f. 01/12/04 |
|
Personal Secretary |
1 |
€19,499 —€35,657 |
|
Personal Assistant |
1 |
€39,035 —€46,119 |
|
Clerical Officer |
3 |
€20,520 —€31,573 |
153 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the figures announced in the Estimates for 2005 for the overseas aid budget; the way in which he reached the estimate of 0.5% of GNP by 2007 when the calculations provided by Dóchas indicate that it will only come to 0.44% of GNP by 2007. [31727/04]
The Book of Estimates provides for an increase of €60 million in Government spending on official development assistance in 2005. This will bring total Government aid to the developing world next year to €535 million, an all-time record. In addition, the Government has agreed to make increases of €65 million in each of the years 2006 and 2007. As a result of these very substantial increases, €1.8 billion will be spent by Ireland on development assistance over the coming three years. It is not possible to predict precisely what the official development assistance-GNP percentage will amount to in 2007 given that the GNP growth rates for the next three years are not known. I hope we can get as close as possible to 0.5% but, as I have indicated, this cannot be predicted accurately at this stage.
154 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his proposals to meet the concerns of the diocesan council for the united dioceses of Cashel and Ossory regarding overseas development aid (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31783/04]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions Nos. 70 and 146 on 24 November 2004.
156 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will report on the success of the overseas promotion of this country as a tourist location; if objectives identified in the national development plan have been achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31643/04]
Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland set a very ambitious target of 3.9% growth in visitor numbers here for 2004. There is no doubt that 2004 has been a demanding year for tourism. Based on the Central Statistics Office figures available for the first nine months of the year — which show growth to date of just under 3% — the overall result at the end of the year is expected to fall short of the target. In the context of growing competition from newer destinations, particularly in Europe, growth of 3% would represent a good overall performance when compared with some of our near competitors who have been experiencing little or negative growth this year.
The performance of Great Britain — our largest volume market by far — has been flat to date and this has had a major impact on the overall performance of the sector this year. Increased competition, particularly from eastern Europe, and a general slowing down in outbound tourism to traditional western European destinations are seen as key challenges to Ireland's marketability in Britain this year and over the years ahead. In terms of the tourism objectives in the national development plan, the latest full year figures for 2003 show a very positive outcome against three of the four mid-term targets set for the tourism marketing measure.
By the end of 2003, foreign earnings had exceeded the mid-term target by almost €500 million. The proportionate number of visitors arriving during the peak July to August season had been reduced from 27% to 25%, exceeding the mid-term target of 26%. The daily visitor spend target of €54.64 has also been exceeded by almost €2. The fourth national development plan objective for tourism marketing relates to regional dispersal, with a mid-term target of a 1.5% shift in the proportion of overall visitors staying in the Border midland and western region from 25% to 26.5%. Based on 2003 figures, the proportion of visitors to the region stood at 26.2%, which represents significant movement towards meeting the target of 26.5%.
The regional dispersal of visitors continues to be a major challenge, particularly given the increasing trend towards shorter, more frequent holidays which tend to favour urban areas with good direct access. Achieving greater regional distribution remains a key policy objective and many existing programmes and initiatives are aimed at promoting tourism development more widely. In developing their new marketing programmes under this measure, both Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland are pursuing strategies to address the challenges in boosting regional tourism.
158 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent to which he expects to direct policy in the arts sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31649/04]
The Arts Act 2003 allows me as Minister to influence policy in several ways. I can direct the Arts Council to comply with ministerial or Government policy on the arts, but this provision has not been used to date, and I would envisage it being used quite sparingly. However, the Act also allows me to require the establishment of a special committee, with members appointed both by me and by the council, to advise the council on specified areas of arts policy. To date, one such special committee has been appointed, which advised the council on the support of the traditional arts. Decisions have not yet been taken on the establishment of further special committees.
159 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the outcome of recent discussions he has had with the Football Association of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31650/04]
I met with officials of the Football Association of Ireland on 3 November 2004 arising from the recent developments within the association which resulted in the departure of the chief executive officer of the association. I have had no further meetings with since then Football Association of Ireland.
At the meeting, I reiterated to the association officials in attendance that the Government looks to the association to become a dependable, effective and efficient organisation capable of accepting and discharging its responsibilities for projects to which the Government has committed substantial support from public funds. These include the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road stadium, the development of a sports campus at Abbotstown, funding under the sports capital programme for soccer clubs at national, regional and local levels and the funding provided to the association by the Irish Sports Council.
160 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the contents of correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31683/04]
The correspondence referred to by the Deputy has been brought to my attention. I refer the Deputy to my answer to Questions Nos. 149 and 188 of 20 October last. I fully support the delivery of the reform agenda mapped out in the Genesis Report and I have indicated to the Football Association of Ireland that the positions of chief executive and director of finance should be publicly advertised by the end of this year and that the terms of reference for both these posts be agreed beforehand by the joint Irish Sports Council and Ireland Liaison Group which oversees the implementation of the Genesis Report. I welcome the confirmation by the Football Association of Ireland that it intends to advertise these positions by the end of the year.
I look forward to working closely with the Football Association of Ireland in the continued development of the game of soccer particularly in the many infrastructural projects which are being developed and which will have a major positive impact on Irish soccer.
162 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of civil servants and other staff employed on constituency and public relations work for each of his Ministers of State; the grade and remuneration of each of these members of staff; and if he will compare these employees to those employed by the corresponding Minister of State at November 2001. [31693/04]
I wish to inform the Deputy that a Minister of State has not been appointed to my Department.
163 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the grants available to the County Kildare centres for the unemployed to permit them to continue to provide facilities for the many persons seeking advice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31686/04]
170 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the funding available to the County Kildare centres for the unemployed (details supplied); if such funding is allocated to the ICTU; if so, when the funding will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31744/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 163 and 170 together.
FÁS informs me that it provides funding directly to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions centre for the unemployed in Kildare through the community employment programme. This enables the centre to provide places for persons who are unemployed and disadvantaged in order to assist them in re-entry to the labour market.
In addition, the scheme supports the provision of information services to Leixlip, Newbridge and Athy. Funding for these projects next year will be at the level of 2004 and will be included as part of FÁS community employment allocation in the midlands region in 2005.
164 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps taken to ensure that the health and safety issues, that is, safety statements, are rigorously enforced in the delivery of hydrocarbon fluids, namely, petrol and diesel, on public roads in view of the enormous amounts of road spillage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31813/04]
The delivery of hydrocarbon fuels, namely, petrol and diesel, by road within the State is regulated primarily under the Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road Act 1998, No. 43 of 1998, which transposes Council Directive 94/55/EC — ADR Framework Directive — on the transport of dangerous goods by road.
The provisions in the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989 relating to the preparation of safety statements applies in the case of vehicles as to any other place of work. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989 is enforced by the Health and Safety Authority. Although a safety statement must specify the manner in which safety, health and welfare of persons employed shall be secured, all relevant practical issues in respect of fuel oil transport are specified in detailed technical regulations, namely, the Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road Regulations 2004 — S.I. No. 29 of 2004 — which transpose for the purposes of national transport activities the requirements of the 2003 European Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road.
No reports of dangerous occurrences relating to spills of petrol or diesel from dangerous goods road tankers on to the public roads have, been received by the Health and Safety Authority in 2004. The consequences of spillages of diesel or fuel oil which have a direct bearing on road safety or the environment does not fall within the remit of the Health and Safety Authority.
165 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his speech on 10 November 2004, in which he stated that there will be no compulsory cessation of social economy programmes, means that programmes which terminated within the past number of months may be extended. [31663/04]
166 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has given directions to FÁS on to social economy schemes in view of his speech of 10 November 2004 indicating that there will be no compulsory cessation of such schemes. [31664/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 166 together.
FÁS has been informed of my decision on the operation of the social economy programme, which plays a very valuable role in communities throughout the country. Where prior to this decision it was agreed that it was not practical or feasible to continue to support an enterprise, it is not intended to reintroduce funding under the social economy programme. In cases where a social economy programme enterprise has provided a valuable service, FÁS will support this service through community employment.
167 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if an application to review a work permit in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be expedited; the timeframe involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31665/04]
A work permit issued to the employer on 19 November 2004.
168 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of civil servants and other staff employed on constituency and public relations work for each of his Ministers of State; the grade and remuneration of each of these members of staff; and if he will compare these employees to those employed by the corresponding Minister of State at November 2001. [31694/04]
The table below shows the staff complement and grade breakdown in the offices of the two Ministers of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment who are engaged in constituency work. It also contains an outline of the staffing complement in the respective constituency offices at November 2001.
|
Total |
Grade Breakdown |
|
|
November 2004 |
||
|
Office of the Minister for Trade & Commerce, Mr. Michael Ahern T.D. |
3 — includes 1 civil servant |
1 Personal Assistant, 1 Personal Secretary, 1 Clerical Officer |
|
Office of the Minister for Labour Affairs, Mr. Tony Killeen T.D. |
3 — includes 1 civil servant |
1 Personal Assistant, 1 Personal Secretary (on a 50% part-time basis), 1 Clerical Officer |
|
November 2001 |
||
|
Office of the Minister for Science & Technology, Mr. Noel Treacy T.D. |
3 — includes 1 civil servant |
1 Personal Assistant, 1 Personal Secretary, 1 Clerical Officer |
|
Office of the Minister for Labour Affairs, Mr. Tom Kitt T.D. |
5 — includes 3 civil servants |
1 Personal Assistant, 1 Personal Secretary, 3 Clerical Officers |
The remuneration for the posts of personal assistant and personal secretary requires the specific approval of the Minister for Finance. The salary payable depends on the individual's previous employment status and earnings prior to his or her commencement in the post. In general, the salary payable to personal assistants ranges from €38,270 to a maximum of €45,215 per annum, while the salary payable to a personal secretary ranges from €25,200 to a maximum of €41,436 per annum. Furthermore, the Department has a press and media relations office which informs the public about the policies, functions and activities of the Department, my office and the two offices of the Ministers of State.
169 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the proposed enterprise centre (details supplied) in Athy, County Kildare; if the necessary funding has been designated for the project; if there have been delays in regard to such funding; the number of potential jobs projected in regard to the proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31743/04]
The administration of the community enterprise centre scheme is a day to day matter for Enterprise Ireland and not one in which I am directly involved. The Athy community enterprise centre has been approved funding under the 2002 community enterprise centre scheme, it is under construction at Woodstock Industrial Estate and will be completed during December 2004. The project is an initiative of the Athy investment development and employment forum, which was established to identify and act on the needs of Athy for enterprise, job creation and infrastructural developments.
The centre consists of a 12,500 sq. ft. facility, 20 commercial units, meeting rooms, offices etc. Employment at the centre, when it is fully operational, will number 40. There is scope to develop a second phase of 8,000 sq. ft. when required. The project has been approved €300,000 in capital support by Enterprise Ireland under the community enterprise support scheme 2002 as well as an additional €38,000 towards the cost of a centre manager for an initial two-year period. Kildare County Enterprise Board has approved €127,000 funding; Kildare County Council has approved €135,000 over three years; and Athy Town Council's contribution is €105,000 over three years.
The community is committed to raise €75,000 by way of local contribution. Bank borrowings constitute the balance. All the State funding has been allocated and a substantial amount has been drawn down by stage payments. Enterprise Ireland is not aware of any significant delays that have occurred since construction commenced. There was an initial delay of approximately one year in the project concerning the finalisation of the location of the centre. Alternative options were considered, a site had to be located, the site acquired, planning permission sought etc. The site has been acquired from IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland understands that the IDA has instructed its solicitor to make arrangements for the closing of the sale.
The Athy community enterprise centre aims to become a one-stop-shop for existing businesses that wish to grow their operation; a resource for potential entrepreneurs; and a business-friendly location where tenants can operate in a safe, clean and modern premises with full supporting facilities. The centre is also anxious to make part of the premises available for agencies that operate to promote and develop Athy. Enterprise Ireland is available to discuss the status of the project with any of the partners concerned.
171 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will make provision for the abolition of the means testing of the carer’s allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31619/04]
175 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the status of the review of the carer’s allowance and carer’s benefit schemes; the likely date of its completion and publication of recommendations. [31672/04]
176 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the abolition of the means test for the carer’s allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31673/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 171, 175 and 176 together.
The primary objective of the carer's allowance is to provide income support to low income carers. In line with other social assistance schemes, the means test is applied to the carer's allowance so as to ensure that limited resources are directed to those in greatest need. The means test applied to the allowance has been eased significantly in the past few years, most notably with the introduction of disregards of spouse's earnings. In April 2004 the weekly income disregards increased to €250 for a single carer and to €500 for a couple. The effect of this increase, for example, ensures that a couple with two children, earning a joint annual income of up to €29,328, can qualify for the maximum rate of carer's allowance, while the same couple, if they had an income of €46,384 could still qualify for the minimum carer's allowance, the free schemes and the respite care grant.
The complete abolition of the means test would have substantial cost implications. It is estimated, based on available data, that abolition of the means test could cost in the region of €160 million per annum. This estimate should be taken as an order of magnitude given the difficulties in costing such a proposal. The views of some support and health organisations is that if resources of this scale were available, it would be more beneficial to carers to invest in the type of community care services which would support them in their caring role, such as additional respite care facilities. My officials are carrying out a review of the carer's allowance and carer's benefit schemes within the Department. The issues and recommendations raised by the Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs in its report, The Position of Full-time Carers, are being considered in the context of this review. The review is at an advanced stage and measures will be finalised as soon as possible in the new year.
172 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will take immediate measures to assist persons in receipt of rent allowance who are refused accommodation in the private rented sector due to the fact that some landlords are failing to declare their investment properties in order to evade tax. [31633/04]
I am aware of allegations that some landlords are unwilling to accept rent supplement recipients as tenants. However, the fact that there are over 57,500 rent supplement recipients indicates that many landlords are willing to accept people in receipt of rent supplement as tenants. The amount of accommodation for rent has increased significantly in recent years and this has also had a positive impact on prices. Data published by the Central Statistics Office show that, on average, rents have fallen in the last two years. These trends are favouring tenants in their search for accommodation and increase the range of accommodation available to them. It would not be possible to require property owners to rent their properties to any person if they are unwilling to do so.
It is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners to ensure that all people, including landlords, pay the appropriate amount of tax. My Department, however, facilitates the process by transmitting data to the Revenue Commissioners on landlords who have tenants in receipt of rent supplement.
Separately, the new Private Residential Tenancies Board requires landlords to register all tenancies. My Department is assisting this process by including information about the board in payments issued to rent supplement clients during December, and by putting arrangements in place to notify the board of the names of landlords in rent supplement cases to help ensure compliance with the new system of tenancy regulation and safeguards.
173 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason one parent family allowance has been refused in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare in view of the fact that an irrevocable judicial separation has been granted, that he has custody of his two children and is prevented from seeking maintenance from his ex-wife by virtue of the legal separation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31651/04]
Under the regulations governing the one parent family payment scheme, a separated spouse is required to make appropriate efforts in the particular circumstances to obtain adequate maintenance from her or his spouse for herself or himself and the children. In the case of the person concerned, he was requested by a deciding officer of the Department to make efforts to seek maintenance from his spouse. However, to date he has not forwarded documentary evidence of his efforts in this respect. On receipt of the requested documentation an early decision will be made and he will be notified of the outcome without delay. 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.
174 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will take steps to ensure that all social welfare pensions including those issued fortnightly will issue on a weekly basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31671/04]
Since 18 November 2004 social welfare pensions, which were paid fortnightly by electronic fund transfer into bank accounts etc. are now paid weekly. All social welfare pensions are, therefore, now paid weekly. Some 89,000 pensioners paid by electronic fund transfer have benefited from this improvement.
178 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when the personal advocacy service for persons with disabilities will be implemented; the funding which has been allocated to this service to date and for 2005; if the service will be available in all Comhairle centres in 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31682/04]
The introduction of a personal advocacy service aimed specifically at people with disabilities is provided for in the Comhairle (Amendment) Bill 2004 which was published last September in conjunction with the Disability Bill 2004 and outline sectoral plans and as part of the Government's national disability strategy.
Under the provisions of the Bill, the new personal advocacy service would be administered by the national information agency, Comhairle. The new service would provide for the assignment of a personal advocate to a person with a disability who is unable or who has difficulty in obtaining a social service without the assistance or support of the personal advocate. The main function of the personal advocate would be to assist, support and represent the person with a disability in applying for and obtaining a social service and also in pursuing any right of review or appeal in connection with that service. The new service will be available initially from Comhairle's head office and from its regional offices in due course.
179 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the requalification period for benefit payments after a claim has expired. [31734/04]
A person may requalify for unemployment benefit if his or her full unemployment benefit entitlement has expired and he or she has paid 13 contributions at the appropriate class. The person may pay these 13 contributions at any time after he or she has exhausted his or her entitlement to unemployment benefit. Alternatively, if he or she finds a total of 13 weeks work between the 157th day and the 390th day of his or her unemployment benefit claim, then he or she may requalify for unemployment benefit immediately when his or her original claim is exhausted after 390 days.
In such cases, the claim is treated as a new claim for unemployment benefit. The usual three waiting days apply and the person must satisfy all of the other statutory conditions for receipt of unemployment benefit. For example, he or she must have at least 39 reckonable contributions paid or credited in the governing contribution year or, alternatively, at least 26 reckonable contributions paid in both the governing contribution year and the year immediately preceding that. In the case of disability benefit, if a person has a total of 260 weeks contributions paid, five years, since starting work, disability benefit can continue for as long as he or she is unfit for work and under age 66. No requalification period applies to such cases.
If a person has between 52 and 259 weeks PRSI paid, disability benefit may be paid for up to 52 weeks. At the end of this period, he or she can requalify for benefit after working and paying PRSI contributions for 26 weeks, or a smaller number if it brings the total paid to 260.
180 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the earnings disregard in respect of a spouse’s income and in respect of parents’ income when assessing entitlement to social welfare assistance payments; when the cash thresholds used were last revised; the age at which parents’ income ceases to be reckonable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31735/04]
In assessing an applicant's means for unemployment assistance purposes, account is taken of the benefit derived where a person is living with a parent or step-parent in the family home and is aged 26 years or under. The value of board and lodging enjoyed by an applicant is determined by reference to the parental income. Parents' income from all sources is taken into consideration for this purpose with the exception of payments made by this Department and the health boards.
Parental income is not assessed in any case other than unemployment assistance. Parental income for this purpose includes gross income less tax, PRSI, health insurance contributions, superannuation and union dues. Rent or mortgage repayments and reasonable travelling expenses are disregarded where appropriate and a parental allowance of €33.32, for a two-parent family, or €120.63, for a one-parent family, is also deducted. The balance is then divided by the number of non-earning members of the household and the figure arrived at is applied as means to the unemployment assistance applicant.
The maximum assessment that can be applied to any applicant in respect of the value of free board and lodging is limited to 17% of net parental income. In addition, where a person returns to the parental home having had an independent lifestyle for at least three years, the assessment is limited to €7.00 per week, irrespective of parental income. Where a person's means are derived solely from the value of board and lodging in the family home and where he or she is entitled to a minimum payment, that payment is increased to €40.00 per week.
Social welfare legislation provides for the assessment of income from a spouse or partner's earnings in the calculation of means for social assistance purposes. In assessing the means, account is taken of the spouse or partner's gross earnings from insurable employment, less income tax, PRSI, health insurance contributions, superannuation and union dues. In most schemes, a disregard of €38.09 plus travelling expenses or €88.88 of the spouse or partner's earnings from employment is applied, depending on the level of employment. The balance is then halved and assessed as means. Income disregards from the spouse or partner's earnings were last revised in March 2000. Where the spouse or partner is self-employed, earnings are assessed as gross income less expenses necessarily incurred.
181 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if additional funding of €20,000 will be provided for a project (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31738/04]
The project in question is funded under the scheme of grants to voluntary organisations providing marriage, child and bereavement counselling services, which is administered by the family support agency. The group was awarded grant aid of €40,000 for 2004 for the provision of marriage counselling, marriage preparation courses, separation and bereavement counselling and support, including the rainbows programme. This represented an increase of 32% on the 2003 allocation.
An award of €1,000 was made to the group under the Government's special awards scheme to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the United Nations International Year of the Family, towards the costs of providing a number of workshops on family related themes. Neither of these schemes provides for the employment of staff. My Department's family and community services resource centre programme provides financial assistance to projects to assist with the staffing and equipping of local family resource centres, which provide a focal point for community development activities.
The aim of the family resource centres programme is essentially to help combat disadvantage by improving the functioning of the family unit. The emphasis in the projects is on the involvement of local communities in developing approaches to tackle the problems they face and on creating successful partnerships between the voluntary and statutory agencies in the area concerned. Family resource centres involve people from marginalised and most vulnerable groups, and from areas of disadvantage, at all levels in the project. Approval has been granted for the establishment of a separate family resource centre in the area concerned and the group involved for inclusion in the family resource centre programme is developing a workplan.
182 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will make provision in the Social Welfare Bill for a waiver scheme from charges for the collection of domestic refuse by private contractors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31740/04]
Issues regarding the collection of domestic refuse, including the question of waiver schemes, are the responsibility in the first instance of my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
While no provision has been made for a waiver scheme from charges for the collection of domestic refuse by private contractors in the context of the forthcoming Social Welfare Bill, I am concerned about the effect on social welfare recipients of emerging trends. I propose to consult colleagues on the matter, and I have sought a full report from my Department on the issue.
183 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Transport the number of individuals waiting for a driving test in County Kerry; the average waiting time for a driving test in the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31639/04]
The number of persons currently awaiting a driving test and the current average waiting time at driving test centres in County Kerry at 29 November 2004 are set out in the following table.
|
Test Centre |
No. of Applicants |
Average Waiting time |
|
Killarney |
2,023 |
34 weeks |
|
Tralee |
1,747 |
28 weeks |
184 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport his plans to encourage or promote air links between Ireland and Asia. [31797/04]
My Department has negotiated and signed several air transport agreements with countries in Asia and the Middle East.
In the coming year, my officials will be holding negotiations with officials from Bahrain and are confident that those will lead to the signing of an agreement. Such agreements provide the regulatory framework within which air services can be provided.
While the decision as to whether to operate on a particular route is a commercial one for the airlines concerned, my Department takes every opportunity in its contacts with airlines to encourage the commencement of new international services.
185 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the number of civil servants and other staff employed on constituency and public relations work for each of his Ministers of State; the grade and remuneration of each of those members of staff; and if he will compare those employees with those employed by the corresponding Minister of State at November 2001. [31696/04]
The following tables provide the information requested by the Deputy. The total salary costs are based on current salary scales.
|
Office |
Total Staff |
Grade/Job Title |
Salary Scale Cost per Annum |
|
Constituency |
1 |
Personal Assistant |
€38,270 —€48,558 |
|
Constituency |
1 |
Personal Secretary |
€18,742 —€36,160 |
|
Constituency |
1 |
Staff Officer |
€30,330 —€40,365 |
|
Constituency |
2 |
Clerical Officer |
€20,117 —€32,622 |
|
Office |
Total Staff |
Grade/Job Title |
Total Salary Cost per Annum |
|
Constituency |
1 |
Personal Assistant |
€38,270 —€48,558 |
|
Constituency |
1 |
Personal Secretary |
€25,200 —€41,436 |
|
Constituency |
3 |
Clerical Officer |
€20,117 —€32,622 |
186 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Transport when the new EU regulation to replace the existing drivers hours’ rules, as set out in Regulation 3820/85, will be finally adopted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31785/04]
At the Transport Council in Brussels on 11 June last, the Council reached political agreement on its common position on the Commission proposal to replace the existing drivers' hours rules.
Following that political agreement, the text is subject to final settling by legal and language experts in all the languages of the Community before the common position is formally adopted. That is scheduled to take place at the Transport Council later this month. The next stage in the process is that the European Parliament will consider the common position in its second reading of the proposal. There is a time limit of three months on the second reading, after which a further three months is provided for the Council to consider the Parliament's second reading.
If the Council is unable to accept the Parliament's second reading, the conciliation procedure is invoked with a view to finding a compromise. The whole procedure leading to final adoption — assuming, of course, that an agreement can be reached between the Council and Parliament — is likely to take between nine and 12 months.
187 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of civil servants and other staff employed on constituency and public relations work for each of his Ministers of State; the grade and remuneration of each of those members of staff; and if he will compare those employees with those employed by the corresponding Minister of State at November 2001. [31697/04]
There are no civil servants or other staff employed on constituency or public relations work for the Minister of State in my Department.
As the Deputy is aware, my Department was established in June 2002, and it is difficult to make direct comparisons with the situation pertaining in November 2001, given the major changes in functions and personnel that have taken place in the meantime. I can confirm, however, that in November 2001 the Minister of State at the then Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands had a total of three staff engaged on constituency work at the grades of personal assistant, personal secretary and clerical officer, who were remunerated in accordance with the standard pay scales for those grades.
188 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has received an application for funding for Cregg House, Sligo through the dormant accounts fund disbursement; the negotiations that have taken place; when a decision will be made; the amount of funding that will be granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31810/04]
Decisions on the disbursement of funds from dormant accounts moneys 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 Limited, or ADM, to administer the initial round of funding on its behalf, which involves the disbursement of up to €60 million from the fund.
I understand that an application relating to Cregg House, Sligo was received by ADM on 2 March 2004. That application is currently being evaluated against the criteria set out in the published guidelines. Following that evaluation process, a recommendation will be made to the dormant accounts board for decision. The group concerned will be advised of the board's decision in due course.
The board has to date approved 318 projects for funding totalling approximately €30 million. Over the coming months, further allocations will be made by the board up to a total figure of €60 million.
189 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, further to Question No. 186 of 25 November 2004, if he will provide the list of translators for internal use and which has been made available to other public bodies on request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31830/04]
As I indicated in my reply to Question No. 186 of 25 November 2004, my Department maintains a list of translators for internal use, which, on request, has been made available to other public bodies. Inclusion of a translator on this list neither purports to be nor constitutes a recommendation or an endorsement by my Department of any translator listed. I have arranged for a copy of the list to be forwarded to the Deputy for his information.
I again make the point that Foras na Gaeilge has initiated a process by which a quality assurance system will be put in place for private sector translation services. When in place, this will be of practical assistance to public bodies that need to source external translation services. It is, of course, and will remain, the responsibility of third parties to inform themselves of the translation services available and to satisfy themselves as to the quality and value for money of the services on offer.
190 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when area aid payments will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31640/04]
The 2004 area aid application for the person named has been fully processed with an area determined for payment purposes of 63.72 hectares. He was paid his full entitlement under the 2004 area-based compensatory allowance scheme on the maximum of 45 hectares on 24 November 2004.
The 60% advance entitlement under the 2004 suckler cow scheme amounting to €4303.68 in respect of 32 animals issued to the person named on 25 November 2004.
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.
191 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of civil servants and other staff employed on constituency and public relations work for each of her Ministers of State; the grade and remuneration of each of those members of staff; and if she will compare those employees with those employed by the corresponding Minister of State at November 2001. [31698/04]
The following table shows the breakdown of staff in the offices of my two Ministers of State.
|
Grade |
Number |
Salary Scale |
Number in 2001 |
|
Personal Assistant |
1 |
€373.68 —€720.98 i.e. Secretarial Assistants salary scale + 10% higher duty allowance |
1 |
|
Personal Secretary |
1 |
€373.68 —€720.98 i.e. Secretarial Assistant salary scale + 10% higher duty allowance |
1 |
|
Clerical Officers |
3* |
€393.25 —€637.68 i.e. Clerical Officer salary scale. |
|
|
Executive Officer |
— |
1 |
|
|
Staff Officer |
— |
1 |
*Three clerical officers employed on constituency matters as assigned daily.
|
Grade |
Number |
Salary Scale |
Number in 2001 |
|
Personal Assistant |
1 |
€373.68 —€720.98 Secretarial Assistant salary scale + 10% higher duty allowance. |
1 |
|
Clerical Officer |
2 |
€393.25 —€637.68 i.e. Clerical Officer salary scale |
2 |
|
Temp Clerical Officer |
1 |
€373.58 —€605.83 i.e. Clerical Officer salary scale (unestablished) |
|
|
Personal Secretary |
— |
1 |
|
|
Staff Officer |
— |
1 |
|
|
Executive Officer |
— |
1 |
192 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the status of the appeal under the single payment scheme for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; when a decision will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31741/04]
The person named has been notified that the circumstances outlined in her single payment scheme application did not satisfy the criteria for force majeure or exceptional circumstances under Article 40 of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1782/2003.
Following that decision, the person named submitted an appeal to the independent single payment appeals committee.
A full review of the circumstances of the case will be carried out by the independent single payment appeals committee, and the person named will be notified shortly of the outcome.
193 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding an application for funding from a society (details supplied); if, in view of the work it carries out, and the expenses incurred in running it, the allocation will be greatly increased and put on a statutory footing in order that it can plan its programme in advance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31742/04]
I am pleased to confirm that I have approved payment of a grant of €17,000 to Kildare and West Wicklow SPCA in order to assist with the very good work that it does in the delivery of animal care and welfare services in the Kildare and Wicklow areas.
In the past, grants made to animal welfare bodies by my Department were paid from residual funds in the Department's Vote at the end of each year. However, it has now been decided to allocate specific funds for this purpose, and a specific provision will be included in future in my Department's estimates.
194 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if urgent assistance will be given to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 and the maximum support and advice. [31784/04]
The application in question was made on 9 November 2004 in our office in the Embassy of Ireland, Beijing.
The visa officer examined the application and the accompanying documentation and concluded that it was not reasonable in the circumstances to grant a visa as he was not satisfied with the details provided on the application or the supporting documentation. It is, of course, open to the applicant to appeal that decision.
195 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in the case of a person (details supplied) indication was given regarding whether the person or persons sponsoring the application were relatives or had the permission of the child’s mother; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31605/04]
All the Department's records on this matter were supplied in June 2003 on foot of a request under the Freedom of Information Act to the person to whom the Deputy refers.
On the basis of the information contained in those records — which cover the period from 1961 to 1963 — there is no evidence to suggest that the persons sponsoring the application for naturalisation were relatives of the child.
While there is information on the file to the effect that the child's natural parents had ceded parental responsibility to a UK-based adoption society, there is no direct evidence on file from the parents or adoption society to support that contention.
196 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the extra staff allocated to the central vetting unit will be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31606/04]
197 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of applications awaiting processing by the central vetting unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31607/04]
198 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the categories of application currently accepted by the central vetting unit for vetting; the categories of application that will be accepted from the start of 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31608/04]
199 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a system of vetting will be placed on a statutory basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31609/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 196 to 199, inclusive, together.
The Garda central vetting unit, or GCVU, currently processes vetting requests in respect of prospective full-time employees in the health care area and in several designated agencies.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of vetting applications currently awaiting processing within the GCVU is approximately 2,000, with an average turnaround time for processing of approximately three weeks.
The additional human resources secured for the GCVU will be put in place in the context of the implementation, in a co-ordinated fashion, of the practical recommendations of the working group on Garda vetting. Those practical recommendations are being brought forward within the auspices of an implementation group comprising the key stakeholders. The extension of the services of the GCVU will commence in the course of next year, as soon as the necessary practical arrangements are in place. The working group's recommendations relating to legislation remain under consideration.
200 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the PULSE computer system will be available to members of a Garda station (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31610/04]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently no plans to extend the PULSE system to the station referred to by the Deputy.
A decision whether to extend on-line access of PULSE to the station will be taken in the context of the Garda information and communications technology strategy currently under preparation in the Garda Síochána.
201 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí driving accidents in the past two years; the financial loss involved; if the drivers in respect of each accident were fully qualified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31611/04]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that members of the Garda Síochána are allowed to drive official vehicles in two circumstances, namely, that they hold at least a class B driving licence and have been authorised to drive by the chief superintendent or that they have completed an official driving course.
The latest date for which the information requested by the Deputy is available is for the years 2002 and 2003 and is as set out hereunder.
|
Year |
Driving Accidents |
Cost of Repairs |
Completed Official Course |
Chief Superintendent’s Permission |
|
2002 |
439 |
€393,934 |
354 |
85 |
|
2003 |
422 |
€407,498 |
330 |
92 |
I am further informed that several personal injury actions as a result of accidents that occurred in 2002 and 2004 are still ongoing. Payments made in 2002 and 2003 will in most cases refer to accidents which occurred in other years. The amount paid out in settlements and costs amounted to €3,277,005.90 in 2002 and €2,501,537.27 in 2003.
202 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when persons (details supplied) in Dublin 15 will be granted naturalisation. [31612/04]
Applications for certificates of naturalisation from the persons referred to by the Deputy were received in the citizenship section of my Department on 24 September 2003. The average processing time for such applications is currently 24 months. It is likely, therefore, that the applications of the individuals concerned will be finalised by September 2005. I will inform the applicant and the Deputy as soon as I have reached a decision on the applications.
203 Mr. English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a person (details supplied) has been refused a visa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31613/04]
The visa application in question was approved on appeal on 25 November 2004.
204 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of civil servants and other staff employed on constituency and public relations work for each of his Ministers of State; the grade and remuneration of each of these members of staff; and if he will compare these employees to those employed by the corresponding Minister of State at November 2001. [31699/04]
The information provided below relates to the Minister of State with responsibility for disability and equality.
|
Grade |
Salary Scale |
|
Clerical Officer |
£12,950 — £21,000 |
|
Clerical Officer |
£12,950 — £21,000 |
|
Personal Assistant |
£25,661 — £32,513 |
|
Personal Secretary |
£15,881 — £26,734 + allowance of £43.74 p.w |
|
Secretarial Assistant |
£12,950 — £21,000 Job Share |
|
Secretarial Assistant |
£12,950 — £21,000 Job Share |
The Minister of State also had two civilian drivers.
|
Grade |
Salary Scale |
|
Clerical Officer |
€20,520 —€33,274 |
|
Clerical Officer |
€20,520 —€33,274 |
|
Clerical Officer |
€20,520 —€33,274 |
|
Clerical Officer |
€20,520 —€33,274 |
|
Personal Assistant |
€20,520 —€33,274 |
|
Personal Assistant |
€38,270 —€48,558 (Worksharing) |
|
Personal Secretary |
€20,520 —€33,274 |
|
Personal Secretary |
€26,526 —€41,966 (Worksharing) |
The Minister of State has two civilian drivers
In keeping with long-standing practice, these staff carry out all administrative duties related to the Minister of State's office. My colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, will reply in respect of the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan, whose office is based in the Department of Health and Children.
205 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will consider expunging the criminal records of women convicted of prostitution and other sex trade-related offences as part of a process to encourage women to take an exit route out of the sex trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31729/04]
A criminal conviction, whether minor or otherwise, reflects a verdict of the courts. There is currently no provision for expunging a criminal conviction from the Garda criminal records. With the introduction of the Children Act 2001, provision was made for a limited "wiping of the slate" in respect of most offences committed by persons under 18 years of age once certain conditions have been met. This provision, which came into operation on 1 May 2002, limits as far as possible the effects of a finding of guilt, where those conditions have been met, by treating the person for all purposes in law as a person who has not committed, been charged with, prosecuted for, found guilty or dealt with for an offence. The second programme of the Law Reform Commission for the period 2000-07 proposes, as part of an examination of the law on privacy, to consider longevity of criminal records and expunging of certain offences from the records. I will consider any recommendations which the Law Reform Commission may make on the matter.
206 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if and when the Government will ratify the UN Convention on Transnational Organised Crime and its protocols, including the protocol to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons, especially women and children. [31731/04]
The UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime and its three related protocols contain comprehensive provisions across a wide range of subjects and in certain respects go beyond my Department's responsibility. Accordingly, a number of legislative provisions in different areas of the law will be required to transpose these instruments into Irish law. The position in this regard as far as my Department is concerned is as follows. It has to provide for the requirements of the convention regarding criminalising participation in a criminal organisation. Proposals, by way of amendment, will be included in the Criminal Justice Bill 2004 which is currently awaiting Second Stage in the Dáil. Legislation to enable Ireland to ratify the protocol against the smuggling of migrants by land, sea and air is being prepared in my Department as is legislation regarding the protocol to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons, especially women and children. The legislation being prepared regarding the latter will also criminalise trafficking in human beings for the purpose of their sexual and labour exploitation as provided for in the EU Council framework decision on combating trafficking in persons and will take into account the Council of Europe draft convention on action against trafficking in human beings. Negotiations on this instrument have not yet been completed. Regarding the protocol against the illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms, their parts and components and ammunition, work is ongoing in my Department on a review of firearms policy generally with a view to new legislation which will, inter alia, transpose into Irish law those aspects of the protocol for which legislation is required to enable Ireland to ratify it. I hope to be in a position to publish proposals towards the end of next year. It should be noted that many of the provisions of that protocol are already covered by existing Irish legislation. In view of the range of legislative provisions which are required it is not possible to say at this stage when ratification of the convention and its protocols will take place.
207 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reasons for refusing a visitor’s visa on three separate occasions to the spouse of a person (details supplied) who has been working here for three years on a work permit. [31732/04]
The first application was refused on 11 December 2003 for financial reasons. The applicant did not lodge an appeal on that occasion. A second application was refused as the applicant did not provide the required documentation, detailed bank statements or payslips. The applicant was notified of this decision on 29 March 2004. The applicant lodged an appeal which was accompanied by the required documentation and on 10 May 2004 the application was approved.
208 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the names and addresses of the persons who have been appointed and re-appointed to prison visiting committees from 1 January 2004 to date; the number of politicians that have been appointed or re-appointed from 1 January 2004 to date; and if he received political representations on behalf of any of these persons. [31788/04]
The table below sets out details of the individuals appointed and re-appointed to prison visiting committees from 1 January 2004 to date. It is not practice to furnish members' personal details and the table therefore outlines the county in which each member resides, rather than their individual addresses.
|
Name of Institution |
Name of Member |
County of Residence |
Date of Appointment |
|
Castlerea Prison Visiting Committee |
Ms Mary Hoade |
Co. Galway |
9 November, 2004 |
|
Limerick Prison Visiting Committee |
Mr. Pat Driscoll |
Co. Kerry |
15 November, 2004 |
|
Cllr. Michael O’Shea |
Co. Kerry |
15 November, 2004 |
|
|
Midlands Prison Visiting Committee |
Mr. Colm Wiley |
Co. Clare |
9 April, 2004 (re-appointment) |
|
Ms Teresa Mulhare |
Co. Laois |
9 April, 2004 (re-appointment) |
|
|
Ms Jennifer Murnane O’Connor |
Co. Carlow |
9 April, 2004 (re-appointment) |
|
|
Mr. Patrick Boland |
Co. Offaly |
9 April, 2004 (re-appointment) |
|
|
Ms Nuala Halpin |
Co. Dublin |
9 April, 2004 (re-appointment) |
|
|
Ms Brigid Teefy |
Co. Limerick |
19 April, 2004 (re-appointment) |
|
|
Cllr. Jody Gunning |
Co. Offaly |
15 November, 2004 |
|
|
Mountjoy Prison Visiting Committee |
Ms Bernie Nolan |
Co. Dublin. |
4 April, 2004 (re-appointment) |
|
Ms Paddie Connellan |
Co. Longford |
4 April, 2004 (re-appointment) |
|
|
Port Laoise Prison Visiting Committee |
Ms Eilis Croke |
Co. Laois |
3 March, 2004 |
|
Ms Ann Turley |
Co. Laois |
3 March, 2004 |
|
|
Wheatfield Prison Visiting Committee |
Mr. John O’Neill |
Co. Kildare |
8 November, 2004 |
|
Mr. Stephen O’Neill |
Co. Dublin |
8 November, 2004 |
Members of prison visiting committees are, appointed by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform for a term not exceeding three years. At that point they are automatically removed from the committee and are either re-appointed for a further term or replaced by new members. No person can become a member of a visiting committee if he or she is in receipt of a salary paid out of the central fund other than a Member of Dáil Éireann or Seanad Éireann. I am not clear as to precisely what the Deputy means in relation to the number of politicians that have been appointed or re-appointed from 1 January 2004 to date. No Members of Dáil Éireann or Seanad Éireann have been appointed or re-appointed to the prison visiting committees during this period.
Since becoming Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform it is my practice to appoint all new members of prison visiting committees to a prison in their home county or a neighbouring county.
Appointments to the visiting committees are made by me on foot of representations, usually either by individuals nominating themselves or from local representatives nominating a constituent. I can confirm that representations by elected representatives were received by me in relation to nominating some of these individuals for appointment and re-appointment during these period.
209 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to a holiday visa appeal by a person (details supplied); if this can be deal with and granted as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31817/04]
I can advise the Deputy that the visa application has been approved on appeal today.
210 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí deployed at each Garda division throughout the country from 2001 to date in 2004; and the number of gardaí in each year allocated in each division to community policing duties. [31824/04]
In the time available for answering parliamentary questions it has not been possible to compile the detailed information requested by the Deputy. The information requested is being compiled at present and I will forward it to the Deputy shortly.
211 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on an application by a centre (details supplied) in County Waterford for funding to furnish its state of the art child care facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31832/04]
I understand from inquiries I have made that an application for capital grant assistance under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 was submitted by the group to my Department in March 2004. The Deputy may be aware that the group in question has already been approved €151,734 in staffing grant assistance from the programme. The EOCP is a seven year development programme which aims to increase the availability and quality of child care to support parents in employment, education and training. The progress of the programme was commented upon very favourably by the mid-term evaluators of the regional operational programmes and the National Development Plan 2000-2006 and, following the mid-term review, additional funding of approximately €12 million was made available for the child care measures. This brings the total funding available for the programme to €449.3 million. This now includes an increased provision for capital developments for which €157 million has been set aside.
Since 2000, my Department, with the technical assistance of ADM Limited, has processed and I have approved 1,271 applications for capital grant assistance of more than €118 million and 1,015 applications for staffing grant assistance totalling €104 million. Almost €44 million has been allocated for projects under the quality measure. Much of the remaining current funding is required for ongoing supports to groups providing child care services to disadvantaged families to enable them to participate in employment, education and training opportunities.
A list of outstanding capital applications is now being finalised and my Department will be writing to the applicants in early December. In the interim, it would be premature of me to comment further on this capital grant application.
212 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which she has directed the promotion of the arts in schools and colleges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31646/04]
Music, the visual arts and drama provide for sensory, emotional, intellectual and creative enrichment and contribute to the young person's holistic development and self esteem. Arts education, visual arts, music and drama, is one of the seven subject areas that comprise the primary curriculum, which was revised in 1999. The primary curriculum support programme, PCSP, provides professional development support to teachers to assist them in implementing the curriculum.
The PSCP is engaged in a wide range of support activities, including organising seminars for teachers, visiting schools and providing tailored support for individual schools and clusters of schools. Visual arts has already been implemented in schools. The in-career development programme for music will take place in the school year 2004-05. All primary teachers will receive training in the new programme during that year. Teachers will begin to implement the programme during the following school year. In preparation for this roll-out, the PCSP has recruited a team and a supplementary panel of trainers for music and an assistant national co-ordinator who has particular responsibility for this team. The role of this team is to plan supports for the implementation of the music curriculum. These trainers are currently using the new methodologies in their own classrooms and sharing their experiences and expertise with the colleagues on the staff. They also work closely with the education centre network in the provision of evening and summer courses. It is planned that in-service training for drama will take place in the school year 2005-06 with implementation the following year.
To assist schools in buying the materials and resources necessary for the implementation of the visual arts curriculum, my Department issued a grant to all primary schools in autumn 2000, at a rate of £5.50 per pupil or, for schools with 60 pupils or fewer, a minimum of £330. In addition, in December 2000, a further £6.1 million pounds was issued to support primary schools in their implementation of all aspects of arts education. This capitation grant amounts to £13 per pupil, or a minimum of £780 for schools with 60 pupils or fewer. At post-primary level there are approved syllabuses for junior certificate in music and art, craft and design. In the senior cycle there are syllabuses in music and art. Modules in the arts are also available as part of the leaving certificate applied. In the transition year programme, schools offer a variety of modules which stimulate pupils' interest in the arts in general and which, in many cases, give them the opportunity to interact with practising artists in their own classrooms and in other contexts.
The leaving certificate syllabus in music was revised for first examination in 1999. To ensure the satisfactory implementation of this syllabus, a comprehensive two-year programme of in-career development for teachers of music, was set in place. Further courses for teachers are provided on an ongoing basis. The assessment structure allows students to specialise in the component of the course best suited to their interests and ability. The broad range of performance options available to students has increased accessibility to the subject and allows for students of diverse music backgrounds to participate in the subject.
A revised syllabus in leaving certificate art has been prepared by the NCCA. My Department is engaged in ongoing discussions with the NCCA in regard to issues of implementation. New and revised syllabi must be supported by the appropriate investment in professional development and, where necessary, by investment in equipment and school facilities. The resources available from time to time do not always allow for automatic implementation of new or revised syllabi in schools immediately following finalisation by the NCCA. I will keep the matter under review.
213 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the statistical breakdown by county of data on the number of children in primary schools with class sizes of 20-29, 30-39 and 40 and over respectively; and if he will provide this information in tabular form. [31799/04]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following tabular statement.
|
County |
0-19 |
20-29 |
30-39 |
40 and over |
Total |
|
Carlow |
656 |
3,564 |
1,075 |
5,295 |
|
|
Cavan |
1,424 |
4,671 |
1,078 |
7,173 |
|
|
Clare |
2,377 |
6,000 |
3,070 |
11,447 |
|
|
Cork City |
3,227 |
7,341 |
3,260 |
13,828 |
|
|
Cork County |
4,148 |
22,274 |
9,067 |
40 |
35,529 |
|
Donegal |
3,132 |
10,137 |
3,691 |
16,960 |
|
|
Dublin Belgard |
3,205 |
15,078 |
7,580 |
46 |
25,909 |
|
Dublin City |
8,778 |
23,428 |
8,832 |
41,038 |
|
|
Dublin Fingal |
1,001 |
13,438 |
8,302 |
22,741 |
|
|
Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown |
1,344 |
8,342 |
6,363 |
40 |
16,089 |
|
Galway City |
1,102 |
3,183 |
1,281 |
5,566 |
|
|
Galway County |
4,359 |
9,088 |
3,508 |
16,955 |
|
|
Kerry |
2,357 |
9,063 |
2,789 |
14,209 |
|
|
Kildare |
904 |
12,123 |
7,744 |
20,771 |
|
|
Kilkenny |
1,166 |
5,552 |
2,415 |
9,133 |
|
|
Laois |
956 |
4,328 |
1,550 |
6,834 |
|
|
Leitrim |
669 |
1,725 |
579 |
2,973 |
|
|
Limerick City |
1,302 |
3,833 |
1,306 |
6,441 |
|
|
Limerick County |
2,199 |
7,878 |
3,114 |
13,191 |
|
|
Longford |
839 |
2,269 |
376 |
3,484 |
|
|
Louth |
1,617 |
7,027 |
3,646 |
12,290 |
|
|
Mayo |
4,174 |
7,426 |
1,616 |
13,216 |
|
|
Meath |
1,702 |
9,553 |
5,715 |
44 |
17,014 |
|
Monaghan |
1,048 |
3,930 |
1,214 |
6,192 |
|
|
Offaly |
1,237 |
5,825 |
1,156 |
8,218 |
|
|
Roscommon |
1,801 |
3,441 |
793 |
6,035 |
|
|
Sligo |
1,295 |
4,059 |
1,102 |
6,456 |
|
|
Tipperary N.R. |
1,283 |
4,852 |
898 |
7,033 |
|
|
Tipperary S.R. |
1,696 |
6,215 |
1,322 |
9,233 |
|
|
Waterford City |
548 |
3,437 |
1,226 |
5,211 |
|
|
Waterford County |
1,055 |
3,918 |
1,452 |
6,425 |
|
|
Westmeath |
1,157 |
5,817 |
1,949 |
8,923 |
|
|
Wexford |
1,394 |
9,772 |
3,514 |
42 |
14,722 |
|
Wicklow |
1,253 |
8,430 |
3,754 |
13,437 |
|
|
Nationally |
66,405 |
257,017 |
106,337 |
212 |
429,971 |
214 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the extraordinary long delay in responding to correspondence of July 2004 relating to the need for additional resource teaching and learning support needs for a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement regarding this correspondence. [31625/04]
I can confirm that my Department received correspondence from the school in question concerning its needs for resource and learning support teaching provision. The school's special educational teaching needs will be considered in the context of the proposed new model of resource teaching allocation and my officials will soon be contacting the school to clarify the position.
I am conscious of difficulties that could arise with the model if it were implemented as proposed, particularly for children in small and rural schools. Accordingly, I will be reviewing the proposed model to ensure that it provides an automatic response for pupils with common mild learning disabilities without the need for cumbersome individual applications, while at the same time ensuring that pupils in receipt of service continue to receive the level of service appropriate to their needs. The review will involve consultation with educational interests and the national council for special education before it is implemented next year.
215 Ms M. Wallace asked the Minister for Education and Science the way in which the clustering of schools will take place under the weighted model for special needs teaching, particularly with regard to three schools (details supplied) in the parish of Dunshaughlin. [31626/04]
I am conscious of difficulties that could arise with the proposed new model of resource teaching provision, particularly for children in small and rural schools, if it were implemented as proposed. Accordingly, I will be reviewing the proposed model, including the clustering arrangements associated with the model to ensure that it provides an automatic response for pupils with common mild learning disabilities without the need for cumbersome individual applications, while at the same time ensuring that pupils in receipt of service continue to receive the level of service appropriate to their needs. The review will involve consultation with educational interests and the national council for special education before it is implemented next year.
216 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will reverse the decision to close a college (details supplied) in County Dublin considering that this decision was made contrary to the advice of the consultant and her officials. [31635/04]
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 to 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 the options and taking 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 then Minister for Education and Science, 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. The college is due to close following the 2006-07 academic year. Those students are now enrolled in St. Angela's College. Officials from my Department have already met with the trustees and with management authorities of the college to discuss the necessary practical arrangements, including arrangements for the staff of the college.
In addition, accompanied by a senior official from my Department, I recently met with the board of governors and students of the college in question to further discuss the necessary practical arrangements regarding the closure. The concerns of the staff, and how these can be addressed, were discussed. I have no plans to reconsider the decision to close the college.
217 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in the development of the all-Ireland centre of excellence, the Middletown centre for autism, County Armagh, since the purchase of premises announced on 14 September 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31637/04]
Since the date in question, my officials have had a number of meetings with their counterparts in Northern Ireland on the further development of the centre. A number of working groups continue to address the legal, financial, organisational and infrastructural aspects of the proposal. For example, work is continuing on the development of a campus master plan for the Middletown property which, when complete, will guide the commissioning of any necessary infrastructure and refurbishment works. In addition, the process to recruit a chief executive officer to operate the centre is being formulated.
218 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of the proposed extension to a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31656/04]
The application for an extension at the school to which the Deputy refers is being considered as part of a review of all projects which did not proceed to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme. All projects are being assessed against the published prioritisation criteria which were revised earlier this year following consultation with the education partners. Each project will be assigned a band rating and the progress of all projects will be considered in the context of the school building programme from 2005 onwards. I will make further announcements on the school building programme in due course.
219 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the budget which was allocated for substitute cover to enable teaching principals to be released for administrative duties in 2003 and 2004; the amount spent in both years; the amount of the budget which was not utilised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31657/04]
The number of days teaching principals at primary level may take as release time in a school year is based on the size of the school. "Size of the school" refers to principal and mainstream class teachers only and excludes ex-quota posts including those in the areas of learning support, resource and disadvantaged concessionary posts. The number of days which may be taken are as follows:
|
Size of School |
Number of days |
|
Principal + 5/6 teachers |
22. |
|
Principal + 3/4 teachers |
18. |
|
Principal + 0/1/2 teachers |
14. |
The cost of substitution for principals on release time is included in the overall budget for substitution. The cost of release time during the 2002-03 school year was €2,695,144.21 and €2,221,317.18 in 2003-04.
220 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the person responsible for transporting persons (details supplied) to school; the reason the school bus does not drop them off at the school; the person who is liable for the children during these journeys; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31658/04]
The pupils referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied are dropped off at the promenade. My Department has been informed by the relevant vocational education committee that the promenade is the official set-down point for post-primary schools in the town.
My Department understands that the parents have a private transport arrangement in place to transfer their children from the official set down point to the school in question. My Department has no involvement in this private arrangement.
221 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if, in view of the fact that this is a very small school, she will consider its request and allocate the necessary funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31659/04]
The school building section of my Department allocated a grant of €70,000 in July 2003 to enable the management authorities of the school in question provide one additional temporary mainstream classroom.
The management authorities of the school decided to build a permanent classroom, resource room and disabled persons toilet without the approval of my Department.
It is inappropriate for school authorities to commit to additional building works in the knowledge that additional funding was not approved in the first instance and to subsequently apply retrospectively for funding. It is the policy of my Department not to provide additional funding for retrospective works.
222 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will change the nationality requirement imposed by her Department and allow students from accession countries already studying here to be eligible for higher education grants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31660/04]
223 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Wexford is not eligible for a higher education grant; the options available to this person; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31661/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 222 and 223 together.
Under the terms of the higher education grants scheme administered by the local authorities under the aegis of my Department, the position is that students who are entering approved courses for the first time are eligible for grants provided they satisfy the relevant conditions as to residence, means, nationality and previous academic attainment. In general, students continue to be assessed under the terms of the scheme relevant to the year of entry to an approved course.
In accordance with the terms of the 2004 grants schemes and consistent with the conditions attaching to the free fees initiative, only those students from accession countries who are entering higher education for the first time will be eligible, provided they satisfy all the conditions of the schemes.
I understand that in the specific case referred to by the Deputy the student concerned commenced her degree course at Trinity College in the 2003-04 academic year, and is now in year two. Accordingly, she must be assessed under the prescribed terms of the 2003 HEG scheme. As she did not meet the nationality requirement prescribed under the 2003 scheme, she is ineligible for higher education grant assistance. There are no plans to change the eligibility criteria in this regard.
224 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding placements for students at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; the alternatives open to these persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31662/04]
My Department has not received any notification that the person referred to by the Deputy has been refused enrolment to Cross and Passion College. Officials from my Department have contacted the National Educational Welfare Board, NEWB, the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The NEWB has not received any notification that the person referred to by the Deputy has been refused enrolment to Cross and Passion College.
Section 29 of the Education Act 1998 provides parents with an appeal process where a board of management of a school or a person acting on behalf of the board refuses enrolment to a student. Where a school refuses to enrol a pupil, the school is obliged to inform parents of their right under section 29 to appeal that decision to the Secretary General of my Department. Where an appeal under section 29 is upheld, the Secretary General may direct a school to enrol a pupil.
Information on section 29 appeals procedures, including an appeals application form and contact details for the relevant section of my Department, have been sent to the parents of the student referred to by the Deputy. The parents have also been advised to contact the educational welfare officer for their area to seek assistance in this matter.
225 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of civil servants and other staff employed on constituency and public relations work for each of her Ministers of State; the grade and remuneration of each of these members of staff; and if she will compare these employees to those employed by the corresponding Minister of State at November 2001. [31700/04]
The constituency office of the Minister of State, Deputy de Valera, is staffed by three civil servants — one staff officer and two clerical officers — and a personal secretary. Salaries of all the staff are in accordance with the salary scales approved by the Department of Finance. The constituency office of the corresponding Minister of State in 2001, Deputy O'Dea, was staffed by three civil servants — one staff officer and two clerical officers, a personal assistant and a personal secretary. Salaries of all the staff were also in accordance with the salary scales approved by the Department of Finance. Department of Finance guidelines for appointments to ministerial constituency offices were adhered to in all cases.
226 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if the general review of special needs assistants support levels and deployment in mainstream national schools has been completed; if not, when this review will be complete; and when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive an increase in special needs assistant support from ten hours per week to full time as requested by their school. [31703/04]
A review of special needs assistant, SNA, provision which commenced recently will apply to approximately 2,000 primary schools with existing SNA support. The review is concerned with the level and deployment of SNA posts in mainstream classes. The intention is to ensure that the level of approved SNA support in schools, and the manner in which that support is being allocated, are such as to ensure that the special care needs of pupils are being appropriately met. As part of the exercise, outstanding applications for SNA support for pupils who are attending mainstream classes will be processed.
The team conducting the review is comprised of retired members of my Department's inspectorate. It was supplemented recently by a number of special education needs organisers, SENOs, who are employed by the National Council for Special Education. As the Deputy may be aware, the council has been established as an independent statutory body with responsibilities as set out in the National Council for Special Education (Establishment) Order 2003. The SENOs will be a focal point of contact for schools and parents and will process applications for resources for pupils with special educational needs, SEN. In this context, the SENOs are currently undergoing extensive training. It is anticipated that the council and the SENOs will become operational shortly. In this regard, my Department is liaising with the council regarding future arrangements for the processing of applications for SEN supports.
I understand that the pupil concerned is currently receiving ten hours SNA support per week and the school has requested that the level of provision should be increased to full time. The school's request will be considered in the context of support available in the school. The school will receive a visit from the review team and a decision on the application will issue to the school following the review. It is my intention that the review will be completed as quickly as possible. My officials will make contact with the school shortly concerning the pupil in question.
227 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the courses that are being removed from 2005 in a college (details supplied) in County Mayo; the number of students this will affect; the reason for same; the proposals the college has to set up new courses; and when it expects these new courses to commence. [31726/04]
My Department is not aware of a proposal to remove courses in the college referred to by the Deputy.
Institutes of technology are statutory bodies established under the Regional Technical Colleges Acts 1992-1999 and the Dublin Institute of Technology Acts 1992 and 1994. Under the terms of these Acts, the governance and day-to-day activities of the institutes, including the number of approved courses that institutes wish to deliver in particular locations, are matters for which the governing bodies and the management staff of the institutes are responsible.
While proposals for new courses and proposed alterations to previously approved courses are subject to my approval in the context of the annual programmes and budgets process, decisions to discontinue delivery of previously approved courses are operational matters for the institutes in the context of their regular internal reviews of course provision.
228 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position with regard to the case of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if the time allocated will be reinstated as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31818/04]
I understand that the pupil in question was receiving support from the visiting teacher service up to the last school year when the visiting teacher retired.
The vacancy for a visiting teacher for the hearing impaired that exists in Wicklow is one of a number of current vacancies to be filled. It is my intention that existing vacancies in the visiting teacher service will be filled at the earliest possible date. As the first step in the process, my officials are consulting with serving visiting teachers to determine if any of them is interested in transferring to an area in which a vacancy exists, including County Wicklow. This procedure will be completed shortly and steps will then be taken to fill the vacant posts. The pupil concerned will then have the services of the visiting teacher reinstated.
229 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position with regard to the case of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if an extra hour will be allocated as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31823/04]
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the school has recently been informed that a full-time special needs assistant post has been approved for the pupil in question.
230 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans there are to relocate a school (details supplied) in a new building over its original location in Seville Place, Dublin 1; the funding which is available for the proposed relocation; the site which is available for this purpose; if No. 44 Seville Place is available for the relocation; if her Department has involvement in the ownership of No. 44 Seville Place, Dublin 1; if her Department paid rent at any time in the past for the use of No. 44 Seville Place for this school; and if so, the amount and the person to whom it was paid. [31827/04]
A number of options are being considered by my Department with regard to the future of the school referred to by the Deputy. It is hoped to make a decision in the matter shortly.
Regarding rent, our records indicate that the Department of Education and Science paid a total of €93,961 for the lease of premises at No. 44 Seville Place, Dublin 1 in the years from 1984 to 2000, inclusive. No rent has been paid since that time. Grant aid for the rental of school accommodation is paid to the board of management of schools, which is responsible for dealing directly with landlords and lessors.
231 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science the purpose of the feasibility study being undertaken with regard to the expansion of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 1; if her Department has a role in the study; the role of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority in the study; and if the future needs for pre-school education in the north docklands can be included in the study. [31828/04]
The management authorities of three schools in the area referred to by the Deputy are in discussion with my Department regarding the possible reorganisation of first level educational provision. My Department has agreed that a feasibility study should be undertaken to assess the optimum delivery method for school accommodation to serve any new configuration which may arise from these discussions.
The Dublin Docklands Development Authority, in its capacity as the development agency for the area, has agreed to fund and carry out this feasibility study. My Department will provide technical and educational input as necessary. Any provision which would normally be provided in the schools concerned will be considered as part of this feasibility study.
232 Mr. Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a higher education grant was not awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; if she will address the points raised by this person and his parent; her views on whether the regulations governing the grant assessment and payment are wholly unfair in this case; and if a grant will be awarded to this person. [31829/04]
The higher education grants scheme operates under the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Acts 1968 to 1992. These Acts define mature students to mean persons "of not less than 23 years of age, or such other age as may stand specified for the time being in regulations made by the Minister with the consent of the Minister for Finance, who have secured places in approved institutions and have reached that age on the first day of January, or such other date as may be prescribed from time to time by the Minister with the consent of the Minister for Finance, in the year of entry to such institutions".
Mature students are categorised as either independent mature students or mature students dependent on parents. An independent mature student is defined to mean a mature student who was not ordinarily resident at home with his or her parents from the October preceding their entry to an approved course. Independent mature students are assessed without reference to either their parents' income or address.
When assessing the means of students other than independent mature students, the means test provision of the scheme specifies that the students' means and those of their parents or guardians must be below a prescribed limit. This provision requires that parental income be taken into account irrespective of the individual circumstances in any case where the student is not an independent mature student.
Generally speaking, candidates continue to be assessed under the terms and conditions of the scheme appropriate to their year of entry. Accordingly, candidates who were not classified as independent mature students at the time of entry to an approved course may not generally be assessed as such for the duration of their courses.
There is, however, provision under the terms of the schemes for candidates who are re-entering as mature students, following a break in study of at least one year, to pursue or complete an approved course for the first time. Such candidates may be assessed under the terms of the scheme appropriate to the year in which they re-enter. Under this provision, candidates who were not independent mature students at the time of entry to an approved course may be re-classified as independent mature students for the purpose of completing a course or commencing a subsequent course, for example, a postgraduate course.
Unless students meet the prescribed age requirement at the time of entry or re-entry to an approved course, they may not be assessed as an independent mature student under the terms of the scheme. I understand that the candidate to whom the Deputy refers entered an approved course for the purposes of the higher education grant scheme for the first time in the 2002-03 academic year when he entered year three of an undergraduate degree in manufacturing engineering at the University of Limerick. He was accordingly, assessed with reference to the terms and conditions of the 2002 higher education grant scheme. I understand that he completed his degree course in the 2003-04 academic year and that in the current academic year 2004-05 he commenced a postgraduate course, the graduate diploma in education (technology), without having a break in studies. As he was not 23 years of age on 1 January of the year of entry to an approved course, he is ineligible to be assessed as a mature independent student.
The Deputy will appreciate that the terms of the schemes are of general application and it is not open to me to make exceptions in individual cases. It is not proposed, in the foreseeable future, to change the current position in regard to the assessment of mature students.
233 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will increase funding for voluntary secondary schools to bring their funding in line with vocational and community schools; if she will grant 100% funding for the employment of secretaries, caretakers and cleaners in view of the fact that huge efforts at fund-raising have to be made to meet the shortfall; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31833/04]
Funding arrangements for voluntary secondary schools reflect the sectoral division of our second level system and are structuredmainly on the basis of capitation grants with additional grants for secretarial and caretaking services.
There have been significant improvements in the level of funding for voluntary secondary schools. The standard per capita grant now amounts to €274 as against the rate of €224.74 that applied in 1997. I wish to draw the attention of Deputies to my recent announcement, in the context of the 2005 Estimates, to the further increase in this grant to €286 per pupil, with effect from January next. This increase will bring the per capita grant in the case of disadvantaged schools to €324 per pupil.
In addition, under the school services support fund initiative, secondary schools have benefited from further significant increases in the support grant. This grant that was introduced in September 2000 has been increased from €25 per pupil to the current rate of €99 per pupil, and will be further increased to €103 from January next. Funding for voluntary secondary schools has been further enhanced by the introduction of a range of equalisation measures that are designed to reduce the historic anomalies in the funding arrangements for the different school types at second level. Under the terms of recent equalisation measures, the support grant has in the case of voluntary secondary schools been significantly enhanced to €131 per pupil, and from January next will be further increased by €10 per pupil, bringing the overall grant for such schools to €145 per pupil. These increases are in addition to the range of equalisation grants of up to €15,554 per school per annum that have also been approved for voluntary secondary schools.
For a secondary school with 500 pupils, this amounts to additional funding of up to €119,000 per annum and annual grants of €255,761 — €275,000 in the case of disadvantaged schools — towards general expenses and support services. Schools are afforded considerable flexibility in the use of resources to cater for the needs of their pupils. This is in my view, in general, a preferable approach to putting in place grants for specific cost items, including those referred to by the Deputy.
I was particularly pleased to announce an aggregate increase of €26 per pupil from January next for voluntary secondary schools. Schools have welcomed this increase. These significant increases in the funding of secondary schools are a clear demonstration of my commitment to prioritise available resources to address the needs of schools.
234 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the number of civil servants and other staff employed on constituency and public relations work for each of his Ministers of State; the grade and remuneration of each of these members of staff; and if he will compare these employees to those employed by the corresponding Minister of State at November 2001. [31701/04]
The Minister of State at the Department of Defence, Deputy Kitt, has one clerical officer employed on constituency work at a rate of €23,791 per annum. The corresponding Minister of State in November 2001 also had one clerical officer working on constituency matters.
235 Ms Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is considerable public concern over allegedly high concentrations of bio-hazardous material, especially the class 2 pathogen, Aspergillus fumigatus, in St. Anne’s Park, Raheny, Dublin 5, and the neighbouring residential area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31592/04]
236 Ms Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to a scientific report with the EPA which states that there are up to 300 times the background concentrations of the class 2 pathogen, Aspergillus fumigatus, in a residential community adjacent to St. Anne’s Park, Raheny; if he is satisfied that the air that all the residents of a location (details supplied) in Dublin 5 are forced to breathe is safe; his advice to immune compromised persons and others with respiratory ill health who live in the area and who wish to visit this area of a public park; and if he will make a statement on this as a matter of urgency. [31593/04]
237 Ms Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make a statement regarding the progress which has been made with regard to a request by a local community for an epidemiological investigation to be carried out by the public health specialist as a result of the extremely serious public health issues arising from a report (details supplied). [31594/04]
242 Ms Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that all forms of bulk handling of green waste can produce above background concentrations of bio-hazardous material, especially the class 2 pathogen, Aspergillus fumigatus; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that this bio-hazardous material from green waste storage and handling facilities can result in the same health implications for workers and neighbouring populations as industrial composting facilities; and the steps he has taken or intends to take to ensure that workers and members of the general public are protected from these types of hazards. [31825/04]
243 Ms Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the minimum 250 metre setback distance (details supplied) applied to all forms of green waste handling that produce above background concentrations of potentially harmful bioaerosols; and the steps he has taken or intends to take to ensure that this 250 metre set back distance is enforced. [31826/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 235 to 237, inclusive, 242 and 243 together.
Air quality assessment is primarily a matter for the EPA and air quality management is primarily the responsibility of local authorities informed by air quality measurement data. My Department is not appropriately placed to intervene on local air quality issues and it would not be appropriate to do this regarding the matter referred to in the questions. It is also the case that a decision is pending from An Bord Pleanála on a planning appeal regarding the composting facility at St. Anne's Park and that the EPA is considering an application for a waste licence for the same proposed activity.
With regard to waste composting more generally, the EPA has, under the environmental research, technological development and innovation, ERTDI, programme, commissioned Cré, the Composting Association of Ireland, to carry out a study entitled "Bioaerosols and Composting — A Literature Evaluation". A principal aim of the study is to provide a reference document for the guidance of both regulatory authorities and the composting industry in Ireland regarding bioaerosol emission management in significant composting facilities.
Bioaerosols — airborne micro-organisms, including pathogenic bacteria and fungal spores — arise in many natural environments, including lawns, farms and wooded areas. It is recognised that the operation of large-scale composting facilities may, in the absence of adequate precautions, give rise to the production of odours, volatile organic compounds and the release of bioaerosols in the immediate vicinity of such facilities. The main source for the bacteria and fungal spores at these installations may occur during mechanical agitation of the compost windrows, in activities such as screening, shredding and turning.
Composting is widely acknowledged as a natural process which allows organic waste to be decomposed by the action of micro and macro-organisms in the presence of oxygen to produce a humus like material. Under appropriately prescribed conditions, including suitable site selection criteria, the controlled composting of organic and green waste is internationally accepted and established as a well proven and acceptable method for the treatment and recovery of biodegradable waste, resulting ultimately in a beneficial and useful end product, that is, compost.
238 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has offered suggestions or given policy directions toward the preservation of listed or preserved buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31645/04]
Statutory protection of the architectural heritage is primarily a matter for the planning authorities to which my Department provides advice in the exercise of their functions in that regard under the Planning and Development Act 2000. Draft architectural heritage protection guidelines for planning authorities were issued in December 2001 for consultation purposes. I intend that definitive guidelines will be published early next year. These guidelines will include the criteria to be applied by planning authorities when selecting proposed protected structures for inclusion in the record of protected structures. Planning authorities will be required to have regard to the guidelines in the performance of their functions under Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000.
Under the legislation, the Minister may also make recommendations to planning authorities concerning the inclusion in the record of protected structures of any particular building or structure. Based mainly on the results of surveys carried out by the national inventory of architectural heritage of my Department, to date, recommendations have been made to 54 planning authorities covering over 10,000 buildings.
239 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department offers guidance in setting criteria for employment of retained fire officers; and if it has an oversight role to ensure proper and adequate provision of this vital service. [31667/04]
The provision of a fire service, including the employment of retained fire-fighting personnel, is a statutory function of the individual fire authorities and my Department has no direct role in this matter. My Department seeks to promote and support the local fire authorities through the setting of general policy, the provision of capital funding, the issue of guidance to fire authorities in respect of fire prevention and operational matters and other such initiatives.
240 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the person who has competency to investigate a local authority in a case in which it is alleged to have breached both planning regulation and environmental laws; the person who can initiate an investigation in such circumstances; and if his Department has a role in such cases. [31668/04]
Section 63 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992, as substituted by section 13 of the Protection of the Environment Act 2003, enables the Environmental Protection Agency to exercise a supervisory role in respect of the performance by local authorities of their environmental functions. The agency may require information from, issue directions to and, if necessary, prosecute local authorities where it considers it appropriate to exercise these powers.
As regards planning matters, section 178 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 provides that a county, city or town council shall not effect any development in its functional area, which materially contravenes its development plan. Such a contravention is reserved to the elected members of the planning authority.
Section 255 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 sets out a range of powers of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in respect of overseeing the operation by planning authorities of their planning functions. In conjunction with Part 20 of the Local Government Act 2001, this provides a statutory basis for general oversight by my Department of the local government planning system. These powers of oversight must also, however, be exercised in a manner consistent with the general restriction on the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government under planning law from influencing determinations in individual cases.
Any irregularity regarding financial matters, including those relating to environmental or planning matters, would, of course, fall to be considered by the local government audit service and any allegation of criminal activity would be open to investigation by the Garda Síochána. Access to the Ombudsman and the courts is also available in appropriate cases.
241 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of civil servants and other staff employed on constituency and public relations work for each of his Ministers of State; the grade and remuneration of each of these members of staff; and if he will compare these employees to those employed by the corresponding Minister of State at November 2001. [31702/04]
Details of staff employed in the offices of Ministers of State at my Department for the purposes specified in the question are set out in the following table.
|
Ministers of State Serving in November 2004 |
Ministers of State Serving at November 2001 |
|
Mr. Batt O’Keeffe TD |
Mr. Noel Ahern TD, Mr. Robert Molloy TD, Mr. Dan Wallace TD |
|
1 Executive Officer |
1 Executive Officer |
|
1 Clerical Officer |
2 Clerical Officers |
|
1 Personal Assistant |
1 Personal Assistant |
|
1 Executive Officer |
|
|
2 Clerical Officers |
|
|
1 Personal Assistant |
|
|
1 Press Adviser 1 Executive Officer |
|
|
1 Clerical Officer |
|
|
1 Personal Assistant |
|
|
1 Personal Secretary |
Remuneration of these staff is or was in accordance with the appropriate published standard Civil Service scales for clerical officer, executive officer — also personal assistant — and higher executive officer which is applicable to personal assistant or assistant principal which is applicable to press adviser.
