Gay Mitchell
Question:64 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will initiate improvements to his Department’s website. [3714/05]
Written Answers
The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies received from the Departments (unrevised).
Questions Nos. 1 to 10, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 11 to 54, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions No. 55 to 63, inclusive, answered orally.
Computerisation Programme.
Michael Noonan
Question:102 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether his Department’s website is suitably user friendly to meet the needs of its customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3990/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 102 together.
I accept that my Department's main website, environ.ie, is in need of improvement and updating. In addition to environ.ie, which is the main Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government website, my Department operates some 16 special interest websites dealing with particular aspects of the Department’s activities.
Over the last few years extensive changes have been made to reflect the changed structure of the Department and to provide direct access from the main Department site to newly developed sites such as "Motor Tax Online" and "Buildings of Ireland" as well as the specialist websites relating to Met Éireann and heritage areas. The award winning motortax.ie, which enables customers to pay their motor tax over the Internet, is considered to be a major success story. In its first year alone, this site has handled over 470,000 transactions representing over €100 million in revenue. Almost 22% of eligible motor tax business nationally is now transacted online and over 35% of eligible business in the Dublin area. This is a welcome success and one that we intend to build on in the years to come.
My Department is committed to continuing further improvement of all its websites and is undertaking a number of initiatives to this end. A review of the site structure and content has been completed and this will feed into the development of an entirely new site later this year. In the interim, the site's home page has been revised with a view to overcoming technical difficulties being experienced by some users. A series of other improvements has also been undertaken to improve the performance, accessibility, look and feel of the site. These changes are currently being tested and will go live before the end of the month.
Strategy on Homelessness.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:65 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress to date of the cross-departmental team on homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4062/05]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
The cross Department team on homelessness is, under the aegis of my Department, charged with monitoring and overseeing the implementation of the Government's integrated and preventative homelessness strategies. These strategies constitute a cross Department response designed to ensure that services are put in place to address the needs of homeless persons in a holistic fashion, to target groups most at risk of homelessness and to ensure early intervention before people at risk actually become homeless. The cross Department team reports periodically to the Cabinet committee on social inclusion.
The Government's commitment to addressing the issue of homelessness is evidenced by the high levels of funding which it continues to provide for the sector. The allocation from my Department to meet the current cost of the provision of accommodation and related services funding has increased from €12.6 million in 1999 to €51 million in 2004 and has enabled significant progress to be made in the provision of accommodation and related services. Monitoring of the implementation of the homelessness strategies has indicated that, across all agencies, significant progress has been made in addressing the issue of homelessness.
A number of measures have been undertaken to date to address the needs of such persons. Each local authority and health board has drawn up homeless action plans and these are currently being implemented. Homeless fora have been established in each county and division of responsibility has been clarified between local authority and health boards regarding accommodation and care costs. Outreach and settlement programmes have been established in a number of areas and in particular in main urban areas. There is improved accommodation facilities and arrangements countrywide — provision of over 1,000 emergency beds; provision of designated accommodation for street drinkers and drug users in Dublin, Limerick, Tralee and Dundalk; provision of a 48 bed foyer under the Department's capital assistance scheme to the voluntary sector in Dublin which caters for the needs of young people leaving care or who are otherwise at risk of homelessness; in the period 2001-2003 almost 2,000 homeless people have been housed in Dublin alone.
A specialised unit, the homeless offenders strategy team, has been established within the probation and welfare service to address the housing needs of homeless offenders. Other measures include the drafting and implementation of protocols by the health boards for the discharge of homeless persons from hospital and mental health facilities as well as improved medical and related facilities; direct provision of educational programmes for homeless persons, provision of information, staff training and referrals to other programmes. There is general agreement that the emergency sector is adequately catered for, at this stage, and the future focus will be on the provision of long-term accommodation and the supports required to meet the non-accommodation needs of homeless persons.
In addition, the team will oversee the review of the Government's homeless strategy, which is currently underway. Consultants have been appointed and it is expected that preliminary recommendations will be available by June of this year. The cross Department team is an integral part of the implementation process and will continue to provide the necessary support, advice and impetus in achieving sustained improvement in services for the homeless.
Architectural Heritage.
Denis Naughten
Question:66 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will review the funding for architectural protection grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3847/05]
Denis Naughten
Question:134 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will review the funding for architectural protection grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3703/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 134 together.
The scheme of architectural protection grants available to owners of protected structures is administered by local authorities and resourced by my Department. Funding for the scheme was increased from €2.888 million in 2003 to €3.9 million in 2004 and the provision for 2005 is €4.031 million. The funding available under the scheme is an integral element in the protection of the architectural heritage by local authorities and is a key support in the continuing roll out of Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000. The scheme is a successful one and around 250 grants are paid out each year to assist in the protection of our built heritage.
This scheme is just one of a package of supports for the built heritage. Tax relief is available under section 482 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. The Heritage Council paid grants totalling €1.86 million under the "Buildings at Risk" grant scheme. My Department's conservation grants scheme is available for public buildings and the 2005 allocation is €1 million. In addition, I provided funding of €700,000 to the Heritage Council as the first tranche of multi-annual funding to support conservation works at Russborough House and Waterford Roman Catholic cathedral.
The Government is making a substantial contribution towards the protection of the built heritage through the various schemes I have outlined above and also, of course, through the ongoing maintenance of the State's own portfolio of historic properties. I am keeping the policy under review and, in this context, I will bring proposals to Government for the establishment of a trust type organisation to acquire and manage significant heritage properties.
Departmental Expenditure.
Bernard Allen
Question:67 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether the €8 million paid in legal fees by his Department over the past two years was value for money; his further views on whether these services should be put out to tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3937/05]
In response to Question No. 539 on 30 November 2004, I stated that the amount paid from my Department's Vote for services provided by lawyers in 2003 and 2004 amounted to €7,739,585.81; some €7.578 million of this amount relates to the planning tribunal.
In general, legal services for my Department are engaged following consultations with the Attorney General's office and-or the Chief State Solicitor's office and nominations or appointments and decisions on the level of fees paid are made or advised by those offices on the basis of a range of criteria, including the nature and urgency of the case, the strategies and objectives being pursued, the expertise and experience required, the availability of such expertise and the costs involved.
The great bulk of the fees paid by the Department to lawyers arise in the planning tribunal. These fees paid are based on per diem rates as approved by the Department of Finance. In 2004, changes to the fees structure for tribunals generally were announced, including linking of senior counsel fees to the salary of a High Court judge, in the case of new tribunals from September 2004 and in the case of existing tribunals to a date in 2007 to be agreed.
My Department employs its own legal adviser recruited in accordance with Civil Service procedures. Arrangements for the procurement of any further legal advice required is decided on a case by case basis, which could include open tendering if appropriate. Value for money is assessed on a case by case basis and is dependent on the results expected and actually achieved. The variety of cases with which the Department is involved makes it difficult to generalise. It is considered that, in general, the current arrangements have provided value for money having regard to the circumstances of each case.
Local Authority Housing.
Pat Breen
Question:68 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he intends to take to substantially improve local authority and voluntary sector housing output to meet NDP targets. [3711/05]
Gerard Murphy
Question:142 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he intends to take to substantially improve local authority and voluntary sector housing output to meet NDP targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4022/05]
Seymour Crawford
Question:164 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to further improve housing construction by local authorities and voluntary housing agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4020/05]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
I propose to take Questions Nos. 68, 142 and 164 together.
In including housing as a major area of activity under the national development plan, the Government demonstrated its commitment to increasing support for social and affordable housing programmes. Since the plan's inception in 2000 the needs of almost 60,000 households have been met under the range of social and affordable housing programmes. Between 2000 and the end of 2004 provisional outturn figures show investment under the housing aspect of the NDP is some 10% ahead of forecast.
While output levels for social housing by the local authority and voluntary sector have been less than anticipated in the NDP targets, record levels of completions have been achieved over the period of the plan. The shortfall in achieving output targets can for the main part be attributed to higher than anticipated construction costs.
The Government's decision to introduce multi-annual capital investment programmes provides an important opportunity to ensure a structured basis for the planning and delivery of all social and affordable housing programmes. Through five year action plans for social and affordable housing developed by local authorities, resources will be used to best effect. The plans will be used to maximise output and value for money and ensure that priority is given to those most in need. Overall, the priority is to ensure that housing is delivered in a manner which breaks cycles of dependency and disadvantage.
It is planned to build up a programme of about 5,500 starts under the main local authority housing measure each year over the period of the plans and substantial investment will continue to be made in regeneration projects such as the Ballymun programme. The voluntary and co-operative sectors will continue to be supported as they increase and consolidate their contribution to the delivery of social rented accommodation. It is estimated that the needs of over 13,000 households will again be met under various social and affordable housing measures over the course of this year. In addition to this, the long-term housing needs of about 5,000 current recipients of rent supplement will be addressed through the new rental accommodation initiative.
Environmental Policy.
Dan Neville
Question:69 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he intends to take to prevent the practice of charging a €2 environmental levy on tyres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3992/05]
Some tyre retailers are charging a management fee for the take back of waste tyres. I am concerned that the public may be given the wrong impression that such a fee is a Government levy and-or is contributing to a quality approved recycling scheme, whereas no evidence or assurance is being provided that tyres taken back are being treated in an environmentally sound manner.
I have requested all local authorities to arrange for inspections by authorised officers of all tyre outlets operating in their functional area as part of their action plans for 2005. Among the matters each inspection should establish is whether a tyre management fee is being charged, the level of fee applied and whether the fee is being termed an "environmental levy". I have also brought this matter to the attention of the Director of Consumer Affairs.
State Property.
Phil Hogan
Question:70 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the report of the scientific group set up to examine the issue of hunting on State lands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4019/05]
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:112 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the report of the scientific group set up to examine the issue of hunting on State lands. [3707/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 70 and 112 together.
The policy of my Department, continuing that of successive Departments which have held responsibility for nature conservation, is to prohibit, on properties acquired for conservation purposes, any activities that would adversely affect the purposes for which the lands were acquired or would interfere with the enjoyment and safety of members of the public availing of the resource. In this context, hunting on properties managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, NPWS, of my Department has remained prohibited.
This policy was closely re-examined by my predecessor following requests by the National Association of Regional Game Councils, NARGC, that its members should be given access to some national parks and wildlife properties for the purpose of shooting game. For the following reasons, my predecessor concluded that the prohibition of shooting on these properties should continue.
First, the sites were acquired, in general using public funds, for the purpose of nature conservation and to serve as refuges and breeding places for species of wildlife. Hunting could also disturb "non-quarry" species and their habitat, thereby reducing the value of these sites as refuges for wildlife generally. Second, facilities for hunting are extensively available on Coillte lands, as well as those of private owners, and on foreshore.
Third, account had to be taken of considerations of public safety and of the potential exposure of the State to claims for damages by persons harmed or otherwise adversely affected by hunting on NPWS properties. Fourth, the Heritage Council has recommended against any change in the long standing policy of not permitting hunting on national parks and wildlife lands.
In reaching conclusions on this matter, the then Minister had available the report of a joint scientific group comprising officials of my Department and nominees of NARGC, which carried out a joint examination of the question of hunting on State lands, from a scientific perspective only. Whereas this group considered that scientific reasons would not obtain for an automatic ban where hunting is sustainable, its report did not advance specific advice on how populations and sustainability should be assessed. While the group's report did propose a methodology for considering this matter further, the implementation of this would require significant NPWS personnel resources which would have to be diverted from other priority work.
For the reasons already indicated, it was not considered that the report of the scientific group justified a departure from the existing established policy in this matter. This remains the position.
Architectural Heritage.
John Gormley
Question:71 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress which has been made to establish some form of a national trust within the State that might acquire, maintain and refurbish heritage buildings such as the Kilmainham Mills by the Camac River in Dublin 8 or other historic properties that might benefit from State funding and support for their protection, maintenance and enhancement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3931/05]
My Department does not propose to acquire the Kilmainham Mills complex, which is in private ownership and has recently received a planning permission for redevelopment from An Bord Pleanála subject to conditions designed to protect its historic and archaeological significance.
The purpose of a national trust initiative would be to develop methods of ensuring the preservation of key heritage buildings beyond the model of direct State ownership. The resource implications of maintaining the present State portfolio of some 750 national monuments and historic properties are significant. Accordingly, innovative alternatives to State acquisition to ensure the protection of heritage properties under threat need to be explored. In light of this, my Department engaged consultants to examine the issue of facilitating the emergence of a national trust and other trust type organisations which might, independently of Government and without State aid, acquire and manage such heritage properties.
My Department is at present evaluating the recommendations in the consultant's report. In the event that I am satisfied that the establishment of a national trust and other trust type organisations is warranted, I will submit proposals for Government approval.
Planning Issues.
Paul Kehoe
Question:72 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether his Department should implement a ban on construction on floodplains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3986/05]
Decisions as to whether proposed development should be permitted or restricted in any particular area are a matter for the relevant planning authority in the first instance and for An Bord Pleanála in the event of an appeal. The Planning and Development Act 2000 specifically empowers planning authorities to provide in their development plans that development in areas at risk of flooding may be regulated, restricted or controlled. Where development is proposed in an area at risk of flooding, such risk can be carefully evaluated by the planning authority and planning permission refused, where appropriate, or, if granted, can be made subject to conditions requiring the implementation of measures necessary to alleviate or avoid damage due to flooding.
I do not consider that a ban on construction on flood plains, per se, would be appropriate. However, it is my intention to publish shortly, in draft form for public consultation, guidelines for planning authorities on the preparation of development plans. These guidelines will suggest that in addressing the issue of flooding, development plans should identify the main river catchments and coastal areas that experience or are at risk from flooding. Policies should then outline the considerations that will arise regarding development within such catchments and coastal areas from the point of view of managing existing flood risks or avoiding the generation of new flood risks.
The guidelines will also suggest that development plan policies dealing with flooding also need to recognise the uncertainties inherent in the prediction of flooding and the fact that flood risk is expected to increase as a result of climate change. Development plan objectives could also include policies indicating that developers will be required to support the funding of flood defences needed for particular developments, either partially or fully, depending on the circumstances involved.
My Department will welcome comments or suggestions on this or any other aspect of the draft guidelines following their publication.
Private Rented Accommodation.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:73 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action which has been taken to identify and prosecute, if necessary, those landlords who have not registered with the PRTB; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4061/05]
Seán Crowe
Question:85 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the estimated number of landlords who have failed to register with the Private Residential Tenancies Board to date; his views on whether the failure of landlords to register has the potential to undermine the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 and the work of the Private Residential Tenancies Board. [3810/05]
Eamon Ryan
Question:132 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the amount of tenancies that have been registered with the Private Residential Tenancies Board; the plans which are being put in place to increase registration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3934/05]
Joe Sherlock
Question:145 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when it is intended to bring the remainder of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 into operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3912/05]
Seán Ryan
Question:167 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of complaints that have been filed to the recently established Private Residential Tenancies Board against landlords concerning anti-social behaviour by their tenants; if this new system is providing speedier resolution of such disputes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3911/05]
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:275 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress to date of the Private Residential Tenancies Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4060/05]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
I propose to take Questions Nos. 73, 85, 132, 145, 167 and 275 together.
All of the provisions of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, which provides the legislative underpinning to a modernised private rental sector, are in operation. Key features of the legislation are provision for a new centralised system of tenancy registration and a statutory dispute resolution service. The Act also provided for the establishment of the Private Residential Tenancies Board as an independent body with a range of specific statutory functions, including responsibility for the administration of tenancy registration and dispute resolution.
The board also has a statutory role of providing information about its tenancy registration and dispute resolution functions and about the operation of the private rented sector generally. Requests for information relating to these matters may appropriately be directed to the Private Residential Tenancies Board at Canal House, Canal Road, Ranelagh, Dublin 6.
I understand that the board is currently processing a large volume of applications for registration from which the statutory tenancy register will be compiled and that until this work is completed it will not be possible for the board to provide comprehensive data. When the statutory tenancy register is completed this will enable the board to provide a range of enhanced information relating to the private rented sector.
The board will be required to report on and account for progress in the performance of its functions. It also has a specific function to review the operation of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004. It is the responsibility of the board to maximise the effectiveness of the dispute resolution and registration systems and to take enforcement action, including prosecution where appropriate, if it considers that a particular tenancy is required to be registered and has not been the subject of an application for registration. Landlords who fail to apply to the board to register tenancies that are liable for registration do not have access to the board's dispute resolution service and are liable to prosecution. Tenants, however, have access to the dispute resolution service irrespective of whether the landlord fails to apply for registration.
Waste Disposal.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:74 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has completed his consideration of the European Court of First Instance decision to rule against Ireland for failure to protect human health through properly controlling waste dumps; the steps he is taking the ensure that Ireland will in future comply with the European Commission’s waste disposal directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3908/05]
The opinion of the Advocate General is still under consideration but until such time as the judgment of the European Court of Justice is available in the coming months it would not be appropriate to comment on this matter. If the court finds that a member state has failed to fulfil an obligation under the European Treaty the state concerned is required to take the necessary measures to comply with the judgment.
Local Authority Housing.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:75 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of housing units delivered to date by each local authority under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000; if he has sought explanations from those local authorities which have delivered little or no housing under this provision to determine the reason for this failure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3878/05]
Brian O'Shea
Question:137 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of social and affordable houses acquired to date by local authorities under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000; the number he expects will be acquired during 2005; if he has satisfied himself with this rate of progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3903/05]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
I propose to take Questions Nos. 75 and 137 together.
I refer to the reply to Question No. 80 of 9 December 2004.
From information supplied by local authorities to my Department, a total of 390 social and affordable housing units have been acquired under Part V agreements with developers up to the end of September 2004. A breakdown by each local authority is set out in the following table.
|
Units Acquired January 2002 To September 2004 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
County Councils* |
Affordable Housing |
Social Housing |
Total Output |
|
Cork |
7 |
3 |
10 |
|
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown |
0 |
29 |
29 |
|
Fingal |
149 |
72 |
221 |
|
Galway |
2 |
1 |
3 |
|
Kildare |
10 |
14 |
24 |
|
Kilkenny |
0 |
6 |
6 |
|
Louth |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
Mayo |
18 |
0 |
18 |
|
Meath |
16 |
2 |
18 |
|
Roscommon |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Sligo |
0 |
6 |
6 |
|
South Dublin |
12 |
0 |
12 |
|
South Tipperary |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Waterford |
1 |
15 |
16 |
|
Westmeath |
6 |
0 |
6 |
|
Wicklow |
3 |
2 |
5 |
|
City Councils |
|||
|
Dublin |
9 |
2 |
11 |
|
Waterford |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Totals |
236 |
154 |
390 |
* Output from Borough and Town Councils, where applicable, is included in figures for the relevant county council.
The September 2004 figures confirm that over 1,800 such units are in progress and nearly 2,700 proposed. On this basis, my Department estimates that some 500 housing units will have arisen from the operation of Part V in 2004, the final figures for which are being compiled, increasing to over 1,000 in 2005.
It is envisaged that over 11,000 units will be delivered from the various affordable schemes between 2005 and 2007. Accordingly, I am satisfied that the provisions of Part V are being suitably progressed and that they will contribute significantly to the provision of social and affordable housing.
Recycling Policy.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:76 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will consider measures to deal with the low level of recycling of tyres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3993/05]
In response to the reduced availability of traditional disposal and re-use routes for tyres and to promote recycling of this waste stream, my Department has had discussions with the Irish Tyre Industry Association, ITIA, with a view to establishing a producer responsibility initiative. These discussions are continuing with the intention of concluding the necessary arrangements for such an initiative later this year.
I have publicly stated my concerns about possible inappropriate practices in the way waste tyres are managed. It is imperative that waste tyres are not put to inappropriate uses such as unauthorised burning, uncontrolled disposal or the formation of indiscriminate stockpiles. These practices are not acceptable as they can cause nuisance and pose both environmental and health hazards and infringe waste and other environmental legislation.
My Department has written to local authorities asking them to carry out inspections of tyre outlets with a view to improving current practices in the management of waste tyres. The inspections are to be carried out as part of the local authorities' enforcement action plans for 2005. I wish to see the tyre industry co-operate with the local authorities to achieve more effective management so that any unacceptable practices are eliminated. If the desired response is not forthcoming, I will not hesitate to bring forward more restrictive regulations in this area.
My Department has also written to State bodies with large vehicle fleets and to the tyre industry asking them to review their practices in how they manage this particular waste stream.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:77 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce additional measures to support the development of outlets for recycled material. [3939/05]
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:105 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will report on the work being carried out by the market development group to identify market opportunities for recyclables; and the expected date of publication of the market development programme. [3812/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 105 together.
One of the main barriers to an improved and sustainable recycling performance is the lack of stable and economically attractive markets and outlets for recyclable materials and products manufactured from recycled products. The need for the establishment of a market development group, which would oversee the development of a market development programme, was outlined in the delivering change policy statement and the agreed programme for Government.
The market development group, established in July 2004, has an independent chairperson and comprises representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency, Enterprise Ireland, the National Standards Authority of Ireland, the Irish Business and Employers Federation, the Irish Waste Management Association, the Small Firms Association, the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association, the City and County Managers' Association, the Clean Technology Centre, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
The programme which the group is undertaking will identify new applications and markets for recyclable material and secondary recycled products. The group has been asked to identify barriers to the use and marketing of recyclable material and to develop strategies to address these. The group will also play a key role in expanding North-South co-operation on market development issues.
The work of the group is currently focusing on three priority waste streams: paper, plastic and compost. To facilitate this, the group has been subdivided into a steering sub-group and three materials sub-groups, each meeting independently and reporting back to the plenary sessions. Following on from the work of this group, my Department hopes to develop and publish a market development programme later this year.
National Development Plan.
Gerard Murphy
Question:78 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he intends to take to fast track the remaining NDP projects in his Department to ensure completion of the plan as soon as possible. [3712/05]
Tom Hayes
Question:81 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the statement by the Institution of Engineers of Ireland that the public private partnerships process has not achieved its potential contribution to infrastructure development and is hampered by risks and delays associated with statutory procedures, archaeology and the high cost of bidding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4083/05]
Paul Kehoe
Question:119 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way in which he intends to ensure timely and cost effective implementation of the national development plan in his Department as recommended by the Institute of Engineers of Ireland by early planning, investigative and archaeological surveys and design of projects and by flexibility in bringing forward projects to replace projects which cannot be commenced on schedule. [3713/05]
Simon Coveney
Question:131 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way in which he intends to ensure timely and cost effective implementation of the national development plan in his Department as recommended by the Institute of Engineers of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4024/05]
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:268 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he intends to take to fast track the remaining NDP projects in his Department to ensure completion of the plan as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4023/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 78, 81, 119, 131 and 268 together.
I am satisfied, having regard in particular to the mid-term review of the national development plan overseen by the Economic and Social Research Institute, in co-operation with a number of consultancy firms, that progress on the various NDP programmes and measures falling within the remit of my Department has been generally satisfactory. I am determined that we will continue to make progress on achieving our targets for the remainder of the programme and I am committed to maintaining a high level of activity around those measures which are the responsibility of my Department.
While I note the recommendation that the risks and delays associated with statutory services and archaeology should be eliminated from public private partnership contracts, I am not aware that these factors have delayed delivery of any of the public private partnership projects in the national development plan that come within the remit of my Department. There are 109 such projects in the areas of water services, housing and waste management.
I acknowledge, however, that the above factors have adversely affected timely progress on national development plan projects which are not within the remit of my Department. In that context, I reiterate that I am committed to streamlining planning procedures for infrastructure projects in general and the matter is the subject of ongoing consideration in my Department. As regards archaeology, my Department has also entered into codes of practice relating to archaeology with a number of development bodies and these are working well. Staff in my Department are available to discuss the potential archaeological impacts of proposed developments and early identification of archaeology at the initial design stage allows the mitigation of archaeological issues to be built into the development process. The National Monuments (Amendments) Act 2004 introduces new arrangements to simplify procedures under the National Monuments Acts as regards approved road developments. A more wide ranging National Monuments Bill is at drafting stage. In time, these legislative initiatives will assist in the improved handling of planning issues related to archaeology.
Good progress in NDP programmes and measures made under my Department's remit is evident. The water services investment programme for the years 2004 to 2006 contains 869 projects at various stages of construction and underlines my Department's continued commitment to water and waste water infrastructure provision. From the beginning of the national development plan to the end of June 2004, a total of 285 water services schemes were completed, with cumulative expenditure of €2.152 billion.
The needs of almost 60,000 households have been met under the range of social and affordable housing measures between 2000 and 2004 and provisional outturn figures to the end of 2004 shows investment under the housing aspect of the national development plan to be some 10% ahead of forecast. In 2005, it is planned to build up a programme of 5,500 starts under the main local authority housing measure and it is estimated that the needs of 13,000 households will be met under the various social and affordable housing measures over the course of the year.
The non-national road measure continues to be one of the best performing NDP measures, with expenditure in both the BMW and SE regions ahead of profile. Output under this measure is also ahead of target, with improvements to 19,400 km of non-national roads up to the end of June 2004.
The rural water supply measure was one of those where initial progress was slow. However, increased expenditure in 2002 to 2004 has meant an improvement in water quality for over 1 million persons throughout the country on 1,945 water supply schemes. Projected expenditure is anticipated to rise in 2005 and 2006 with a commensurate increase in output.
While progress had been slow under the waste infrastructure element of the national development plan up to the middle of 2004, there has been significant progress both on local authority recycling and recovery infrastructure and disposal infrastructure. Some €50 million has already been made available to date for over 90 projects and I intend to seek new proposals from local authorities shortly. Several ambitious PPP projects are underway and, while these may take some time to come to fruition, they will represent major progress towards the implementation of modern integrated waste management methods.
Over 500 urban and village renewal projects were under way in 2004 and, by the end of the year, over €58 million had been provided by my Department in grant assistance. While this measure was slow to get under way in the early years of the national development plan, much progress has been made in more recent years and I am confident that it will meet its budgetary and output targets.
The national development plan supports an extensive programme of conservation and preservation of the national monuments and historic properties in the care of the State. A total of 101 sites were selected under this measure and by mid-2004 work had been completed or was ongoing on 76 of these sites. In terms of habitats protection and conservation, the proposed visitor centre at Ballycroy National Park is well advanced and it is hoped that the construction of the centre can commence in the near future. The project to develop a visitor-study centre for Clara Bog is proceeding satisfactorily and draft plans have been prepared with a view to progressing the project through the planning process as soon as possible.
I am satisfied therefore that good progress is being made on the measures under the national development plan which come within the remit of my Department. I accept, however, that we must constantly renew our efforts to maximise the opportunities for economic and social progress under the plan.
Consultancy Contracts.
Dan Boyle
Question:79 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the instances within his Department in which contracts have been awarded as a matter of extreme urgency, without regard to the normal tendering process, since 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3930/05]
My Department has over 3,700 suppliers of goods and services. It would involve a disproportionate amount of time and work to examine the files relating to all contracts held with those suppliers since 1997 and compile the details referred to in the question. If the Deputy wishes to indicate a particular more limited area of interest, it may be possible to provide the information sought.
Recycling Policy.
John Perry
Question:80 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way in which he intends to increase the level of recycling of newspaper and cardboard, the level of which is amongst the lowest in Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4082/05]
Mary Upton
Question:97 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he will take to provide for the recycling of paper in view of the recent announcement of the closure of a paper mill (details supplied) the only plant providing this service on the island; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3915/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 97 together.
I have already publicly expressed my regret at the closure of this plant. The Smurfit plant, established in 1954 and requiring substantial modernisation, was the only paper mill recycling plant on the island of Ireland. Its closure, on foot of the closure of the Irish Glass and Irish Steel plants in recent years, diminishes our capacity to reprocess waste for recycling indigenously.
Significant progress has been made in raising recycling levels in Ireland in recent years. We all agree that higher and sustained levels of recycling are crucial to dealing with the increased levels of waste being generated in this country. The closure of the Smurfit plant means, in the short term at least, that we must now transport all of the waste paper and cardboard collected for recycling abroad.
The Smurfit plant had a capacity to process approximately 45,000 tonnes of paper and cardboard annually, which is relatively small by international standards. The latest data published by the Environmental Protection Agency indicate that over 358,000 tonnes of paper and cardboard was collected for recycling in 2003, representing a recovery rate of 38.8% for this waste stream. In effect, the vast majority of the increasing volumes of paper and cardboard being collected for recycling are already being sent abroad.
We must continue to look at ways of further improving our material recovery performance for paper and cardboard. The establishment of new paper reprocessing capacity in Ireland is likely to be costly and will be driven by clear commercial considerations. In this regard, my Department — under the auspices of the North South market development group and in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Department of the Environment and the UK Waste Resources Action Group, WRAP — recently commissioned a consultancy study to examine the feasibility of developing new paper mill capacity on the island of Ireland with a view to utilising greater volumes of collected waste paper and cardboard locally. If a viable option can be identified, this would provide stable domestic recycling capacity and produce new recycled paper and cardboard products for the domestic market. The commissioning of this consultancy study, which is being undertaken by a multinational consortium and is due for completion by the end of March, is timely, and I await its conclusions with interest.
A range of measures to promote the recycling of paper is already in place and the available data show that these are having a significant impact. These measures include: the progressive roll out of segregated household collection of dry recyclables or kerbside green bin collection services to over 560,000 households or some 42% of all households in the State — it is estimated that newsprint and other paper waste accounts for over 50% of the material being collected from households via the green bin collection service; a public service waste management programme which is currently being prepared and which will ensure that all public authorities will routinely use recycled paper; a producer responsibility initiative, PRI, which is currently under discussion with the newsprint industry with a view to improving recovery rates for newsprint.
Under Directive 1999/31/EC on the landfill of waste, Ireland is required to progressively reduce its landfill of biodegradable municipal waste to 35% of the amount produced in 1995. Interim targets for the diversion of biodegradable municipal waste to 75% and 50% are to be achieved over the 15 year period concerned. In April 2004, Ireland's first draft national strategy on biodegradable waste, which was published for public consultation, set out a range of integrated measures designed to facilitate the achievement of these ambitious diversion targets. The draft strategy proposes a range of complementary measures, which are designed in accordance with the waste hierarchy, to support biodegradable waste minimisation and diversion from landfill.
Ambitious targets for the recycling of waste paper and cardboard, and the biological treatment of food and garden wastes, from both the domestic and commercial sectors have been proposed in the draft strategy with source separation of paper-cardboard and food-garden waste considered to be key to the achievement of the strategy's objectives. Under the draft strategy, specific targets have been set for both the domestic household sector and the commercial sector to achieve an overall recycling rate for waste paper and cardboard of 67% by the end of the 15 year period.
It is envisaged that the national strategy on biodegradable waste will be finalised before the autumn following the completion of a comprehensive evaluation of all submissions received from the public consultation process. All the indications are that the recycling position will continue to improve as a result of the ongoing implementation of the local and regional waste management plans.
Question No. 81 answered with QuestionNo. 78.
Housing Policy.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:82 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has considered the recommendations of the NESC report on housing; and if it is his intention to incorporate the recommendations in an updated housing strategy. [3811/05]
Arthur Morgan
Question:151 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if it is his intention to implement the recommendations contained in the NESC report on housing, particularly the recommendations on increasing the stock of social rental housing. [3808/05]
Martin Ferris
Question:156 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make a statement on the findings and recommendations of the NESC report on housing with respect to land availability and land prices. [3814/05]
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:158 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the projected percentage growth in the number of households on local authority housing waiting lists over the next five years if the Government fails to implement the recommendations of the NESC housing report on increasing the stock of social rental housing in view of the fact that the number of households on local authority waiting lists grew by 77% between 1996 and 2002. [3877/05]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
I propose to take Questions Nos. 82, 151, 156 and 158 together.
Report No. 112 of the National Economic and Social Council — Housing in Ireland: Performance and Policy — provides an important analysis of the Irish housing system and an agenda for the future development of housing policy. Importantly, the NESC report recognises that the general thrust of existing housing policy is well directed. However, the issues raised in the NESC report will now be carefully considered by the Government, together with other recent reports which have a bearing on the housing sector.
The Government has successfully promoted a range of measures to boost the overall supply of housing, to modernise and develop the private rented sector and provide a range of well targeted schemes to meet the needs of those who cannot afford accommodation in the private sector. As a result, 2004 was a further record year for housing output, while social housing output in recent years has been at levels not seen for more than a generation.
In 2005, my Department will spend a record €1.3 billion in Exchequer funding on supports for social and affordable housing. This will enable the needs of over 13,000 households to be met through existing schemes this year and the new rent accommodation scheme will address the long-term housing needs of about 5,000 current recipients of rent supplement.
Pending conclusions of the Government's consideration and the outcome of the 2005 assessment of need, it is not possible to predict the number of households likely to be on local authority housing waiting lists in the next five years. The results of the statutory assessment of housing needs to be undertaken in March this year will inform the planning of provision over the coming years, both in terms of the overall output required and the type of need to be addressed.
While reviewing aspects of policy to ensure that measures are effective is very important, so too is a focus on delivery. Consequently, we will be ensuring through five year action plans developed by local authorities that available resources are used to best effect to deliver the optimum level of quality housing in a manner that breaks cycles of disadvantage and dependency. These mechanisms will assist in continuing the task of building strong programmes of social and affordable housing over the coming years.
Recycling Policy.
Martin Ferris
Question:83 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the percentage of recyclables collected in the State which are recycled in the State; the percentage which are recycled in other states; the percentage which are not recycled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3813/05]
National waste statistics in respect of all waste streams are published at three yearly intervals by the Environmental Protection Agency with the most recent national waste database report being in respect of 2001. While the database reports do not provide an overall recycling figure for Ireland, recycling rates in respect of individual waste streams are supplied. In the intervening period, two further interim reports have been published to provide data on municipal waste specifically, that is, household and commercial waste, for the years 2002 and 2003 respectively. The latest figures available on municipal waste generation, recovery and disposal are contained in the national waste database interim report for 2003, published by the agency in December 2004, which reports that the recycling rate in the municipal waste stream has advanced to 28.4% in 2003, up from 20.7% in 2002.
The EU, by way of Council Regulation EEC No. 259/93 of 6 February 1993, as amended, has a system of supervision and control to apply to shipments of waste within, into and out of the territory of the EU. Under regulation 259/93 a distinction is made between waste which is destined for final disposal, for example, landfill, or for recovery, for example, recycling. For waste which is specifically destined for recovery, a further distinction is made between: "green" list waste — Annex II of the regulation; "amber" list waste — Annex III of the regulation; and "red" list waste — Annex IV of the regulation.
Waste on each of these lists is connected to a particular control procedure. Shipments of all waste destined for disposal, and shipments of hazardous and semi-hazardous waste destined for recovery, are subject to the requirement of prior written notification and consent. Shipments of non-hazardous waste — that is, green or typically, clean segregated recyclable waste fractions — destined for recovery are not subject to the procedure of prior written notification. Such shipments are only subject to the general information requirement that they be accompanied by certain information and documentation.
The national waste database interim report for 2003 indicates that 858,211 tonnes of non-notified waste was exported for recycling in 2003, which represents 69.1% of Irish waste recycling. A total of 30.9% of the total of recyclables collected were processed in Ireland.
The agency does not have data on non-recycling of recovered material. In this regard, the Waste Management Acts 1996-2003 provide a clear duty of care on the holder of waste to only pass it to an authorised entity, either a local authority or a person in possession of a waste collection permit, or deposit it at an authorised facility, which is one that is either licensed or registered with the EPA or permitted by a local authority.
Under section 32 of the 1996 Act, as amended, it is an offence to hold, transport, recover or dispose of waste in a manner that causes or is likely to cause environmental pollution. The Acts also provide that any such activity carried on which is not in compliance with a waste permit-licence, authorisation or certificate shall be presumed to cause environmental pollution until proven otherwise.
House Prices.
Brendan Howlin
Question:84 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to recent figures produced by the Irish Institute of Auctioneers and Valuers that the cost of building land was increasing at a rate significantly above house price inflation; if he intends to take steps to deal with this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3894/05]
I am aware that the Irish Auctioneers and Valuers Institute, IAVI, has published results of a 2004 survey of its members purporting to show, among other things, that the price of residential development land across the country rose more quickly last year than the price of new homes. The IAVI suggests that this may reflect improved economies of scale through higher residential densities, low interest rates that reduce the risks of land acquisition and confidence among developers concerning future housing demand.
My Department has not sought to evaluate the methodology employed in this survey or the extent and quality of the information obtained. However, my Department will continue its efforts, through a range of policies and measures, to ensure delivery of an increased supply of affordable housing.
Question No. 85 answered with QuestionNo. 73.
End-of-Life Vehicles.
Joe Sherlock
Question:86 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason for the long delay in introducing regulations on end-of-life vehicles; the communications he has had with the EU Commission in regard to the proposed regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3913/05]
Enabling provisions to facilitate implementation of European Parliament and Council Directive 2000/53/EC on end-of-life vehicles were incorporated in the Protection of the Environment Act 2003. The delay in transposing and implementing the directive principally reflects difficulties in reaching agreement with the relevant sectors on the detailed mechanisms for the operation of the take back arrangements required by the directive, including how such arrangements will be funded.
My Department has had correspondence and discussions with the European Commission with regard to various aspects regarding the transposition and implementation of the directive in Ireland. Legal proceedings were initiated against Ireland by the European Commission on the grounds that the directive was only partially transposed as the regulations on the detailed arrangements for implementation of the directive in Ireland had not been made. The European Court of Justice made a judgment in this case on 28 October 2004 and found that Ireland had failed to fulfil its obligations regarding the full transposition of the directive.
I have had discussions with relevant sectors with a view to developing an effective approach with regard to implementation and I hope to announce my proposals shortly. It is intended to make regulations as soon as possible this year to fully transpose the directive provisions and facilitate its full implementation.
National Development Plan.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:87 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the serious concern expressed by the Institute of Engineers of Ireland regarding the failure to meet targets set out in the national development plan, particularly in regard to housing and waste management; the steps he proposes to take to deal with these delays; if he will act on the institute’s recommendation for the creation of a national waste management agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3880/05]
I am satisfied, having regard in particular to the mid-term review of the national development plan overseen by the Economic and Social Research Institute, in co-operation with a number of consultancy firms, that progress on the various NDP programmes and measures falling within the remit of my Department has been generally satisfactory. I am determined that we will continue to make progress on achieving our targets for the remainder of the programme and I am committed to maintaining a high level of activity around those measures which are the responsibility of my Department.
In including housing as a major area of activity under the national development plan, the Government demonstrated its commitment to increasing support for social and affordable housing programmes. Since the plan's inception in 2000 the needs of almost 60,000 households have been met under the range of social and affordable housing programmes. Between 2000 and the end of 2004, provisional outturn figures show investment under the housing aspect of the NDP is some 10% ahead of forecast.
While output levels for social housing by the local authority and voluntary sector have been less than envisaged in the NDP targets, record levels of completions have been achieved over the period of the plan. The shortfall in achieving output targets can for the main part be attributed to higher than anticipated construction costs. This factor has been acknowledged in external evaluations of the programmes, which also indicated that the expenditure on social housing was making positive impacts in terms of tackling poverty and social exclusion.
The Government's decision to introduce multi-annual capital investment programmes provides an important opportunity to ensure a structured basis for the planning and delivery of all social and affordable housing programmes. Through five year action plans for social and affordable housing developed by local authorities, resources will be used to best effect. The plans will be used to maximise output, value for money and ensure that priority is given to those most in need. Overall, the priority is to ensure that housing is delivered in a manner, which breaks cycles of dependency and disadvantage.
With regard to waste management, the last six months of 2004 have seen significant progress both on local authority recycling and recovery and disposal infrastructure. In terms of grant assistance, my Department has made some €50 million available to date for over 90 projects. I do not consider it opportune at this time to create a national waste management agency to promote waste infrastructure, as recommended in the report; a more urgent issue at present may be to advance arrangements for the improved economic regulation of waste infrastructure.
As regards the regionalisation of waste management planning, the rationale is to ensure local authorities assume greater responsibility for dealing with waste in their functional areas, including working in collaboration with neighbouring authorities and giving consideration to the role of the private sector. My Department has asked local authorities to ensure there is effective engagement with the private waste industry in the context of review of the waste management plans.
The report recommends making the waste infrastructure capital grants scheme available to the private sector. When the capital grants scheme was launched it was intended that it be made available to both public and private sector applicants. The latter, however, was conditional on obtaining the necessary state aid approved from the European Commission. As it transpired, the state aid given was of a limited nature. In the interim, however, the industry's scale increased significantly over a short period of time, a marked process of consolidation became evident and some of the projects for which grant applications had been submitted proceeded in any case.
It became clear, therefore, that a grant scheme for private companies would be more likely to distort competition in the sector or to impact on enhancing acquisition values in the context of industry consolidation than to have a significant effect on the provision of recycling and recovery infrastructure. On foot of this my predecessor decided that it would be more effective to redeploy the funding in question to other related initiatives and in particular towards greater enforcement of waste legislation. The latter measure had been strongly advocated by the industry, to address the problem of unfair competition from contractors operating outside the law.
In conclusion, I am satisfied good progress is being made on the measures under the national development plan which come within the remit of my Department. I accept, however, we must constantly renew our efforts to maximise the opportunities for economic and social progress under the plan.
Proposed Legislation.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:88 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has proposals to amend legislation to include any bodies representing immigrant groups in the nomination process for Seanad elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3926/05]
In accordance with section 4 of the Seanad Electoral (Panel Members) Act 1947, the Clerk of Seanad Éireann is the returning officer for the Seanad. The arrangements for the establishment and maintenance by the returning officer of the register of nominating bodies are set out in Part 2 of that Act. The register is currently being revised for 2005 and the register as revised will be published later in the year. Copies of the current register are available from the returning officer.
The report on Seanad Reform by the Seanad Sub-Committee on Seanad Reform, published in April 2004, sets out a coherent and comprehensive package of recommendations for further consideration and action concerning the composition, functions and future role of Seanad Éireann. The report also includes proposals for new arrangements surrounding the nomination and election of senators, ranging from a radical reform of the vocational panel system to allow for broader enfranchisement, to the introduction of direct popular elections for some or all of the Seanad seats. The Seanad sub-committee considered the issue of immigrant representation in the context of multiculturalism and ethnicity in modern Ireland and recommended that the Taoiseach, when selecting nominees for the Seanad, should include people who can represent the interests and perspectives of immigrants.
These recommendations now require careful consideration. To this end, I have written to party leaders seeking nominations for an informal all-party parliamentary group, which I will chair, to determine the extent of cross party agreement on the recommendations and to advance, with consensus, proposals for implementation of Seanad reform.
Radon Gas Levels.
Emmet Stagg
Question:89 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the recent study published in a publication (details supplied) confirming that exposure to radon gas in homes leads to a significantly increased risk of lung cancer; the steps he intends to take to deal with the death toll being caused by radon gas in view of this and the findings of the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland that between 150 and 200 persons are dying every year from lung cancer arising from exposure to radon gas; if in view of the continuing death toll attributed to radon gas, he intends to provide funding for a scheme to assist those living in pre-1997 houses to take remedial action to provide adequate protection for their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3917/05]
I am aware of this recent report, which was published in the British Medical Journal, of a study concerning radon and lung cancer which was funded by Cancer Research UK and the European Commission. This report was the result of a collaborative analysis of individual data from 13 case control studies of residential radon and lung cancer in nine European countries, which did not include Ireland.
The report concluded that radon in the home accounts for about 9% of deaths from lung cancer and about 2% of all deaths from cancer in Europe. It also concluded that the absolute risk to smokers and recent ex-smokers was much greater, 25 times greater, than to lifelong non-smokers. These findings are broadly consistent with the estimate by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, RPII, that approximately 10% to 15% of all lung cancer deaths in Ireland are linked to radon gas exposure and that the incidence is higher among smokers than non-smokers.
Based on an RPII survey conducted in the 1990s of radon in domestic dwellings, the great majority of houses in Ireland, over 90%, would have radon concentration levels below the national reference level of 200 becquerels per cubic metres. This is the level above which radon remediation works are recommended.
While it is not practicable to provide grant assistance from public funds for radon remediation works in domestic dwellings, the Government, through the RPII, has over the years committed significant resources to assessing the extent of the radon problem throughout the country and to increasing public awareness of radon. During the years 1992 to 1999, the RPII carried out a national survey of radon in domestic dwellings aimed at assessing the extent of the radon problem in homes. The survey involved the measurement by the RPII of radon for a 12 month period in a random selection of homes in each 10 km x 10 km grid square throughout the country. The RPII's website contains a comprehensive map of the high radon areas in Ireland as well as the report of its national survey of radon in homes.
In February 2002, my Department published a booklet entitled "Radon in Existing Buildings — Corrective Options" advising designers, builders and home owners on remediation options for reducing radon in existing houses to, or below, the national reference level. Upgraded building regulations, introduced in June 1997, require all new houses which commenced construction on or after 1 July 1998 to incorporate radon protection measures. My Department has recently published an updated edition of technical guidance document C, TGD-D, on part C of the building regulations, site preparation and resistance to moisture, incorporating enhanced radon prevention measures for new buildings commencing on or after 1 April 2005. This new guidance document is aimed at ensuring that the 1997 radon protection measures are carried out more effectively.
In recent months, the RPII has undertaken several initiatives to further heighten awareness of the radon issue in Ireland. In November 2004, the RPII hosted the third national radon forum in Dublin to raise awareness of radon as a health risk. Earlier this year, the RPII published a revised version of its booklet "Radon in Homes" and also published a booklet in October 2004 —"Understanding radon remediation, a householders guide". The RPII also plans to distribute an information poster on radon for display in libraries, medical centres and other public areas advising people to have their homes checked for radon.
Both the RPII and my Department will continue to use all appropriate opportunities to raise public awareness of radon and to encourage householders with radon concentrations above the national reference level to undertake remediation works.
Litter Pollution.
Willie Penrose
Question:90 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the public consultation process on the 2003 litter monitoring body report on the problematic litter items such as chewing gum and fast food packaging; if, as promised, he will be making decisions on the measures required to deal with these problems before the end of 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3906/05]
Damien English
Question:133 Mr. English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the nature of the representations made by a company (details supplied) concerning the proposed chewing gum tax; the status of the proposed tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3940/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 133 together.
On foot of the success of the environmental levy on plastic bags, which was introduced in March 2002 and has resulted in a reduction in the dispensing of plastic shopping bags at retail outlets by over 90%, An Agreed Programme for Government contained a commitment to consider the extension of the levy on plastic bags to other materials which may be problematic from a waste management and-or litter perspective.
The litter monitoring body, which is co-ordinated by my Department, has published two reports to date in respect of the years 2002 and 2003 which provide valuable statistical data on litter pollution in Ireland. In the light of the first litter monitoring body report published in July 2003 in respect of the year 2002, my predecessor announced his intention to tackle the issue of litter caused by chewing gum, fast food packaging and automated teller machine — ATM — receipts, which were identified as significant elements of litter pollution.
To this end, a consultancy study was commissioned in September 2003 to carry out an analysis and recommend appropriate economic instruments, including environmental levies, that might be implemented to tackle the litter problems caused by these items. The consultancy report was released for public consultation on 23 September 2004.
In regard to chewing gum, the consultants' report proposed two options: a mandatory 10% levy on chewing gum sales, an average 5% pack, to be collected at manufacturer-importer-distributor level, which would generate an estimated €4 million to €5 million per annum for use in paying towards the clean up costs of chewing gum litter, or a negotiated agreement between my Department and the industry, involving the putting in place of a comprehensive action plan — incorporating intensive education and awareness campaigns and including agreed funding levels with agreed tangible targets and timeframes — aimed at changing consumer behaviour in chewing gum disposal and reducing gum litter. The consultancy report also recommended negotiated agreements with the relevant sectors on fast food packaging and ATM receipts.
The purpose of the public consultation process was to obtain the views of relevant stakeholders and other interested parties on the report's recommendations. The deadline for the receipt of comments and submissions under the public consultation phase was 29 October 2004.
During the public consultation phase, I held a meeting with representatives of the chewing gum industry to discuss the consultants' report. The industry outlined measures and solutions that it was prepared to implement by way of a negotiated agreement as a means of addressing the chewing gum litter problem. My Department has examined the various submissions made as part of the consultation process and I intend to announce a decision on these shortly.
Local Authority Staff.
Bernard Allen
Question:91 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the Government has considered allowing local authority staff, with specific skills that may be of assistance to the Asia relief effort, volunteer for work in Asia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2653/05]
In 1997, the Government established the rapid response register of experienced persons willing to make themselves available at short notice to meet the personnel needs of Irish and international humanitarian agencies working in crisis situations. The register operates under the aegis of the Department of Foreign Affairs' volunteer 21 programme.
Under existing arrangements, suitably qualified local authority personnel wishing to undertake overseas development work and personnel selected for inclusion on the rapid response register may be granted special leave of absence with or without pay. Such leave may be granted subject to the requirements of the local authority concerned for a period or periods up to five years in total. Staff released for humanitarian emergencies may be replaced on a temporary basis for the duration of such special leave.
Following the recent events in Asia, it appears there is scope for considering an enhancement of arrangements to permit the local government sector to contribute more actively to civilian crisis response capability. I intend that my Department should liaise with the relevant Departments and agencies in this regard.
Nuclear Safety.
Jack Wall
Question:92 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the recent report of the working group of the BNFL stakeholder dialogue that found that hundreds of thousands of Irish people may be at risk if suicide bombers succeeded in attacking the Sellafield nuclear reprocessing plant; the action he intends to take arising from the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3919/05]
David Stanton
Question:153 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make a statement on the report by the UK Office for Civil Nuclear Safety that there are chronically inadequate resources to deal with a major emergency at Sellafield. [3984/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 153 together.
I refer to the reply to Question No. 1366 of 26 January 2005.
Election Management System.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:93 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the annual cost of storing the electronic voting machines; the number of such machines; and the location of same. [3706/05]
The information requested is set out in the following table.
|
Constituency |
No. of Voting Machines |
Location of Storage Premises |
Annual Storage Costs (rent, insurance, service charges, rates etc.) |
|
€ |
|||
|
Carlow |
115 |
Mortarstown |
28,506 |
|
Kilkenny |
135 |
||
|
Cavan |
148 |
Monaghan Town |
25,828 |
|
Monaghan |
140 |
||
|
Clare |
200 |
Ennis |
10,800 |
|
Cork County |
425 |
Togher |
37,609 |
|
Cork City |
505 |
Ballygarvan |
27,208 |
|
Donegal |
295 |
Letterkenny |
9,293 |
|
Dublin City |
777 |
Ballycoolin |
65,000 |
|
Dublin County |
768 |
Finglas |
62,939 |
|
Galway |
310 |
Galway City |
5,253 |
|
Kerry |
310 |
Tralee |
26,125 |
|
Kildare |
275 |
Clane |
27,126 |
|
Laois |
100 |
Portlaoise |
28,178 |
|
Offaly |
120 |
||
|
Limerick |
335 |
Limerick City |
57,676 |
|
Longford |
90 |
Longford Town |
2,995 |
|
Roscommon |
142 |
Roscommon Town |
10,375 |
|
Louth |
180 |
Dundalk |
298 |
|
Mayo |
370 |
Castlebar |
34,930 |
|
Meath |
265 |
Navan |
20,366 |
|
Sligo |
130 |
Sligo Town |
Nil |
|
Leitrim |
100 |
Carrick-on-Shannon |
Nil |
|
Tipperary North and South |
408 |
Clonmel |
42,700 |
|
Waterford |
195 |
Waterford City |
52,888 |
|
Westmeath |
175 |
Mullingar |
22,805 |
|
Wexford |
240 |
Drinagh |
16,875 |
|
Wicklow |
245 |
Kilcoole |
42,456 |
|
DoEHLG |
6 |
Custom House, Dublin |
Nil |
|
Total |
7,504 |
658,229 |
EU Directives.
Pádraic McCormack
Question:94 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he has taken to prevent Ireland being fined on 2 March 2005 for the non-implementation of the nitrates directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4059/05]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 346 of 1 February 2005. I intend that a substantive response to the letter of formal notice from the European Commission will be made by the due date of 22 March 2005.
Pay Awards.
Mary Upton
Question:95 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the names of the senior local authority personnel who have been awarded bonus payments by the committee for performance awards; the amounts paid in each case; if he will list the criteria used for awarding payments in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3916/05]
Simon Coveney
Question:174 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make a statement on the content of the first annual report of the committee for performance awards for local authority managers, assistant managers and directors of services. [4025/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 174 together.
Following the recommendation of the review body on higher remuneration in the public sector in its report of 25 September 2000, a scheme of performance related awards was introduced in the local authority sector for managers, assistant managers and directors of services commencing in 2003. The review body recommended that a committee for performance awards be established to monitor and adjudicate on the performance awards process in the local government sector. The committee comprises the Secretary General of my Department, two senior local authority managers and two members from the private sector.
Under the scheme, participants prepare a statement of objectives at the beginning of the year and a self-assessment of performance at the end of the year. Objectives and assessments are subject to approval by the committee for performance awards, which also makes the final determination of the amounts of awards.
The committee's report on the operation of the scheme for 2003, including an outline of the requirements in regard to objectives and performance, is available on the website of my Department at www.environ.ie. I will arrange for a copy of the report to be sent to the Oireachtas Library. The report contains details of the distribution of awards made in respect of 2003. Information naming officials and the individual amounts paid to them is deemed a personal record and consequently is not publicly available.
Environmental Policy.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:96 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has plans to introduce controls on the use of polystyrene as a packaging material, especially when used as packing for electrical goods, in view of the fact that it is not recyclable and is bulky and difficult to dispose of; his estimate of the amount of polystyrene produced in this way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3900/05]
Polystyrene is widely used internationally as protective packaging in the transport of electrical and other goods. While such packaging can be recycled, for example, for insulation purposes, manufacture of roof tiles, window frames and so forth, there are limited outlets for it in Ireland. Recycling of this material is hindered by its high volume to weight ratio and the associated costs of collection. There are no official data on the amount of polystyrene placed on the Irish market.
Article 18 of European Parliament and Council Directive 1994/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste prohibit member states from impeding the placing on the market of packaging which satisfies the provisions of the directive, that is, which is in accordance with the essential requirements specified in annex II of the directive as to the composition and the reusable and recoverable nature of packaging. On foot of these provisions, the introduction of controls on polystyrene protective packaging, such as that used on electrical goods, is not under consideration.
The litter monitoring body, which is co-ordinated by my Department, has published two reports to date in respect of the years 2002 and 2003 which provide valuable statistical data on litter pollution in Ireland. Fast food take-away bags and wrappers, much of which comprise polystyrene, have been identified as the largest litter component in the packaging litter category, which is the third largest category of litter after cigarette and food related litter. In the light of the findings of the first litter monitoring body report published in July 2003 in respect of the year 2002, my predecessor announced the intention to take measures to tackle litter caused by fast food packaging, together with chewing gum and ATM receipts which were also identified as significant elements of litter pollution. To this end, a consultancy study was commissioned to analyse and recommend appropriate economic instruments, including environmental levies, that might be implemented to tackle the litter problems caused by these items.
In their report, the consultants recommend in relation to fast food packaging that a negotiated agreement should be concluded between Government and the fast food sector involving the putting in place of litter protocols, action plans, targets and so forth. It would be my intention to seek a commitment to the phasing out of the use of polystyrene in fast food packaging in favour of biodegradable materials, as part of any such negotiated agreement. A final decision on the proposed action to deal with fast food packaging will be taken shortly on foot of the conclusion of a public consultation process which was put in place after the publication of the consultant's report.
Question No. 97 answered with QuestionNo. 80.
Waste Management.
Arthur Morgan
Question:98 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the further regulations he intends to introduce under sections 28 and 29 of the Waste Management Act 1996 to bring about waste prevention and minimisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3807/05]
An effective basis for addressing our waste management responsibilities has been put in place through my Department's policy statements, Changing our Ways, Delivering Change 1998 and Taking Stock Moving Forward 2004, statutory waste management plans — largely prepared on a regional basis — and the comprehensive regulatory framework now in place regarding waste.
The Government's approach is based on the internationally recognised waste management hierarchy of prevention-minimisation, significantly increased levels of recycling, energy recovery and, finally, utilising landfill as the last resort for residual waste that cannot otherwise be recovered.
A key priority currently is the development and roll out of a national waste prevention programme. A core prevention team was established last year in the Environmental Protection Agency to develop and drive the programme. A draft programme was published by the agency in April 2004.
Section 28 of the Waste Management Acts 1996 to 2003 provide for a wide range of legislative and economic instruments to be applied in support of prevention initiatives. Where necessary, and as appropriate, the programme will advise and make recommendations with regard to the development and formulation of legislation and the introduction of economic instruments. In the first instance, such advice will relate to waste and material audits. I understand that the agency is currently developing guidance on waste audits and waste reduction planning. It is hoped to conduct a pilot project to test the draft guidance and the agency expects to have this completed by the end of 2005.
A key component of the waste management system in Ireland has been the development of producer responsibility initiatives. I recently made regulations to further streamline the packaging and packaging waste regulations made in 2003. As I indicated when making the revised regulations, my Department is currently reviewing a number of policy aspects of the operation of the packaging recycling regime currently in place. These relate to the registration fees paid to local authorities by those producers opting to self-comply and the purchasing of packaging waste by such producers. I will consider further streamlining of the regulations should it be necessary to adopt such an approach on foot of this review.
My Department is currently developing regulations for further producer responsibility initiatives under EU directives on waste electrical and electronic equipment and end-of-life vehicles. These directives are based on the promotion of waste prevention and minimisation objectives. Regulations implementing these will be made this year. Work is also underway in developing producer responsibility initiatives for waste tyres which may require the making of regulations and for newsprint.
Election Management System.
Brian O'Shea
Question:99 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the programme of work which has been undertaken by his Department to address the recommendations of the interim report of the Commission on Electronic Voting; the recommendations to which this work relates; when he expects this programme of work to be completed and submitted to the commission for review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3902/05]
Dinny McGinley
Question:138 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will make a decision on electronic voting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4015/05]
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:160 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the first report of the Commission on Electronic Voting which was published on 15 December 2004; his plans for the use of the electronic voting system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3901/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:288 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in regard to the electronic voting technology; if it is intended to modify, alter or adapt the equipment for alternative use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4299/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 99, 138, 160 and 288 together.
The Electoral (Amendment) Act 2004 confirms the policy objective of electronic voting and counting at Irish elections and maintains the mandate to my Department from the Oireachtas to work towards implementation of this objective.
In this context, my Department is developing, in parallel with the continuing work of the Commission on Electronic Voting, a programme of further assessment, testing and validation which is intended to address the concerns raised in the commission's interim report published last April, and its more detailed first report published in December, on the secrecy and accuracy of the chosen electronic voting and counting system.
The objective of this programme will be to demonstrate to the commission and to the public that the Nedap-Powervote electronic voting system, which was selected following detailed assessment of the requirements to be met in Irish electoral conditions and the holding of an open international tender competition, is suitable to be used at Irish elections. I am giving full consideration to the views of the commission and I will ensure that its analysis will inform and guide the programme of further assessment, testing and validation of the system. I intend, therefore, that all of the commission's recommendations for action should be appropriately addressed in the work ahead.
The timing of the further use of the system is dependent on the progress made with this programme of work and the dates on which future polls may be held.
Planning Issues.
Liam Twomey
Question:100 Mr. Twomey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether the deluge of planning applications made in December 2004 in order to avail of certain tax reliefs will place an intolerable strain on local authorities which must respond within the statutory timeframe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3997/05]
Under planning legislation, the processing of planning applications is a matter for the individual planning authorities and management of workloads and deployment of resources to that end is an administrative issue for those bodies. My Department is satisfied that planning authorities generally have sufficient resources to deal with the numbers of planning applications received.
Nuclear Safety.
Róisín Shortall
Question:101 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the representations he has made to the British authorities about the decision announced in December 2004 regarding their decision to start accepting nuclear waste from around the world for burial in the UK; if he has sought a list of the locations at which the material will be buried and the nature of the material involved; if an assessment has been made of any potential risk to this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3921/05]
The reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel undertaken at Sellafield includes operations in respect of substantial overseas contracts. Under these contracts there is an obligation on the UK to repatriate the recovered nuclear materials and also the substantial radioactive waste products to the country of origin. The wastes include so called high level waste, HLW, and intermediate level waste, ILW. It remains UK Government policy that radioactive waste produced as a result of reprocessing in the UK will be returned to its country of origin.
In July 2002, the UK Government announced it would consider the issue of intermediate level waste substitution policy and commissioned a study of the issue which was subsequently opened to public consultation between January and April 2004. My Department made a submission to this consultation which, inter alia, outlined in very clear terms this Government’s view that the continued reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel is a principal factor in the generation of nuclear waste and that the Government is totally opposed to the continued reprocessing of spent fuel at Sellafield.
The decision announced in December 2004 on ILW substitution relates to the retention and long-term management in the UK of ILW arising from the reprocessing of overseas spent nuclear fuel. This will be compensated by the sending to the overseas customer of an additional amount of HLW, equivalent in radiological terms to the ILW retained. There is currently no proposal by the UK to bury the ILW to be retained in the UK arising from any proposed ILW substitution arrangements.
The long-term arrangements for radioactive waste management in the UK are currently under consideration by the committee for radioactive waste management, CoRWM, an independent body established by the UK Government. It was set up to review the options for managing the UK's radioactive waste, including ILW, and provide a long-term solution for this problem which protects people and the environment. CoRWM is tasked with providing options to the UK Government for the management of this waste by July 2006. As a part of this process CoRWM has been conducting consultations and holding meetings with relevant stakeholders. My Department will continue to monitor closely the work of this committee and utilise the consultation process to articulate the concerns of the Irish Government about any proposals arising for the management and disposal of radioactive waste in the UK.
I understand the decision by the UK Government on ILW substitution policy will result in radioactive waste arising from foreign reprocessing contracts being returned to overseas customers a considerable number of years earlier. Based on the substitution of HLW for an equivalent, in radioactivity terms, amount of ILW, it will in broad terms be environmentally neutral. It will also involve a six fold reduction in the number of radioactive waste shipments by British Nuclear Fuels Limited, BNFL. Our concerns on current transports through the Irish Sea are well known and while the proposal to reduce such shipments is welcome, the reduced number of shipments arising under this policy will be of HLW, which would be considered as potentially a greater risk.
The Government has continuously articulated its opposition to the reprocessing operations at Sellafield, which are environmentally untenable and only serve to add to the generation of additional nuclear wastes for which the UK has yet to decide on a long-term management option. The Government will, therefore, continue to use available avenues, both diplomatic and legal, to bring about an end to reprocessing operations at Sellafield.
Question No. 102 answered with QuestionNo. 64.
Litter Pollution.
Billy Timmins
Question:103 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the recent discussions he has had with Wicklow County Council or the EPA with respect to illegal dumping sites in the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3886/05]
There is ongoing consultation between the office of environmental enforcement and Wicklow County Council concerning the actions being undertaken currently by the council in relation to illegal waste activities in the county with a view to a structured approach to dealing with them. The last such meeting took place on 28 January 2005. Wicklow County Council also periodically updates my Department on its investigations of the main incidences of illegal activities and is of the view that systematic illegal dumping has been halted in the county.
Social and Affordable Housing.
Enda Kenny
Question:104 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether there may be scope for a large scale public private partnership to fast-track the build of high quality social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3999/05]
Pádraic McCormack
Question:114 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he will take to encourage innovative approaches involving joint venture arrangements, public private partnerships, financing, direct provision and management of public housing as recommended by the Institute of Engineers of Ireland. [3710/05]
Seymour Crawford
Question:173 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he will take to encourage innovative approaches involving joint venture arrangements, public private partnerships, financing, direct provision and management of public housing as recommended by the Institute of Engineers of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4021/05]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
I propose to take Questions Nos. 104, 114 and 173 together.
In response to strong demand for housing in recent years, the Government has focused on a range of measures to boost housing supply. We have placed particular emphasis on the issue of affordability and put in place a broad range of targeted schemes, which have met the needs of over 13,000 households for each of the last two years. A wide range of administrative arrangements and new initiatives have been developed, working closely with local authorities, the voluntary and co-operative sector, the construction industry and other interested parties to ensure that housing is delivered in an integrated fashion with necessary infrastructure and amenities in the surrounding environment. I am anxious to ensure that the significant public funding invested in the sector, some €1.3 billion in 2005, is used to best effect so that priority is given to those most in need and that housing is delivered in a manner which breaks cycles of dependency and disadvantage.
I fully recognise and support the important role of PPPs and joint venture arrangements in the provision of social and affordable housing. There have already been a number of successful innovative public private partnerships between local authorities and developers in the provision of mixed developments of private, affordable and social housing with extra amenities such as child care facilities.
Two successful partnerships of this kind are taking place between Fingal County Council and Dublin City Council in Mulhuddart and Cherry Orchard respectively. My Department has also encouraged local authorities to investigate the use of PPP, where possible, in regeneration developments. Dublin City Council is currently undertaking the redevelopment of Fatima Mansions as a PPP and has recently determined that O'Devaney Gardens will be developed as a similar type project. The tendering process of the Fatima Mansions project has demonstrated the interest of international and foreign based companies in developing partnering arrangements-consortia with Irish firms to tender for such projects.
Other local authorities are developing large scale proposals for the redevelopment of estates which may be appropriate as PPP projects. Furthermore, affordable housing delivered under the Sustaining Progress affordable housing initiative may be procured by relevant local authorities entering into PPP type arrangements with developers to deliver housing on lands provided by the non-commercial State sector. The Sustaining Progress affordable housing initiative further develops this partnering concept. A new approach, which was suggested by the industry, is being tried in Harcourt Terrace, where the tender process recognises the possibility of swapping the site for alternative affordable housing.
An increasing number of units of social and affordable housing are also now being completed under Part V arrangements and output from this source should continue to grow.
It is important to note that in addition to local authority provision of social housing, there is also an increasing provision by the not for profit sector. Participation by the voluntary and co-operative sector has been consolidated by the generous levels of funding being provided by the Government over recent years. We remain committed as ever to developing the sector's role in housing both at national and local level. Local authorities have also been encouraged to take account of the role and potential of voluntary and co-operative housing groups in housing when completing their action plans.
Furthermore, under the rental accommodation scheme announced by the Government in July 2004, local authorities will, over a four year period, progressively assume responsibility for accommodating supplementary welfare allowance, SWA, rent supplement recipients of 18 months or more continuous duration with a long-term housing need. Local authorities will provide accommodation mainly through availability contracts with landlords. The use of public private partnership type arrangements to put in place long-term contracts for the supply of rented accommodation will be a feature of the scheme.
While the management and maintenance of their rented dwellings is the responsibility of local authorities, my Department plays an important role in providing support and guidance to the authorities in their efforts to better manage their estates. In recent years my Department has introduced a number of initiatives in this regard, including the housing management initiative grants scheme designed to support innovative pilot projects in the area of local authority housing management by way of grant assistance from my Department.
The Government's efforts to create good conditions for social and affordable housing have been innovative and creative. We welcome the role of PPPs and we will continue in our joint efforts to progress the sector while also continuing to ensure a high quality of design and environmental treatment.
Question No. 105 answered with QuestionNo. 77.
Planning Issues.
Billy Timmins
Question:106 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the difficulties which have been brought to his attention by local authorities or the CIF with respect to the operation of Part V of the Planning and Development Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3887/05]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 was commenced on 1 November 2000. It provided that planning authorities prepare housing strategies by 31 July 2001 and incorporate the strategies into development plans by way of a variation before the social and affordable housing provisions of the part could apply to relevant residential planning applications. As a result it was late 2001 or early 2002 before it became operational in many local authorities.
As with any new scheme, my Department issued extensive guidance to assist planning authorities and others to implement the new arrangements. Notwithstanding this, local authorities and builders have encountered some difficulties, from time to time, in its operation since 2002. My Department would clarify most of these, where necessary, through the issue of further circulars or more detailed guidance. This arose particularly in late 2002 when, following a review and amendment of the Act, further guidance issued in 2003 followed by a series of regional seminars involving all stakeholders.
While Part V is now fully operational in all local authorities, some further operational issues, for example, direct sale of Part V affordable units by developers to eligible applicants nominated by local authorities, have been brought to my attention by local authorities and the Irish Home Builders Association, IHBA. Indeed, my Department is in ongoing correspondence and discussions with a number of interested parties, including the IHBA, on the operation of Part V. Following consideration of these matters, further guidance will be issued as necessary.
House Prices.
Joe Costello
Question:107 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action that has been taken or that he plans to take following the report of the All-Party Committee on the Constitution on the cost of building land; the measures that have been implemented arising from this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3891/05]
Michael D. Higgins
Question:176 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the recent report of the NESC on housing and building land and the results of the research he has commissioned from a company (details supplied) into the ownership and control of building land in certain development areas, particularly Dublin, to determine whether current practices are retarding the overall delivery of building land or impeding long-term market stability; the action he intends to take arising from these reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3892/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos.107 and 176 together.
The Government has received the findings of the ninth progress report of the All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution — Property Rights; report No. 112 of the National Economic and Social Council, NESC, "Housing in Ireland: Performance and Policy"; and the report by Goodbody Economic Consultants.
The Government is committed to increasing the supply of housing to meet the broad range of housing needs. In this context, my Department is concerned to ensure that policies such as land use planning operate to support this objective.
The Goodbody report, which is available in the Oireachtas Library, is an economic proofing of a possible scheme aimed at accelerating the supply of land for affordable housing development. This proofing was carried out by reference to the position in three housing authorities, two urban and one rural. The analysis included a profile of development land available for housing in the areas concerned, the identification of any factors impeding its supply to the market, including the possible hoarding of land, and an evaluation of the market and other impacts of the proposal. This report has also informed my Department's consideration of the All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution report on property rights.
The NESC report, which was published in December 2004, is a comprehensive study, designed to contribute to the overall understanding of the factors underpinning the development of the housing sector in Ireland and outlines the important challenges for the future.
The Government is giving careful consideration to all these reports within the context of its continuing commitment to meeting the broad range of housing needs. I intend to bring proposals to Government in response to these reports as soon as possible.
Proposed Legislation.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:108 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status with regard to the proposed Critical Infrastructure Bill, which was first announced in October 2003; when it is likely that the Bill will be published; the main features of same; if it will apply to all incinerators, including the one proposed for Poolbeg in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3889/05]
Tom Hayes
Question:177 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the Critical Infrastructure Bill; if it will include the recommendations of the Institution of Engineers of Ireland and the Construction Industry Federation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4084/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 108 and 177 together.
I believe that there is wide consensus that we should have a regulatory system for major infrastructure projects that delivers projects in the right place at the earliest possible time and in a cost effective way. In addition, the system must, of course, be capable of mitigating the impact of any major project on the environment and on people and comply with all relevant national and international legal requirements.
Having examined the problems that have arisen in the area, the Government considers that legislation is desirable to address some issues arising in the approval process. Due to the complexity of the issues involved and the need to consult widely among my colleagues, the preparation of draft legislative proposals has taken some time. I am currently working on the proposals for a Strategic Infrastructure Bill and I intend to bring them before Cabinet shortly with a view to publishing the Bill as soon as possible.
In advance of the Government making a decision on these proposals, it would be inappropriate to elaborate on their detail, including details of the types of national infrastructure that might be included in the proposed legislation. In general terms, however, it is intended to reduce the time required for obtaining development consent for necessary major public projects and to co-ordinate and streamline the different procedures now involved, while respecting the requirements of environment and heritage protection and the need for adequate public consultation.
EU Directives.
John Deasy
Question:109 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress to date on the transposition into Irish law of the European noise directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4058/05]
Work on drafting legislation to transpose the EU directive on environmental noise assessment and management into national law is continuing, in consultation with the various bodies concerned including relevant local authorities, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Roads Authority, the Department of Transport and bodies under its aegis. My Department is aiming to complete the transposition process and give effect to the directive later this year.
Planning Issues.
Liam Twomey
Question:110 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he intends to ensure that those retailers who avail of recent changes in the planning guidelines contribute to the transport, social and recreational needs of the locality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3996/05]
Dan Boyle
Question:116 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has undertaken any research into the distribution and sizing of large retail warehouses throughout the European Union (details supplied); if he will provide this Deputy with a copy of these studies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3929/05]
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:125 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the basis for the changes in the retail planning guidelines announced by him on 15 January 2005; if he will list those retail concerns that made representations to his Department to have the guidelines changed; if his attention has been drawn to the serious concerns expressed regarding the possible impact of the change on existing retailers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3881/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 110, 116 and 125 together.
I recently announced the decision to amend the retail planning guidelines, with effect from 1 February 2005, to provide that the floor space cap on retail warehouses will no longer apply within the functional areas of the four Dublin local authorities and in the other national spatial strategy gateways. The gateway towns and cities are Athlone, Tullamore, Mullingar, Cork, Dublin, Dundalk, Galway, Letterkenny, Limerick-Shannon, Sligo and Waterford. This modification to the guidelines will only apply in areas subject to integrated area plans, IAPs, under the Urban Renewal Act 1998.
The amendment to the retail planning guidelines follows a review of the floor space cap on retail warehouses set in the retail planning guidelines, which came into effect on 1 January 2001. The guidelines prescribe a maximum floor area of 6,000 sq. m gross retail floor space for large scale single retail warehouse development. This cap has been reviewed, taking account of the need to promote effective competition in this sector of retailing and of ongoing developments in retail formats, while underpinning proper planning and sustainable development.
To assist in carrying out the review, interested parties were invited to make submissions to my Department. Some 71 submissions were received and assessed. These submissions were fully taken into account in the finalisation of the review. My Department has not commissioned any specific research into the distribution and sizing of large retail warehouses throughout the European Union.
Retail companies which suggested in their submissions on the review that the floor space cap be adjusted or abolished were B&Q Ireland Ltd., IKEA and Costco Wholesale UK. A number of other bodies, including the Competition Authority and the Construction Industry Federation, also suggested the abolition of the floor space cap on retail warehouses.
I am aware of concerns expressed about the possible impact of the change on existing retailers. In the first instance, I would stress that the changes now introduced relate to retail warehouses that sell bulky household goods and do not affect the existing caps on the size of supermarkets-grocery outlets. The changes to the guidelines are further limited in that they are confined to integrated area plan areas in the gateways designated by the national spatial strategy. The overall policy objectives of the retail planning guidelines, including normal planning requirements, will continue to apply to any proposals for the development of retail warehouses in excess of 6,000 sq. m.
The revised guidelines indicate that any proposal for an individual retail warehouse with a floor space in excess of 6,000 sq. m gross in order to be acceptable from a planning viewpoint would need, inter alia, to be accompanied by a detailed traffic impact assessment and be supported by the necessary infrastructure. It will be a matter for the development management process to apply the relevant criteria to any planning application that may come forward from the private sector.
Development contributions are charged by planning authorities to recoup some of the costs to public funds of servicing land for private development. Development contributions collected by planning authorities are ring-fenced to pay for facilities servicing new developments, for example, roads, water, sewerage services and other amenities. All planning authorities have adopted development contribution schemes which set out how development contribution schemes apply in their areas and these schemes apply to all permissions granted after the adoption of the scheme.
The amendment to the retail planning guidelines will facilitate wider consumer choice and greater competition. It will also ensure that any such development entering the market does so on a basis which contributes to the economic and social objectives of the Government's urban renewal programme and the national spatial strategy.
Road Safety.
Paudge Connolly
Question:111 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to ensure the early removal of inappropriate metric speed signs, particularly in the vicinity of schools; if a review of speed limits is planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3701/05]
The provision of road traffic signs, which include metric speed limit signs, is a matter for local authorities under the Road Traffic Acts 1961 to 2004. The Minister for Transport has overall responsibility for the Road Traffic Acts and for any general review of speed limits. I have no function in the matter.
Question No. 112 answered with QuestionNo. 70.
Social and Affordable Housing.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:113 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his proposals to swap State owned land for completed housing to help fast track the building of affordable homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3893/05]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
As a means of progressing the affordable housing initiative as speedily as possible, my Department has been looking at a range of options which may accelerate the delivery of housing units. One of these, a land swap option which involves the exchange of land for units which could be delivered more quickly elsewhere, is being piloted on the Harcourt Terrace site in Dublin. Expressions of interest were sought in November of last year and I understand that there has been considerable interest in this option. Short-listing of bids is currently under way in Dublin City Council. This project will be closely monitored with a view to using the land swap option on other sites.
The Harcourt Terrace project, along with all other projects under the initiative, is being progressed as a matter of urgency with a view to early delivery of units.
Question No. 114 answered with QuestionNo. 104.
Consultancy Contracts.
Olwyn Enright
Question:115 Ms Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the contract awarded to a company (details supplied) due for renewal in February 2005 will be renewed; if not, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3987/05]
Joan Burton
Question:123 Ms Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the contract awarded to a person (details supplied) to provide public relations services to his Department will expire; the total paid out in respect of the contract in terms of remuneration and expenses; if it is intended to renew the contact or to seek new tenders for the services supplied; if not, the manner in which the services provided by the firm will now be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3888/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 123 together.
The contract to the company concerned expired on 8 February 2005. The total paid out to date by my Department on the contract is €275,646. There is no provision in the contract for its renewal nor is it proposed at present to invite tenders for a new similar contract. Given that many of the major communication initiatives envisaged at the time of the award of the contract have now been well progressed, my preference is to rely on my Department's press office and other resources within my Department and its agencies for the ongoing communication of my Department's policies and programmes.
Question No. 116 answered with QuestionNo. 110.
Waste Disposal.
Richard Bruton
Question:117 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will increase the penalties for rogue unlicensed refuse collectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4039/05]
Under the Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations 2001, all commercial collectors of waste are obliged to apply to a nominated collection permitting authority in order to collect waste in a given waste management planning region. The regulations also provide that local authorities must require permit holders to ensure that the waste collected is transferred to a waste facility that has been licensed by the Environmental Protection Agency or holds a permit from the relevant local authority. A permitting authority is entitled to refuse to grant a collection permit, or to revoke one that had been granted, in the event that an applicant or permittee is found guilty of any one of a number of specified waste offences.
Under the Protection of the Environment Act 2003, the penalties for breaches of the waste management code have been increased to a fine of up to €3000 and-or a sentence of up to 12 months on summary conviction, with convictions on indictment increased up to €15 million and-or a sentence of up to ten years.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:118 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the feedback he has received from the Environmental Protection Agency concerning its crackdown on illegal dumping; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3936/05]
Since the establishment, within the Environmental Protection Agency, of the office of environmental enforcement in October 2003, there has been regular contact with my Department in the context of the office developing comprehensive new structures to deliver a significantly enhanced waste enforcement service.
A major achievement for the office during 2004 was the consolidation of environmental enforcement activity through the establishment of a national enforcement network. The function of the network is to harness the collective resources, expertise and investigative capacity of those engaged in dealing with environmental crime in Ireland. The network pools and draws on the combined skills of the local authorities, the office itself, the Garda Síochána, the Environment and Heritage Service and police authorities in Northern Ireland and other relevant agencies. My Department is also represented on the network.
The initial focus is in dealing with unauthorised waste activity and, in particular, the issue of illegal cross-Border movement of waste from the Republic into Northern Ireland. The network is bringing a level of consistency and focus to waste enforcement in Ireland that did not exist prior to its establishment and targeted roadblocks and inspections of suspect premises have occurred.
Two dedicated working groups have been set up to work on the issues of unauthorised waste activities and transfrontier shipment of waste and these include representatives of the local authorities, the Northern Ireland authorities and my Department. The unauthorised waste working group's functions include co-ordination of enforcement actions against companies and individuals involved in the illegal movement and disposal of waste in Ireland. Information and recommendations emerging from this process support a systematic plan of action to tackle offenders.
A nationwide concerted action was held on 30 November 2004, which involved members of the Garda Síochána and waste enforcement officers from 15 local authorities, in addition to inspectors from the office and the Northern Ireland Environment and Heritage Service. The office also provided assistance to the Garda Síochána in carrying out an investigation into ten sites in the Republic suspected of being involved in illegally moving waste to Northern Ireland. This action is part of a broader criminal investigation and illustrates that the necessary communication channels, set up in the network, have already borne fruit in the successful completion of a co-ordinated action involving 18 sites in the United Kingdom and ten in Ireland.
The benefits of the network are found in the sharing of information between local authorities, and other relevant parties, on waste facilities suspected of illegal activities. A regional approach is being developed whereby concerted actions are being planned on a regional level.
The office has also commissioned a study, to be completed in mid-2005, on unauthorised waste activities. This will include establishing as completely as possible the extent of unauthorised activities, reviewing current procedures and developing improved guidance for investigation of unauthorised activities.
Significant training is also planned for local authority environmental staff on waste issues. This is designed with the aim of improving the understanding of field staff of waste legislation and providing practical tools to assist in planning, execution and follow up on waste enforcement actions.
Question No. 119 answered with QuestionNo. 78.
Litter Pollution.
Trevor Sargent
Question:120 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has plans to improve the collection and recycling of plastic in view of the large amount of plastic litter which is to be found in ditches around fields in which silage bale wrap has been used. [1938/05]
Under the Waste Management (Farm Plastics) Regulations 2001, producers — that is, manufacturers and importers — of farm plastics, such as silage bale wrap and sheeting, are required to take steps to recover farm plastics waste which they have placed on the market or alternatively to contribute to, and participate in, compliance schemes to recover the waste in question. The farm plastics recovery scheme operated by the Irish farm film producers group, IFFPG, is the sole approved body in Ireland for the purposes of implementing a compliance scheme for farm plastics waste and has operated successfully to date, funding the collection and recycling of circa 8,500 tonnes of farm plastics in 2004.
Under the IFFPG scheme, producers apply a levy on the sale of farm plastics which in turn is transferred to the IFFPG for use in funding the collection and recovery of farm plastics waste. Manufacturers and importers who do not participate in the approved scheme, that is, self-compliers, are required under the regulations to operate a deposit and refund scheme — equating to a deposit-refund of €254 per tonne of farm plastic purchased-returned — for the collection and recovery of waste plastics, as well as comply with other onerous reporting requirements to local authorities.
With specific regard to the issue of litter, the litter monitoring body, which is co-ordinated by my Department, has published two reports to date, in respect of the years 2002 and 2003, which provide valuable statistical data about litter pollution in Ireland. The latest report, in respect of litter composition in 2003, indicates that plastic sheeting such as silage wrap accounts for 0.02% of litter, down from 0.03% in 2002.
In light of the consistent and steady progress achieved by IFFPG since its inception, I am anxious to build on the success of the farm plastics scheme and my Department will, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, look at ways in which recovery and recycling in this sector can be further developed.
Waste Disposal.
Willie Penrose
Question:121 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when his Department received the study prepared by the Health Research Board on the health implications of waste incineration; when he intends to publish his response to the study, which has been promised on a number of occasions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3905/05]
The Health Research Board's study on the effects of landfill and incineration was published in 2003. My Department, together with the Department of Health and Children and the Environmental Protection Agency, has been considering this report with a view to agreeing on a response to the report's findings. I accept that this process has taken longer than originally anticipated, due primarily to the need also to consider a more recently published UK Government report entitled, "A Review of Environmental and Health Effects of Waste Management".
The joint consideration by the Departments has recently been completed and an agreed draft response has been prepared for my approval. I intend to publish this response shortly.
Local Authority Housing.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:122 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the breakdown of the different interest rates being charged to local authority tenants who are buying out their home from the State; the total value of and the number of loans at each interest rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3925/05]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
The most recent information on the total number of tenant purchase loans was contained in the 2002 census of population. The census indicated that overall there were 44,783 homes being purchased from local authorities. Information on the total value of such loans or a breakdown by interest rate is not available in my Department.
Tenant purchasers are not obliged by the terms of the scheme to take out a mortgage from local authorities. Furthermore, those with fixed rate local authority loans are free to redeem without penalty and refinance in the private sector. My Department does not have full information on the value or number of these private sector loans and consequently is not in a position to supply the detailed information sought in the question.
However, as local authorities generally finance housing loans through borrowings from the Housing Finance Agency, HFA, the data on the outstanding loans from the HFA to local authorities given in the table below provides a good indication of the likely breakdown of loans at different interest rates. In this regard, the data indicate that the vast bulk of loans are at variable interest rates. The actual number of loans is not available as this local authority information is not aggregated at national level.
A summary of the position in relation to tenant purchase loans funded by the Housing Finance Agency is set out in the following table.
|
Local Authority rate to borrower (excl. mortgage protection) |
Principle Outstanding 31/12/2004 |
|
€ |
|
|
Fixed Interest |
|
|
4.45% |
212,262 |
|
5.30% |
272,821 |
|
5.80% |
742,845 |
|
6.30% |
729,312 |
|
6.75% |
2,598,443 |
|
7.50% |
538,664 |
|
9.00% |
140,689 |
|
10.00% |
2,285,131 |
|
Sub-Total |
7,520,167 |
|
Variable Interest |
|
|
2.95% |
27,041,201 |
|
Total |
34,561,368 |
The current local authority tenant purchase mortgage interest rates are 2.95% variable and 4.45% for the five year fixed, which represent competitive rates of lending.
Prior to December 1987 when variable rates were introduced, certain fixed interest rate loans issued by local authorities would have carried rates in excess of the levels indicated in the above table. These fixed interest rates reflect the cost of the long-term funds involved.
Question No. 123 answered with QuestionNo. 115.
Litter Pollution.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:124 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the recent litter study undertaken by environmental scientists at Trinity College, Dublin, which found that at any one time there were 1,148 pieces of litter per kilometre stretch of a typical rural road; the steps he intends to take to deal with this unacceptable situation; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that drink cans and plastic bottles were the greatest problem; if he will consider the imposition of a levy on these items to discourage their use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3907/05]
Primary responsibility for developing and implementing responses to the litter problem rests appropriately with local authorities. My Department does, however, provide financial support for a programme of anti-litter initiatives to support local authority action against litter including: the national spring clean campaign; the Irish business against litter, IBAL, national litter league; and the development of the national litter pollution monitoring system.
Information available under the national litter pollution monitoring system, based on local authority surveys to determine the scale and nature of litter pollution in their functional areas, shows that drink cans and bottles, both plastic and glass, constitute a relatively minor proportion of litter pollution. In these circumstances, I believe that existing anti-litter action by local authorities, together with my Department's support of the above initiatives, provide an effective and appropriate basis for tackling litter pollution nationally, including litter problems associated with these products.
Question No. 125 answered with QuestionNo. 110.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
Gay Mitchell
Question:126 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has met with the Environmental Protection Agency regarding its national allocation plan for emissions trading; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4046/05]
I have not met with the Environmental Protection Agency regarding the national allocation plan for the trading period 2005-2007.
Under the European Communities (Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading) Regulations 2004, the Environmental Protection Agency is the designated competent authority in Ireland for EU Directive 2003/87/EC establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the community. The regulations also assign responsibility to the agency for developing national allocation plans for the trading periods prescribed in the scheme.
While it is a matter for the Government to decide on the total quantity of allowances to be allocated to the trading sector for each period and for my Department to provide policy direction to the agency in this regard, it is the agency that determines the individual allocations to installations in the trading sector. In addition to developing national allocation plans, it is also a matter for the agency to seek and obtain the necessary approval from the European Commission prior to implementing them.
My Department is in ongoing contact with the agency on policy matters relating to the climate change agenda, including emissions trading and the national allocation plan for 2005-2007.
National Spatial Strategy.
Róisín Shortall
Question:127 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made to date with regard to implementation of the national spatial strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3914/05]
The Government has put a wide range of measures in place at national, regional and local levels to implement the national spatial strategy and achieve its objectives over its 20 year time-frame.
The initial phases of NSS implementation have focused on embedding the policy approach of the NSS within key Government Departments, their agencies and in regional and local authorities.
Significant milestones reached during this period included: the adoption by all regional authorities of regional planning guidelines which will set the strategic policy agenda for local authority development plans; substantial progress in national development plan capital investment programmes, endorsed by the NSS, to provide the critical catch-up infrastructure such as key road and rail links needed to support the achievement of more balanced regional development; the mid-term review of the national development plan, which signalled strongly the potential for further aligning NDP expenditure with the NSS planning framework, particularly in the environmental infrastructure and regional operational programmes; planning implementation frameworks now put in place for the gateways of Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford and Sligo, with work on similar frameworks advancing in other areas.
The proposals announced for substantial investment in new suburban rail services in the Cork area represent a significant example of a direct response from the Government to the strategic planning policies which have been put in place at local level.
Other practical examples of implementation progress include the requirement in agreements between Department of Finance and other relevant Departments on multi-annual capital envelopes that Departments demonstrate how investments are being prioritised to implement the NSS. Account is currently being taken of the NSS and regional planning guidelines in the preparation currently of a ten-year investment plan for transport. The draft Dublin city development plan proposes a substantial increase in housing output in Dublin city to reduce urban sprawl and long distance commuting and thus achieve one on the key objectives of the NSS. In Sligo, a series of private sector hotel, leisure, retail and commercial developments totalling around €200 million in value have commenced since its designation as a gateway. The completion there of the inner relief road will provide further support for Sligo's development as a gateway.
Key priorities in implementing the NSS over the next 12 months will include: putting in place a monitoring framework to report on progress in implementing the NSS, with a special emphasis on up to date regional population and housing projections that take account of the latest CSO national population estimates of up to 5 million people by 2020; advancing a detailed study, in conjunction with key departments, the development agencies and relevant local authorities, of the potential of the NSS gateways for accelerated development in housing, commercial and employment terms, including the identification of the key infrastructure priorities necessary to facilitate such development; intensifying efforts in co-ordinating activities in the areas of housing, environmental and water services infrastructure provision and local roads programmes in my Department to support the objectives of the NSS; building on bilateral links between my Department and other Departments and agencies in order to effectively link their strategic and longer term planning of investment to the priorities identified in the NSS and in regional planning guidelines.
Question No. 128 answered with QuestionNo. 61.
Road Network.
David Stanton
Question:129 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount being made available per kilometre of non-national road per county for 2005, with reference to funding for non-national roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3704/05]
The total grant allocated to each county council in 2005 under the non-national road grant allocations is set out in column 1 of the following table.
The only grant categories which are calculated by reference to length of road are the discretionary improvement and maintenance and restoration maintenance categories. The grants allocated per kilometre to each county council under these categories are set out in column 3 of the table.
Separate grants are allocated to urban authorities, none of which are calculated by reference to length of roads in their areas.
|
Column 1 |
Column 2 |
Column 3 |
|
|
County Councils |
Total 2005 Grant Allocation |
Total Non-National Road Length in County Council Area (km) |
2005 Allocation per km under discretionary improvement and maintenance and restoration maintenance grants |
|
€ |
€ |
||
|
Carlow Co. Council |
5,933,072 |
1,153 |
1,230 |
|
Cavan Co. Council |
14,588,225 |
2,876 |
1,229 |
|
Clare Co. Council |
16,845,333 |
3,940 |
1,229 |
|
Cork Co. Council |
40,710,561 |
11,574 |
1,229 |
|
Donegal Co. Council |
26,302,155 |
6,022 |
1,230 |
|
Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown Co. Council |
8,901,296 |
652 |
2,459 |
|
Fingal Co. Council |
9,360,432 |
1,022 |
1,844 |
|
Galway Co. Council |
24,163,573 |
6,072 |
1,230 |
|
Kerry Co. Council |
17,608,128 |
4,224 |
1,230 |
|
Kildare Co. Council |
27,606,720 |
2,090 |
1,230 |
|
Kilkenny Co. Council |
10,864,021 |
2,850 |
1,230 |
|
Laois Co. Council |
8,311,234 |
1,973 |
1,229 |
|
Leitrim Co. Council |
9,613,026 |
2,053 |
1,230 |
|
Limerick Co. Council |
15,365,246 |
3,404 |
1,230 |
|
Longford Co. Council |
7,069,578 |
1,466 |
1,229 |
|
Louth Co. Council |
6,534,192 |
1,147 |
1,229 |
|
Mayo Co. Council |
20,150,208 |
5,878 |
1,230 |
|
Meath Co. Council |
29,429,220 |
2,925 |
1,230 |
|
Monaghan Co. Council |
13,296,076 |
2,374 |
1,229 |
|
North Tipperary Co. Council |
9,520,405 |
2,431 |
1,230 |
|
Offaly Co. Council |
8,442,548 |
1,943 |
1,230 |
|
Roscommon Co. Council |
12,861,484 |
3,720 |
1,229 |
|
Sligo Co. Council |
10,434,662 |
2,499 |
1,230 |
|
South Dublin Co. Council |
14,170,464 |
792 |
1,844 |
|
South Tipperary Co. Council |
10,531,110 |
2,736 |
1,230 |
|
Waterford Co. Council |
10,146,627 |
2,457 |
1,230 |
|
Westmeath Co. Council |
8,220,961 |
2,004 |
1,230 |
|
Wexford Co. Council |
14,173,051 |
3,188 |
1,230 |
|
Wicklow Co. Council |
12,322,095 |
1,984 |
1,229 |
EU Directives.
Paul Connaughton
Question:130 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on moves by the European Union to penalise Ireland for the non-implementation of environmental directives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4013/05]
Pat Rabbitte
Question:171 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he will take to ensure that Ireland meets it obligations to comply with EU law on environmental matters, in view of the announcement made by the Commission on 13 January 2005 that it has issued eight separate legal warnings over breaches of EU environmental law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3909/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 171 together.
My Department maintains an intensive programme on the transposition and implementation of EU environmental legislation. Some 200 EU environmental measures, including more than 140 directives, have by now been transposed.
It is part of the role of the Commission to ensure that member states satisfactorily transpose EU legislation into their national laws and implement it effectively. To do this, the Commission raises issues in correspondence with member states, and if agreement is not reached on how to address the issue, may take a case to the European Court of Justice.
Recent correspondence from the Commission, which was the subject of its press release of 13 January last, is part of this ongoing process. My Department is in communication with the Commission on a range of issues at any given time and, in addition, meets regularly with Commission officials to identify how issues of alleged non-compliance can best be addressed. A high priority is given to addressing outstanding issues in consultation with the Commission and relevant stakeholders.
My Department, through the local authorities, the Environmental Protection Agency and the office of environmental enforcement continues to work towards maintaining a high level of environmental protection for Ireland.
Question No. 131 answered with QuestionNo. 78.
Question No. 132 answered with QuestionNo. 73.
Question No. 133 answered with QuestionNo. 90.
Question No. 134 answered with QuestionNo. 66.
Water Quality.
Michael Noonan
Question:135 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action his Department is taking to increase the number of blue flag beaches and to improve water quality for visitors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4065/05]
The blue flag scheme is operated by the foundation for environmental education, an international non-governmental organisation based in Denmark, and is administered in Ireland by An Taisce. A local authority which wishes to apply for a blue flag for a bathing area makes application to An Taisce which provides advice and guidance on the scheme, the criteria on which decisions are based and aspects of beach management which may require improvement in order to secure or retain a blue flag. My Department provides grant aid to An Taisce as a contribution towards the administration expenses of the scheme. A total of 77 blue flags were awarded in 2004 to 73 bathing areas and four marinas, maintaining the high number of blue flags awarded to bathing areas in Ireland in 2003.
To apply for blue flag status, a beach must be a designated bathing area under the quality of bathing waters regulations. There are 131 such bathing areas — 122 seawater and nine freshwater — designated in Ireland. The quality of the bathing water in these areas must comply with the guideline standards laid down in the EU bathing waters directive in the bathing season, 1 June to 31 August, of the year prior to the application for a blue flag. In order to secure a blue flag, a beach must additionally comply with criteria specified by the foundation relating to the facilities available and general management, for example, car parking, toilets, litter control, access for the disabled and environmental information.
The blue flag scheme is mainly directed towards developed, resort beaches which have, in addition to excellent water quality, appropriate infrastructure and services. As a complement to the blue flag scheme, a separate environmental award scheme called the green coast award is now being operated by An Taisce to recognise rural beaches which have excellent water quality and natural unspoilt environment but for which the blue flag criteria are inappropriate. In 2004, there were four green coast awarded beaches in Ireland and 17 beaches are under application for green coast awards in 2005.
The green coast award is funded under the Ireland-Wales INTERREG IIIA Community initiative programme, with additional financial support from my Department, and aims to improve the environment of the Welsh and Irish coasts. The award is largely focused on the establishment of local, community, voluntary coast care groups who adopt and manage stretches of coastline. In Ireland, the award is focused on counties Meath, Dublin, Wicklow, Wexford and Waterford.
My Department has requested a report from An Taisce as to the options and measures which might be pursued for increasing the number of blue flags awarded to designated bathing areas in Ireland. An Taisce has carried out research in this regard on matters such as water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, safety and other services in these areas and expects to report to my Department shortly.
Deficiencies in water quality have frequently been a factor for failure to achieve a blue flag for a beach. I see considerable potential to increase the number of blue flag sites as a result of our greatly increased investment in new and upgraded water treatment plants and the measures to be taken for further implementation of the nitrates directive and the water framework directive.
Illegal Dumping.
Seán Ryan
Question:136 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made by his Department, in co-operation with the authorities in Northern Ireland, in the investigation into illegal cross-Border dumping; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3910/05]
While enforcement of waste regulations is a matter for the local authorities and the office of environmental enforcement, I am determined to ensure that whatever resources are required to tackle the problem of illegal dumping are made available and that current initiatives will succeed.
The office has consolidated environmental enforcement activity through the establishment of a national enforcement network. This network is harnessing the collective resources, expertise and investigative capacity of all the agencies engaged in stamping out illegal activity in Ireland. The network pools and co-ordinates the resources of the local authorities, the Garda Síochána, the Environment and Heritage Service in Northern Ireland and my Department. This is resulting in a step up in actions against unauthorised waste movement including roadblocks and inspections of premises.
The initial focus of the network is in dealing with unauthorised waste activity in Ireland and, in particular, the issue of illegal cross-Border movement of waste from the Republic of Ireland into Northern Ireland. The network is bringing a level of consistency and focus to waste enforcement in Ireland that did not exist prior to its establishment and targeted roadblocks and inspections of suspect premises have occurred.
Two dedicated working groups have been set up within the enforcement network to work on the issues of unauthorised waste activities and transfrontier shipment of waste, including representatives of the local authorities, the Northern Ireland authorities and my Department. The unauthorised waste working group's functions include co-ordination of enforcement actions against companies and individuals involved in the illegal movement and disposal of waste in Ireland. Information and recommendations emerging from this process support a systematic plan of action to tackle offenders.
A nationwide concerted action was held on 30 November 2004, which involved members of the Garda Síochána and waste enforcement officers from 15 local authorities, in addition to inspectors from the office and the Environment and Heritage Service in Northern Ireland. The office provided assistance to the Garda Síochána in carrying out an investigation into ten sites in Ireland suspected of being involved in illegally moving waste to Northern Ireland. This action is part of a broader criminal investigation and illustrates that the necessary communication channels, set up in the enforcement network, have already borne fruit in the successful completion of a co-ordinated action involving 18 sites in the United Kingdom and ten in Ireland. Wexford County Council has also obtained a High Court injunction against a waste operator preventing unauthorised movement of waste to Northern Ireland.
The office has commissioned a study, to be completed in mid-2005, on unauthorised waste activities. This will include, inter alia, establishing as completely as possible the extent of unauthorised activities, reviewing current procedures and developing improved guidance for investigation of unauthorised activities.
In summary, I am satisfied that the comprehensive new structures now being put in place are delivering a significantly enhanced waste enforcement service. The allocation of dedicated waste enforcement staff to local authorities, coupled with the efforts of the enforcement network in co-ordinating activities and providing training, means that we are now in a better position to identify and suppress irregular waste movements and illegal cross-Border waste trafficking.
Question No. 137 answered with QuestionNo. 75.
Question No. 138 answered with QuestionNo. 99.
Departmental Properties.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:139 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of tenders sought by his Department from interested parties before a decision was made by it to locate a biological records facility in Waterford; and the cost of setting up this facility. [3708/05]
The national biodiversity plan, published in April 2002, contained a commitment to put in place a national biological data management system to be co-ordinated by a national biological records centre. Subsequently, in December 2003, the Heritage Council, pursuant to sections 6 and 7 of the Heritage Act 1995, recommended to the then Minister the establishment, under the council's auspices, of a national biological records centre. In May 2004, the Minister responded, welcoming the council's initiative and requesting it to give more detailed consideration to issues such as funding, the composition of a management board and possible choices of location.
In June 2004, the Heritage Council recommended that the records centre be located in Waterford, under the aegis of the Heritage Council and in partnership with Waterford Institute of Technology. The council considered that its choice of location was supported by the emergence of an environmental node in the south east. This included the headquarters of the Environmental Protection Agency in Wexford, the Heritage Council's location in Kilkenny and my own Department's proposed decentralisation to four locations in the south east under the Government's decentralisation proposal. The capacity of Waterford Institute of Technology to bring state-of-the-art IT and administrative support as well as a strong environmental pedigree to a partnership were also cited by the council.
In response to this recommendation, my Department wrote to the Heritage Council on 15 July 2004 seeking further details on aspects of finance, governance, procurement and logistical matters. In September 2004, the then Minister, having received these details from the Heritage Council, accepted the council's recommendations regarding the proposed location of the records centre subject to an appropriate contract between the Heritage Council and the institute which specified the infrastructure and facilities which the institute would provide and relevant performance indicators for the delivery of the contract.
The Heritage Council, in its initial policy recommendation, estimated initial set up costs of a national biological records centre of €82,000 and annual running costs of €591,000. As yet no contract has been finalised between the Heritage Council and the Waterford Institute of Technology and no expenditure has been incurred on the project.
Social and Affordable Housing.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:140 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the nature of the current talks with developers regarding the provision of 30,000 social and affordable houses over the next four years; the persons who are involved in the talks; the progress made to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3896/05]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
While my Department has not received a proposal for the delivery of social and affordable housing on the precise lines indicated in the question, it is assumed that reference is being made to a proposal made during the course of last year by a group of builders-developers. These builders-developers presented their proposals to a sub-group of the cross-departmental team on housing, infrastructure and PPP, which mainly comprised officials from my Department and the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Finance. The IHBA was also represented at the meeting.
Consistent with the Government's objective of prioritising the accelerated delivery of social and affordable housing, a number of partnership arrangements have been developed already with the building industry to deliver social and affordable housing to positive effect. These have ranged from individual contracts to deliver mixed developments to more formal arrangements under Part V, which provide a mechanism for the delivery of social and affordable housing. The new Sustaining Progressaffordable housing initiative also involves PPP type arrangements with builders-developers.
Consultation is maintained with the industry on the implementation of these initiatives and this has produced some worthwhile suggestions which my Department and-or local authorities have acted upon.
My Department is now considering the issues raised by the latest proposal from a group of builders-developers. This consideration and wider housing policy delivery issues will be informed by the recent NESC study on housing and the report of the managers of the four Dublin local authorities, with input from other local authorities in the wider Dublin metropolitan area, who established a special task force to advise on accelerating the supply of affordable housing in the capital.
Departmental Procurement Policies.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:141 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he intends to take to implement the recommendation made in the recent report of a person (details supplied) that his Department should review and consolidate its internal advice on all aspects of procurement; if he intends to take any other action arising from the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3882/05]
My Department fully accepts the Quigley report recommendation that it should review and consolidate its internal advice on all aspects of procurement and this recommendation will be fully implemented over the next few weeks. Some relevant initiatives have already been identified and others are in the process of being developed.
My Department is a large and complex organisation dealing with some 3,700 suppliers of a wide range of goods and services, and a relatively large number of officers are involved in procurement. Revised procedures are being put in place to strengthen monitoring and control of procurement and intensive briefing and refresher training is being arranged for all staff engaged in procurement. Additional resources are also being allocated to the Department's internal audit unit, and to its organisation unit which co-ordinates advice and monitoring in relation to the Department's procurement activities.
I am confident that these arrangements, which will be implemented urgently, will enable my Department to achieve the improvement and consolidation of its procurement arrangements recommended by the Quigley report.
Question No. 142 answered with QuestionNo. 68.
Housing Design.
Paul Connaughton
Question:143 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the initiatives he intends to introduce to encourage excellence of design in housing, particularly in regard to high density developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3709/05]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
To assist designers of social housing, my Department has published social housing design guidelines which provide general design guidance at the levels of both the overall scheme and the individual dwelling unit. The purpose of these guidelines is to identify principles and criteria that are important for the design of social housing and to highlight specific design features, requirements and standards that, from experience, have been found to be particularly relevant. These guidelines are being reviewed currently in my Department and it is intended that an updated set of guidelines which will contain specific advice on urban design and higher densities will be published later this year. Guidelines for residential developments in areas designated for urban renewal have also been issued by my Department with particular emphasis on apartment developments.
My Department's inspectorate through its work on the social housing programmes promote architectural quality within local authorities and the voluntary and co-operative housing sector. The standards applicable to the planning and design of private housing schemes are governed by the requirements of the development plan for the area in which the housing is to be constructed. Planning permission is required for all private housing developments and, in making its decisions, the planning authority will have regard to the criteria for planning and design of housing developments contained in its own development plan.
The guidelines for planning authorities on residential density which were published in September 1999 indicate that higher residential densities must not be achieved at an unacceptable amenity cost to the surrounding dwellings and the residents of the proposed development. A high quality of design and layout and a good quality living environment, including the availability of adequate shopping, social, transport and leisure infrastructure, are essential if increased residential densities are to be acceptable.
A joint housing committee, representative of my Department and the Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland, organise periodic national housing conferences. The agenda for this year's conference, which is to be held next May, will address issues relating to the quality of housing including urban design and management of high density developments. In addition, this Department hosted an international conference last year for the European Forum for Architectural Policy at which the issue of excellence of design was addressed.
Local Authority Housing.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:144 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he intends to take to ensure that moneys allocated for social housing to local authorities is spent for this purpose and not channelled into other projects, as shown by his Department’s own figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3935/05]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
In general, over the past decade, the resources allocated to my Department for social housing purposes have been fully spent. In fact, since the beginning of the national development plan, spending on social housing has been ahead of target. My Department, in its overall responsibility for managing housing capital budgets, seeks to ensure that these are spent as effectively as possible. Where one authority does not require their full social housing allocation, my Department can reassign the balance to other authorities and there is also flexibility to use any unused resources for other housing purposes. There are no circumstances where a local authority can use funds allocated for social housing for any other purpose.
The Government is allocating record levels of funding to local authorities for its social and affordable housing programmes in 2005. The total Exchequer capital funding available for social and affordable housing in 2005, taking account of the additional resources announced in the budget, will be almost €1.18 billion which represents an increase of 17% on the likely outturn in 2004.
In association with this funding, my Department has initiated the development by local authorities of new five year actions plans for social and affordable housing, to ensure a systematic and integrated approach to the effective use of these resources. I consider that given the nature of continuous housing need, the preparation of these action plans is beneficial to local authorities in identifying priority needs over the coming years and providing a coherent and co-ordinated response across all housing services, including delivery of housing by the voluntary and co-operative housing sector. Two thirds of these plans have already been approved by my Department and the remainder are likely to be approved within a matter of weeks.
It is clear that the new action plans provide a basis for monitoring performance on social and affordable housing delivery. Given the recent introduction of this mechanism and the multi-annual nature of the approach, we have allowed for a mid-term review in 2006. This will allow my Department to identify those authorities which are not performing well and take the necessary action to rectify this situation.
At a broader level, a system of service indicators has been implemented which provide a basis for monitoring performance of local authorities across the full range of their services.
Question No. 145 answered with QuestionNo. 73.
Recycling Policy.
Phil Hogan
Question:146 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the initiatives he will introduce to significantly improve recycling of paper, glass, metals and plastic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4018/05]
Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste is based on the concept of producer responsibility, which effectively requires producers to contribute to the waste management costs of products which they have placed on the market at end of life. Under the directive, Ireland was required to achieve a 25% recovery rate of packaging waste by 1 July 2001, increasing to a 50% recovery rate by 31 December 2005, with a minimum of 25% to be achieved by recycling, including a minimum 15% recycling rate for each type of packaging material. In accordance with this approach, a producer responsibility initiative operates in Ireland in relation to the recovery of packaging waste and is underpinned by the Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations 2003, as amended, which replaced earlier regulations introduced in 1997.
Under the regulations, producers are required to take steps individually to recover their packaging waste, that is, self-compliance or, alternatively, to contribute to and participate in compliance schemes set up to recover packaging waste. Repak Limited was established by Irish industry in 1997 to promote, co-ordinate and finance the collection and recovery of packaging waste with a view to achieving Ireland's packaging waste recovery and recycling targets under Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste and is the only such approved compliance scheme in Ireland. Repak has reported consistent progress since 1997 and in 2001 met the 25% packaging waste recovery target required by the directive.
The 2003 packaging regulations introduced an obligation on all producers involved in the placing of packaging on the Irish market to segregate their specified back-door packaging waste, that is, waste aluminium, fibreboard, glass, paper, plastic sheeting, steel and wood, and have it collected for recycling. It is widely accepted that this measure has contributed to a significant increase in the recycling rates for these materials in the commercial sector.
In light of the progressive roll out of household segregation and separate collection of dry recyclables, over 560,000 households are now served by segregated household collection of recyclables, the continued expansion of the bring bank network, circa 1,700 currently in place, and with an increased network of civic amenity centres and waste transfer stations being progressively put in place, further significant improvements in the domestic household recycling rates are anticipated.
Other measures such as the roll out by local authorities of pay by weight or volume waste charging and the landfill levy will continue to encourage waste prevention and minimisation of waste and its diversion away from landfill. The EPA has reported in its national waste database interim report for 2003, published in December 2004, that packaging waste recovery has increased to an estimated 42% in that year and the latest indications are that Ireland is on course to meet the higher recovery and recycling targets for end 2005.
The 1994 packaging directive has recently been revised by a new amending directive which specifies higher recovery and recycling targets to be achieved by 2011 in the case of Ireland, 2008 for most other member states. The main revisions to the 1994 directive are an increase in the packaging waste recovery target to 60%, the packaging waste recycling target to 55%, with the material specific recycling targets for glass 60%, paper/board 60%, metals 50%, plastics 22.5% and wood 15%. In this regard, my Department is in discussions with Repak with a view to developing an effective strategy which will facilitate the achievement by Ireland of the new higher recovery and recycling targets over the period 2006 to 2011.
Development Levies.
Trevor Sargent
Question:147 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the burden on growers resulting from development levies on plastic poly-tunnels which apply in some counties but not, for example, in County Kildare. [1941/05]
Charging development contributions allows local authorities to recoup some of the costs to public funds of servicing land for private development. Without them, this servicing could not proceed or the full cost would have to be borne by the taxpayer. Under the Planning and Development Act 2000, income from development levies must be ring-fenced to pay for facilities servicing new development, for example, roads, water and sewerage services and other amenities.
Development contributions are levied by each planning authority on the basis of a development contribution scheme which sets out how contributions will apply in its area. Such schemes had to be adopted by all planning authorities by 10 March 2004. The level of contribution and the types of development to which development contribution schemes should apply has therefore been determined at local authority level in all cases in accordance with the decision vested in elected members in this matter.
Recycling Policy.
Damien English
Question:148 Mr. English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he will take to require retailers to provide disposal facilities for packaging waste. [3938/05]
The Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations 2003, as amended, which revised and replaced previous regulations made in 1997, are intended to facilitate the achievement by Ireland of the 50% packaging waste recovery target by end 2005 as set out in Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste. These new regulations provide the necessary legal framework to facilitate the recovery and recycling of packaging waste in Ireland.
All producers, including retailers, participating in the placing of packaging on the Irish market, must segregate the packaging waste arising on their own premises into specified waste streams, that is, waste aluminium, fibreboard, glass, paper, plastic sheeting, steel and wood, and have it collected by authorised operators for recycling. In addition, major producers, that is, those who have an annual turnover in excess of €1 million and who place more than 25 tonnes of packaging on the Irish market, have additional responsibilities with regard to the recovery of packaging waste from their customers.
Under the 2003 packaging regulations, major producers have the option of either complying directly with their producer responsibility obligations, that is, self-compliance, or alternatively getting an exemption from those requirements by becoming a member of a packaging waste compliance scheme. Repak Limited was established by Irish industry in 1997 to promote, co-ordinate and finance the collection and recovery of packaging waste with a view to achieving Ireland's packaging waste recovery and recycling targets under Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste is the sole approved compliance scheme for the recovery of packaging waste in Ireland.
Major producers, who opt to self-comply with the regulations, are required, inter alia, to accept from any person, free of charge, at each premises from which packaging, packaging materials or packaged products is supplied, packaging waste of a type or brand supplied by that major producer and adequate facilities must be provided by that major producer at each of the relevant premises for the acceptance, segregation and storage of such packaging waste from customers. A further obligation on self compliers includes the placement of a sign at each entrance to each premises from which packaging, packaging materials or packaged products is supplied, informing the public that packaging waste of a type or brand supplied by that major producer will be accepted free of charge at that premises for the purposes of recovery.
Nuclear Plants.
Emmet Stagg
Question:149 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the international legal action taken by the Government with a view to securing the closure of the Sellafield nuclear reprocessing plant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3918/05]
The Government initiated international legal proceedings against the UK under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in relation to the Sellafield MOX plant. The current position on the litigation by Ireland under UNCLOS is that the arbitration remains suspended pending resolution of jurisdictional issues in the dispute, which were raised by the European Commission. However, the tribunal in the case issued an order on 24 June 2003 after hearing an application by Ireland for provisional measures.
The provisional measures award and orders recommended that Ireland and the UK enter into dialogue to improve co-operation and consultation between the two Governments and report to the tribunal on specified dates. The most recent report to the tribunal was submitted on schedule by both parties on 30 November 2004. In line with the obligation on both parties to improve co-operation and co-ordination arrangements, complex discussions, confidential to the tribunal and the parties pending outcomes, are at present continuing.
It was my stated intention to report on progress arising from this process at the appropriate instance and the signing of an agreement on notification and exchange of information arrangements between Ireland and the UK on 10 December 2004 afforded the two parties an opportunity to do so. The agreed package of measures announced is designed to address a wide range of issues related to nuclear safety and includes inter alia the facilitating of visits to Sellafield by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland and the Garda Síochána, provision of access for the Institute to the UK's radiation monitoring system and a series of initiatives to develop and improve existing co-operation arrangements between both Governments.
The substantive hearing of Ireland's legal action against the UK under UNCLOS is currently suspended pending resolution of jurisdictional issues raised by the European Commission. These issues are now the subject of litigation between Ireland and the Commission before the European Court of Justice. In this case, formal pleadings have been exchanged and Ireland has recently applied to the court for the holding of an oral hearing. A decision is awaited.
Richard Bruton
Question:150 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make a statement on his recent agreement with the British Government under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea by which the Garda and the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland will be allowed to visit Sellafield. [4040/05]
Jack Wall
Question:157 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the main features of the recent agreement concluded with the British authorities regarding the sharing of information relating to nuclear issues, particularly to the Sellafield nuclear reprocessing plant; the rights of access which will be provided to the Irish authorities; if he has satisfied himself that these are adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3920/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 150 and 157 together.
On 10 December 2004, I was pleased to sign on behalf of Ireland, an agreement on the early notification of an accident or incident of radiological significance and exchange of information concerning the operation and management of nuclear facilities or activities with the UK. This agreement is modelled on an International Atomic Energy Agency Convention which was adopted in 1986. The convention established a notification system for nuclear accidents which have the potential for international transboundary release that could be of radiological safety significance for another State. The agreement is designed to ensure the swift exchange of information between the UK and Ireland in the event of a major nuclear accident or other radiological emergency occurring in either country. I am satisfied that it represents a very positive development in managing the two countries respective positions on the nuclear energy issue.
At the signing of the agreement on 10 December I, together with the British Ambassador, announced the outcome to date of the discussions between Ireland and the United Kingdom stemming from the legal action brought by Ireland against the UK under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The UNCLOS arbitration tribunal's provisional measures award in June 2003 recommended that Ireland and the United Kingdom review the existing system of intergovernmental notification and co-operation to develop suitable secure arrangements at inter-governmental level to improve that system. Following the award, confidential and complex discussions ensued to improve co-operation and consultation between the two Governments. The discussions were constructive, wide ranging and fruitful and the outcomes represent a positive and welcome development between the two Governments in relation to the nuclear issue on which Ireland and the UK continue to hold significantly different views.
The agreed package of measures announced is designed to address a wide range of issues related to nuclear safety and included a visit to Sellafield in September 2004 by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland. The visit focused on developments in relation to the storage of high level liquid radioactive waste on the site and the authorisation of radioactive discharges into the Irish Sea. The intention is for the UK to facilitate further visits by the institute. The Garda Síochána visited Sellafield in June 2004 to review aspects of the physical protection and policing arrangements in place at the site following an invitation from the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority Constabulary. Following this visit both parties have agreed to discuss mechanisms for exchanging security sensitive information without compromising the security needs and concerns of the UK in relation to such information. Further visits will be facilitated by the UK.
I believe the access afforded to Sellafield to the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland and the Garda Síochána is an extremely positive development which we can all welcome and endorse. It is a substantial advance on the situation that applied prior to the discussions between Ireland and the UK under UNCLOS. While nuclear safety and security are a matter for national authorities, in this case the UK, the access afforded to the institute and the Garda Síochána represents an increasing recognition by the UK of the real concerns of the Irish people in relation to the continued operation of the Sellafield plant. I understand the RPII and the Garda Síochána have judged the visits to be welcome, constructive and useful confidence building measures and I look forward to the continued development of these and the other important information exchange and co-operation arrangements arising from the discussions under UNCLOS by the UK and Ireland.
Question No. 151 answered with QuestionNo. 82.
Local Authority Housing.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:152 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the serious disappointment expressed by the Simon Community and other organisations concerned with the welfare of the homeless of the failure to take appropriate measures in budget 2005 to assist the almost 6,000 homeless persons; if he intends to take measures during 2005 to help secure accommodation for those who are homeless; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3897/05]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
I am aware of the concerns expressed by some voluntary bodies about this matter.
The Government is committed to addressing the issue of homelessness on a sustained basis. Government funding for the provision of accommodation and related services has increased from €12.6 million in 1999 to €51 million in 2004 and there is general agreement among the statutory and voluntary agencies that the emergency accommodation sector is at this stage adequately catered for. The focus is now shifting to the provision of long-term accommodation and the supports required to meet the non-accommodation needs of homeless persons. This aspect will be addressed in the context of the Department's social housing programmes in future years.
In 2005, it is planned to build up a programme of about 5,500 starts under the main local authority social housing measure and substantial investment will continue to be made in regeneration projects such as the Ballymun programme. The voluntary and co-operative sector will continue to be supported as they increase and consolidate their contribution to the delivery of social rented accommodation. It is estimated that the needs of over 13,000 households will be met under various social and affordable housing measures over the course of the year.
In addition to this, the rental accommodation scheme announced by the Government in July 2004 may offer possibilities for meeting the accommodation needs of the homeless. Under the new initiative local authorities will progressively assume responsibility, over a four year period, for meeting the long-term housing needs of social welfare rent supplement recipients. Under the new scheme local authorities will use a range of measures, including entering into arrangements with private accommodation providers, to provide accommodation on a medium to long-term basis.
Question No. 153 answered with QuestionNo. 92.
National Parks.
Michael Ring
Question:154 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to a project at Ballycroy National Park in County Mayo; the reason for the delay in this project; if a working group was set up between the community, the OPW and the council; when the planning process for the project will be sorted out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3702/05]
A sum of €3.81 million has been allocated by my Department under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 for the construction of a new visitor centre to serve Ballycroy National Park, County Mayo. This is Ireland's sixth national park which was established in 1998 and incorporates some 11,800 hectares of blanket bog. An attractive and extensive site of 42.3 hectares has been purchased by my Department for the visitor centre in the village of Ballycroy.
A working group consisting of officials of my Department as well as representatives of local community and tourism groups, Mayo County Council and the Office of Public Works has been established and has met frequently, most recently on 13 December 2004. A planning application for the proposed visitor centre was lodged with Mayo County Council by the Office of Public Works, on behalf of my Department, last summer. Additional detailed information requested by the council is being finalised at present and I expect that this will be supplied to Mayo County Council by mid-February. Subject to planning approval being obtained, I am hopeful that this project can proceed and that Ballycroy National Park, County Mayo, will have an excellent new visitor centre before long.
Waste Disposal.
Paul McGrath
Question:155 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures he intends to introduce to prevent fly tipping; if he will significantly increase the fines for fly tipping; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4038/05]
Under section 32(1) of the Waste Management Act 1996 persons holding, transporting recovering or disposing waste cannot do so in a manner which causes or is likely to cause environmental pollution. Similarly under the Litter Pollution Act 1997, persons are forbidden from depositing litter in a public place or anywhere that is visible from a public place. In addition, the owner or occupier of any lands has a statutory duty to keep the lands litter free.
While enforcement is a matter for the local authorities and the Office of Environmental Enforcement, I will continue to ensure that the regulatory framework and the resources are appropriate to deal with the problem. Very significant powers are available to local authorities under the Waste Management Act 1996 and the Litter Pollution Act 1997 to enable them to tackle illegal waste activity and littering and these powers were further strengthened by the Protection of the Environment Act 2003. These include powers to halt vehicles and inspect premises. Maximum penalties attaching to illegal waste activities are substantial and were increased in the 2003 Act.
To further assist local authorities in acting on these powers, over €7 million has been allocated from the environment fund to support a more vigorous approach to environmental enforcement, with a particular emphasis on combating dumping and other unauthorised waste activities. This is now being reflected in the presence of additional enforcement personnel on the ground. A major study has been commissioned by the Office of Environmental Enforcement to establish and document the extent of unauthorised waste activities in Ireland. Among the objectives of the project are to review and document current procedures and practices used by the relevant authorities to investigate unauthorised waste activities, as well as the use of powers available to tackle unauthorised activities. I will carefully consider the results of this study to identify any further actions or indeed legislative changes that may be necessary in consequence of its findings.
Question No. 156 answered with QuestionNo. 82.
Question No. 157 answered with QuestionNo. 150.
Question No. 158 answered with QuestionNo. 82.
House Prices.
Pat Breen
Question:159 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the impact which changes made in budget 2005 to benefit first time buyers is having; his views on whether this impact is enough to alleviate hardship and barriers to entry into the housing market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4064/05]
Seán Crowe
Question:178 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department is monitoring the impact on house prices of the changes introduced in budget 2005 in relation to stamp duty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3809/05]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
I propose to take Question Nos. 159 and 178 together.
The stamp duty reductions for first-time buyers announced in budget 2005 are assisting affordability for first time buyers by easing the financial burden faced by such buyers of second-hand homes with savings of up to €12,000 in some cases. This is helping some first time buyers to afford a starter home who might not otherwise have been able to do so, and is helping to open the second-hand market more to first time buyers who had previously been deterred by the impact of stamp duty.
The major driver of house price increases in recent years has been the unprecedented demand for housing fuelled mainly by rapid economic growth and demographic changes. Relative to these factors and the level of housing supply, the influence of stamp duty changes on house prices is likely to be more limited. However, these reductions in stamp duty for second hand houses should have a restraining effect on new house prices by removing distortion between the two categories, and reducing the degree of concentration of first-time buyer demand on the new house market. The Government will ensure that effective policies and measures continue to be applied and reviewed as necessary, with the overall aim of meeting the broad spectrum of housing need in the context of balanced and sustainable growth of the housing market.
Question No. 160 answered with QuestionNo. 99.
Planning Issues.
John Gormley
Question:161 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on recent media reports suggesting that developers have paid off objectors in order that they do not appeal proposals for development to An Bord Pleanála; if he intends to introduce changes in the Planning Acts or regulations to ensure that evidence of such payments may be used as legitimate grounds for the refusal of granting permission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3932/05]
Allegations are sometimes made of payments being provided to or demanded by persons to withdraw objections to planning applications or appeals. Under section 138 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, An Bord Pleanála has the power to dismiss an appeal which is, in the board's opinion, made with the intention of securing the payment of money, gifts, consideration or other inducements by any person. Section 34 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 sets out the matters which the planning authority must have regard to when making its decision. I have no plans to amend planning legislation in this area.
Local Authority Housing.
Joe Costello
Question:162 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the basis on which it was claimed in a statement issued on 13 December 2004 that the 10,000 target under the Sustaining Progress and affordable housing initiative had been achieved; the breakdown on a county basis of the location of these houses; the number of these houses which have been occupied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3890/05]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
The 10,000 unit target figure, proposed by the parties to the pay agreement under Sustaining Progress, was reached following the Government decision of 16 November 2004 which agreed to the release to the affordable housing initiative of a series of health board lands by my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children. The release of these lands, together with the increase in Part V activity to a projected 2,500 affordable housing units for the period 2004-6 and the more efficient utilisation of the lands already provided, means that the total potential yield to the initiative is now over 10,000.
Some time is required between a decision to build housing units and their being finally occupied. While large amounts of land have been made available to this initiative and construction has commenced on a number of projects, there are zoning and infrastructural issues which need to be resolved and local area plan considerations to be taken into account. My Department is working closely with local authorities to expedite matters, with activities being paralleled to ensure the earliest possible delivery of housing units.
In addition, affordable houses built under the Part V arrangements, are an important contributor to the initiative, and while final figures for 2004 are not yet available, it is estimated that Part V completions last year will be in the region of 500 housing units, many of which are now occupied. Alternative strategies are also being considered, including the possible use of land swaps, which could speed up the process. For example, the Harcourt Terrace site was advertised last November on a pilot basis and this project will be closely monitored with a view to the possibility of using the land swap option for other sites released to the initiative.
The information requested in relation to the breakdown on a county basis of the location of these proposed housing units is set out in the following table.
|
Breakdown by county of the location of housing units. |
|
|---|---|
|
County/Local Authority Area |
Total |
|
Clare |
22 |
|
Cork |
1,280 |
|
Cork City |
710 |
|
Cork County |
570 |
|
Dublin |
3,920 |
|
Dublin City |
1,540 |
|
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown |
270 |
|
Fingal |
730 |
|
South Dublin |
1,380 |
|
Galway |
939 |
|
Galway City |
54 |
|
Galway County |
885 |
|
Kerry |
195 |
|
Kildare |
700 |
|
Limerick City |
50 |
|
Meath |
450 |
|
Sligo |
130 |
|
Waterford |
100 |
|
Wexford |
60 |
|
Wicklow |
50 |
|
Part V Affordable (countrywide) |
2,500 |
|
Total |
10,396 |
Note: The potential yield from sites depends on site characteristics, housing mix, other facilities and sustainable development, that is, in terms of local development and in terms of meeting peoples’ needs. The final number of units will therefore be determined through the planning process.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Dinny McGinley
Question:163 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the proposed sewerage scheme for Gweedore, County Donegal; and when it is expected that work will commence on the project. [3700/05]
The Gweedore sewerage scheme has been approved for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2004-2006 as a scheme to commence construction in 2005.
A certificate of completion of planning has been requested from Donegal County Council to enable my Department's examination of the council's contract documents for the scheme to be finalised.
Question No. 164 answered with QuestionNo. 68.
Environmental Policy.
John Perry
Question:165 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he intends to take to prevent the extinction of the freshwater pearl mussel, margaritifera durrovensis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3667/05]
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:170 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to a recent report in a publication (details supplied) that a unique species of freshwater pearl mussel, margaritifera durovensis, found only on a short stretch of the River Nore, is facing extinction; the efforts that have been made to save this mussel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3587/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 170 together.
Freshwater pearl mussels of the genus margaritifera are protected under the Wildlife Acts 1976 and 2000. Designation of special areas of conservation, SACs, for margaritifera is also required by the EU habitats directive. Ireland has proposed 21 sites as candidate SACs for two sub-species of margaritifera, one being margaritifera durrovensis, which is confined to one stretch of the River Nore.
My Department is developing strategies to stabilise the population of this critically endangered sub-species. These consist of the development of a species action plan, a translocation programme, development of rehabilitation measures and the establishment of a captive breeding programme. With regard to the captive breeding programme, my Department, together with the Central Fisheries Board, is currently selecting a suitable fish hatchery to begin the breeding program for margaritifera durrovensis as a matter of urgency — the early stages in the life cycle of margaritifera being dependent on the presence of trout.
Advice is being obtained from a similar facility in Northern Ireland which has been successfully breeding margaritifera margaritifera for some years, in order to speed up the process of establishing a successful breeding program for magaritifera durrovensis. In addition, my Department will seek to ensure that the water quality requirements of this species are addressed by the river basin management plan. During 2005, my Department will also further develop the scientific basis for draft margaritifera water quality standards, on which work was initiated last year.
Waste Management.
Liz McManus
Question:166 Ms McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he intends to provide for a national waiver system for those on low incomes who are unable to pay service charges without undue hardship, especially in view of the greatly increased level of charges faced by householders in many areas as a result of the introduction of the pay by weight system, the great variation in waiver systems operated by local authorities and the fact that no waiver system is available in some areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3898/05]
Liz McManus
Question:172 Ms McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his estimate of the average amount likely to be paid by a householder in refuse charges as a result of the change over to the pay by weight lift system of charges; his views on whether these charges are reasonable and if there are sufficient opportunities for householders to recycle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3899/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 166 and 172 together.
The determination of waste management charges is statutorily a matter for the relevant local authority in cases where it acts as the service provider. Where, as commonly occurs, a private operator acts as service provider then that operator will determine the charges. Similarly, in regard to waiver schemes for waste charges, it is the responsibility of the local authority concerned to decide on the nature and extent of any such scheme.
I recognise that the issue of waste charges and low income persons or households has been raised in a social partnership context. Arising from this, discussions are continuing between my Department and the Department of Social and Family Affairs with the objective of identifying relevant issues and how these might be addressed.
In the context of the move to a pay by use system of charging, my Department is now compiling details of service provision and charges in each local authority area. However, these data cannot identify prospective costs for 2005 as by their nature pay by use charges are dependent on the level of service usage.
All local authorities have made recycling facilities available. While my Department does not compile comprehensive statistics on the recycling facilities provided in each local authority area, regular returns are submitted by local authorities seeking to avail of subvention of operating costs of recycling facilities. The most recent returns submitted, in respect of the first six months of 2004, revealed a total of 1,780 bring bank sites in the relevant 34 local authority areas, where varying materials are accepted, particularly glass, aluminium cans, paper and textiles. There were also 57 civic amenity sites in 30 local authority areas.
Significant capital grant assistance has been made available to local authorities towards the provision of recycling and recovery infrastructure and both further capital funding and financial support towards the current operating costs are being provided on an ongoing basis.
Question No. 167 answered with QuestionNo. 73.
Dan Neville
Question:168 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extra resources which are being provided for national spring clean week 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4049/05]
My Department is in the process of determining the grant allocations for a number of national anti-litter initiatives from the environment fund for the current year, including the An Taisce led national spring clean campaign of 2005, due to take place during the month of April. An Taisce, which organises the campaign, will submit details of the estimated costs of the 2005 campaign to my Department shortly.
Decentralisation Programme.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:169 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in regard to the number of his Department’s Dublin based staff who have applied through the central applications facility for decentralisation to the proposed new locations for his Department at Kilkenny, New Ross and Wexford; the grades of the staff who have applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3904/05]
A total of 495 applications had been received at the central applications facility, CAF, priority cut off date on 7 September 2004, in respect of the 661 posts to be decentralised from my Department's Dublin offices and which are fillable through the CAF.
A total of 31 staff from my Department's Dublin offices, as detailed in the following table, have applied for decentralisation to the Department's proposed four locations in the south east, Wexford, Kilkenny, New Ross and Waterford. Some 139 staff of my Department have also applied for decentralisation to other Departments or agencies.
My Department has drawn up and submitted to the decentralisation implementation group an implementation plan which sets out the broad issues to be addressed in implementing the decentralisation programme for this Department. A revised implementation plan will be submitted to the group by 31 March 2005.
The Department will be co-operating with the Department of Finance, the implementation group and the Office of Public Works to ensure the Government's decentralisation programme is implemented efficiently and effectively. Following the recent Government decision on the first phase of moves under the programme, the transfer of my Department's headquarters to Wexford is included in the list of those organisations considered potential "early movers".
|
Number |
|
|
Principal Officer |
3 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
3 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
4 |
|
Administrative Officer |
3 |
|
Executive Officer |
5 |
|
Staff Officer |
1 |
|
Clerical Officer |
5 |
|
Accountant |
1 |
|
Inspector |
3 |
|
Senior Meteorological Officer |
1 |
|
Archaeologist |
1 |
|
Assistant Fire Adviser |
1 |
|
Total |
31 |
Question No. 170 answered with QuestionNo. 165.
Question No. 171 answered with QuestionNo. 130.
Question No. 172 answered with QuestionNo. 166.
Question No. 173 answered with QuestionNo. 104.
Question No. 174 answered with QuestionNo. 95.
Road Network.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:175 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he intends to make a decision on the application submitted to him from the roads authority for the carrying out of a programme of archaeological works and mitigation measures in regard to the proposed route of the M3 through the Tara-Skyrne valley; if his attention has been drawn to the serious concerns expressed by archaeological experts at the implications of the proposed route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3879/05]
An Bord Pleanála, which has an independent statutory mandate, is responsible under the Roads Act 1993 for the approval of motorway schemes following an assessment of the environmental impact of the proposal. In the case of the M3 motorway, the process involved a detailed environmental impact assessment in which archaeological considerations and other factors were extensively addressed and a lengthy public oral hearing was conducted by the board. Following this process the motorway scheme, including the route of the proposed M3, was approved by An Bord Pleanála in August 2003.
Under the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 2004, once a motorway scheme has been approved by An Bord Pleanála any associated archaeological works, for example, excavations which are to be undertaken in connection with the approved road, must be carried out in accordance with directions issued by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, following consultation with the director of the National Museum of Ireland. This procedure is designed to ensure that appropriate standards apply to the carrying out of archaeological works in connection with an approved road development.
In the case of the M3 motorway, an application for the carrying out of a programme of archaeological works and mitigation measures on a portion of the route has been made by the road authority to my Department and is being considered. I have seen much media coverage and received various representations in regard to this scheme. These offer a variety of views from a range of parties, both on archaeological issues and the need for the scheme to proceed. As I have indicated, however, the statutory role of the Minister relates solely to the regulation of the archaeological works associated with the proposed development.
In determining the matter, I will receive advice from the archaeological staff of my Department. I will also, in accordance with the Act, consult the director of the National Museum of Ireland before directions are issued. I intend that a decision on the matter will be made as soon as possible.
Question No. 176 answered with QuestionNo. 107.
Question No. 177 answered with QuestionNo. 108.
Question No. 178 answered with QuestionNo. 159.
Health Services.
Joe Costello
Question:179 Mr. Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason persons (details supplied) in Dublin 10 are still waiting for orthodontic treatment; when they will receive treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4100/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for orthodontic services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's eastern area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Accident and Emergency Services.
Joe Costello
Question:180 Mr. Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of persons who have spent time sitting on chairs or lying on trolleys awaiting treatment in the accident and emergency department of the Mater Hospital for each month since she became the Minister for Health and Children and for each month for the five years previous to her becoming so; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4101/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Services at the Mater Hospital are provided under an arrangement with the executive. My Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's eastern regional area to examine the issues raised and to reply to the Deputy directly.
Hospital Services.
John McGuinness
Question:181 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason there is a delay in arranging an angiogram for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if the request will be expedited. [4102/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. As the person referred to by the Deputy resides in County Kilkenny, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's south eastern area to investigate the matter raised and reply directly to the Deputy.
Paul Kehoe
Question:182 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 193 of 26 January 2005, if a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will receive scan results before an outpatient’s appointment on 15 April 2005; if the results will be available on 15 April 2005; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this person was scanned on 1 July 2004 and has not yet received the results; her views on whether seven months is a long period to wait for results; if this case will be dealt with as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4103/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. As the person referred to by the Deputy resides in County Wexford, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's south eastern area to investigate the matter raised and reply directly to the Deputy.
Medical Cards.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:183 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who applied for same several months ago; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4104/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the assessment of applications for medical cards. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's south western area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Finian McGrath
Question:184 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if assistance will be given to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4105/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of speech and language therapy and occupational therapy. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer of the executive's northern area to investigate the matter raised and reply to the Deputy.
Billy Timmins
Question:185 Mr. Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to the case of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if this person will be seen as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4106/05]
Billy Timmins
Question:186 Mr. Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if this will person will be seen as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4107/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 185 and 186 together.
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage, deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of health services in County Wicklow. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's eastern regional area to investigate the matters raised and to reply direct to the Deputy.
Vaccination Programme.
Liz McManus
Question:187 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the level of the take up of the MMR vaccine in each health board area for the latest period for which figures area available; the steps being taken to promote fuller take up, especially in view of reports of a significant increase in the number of cases of measles in some areas of the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4284/05]
The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella and, in accordance with the recommendations of the immunisation advisory committee of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, can be administered to children between 12 and 15 months of age. A vaccine uptake rate of 95% is required in order to protect children from the diseases concerned and to stop the spread of the diseases in the community. Measles, in particular, is a highly infectious and serious disease. Approximately one in 15 children who contract measles suffers serious complications.
In Ireland, uptake of the first dose of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, MMR1, is calculated on a quarterly basis among children of 24 months of age. In quarter three 2004, the national uptake rate for this vaccine was 81%. This represents an increase of 1 % in the national uptake rate when compared with the same quarter in 2003. In addition, uptake rates reported by individual health boards ranged from 76% to 92%. Table 1 refers.
|
Uptake at 24 months — Q 3 2004 |
|
|
% |
|
|
HSE — Eastern Area |
76 |
|
HSE — Midland Area |
92 |
|
HSE — Mid-Western Area |
84 |
|
HSE — North Eastern Area |
82 |
|
HSE — North Western Area |
87 |
|
HSE — South Eastern Area |
86 |
|
HSE — Southern Area |
85 |
|
HSE — Western Area |
79 |
|
Ireland |
81 |
*The most recent period for which uptake figures are available from the NDSC, now the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, HPSC, of the HSE.
The national uptake rate of MMR1 has increased from 69% in quarter four 2001 to 81% in quarter three 2004. This trend has been reflected in each of the HSE areas with all areas having reported an increase in the uptake rate for MMR1 over this time period. Although MMR1 uptake rates have been improving over the past year and a half, they are still 14% lower than the national target rate of 95%.
I am concerned about the unsatisfactory MMR immunisation uptake rates because of the risk of unimmunised children contracting the potentially serious diseases concerned. The outbreak of measles in 2000, which resulted in approximately 2,000 cases and three deaths, is evidence of the consequences of insufficient immunisation uptake. However, I am encouraged by the fact that the immunisation uptake rates are steadily improving. Meanwhile, data provided by the HPSC indicate that from week one to 52, inclusive, of 2004, 327 cases of measles were notified which compares with 567 cases notified for the comparative period in 2003. This represents a significant reduction in the number of measles cases reported.
A national immunisation steering committee was established to address a wide range of issues relating to the childhood and other immunisation programmes including the identification of issues that are hampering the achievement of uptake targets. The report of the steering committee was launched in April 2002 and a national implementation group was subsequently established to draw up a phased national implementation plan based on the report's recommendations.
Following consideration of proposals in relation to childhood immunisation which were submitted by the national implementation group through the Health Boards Executive, HeBE, €2.116 million was allocated by my Department in 2003 and €2.778 million in 2004 to fund initiatives to improve childhood immunisation uptake. Funding in the region of €800,000 was allocated to health boards via HeBE in 2004 specifically for regional and localised projects focused on measures to improve immunisation uptake. A further €3.378 million has been allocated to the HSE this year.
There is concern among some parents in relation to the measles, mumps and rubella, MMR, vaccine. Negative coverage on this issue has added to the confusion of parents in deciding whether or not to vaccinate their children. In April 2002, the MMR vaccine discussion pack — an information guide for health professionals and parents — was launched. The pack was produced by the NDSC and the department of public health, Southern Health Board, and was published by HeBE on behalf of the health boards. The pack sets out the facts in relation to the most common concerns about MMR in a way that will help health professionals and parents to explore these concerns together, review the evidence in relation to MMR and provide the basis for making an informed decision. The information is presented in such a way as to allow full discussion between health professionals and parents on each issue. The pack also contains an information leaflet for parents. The pack is set out in question and answer format and addresses such issues as the alleged link between MMR and autism and Crohn's disease, the safety and side effects of the vaccine, the purpose of a second dose of vaccine, combined vaccine versus single doses and contraindications to the vaccine. The pack enables health professionals to respond to the very real concerns of parents.
In 2003, CEOs in all health boards and the ERHA were asked to ensure that specific immunisation measures were prioritised in all areas in order to prevent a serious measles outbreak. Health boards have undertaken a range of measures in their regions in order to improve vaccine uptake in their region. These include: information sessions for professionals, for example, doctors and nurses in the area; information sessions for parents; distribution of information to the public, for example, leaflets on MMR available in public areas; advertisements taken out in local papers; advertisements on local radio stations; advice regarding immunisation, including MMR, forms part of every public health nurse consultation with parents; information leaflets displayed prominently in all health centres; information given to schools regarding the booster MMR; follow up of parents by letter and telephone where children have not been vaccinated; follow up with GPs and nurses regarding children in their area who have not been vaccinated; and information sessions for staff.
Furthermore, my Department has convened a measles eradication committee to develop a national five year action plan for the elimination of measles and rubella in line with the World Health Organisation strategic plan for 2010. This committee had its first meeting on 30 September 2004 and is due to report to me by the end of June 2005.
I would like to take this opportunity to again urge all parents to have their children immunised against the diseases covered by the childhood immunisation programme in order to ensure that both their children and the population generally have maximum protection against the diseases concerned.
Contaminated Blood Products.
Liz McManus
Question:188 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the Government’s undertaking, following the publication of the Lindsay report, to consider the possibility on initiating legal action against US drugs firms who supplied contaminated blood products to Irish haemophiliacs; if he has sought the promised legal opinion from US lawyers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4285/05]
In July 2003 the Government was approached unilaterally by a firm of New York lawyers with the proposal that the Government could sue certain pharmaceutical companies in the United States arising from the manufacture of blood products which caused hepatitis C and HIV infection to persons with haemophilia.
Initial advices received from counsel appointed by the Attorney General raised serious concerns in relation to the proposal. Following careful consideration of these advices, the Attorney General recommended that an independent opinion be obtained in the United States in respect of the proposed litigation. Arrangements to procure such advice are ongoing.
Hospital Waiting Lists.
Liz McManus
Question:189 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of persons on hospital waiting lists at the latest date for which figures are available; the reason she has decided to end the practice of publishing hospital waiting lists every six months (details supplied). [4286/05]
Responsibility for the collation and publishing of waiting list and waiting time data rests with the national treatment purchase fund, NTPF. The NTPF has found that waiting list data shows widespread variation in the recording and reporting of patient data across the hospital system. A new on-line national patient treatment register will now be developed by the fund. The new patient treatment register will allow for more accurate identification of waiting lists, and more importantly waiting times. It is intended that the register will be implemented on a phased basis commencing this year.
Vehicle Registration.
Denis Naughten
Question:190 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the number of vehicles first registered in County Leitrim in 2004; the number of such vehicles registered by persons resident in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4117/05]
In 2004, 1,388 vehicles were assigned identification marks containing the index mark LM, the vehicles having been declared as, for registration, not to have been previously registered, and to be owned by a resident of Leitrim, in accordance with vehicle registration tax legislation. The vehicle registration number is assigned by Revenue on the basis of the information provided by the declarant, including address, for the purpose of registration. The penalty for making a false declaration is €1,265. Therefore, assuming false declarations have not been made, the 1,388 vehicles registered in Leitrim are in respect of persons resident, at time of registration, in Leitrim.
Public Service Retirement Scheme.
Cecilia Keaveney
Question:191 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Finance if the regulations pertaining to the early retirement scheme for persons in the public service have been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4129/05]
My Department is currently preparing guidelines for the operation of a scheme of cost neutral early retirement in the public service, as decided on by Government in September 2004. The process of drafting these guidelines, which has involved consultation with the public service unions, is well advanced. On this basis, I expect that the guidelines will issue shortly, thereby allowing the scheme to become operative. In line with the Government decision, the guidelines will provide for the early retirement facility to be made available to serving staff and to persons who resigned with an entitlement to preserved superannuation benefit on or after 1 April 2004.
Planning Issues.
John McGuinness
Question:192 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 218 of 2 February 2005, his views on whether planning permission is needed for the fencing erected along a section of the river bank at Lacken Weir, Maudlin Street, Kilkenny; if consultation with the local community at this section of the river will be arranged as part of the process in order that safety can be maintained while at the same time allowing those who use the river to gain access at this point and those who use the space as an amenity to enjoy without having to look through a four ft. fence and wire; the person who in the local authority authorised the erection of the fence; if it was Kilkenny Borough Council or Kilkenny County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4130/05]
Under the 2001 planning and development regulations, planning permission is not required for the erection of fencing of 1.2m in height or less. The timber post and rail fence erected along a section of the river bank at Maudlin Street, Kilkenny, falls within this category. A detailed consultation process took place between the Office of Public Works, the local authority and the various local water safety and water based sporting groups on the subject of safety measures and public amenity access to the river.
The area at Maudlin Street is not considered suitable for public amenity access and the provision of fencing, as agreed in the consultation process, considerably reduces the risk of serious incident. OPW appreciates that the installation of fencing has changed the view from Maudlin Street, but would point out that both they and the local authority consider that a risk to public safety must outweigh aesthetic concerns. The area in question is under the jurisdiction of Kilkenny Borough Council. The Deputy may wish to approach the local authority directly with queries regarding its role in this matter.
Sculpture Siting.
John McGuinness
Question:193 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 217 of 2 February 2005, his views on the sculpture (details supplied) which was the subject of the parliamentary question which is located on the river bank close to the Lacken Weir, Kilkenny, and not the sculpture in the grounds of the council offices; if he will consult the artist and relocate the sculpture; if the two pieces of sculpture will be retrieved from the river; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4131/05]
The sculpture was originally located on the river bank close to Lacken Weir and was disturbed as a result of the drainage scheme works. Provision for reinstatement of the sculpture was included in the plans for the area and discussions with the local authority are currently ongoing. As the sculpture is located on local authority property, OPW's discussions are with Kilkenny Borough Council.
Lacken Weir Fish Pass.
John McGuinness
Question:194 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance when the extension to the fish pass at Lacken Weir, Kilkenny was fabricated; the cost of same and the labour costs for installation; the reason it proved unsuitable; the action to be taken now; if the long-term solution has been identified; if the original drawing of the fish pass and the proposed extension will be made available to this Deputy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4132/05]
The extension to the fish pass at Lacken Weir, Kilkenny, was fabricated in early January. Costs for same and the labour costs for installation have not yet been received by OPW. The Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and the Southern Regional Fisheries Board are satisfied that the extension is suitable.
The next action to be taken is the establishment of a long-term solution to the problems associated with the functioning of the fish pass. To this end, a review of the functioning of the pass is currently being carried out by the OPW, the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and the Southern Regional Fisheries Board. On completion of the review, OPW will be in a position to confirm the exact nature of any work required to affect a long-term solution. Any permanent alterations or modifications that are deemed necessary will be carried out under safe conditions during the coming summer months. Copies of the relevant drawings are available to all interested parties on request. Copies will be forwarded to the Deputy in the coming week.
Tax Code.
Jack Wall
Question:195 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be provided with a P21 balancing statement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4133/05]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a PAYE balancing statement for the year 2003 will issue to the taxpayer on 9 February 2005.
Jack Wall
Question:196 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be provided with a P21 balancing statement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4134/05]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a PAYE balancing statement for the year 2003 will issue to the taxpayer's spouse on 9 February 2005 as the taxpayer and her spouse are taxed under joint assessment.
Michael Ring
Question:197 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance if VAT will be waived for community groups providing security pendants and telephone alarm systems. [4135/05]
The purchase of security pendants and telephone alarm systems, and their monitoring, are subject to the standard rate of VAT of 21%. The VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. While we can maintain the zero rating on those goods and services which were zero-rated before 1 January 1991, the purchase, installation or monitoring services for the aforementioned alarms do not fall within this category. Therefore, it is not possible to apply a zero VAT rate as referred to by the Deputy.
However, under the Value Added Tax (Refund of Tax) (No. 15) Order 1981, it is possible to obtain a VAT refund in respect of the purchase of a pendant alarm system, as it is considered a medical device for the purpose of this refund order. Monitoring and maintenance fees are not recoverable. Applicants should contact the Revenue Commissioners, VAT Repayments (Unregistered Section), Kilrush Road, Ennis, County Clare.
Furthermore, I understand a scheme of community support for older people is operated by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. The purpose of the scheme is to encourage and assist the community's support for older people by means of a community-based grant scheme to improve the security of its older members. Funding under the scheme can be provided for small-scale security equipment designed to strengthen points of entry to the dwelling, for security lighting, for smoke alarms and for the once-off cost of installing socially monitored personal alarm systems. Annual monitoring fees or maintenance fees associated with socially monitored alarm systems are not provided for under the scheme.
The VAT refund for the purchase of a personal security alarm by or on behalf of a disabled or elderly person combined with the scheme of community support for older people outlined above are important measures that go towards ensuring that those who are most in need of security systems can avail of them.
Departmental Properties.
Tony Gregory
Question:198 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Finance , further to Parliamentary Question No. 318 of 19 October 2004, if he will list the items stolen or removed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4136/05]
Further to our correspondence to the Deputy regarding this matter, dated 17 April 2002 and 4 July 2003, the only further item that has come to light is the theft of a twin-axle trailer for carrying building supplies stolen from an Office of Public Works maintenance depot that was reported to the Garda Síochána. The item has not yet been recovered.
Tax Collection.
Joan Burton
Question:199 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance the capital value of assets held in trusts liable to the 6% entry and 1% annual tax on such trusts; and the declared value of such assets, and classes thereof, on an annual basis from 1997 to date. [4181/05]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the information requested by the Deputy in regard to trusts is not readily available and either could not be obtained, or could not be obtained without conducting a protracted investigation of the Revenue Commissioners records.
However, some information is available solely in regard to the larger trusts now dealt with in the Revenue Commissioners large cases division, namely the capital value of the assets, the taxable value of the assets and an analysis of the capital value as between investments and other assets, and details are set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Capital Value |
Taxable Value |
Investments |
Other |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
1997 |
819,261,663 |
884,499,815 |
812,036,387 |
7,225,276 |
|
1998 |
853,232,309 |
938,639,304 |
849,716,619 |
3,515,690 |
|
1999 |
1,056,040,027 |
1,134,404,085 |
1,052,242,574 |
3,797,453 |
|
2000 |
1,087,263,497 |
1,223,257,731 |
1,084,853,062 |
2,410,435 |
|
2001 |
1,059,625,130 |
1,150,793,480 |
1,058,208,089 |
1,417,041 |
|
2002 |
63,621,185 |
131,397,755 |
38,458,973 |
25,162,213 |
|
2003 |
52,853,538 |
105,932,151 |
40,347,108 |
12,506,430 |
|
2004 |
56,903,609 |
112,733,929 |
43,846,941 |
13,056,668 |
It should be noted that while the figures in the table for taxable value are complete, the figures for capital value and the analysis of the breakdown of these capital value figures between investments and other assets do not include the amounts for one particular trust as the relevant figures are not readily available within the time allowed.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:200 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Finance the proportion of PAYE taxpayers and taxpayers other than PAYE taxpayers who are earning amounts (details supplied), estimated by reference to the income tax year 2004, and if possible by reference to the income tax year 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4182/05]
It is assumed that what the Deputy requires is the proportion of PAYE and self-employed income earners in the ranges of income specified as determined by reference to the income tax record.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the information requested, estimated by reference to the income tax years 2004 and 2005, is set out in the following tables. They indicate the proportions of all PAYE and self-employed income earners on tax records, including tax-exempt individuals, by ranges of income.
|
PAYE |
Self-Employed |
|||
|
Gross Income € |
Numbers |
% of all PAYE income earners |
Numbers |
% of all self-employed income earners |
|
Not exceeding €14,244 |
459,950 |
28 |
49,824 |
23 |
|
€14,245 —€19,890 |
204,530 |
12 |
24,387 |
11 |
|
€19,891 —€29,251 |
315,596 |
19 |
35,620 |
17 |
|
€29,252 —€40,419 |
255,621 |
15 |
29,923 |
14 |
|
€40,420 —€49,999 |
146,213 |
9 |
17,720 |
8 |
|
€50,000 —€74,999 |
182,850 |
11 |
25,473 |
12 |
|
PAYE |
Self-Employed |
|||
|
Gross Income € |
Numbers |
% of all PAYE income earners |
Numbers |
% of all self-employed income earners |
|
Not exceeding €14,244 |
436,873 |
26 |
46,339 |
21 |
|
€14,245 —€19,890 |
196,365 |
12 |
22,759 |
10 |
|
€19,891 —€29,251 |
313,519 |
19 |
35,158 |
16 |
|
€29,252 —€40,419 |
265,306 |
16 |
31,065 |
14 |
|
€40,420 —€49,999 |
154,963 |
9 |
18,509 |
8 |
|
€50,000 —€74,999 |
203,334 |
12 |
28,047 |
13 |
The Deputy should note that these numbers are provisional and are subject to revision. A married couple who has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit. Some figures in the columns in the table for income tax year 2004 differ from those given previously. This is due to revised information becoming available in the meantime.
Tax Code.
Willie Penrose
Question:201 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Finance if consideration will be given to granting an exemption in VRT payment, in regard to kit cars which are constructed by the owners thereof; when the full amount of VRT would become payable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4183/05]
Vehicle registration tax, VRT, is a tax on the registration of vehicles, regardless of their source, and is charged at the time when the vehicle is registered in the State. It is not a tax on the manufacture, supply or importation of motor vehicles.
Section 130A of the Finance Act 1992 provides that VRT is payable on the registration of a kit car, where in the construction of the vehicle, a new chassis is used or where the chassis is derived from a vehicle which is not registered in the State. However, VRT is not payable on the registration of a kit car, where in the construction of the vehicle, the chassis is derived from a vehicle which was already registered in the State.
The amount of VRT to be paid on a kit car is determined by the Revenue Commissioners and is comparable to the amount payable in respect of a conventional car of the same size and specification. A specialist consultant is engaged by the Revenue Commissioners to assist in this determination. It is ascertained by reference to the type of kit used in the manufacture of the vehicle and the donor vehicle used where appropriate.
The current legislation ensures equality of treatment in regard to VRT as between kit cars and conventional cars. In this respect, I do not intend to make any changes.
Joan Burton
Question:202 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance the medical services and expenditure by a taxpayer which qualifies for tax relief; and if plastic surgery or other medical works on procedures undergone to provide cosmetic improvements qualify when such work is undertaken for bodily enhancement as opposed to medical necessity. [4189/05]
Tax relief for health expenses is provided for under section 469 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. The relief is granted at the highest rate of tax at which the taxpayer is chargeable for the year of the claim. Relief cannot be claimed for any expenditure that has been or will be reimbursed by a medical insurer or where a compensation payment is or will be made in respect of the expenditure.
The first €125 of any medical expenses incurred in any tax year is borne by the taxpayer. In the case of an individual claiming relief in respect of two or more persons, the taxpayer must bear the first €250. Claims for health expenses are made on form MED1. While it is not necessary to submit receipts with the form MED1, the receipts relating to the costs must be retained by the individual as he or she may be asked to produce them if the claim is chosen for detailed examination.
An individual may claim tax relief on certain medical expenses incurred by him or her on his or her own behalf, on behalf of a dependant, or on behalf of a relative. A dependant is any relative of the taxpayer or any other person who at any time during the year of claim is aged 65 years or over or who is permanently incapacitated by reason of mental or physical infirmity. A relative is defined as a husband, wife, ancestor, lineal descendant, brother or sister; mother or father of the taxpayer's spouse; brother or sister of the taxpayer's spouse; spouse of the taxpayer's son or daughter; or the taxpayer's child or any other child, who for the year of the claim, is in his or her custody and maintained at his or her expense and under 18 years of age, or, if over 18 years of age, is receiving full-time education.
Only health expenses incurred in the provision of "health care" qualify for tax relief. Section 469 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 defines "health care" as meaning the prevention, diagnosis, alleviation or treatment of an ailment, injury, infirmity, defect or disability, and includes care received by a woman in respect of a pregnancy as well as routine maternity care. Expenditure that qualifies for relief includes costs of doctors and consultants fees; diagnostic procedures carried out on the advice of a practitioner; drugs or medicines prescribed by a doctor or consultant; maintenance or treatment in a hospital or nursing home which is approved by the Minister for Health and Children or approved for the purposes of health expenses relief by the Minister for Finance after consultation with the Minister for Health and Children; supply, maintenance or repair of any medical, surgical, dental or nursing appliance used on the advice of a practitioner; physiotherapy or similar treatment prescribed by a practitioner; orthoptic or similar treatment prescribed by a practitioner; costs of speech and language therapy carried out by a speech and language therapist for a qualifying child, allowable from 6 April 2001 where a speech and language therapist means an individual approved by the Minister for Health and Children; transport by ambulance; costs of educational psychological assessments carried out by an educational psychologist for a qualifying child, allowable from 6 April 2001 where an educational psychologist means an individual who is registered with the Minister for Education and Science; certain items of expenditure in respect of a child suffering from a serious life threatening illness; kidney patients' expenses, up to a maximum amount depending on whether the patient uses hospital dialysis, home dialysis or CAPD; specialised dental treatment; routine maternity care, allowable from 6 April 2001; and in vitro fertilization.
Where qualifying health care is only available outside Ireland, the cost of reasonable travelling and accommodation expenses can also be claimed as a health expense. In such cases, the expenses of one person accompanying the patient may also be allowed where the condition of the patient requires it.
Plastic surgery or other medical works or procedures undertaken on purely cosmetic grounds do not qualify for tax relief; nor does the cost of routine dental or ophthalmic care.
Joan Burton
Question:203 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance the situation for tax relief purposes of medical expenses incurred outside the State by a taxpayer; if they are allowable for tax purposes; and if there are any limitations or conditions on qualifying expenditure. [4190/05]
Medical expenses incurred outside of the State qualify for tax relief on the same basis as medical expenses incurred within the State provided that the following conditions apply. As regards the cost of a medical practitioner, the medical practitioner is entitled, under the laws of the country in which the care is provided, to practise medicine or dentistry there; and as regards the cost of the hospital or nursing home, the hospital or nursing home is approved for the purposes of tax relief under the heading of health expenses by the Minister for Finance after consultation with the Minister for Health and Children. A full list of approved hospitals and nursing homes is available on the Revenue Commissioners website, www.revenue.ie.
Where qualifying health care is, in regard to a specific health expense, obtainable only outside the State, reasonable expenses of travelling and accommodation for the patient may be allowed. In such a case, the expenses of one person accompanying the patient may also be allowed where the condition of the patient requires it. Where the patient is a child, the expenses of one parent may generally be allowed and, exceptionally, of both parents where it is clear that both have to be in attendance.
Relief cannot be claimed for any expenditure that has been or will be reimbursed by a medical insurer or where a compensation payment is or will be made in respect of the expenditure. The first €125 of any medical expenses incurred in any tax year is borne by the taxpayer. In the case of an individual claiming relief in respect of two or more persons, the taxpayer must bear the first €250.
While there is no upper limit to the amount of qualifying health expenses that a taxpayer may claim, tax relief is available only against tax that is actually paid in the State and only to the extent that tax has been paid.
Special Savings Incentive Scheme.
Martin Ferris
Question:204 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Finance if he will make a statement on the case of a person (details supplied). [4194/05]
The Deputy's question relates to a situation where it is claimed that interest accumulated in respect of savings in an SSIA of a deceased spouse is not being paid over to the surviving spouse. The question does not make clear if there is a difficulty specifically in regard to the SSIA itself or if the difficulty is in some way related to the distribution of the estate of the deceased person. Accordingly, it is only possible to answer the question in general terms.
It must be borne in mind that there are specific provisions in general law in regard to the administration of an estate of a deceased person and these must be followed before the assets of the estate can be distributed. The funds in the SSIA constitute an asset of the estate of the deceased person. The net assets of the estate will be distributed to the beneficiaries by the executors or administrators following grant of probate or letters of administration.
The SSIA scheme commenced on 1 May 2001 and is administered by qualifying savings managers in accordance with legislation and guidelines issued by the Revenue Commissioners. In general terms, the amount of funds available on the death of an SSIA holder are set out in SSIA rules.
The maturing of an SSIA on the death of an individual is an automatic process and is administered by the qualifying savings manager concerned. The tax liability which falls due in the event of death is arrived at by deducting, from the aggregate market value of the assets in the account, the aggregate amount of all subscriptions and tax credits made to the SSIA, in so far as that amount has not previously been treated as withdrawn from the SSIA on a partial withdrawal. A rate of 23% is applied to the resulting figure to give the tax due. Once tax has been deducted, the SSIA maturity process is complete and the remaining funds become part of the estate of the deceased. In the case of an SSIA that was a deposit account from which no withdrawals had been made up until the date of death, tax at 23% would only apply to the interest earned.
National Monuments.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:205 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if any action is proposed or intended in respect of Connolly’s Folly, Maynooth, County Kildare, which is showing serious signs of deterioration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4295/05]
I confirm that lightning protection was installed recently to protect the folly and that the condition of the folly continues to be monitored. In the event of any essential repairs being required, these will be undertaken. In addition, consideration is being given to the provision of a CCTV security system around the folly to combat vandalism.
However, as indicated in replies to similar questions from the Deputy on the same issue, I confirm that major works are not planned for Connolly's Folly at this time.
Gas Pipelines.
Jerry Cowley
Question:206 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will address the fears expressed by residents of Rossport, County Mayo regarding the upstream Corrib field pipeline; his views on whether they have cause to have health and safety concerns; if he will consider carrying out a qualified risk assessment; his views on whether it is feasible or useful to add mercaptan for safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4188/05]
I am assured that every precaution has been taken to ensure the safety of the Corrib gas field pipeline. At no point along the pipeline route will the gas pipeline pass closer than 70 m to any dwelling. A condition imposed in the pipeline consent includes as absolute requirement that the pipeline passes no closer than 70 m to any inhabited dwelling.
In addition, a quantified risk assessment has been undertaken for the onshore section of the pipeline which included a detailed analysis of the risk of damage to the pipeline and consequences of any such damage. This showed that even in the very worst case of the pipeline being ruptured and the gas being ignited, the occupants of a building 70 m away would be safe. The design of the pipeline means that the risk of such an event or any other type of gas escape is very small. Also the pipeline will be buried to a depth of at least 1.2 m.
The design of the pipeline is in accordance with international design codes and is to a pressure of 345 barometers. The pressure in the pipeline will initially be 150 barometers, reducing over the life of the field. In 2002, my Department commissioned an independent expert to confirm that the design is fully in compliance with international codes.
As regards the feasibility or usefulness of adding mercaptans for safety, I am advised by my technical expert that there would be no benefit from doing so. Gas is lighter than air and in the very unlikely event of gas escaping from the pipeline, it would be rapidly dispersed away from ground level and any people in the area. Mercaptans are added to enable leaks to be detected by smell in confined areas such as buildings.
While the control umbilical will carry high pressure liquids, the volumes are very small. The umbilical will be buried to a depth of at least 1.2 m so these liquids pose no threat to people in the area.
Diplomatic Representation.
Joan Burton
Question:207 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status, terms and conditions of the appointment of the envoy (details supplied) to the tsunami region; the rank in terms of the foreign service which applies; and the remuneration or expenses which attach to the post. [4191/05]
Mr. Chris Flood, former Member of Dáil Éireann and current chairman of the advisory board for Development Co-operation Ireland, has been appointed as an envoy to the tsunami-affected region, particularly Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand. This appointment was announced in the Dáil on 26 January by my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern. The period of the appointment is six months from February.
Mr. Flood will report on the status of the recovery effort in each of the affected countries. He will also report on the overall contributions of the UN agencies and non-governmental organisations to the post-tsunami recovery efforts. He will examine to what extent funds have been used effectively and efficiently by organisations benefiting from Government assistance with a particular focus on co-ordination, building local capacity and rebuilding people's livelihoods. He will also seek to determine whether lessons can be learned in responding to future disasters. Mr. Flood will be assisted by the emergency, recovery and technical sections of Development Co-operation Ireland.
The position of the envoy does not have a rank within the diplomatic service. Normal travel and subsistence expenses only will apply.
Foreign Conflicts.
Finian McGrath
Question:208 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will bring the plight of the people of Darfur, Sudan to the attention of the UN Security Council without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4313/05]
The political and humanitarian situation in the Darfur region remains a matter of the deepest concern for Ireland. The Government continues to use all avenues open to it to urge action in addressing the humanitarian, security and political challenges, which exist there.
The United Nations and the Security Council has been centrally involved in efforts to address the Darfur crisis. I expressed support for the UN's role and our willingness to assist its efforts in any way we can when I met the UN Secretary General in New York yesterday. I also indicated to the Secretary General my agreement with the recommendation of the international committee of inquiry investigating allegations of genocide in Darfur that those responsible for crimes against humanity or other serious human rights violations should be held accountable before the International Criminal Court.
The comprehensive political agreement signed in Nairobi last month has highlighted the need for parallel political progress with regard to the Darfur conflict. The UN Secretary General's Special Representative, Mr. Jan Pronk, has provided further and deeply worrying evidence in a recent report of how both the Sudan Government and the rebels are continuing to violate the ceasefire agreements. Humanitarian delivery continues to be jeopardised by the escalation in security incidents across many parts of Darfur. I am deeply conscious that some 2 million people are now displaced from their homes and this figure is still rising. Violent attacks by both sides in the conflict have heightened the atmosphere of insecurity, and this is having a negative impact on the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Sustained international pressure needs to be maintained on all the parties to honour their commitments and work to improve the security situation in Darfur. The Government of Sudan must be pressed to accept its responsibility for security and the protection of its own citizens by disbanding the Janjaweed militia and bringing all those responsible for serious human rights violations to justice. There must also be an end to any attempts at forced relocation of internally displaced persons. The rebels, for their part, must cease all attacks and ceasefire violations. All sides must co-operate fully and constructively with the international presence in Darfur, including the UN, African Union and all engaged in the humanitarian effort.
Ending impunity and bringing to justice those guilty of serious human rights violation is an imperative in attempting to resolve the conflict in Darfur. I very much welcome the report of the UN's international commission of inquiry investigating ending impunity and bringing to justice those guilty of serious human rights violation is an imperative in attempting to resolve the conflict in Darfur. I very much welcome the report of the UN's international commission of inquiry investigating whether serious violations of human rights, international humanitarian law and genocide have occurred in Darfur which was published last week. The commission found that crimes against humanity of an ethnic nature have been committed in Darfur and has recommended that the allegations be referred to the International Criminal Court. I agree with the commission that the ICC, of which Ireland has been a strong supporter, would be the most appropriate body to try those accused of these dreadful crimes.
I note that the Commission has concluded that, serious and systematic as the abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law may have been, they could not be classified as genocide, based on the definition of genocide under international law. The Security Council will commence its consideration of these findings this week. I would strongly urge that it takes a speedy and positive decision on the commission's recommendation. In addition to deciding on the referral of the matter to the ICC, the option of sanctions is also available and is one which should be considered.
The UN Security Council has been endeavouring to work through the African Union on improving security on the ground in Darfur. The AU-led monitoring mission, AMIS, is continuing to play a vital role in this regard. Ireland and the EU continue to co-operate closely with the African Union in support of the AMIS II mission and are providing substantial financial and logistical support for the deployment of the expanded AMIS II mission. The African Union and UN are also working together to ensure a successful outcome to the AU-mediated peace talks for Darfur which are due to resume in Abuja at the beginning of March. I would urge the Sudanese Government and the rebel groups to recommit themselves fully to this process, with a view to reaching an early and final political agreement.
Grant Payments.
Denis Naughten
Question:209 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number and value of grants decided under the community enterprise support scheme in 2004; the total budget available under this scheme in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4120/05]
The allocation of grants under the community enterprise centre, CEC, scheme is the responsibility of Enterprise Ireland, the agency charged with administering the scheme, and not a matter in which I have a direct role. I am informed by Enterprise Ireland that no grants were approved under the CEC scheme in 2004. The most recent CEC scheme was the community enterprise centre 2002 scheme under which a sum of €8 million was approved to support the scheme. The objective of the scheme was to enhance the development of an enterprise climate through the provision of infrastructural facilities to support the establishment and expansion of micro enterprises through local community participation.
Under the CEC 2002 initiative, which was a competitive scheme, a total of 70 projects were approved for support by Enterprise Ireland. These were announced in two tranches — the first on 6 August 2002 in respect of 50 approvals to the value of €5,166,306, the second on 29 September 2003 in respect of 20 approvals to the value of €2,838,472.
Under the CEC 2002 scheme, Enterprise Ireland has to date paid nearly €2 million. Shannon Development has also paid out more than €500,000 in respect of projects undertaken within the Shannon region. It is anticipated that the remainder will be paid from 2005 onwards as the promoters incur the costs against which the grants can be claimed and paid. A time lag in requests for payment normally occurs as approximately 70% if approvals were for capital grant support, where planning permission and construction is part of the process.
Price Inflation.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:210 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding action being taken to control the rise in the cost of living; the initiatives which are planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4144/05]
The Government recognises the importance of this issue as reflected in the anti-inflation provisions in the Sustaining Progress partnership agreement which are being followed up and monitored by a group, chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach, on which my Department is represented.
Empowered consumers seeking the best value possible when making purchasing decisions are a vital part of curbing rising prices in any economy, as are competitive markets, which allow consumers to exercise choice. It is important that consumers are given sufficient information to make choices. To this end we have legislation in place, which ensures that consumers are provided with clear price information prior to making a decision to purchase goods. The Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs, ODCA, enforces this legislation.
I also want to increase the information available to busy consumers on general price levels prevailing and my Department's close co-operation with the Central Statistics Office, CSO, has led to a new initiative whereby data for average prices in Dublin and outside Dublin in May was published last July. These data were drawn from the national average prices published for the consumer price index. This continued with the publication of figures for November being brought forward to December and my issuing a press release highlighting and welcoming the analysis. My Department will continue to work with the CSO, ODCA, the Consumers Association of Ireland and Forfás on ways to provide consumers with more user-friendly data on prices.
Early last year the Government established the consumer strategy group to advise and make recommendations for the development of a national consumer policy. In the performance of this role the consumer strategy group has carried out a range of activities, including studies that investigate issues of special concern. Price trends with other parts of Europe have been examined and some prices have been the subject of additional investigation, including those of fruit and vegetables, alcoholic beverages, and pharmaceuticals. The group will report to me at the end of this month and I plan to give the report prompt attention and consideration as soon as I receive it.
Work Permits.
Seamus Healy
Question:211 Mr. Healy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if and when he will introduce amending legislation to issue work permits to individual workers rather than to employers, in view of the continuing difficulties being experienced by non-EU workers here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4145/05]
A work permit is granted to an employer in respect of a specified employee and job vacancy, where the employer can demonstrate that the vacancy cannot be filled from within the wider European Economic Area, EEA. The EEA comprises the 25 member states of the EU, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.
Apart from the renewal of existing permits, which now constitute the bulk of applications, new permits are confined to highly skilled and highly paid positions. Present policy is, informed by the imperative to address the identified labour and skill needs in the economy. In order to best achieve these ends, the work permit is granted to the employer. This ensures greater traceability, the more effective enforcement of the employees' rights and enhanced administrative efficiency. The labour inspectorate of my Department is responsible for monitoring certain employment conditions for all categories of workers in Ireland, including migrant workers. Inspectors pursue allegations of worker mistreatment, and when evidence of non-compliance with the relevant employment rights legislation is found, the inspectorate seeks redress for the individual or individuals concerned and, if appropriate, a prosecution is initiated.
An application for a work permit requires a statement, counter signed by the would-be employer and employee, of the main functions of the job: salary or wages; deductions — other than statutory; other benefits; and hours to be worked per week. Work permits are not granted unless there is compliance with minimum wages legislation. Applications for renewals require documentary proof that the stated wages have been paid.
Persons employed in Ireland under the work permit scheme in recent years have been readily facilitated in changing jobs. In such circumstances a new work permit is issued to the person's new employer. This allows an employee to move to a new employer where there are genuine reasons why the employee wishes to leave his or her existing employment.
A new employment permits Bill, currently at the final stages of preparation, will include provision for additional protections for migrant workers. It is intended that employers will be prohibited from deducting from the remuneration of migrant workers any costs associated with their recruitment and the retention by employers of personal documents belonging to migrant workers.
If the Deputy has evidence that particular employers are exploiting their workforce this should be brought to the attention of the labour inspectorate for investigation.
Gerard Murphy
Question:212 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will examine the case of a person (details supplied). [4152/05]
The person referred to made an application for a work authorisation on 27 January to the Consulate General of Ireland in San Francisco. Her application was incomplete, thus it was returned to her by express post on 31 January for completion.
Family Support Services.
David Stanton
Question:213 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the supports available to self-employed workers with families who are on low incomes; if the family income supplement can be availed of in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4138/05]
Family income supplement was introduced in 1984 with the purpose of providing an incentive to low-paid employees with families to take up or remain in full-time employment in circumstances where they might otherwise be only marginally better off then of claiming another social welfare payment. The scheme does not apply to self-employed people.
Arrangements already exist whereby self-employed people on low income can receive additional payments under the social welfare system. Self-employed people whose income falls below the rate of unemployment assistance, UA, appropriate to their family circumstances are entitled to claim assistance. The rate of assistance payable depends on the person's means. In assessing means, account is taken of the net income, which the applicant may reasonably expect to receive in the next year, and all expenses necessarily incurred by the applicant in carrying out the business are disregarded. Currently almost 1,764 unemployment assistance recipients are categorised as self-employed, receiving an average of €156.72 assistance per week.
The farm assist scheme was introduced in 1999 to provide income support for low-income farmers. At present, a total of 8,350 farmers are in receipt of farm assist, receiving an average weekly payment of €163.27. Any extension of FIS to other categories of persons would have to be considered in a budgetary context. I have no plans for such an extension in present circumstances.
Services for People with Disabilities.
David Stanton
Question:214 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 178 of 1 December 2004, the funding which has been made available for 2005 to introduce the groundwork for the new personal advocacy service aimed specifically at persons with disabilities; when the new service will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4139/05]
As announced in budget 2005, €1 million has been provided this year to the national information agency, Comhairle, to prepare the groundwork for the introduction of the new personal advocacy service. It is envisaged that the new service will be introduced in early 2008 subject to the necessary legislation being enacted. 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 will provide for the assignment of a personal advocate to a person with a disability who is unable to obtain 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 will 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.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Brian O'Shea
Question:215 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason social welfare increases were not awarded from 1 January 2005, as had been the case in the previous two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4310/05]
The approach to determining the effective dates for increases in social welfare weekly rates of payment following December's budget was the same as in previous years. The effective dates of increases for each scheme are determined by reference to the payment weeks for each scheme, which may commence on different days of the week, and the fact that some schemes are paid in advance and some in arrears. The effective date varies for different schemes depending on the year in question and does not necessarily coincide with the first day of January. Over the period from 1997 to 2002, the Government brought forward the effective dates of increases in weekly rates by 23 weeks and all increases in these rates are now due with effect from the first week of January.
Róisín Shortall
Question:216 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his policy in respect of the eligibility for unemployment benefit of mothers who give up work due to the cost of child care exceeding their net wage or reducing it to a negligible amount; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4312/05]
A person is regarded as being available for employment if he or she is prepared to accept any offers of suitable full-time employment. In considering entitlement under this condition, account is taken of the person's skills, qualifications and experience, duration of period of unemployment and the availability of job vacancies in the locality. The question of specific support for the costs of child care is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform whose Department administers the equal opportunities childcare programme under the national development plan.
My Department administers the family income supplement, FIS, scheme, an in-work income support designed to provide cash support for employees on low earnings with families, to help preserve the incentive to remain in employment in circumstances where the employee might only be marginally better off than if they were claiming other social welfare payments. A range of improvements introduced to FIS in recent years, including the assessment of entitlement on the basis of net rather than gross income and the progressive increases in income limits, has made it easier for lower income households to qualify under the scheme.
Road Safety.
Liz McManus
Question:217 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Transport the reason a national speed sign (details supplied) has been removed; if a sign indicates a certain speed now, if a person is to presume that bends on a road can be negotiated at the specified speed limit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4125/05]
The working group established in 2003 to review speed limit structures and policies recommended that the general speed limit of 60 mph that applied in respect of rural roads other than motorways should be replaced by separate default maximum speed limits for the rural national, and rural regional and local roads. The general speed limit sign, while it did not refer to the actual speed limit value, indicated the locations from which the 60 mph speed limit applied. The provisions in the Road Traffic Act 2004 establishing the default speed limits for roads generally reflect that recommendation by providing for the introduction of a default speed limit of 100 km/h for rural national roads and 80 km/h for rural regional and local roads.
The working group also recommended that each new speed limit sign should display the value in figures together with the unit 'km/h'. The Road Traffic (Speed Limit — Traffic Signs) Regulations 2005 support the structures provided in the Road Traffic Act 2004 and provide for the deployment of regulatory speed limit traffic signs to indicate to road users that a speed limit of 120 km/h, 100 km/h, 80 km/h, 60 km/h, 50 km/h or 30 km/h applies. In the case of all speed limits applying under the Road Traffic Act 2004 or previously under the legislation that preceded that Act, the speed limit represents the maximum speed at which vehicles may be driven in optimum circumstances. In all cases a driver must not drive a vehicle at a speed exceeding that, which will enable him or her to stop within the distance he or she can see to be clear. This rule applies irrespective of the speed limit.
Driving Licences.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:218 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if a further provisional driving licence can issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4127/05]
Under the Road Traffic Act 1961 and the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations 1999, it is a matter for the appropriate licensing authority, in this case Kildare County Council and not the Department of Transport, to determine the eligibility of a person for a driving licence and to issue licences.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:219 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Transport the number of driving licence applications that are being declared false on renewal and that were issued in the period September to December 1994; if he is investigating the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4146/05]
Under the Road Traffic Act 1961 and the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations 1999, it is a matter for the appropriate licensing authority and not the Department of Transport to determine the eligibility of a person for a driving licence, including renewal of a licence, and to issue licences. I am not aware of any general problem regarding the renewal of licences which were issued between September and December 1994.
Driving Tests.
Seán Crowe
Question:220 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the reason for the record number of drivers awaiting tests; the measures he proposes to introduce to reduce waiting times; and if the filling of vacancies in this sector is seen as a priority and part of the problem by him. [4147/05]
The increase in the number of people awaiting a driving test resulted from the unprecedented number of people who applied for a driving test in 2003. A total of 233,889 applications were received in 2003, an increase of 23% over the previous year's record total of 192,016. The Department of Transport is in communication with the Department of Finance about measures to reduce the backlog, including the recruitment of additional driver testers.
Taxi Hardship Panel.
Seán Crowe
Question:221 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if, in view of the demand, he has new proposals to top up the original taxi hardship fund. [4148/05]
The taxi hardship payments scheme is based on the recommendations and parameters of the taxi hardship panel report, which was approved by the Government. The report of the panel recommended the establishment of a scheme to provide payments to individual taxi licence holders who fall into one of six categories that the panel assessed as having suffered extreme personal financial hardship arising from taxi liberalisation. The payments ranged from €3,000 to €15,000 depending on the category of hardship involved. The Government approved the implementation of the recommendations. The payments are not compensation but compassionate payments in respect of extreme personal financial hardship.
The taxi hardship payments scheme is being administered by Area Development Management Limited on behalf of the Department of Transport. Most of the applications received by ADM have been dealt with. I expect the applications which remain on ADM's files to be dealt with in the coming weeks. Sufficient funds have been made available to ADM to enable it to meet the cost of all successful applications. I do not propose to reopen the terms of the taxi hardship panel report or the Government's decision on it.
Rail Services.
Seán Crowe
Question:222 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the financial expense incurred by a commuter travelling on the Dublin to Tralee rail route; and if he will make recommendations on this and similar examples to CIE. [4149/05]
The only fares I regulate are standard fares. Discounts on standard fares are a commercial matter for Iarnród Éireann. It is open to the company to offer promotional or discounted fares within this framework. I understand from the company that it offers a day saver return ticket as an example of such a discounted fare. This promotional ticket is offered at the same price as a single journey ticket as part of the company's policy to encourage the use of train services by offering value for money for day return journeys.
Airport Development Projects.
Cecilia Keaveney
Question:223 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Transport the position in relation to having the runway at Derry City Airport extended to facilitate the larger aeroplanes in use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4150/05]
Last year, Derry City Council submitted proposals for the development of City of Derry Airport to the Department of Transport and to the relevant authorities in Northern Ireland which, of course, have lead responsibility in this area. A report on all aspects of the proposed development, including the extent of works required to make the airport fully operational and compliant with safety requirements, is being considered by the Department following consultation with the relevant authorities in Northern Ireland.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:224 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if, in view of his recent trade mission to China and the need to develop long haul flight capacity from Dublin Airport, the Government intends to direct the DAA to either extend the existing runway or to fast track the construction of a second runway. [4187/05]
I am not aware of any evidence to suggest that infrastructure at Dublin Airport, including the capacity of its runways, is acting as a constraint or barrier to the development of long haul routes. The proposed new parallel runway is required to meet projected traffic growth and to ensure that the runway capacity at Dublin Airport continues to cater for the future requirements of airlines and passengers. In recognition of the long lead-in time on planning approvals, construction and commissioning, the Dublin Airport Authority submitted its planning application for the new runway to Fingal County Council last December. Subject to planning permission, this will ensure that the additional capacity provided by the new runway will be available and operational when needed in about six years time.
Community Development.
Michael Ring
Question:225 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason lone parents, widows and widowers are not allowed to participate in the rural social scheme; his views on whether this is discrimination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4137/05]
One must have a herd number and be in receipt of one of the following payments — farm assist, unemployment assistance, unemployment benefit if previously on a FÁS community employment scheme, or disability allowance — if one is to be eligible to participate in the rural social scheme. Self-employed fishermen whose fishing boats have been entered in the register of fishing boats, or have been issued with a fishing licence from the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources for fishing for salmon at sea, and who are in receipt of either unemployment assistance, unemployment benefit — if previously on a FÁS community employment scheme — or disability allowance, are also eligible for the scheme. There is nothing to prevent a lone parent, widow or widower from participating in the scheme if they meet the eligibility conditions I have outlined. A review of the scheme will be undertaken by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs within the coming months. The review will include an examination of the current eligibility criteria.
Grant Payments.
Denis Naughten
Question:226 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans she has to remove the 20 livestock units cap on grant aid for farm development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4118/05]
A minimum of 20 income units from farming is required for grant applications under the on-farm investment schemes. The European Commission has repeatedly opposed any relaxation of the minimum income provision, despite several approaches from the Department of Agriculture and Food on the matter. The conditions of the farm waste management scheme, including the 20-income unit restriction, are under consideration.
Denis Naughten
Question:227 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will review the payment structure for the SFP to facilitate two instalments rather than one payment in December; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4119/05]
European Council Regulation 1782/2003, which governs the single payment scheme, stipulates that payments under the scheme will be made once a year, within the period from 1 December of the year of application to 30 June of the following year. The regulation also provides for advance payment circumstances to be decided by the European Commission, subject to the budgetary position. The Deputy will appreciate that it is not possible for a member state to decide on different payment dates to those specified in the Council regulation or those which may be specified by the Commission in certain circumstances. As the rules governing the single payment scheme are prescribed under European Council and Commission regulations, the Department of Agriculture and Food has no option but to adhere to them.
Departmental Supports.
Denis Naughten
Question:228 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food further to a meeting (details supplied), the plans she has to facilitate the group concerned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4121/05]
The group has received assistance from several public bodies. I support close co-ordination between the bodies and the group in making available their full range of expertise and assistance.
Organic Farming.
Denis Naughten
Question:229 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will report on the recommendations of the report of the organic development committee which have been implemented; the timescale and status of the implementation of the outstanding recommendations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4122/05]
The report of the organic development committee, which was published in April 2002, contained a number of recommendations to develop the organic sector in Ireland. The committee's main recommendations have been implemented, including the establishment of a national steering group. This group has met on eight occasions and continues to monitor the implementation of the other recommendations of the organic development committee.
Among the recommendations on which progress has taken place are the following. A partnership expert working group has been set up to co-ordinate, facilitate and monitor the provision of training, education, advice and research and an organic market development group has been established with overall responsibility for developing a national marketing strategy for organic food. A census of Irish organic production was carried out and published in October 2003. My Department's website now includes a dedicated section on organic food and farming. Seven organic demonstration farms were selected last year as a pilot project, and this successful initiative will be further extended in 2005. Teagasc has also expanded its organic advisory network. It has identified advisers nationwide and their contact details are also available on my Department's website.
Teagasc, Bord Bia and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland have produced publications in the areas of research and advice. My Department undertook preliminary investigative organic seed trials for suitable barley, wheat and oat varieties on the farms of two organic producers. A study of the organic poultry sector was published in 2004. In addition to rolling out education and advice on organic production, Teagasc is currently developing an organic beef research programme.
The REPS organic supplementary measure was reviewed as part of the general review of the scheme, and some of the changes recommended in the organic development committee report were included in the new REP3 scheme.
A statutory instrument was adopted in March last year, which gave full effect to Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2092/91, as amended, and to the additional standards contained in Chapter 7 of the report of the organic development committee. It gives, inter alia, powers to my Department to prosecute those operating illegally.
Substantial consideration has been given to the development of a national label. A final decision has been deferred pending the outcome of deliberations on the information campaign proposed in the European action plan for organic food and farming. An information leaflet on organic food and farming was published in September 2004, the objective of which was to raise awareness among consumers of what organic food and farming is about.
Teagasc has developed and delivered a number of organic courses to farmers and will expand this area in response to demand. Substantial progress, in partnership with the existing course providers, has also been made in the establishment of a FETAC accredited course in organic horticulture. The national steering group will continue to oversee the implementation of the report's recommendations in line with the timescales provided for in the report of the organic development committee.
Disadvantaged Areas Scheme.
Jerry Cowley
Question:230 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to the fact that moves are afoot to try and negotiate down disadvantaged status to just one criterion, namely soil quality; her views on whether this has to be vigorously resisted and is very serious (details supplied); the steps she is taking to resist any interference with disadvantage status; the other steps she is taking to ensure the survival of farming in Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4123/05]
Some 11,877 farmers in Mayo qualified for payments, totalling €25.6 million, under the area based compensatory allowance scheme in 2004. At present, all of County Mayo is classified as more severely handicapped under the current criteria for designating areas as disadvantaged: low land productivity, low economic returns and low or dwindling population.
As part of the suggested rural development framework for the period 2007-13, the European Commission has proposed new criteria for less-favoured areas. These lay emphasis on soil and climatic conditions. In line with other member states, Ireland has highlighted the sensitivity of this issue. Ireland has also sought clarification on the Commission's intentions. A promised Commission clarification paper is due towards the end of February. I will seek to ensure that all of Mayo's farmers continue to benefit to the maximum extent possible under the area-based compensatory allowance scheme.
Grant Payments.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:231 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a REP scheme payment will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4124/05]
Payment has issued this week in this case.
Martin Ferris
Question:232 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the entitlements under the single farm payments of a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan will be reviewed. [4176/05]
A certificate of provisional entitlements under the single payment scheme issued to the person named on 18 November 2004. This statement included a detailed breakdown of how the provisional entitlements were calculated. Farmers are advised that if they are not satisfied that the statement is correct, they may seek a review by completing a provisional entitlements review form, which is available from all local offices of the Department and from the Department's website. To date, a review form has not been received from the person named.
State Shareholdings.
Jack Wall
Question:233 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the legal position regarding the golden share as determined by her Department in regard to shares of Irish Sugar Limited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4177/05]
As Minister, I hold a special share in Greencore plc. That share has the same monetary value as any other share in the company but has conditions attached which prevent the company from engaging in a number of activities without the prior written consent of the Minister. It does not empower me to become involved in operational matters or ordinary business decisions made by the company. In summary, the special share prevents the disposal of the controlling interest in Irish Sugar Limited, or a certain percentage of the sugar assets and prevents a single shareholder or group of shareholders acting together from gaining control of Greencore plc.
Grant Payments.
Pat Breen
Question:234 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if consideration will be given to an application for forestry development (details supplied) by a person in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4178/05]
An application for afforestation grant aid on behalf of the person in question was refused by the forest service of my Department in February 2003 and again in April 2003 following an appeal by the applicant. The application was refused on environmental grounds.
Milk Quota.
Paul Kehoe
Question:235 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding a pilot scheme for the allocation of milk quota to certain qualified farm managers; when this pilot scheme will start; if the criteria and conditions governing the allocation of quota have been finalised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4179/05]
The statutory basis for a pilot scheme for the allocation of milk quota to farm managers, which requires the formation of a special type of milk production partnership, was put in place in 2003 and refined in 2004, through amendments to the milk quota regulations. I expect discussions on the relevant criteria and conditions will conclude in time to allow for the introduction of a pilot scheme during the 2005-06 milk quota year.
Grant Payments.
John McGuinness
Question:236 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food , further to Question No. 69 of 26 January 2005, if the years used in the calculation of the single payment entitlements for this person are correct. [4180/05]
An application for consideration under the force majeure or exceptional circumstances criteria of the single payment regulations was submitted by the person named on 7 January 2004. Following consideration by the Department and the independent single payment appeals committee of the circumstances outlined, including additional information submitted, the Department is satisfied that force majeure criteria can be applied in respect of the medical condition of the person named in 2000, which resulted in decreased production in that year. Consequently, 2000 will be excluded and only the years 2001 and 2002 will be used in the calculation of the single payment entitlement. As production increased in 2001 and 2002, this two-year average will have the effect of increasing the single payment entitlement for the person named. An amended statement of provisional entitlements reflecting this position will issue shortly to the person named.
Paul Connaughton
Question:237 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if consideration will be given to an application under the national reserve for entitlements under the single payments for a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4305/05]
The position with regard to the 2005 single payment national reserve is that all applications are being processed at present. In view of the number of applications received and accompanying documentation submitted, it will be some time before processing is completed.
The Deputy will appreciate, therefore, that it is not possible to indicate at this stage whether the person named will qualify for an allocation of entitlements from the reserve on foot of an application submitted. Applicants will be notified of their eligibility or otherwise as soon as all applications are processed.
Paul Connaughton
Question:238 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the level of grant aid received for all headage, special beef premium and dairy for the years 1997, 1998 and 1999 under the herd number of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the level of grants awarded in 2000, 2001 and 2002; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4306/05]
The person named received the following payments under the special beef premium scheme for the years 1997 to 2002:
|
€ |
|
|
1997 |
3,144.06 |
|
1998 |
3,098.57 |
|
1999 |
2,633.46 |
|
2000 |
2,639.92 |
|
2001 |
2,618.20 |
|
2002 |
2,079 |
The person named received the following payments under the extensification premium for the years 1997 to 2002:
|
€ |
|
|
1997 |
1,503.89 |
|
1998 |
1,026.13 |
|
1999 |
1,259.63 |
|
2000 |
1,422.28 |
|
2001 |
627 |
|
2002 |
554.40 |
The person named received the following payments under the deseasonalisation slaughter premium scheme and slaughter premium scheme for the years 1997 to 2002:
|
€ |
|
|
1997 |
38.16 |
|
1998 |
302.16 |
|
1999 |
391.30 |
|
2000 |
765.91 |
|
2001 |
1,567.91 |
|
2002 |
2,070.60 |
The person named received the following payments under the ewe premium scheme for the years 1997 to 2002:
|
€ |
|
|
1997 |
1,775.08 |
|
1998 |
3,000.84 |
|
1999 |
2,916.95 |
|
2000 |
1,881.20 |
|
2001 |
1,887.23 |
|
2002 |
2,408 |
The person named received the following payments under the sheep headage scheme for the years 1997 to 1998:
|
€ |
|
|
1997 |
121.89 |
|
1998 |
807.55 |
He was not an applicant under the sheep headage scheme in 1999 and 2000.
The person named received the following payments under the cattle headage scheme for the years 1997 to 2002:
|
€ |
|
|
1997 |
1,286.24(after shortfall penalty applied to €1,328.15) |
|
1998 |
1,328.15 |
|
1999 |
1,328.15 |
|
2000 |
1,328.15 |
The area based compensatory allowance scheme replaced the cattle and sheep headage schemes in 2001 and the person named received the following payments under the scheme for the years 2001 to 2002:
|
€ |
|
|
2001 |
3,999.60 |
|
2002 |
3,959.60(after 1% late area aid penalty applied to €3,999.60) |
Paul Connaughton
Question:239 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if consideration will be given to an application by a person (details supplied) in County Galway to have his reference years changed to 1997, 1998 and 1999; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4307/05]
An application for consideration under the force majeure or exceptional circumstances measure of the single payment regulations was submitted by the person named on 22 January 2004.
The person named has been notified that the circumstances outlined by him do not satisfy the criteria for force majeure or exceptional circumstances under Article 40 of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1782/2003. The person named has been advised that he can appeal the decision to the independent single payment appeals committee which will carry out a full review of the circumstances outlined.
Rights of the Child.
Róisín Shortall
Question:240 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the widespread concern among unmarried fathers regarding the lack of legal protection in respect of their right of access to and custody of their children; his views on whether these rights should not be dependent on the discretion of their children’s mother but rather enshrined in law; his proposals to reform the law in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4096/05]
Under section 6A of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964, as inserted by section 12 of the Status of Children Act 1987 an unmarried father may apply to the court to be appointed a guardian of his child. Alternatively, where there is agreement between the parents, they can make a statutory declaration under section 2(4) of the Guardianship of Infants Act, as inserted by section 4 of the Children Act 1997, conferring on the father the status of guardian. Under section 11 of the 1964 Act, a guardian may apply to the court for its direction on any question affecting the welfare of the child.
Examples of such proceedings are applications for custody and access orders. In making such orders and, in determining whether an unmarried father should be appointed guardian, the court has to regard the welfare of the child as the first and paramount consideration. Where appropriate and practicable, the court in making any order takes into account the child's wishes in the matter having regard to the age and understanding of the child. In considering whether to make an order under section 6A or 11 the court is directed — under provision in the Act of 1997 — to have regard to whether the child's best interests would be served by maintaining personal relations and direct contact with both his or her father and mother on a regular basis.
The Act of 1964 — by way of amendment in the Act of 1997 — encourages parties to a dispute over a child to agree on the custody or guardianship of or access to a child. Prior to institution of proceedings the legal representatives of the parties must discuss with them the possibility of agreement. The court may adjourn any proceedings to assist agreement between the parties.
These legislative provisions are extensive. They permit the court in cases of disagreement to decide on arrangements for the child's care and upbringing having regard to the child's best interests. I am aware of the concerns of unmarried fathers regarding custody and access rights and the issue of enforcement. My Department keeps the operation of the law in this area under review.
Garda Deployment.
Finian McGrath
Question:241 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there will be more regular Garda patrols in the Marino area, Dublin 3, to deter the culprits responsible for graffiti and other anti-social behaviour. [4097/05]
Clontarf Garda station is responsible for policing the Marino area and the current strength there, all ranks, is 67, an increase of 10 gardaí since 1998. The policing strategies for the area are predicated on the policy of reducing and preventing incidents of public order offending, the prevention of crimes of violence against persons and property and the maintenance of an environment where the quality of life of the residents can be assured and consolidated. These strategies are, and will continue to be, the core value in policing plans for the area for the future.
Additional supporting patrols are provided by divisional units and detective branch personnel. Garda management will continue to monitor and appraise the policing and administrative strategy employed in Marino with a view to ensuring an effective Garda service is maintained.
Child Care Services.
Jack Wall
Question:242 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding correspondence about the application by a person (details attached) for staffing grants; when a decision will be made; if there are problems in regard to the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4098/05]
The equal opportunities child care programme provides grant assistance towards the staffing costs of community and not for profit based child care services which have a clear focus on disadvantage.
The group in question was awarded a staffing grant of €136,824, over three years in August 2000. In addition, it was awarded staffing continuation funding totalling €76,667, up to 31 August 2005. This amount was deemed sufficient to enable the group to maintain its service and meet the targets set.
Funding under the staffing measure of the programme is made available only to those projects which can demonstrate that they provide child care in areas of significant disadvantage and that they support disadvantaged parents to access employment, education or training. It is not intended that the programme will meet the full costs of running a service. The programme makes staffing grant assistance available for a few years, usually three, to enable projects to move towards self sustainability which would normally be achieved when the service is operating at capacity and with an appropriate fee structure.
In several services, the levels of disadvantage among parents are such that the families would be unable to pay economic fees and therefore those services are likely to require ongoing State support towards their staffing costs. My Department is reviewing the arrangements for the ongoing support of such services in very disadvantaged areas and plans to introduce new arrangements to support those services in cases where they will have received staffing grant assistance for three or more years, at any date prior to 31 August 2005. Information regarding the introduction of these new arrangements, which will be effective from 1 September 2005, will be forwarded to the group in question as soon as it is available. In the interim, it would be premature of me to comment further on future staffing grant assistance to this group.
Garda Deployment.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:243 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the outcome of pilot schemes of the new rostering programmes in the gardaí; the position regarding same at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4099/05]
An agreed pilot scheme was implemented in the cities of Cork, Limerick and Waterford between 20 March 2000 and 28 October 2002 in respect of those stations where the three relief system operates — shift system covering 24 hours. Consultation took place between Garda management and the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors and the Garda Representative Association during the pilot roster.
Having consulted with both associations, the Commissioner introduced this roster on a permanent basis in Cork, Limerick and Waterford on 28 October 2002. The Garda authorities are examining the question of a pilot scheme in the Dublin Metropolitan Region. Under the new roster system, superintendents can determine the number of members required to meet demands at peak times. Other members can be detailed for non-peak times on the early and night tours of duty.
Refugee Accommodation.
Joe Costello
Question:244 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for choosing a premises (details supplied) in Dublin 1 as a refugee holding centre; the number of persons that can be accommodated in same; the further reason Broc House is not being used for the purpose purchased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4108/05]
On 25 January 2005, I introduced new arrangements for the speedier processing of asylum applications by nationals of five states, Nigeria, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia and South Africa. The new arrangements also provide for the speedier processing of deportation orders for those applicants who are found not to be in need of refugee protection and have no other protection or humanitarian needs. Dedicated accommodation centres will provide accommodation for applicants covered by the expedited arrangements. In order to facilitate the holding of interviews, hearings and so forth these dedicated accommodation centres will be located in central Dublin.
It had been intended that a reception centre in central Dublin would be used for this purpose but the reception and integration agency was forced to close it late last year because of maintenance problems. The situation has been further complicated by the unavailability since before Christmas of the main reception centre in Dublin due to a continuing outbreak of chicken pox. An alternative centre had to be sourced in the same general area and the agency entered into a contract for service with the proprietor of the premises mentioned in the question, which has a capacity of 110.
As I informed the Deputy last week, the expenditure which the Office of Public Works indicated in 2004 would have to be incurred in bringing Broc House up to regulatory standards would not be warranted.
Visa Applications.
Mary Upton
Question:245 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a travel document will be issued to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12; and his views on documentation submitted on this person’s behalf to his Department and their prospects of obtaining an Albanian passport. [4184/05]
The documentation submitted to the Department conflicts with certain other information supplied independently to the Department by the authorities of the applicant's country of origin.
My Department has now written to the authorities in question, enclosing a copy of the information supplied by the applicant. I am not in a position to issue the document in question pending a resolution of this matter. The applicant does not have refugee status.
Registration of Title.
Willie Penrose
Question:246 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if steps will be taken to expedite a section 49 application by a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4185/05]
This is an application under section 49 namely, acquisition of title by virtue of long possession, of the Registration of Title Act 1964, which was lodged on 4 March 2004. Dealing Number D2004XS003669E refers.
Due to their complicated nature, applications under section 49, which require detailed examination as owners, can take some time to process. Accordingly, it is not possible to estimate a completion date at this stage. This application is receiving attention in the Land Registry.
Special Educational Needs.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:247 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will sanction an additional special needs assistant for the autism unit at a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4109/05]
The special class for autism has the services of one classroom teacher and two special needs assistants to cater for six pupils. My Department is considering an application for an additional special needs assistant at the school and a decision will be conveyed to the school as quickly as possible.
Schools Building Projects.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:248 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will report on plans to provide educational facilities in the new communities in Ballycullen and Fortunestown in Dublin 24; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that many families must bus their children to schools outside the area; the consultations she has had in the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4110/05]
My Department meets regularly with the planning department of South Dublin County Council with a view to identifying the need for additional educational provision and reserving sites for schools, where required. Arising from this process, sites for primary school purposes have been reserved in the Ballycullen and Fortunestown areas.
A decision on the provision of any new schools in these areas will involve further consultations with the local authority regarding the likely timescale for the delivery of proposed housing developments together with an ongoing assessment of the capacity of existing schools to meet anticipated demand.
With regard to Ballycullen specifically, a large scale building project for Ballycragh national school is progressing through the architectural planning process. This project will increase the school's capacity to 24 classrooms. I am satisfied that this measure will alleviate pressure for places in the area in the short to medium term.
Enda Kenny
Question:249 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation regarding further developments at a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the allocation of money which will be made available for these developments in 2005. [4111/05]
The project to which the Deputy refers is listed for proceeding to tender and construction over the next 12 to 15 months. My Department's building unit held general information meetings for all schools due to go to tender and construction in the next 12 to 15 months to guide them through the process involved in moving projects to tender and construction.
These meetings took place on 31 January and 1 February in Tullamore and the school in question attended the meeting. My Department expects to be in contact with the school in the coming weeks about the delivery of this project. It is not possible to outline the allocation of money that will be made available to this project until the tendering process is complete.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:250 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has plans to establish a post primary school in the Laytown area of County Meath to cater for the expanding population in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4112/05]
As the Deputy will be aware, a new school planning model involving published area development plans is being piloted in five areas over the current school year. Laytown is included in the pilot scheme as part of an overall plan for the north Dublin, east Meath, south Louth area. The need for a new post-primary school in that area will be considered in this context.
The purpose of this new approach to school planning is to ensure that in future the provision of school infrastructure will be decided only after a transparent consultation process. Parents, trustees, sponsors of prospective new school and all interested parties from a locality will have the opportunity to have their voices heard in the process. Arising from this process, an individual plan will set out the blueprint for the future of educational provision in an area, which will be the basis on which all decisions about capital investment will be made for the next decade.
The draft plan for the north Dublin, east Meath and south Louth area is nearing completion in the school planning section of my Department and I hope to be in a position to publish it soon.
Schools Recognition.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:251 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received an application for a new primary school in Laytown, County Meath; if she will make a decision in the near future on this application in view of the large number of children who live in the area and cannot be accommodated in the existing national school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4113/05]
My Department has received an application for the recognition of a new primary school in Laytown, County Meath, for September 2005. As the Deputy may be aware, the new schools advisory committee, which was established in 2002, independently assesses and makes recommendations to me on all applications for the recognition of new primary schools. Decisions in respect of applications for the recognition of new schools with effect from the commencement of the 2005-06 school year will issue to applicants by the 15 April 2005.
Alcohol Abuse.
John McGuinness
Question:252 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science , further to Parliamentary Question No. 38 of 28 October 2004, if the information requested is now available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4114/05]
My Department will make direct contact with the Deputy shortly with the information requested.
Schools Building Projects.
John McGuinness
Question:253 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has examined the plans for a school extension submitted by this Deputy on behalf of a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; the way in which the school should proceed to progress its interest in the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4115/05]
The project at the school to which the Deputy refers has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria, which were revised following consultation with the education partners. All available information was taken into consideration in the context of this assessment.
Progress on the project is being considered in the context of the school building programme. In this regard, the Deputy will be aware that I recently announced the first phase of the 2005 schools building programme which provided details of 122 major school building projects countrywide which will prepare tenders and move to construction during 2005.
This announcement is the first in a series of announcements I plan to make in the coming period on the schools building and modernisation programme that will include details of schools identified as suitable for construction under public private partnerships; an expansion of the number of schools that will be invited to deliver their building projects on the basis of devolved funding; details of schools with projects approved under the 2005 summer works scheme; schools whose projects will further progress through the design process; and schools that will be authorised to commence architectural planning.
Teachers’ Remuneration.
Michael Ring
Question:254 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if teachers who have received back payments under the part-time legislation will move up a point on the pay scale. [4116/05]
The issue of the reckoning of casual and non-casual teaching service for the purpose of incremental credit has been the subject of discussions at the teachers conciliation council. As no agreement has been reached the issue is now being referred for arbitration in accordance with the terms of the revised conciliation and arbitration scheme for teachers.
My Department is not in a position to award incremental credit for such service in second level schools pending the outcome of the arbitration hearing.
Psychological Service.
Olwyn Enright
Question:255 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of psychologists employed by the National Educational Psychological Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4308/05]
The complement of the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS, has increased from 43 psychologists — 30 in permanent full-time posts and 13 on secondment — on the date of establishment to 128 in January 2005, plus two psychologists on career break and one on assignment to another section of the Department.
Recruitment of psychologists has, until recently, been undertaken by the Civil Service and Local Government Commissioners. The last Civil Service Commission panel of 69 psychologists has now been exhausted and arrangements for the recently established public appointments service to set up a new panel are at a preliminary stage. Further recruitment will depend on the availability of resources and must also take account of Government policy on public sector numbers.
Olwyn Enright
Question:256 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools in each county in the State; the number of these schools in each county which are covered by the National Educational Psychological Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4309/05]
I attach the information requested by the Deputy as an Excel spread sheet. The schools listed as NEPS schools in the spreadsheet have NEPS psychologists directly assigned to them and have access to the full NEPS service.
All schools that do not currently have NEPS psychologists assigned to them may avail of the scheme for commissioning psychological assessments, whereby the school can have an assessment carried out by a member of the panel of private psychologists approved by NEPS and NEPS will pay the psychologist the fees for this assessment directly. Details of this process, and the conditions that apply to the scheme, appear upon the Department's website.
NEPS provides assistance to all schools that suffer from critical incidents, regardless of whether they have a NEPS psychologist assigned to them. The Deputy should note the significant expansion in the number of NEPS psychologists in recent years. There are now 128 psychologists in NEPS, compared to just 43 in 1999.
With regard to in-school support for children with learning difficulties, it should be noted that the number of resource teachers has increased dramatically in recent years, from just 104 in 1997 to 2,600 in 2004. This is in addition to the expansion in the number of special needs assistants for children with disabilities.
|
Primary (not including special) |
Primary (including Special) |
|||
|
County |
NEPS schools |
Total Schools |
NEPS schools |
Total Schools |
|
Carlow |
13 |
43 |
13 |
44 |
|
Cavan |
40 |
78 |
40 |
79 |
|
Clare |
33 |
118 |
33 |
120 |
|
Cork |
207 |
357 |
208 |
371 |
|
Donegal |
64 |
174 |
64 |
176 |
|
Dublin |
333 |
418 |
343 |
473 |
|
Galway |
184 |
235 |
184 |
239 |
|
Kerry |
139 |
141 |
139 |
144 |
|
Kildare |
38 |
95 |
39 |
99 |
|
Kilkenny |
14 |
76 |
14 |
80 |
|
Laois |
39 |
66 |
39 |
68 |
|
Leitrim |
19 |
41 |
19 |
41 |
|
Limerick |
16 |
142 |
18 |
148 |
|
Longford |
10 |
39 |
10 |
40 |
|
Louth |
39 |
70 |
40 |
73 |
|
Mayo |
124 |
180 |
124 |
184 |
|
Meath |
62 |
105 |
63 |
107 |
|
Monaghan |
46 |
64 |
47 |
65 |
|
Offaly |
45 |
66 |
45 |
67 |
|
Roscommon |
38 |
95 |
38 |
96 |
|
Sligo |
19 |
65 |
19 |
67 |
|
Tipperary NR |
26 |
73 |
26 |
74 |
|
Tipperary SR |
64 |
87 |
64 |
90 |
|
Waterford |
32 |
73 |
33 |
77 |
|
Westmeath |
26 |
74 |
26 |
77 |
|
Wexford |
28 |
102 |
28 |
104 |
|
Wicklow |
49 |
80 |
50 |
85 |
|
Total |
1,747 |
3,157 |
1,766 |
3,288 |
Ministerial Transport.
Paul McGrath
Question:257 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the occasions between June 2002 and September 2004 on which the Government jet was used to carry the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to conferences and trips abroad; the destination and duration of the trips; the number of persons carried on each occasion; and the total cost of each of the trips, including personnel and accommodation costs. [4093/05]
The following table outlines the occasions on which the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government availed of the ministerial air transport service between June 2002 and September 2004, the destination and duration of each trip and the number of persons carried on each occasion.
|
Date |
Mission Details |
Flying Time |
Aircraft |
Number of persons carried |
|
30/05/02-01/06/02 |
Baldonnel-New York-Baldonnel |
13 hours 5 minutes |
Gulfstream IV |
4 |
|
20/07/02 |
Billund(Denmark)-Cork-Dublin |
2 hours 30 minutes |
Gulfstream IV |
2 |
|
20/10/02-21/10/02 |
Dublin-Rotterdam- Dublin |
3 hours |
Gulfstream IV |
13 |
|
10/12/03 |
Baldonnel-Geneva-Milan |
2 hours 55 minutes |
Gulfstream IV |
7 |
|
01/03/04 |
Baldonnel-Brussels |
1 hour 30 minutes |
Learjet 45 |
7 |
|
18/04/04 |
Baldonnel-Paris |
1 hour 35 minutes |
Gulfstream IV |
10 |
|
27/06/04- 28/06/04 |
Baldonnel-Luxembourg-Baldonnel |
3 hours 30 minutes |
Learjet 45 |
7 |
The total flying cost of the Gulfstream IV is calculated as €5,550 per hour, which includes fuel, handling, maintenance, depreciation and personnel costs. Themanufacturer's estimated direct hourly flying cost for the Learjet 45 is approximately €1,000 per hour — a more detailed costing is not yet available for this aircraft, which came into service in January 2004.
The personnel and accommodation costs incurred by the Minister and his travelling party are a matter for the Minister's own Department. Where Air Corps personnel are required to overnight as part of a mission, they are reimbursed for accommodation and subsistence at standard Defence Forces rates.
Planning Issues.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:258 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the claim of An Taisce that Kerry County Council has overstepped its remit in drawing up a list of serial objectors to one-off rural housing planning applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3985/05]
My Department has not been approached either by An Taisce or Kerry County Council about the compilation of a list of serial objectors nor does planning legislation envisage or accord any status to such a list. Kerry County Council has recently sent me a copy of a council resolution seeking an increase to €250 in the fee for making a planning objection for anyone from outside the local electoral area in which a development is proposed to take place. I intend to reply to this correspondence shortly.
Litter Pollution.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:259 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has satisfied himself that the 140% increase in expenditure on street cleansing from €25 million in 1997 to €60 million in 2001 has realised a commensurate improvement in street cleanliness. [3989/05]
It is a matter for each local authority to determine the level of expenditure on individual local services, including its cleansing and anti-litter operations, as part of its annual estimates process. It is important, however, that local authorities provide an adequate level of funding for their street cleansing and litter warden services. In this regard, three national anti-litter initiatives — the An Taisce led project, national spring clean, the Irish business against litter, IBAL, national litter league, and the national litter pollution monitoring system — confirm that local authorities are taking more extensive, rigorous and targeted action to tackle litter pollution and are also raising public participation in local awareness and clean-up actions. I am pleased to note that these initiatives show that national litter pollution levels generally are falling.
Primary responsibility for developing and implementing responses to the litter problem rests appropriately with local authorities. Since the introduction of the Litter Pollution Act 1997, local authority performance on enforcement of the litter laws has improved significantly, with more litter wardens employed and substantial increases in the number of prosecutions taken and on-the-spot fines issued.
Environmental Pollution.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:260 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the report by PharmaChemical Ireland which claims that in the pharmaceutical and chemical sector carbon dioxide emissions were reduced by 12%, overall polluting potential of discharged waste waters decreased by 42% and hazardous waste production was reduced by13%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3991/05]
I recently received a copy of the PharmaChemical Ireland report, responsible care Ireland annual report, 2004, and I welcome and encourage the efforts of the industrial sector concerned towards improving environmental performance. I am currently considering the detail of the report.
Water Quality.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:261 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received deputations from businesses which will be financially penalised by new charges on dumping of waste water; his views on whether such charges will ultimately be borne by consumers through higher charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3994/05]
I have not received a request from the business sector to meet a deputation specifically about charges for water services. The Government's water services pricing policy framework requires local authorities to recover the cost of providing water services from the users of these services, other than households using water services for domestic purposes. In line with Government policy and EU requirements on the application of the polluter pays principle to water services, local authorities are required to recover from all non-domestic customers the average operational costs and the marginal capital costs of providing such users with water and waste water services.
The operational charge by a local authority for the provision of such services to non-domestic users under the water pricing policy framework is based on the actual cost of providing the service. The capital contribution required of non-domestic users towards the cost of new or additional water treatment capacity is on a concessionary basis related to the marginal cost of providing the additional capacity. I consider that the basis on which these charges are calculated is reasonable.
Waste Management.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:262 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the Environmental Protection Agency’s discussion paper on centralised anaerobic digestion released on 2 February 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3995/05]
My Department has only recently received a copy of the Environmental Protection Agency's discussion paper Anaerobic Digestion: Benefits for Waste Management, Agriculture, Energy and the Environment and is at present examining the paper.
Nuclear Plants.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:263 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if and when his Department intends to draw up a risk analysis of the world’s nuclear plants to assess the plants which pose the greatest risk to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4001/05]
My Department does not propose at present to draw up a risk analysis of nuclear power plants world-wide.
There are various international bodies which work to ensure that nuclear power plants throughout the world comply with strict safety standards. These bodies include the International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA, the Nuclear Energy Agency, NEA, and the European Union, EU. The operation of a nuclear power plant is regulated by the national competent authority of the country on whose territory the plant is located. It is regulated in accordance with safety standards laid down by the competent authority and having regard also to international safety standard requirements, notably those of the IAEA which are regularly updated.
In addition, in the context of the recent enlargement of the EU, particular requirements in regard to nuclear safety were imposed on those acceding countries with nuclear installations. These requirements followed a review by an EU working party on nuclear safety, made up of technical experts from the EU national regulatory authorities which included the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, RPII, of the safety standards applied in the accession countries. The relevant accession countries were required, where deemed necessary, to upgrade safety standards in their nuclear power plants to western European standards, or, where this is not possible, to close down the plants.
The Convention on Nuclear Safety, adopted under the aegis of the IAEA, establishes a legal obligation on the part of the contracting parties to the convention to apply certain general safety principles to nuclear power plants under their jurisdiction. The parties to the convention are also required to submit a report to the IAEA every three years on the steps they are taking to implement the obligations of the convention. These national reports are discussed and reviewed at a peer review meeting of the contracting parties convened every three years by the IAEA. This peer review process allows each party the opportunity to discuss and question, as appropriate, the national reports submitted by the other parties. Ireland will be participating in the next peer review meeting which will take place in April 2005.
Given their proximity to Ireland, the nuclear facilities in the UK, notably the Sellafield plant and also the power generating plant at Wylfa in North Wales, would pose the most immediate threat to Ireland in the event of a major accident or incident having the potential for a major release of radioactivity affecting Ireland. There are regular contacts at ministerial level between Ireland and the UK, particularly regarding Sellafield, which the Irish Government regards as posing the greatest risk because of the multiplicity of operations carried on there. In addition, there are regular contacts at official level with the UK involving my Department and the RPII.
As the House will be aware, Ireland has in place a national emergency plan for nuclear accidents designed to ensure an effective and swift response to any such accident or incident at a nuclear installation abroad. Ireland also has in place a formal bilateral agreement with the UK in regard to early notification and exchange of information in the event of a major nuclear accident or radiological emergency occurring in either country. There are also internationally managed early warning notification systems in place whereby, through the IAEA and the EU Commission as appropriate, states are notified promptly of a major accident or incident.
Ireland regularly participates in meetings held by relevant international organisations such as the IAEA, the NEA and the EU in order to be informed of developments in nuclear safety and security and to influence developments in those areas. Overall, therefore, given the measures in place both at national and international level for regulating and overseeing safety in nuclear power plants, it would not be my Department's intention to carry out a risk analysis of nuclear facilities worldwide.
Waste Management.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:264 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the waste infrastructure capital grant scheme will be made available to the private sector. [4002/05]
When the capital grants scheme was launched it was intended that it be made available to both public and private sector applicants. The latter, however, was conditional on obtaining the necessary state aid approval from the European Commission. As it transpired, the state aid approval given was of a limited nature. In the interim, however, the industry's scale increased very significantly over a short period of time, a marked process of consolidation became evident and some of the projects for which grant applications had been submitted proceeded in any case.
It became clear, therefore, that a grant scheme for private companies would be more likely to distort competition in the sector or to impact on enhancing acquisition values in the context of industry consolidation, than to have a significant effect on the provision of recycling and recovery infrastructure. On foot of this, my predecessor decided that it would be more effective to redeploy the funding in question to other related initiatives and in particular towards greater enforcement of waste legislation. The latter measure had been strongly advocated by the industry, to address the problem of unfair competition from contractors operating outside the law. I have no plans to reverse this decision.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:265 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether an increase in the purchase of so called flat pack furniture may lead to an increased packaging waste stream; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4004/05]
European Parliament and Council Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste is premised on the principle of producer responsibility which requires waste producers to contribute to the waste management costs of products which they have placed on the market at end of life. Under the directive, Ireland was required to achieve a 25% recovery rate of packaging waste by 1 July 2001, increasing to a 50% recovery rate by 31 December 2005.
Practical implementation of the directive in Ireland is by way of a producer responsibility initiative, underpinned by the Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations 2003, as amended, which replaced earlier regulations introduced in 1997. Under the regulations, producers are required to take steps to recover packaging waste or alternatively to contribute to, and participate in, compliance schemes set up to recover packaging waste.
Packaging waste recovery is organised mainly through a collective industry based compliance scheme operated by Repak Limited, established by Irish industry in 1997 to promote, co-ordinate and finance the collection and recovery of packaging waste with a view to achieving Ireland's packaging waste recovery and recycling targets under Directive 1994/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste, which is the only such approved compliance scheme. Significant progress has been made in the recovery of packaging waste and in 2001, Ireland assisted by Repak, met the target of 25% packaging waste recovery target required by the directive.
The latest indications are that Ireland is on course to meet the higher recovery and recycling targets specified for end 2005. The EPA has reported in its national waste database interim report for 2003 — published in December 2004, that packaging waste recovery increased to 42% in that year, up from 33% in 2002. The placing on the market of any product, including flat pack furniture, will inevitably contribute to waste generation both in terms of the product itself at the end of its useful life and the packaging associated with the containment, transport, handling, protection, promotion, marketing and/or sale of the product concerned. The normal producer responsibility obligations described above apply to all producers obligated under the packaging regulations, including any new entrants to the Irish market.
Archaeological Sites.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:266 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he attended meetings with the Orange Order concerning the historical significance of the Battle of Aughrim site in County Galway which is the proposed location of the M6; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4014/05]
I have not attended such meetings regarding the Aughrim battle site. The development of motorway schemes is a matter for the NRA and the local authority concerned and I understand an application for approval of the M6 scheme is currently before An Bord Pleanála.
Regional Authorities.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:267 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the nature of his Department’s contact with regional authorities; his views on whether the structure of these authorities is working well and offering value for money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4016/05]
My Department is in regular contact, at both designated local authority manager and director levels, with regional authorities in relation to their role in the co-ordination of public services at regional level. The preparation of regional planning guidelines under the national spatial strategy has also involved close and ongoing contact by my Department with all of the regional authorities.
My Department was represented, along with other relevant interests, on the steering committees chaired by the regional authorities which oversaw the preparation of the regional planning guidelines. This close co-operation will continue as the regional planning guidelines are implemented over the coming years. As part of this process, officials of my Department meet regularly with a national committee which comprises the directors of the regional authorities along with the designated local authority managers for each region. Before drafting the guidelines, the authorities, in line with guidance issued by my Department, prepared regional strategies for the economic, social and cultural development of their regions as a whole, which inter alia informed the regional planning guidelines process.
My Department also facilitated the establishment of an Irish Regions Office in Brussels and provides assistance and support to the members of the Irish delegation to the committee of the regions who are also members of the regional authorities. Regional authorities play a role as regional partners in support of the implementation of development programmes funded by European Structural Funds. The regional authorities are assisted in this and other functions by senior officers of the local authorities and State agencies in their regions and representatives of Government Departments.
In light of the important contribution of the regional authorities to regional development in Ireland, I have no proposals to amend their structure.
Question No. 268 answered with QuestionNo. 78.
Environmental Policy.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:269 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he intends to take to promote a green purchasing policy on foot of the publication of the EU handbook on environmental public procurement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4041/05]
The EU handbook on environmental public procurement was published in October 2004 by the European Commission and has the aim of explaining to public purchasers how to integrate environmental considerations into their purchasing practices for goods and services.
The Department of Finance has responsibility for public procurement policy. The website www.etenders.gov.ie, maintained by the national public procurement policy unit of the Department of Finance, contains comprehensive guidance on all aspects of public procurement including the EU handbook and other guidance and clarification for public bodies on how environmental considerations may be taken into account and promoted in public procurement. The Department of Finance has indicated that the e-tenders website is to be the principal means of disseminating procurement guidance.
My Department actively promotes green procurement in a number of ways by adopting green procurement specifications for goods and services purchased for use by the Department itself and reporting on this in our annual report and on our website; encouraging and facilitating the Government Supplies Agency to include a range of environmentally preferable products in their supply contracts for Government Departments and hosting green trade fairs for procurement officers from across the public service. The second such fair is scheduled for the end of this month, to coincide with the publication of a green procurement specifications booklet by my Department. The booklet will outline basic environmental criteria for a number of office products and services by participating in a tender for the supply of green electricity as part of a contract being organised by the Department of Finance.
In communications with local authorities on procurement, my Department provides advice and information regarding the inclusion of environmental criteria in the award of contracts. Furthermore, the national construction and demolition waste council, the national waste prevention committee and the market development group will be considering issues relating to the advancement of green procurement.
EU Directives.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:270 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the guidelines for regional and planning authorities on strategic environmental assessment submitted by Comhar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4048/05]
On 26 November 2004, I published planning guidelines for regional and planning authorities on implementation of Directive 2001/42/EC on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment — commonly known as the "SEA directive". A copy of the guidelines has been placed in the Oireachtas Library.
The guidelines were finalised following a public consultation process which involved consideration of 26 submissions, including a submission from Comhar.
Waste Management.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:271 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress to date on the cross-Border waste awareness campaign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4051/05]
The cross-Border waste awareness campaign referred to was launched on 14 September 2004 and was completed in December 2004. The cost of the campaign was €3.2 million of which 75% was provided from EU structural funds under priority 2, measure 2 of the INTERREG IIIA programme administered through the special European Union programmes body.
The project was designed to support the implementation of the Waste Management Strategy for Northern Ireland, 2000, and my Department's Changing Our Ways, 1998, and Preventing and Recycling Waste: Delivering Change, 2002, policy statements. These strategies are intended to achieve fully sustainable waste management. The funding enabled an all-island waste awareness campaign to be conducted that focussed primarily on the cross-Border regions.
It is recognised that raising awareness is central to achieving fully sustainable waste management and both North and South have initiated innovative branded marketing campaigns "Wake up to Waste" and "Race Against Waste" to support the implementation of their policies and waste management plans. Both campaigns have been successful in raising awareness of the need to reduce waste and have identified the willingness of individuals to participate in waste reduction and recycling measures. The INTERREG campaign complemented and gave additionality to these campaigns.
The main objective of the campaign was to reduce the volume of waste going to landfill and increase the recycling of waste materials in the cross-Border area. The approach taken incorporated the following elements: a TV advertising campaign, incorporating a common advert for both jurisdictions; radio advertising on local stations, North and South; weekly and trade press to reinforce messages across the island with targeting of publications in the border areas; development of a dedicated website highlighting the innovative cross-border activities under the INTERREG banner with links pages to Wake up to Waste and Race Against Waste websites; production of fridge magnets for distribution by local authorities to reinforce the messages transmitted through other media and extend their impact beyond the life of the campaign; e-marketing through advertising on selected websites; cinema advertisements; advertisements displayed on buses and billboards displayed in supermarkets and shopping centres; high profile public launch of the campaign in the Border area; a cross-Border workshop event on 8 November which brought together consumers, businesses and the community to identify networking opportunities during the media campaign and research and tracking to measure outcomes and provide information on activity and behaviour in the cross-Border area.
An evaluation of the campaign outcomes is currently in progress.
Ministerial Responsibilities.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:272 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of times he has met the County and City Managers Association; the topics which were discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4052/05]
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:273 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of times he has met with the General Council of County Councils; the topics which were discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4054/05]
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:274 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of times he has met with LAMA; the topics which were discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4055/05]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 272, 273 and 274 together.
Since coming into office I have had a number of meetings with representatives of local government organisations — the General Council of County Councils, GCCC, Local Authority Members Association, LAMA, Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland, AMAI, and the City and County Managers' Association, CCMA.
Details of those meetings are contained in the following table.
|
Date |
Organisation |
Topics Discussed |
|
12 November 2004 |
LAMA |
Addressed the Annual Conference in Dundalk, Co. Louth |
|
10 December 2004 |
GCCC, AMAI, LAMA |
Met with Cathaoirleach/ Chair /President and members of executives at annual Christmas lunch for local authority associations. |
|
19 January 2005 |
GCCC |
Introductory meeting with the executive of the GCCC. Discussion covered a range of matters of concern to local government, including local authority housing programmes, local authority funding, rural housing and planning guidelines, waste management, retail planning guidelines, the quality of local authority service delivery, costs associated with translation of documents into Irish and the release of volunteer local authority personnel to work in disaster struck areas damaged by the recent tsunami. |
|
31 January 2005 |
AMAI |
Meeting with delegation. Topics discussed included town council representation on County/ City Development Boards (CDBs), the review of local government financing; Municipal Policy Committees (MPCs); representational payments for town councillors and town local government. |
|
6 December 2004 |
CCMA |
In conjunction with the Management Advisory Committee of my Department, I met with the Chairman of the CCMA, and the Chairs of the CCMA Sub-Committees, and had a broad-ranging discussion covering a number of housing, planning, waste management, local government, financing and service delivery issues. |
In addition, I have accepted invitations to address the AMAI spring seminar in February and the annual conference of the GCCC in March. I have arranged to meet with a delegation from LAMA in March prior to my addressing their 25th anniversary conference later that month. I will also be meeting again with the executive of GCCC in the near future. I consider it very important to meet with all their representative associations on a regular basis in order to maintain an up to date exchange of ideas on matters concerning local government.
Question No. 275 answered with QuestionNo. 73.
Planning Issues.
Denis Naughten
Question:276 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if all outstanding documentation concerning the introduction of the rural planning guidelines has been furnished to local authorities; the number of local authorities which have amended their development plan to implement the new guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4126/05]
In March 2004 guidelines for planning authorities on sustainable rural housing were published in draft form for public consultation to give all those interested an opportunity to comment before the guidelines are finalised. I expect to be in a position to issue the guidelines in final statutory form shortly.
On the publication of the draft guidelines planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála were urged to put the measures necessary to implement the guidelines in place immediately in respect of their development plans and in the processing of relevant planning applications. My Department does not have detailed information on the steps taken by planning authorities to amend their development plans to implement the draft guidelines. When issued in their final form, the guidelines will constitute statutory ministerial planning guidelines under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, to which planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála will be required to have regard in exercising their planning functions.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Jack Wall
Question:277 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding a proposed new sewerage scheme (details supplied); if funding has been provided; the timescale for the commencement of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4203/05]
A sewerage scheme to serve the Curragh, Brownstown, Cutbush and Suncroft areas of County Kildare has been approved for construction in my Department's water services investment programme 2004 to 2006 at an estimated cost of €8.2 million. The scheme is being funded jointly by my Department and by the Department of Defence.
My Department conveyed approval to Kildare County Council's tender recommendations in respect of the scheme in July 2004 and it is matter for the council to arrange with the appointed contractors for the carrying out of the works.
Architectural Heritage.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:278 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which representations, discussions or negotiations have been made or received with reference to the possible preservation or restoration of Donadea Castle and ancillary buildings, having regard to their historical significance. [4287/05]
Donadea Castle and its associated buildings are an integral part of Donadea Forest Park, which is owned and managed by Coillte Teoranta. Any development proposals in respect of the property would, in the first instance, be a matter for that organisation. My Department has not been approached by Coillte Teoranta regarding the possible restoration of the castle.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:279 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if any procedures have been put in place to entirely eliminate the escape of methane gas at Main Street, Leixlip, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4288/05]
The lower Liffey valley sewerage scheme is included in my Department's water services investment programme 2004 to 2006 to commence construction this year. The scheme, under which the waste water collection systems in Leixlip, Kilcock, Straffan, Celbridge and Maynooth will be upgraded and improved, also includes measures to eliminate odours from the existing collection system in Leixlip's main street.
Contract documents for the scheme, which were received in my Department from Kildare County Council this week, are under examination and will be dealt with as quickly as possible.
Waste Management.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:280 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the projected waste management disposal requirements for the future; the extent to which is it expected to meet these requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4289/05]
Waste management infrastructure requirements in each region are identified in regional waste management plans by the relevant local authority or group of local authorities. These plans are under review at present and I expect that they will identify the range of waste management infrastructure required to deliver an integrated waste management strategy maximising the reuse, recycling and recovery options and dealing with residual waste in the most environmentally sustainable way possible.
Local authorities are responsible for delivering on the requirements identified in their plans, whether through direct provision, public private partnerships or through co-operation with private sector operators. Where local authorities identify infrastructure needs in their waste management plans, that must be seen as a real commitment to ensuring that need is addressed, and in a timely fashion. I will expect regions to report on progress in meeting the needs identified in their plans and to maintain the current momentum in addressing existing deficits and developing a truly integrated, well-managed and well-regulated set of waste management facilities.
Road Network.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:281 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received any submissions from Kildare County Council in regard to improvement, realignment or replacement of Cope Bridge, Confey, Leixlip, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4291/05]
The improvement and realignment of non-national roads and bridges in County Kildare is a matter for Kildare County Council to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State grants.
In 2004, my Department sought applications from road authorities for funding under the 2005 EU co-financed specific improvements grant scheme. Kildare County Council submitted a number of applications but these did not include an application for funding for Cope Bridge.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:282 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which negotiations have been entered into or completed with Kildare County Council with regard to road and bridge realignments at Bond Bridge, Maynooth, County Kildare; if these plans will reach fruition in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4292/05]
The improvement and realignment of non-national roads and bridges in County Kildare is a matter for Kildare County Council to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State grants.
In 2004, my Department sought applications from road authorities for funding under the 2005 EU co-financed specific improvements grant scheme. Kildare County Council submitted a number of applications but these did not include an application for funding for Bond Bridge.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:283 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which Ireland’s commitment to the Kyoto Protocol has been achieved; his plans for the future in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4293/05]
As part of the overall EU commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 8% during the Kyoto Protocol period 2008-12, Ireland is committed to limiting emissions to 13% above 1990 levels. Greenhouse gas emissions figures from the Environmental Protection Agency show emissions in 2003 at approximately 25% above 1990 levels, down from approximately 29% in 2002 and 31% in 2001. These figures show that significant progress is being made towards the 13% target.
Work is currently in progress in my Department on a review of the national climate change strategy, taking account of developments since its publication four years ago. I intend that this review will be completed early this year.
Waste Disposal.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:284 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of locations throughout the country in respect of which illegal dumping is suspected or detected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4294/05]
The information requested is not available in my Department. The enforcement of the waste code is a matter for each individual local authority and the Office of Environmental Enforcement The office has consolidated environmental enforcement activity through the establishment of a national enforcement network. The initial focus of the network is on dealing with unauthorised waste activity. In this regard, the office has commissioned a study on unauthorised waste activities that is due to be completed in mid-2005. This will include, inter alia, establishing as completely as possible the extent and location of such unauthorised waste activities, reviewing current procedures and developing improved guidance for investigation of unauthorised activities.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:285 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the current daily domestic household water requirement; the requirements for industry; the maximum storage space and time available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4296/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:292 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has satisfied himself regarding the adequacy of domestic water treatment, storage and supply in the future for County Kildare; his plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4303/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 285 and 292 together.
Average domestic water consumption in Ireland is estimated at 250 litres per person per day. The requirements for industry will vary due the nature of the industry. To meet anticipated demand for water for domestic and non-domestic consumption, the national development plan provides for investment of €4.4 billion in water services infrastructure up to the end of 2006. Substantial increases in water treatment and storage capacity are being achieved as a result of this increased investment. Schemes completed since 1997 have produced additional drinking water treatment capacity equivalent to the needs of a population of 985,000. The increase in storage capacity over the same period was sufficient to meet the requirements of a population of 1,575,000.
In support of the water services activities of local authorities, my Department co-ordinates and finances a major programme of investment in improved infrastructure, active leakage control, telemetry and rehabilitation of water mains. Details of approved proposals for further new and upgraded public water supply schemes for Kildare and other areas are set out in my Department's water services investment programme for 2004-06, which is available in the Oireachtas Library. This programme is largely derived from assessments of needs undertaken every five years by local authorities, at my Department's request, as an input to the overall strategy for meeting additional water supply requirements. The most recent assessment was carried out in 2003.
The planning and resources are in place to ensure that the national water supply infrastructure can cater adequately for current and forecast requirements.
Local Authority Housing.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:286 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of local authority houses provided directly by each of the local authorities in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4297/05]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
Detailed information on the number of local authority houses completed/acquired by individual local authorities for 2000-03 is published in my Department's annual housing statistics bulletins, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library. The information for 2004 is being finalised at present and will be published shortly.
Election Management System.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:287 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the total all in costs to date of the electronic voting system, including training, promotion, marketing, public relations, research, technology or any other cost associated with the procedure or likely to become a cost in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4298/05]
The total cost to date of the electronic voting and counting project is €51.6 million. Apart from annual storage costs, details of which are given in the reply to Question No. 93 on today's Order Paper, it is not possible at this stage to quantify additional costs that may arise for the electronic system. Such costs are likely to be small relative to the capital investment already made.
Question No. 288 answered with QuestionNo. 99.
Local Authority Housing.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:289 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the total acreage of land held by the various local authorities throughout the country; the number of houses provided on such lands in the past five years; the amount of any such lands disposed of and the purpose for which in the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4300/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:290 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which local authorities have augmented their land bank, with particular reference to future housing needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4301/05]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
I propose to take Questions Nos. 289 and 290 together.
Details of the total acreage of land held by local authorities are not available in the precise form requested. Data on zoned land owned by each local authority as at June 2004 were sought by them as part of the national inventory of zoned residential land survey. While the overall results of this survey were published this week, the remaining data have not yet been fully collated or verified. These data will be provided to the Deputy when available but it will only provide a picture at one point in time.
Broader data on total land holding by local authorities will be reflected in the local authority accounting system under the accruals accounting basis. Details are not yet available as returns, containing the value of both zoned and unzoned lands held by the local authorities at 31 December 2004, are currently being submitted to the Department. Details of disposal of lands and the purpose of disposals are matters for the local authorities concerned.
Many local authorities have incurred borrowing in recent years to build up their land banks for social and affordable housing purposes. In total, €438 million has been borrowed between 2000 and 2004 from the Housing Finance Agency for this purpose. With the passing of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, local authorities have the option of acquiring land or sites from developers to meet these needs.
Full information on social and affordable housing provision is available in the statistical bulletins on the Department's website and the Oireachtas Library. Output under schemes, which would be specifically built on land acquired by local authorities, is set out in the following table.
|
Local authority Social housing units new build |
Local authority affordable housing units under 1999 Scheme |
|
|
1999 |
2,909 |
40 |
|
2000 |
2,204 |
86 |
|
2001 |
3,622 |
272 |
|
2002 |
4,403 |
882 |
|
2003 |
4,516 |
1,524 |
The figures would not include full provision of social and affordable housing by the local authorities as other measures, most particularly acquisitions including turnkey projects and lettings of existing stock, form an important element of their response to social housing need.
Air Quality.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:291 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of air pollution monitoring points located throughout County Kildare; the extent to which modern technology is being used; if readings have given any information of interest to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4302/05]
Air quality assessment is the responsibility of the Environmental Protection Agency and air quality management a matter for local authorities informed by air quality measurement data. The extent of local air quality monitoring and the adequacy of monitoring equipment is a matter for the relevant local authority in the first instance and in consultation with the agency in the overall national context.
The Environmental Protection Agency Act (Ambient Air Quality Assessment and Management) Regulations 1999 designate the EPA as the competent body for assessing air quality in Ireland. This includes responsibility for ensuring, or causing to be ensured, that air quality monitoring equipment is accurate, and checking, or causing to be checked, the maintenance of equipment accuracy, in particular by internal quality controls carried out in accordance with the requirements of European quality assurance standards, the analysis of assessment methods and co-ordination within the State of Community-wide quality assurance programmes organised by the Commission of the European Communities.
The 2002 air quality monitoring annual report published by the Environmental Protection Agency contains details of the monitoring and assessment of national air quality, including details for County Kildare. A copy of the report is available in the Oireachtas Library, as is Kildare County Council's annual report on ambient air quality for 2003-04.
Neither Kildare County Council nor the EPA has drawn my attention to any particular issue in regard to air quality in County Kildare on the basis of the most recent data available to these bodies.
Question No. 292 answered with QuestionNo. 285.
Road Network.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:293 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he intends to make a decision on the application submitted to him from the roads authority for the carrying out of a programme of archaeological works and mitigation measures in regard to the proposed route of the M3 through the Tara/Skryne valley; if his attention has been drawn to the serious concerns expressed by archaeological experts at the implications of the proposed route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4091/05]
An Bord Pleanála, which has an independent statutory mandate, is responsible under the Roads Act 1993 for the approval of motorway schemes following an assessment of the environmental impact of the proposal. In the case of the M3 motorway, the process involved a detailed environmental impact assessment, in which archaeological considerations and other factors were extensively addressed, and a lengthy public oral hearing, which was conducted by the board. Following this process the motorway scheme, including the route of the proposed M3, was approved by An Bord Pleanála in August 2003.
Under the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 2004, once a motorway scheme has been approved by An Bord Pleanála, any associated archaeological works that are to be undertaken in connection with the approved road must be carried out in accordance with directions issued by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, following consultation with the director of the National Museum of Ireland. This procedure is designed to ensure that appropriate standards apply to the carrying out of archaeological works in connection with an approved road development.
In the case of the M3 motorway, an application for the carrying out of a programme of archaeological works and mitigation measures on a portion of the route has been made by the road authority to my Department and is at present being considered. I have seen much media coverage and received various representations in regard to this scheme. These offer a variety of views from a range of parties, both on archaeological issues and the need for the scheme to proceed. However, as I have indicated, the statutory role of the Minister relates solely to the regulation of the archaeological works associated with the proposed development.
In determining the matter, I will receive advice from the archaeological staff of my Department and I will also, in accordance with the Act, consult with the director of the National Museum of Ireland before directions are issued. I intend that a decision on the matter will be made as soon as possible.
National Development Plan.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:294 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the serious concern expressed by the Institute of Engineers of Ireland regarding the failure to meet targets set out in the national development plan, particularly in regard to housing and waste management; the steps he proposes to take to deal with these delays; if he will act on the institute’s recommendation for the creation of a national waste management agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4092/05]
I am satisfied, having regard in particular to the mid-term review of the national development plan overseen by the Economic and Social Research Institute, in co-operation with a number of consultancy firms, that progress on the various NDP programmes and measures falling within the remit of my Department has been generally satisfactory. I am determined that we will continue to make progress on achieving our targets for the remainder of the programme and I am committed to maintaining a high level of activity around those measures which are the responsibility of my Department.
In including housing as a major area of activity under the national development plan, the Government demonstrated its commitment to increasing support for social and affordable housing programmes. Since the plan's inception in 2000 the needs of almost 60,000 households have been met under the range of social and affordable housing programmes. Between 2000 and the end of 2004 provisional out-turn figures show investment under the housing aspect of the NDP is 10% ahead of forecast.
While output levels for social housing by the local authority and voluntary sector have been less than envisaged in the NDP targets, record levels of completions have been achieved over the period of the plan. The shortfall in achieving output targets can for the main part be attributed to higher than anticipated construction costs. This factor has been acknowledged in external evaluations of the programmes, which also indicate that the expenditure on social housing was making positive impacts in terms of tackling poverty and social exclusion.
The Government's decision to introduce multi-annual capital investment programmes provides an important opportunity to ensure a structured basis for the planning and delivery of all social and affordable housing programmes. Through five year action plans for social and affordable housing developed by local authorities, resources will be used to best effect. The plans will be used to maximise output and value for money and ensure that priority is given to those most in need. Overall, the priority is to ensure that housing is delivered in a manner which breaks cycles of dependency and disadvantage.
On waste management, the last six months of 2004 have seen significant progress both on local authority recycling and recovery and disposal infrastructure. In terms of grant assistance, my Department has made some €50 million available to date for over 90 projects.
I do not consider it opportune at this time to create a national waste management agency to promote waste infrastructure, as recommended in the report; a more urgent issue at present may be to advance arrangements for the improved economic regulation of waste infrastructure.
On the regionalisation of waste management planning, the rationale is to ensure local authorities assume greater responsibility for dealing with waste in their functional areas, including working in collaboration with neighbouring authorities and giving consideration to the role of the private sector. My Department has asked local authorities to ensure there is effective engagement with the private waste industry in the context of review of the waste management plans.
The report recommends making the waste infrastructure capital grants scheme available to the private sector. When the capital grants scheme was launched it was intended that it be made available to both public and private sector applicants. The latter, however, was conditional on obtaining the necessary state aid approval from the European Commission. As it transpired, the state aid given was of a limited nature. In the interim, however, the industry's scale increased very significantly over a short period of time, a marked process of consolidation became evident and some of the projects for which grant applications had been submitted proceeded in any case.
It became clear, therefore, that a grant scheme for private companies would be more likely to distort competition in the sector or to impact on enhancing acquisition values in the context of industry consolidation than to have a significant effect on the provision of recycling and recovery infrastructure. On foot of this my predecessor decided that it would be more effective to redeploy the funding in question to other related initiatives and in particular towards greater enforcement of waste legislation. The latter measure had been strongly advocated by the industry, to address the problem of unfair competition from contractors operating outside the law.
Good progress is being made on the measures under the national development plan which come within the remit of my Department. I accept, however, that we must constantly renew our efforts to maximise the opportunities for economic and social progress under the plan.