Vol. 598 No. 1
12 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he received a report on setting up a new cultural relations commission in June 2004; if this proposal has been approved by the Cabinet; when the new commission will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5172/05]
33 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when he intends to establish the new cultural relations commission; if the proposal has been approved by Cabinet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5168/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 33 together.
The Arts Act 2003 assigns responsibility for promoting Irish arts both within and outside the State to the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism. I have been considering how best to showcase Irish arts internationally building in particular on the strong positive image created by the highly successful cultural programme of last years Irish EU Presidency and the work over many years of the cultural relations committee. To assist me in this work, my Department commissioned external consultancy advice from Mr. Eugene Downes, arts consultant, on the structure and content of an international arts promotion strategy appropriate to our circumstances. We have also engaged in consultation with the Department of Foreign Affairs on our proposals and I am happy to say that there is broad consensus on them. I am now circulating my proposals to my Cabinet colleagues for their information following which I plan to publish an outline of my proposals in the very near future.
13 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his entire plans for the provision of sporting or other stadia; his plans for the National Stadium Ireland site at Abbotstown and other locations throughout the country in respect of which sporting and recreational projects of a similar scale are contemplated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5270/05]
The past seven years have seen a substantial investment by this Government in Irish sport with a total of €628 million spent on sport, much of this to support the development of a new sporting infrastructure across Ireland.
While the sports capital programme administered by my Department has been enormously beneficial to local sports clubs and community groups throughout the country, a considerable share of the 4,271 projects allocated funding since 1997 were large-scale projects meeting sporting needs at regional and national level. Some of the major projects supported in recent years have included the redevelopment of Croke Park stadium; the national boxing stadium in Dublin; the national hockey stadium at UCD, Dublin; the new national rowing centre at Inniscarra, County Cork; Ireland's new golf academy in Maynooth and Tennis Ireland's new national centre at Glasnevin.
It is worth noting, that in this period, grants were also provided under the programme towards essential safety works and the refurbishment of 24 GAA county grounds, 17 Eircom league grounds and the rugby provincial grounds in Connacht, Munster and Leinster.
In recent years many regional sports centres have also benefited from grants allocated under the sports capital programme in locations such as Athlone, Bray, Navan, Ballina and Ennis, to name a few. Many of these facilities are also being part funded through my Department's local authority swimming pool programme, which has been in operation since 1999. Under this programme, grants of up to €3.8 million are made available towards either the refurbishment of existing pools or the provision of a new pool. Since 2000, 55 swimming projects have or are being dealt with under the programme. Some 15 swimming pool projects have been completed, most recently Finglas in Dublin and Grove Island in Limerick. Since 2000, €46 million has been spent on public swimming pools under this programme with construction currently underway on further swimming pool projects in ten locations around the country.
In addition my Department has also funded the provision of 50 m pools at the University of Limerick and the National Aquatic Centre, Abbotstown. In January 2004 to the Government decided to contribute €191 million towards the cost of a new stadium at Lansdowne Road. It will meet all the current international standards for rugby and soccer and the pitch area will be of sufficient size to accommodate both GAA codes. A formal legal agreement has been signed between the Department of Arts Sports and Tourism, the IRFU and the FAI in relation to the procurement of the project. A special purpose company, the Lansdowne Road Stadium Development Company, LRSDC, was established last year and a project director has been appointed to manage the project. A steering group, chaired by the Secretary General of the Department, has been set up with representatives of the IRFU, the FAI, the OPW and the Departments of Finance and Arts, Sport and Tourism. Tenders for the appointment of a design team and a project management team are currently being evaluated by the company.
In tandem with that decision the Government also decided to proceed with the development of a sports campus on the State owned lands at Abbotstown. Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Limited, CSID, following a consultative process with sporting organisations has drawn up proposals for the development of a sports campus there. It is my intention to present proposals to the Government shortly on the development of a campus at Abbotstown.
It is my intention to bring to Government in the very near future a proposal for a cross-departmental approach long-term strategic planning of investment in sporting infrastructure for the future. The proposed strategy will aim to ensure that an agreed and integrated approach is adopted to planning, funding, provision and management of sports facilities by the current main funding bodies in this area. The proposed strategy will look at the range and need for sporting facilities across the country, including key major facilities, and produce recommendations on priorities for future funding.
15 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has studied the ruling of the European Court of Justice of 16 January 2003 which ruled that preferential rates granted on the basis of the place of residence, even local, of visitors to cultural sites were discriminatory and hence incompatible with the EC treaty; the consequences of that ruling for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5331/05]
On 16 January 2003 the European Court of Justice censured Italy for having allowed advantageous rates for admission to cultural sites under municipal or decentralised control only for Italian nationals and persons resident within the territories of the authorities running them.
The national cultural institutions do not impose charges for admission to the national collections. On occasion a small charge is imposed in respect of special exhibitions that are held from time to time. On these occasions admission charges are not based on any residency requirements. Accordingly, the decision has no consequences for my Department or its agencies.
16 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when he intends to make appointments to the Irish Film Board; the criteria for such appointments; the steps he will take to ensure that among the appointments there will be persons with suitable experience of Irish film production. [5171/05]
On 17 January 2005, I announced the appointment of an Irish Film Board to serve until 16 January 2009. The board members are: James Morris, Chair; Mr. Alan Gilsenan; Ms Margaret McCarthy MacIntyre; Mr. Tristan Orpen Lynch; Ms. Lesley McKimm; Mr. Kevin Moriarty; and Ms Kirsten Sheridan.
Alan Gilsenan and Margaret McCarthy-MacIntyre both served on the previous board. The remainder are new appointments. All have been selected for their capacity to contribute to the development of the Irish film sector over the coming years. An examination of their backgrounds in the following appendix will confirm the relevance of their expertise and experience.
APPENDIX
Irish Film Board
JAMES MORRIS (Chair) is a graduate of Trinity College and trained as a Film Editor in London. He founded Windmill Lane Pictures and Recording Studios on his return to Dublin. He led the Windmill Consortium to win the television franchise for TV3 in 1989. In 1990 he founded The Mill — Film and TV Post Production Company in London. He was appointed non-executive Chairman of TV3 in 1998. He joined the board of the Dublin Film Festival in 2004.
ALAN GILSENAN is an award-winning filmmaker and theatre director. AlanGilsenan's films include The Road to God Knows Where, Prophet Songs, Stories from the Silence, God Bless America, The Green Fields of France, All Souls’ Day, Private Dancer, Zulu 9, The Irish Empire, Road II, The Ghost of Roger Casement, Sing on Forever and Timbuktu.
He is Chairperson of the Irish Film Institute, and a member of Bord Scannán na hÉireann/the Irish Film Board since 2001 and has been reappointed by Minister John O'Donoghue for a second term.
MARGARET McCARTHY MacINTYRE is a former secondary teacher and freelance journalist. She is Director of St. Mary's /Notre Dame's Ireland Programme at NUI Maynooth. She lectures in the History of Irish Culture and has been a member of the Irish Film Board since 2001. She has been reappointed by Minister John O'Donoghue for a second term.
LESLEY McKIMM is an independent Producer who has been working in television drama, film and documentary production for the last 14 years. Her producing credits include the drama series "Any Time Now" for BBC 1 & RTE 1, "No Tears" for RTE 1, "Relative Strangers" for RTE & ZDF and the historical documentary series "In Search of Ancient Ireland" for PBS and RTE. She runs the production company Comet Films.
TRISTAN ORPEN LYNCH has been involved in the Irish film and music industry since 1989. With his company Subotica Films, Tristan has produced a major documentary on the Abbey Theatre for RTE and the feature film Song For a Raggy Boy starring Aidan Quinn and Iain Glen. His most recent production has been the RTE TV drama Proof.
KEVIN MORIARTY is Managing Director of Ardmore Studios. He is Chair of the Kerry Screen Commission and a board member of the Wicklow Film Commission and the Irish Film Institute. Kevin is also Chairman of the Media Desk Ireland.
KIRSTEN SHERIDAN is a writer, director and producer. After graduating with a distinction from Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, design and Technology in 1998. Kirsten followed her award winning college short "Patterns" with an Irish Film Board/RTE short cut "The Case of Majella McGinty". She directed her first feature, the critically acclaimed "Disco Pigs" in 2001 and went on to co-write the Oscar and Golden Globe nominated "In America".
17 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will report on his visit to the United States, in particular his meeting with individuals and groups designed to promote the Irish film industry; the outcomes of such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5325/05]
During my recent visit to the United States, I met the major film studios there to impress on them what Ireland can offer as a location for film-making. These include our use of the English language, our historical links, particularly with the United States, the very high skill and experience levels of our film professionals, our relatively low level of bureaucracy, and the variety of locations available within quite short distances of one another. The Government has done its part in that film producers now have certainty going forward, as the section 481 scheme has been extended to 2008, with the amount that can be raised increasing from €10.48 million to €15 million from 2005.
Those met included: Universal Pictures; Walt Disney Studios-Buena Vista International; Paramount Pictures; Sony Pictures; Jerry Bruckheimer Films; 20th Century Fox; Miramax; Greenstreet Films; Imagine Entertainment; and Focus Features.
Of course, at these meetings, the studio executives outlined some of the competitive factors facing Ireland in the market for mobile film finance, including competition from new EU member states where wage rates, in particular, are lower than in Ireland, the unfavourable euro-dollar exchange rate, the proliferation of incentive schemes elsewhere, and some infrastructural issues.
While in the US, I indicated that I had under consideration basing an Irish film sector representative in Los Angeles who would be charged with effectively communicating with film industry executives on what Ireland can offer, and better informing us at home about the critical factors that sway decisions by studios about where to film.
18 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when phase one of the Campus and Stadium Ireland Development will be approved by Cabinet; when construction work will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5342/05]
31 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will report on the recent investment announced for Sports Campus Ireland; the purpose of this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5336/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 31 together.
In January 2004 the Government decided to proceed with the development of a sports campus on the State owned lands at Abbotstown. Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Limited, CSID, was requested to put forward proposals for the development of a sports campus and I have received from CSID a development control plan for a sports campus there.
It is my intention to present proposals to the Government shortly on the development of a sports campus at Abbotstown. In the meantime, I do not intend to make any further statement or go into detail on this matter until I have presented my proposals and secured the agreement of my Cabinet colleagues.
19 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has had any meetings with the new director designate of the Abbey Theatre to discuss the future of the national theatre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5322/05]
I wish to avail of this opportunity to offer my congratulations to my Department's arts adviser on his recent appointment as director designate of the Abbey Theatre. I will be happy to meet him in that capacity to discuss the future of the national theatre when he takes up his appointment. However, he will not do so for some months.
20 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the types of funding which are available to cycling clubs here (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5154/05]
Under the national lottery-funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, funding is allocated to sporting organisations, including cycling clubs, and to voluntary and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis and provides funding towards the cost of providing sports facilities and fixed, permanently based sports equipment.
Applications for funding under the 2005 programme were invited through advertisements in the press on 5 and 6 December last. The closing date for receipt of applications was 4 February 2005. No application was received from the specific club to which the Deputy refers but it is open to that club to apply for funding under the programme in the future.
All applications under the 2005 programme which were received before the closing date are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.
In addition, section 847a of the Taxes Consolidation Act provides for a scheme for tax relief for relevant donations to an approved sports body for the funding of sports capital projects. The scheme is applicable in cases involving the purchase of land and premises as well as construction and development work.
The Irish Sports Council, which is the statutory body responsible for the promotion and development of sport in Ireland, provides funding for the national governing bodies of sport, including Cycling Ireland, to assist in the development of cycling throughout the country.
The assistance provided by the council supports Cycling Ireland in the areas of administration, strategic planning and review, the national coaching development programme, sports equipment, international competition, training camps, the international carding scheme and in hosting international events. The council does not pay grants directly to individual clubs in any of the sports it funds.
21 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his policy to encourage the arts in its various forms in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5269/05]
The main channel for State support for the arts is the Arts Council, which receives a global allocation from my Department, and thereafter has statutory independence regarding its disbursement. In 2005, the council has received an allocation of €61 million, which is an increase of around 12% on the total amount provided in 2004, even allowing for the special allocation of €2 million provided late last year, requested by the council to specifically address the position of the Abbey Theatre. It is a matter for the council to decide how its allocation is divided, and the level of support to be given to artists, arts organisations, and art forms.
I will shortly announce a successor to the cultural relations committee, CRC, which was responsible for supporting Irish artists who wished to work or exhibit abroad. This new body will have a broader, more proactive remit, and will have an amount of €2 million at its disposal in 2005, as compared with the €700,000 available to the CRC in 2004.
22 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when the tender for the proposed national conference centre will be awarded; the number of applicants for the work; the likely location for the centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5332/05]
As I indicated in reply to Priority Question No. 1 today, the detailed tender documentation for the procurement of a national conference centre in the Dublin area was approved by the NCC steering group on 7 December 2004 and was subsequently issued by the Office of Public Works to each of the three previously short-listed consortia on 10 December 2004.
Allowing sufficient time for engagement with the tenderers, it is hoped that a provisional preferred tenderer will be selected by mid-year, with the award of the contract, subject to Government approval, following later.
The provision of a national conference centre is a necessary precursor to expanding a business tourism sector currently worth €250 million a year to the country. As such, it remains my personal priority, and that of the Government, to have this project brought to a conclusion at the earliest possible date.
23 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will report on the guidelines for 2005 for the per cent scheme for public art; if he is satisfied with the level of awareness about the scheme; the level of uptake of the funding allocated in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5338/05]
On 7 December last, I launched general national guidelines on the per cent for art scheme, which are designed to encourage the creation of public art in the context of construction contracts undertaken in the public sector. These guidelines were drawn up following an extensive public consultative process aimed at giving the scheme a sharper focus and are intended to assist and encourage all Departments and public bodies to participate in the scheme.
While it has not been possible to collate global statistics on the level of implementation of the scheme which was extended to all Departments with construction budgets by Government decision in 1997, the available evidence suggests that its implementation may have been somewhat uneven at times.
It is hoped that the availability of the guidelines will encourage full implementation of the scheme by all public bodies and my Department has taken an active role in informing all Departments of the need to ensure that the scheme is adopted and promoted in relation to all capital construction projects under their remit.
24 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the actions he intends to take to restore the competitiveness of tourism here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5317/05]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 56 of 1 December 2004. In it I outlined my views on how the restoration of competitiveness must be addressed by both the private and public sectors.
For my part, my contribution is to see a coherent tourism development action plan implemented effectively in co-operation with all the major players. To this end, I established a high-level implementation group to advise and assist in driving forward and monitoring the comprehensive action plan set out in the report of the tourism policy review group, which highlighted the need to restore competitiveness. The implementation group's first progress report has been widely circulated among the industry and it was discussed at the first tourism industry forum on 17 November last. I understand that the group intends to present its second report to me in April.
26 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if studies have been carried out into usage levels at publicly funded arts and entertainment venues or venues operated by publicly funded bodies; if his attention has been drawn to concerns by the Arts Council and Theatre Forum that such venues are under-utilised; if plans are in place to provide an additional Exchequer revenue stream as part of a local action plan to ensure that such venues remain operational and maximise usage including involvement of the local community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5157/05]
My Department does not have any role in the ongoing management or operation of arts venues that were developed with the assistance of its capital grants schemes, and accordingly does not have data on the usage of these venues.
The provision of revenue, as opposed to capital, funding for arts venues is a matter for the Arts Council, which is independent of my Department on a day to day basis. My Department's annual global subvention to the council takes account, in so far as is possible, of the council's estimates of its requirements for the year in question, which would include, in the normal course, the requirements of arts venues and organisations. I have no plans to establish an additional revenue stream of the kind suggested by the Deputy.
27 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the design team and a project management team, for the development of the stadium at Lansdowne Road, has been appointed; when it is expected that planning permission for the new stadium will be applied for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5310/05]
28 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has given consideration to where Ireland might play their home soccer and rugby internationals while the re-development of Landsdowne Road is taking place; the discussions he has had with the IRFU and the FAI in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5321/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 28 together.
The Lansdowne Road Stadium Development Company Limited was established by the IRFU and FAI to develop the stadium at Lansdowne Road and this company is responsible for all matters relating to building and delivering the stadium.
The company, with the assistance of OPW, is currently evaluating tenders received in connection with the appointment of a design team and a project management team for the project. It is expected that both teams will be in place by the end of March 2005. The company intends that a planning application will be pursued during 2005 as soon as possible after these teams have been appointed.
In relation to the potential disruption of matches at the stadium, once the construction work gets underway, the stadium will be unavailable for some period of time. I am aware that the IRFU and FAI have considered a number of contingency options for rugby and soccer matches during the period when the existing pitch will be unavailable for a period of time commencing in 2007. While it is a matter for these autonomous sporting bodies to make the necessary arrangements to ensure that their match commitments are met, my Department is in regular liaison with both bodies through the Lansdowne Road stadium steering group.
29 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when the Athens review group will complete its report on the preparation and performance of the Irish teams at the Athens Olympic and Paralympic Games; when the report be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5318/05]
In July 2004, the Irish Sports Council in conjunction with the Olympic Council of Ireland and the Paralympic Council of Ireland commissioned the Athens review to produce an objective assessment of the preparation and performance of the Irish teams at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Athens 2004. The review was to identify the strengths and weaknesses of all aspects of the programmes and structures over the course of the four year cycle leading into the Athens games with a view to making recommendations for the development of programmes for the 2008 Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games.
A review steering group was appointed to oversee the review. The group was chaired by former Enterprise Ireland chief executive, Mr. Dan Flinter and comprised representatives from the Irish Sports Council, Olympic Council of Ireland, Paralympic Council of Ireland, Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism and a former Olympic athlete.
Wharton Consulting, a leading UK sports consultancy, was appointed in July 2004 to undertake the review. The timeframe over which the review was to be conducted was the five months from the end of July 2004 to December 2004. The current position is that Wharton Consulting presented its report to the review steering group. I understand that it is the intention of the Sports Council to publish the report in the very near future.
32 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount which has been spent on supporting Irish cultural activities abroad over the past five years; the criteria being used in assessing such activities; if an analysis has been carried out of the way in which other countries promote themselves and their artists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5162/05]
The cultural relations committee supports Irish artists who wish to work or exhibit abroad. It was transferred to my Department from the Department of Foreign Affairs from 1 January 2002. Since then, the committee has had the following amounts at its disposal: 2002, €700,000; 2003; €700,000; 2004, €700,000.
My Department has directly managed a major cultural exchange with China, the overseas elements of which cost €706,000 in 2003 and €1.7 million in 2004. My Department was also responsible for the cultural programme run in conjunction with Ireland's EU Presidency, the overseas costs of which came to €94,000 in 2003 and €680,000 in 2004.
The elements supported by the committee, and included in the Chinese exchange or the EU cultural programme, were selected on the basis of artistic merit, on the basis of the overall benefits to the arts in Ireland, or where applicable, on the basis of the practical requirements of the context in operation. I will shortly announce a new body to replace the cultural relations committee, which will have a budget of €2 million for 2005. This follows an analysis of how the Irish arts might best be advanced internationally, which included a comparative analysis of the models and approaches that operate in other relevant countries.
34 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when he will make a decision on the re-location of the Abbey Theatre; if he will report on the sites now being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5323/05]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Priority Question No. 3 of today.
35 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has had recent discussions with GAA representatives concerning the possible use of Croke Park by other sporting bodies; and if he will make a statement regarding his approach to the matter. [5335/05]
It has always been my position that matters relating to the use of Croke Park are entirely for decision by the GAA. Accordingly, I have at no stage sought to dictate, or prescribe to the association on the question of access as it would be counterproductive to do so. At the end of 2004, the Government provided €40 million to the GAA to alleviate the debt burden arising from the redevelopment of Croke Park, bringing the level of Exchequer contribution to this project to €110 million.
36 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he intends to appoint a film ambassador to Hollywood, as referred to in a media report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5304/05]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Priority Question No. 2 of today.
37 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if, in regard to the refund payments for persons in long term care, persons who were in long-term care for a number of months and then returned home will be refunded. [5352/05]
38 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if, in regard to the refund payments for persons in long term care, the next of kin to persons who were in long-term care but are now deceased will be refunded. [5353/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 38 together.
The category of person who will receive refunds under the ex gratia payment scheme, in respect of payments deducted from them for publicly-funded longstay care in facilities run by former health boards or private nursing homes, solely by virtue of a contractual arrangement with a former health board, comprises fully eligible persons, including those who had their medical card withdrawn on admission to the institution, who were alive on 9 December 2004. For clarification purposes, such fully eligible persons who were in long-term care in the institutions in question for a number of months, who had payments deducted from them for such care, and then returned home are included in the category of person who will receive refunds under the ex gratia scheme.
Those qualifying under the scheme will be paid up to €2,000 if they have already paid up to that amount by way of charges. Where persons have been charged anything less than €2,000, they will be refunded the amount they have paid. The scheme does not apply in the case of persons who were in longstay care in the institutions in question but who died before 9 December 2004.
If, however, individuals concerned died on or after this date, then payments will be made to the executor or person who has taken out the grant of administration in respect of the individual who has died. The Health Service Executive is making the necessary arrangements with regard to this scheme and payments to those in longstay care have already commenced.
My Department in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General is examining the decision of the Supreme Court delivered yesterday in the matter of Article 26 of the Constitution and the Health (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2004 which found the Bill to be unconstitutional in part.
39 Mr. Allen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will examine the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and the reason her Department has refused to allow the Mercy Hospital to make a higher payment to this person. [5354/05]
Under the terms of the voluntary hospitals superannuation scheme, ex gratia retirement benefits are payable to non-pensionable staff in voluntary hospitals. All part-time non-pensionable employees, who did not contribute to a pension scheme, with at least five years service qualify for this gratuity, calculated at one week’s pay for each year of service up to 15 years and two week’s pay for each subsequent year subject to a maximum of 78 week’s pay. The individual concerned worked for 14.3397 years in a part-time capacity.
The amount of £2,431.62 relates to an estimate requested by the employer in December 1999. A formal application for ex gratia retirement benefits was received from the employer on 7 November 2003 and a final gratuity was calculated and authorised on the same date, in the amount of €3,196.54, £2,517.48. My Department now understands from the Mercy Hospital that the individual concerned refused to accept the award. I am advised that the amount authorised by my Department is the maximum gratuity applicable under the terms of the scheme.
40 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on whether it is fair that sick and special needs groups, elderly persons in disadvantaged areas and especially those living alone, should be obliged to pay for their transport to attend outpatient services, from County Mayo to Galway city; her further views on whether this is creating considerable hardship, especially for elderly persons living alone; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the western area Health Service Executive is no longer providing transport except to those needing dialysis or with cancer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5355/05]
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 services to people resident in counties Mayo and Galway. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's western area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
41 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress she has made in the establishment of an all-Ireland helicopter emergency medical service as recommended by the helicopter emergency medical service feasibility study consultants report which was published on 30 April 2004; if she has completed discussions with other Ministers on the matter; and if there have been any recent meetings held to establish this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5356/05]
The report of a consultancy study jointly commissioned by my Department and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Northern Ireland, on the costs and benefits associated with the introduction of a dedicated helicopter emergency medical services for the island of Ireland was published last year and is available on my Department's website.
The study concluded that the introduction of a dedicated interhospital transfer service would be appropriate in an all-island context. The study estimated the cost at €12 million capital and €4 million revenue for a single helicopter. The number of missions to be performed was estimated at 400 to 600 annually. Interhospital air ambulance services are provided by the Air Corps and the Irish Coast Guard, subject to the nature of the mission, available aircraft and other operational commitments. Most patient transfers are airport to airport with onward transfer by land ambulance.
My Department and the Department of Defence are finalising a service level agreement to formalise arrangements for the future provision of an air ambulance service by the Aer Corps. A significant helicopter fleet replacement programme has recently been approved and is being put in place for the Air Corps. Each of the new helicopters will have a specific air ambulance capability. The new fleet will also have a far greater flying capacity than is available. In addition, my Department has reached agreement with the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources that the Irish Coast Guard will continue to provide air ambulance services on the same basis as heretofore.
My Department is advised that plans are being developed within the private sector for the introduction of a dedicated helicopter emergency medical service, primarily in an interhospital transfer role and with a view to the service becoming operational at an early date. My Department is continuing to monitor developments in this regard.
42 Mr. Cregan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the waiting time for assessment of couples for adoption; the current time periods for each health board and Health Service Executive region for the period waiting for first assessment and from application to completion of process; if the assessment process is standard or varies from region to region; the person who recommends same; if it can be streamlined and shortened with fewer sessions prior to approval; the number of social workers involved; if extra staff are employed; if the process can be contracted out; and if she will provide data on the Eastern Regional Health Authority-Health Service Executive region. [5357/05]
Applications for inter-country adoption are processed by the Health Services Executive under the Adoption Acts 1952-1998, as amended by the Health Act 2004.
The process of assessment of applicants for inter-country assessment is set out in a framework for inter-country assessment introduced in 1999 to streamline assessments and to provide a transparent system centred on the child's best interests. It involves a number of stages and includes an initial assessment, a considerable level of education-preparation work, including an exploration with prospective adoptive parents of the challenges and issues that are likely to arise when undertaking adoption, and a home study assessment. The length of the assessment process can vary between applicants depending on the particular circumstances of each case.
The length of time it takes to complete the necessary assessment and the allocation of resources within the Health Service Executive is a matter for the management of the executive. I have asked the adoption board to identify practical measures to tackle the waiting lists of inter-country assessments.
43 Mr. Cregan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of social workers employed in the State health sector at the latest date for which figures are available; the categories of work they are involved in; and if she will provide the figures for the Dublin region of the Health Service Executive. [5358/05]
According to the quarterly health service personnel census a total of 1,939 social workers in whole-time equivalence terms were employed in the health service at end-September 2004. The census does not contain information on employment levels in the health service on a county basis. However, the number of social workers in the Health Service Executive eastern area at end-September 2004 was 919 whole-time equivalents.
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. Responsibility for the employment information rests with the executive. My Department has requested the interim chief executive officer for the Health Service Executive to investigate the matter of work categorisation and to reply directly to the Deputy.
44 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the dates on which a week-long cancellation of elective surgery took place within the past six months at Cork University Hospital; the date on which she visited this hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5418/05]
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 services at Cork University Hospital. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's southern area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
I visited Cork University Hospital on 20 January 2005 to view for myself the facilities available there.
45 Mr. Cuffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the total weight of waste that her Department produces within its own offices in the last year for which figures are available; the breakdown of the weight produced by paper, glass, aluminium and steel cans, textiles, plastics, organic waste, electrical and electronic equipment, batteries, hazardous waste and mixed waste respectively; the percentage of weight in each category which is recycled; and the details of any contracts her Department has for this disposal, reduction or re-use of waste. [5421/05]
Figures are not available for quantities of waste disposed of by my Department. However, every effort is made to dispose of waste in an environmentally friendly way. All confidential waste paper is put in colour coded bags and taken away for recycling by a contracted company. Cooked food waste from our staff restaurant is liquidised for disposal. Computer equipment, such as PCs, printers and associated hardware, as well as electrical waste such as bulbs, etc., are disposed of through waste recycling companies in the most financially advantageous manner possible. Equipment has also been donated to schools on an ad hoc basis. All printer toners are recycled through a charitable organisation.
46 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason no provision has been made for the inclusion of an ambulance bay in the new building at a hospital (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [5441/05]
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 ambulance services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's mid-western area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
47 Mr. Cuffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the use of and if she has plans to regulate artificial sun tanning establishments. [5442/05]
My Department has no role in the regulation of sunbeds or sunbed operators. Sunbeds are not medical devices and are not regulated under the medical devices directive. Existing consumer legislation sets standards for tanning equipment and requires appropriate warning notices to be displayed on the equipment. However, no medical procedure is involved in the use of sunbeds and their use does not have to be supervised by a medical practitioner.
The General Product Safety Directive 2001/95/ EC of the European Parliament and the Council of 3 December 2001 came into force on 15 January 2004. This EU directive was transposed into Irish law by S.I. No. 199 of 2004. These regulations are known as the European Communities (General Product Safety) Regulations 2004 and came into effect on 4 May 2004.
The general product safety directive puts the onus on producers to place only safe products on the market. Distributors are obliged to act with due care to help to ensure compliance, in particular by not supplying products which they know or should have presumed on the basis of the information in their possession, do not comply with the applicable safety requirements of the directive. The Director of Consumer Affairs has responsibility for the enforcement of the general product safety regulations.
The advice from my Department is that sunbeds should be used in moderation and that people should seek the advice of their doctor before doing so for the first time. In certain circumstances exposure to sunbeds may constitute a hazard. Sunbeds should not be used by persons under 16 years of age, persons who burn easily or tan slowly or poorly, those taking drugs or using cosmetics thought to be photoactive, those suffering from skin disorders induced or aggravated by exposure to sunlight, those with a history of skin cancer, and those with risk factors for cutaneous melanoma.
The health promotion unit of my Department works in partnership with the Irish Cancer Society to develop health promotion programmes with communities and workplaces and to undertake regular public information and awareness campaigns that focus on cancer prevention, risk prevention and early detection. A consumer information sheet on possible risks from sunbeds and sunlamps and the appropriate precautions is available from the Irish Cancer Society.
48 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if, in regard to her recent meeting with representatives of the proposed 40 bed Whitfield Clinic, if an estimate has been done in regard to the cost of the provision, commissioning and operation of the two linear accelerators proposed; the extent of the State’s contribution to the provision, commission and operation of the two linear accelerators (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5443/05]
51 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if funding will be provided for radiotherapy for public patients at a private hospital in the south east; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5480/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 48 and 51 together.
I had a meeting on 10 February with representatives of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute and EuroCare International, at which they outlined their plans to provide acute hospital services, including radiotherapy, at a private clinic in Waterford. Estimates on the costs of the provision, commissioning or operation of those services are entirely a matter for the private clinic. I am in the process of developing an overall policy framework to identify the policy issues to be addressed and the key criteria to be applied in developing private facilities on public hospital sites. I hope to complete this work in a matter of weeks.
49 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will put in place the necessary resources to provide intensive counselling and residential treatment for those involved in the increasing alcohol and cocaine binges in the south east (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5444/05]
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 alcohol and drug treatment services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's south-eastern area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
50 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of staff in the employment of the Health Service Executive who are on suspension; the breakdown of these figures by grade and salary; the total cost of such suspensions in a full year; the longest and average period of suspension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5476/05]
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 management of the executive's human resources. My Department has requested the interim chief executive officer of the Health Service Executive to investigate the matters on suspension raised by the Deputy and reply directly to him.
52 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number, cost and status of all public relations consultancies, contracts or procurements entered into by or on behalf of her Department or its agents or agencies in the past three years; the terms of reference in each such appointment; the person to whom such persons report and from whom they receive instructions; if any such person or group had any previous contracts, commitments or employment with either of the Government parties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5501/05]
The information requested is being collated by my Department and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
53 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the domiciliary care allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be awarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5530/05]
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 payment of and entitlement to domiciliary care allowance. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's eastern regional area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
54 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason no drug treatment is available for drug users under the age of 16 who are not heroin users. [5534/05]
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 drug treatment services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the HSE to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
55 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works will consider opening a small coffee shop or tea room in the centre of St. Stephen’s Green in Dublin city. [5468/05]
The primary objective of the Office of Public Works with regard to the management of St. Stephen's Green is its conservation and presentation as a national historic park. It is considered that a coffee shop or tea room would not be in harmony with the scale, character and ambience of this unique heritage property.
56 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance if concerns have been expressed to him on the inflationary effect on the cost of land acquisition which the purchase by the State of lands at Thorntown, County Dublin, has had or is likely to have; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5396/05]
The Commissioners of Public Works are not aware of any such concerns being expressed to the Minister for Finance.
57 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the procedures which must be complied with before it sanctions or approves the discharge by a Government Department of several million euros for the purchase of lands; if he will confirm whether or not independent valuations are required; the extent to which surveys are required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5398/05]
Client Departments-offices initially make a business case to the Department of Finance seeking sanction in principle to approach OPW with a request for accommodation for specific requirements. Efforts to identify a property solution, based on a detailed brief of requirements are then initiated. All options are fully explored, that is, the State portfolio, locally, on the market, the wider public service and advertisements are placed if necessary. A full technical evaluation of all potentially suitable options is completed, which can comprise reports from architects, engineers — structural, and mechanical and electrical, fire and security. Valuation reports are commissioned from either staff valuers or consultant valuers on suitable options. Planning advice and archaeology reports are also sought where appropriate. Title is checked by the Chief State Solicitor. On the basis of the relevant technical, valuation and other reports, a preferred option is identified. Sanction is then sought from the Department of Finance to proceed with the acquisition.
58 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the involvement and steps which were taken by his Department in the purchase of lands at Thorntown County Dublin on behalf of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5399/05]
A representative of the Office of Public Works was a member of the procurement committee set up by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to oversee and manage the purchase of a site for the new prison development in north County Dublin.
59 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Finance the total weight of waste that his Department produces within its own offices in the last year for which figures are available; the breakdown of the weight produced by paper, glass, aluminium and steel cans, textiles, plastics, organic waste, electrical and electronic equipment, batteries, hazardous waste and mixed waste respectively; the percentage of weight in each category which is recycled; and the details of any contracts his Department has for this disposal, reduction or re-use of waste. [5422/05]
Data is not held by my Department concerning the weight of waste disposed, except in the case of confidential waste paper which amounted to approximately 104,000 kg. in 2004.
My Department uses Dublin City Council's refuse collection service for the disposal of general waste, including cardboard for recycling. In the case of obsolete computer equipment, staff members are first given the option to purchase such equipment for a minimal fee. The Department uses commercial companies for the shredding and recycling of confidential waste paper, and for the recycling of printer toner cartridges and mobile phones. Quotes are sought, as the need arises, for the environmentally friendly disposal of other recyclable waste such as any remaining computer equipment and other office equipment. The recycling of other items of waste is being reviewed with a view to increasing the amount of waste that is recycled or disposed in an environmentally friendly manner.
60 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Finance if he will expand the scope of the tax relief for vehicles purchased for use by people with disabilities scheme to include persons with Down's syndrome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5460/05]
The disabled drivers' and disabled passengers' (tax concessions) scheme is open to people with disabilities who meet the specified criteria and have obtained a primary medical certificate to that effect. The senior area medical officer attached to the relevant local health board is responsible for both the medical assessment and the issue of the medical certificate.
The medical criteria for the purposes of the tax concessions under this scheme are set out in the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994. Six different types of disablement are listed under the regulations, and a qualifying person must satisfy one or more of them. The six types of disablement are as follows: persons who are wholly or almost wholly without the use of both legs; persons who are wholly without the use of one leg and almost wholly without the use of the other leg such that the applicant is severely restricted as to movement of the lower limbs; persons without both hands or without both arms; persons without one or both legs; persons wholly or almost wholly without the use of both hands or arms and wholly or almost wholly without the use of one leg; persons having the medical condition of dwarfism and who have serious difficulties of movement of the lower limbs.
An individual who qualifies under the medical criteria, as set out above, is issued with a primary medical certificate. Possession of a primary medical certificate qualifies the holder for remission or repayment of vehicle registration tax, or VRT, a repayment of value added tax, or VAT, on the purchase of the vehicle and a repayment of VAT on the cost of adaptation of the vehicle. Repayment of the excise duty on fuel used in the motor vehicle and exemption from annual road tax to local authorities are also allowed.
An interdepartmental review group was established to review the disabled drivers' and disabled passengers' (tax concessions) scheme. The group's report examined all aspects of the scheme, including the qualifying medical criteria. The report was published on my Department's website in July 2004, and copies have been placed in the Oireachtas Library. As agreed by the Government in June 2004, I will consider the report on an ongoing basis in the overall budgetary context having regard to the existing and prospective cost of the scheme.
61 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance if the Customs and Excise service will be fully resourced to deal effectively with stemming the supply of cocaine to the south east (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5461/05]
As the Deputy will be aware, drug abuse is a national and not just a regional problem. The memorandum of understanding which was signed by both the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Minister for Finance in January 1996 provides that the Customs and Excise service of the Revenue Commissioners has primary responsibility for the prevention, detection, interception and seizure of controlled drugs intended to be smuggled or illegally imported into the State. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the customs and excise service continually reviews operational approaches and resources devoted to the prevention of illegal drug importation at ports and airports and along our coastline. As regards cocaine, I am advised that, in 2004, the Customs and Excise service seized 47 kg. of cocaine with a street value of €3.5 million.
In June 2004, the Revenue deployed a new enforcement resource with the launch of the first customs vessel, the RCC Suirbhéir, to patrol our coastline in close co-operation with the navalservice. The vessel regularly takes part in operations along the south-east coast. The drugs watch programme, where customs work in partnership and on a confidential basis with coastal communities to raise awareness of drug smuggling and to gather intelligence, has also been revitalised.
In addition, co-operation with other law enforcement agencies has been enhanced. Last year customs participated in 30 international operations, many of them resulting in the seizure of drugs and the arrest of those involved in their importation. A customs officer has been assigned to the Europol national unit since 2001, and the commissioners have recently decided to seek the nomination of a customs officer as liaison officer with Europol in The Hague.
In the south east there are dedicated customs teams based in Waterford and Rosslare whose primary focus is the prevention of smuggling. During 2004 those teams were involved in 20 seizures of drugs, with a total street value of over €6 million, and those results are indicative of the major effort by Revenue authorities in the area.
Customs management in the south east has increased manpower, modernised facilities and experimented with new operational tactics at key ports. Customs continue to have success in preventing imports of hard drugs.
The Revenue will continue to play its part in co-operation with the Garda and other State agencies to combat drug smuggling and to support the national drugs strategy. I am advised by the Revenue that the question of resource deployment is kept under ongoing review.
62 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Finance the taxes which have been reduced since the Government came into office. [5462/05]
There have been reductions in tax rates under most tax heads since 1997. At the same time the tax yield to the State has continued to rise owing to the extra economic activity accompanying that policy. In some cases, such as capital gains tax and corporation tax, the tax yield increased substantially after rates were cut. That extra tax revenue has been used, among other things, to reduce tax on the ordinary PAYE worker, remove low-income earners from the tax net altogether and fund the provision of increased public services.
63 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance further to the reply of 27 January 2005 in respect of the use of credit cards in his Department, the total expenditure involved and the various transactions covered by credit card payment during the period in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5482/05]
As stated in my reply on 27 January 2005, since the formation of the Government in June 2002, a total of 18 departmental credit cards have been in use by office holders and officers in my Department, of which 14 cards are currently in use. Two of the cards are held by officers in corporate services division and the administration unit of the Centre for Management and Organisation Development. Those two cards are held for the general usage of the Department in the purchase of a range of goods and services which are mainly required urgently or are of low value.
In the case of the other 16 departmental credit cards, two were held by my predecessor and me as Minister, and the remainder were held by senior officials, including our respective private secretaries and press officers, my special adviser and the private secretary to the Minister of State. The principal usage of those credit cards related to official expenses in connection with travel, including accommodation and subsistence expenses, and official hospitality.
The table below details official expenditure by each category of departmental credit card since June 2002.
|
Year |
The two departmental credit cards held for the general usage of the Department. |
The other 16 departmental credit cards. |
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
2002 |
15,394 |
20,278 |
|
2003 |
37,318 |
28,980 |
|
2004 |
40,497 |
32,954 |
|
2005 to date |
4,069 |
1,301 |
64 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the number, cost and status of all public relations consultancies, contracts or procurements entered into by or on behalf of her Department or its agents or agencies in the past three years; the terms of reference in each such appointment; the person to whom such persons report and from whom they receive instructions; if any such person or group had any previous contracts, commitments or employment with either of the Government parties. [5502/05]
The following is the information sought by the Deputy regarding my Department and public bodies funded from its Vote.
My Department did not award contracts solely for public relations projects in the period mentioned by the Deputy. It did, however, award two contracts in the period which, while mainly for other purposes, involved a public relations element. The details of those two contracts are as follows.
Q4 was engaged by my Department to provide project and event management advice and media support regarding the informal meeting of the Council of Economics and Finance Ministers of the EU in County Kildare on 2 to 4 April 2004 during the Irish Presidency of the EU. It is estimated that some €23,700 of the total cost of that contract related to the public relations aspect, that is, support in dealing with the national and international media attending the event. The contract has now concluded.
In respect of the public relations element of the contract, Q4 reported to and took instruction from the press officer of my Department.
Documentation supplied by Q4 to my Department indicated that a partner in Q4 who led the consultancy was formerly employed as general secretary of the Fianna Fáil Party. The documentation also indicated that Q4 has had a wide range of consultancy contracts in both the private and public sectors. The documentation did not indicate whether Q4 may have had any previous contracts, commitments or employment with either of the Government parties.
The second contract is a contract for general marketing of the E-tenders website, which includes advertising and public relations. It is with a consortium comprising The Media Group, Ogilvy & Mather and Elucidate. The contract was signed in October 2004 for a period of one year, and the estimated cost of the public relations element in it is €38,500. It is renewable for up to one further year.
The consortium reports to the principal officer of the national public procurement policy unit of my Department.
Documentation held by my Department concerning that contract does not indicate any previous contracts, commitments or employment with either of the Government parties by the consortium or its component parts.
Apart from those two contracts placed by my Department, two others are relevant to the Deputy's question. The NDP-CSF information unit — which operates under the aegis of my Department and is part-funded by the EU — awarded one public relations contract in the period since 1 January 2002. The objective of the contract is to raise awareness and increase understanding of the national development plan and the Community Support Framework 2000-2006, as there is a legal requirement on member states to raise public awareness of the role of the EU structural funds. The contract was awarded to Curtin Communications, now known as Grayling Communications, in August 2003 to cover the period from September 2003 to September 2005. The value of the contract was €306,000.
The contract is managed by the NDP-CSF information officer, to whom the contractors report.
Documentation held by my Department concerning that contract does not indicate any previous contracts, commitments or employment with either of the Government parties by Curtin Communications.
All the officials to whom the contractors in the three contracts above report or reported are or were governed by the rules regarding civil servants and their involvement in politics.
Finally, the Special EU Programmes Body, or SEUPB, awarded one public relations contract in the period mentioned by the Deputy. The SEUPB is one of six North-South implementation bodies set up under Strand II of the Good Friday Agreement and manages the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation, or PEACE II, and the Ireland-Northern Ireland INTERREG IIIA programme. Both of those programmes are funded with EU and national funding in both jurisdictions. The contract was awarded in March 2004 to Morrow Communications and is for public relations relating to the two programmes. There is an EU requirement on structural fund programmes to raise public awareness of the role of the EU in those programmes. The value of the contract is €115,000 and is for a period of one year. The contract is renewable for up to one further year.
Morrow Communications reports to the corporate services director of the SEUPB. Documentation held by my Department and the SEUPB does not indicate that either the corporate services director of the SEUPB or Morrow Communications has had any previous contracts, commitments or employment with either of the Government parties.
I should say that I am assured that all contracts mentioned in this reply were placed in accordance with public procurement procedures.
While the Office of Public Works is not funded from my Department's Vote, my Department has asked that office to provide information in answer to this question direct to the Deputy.
65 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of significant fish kills that took place in the River Liffey over the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5386/05]
Under the Fisheries Acts, primary responsibility for the conservation, protection and development of inland fisheries rests with the regional fisheries board, in this case the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board.
I am advised by the chief executive officer of the board that there have been no significant fish kills on the main Liffey channel in the past three years according to the records of the board. The chief executive officer advises me that one fish kill was recorded in 2003 on each of the Griffeen, 3 April 2003, and River Ryewater, 15 September 2003, and that one fish kill was recorded in 2004 on the River Ryewater, 18 to 19 June 2004.
While prosecutions might not have been possible in all cases, to date in at least one case amelioration damages have been obtained.
66 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the amount his Department has to deal with coastal erosion in 2005; the counties which will benefit; the projects which are being funded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5412/05]
Funding of €2.882 million is allocated to the Department in 2005 in respect of coastal protection works. The programme of works for the year is under consideration at present.
67 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the situation regarding portal authority at Dublin Port (details supplied); the reason pay and salary increases implemented in the past two years have not been extended to all pensioners of the organisation; the further reason pensioners in the harbour department were excluded from the arrangement while all other pensioner groups were included; and if this action is discriminatory and in breach of the legislation setting up the organisation. [5351/05]
Issues relating to pension arrangements for Dublin Port Company employees and former employees are dealt with under the company's superannuation scheme. I do not have any function in regard to the administration of the scheme.
68 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the total weight of waste that his Department produces within its own offices in the last year for which figures are available; the breakdown of the weight produced by paper, glass, aluminium and steel cans, textiles, plastics, organic waste, electrical and electronic equipment, batteries, hazardous waste and mixed waste respectively; the percentage of weight in each category which is recycled; and the details of any contracts his Department has for this disposal, reduction or re-use of waste. [5423/05]
My Department does not currently maintain a database in regard to the amount of waste generated and, accordingly, I am not in a position to provide specific breakdowns of figures or percentages of waste by the categories listed by the Deputy. The collection of waste is generally handled by Ipodec in the Dublin area and by local arrangement in the Department's country offices.
My Department has a comprehensive waste paper recycling programme in place whereby such paper is collected for recycling each month. That is carried out by DMG Services Limited. Cardboard is collected for recycling by Ipodec in two of the Department's Dublin offices. Also there is an arrangement in those offices for the collection of bottles and cans for recycling. Monthly collections of toner cartridges are made by Temple Street Children's Hospital for recycling purposes. All redundant IT equipment is handed over to companies who specialise in recycling electronic equipment. The items are disassembled, with components being reused or recycled as appropriate. There is not a standing contract in place for environmental disposal of IT equipment. Quotations are sought from recycling companies when a suitable quantity of material has accumulated.
69 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the estimate of the national salmon commission chairman that a buy-out of commercial salmon drift net licences would cost between €75 million and €80 million (details supplied); the way in which such an estimate was arrived at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5436/05]
The National Salmon Commission is an independent statutory body established under the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1999 to assist and advise the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources on the conservation, management, protection and development of the national salmon resource and, in particular, in relation to the national wild salmon and sea trout tagging scheme regulations. In that context, the chairman of the commission is entitled to express his views independently of either the Minister or the Department.
The Deputy should be aware that I recently stated quite openly and publicly that I believe the cost of buying out commercial salmon driftnet licences in Ireland could be as high as €75 million or more. This figure is based on buy-out proposals which were implemented in recent years in Northern Ireland and the north east of England, where the cost of buying out, not all, but up to 56 licence holders is understood to have cost some Stg£3.25 million.
On this basis, the cost of a similar voluntary buy-out scheme in Ireland, if taken up in full by the drift net operators — 887 licences — would be in the region of €75 million. This figure would increase substantially if the draft nets — over 800 licences — were to be included. I am sure the Deputy will agree that buy-out proposals on this scale are not practical and we need to caution against excessive expectations about large amounts of compensation.
The Government has consistently ruled out buy-out as an effective means of achieving the restoration of salmon stocks and instead promoted the application of quotas on commercial fishing and bag limits on angling to achieve catch reductions as the best instrument available to achieve this objective. Moreover, no convincing case has been advanced as to the public good that would be acquired by the State in the context of a publicly funded buy-out nor why stakeholders benefiting from increased numbers of salmon entering the rivers should not contribute in whole or in part towards achieving that increase.
As a result, I have no plans to introduce proposals to purchase commercial salmon fishing licences. As I have previously indicated to the House, I am prepared to keep the matter under review and would be open to any relevant proposals whereby stakeholders benefiting from any reduction in commercial catch might fund any compensation that might arise.
70 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will engage with the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board with a view to having a fishing permit introduced in 2003 removed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5472/05]
Under section 68 of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959, the issuing of permit charges for angling is an operational matter for the relevant regional fisheries board, in this instance the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board. This is not something in which I, as Minister of State with responsibility for the marine, have any function. I am advised that all of the revenue generated by the regional fisheries boards from permit fees are retained by the boards and re-invested in the on-going management and development of fisheries in their region.
71 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, further to the reply of 27 January 2005 in respect of the use of credit cards in his Department, the total expenditure involved and the various transactions covered by credit card payment during the period in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5483/05]
It has not been possible to prepare a comprehensive response in the time available. To provide details of all transactions on all cards during the period in question requires the collation, transcription and checking of an enormous amount of data. Officials in the Department are currently investigating the optimal method of supplying the Deputy with the information requested, having regard to the inordinate amount of time involved in undertaking this exercise, the pressures on available resources within the Department and the format of records held by the credit card companies. As soon as the optimal method of provision has been determined, I will revert to the Deputy with the information requested.
72 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number, cost and status of all public relations consultancies, contracts or procurements entered into by or on behalf of his Department or its agents or agencies in the past three years; the terms of reference in each such appointment; the person to whom such persons report and from whom they receive instructions; if any such person or group had any previous contracts, commitments or employment with either of the Government parties. [5503/05]
No public relation consultancies, contracts or procurements have been entered into by or on behalf of my Department in the past three years.
73 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that non-EU nationals may require British visas, at a cost of €56, to travel by bus to Donegal, due to the fact that the route passes through Northern Ireland; if he has had talks with the British authorities regarding the removal of this onerous requirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5369/05]
This matter has not previously been drawn to my attention. Policy in relation to immigration in this jurisdiction is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
There are a wide variety of circumstances in which a visitor to one jurisdiction within the common travel area may be required to transit the territory of the other. In certain cases there may be a visa requirement in both jurisdictions. This arises from the fact that the common travel area operates only for the benefit of Irish and British citizens.
74 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the total weight of waste that his Department produces within its own offices in the last year for which figures are available; the breakdown of the weight produced by paper, glass, aluminium and steel cans, textiles, plastics, organic waste, electrical and electronic equipment, batteries, hazardous waste and mixed waste respectively; the percentage of weight in each category which is recycled; and the details of any contracts his Department has for this disposal, reduction or re-use of waste. [5424/05]
The Department's records show that in 2004, 223,890 kg. of waste was produced, of which 12.23%, 27,390 kg. was recycled. No breakdown of either figure is available but the recycled portion comprised paper and an amount of aluminium cans. My Department does not produce significant amounts of hazardous or organic waste or of waste textiles, plastic or glass. It is the Department's policy to recycle electrical and electronic equipment but no figure is available in respect of the amount of such waste recycled in 2004. The removal of waste is paid for on a collection basis and the Department does not have any formal contracts for the disposal of waste.
Recyclable waste produced by the Department's offices at Bishop's Square is included in the above figures. As the building is shared with several other tenants, the building management controls the disposal of other waste for the whole building and it is not in a position to provide detailed information on the volume of waste produced in the Department's offices for the period in question.
75 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of financial aid that was promised to Iran in the aftermath of the earthquake centred close to the city of Bam on 26 December 2003; and the amount of this aid which has been given to date. [5463/05]
Ireland was one of the first countries to respond in the wake of the earthquake in Bam, Iran in December 2003. On 26 December 2003, the day the earthquake struck, the Government immediately pledged €1 million in funding for the humanitarian and recovery operations. Subsequently, assistance amounting to a total of €1.57 million was delivered; €500,000 of the pledge was channelled to the International Federation of the Red Cross-Red Crescent, IFRC; €500,000 was provided to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, OCHA, which co-ordinated the UN response on the ground; and the remainder went to Concern and Trócaire. The Government's funding was utilised for food, temporary shelter, water, sanitation and the rehabilitation of schools.
The Government is firmly of the view that the delivery of pledges of assistance in the aftermath of natural disasters and other major catastrophes should be a priority for all donors. We also believe that pledges should be delivered in a timely manner to assist in humanitarian operations, but also in order that the recovery and reconstruction plans can be implemented in a realistic timeframe.
I am aware of recent reports in the media that pledges made in the aftermath of the Bam earthquake were not fully met. The United Nations appeal was for approximately €33 million and almost €18 million was delivered. While additional funding through NGOs and other international organisations was provided to Bam, it is highly likely that the delivery of Bam pledges fell far short of the reported €1 billion committed.
Ireland has been strongly supportive of proposals to strengthen the monitoring of pledges made by international donors, including through the EU and UN systems. The post-tsunami action plan, adopted by EU Foreign Ministers at the recent General Affairs and External Relations Council, includes a commitment to improve the system of follow-up on financial commitments, as well as on the effective use of funds committed. It is through careful tracking of pledges and disbursements that we can get a true picture of how donors are delivering on their aid pledges. This information will make the process more transparent and will inevitably exert pressure on donors to make good on pledges.
76 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the breakdown by country and by crime of Irish citizens currently imprisoned outside the State. [5464/05]
It is the right of every Irish citizen who is arrested or imprisoned abroad, under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, to seek consular assistance from the Department of Foreign Affairs. However, not all Irish citizens who are so arrested or imprisoned avail of this right. In addition, the number of Irish prisoners abroad is constantly changing as some are released and others newly detained. For these reasons, it is not really possible to be fully precise about how many Irish citizens are imprisoned abroad, or to give a completely comprehensive breakdown by crime and country. However, the following table gives an overall picture.
Some Irish prisoners abroad, who do not seek consular assistance from my Department, choose instead to avail of the counselling and welfare services provided by the Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas, ICPO. As a result, the ICPO also has detailed information on the number and location of Irish prisoners abroad and this is reflected in the table set out below. However, like the Department, it would not claim to have a completely accurate picture for the reasons given above. I should add that the Department provides financial assistance to the ICPO to support its valuable work on behalf of Irish prisoners abroad and their families.
The crimes for which Irish people abroad are in prison are very varied and range from minor to serious crimes such as drug offences and murder.
|
Number |
Location |
|
1 |
Arabian Gulf |
|
1 |
Argentina |
|
3 |
Australia |
|
1 |
Bolivia |
|
2 |
Brazil |
|
1 |
Canada |
|
2 |
Canary Islands |
|
1 |
Cuba |
|
1 |
Ecuador |
|
708 |
Great Britain |
|
1 |
France |
|
3 |
Germany |
|
3 |
Holland |
|
1 |
Isle of Man |
|
1 |
Japan |
|
1 |
Panama |
|
2 |
Peru |
|
3 |
Spain |
|
1 |
Thailand |
|
28 |
United States |
|
Total: 765 |
77 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, further to the reply of 27 January 2005 in respect of the use of credit cards in his Department, the total expenditure involved and the various transactions covered by credit card payment during the period in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5484/05]
Further to my reply of 27 January 2005, I would like to inform the Deputy that expenditure of €327,142.13 was incurred on the Department's 21 official credit cards during the period in question.
In the time available, it was not possible to provide all the information requested by the Deputy. I have, however, asked that a breakdown of these costs be made available to the Deputy as quickly as possible.
78 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number, cost and status of all public relations consultancies, contracts or procurements entered into by or on behalf of his Department or its agents or agencies in the past three years; the terms of reference in each such appointment; the person to whom such persons report and from whom they receive instructions; if any such person or group had any previous contracts, commitments or employment with either of the Government parties. [5504/05]
There was no expenditure on public relations in 2002 by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
While no public relations consultants or companies were employed by the Department of Foreign Affairs in 2003 and 2004, Red Dog Design Consultants were employed, following a tendering process, by Development Co-operation Ireland, a division of the Department of Foreign Affairs. The company was paid €46,201.50 in 2003, €94,332.23 in 2004 and €6,231 so far in 2005 for work in respect of the design and printing of various information booklets and publications. The reason for the significant increase in 2004 was a large increase in the volume of publications and the development aspects of the EU Presidency.
During 2004, Development Co-operation Ireland, following an open tender process, employed the Cork based company Real Event Solutions to design, organise and manage a primary school competition around the theme of international development and the millennium development goals. The competition aimed at every primary school in the country was launched on 25 January 2005. The competition has a public relations aspect aimed at increasing school participation in the competition, both at regional and national level. The public relations component of the project is being handled for Real Event Solutions by O'Leary PR & Marketing Limited. To date, Real Event Solutions has received €58,329.02 for its services. For both projects, the companies reported to the information officer in Development Co-operation Ireland.
Red Dog Design was also employed by the Department, on behalf of the interdepartmental presidency administrative planning group, following a tender process, for work relating to the design and branding for the EU Presidency and the launch of the Presidency logo. The company was paid €43,461.37 in 2003 for this work. The same company was paid €23,466.74 in 2004 for a promotion campaign for the EU Presidency website. The greater part of this amount was for the purchasing of media advertising space in national newspapers and on local radio. During the course of its work, Red Dog received instructions from and reported to officials in the presidency planning unit of my Department. Both these projects were of a short-term nature and have been completed.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has no knowledge if either of the companies referred to has had any contracts, commitments or employment with either of the Government parties.
79 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the recent conviction of a person (details supplied) on charges of aiding and abetting terrorism; and if he has raised with the US authorities concerns regarding this case and the misuse of this law. [5531/05]
I understand that on 10 February 2005 in New York city Ms Lynne Stewart, a civil rights lawyer, was found guilty on two counts of conspiring to provide material aid to terrorists and three counts of perjury and defrauding the US Government. Ms Stewart will be sentenced at a further hearing on 15 July 2005 and remains free on bail in the interim. I have not raised this case with the US authorities.
80 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the representations he has made to the Nepalese Government to protest against the closure of the offices of the Tibetan Government in Exile and the Tibetan refugee welfare office in Kathmandu in January 2005. [5532/05]
On 21 January 2005 the Government of Nepal ordered the closure of the offices of the Tibetan Refugee Welfare Office, TRWO, and the Office of the Dalai Lama. The Nepalese authorities have explained that the two offices are not legally registered and are, therefore, in violation of Nepalese law. The apparent difficulty in this regard is that Tibetan refugees do not have the right to register institutions under Nepalese law. On the other hand, the offices have been informally accepted in Nepal since 1959, when the first refugees started coming from Tibet. They look after the welfare of around 20,000 Tibetan refugees and since 1990 the TRWO has also acted as an implementing partner for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.
On 27 January, EU Heads of Mission in Kathmandu used a prearranged meeting with the State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Prakash Sharan Mahat, to convey their concern about this development. They made the point that the closure of the offices would be detrimental to the welfare of many thousands of Tibetans living in Nepal and could also reflect on Nepal's international reputation. They encouraged the Government to reverse its decision and to either allow the offices to remain open informally or change the law to allow them to be registered. In reply, the State Minister gave assurances that Nepalese policy towards Tibetan refugees had not changed, and that the closure would have no effect on the cultural, religious or welfare activities of Tibetans in Nepal. He added that it would be open to Tibetans to open a new welfare office, and to register this office in the name of a Tibetan with Nepalese nationality.
As regards the situation in Nepal generally, the King has recently dismissed the Government and declared a state of emergency. As a result, EU Heads of Mission have been recalled to their capitals for consultations.
81 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the total weight of waste that his Department produces within its own offices in the last year for which figures are available; the breakdown of the weight produced by paper, glass, aluminium and steel cans, textiles, plastics, organic waste, electrical and electronic equipment, batteries, hazardous waste and mixed waste respectively; the percentage of weight in each category which is recycled; and the details of any contracts his Department has for this disposal, reduction or reuse of waste. [5425/05]
My Department's premises at 23 Kildare Street are shared with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, which is the main tenant in the building. Collection and disposal of general waste from 23 Kildare Street is organised by the main tenant. Both Departments make common use of the same waste containers and there is no record kept of the volume of waste produced by each Department. The waste is categorised by general waste, cardboard and paper. There is a separate waste container for each of the three categories. The waste is not weighed but rather there is a flat-rate fee incurred each time the waste containers are emptied.
My Department's premises at Frederick Building are shared with the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Transport, the Department of Finance and the Office of the Chief Medical Officer for the Civil Service, with the Department of Foreign Affairs being the main tenant. In addition the owners of the building, Jones Lang La Salle, also have offices in the building and it is they who arrange general waste collection and disposal on behalf on all the occupants in the building. At the moment there is no recycling of waste from Frederick Building. The waste generated by all the occupants in the building is placed together in the same container. Again, there is a flat-rate fee incurred each time the waste is collected. The waste is not weighed. My Department has been in contact with Jones Lang La Salle about introducing waste separation and recycling in Frederick Building and it is understood that it plans to do this over the next few weeks, which will allow for paper, cardboard and glass to be separated, stored separately for collection and ultimately recycled.
Arrangement for disposal of electronic waste is dealt with directly by my Department. The waste is disposed of through NightTime Express in accordance with legislative requirements. A flat rate fee is charged per item for disposal. The waste is not weighed.
The National Museum has a contract with Ipodec for waste collection from its Kildare Street premises. A flat rate fee is charged per collection and the waste is not weighed. There is waste separation in place for paper, which is collected by Sunflower Recycling. The Office of Public Works collects waste from the National Museum premises at Collins Barracks. There is waste separation in place for paper to allow for recycling. The waste is not weighed.
Waste from the National Museum of Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, County Mayo, is collected by McGrath Waste. There is waste separation in place for paper to allow for recycling. There is a flat fee charged per collection and the waste is not weighed.
Waste from the National Library, Kildare Street, is collected by Dublin City Council. Again, there is waste separation in place for paper to allow for recycling. The cost for disposal is per collection. The waste is not weighed.
Waste from the National Archives, Bishop Street, Dublin 8, is collected on a weekly basis by Dublin City Council. There is a waste separation option for paper and cans. The National Archives are charged for waste collection on a six-monthly basis. The waste is not weighed.
82 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans for the future of the original Asgard vessel. [5471/05]
The Asgard is an archeological object as defined by the National Monuments Act 1930, as amended by the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994, and, as such, my Department takes responsibility for its preservation. The Asgard, by arrangement with the National Museum of Ireland, is in safekeeping at John’s Road, Inchicore, under the care of the Office of Public Works.
The National Museum of Ireland requested the OPW to examine the feasibility of developing a permanent exhibition facility for the Asgard within the NMI Collins Barracks complex. The OPW has identified a number of possible locations within Collins Barracks and has written to the National Museum seeking detailed information regarding such matters as exact dimensions, conservation requirements, display criteria and interpretation. A response to this request is awaited from the National Museum. On receipt of full information, a feasibility report can be finalised by June of this year. Further progress in respect of the conservation of the vessel and putting it on public view will depend on resources available to my Department.
83 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism further to the reply of 27 January 2005 in respect of the use of credit cards in his Department, the total expenditure involved and the various transactions covered by credit card payment during the period in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5485/05]
I indicated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 114 on 27 January 2005 that all charges incurred on credit cards issued to officials of my Department are the personal responsibility of the individual cardholder. As such, the Department has no responsibility for the charges incurred and consequently does not have records available on the overall usage of these cards.
84 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number, cost and status of all public relation consultancies, contracts or procurements entered into by or on behalf of his Department or its agents or agencies in the past three years; the terms of reference in each such appointment; the person to whom such persons report and from whom they receive instructions; if any such person or group had any previous contracts, commitments or employment with either of the Government parties. [5505/05]
Since the establishment of my Department in June 2002 the following contracts have been awarded for public relations projects. The following table sets out the details requested in respect of the public relations contracts:
|
PR Consultant |
Service Provided |
Year |
Value of Contract |
Reporting To |
|
€ |
||||
|
Kate Bowe PR Ltd. |
Irish Festival in China Provision of Public Relations Management Services |
2003/4 |
72,834 (paid to date) |
Festival Commissioner |
|
Siobhán Colgan |
EU Presidency Cultural Programme Public Relations Management Services Contract term 7 months |
2003/4 |
32,777.53 |
Commissioner of the Cultural Programme |
|
Murray Consultants |
PR Consultants for the Department |
2003/2004 |
101,668 (paid to date) |
Corporate Services Division |
|
Murray Consultants |
PR Consultants for the Department (New Contract with effect from 7 December 2004). |
2004/2005 |
4,500 per month retainer |
Corporate Services Division |
|
Kate Bowe PR Ltd. |
Public relations costs for “ReJoyce” Festival |
2004 |
4,800 |
National Co-ordinator |
|
Fleishman — Hilliard Saunders |
Public relations costs for “ReJoyce” Festival |
2004 |
128,581 |
National Co-ordinator |
|
Brenda O’Hanlon |
PR work for the Afterdark Programme |
2003 |
4,276 |
Head of Marketing, National Museum |
|
Drury Communications |
PR Consultant to the National Library |
2002/2005 |
24,424 |
Director of the National Library |
|
Drury Communications |
Promotion of Joyce Exhibition in National Library |
2004 |
21,853 |
Keeper of Special Projects, National Library |
|
Mahon O’Neill |
PR Consultants for the National Archives for launch of “Counties in Time” CD and launch of the on-line exhibition “Views of the Four Presidencies” |
2002/2004 |
14,124 |
Senior Archivist, National Archives |
As previous contracts, commitments or employment with Government parties is not a consideration in the awarding of contracts by my Department, the information sought by the Deputy in this regard is not available. The employment of PR consultants by the agencies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for the agencies themselves and I have no information in this regard.
85 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of applications for grant aid received in his Department from sporting and community organisations and arts groups throughout County Kildare; the extent to which he intends to respond to such applications in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5488/05]
The national lottery-funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.
The number of applications from County Kildare received under the programme in recent years is as follows: 2002 — 45, of which 30 were allocated €4.87 million in funding; 2003 — 44, of which 24 were allocated €3.17 million in funding; and 2004 — 44, of which 27 were allocated €3.36 million in funding.
Applications for funding under the 2005 programme were invited through advertisements in the press on 5 and 6 December last. The closing date for receipt of applications was 4 February 2005. Subject to final confirmation, a total of 43 applications were received from County Kildare. All applications received before the closing date are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.
The principal channel for State support for the arts is via the Arts Council, which is statutorily independent on how it disburses its funds.
86 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent to which he proposes to encourage subtitling with a view to meeting the needs of those with hearing impairment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5490/05]
I have no power to direct that subtitling be included on film productions. However, I understand that new technologies are greatly increasing the level of provision on an ongoing basis and that DVDs and broadcast media, for example, include a subtitling function as a matter of routine.
87 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent to which he intends to support film production here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5494/05]
The most critical element of the Government's strategy for the attraction to Ireland of film-makers has been the extension to 2008 of the section 481 incentive for investment in film production, and the increase in the amount that can be raised from €10.48 million to €15 million from 1 January 2005.
This incentive is of critical importance to international film makers. The certainty that exists regarding the future of the scheme is also very important, as quite long planning horizons apply to major international film productions. Not alone can producers be sure that the section 481 scheme is secure for at least several years to come, but the way in which our scheme operates, and what its requirements are already very familiar to producers both in Ireland and abroad.
I have just returned from a visit to the United States, during which I met the major film studios to make the case for choosing Ireland as a place to make films. While in the US, I also floated the idea of basing a representative in Los Angeles to effectively communicate what Ireland can offer as a filming location. This can obviously be better achieved with the type of relationships that can be built up through a permanent presence on the ground where decisions are made.
The Irish Film Board has responsibility for promoting film making in Ireland, and for marketing Ireland as a filming location. The board has received funding for 2005 that is an increase of over 20% on what was provided in 2004.
88 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent to which his Department’s decentralisation programme is on target; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5493/05]
I can assure the Deputy that my Department's decentralisation programme is on target. As regards the acquisition of a site, the Office of Public Works has identified a local authority site in Killarney for which to develop offices for the Department. The projects division of OPW has decided on a design and build option. OPW sought and received submissions from interested developers throughout the country as regards this option and the next step will involve OPW in the assessment of the submissions. The objective is to seek tenders for the building contract in mid-year and for the building work to commence later in 2005.
As regards staffing matters, I understand that a transfer protocol has been agreed centrally by the decentralisation unit in the Department of Finance. This will clear the way to commence the transfer to my Department of staff who have applied for decentralisation to Killarney. I expect that the timeframe set for the Department to be operating effectively and efficiently from the decentralised office will be met.
89 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent and likely cost of damage during a recent storm at the National Aquatic Centre; if the centre is fully operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5492/05]
90 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position in regard to Campus Stadium Ireland and the National Aquatic Centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5515/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 89 and 90 together.
During the severe weather conditions experienced in the west Dublin area on New Year's Day 2005, damage was caused to the National Aquatic Centre. The roof of the 50m pool and diving pool and the roof of the leisure water area were both damaged, and in addition, damage occurred to lights and fittings around the complex. This has resulted in the National Aquatic Centre being closed to the public while the building was being made safe, the damage assessed and repairs undertaken. In the interests of public safety the National Aquatic Centre will remain closed to the public while the major repair work is ongoing. Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Limited, CSID, is currently consulting various parties to establish the cost of repair work and the technical specification of the remedial works required.
91 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he intends to assist in the provision of community theatres throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5516/05]
My Department operates the ACCESS scheme, which provides funding for the capital development of arts and cultural facilities, theatres, galleries, museums etc. around the country. In August 2001, €45.71 million was allocated to 44 successful projects. Taking into account matching funding being provided by project promoters, the ACCESS scheme will result in almost €58.4 million going into arts capital infrastructure. It is a fundamental objective of the scheme to increase participation in the arts generally throughout the country.
As of now it is unclear when a successor to the ACCESS scheme will be announced, or what the parameters of any such scheme will be.
92 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans for the development of the tourism industry in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5519/05]
One of my key objectives in 2005 is to see continued progress in the implementation of the actions recommended in the report of the tourism policy review group, New Horizons for Irish Tourism. The implementation group set up to drive forward the New Horizons agenda, in its first progress report of September last, identified ten priority actions which it considered vital to sustaining future growth. Of these, the restoration of Ireland's competitive edge remains the most important and the most challenging. Another priority identified in the report, and a particular priority for myself and the Government, is the provision of a national conference centre in Dublin. As set out in replies to separate questions on this issue, I expect to see continued progress on this project in 2005.
Bolstered by an unprecedented level of Exchequer investment in tourism services of over €123 million, representing an 8% increase on 2004, both Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland, for their part, have developed a comprehensive set of plans and programmes aimed at assisting the industry to respond to the key challenges ahead and at ensuring its continued development in 2005.
One of Tourism Ireland's main priorities for 2005 will be to reinforce Ireland's marketing position in the British market. Without volume growth from Britain, the ambitious targets set in the New Horizons report will be difficult to achieve. Another key challenge for tourism, the growing disparity in the performance of the regions, will be addressed by both Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland with a number of innovative approaches to heighten the regional impact of Ireland's marketing activities, both internationally and at home.
New air services, including from the United States and into Shannon from Europe, will be promoted in order to optimise their inbound tourism potential. Strategic investment in capital projects in under-performing areas through the tourism product development scheme will continue in an effort to match the quality of the product available on the ground with more demanding consumer expectations. In order to further encourage the development of new projects under the scheme, I requested Fáilte Ireland last year to invite further investment proposals for financial assistance under the scheme's special interest pursuits category. With an indicative grant fund of €12 million to be allocated between the Border midlands and western, BMW, and southern and eastern regions, I look forward to seeing increased investment in pursuits such as equestrian, cycling, walking, gardens, specialist outdoor activities, water-based tourism and health tourism.
At enterprise level, a range of new initiatives has been developed to address competitiveness including a new on-line facility to help individual enterprises benchmark their financial performance against similar enterprises and to highlight areas for improvement.
93 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of sports, arts or recreational groups likely to benefit directly or indirectly from funding by his Department in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5520/05]
Applications for funding under the 2005 national lottery-funded sports capital programme were invited through advertisements in the press on 5 and 6 December last. The closing date for receipt of applications was 4 February 2005. Subject to final confirmation, a total of 1,360 applications were received before the closing date. These applications are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed. At this point, I could not say how many allocations will be made.
My Department operates the ACCESS scheme which provides funding for the capital development of arts and cultural facilities, galleries, museums, etc., around the country. In August 2001, €45.71 million was allocated to 44 successful projects. Taking into account matching funding being provided by project promoters, the ACCESS scheme will result in almost €58.4 million going into arts capital infrastructure. As completion of these projects, is at differing stages, depending on local arrangements, procurement of matching funds and the necessary legal issues being put in place, it is not possible to state the number of groups which will benefit under the scheme in 2005.
Significant funding is also provided to sports, arts and recreational groups by the Irish Sports Council and the Arts Council which are agencies that come under the aegis of my Department but the allocation of such funding is a matter for these agencies and I am not in a position to say how many groups will be funded by them in 2005.
94 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the Amnesty International report identifying Irish involvement in supplying weapons to Sudan, thus fuelling the conflict in Darfur; the actions he intends to take as a consequence; and if steps will be taken for the immediate suspension of all transfers of arms and related logistical and security supplies to Sudan. [5533/05]
The allegation concerning the involvement of an Irish-registered company in financing illegal arms sales to Sudan originally appeared in a UK newspaper article in September 2004. Subsequently, in the context of its November 2004 report on the arms trade involving Sudan, Amnesty International referred to documentation, described as an end-use certificate, purporting to show that the Irish company was authorised to negotiate for the sale of military equipment to the Sudanese defence forces.
My Department investigated the allegations in relation to the role of the Irish company. In this regard, it was established that the company was dormant and had not traded since its establishment in 1990. Moreover, the beneficial owner of the Irish company strongly denied any involvement, either by himself or his company, in the alleged arms deal. On the basis of the investigation, no evidence emerged of any involvement in illegal brokering activities by the Irish company.
An EU arms embargo against Sudan is already in place. Council Common Position 2004/31/CFSP of 9 January, 2004 provides for an arms embargo including a ban on technical and financial assistance to military activities, with exemptions for humanitarian and de-mining equipment.
The Government has recently approved the drafting of new legislation in the area of export controls for military goods. The proposed new legislation, as recommended by the Forfás review, provides for the introduction of new controls on arms brokering and on the provision of certain types of technical assistance. Existing legislation will be also updated to provide, inter alia, for increased penalties for non-compliance with export control legislation and for the statutory right for the inspection and audit of companies that export military goods. The introduction of this new legislation will ensure that Ireland meets its EU and international obligations in full and equally ensures that its procedures are not overly restrictive as to make Ireland an unattractive location by international standards for mobile activity in legitimate industries.
95 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the total weight of waste that his Department produces within its own offices in the last year for which figures are available; the breakdown of the weight produced by paper, glass, aluminium and steel cans, textiles, plastics, organic waste, electrical and electronic equipment, batteries, hazardous waste and mixed waste respectively; the percentage of weight in each category which is recycled; and the details of any contracts his Department has for this disposal, reduction or re-use of waste. [5426/05]
The statistics which the Deputy has sought for waste production by my Department are not available. Smart Waste Solutions dispose of IT type equipment for the Department, while Greenstar Limited, Onyx Ireland Limited and Information Security — Rehab recycling — dispose of our general and paper waste. It is proposed to extend a successful pilot paper recycling initiative operated by Onyx Ireland Limited in our Kildare Street building to our Davitt House and Earlsfort offices in 2005.
96 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to the reply of 27 January 2005 in respect of the use of credit cards in his Department, the total expenditure involved and the various transactions covered by credit card payment during the period in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5486/05]
It is the policy of my Department that holders of credit cards obtained through the Department are responsible for the settlement of the credit card accounts. Official expenditure, irrespective of whether it was met by credit card or other means, is reimbursed on foot of a claim supported by receipts. Accordingly, the Department does not have information on the total expenditure by credit card, or details of transactions covered by credit card payment.
97 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number, cost and status of all public relations consultancies, contracts or procurements entered into by or on behalf of her Department or its agents or agencies in the past three years; the terms of reference in each such appointment; the person to whom such persons report and from whom they receive instructions; if any such person or group had any previous contracts, commitments or employment with either of the Government parties. [5506/05]
During the past three years, my Department has engaged three public relations companies, as follows. Peter G. White Limited was paid €1,270.50 for the provision of advice on media strategy to the interim chairperson and the chief executive designate of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board prior to its establishment on a statutory basis. No formal terms of reference were drawn up, and the consultancy is now completed.
Caden Communications Limited is retained as communications advisors to the Director of Consumer Affairs. A total of €137,764 was paid to Caden Communications Limited in 2002, 2003 and 2004 for this service. The terms of reference are to provide the Director of Consumer Affairs with ongoing communications advice in addressing current consumer issues in which she and her office are involved. The contract with Caden Communications Limited was renewed in November 2003 following a competitive tendering process involving a number of PR companies. The company reports to, and receives instructions from, the Director of Consumer Affairs.
Following a competitive selection process, Carr Communications was appointed to provide ongoing advice to the Companies Registration Office. Its terms of reference are to provide advice on the Company Registration Office's communications strategy. It also provides training in communications techniques and advise the office in respect of specific communications projects. Since 2002, a total of €93,601.60 has been paid to this company for public relations services. The company reports to the Registrar of Companies.
Public relations consultancies engaged by agencies of my Department are day-to-day matters for those agencies. Previous contracts, commitments or employment with either of the Government parties is not a consideration in tendering process and consequently my Department would not retain specific information in that regard.
98 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress to date on the application for the carer’s allowance by a person (details supplied)j in County Kilkenny. [5409/05]
The person concerned applied for carer's allowance on 10 November 2004. The principal conditions for receipt of the allowance are that full-time care and attention is required and being provided and that the means test that applies is satisfied. In this case, the full-time care and attention condition is satisfied. The case has been forwarded to an investigative officer of my Department for a means assessment. This will be completed shortly. On completion of the necessary investigations, the person concerned will be issued with a formal decision.
Under social welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.
99 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the total weight of waste that his Department produces within its own offices in the last year for which figures are available; the breakdown of the weight produced by paper, glass, aluminium and steel cans, textiles, plastics, organic waste, electrical and electronic equipment, batteries, hazardous waste and mixed waste respectively; the percentage of weight in each category which is recycled; and the details of any contracts his Department has for this disposal, reduction or re-use of waste. [5427/05]
In 2004, my Department sent 140 tonnes of paper and approximately 5.5 tonnes of electrical equipment for recycling. Information on other categories requested by the Deputy is not available as such waste is not separated and weighed at present. Arrangements are being made for the introduction of a comprehensive waste management system that will result in the recycling of waste produced, to the maximum extent possible, in each of the relevant categories to which the Deputy refers. In July 2004 a 12 month pilot waste management project was initiated in the Department's six city-centre Dublin headquarter buildings, where 1,300 people are employed. A waste contractor has been employed to collect all waste streams from these offices, including general and wet waste as well as electronic and hazardous waste, on request. This new arrangement is expected to increase significantly the volume and type of waste that will be recycled. Establishing details in this regard will form part of a comprehensive review of the pilot project, which will get underway shortly. Following the review it is the intention to extend the arrangements to other Departmental offices around the country.
100 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when the carer’s allowance will be approved for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo;. [5453/05]
The person concerned applied for an increase in her carer's allowance in respect of a second care recipient on 28 January 2005. The principal conditions for receipt of the allowance are that full-time care and attention is required and being provided and that the means test that applies is satisfied.
A decision issued on 8 February 2005 to the person concerned refusing her application on the basis that full-time care and attention was not required in this case. She was afforded the opportunity to submit further medical evidence for review, which she provided earlier this week. This information has been forwarded to my Department's chief medical advisor for consideration. The case was also submitted to an investigative officer of my Department on 1 February 2005 to determine that all the conditions for receipt of the allowance are satisfied. In this regard, an appointment by the investigative officer has been arranged for 21 February 2005. On completion of the necessary investigations, she will be issued with a formal decision.
Under social welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.
101 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the situation of persons (details supplied). [5454/05]
102 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans to substantially increase the carer’s allowance particularly in cases in which the only income of the carer is from social welfare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5455/05]
I propose to take Question Nos. 101 and 102 together.
The carer's allowance is a social assistance payment which provides income support to people who are providing certain elderly or incapacitated persons with full time care and attention and whose incomes fall below a certain limit.
From January the maximum rate of carer's allowance for a carer under 66 years increased from €139.60 to €153.60 per week while the maximum rate for a carer over age 66 years increased from €157.80 to €169.80 per week. In addition, all recipients of the carer's allowance receive the household benefits package of free schemes and the annual respite care grant, which increases to €1,000 from next June for each care recipient. A person caring for two or more people also receives an additional 50% on his or her personal payment. Any further increase in the rate of carer's allowance can only be considered in a budgetary context.
103 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs further to the reply of 27 January 2005 in respect of the use of credit cards in his Department, the total expenditure involved and the various transactions covered by credit card payment during the period in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5487/05]
The total expenditure incurred by corporate charge card transactions from May 2002 to 27 January 2005 was €55,856.97. These transactions can be categorised under the following headings: travel, accommodation, official entertainment, official gifts, conferences and training courses, technical manuals, magazine subscriptions, computer equipment and stationery and post.
104 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number, cost and status of all public relations consultancies, contracts or procurements entered into by or on behalf of his Department or its agents or agencies in the past three years; the terms of reference in each such appointment; the person to whom such persons report and from whom they receive instructions; if any such person or group had any previous contracts, commitments or employment with either of the Government parties. [5507/05]
In 2002, my Department's press office engaged the services of Carr Communications for a short period to advise on public relations strategy. The contract was for the period March — April 2002 and the cost was €6,534. There are five agencies under the aegis of my Department and the details requested in respect of these are as follows. The Combat Poverty Agency engaged Bill O'Herlihy Communications in a media consultancy role, starting in 2002 and completed at the end of 2004, following a public tender process. The terms of reference for this work specified that the contract period was for a maximum of three years, subject to annual review. Departmental approval was received for this contract and spend. The company reported to the head of information and public education, whose section is responsible for the management of the overall media relations function. Expenditure on this contract was as follows: 2002: €36,322.54; 2003: €47,937.49; 2004: €44,265.12.
Comhairle entered into two consultancy contracts in the past three years as follows. A PR consultancy contract was awarded via a formal tendering process, to Bill O'Herlihy Communications Group in January 2000 and completed in January 2003. The cost was €29,331 per annum. The terms of reference were for a three year consultancy arrangement for the provision of public relations services, including media monitoring and evaluation, routine reactive and proactive liaison with national and local media, ongoing PR counselling and strategy on issues and events, and advice on communications and publications.
The second contract was a fixed-term consultancy contract, again awarded via a formal tendering process, to Setanta Communications Limited in April 2003 and completed in March 2004. The cost was €26,765. The terms of reference were for a fixed term, one year, consultancy arrangement for the provision of professional services to Comhairle to undertake the development of an integrated public relations, promotions and communications strategy, aimed at promoting the availability and delivery of information services to the public that are delivered through the range of channels supported by Comhairle; and developing the profile of citizens' information centres. The consultants reported to and received instructions from the Comhairle manager of finance and PR promotions.
The Family Support Agency engaged a company on a once-off basis to handle public relations for a conference in October 2004. The company was O'Herlihy Communications and the cost amounted to €5,046.95. The company reported to and received instructions from the chief executive officer of the Family Support Agency. The Pensions Ombudsman's Office has not entered into any public relations consultancies, contracts or procurements.
Financial Dynamics provided a full range of public relations services for the Pensions Board on a retainer based contract with a value of €55,176 inclusive of VAT for the years 2002, 2003 and 2004. The company provided a full range of public relations services for the national pensions awareness campaign, conducted by the board on behalf of the Government, on a retainer based contract with a value of €36,784 inclusive of VAT for an eight month contract in 2003 and €55,176 inclusive of VAT for a 12 month contract in 2004.
There are a range of services required from the agency to support the board's management team and, in particular, its information and training unit which include devising an annual public relations strategy and a plan for implementation of this strategy; agreeing an annual communications programme for the board; provision of input and advice on communications strategies planned by the board in relation to the delivery of the national pensions awareness campaign, or NPAC, provision of dedicated media contacts and access to same. The consultants consult and liaise with the board's communications team reporting to the chief executive officer of the board.
The Pensions Board 2005 public relations services contract incorporating the NPAC requirements has recently been awarded to Q4 Public Relations following an open tender public procurement process. This contract commences on 19 February 2005. I have no knowledge of any other public relations contracts entered into by my Government colleagues with the companies concerned.
105 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if and when mortgage support can be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5523/05]
Subject to certain conditions, mortgage interest supplements are provided through the supplementary welfare allowance scheme which is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. The Dublin and mid-Leinster region of the Health Service Executive has no record of an application for mortgage interest supplement from the person concerned. If he wishes to apply, he should contact the community welfare officer at his local health centre for an assessment of his circumstances and eligibility.
106 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Transport the steps he intends to take to ensure that vehicles which fail the national car test are obliged to undergo the test again within a reasonable time period if they continue to be used on public roads. [5467/05]
It is an offence to use in a public place a vehicle which is liable for a roadworthiness test unless a valid test certificate is in force in respect of the vehicle.
107 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport, further to Question No. 140 of 16 December 2004, if a date for a meeting has been arranged for the Irish Drivers Association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5392/05]
The Irish Drivers Association has recently submitted an agenda for an initial meeting with my officials. Arrangements are being made for representatives from the association to meet with my officials to discuss issues which come within the remit of my Department.
108 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Transport when revised guidelines in respect of speed limits will issue to local authorities; the reason for the delay in issuing these guidelines; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the delay is causing problems for both local authorities and communities. [5417/05]
The relevant provisions of the Road Traffic Act 2004 which was enacted on 22 December 2004 to establish a new system of speed limits based on metric values were commenced on 20 January 2005. The changeover process involved the provision of more than 58,000 traffic signs depicting the application of speed limits across the country. The new metric traffic signs provided prior to 20 January indicate the locations at which the default speed limits provided for in the 2004 Act apply or the locations at which special speed limits had been applied by county and city councils in lieu of default speed limits. The determination of what speed limit should apply at particular locations in lieu of a default speed limit is a matter for the elected members of city and county councils. The power to apply special speed limits has been vested in the elected members since the passing of the Road Traffic Act 1994.
Section 9 of the 2004 Act sets out a new process for the making of speed limit by-laws by the elected members of county and city councils. The range of options available to county and city councils in relation to the deployment of special speed limits has been expanded from previous legislation. It also provides that the Minister for Transport may issue guidelines relating to the making of special speed limit by-laws.
With the commencement of the provisions in the Road Traffic Act 2004 on speed limits from 20 January 2005 and the completion of the programme for the provision of the traffic signs necessary to support the actual changeover, county and city councils are now free to embark on the process of making new special speed limit by-laws. The deployment of the new 30 km/h and the 120 km/h special speed limit may only be pursued in accordance with provisions in guidelines which I am empowered to issue under section 9.
Draft guidelines are being prepared and my Department is engaged in a consultation process with county and city councils. The process will be completed shortly at which point I will issue the statutory guidelines to local authorities on a formal basis. Within a matter of weeks, local authorities will be in a position to pursue the full range of initiatives available through special speed limit by-laws.
109 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Transport the total weight of waste that his Department produces within its own offices in the last year for which figures are available; the breakdown of the weight produced by paper, glass, aluminium and steel cans, textiles, plastics, organic waste, electrical and electronic equipment, batteries, hazardous waste and mixed waste respectively; the percentage of weight in each category which is recycled; and the details of any contracts his Department has for this disposal, reduction or re-use of waste. [5428/05]
My Department has introduced a process to recycle paper waste. In 2004, almost 45,000 kg of paper waste was shredded and subsequently processed into recycled paper products. While the weight of other waste is not recorded, officials of my Department are preparing a broad waste reduction plan in consultation with the Department of the Environment as part of the Government's race against waste programme.
110 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the details of the independent appeals system for the national car test; if this mechanism places a financial charge on motorists; if not, the body which meets the cost of this mechanism; the number of motorists who have availed of this system to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5473/05]
Since car testing commenced on 4 January 2000, the national car testing service, or NCTS, has had in place arrangements to handle complaints and appeals from customers on every aspect of the service. The NCTS is also required to achieve a composite customer satisfaction rating of at least 80% in annual customer satisfaction surveys. In addition, the NCTS has agreed to an independent appeals system to enhance transparency and provide additional assurances about customer service and the integrity of the test. The system has been operational in the greater Dublin area on a pilot basis for some months. The independent assessment of appeals is carried out by the Automobile Association and five appeals have been made to date. It is a matter for NCTS customers to initiate the process. However, a customer must have exhausted the internal complaints and appeals procedure operated by NCTS before making an appeal to the Automobile Association.
The system will be implemented for NCT test centres throughout the country. Implementation is on a non-statutory basis in the first instance and will be kept under regular review as to its operations and effectiveness. As part of the pilot stage an appeal was not subject to a fee. However, because of the potential costs of a countrywide system, customers who invoke the independent appeals system will be required to pay to the Automobile Association an appeal fee equivalent to the fee for a first test. Where the appeal is granted, the fee will be refunded to the appellant.
111 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Transport if the NCT certificate of roadworthiness can be backdated to cover the period of time a car was held in a garage; the way in which a car will be certified accordingly for a period prior to testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5479/05]
In accordance with Directive 96/96/EC, a passenger car becomes liable for the national car test when it is four years old — that is on its fourth anniversary of first registration — and is liable for a further test every two years thereafter. In accordance with this schedule, where a car is tested other than at the specified time, the test certificate is valid from the date of the test until the next date on which the test is due. The test certificate reflects the condition of the vehicle at the time the test was carried out. Consequently, it is not possible to issue a test certificate with an effective start date other than the date of execution of the successful test.
112 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport further to the reply of 27 January 2005 in respect of the use of credit cards in his Department, the total expenditure involved and the various transactions covered by credit card payment during the period in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5489/05]
Expenditure on credit cards by the Department of Transport from August 2002 to January 2005 amounted to almost €194,000. The August 2002 date has been used as the Department's financial system was changed at that time. Cards are used on a regular basis to defray various expenses incurred in the performance of official duties. A list of expenses is attached.
|
Expense |
Amount |
|
€ |
|
|
Travel — Home |
2,157.28 |
|
Travel — EU |
12,366.13 |
|
Incidentals — Home |
2,556.90 |
|
Entertainment and Catering Costs |
17,714.18 |
|
Incidentals — other — Non Capital |
19,999.47 |
|
Conferences |
32,551.07 |
|
Bank Charges |
2,138.61 |
|
Accident Investigation — Non Capital |
11,045.18 |
|
Accident Investigation — Capital |
1,160.08 |
|
Training |
4,979.23 |
|
Library |
8,500.23 |
|
Hotel / Accommodation Costs — Training |
25,324.36 |
|
Newspapers, Books, Magazines |
34,182.37 |
|
Computer hardware — Cap |
4,824.65 |
|
Computer software — Cap |
3,539.60 |
|
Other Office equipment — Cap |
1,442.42 |
|
Maintenance |
2,754.18 |
|
Security |
1,467.51 |
|
Miscellaneous |
5,285.14 |
|
Total |
193,988.59 |
113 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the number, cost and status of all public relations consultancies, contracts or procurements entered into by or on behalf of his Department or its agents or agencies in the past three years; the terms of reference in each such appointment; the person to whom such persons report and from whom they receive instructions; if any such person or group had any previous contracts, commitments or employment with either of the Government parties. [5508/05]
The Department has, on limited occasions, employed outside professional public relations advice. Tony O'Brien Communications was employed in 2004 to assist the Department with media relations and was paid a fee of approximately €6,000. Laurie Cearr Associates was employed by the Department for the organisation and management of public relations activities and other work in 2002 and 2004 and was paid approximately €15,000 in total. The public relations arrangements of agencies under the aegis of the Department of Transport are part of their day-to-day operations and a matter for each individually.
114 D’fhiafraigh Mr. O’Shea den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cad iad na cainteanna a bhí aige le Foras na Gaeilge mar gheall ar an gcinneadh gan deontas a thabhairt do Phort Láirge le Gaelainn i mbliana (sonraí curtha ar fáil). [5419/05]
115 D’fhiafraigh Mr. O’Shea den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil a fhios aige nach bhfuil deontas á fháil ag eagraíocht Ghaeilge ar bith i nDáilcheantar Phort Láirge ó Fhoras na Gaeilge i mbliana (sonraí curtha ar fáil). [5420/05]
Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. 114 agus 115 le chéile.
Tuigfidh an Teachta gur cheist d'Fhoras na Gaeilge féin cinntí a dhéanamh maidir le soláthar deontas, i gcomhréir leis an réimse reachtúil ina bhfeidhmíonn sé agus na pleananna gnó agus corparáide atá aige.
Mar eolas don Teachta, áfach, tuigtear dom ó Fhoras na Gaeilge gur cuireadh in iúl go follasach anuraidh go mbeadh deireadh ag teacht ar 31 Nollaig 2004 leis na sean-scéimeanna pobail a bhíá maoiniú ag an bhforas. Ag an am céanna, cuireadh in iúl go mbeadh comórtas oscailte á reachtáil ag an bhforas do scéim phobail Gaeilge 2005-2007 i rith fómhar na bliana 2004 agus go mbeadh na tionscadail rathúla á maoiniú ar feadh trí bliana.
Tuigim ón bhforas gur chuir 44 grúpa iarratas isteach faoin scéim nua agus go ndearnadh measúnú caighdeánach agus cuimsitheach ar na hiarratais ar fad i gcomhthéacs na gcritéar a bhí leagtha amach san fhoirm iarratais. D'éirigh le 20 iarratas as an 44 a cuireadh isteach, ach tuigim nach raibh an tionscadal a luann an Teachta i measc na gcinn ar éirigh leo. Tuigtear dom gurb é an tionscadal sin an t-aon cheann ó Phort Láirge a chur iarratas isteach faoin scéim.
116 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his proposals to fund the regional drug task force for the south east to deal with the increasing cocaine problem (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5440/05]
As I previously announced, €5 million per annum will be made available to the regional drugs task forces, RDTFs, to assist them in implementing their plans which are currently being drawn up. With regard to the plan for the south east RDTF, I understand that it is due to be submitted to the national drugs strategy team for consideration by the end of this month.
The Deputy will appreciate that it is a matter for each RDTF to prioritise proposals in their plans based on identified local needs. If cocaine is an emerging issue for the south east region, I would expect that proposals to address this issue will be included in their forthcoming plan.
Once the regional plans have been assessed by the team, I will be making recommendations to the Cabinet committee on social inclusion for approval so that the various programmes and initiatives can be rolled out as early as possible in 2005.
117 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs further to the reply of 27 January 2005 in respect of the use of credit cards in his Department, the total expenditure involved and the various transactions covered by credit card payment during the period in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5491/05]
Further to my earlier reply, I wish to inform the Deputy that the total expenditure involved on the two credit cards in use in my Department since its formation in June 2002 was €11,855.82. The annual breakdown of this expenditure is as follows:
|
Year |
€ |
|
2002 |
1,410.18 |
|
2003 |
5,245.59 |
|
2004 |
5,200.05 |
|
Total |
11,855.82 |
The payments, which are certified by a senior officer in my Department, covered expenditure such as travel, accommodation and other incidental expenses, which arose in the normal course of my work, and the work of the Minister of State, Mr. Noel Ahern.
118 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number, cost and status of all public relations consultancies, contracts or procurements entered into by or on behalf of his Department or its agents or agencies in the past three years; the terms of reference in each such appointment; the person to whom such persons report and from whom they receive instructions; if any such person or group had any previous contracts, commitments or employment with either of the Government parties. [5509/05]
My Department has not directly engaged any public relations consultants nor entered into any public relations contracts or procurements since its establishment in June 2002.
During this period, three bodies under the aegis of my Department — the National Advisory Committee on Drugs, the Western Development Commission and Údarás na Gaeltachta — have engaged public relations consultants. The number of consultancies in this regard are as follows: one in the case of the National Advisory Committee on Drugs; eight in the case of the Western Development Commission; and one in the case of Údarás na Gaeltachta. The details sought by the Deputy are given in the following appendix.
|
Name of Body |
Year |
Consultant |
Terms of Reference |
Status |
Reporting to |
Cost |
Any previous contracts, commitments or employment with either of the Government Parties |
|
€ |
|||||||
|
National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) |
2002-04 |
Montague Communications |
To assist the NACD in the preparation, the dissemination of information and the creation of active communication channels with its wide and varied audience. |
Complete |
Ms Máiread Lyons Director NACD |
143, 072 |
This is not known. This was not part of the criteria for awarding the contract and therefore was not assessed. |
|
The Western Development Commission (WDC) |
2002 |
Colman Garrihy, Editoral Services |
Promotion of the Western Investment Fund (WIF) & WDC Newsletter |
Complete |
Gillian Buckley |
4,250 |
As above. |
|
2002 |
Anne Burg, Media relations |
Launch of ‘Update on Telecommunications Report’ and press releases |
Complete |
Dr Pat O’Hara |
1,337 |
As above. |
|
|
2002 |
Theresa Judge |
Press release and editing of Annual Report |
Complete |
Dr Pat O’Hara |
800 |
As above. |
|
|
2003 |
Colman Garrihy, Editoral Services |
WIF Promotion (editorial work for newspapers) |
Complete |
John Allen |
3,598 |
As above. |
|
|
2003 |
Sarah Marriot |
Press Release/WDC Newsletter/Editing of Annual Report |
Complete |
Lisa McAlister |
2,020 |
As above. |
|
|
2003 |
Annette Kearney, Brighthouse Services |
Defining the WDC’s Market Position and Mission and assessing the WDC’s Communications oppurtunities (surveys and audit) also launch of Towns Report including press releases. |
Complete |
Lisa McAllister |
16,967 |
As above. |
|
|
2004 |
Annette Kearney, Brighthouse Services |
Development of WDC Communications Strategy, launch of ‘Catch the Wind’ Report and press releases. |
Complete |
Lisa McAllister |
22,421 |
As above. |
|
|
2004 |
The Chemistry Group |
‘Look West’ Promotional Campaign |
Ongoing |
Dr Pat O’Hara |
18,150 |
As above. |
|
|
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
2004 |
Media Group in co-operation with the Chemistry Group |
To prepare and implement an Irish Language awareness campaign, specifically to advise the parents of young children (0-5 years of age) as well as expectant parents, living in the Gaeltacht, of the advantages of choosing and using the Irish language as the household language and to encourage them accordingly. |
Complete |
Pádraig Ó hAoláin — Chair of working group of officials from Údarás, the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and TG4 |
300,000 |
This is not known. This was not part of the criteria for awarding the contract and therefore was not assessed. |
119 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the progress which has been made with regard to an application for grant aid under the native woodland scheme for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5478/05]
Preliminary approval under the native woodland scheme has issued to the person in question. An ecological survey and management plan have been submitted by the applicant, as required under the conditions of the scheme. These are currently being processed by the forest service of my Department in conjunction with the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government and Kerry County Council.
120 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the total weight of waste that her Department produces within its own offices in the last year for which figures are available; the breakdown of the weight produced by paper, glass, aluminium and steel cans, textiles, plastics, organic waste, electrical and electronic equipment, batteries, hazardous waste and mixed waste respectively; the percentage of weight in each category which is recycled; and the details of any contracts her Department has for this disposal, reduction or re-use of waste. [5429/05]
The disposal of waste from the Departments offices is by way of contracts with the various local authorities. The Office of Public Works also organises the disposal of certain waste equipment for the Department. Specialised areas in the Department have separate contracts for the disposal of other waste. Figures are not available for quantities of waste disposed of from the Department's offices throughout the country.
121 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the quantities of beef, pig-meat and poultry meat being imported from South America and other third countries; if some of the third country meats are coming into the EU and then being re-shipped here; the quantity of such meats; the quantities of Chilean or Brazilian pig meat that is being used by southern processors and sold under their brand names as Irish; the action she will take to have this product identified on the processors packaging; her views on whether this is misleading for the consumer and gives a bad image to Irish meat; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5452/05]
In the EU there is legislation requiring that all our meat products, for export, within the EU or to third countries must be produced in approved establishments supervised by official veterinarians. Under EU harmonised rules the import of meat into the European Union may only take place from third countries where similar rules apply, that is, from establishments in those countries which are approved by the European Commission and which are subject to veterinary audits by the EU's food and veterinary office. On import into the EU these products must be presented at approved border inspection posts where they are subject to the checks laid down in these harmonised rules to ensure compliance with EU standards in respect of animal and public health. They must be accompanied by veterinary health certification from the authorities in the country of export. Having passed these controls, the meat is regarded as being in free circulation within the EU.
As regards to the specific countries mentioned by the Deputy, Brazil is approved to export only bovine and poultry meats to the EU. It is not approved to export porcine meats. Chile is approved to export all of these three types of meats to the EU.
The Central Statistics Office is responsible for the collection of statistics in relation to imports of meat and meat preparations. The following tables have been prepared from data supplied by that office and include the figures requested by the Deputy.
The information available for imports from member states of the European Union does not differentiate between imports originating in the EU country and those originating from third countries that may already be in free circulation within the community.
Under the single market there is free circulation of goods within the EU but there are uniform EU-wide controls on the production and trade in meat and meat products such as pigmeat. Under community law it is a requirement that the meat has been sourced from an approved establishment, whether that is a slaughterhouse, cutting plant or cold store. It must also be accompanied to its destination by a commercial document or health certificate that bears the identity of the establishment from which it has been despatched.
The volume of pig-meat imported into the EU from non-EU countries is negligible. An estimated 43,000 tonnes were imported into the EU in 2004 whereas EU production was over 21 million tonnes. Very little, if any, third country pigmeat is imported into Ireland.
The importance to the consumer of being in a position to make food consumption choices which best suit their circumstances and preferences is a vital element in today's market. An appropriate labelling system is a key element in this respect. The primacy of the consumer was recognised with the appointment in my Department of the consumer liaison panel, established in 2002. Acting on a recommendation from that panel, the food labelling group was also established in June 2002. That group reported in December of that year with a number of recommendations.
One of these recommendations was that information on the origin of fresh, chilled and frozen sheep meat, pig meat and poultry meat sold in retail outlets, pre-packaged or otherwise, should be declared.
I am happy to report that at the beginning of 2004, two regulations in relation to the labelling of poultry meat were introduced. The first of these regulations requires poultry meat, loose and pre-packaged, originating in a country outside the EU to bear an indication of the country of origin when offered for sale in a retail premises. The second requires information regarding class, price per unit weight, condition and slaughterhouse details in respect of loose poultry meat, that is, non-prepackaged, to be provided to the consumer.
In the beef sector, the EU beef labelling regulations which were introduced in 2000 require operators involved in the marketing of beef to label their product with a reference code to enable the beef to be traced back to the animal or group of animals from which it was derived; the approval number of the slaughterhouse and the country in which it is located; the approval number of the de-boning hall and the country in which it is located; and an indication of the origin of the animal from which the beef was derived.
For the purpose of these regulations, marketing means all aspects of beef production and marketing up to and including retail sale. These labelling requirements, which are compulsory in all member states, apply to the marketing of beef within the community, regardless of whether that beef was produced within the community or in a third country. Where beef is imported in to the community from a third country and not all the above details are available, that beef must, at a minimum, be labelled as "Origin: non-EC", along with an indication of the third country in which slaughter took place.
My Department and the Department of Health and Children are examining the legislative measures necessary to extend similar regulations to sheep meat and pig meat. Both Departments are also exploring the necessary measures for extending the requirement to indicate the origin of all meat in the food service sector.
In relation to the tables, the following points should be noted. In certain cases the record of import may include the re-import of Irish products that were originally the subject of an export from this country. The information available for imports from member states of the European Union, EU, does not differentiate between imports originating in the EU country and those originating from third countries that may already be in free circulation within the community.
|
Tonnes |
|||||||
|
Country of Origin |
1998 |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
20041 |
|
Austria |
1 |
406 |
37 |
82 |
23 |
||
|
Belgium |
74 |
45 |
352 |
556 |
217 |
477 |
142 |
|
Germany |
75 |
21 |
54 |
465 |
1,120 |
783 |
544 |
|
Denmark |
88 |
117 |
1 |
135 |
267 |
170 |
167 |
|
Spain |
13 |
88 |
15 |
14 |
4 |
33 |
12 |
|
France |
937 |
265 |
344 |
915 |
680 |
494 |
880 |
|
GB |
4,968 |
4,304 |
4,782 |
4,621 |
3,936 |
4,946 |
9,662 |
|
Greece |
21 |
||||||
|
Ireland |
88 |
192 |
1,177 |
116 |
127 |
308 |
|
|
Italy |
12 |
8 |
181 |
286 |
121 |
333 |
22 |
|
Luxembourg |
1 |
||||||
|
Netherlands |
1,634 |
452 |
616 |
566 |
914 |
610 |
517 |
|
Portugal |
13 |
57 |
|||||
|
Sweden |
518 |
1 |
2 |
||||
|
Northern Ireland |
2,037 |
740 |
404 |
128 |
588 |
557 |
150 |
|
Totals |
10,369 |
6,129 |
7,347 |
8,901 |
8,047 |
8,609 |
12,427 |
|
Tonnes |
|||||||
|
Country of Origin |
1998 |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
20041 |
|
Argentina |
161 |
36 |
59 |
223 |
94 |
43 |
|
|
Australia |
0 |
5 |
10 |
||||
|
Bangladesh |
1 |
||||||
|
Bahrain |
24 |
||||||
|
Bosnia & Herzegovnia |
2 |
||||||
|
Brazil |
347 |
1,113 |
2,167 |
3,335 |
3,908 |
5,295 |
5,274 |
|
Czech Republic |
115 |
||||||
|
Egypt |
297 |
3,891 |
|||||
|
Iceland |
11 |
||||||
|
Indonesia |
163 |
||||||
|
Jamaica |
24 |
||||||
|
Japan |
6 |
375 |
|||||
|
Kenya |
6 |
||||||
|
Kuwait |
6 |
||||||
|
Namibia |
188 |
||||||
|
Nicaragua |
3 |
||||||
|
Norway |
3 |
||||||
|
New Zealand |
204 |
121 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
18 |
|
|
Philippines |
26 |
9 |
|||||
|
Poland |
225 |
||||||
|
Romania |
1 |
||||||
|
Saudi Arabia |
340 |
||||||
|
South Africa |
24 |
0 |
|||||
|
South Korea |
22 |
||||||
|
Syria |
0 |
10 |
|||||
|
Thailand |
24 |
||||||
|
Togo |
0 |
0 |
|||||
|
Uruguay |
285 |
237 |
236 |
115 |
666 |
13 |
|
|
USA |
0 |
18 |
0 |
74 |
|||
|
Vietnam |
0 |
||||||
|
Totals |
1,467 |
1,518 |
2,404 |
8,385 |
4,999 |
5,521 |
5,560 |
|
Tonnes |
|||||||
|
Country of Origin |
1998 |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
20041 |
|
Austria |
1 |
1 |
29 |
77 |
194 |
||
|
Belgium |
617 |
425 |
449 |
504 |
778 |
981 |
854 |
|
Germany |
2,451 |
2,419 |
2,557 |
4,334 |
6,477 |
7,971 |
6,672 |
|
Denmark |
4,189 |
3,898 |
3,895 |
5,747 |
5,124 |
5,401 |
7,115 |
|
Spain |
18 |
25 |
20 |
95 |
38 |
215 |
317 |
|
Finland |
1 |
129 |
|||||
|
France |
3,658 |
2,263 |
3,781 |
4,615 |
4,477 |
4,165 |
4,507 |
|
GB |
11,296 |
9,773 |
11,590 |
13,745 |
12,907 |
16,625 |
15,312 |
|
Greece |
41 |
3 |
20 |
||||
|
Ireland |
862 |
264 |
3,083 |
5,530 |
6,996 |
9,132 |
|
|
Italy |
197 |
323 |
259 |
467 |
454 |
479 |
748 |
|
Luxemburg |
3 |
||||||
|
Netherlands |
5,245 |
6,807 |
8,753 |
7,773 |
9,180 |
7,259 |
4,794 |
|
Portugal |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|||
|
Sweden |
0 |
56 |
24 |
2 |
|||
|
Northern Ireland |
6,640 |
5,041 |
5,263 |
2,771 |
3,071 |
3,853 |
2,892 |
|
Total |
34,311 |
31,837 |
36,929 |
43,136 |
48,225 |
54,043 |
52,540 |
|
Tonnes |
|||||||
|
Country of Origin |
1998 |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
20041 |
|
Argentina |
53 |
19 |
5 |
||||
|
Australia |
0 |
||||||
|
Ivory Coast |
1 |
4 |
|||||
|
Canada |
0 |
||||||
|
China |
0 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
||
|
Dominica |
2 |
||||||
|
Hong Kong |
0 |
0 |
0 |
||||
|
Hungary |
6 |
3 |
7 |
3 |
0 |
||
|
Iran |
0 |
||||||
|
Japan |
578 |
50 |
|||||
|
Lithuania |
7 |
30 |
|||||
|
North Korea |
20 |
8 |
|||||
|
Malta |
0 |
||||||
|
Mali |
46 |
2 |
|||||
|
Morocco |
0 |
2 |
|||||
|
New Zealand |
0 |
0 |
|||||
|
Poland |
1 |
10 |
4 |
3 |
|||
|
Romania |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|||
|
Russia |
48 |
||||||
|
South Africa |
0 |
||||||
|
Sudan |
1 |
||||||
|
Thailand |
1 |
0 |
|||||
|
Togo |
67 |
21 |
|||||
|
Ukraine |
|||||||
|
USA |
356 |
363 |
71 |
35 |
52 |
16 |
71 |
|
Vietnam |
0 |
||||||
|
Totals |
413 |
379 |
269 |
673 |
68 |
100 |
74 |
|
Tonnes |
|||||||
|
Country of Origin |
1998 |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
20041 |
|
Belgium |
165 |
639 |
3132 |
2,000 |
3,414 |
3,326 |
2,908 |
|
Germany |
192 |
382 |
295 |
656 |
2,566 |
2.135 |
1,446 |
|
Denmark |
1569 |
1738 |
1028 |
833 |
269 |
137 |
156 |
|
Spain |
39 |
392 |
341 |
2 |
89 |
115 |
153 |
|
France |
1671 |
1794 |
1357 |
1,035 |
1,995 |
2,834 |
2,435 |
|
GB |
10013 |
12288 |
13047 |
9,951 |
19,637 |
20,636 |
17,394 |
|
Greece |
190 |
10 |
|||||
|
Ireland |
63 |
74 |
159 |
716 |
1,478 |
906 |
|
|
Italy |
1154 |
2157 |
1308 |
1,318 |
1,691 |
1,736 |
1,222 |
|
Netherlands |
2710 |
4520 |
6765 |
7,861 |
10,602 |
13,755 |
8,012 |
|
Portugal |
1 |
20 |
|||||
|
Sweden |
16 |
19 |
47 |
||||
|
Northern Ireland |
5297 |
9121 |
6631 |
6,057 |
5,191 |
6,621 |
4,504 |
|
Totals |
23016 |
33114 |
34055 |
29,872 |
46,170 |
50,642 |
39,136 |
|
Tonnes |
|||||||
|
Country of Origin |
1998 |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
20041 |
|
Bangladesh |
1,305 |
||||||
|
Brazil |
30 |
114 |
301 |
697 |
1,165 |
1,694 |
1,524 |
|
Ivory Coast |
4 |
14 |
6 |
11 |
|||
|
Chile |
1 |
20 |
48 |
25 |
51 |
||
|
Czech Republic |
0 |
2 |
|||||
|
Faroe Islands |
0 |
||||||
|
Gabon |
42 |
0 |
|||||
|
Gambia |
9 |
1 |
|||||
|
Georgia |
1 |
3 |
|||||
|
Hungary |
1 |
21 |
40 |
99 |
1 |
||
|
Iceland |
2 |
13 |
|||||
|
Israel |
5 |
74 |
117 |
110 |
|||
|
Japan |
45 |
||||||
|
Namibia |
4 |
1 |
|||||
|
Niger |
37 |
23 |
|||||
|
Nigeria |
|||||||
|
Nicaragua |
8 |
208 |
284 |
215 |
|||
|
Pakistan |
11 |
18 |
|||||
|
Poland |
58 |
40 |
71 |
66 |
|||
|
Philippines |
1 |
0 |
|||||
|
Romania |
1 |
||||||
|
Slovinia |
3 |
9 |
8 |
||||
|
Slovakia |
11 |
||||||
|
Switzerland |
24 |
48 |
|||||
|
Thailand |
46 |
71 |
312 |
692 |
1,225 |
1,191 |
1,516 |
|
USA |
0 |
||||||
|
Totals |
89 |
266 |
768 |
3,199 |
2,670 |
3,243 |
3,409 |
122 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a provisional entitlement notification was issued to a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; the provisional value of their single farm payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5474/05]
A certificate of provisional entitlements under the single payment scheme issued to the person named on 7 October 2004, showing 35.47 entitlements with a single payment value of €11,384.81 per annum.
Farmers are advised that if 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 my Department and from my Department's website.
123 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food further to the reply of 27 January 2005 in respect of the use of credit cards in her Department, the total expenditure involved and the various transactions covered by credit card payment during the period in question; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5496/05]
The total expenditure since June 2002 on those credit cards for which the Department assumes responsibility is €81,212.74. While the majority of expenditure relates to hotel costs, other costs include air fares, official hospitality, conference registration fees, car parking and Government levies.
In the case of other credit cards, the cardholders themselves are personally responsible for any balance on the card. The credit cards are used as a convenience to cover expenditure arising in the performance of official duties. The official expenditure involved must be claimed back from the Department by the cardholder in the normal way, for example, through written travel and subsistence claims submitted for payment following approval by the officers' superiors.
124 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number, cost and status of all public relations consultancies, contracts or procurements entered into by or on behalf of her Department or its agents or agencies in the past three years; the terms of reference in each such appointment; the person to whom such persons report and from whom they receive instructions; if any such person or group had any previous contracts, commitments or employment with either of the Government parties. [5510/05]
My Department has not engaged any public relations consultants in the past three years. In relation to the State bodies which come under the aegis of my Department, any such arrangements are day-to-day operational matters which are the responsibility of the bodies concerned.
125 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the surveys, valuations and other assessments which were made of the lands at Thorntown, County Dublin, between 18 January 2005 and 26 January 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5400/05]
As indicated in the minutes of the selection committee's meetings which are available on the Department's website, the site was offered to the Irish Prison Service just before Christmas 2004. In preparation for the meeting of the committee on 18 January 2005, an engineering, planning and technical survey of the site was commissioned and a report submitted to the committee. Two members of the committee alsovisited the site in advance of the meeting.
At the meeting on 18 January 2005, a number of issues relating to the site were discussed and assessed. Subsequent to the meeting of 18 January 2005 and prior to 26 January 2005, site location maps and site layout plans were prepared. Boundary and area surveys, land registry maps and maps showing flight paths were also obtained.
126 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person who, due to having British grandparents, has been issued with an ancestry visa, which entitles them to reside and work in the UK is, as a consequence also entitled to live and work here without further formalities, permission or a work permit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5371/05]
A non-EEA national who has permission to remain in the United Kingdom requires a separate visa before entering Ireland. The benefits of the common travel area are reserved for British and Irish citizens.
127 Mr. English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if it is planned to extend the opening hours of the Garda station at Laytown, County Meath; if there will be an increase in the number of gardaí assigned to Laytown; if there are plans to have community gardaí appointed to Laytown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5372/05]
I am informed by the Garda authorities which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of Laytown Garda station as at 16 February 2005 was eight — all ranks.
I am further advised that there are currently no plans to extend the opening hours of Laytown Garda station. The extension of the opening hours at the station would only serve to confine more personnel to indoor administrative duties. It is the view of the Garda authorities that such personnel can be utilised more effectively in providing a visible Garda presence on outdoorpolice duties.
In relation to Garda resources generally, I am, of course, very pleased that the Government has approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members on a phased basis, in line with the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government in this regard. This is a key commitment in the programme for Government, and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force.
The commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources. In this context, the needs of Laytown Garda station will be fully considered within the context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country. Clearly, of course, the additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as is envisaged in the programme for Government. The programme identifies in particular areas with a significant drugs problem and a large number of public order offences, but it will be possible to address other priorities as well, such as the need to very significantly increase the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties as part of the new Garda traffic corps. One thing I have already promised is that the additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into frontline, operational, high-visibility policing. They will have a real impact.
128 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 320 of 14 December 2004 and 271 of 1 February 2005, the evidence needed to deal with a new visa application for a person (details enclosed) in County Clare. [5373/05]
In general, the documentation that must accompany a visa application is set out on my Department's website, www.justice.ie.
In the case of the application referred to by the Deputy in this and his two previous parliamentary questions, a number of documents were not supplied with the initial applications, which contributed to the applications being refused on grounds of insufficient documentation and finances. The missing documentation included detailed payslips, banks statements, the applicant's divorce papers, and a letter of consent from the father of the children to their removal from their country of origin. At appeal stage, the initial refusal decision was upheld as, although additional documentation was supplied, there was no letter of consent from the father of the applicant's children, or an order by a judicial or administrative authority stating that such consent is not required.
It is open to the applicant to make new visa applications accompanied by the relevant documents and these applications will be considered anew.
129 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to the surrender of firearms in 1972 from a person (details supplied) in Dublin 18; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5374/05]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the licensing of firearms is a matter for the local Garda district officer and I have no statutory function in the matter. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the weapon in question is stored at Garda Headquarters and that there is no record of any application being received from the person for the return of the firearm.
130 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if concerns have been expressed to him on the inflationary effect on the cost of land acquisition which the purchase by the State of lands at Thorntown, County Dublin has had or is likely to have; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5395/05]
I have received correspondence on behalf of a company expressing concern about the price paid for the site at Thorntown. However from an initial examination it would appear that the company in question do not seem to be aware that I do not have power to compulsory purchase land for a new prison or that a different planning regime applies to prisons. The Deputy will be aware that planning issues have a significant influence on the market value of land. I am satisfied that the purchase of the land at Thornton for the new prison complex represents good value for the taxpayer.
131 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the total weight of waste that his Department produces within its own offices in the last year for which figures are available; the breakdown of the weight produced by paper, glass, aluminium and steel cans, textiles, plastics, organic waste, electrical and electronic equipment, batteries, hazardous waste and mixed waste respectively; the percentage of weight in each category which is recycled; and the details of any contracts his Department has for this disposal, reduction or re-use of waste. [5430/05]
I can inform the Deputy that records of my Department's disposal of waste material are not kept in the detail requested by the Deputy.
I can, however, inform the Deputy that waste produced by my Department is disposed of by the following companies: domestic waste — Dublin City Council; recyclable waste, including confidential waste paper — Leech Papers and Shred-it; obsolete machines, such as photocopiers, fax machines, etc. — Toshiba Ireland; obsolete IT equipment, such as computers, printers, etc. — Cara Group; used toner cartridges for photocopiers, printers and fax machines — recycled by Datapac and Toshiba Ireland and Recycling Appeal.
132 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a re-entry visa application will be extended longer than three months for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5434/05]
The person in question has permission to remain in the State until 28 March 2005 and it is presumed she is currently in the State. Re-entry visas are normally applied for prior to the individual leaving the State and must be supported by evidence of that person's entitlement to reside in the State, that is, his or her Garda registration card. The validity of re-entry visas cannot exceed the duration of the person's permission to reside in the State.
133 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the cases of persons (details supplied) for whom multiple re-entry visa applications were made under the name of a person (details supplied); the requirements for this person to obtain multiple re-entry visas for their two children. [5445/05]
A person applying for a re-entry visa must first have legal status in the State. The children referred to by the Deputy entered the State illegally and do not have legal status in the State. They, therefore, cannot be granted re-entry visas. Consequently, no review of these cases can take place until the status of these children in the State is regularised.
134 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding a family reunion request from persons (details supplied); and if they will be given the maximum support and assistance. [5446/05]
Further to my response to Parliamentary Question No. 267 of 1 February 2005, the person in question has submitted further documentation in support of the application. My Department has subsequently been in correspondence with the refugee concerned and a decision on the application will be taken in due course.
135 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will ensure the Garda in the south east has sufficient resources to stem the supply of cocaine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5447/05]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of each Garda division in the south eastern region, as at 16 February 2005, was as set out in the following table:
|
Division |
Strength |
|
Waterford/Kilkenny |
347 |
|
Tipperary |
314 |
|
Wexford/Wicklow |
306 |
All gardaí have responsibility, inter alia, to deal with drug related issues as they arise. In addition, the Garda operates a number of special Garda projects in the region, through funding received from my Department. The purpose of these projects is to address a number of the needs of young people at risk of becoming engaged in criminal activity, including substance misuse.
The Government established ten regional drugs task forces in 2002 based on the old health board areas to ensure the development of a co-ordinated and integrated approach is in place to tackle the drugs problem. The south eastern regional drug task force's area of remit includes the counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford and Tipperary South Riding. The Garda is represented on this group.
Since their establishment, the task forces, including the south eastern regional drug task force, have been involved in a process of mapping out the nature and extent of drug misuse in their regions and they are developing action plans to tackle the problem which will be presented to Government during 2005. Issues of emerging cocaine use in the region and measures to address this will be considered in this context.
Other resources available to the south eastern region to address substance usage, including cocaine, include dedicated divisional drugs units, community gardaí and juvenile liaison officers. These resources are supported by the general Garda resources operating within the region as well as support from national units, including the Garda national drugs unit, the Criminal Assets Bureau and the national bureau of criminal investigation.
With regard to Garda resources generally, I am pleased the Government has approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda to 14,000 members on a phased basis, in line with the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government in this regard. This is a key commitment in the programme for Government and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force.
The commissioner will draw up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources. In this context, the needs of south eastern region will be fully considered within the context of the needs of Garda regions throughout the country. The additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as is envisaged in the programme for Government. The programme identifies areas with a significant drugs problem and a large number of public order offences, but it will be possible to address other priorities as well such as the need to very significantly increase the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties as part of the new Garda traffic corps. I have promised is the additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into frontline, operational, high-visibility policing and they will have an impact.
136 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding a visa application for the spouse of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; if the application has been refused; and if so, the reasons therefor. [5449/05]
The visa application referred to by the Deputy was to enable the spouse of a non-EEA national employed under the employment permit scheme to reside with her in the State. A worker employed under the employment permit scheme may be joined by their spouse and minor children after the worker has been in the State for one year and has been offered a contract for a further year. The worker must also be able to fully support the family members in question without the need to have recourse to public funds.
When assessing applications of this type, the visa officer will consider, among other factors, whether the salary of the worker comes within the ambit of qualifying for payment from public funds. In this regard, the criteria set by the Department of Social and Family Affairs for eligibility for family income supplement payment, FIS, are used as a guideline. The criteria, which may change from time to time, are available on that Department's website, www.welfare.ie/publications/sw22.html. If the worker’s income, as evidenced by his or her payslips or P60, qualifies for FIS payments, the application for a visa is generally refused. In this case, the income, as evidenced by the payslips supplied, was significantly less than the relevant benchmark amount.
137 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons who have been convicted of using a hand-held mobile phone whilst driving. [5451/05]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that it is not possible to give a breakdown of the number of motorists fined for driving while using their mobile phone. The use of a mobile phone may be a factor in the commission of an offence of dangerous driving, careless driving or driving without reasonable consideration. It is not possible to quantify the number of prosecutions for any of these offences which involve the use of a mobile phone.
138 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of a person (details supplied); the terms, conditions and duration of his appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5477/05]
The person referred to by the Deputy is a chaplain in the Irish Prison Service. It is a long established practice that the positions of full-time chaplains in the Irish Prison Service have been filled on the nomination of the local bishop. The bishop writes to the Minister nominating a person to the position of chaplain in the Irish Prison Service. It has always been the practice for the Minister to accept the nomination of the local bishop. Similarly, if the bishop wishes to transfer a chaplain to another chaplaincy position or to a position outside of the Irish Prison Service it has always been the Minister's practice to accede to the bishop's deployment arrangements. It is my intention to continue this practice and this is reflected in the terms of the new contract for full-time Catholic chaplains, which has been agreed with the co-ordinating chaplains group nominated by the Irish Episcopal Conference as the chaplains representative group and which was circulated to the full-time chaplains in November 2004.
The salient points of the contract are a substantially increased level of salary, viz: €48,058 — €49,403 — €50,763 — €52,132 — €53,587, max. — €54,948, LSI, at 1 December 2004. Other benefits include sick leave entitlements that apply to unestablished civil servants, that is, full pay during properly certified sick absence may be allowed up to a maximum of six months in one year and half pay thereafter, subject to a maximum of 12 months' sick leave in any period of four years or less and that the terms of the non-contributory scheme for non-established State employees and of the spouses and children's contributory scheme for non-established employees will apply. Annual leave arrangements in line with standard Civil Service practices will also apply. A personalised contract was forwarded to the chaplain on 26 November 2004 and a letter clarifying the salary issued to him on 25 January 2005. The signed contract has not been returned to the Irish Prison Service. The person referred to was appointed by my predecessor as a chaplain on the nomination of his bishop on 1 September 1998. The bishop intends to redeploy him to other duties in the diocese in July 2005.
139 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if travel documents mistakenly taken from a person (details supplied) will be returned to same. [5481/05]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that there is no record of documents being taken from the person in question by the Garda national immigration bureau.
140 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to the reply of 27 January 2005 in respect of the use of credit cards in his Department, the total expenditure involved and the various transactions covered by credit card payment during the period in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5497/05]
As I stated in my reply to the Deputy's previous question on this matter, six Visa and 23 American Express credit cards are used in my Department. I have outlined the general categories of expenditure for which these cards are used, the conditions attaching to their use and, in the case of Visa cards, by whom they are used. Expenditure incurred on the credit cards is accounted for under various subheads on the Justice Vote and cannot be separately identified. Therefore, to provide the information sought, approximately 850 credit card statements over the period in question would have to be individually examined. I have indicated to the Deputy that I consider such an exercise would be an unwarranted and disproportionate use of staff and other resources.
141 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number, cost and status of all public relations consultancies, contracts or procurements entered into by or on behalf of his Department or its agents or agencies in the past three years; the terms of reference in each such appointment; the person to whom such persons report and from whom they receive instructions; if any such person or group had any previous contracts, commitments or employment with either of the Government parties. [5511/05]
Neither I nor my Department's press office has engaged any external public relations consultants since my appointment in June 2002. As the Deputy is aware, my Department is responsible for work on a wide range of important issues including equality, disability and anti-racism issues. As part of an ongoing public information process, expenditure has been incurred by my Department and the relevant agencies in promoting various initiatives and programmes in these areas. I have arranged to have the information requested by the Deputy in regard to these consultancies for the years 2002, 2003 and 2004 compiled and I will forward it to him in due course.
142 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will approve family reunification in the case of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5529/05]
The refugee in question made an application for family reunification in November 2004. The application has been forwarded to the Refugee Applications Commissioner for investigation as required under section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996. Upon completion of the investigation the commissioner will prepare and forward a report to my Department. On receipt of this report the application will be carefully considered and a decision will issue shortly thereafter.
143 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when dealings (details supplied) will be completed in the Land Registry Office. [5535/05]
I am informed by the Registrar of Titles that the dealings referred to by the Deputy refer to an application for transfer order and an application for transfer order and charge which were lodged on 4 December 2001 and 23 August 2004, respectively. Dealing nos. D2001SM009036Q and D2004SM006350T refer.
I am also informed that these applications are associated with dealing no. D2004SM008627Q which was lodged on 13 October 2004. I am further informed that dealing no. D2001SM009036Q was completed on 16 February 2005.
I am also informed that a query has been raised on dealing no. D2004SM006350T and that this application and the associated application, dealing no. D2004SM008627Q cannot be completed until the outstanding query has been satisfactorily resolved. However, I can assure the Deputy that on receipt of a satisfactory reply to the query both applications will receive further attention in the Land Registry and will be completed as soon as possible.
144 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the post of GCEB co-ordinator at schools (details supplied) in County Cork. [5375/05]
An overall review of educational disadvantage programmes is currently being finalised by my Department. The purpose of this review is to build on what has been achieved to date, adopt a more systematic, targeted and integrated approach and strengthen the capacity of the system to meet the educational needs of disadvantaged children and young people. The future position in regard to initiatives aimed at addressing educational disadvantage at primary level is being considered in the context of this review, the outcome of which I hope to announce shortly.
145 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to an application from a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow which has applied to her Department to fund the necessary renovations to Marine House; if she will sanction its accommodation at same until 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5376/05]
An application has been received from the school to which the Deputy refers towards the cost of renting and renovating the premises which it currently occupies. This application is under consideration in the school planning section of my Department. A decision will be taken in the matter as quickly as possible.
146 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the schemes and grants available to assist students from this jurisdiction to attend third level colleges in Northern Ireland. [5377/05]
Under the terms of my Department's maintenance grants schemes, grant assistance is available to eligible students attending approved third level courses in approved institutions. An approved course for the purpose of the schemes means a full-time undergraduate course of not less than two years duration and a full time postgraduate course of not less than one year duration pursued in an approved institution.
In order to qualify for grant assistance, a candidate must, of course, satisfy the prescribed conditions of the schemes, including those relating to residence, means, nationality and previous academic attainment. Students from this State who are attending undergraduate courses in Northern Ireland can apply for maintenance grants in respect of approved courses at higher national diploma level or higher, which are pursued in colleges approved for the purpose of the schemes.
Under the terms of the schemes, grants are not available in respect of tuition fees paid at undergraduate level in Northern Ireland. However, all EU students, including students from this State, are eligible for grant assistance towards the cost of tuition fees from the education and library boards in Northern Ireland, subject to the same conditions as apply to students who have been resident in Northern Ireland. Students pursuing approved postgraduate courses in Northern Ireland can apply for assistance under the terms of the schemes in respect of maintenance grants and, also, grants in respect of the cost of their tuition fees, subject to a maximum fee limit, which is currently €5,028.
Section 473A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for tax relief in respect of undergraduate tuition fees paid for: approved full or part-time undergraduate courses in both private and publicly funded third level colleges and universities in the State and any other EU member state; full or part-time undergraduate courses operated by colleges in any EU member state providing distance education in the State; full or part-time undergraduate courses in both private and publicly funded third level colleges in non-EU countries. Tax relief is also available for postgraduate tuition fees paid for: approved full or part-time postgraduate courses in both private and publicly funded third level colleges and universities in the State and any other EU member state and in non-EU countries. This tax relief applies at the standard rate of tax. Further details and conditions in regard to this tax relief are available from local tax offices.
147 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo must retire at 65. [5378/05]
Retirement by age 65 is a standard feature of public service pension schemes and usually, as in the case of established civil servants, involves retirement on the public servants 65th birthday. Special provisions applicable to teachers allow service to continue until the end of the school year in which age 65 is attained.
The standard retirement age of 65 was recently addressed in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004. The Act, which is in effect since 1 April 2004, abolishes the compulsory retirement age of 65 in the case of most new entrants to the public service, including teachers. The Act defines a new entrant as a person commencing employment in the public service on or after 1 April 2004 or a person resuming employment in the public service, after a break exceeding 26 weeks, on or after 1 April 2004. Since the person referred to by the Deputy is not a new entrant to teaching, I confirm that she will be required to retire at the end of the current school year as she will by then have reached age 65.
148 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when land for a promised new school (details supplied) in Dublin 18 will be purchased; the arrangements she has put in place to educate children until such time as the new school is operational; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5379/05]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that a suitable site for a new school has been identified in the Dublin 18 area. Acquisition of the site is at conveyancing stage. The school is expected to commence operation next September and the planning section of my Department is currently liaising with the chairperson of the board of management with view to procuring temporary accommodation to facilitate its commencement plans.
149 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the Government promise of a class at second level for students with Asperger’s syndrome on the northside of Dublin; if she has a place of action on this issue. [5413/05]
My Department is actively engaged in pursuing the development of a second level programme for children with Asperger's syndrome on Dublin's north side. A letter outlining proposals regarding the establishment of a unit for pupils with Asperger's syndrome has recently issued to a post-primary school in that area.
150 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will respond to representations from persons (details supplied) in Dublin 6W regarding assistance they need to provide for the education of their child. [5415/05]
The case referred to by the Deputy has been reviewed by my Department. Arising from the review, my Department's position remains that satisfactory facilities exist within the State to meet the person's educational needs. In the circumstances, it is not proposed to make funding available for the person in question towards an educational placement abroad.
151 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science when she will approve the introduction of the new curriculum to students in technology education as recommended by the Techno Teachers Association; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5416/05]
Following a review by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, NCCA, of the three technological subjects at leaving certificate level four syllabi have been submitted to my Department for consideration. These are engineering technology, formerly engineering; architectural technology, formerly construction studies; design and communication graphics, formerly technical drawing; and technology, no equivalent leaving certificate subject currently in existence.
This was followed by further advice and analysis on implementation issues relating to in-service provision and facilities at school level which was forwarded to my Department last year. It is the Department's intention to progress the implementation of the revised syllabi as soon as possible. However, the recommendations call for a major investment in terms of infrastructure and staff development and it will be important that implementation is underpinned by the full level of supports necessary for schools to adopt the new programmes. Funding is not available in the current year to make significant progress on implementation.
However, my Department is currently developing proposals to secure a commitment to the necessary multi-annual funding package which will enable the revised syllabi to be implemented at the earliest possible date. This is crucial in order to establish specific target dates for the introduction of the syllabi.
152 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will bring forward a comprehensive action plan in order to reduce class sizes in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5403/05]
The system for allocating teachers to primary schools is based on ensuring an overall maximum class of 29 in each school. Where some classes in a school have class sizes of greater than 29, it is generally because a decision has been taken at local level to use their teaching resources to have smaller numbers in other classes.
The Deputy should note that significant improvements have been made in this area in recent years. The average class size at primary level is now 23.9, down from 26.6 in 1996-97. The pupil-teacher ratio, which includes all the teachers in the school including resource teachers, has fallen from 22.2:1 in the 1996-97 school year to 17.44:1 in 2003-04. More than 4,000 additional teachers have been employed in our primary schools since 1997. These additional teaching posts have been used to reduce class sizes, to tackle educational disadvantage and to provide additional resources for children with special needs.
Significantly smaller class sizes have been introduced in disadvantaged schools involved in the giving children an even break and breaking the cycle programmes, with approximately 47,700 pupils in 243 participating schools availing of reduced class sizes of either 15 or 20 pupils per class. In line with the programme for Government commitment, class sizes for the under-nines will continue to be reduced further.
153 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if priority will be given to the application for grant aid under the summer works scheme 2005 for roof repairs and mechanical works at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9 in order to ensure a safe education environment for the pupils, staff and parents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5404/05]
I can confirm to the Deputy that the school to which he refers has submitted an application for grant aid under the summer works scheme, SWS, for roof repairs and mechanical works. All SWS applications are currently being assessed in the school planning section of my Department. I intend to publish the list of successful applicants shortly.
154 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the total weight of waste that her Department produces within its own offices in the last year for which figures are available; the breakdown of he weight produced by paper, glass, aluminium and steel cans, textiles, plastics, organic waste, electrical and electronic equipment, batteries, hazardous waste and mixed waste respectively; the percentage of weight in each category which is recycled; and the details of any contracts her Department has for this disposal, reduction or re-use of waste. [5431/05]
Information in the detail requested is not available in the Department but will be compiled and forwarded to the Deputy.
155 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will make a statement on the case of a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [5435/05]
The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year. The actual number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule and is finalised for a particular year following discussions with the education partners.
The staffing schedule is structured to ensure that all primary schools will operate to an average mainstream class size of 29 pupils. School authorities should ensure that there is an equitable distribution of pupils in mainstream classes and that the differential between the largest and the smallest classes is kept to a minimum.
The mainstream staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy for the current school year is a principal and three mainstream class teachers, based on the enrolment of 107 pupils on 30 September 2003. The school also has a resource post and the services of two shared learning support posts.
According to data submitted to my Department by the board of management the enrolment on 30 September 2004 was 110 pupils. The staffing for the 2005-06 school year will be determined in accordance with the agreed staffing schedule which is expected to be notified to boards in February or March 2005.
As outlined in primary circular 19/02, an independent appeals board was established to adjudicate on appeals from boards of management on the staffing allocations in primary schools. The appeals board operates independently of the Minister and my Department and its decision is final. Appeals in respect of staffing for the 2005-06 school year must be submitted to primary payments section, Department of Education and Science, Athlone on the standard application form, clearly stating the criterion under which the appeal is being made.
156 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals she has to introduce Chinese to the primary school curriculum (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5438/05]
Language development is a central element of the revised primary curriculum. Although the focus is on English and Irish, a number of primary schools also offer foreign languages. My Department launched a pilot project for modern languages in primary schools in September 1998. The aims of the pilot project included the development of communication skills in four target languages which are French, German, Spanish and Italian, the fostering of positive attitudes to language learning and the diversification of the languages taught in schools.
To achieve these aims in the project schools the teaching of a modern European language to pupils in fifth and sixth classes was introduced. Currently, 394 schools are participating in the initiative at primary level. I have no plans at present to introduce Chinese at primary level. However, my Department is working closely with language experts from the Council of Europe to facilitate the analysis of language practice at primary and post-primary level, with a view to the formulation of an integrated language policy. This analysis will include the development of criteria for decision-making on issues such as the inclusion of additional languages in the curriculum. This will complement ongoing work by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, NCCA, which is engaged in reviewing languages in the post-primary curriculum and the feasibility of expanding provision at primary level.
157 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science her proposals to respond to the call by EU heads of the Barcelona Council in 2002 for a sustained effort to improve the mastering of basic skills; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5439/05]
The Heads of State and Government, in their discussions in Barcelona in March 2002, reaffirmed the important role of education and training in developing a dynamic, efficient and inclusive Europe. In their conclusions they paid particular attention to, inter alia, the mastery of basic skills, including proficiency in foreign languages.
The issue of basic skills has been addressed in the White Paper on adult education, Learning for Life, published by my Department in 2000, which set out a range of areas requiring investment and development and identified the development of a national adult literacy strategy as the top priority in adult education.
The target adopted for the national anti-poverty strategy is "to reduce the proportion of the population aged 16-64 with restricted literacy to below 10-20% by 2007, restricted literacy being defined as falling below 200-225 on the international adult literacy survey scale or equivalent." My Department also has a target to provide adult literacy teaching to 113,000 adults over the lifetime of the National Development Plan 2000-2006.
Key developments in support of the expansion of programmes and the enhancement of supports for learners on these programmes include a significant increase in investment in adult literacy services, from approximately €1 million in 1997 to more than €19 million in 2004.
Regarding foreign language learning, the Barcelona European Council called for the teaching of at least two foreign languages from an early age. Increasingly, English is becoming the first foreign language taught, often as a compulsory subject, in other European countries. In Ireland, we have an advantage in having English as an official language and as the mother tongue of the majority of our students. However, this fact can also be a disincentive to the study of foreign languages, just as in other European countries it is often a challenge to persuade parents and students that it is worth learning foreign languages other than English.
In Ireland, all our students learn Irish, usually as their second language. The experience of learning any second language is hugely beneficial to students in that it develops their awareness of how languages work and builds confidence in their own ability to learn other languages. The great majority of our students leave school with a knowledge of two languages besides their mother tongue, usually Irish and a modern foreign language.
My Department has taken steps to introduce the teaching of foreign languages in primary school on a pilot basis and to diversify the range of languages on offer in second level schools. The modern languages in primary school initiative and the post-primary languages initiative both represent considerable commitment to the teaching of languages other than our two official languages and both initiatives have been successful in promoting their aims.
158 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the criteria used in determining school catchment areas; and the factors used in deciding on priorities for the construction of new school buildings. [5459/05]
In the interest of rational arrangements for the purposes of educational provision, the country is divided into catchment areas, each of which has its own post-primary education centre. These areas were drawn up in the late 1960s in the context of the free education scheme. The catchment boundaries were determined following consultation with local educational interests and the intention was that certain primary schools would feed exclusively into each post primary centre. A relatively small number of primary schools are shared between two or more centres. My Department provides resources to meet the educational needs of an area on this basis.
The prioritisation system used by my Department for large scale building works classifies projects by reference to a range of well established and well-defined categories. Within these categories, projects are assigned to an appropriate band of priority. There are four such bands, with band one being the highest priority and band four being the lowest. The criteria used to decide the band ratings were revised and published early last year following consultation with the education partners. When shaping a programme those projects that command the highest priority banding within their respective categories are considered for inclusion.
159 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if a resource support will be approved for a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5475/05]
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department considered an application for resource teaching hours for the person in question. The school was advised on 4 February 2005 that the pupil does not qualify for resource teaching support as the application did not meet the criteria for such support.
160 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science further to the reply of 27 January 2005 in respect of the use of credit cards in her Department, the total expenditure involved and the various transactions covered by credit card payment during the period in question; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5498/05]
The information that the Deputy has sought is as follows. The total expenditure in respect of the three credit cards issued for departmental use for the said period was €27,511.08. The transactions covered by this expenditure were subsistence and hospitality expenses associated with official duties and the purchase of IT equipment and services. Of the total amount in excess of 62% was spent on IT related items.
161 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number, cost and status of all public relation consultancies, contracts or procurements entered into by or on behalf of her Department or its agents or agencies in the past three years; the terms of reference in each such appointment; the person to whom such persons report and from whom they receive instructions; if any such person or group had any previous contracts, commitments or employment with either of the Government parties. [5512/05]
My Department has had two contracts with public relations consultants within the past three years. In the year to June 2002, an amount of €32,743.65 was paid to Dennehy Associates for general public relations advice and services. Reporting in respect of this contract was to the then Secretary General of my Department.
The second contract was with Carr Communications and was placed late in 2003. A total amount of €114,574.31 was paid by my Department in 2004 in connection with this. The contract was for assistance and advice on publicising the your education system national process of public consultation and for ground support in the running of the public meetings. Carr Communications received instructions from and reported to a steering group in my Department charged with overseeing the YES process.
My Department will make enquiries of the bodies under its aegis in connection with this question and provide the information directly to the Deputy. My Department has no information on any contracts, commitments or employment that these consultants have or have had with any third parties, including the Government parties.
162 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when extra special needs and speech therapy teachers will be allocated to a school in County Kildare to facilitate the requirements of a number of persons now attending with particular reference to the needs of persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5527/05]
My Department's special education section has no record of receiving an application for special educational needs supports from the school in question. The National Council for Special Education has taken over responsibility for processing resource applications for children with disabilities who have special educational needs. The council's responsibilities include deciding on applications for resource teaching support in respect of children with low incidence disabilities with special educational needs at primary level. Since 1 January 2005, all applications for such supports are made by schools to the local special educational needs organiser. It is open to the school concerned to complete an application form and submit it to the special educational needs organiser. The provision of therapies is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Health and Children.
163 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be permitted attend a school (details supplied) in Count Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5528/05]
The compulsory school starting age in a national school is six years of age and rule 64(1) of the rules for national schools provides that a child must be at least four years of age before she-he may be enrolled in a national school. Children of compulsory school-going age must have a place in a national school and overall there are more than enough places available. Enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools and my Department does not seek to intervene in decisions made by schools in such matters.
My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice. It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools that are not in a position to admit all pupils seeking entry to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act.
In this regard, a board of management may find it necessary to restrict enrolment to children from a particular area or a particular age group or, occasionally, on the basis of some other criterion. In formulating an admissions policy a school must, however, ensure it is lawful. In particular, it must act in accordance with section 7 of the Equal Status Act 2000 which, subject to very limited exceptions, prohibits schools from discriminating against people in relation to a number of matters including the admission or the terms or conditions of admission of a person as a student to the school.
Where a board of management refuses to enrol a student in a school, the parent of the student or, where the student has reached 18 years of age, the student himself or herself, following the conclusion of any appeal procedures at school level, has a statutory entitlement under section 29 of the Education Act to appeal that decision to the Secretary General of the Department of Education and Science. A committee is established to hear the appeal with hearings conducted with a minimum of formality. In most cases, appeals must be dealt with within 30 days. Where appropriate, the Secretary General may give whatever directions to the board of management that are considered necessary to remedy the matter complained of.
164 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Defence the total weight of waste that his Department produced within its own offices in the last year for which figures are available; the breakdown of the weight produced by paper, glass, aluminium and steel cans, textiles, plastics, organic waste, electrical and electronic equipment, batteries, hazardous waste and mixed waste respectively; the percentage of weight in each category which is recycled; and the details of any contracts his Department has for this disposal, reduction or re-use of waste. [5432/05]
The information sought by the Deputy is as follows: Department's headquarters, Parkgate, Dublin: waste is collected by a private waste disposal company which separates and recycles waste matter where possible. However, the company does not return any figures to my Department for the weight of the waste disposed of; Department's offices, Glasnevin: waste is collected by Dublin City Council; Department's offices, Galway: waste is collected by a private waste disposal company. The total weight of waste collected in 2004 was 21.25 tonnes. From time to time other contracts have been placed for the recycling of obsolete electronic equipment and shredded waste paper.
165 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence further to the reply of 27 January 2005 in respect of the use of credit cards in his Department, the total expenditure involved and the various transactions covered by credit card payment during the period in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5499/05]
The total expenditure in respect of the use of credit cards from 6 June 2002 to 29 September 2004 is as follows:
|
Name |
No. of Transactions |
Total Expenditure |
|
€ |
||
|
Minister M. Smith |
32 |
4,339.90 |
|
Private Secretary to Minister |
92 |
72,955.11 |
|
Secretary General |
30 |
6,120.77 |
|
Human Resources Manager |
3 |
331.14 |
The total expenditure in respect of the use ofcredit cards in the period 30 September 2004 to 27 January 2005 is as follows:
|
Name |
No. of Transactions |
Total Expenditure |
|
€ |
||
|
Minister O’Dea |
— |
— |
|
Private Secretary to Minister |
4 |
1,084.20 |
|
Secretary General |
3 |
1,320.26 |
|
Human Resources Manager |
1 |
300.00 |
Expenditure incurred was in respect of foreign travel, official entertainment and gifts purchased for presentation to foreign dignitaries.
166 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number, cost and status of all public relation consultancies, contracts or procurements entered into by or on behalf of her Department or its agents or agencies in the past three years; the terms of reference in each such appointment; the person to whom such persons report and from whom they receive instructions; if any such person or group had any previous contracts, commitments or employment with either of the Government parties. [5513/05]
My Department has awarded one contract for public relations projects in the last three years. Sweeney Communications Limited was paid €12,235, less withholding tax, in June 2002. No other payment was made to the company in question either before or since that date.
167 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is considering the introduction of a levy on car tyres to cover the cost of recycling them at end-of-life; the levy he considering; when such a levy scheme is likely to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5411/05]
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 with a view to establishing a producer responsibility initiative for this waste stream. This involves developing agreed detailed mechanisms for the operation of the take back of waste tyres, including how such arrangements will be funded in accordance with the principles of producer responsibility. These discussions are continuing with the intention of concluding the necessary arrangements for such an initiative later this year. Any consideration as to the introduction of any levy, or of its amount or form, would be premature prior to any producer responsibility initiative being agreed.
168 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a special fund exists whereby local authorities can secure top-up funds as a replacement for the loss of revenue from rates arising from the closure of a factory; if so, if in view of the decision of a company (details supplied) to close down a plant and the associated drop in rates revenue of approximately €750,000 to Carlow County Council, whether it will be able to avail of this fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5414/05]
General purpose grants to local authorities from the local government fund are based partly on a needs and resources assessment, which is designed to respond over time to fluctuations in income and expenditure. Local authorities receive income from a range of sources, including rates, charges for goods and services, specific State grants and general purpose grants from the local government fund. The 2005 general purpose grant allocation for Carlow County Council is €10,678,407, an increase of €950,362, or almost 10%, over the corresponding figure for 2004.
169 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the total weight of waste that his Department produces within its own offices in the last year for which figures are available; the breakdown of the weight produced by paper, glass, aluminium and steel cans, textiles, plastics, organic waste, electrical and electronic equipment, batteries, hazardous waste and mixed waste respectively; the percentage of weight in each category which is recycled; and the details of any contracts his Department has for this disposal, reduction or re-use of waste. [5433/05]
In accordance with its environmental policy statement, my Department is fully committed to the effective management of waste including prevention, reduction and recycling. This is a critical element of our ongoing accreditation to ISO 14001:1996 which we achieved for our headquarters offices in 2003. We are working towards achieving this certification for all our offices and in the meantime a number of objectives guide our waste management activities across the Department including to reduce the quantity of consumable resources used by the Department, to identify, maintain and improve recycling schemes for waste materials and to ensure that non-recyclable waste arising on site is disposed of as safely as possible.
A contract is in place for the collection and recycling of paper and cardboard packaging from my Department's main offices. The Department also engages, as required, the services of contractors, who specialise in recycling electrical and electronic equipment. Arrangements are in place in my Department's headquarters under which cans and plastic are collected and recycled by Dublin City Council. There are also arrangements in place for recycling glass and for the safe disposal of batteries. I am having similar arrangements put in place in other offices of my Department. The detailed information sought about the weight of various categories of waste produced by my Department is not available.
170 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that older electrical transformers may contain dioxins; and the measures which have been put in place to minimize the risks to the public. [5465/05]
I assume that the question refers to polychlorinated biphenyls, PCBs, which may be present in transformers. A management plan for PCBs was published by the Environmental Protection Agency in August 2002, which outlines the strategy to be adopted in the managing and disposal of PCBs and PCB-contaminated equipment.
171 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to promote the installation of active or passive solar panels on buildings. [5466/05]
My Department actively promotes the conservation of fuel and energy through part L of the national building regulations and the related technical guidance document L. Progressively higher thermal performance and insulation standards introduced under part L since 1992 have significantly reduced the energy required, from all sources, to heat space and water in buildings. For example, it is estimated that the increased part L standards for dwellings, which came into effect on 1 January 2003, will reduce domestic heating requirements by 23% to 33% depending on the type of building; and will, by 2012, reduce CO2 emissions from dwellings by 300,000 tonnes per annum. This delivers on a commitment made in the national climate change strategy in October 2000.
I understand that grants are available for demonstration projects of groups of buildings incorporating renewable energy including solar energy from Sustainable Energy Ireland, SEI, under the House of Tomorrow research, development and demonstration programme. The main focus of this programme is stimulating widespread uptake of superior sustainable energy planning, design, specification and construction practices. SEI comes under the remit of the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Dempsey.
My Department and local authorities are also taking a number of measures to encourage the voluntary use of renewable energy, including solar panels, in buildings. First, my Department's guidelines on the design of social housing, which were issued to local authorities in 1999, specifically advise that designers may also wish to consider the possibility of utilising solar panels to provide a proportion of water and space heating, where economic and practicable. A number of pilot projects have been undertaken by local housing authorities under the social housing programme in order to promote environmentally sustainable housing, including the use of solar energy. Relevant pilot projects include: Tallaght — Brookview — scheme; Tralee — Rathass — scheme, and Navan — Windtown — scheme. I understand that Wexford County Council is installing solar panels in a new 28 unit social housing scheme now under construction at Oilgate; and that SEI has allocated a grant of €140,000 in respect of these installations. Cork City Council has also specified solar panels in a number of dwellings covered by the The Glen regeneration project, phase 1, due to be completed in March 2005.
Second, my Department sponsors the sustainable building award, as part of the annual Irish architecture awards of the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland, RIAI. The criteria for this award include use of passive or active solar heating systems.
172 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the details of all payments due to managers, assistant managers and directors of services of local authorities from May 2001 to 31 December 2003; and when these payments issued to the persons concerned. [5469/05]
I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 95 and 174 of 9 February 2005. A copy of the report on the operation of the scheme is available in the Oireachtas Library. Following the decision of the committee for performance awards on the awards payable for 2003, a direction issued to each local authority on 27 July 2004. Payment of individual awards is a matter for each local authority concerned.
173 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the objectives and timescale of the proposed review to investigate whether water and sewerage projects will be speeded up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5470/05]
An informal working group comprising officials of my Department and of the city and county managers' association is currently examining ways to streamline procedures for dealing with water services projects being funded under my Departments water services investment programme. I expect the group to report before the summer.
174 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to the reply of 27 January 2005 in respect of the use of credit cards in his Department, the total expenditure involved and the various transactions covered by credit card payment during the period in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5500/05]
Total expenditure in relation to the 180 transactions carried out on my Department's credit cards in the period June 2002 to end December 2004 amounted to €78,434. Transactions primarily cover travelling subsistence and other accommodation costs, but also items such as entertainment and the purchase of goods on line, including technical publications and IT software where payment by invoice would not be appropriate.
175 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number, cost and status of all public relation consultancies, contracts or procurements entered into by or on behalf of her Department or its agents or agencies in the past three years; the terms of reference in each such appointment; the person to whom such persons report and from whom they receive instructions; if any such person or group had any previous contracts, commitments or employment with either of the Government parties. [5514/05]
My Department would not have information in relation to consultancy contracts, commitments or engagements with any political parties. The following is the other information requested:
|
Consultancy |
Consultant |
Fees Paid to Date |
|
Environmental Awareness Campaign: Race Against Waste |
Lyle Bailie International (Formerly known as McCann Erickson) |
€3,499,998.00 |
|
Consultancy |
Consultant |
Fees Paid to Date |
|
Advertising Campaign to Publicise the Supplementary Register used for Referendum on the Treaty of Nice |
Brindley Advertising Ltd. |
€16,969.23 |
|
Consultancy |
Consultant |
Fees Paid to Date |
|
€ |
||
|
Publicity Campaign Draft Register of Electors 2003-2004 |
Brindley Advertising Ltd. |
99,999.57 |
|
Publicity Campaign Draft Register of Electors 2004-2005 |
Cawley Nea Ltd. |
159,607.47 |
|
Publicity Campaign Draft Register of Electors 2005-2006 |
McConnells Advertising Service Ltd. |
158,758.35 |
|
Consultancy |
Consultant |
Fees Paid to Date |
|
Production of Advertisements Regarding the Register of Electors |
Brindley Advertising Ltd. |
€38,017.48 |
|
Consultancy |
Consultant |
Fees Paid to Date |
|
Publicity Work on Promotion of Electronic Voting including Roadshow for Nice II Referendum |
Carr Communications Ltd. |
€23,936.07 |
|
Consultancy |
Consultant |
Fees Paid to Date |
|
Electronic Voting Awareness Campaign |
McConnells Advertising Services Ltd. |
€3,315,049.00 |
|
Consultancy |
Consultant |
Fees Paid to Date |
|
Communications Consultancy |
Monica Leech Communications |
€321,625.00 |
176 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the manner in which storage space for the electronic voting technology was advertised; if normal tendering and procurement procedures were observed in each and every case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5526/05]
The procurement of appropriate secure storage accommodation for electronic voting machines and ancillary equipment is the responsibility of returning officers, who are statutorily charged with conducting elections and referenda. My Department has written to returning officers requesting information in relation to, inter alia, the procurement of such accommodation.
