Vol. 598 No. 2
15 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will consider the establishment of an expert group on niche product food production to come up with practical recommendations regarding the best way in which this sector can be promoted in rural Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5812/05]
The development of the small food production sector is of particular interest to me in the context of my remit as Minister with responsibility for rural development.
In June last year I agreed to fund the appointment of a small food producers co-ordinator to work, under the aegis of Comhar LEADER na hÉireann, with artisan and traditional food producers. The initiative is aimed at identifying barriers inhibiting small food producers, ranging from the scale of the enterprise, access to funding and distribution, marketing and promotion as well as the provision of skills and training and the regulatory environment. Achievements to date under this initiative include completion of a needs analysis with small food producers, Leader groups and agencies supporting the small food sector; holding of regional seminars with Leader groups; liaison with statutory agencies and producer groups to develop areas of co-operation; development of a small food business development training programme, in co-operation with FÁS services, for small businesses in the Cork-Kerry area covering areas such as finance, marketing, development of sales skills, distribution and quality management; completion of guidelines to assist Leader groups in establishing farmers markets and voluntary codes of practice; and compilation of a database of farmers markets; issue of templates and guidelines for the development of regional food guides to Leader groups.
My Department maintains regular contacts with the relevant Government Departments and statutory agencies, such as the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and Bord Bia. Arising from that, the co-ordinator has recently being appointed as a member of the FSAI artisan forum.
16 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding the mid-term review of the national drugs strategy; when the review will be complete; if he is in a position to report on the review to the Cabinet sub-committee on social inclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5797/05]
As the Deputy will be aware, work on the mid-term review of the national drugs strategy has been ongoing since mid-2004. The review is being overseen by a steering group, chaired by my Department, and comprising representatives from a number of relevant Departments and agencies as well as the community and voluntary sectors. A comprehensive consultation process was undertaken as part of the review and PA Consulting Group was engaged to assist the steering group in its work.
The review is examining the progress made to date in implementing the strategy and identifying future priorities for the remaining period up to 2008. The review is also examining the relevance of the strategy in tackling the current nature and extent of drug misuse in Ireland, including emerging trends.
I expect the steering group to report to me by mid to late March. I will then be making recommendations on the way forward to the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion at the earliest opportunity.
17 D’fhiafraigh Mr. McCormack den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cad é an dul chun cinn ata déanta maidir le ceapadh múinteoirí teiripe cainte Gaeilge, cen áit a mbeidh siad lonnaithe, an mbeidh siad ag freastal ar dhaltaí taobh amuigh den Ghaeltacht a bhfuil an Ghaeilge mar chéad teanga acu, agus an bhfuil aon ionchur ag an Roinn Sláinte sna ceapacháin. [5539/05]
D'fhógair mé ar 23 Eanáir 2005 go raibh comh-mhaoiniú ar bhonn 50:50 gur fiú€87,000 ceadaithe agam d'Fheidhmeannas na Seirbhíse Sláinte le cumasú dó triúr teiripeoirí urlabhra agus teanga le Gaeilge a fhostú chun cur leis na seirbhísí a bhíonn ar fáil sa réimse sin sna ceantair Ghaeltachta.
Is faoin bhfeidhmeannas atá sé, i gcomhar leis an Roinn Sláinte agus Leanaí de réir mar a oireann, na teiripeoirí seo a earcú agus a lonnú péáit a fhágann go mbainfear an luach is fearr is féidir as an mbeartas seo agus tuigtear dom go bhfuil socraithe ina leith idir lámha ag an bhfeidhmeannas cheana féin.
Ní miste a rá gur céim eile í seo atá tógtha le feidhm phraiticiúil a thabhairt don méid atá molta i dtuarascáil Choimisiún na Gaeltachta agus gur ar an mbonn go gcuideoidh an beartas seo lena chinntiú go ndéantar an Ghaeilge a sheachadadh ó ghlúin go glúin sa Ghaeltacht a ceadaíodh an cúnamh sa chás seo. Is ar an tuiscint go nglacfaidh an feidhmeannas freagracht as maoiniú iomlán an bheartais seo tar éis bliana a ceadaíodh an maoiniú seo.
18 D’fhiafraigh Mr. Sargent den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an ndéanfaidh sé cur síos ar an easaontas atá ar siúl, de réir nuachtán, idir Foras na Gaeilge agus roinnt eagras Gaeilge, agus an nglacfaidh sé ról cabhrach chun réiteach a fháil ar an aighneas seo gan mhoill. [5787/05]
23 D’fhiafraigh Mr. Gilmore den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an aontaíonn sé go bhfuil muinín caillte ag eagraíochtaí Gaeilge, Thuaidh agus Theas, as Foras na Gaeilge (sonraí tugtha); agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina leith. [5793/05]
30 D’fhiafraigh Mr. Gilmore den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé sásta go bhfuil go leor teagmhála ag Foras na Gaeilge le heagraíochtaí Gaeilge ar an talamh (sonraí tugtha); agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina leith. [5794/05]
38 D’fhiafraigh Mr. M. Higgins den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an aontaíonn sé go bhfuil buiséad mór ag Foras na Gaeilge agus ról straitéiseach náisiúnta nach bhfuil á chur i bhfeidhm (sonraí tugtha); agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina leith. [5790/05]
42 D’fhiafraigh Ms Burton den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an aontaíonn sé nach bhfuil roinnt cinntí a tógadh ag Foras na Gaeilge trédhearcach do ghrúpaí pobail atá ag feidhmiú ar an talamh (sonraí curtha ar fáil); agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina leith. [5792/05]
54 D’fhiafraigh Mr. M. Higgins den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an aontaíonn sé go bhfuil Foras na Gaeilge an iomarca faoi thionchar an Stáit (sonraí tugtha); agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina leith. [5795/05]
Ba mhaith liom Ceisteanna Uimh. 18, 23, 30, 38, 42 agus 54 a thógáil le chéile agus sna cásanna sin aird na dTeachtaí a dhíriú ar an bhfreagra a thug mé ar cheist uimhir 8 inniú.
22 D’fhiafraigh Mr. McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil aon socrú déanta aige bualadh le Bord Údaras na Gaeltachta chun na giorruithe airgid ata á gcur i bhfeidhm a phlé, agus an bhfuil sé féin sásta go mbeidh sé ar chumas an údaráis a dhualgais a chomhlíonadh de bharr a easpa acmhainní faoi mar atá faoi láthair. [5789/05]
Tá sé i gceist agam bualadh le Bord Údarás na Gaeltachta ar 4 Márta 2005. Glacaim leis go ndéanfar plé, i measc rudaí eile, faoin soláthar airgid a bheidh ar fáil don údarás sa bhliain reatha agus faoi thosaíochtaí na heagraíochta don tréimhse amach romhainn.
Tá soláthar iomlán de €34.33 million curtha ar fáil sna Meastacháin Ghiorraithe d'Údarás na Gaeltachta don bhliain 2005. Is méadú 3.4% é seo ar an tsuim €33.193 million a cuireadh ar fáil i 2004. Ag cur san áireamh an fháltais a gheofar ó fhoinsí eile, mar shampla, ioncam ó fhoirgnimh ar cíos agus ó sheirbhísí, maraon le teacht isteach ó dhíol sócmhainní, aisíoc deontas agus fáltais eile, tá mé sásta go gcuirfidh an soláthar seo ar chumas an údaráis leanúint ar aghaidh leis an obair fhiúntach a dhéanann sé i réimsí tábhachtacha ar mhaithe le buanú na Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht.
25 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the date for the publication of the draft charities legislation remains the end of 2005; if any new information has been made available on his Department’s webpage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5808/05]
In June of last year, following successful completion of our public consultation on charities regulation, I gave end 2005 as the best estimate at that stage for publication of the draft legislation. While I would not like to predict with certainty that this ambitious target can still be met on the nail, I can assure the Deputy that work is proceeding as speedily as possible within my Department. A further milestone in the process was reached only last week when, on Wednesday, 16 February, I launched the Law Reform Commission's consultation paper on proposals for reform of charitable trust law.
The Law Reform Commission agreed to assist and advise my Department in addressing certain governance issues as they relate to charitable trusts. The consultation paper represents a specialist contribution towards achievement of the Government commitment to regulate the charities sector for the first time in Ireland. The intention is that the outcome of the public consultation would be available to my Department for consideration during the course of preparation of the draft legislation.
As to what new information has been made available on our charities regulation webpage, at http://www.pobail.ie/en/CharitiesRegulation/, the press release which I issued on the occasion of last week’s launch can be found there; and the consultation paper itself can be accessed via the hyperlink on the webpage to the Law Reform Commission’s website.
26 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the next round of grants from the dormant accounts fund will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5803/05]
Decisions on the disbursement of funds from dormant accounts moneys are currently a matter for the Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board, an independent body established under the Dormant Accounts Acts. The board engaged Area Development Management Limited, ADM, to administer the initial round of funding on its behalf.
In June 2004, the Government announced an increase in the overall amount that the Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board may spend from €30 million to €60 million under this initial round of funding. To date the board has approved 420 projects for funding totalling approximately €42 million. Over the coming weeks further allocations will be made by the board up to a total figure of €60 million. In this regard, I understand that the board at its meeting today considered a number of further applications recommended for funding.
The Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Bill 2004 was published on 24 June 2004 fulfilling a commitment given by Government in December 2003 following its review of arrangements in relation to dormant accounts funding. The Bill is currently before the Oireachtas.
27 D’fhiafraigh Mr. Sargent den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an ndéanfaidh sé cur síos ar thionchar na rialachán a rinne sé a bhaineann le comharthaí bóithre, fógairtí béil, stáiseanóireacht agus le fógraí i gcoitinne, agus an bhfuil feabhas suntasach ar mhéid agus ar chaighdeán na Gaeilge a bhíonn le feiscint mar a raibh sé ag súil leis. [5786/05]
Mar a thug mé le fios i bhfreagra ar Cheist Dála Uimh. 79 ar 14 Nollaig 2004, tá mo Roinnse ag obair, i gcomhar le hOifig an Dréachtóra Parlaiminte, ar dhréacht de na Rialacháin a dhéanfar faoi Alt 9(1) d'Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003. Tuigfidh an Teachta nach mór do mo Roinn-se, mar chuid lárnach don phróiseas, dul i gcomhairle le Ranna Rialtais eile maidir leis an ábhar seo sula gcuirfidh mé na rialacháin i bhfeidhm. Ó tharla gur rialacháin cuimsitheacha a bhaineann le hábhair éagsúla atá i gceist, níl i gceist agam teora ama sonrach a lua leis an bpróiseas comhcomhairle seo. Tá sé mar sprioc agam, áfach, go mbeidh na rialacháin déanta roimh lár na bliana reatha agus tá súil agam go gcloífear leis sin.
Cé nach féidir liom mionsionraí a tabhairt go dtí go mbeidh na Rialacháin déanta, is féidir liom a rá go bhfuil dhá bhunphrionsabal lárnacha sa cheist seo. Tá sé i gceist agam go mbeidh rogha idir Ghaeilge, nó Gaeilge agus Béarla, a úsáid. Ní bheith an triú rogha — Béarla amháin — dlíthiúil níos mó. Beidh forálacha ar leith ag baint leis an nGaeltacht. An dara rud ná go gcaithfidh an Ghaeilge a bheith ar a laghad ar chomh-thaispeántacht leis an mBéarla ar aon chomhartha sa chás go roghnófar an dá theanga oifigiúil a úsáid.
32 D’fhiafraigh Mr. McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cad é an dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir le haer-stráice a chur ar fáil ar Oileán Thoraí, agus an ndéanfaidh se ráiteas ina thaobh. [5817/05]
Faoi mar is eol don Teachta, le cúpla bliain anuas táÚdarás na Gaeltachta i mbun oibre réamh-phleanála i gcomhair aerstráice ar Oileán Thoraí. Ag eascairt ón obair seo, fuarthas cead pleanála ó Comhairle Chontae Dhún na nGall i leith thógáil an aerstráice seo. Chun an togra seo a bhrú ar aghaidh, d'iarr mo Roinn anuraidh ar an údarás dul ar aghaidh le cuardach ar an suíomh don fhorbairt ar mhaithe le húinéirí na talún a aimsiú. Ach an obair seo a bheith críochnaithe, déanfar cinneadh maidir leis an ngá le horduithe ceannacháin éigeantaigh a chur i bhfeidhm ar an talamh don togra.
33 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if any new information is available to him in regard to additional applications through the central applications facility for posts in his Department to be transferred to new locations under the Government’s decentralisation plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5810/05]
My Department has received information from the central applications facility, CAF, on a number of occasions since September 2004.
The information received relates to numbers of civil and public servants who have expressed an interest in decentralising with my Department to Knock Airport and na Forbacha, the grade breakdown of these numbers, the names of serving staff in my Department who had opted to move with my Department or who had expressed a wish to transfer to other decentralised locations. The most recent updated information was received on 15 February 2005, which included the names and other details of those who have expressed an interest in decentralising with my Department. This information indicates that the number of applicants from general Civil Service grades now stands at 157 with, in addition, nine applications from other Civil Service grades and ten from other public servants.
The grade breakdown for general civil servants is as follows:
|
Grade |
|
|
Principal Officer |
2 |
|
Assistant Principal |
10 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
28 |
|
Administrative Officer |
1 |
|
Executive Officer |
45 |
|
Staff Officer |
12 |
|
Clerical Officer |
57 |
|
Services Officer |
2 |
|
Total |
157 |
34 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will report on the success or otherwise of the rural social scheme to date; the number of participants on the scheme at present; if he has satisfied himself with the level of awareness of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1924/05]
The rural social scheme, the details of which were announced in May 2004, accepted its first participants in July 2004 and the numbers have been increasing steadily since then. There are 1,114 participants on the scheme at present. There are 36 implementing bodies throughout the country and of those 27 have commenced projects under the scheme to date.
In addition, all 36 implementing bodies are working to ensure that there is a high level of awareness of the scheme in their respective communities. This is being achieved with the co-operation of the local social welfare offices which have sent information regarding the scheme to all recipients of farm assist. Advertisements have appeared in local newspapers and community publications and a number of the implementing bodies have held public information awareness meetings. I also avail of opportunities regularly to raise awareness about the scheme in relevant public fora.
I consider that substantial progress has been made in this period of time. I expect the participant numbers will continue to increase and that all 2,500 places will be availed of in the near future.
39 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if any new proposals have been brought to Government with regard to the restructuring of ADM; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5800/05]
I refer the Deputy to my replies to Question No. 75 on 9 November 2004 and Question No. 60 on 14 December 2004. Progress is being made in the restructuring of ADM. Proposals have yet to be brought to Government to give effect to these changes.
40 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the nature of the works which his Department has financially supported in the past 12 months, with particular reference to urban and rural community groups and those involved in combating drugs or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5973/05]
My Department funds a variety of measures to assist both urban and rural community groups, as well as measures to combat drugs misuse.
In 2004, an amount of €20.6 million was provided in my Department's Vote for the community development programme. Expenditure on that programme in the period February 2004 to end January 2005 was €21.677 million. This funding supports 185 community development projects, CDPs, in communities experiencing social and economic disadvantage. These projects provide facilities such as meeting rooms, crèches, office facilities and training or education projects to meet the needs of disadvantaged groups in their communities. The programme also includes groups that act as a resource for community development work with particular interest groups, for example, Travellers, lone parents, people with disabilities and ethnic or cultural minorities. The programme is designed to reduce poverty and social exclusion through targeting support at disadvantaged and socially excluded communities in order to improve their capacity to benefit from economic and social development. Funding for the community development programme has been increased to €22.4 million for the 2005 year.
My Department provides a range of once-off grants to a wide variety of locally-based community and voluntary groups. Funding of approximately €3.3 million was provided in the past 12 months for grants in the following categories: equipment and refurbishment grants — targeted at voluntary and community organisations in disadvantaged areas; and education, training and research grants — providing once-off payments to fund training, education or research initiatives aimed at supporting and enhancing the effectiveness of local community and voluntary groups in disadvantaged areas.
The scheme of community support for older people encourages and assists local support for older people by means of a community based grant scheme to improve the security of its older members. Funding is provided by way of grant aid to voluntary groups and organisations, which have undertaken to identify those elderly people in need of assistance under the scheme. My Department provided funding of approximately €2.5 million in the past 12 months under the scheme.
In 2004, €3.2 million was paid in grants to county-city development boards to fund cohesion and better delivery service projects which have been proposed by various agencies under the improved co-ordination of local and community development schemes.
In 2004, there was a provision of €42.144 million in my Department's Vote for the local development social inclusion programme, LDSIP. Funding was allocated to partnerships and community partnerships and territorial employment pacts to deliver the programme under three measures — services for the unemployed, community based youth initiatives and community development.
Capital funding of €4.5 million was available in 2004 to support small scale localised actions in RAPID areas, through co-funding with the relevant Department or agency. Funding of €1.3 million was also available to support ADM and local areas in the implementation of the RAPID programme.
Details of the areas covered by LDSIP and RAPID are available on my Department's website, www.pobail.ie.
The PEACE II programme is a distinctive EU Structural Funds programme aimed at reinforcing progress towards a peaceful and stable society and promoting reconciliation. My Department, through ADM-CPA, implements 12 measures of this programme that range from developing community infrastructure to new skills and new opportunities. Funding of €10.615 million was provided in my Department's Vote to meet commitments under the programme in 2004.
My Department has overall responsibility for co-ordinating the implementation of the National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008.
In this context, my Department has responsibility for the work of the 14 local drugs task forces in Dublin, Cork and Bray and the ten regional drugs task forces located in all areas of the country. The Department also funds the premises initiative which is designed to meet the accommodation needs of community based drugs projects and the young people's facilities and services fund development groups which are based in the 14 local drugs task forces areas, as well as in Carlow, Waterford, Limerick and Galway.
In 2004, my Department spent over €27 million on the above areas. In addition, an amount of over €6.5 million was transferred from the Vote of my Department to the Vote of the Department of Education and Science in early 2004 for mainstreamed young people's facilities and services fund projects.
An amount of €21.98 million was provided in 2004 for schemes to benefit communities in Gaeltacht areas, including road improvement, marine works, group water schemes, leisure facilities and cultural initiatives. In 2004, a capital allocation of €10.35 million was available for island development purposes. While the greater part of this funding was spent on essential public infrastructure on the islands, a proportion was also allocated towards community led projects such as recreational facilities and community centres.
My Department also provided funding of €33.183 million in 2004 to Údarás na Gaeltachta to assist in developing industries, services and employment opportunities, in addition to fostering and strengthening the Irish language, in Gaeltacht areas.
In the past 12 months, CLÁR funds of €10.9 million were spent on the various measures under the programme. This expenditure supported the provision and improvement of facilities ranging from roads, water and sewerage, village, housing and schools enhancement, health, broadband, electricity conversions and sports and community projects.
Under the programme, community groups availed of assistance under the measures detailed in the appendix set out below.
The rural development fund, provided for in the White Paper on rural development, was established to support research, evaluations and pilot actions mainly in disadvantaged rural areas. In the period in question the fund supported a number of initiatives including training in traditional skills; employment of local development workers; local tourism development projects; and the employment of a co-ordinator to examine barriers facing small food producers. A total of €582,634 has been spent on the rural development fund from February 2004 to end January 2005.
My Department provides support to rural communities under the Leader+ initiative and the area based rural development initiative and the rural development initiatives of the cross-Border programmes INTERREG IIIA and PEACE II.
The essential aim of the Leader+ initiative, which has a public contribution of some €73.7 million, is to encourage new approaches to integrated and sustainable development in rural communities. The initiative is in place in 22 areas throughout the country.
The area based rural development initiative has a public contribution of €75.6 million. The initiative complements the Leader+ programme and ensures the availability of funding in the 13 areas that were not appointed to deliver the Leader+ programme. Funding for rural-agritourism is provided from this programme on a nationwide basis. In addition, the three collective bodies, Muintir na Tíre, Irish Farmhouse Holidays and Irish Country Holidays that are not eligible under Leader+, receive assistance under this programme.
The rural social scheme was introduced in 2004 to focus on the provision of direct services in the community and at the same time to ensure an income for small farmers on long-term social welfare benefits with a working week compatible with farming.
There are 1,114 participants on the scheme at present. There are 36 implementing bodies throughout the country and of those 27 have commenced projects under the rural social scheme to date.
My Department continued to provide support to rural communities in the past 12 months under the rural development initiatives of the cross-Border programmes INTERREG IIIA and PEACE II.
Under the INTERREG III Ireland-Wales Programme 2000-2006 there is a rural development and diversification measure to promote the economic and social well-being of the rural communities in INTERREG target areas. The total funding package for this measure is €10 million, 2000-06. To date over 60% of this funding has been committed.
The rural initiative measure of the INTERREG IIIA Ireland-Northern Ireland Programme 2000-2006 aims to develop and strengthen the rural economy in disadvantaged cross-Border areas. The funding package amounts to €14 million over the period of the programme, 2000-06. To date, €5.9 million has been committed.
Funding is also provided in two measures under the PEACE II Programme 2000-2004, promoting rural community networking in marginalised rural communities and rural development co-operation and diversification. The funding package for both measures amounts to €5.7 million, of which over 60% has been committed.
The Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board, which is currently responsible for overseeing the disbursement of funds from dormant accounts, comes under the aegis of my Department. The board is an independent body established under the Dormant Accounts Acts. Funds from dormant accounts are targeted at assisting disadvantaged groups and communities and assisting persons with a disability. During 2004, the board approved 420 projects for funding totalling approximately €42 million.
APPENDIX
The figures relate to CLÁR expenditure only and cover the period 1 February 2004-31 January 2005.
Group Water Scheme and Group Sewerage Scheme
CLÁR provides funding to householders in the group schemes by way of limited top-up grants. The schemes are selected by the local authority on foot of applications received from groups. Expenditure on group water schemes and on group sewerage schemes totalled €0.044 million and nearly €0.072 million, respectively.
Local Improvement Scheme, LIS
CLÁR funds LIS roads to provide support for better road access to homes in remoter areas. Applicants contact their local authority who administers the scheme. The allocation under CLÁR is determined by the level of investment by the local authority from its county LIS allocation. Expenditure: €2.374 million.
Village Enhancement Scheme
CLÁR supports the joint village enhancement scheme operated by the Leader companies and the local authorities covering small-scale infrastructural projects. Applicant villages, which also contribute to the scheme, contact their local Leader group. Expenditure: €0.318 million.
Local Authority Housing Estate Enhancement Scheme
CLÁR and the local authorities co-fund a local authority housing estate enhancement scheme with a local contribution per project, which are selected by the local authority. Expenditure: €0.224 million.
Bi-lingual Signage Scheme
CLÁR and Foras na Gaeilge jointly fund a bilingual signage scheme for community projects in villages selected by Leader under the village enhancement scheme. A bilingual townland signage scheme also operates with funding from the local community. Expenditure: €0.032 million.
Top Up Scheme Sports Capital Grants
CLÁR provides limited top up funding to projects that are selected under the sports capital grants scheme run by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism and recommended for CLÁR support by that Department. Expenditure: €0.850 million.
Gaeltacht Sports and Community Grants
CLÁR provides limited top-up funding to projects in Gaeltacht areas supported by the Gaeltacht division of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs under its Gaeltacht improvement scheme. Expenditure: €0.131 million.
Community Initiatives
Community based projects attracting less than 50% public funding under Leader may qualify for CLÁR top-up funding subject to the certain conditions. Applicant villages contact their local Leader group. Expenditure: €0.256 million.
School Outdoors Play Facilities Enhancement Scheme
This scheme aims to improve outdoor play facilities in small rural primary schools in CLÁR areas and is co-funded by CLÁR and the Department of Education and Science up to 75% of the cost, supplemented by a 25% contribution from local sources. Expenditure: €0.297 million.
46 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on the recently published review of enterprise support in rural areas; if he intends fully to support the implementation of its recommendations in terms of his Department’s role in rural development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5818/05]
The review of enterprise support in rural areas was launched on 17 January 2005 at my Department's national rural development forum.
With my colleagues, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, whose areas of responsibility are also covered in the report, I am now examining the recommendations.
Decisions on implementation will, as appropriate, take account of the wider policy context and the operations and enterprise support strategies of development agencies.
I will also be taking account of the rural enterprise report in the context of the post-2006 EU rural development programmes. The provisions of the draft EU regulation, which will apply to the period 2007-2013, include diversification of the rural economy through, for example, development of micro-enterprises and rural tourism. Implementation will be through a local development strategy based on the Leader methodology. The negotiations on the details of how these arrangements, including funding, are to be implemented continue at EU level.
47 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on the development of an Irish language radio station for young persons; if he intends to progress this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5819/05]
The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, BCI, recently conducted a survey to determine the level of interest among the younger generation in Irish language radio programmes. The survey was co-funded by the commission, my own Department and by Foras na Gaeilge. The BCI published the results of the survey on 20 January 2005 and I intend to discuss those results with the relevant parties in the near future.
As I have already outlined to the House, this issue was brought forward in the context of the report of Coimisiún na Gaeltachta and in subsequent discussions by the advisory committee established by me to advise in regard to practical actions to implement the recommendations of the commission. Responsibility for the overall issue of establishing any such radio service on a national basis would rest with the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.
48 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will elaborate on his recent announcement regarding the provision of speech and language therapy for Irish speaking children in Gaeltacht schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5804/05]
I announced on 23 January 2005 that I had approved the provision of €87,000 to the Health Service Executive to co-finance on a 50:50 basis the appointment of three Irish-speaking speech and language therapists in order to improve the level and nature of the speech and language therapy services provided in Gaeltacht areas.
The arrangements surrounding the recruitment and deployment of these therapists to the best effect is a matter for the Health Service Executive in co-operation with the Department of Health and Children, as appropriate. I understand that discussions have already taken place on these issues.
The provision of this once-off funding to the Health Service Executive by my Department for this improved service represents another positive and significant measure in the practical implementation of the recommendations of Coimisiún na Gaeltachta and will help to ensure that the language is carried forward in the Gaeltacht as a living spoken language to the next generation. It should be noted that the grant was sanctioned on the understanding that the Health Service Executive would assume full responsibility for funding the initiative after the first year.
49 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the status of the promised charities legislation; the proposals contained in this legislation; when it will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5820/05]
In accordance with the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government, a comprehensive reform of the law relating to charities will be brought forward to regulate the sector for the first time in Ireland. As I informed the House on 14 December 2004, the content of the draft legislation would be likely to reflect the proposals in the Government-approved Consultation Paper on Establishing a Modern Statutory Framework for Charities, which received a broad overall endorsement in the public consultation phase last year.
While it would not be possible at this stage for me to predict with certainty that the best estimate which I gave last year of end 2005 for publication of the draft Bill can be met on the nail, I can assure the Deputy that work on preparation of the draft legislation is proceeding as speedily as possible, and that it is being given priority within my Department. In the context of the overall timeframe, I might also recall that I advised the House on the same occasion last December that the draft legislation would involve statute law revision and restatement, in addition to the new regulatory provisions. Going forward, therefore, we would be looking at a future charities regulation Bill of substance in vision, content and size.
50 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the public policy initiative he has taken that will result in much needed income other than from mainstream farming for the many medium and small scale farm families who will need this income if they are to stay in the countryside; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5805/05]
The rural social scheme was introduced in 2004 to provide directly improved rural services and at the same time to ensure an income and employment support for farmers who can no longer make a viable living on the land, within a working arrangement compatible with farming.
The scheme was designed specifically for farm families and its operations and structures are operated in a farmer-friendly manner. The scheme recognises that farmers have a wealth of experience and talents that need to be preserved for future generations and these talents are being harnessed for the good of the community. This scheme focuses on the provision of direct services in the community.
There are 1,114 participants on the scheme at present. There are 36 implementing bodies throughout the country and of those 27 have commenced projects under the rural social scheme to date. I expect the participant numbers will continue to increase and that all 2,500 places will be availed of in the near future.
51 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his departmental investigation into allegations of unprofessional conduct in Irish Waterways has been completed; the findings of the investigation; if he intends publishing the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5831/05]
As I outlined to the House in my reply to Question 38 of 14 December 2004, a joint investigation into allegations of bullying and harassment and related matters in Waterways Ireland was carried out, with the consent of the parties involved, by independent investigators appointed by my Department and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in the North. The report of the investigators was submitted to the Departments and actions to be taken on foot of the report have been agreed with the chief executive of Waterways Ireland.
The issue of a joint statement by the Departments in the matter is under consideration. I will arrange for a copy of any such statement to be supplied to the Deputy.
I welcome this opportunity to again acknowledge the efforts of the chief executive and staff of Waterways Ireland in advancing the work of this important North-South body, often in complex and difficult circumstances. As I stated in the House last December, the promotion of North-South co-operation in areas within my Department's remit remains a high priority for me and I will continue, in particular, to support the work of the North-South bodies responsible for inland waterways and language matters in every way possible.
56 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if, having accepted that Ballyfermot was wrongly excluded from strand 1 of the RAPID programme, he has addressed the situation to allow for its inclusion; if he has any further plans to expand the RAPID programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5801/05]
I have no plans at present to expand the geographical boundaries of RAPID areas. However, as I have stated previously, there appears to be an anomaly in relation to Ballyfermot, which despite meeting the criteria for inclusion in strand I of the programme, was omitted due to its inclusion in the URBAN II programme. I have met representatives from Ballyfermot in relation to this issue and I am awaiting their proposal.
58 Mr. Durkan asked the Taoiseach the number, cost and status of all public relations consultancies, contracts or procurements entered into by or on behalf of his Department or its agencies 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 groups had any previous contracts, commitments or employment with either of the Government parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5543/05]
The total number of PR consultancy contracts entered into by or on behalf of this Department in the past three years was 13 — three by my Department and ten by bodies under the aegis of my Department. Details of the contracts awarded by my Department are listed in Appendix 1, and details in respect of bodies under the aegis of the Department are listed in Appendix 2.
The PR consultancies listed were not engaged previously by this Department during the lifetime of the current Government.
|
1. Grayling Gilmore |
|
|---|---|
|
Length of Contract: |
July 2003-January 2004 |
|
Cost: |
€60,000 |
|
Terms of Reference: |
To promote and sustain awareness of Ireland’s hosting of the EU Presidency and its positive implications for the country. To highlight the calendar of events in advance of the Presidency and to explain the implications of our hosting of the Presidency domestically and internationally. To assist the Government Press Office with the effective communication of how and why decisions are made at European level, to encourage our citizens to engage in the processes that shape our lives. To promote and sustain awareness of Ireland’s hosting of the Presidency and its positive implications for the country. July 2003: To organise a National Launch of Ireland’s Presidency logo in tandem with the launch of the EU Event Calendar, involving the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and senior Ministers. August 2003: The organisation and management of a 4 week publicity campaign that would highlight the main Ministerial meetings and how they impact on the lives of citizens in those regions. December 2003: To promote and increase awareness immediately prior to our take-over of the EU Presidency by positively engaging the public both locally and nationally in the importance and significance of the role. |
|
Instructed by: |
Grayling Gilmore reported to and received instructions from the Government Press Secretary and the Press and Information Office in the Department of the Taoiseach. |
|
Status: |
Completed |
|
Length of Contract: |
May 2004-July 2004 |
|
Cost: |
€12,100 |
|
Terms of Reference: |
A contract for PR consultancy services was entered into by this Department in respect of the publication of the National Disability Strategy. The contract was completed with the publication of the Strategy on 21st September 2004. Its purpose was: To ensure consistency and quality across the Outline Sectoral Plans; to advise on the arrangements for publication of the Disability Bill, the Comhairle (Amendment) Bill and the Outline Sectoral Plans; to support and advise on a common approach to public information in the case of the above. |
|
Instructed by: |
Carr Communications reported to the Department’s Social Policy Unit working closely with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. |
|
Status: |
Completed |
|
Length of Contract: |
May 2004 — Ongoing |
|
Cost: |
€2,275 (plus €445 for travel and subsistence expenses) |
|
Terms of Reference: |
Mr. Geraghty, former President of SIPTU, is engaged to advise the Contact Group, chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach, to progress the Affordable Housing Initiative under Sustaining Progress, and to work with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on promoting the initiative and assisting with general communication issues including interaction with those in the relevant target group. |
|
Instructed by: |
Mr. Geraghty reports to the Social Partners on progress made on the Affordable Housing Initiative. Mr. Geraghty’s instructions are set out in the terms of reference in his contract. |
|
Status: |
Ongoing |
|
Information Society Commission — Fleishman-Hillard Saunders |
|
|---|---|
|
Length of Contract: |
October 2002 — December 2004 |
|
Cost: |
€121,180 |
|
Terms of Reference: |
The Information Society Commission appointed a public relations agency, FHS, to provide media and communications advice in relation to the development of its work programme, including stakeholder engagement with its 13 reports to Government and supporting research. |
|
Instructed by: |
Independent Chair of the ISC, Dr. Danny O’Hare, Former President of Dublin City University. |
|
Status: |
Completed |
|
Length of Contract: |
2002 |
|
Cost: |
€6,600 |
|
Terms of Reference: |
PR services re publication of Parliament Report |
|
Instructed by: |
Secretary to the Committee |
|
Status: |
Completed |
|
Length of Contract: |
2003 |
|
Cost: |
€5,000 |
|
Terms of Reference: |
PR services re launch of Report on Government, and oral hearings on Property Rights |
|
Instructed by: |
Secretary to the Committee |
|
Status: |
Completed |
|
Length of Contract: |
2004 |
|
Cost: |
€2,500 |
|
Terms of Reference: |
PR retainer and fees re launch of Property Rights Report |
|
Instructed by: |
Secretary to the Committee |
|
Status: |
Completed |
|
Length of Contract: |
November 2003 |
|
Cost: |
€6,804 |
|
Terms of Reference: |
To provide PR services for NESC |
|
Instructed by: |
Director of NESC |
|
Status: |
Ongoing |
|
Length of Contract: |
November 2004 (One month) |
|
Cost: |
€1,515 |
|
Terms of Reference: |
Launch of NESF Forth Periodic Report |
|
Instructed by: |
Director of NESF |
|
Status: |
Completed |
|
Length of Contract: |
May 2003 |
|
Cost: |
€83,446 |
|
Terms of Reference: |
To provide media and communication advice as requested |
|
Instructed by: |
Director of NCPP |
|
Status: |
Ongoing |
|
(a) Keating & Associates |
|
|---|---|
|
Length of Contract: |
January 2002 — March 2002 |
|
Cost: |
€38,143 |
|
Terms of Reference: |
Engaged to provide a media strategy and carry out a market Survey on behalf of the National Forum on Europe |
|
Instructed by: |
Secretary General of the National Forum on Europe |
|
Status: |
Completed |
|
Length of Contract: |
2002 — ongoing |
|
Cost: |
€125,895 |
|
Terms of Reference: |
Engaged on a per diem basis primarily for media relations and communications functions for the Forum covering regional, national and international media organisations. |
|
Instructed by: |
Director, National Forum on Europe and Deputy Director, National Forum on Europe (and the Chairman of the National Forum on Europe as required). |
|
Status: |
Under contract until June 2005 |
|
Length of Contract: |
2002 — ongoing |
|
Cost: |
€82,240 |
|
Terms of Reference: |
Engaged on a per diem basis primarily for media relations and communications functions for the Forum covering regional, national and international media organisations. |
|
Instructed by: |
Director, National Forum on Europe and Deputy Director, National Forum on Europe (and the Chairman of the National Forum on Europe as required). |
|
Status: |
Under contract until February 2005 |
59 Mr. Cuffe asked the Taoiseach the total weight of waste that his Department produces within its 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. [5544/05]
My Department does not have a figure for the total weight of waste disposed of per year. We have a figure for the quantity of paper waste disposed of — the amount in 2004 was 104,000 Kg. All paper and cardboard waste is recycled. Paper waste is disposed of through a private contractor, Leech Papers Limited. This contractor also removes cardboard free of charge for recycling.
Redundant photocopiers are removed by our current suppliers, Toshiba Ireland, who comply with the EC directive on waste electrical and electronic equipment, WEEE, and the EC directive on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment, RoHS, on the disposal of photocopiers.
During 2004, my Department had three areas of IT hardware disposals. These included: empty toner cartridges are boxed and collected by a company called Ergo Services for recycling. As part of this arrangement, Ergo Services donate a sum for each toner cartridge returned to them for recycling to The Jack and Jill Foundation charity; hardware that is still useable but not good enough for newer applications is made available for reuse. A number of these PCs were disposed of to staff in my Department, for a nominal fee, while others were given, free of charge, to a charity called PCs for Africa and to schools-community groups; and hardware which could not be recycled-reused was disposed of in 2004 to a company called Systems 2000 following a tendering process. This comprised 62 monitors, 42 PCs, 11 laptops, 12 printers, 47 keyboards, one scanner and two routers. None of this equipment was of any further practical use.
We are in the process of putting in place arrangements for recycling of cans and plastic bottles.
General waste is removed by Dublin City Council. We are continually reviewing the possibility of increasing the amount of such waste which can be disposed of by recycling. Most stationery used by my Department is recycled paper.
60 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the circumstances in which a person who has been adopted can get information about his or her birth name and his or her natural parents; and if there are plans to modify these requirements. [5609/05]
An adopted person wishing to trace natural family should contact the agency that handled his or her adoption. If the person does not know the name of the agency involved, he or she may contact the Adoption Board for advice. The Adoption Board working with the various representative groups is currently finalising plans for a contact preference register which will aim to facilitate contact between adopted people and their natural families. This register will initially be established on an administrative basis, but it also forms part of the adoption legislation proposals approved by Government in December on foot of the adoption consultation process.
61 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the grant aid advanced to the National Disability Federation of Ireland for the years 2003 and 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5552/05]
62 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the grant aid advanced to the Disability Federation of Ireland for the years 2003 and 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5553/05]
64 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the grant aid advanced to Brainwave for the years 2003 and 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5555/05]
65 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the grant aid advanced to Headway Ireland for the years 2003 and 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5556/05]
66 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the grant aid advanced to Enable Ireland for the years 2003 and 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5557/05]
68 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the grant aid advanced to the National Association for Deaf People for the years 2003 and 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5560/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 61, 62, 64 to 66, inclusive, and 68 together.
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of funding to voluntary organisations. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer of the executive's eastern regional area to investigate the matters raised and reply to the Deputy.
63 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the grant aid advanced to Mental Health Ireland for the years 2003 and 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5554/05]
Mental Health Ireland received funding in the amount of €814,700 from my Department in 2003. Further once-off grants totalling €110,000 were made available to the organisation by my Department in 2004. An additional €15 million revenue funding will be made available for the further development of mental health services, including voluntary organisations, in 2005.
67 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the grant aid advanced to the Carers Association for the years 2003 and 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5559/05]
The Carers Association received a grant of €899,026 in 2003 and €975,088 in 2004 from the Department of Health and Children. In addition, funding has been provided to local branches of the Carers Association.
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 funding to organisations such as the Carers Association. My Department has written to the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy.
69 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the grant aid advanced to the National Council for Ageing and Older People for the years 2003 and 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5561/05]
The National Council for Ageing and Older People received grant funding from the Department of Health and Children of €1.055 million in 2003 and €1.202 million in 2004.
70 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be called to the cardiothoracic unit of the Mater Hospital in Dublin for further treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5583/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. As the person in question resides in County Clare, 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.
71 Mr. Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the building of Dingle hospital will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5585/05]
The question of a new capital development in Dingle is a matter to be addressed in the context of the Health Service Executive's national service plan, which will indicate its proposed capital plan for this year. I expect this plan will be presented shortly.
72 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in providing grab rails at the home of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if an occupational therapist’s report is available in the case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5594/05]
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 aids and appliances. 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.
73 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding hours of home help in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5595/05]
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, deliver or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of health services in County Kilkenny. 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.
74 Mr. McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the review of medical cards for eligible persons suffering from long-term illnesses, particularly in the case of a young person suffering a physical disability such as cerebral palsy or spina bifida; the number of times that person’s eligibility for a medical card is reviewed; the guidelines laid down for the health boards in those cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5596/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the assessment of applications for medical cards. The periodic review of eligibility and the frequency of such reviews are also matters for the HSE's local area to consider and determine. However, the HSE takes into account the circumstances of each case when setting the renewal dates. Reviews are necessary to ensure the medical card databases are accurate and that public accountability issues are addressed.
On the issue of children with very serious illnesses, an operational group overseeing the medical card scheme has been asked to put processes in place that limit the need for frequent reviews in these cases, where a review would normally result in automatic renewal of the medical card. Persons aged 70 years and over have a statutory entitlement to a medical card since 1 July 2001, otherwise applicants, including those who may suffer from the diseases mentioned by the Deputy, must apply to the local area of the HSE to have their cases assessed on the basis of income and medical need.
Under the Health Act 1970, the HSE may arrange for the supply, without charge, of drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances to people with a specified condition, for the treatment of that condition through the long-term illness scheme. The conditions are mental handicap, mental illness — for people under 16 only, phenylketonuria, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, haemophilia, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophies, parkinsonism, conditions arising from thalidomide and acute leukaemia. Parkinsonism, acute leukaemia, muscular dystrophies and multiple sclerosis were added to the scheme in 1975. The LTI does not cover GP fees or hospital co-payments.
75 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will introduce a statutory scheme for the provision of chiropody services under the medical card. [5608/05]
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 chiropody services. The provision of chiropody services is a matter for the local areas of the HSE. There is no statutory obligation to provide these services; but nationally, a variety of arrangements are in place for the provision of chiropody services; however, there are no plans presently to introduce a statutory scheme. It was discovered that chiropodists in the former ERHA area were imposing additional charges for their services on medical card holders. My Department informed the authority that it was inappropriate to impose such charges and it recently wrote to the HSE with a view to getting an early resolution to this matter.
76 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to the opening of a psychiatric unit in Beaumont Hospital; when the proposal for this unit was first initiated; and when it is likely that it will be fully open. [5616/05]
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 mental health services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the HSE eastern regional area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
77 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the flaws which have been identified by the inspector of mental hospitals in respect of the facilities at St. Ita’s, Portrane; if her Department has agreed with the health board a critical path for the modernisation and upgrading of these facilities; if she plans to intervene to speed up the planning process in view of the lengthy delay in getting to grips with problems which have been identified over a long period. [5617/05]
The provision of facilities at St. Ita's Hospital, Portrane, is a matter to be addressed in the context of the Health Service Executive's national service plan, which will indicate its proposed capital plan for this year. I expect this plan will be presented shortly.
78 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of persons covered by a medical card at each of the dates 1 January 1997, 1 June 2002, 30 September 2004, 31 January 2005; and for the most recent date available. [5636/05]
87 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of persons in each county covered by a medical card on 1 January 1997, 1 June 2002, 30 September 2004 and 31 January 2005; and the number at the latest date for which figures are available. [5664/05]
106 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of persons in County Roscommon covered by a medical card on 1 January 2003, 2004 and 2005 respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5698/05]
107 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of persons in County Leitrim covered by a medical card on 1 January 2003, 2004 and 2005 respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5699/05]
108 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of persons in County Longford covered by a medical card on 1 January 2003, 2004 and 2005 respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5700/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 78, 87 and 106 to 108, inclusive, together.
The details requested by the Deputies are set out in the following table:
|
County |
January 97 |
June 02 |
January 03 |
January 04 |
September 04 |
January 05 |
February 05 |
|
Dublin |
282,872 |
291,310 |
277,378 |
271,837 |
273,582 |
272,855 |
271,892 |
|
Kildare |
35,004 |
39,505 |
37,973 |
36,967 |
37,391 |
36,934 |
36,547 |
|
Wicklow |
35,068 |
30,211 |
28,918 |
27,982 |
27,804 |
27,502 |
27,411 |
|
Laois |
21,518 |
18,375 |
17,926 |
17,318 |
17,311 |
17,095 |
17,327 |
|
Longford |
12,957 |
12,647 |
12,499 |
12,263 |
12,363 |
12,386 |
12,532 |
|
Offaly |
23,634 |
19,746 |
19,303 |
18,974 |
19,137 |
19,101 |
19,359 |
|
Westmeath |
22,337 |
20,887 |
20,929 |
20,675 |
21,068 |
21,082 |
21,456 |
|
Clare |
30,962 |
31,133 |
29,620 |
30,438 |
30,887 |
30,672 |
30,623 |
|
Limerick |
55,177 |
52,027 |
50,370 |
49,212 |
49,657 |
49,629 |
49,227 |
|
Tipperary N |
20,822 |
20,098 |
19,105 |
19,135 |
19,061 |
18,918 |
18,921 |
|
Cavan |
22,030 |
19,216 |
19,124 |
18,768 |
18,400 |
18,564 |
18,463 |
|
Louth |
39,821 |
39,075 |
37,486 |
35,942 |
34,746 |
34,493 |
34,437 |
|
Meath |
38,645 |
32,008 |
30,550 |
31,517 |
30,440 |
29,867 |
29,592 |
|
Monaghan |
22,497 |
17,993 |
17,285 |
16,632 |
16,462 |
16,308 |
16,249 |
|
Donegal |
69,524 |
66,787 |
65,734 |
66,852 |
67,618 |
67,188 |
67,295 |
|
Leitrim |
12,430 |
11,526 |
11,476 |
11,264 |
11,344 |
11,163 |
11,186 |
|
Sligo |
20,615 |
20,270 |
19,714 |
19,629 |
19,483 |
19,442 |
19,222 |
|
Carlow |
17,061 |
16,365 |
16,008 |
15,602 |
15,455 |
15,190 |
15,242 |
|
Kilkenny |
22,159 |
20,567 |
20,152 |
19,756 |
19,708 |
19,473 |
19,534 |
|
Tipperary S |
27,309 |
29,064 |
28,607 |
28,720 |
28,459 |
28,336 |
28,304 |
|
Waterford |
39,508 |
35,775 |
34,955 |
34,716 |
34,785 |
34,925 |
34,696 |
|
Wexford |
40,799 |
39,693 |
38,878 |
39,318 |
39,276 |
38,986 |
38,929 |
|
Cork |
139,370 |
135,619 |
133,236 |
131,669 |
131,273 |
130,863 |
130,869 |
|
Kerry |
46,993 |
44,504 |
43,189 |
42,005 |
41,428 |
40,915 |
40,855 |
|
Galway |
73,724 |
70,884 |
68,293 |
66,704 |
66,432 |
65,684 |
65,561 |
|
Mayo |
55,910 |
51,052 |
49,660 |
48,859 |
47,635 |
47,493 |
47,281 |
|
Roscommon |
23,638 |
20,759 |
20,376 |
20,154 |
19,901 |
20,019 |
19,612 |
|
Total |
1,252,384 |
1,207,096 |
1,168,745 |
1,152,908 |
1,151,106 |
1,145,083 |
1,142,618 |
79 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a decision taken in December 2004 not to issue a medical card to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be reviewed; if consideration will be given to this person's serious medical condition and need for ongoing treatment and daily medication; and if a decision in this case will be expedited. [5643/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the assessment of applications for medical cards. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer of the executive's south eastern area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
80 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if home help will be arranged in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [5644/05]
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, deliver or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of health services in County Kilkenny. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's south eastern area to investigate the matter raised and to reply direct to the Deputy.
81 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if research has been or will be carried out or into the effect of the smoking ban on consumer behaviour, the hospitality industry and tourism; the way in which the ban has affected businesses and the sales of cigarettes, alcohol, food and beverages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5645/05]
On 29 March 2004 most enclosed places of work became smoke free. The primary purpose of this measure is to protect the health of workers and the public from exposure to toxic second-hand tobacco smoke. The Deputy will appreciate that decisions in regard to workplace safety are not influenced by considerations relating to their effect on trade. A survey on the smoke free workplace measure commissioned by my Department was carried out by a market survey company and published in August 2004. The figures show that of those surveyed 82% support the smoke free at work measure; 90% agreed that going smoke free is of benefit to workers; 82% agreed that it benefits everyone in public places; and 95% agreed that the legislation is a positive health measure.
The survey reported a positive response to socialising in smoke free hospitality venues with a majority of people confirming that the new smoke free legislation improved their experience in pubs, 70%, and restaurants, 78%. More than half of respondents, 53%, indicated that they would be more inclined to eat in a pub since 29 March 2004. Research carried out by Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority, in respect of 2004 shows that 97% of visitors would recommend a holiday in Ireland. With regard to the smoke free measure, the research showed 77% of overseas visitors were in favour with 26% saying they would be more likely to holiday in Ireland as a result and 5% saying they would be less likely to holiday here.
With regard to the impact of the smoke free workplace measure on sales of cigarettes, alcohol, food and beverages my Department has not commissioned any research. However, provisional figures from the Revenue Commissioners indicated that sales of cigarettes have decreased by 10% in 2004 as compared to 2003. The media have reported that beer sales in licensed premises have declined in recent years and this is ongoing. However this is being attributed to a number of factors and not only the introduction of the smoke free measure.
82 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 89 of 10 February 2005, the amount spent on the national public awareness campaign aimed at persons in the 18 to 35 age group which, since 2000 to date, has been developed to increase awareness of safe sex and sexually transmitted infection; if research has been carried out on the effectiveness of that campaign; if she intends to commission such research; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5646/05]
The amount spent on the sexual health campaign referred to by the Deputy is as follows:
|
Year |
Total Funding |
|
€ |
|
|
2000 |
106,000 |
|
2001 |
112,000 |
|
2002 |
164,000 |
|
2003 |
193,000 |
|
2004 |
165,000 |
An evaluation of the programme was undertaken in 2000 which informed the development of the most recent campaign. In addition, throughout the development phase, individual campaign messages are focus group tested with the target populations. Plans for an evaluation of the current approach are under way and it is expected that this evaluation will take place in May 2005.
83 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the amount spent each year since 2000 to date on the national youth health programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5647/05]
Funding of the national youth health programme since 2000, including a specific allocation for an alcohol education initiative funded by the health promotion unit in 2000 and 2001, is as follows:
|
Year |
Total Funding — Euro |
Department of Health and Children |
Department of Education and Science |
Other |
|
2000 |
194,916 |
106,689 |
60,947 |
27,280 |
|
2001 |
222,922 |
92,903 |
71,105 |
58,914 |
|
2002 |
234,535 |
72,863 |
75,015 |
86,657 |
|
2003 |
212,105 |
75,391 |
75,765 |
60,949 |
|
2004 |
222,106 |
75,391 |
78,796 |
67,920 |
In recent weeks the national youth health programme launched a new strategic action plan for 2005-07. Progress on implementing this plan is under way.
84 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position of the application for special housing aid for the elderly for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; when the application will be processed or works commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5661/05]
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 the housing aid scheme in County Wexford on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. 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.
85 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position of the application for special housing aid for the elderly for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; when the Health Service Executive will respond to Parliamentary Question No. 206 of 2 February 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5662/05]
Parliamentary Question No. 206 was referred to the HSE south eastern area on 31 January 2005. My Department made inquiries of the HSE south eastern area and has been informed that the matter is being investigated. A reply should issue shortly to the Deputy.
86 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the details of organisations to which her Minister of State referred in response to Parliamentary Question No. 4 of 10 February 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5663/05]
I have wide ranging discussions with many organisations concerning many sensitive issues in the mental health area. Many of these discussions are confidential and I am not at liberty to divulge the details.
88 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of persons over the age of 70 in possession of a medical card who were or are at the higher capitation and at the lower capitation rate on 1 June 2002, 30 September 2004 and 31 January 2005; and the number at the latest date for which figures are available. [5665/05]
The number of persons 70 years and over in possession of a medical card who were or are at the higher capitation and at the lower capitation rate is set out in the following table:
|
Date |
No. of persons 70 years and over at higher capitation rate |
No. of persons 70 years and over at lower capitation rate |
Total no. of persons 70 years and over covered on GMS |
|
June 2002 |
74,868 |
249,474 |
324,342 |
|
September 2004 |
111,065 |
203,532 |
314,597 |
|
January 2005 |
113,723 |
202,051 |
315,774 |
89 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the proportion of medical cards in circulation which provide medical cover for more than one person; the average number of persons in such cases; the proportion of medical cards currently in circulation which provide medical cover for only one person, that is, the card-holder; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5666/05]
Information from the Health Services Executive shared services' primary reimbursement service for February 2005 indicates that 766,342 cards are in circulation and that the number of eligible persons covered is 1,142,618, or 1.49 persons per card. A more detailed breakdown of the total figure, in the manner specified in the question, has been requested from the HSE and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
90 Mr. Andrews asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has recently met the Coeliac Society of Ireland; and the funding arrangements planned for its work. [5670/05]
I have not met the Coeliac Society of Ireland. However, the question of funding for the society is receiving early consideration by my Department.
91 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the cost per return journey of a privately hired ambulance from Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan to Dublin and other external hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5671/05]
92 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the likely timeframe for the remaining stages of the construction of a new ambulance base in Monaghan town, currently at design stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5672/05]
93 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the cost per return journey of a privately hired ambulance from the Louth Hospital, Dundalk to Dublin and other external hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5673/05]
94 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the cost per return journey of a privately hired ambulance from Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda to Dublin and other external hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5674/05]
95 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the cost per return journey of a privately hired ambulance from Monaghan General Hospital to Dublin and other external hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5675/05]
96 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the cost per return journey of a privately hired ambulance from Cavan General Hospital to Dublin and other external hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5676/05]
97 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the expenditure on privately hired ambulance journeys between County Louth and Dublin and other external hospitals in 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5677/05]
98 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the expenditure on privately hired ambulance journeys between the North Eastern Health Board area and Dublin and other external hospitals in 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5678/05]
99 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the expenditure on privately hired ambulance journeys between County Cavan and Dublin and other external hospitals in 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5679/05]
100 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the expenditure on privately hired ambulance journeys between County Monaghan and Dublin and other external hospitals in 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5680/05]
101 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the expenditure on privately hired ambulance journeys between County Meath and Dublin and other external hospitals in 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5681/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 91 to 101, inclusive, together.
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage 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 north eastern area to investigate the matters raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
102 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that it is impossible for electronic files on patients to be shared between hospitals due to the fact that the primary identifier on a patient’s file is a number assigned to him or her by the hospital, which makes cross-referencing impossible, so that if a patient is subsequently treated at a different hospital there is no efficient way to obtain his or her history; her views on the establishment of a system whereby the primary identifier would be the PPS number or, in the case of tourists, the passport number; if she will take steps to have such a system implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5684/05]
The health information strategy published in 2004 provides for the introduction of a system of unique identification of health service clients and patients which will be based on the PPS number. This will be critical to the reliable identification of patients which is an essential element in the safe transfer of electronic patient records between health care providers. The question of the identification of patients who are not Irish residents will be considered in detail as part of the process. It will also be necessary to ensure that any system of transfer of electronic patient information between health care providers has inbuilt safeguards regarding the appropriateness of that transfer which will protect the privacy and confidentiality of that information.
Any necessary legislative or regulatory support for the implementation of the PPS number in the health service will be considered in the context of legislation which my Department will be drafting to address any legal issues arising in the context of the implementation of the health information strategy.
103 Mr. Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street is not accepting public or semi-private cases for the next few months; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that this is causing distress for some expectant mothers who have given birth to their other children in this hospital; the action she will take to resolve this problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5688/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, HSE, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services.
Services at the National Maternity Hospital are provided under an arrangement with the executive. My Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's eastern regional area to examine the issues raised and to reply to the Deputy directly.
The HSE is aware of the challenges facing the National Maternity Hospital in meeting demand and will continue to work with the three Dublin maternity hospitals to jointly address the issue of how best to manage the provision of maternity services throughout 2005.
104 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when work will be completed to a house (details supplied) in County Limerick under the special housing aid for the elderly scheme. [5694/05]
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 the housing aid scheme in County Limerick, on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. 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.
105 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when work will be completed under the special housing aid for the elderly scheme for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [5695/05]
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 the housing aid scheme in County Limerick, on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. 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.
109 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress made by her Department in reviewing the impact of the diabetes shared care pilot scheme in north Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5710/05]
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 diabetic services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's eastern regional area to investigate the matter raised and reply directly to the Deputy.
110 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the action she proposes to take to rectify a phenomenon described as dangerously inadequate staffing and facilities that are seriously unsatisfactory, in view of the external report launched on 7 February 2005 by the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland confirming that Ireland has the highest incidence of cystic fibrosis in the world. [5711/05]
The Health Service Executive, which has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services, recently met the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland and has agreed to its request to establish a working group to consider the recommendations in the report.
The report provides an assessment of need for current and future cystic fibrosis patients and makes a number of recommendations with regard to numbers and types of staff appropriate for a modern multidisciplinary cystic fibrosis service. The report concludes that in the future it will be essential to base cystic fibrosis care in fewer units of a more significant size in order to sustain viable staffing levels and to ensure that staff have a sufficient workload to enable them to maintain their skills level.
I understand the Health Service Executive and St. Vincent's Hospital, which is designated as the national adult cystic fibrosis centre, are pursuing proposals to improve the physical infrastructure to support the highly professional treatment and care services provided there at present.
111 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the amount spent by publicly funded hospitals in the employment of debt collectors in the years 2003 and 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5712/05]
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. The information requested by the Deputy is not routinely collected by my Department. Therefore, my Department has requested the chief officer of each of the executive's regional areas to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested.
112 Ms Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when funding will be provided to sanction staff for the remaining 20 beds at Birr community nursing unit; the number of extra staff which will be sanctioned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5713/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. My Department is awaiting the 2005 service plan from the Heath Service Executive. In the interim, my Department has asked the chief officer of the Health Service Executive's midland regional area to investigate the position regarding this project and to reply directly to the Deputy.
113 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be called for a psychology appointment. [5726/05]
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 mental health services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's western regional area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
114 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of persons employed as home attendants in the Kildare and west Wicklow areas in the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5727/05]
115 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of persons employed as home help assistants in the Kildare and west Wicklow areas in the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5728/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 115 together.
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of home help service. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's eastern regional area to investigate the matters raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
116 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of persons in receipt of home help assistance in the Kildare and west Wicklow areas in the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5729/05]
117 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding from her Department regarding the home help assistance programme in Kildare and west Wicklow in the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5730/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 117 together.
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of home help service. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's eastern regional area to investigate the matters raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
118 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason the ex gratia scheme in respect of payment deducted from those in publicly funded long stay care facilities is restricted to those who were alive on 9 December 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5742/05]
An ex gratia payment scheme was initiated by the Government as a goodwill gesture, as it believed that some form of repayment should be made to those with full eligibility who had paid long stay charges. Therefore, a decision was taken to make repayments to people with full eligibility who had paid charges and who were alive on 9 December 2004, the date on which the health agencies were instructed to cease charging.
My Department is currently studying the Supreme Court judgment in detail and will take on board all the consequences for policy and law arising from the judgment. The details of a repayment scheme to address the situation following the Supreme Court decision are currently being finalised.
119 Mr. Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 has not been granted the medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5743/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the assessment of applications for medical cards. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's eastern regional area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
120 Mr. Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will respond to the concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied) and address the issues raised therein; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5755/05]
The nursing home subvention scheme was introduced in 1993 with the intention of financially helping those who chose private nursing home care over public long stay care. It was intended to help with the costs of this care for people who could not afford to pay the full fees involved, but it was never envisaged the scheme would cover the full cost of care. To this end a means test was employed to ensure that the available funds were allocated to those most in need. Some €5 million was allocated to the scheme in 1993 and that figure has risen to more than €120 million in 2005.
There are currently three rates of subvention payable under the regulations, that is €114.30, €152.40 and €190.50 for the three levels of dependency, medium, high and maximum. The above rates, which include a 25% increase from April 2001, were set by the Nursing Homes (Subvention) Regulations 1993.
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 applications for nursing homes subvention. 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.
121 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the parents of autistic children had any input into the review of services available to persons with autism being conducted by the South Eastern Health Board, SEHB; if a draft report will be discussed with groups representing parents of autistic children in the counties concerned; if completion of the report will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5774/05]
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 conducting a review of services available to persons with autism. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer of the executive's south-eastern area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
122 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the situation with regard to orthodontic treatment in the mid-west region; if she will deal with the huge waiting list for children in the mid-west region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5844/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, HSE, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for orthodontic services. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that a number of measures have been adopted to improve orthodontic services in the HSE mid-western area and on a national basis.
The grade of specialist in orthodontics has been created in the orthodontic service. In 2003, my Department and the former health boards funded 19 dentists from various health board areas for specialist in orthodontics qualifications at training programmes in Ireland and at three separate universities in the United Kingdom. These 19 trainees for the public orthodontic service include six dentists who successfully completed their training in September 2004 and have taken up duties with the HSE. These measures will complement the other structural changes being introduced into the orthodontic service, including the creation of an auxiliary grade of orthodontic therapist to work in the orthodontic area.
Furthermore, the commitment of the Department to training development is manifested in the funding provided to both the training of specialist clinical staff and the recruitment of a professor in orthodontics for the Cork dental school. This appointment at the school will facilitate the development of an approved training programme leading to specialist qualification in orthodontics. My Department has given approval in principle to a proposal to further substantially improve training facilities for orthodontics at the school, which will ultimately support an enhanced teaching and treatment service to the wider region, including the HSE mid-western area, under the leadership of the professor of orthodontics.
123 Mr. Noonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that no further funding is available for a special school (details supplied) in County Limerick for autistic children; if she will review the situation with a view to providing funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5850/05]
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 funding. 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.
124 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if and when she will include Crohn’s disease in the list of illnesses covered under the long term illness scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5851/05]
Under the 1970 Health Act, the Health Service Executive may arrange for the supply, without charge, of drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances to people with a specified condition, for the treatment of that condition through the long term illness scheme, LTI. The conditions are: mental handicap, mental illness, for people under 16 only, phenylketonuria, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, haemophilia, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophies, parkinsonism, conditions arising from thalidomide and acute leukaemia. Parkinsonism, acute leukaemia, muscular dystrophies and multiple sclerosis were added to the scheme in 1975. The LTI does not cover GP fees or hospital co-payments.
Prior to 1971, there was inadequate provision for assistance to people with large ongoing medical expenses. The purpose of the LTI scheme was to protect patients with a specified condition from excessive drug costs, by providing free drugs and medicines to treat that condition only. Following the establishment of the GMS scheme in 1971, to provide free treatment for those who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange to provide it for themselves and their dependants, various co-payment schemes have been introduced to provide assistance towards the cost of approved drugs and medicines for non-medical card holders with significant ongoing medical expenses, without restriction to the treatment of a particular condition. Since 1999, non-medical card holders and people with conditions not covered under the LTI have been able to use the drugs payment scheme, DPS. Under this scheme, no individual or family unit pays more than €85 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines.
In light of the protection from excessive drug costs provided by the GMS and DPS schemes, there are no plans to amend the list of eligible conditions under the LTI.
125 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the timeframe for the provision of new purpose built units within the grounds of St. Brendan’s Hospital, intended to house the long-term psychiatric patients currently housed in the assessment unit of the St. Brendan’s facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5852/05]
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 mental health services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the Health Service Executive eastern regional area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
126 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the fact that her Department recently expressed concern at being outfoxed by dental care providers in relation to charges, her attention has been drawn to the fact that the professional body of most practising dentists, the Irish Dental Association, has no official opinion on fluoridation, whereas the Dental Health Foundation, which is Government-funded, makes numerous statements on its website suggesting that water fluoridation is essential to good oral health; the amount of public moneys being spent by the Dental Health Foundation in promoting this policy, in view of the fact that virtually every other EU country is at variance with the foundation’s unreserved support for water fluoridation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5868/05]
The forum on fluoridation was established to carry out a review of the fluoridation of public water supplies in Ireland. The forum consisted of people with expert knowledge spanning the areas of public health, biochemistry, dental health, bone health, food safety, environmental protection, ethics, water quality, health promotion and representatives from the consumer and environmental areas. The forum took an evidence based approach to its examination of water fluoridation. The forum produced a comprehensive and conclusive report which it presented in 2002. In its report the forum set out a number of conclusions and made a number of recommendations with respect to the fluoridation of public piped water supplies in Ireland. The main conclusion reached by the forum was that the fluoridation of public water supplies should continue as a public health measure. The forum also recommended the establishment of an expert body to implement the forum's recommendations.
The Irish expert body on fluorides and health held its inaugural meeting in April 2004. The terms of reference of the expert body are to oversee the implementation of the recommendations of the forum on fluoridation; to advise the Minister and evaluate ongoing research — including new emerging issues — on all aspects of fluoride and its delivery methods as an established health technology and as required; to report to the Minister on matters of concern at his or her request or on its own initiative. The expert body will oversee the implementation of the wide-ranging recommendations of the forum and advise me on all aspects of fluoride in the future.
The Dental Health Foundation was established more than 20 years ago as a charitable trust dedicated to raising the profile of oral health in Ireland. Its establishment was initiated by the dental profession with the agreement and support of the Department of Health. The foundation plays an important role in facilitating and supporting the promotion of oral health in line with the Department's 1994 dental health action plan. It works closely with the Department's health promotion unit, providing a focus for oral health within the wider context of health promotion in Ireland. In 2004, my Department provided funding of €120,500 to the Dental Health Foundation in its role providing the secretariat for the Irish expert body on fluorides and health.
127 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason the home and lands of a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan, which the Health Service Executive valued at €60,000, were assessed in considering this person’s application for a subvention top-up grant, when the appropriate threshold for means testing is €75,000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5869/05]
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, deliver or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of health services in County Monaghan. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's north eastern area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
128 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be called for an ophthalmic procedure at Galway Regional Hospital. [5870/05]
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 Galway Regional Hospital. 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.
129 Mr. J. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the status of the Hanly report now that she has wound up the Hanly group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5873/05]
I regard the report of the national task force on medical staffing as a significant contribution to the development of acute hospitals services and to the organisation of medical staffing.
The report makes important proposals for reducing the working hours of non-consultant hospital doctors, NCHDs, in line with the European working time directive. It highlights the need to implement changes in medical staffing to ensure safety and quality of patient care and to reduce significantly the unacceptably long working hours of NCHDs.
The Hanly report recommends a significant increase in the total number of consultants, working in a "consultant provided", team based system, so that patients can receive faster access to senior clinical decision making. The report also deals with medical education and training with particular reference to the changes that will be needed in the context of a 48-hour working for NCHDs.
Regarding the organisation of hospital services, I consider that the report proposes an appropriate way forward in terms of regional self-sufficiency, investment in hospital services and the organisation of those services around hospital networks. In line with these recommendations, I will continue the Government's planned investment in new hospital facilities and additional consultant posts. This approach will be to the benefit of all patients.
The national hospitals office is best placed to further the recommendations of the Hanly report regarding hospital services. While the acute hospitals review group which was to carry out this work will not now proceed, Mr. David Hanly who chaired the report of the national task force on medical staffing will continue to be available for advice on the reform process.
130 Mr. J. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the upgrade of Ennis General Hospital will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5874/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for facilities at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Ennis. An outline development control plan for the hospital has been prepared and it was endorsed by the Mid-Western Health Board in December 2004. This is now a matter for consideration by the Health Service Executive in the context of the capital investment framework 2005 to 2009.
131 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the procedure for a mother wishing to remove the name of a person from their child’s birth certificate, with this person’s consent; and to put the true father’s name on it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5875/05]
The Births and Deaths Registration Acts 1863 to 1996 include a provision for the correction of an error of fact or substance in a register of births, which allows for a correction on foot of a statutory declaration setting out the errors in the entry in question. These provisions may be used to remove erroneous details from a birth entry. The Acts also include provisions for the entry of paternity details in the register of births in respect of children born to parents who are not married to each other.
The Status of Children Act 1987 amended section 7 of the Births and Deaths Registration Act (Ireland) 1880 by the substitution of sections 7 and 7A. Section 7A sets out the procedures for the re-registration of a birth to include paternity details where the birth was initially registered without such details being included. As it would appear from the information furnished that a man has been named in the entry in the register of births, the provisions of section 7A may not be availed of in the case referred to by the Deputy.
However, if the Deputy were to furnish details to an tArd-Chláraitheoir, including details of the putative father, he could investigate to see what measures, if any, can be taken to resolve the matter, either under current legislation or the provisions of the relevant parts of the Civil Registration Act 2004, which are due to be commenced in the near future.
132 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the findings of the task force established in April 2002 by her predecessor to examine the incidence of assault on psychiatric nurses; when she proposes to implement these findings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5916/05]
133 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when it is proposed to introduce a no faults compensation package for psychiatric nurses who are injured as a result of assaults at work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5917/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 133 together.
The report of the task force on assaults on psychiatric nurses was completed in 2003. In addition to quantifying the level of assaults and making recommendations on prevention, the report contained proposals for a scheme of compensation for psychiatric nurses who have been seriously injured as a result of an assault by a patient in the workplace.
Government approval would be required for the introduction of any new State compensation scheme, which would be additional to the existing serious physical assaults scheme, last revised in 2001. The serious physical assaults scheme provides enhanced sick pay arrangements for nurses assaulted at work. Medical expenses are also refunded. In circumstances where a nurse is certified permanently unfit to resume duty he or she may be paid five sixths of full salary until retirement.
In late 2003 a draft memorandum for Government was circulated and during the consultation process, complex legal and financial issues emerged on aspects of the scheme proposed by the task force and their implications for the health service and the wider public service.
In March 2004 the Psychiatric Nurses' Association and SIPTU were advised that particular concerns had been raised concerning the proposed scheme. In the meantime officials from my Department have been in consultation with the Department of Finance and the office of the Attorney General. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that the issues involved are very complex and have far reaching implications for the health service. I expect to be in a position to provide more definite information shortly.
134 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a suitable and proper care centre involving one-to-one supervision will be made available to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [5918/05]
The Health Act, 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has 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 residential places. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer of the executive's mid-western area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
135 Mr. Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the estimate of money owed to persons or their families from Tipperary South as a result of the Supreme Court decision of 16 February 2005, that the Health Bill is unconstitutional; if there is no current estimate for County Tipperary, when an estimate will be available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5925/05]
My Department is currently studying the Supreme Court judgment in detail and will take on board all the consequences for policy and law arising from the judgment. The details of a repayment scheme to address the situation following the Supreme Court decision are currently being finalised and it is only after this that it would be possible to calculate the money owed by specific area.
136 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the estimate of money owed to persons or their families from County Clare as a result of the Supreme Court decision of 16 February 2005, that the Health Bill is unconstitutional; if there is no current estimate for County Clare, when one will be available. [5926/05]
My Department is studying the Supreme Court judgment in detail and will take on board all the consequences for policy and law arising from it. The details of a repayment scheme to address the situation following the Supreme Court decision is being finalised and it is only following this that it would be possible to calculate the money owed by specific area.
137 Mr. Kelleher asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will consider accessing the national pensions reserve fund on a once-off basis to fund the cost of reimbursement of the nursing home charges on foot of the Supreme Court’s decision of 16 February 2005 that such charges were unlawful; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5928/05]
The national pensions reserve fund was established for the purpose of meeting as much as possible of the cost to the Exchequer of social welfare pensions and public service pensions to be paid from the year 2025 until the year 2055, or such other subsequent years as may be specified, as set out in section 18(1) of the National Pensions Reserve Fund Act 2000. Section 20(1) of the Act states "the Commission shall not make any payment from the fund to the Exchequer before the year 2025".
My Department is studying the Supreme Court judgment in detail and will take on board all the consequences for policy and law arising from it. The cost of reimbursement will be met from the Vote for the health service Estimate. A Supplementary Estimate to cover the costs will be moved in due course.
138 Mr. Connaughton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the dissatisfaction among many members of the public with the manner a company (details supplied) executes its after-hours medical doctor service in the north Galway area, in parishes (details supplied) in County Galway and other areas; if much Exchequer funding was invested in the start-up operation of this company; the ongoing cost of this company in 2002, 2003 and 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5938/05]
Westdoc is the out-of-hours general practitioner-led service which operates on a partnership basis between the participating GPs and the Health Service Executive, western area. The service has been operating since December 2002 and to date it has received more than 95,000 patient contacts. Westdoc has 107 general practitioners providing service to public and private patients in counties Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.
A patient satisfaction survey, independently conducted by the National University of Ireland, Galway in July 2003, found that patient satisfaction with the Westdoc service is very high. A further patient satisfaction survey will be conducted in 2005. The funding provided to the Health Service Executive's western region for the expansion of out of hours co-operatives since 2000 is contained in the following table.
|
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
Total |
|
€0.076 million |
€0.159 million |
€2.059 million |
€2.575 million |
€2.7536 million |
€3.5536 million |
€11.176 million |
This dedicated funding does not include fees paid to participating general practitioners.
During a recent visit to Galway, I met a delegation from east Galway who expressed concerns about the operation of Westdoc in their area. In particular they raised issues about the considerable distances that some people were required to travel to access a doctor. My Department has requested the chief officer for the Health Service Executive, western area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
139 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of staff and the number of clerical administrative staff in each health board area for each year from 1995. [5963/05]
The latest available information is for end-September 2004. On this basis, the information as requested by the Deputy is as set out in the following table. The Deputy may wish to note that it is estimated that approximately 64% of health services personnel formally classified as "management/administrative" are involved in direct service provision to the public.
|
Date |
Eastern |
Midland |
Mid-Western |
North-Eastern |
North-Western |
South-Eastern |
Southern |
Western |
Total |
|
31/12/1995 |
26,558 |
3,183 |
4,850 |
4,174 |
4,254 |
5,960 |
9,014 |
6,662 |
64,655 |
|
31/12/1996 |
27,262 |
3,300 |
4,904 |
4,136 |
4,285 |
5,850 |
9,138 |
6,795 |
65,669 |
|
31/12/1997 |
28,127 |
3,428 |
5,173 |
4,440 |
4,402 |
6,098 |
9,273 |
6,899 |
67,841 |
|
31/12/1998 |
28,747 |
3,592 |
5,399 |
4,516 |
4,444 |
6,266 |
9,376 |
7,300 |
69,640 |
|
31/12/1999 |
30,069 |
3,625 |
5,532 |
4,764 |
4,771 |
6,661 |
9,985 |
7,387 |
72,793 |
|
31/12/2000 |
33,116 |
3,967 |
6,201 |
5,147 |
5,265 |
7,439 |
10,828 |
8,107 |
80,070 |
|
31/12/2001 |
36,604 |
4,816 |
6,904 |
5,994 |
6,407 |
8,015 |
12,385 |
9,177 |
90,302 |
|
31/12/2002 |
38,689 |
5,251 |
7,364 |
6,374 |
6,722 |
8,579 |
13,031 |
9,669 |
95,679 |
|
31/12/2003 |
37,801 |
5,239 |
7,750 |
6,929 |
6,783 |
8,860 |
13,252 |
9,887 |
96,501 |
|
30/09/2004 |
38,535 |
5,498 |
7,922 |
7,226 |
6,872 |
8,627 |
13,701 |
9,997 |
98,379 |
|
Date |
Eastern |
Midland |
Mid-Western |
North-Eastern |
North-Western |
South-Eastern |
Southern |
Western |
Total |
|
31/12/1995 |
3,400 |
338 |
544 |
527 |
569 |
675 |
1,025 |
826 |
7,904 |
|
31/12/1996 |
3,527 |
360 |
581 |
516 |
594 |
646 |
1,083 |
866 |
8,173 |
|
31/12/1997 |
3,839 |
385 |
648 |
569 |
630 |
729 |
1,153 |
889 |
8,844 |
|
31/12/1998 |
4,138 |
411 |
723 |
680 |
656 |
771 |
1,150 |
951 |
9,480 |
|
31/12/1999 |
4662 |
443 |
788 |
744 |
720 |
874 |
1,330 |
1,037 |
10,599 |
|
31/12/2000 |
5,265 |
557 |
982 |
876 |
927 |
1,036 |
1,501 |
1,221 |
12,366 |
|
31/12/2001 |
6,170 |
731 |
1,129 |
1,043 |
1,223 |
1,111 |
1,813 |
1,495 |
14,714 |
|
31/12/2002 |
6,448 |
812 |
1,254 |
1,216 |
1,218 |
1,180 |
1,993 |
1,569 |
15,690 |
|
31/12/2003 |
6,388 |
764 |
1,303 |
1,250 |
1,186 |
1,282 |
1,956 |
1,637 |
15,766 |
|
30/09/2004 |
6,468 |
845 |
1,398 |
1,284 |
1,212 |
1,382 |
2,039 |
1,661 |
16,289 |
Source: Health Service Personnel Census.
Notes:
1 Excludes Home Helps.
2 Includes all management-administrative and clerical personnel.
140 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) has called for an all-Ireland solution to the shortage of children’s cardiac surgeons; if she has contacted or intends to contact her Northern counterpart with a view to establishing a joint feasibility study into the viability of such a service; if so, the proposed timetable for completion of the study; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5979/05]
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service 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 paediatric cardiac surgery. It is intended to refer the matter to the executive for its views on the suggestion made by the person referred to by the Deputy.
141 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the groups awarded grants by the Adoption Board in 2004; the amount of the grants awarded; the reason PARC and PNPIC (details supplied) were excluded from grant aid; and if similar grants are available in 2005. [5980/05]
The Adoption Board is an independent statutory body with responsibility for the administration of the Adoption Acts, 1952 to 1998. My Department has forwarded this question to the chief executive of the Adoption Board for direct response to the Deputy.
142 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the child care co-ordinator at a project (details supplied) in Kilkenny was let go due to lack of funding; if she will provide the funding to restore the position; her views on the shortfall in funding of €30,000 in 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5981/05]
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 women's refuges. 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.
143 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a bed will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny at the medical care unit, Thomastown Hospital, Kilkenny; and if a decision in the case will be expedited. [5982/05]
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 beds in hospitals. 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.
144 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if an application to the Health Service Executive to provide intermediate care beds for older persons in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be processed as part of the current initiative; her Departments policy on this scheme or initiative and the criteria by which applicants will be considered; if applicants such as this person are to be excluded, the reason thereof in view of the deficit in the south east for such a facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5983/05]
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.
The initiative to provide intermediate care for 500 older people annually waiting discharge from the acute hospital sector is being administered by the Health Service Executive. It has invited tenders for the 500 intermediate care places. The closing date for the receipt of tenders was 16 February 2005. A copy of the Deputy's question has therefore been forwarded to the interim chief executive officer for direct reply.
145 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of patients attending the haemochromatosis clinic at the County Hospital, County Roscommon; the corresponding figure for January 2004; the additional resources provided in the interim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5986/05]
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 Roscommon County Hospital. 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.
146 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the timescale for the roll out of the Health Level 7 messaging structure within the health service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5990/05]
Health Level 7, HL7, is one of several American National Standards Institute accredited standards developing organisations operating in the health care arena. Its mission is to:
provide standards for the exchange, management and integration of data that support clinical patient care and the management, delivery and evaluation of health care services. Specifically, to create flexible, cost effective approaches, standards, guidelines, methodologies, and related services for interoperability between health care information systems.
HL7 standards are being adopted worldwide as crucial elements in creating the environment necessary to support the delivery of integrated, person centred health services, by making relevant information available as appropriate to authorised care professionals.
In 2003, the HL7 messaging standard was adopted by the health service, through the work of the former health boards executive's messaging project, as the national standard for appropriate messages. As new messages are developed, they will be built to conform to that standard. Selected messages between a number of hospitals and general practitioner offices have been developed and are being delivered, conforming to this standard. It is intended that further secondary care to primary care linkages will be made, particularly between hospitals and general practitioners, as the underlying information and communications technology systems are made ready to receive them. As new information and communications technology products and services are acquired for the health service, appropriate components will be required to confirm to the HL7 standard at the time of acquisition, or to have a clear plan for ensuring such conformance within a reasonable timeframe.
147 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position on the practice of health authorities holding the pension books of older persons in public nursing homes following the Supreme Court judgment of 16 February 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5997/05]
The Health Service Executive, which assumed responsibility for the delivery of health and personal social services with effect from 1 January 2005, has indicated that it is issuing a letter to all patients who have authorised the executive to act as their agent offering them choices with regard to their pension books and that arrangements will be made to return the pension books to them if that is their choice.
Some patients may not be in a position to make a decision regarding their arrangements and the process will have to involve the patient's next of kin. This matter will be dealt with by each nursing home and institution giving the opportunity to discuss the matter with the relevant local staff. The Health Service Executive is working with the Department of Social and Family Affairs in this regard. The emphasis is on ensuring choice is given to those who are in a position to exercise it and that the best interests of the patient are maintained at all times.
148 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the legal basis for the practice whereby persons with disabilities who are in residential care have all or part of their disability benefit or allowance withheld by the residential care facility; the extent of this practice; if such practices will be affected by the Supreme Court judgment of 16 February 2005 on elderly persons in nursing home care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6090/05]
The practices of charging or seeking a contribution from clients with a disability in residential care who had income which may include a disability benefit or allowance has been common practice. Following the Attorney General's advice that there was no legal basis for such charges, the health agencies were instructed to stop charging for long-stay care on 9 December 2004. The situation concerning contributions sought for rent or other expenses was further clarified by the Department in a letter issued on 23 December 2004.
The Health Service Executive has obtained legal advice on these practices which supported the Department's decision in December to cease charging or the payment of contributions by eligible persons. My Department is considering the extent to which these practices are affected by the Supreme Court decision of 16 February 2005 and this will be taken into account in the detailed operation of the repayments scheme which I expect to put in place shortly.
149 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Finance the progress with, the costings and timescale for the provision of crèche facilities for those working within the Leinster House complex; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5545/05]
A brief of requirements for the crèche facility is awaited from the Houses of the Oireachtas. Until the brief is finalised, it is not possible to accurately estimate the cost of providing the facility or indeed the time to complete the work. The crèche facility will be located in the lower ground floor of Kildare House.
150 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Finance his views on the recommendation contained in the NESC report on housing that consideration should be given to a separate tax on second homes; if the Government is considering introducing such a tax; if so, the rate of such tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5546/05]
I have no plans to introduce a tax on second homes.
151 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Finance in cases in which houses are wrecked beyond repair due to flooding and in which the insurance only covers repairs but such repairs do not restore houses to their original state, will his Department, through the Irish Red Cross, accept applications for such eventualities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5660/05]
Humanitarian aid schemes for householders who have suffered damage to their homes as a result of flooding are considered where the extent of the damage has been catastrophic and the normal safety nets that protect against risk are either inoperable or inadequate and hardship is suffered on an extensive scale. Such schemes, which have been administered by the Irish Red Cross, provided for the relief of hardship and were not compensation for losses or a substitute for insurance. The aid was not designed to put victims in the position they were in before the catastrophic event but to alleviate extreme hardship and to assist flood victims in restoring their lives to some semblance of normality.
The local authorities are the housing authority in their respective areas and there are no plans to involve the Irish Red Cross in cases where houses have been damaged beyond repair. Arising from the Government decision last September which approved the recommendations of the flood policy review group, the administration of humanitarian assistance in the future by the community welfare services of the regional health executive in conjunction with, as appropriate, local community and voluntary groups and non-governmental organisations is being examined.
152 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Finance if he has plans to extend the scope and remit of the Standards in Public Office Commission. [5724/05]
There are no plans to extend the scope and remit of the Standards in Public Commission.
153 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance when a correct P21 will re-issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5549/05]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a correct PAYE balancing statement 2003, form P21, issued to the taxpayer dated 16 February 2005.
154 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Finance the position in relation to the case of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if this will be dealt with as speedily as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5586/05]
I have no direct responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the medical board of appeal for the disabled drivers and disabled passengers (tax concessions) scheme. However, my Department, together with the Department of Health and Children, is reconstituting the medical board of appeal for the scheme. Progress has been made and it is hoped that the new arrangements will be put in place shortly. I will arrange for the new secretary to the board, when in place, to contact the individual concerned in regard to his appeal.
155 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Finance the position in relation to the case of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if this will be dealt with as speedily as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5587/05]
I have no direct responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the medical board of appeal for the disabled drivers and disabled passengers (tax concessions) scheme. However, my Department, together with the Department of Health and Children, is reconstituting the medical board of appeal for the scheme. Progress has been made and it is hoped that the new arrangements will be put in place shortly. I will arrange for the new secretary to the board, when in place, to contact the individual concerned in regard to his appeal.
156 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Finance the number of first-time buyers who have paid stamp duty at the lowest rate, 3%, in Dublin in 2004; and the number who paid stamp duty at the lowest rate, 3%, in Mayo in 2004. [5606/05]
157 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Finance the number of first-time buyers in 2004 who were exempt from paying stamp duty; the number who paid at the 3%, 3.75%, 4.75%, 7.5% and 9% rates; and the amount of revenue raised in each rate for first-time buyers. [5607/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 156 and 157 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, I changed the stamp duty rates for first-time owner-occupiers of second-hand property in the 2005 budget, which was announced on 1 December 2004. The following table, which was provided to the Deputy in a previous parliamentary question response, outlines the old rates which were applicable up to 1 December 2004, as well as the new rates as applicable on or after 2 December 2004. It also shows relevant information available regarding the number of transactions and the stamp duty yield relating to first-time buyers who paid stamp duty in 2004 as provided to me by the Revenue Commissioners:
|
Thresholds |
First-Time Buyer Rate Pre-Budget |
No. of transactions for First Time Buyers (Pre-Budget) |
First-Time Buyer Rate Post-Budget |
No. of transactions for First Time Buyers (Post-Budget) |
Stamp Duty Yield for First Time Buyers |
|
% |
% |
€m |
|||
|
€190,501 to €254,000 |
3.00 |
3,970 |
Exempt |
n/a |
26.7 |
|
€254,001 to €317,500 |
3.75 |
2,542 |
Exempt |
n/a |
26.5 |
|
€317,501 to €381,000 |
4.50 |
1,069 |
3 |
35 |
16.4 (4.5%) |
|
0.4 (3%) |
|||||
|
€381,001 to €635,000 |
7.50 |
Unknown |
6 |
16 |
0.4 |
As the Deputy was previously advised, stamp duty rates for property transactions exceeding €381,000 up to 1 December 2004 and for transactions exceeding €635,000 on or after 2 December 2004 were the same for all purchasers and, therefore, it is not possible to distinguish first-time buyer transactions from other transactions in excess of those values.
As the Deputy was also advised, statistics on stamp duty transactions are not compiled by reference to the address of the property purchased and, accordingly, it is not possible to provide the information requested by reference to counties. Particulars of transactions where no stamp duty applies are not normally captured. Accordingly, it is not possible to provide reliable information in relation to exempt categories.
158 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider putting in place measures to ensure that companies and persons with substantial contracts with Departments be precluded from political fund raising for the Ministers overseeing those Departments. [5719/05]
I have no plans to introduce such a restriction.
159 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of recent investigations by the Standards in Public Office Commission, he will consider requiring that each Department keep an up-to-date register of all consultants engaged and the terms of reference of their work. [5720/05]
Under section 6, recording and reporting on consultancies in the Civil Service, of the Department of Finance guidelines for engagement of consultants in the Civil Service — March 1999 — Departments-offices which commission consultants are required to establish computer registers and to record in relation to each consultancy the firm awarded the contract, the cost and purpose of the project, the terms of reference of the consultants and the name of a contact official most familiar with the details of the assignment.
160 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of recent investigations by the Standards in Public Office Commission, he will consider putting strict criteria in place regarding foreign travel by consultants engaged by his Department. [5721/05]
The guidelines for engagement of consultants in the Civil Service, produced by my Department in March 1999, outlines in paragraph 3.05 a number of general criteria to be adhered to by Departments in relation to consultancy projects. One of the general criteria outlined is that Departments should ensure that additional costs and-or expenses are included as part of the fee. Where this is not feasible, particular care should be taken to ensure that such costs are adequately vouched and are reasonable. Where additional costs for travelling and subsistence cannot be avoided, they should where possible not exceed those appropriate rates applying in the Civil Service. Officials in my Department are, therefore, aware of the requirement that the costs of only necessary and reasonable travel relevant to a project by consultants should be met by the Department.
161 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Finance if there are criteria in place for the engagement of public relations consultants by Departments; and if so, if he will provide this Deputy with a copy of such guidelines. [5722/05]
There are three sets of guidelines which set out the criteria in question: general guidelines on procurement, general guidelines on the engagement of consultants and new guidelines which will apply particularly in the public relations or communications area.
In March 1999, my Department issued the guidelines for engagement of consultants in the Civil Service. The latest public procurement guidelines, public procurement guidelines competitive process, were issued by my Department in July 2004. Both documents are available on the Department's website. I have arranged for hard copies to be sent to the Deputy.
Following consideration of the recommendations in the recent report prepared by Mr. Dermot Quigley, additional guidelines in relation to certain proposed consultancy contracts have now been agreed for incorporation in the Cabinet handbook. These guidelines will apply particularly in the PR or communications area where there is a significant element of direct service to a Minister or where a Minister has suggested the name of a person or enterprise for a consultancy or contract. The additional guidelines are in effect since 15 February. The full text of the guidelines is available on the website of the Department of the Taoiseach.
162 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Finance if there are tax incentives for persons towards paying crèche fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5825/05]
There are no tax incentives available for persons towards paying crèche fees. Over recent years, the Government has considered carefully the area of child care. It has been decided as a matter of policy that child benefit will be the main instrument through which support will be provided to parents. One of the main benefits from this approach is that, whereas tax relief would be of little or no benefit to those with low incomes, the provision of support for parents through the child benefit route means equality of treatment for all recipients.
In line with this policy approach, the Government has substantially increased child benefit since coming into office in 1997. Overall expenditure on child benefit has increased by 279% from €506 million in 1997 to an estimated €1,916 million in 2005.
To address the availability of services, the supply of formal child care places is being stimulated through a programme of investment under the national development plan equal opportunities child care programme, EOCP. The EOCP funds capital development to increase places, support staffing costs for facilities targeting disadvantage, and improve child care quality. Over the next five years, 2005-2009, the capital envelope for the planned programme of continued investment in child care facilities will be €313 million, which is expected to create about 17,000 places, 3,400 per annum for each of the next five years. The 2005 allocation for the EOCP provides €83.4 million of which €43.8 million is current and €39.6 million is capital funding.
The Government has also undertaken measures to favour the supply of child care by tax incentives to set up facilities and relief from benefit-in-kind taxation for free or subsidised child care where this is provided by employers. Taken together, these represent substantial measures to assist with the cost of child care and I have no plans to introduce additional measures at this time.
163 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the requirements under dormant accounts legislation on life companies to contact the policyholders in respect of single premium investment bonds which have a distant maturity date; and if his attention has been drawn to the complaints that the standard format of communication would encourage many individuals to encash their policies; and if he will make a statement on the appropriateness of the procedures coming into operation ahead of the maturity date of the policy. [5884/05]
Under section 6 of the Unclaimed Life Assurance Polices Act 2003, a life assurance policy is treated as unclaimed if, in the case of a fixed term policy, the specified term has expired, if an amount would be payable if the policyholder were to make a claim, and if the insurance undertaking has received no communication from the policyholder for a period of at least five years. In the case of a policy which does not have a specified term, these conditions are met only when a period of 15 years has elapsed without any communication from the policyholder.
Section 8 of the Act sets out the procedures for notification of the holders of unclaimed policies before a transfer is made to the dormant accounts fund. The insurance undertaking must give written notice to the policyholder, at the last address known to the undertaking, of the following: the name and current address of the undertaking and any information regarding a change of name since the policy issued; that an unclaimed policy to which the policyholder appears to be entitled is held at the undertaking; that if no communication from the policyholder is received by the undertaking, the net encashment value of the policy will be transferred to the dormant accounts fund; and that the policyholder is entitled to claim the moneys payable under the policy.
Where the value of the policy is €500 or less or the undertaking has been either instructed not to contact the policyholder or is unable to do so, section 9 of the Act requires the undertaking to advertise the fact that it holds unclaimed policies. In the normal course of business, insurance undertakings may contact policyholders whose policies have not yet matured for a variety of reasons unconnected with the unclaimed policies legislation. These include the requirements under the Insurance Act 1989 and the Life Assurance (Provision of Information) Regulations 2001 referred to in to my reply to the Deputy's question of 10 February last.
I understand that it is also common industry practice to send out annual communication to clients, including such information as unit allocation statements, indexation notices and annual benefit statements. Where a policy has a fixed term, such as in the case of single premium investment bonds, the undertaking will normally write out to the policyholder in advance of the maturity date to advise them that the policy is about to mature. These commercial practices may vary from firm to firm and may not extend to all types of policy.
I am informed by the financial regulator that it is not aware of any complaints regarding life companies' correspondence in respect of unclaimed policies, including single premium investment bonds. However, any complaints should in the first instance be made to the regulator at: Consumer Information Department, Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority, PO Box 9138, College Green, Dublin 2, lo-call 1890 77 77 77.
164 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the details of all section 50 student accommodation schemes approved since the inception of the schemes; if he will provide a breakdown of the location and number of bedspaces approved by each participating college; the mechanism whereby such student accommodation is monitored to ensure that it is used by students of the approving colleges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5913/05]
The Minister for Education and Science, in consultation with the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, issues guidelines regarding section 50 student accommodation. Under these guidelines there is a requirement for a minimum of three bed spaces per unit and a maximum of eight per unit. In this regard, I am informed by the Department of the Environment and Local Government that the 4,718 units certified and completed to date have on average 3.7 bed spaces which amounts to an average of 17,500 bed spaces. The majority of the units certified and completed relate to Dublin, Galway, Limerick and Cork. The following table illustrates the location of the approved units.
The guidelines issued by the Department of Education and Science also contain a requirement that tax-relieved accommodation can only be let to students of a certifying educational institution during the academic year and to non-students outside of the academic year. Claims for tax relief for the capital investment in student accommodation schemes by investors are made under the self-assessment system. In this regard, a certain number of such claims are audited as part of the Revenue Commissioners' audit programme. Part of an audit would involve the inspector of taxes, who deals with the audit, being satisfied that the conditions for claiming the tax relief have been fulfilled, and the investor may be asked to provide evidence that the accommodation has been let solely to students of the certifying educational institution.
|
01/04/1999-18/02/2005 |
|
|
Carlow |
79 |
|
Castlebar |
22 |
|
Cork |
570 |
|
Letterkenny |
112 |
|
Dublin |
641 |
|
Galway |
819 |
|
Tralee |
264 |
|
Maynooth |
183 |
|
Limerick |
1061 |
|
Sligo |
356 |
|
Waterford |
512 |
|
Athlone |
99 |
|
Total |
4,718 |
Under the terms of the scheme, there is a requirement for a minimum of three bedspaces per unit and a maximum of eight per unit. The average is 3.7 per unit.
165 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Finance the number of spouses of company directors who are not in receipt of the employee tax credit, PAYE allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5915/05]
Under the provisions of section 472 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, a proprietary director and her-his spouse are not entitled to the employee tax credit, formerly the PAYE allowance, against emoluments paid to either spouse by a company of which one of the spouses is a proprietary director. However, the employee tax credit may be due to each spouse against her-his other emoluments, if any.
A "proprietary director" means a director of a company who is either the beneficial owner of, or able, directly or through the medium of other companies or by any other means, to control more than 15% of the ordinary share capital of the company. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that statistics on the number of spouses of proprietary directors who are not in receipt of the PAYE allowance are not maintained and could not be obtained without conducting a protracted investigation of the Revenue Commissioners' records.
166 Mr. Kelleher asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider accessing the national pensions reserve fund on a once-off basis to fund the cost of reimbursement of the nursing home charges on foot of the Supreme Court’s decision of 16 February 2005 that such charges were unlawful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5929/05]
The national pensions reserve fund was established for the purpose of meeting as much as possible of the cost to the Exchequer of social welfare pensions and public service pensions to be paid from the year 2025 until the year 2055, or such other subsequent years as may be specified, as set out in section 18(1) of the National Pensions Reserve Fund Act 2000. Section 20(1) of the Act states that "the Commission shall not make any payment from the fund to the Exchequer before the year 2025".
The reimbursement of nursing home charges is primarily a matter for the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children who, I understand, is considering the judgment of the Supreme Court and will bring proposals to Government very shortly. As the Tánaiste indicated in the House last week, the cost of reimbursement will be met from the Vote for the Health Service Executive. A Supplementary Estimate to cover the costs will be moved in due course.
167 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Finance, further to Question No. 269 of 15 February 2005, the technical difficulties which have been experienced; if he will elaborate on these; the steps being taken to resolve this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6096/05]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a project was commenced on a pilot basis to capture information from income tax and corporation tax returns for the purpose of raising tax assessments. The pilot project in relation to income tax experienced some technical difficulties not related to the external contractor and steps are being taken to resolve these. The essential difficulties were technical issues regarding the speed of transfer of captured data from the external contractor to Revenue, amendments to computer software rules relating to the validation of information on return forms and amendments to computer software rules used to generate computer assessments.
Work to resolve these issues involving software development and testing is ongoing. It is estimated that this work will be completed by the end of March 2005. In the meantime, the income tax forms included in the pilot project are being assessed to tax in the normal manner. Overall, in excess of 92% of paper income tax returns submitted to Revenue have now been processed.
168 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if approval has been granted to the foreshore licence for the Mullagh and Quilty sewerage scheme; the status of the current scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5635/05]
My Department's responsibility in this matter relates to the foreshore licence aspect only. The conditions of the draft licence which the Department is prepared to recommend for my approval were sent to Clare County Council's consultants on 1 February and the Department is still awaiting confirmation of the council's agreement to them. Assuming a positive response is received from the local authority, the Department will then be in a position to make a recommendation to me.
169 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will consider introducing a grant to facilitate the installation of geothermal heating in all houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5878/05]
Housing grants schemes are generally the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. I have neither plans nor funds to introduce a grant scheme of the type suggested in the question.
Sustainable Energy Ireland, SEI, which was established as a statutory agency in May 2002, implements initiatives on renewable energy and energy efficiency on behalf of my Department. Under SEI's House of Tomorrow research development and demonstration programme, heat pumps are one of a number of energy technologies eligible for support in the context of an integrated set of measures comprising a whole house energy efficiency solution. This programme is open to demonstration projects involving clusters of five or more homes. Funding is available on a limited scale for whole house measures at a rate of up to €5,000 per house in such developments.
170 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals to assist, directly or indirectly, TG4 with reference to home-produced material; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6007/05]
My Department provides significant public funding for TG4 to enable it to provide an Irish language television service. The 2005 Estimates includes a provision of €24.858 million for TG4. Decisions in relation to the commissioning of programmes are a matter for TG4. I have no role in the matter.
171 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the failure of An Post management to allow the same pension increase to former employees as is being negotiated for existing staff. [5590/05]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 268 of 8 February 2005.
The authority to implement pension increases was delegated to An Post, subject to certain conditions, as this activity was considered part of the day-to-day operations of the company. In practice this allowed the company to implement pension increases following pay increases to employees. However, decisions outside the scope of the original delegated authority still require the consent of both the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and the Minister for Finance.
Following a proposal from the board of An Post to amend the existing pension increase terms of An Post, in this instance, my Department and the Department of Finance undertook a review of the situation. While I fully empathise with An Post pensioners for the position they find themselves in due to the failure of An Post management and unions to reach agreement on implementation of the recovery strategy, the wider overall policy issues raised by the proposal from An Post also need to be considered.
By way of background and as the Deputy may be aware, the existing terms of the An Post superannuation scheme provide for pay parity, that is, that pensions are increased in line with the pay of serving staff. This is in accordance with public service defined benefit pension increase policy generally, pay parity being an integral and well established practice which is widely applied in public service defined benefit pension schemes.
Unfortunately, following examination of the issue and taking into consideration the implications of providing a precedent which could impact adversely on the cost of pensions in the wider public sector and the existing practice of pay parity, increases to pensioners of An Post linked to increases under Sustaining Progress are not possible at this time.
While I understand the current frustration of An Post pensioners with the situation, agreement in partnership with An Post unions to the restructuring plan aimed at securing the future of the company and providing sustainable long-term employment for An Post workers is the way forward. With this in mind, I have urged both the unions and the management of An Post to engage fully with the industrial relations mechanisms of the State to agree a way forward for the future of the company and all stakeholders in this matter.
172 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when a foreshore licence regarding the proposed new sewerage system at Cheekpoint, County Waterford, will be granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5591/05]
Subsequent to making an application to the Department for a foreshore licence for the Cheekpoint waste water treatment plant, Waterford County Council discovered that, due to increasing siltation problems, the storm water overflow pipe would not have worked effectively at the location originally proposed for it. Consequently, the local authority put revised proposals, involving relocation of the overflow pipe, to the Department.
The revised proposals were put to public consultation in December last. The submissions received, together with the county council's responses to them, received by the Department on 19 January, have been examined by the Department's engineering division. The matter will now be put before the next meeting of the marine licence vetting committee, an expert group that advises me on proposals of this nature. I understand the issues to be considered by the committee in this case will include possible impacts on fishing and fisheries as well as possible implications for the navigation channel for the port of Waterford. A decision on the county council's proposals will be made as soon as possible after the marine licence vetting committee has completed its consideration of the application.
173 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when a representative of the workers will be appointed to the port of Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5602/05]
The appointment of an employee director of the Port of Waterford company falls to be made by me in accordance with the procedure laid down in section 30 of the Harbours Act 1996. The legislation provides that before making the appointment I shall consult any recognised trade union or staff association concerned which, following such consultation, may recommend that I consider that a particular person be appointed as a director of the company. This statutory consultation process is complete and I will be making the appointment in the near future.
174 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will revoke the fishing permit for course angling introduced in 2003 on the River Suck; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5652/05]
181 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the amount of money collected by way of fishing permits or rod licences on the River Suck (details supplied) since the legislation was introduced over two years ago; the cost of providing such permits by way of printing, travelling expenses and general administration costs; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this scheme has been a disaster for this area; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that this river is an outstanding coarse fishing venue and the introduction of the fishing permit has discouraged anglers from fishing on the river; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5937/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 174 and 181 together.
Under the Fisheries Acts 1959 to 2001, the regional fisheries boards are empowered to have a permit charge for angling on fisheries under their control and management. However, the application of such a permit charge is an operational matter solely for the relevant board to decide, in this instance the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board, and is not something over which I, as Minister of State, have control.
I am advised by the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board that it has had a permit charge for trout angling for many years on fisheries that it controls and manages in the region. I am also informed by the board that the permit income is reinvested in the conservation and day-to-day management of these fisheries.
I understand that the fisheries board, in reviewing its management and the fees charged for its fisheries in 2002, decided to extend the permit charges to cover coarse angling on the board controlled fisheries on the basis that it was unfair to charge one angler to fish for one species while another angler fishing for a different species on the same water was not charged. As this is an operational matter, I have asked the chief executive officer of the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board to address the particular queries raised and to reply directly to the Deputies.
175 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the action that is being taken to achieve the objective set out in the EU biofuels directive requiring Ireland to replace 2% of petrol and diesel with renewable fuels by the end of 2005 and to increase this to 5.75% by 2010; if bioethanol from sugar beet is being considered as a viable alternative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5750/05]
My Department is responsible for the promotion and development of renewable energy including biofuels and I am committed to the development and promotion of a biofuels market in Ireland's transport fuel sector. The targets set in the biofuels directive for market penetration of biofuels are indicative and not mandatory and present a challenge to Ireland given the low base from which we are starting. An interdepartmental group has been established, chaired by my Department and comprising officials from Sustainable Energy Ireland, SEI, and the Departments of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Transport, Agriculture and Food, and Finance. The group is considering policy options for the development of a biofuels sector in Ireland. As part of the work of this group, a liquid biofuels strategy study was published by SEI in December which examines the full range of options and potential supports for liquid biofuels development in Ireland, including bioethanol and biodiesel. The report is being considered as part of the overall policy objective to increase market penetration of biofuels in Ireland, which is at a very low level.
In March 2004, my Department secured an amendment to the Finance Act 1999, which provides for the introduction of a scheme for excise tax relief for biofuels. The purpose of the scheme is to allow qualified and conditional relief from excise of biofuel used in approved pilot projects for either the production of biofuel or the testing of the technical viability of biofuel for use as a motor fuel. It is envisaged that the scheme will encompass market development for pure plant oil, biodiesel and bioethanol. The European Commission has confirmed that the scheme would represent a state aid and consequently its approval is required. In this regard the Department of Finance has written to the Commission seeking approval. Once the necessary clearance is granted, a commencement order will be signed by the Department of Finance and the process for project selection and approval will be implemented.
Sustainable Energy Ireland is also funding a number of biomass projects and studies through its renewable energy research development and demonstration, RERDD, programme. Under the programme, Sustainable Energy Ireland offers capital grant aid for biofuels market demonstration projects in the pure plant oil, biodiesel and bioethanol categories.
176 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when a comprehensible survey to establish the parameters of the wild oyster fishery in Lough Swilly will be carried out; if this will be done in conjunction with interested parties such as aquaculture interests, licensed wild oyster dredgers and representatives from the Inch fishing community and traditional hand-pickers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5754/05]
A comprehensive survey of the wild oyster beds in Lough Swilly was carried out in 2001 by personnel from Bord Iascaigh Mhara in conjunction with staff from the aquaculture initiative — a cross-Border body funded under the peace programme. The survey was conducted in conjunction with the Lough Swilly Wild Oyster Development Association, LSWODA, and other wild fisheries interests and its findings were widely disseminated at that time. Since then a number of smaller-scale surveys of specific areas of Lough Swilly have been carried out. Most recently, a survey was conducted adjacent to the Ballygreen area, the results of which, I understand, will be reported to the Department before the end of February. At the request of the LSWODA, a further local survey of the Ryebridge area is to be carried out in the next six months by BIM and aquaculture initiative staff as before.
I am advised that as a result of the work carried out in recent years, the location and extent of the Lough Swilly wild oyster beds are quite well understood. In these circumstances, there are no proposals at present for a further comprehensive survey of the oyster beds.
177 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the hardship caused by conditions to licences awarded to certain fishing vessels (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5824/05]
The Fisheries Consolidation Act 1959, as amended, expressly empowers the licensing authority to make it a condition of a sea-fishing boat licence that a certain proportion of the crew of a boat shall be of a specified nationality. The requirement for a certain proportion of crew members to be of EU nationality arises from the importance of achieving the maximum economic benefit to coastal communities and the Irish economy generally from the operation of an Irish sea-fishing boat. The requirement was reduced from 75% to 50% in 2001 following representations from industry representatives. It should be noted that the recent enlargement of the European Union has increased the number of potential crew members from EU nationalities. Since this change was implemented, there has been no demand from industry representatives for any further change in this requirement. In the event that a change in the requirement is pursued by industry representatives, I will review the matter.
178 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the licensing authority will issue a short-term polyvalent licence to a person (details supplied). [5862/05]
179 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of short-term polyvalent licences which have been issued since 1 January 2005. [5863/05]
180 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of short-term pelagic licences which have been re-issued since 1 January 2005. [5864/05]
I propose to take Question Nos. 178 to 180, inclusive, together.
The particular licence applicant referred to by the Deputy wrote to me on 31 January 2005 seeking a polyvalent sea-fishing boat licence for the vessel in question, without the provision of 100% replacement capacity, on a short-term basis. I wrote to him on 9 February informing him that responsibility for the licensing of sea-fishing boats had transferred to the licensing authority for sea-fishing boats established under the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2003 and that I had passed his letter to the head of the licensing authority, a senior official in the Department, for direct reply to him. The licensing authority operates on an independent basis subject to certain criteria and implements licensing policy in accordance with ministerial policy directives.
I understand that the licensing authority, which had previously met and written to the individual concerned about this matter, replied to him on 10 February and again explained that sea-fishing boat licensing policy does not permit the licensing authority to license the vessel without full replacement capacity being provided in advance. It pointed out that ministerial policy directive 2/2003, issued to the licensing authority on 17 November 2003, makes it clear that the 1:1 replacement capacity requirement applies other than in limited specified cases. I understand that the licensing authority recently agreed to extend, by three months, the period of validity of the licence offer issued to the individual concerned to give him more time to comply with licensing requirements.
On the question of "short-term" licences, no statutory period is specified in respect of which sea-fishing licences may be granted. Subject to any overriding licensing policy considerations, this is an operational matter for the licensing authority which can issue licences having validity for any period of time in the interests of efficient management of licensing and taking into account any other relevant issues such as safety requirements.
The licensing authority had, up to 17 February, issued six new sea-fishing boat licences for the polyvalent fleet segment since the beginning of this year. Full replacement capacity was provided in all cases prior to licensing, as required under general licensing policy. The licensing authority has, since 1 January 2005, issued six renewal licences in respect of vessels in the pelagic fleet segment. The six vessels concerned have been licensed in accordance with section H of policy directive 2/2003, as amended, which specifically sets out the manner in which replacement capacity must be provided by vessel owners in the pelagic segment in respect of works previously claimed as "safety tonnage".
182 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has met or intends to meet representatives of the independent television production sector or its representative body, Screen Producers Ireland, regarding their concerns on the development of broadcasting here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6002/05]
I have received a request from Screen Producers Ireland for a meeting and I am considering that request.
183 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the number of jobs lost in Gaeltacht-based companies supplying programming for TG4 in recent years; his views on the reasons for those losses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6003/05]
Decisions on the commissioning of programmes are a matter for TG4. I have no role in the matter.
184 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he intends to address the issue of ownership of intellectual property rights in television programmes and formats in the forthcoming Broadcasting Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6004/05]
Work is continuing on the development of legislative proposals that will form the basis of a new Broadcasting Bill. The priority issues to be addressed by the legislative proposals are the establishment of a single content regulator for both private and public service broadcasters as recommended by the forum on broadcasting; the establishment of RTE as a commercial company under the Companies Acts 1963 to 2003; the provision of a statutory mechanism for future adjustments to the level of the television licence fee; and the development of the right of reply mechanism allowing persons whose reputation and good name have been damaged by an assertion of incorrect facts in a television or radio programme to gain redress.
I have no immediate plans to address the issue of ownership of intellectual property rights in television programmes and formats. However, all aspects of broadcasting policy will be considered in the development of the legislative proposals.
185 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a person (details supplied) was in charge when a young unarmed Irish citizen was shot dead by security forces while trying to give himself up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5542/05]
The information I have is that the circumstances of the death in question were investigated under the supervision of the Police Complaints Authority in Britain. The resulting report was sent to the Crown Prosecution Service which concluded that there was insufficient evidence on which to base a prosecution of the police officer involved. The subsequent inquest concluded with a verdict by the jury of "lawful killing".
186 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the grant aid advanced to Aid Action Ireland for the years 2003 and 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5558/05]
Action Aid Ireland received the following support from the Government's programme of assistance to developing countries:
|
2003 |
2004 |
|
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
NGO Co-Financing Block Grants |
800,000 |
800,000 |
|
HIV/Aids Partnership Scheme (HAPS) |
499,512 |
277,371.60 |
|
Development Education |
11,165 |
16,000 |
|
Total |
1,310,677 |
1,093,371.60 |
187 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on a submission (details supplied); his plans to assist in overcoming the stated problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5953/05]
The letter referred to in the Deputy's question concerns the challenges for Ireland and the international community in 2005 in achieving the millennium development goals, the UN target for official development assistance, the international trade agenda, insecurity, in particular in Darfur in Sudan, and the need to tackle the global arms trade.
On the millennium development goals, MDGs, I am keenly aware of the need to accelerate progress if the goals are to be achieved by 2015, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. In preparation for the United Nations high level event in September which will assess global progress towards meeting the MDGs, the EU has decided to take on a leadership role by promoting initiatives on aid financing, policy coherence and a special initiative on Africa. Ireland has been a leading proponent of a strong EU role in promoting the MDGs, including during our 2004 EU Presidency, and we have submitted a national report to the European Commission on our contribution towards meeting the MDGs.
With regard to overseas aid, the allocation for 2005 provides for an increase of €70 million in Government spending on official development assistance, ODA, this year. This will bring total Government aid to the developing world to approximately €545 million in 2005, the highest allocation in the 30-year history of the aid programme. Further increases of €65 million will be given in each of the years 2006 and 2007. This means that over the three years from 2005 to 2007, €1.8 billion will be spent by Ireland on development assistance. The welcome advantage of these multi-annual commitments, recognised and recommended by the last OECD review of our aid programme, is the ability to plan on a long-term basis and to give our partners in sub-Saharan Africa and elsewhere predictability of funding.
The Government remains strongly committed to achieving the UN target for expenditure on ODA. The issue of how best to meet the target and in what timeframe is under ongoing review. In the coming months also, Development Co-operation Ireland will launch a consultative process that will lead to a White Paper on development assistance. All interested stakeholders are being invited to submit views.
On the issue of trade, Ireland has constantly stressed the needs of developing countries in the negotiations on the Doha development agenda. The former Minister of State with responsibility for development co-operation and human rights, Deputy Kitt, took part in Ireland's ministerial delegation to the world trade talks in Cancun in September 2003. At EU ministerial level, Ireland has stressed the need to take on board the concerns of developing countries, including in the area of special and differential treatment. The European Commission is engaged in negotiations with the African, Caribbean and Pacific, ACP, states to conclude regional economic partnership agreements, EPAs, which will enter into force at the beginning of 2008. While a number of points of divergence remain to be resolved, Ireland supports the EPAs since they are intended to promote sustainable development and poverty eradication in the ACP countries.
The situation in Darfur in Sudan is a source of particular concern. The United Nations and the Security Council have been centrally involved in efforts to address the Darfur crisis and with this in mind are, inter alia, assessing the possibility of strengthening the implementation of the UN arms embargo and broadening it to include the Government of Sudan. At national level, the Irish Government will continue to use all avenues open to it to urge action in addressing the humanitarian, security and political challenges which exist in Darfur. In 2004, Ireland provided more than €10 million in humanitarian support to Sudan generally, of which €6.38 million went to Darfur. Additional funding will be delivered in 2005.
With regard to a global arms trade treaty aimed at preventing arms transfers which undermine human rights and sustainable development, I am aware of a process led by a number of non-governmental organisations, NGOs, including Amnesty International and Oxfam, aimed at the conclusion of an international arms trade treaty. This treaty is intended to be a legally binding agreement with core principles and mechanisms relating to international transfers of arms. While work on the drafting of the text is still ongoing, it is a promising initiative and I commend the NGOs concerned for their efforts. My Department will continue to be associated with the process and will closely monitor developments. Officials from my Department are attending a meeting on this subject in Tanzania this week.
188 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the nature of contact his Department has had at EU 133 committee meetings in view of the impact of liberalisation of trade with Ireland’s priority aid countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6022/05]
189 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government will press its EU partners for increased co-operation with ACP countries to attain an extension of the Cotonou waiver at the WTO or to change GATT Article XXIV in order for the EU to continue to give preferential access to poor countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6023/05]
190 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the assessment his Department has undertaken concerning the impact upon agricultural and industrial producers in Ireland’s priority aid countries of the EPAs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6024/05]
191 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of any EPA impact assessments on Irish priority aid countries, that is, the level of unemployment expected, the nature of industries to be adversely affected and the capacity of these countries to adjust to EU competition within the transition period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6025/05]
192 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the communications, meetings and other representations his Department has had with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on the liberalisation of markets under the proposed EPAs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6026/05]
193 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the concerns his Department has raised with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment over the opening up of priority country markets to EU competition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6027/05]
194 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the areas of priority country markets his Department has suggested should be excluded from liberalisation, in EU and inter-departmental meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6028/05]
195 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the regional groupings required under EPAs; his views on the fact that Zambia is forced by this process to decide between SADC and COMESA, two regional groupings in which it has invested years of energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6029/05]
196 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on criticisms that, with the EPAs, the EU is bringing about an effective redrawing of the economic map of Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6030/05]
I propose to take Question Nos. 188 to 196, inclusive, together.
The legally binding Cotonou Agreement between the African, Caribbean and Pacific, ACP, states and the European Union provides for the negotiation of economic partnership agreements, EPAs, between the parties. Since trade is a European Community competence, the European Commission negotiates the EPAs between the EU and six regional groupings of ACP states on behalf of the member states. The Commission provides member states with regular updates on the progress of the negotiations. The EPAs are to enter into force by 1 January 2008.
The EPAs are first and foremost instruments for development that will foster the smooth and gradual integration of ACP states into the world economy with due regard for their political choices and development priorities, thereby promoting their sustainable development and contributing to poverty eradication in the ACP countries. They combine trade and wider development issues in a unified framework while taking account of the specific economic, social and environmental circumstances of each regional group and its component states. By enlarging ACP markets through regional integration and by making regulatory frameworks in these countries more transparent, EPAs can create an environment conducive to the private sector and thus function as a vehicle for long-term economic development.
According to Article 37(7) of the Cotonou Agreement, the negotiations on the EPAs:
shall take account of the level of development and the socio-economic impact of trade measures on ACP countries, and their capacity to adapt and adjust their economies to the liberalisation process. Negotiations will therefore be as flexible as possible in establishing the duration of a sufficient transitional period, the final product coverage, taking into account sensitive sectors, and the degree of asymmetry in terms of timetable for tariff dismantlement, while remaining in conformity with WTO rules then prevailing.
While Ireland, like the other member states, does not participate in the ongoing EPA negotiations, we are generally satisfied that the Commission is discharging its mandate in accordance with these provisions of the Cotonou Agreement. It is clear from the most recent EU-ACP joint report of October last on the state of play of regional EPA negotiations that the process with the six regions is conducted with considerable concern for its impact on the economies of the ACP countries. As in all trade negotiations, the EPA negotiation has brought to light differences of approach between the parties in a number of areas. It is to be hoped that as the talks progress, these divergences can be resolved in accordance with the principles and objectives underlying the negotiations. However, it is not helpful for the success of the EPA project at this stage to suggest taking action at the WTO for a continuation beyond 2008 of the preferential access of ACP countries to EU markets.
All the programme countries in Ireland's bilateral aid programme — Ethiopia, Lesotho, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Timor-Leste — are ACP states. Our underlying approach in those countries is complementary to that of the EPAs in that we are sensitive to the need to help build the economic architecture in these least developed countries so that they will be able to avail of an improving international trading environment. To that end, Ireland works both with its partner governments and with other donor countries to ensure a real focus on economic development and employment generation and on helping to equip our African partners to pursue access for their goods and progressively the means to avail of that access.
Within Ireland, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has primary responsibility for trade policy. An officer of that Department represents Ireland at meetings of the 133 committee. The committee normally meets once a month at the level of full members. An officer of the Department of Foreign Affairs also attends meetings of the committee on a regular basis.
Given the importance for Ireland of trade and trade relations with other countries, including those which are programme countries for Ireland's development co-operation programme, there is close co-operation with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and other Departments, including the Department of Agriculture and Food, in preparing for meetings of the 133 committee and on questions relating to trade generally, including the EPA negotiations.
197 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if there is money available or if he will make money available to refurbish the Gus Healy swimming pool in Cork; if he has had any representation on this project from Cork City Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5620/05]
Under the local authority swimming pools programme, which is administered by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, grant aid is provided towards the capital costs of new pools or the refurbishment of existing pools. The closing date for receipt of applications under the current programme was 31 July 2000. No application was made in respect of the Gus Healy swimming pool in Douglas before that date.
The programme's priority is to support the proposals on hand. New proposals for swimming pools are not being considered at this time. The Department is conducting an expenditure review of the swimming pools programme, which is examining, among other things, how the programme has worked to date, the benefits which have accrued to areas where pools have been built under the existing programme and what amendments, if any, are required to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of the programme. The review is expected to be completed by the middle of the year. The question of re-opening the programme can be considered when the review has been completed.
In a letter dated 16 December 2004, Cork City Council requested a meeting with me to discuss grant aid towards the refurbishment of the public swimming pool in Douglas. Due to a heavy schedule of commitments, I am not in a position to meet the delegation at this time. However, the request will be kept on file and I will be in touch with the council if an opportunity arises for such a meeting in the future.
198 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when funding will be granted for a project (details supplied) in County Laois. [5931/05]
The proposal to refurbish Portarlington swimming pool is one of a number of swimming pool projects within the local authority swimming pools programme being considered by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism. The four stages of the programme are preliminary report, contract document, tender approval and construction. The Portarlington project is at contract document stage. The question of this project moving to the next stage in the programme is being considered in the Department in the context of the funding available in the Department's multi-annual capital envelope for the local authority swimming pools programme.
199 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of public or private public partnership swimming pools here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5945/05]
200 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of public or private public partnership swimming pools here; the towns in Ireland which have such a facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5946/05]
201 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the need for the Department to publish guidelines for public private partnership provision of swimming pools; if, pending the publication of these guidelines, it is permissible for a local authority to proceed with plans for a public private partnership provided swimming pool in its administrative area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5947/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 199 to 201, inclusive, together.
Under the local authority swimming pools programme, local authorities can seek grant assistance in respect of swimming pool projects developed by them or in conjunction with community or private sector interests. An expenditure review of the local authority swimming pools programme is under way in the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism and is due to be completed by the middle of the year. As part of the review, all data on the number and location of swimming pools promoted by local authorities throughout the country, some of which date back to the 1960s, are being updated. The Department's existing records are not complete because they relate to projects which were grant aided, whereas local authorities have always been able to construct swimming pools without reference to the Department. Local authorities have not been required to update the Department on the status of grant aided swimming pool projects after they have opened to the public. The expenditure review is seeking to update all records in this area.
Some 55 projects are being dealt with under the current round of the swimming pools programme, which closed for applications on 31 July 2000. Some 25 of those projects have been grant aided, of which 15 have been completed. The completed projects are located in Arklow, Courtown-Gorey, Dundalk, Ennis, Enniscorthy, Monaghan, Navan, Wicklow, Roscommon, two in Tralee, Ballinasloe, Finglas, Grove Island in Limerick city and Clonmel. Ten projects are under construction, in Ballymun, Ballyfermot, Cobh, Youghal, Churchfield in Cork city, Drogheda, Letterkenny, Jobstown in south County Dublin, Monaghan town and Tuam.
Some 30 projects are at various stages of the programme. Two projects are at tender stage, in Killarney and Ballybunion. Some 13 projects are at contract document stage, in Askeaton, Athy, Claremorris, Clondalkin, Dunmanway, Glenalbyn in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Longford, Naas, Portarlington, Portlaoise, Skerries, Thurles and Tullamore. Some 15 projects are at preliminary or feasibility report stage, in Ballaghaderreen, Ballybofey, Birr, Buncrana, Bray, Castlebar, Clara, Dundrum in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Edenderry, Ferrybank in Wexford, Greystones, Kilkenny, Loughrea, New Ross and Roscrea.
Private sector involvement in the programme is being considered in the context of the expenditure review. The work of the interdepartmental working group, which was established in 1999 to advise on key issues relating to the operation of a public private partnership approach to swimming pools, will be taken into account as part of the review process. The experience of local authorities, national legislative and policy developments in the area of PPPs will also be pertinent.
The arrangements and accompanying guidelines in place for PPPs are geared towards major and complex capital projects with significant ongoing maintenance requirements — projects with a capital cost of €20 million or more. The PPP model should be used where it is appropriate and where it can deliver value for money. The model would not be appropriate where the transaction costs of pursuing a PPP are disproportionate to the value of the project. The policy framework for PPPs in the local government sector issued by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the implementing guidelines issued by the Department of Finance are detailed and complex in implementation terms.
The project costs in the local authority swimming pools programme are in the region of €8 million and are not seen, therefore, as being of sufficiently high cost to justify the extra resources involved in pursuing a formal PPP approach. The Department of Finance confirmed some time ago that there were several considerations which would militate against a PPP approach to this programme and that pool projects do not strictly comply with the definition of a viable PPP in terms of scale and optimal transfer of risk to the private sector.
It is important to consider that the swimming pools programme is just a grant scheme. Local authorities can devise funding and operational arrangements as they see fit to complement the grant element. Experience shows there is potential for private sector involvement in the provision and operation of local authority swimming pool facilities. Many local authorities are exploring various ways of involving the private sector in their projects. The Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism does not object to the involvement of the private sector, as long as the generally accepted operational considerations of a public pool form part of the project. The considerations involve, for example, non-membership pay per swim access, concessionary rates as part of social inclusion measures, etc.
202 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will approve an application by a centre (details supplied) in County Longford under the grants capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6068/05]
The national lottery funded sports capital programme, which is administered by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis. Applications for funding under the 2005 programme were invited in press advertisements on 5 and 6 December last. The closing date for the receipt of applications was 4 February 2005. All applications, including one from the club in question, are being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the programme's guidelines, terms and conditions. I intend to announce the grant allocations under the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.
203 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of workplace inspections that were carried out by the labour inspectorate in 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5572/05]
204 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of workplace inspections that were carried out by the labour inspectorate in 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5573/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 203 and 204 together.
The number of workplace inspections or visits undertaken by the labour inspectorate in 2003 was 7,168. In 2004, the number of workplace inspections or visits undertaken was 5,160. The reduced numbers of workplace inspections in 2004 relates to the demands placed on the staff of the inspectorate by their work on the successful Irish Presidency of the EU in the first half of the year and the review of the mandate and resourcing of the labour inspectorate required under commitment 12.4 of the mid-term review of Sustaining Progress.
205 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress in establishing a replacement industry for a company (details supplied). [5579/05]
The company has decided to close its chicken processing plant on 4 March next. There is overcapacity in the competitive chicken processing market. There is a trend towards consolidation into larger processing units. Further investment could not be contemplated because the plant was deemed to be small by industry standards. I understand that employees will be given an opportunity to take up alternative positions in Charleville, where a major expansion is taking place, and Listowel, where demand for workers is increasing. To get a replacement industry into the plant, it would need to be decommissioned and fumigated and to be made available as a vacant unit. Shannon Development, which is responsible for industrial development in the area, is ready and willing to explore and consider eligible business proposals from current employees or other parties. A small group has been established to represent the community's interest. Shannon Development and the local county enterprise board are working with the group on the future development of the area.
206 Ms M. Wallace asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress being made within his Department on the proposal to create a new statutory body to investigate bullying in the workplace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5600/05]
I understand that the expert advisory group established to look at measures for the prevention of workplace bullying and to identify improvements is finalising its report and will submit it to me shortly. I am committed to publishing the advisory group's report. I look forward to the report, which I hope will be a useful input to the formulation of a policy to deal with workplace bullying.
207 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position on a year by year basis for each of the years from 1998 to 2004, the number of jobs created with the assistance of Enterprise Ireland for each of these years; the number of Enterprise Ireland assisted jobs in existence in firms in Laois at 31 December 2004. [5603/05]
The following table provides data on jobs created with the assistance of Enterprise Ireland between 1998 and 2004. The table also provides data on jobs assisted by Enterprise Ireland in County Laois in 2004.
|
All Counties |
1998 |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
|
Total full-time jobs |
131,469 |
138,838 |
147,263 |
149,856 |
146,978 |
143,432 |
142,115 |
|
Gains |
12,712 |
16,941 |
18,897 |
14,670 |
14,020 |
12,300 |
11,898 |
|
Losses |
-8,288 |
-9,572 |
-10,472 |
-12,077 |
-16,898 |
-15,846 |
-13,215 |
|
Net change |
4,424 |
7,369 |
8,425 |
2,593 |
-2,878 |
-3,546 |
-1,317 |
|
County Laois |
|||||||
|
Total full-time jobs |
1,292 |
1,397 |
1,252 |
1,416 |
1,361 |
1,352 |
1,263 |
|
Gains |
103 |
194 |
35 |
260 |
101 |
67 |
86 |
|
Losses |
-33 |
-89 |
-180 |
-96 |
-156 |
-76 |
-175 |
|
Net change |
70 |
105 |
-145 |
164 |
-55 |
-9 |
-89 |
208 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position, on a year by year basis from 1998 to 2004, on the number of job losses in IDA Ireland-supported firms in County Laois; the number of new jobs created with IDA Ireland assistance in firms in each of those years; the number of firms in County Laois with IDA Ireland-assisted employment; the number of IDA Ireland-assisted jobs in County Laois at 31 December 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5604/05]
IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment, FDI, to Ireland, including its regions. Data on job creation are compiled from an annual employment survey carried out by Forfás. County data for 2004 will not be available until mid-2005. The number of IDA Ireland-supported companies in County Laois and the numbers of jobs created and lost in those companies in each of the years 1998 to 2003 are set out in the following tabular statement.
|
Year |
1998 |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|
Number of IDA Supported Companies |
8 |
5 |
5 |
6 |
5 |
5 |
|
Number of Job losses in IDA Supported Companies |
108 |
393 |
34 |
59 |
43 |
17 |
|
Number of jobs created in IDA Supported Companies |
7 |
23 |
41 |
13 |
30 |
2 |
209 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether the abolition of the groceries order would result in job losses in the retail sector; if below-cost selling will continue to be banned here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5847/05]
The consumer strategy group was established to deliberate on a wide range of consumer matters. I am awaiting the report of group and I expect that it will contain recommendations on the groceries order. On receipt of the report, I will consider the group's findings in consultation with my Government colleagues and interested parties before deciding what action is appropriate.
210 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of IDA Ireland-supported firms which were set up here in 2004; the number of existing IDA Ireland-supported firms which increased the number of Irish workers they employ; the number of such increase; the location and number of new jobs created in each firm; the proportion of these new start-ups which was located in the BMW region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5879/05]
IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment, FDI, to Ireland and its regions. In its 2004 end-of-year statement, IDA Ireland indicated that 2004 was the best year since 2000 in terms of the quality, depth and value of the investment decisions won. It indicated that an estimated 10,800 new jobs were created. However, more precise data on job creation are compiled from an annual employment survey carried out by Forfás, and final figures for 2004 will not be available until mid-2005.
According to the 2003 survey, which was published in mid-2004, 21 new greenfield projects supported by IDA Ireland started operations during the year, of which one third was in the BMW region. The survey also indicates that 426 existing companies created 8,673 new jobs. Employment data on individual companies are provided on a confidential basis for survey purposes only.
211 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the work undertaken by Enterprise Ireland in 2004 in facilitating the expansion of Dublin companies to regional locations; the details of firms which relocated in 2004; the number of employees who relocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5933/05]
The implementation of regional development strategy is a day-to-day matter for the industrial development agencies concerned and not one in which I am directly involved. However, in line with stated Government policy, Enterprise Ireland seeks to encourage a balanced spread of regional development. Enterprise Ireland's strategy in this regard includes encouraging companies, where relevant, to locate outside Dublin and its environs to less developed regions.
One of the ways in which Enterprise Ireland facilitates client companies that wish to relocate to regional locations is by making it financially more attractive for them to establish or grow outside Dublin and the mid-east region. For example, Enterprise Ireland provides higher levels of funding assistance for companies that are expanding or establishing a business in the BMW region. In the BMW region, the grant aid rate for building competitiveness is 45% of eligible expenditure, while in the south-east, south-west and mid-west regions it is 30%. In the Dublin and mid-east regions, the rate is 25%.
The availability of suitable building infrastructure can be an important factor in encouraging companies to expand outside Dublin. Enterprise Ireland makes its client companies aware of available business space in the regions and conducts itineraries to regional locations for companies who might be encouraged to relocate.
In this regard, the institutes of technology are key players in Enterprise Ireland's regional development strategy. They are recognised as a vital component of the innovation system in each region. Since 2001, Enterprise Ireland has approved funding of almost €25 million for 11 regionally based incubation units in the institutes of technology to encourage knowledge-based companies to locate therein.
Enterprise Ireland has also approved funding of €24 million for the provision and operation of over 100 regionally based community enterprise centres. Community enterprise centres are regarded as key partners in the development of new enterprises and enterprise culture in the regions.
Ultimately, the choice of location for new and expanding Irish businesses is influenced by many factors, including the promoter's home base, proximity to markets, availability of physical, educational and research infrastructure, access to raw materials and availability of skilled labour and research facilities, to name but a few. In light of Irish promoters' tendency to locate close to their roots, and taking account of all the other factors, Irish companies have shown themselves to be less mobile than their foreign counterparts both at start-up and expansion stages.
In 2004, Lir Chocolates Limited moved from Dublin and relocated to Navan, County Meath, when moving to bigger premises. It is not possible for Enterprise Ireland to verify if the same employees moved with the company to its new location.
212 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding a submission (details supplied); the action he intends to take to alleviate the concerns raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5944/05]
The concerns raised in the submission on changes to the retail planning guidelines are the responsibility of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Accordingly, I have arranged to forward a copy of the submission to that Minister for his attention.
On the groceries order, I am awaiting the report of the consumer strategy group, which was established last year to deliberate on a wide range of consumer matters. I hope to receive the group's report soon and I expect that it will pronounce on the groceries order in its findings. I will consider the group's recommendations in consultation with my Government colleagues and interested parties before deciding what action is appropriate.
213 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Question No. 124 of 16 December 2004, the progress on the inspection regime under the metrology law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5988/05]
I understand from the legal metrology service of the National Standards Authority of Ireland that measures are being progressed to facilitate the early resumption of inspection in meat plants. An issue that remains to be resolved relates to the contracting of hauliers for the carriage of the necessary test weights to and from different premises. Legal aspects relating to the establishment of such contracts are being considered and it is expected that this issue will be clarified shortly, following which quotations for the provision of haulage services will be sought with a view to resumption of inspections shortly thereafter.
214 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there are workers at the Dublin Port tunnel project working 12 hour shifts at €45 per day; and if he will investigate the matter. [6000/05]
The Department has not received any complaint about working conditions at the Dublin Port tunnel and, accordingly, I am not aware of any workers on the project working 12-hour shifts at €45 per day.
The wages and employment conditions of workers employed in the construction industry are governed by the Registered Employment Agreement (Construction Industry Wages and Conditions of Employment) Variation Order, which is enforced by the labour inspectorate of my Department. If the Deputy is aware of evidence that particular employers are in breach of the employment regulation order, I ask that this evidence be brought to the attention of the labour inspectorate.
215 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has been awarded the old age non-contributory pension. [5550/05]
The person concerned applied to my Department for this pension in January 2005. Following an investigation of his circumstances by a social welfare inspector, a deciding officer determined that he was not eligible because his means, deriving from both a farm and capital, exceeded the maximum weekly statutory limit. He was notified of this decision as well as his right of appeal against it to the independent social welfare appeal's office.
Under social welfare legislation, decisions on claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.
216 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he has set up a working group to review the position of lone parents and relevant social welfare payments; when the group was established; the frequency with which it has met; the names of the members of the group; when it will complete its review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5551/05]
The Department has been involved in a number of reviews and studies related to the one-parent family payment. These have included the Department's review of the one-parent family payment, regarding which a report was published in October 2001, and participation in an international OECD study on reconciling work and family life, entitled Babies and Bosses, Volume II of which contains the findings on Ireland. The Department has also assisted in NESF studies on lone parents. Relevant research has been carried out under the Department's family research programme and by the Combat Poverty Agency, the ESRI and other bodies in this general area.
In November 2004, following discussion at the Cabinet committee on social inclusion, it was decided that priority be given to specifically examining obstacles to employment for lone parents.
The aforementioned OECD report shows that employment participation among lone parents in Ireland is relatively low compared to that in other OECD countries. Jobless households are particularly at risk of poverty and the fact that lone parents and their children are among the groups most at risk may, in part at least, be attributed to the relatively low level of employment participation. It was therefore concluded that action in this area would be a key element in the context of the special initiative on ending child poverty under Sustaining Progress.
This task was entrusted to the senior officials' group on social inclusion, which reports to the Cabinet committee. The senior officials' group has set up a small steering group to examine the issue in detail and prepare a draft report for consideration by the group and, when completed, the Cabinet committee. Both the senior officials' group and steering committee are chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach, and the secretariat to the latter group is provided by the family affairs unit in my Department. The Department of Finance and the office for social inclusion in my Department are also represented on the steering group. Representatives of other Departments will participate as necessary.
The steering group held its first meeting recently and will meet on a regular basis with a view to completing its draft report by mid-year. It is expected that the final report will be presented to the Cabinet committee on social inclusion in the second half of the year.
The report will contain an analysis of obstacles to employment for lone parents which may arise in current support arrangements, including income support, education and training, employment, health, housing and accommodation, with recommendations on how these obstacles could be overcome and what further supports may be required to facilitate lone parents in taking up employment, including information provision. Special account will be taken of the findings of a report that NESC has been commissioned to prepare, under Sustaining Progress, on the possible merging the child dependant allowance, CDA, with the family income supplement.
A list of the members of the steering group on lone parents is given in Appendix A.
|
Ms Mary Doyle |
Department of the Taoiseach (Chair) |
|
Ms Eileen Keogh |
Department of the Taoiseach |
|
Mr. Michael Scanlon |
Department of Finance |
|
Mr. Dermot Quigley |
Department of Finance |
|
Mr. Gerry Mangan |
Office for Social Inclusion |
|
Ms Orlaigh Quinn |
Office for Social Inclusion |
The secretary to the group is Mr. Heber McMahon, Department of Social and Family Affairs.
217 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of Maltese nationals who have applied for PPS numbers since 1 May 2004 to permit them to work here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5562/05]
218 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of nationals of Hungary who have applied for PPS numbers since 1 May 2004 to permit them to work here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5563/05]
219 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of Latvian nationals who have applied for PPS numbers since 1 May 2004 to permit them to work here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5564/05]
220 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of Polish nationals who have applied for PPS numbers since 1 May 2004 to permit them to work here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5565/05]
221 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of Estonian nationals who have applied for PPS numbers since 1 May 2004 to permit them to work here. [5566/05]
222 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of Lithuanian nationals who have applied for PPS numbers since 1 May 2004 to permit them to work here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5567/05]
223 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of Slovenian nationals who have applied for PPS numbers since 1 May 2004 to permit them to work here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5568/05]
224 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of Slovakian nationals who have applied for PPS numbers since 1 May 2004 to permit them to work here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5569/05]
225 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of Cypriot nationals who have applied for PPS numbers since 1 May 2004 to permit them to work here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5570/05]
226 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of nationals of the Czech Republic who have applied for PPS numbers since 1 May 2004 to permit them to work here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5571/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 217 to 226, inclusive, together.
The total numbers of personal public service numbers issued to each of the nationalities quoted by the Deputy in the period 1 May 2004 to 11 February 2005 are as follows:
|
Malta |
152 |
|
Hungary |
2,029 |
|
Latvia |
6,885 |
|
Poland |
29,731 |
|
Estonia |
1,842 |
|
Lithuania |
13,439 |
|
Slovenia |
75 |
|
Slovakia |
5,889 |
|
Cyprus |
26 |
|
Czech Republic |
3,503 |
The personal public service number is the citizen's unique reference number for all dealings with Departments and public bodies. Personal public service numbers are issued automatically to children born in Ireland. Others requiring a personal public service number must apply at one of the Department's local offices.
When applying for a personal public service number, applicants are asked to complete an application form and supply documentation to establish their identity. Their personal public service numbers are usually issued to them, by post, within five days.
227 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Limerick is entitled to some form of payment from his Department to prevent undue hardship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5629/05]
The person concerned initially made an application to my Department for disability benefit. His application was unsuccessful as he did not have any PRSI contributions paid in the relevant qualifying period. He subsequently applied for assistance under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme which is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive.
Subject to certain conditions, including a means test, the scheme provides for the payment of a weekly allowance to an eligible person whose means are insufficient to meet his or her basic needs and those of his or her dependants.
The western region of the Health Service Executive has advised that the person concerned was refused basic supplementary welfare allowance on means grounds, as the level of his household income is in excess of the supplementary welfare allowance rate appropriate to his family circumstances.
The executive has further advised that it has suggested to the person concerned that his partner, who is in employment, should apply to my Department under the family income supplement scheme, which provides assistance to families in employment on low earnings.
228 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason the Health Service Executive, southern region, is refusing to pay supplementary welfare to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; if their appeal against the decision not to allow them unemployment assistance has been heard. [5716/05]
Payment of unemployment assistance to the person concerned was terminated by my Department in November 2004 on the grounds that he was not genuinely seeking work. He appealed this decision to the social welfare appeals office, and an appeals officer will review his case as soon as possible.
The person concerned subsequently applied for assistance under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme which is administered on behalf of my Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. The southern region of the Health Service Executive has advised that, having assessed his circumstances, the person concerned was awarded basic supplementary welfare allowance in December 2004 on the condition that it would be for a limited period to allow him a further opportunity to make reasonable efforts to secure employment.
He failed to make reasonable efforts subsequently to seek employment and payment of his supplementary welfare allowance was terminated as a result at the end of January 2005. He was unsuccessful in appealing against this decision to the executive's area appeals officer and at his request his case has been referred to the social welfare appeals office for review.
The executive has further advised that the wife of the person concerned is in part-time employment. She was absent from work through illness recently and received a reduced rate of disability benefit from my Department. In addition to this benefit she received assistance under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme to ensure that the overall household income was maintained at the supplementary welfare allowance level appropriate to the family circumstances.
229 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the situation regarding the decentralisation of jobs to Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim, and to Sligo; the timetable for decentralisation to Carrick-on-Shannon and Sligo; and the number of persons who have applied for each centre. [5753/05]
Under the Government decentralisation programme announced as part of budget 2004, my Department is required to relocate 100 posts to Sligo and 225 posts to Carrick-on-Shannon. According to figures received by my Department from the central applications facility the number of applicants for Sligo and Carrick-on-Shannon is 69 and 280 respectively. These figures represent applications made through the central applications facility before the priority application date of 7 September 2004.
The decentralisation implementation group report to the Minister for Finance of 19 November 2004 made recommendations on the locations and organisations to be included in the first phase of moves. In the case of my Department, Sligo was included in the first phase of moves and Carrick-on-Shannon was recommended as a potential location for an early move. The estimated date given in the report for the completion of building works in Sligo is the third quarter of 2006 and in Carrick-on-Shannon the second quarter of 2007.
The Office of Public Works has been charged with securing suitable accommodation in the decentralised locations. It has confirmed to my Department that the planned extension to the pension services office in Sligo will accommodate staff relocating under the decentralisation programme. It is expected that the contractors will be on site by mid-year, with completion scheduled for early 2007.
In the meantime, my Department has initiated plans, subject to the availability of suitable temporary accommodation, to relocate the supplementary welfare allowance section to Sligo this year. The Office of Public Works is in the process of identifying suitable accommodation in Carrick-on-Shannon. Detailed plans, including timescales, will be completed once a site has been procured.
230 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason recipients of social welfare are entitled to child benefit for children up to 21 years in full-time education, while persons who are in employment are entitled to draw child benefit only for children up to 19 years of age in full-time education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5759/05]
Child benefit is payable in respect of children up to the age of 16 years and continues to be paid in respect of children up to age 19 years while they remain in full-time education, or where they have a physical or mental disability. Payment of child benefit does not extend beyond a child's 19th birthday. Child benefit is payable in respect of all children whether or not the parents are in employment or in receipt of social welfare payments.
Child dependant allowance is an additional payment made to social welfare recipients in respect of each qualified child dependant. In the case of short-term payments this allowance is payable in respect of a child who is under 18 years of age.
Payment of the allowance continues to age 22 years where the person is in receipt of a long-term social welfare payment, or a short-term social welfare payment for six months or more and the child is in full-time education.
231 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons in receipt of single parent payments in the Dublin 11 area; their breakdown by category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5760/05]
The number of people in receipt of a one-parent family payment with an address in the Dublin 11 postal district is 2,467. The breakdown by category is unmarried parents, 2,079; separated spouses, 376; widowed persons, 11; and prisoners' spouses, one.
232 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons in receipt of social welfare allowances. [5845/05]
The objective of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on behalf of my Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive, is to provide assistance to eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their basic needs.
In addition to a basic weekly allowance, assistance may be provided in the form of supplements which may be paid in respect of needs such as rent, mortgage interest, diet or special heating requirements or in any other case where it appears to the executive that the circumstances of the case so warrant.
A single payment can also be made to meet an exceptional need or in urgent situations. Such payments are made at the discretion of the executive taking into account the particular circumstances of a case.
Details of the numbers of recipients are summarised in the following table:
|
Recipients |
|
|
Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance |
30,048 |
|
Supplement in respect of: |
|
|
Rent |
57,714 |
|
Mortgage Interest |
3,283 |
|
Diet |
2,514 |
|
Heating |
3,205 |
|
Other |
3,980 |
|
Exceptional/Urgent Needs Payment |
4,627 |
|
Total |
115,371 |
*Includes interim payments to applicants for other social welfare schemes.
233 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will reconsider the application of a person (details supplied) in County Galway who has previously applied, and been turned down for, the back-to-education allowance given that the application was turned down on the grounds that the number of days during which the person was in receipt of social welfare payment fell short of the minimum given. [5923/05]
The back-to-education allowance is a second chance education opportunities programme designed to encourage and facilitate people on certain social welfare payments to improve their skills and qualifications and, therefore, their prospects of returning to the active work force.
To qualify for participation in the scheme an applicant must be, inter alia, in receipt of a relevant social welfare payment for at least six months if pursuing a second level course of study. The qualifying period for third level courses of study was increased from six months to 15 months for new applicants from September 2004.
This qualifying period is to be reduced from 15 months to 12 months from September 2005. However, the person concerned started his course of study in September 2004 when the qualifying period was 15 months and does not, therefore, satisfy the eligibility criteria for participation in the scheme.
234 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will be made in respect of an appeal regarding rent allowance for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5939/05]
Rent supplements are provided for through the supplementary welfare allowance scheme which is administered on behalf of my Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. Under standard assessment rules, rent supplements are calculated to ensure that an eligible person, after the payment of rent, has an income equal to the rate of supplementary welfare allowance appropriate to his or her family circumstances, less a minimum contribution of €13 which each recipient is required to pay from his or her own resources. In addition to this minimum contribution, each recipient is also required to contribute any assessable means he or she has over and above the appropriate supplementary welfare allowance rate.
Supplementary welfare allowance is not normally payable to people who are engaged in full-time employment. However, arrangements have been in place for a number of years which allow people to retain a portion of their rent supplement where they take up employment through approved schemes such as community employment, subject to a weekly household income limit of €317.43. In such cases, the supplement may be retained on a tapered basis over a period of up to four years. Participants in community employment have the option of being assessed for rent supplement purposes under either standard or special retention rules, depending on which option is more favourable in their situation.
The Dublin-mid-Leinster office of the Health Service Executive was contacted regarding this case and has advised that the person concerned had been in receipt of rent supplement which was based on her income from one-parent family payment. It came to the attention of the executive that the person concerned is now participating in a community employment scheme. The level of her household income is now such that she does not qualify for rent supplement under either the tapered retention rules or standard assessment rules. Her rent supplement was terminated accordingly. The person has appealed against this decision to the executive's area appeals officer. The appeal will be decided as soon as possible.
235 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will introduce some element of flexibility into the qualification criteria for the companion travel pass for persons who cannot travel alone and who are close to the qualifying age of 75; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5954/05]
The free travel companion pass scheme was introduced in 1990 for persons who qualify for free travel and who, on account of their disability, are unable to travel alone. Some of those who are eligible for a companion free travel pass include recipients of disability allowance or invalidity pension who are medically assessed as being unfit to travel unaccompanied; people who are blind or severely visually impaired; people who are confined to wheelchairs; people who are aged 75 years and over and who are medically certified as unfit to travel alone; and people who are receiving full-time care and attention from someone who is in receipt of a carer's allowance.
The companion pass enables a person 16 years of age, or over, to accompany the pass holder free of charge. The purpose of the companion pass scheme is to ensure that a person's entitlement to free travel is not diminished because a companion cannot afford to accompany them. Any further extension to the free travel scheme could only be considered in a budgetary context.
236 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if eligibility for the respite care grant will be determined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5965/05]
The conditions for receipt of the extended respite care grant are set out in the Social Welfare Bill, which this week passed Second Stage and was referred to the Select Committee on Social and Family Affairs. The following conditions will apply: the carer must be providing full-time care to a person who is in need of such care, as is the case with recipients of carer's allowance; a full-time carer must not be engaged in employment for more than ten hours per week; those who are on unemployment payments will be excluded since they are required to be available for and actively seeking full-time work. Full details of the conditions for receipt of the extended respite care grant will be set out in regulations and will be widely publicised in advance of the payment date.
237 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the maximum rent allowance will be approved in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if assistance will also be given on the up-front payment required. [5984/05]
Rent supplements are provided for through the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. The scheme is administered by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. The southern region of the Health Service Executive has advised that, apart from an informal inquiry from the people concerned, it has no record of an application by them for rent supplement. If they wish to apply they should contact the community welfare officer at their local health centre for an assessment of their circumstances and eligibility.
238 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if rent allowance will be approved in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if a decision in the case will be expedited. [5993/05]
Rent supplements are provided for through the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. The scheme is administered by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive.
The southern region of the Health Service Executive has advised that it is awaiting the return of the appropriate application forms from the person concerned. As soon as she finds accommodation to rent and supplies the necessary information the executive will assess her eligibility for rent supplement.
239 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when the fuel allowance will be approved for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [6061/05]
The person concerned commenced employment under the rural social scheme, on 12 February 2005. That scheme is administered by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. It is a matter for that Department to decide on eligibility, as well as whether participants are entitled to any secondary benefits.
Under social welfare legislation, decisions on claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers who are statutorily appointed. I have no role in making such decisions.
240 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if an application for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo for the carer’s allowance will be reassessed. [6063/05]
Under the regulations governing carer's allowance, a person may participate in employment for a maximum of ten hours per week. Following the necessary investigations to determine his entitlement to the allowance, his application was refused on the grounds that he was employed in excess of the ten hours allowed each week.
My Department received a notice of an appeal in this case on 15 February 2005. The person submitted a letter from his employer stating that he now works six to eight hours per week. Based on this information a revised decision will be made. In this regard, he was requested to submit confirmation of the date from which he reduced the hours of his employment and details of his earnings. On receipt of the requested information, his claim will be reviewed.
Under social welfare legislation decisions on claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers who are statutorily appointed. I have no role in making such decisions.
241 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will have their appeal dealt with in regard to unemployment benefit. [6066/05]
The person concerned applied for unemployment benefit on 10 January 2005. His claim was disallowed by the deciding officer on the grounds that he was not available for full-time work and not genuinely seeking employment.
The person appealed against this decision to the social welfare appeals office — appeal received on 7 February 2005 — and an appeals officer is of the opinion that an oral hearing is required. He will be advised of the date and venue for the hearing when the necessary arrangements have been made.
Under social welfare legislation decisions on claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers who are statutorily appointed. I have no role in making such decisions.
242 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the legal position in respect of the widespread use of quad-bikes by young people; if these bikes come within road traffic legislation; if it is legal for minors or adults to ride these bikes on public roads or public open spaces; the person who is liable in respect of injury to persons or to property caused by one of these bikes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5920/05]
252 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Transport the legislation or regulations which govern the use of micro-motorcycles either on the public roadway or in public places such as parks; the penalties for breaches of any such laws or regulations, given that these vehicles are now in widespread use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5761/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 242 and 252 together.
The Road Traffic Act 1961 defines a mechanically propelled vehicle as a vehicle intended or adapted for propulsion by mechanical means. Quadricycles and motorcycles, including micro-motorcycles, come within this definition.
In order to use a mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place, a range of requirements must be satisfied in relation to both the vehicle and the driver. Specifically, a mechanically propelled vehicle when in use in a public place must comply with the requirements of the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 to 2002 and the Road Traffic (Lighting of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 to 1996 and the driver must have third party insurance cover in accordance with section 56 of the Road Traffic Act 1961. In addition, under section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, a driving licence is required to drive a mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place. The minimum age for holding a driving licence is 16 years for a moped and small motorcycles and 17 years for a quadricycle.
Enforcement of the road traffic law is a matter for the Garda Síochána. The penalties for breaches of the road traffic law in respect of these requirements are a fine not exceeding €800 in the case of a first offence, a fine not exceeding €1,500 in the case of a second or subsequent offence, and a fine of €1,500 or a term of imprisonment not exceeding three months or both in the case of a third or subsequent offence in a period of 12 consecutive months. A person convicted of a breach of section 56 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 incurs five penalty points.
In addition to the requirements of road traffic law, a mechanically propelled vehicle for use in a public place is required to be registered and liable to motor tax, which are matters for the Revenue Commissioners and the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, respectively.
243 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Transport when a driving test will be available for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5601/05]
The applicant is on my Department's waiting list for a driving test. No documentary evidence has been submitted to my Department indicating that an early driving test is required.
244 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Transport when his Department officially notified driving school proprietors that a change in standards in relation to heavy goods vehicles registered after 1 January 2004 would come into force in February 2005; if this notice was adequate to enable owners to make the necessary adjustments in time to meet compliance by the due date; if additional time to comply can be afforded in order that tests already arranged will not have to be postponed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5639/05]
EU Directive 2000/56/EC provides for changes in the type of vehicle that may be presented for a driving test. These changes only apply in respect of truck, bus, or car with trailer driving tests. The Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) (Amendment) Regulations 2004, SI 705 of 2004, give effect to the provisions of the directive. Vehicles registered before 1 January 2004 are not subject to these requirements and may continue to be used for driving test purposes until 2013.
In February 2002, representative bodies of driving instructors were advised, by letter, of the directive. In the course of information sessions held at most test centres in both 2003 and 2004, regional supervisors from my Department advised driving instructors that changes were to be introduced to the representative vehicles that could be presented for driving tests. While the implementation date of 14 February 2005 for the change was decided in November 2004, I am satisfied that the correspondence and information sessions conducted during the previous three years provided adequate notice of the impending change.
245 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport if he will use his powers under section 41 of the Road Traffic Act 1993 to direct the NRA to approve phase 1 of the Roscommon to Cooltighe stretch of the N61; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5650/05]
The planning, design and implementation of road improvement projects including the Roscommon to Cooltighe section of the N61 is a matter for the National Roads Authority in conjunction with the relevant local authority, in this case Roscommon County Council.
I do not propose to issue a direction under section 41 of the Roads Act 1993 in regard to this issue which is an operational matter for the NRA.
246 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport the assistance which can be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford to bring forward their C class driving test date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5668/05]
A driving test has been arranged for the person concerned for 14 March 2005. Notification of the test appointment issued to him on 9 February 2005.
247 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if all relevant State and EU public procurement and tendering requirements were followed in relation to the tendering process to build and operate the West Link and East Link toll bridges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5669/05]
Proposals for the financing, construction and operation of the West Link bridge as a toll concession were approved in principle by Government in October 1984. The subsequent construction of the bridge, and associated roads, was subject to a competitive tendering process run by Dublin County Council and conformed to the relevant EEC directive for works contracts, 71/305/EEC, and Department of Finance guidelines for the award of public sector contracts, outline of Government contract procedures, prevailing at the time.
Issues relating to the construction and operation of the East Link bridge are a matter for Dublin City Council.
248 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Transport if the percentage of successful applicants for the driving test is broadly similar for all the driving test centres; if there is evidence to show that the driving test centre in Raheny, Dublin 5, has a much higher failure rate than other centres; the action he will take to address this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5687/05]
While the data available for the period from 1 January to 31 December 2004 show that the pass rate in Raheny was 52.4% compared to a national average pass rate of 54%, the pass rate for driving tests in Raheny in 2004 was higher than the other Dublin test centres.
As in other EU countries, there are variations in the pass rate among test centres. The pass rate may be influenced by a number of factors, including the number of lessons taken by the candidate, the standard of instruction available and social and demographic factors. The work of driver testers is monitored on an ongoing basis to ensure consistent application of the test standard.
249 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Transport his views on warnings from Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland that aviation restrictions, which are curbing access to Ireland from Europe and North America, are detrimental to the tourist industry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5689/05]
First, I assure the Deputy that there are no economic restrictions of any kind on aviation business from the EU. The aviation market in the EU is fully liberalised, and EU airlines are free to fly where they wish in the EU, subject only to the normal safety and technical requirements. Regarding transatlantic aviation, I am aware of the concerns set out in the report of the tourism policy review group to the Minister of Arts, Sport and Tourism, dated 30 September 2003, regarding restrictions on aviation services between Ireland and the US.
As I have indicated in the House on a number of occasions, my officials have been engaging in exploratory discussions with U.S. officials about possible changes to transatlantic arrangements. I have ensured that the concerns of the tourism industry are taken into account in the course of these discussions.
250 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the details of and implications arising from the recent European Commission initiative to promote the development of regional airports here and to encourage new flights by providing development aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5740/05]
The European Commission has recently issued draft guidelines entitled Community guidelines on financing of airports and start-up aid to airlines departing from regional airports. The draft guidelines are available on the Commission's website, www.europa.eu.int and the Commission has invited views and comments from interested parties by 7 March 2005.
The Commission has also written separately to all member states seeking comments on the draft guidelines and intends to arrange a meeting of member states in Brussels next month for an exchange of views on the proposals. My Department is currently examining the draft guidelines and is consulting with Irish airlines and airports on the matter.
251 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if a decision has been made to allow buses approaching Dublin to use the hard shoulders of roads in order to reduce delays due to traffic congestion; the roads and sections of roads which are to be included in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5741/05]
I refer the Deputy to the answer given to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 158 and 151 of 15 February 2005. There has been no change since this reply.
253 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Transport if, in order to reduce the amount of traffic on roads, he will consider designating stretches of dual carriageway for persons who carpool and allowing such persons free travel on toll roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5767/05]
The planning, design and implementation of national roads improvement projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority and the relevant local authorities concerned.
I have no plans to designate stretches of dual carriageway for persons who carpool. The provision of free travel for particular categories of vehicles or users on toll roads is a matter for the NRA in the context of toll by-laws for individual projects.
254 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if Drogheda town will be considered as a location for a driving test centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5775/05]
The present network of driving test centres comprises 54 test centres nationwide. This is generally considered to provide good coverage across the country and represents a reasonable balance between convenience to test applicants and the need for economy in delivering the driver testing service. I have no proposals to provide a test centre in Drogheda as the existing test centres in Dundalk, Navan and Finglas provide adequately for the demand in Drogheda and the general area.
255 Mr. Kelleher asked the Minister for Transport if there are any legal impediments either under EU law or Irish law to transatlantic flights going directly from Cork Airport to the USA; if, in the context of the bilateral agreements, there was never a legal basis for not allowing the operation of transatlantic flights from and to Cork Airport; if, with the restructuring of Aer Rianta, the Cork Airport Authority is now free actively to pursue cross-Atlantic business; if there are any obstacles remaining, they will be removed; his views on whether transatlantic business would be of huge benefit to the commercial and tourist economy of the greater south Munster area; if he will make a statement on the Government’s position in relation to Cork and USA flights; and if he will actively encourage such a proposal. [5855/05]
Under the Ireland-US bilateral aviation agreement, there is no impediment to Irish airlines operating scheduled or charter transatlantic services to and from Cork. However, US carriers may only operate charter services to and from Cork.
Traditionally the focus of Irish transatlantic services had been on Shannon and Dublin. Recently, however, my Department took account of a number of Irish policy developments such as the Government's decision to separate the State airports to increase their regional focus, as well as the opportunities for extra tourism, and concluded, with my agreement, that no objection should be raised if any airline wishes to operate services between Cork and the USA. As I mentioned above, only Irish carriers may operate scheduled services to and from Cork.
256 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if arrangements will be made in order that penalty points imposed become effective from the date of the offence, rather than delayed until the record is issued. [5886/05]
The Road Traffic Act 2002, which provides the legislative basis for the introduction and operation of the penalty points system, contains specific provisions governing application of such points on the licence record of an individual. Section 5 of the Act provides that where penalty points are to be endorsed on a record, a notification of that endorsement must be issued to the licence holder involved. The notice sets out in particular the basis for the endorsement of the points. Section 7 of the Act provides that, save in very limited and quite specific instances, the operative date for penalty points is 28 days from the date of the notice issued under section 5. This date is referred to in the Act as the "appropriate date".
The provisions in the 2002 Act, in regard to the appropriate date, recognise that as a result of the endorsement of penalty points a person may face the application of an automatic disqualification from driving. Section 3 of the Act establishes that where a person accumulates at least 12 penalty points, he or she will be disqualified for a period of six months. If penalty points were to be applied from the date of the commission of the offence in the first instance, or from the date of the payment of the fixed charge, a person could be faced with the prospect that they would have already been disqualified in advance of any notification being sent to that effect. This would in turn create the situation that a person would be open to a charge of driving when disqualified where they had driven in the period between the commission of the original offence or the payment of the charge and the date of the notice.
The penalty points system has been designed and structured to ensure that any person who is accused of the commission of a penalty point offence is afforded a significant time period to chose whether or not to allow the matter to proceed to court. Save in respect of eight of the 69 offences determined to be penalty point offences in the Act, the option of the payment of a fixed charge is afforded to the accused person. A person presented with a fixed charge notice is given a period of 56 days in which to make such a payment before the certainty of a court summons is applied. There is, therefore, a potentially significant period made available to a person to make a decision and all of the time lapses relating to the system that are established in the Act are set out in the fixed charge notice issued in respect of the alleged commission of the offence.
257 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Transport the measures he is taking to improve public transport in general in the Dublin area; his plans for quality bus corridors, Dublin Bus, Iarnród Éireann, including the DART, a metro system to Dublin Airport, integrated ticketing, road improvements, including the M50 and an orbital route and park and ride facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5967/05]
I outlined the current position in regard to a number of public transport and road measures in the Dublin area in my response on 15 February 2005 to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 94, 95, 123, 132, 157, 161, 171, 344, 354, 360. In response to Questions Nos. 98 and 110 of 15 February, I outlined my intention to bring a ten year transport investment framework to Government.
The ten year transport investment framework will identify the investment and outline the measures that I believe are required in order to further develop all elements of national transport infrastructure, addressing existing bottlenecks and capacity constraints, enhancing quality, optimising the use of the network and making prudent advance provision for future economic growth. The framework will include my proposals for investment in roads and public transport within the greater Dublin area. It is not possible to outline the specifics of the draft plan pending its consideration by the Cabinet infrastructure committee and by the Cabinet itself.
I assume the Deputy is referring to the concept of a Dublin outer orbital route. Both the strategic planning guidelines for the greater Dublin area, 1999, and the DTO's platform for change, 2000, identified a possible need for a Dublin outer orbital route linking Drogheda-Navan-Naas. More recently the regional planning guidelines for the greater Dublin area, 2004, also provide for the development of such a route in the medium to longer term on the basis that these centres would be strengthened by the provision of good links between them without having to pass through the Dublin city area. A 2001 strategic study commissioned by the NRA of a Dublin outer orbital route concluded that such a route had significant merit and is feasible on engineering and environmental grounds. As a high level strategic study of the concept, the 2001 report, apart from identifying a possible corridor for an outer orbital, did not consider route options, appropriate road type and costs. Detailed consideration of these and other issues including spatial planning, land use and environmental issues and the appropriate type and class of road to be provided will be the subject of further studies.
I have asked the NRA to carry out these further studies and to consider the proposed route as part of future road infrastructure development plans taking account of the national spatial strategy, the regional planning guidelines and the planning and traffic implications of such a route for the greater Dublin region and neighbouring regions. The proposal will also be considered in the context of the ten year transport investment framework currently being prepared within my Department.
258 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Transport the progress being made towards providing a second terminal in Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5968/05]
Passenger traffic through Dublin Airport is forecast to grow from last year's level of more than 17 million passengers to 30 million by 2018. New infrastructure capacity and facilities, both airside and landside, will clearly be needed to cater for this growth, including further terminal capacity. The issue at this point is how best to provide that additional capacity to meet passenger growth.
As the Deputy is aware, An Agreed Programme for Government includes a commitment to examine proposals for a new independent terminal at the airport and to progress such proposals if the evidence suggests that such a terminal will deliver significant benefits. I recognise that an early decision is desirable in regard to this matter so that, regardless of how it is provided, adequate terminal capacity is in place at Dublin Airport when required to meet the growth in passenger traffic. I am in the process of finalising proposals that I will be bringing to Government very shortly. My objective in putting proposals to Government will be to ensure the provision and operation of terminal capacity on an efficient, cost effective basis.
259 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Transport when work on the Dublin Port Tunnel will be complete; the cost of this project; the tolling regime which will be in place; if the proposed heavy goods vehicles management strategy is ready; the measures being considered to prevent congestion on the M50 in this context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5969/05]
As, in accordance with my decision of October 2004, the height of the DPT is not being increased and as the implementation of individual national road improvement projects is a matter for the NRA and the local authority concerned rather than my Department, the completion of the Dublin Port tunnel as designed, the implementation of a HGV traffic management strategy to coincide with the opening of the tunnel and other related issues, are matters for the NRA and Dublin City Council.
260 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the regulations covering the use of headlights on HGVs; if, in view of the use of excessive lights on the top of the cabs of HGVs, he has plans to review the regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5989/05]
The fitting and use of lights on mechanically propelled vehicles is governed by the Road Traffic (Lighting of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 to 1996. The regulations specify a maximum of four headlights on a vehicle and do not limit the number of auxiliary lights that may be fitted. Under the regulations, all lamps that show a light to the front of a vehicle must either be fitted with a dipping device so that the beam of light from the lamp, when dipped, is incapable of dazzling a person more than 25 feet away from the lamp or be fitted and constructed so that they will not dazzle or mislead other traffic when lit. Exceptions to the dipping device requirement are made for direction indicators and for one or more other lamps with a combined maximum power output of seven watts. The European Communities (Road Traffic) (Vehicle Type Approval) Regulations 1991, provide that a vehicle which complies with the provisions of the relevant European Union type approval directive will be regarded as complying with Ireland's road traffic regulations on the construction, equipment, lighting and use of vehicles.
I have witnessed the position of excessive lights on the top of cabs of HGV's and have drawn to the attention of the Garda Síochána the regulations in this regard. Dipped headlamps must be used when a vehicle is either passing another vehicle or travelling close behind one. Enforcement of the regulations is a matter for the Garda.
261 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when a decision will be made on an application for subsidised ESB for a slatted house in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5614/05]
My Department has not received an application for grant aid under the farm electrification grant scheme from the person concerned. Any such application received will be processed by my Department without delay.
262 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, further to previous parliamentary questions, if the long outstanding funds due for installation of alarms in the homes of the elderly will be paid forthwith to a company (details supplied); the reason this money has not been paid to date; and the procedures now in place to gain approval for a person. [5995/05]
I am advised by my Department that, following representations received from the Deputy in September 2004, an application form was issued to the group in question for completion. The application form and documentation was returned by the group, but was seriously deficient in terms of the information and documentation required under the scheme of community support for older people.
A letter issued to the group on 20 November 2004 requesting further information-documentation. My Department is still awaiting receipt of this information and documentation. Upon receipt of same the application will be further considered by my Department.
263 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the way in which Údarás na Gaeltachta has assisted island communities through the provision of buildings; and if any such provision will be made in Arranmore Island, County Donegal. [5788/05]
Údarás na Gaeltachta has been assisting island communities in the Gaeltacht in various ways over the years. This assistance includes the direct provision of buildings or, in some cases, the provision of grant aid towards the cost of buildings. Islands that have received assistance to date include Inis Mór, Inis Meáin, Inis Oírr, Oileán Cléire, Toraigh and Árainn Mhór in County Donegal.
In the case of Árainn Mhór, an enterprise centre comprising two new units was built by Údarás between 2000 and 2002. I understand that one of these units was vacated by the occupier in 2004 and that expressions of interest from persons wishing to locate a business in this unit have recently been sought by Údarás.
If the Deputy requires additional information in regard to any specific case, I will be happy to pursue the matter further.
267 D’fhiafraigh Mr. Sargent den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta céard iad na hiarratais pleanála a fuair a Roinn óúdaráis phleanála, a bhfuil ceantracha Gaeltachta faoina gcúram, ó tháinig Ionstraim Reachtúil Uimh. 600 de 2001 i bhfeidhm. [5957/05]
268 D’fhiafraigh Mr. Sargent den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta céard iad na hiarratais phleanála a bhfuil aighneachtaí ina leith curtha ag a Roinn faoi bhráid nan-údarás pleanála maidir le cosaint na Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht mar theanga phobail ó tháinig an tAcht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt 2000 i bhfeidhm. [5958/05]
269 D’fhiafraigh Mr. Sargent den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta céard é polasaí an Aire agus cur chuige a Roinne maidir le haighneachtaí a chur faoi bhráid na n-údarás pleanála i gcás iarratais a d’fhéadfadh tionchar a imirt ar an nGaeilge mar theanga phobail sa Ghaeltacht. [5959/05]
270 D’fhiafraigh Mr. Sargent den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta céard é dearcadh a Roinne maidir le soláthar ráiteas tionchair teanga do na húdaráis phleanála i gcás iarratas pleanála ina bhfuil le forbairtí ar nós Óstáin, Ionaid Siopadóireachta, Ionaid Siamsaíochta etc. a thógáil sa Ghaeltacht. [5960/05]
271 D’fhiafraigh Mr. Sargent den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cur síos ar an mbaint shonrach a bhí aige le dréachtú litreach, a cuireadh chuig Comhairle Chontae na Gaillimhe in éindí leis an iarratas pleanála (04/5509), ag iarraidh nach mbeadh ar an bhforbróir ráiteas tionchair teanga a sholáthar maidir le hiarratas ar óstán a thógáil sa Spidéal, mar gur ‘commercial development’ a bhí i gceist agus an bhfuil an dearcadh faoin ngá atá le ráiteas tionchair teanga a sholáthar maidir le hiarratais pleanála, mar atá léirithe sa litir thuasluaite, ag teacht le polasaí an Rialtais agus a Roinne maidir le cosaint na Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht ar fhorbairtí a d’fhéadfadh tionchar diúltach a bheith acu ar sheasamh na Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht. [5961/05]
272 D’fhiafraigh Mr. Sargent den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cén dul chun cinn atá déanta ag a Roinn maidir le treoirlínte a aontú leis an Roinn Comhshaoil, Oidhreachta agus Rialtais Áitiúil i dtaobh chosaint na Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht faoin gcóras pleanála agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [5962/05]
Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. 267 go 272 uilig, le chéile.
Mar is eol don Teachta, is iad an Roinn Comhshaoil, Oidhreachta agus Rialtais Áitiúil agus na húdaráis áitiúla atá freagrach as cúrsaí pleanála sa Ghaeltacht, ar a n-áirítear cur i bhfeidhm na bhforálacha faoi leith san Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt 2000 a bhaineann leis an nGaeltacht féin.
Ag féachaint don chuspóir lárnach atá ag mo Roinnse maidir le húsáid na Gaeilge mar phríomh-theanga na Gaeltachta a láidriú agus a bhuanú, chuir mo Roinn aighneacht i 2003 chuig na húdaráis áitiúla ar fad a bhfuil ceantar Gaeltachta faoina gcúram (Comhairle Chontae na Gaillimhe san áireamh) d'fhonn a n-aird a tharraingt ar na dualgais faoi leith atá orthu i ndáil leis an nGaeilge sa Ghaeltacht i gcomhthéacs an Achta thuasluaite.
Rinneadh ábhar na n-aighneachtaí seo a dhíriú ar a thábhachtaí is atá sé: an ról cinniúnach a d'fhéadfadh bheith ag cinntí pleanála ar stádas na Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht agus ar na limistéir Ghaeltachta a aithint; agus straitéisí agus beartais a fhorbairt dá réir a thabharfaidh aghaidh ar an tsaincheist seo go ginearálta, de réir mar a oireann sna ceantair éagsúla Gaeltachta.
Is faoi na húdaráis phleanála atá sé, mar atá sainithe san Acht, dul i gcomhairle le mo Roinn agus le hÚdarás na Gaeltachta, de réir mar a cheapann siad gur gá, maidir le hiarratais faoi leith agus tá sonraí ag aguisín 1 de na cásanna ina ndearnadh amhlaidh ó tháinig an tAcht i bhfeidhm. Is féidir a rá go ginearálta gurb é an cur chuige atá ann maidir le cásanna a chuirtear faoi bhráid mo Roinne, agus a bhfuil lonnaíocht shubstaintiúil ar nós eastáit tithíochta i gceist, ná aird an údaráis áitiúil ábhartha a dhíriú ar an aighneacht a cuireadh chug an údarás sin i 2003 a chlúdaíonn an tsaincheist sin trí chéile. Tá mionsonraí faoi seo sa tábla in aguisín 1.
Maidir leis an gceist faoi iarratas pleanála faoi leith (uimhir thagartha 04/5509), fuair m'oifig dháilcheantair fiosrúó ghníomhaire a bhí ag feidhmiú thar ceann tógálaí a raibh iarratas pleanála á bheartú aige i mí na Nollag 2004. Ba faoi éileamh Chomhairle Chontae na Gaillimhe i ndáil le ráiteas tionchar teanga chomh fada is a bhain sé le forbairt thrádálach i nGaeltacht na Gaillimhe a bhí an fiosrú. Bunaithe ar an eolas a thug an té a rinne an fiosrú agus i bhfianaise a bhfuil ráite i bplean forbartha an chontae i ndáil le ráiteas tionchar teanga (féach aguisín 2), ba é barúil an té a d'fhreagair an fiosrú i m'oifig nach bhfuil ráiteas tionchar teanga ag teastáil de réir an phlean condae ach d'fhorbairt tithíochta de níos mó ná teach amháin in aon cheantar amháin. Cuireadh an barúil sin i bhfoirm dréacht litreach chuig an gníomhaire ar faics ag an am. Tuigtear go ndearna an gníomhaire a iarratas pleanála ar 21 Nollaig 2004 agus gur shocraigh an chomhairle chontae féin caitheamh leis an iarratas mar fhorbairt thrádálach faoi réir na dtreoirlínte ábhartha pleanála mar a shainítear iad sa phlean forbartha don chontae.
Aontaím go bhfuil tábhacht ar leith ag baint le rialacha pleanála atá teanga-chairdiúil agus go bhfuil sé fíor-thábhachtach modhanna agus cleachtais éifeachtacha, réadúla a cheapadh (ar a n-áirítear ráitis tionchar teanga) chun go mbeidh dea-thionchar agus feidhm phraiticiúil ag na rialacha seo ar an nGaeilge agus ar an nGaeltacht trí chéile. Is faoi na húdaráis phleanála iad féin atá sé, ár ndóigh, cúram a dhéanamh den cheist seo ar fad.
Ar mhaithe le cuidiú leis na húdaráis phleanála áitiúla agus réigiúnda a gcuid dualgas mar a leagtar amach iad faoin Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt a chur i bhfeidhm, tá fo-ghrúpa NASC atá ag feidhmiú faoi scáth Údarás na Gaeltachta ag obair faoi láthair ar dhréacht-threoirlínte a chur i dtoll a chéile chuige sin. Tá an grúpa seo comhdhéanta de Chomhairle Chontae Chorcaí, Comhairle Contae Dhún na nGall, Comhairle Chontae na Gaillimhe, Comhairle Cathrach na Gaillimhe, Comhairle Chontae Chiarraí, Ollscoil na hÉireann Gaillimh, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Údarás Réigiúnach an Iarthair agus mo Roinn féin agus tuigtear dom go bhfuil tuarascáil nach mór réidh le cur faoi bhráid na Roinne Comhshaoil, Oidhreachta agus Rialtais Áitiúil.
Ní miste a rá chomh maith go raibh mo Roinn i dteagmháil leis an Roinn Comhshaoil, Oidhreachta agus Rialtais Áitiúil faoi chúrsaí pleanála go ginearálta sa Ghaeltacht ar 1 Feabhra 2005 d'fhonn na féidearachtaí go n-eagródh an Roinn sin seimineár faoin ábhar a ardú. Tuigtear dom go bhfuil an t-iarratas seo á mheá ag an Roinn sin faoi láthair.
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Sonraí faoi na h-iarratais pleanála a fuair an Roinn Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta ó na hÚdaráis Phleanála a bhfuil ceantracha Gaeltachta faoina gcúram san ord a fuarthas iad ó 2005 siar agus an chaoi gur caitheadh leo |
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Uimh. Thag. |
Iarratas |
Comhairle Chontae |
Nádúr an iarratais |
Aighneacht curtha |
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04/4409 faighte 31/05/05 |
Muiris Ó Cléirigh agus Mathhias Jauch |
Comhairle Chontae Chiarraí |
athchóiriú tí ar an mBlascaod |
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níor cuireadh aighneacht mar gur iarratas aonarach é |
04/4419 faighte 27/1/05 |
Muiris Ó Cléirigh agus Mathhias Jauch |
athchóiriú tí ar an mBlascaod |
níor cuireadh aighneacht mar gur iarratas aonarach é |
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04/2858 faighte 31/05/05 |
Feargal Ó Slatara |
Comhairle Chontae Chiarraí |
athchóiriú sciobóil ar an mBlascaod |
cás aonarach — níor cuireadh aon aighneacht |
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04/4636 faighte 27/1/05 |
Mícheál agus Philomena Uí Bhrosnacháin |
Comhairle Chontae Chiarraí |
cás aonarach oifig phoist siopa agus lóistín |
cás aonarach — níor cuireadh aon aighneacht |
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n/a |
William Mongey Consultant ESBI Engineering and Facility Management Ltd Stephen Court St Stephens Green Dublin 2 |
Comhairle Chontae Dhún na nGall |
Scoping of EIS for proposed 110KV Power Line |
litir curtha ar 1 Feabhra ag moladh don Chomhairle tuairimíÚdarás na Gaeltachta a lorg mar gheall ar an ról lárnach atá ag an Údarás maidir le cúrsaí fiontair agus fostaíochta sa Ghaeltacht |
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04/8278 faighte 18/1/05 |
Finbarr Developments |
Comhairle Chontae Dhún na nGall |
15 teach i gCarraig Airt |
freagra curtha ar 21 Eanáir 2005 ag díriú aird na Comhairle ar an aighneacht a cuireadh chuig an gComhairle i Meán Fómhair 2003 agus ar na freagraí a cuireadh i ndáil le cásanna cosúil leis an gceann seo (04/3548 agus 04/166) |
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04/3548 13/12/04 |
Creelough Roarty Development Ltd |
8 teach agus arasáin i nGort a’ Choirce |
litir curtha chuig an gComhairle Chontae ar 14 Nollaig 2004 ag díriú aird na Comhairle ar an aighneacht a cuireadh chuig an gComhairle i mí Meán Fómhair 2003 |
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04/166 faighte 7/12/05 |
Comhairle Chontae Dhún na nGall |
Part VIII 10 teach sóisialta sa Charraig, Dún na nGall |
litir curtha chuig an gComhairle Chontae ar 14 Nollaig 2004 ag díriú aird na Comhairle ar an aighneacht a cuireadh chuig an gComhairle i mí Meán Fómhair 2003 |
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04/8299 faighte 11/1/05 |
Kelly Louise agus Patricia Weir |
Comhairle Chontae Dhún na nGall |
2 teach |
cás aonarach — níor cuireadh aon aighneacht |
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04/3936 faighte 25/11/04 |
Limestone Partnership |
Comhairle Chontae Chiarraí |
scéim 20 teach agus 44 arasáin i nGortnora, Daingean |
litir curtha 12 Nollaig 2004 ag díriú aird na Comhairle ar aighneacht na Roinne a cuireadh chucu ar 16 Aibreán 2003 maidir le cúrsaí pleanála go ginearálta |
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Uimh. Thag. |
Iarratas |
Comhairle Chontae |
Nádúr an iarratais |
Aighneacht curtha |
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04/874 29/3/04 |
Tom Long Imleach West Cooleen An Daingean |
Comhairle Chontae Chiarraí |
méadú tí |
teach aonarach — níor cuireadh aon aighneacht |
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03/730 7/3/03 |
Breandán Houlihan Smerwick Harbour Baile an Fheirtéaraigh |
Comhairle Chontae Chiarraí |
méadúóstán |
níor cuireadh aon aighneacht |
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03/731 7/3/03 |
Denis Dennehy Cathair Dónaill |
Comhairle Chontae Chiarraí |
méadú tí |
teach aonarach — níor cuireadh aon aighneacht |
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03/710 7/3/03 |
Ionad Pobail Ceann Trá |
Comhairle Chontae Chiarraí |
naíonra/ionad lae |
forbairt shóisialta — níor cuireadh aon aighneacht |
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03/702 7/3/03 |
Pádraig Budhlaeir Gort Mór Baile an Fheirtéaraigh |
Comhairle Chontae Chiarraí |
teach aonarach |
teach aonarach — níor cuireadh aon aighneacht |
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03/691 7/3/03 |
Maolíosa Bhiocaire Dún Chaoin |
Comhairle Chontae Chiarraí |
teach aonarach |
teach aonarach — níor cuireadh aon aighneacht |
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03/522 7/3/03 |
Tomás Devane Aird Mhór Liospóil |
Comhairle Chontae Chiarraí |
teach a mhéadú |
teach aonarach — níor cuireadh aon aighneacht |
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03/328 7/3/03 |
Éisc Gheal Teo. Liospóil |
Comhairle Chontae Chiarraí |
cead coinneála ionad cuairteora |
teach aonarach — níor cuireadh aon aighneacht |
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03/333 7/3/03 |
Mairín Keating Baile an Sceilg |
Comhairle Chontae Chiarraí |
teach nua |
teach aonarach — níor cuireadh aon aighneacht |
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03/305 7/3/03 |
Seán Cox Cathair Dónaill |
Comhairle Chontae Chiarraí |
méadú tí |
teach aonarach — níor cuireadh aon aighneacht |
Aguisín 2
Sliocht as Phlean Forbartha Chontae na Gaillimhe i ndáil le ráiteas tionchar teanga
Language impact statements will be required where an application is made for two or more houses, or where an applicant applied for more than one house in an area. The purpose of a Language Impact Statement will be to assess the likely impact of the proposed development on the usage of Irish within the Gaeltacht area. Permission will only be granted where the Authority is satisfied that the effect of the development will be beneficial to the usage of the language in the area, if permitted.
273 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans for the enhancement of services provided or funded by his Department on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6006/05]
I am always seeking to improve measures and benefits for communities across the range of programmes operated by my Department. In the context of a 19% increase in the Estimates for 2005 for my Department, I anticipate progress across a range of measures this year, including the local and regional drugs task forces, the rural social scheme, and the community development programme.
274 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of applications received from County Kildare for funding from the proceeds of dormant accounts in 2005; the funds he has allocated to date or intends to allocate before the end of 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6009/05]
Decisions on the disbursement of funds from dormant accounts moneys are currently a matter for the Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board, an independent body established under the Dormant Accounts Acts. The board engaged Area Development Management Limited, ADM, to administer the initial round of funding on its behalf which involves the disbursement of up to €60 million from the fund.
Following an invitation to groups and organisations to make applications for funding, over 1,600 applications were received by ADM in 2004. I understand that 21 of the applications received were in respect of proposals in County Kildare. The process of assessing and making decisions on these applications is ongoing and nearing completion. In this regard, to date the board has approved 420 projects for funding totalling approximately €42 million. Ten of the projects approved, involving funding of approximately €1.5 million, are based in County Kildare.
276 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he expects to assist those in the fight against drugs throughout 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6012/05]
My Department has responsibility for the work of the 14 local drugs task forces, the ten regional drugs task forces and the young people's facilities and services fund. Funding of €31.5 million is available in my Department to support and develop drugs projects through these programmes in 2005.
In addition, approximately €20 million in funding is being provided on an annual basis to mainstreamed LDTF and YPFSF drugs projects through other Departments and agencies.
277 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has expanded the number of groups or bodies eligible for various forms of grant aid from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6013/05]
There has been no formal expansion of the number of groups or bodies eligible for various forms of grant aid from my Department. However, given my Department's focus on communities, particularly those that are vulnerable or under threat, all applications for funding receive serious consideration.
278 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he has been able to address the issue of rural depopulation; if he has come to an understanding with An Taisce on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6014/05]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 93 of 9 November 2004 in relation to rural housing.
279 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of applications for grant aid or other forms of financial assistance received in his Department from various voluntary bodies, groups or agencies in County Kildare in 2005; the number and amount of approvals made to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6015/05]
My Department has not advertised new grant schemes for 2005 as yet. Funding is being continued under existing programmes to bodies such as area partnership companies, Leader groups, community development projects etc.
280 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans for the development of the RAPID programme and groups likely to benefit under that heading; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6105/05]
As I have stated previously, the RAPID programme is now operating on a number of different levels.
Many small-scale proposals from RAPID areas are being dealt with more effectively at local level. To support this approach dedicated funding of €6 million is provided in 2005. These proposals are being co-funded by the relevant Department or local agency under a number of categories with broad levels of funding agreed at national level. I am currently in discussions with my colleagues regarding co-funding a number of measures for 2005 and I hope to make an announcement in the near future.
As regards the larger projects from RAPID plans that have already been submitted to Departments, these will continue to be considered for funding within existing funding streams in each Department. However, Departments will now deal with a smaller number of projects and will therefore be in a better position to prioritise projects and set out timescales for further actions.
Work on improving integration and coordination of service delivery at local level will also continue, as this is a key component of the RAPID programme.
Special provision was made by the Government for RAPID areas under the dormant accounts plan. Discussions are ongoing with Departments regarding prioritisation of other non-capital actions included in the AIT plans. Communities in the RAPID areas will benefit from the measures that I have outlined.
281 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of applicants under the area aid scheme, the suckler cow scheme, slaughter premium, special beef premium and the sheep premium in the years 1997 to 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5547/05]
The numbers of applicants-applications under the various schemes from 1997 to 2004 are set out in the table:
|
1997 |
1998 |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
|
|
Suckler Cow Premium |
79,823 |
77,116 |
74,107 |
71,080 |
66,935 |
64,349 |
62,905 |
61,847 |
|
Ewe Premium |
45,768 |
44,583 |
43,704 |
41,209 |
38,647 |
36,177 |
35,099 |
34,821 |
|
Special Beef Premium* |
212,320 |
242,341 |
187,100** |
169,095 |
158,973 |
173,029 |
163,702 |
223,119*** |
|
New Slaughter Premium* |
— |
— |
— |
98,921 |
97,139 |
92,686 |
89,429 |
83,814 |
|
Deseasonalisation Slaughter Premium* |
32,174 |
33,774 |
33,115 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
Area Aid |
135,186 |
132,935 |
133,874 |
130,589 |
129,050 |
127,546 |
128,131 |
131,501† |
282 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if, on the closure of Carlow sugar factory, a report from a German consultancy firm was commented on or used at her meeting with the company (details supplied); if the report will be placed in the Oireachtas Library; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5574/05]
I understand that Greencore employed a consultancy firm. I have not seen the report of the firm nor was it discussed in my meetings with the company. Any inquiries about the report would be a matter for the company itself.
283 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if, in view of evidence given by persons (details supplied) at the Mahon tribunal, she will re-examine the entitlement of a person to farmer forestry premium payments; and if she will suspend the payment of further premiums pending the outcome of such review. [5575/05]
Having examined the relevant application, I am satisfied the person in question meets the criteria laid down for payment of the farmer-rate of forestry premium.
284 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if, in addition to the informal third party observations sought by telephone on 7 October 2004, there was other informal oral or written contact with a person (details supplied), her spouse or any other party concerning FOI/04/176; the reason for any such contact and the outcome thereof. [5576/05]
In addition to informal third party observations sought by my Department with the named individual on 7 October 2004, the individual's spouse contacted the Department by telephone on the same day. The outcome of that contact was to confirm the reluctance of the individual concerned to the release by the Department of the information in question.
Contact was also made by the Department with the Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters and Payments, which had earlier in 2004 sought and been given the relevant records/file relating to the application for forestry premium by the individual concerned. The purpose of this contact was to advise the tribunal that the Department had received a request under the Freedom of Information Acts for such records/file and to establish whether the tribunal would have a difficulty with their release. The tribunal indicated that it had no such difficulty. There was also communication with the requester for the purpose of apprising him of progress in processing his request.
285 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will provide a copy of the guidelines received by her Department from the FOI central policy unit of the Department of Finance advising all decision-makers to consult any third parties informally when deliberating over the release of records involving these parties. [5577/05]
As agreed with the Deputy's office, a copy of the FOI central policy unit notice number 13, "Requests involving third parties — A step by step guide" was forwarded to him on 16 February 2005.
286 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her Department has found a lacuna in the Freedom of Information Acts; if she will provide a copy of the record of the manner in which any such lacuna has been brought to the attention of the Department of Finance and the Attorney General. [5578/05]
My Department has not concluded that the Freedom of Information Acts contain any lacunae.
287 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a quota belonging to a person (details supplied) in County Clare was reduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5592/05]
The person named applied to lease his entire quota under the milk quota temporary leasing scheme 2004-05. His entire quota amounted to 109,105 litres, of which 21,808 litres had been allocated from the national reserve under various measures. As allocations from the national reserve are not eligible for temporary leasing, the maximum which the producer is entitled to offer to the 2004-05 scheme is 87,297 litres. Accordingly, the permission granted related to this amount.
288 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding the review of the disadvantaged areas; if there is a timescale when there are likely to be proposals from the European Commission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5593/05]
As part of the suggested 2007-13 rural development framework, the European Commission has proposed new criteria for less favoured areas. These lay emphasis on soil and climatic conditions. In line with other member states, Ireland has highlighted the sensitivity of this issue. Ireland has also sought clarification as to the Commission's intentions.
While some clarification on the proposed methodology for redefining disadvantaged areas has just been received from the EU Commission, that proposed methodology needs detailed assessment and further clarification before we can respond fully to it in the course of ongoing negotiations. I shall continue to stress the sensitivity of this issue for Ireland in the course of those negotiations.
289 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the single payment entitlements will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5611/05]
The person named applied for consideration of force majeure/exceptional circumstances on 5 February 2004.
Following examination of the exceptional circumstances outlined, my Department decided that the reference years 2000, 2001 and 2002 will be excluded from the calculation of the single payment entitlements for the person named and the entitlements will be based on the reference years 1997, 1998 and 1999. A statement of provisional entitlements reflecting this position issued to the person named on 1 February 2005.
290 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when her Department proposes to pay a special restocking grant to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; if her Department has approved such a payment to all sheep farmers in similar circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5612/05]
The sheep flock belonging to the flock owner in question was depopulated as a result of scrapie prior to Christmas 2001. He has been paid compensation on the basis of an agreement reached with my Department. The terms of the agreement and the amount of compensation and income loss involved were clearly understood and accepted by all concerned at the time of depopulation.
Flock owners depopulated under this first phase depopulation arrangements were not allowed to restock for a period of two years. They received compensation for the capital value of the sheep and for income loss for that period. In addition, those who restocked in the third year, including the person named, also received compensation for income loss for that year.
The amounts paid to these producers for the capital value of the animals and for income loss for the period of three years were generous having regard to all the circumstances involved. I do not consider that payment of any additional amounts by way of restocking grants is justified in these cases.
291 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the amount of grants awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Clare in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002; if it is more advantageous to this person to have the reference years calculated on the years 1997, 1998 and 1999; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5613/05]
The person named received the following payments under the cattle headage scheme for the years 1997-2000:
|
€ |
|
|
1997 |
1904.61 |
|
1998 |
2034.12 |
|
1999 |
Nil — Not an applicant |
|
2000 |
Nil — Not an applicant |
The person named received the following payments under the sheep headage scheme for the years 1997-2000:
|
€ |
|
|
1997 |
91.42 |
|
1998 |
Nil — Not an applicant |
|
1999 |
Nil — Not an applicant |
|
2000 |
Nil — Not an applicant |
The area based compensatory allowance scheme replaced the cattle-sheep headage schemes in 2001 and the person named received the following payments under the scheme for the years 2001-02:
|
€ |
|
|
2001 |
Nil — area aid (100% over declaration penalty) |
|
2002 |
1858.92 |
The payments awarded to the person named under the special beef premium scheme for the years 1997-2002 are:
|
€ |
|
|
1997 |
1,300.99 |
|
1998 |
1,652.57 |
|
1999 |
Nil — not an applicant |
|
2000 |
Nil — not an applicant |
|
2001 |
Nil — not an applicant |
|
2002 |
Nil — not an applicant |
The payments awarded to the person named under the suckler cow premium scheme for the years 1997-2002 are:
|
€ |
|
|
1997 |
1,246.39 |
|
1998 |
1,246.39 |
|
1999 |
Nil — not an applicant |
|
2000 |
Nil — not an applicant |
|
2001 |
Nil — not an applicant |
|
2002 |
Nil — not an applicant |
The payments awarded to the person named under the extensification premium scheme for the years 1997-2002 are:
|
€ |
|
|
1997 |
1,300.99 |
|
1998 |
1,173.84 |
|
1999 |
Nil |
|
2000 |
Nil |
|
2001 |
Nil |
|
2002 |
Nil |
The payments awarded to the person named under the slaughter premium scheme for the years 1997-2002 are:
|
€ |
|
|
1997 |
Nil — not an applicant |
|
1998 |
Nil — not an applicant |
|
1999 |
Nil — not an applicant |
|
2000 |
103.84 |
|
2001 |
Nil — not an applicant |
|
2002 |
438.21 |
The payments awarded to the person named under the ewe premium scheme for the years 1997-2002 are as follows:
|
€ |
|
|
1997 |
318.60 |
|
1998 |
407.88 |
|
1999 |
708.00 |
|
2000 |
602.96 |
|
2001 |
Nil — not an applicant |
|
2002 |
Nil — not an applicant |
The only grounds for calculating the single farm payment using the reference period 1997-99 are where force majeure/exceptional circumstances are accepted as having caused a sudden, unforeseen breakdown in production, beyond the control of the producer, and affecting the entire reference period 2000-02.
The person named submitted an application for consideration of force majeure/exceptional circumstances on 5 February 2004. Having examined the circumstances outlined and supporting documentation, the single payment unit advised the person named that his application did not satisfy the criteria laid down in Article 40 of Council Regulation EC No 1782/2003.
An opportunity to appeal this decision to the independent single payment appeals committee was offered to the person named but has not been availed of to date.
292 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive his REP scheme payment. [5631/05]
The application for payment in this case was received in my Department on 10 January 2005 and is being processed in accordance with the targets set out in the protocol on direct payments to farmers.
293 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a decision on the application by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry to be considered as a new entrant-inheritance under the single payment scheme will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5749/05]
The person named submitted an application for consideration in respect of the inheritance and new entrant measures of the single payment scheme.
Following the initial examination of the papers submitted the person named was requested to furnish additional information. This information has now been received and both applications have been processed. The person named has been successful in respect of both the new entrant and inheritance measures of the scheme. However, the inheritance measure, which is the inherited entitlements combined with those earned by the person named in his own right, was more favourable financially than the new entrant measure.
The person named was notified on the 18 February 2005 that the inheritance measure would be the one reflected in his statement of provisional entitlements scheduled to issue shortly.
294 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the obstacles to the publication of the specifications of earthen bank tanks; when these specifications will be published; if she intends to provide grant aid to this form of storage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5832/05]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 400 of 15 February 2005.
The working group which is considering the specification and guidance documents for earth-lined stores has reached an advanced stage in its work. Some further discussions are taking place this week. I expect that the expert working group will shortly submit its conclusions to my Department and to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Consideration will be given to the working group's recommendations particularly in the context of the implementation requirements of the nitrates directive.
295 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her Department has received the latest correspondence from a person (details supplied) in County Wexford with regard to the outcome of force majeure; the assistance which is available to this person; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5848/05]
The person named was notified that his application for consideration of force majeure/exceptional circumstances as a result of BSE depopulation in 2001 was successful and that his single payment entitlements would therefore be based on the two-year average for 2000 and 2002.
Following this decision the person named submitted an appeal to the independent single payment appeals committee. In the light of the circumstances outlined in the appeal, the single payment unit is satisfied that the force majeure circumstances had a greater impact on the pattern of production in 2002 and therefore the year 2002 rather than 2001 should be excluded and the two-year average of the years 2000 and 2001 only will be used in the calculation of the provisional single payment entitlements. A certificate of provisional entitlements reflecting this position will issue shortly to the person named.
296 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if additional milk quota on hardship grounds will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5866/05]
Allocations of milk quota from the milk quota national reserve are granted on the basis of recommendations from the milk quota appeals tribunal. The tribunal is a body established to consider and advise on applications for additional quota from individual producers who have suffered severe hardship in the context of the milk quota system.
The named person has submitted an application for additional quota on the grounds of hardship in the current 2004-05 milk quota year. The tribunal examined this application at a recent meeting and an allocation of additional quota was recommended. This allocation has now been approved and notification is being issued to the person and his cooperative.
297 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive annual payment for forestry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5867/05]
Payments of the 2005 forestry premium will be made in April of this year.
298 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding the single payment appeals consideration for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [5911/05]
The person named, having been notified that the circumstances outlined by him did not satisfy the criteria for force majeure/exceptional circumstances under Article 40 of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1782/2003, submitted an appeal to the independent single payment appeals committee.
Following a full examination of the circumstances in the appeal, the findings of the independent single payment appeals committee were that the original decision taken by my Department should be upheld.
However further information relating to the appeal was received after the date of the appeals committee decision. A full review of the circumstances of the case including this additional information will be carried out by the independent single payment appeals committee at its meeting scheduled for 23 February 2005 and the person named will be notified shortly of the outcome.
299 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if unsuccessful appellants to the agricultural appeals office are notified of their right of appeal to the office of the Ombudsman rather than initially to the director of the office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5927/05]
Unsuccessful appellants are advised of their right of recourse to the office of the Ombudsman. In addition, under the Agriculture Appeals Act 2001, the decision of an appeals officer may be reviewed by the Director of Agriculture Appeals, where the legality or factual basis of the decision is questioned.
300 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if farmers who declared their holdings for area aid in order to qualify for the single farm payment entitlements in 2005 will be allowed to afforest that land or part of it should they wish to do so before 1 October 2005; if the ten months period can start from 1 September 2004 which would free the land for planting from 1 July 2005; if the start-up date for the ten months period is automatically set for 1 September or does the applicant choose a start-up date. [5936/05]
Farmers will be required to indicate on their 2005 area aid-single payment application forms the date from which the ten months retention period for each of their parcels begins. Farmers will be allowed to choose at most two different dates in respect of their parcels and those two dates must be between 1 September 2004 and 30 April 2005.
In choosing the starting date for a parcel a person will need to be mindful of declarations in respect of that parcel for 2004. In 2004 forage parcels had to be available and accessible for rearing animals for a seven months period commencing between 1 January 2004 and 31 March 2004. Care should be taken that there is no overlapping between the ending of the seven months period for 2004 and the beginning of the ten months period for 2005. In the case of parcels declared in 2004 for arable aid the ten months period for the 2005 single payment scheme should not commence until after harvesting of the 2004 crops. Also, in the case of rented or leased lands there should be no overlapping between the ending of a rental agreement or lease for 2004 and the commencement of the ten months period for 2005.
It will not be possible, for the reasons outlined to automatically set 1 September 2004 as the start date for all parcels. Some farmers will, however, be free to commence afforestation after 1 July 2005 on parcels declared for the 2005 single payment scheme where they have indicated a valid start date of 1 September 2004.
301 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on a submission (details supplied); her plans to address the submission in regard to the WTO talks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5948/05]
The negotiations on the new WTO round are taking place under the mandate, known as the Doha Development Agenda, agreed at the WTO ministerial conference in Doha in November 2001. This mandate provides that special and differential treatment for developing countries will be an integral element of all aspects of the agriculture negotiations. Significant progress was made towards concluding a new round with the framework agreement agreed in Geneva in August 2004. The framework agreement recognises the critical importance of agriculture to the economic development of developing countries and the need to allow them to pursue agricultural policies that are supportive of their development goals, poverty reduction strategies, food security and livelihood concerns. The framework agreement sets out, in broad outline, the terms of special and differential treatment which will apply to developing countries in the form of longer implementation periods and less demanding commitments than will apply to developed countries. Negotiations on details are continuing with a view to reaching a conclusion at the WTO ministerial conference in Hong Kong in December 2005. I fully support the approach to assisting developing countries outlined in the Doha Development Agenda and the framework agreement.
302 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his position in relation to the arrest of a person (details supplied) as part of the investigation into a series of robberies at Dublin Port in recent years. [5610/05]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the person in question was arrested and detained in respect of an offence unconnected with the Dublin Port robberies and was subsequently released without charge.
303 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has satisfied himself that the allegations made by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 regarding a member of the Garda Síochána which have been widely reported in the media, have been fully and properly investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5637/05]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that an investigation file in this case has been forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions. As the Deputy will appreciate, I have no official responsibility to the Dáil in this matter which is one for the Director of Public Prosecutions who is independent in his function.
304 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Government has accepted all the recommendations (details supplied) made in the first report of the Morris tribunal; the progress made to date in implementing these recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5682/05]
319 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Government has accepted all the recommendations made in the first report of the Morris tribunal, including the need for a more proactive role for Garda headquarters in the management of Garda divisions; the need for improved recording and reporting of incidents; the restoration of the practice of members of inspector rank and above keeping daily official journals; the need for an urgent and independent review of policy on the handling of informants; the need for a specific obligation on members of the Garda Síochána to account truthfully for any actions taken in the course of duty; the progress made to date in implementing those recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5964/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 304 and 319 together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda Commissioner has accepted the recommendations made in the first report of the Morris tribunal. The Garda Commissioner has established an implementation group under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Peter Fitzgerald, to examine the issues arising from the recommendations contained in the first report of the Morris tribunal.
A number of working groups have been established to deliberate on matters raised in the report. These working groups are examining the following areas; (1) role of assistant commissioner and accountability framework; (2) erosion of discipline; (3) issues involving personnel; (4) migration management and policy of tenure; (5) management development; (6) internal audit; (7) informant management; (8) religious and ethnic minorities.
The working groups have almost completed their deliberations and the issues referred to will be addressed therein. A composite report, containing firm recommendations, will be prepared by the implementation group for the Garda Commissioner and myself.
305 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the nature of his responsibility in ensuring the implementation of the European Agreement on the Transmission of Applications for Legal Aid (details supplied). [5697/05]
Under the provisions of a European Agreement on the Transmission of Applications for Legal Aid my Department has nominated the Legal Aid Board as the transmitting and receiving authority for this jurisdiction.
Under the terms of this agreement, the nominated authorities are required to assist persons who are applying for legal services in another contracting state in providing assistance, including any necessary translation of documents, to enable a person make an application in that state. The agreement also provides that legal aid granted in the member state in which the court is sitting shall cover the costs directly related to the cross-border nature of the dispute including translation costs. Accordingly, in the case of the person whose case the Deputy has referred to, once the applicant is granted legal aid by the relevant authority, the board's role is completed and all issues with regard to the ongoing provision of legal services is a matter for the authority which has granted legal aid.
306 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on recent comments in a publication (details supplied) indicating that there is an increase in demand and availability of cocaine recently in the North and that much of the cocaine entering the region is sourced from the Republic; and if he will make a statement on the action being taken to counteract not only demand but also supply. [5733/05]
Intelligence available to the Garda Síochána indicates that there is cross-Border movement of controlled drugs in both directions.
The Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland have been involved in a number of joint drugs investigations which have resulted in significant seizures, including seizures of cocaine. There is and continues to be close co-operation between the two police services in this regard. Whenever available information so merits, and if appropriate, the Garda and PSNI authorities initiate a joint investigation or operation with the objective of seizing illicit drugs and apprehending traffickers.
In September 2004 the Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland launched the first ever joint threat assessment on cross-Border organised crime. The threat assessment covers a number of crime areas, including drugs. Following on from the launch of the joint threat assessment the two police forces are working closely together to further develop the strategic response to cross-Border organised crime.
The Deputy will appreciate that demand reduction relating to cocaine use in Northern Ireland is not an issue into which the Garda authorities can have any practical input.
307 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of horses acquired for the mounted Garda corps; his plans to increase this number in view of the comments of the PSNI that one mounted officer can be the equivalent of five officers on the beat, following its mounted patrols recently with horses on loan from the Garda Síochána mounted unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5734/05]
I am informed by the Garda authorities who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the Garda mounted unit currently has a complement of thirteen horses with plans to increase the unit to its full complement of fifteen horses in the near future.
The Garda mounted unit is a national resource in support of regional policing requirements and was established in March 1998. The current strength of the unit stands at fourteen, all ranks. A competition will commence in the near future to return the strength of the unit to its authorised strength of 18 members, two sergeants and 16 gardaí.
308 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Garda has investigated the shooting of domesticated deer at a location (details supplied) in County Sligo as reported in a national newspaper; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5737/05]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that a complaint was received by the Garda regarding the incident referred to by the Deputy and that matter is now the subject of an investigation. As the Deputy will appreciate, it would be inappropriate for me to make any further comment regarding Garda involvement in the investigation.
309 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he proposes to release a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5738/05]
The case of the person referred to by the Deputy remains the subject of close and careful review and I have not yet decided on a release date.
310 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons who visited Mountjoy Prison in 2004; the number of prisoners admitted to Mountjoy in 2004; the number of prisoners released from Mountjoy in 2004; the number of prisoners transferred from Mountjoy in 2004; the number of prisoners taken out of the prison for emergency services such as hospital care in 2004; the number of prisoners transported from Mountjoy to and from the courts in 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5739/05]
The governor of Mountjoy Prison has indicated a total of 26,071 visits to the prison in the year 2004. The vast majority of these visits were to prisoners and the remainder by persons such as solicitors, gardaí, Irish Prison Service headquarters staff, contractors, catering and delivery staff, addiction counsellors, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the Samaritans. While the exact number of persons who visited the prison is not readily retrievable, it is estimated that, on average, three persons were present during each visit to a prisoner.
I can also inform the Deputy that prison records show a total of 2,695 separate committals to Mountjoy Prison in 2004. This figure includes committals from the courts and transfers from other prisons. There were 1,429 prisoner releases from Mountjoy Prison in the same time period.
In addition, figures indicate a total of 1,854 prisoner transfers out of Mountjoy Prison to other institutions during the year and 736 prisoner escorts to various hospitals for treatment in 2004.
Finally, there were 2,836 prisoner transfers from Mountjoy Prison to court and 3,119 prisoners escorted from court to Mountjoy Prison during the year. Legislation is being drafted to allow certain pretrial hearings to be conducted with the accused remaining in prison but participating in the proceedings by a video-link between the prison and court. This will reduce the number of prisoners who have to be transferred to and from the courts.
311 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the details of the tender process, applicants and applications considered, including details of the successful applicant, for the commissioning of the building of the vacant unit adjacent to St. Patrick’s Institution at Mountjoy Prison. [5853/05]
On 14 April 2002, two members of the Garda Síochána were tragically killed when struck by a stolen car on the Stillorgan Road in Dublin. Following this, on April 17 the Government decided to provide up to 20 places for offenders aged up to 16 years at St. Patrick's Institution. The contract was not tendered, but was negotiated with the contractor who submitted the lowest tender for a construction project at an adjacent site in Mountjoy Prison in December 2001 which was not proceeded with. This procedure was adopted due to the urgency of the project at that point in time and the fact that the Prison Service was advised by its professional consultants that the rates in the Mountjoy tender were competitive, represented value for money and were unlikely to be improved in a new tender competition. The contract was awarded to Rohcon Limited. The original tender was conducted by the Office of Public Works on behalf of the Prison Service and a total of seven contractors competed in the process.
312 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the procedures open to victims of crime who are not satisfied with the Garda investigation of their case; if he will seek further clarification, support, advice and assistance to ensure that truth and justice prevails; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5854/05]
If a person is not happy with the conduct of a member of the Garda Síochána, it is open to him or her to make a complaint to the Garda Síochána Complaints Board. The Garda Síochána Complaints Board is currently the statutory body to investigate complaints by members of the public against the Garda. A complaint can be made by writing or by calling to its offices.
A complaint can also be made at any Garda station, and it will be forwarded to the board for attention unless the person indicates in writing that he or she wishes it to be dealt with by the Garda Síochána itself. The Minister cannot pass on a complaint to the board on anyone's behalf as it is a condition of the relevant legislation that the person concerned must make the complaint in one of the ways described. The board is not empowered to deal with complaints not lodged within six months of the date of the incident.
The board's offices are located at Block 1, Irish Life Centre, Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1, telephone No. 01-878 7526.
I understand from the Garda authorities that procedures put in place in relation to the victims of crime — which are set out in the Garda Charter for Victims of Crime — provide that the Garda will inform victims, where a suspect is charged, of the time, date and location of the court hearing of the charges against the accused. Victims who are not satisfied with the investigation of their case or have inquiries, suggestions or feedback on any aspect of treatment of the victims of crime by any member of the Garda Síochána may contact the Victim Liaison Officer, Community Relations Section, Harcourt Square, Harcourt Street, Dublin 2. (01) 6663802 or their local superintendent.
I can further inform the Deputy that provision for victims is made by a number of Government agencies as well as non-governmental organisations. The rights and entitlements of victims of crime in Ireland are set out in the Victims Charter, published by my Department in 1999, following extensive consultations with all relevant agencies including the courts, Garda Síochána, the Prison Service, the probation and welfare service, the State prosecution service and the Victim Support organisation. Victim Support provides support to victims of crime and their families through a network of volunteers nationwide. My Department has provided funding for its administrative and staff costs amounting to €5.3 million in the five years up to the end of 2004.
The charter makes specific provision for particularly vulnerable victims such as victims of sexual offences, domestic violence, elderly victims with disabilities, and children. It also contains specific provisions on keeping victims informed of the outcome of their complaints, the progress of any criminal proceedings, and the outcome of these proceedings.
It is my intention to arrange for a review of the provisions of the Victims Charter in the near future, in order to ensure its continuing relevance and effectiveness in providing for crime victims. As well as administrative and other provisions, the review will critically examine the deployment of resources to ensure that they continue to deliver maximum effectiveness as well as value for money.
The review will also have regard to the EU framework decision of 15 March 2001 on the standing of victims in criminal proceedings, which sets out to harmonise the treatment of victims of crime across the EU, to ensure that Ireland continues to meet its commitments in that regard.
313 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he proposes to make a decision on an application for family reunification for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5856/05]
In the course of processing the application for family reunification in respect of the person concerned questions arose in relation to the validity of the marriage. This issue is currently being investigated. When the investigation has been completed a decision on the application will be taken at that stage.
314 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 323 of 14 December 2004, the reason for the delay in having this person’s (details supplied) application processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5883/05]
I am informed by the Registrar of Titles that this is an application for transfer of part which was lodged on 14 June, 1999 — dealing No. D1999CR003738J refers.
I am further informed that this application was completed on 17 February 2005.
315 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in progressing the new Garda station promised for Ballymun; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5919/05]
Before a new station can be built in Ballymun, it is necessary for the State to have secured a suitable site there.
In that regard, I understand that the Commissioners of Public Works are in negotiation with Ballymun Regeneration Limited regarding a specific site. Once secured, the planning process for the new station can commence.
316 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the exact sections and provisions of the Children Act 2001 that have not commenced; if he will give a proposed date for their commencement. [5921/05]
The Children Act 2001 is a very complex and comprehensive piece of legislation and, for those reasons, provisions under the Act are being implemented on a phased basis, as was envisaged at the time of enactment.
Responsibility for implementing the Children Act 2001 lies with three Departments, the Departments of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and Education and Science mainly in respect of juvenile offending, and the Department of Health and Children mainly in respect of children who are non-offending but out of control. The National Children's Office is co-ordinating the cross-departmental aspects of the implementation of the Act.
Three main areas of the Act for which I have responsibility remain to be brought into operation. These concern the age of criminal responsibility, community-based options, and the provision of children detention centres for 16 and 17 year old offenders.
The first commencement order under the Act in respect of my Department was signed by my predecessor on 23 April 2002. This order, which came into force on 1 May 2002, brought into operation a wide range of provisions, including Part IV — diversion programmes, including the Garda restorative justice provisions, most of Part VI — treatment of child suspects in Garda stations, Part VII — Childrens Court, Part XII — child protection measures.
Among the other provisions which were brought into operation on 1 May 2002 were the payment of compensation by parents in respect of offences committed by their children — section 113 of the Act, a court order which would require parents to exercise proper and adequate control over their children — section 114 of the Act, and restriction on movement order.
I signed the second commencement order under the Act on 29 July 2004. This order brought into operation the remaining restorative justice provisions. Restorative justice is a philosophical framework which considers the ways in which crime harms relationships in the context of the community. It is a way of dealing with victims and offenders by focusing on the settlement of conflicts arising from crime and resolving the underlying problems which cause it.
The family conference which was placed on a statutory basis on 29 July 2004 is convened by the probation and welfare service and the convening of the conference is directed by the court where it considers that the preparation of an action plan would be desirable in an individual case.
A pilot programme for the mentor — family support — order is due to commence shortly. Pilot programmes of parental supervision orders are also being developed and are expected to be introduced later this year.
The following tabular statement outlines the sections of the Children Act 2001 which have not yet been fully commenced in so far as my Department is concerned.
|
Part |
Section |
Description |
|
6 |
59 |
Notification to Health Board |
|
61(1)(b) |
Interviewing children |
|
|
8 |
77 |
Referral of case to Health Board |
|
88 |
Remand in Custody |
|
|
9 |
96 |
Principles relating to exercise of criminal jurisdiction over children |
|
97 |
Construction of certain reference |
|
|
98 |
Orders on finding of guilt |
|
|
99 — 107 |
Probation Officer and other reports |
|
|
111 — 112 |
Parental supervision |
|
|
115 — 132 |
Community sanctions |
|
|
137 — 139 |
Other aspects of community orders |
|
|
140 -147 150-153 |
Detention provisions |
|
|
154 |
Amendment of the Criminal Justice (Community Service) Act 1983 |
|
|
155 |
Punishment of certain indictable offences |
|
|
156 |
Restriction on punishment of children |
|
|
13 |
259 |
Duties of probation officers |
|
262 |
Delegation by principal probation & welfare officer |
|
|
263 |
Temporary accommodation of children |
|
|
265 |
Right of appeal |
317 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of money which has been expended in refurbishing the Mountjoy Prison complex in the past ten years. [5922/05]
The Mountjoy Prison complex includes Mountjoy Male Prison, St. Patrick's Institution, the Dóchas Centre and the training unit. I am informed by the Irish Prison Service that the information requested by the Deputy is not readily available. I have directed the Irish Prison Service to forward the information requested directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
318 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a land registry dealing (details supplied) will be expedited. [5934/05]
I am informed by the Registrar of Titles that this is an application for transfer of all of folio which was lodged on 5 July 2004 — dealing No. D2004CS007245Q refers. I am further informed that a query issued to the lodging solicitor on 6 September 2004 and that a reminder issued on 17 February 2005. On receipt of a satisfactory reply to this query, the matter will receive further attention in the Land Registry.
320 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in respect of the operation of section 50 tax relief for student accommodation, there is any conflict of interest on the part of third level institutions where they are the regulator of the scheme and in many cases are providers of the scheme; and if she has any plans to review this aspect of the scheme. [5914/05]
Third level institutions must work to promote the best interest and welfare of students. The role bestowed on them under the section 50 tax scheme and the rationale for that role is consistent with that objective. Their participatory role in providing accommodation is not incongruous with their function of safeguarding and promoting the best interest of students. There are no plans to review this aspect of the scheme.
321 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has issued any guidelines in respect of schools within the free education scheme that levy a top-up fee on parents; if she has considered the case of a school (details supplied) in this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5615/05]
Voluntary contributions by parents of pupils in recognised primary schools are permissible provided it is made clear to parents that there is no question of compulsion to pay and that, in making a contribution, they are doing so of their own volition. The manner in which such voluntary contributions are sought and collected is a matter for school management. However their collection should be such as not to create a situation where either parents or pupils could reasonably infer that the contributions take on a compulsory character.
The school referred to by the Deputy has temporary recognition. All issues, including the matter of payment of fees, would be taken into account in the context of consideration being given to extending permanent recognition to the school.
It should be noted that capitation funding has increased significantly in recent years from €57 per primary pupil in 1997 to €134 in 2005 and to €286 per pupil at second level.
322 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of special services for children with Asperger’s syndrome at St. Joseph’s secondary school in Fairview; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5619/05]
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 the school referred to by the Deputy.
323 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals for a new school (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [5621/05]
The long-term accommodation needs of the school referred to by the Deputy are being assessed in the context of an overall review of primary educational infrastructure in the area in question. This assessment is taking into account the likely demand for primary school places in the medium to long term and it will determine how existing provision can be maximised to cater for this demand. A decision on how best the accommodation needs of the school in question can be met will be taken when this broader examination has been completed.
324 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department proposes to establish a special needs class for Down’s syndrome children at a location (details supplied). [5633/05]
I have requested my Department's inspectorate to discuss the matter referred to by the Deputy with the school in question. The matter will be progressed further as soon as this process has been completed.
325 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide funding to a school (details supplied) in County Galway to facilitate the purchase of furniture and equipment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5651/05]
An application for new-replacement furniture has not been received from the school referred to by the Deputy. I will make arrangements for an application form to issue to the school as soon as possible. The school building unit will be in further contact with the school authorities once this application has been received.
326 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Question No. 487 of 8 February 2005, the extra teaching support and special needs assistance specifically allocated to the person attending a second level school; if this case will be reviewed as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5659/05]
Where a pupil with special educational needs enrols in a post-primary school, it is open to the school to apply for additional teaching support and-or special needs assistant support for the pupil. My Department allocates additional teaching support and special needs assistant support to second level schools and vocational education committees to cater for pupils with special educational needs. Each application is considered on the basis of the assessed needs of the pupils involved and having regard to a range of factors including the overall resources available to the school.
An application for additional teaching support and special needs assistant support for a number of pupils, including the pupil referred to by the Deputy, was received in my Department on 21 June 2004. The school authority was notified of the outcome of this application on 24 September 2004. Subsequently an appeal was received in my Department on 12 October 2004 and the school authority was notified of the outcome of this appeal on the 1 November 2004.
My Department has approved an allocation of 75.62 hours' teaching support per week and 45 hours' special needs assistant support per week to the school in question to cater for the special educational needs of a number of pupils, including the pupil to whom the Deputy refers. The level of support allocated was determined after detailed consideration of the school's application, the supporting documentation provided and having regard to the overall level of resources already available to the school to address special needs issues. If the school authority is of the view that the existing approved allocation is incapable of addressing the current level of assessed special needs within the school and additional information to that already submitted becomes available, my Department will be prepared to reconsider the case.
327 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Science the grant aid advanced to the Institute of Design and Disability for the years 2003 and 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5690/05]
My Department does not provide any funding to the Institute of Design and Disability and therefore did not provide any funding to the institute for the years in question.
328 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be issued with a P60 from her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5744/05]
329 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be issue with a P60 from her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5745/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 328 and 329 together.
It is planned to issue P60s to all special needs assistants employed in primary schools, including the two persons referred to by the Deputy, on 24 February.
330 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the supports which her Department will put in place to assist a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if her Department will take a proactive approach in meeting this person’s needs; if a report on their needs is already available; if not, if one will be arranged immediately; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5746/05]
With effect from 1 January 2005, the National Council for Special Education through local special educational needs organisers will process resource applications for children with special educational needs. The National Council for Special Education has been established as an independent statutory body with responsibilities as set out in the National Council for Special Education (Establishment) Order 2003. Where a pupil with special educational needs enrols in a post-primary school, it is open to the school to apply to the local SENO for additional teaching support and-or special needs assistant support for the pupil.
My Department has recently issued circular letter PPT 01/05 advising the authorities of post-primary schools of the arrangements put in place as a result of the transfer of these functions to the NCSE. I am confident that the establishment of the National Council for Special Education will prove of major benefit in ensuring that all children with special educational needs receive the support they require when and where they require it.
331 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the fact that Ennis is one of the largest centres of population in County Clare with no provision for education for children and teenagers suffering from autism, she will provide facilities at one of the schools in Ennis as a matter of extreme urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5766/05]
I am most anxious that all children, including children with autistic spectrum disorders, receive education appropriate to their needs.
There are three special classes catering for pupils with autism in mainstream primary schools in County Clare as well as three special classes in special schools in the county. My Department has received an application to establish an additional special class for autism from a primary school in County Clare. My officials are liaising with the National Educational Psychological Service regarding the application and a decision will be conveyed to the school as soon as this process has been completed.
332 Mr. Walsh asked the Minister for Education and Science if a mechanical lift will be provided at a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5773/05]
The application from the school referred to by the Deputy for the provision of funding for a mechanical lift under the 2005 summer works scheme is under consideration. Details of schools with projects approved under the SWS 2005 will be outlined in the near future.
333 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science if financial assistance is available for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5833/05]
In 1996-97, my Department's student support schemes were extended to provide maintenance grants to eligible students pursuing approved full-time undergraduate courses of at least two years' duration in other EU member states, including the UK. The courses must be followed in a university or third level institution, which is maintained or assisted by recurrent grants from public funds. The extension of the schemes at that time did not extend to courses at postgraduate level. Students attending approved courses in other EU member states are subject to the same conditions of funding as students attending approved courses in the State. The main conditions of funding relate to age, residence, means, nationality and previous academic attainment.
Tax relief on tuition fees is available in respect of approved courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level in other EU member states. In recent years, the UK authorities introduced a number of changes in the financial support arrangements for students pursuing courses at further and higher education institutions. These included the introduction of an annual tuition fee for students entering further and higher education institutions for the first time from the 1998-99 academic year and the replacement of maintenance grants by student loans to be phased in from that year also. All EU students, including Irish students, are eligible for consideration for grant assistance towards the tuition fee subject to the same conditions as apply to UK students.
334 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science the average number of pupils in primary school classes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5834/05]
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. Over 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 — Breaking the Cycle programme, 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 An Agreed Programme for Government commitment, class sizes for the under-nines will continue to be reduced further.
335 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Education and Science the funds given to community groups in the Dublin South-East area for after-school projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5841/05]
336 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Education and Science the course of action which community groups can pursue if they have not spent money received from her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5842/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 335 and 336 together.
While my Department does not operate a specific national scheme for the provision of after-school projects, it supports a range of programmes which target additional resources at pupils from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds in order to facilitate their full participation in the education system.
Eighty-two projects, 112 post-primary schools and 300 primary schools, participate in the school completion programme, which aims to develop local strategies to ensure maximum participation levels in the education process. It entails targeting individual young people of school going age, both in and out of school, and arranging supports to address inequalities in education access, participation and outcomes. Each project site must devise a collaborative programme of in-school and out-of-school actions, which provide after-school, holiday time, home, family and community supports to enhance the young person's readiness to benefit from education. There are two school completion programme clusters serving schools in south-east Dublin. These clusters, comprising three post-primary and seven primary schools, have received an allocation in excess of €400,000 in 2004-05.
My Department also provides funding for homework clubs in disadvantaged areas under the fund for the development of targeted responses to certain children at risk. This fund is the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan. Its purpose is to develop preventative and supportive programmes targeted at children and young people who are at risk of educational disadvantage and social exclusion. Under this fund, three projects are being supported in Dublin South East in 2005. These projects, including the Life Centre in Pearse Street and the Rathmines Information and Community Services Centre, have received combined funding in excess of €70,000 in 2004-05. It is a general requirement that projects supported under the above-named programmes spend their allocation within the relevant calendar or school year. In cases where a particular group does not exhaust its full allocation within the prescribed timeframe, this will be taken into account by my Department in determining the level of support required by the project in the following year. If the Deputy has any queries regarding particular projects, I will arrange for a direct response to issue if relevant details are forwarded to my Department.
337 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department owns any of the school property in the Dublin South-East area; the schools to which this applies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5843/05]
There are different management and ownership structures for voluntary secondary schools, vocational schools, community colleges, community and comprehensive schools and primary schools. In general, voluntary secondary schools are privately owned and managed institutions, whereas all community and comprehensive schools are vested in the Minister for Education and Science. Vocational schools and community colleges are public schools owned and managed by vocational education committees who are responsible for the day-to-day running of these schools and colleges.
The vast majority of denominational and multi-denominational primary schools are owned by the relevant patron. The sites and school buildings provided for Gaelscoileanna are vested in the Minister for Education and Science.
Since 1999, the State offers to provide the full cost of sites for all new schools at both primary and second level. Where the State bears the cost of the site purchase new school buildings provided on these sites would be vested in the Minister and leased to the school operator.
If the Deputy wishes to identify a particular school property I will arrange to have the ownership details made available to him.
338 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the classroom circumstances of Gaeltacht primary schools, she will concede the same appointment thresholds for additional teachers as apply in Gaelscoileanna; and if the appointment of an additional teacher will be sanctioned at a Gaeltacht school (details supplied) in County Cork for September 2005. [5865/05]
Under present arrangements, the appointment requirement for mainstream class teachers in Gaelscoileanna operates to a lower ratio up to the appointment of 13 teachers, relative to other primary schools, including those located in the Gaeltacht.
I am aware of the unique position of primary schools situated in Gaeltacht areas and of the particular problems that they experience as a result of losing teaching posts. In this context, since the start of the 1999-2000 school year, the staffing schedule for the retention of posts in Gaelscoileanna has applied to Gaeltacht schools.
The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous year. 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 of management in the near future.
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 appeal 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.
339 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has received an application from a school (details supplied) in County Wexford for additional classrooms urgently needed in the school; if these will be provided and when; if not, the reason therefor; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5877/05]
An application for additional accommodation has been received from the school to which the Deputy refers. This application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria, which were revised following consultation with the education partners. Progress on this project is being considered in the context of the school building programme.
In this regard, the Deputy will be aware that I recently announced the first phase of the 2005 school building programme which provided details of 122 major school building projects country wide which will prepare tenders and move to construction during 2005. This announcement is the first in a series of announcements I plan to make in the coming period in relation to the schools building and modernisation programme that will include details of schools identified as suitable for construction under public private partnerships; an expansion of the number of schools that will be invited to deliver their building projects on the basis of devolved funding; details of schools with projects approved under the 2005 summer works scheme; schools whose projects will further progress through the design process; and schools that will be authorised to commence architectural planning.
340 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the assessments carried out on special needs assistants; and if there has been a delay in notifying applicants who were informed that a decision would be made after Christmas. [5880/05]
I take it that the Deputy is referring to the review of special needs assistant, SNA, provision in primary schools. The review commenced in September 2004 and is continuing. The review is concerned with the level and deployment of SNA posts in mainstream classes. The intention is to ensure that the level of approved SNA support in schools, and the manner in which that support is being allocated, are such as to ensure that the special care needs of pupils are being appropriately met.
Decisions regarding the appropriate level of SNA support in respect of applications made to my Department will be based on the outcome of this review. It is my intention that decisions will issue to the schools concerned at an early date.
341 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science if the application for a resource teacher and special needs assistance support for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry has been successful. [5881/05]
The pupil in question is currently in receipt of 2.5 hours resource teaching support. My Department has received an application to increase this support to five hours per week. In addition, the school has made an application for 15 hours per week special needs assistant, SNA, support for the pupil.
My Department advised the school on 9 November 2004 that the pupil's special education needs, SEN, appear to be within the high incidence category and he is therefore receiving the level of resource teaching support appropriate to his category of need. It would be expected that the pupil's SEN can be met from within the current resource-learning support teaching allocation available to the school. The school currently has the services of one shared learning support post together with 13 hours part-time resource teaching support. It is a matter for the school to deploy these resources to meet the SEN of the pupils in the school.
The Deputy may be aware that a review of SNA provision in primary schools commenced in September 2004 and is continuing. The review is concerned with the level and deployment of SNA posts in mainstream classes. The intention is to ensure that the level of approved SNA support in schools, and the manner in which that support is being allocated, are such as to ensure that the special care needs of pupils are being appropriately met.
Decisions regarding the appropriate level of SNA support for the pupil in question will be based on the outcome of this review and a decision will issue to the school as quickly as possible.
342 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when the land for the promised new school (details supplied) in County Dublin will be purchased; the alternative arrangements which are in place for the rapidly growing population of this area until the school is completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5912/05]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that a suitable site for the school in question has been identified. Acquisition of the site is at an advanced conveyancing stage. The school referred to by the Deputy has not requested additional accommodation, however, a new school in this area 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 a view to procuring temporary accommodation to facilitate its commencement plans.
343 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science when approval will be given to proceed to tender stage for the extension of a school (details supplied) in County Galway; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this college is now almost 40 years without a gym and sports hall; the reason progress has been so slow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5935/05]
The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning and includes the provision of a physical education hall. I recently announced details of 122 major school building projects that will progress to tender and construction phase over the next 12 to 15 months under the €3.4 billion multi-annual funding secured for the years 2005-09. I am anxious to ensure that a consistent flow of projects to tender and construction can be sustained into the future. I plan to make a number of announcements in the near future in relation to the schools building and modernisation programme including details of those school projects which will further progress through the design process. All projects in architectural planning, including the school in question, will be considered as part of this process.
344 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if funding will be supplied to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 given the circumstances of their case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5943/05]
The higher education grants schemes operate under the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Acts 1968 to 1992.
Under the higher education grants scheme an approved course is defined as a full-time undergraduate course of at least two years duration or a full-time postgraduate course of not less than one year duration pursued in an approved institution.
An approved institution is defined to mean a university college or other institution of higher education in so far as it provides a course or courses of not less than two years duration, being a course, or courses, which the Minister for Education and Science approves for the time being for the purposes of the Acts.
Each year, the higher education grants scheme specifies a list of approved institutions for the purposes of the schemes. The approved institutions mainly comprise public funded third level institutions. In this regard, the student referred to by the Deputy is not attending an approved college for the purpose of the scheme.
Any extension to the scope of the grants scheme to include private colleges such as Griffith College can be considered only in the light of available resources and in the context of competing demands within the education sector. There are no plans at present to extend the scope of the student support schemes to private colleges. Tax relief, at the standard rate of tax, is available on tuition fees paid to certain private colleges in the State, including Griffith College. Further details and conditions in relation to such tax relief are available from any tax office.
345 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the ongoing difficulties in implementing the Vocational Education (Amendment) Act 2001, resulting in Kildare VEC not yet holding a meeting of the new committee since the 2004 local elections; her views on the legislation to ensure, in particular, that parents are appropriately represented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5949/05]
I am aware that County Kildare VEC has not been in a position to hold the first meeting of its newly re-constituted committee. I understand that the reason for the delay is due to the finalising of the appointment process by the local authorities of four members from among nominated representatives of community, voluntary and other interests as set out in the Vocational Education (Amendment) Act 2001. It is expected that this appointment process will be completed shortly and that the first meeting of the new committee will take place in March next.
The Vocational Education (Amendment) Act 2001 represents a new departure by giving a statutory right to parents and guardians to be represented on VECs for the first time. The election of parent representatives heralds a significant step in the partnership process whereby representatives of parents, VEC staff and other relevant community interests will sit alongside elected local authority members on VECs for the first time. The Act provides for a balance in representation of members between the different categories with two members to be elected by parents, two members to be elected by VEC staff and four members to be appointed from among the nominated representatives of community, commercial and other interests in addition to the elected local authority members. I am confident that the views of parents will now be adequately represented on the new committees and I have no proposals to change the position at this stage.
346 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 333 of 2 February 2005, if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the new board of management for the Ballymun comprehensive schools will comprise representatives of both parents and teachers; and her views on the fact that there is no further delay in appointing the board. [5950/05]
To expedite the appointment of a principal to oversee the commencement of the new Ballymun comprehensive school, it is essential that a board of management is appointed immediately. This board must be constituted in accordance with the existing model which does not, at this point in time, allow for parent or teacher representation. This board, however, will be replaced by a board that will include such representation following the finalisation of revised arrangements for the composition of boards of management across the comprehensive sector. Agreement on these arrangements is nearing conclusion with the relevant education partners.
The parties involved in the Ballymun comprehensive school have been informed of the position.
347 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the nature and extent of capital works which need to be carried out to the Ballymun comprehensive schools prior to the amalgamation of these schools taking place; and when funding will be provided for these works. [5951/05]
I am pleased to be able to inform the Deputy that tenders in excess of €9 million have been accepted for a major refurbishment and extension programme at Ballymun comprehensive schools to enable the planned amalgamation take place. The contractor went on site on 24 January last and I am confident that the amalgamation will proceed, as intended, on 1 September 2005.
348 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will sanction an extension of school transport for a school (details supplied) in County Kerry to facilitate 12 children as outlined in a memo sent by Bus Éireann, Tralee, to head office on 10 November 2003; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5952/05]
On the basis of the information supplied by Bus Éireann in its report of 10 November 2003, only two families are eligible for transport to the school referred to in the details supplied. These families have a pick-up point 0.3 and 0.8 miles from their homes. This is considered to be a reasonable level of service in the context of the general operation of the scheme.
The seven children of the remaining four families are not eligible for school transport to the school referred to in the details. These children may avail of concessionary transport to that school subject to no additional State costs being incurred by way of extending or altering the route of the existing service.
349 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that two persons (details supplied) in County Monaghan who were assessed by Department personnel and found to need remedial tuition have now been advised that no remedial help is available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5985/05]
Having confirmed the identities of the pupils in question with the Deputy's office, I wish to confirm that my Department considered applications for resource teaching support for both pupils. The school was advised on 4 February 2005 that the pupils do not qualify for resource teaching support as the applications did not meet the criteria for such support. The school currently has the services of a learning support teacher post and a resource teacher post supporting a total enrolment of 28 pupils. It would be expected that the special educational needs of both pupils can be met from within these resources. I understand that the assessments were carried out by a person who was a former member of my Department's staff.
350 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason special needs assistants in primary school both part-time and full-time staff receive holiday pay but assistants in third level colleges do not receive such a payment; the plans she has to review this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5987/05]
Personal assistants are utilised within third level colleges for certain classes of students with disabilities, mainly those with physical or mobility difficulties. The main source of funding for personal assistants is the fund for students with disabilities. Colleges of further and higher education can apply on behalf of students who require a personal assistant in order to participate equitably in their education. Contractual arrangements in relation to personal assistants vary between institutions. Most colleges either use agencies that supply personal assistants, or employ personal assistants directly on temporary part-time or wholetime contracts. In both cases, the employer of the personal assistant is required to comply with the relevant employment legislation which is in force at this time. In some smaller colleges, personal assistants are contracted on a self-employed basis directly by the student, who is provided with the necessary resources by their college.
The manner in which the personal assistants are employed is a matter for each institution. The terms and conditions of employment for employees who provide support for students with disabilities in third level is a matter for the individual colleges concerned.
351 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence if he will investigate the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5640/05]
The issues raised in the correspondence referred to by the Deputy are not a matter for the Department of Defence, nor has an application to use Defence Forces facilities been received from the group in question.
352 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the Defence Forces ombudsman, including powers and functions and date of commencement of the role; if the ombudsman will be able to investigate complaints by persons who are no longer members of the Defence Forces; the way in which the ombudsman can be contacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5658/05]
The person appointed to be the ombudsman for the Defence Forces will be selected through a process of open public competition held by the Public Appointments Service. This competition will be advertised as soon as possible.
As regards the matter of former members of the Defence Forces making application to the Defence Forces ombudsman, on his-her appointment, the position is that the Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Act 2004 generally provides that both serving and former members of the Defence Forces may make an application within 12 months of the occurrence of an action complained of or within 12 months of the applicant having become aware of the action complained of. However, members and former members of the Defence Forces will not be able to make application to the Defence Forces ombudsman in regard to a matter which pre-dates the commencement of the legislation. Complaints made by serving members of the Defence Forces relating to matters pre-dating the commencement of the legislation may be submitted to the Minister through the structured redress of wrongs process, as at present, on a transitional basis when the new legislation is commenced.
353 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding overholders in the Curragh, County Kildare; the position regarding his Department’s proposals to address the matter; his plan to provide alternative accommodation for these persons and their families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5763/05]
Personnel on being discharged from the Permanent Defence Force are obliged to vacate married quarters within a short period of the dates of their discharge. The provision of housing is primarily a matter for the local authorities and married military personnel have an equal claim on such housing as other members of the community in the same income category. My Department is continuing to examine all options, including affordable housing and voluntary and co-operative housing schemes, with regard to the re-housing of those overholders who would in the normal way be eligible for local authority housing. The Department remains in contact with the overholders pending resolution of the issue.
354 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence the number of houses purchased by tenants at an estate (details supplied) in County Kildare; the number still in negotiation; his proposals to conclude the stated sales; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5764/05]
To date 85 of the 100 houses at Orchard Park have been sold to the occupants. A contract of sale and deed of transfer have been executed in respect of another case. Two further houses are in the process of being sold by tender and it is expected that these sales will also be completed in 2005. The sales of the remaining 12 quarters to the occupants are being actively pursued.
355 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence the position in regard to the takeover of the Orchard Park housing estate, The Curragh, County Kildare by Kildare County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5765/05]
Kildare County Council has advised that the roads, services etc. at Orchard Park will have to be brought up to the required standard before they will be taken in charge. It is hoped to undertake a programme of works later in the year to ensure the facilities at the estate are up to the standard required. In the interim a contractor is being engaged to carry out emergency repairs to the roads.
356 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will consider an application for grant assistance towards repair and restoration of a premises (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6008/05]
No application has been received in my Department for grant assistance for the building referred to in the question under the scheme of EU co-financed grants for the conservation of the architectural heritage provided for under the National Development Plan 2000-2006. My Department has also established that no application for funding has been made to Kildare County Council under the grants scheme for the conservation of protected structures which is administered by local authorities, although the council is aware of the project.
Applications for grant assistance in 2005 under either of these schemes are now closed. It will be open to the project promoters to lodge an application for assistance under the 2006 schemes.
357 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress which has been made on the promised introduction of a common nationwide waste charges waiver system for qualifying applicants. [6095/05]
The provision by a local authority of a waiver in respect of all or part of a charge in respect of the provision of a waste service by or on behalf of the authority is solely a matter for the local authority concerned. My Department has no function in the matter. However, the issue of waste charges and low income persons-households has been raised in a social partnership context arising from Sustaining Progress. Discussions are continuing between my Department and the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs in terms of identifying how any outstanding issues might be addressed.
358 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the average cost per unit of delivery of social housing in the State. [5580/05]
The last full year for which actual social housing unit costs are available is 2003 and these are set out in the following table:
|
2003 |
National |
Dublin |
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
Local Authority |
142,000 |
175,000 |
|
Voluntary and Co-operative (Capital Loan and Subsidy Scheme) |
149,000 |
201,500 |
359 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the house completions in each of the past five years; the percentage of these each year which were social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5581/05]
360 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the house completions in each of the past five years; the percentage of these each year which were second homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5582/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 359 and 360 together.
Details regarding total house completions, including those provided by the State, under the local authority housing programme and the voluntary and co-operative housing sector are set out in my Department's housing statistics bulletin, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library and on the Department's website at www.environ.ie.
Details from the statistics bulletin reveal that the number of social houses completed by the local authorities and under the various voluntary housing schemes has doubled since 2000 — table 1. The share of social housing has increased by approximately 30% since 2000. This reflects successful policies to encourage an increase in overall housing supply together with a commitment to increasing the rate for building of social houses.
|
Number of House Completions |
Numbers of Newly Built Social Houses |
Percentage Social Housing % |
|
|
2000 |
49,812 |
3,155 |
6.3 |
|
2001 |
52,602 |
4,875 |
9.3 |
|
2002 |
57,695 |
5,763 |
10.0 |
|
2003 |
68,819 |
6,133 |
8.9 |
|
2004 (9 months) |
54,170 |
3,123 |
5.7 |
These figures do not reflect the total provision of social housing as they do not include the number of acquisitions of housing units for social rented accommodation or the casual vacancies in social housing stock that occur each year. It is expected that the accommodation needs of more than 13,000 households will have been addressed in 2004 through the various social and affordable housing measures.
A definitive breakdown of house completions either by type of purchaser or whether they were second, holiday or investment homes cannot be provided at present. My Department is in discussion with the Central Statistics Office regarding the collection of more reliable information on second homes with the objective of addressing this information deficit.
361 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the implementation of the nitrates directive, 91/676/EEC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5597/05]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 346 of 1 February 2005. Work is continuing in my Department, in co-operation with the Department of Agriculture and Food, to prepare a response to the European Commission letter of formal notice — Article 228 — in regard to Ireland's nitrates action programme.
362 Ms M. Wallace asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the criteria under the housing aid scheme for the elderly which prevents two elderly persons from qualifying for the grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5599/05]
Under the special housing aid for the elderly scheme, which is operated by the Health Service Executive, formerly the health boards, in line with various guidelines issued from time to time by the task force which administers the scheme under the aegis of my Department, aid is provided to improve the housing conditions of elderly persons living alone in unfit or insanitary conditions. The household may include more than one elderly person. Aid is not available where others who are not elderly are resident in the house. Decisions to grant assistance in individual cases are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive at local level and it is a matter for the relevant community care department to determine, within the funds available, the priority of cases on hand.
363 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of houses constructed or started by Laois County Council on a year by year basis for the years 2000 to 2004; the projected number of housing starts in 2005; the way in which this compares with the allocations of approvals granted by his Department to the council for each of those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5605/05]
Information on the number of houses completed and started by Laois County Council for each of the years 2000 to 2004 under the local authority housing construction-acquisition programme is set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Completions |
Starts |
|
2000 |
68 |
112 |
|
2001 |
128 |
163 |
|
2002 |
63 |
108 |
|
2003 |
57 |
68 |
|
2004 end September |
149 |
68 |
Completions-acquisitions figures for the full year 2004 are being finalised and will be published in due course in the annual housing statistics bulletin. The delivery of housing by local authorities in the next few years is being developed in the context of new five year action plans for social and affordable housing to ensure a systematic and integrated approach to the effective use of resources. I consider that given the nature of continuous housing need, the preparation of these action plans is beneficial to local authorities in identifying priority needs over the coming years and providing a coherent and co-ordinated response across all housing services, including delivery of housing by the voluntary and co-operative housing sector. The majority of these plans, including Laois County Council's action plan, have already been approved by my Department and the remainder are likely to be approved within a matter of weeks. Laois Country Council's nominated housing programme for 2005 has recently been received and is under examination in my Department.
364 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the warranties on the electronic voting machines have now expired; the open market value of the machines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5634/05]
Under the terms of the contract agreed with Nedap in December 2003, the warranty period in respect of the voting machines and related equipment extends to the end of 2007. The unit price of a voting machine is €4,508, plus VAT.
365 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when action will be taken to help preserve the freshwater pearl mussel, margaritifera durrovensis. [5653/05]
I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 165 and 170 of 9 February 2005.
366 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there is an emergency fund available in his Department to compensate householders who are victims of extreme and devastating flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5660/05]
My Department has no direct role in relation to flood damage and compensation for householders or others who suffer losses as a result of flooding. The Office of Public Works has primary responsibility for devising and implementing such flood relief measures. No funds are available to the Department specifically to meet expenditure incurred by local authorities due to flooding. However, local authorities can, where necessary, provide emergency short-term accommodation for persons made homeless as a result of disasters such as flooding. My Department recoups 90% of the cost of providing such accommodation.
367 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will approve the new scheme of lettings for Dublin City Council as submitted in 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5691/05]
The revised scheme of letting priorities submitted by Dublin City Council has been the subject of ongoing discussions between my Department and the city council. A recent meeting was held at official level to progress matters further. A decision will be made on the matter as soon as possible.
368 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the provision of the Croom and Patrickswell water supply scheme. [5693/05]
The links from the Limerick county trunk water mains to Croom and Patrickswell-Adare have been approved for construction in my Department's water services investment programme 2004-06. The submission of Limerick County Council's detailed design and contract documents for the Croom link for my Department's approval is awaited. The council's contract documents and water pricing policy report for the Patrickswell-Adare element are being examined in the Department and are being dealt with as quickly as possible.
369 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason for the delay in approving the preliminary report for the Kenmare water supply improvement scheme; when he proposes to issue approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5705/05]
The Kenmare water supply scheme has been included in my Department's water services investment programme 2004-2006 as a scheme to commence construction this year. Kerry County Council's preliminary report for the scheme is under examination in my Department and is being dealt with as quickly as possible.
370 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the application by Kerry County Council for funding towards the upgrading of the sewerage scheme in Kenmare, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5706/05]
The Kenmare sewerage scheme upgrade has been included in my Department's water services investment programme for 2004 to 2006 as a scheme to enter planning at an estimated cost of €1.3 million. My Department is awaiting the submission of a design brief for the scheme by Kerry County Council.
371 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department had identified difficulties in external communications prior to the Government assuming office in 2002. [5718/05]
My Department has on a number of occasions prior to 2002 identified specific communication requirements which could not be met by the resources available in the Department. On some of those occasions, the shortfall was met by contracting specialist communications expertise.
In 2000, my Department awarded a contract for assistance in devising and implementing the national spatial strategy, NSS, communications campaign. Included in that campaign were a range of marketing and advertising initiatives, to promote awareness and interest in the NSS, to disseminate information, identify and engage the target audience for the consultation process and support that process through organising consultation forums at regional level at various stages during the strategy's preparation.
In 1998, my Department awarded a contract for assistance with advertising campaigns in connection with the draft register of electors and the referendums on the Good Friday Agreement and the Treaty of Amsterdam. For a number of years prior to 2002, specialist assistance was contracted for anti-litter awareness campaigns. A non-established temporary civil servant acted as communications co-ordinator to my Department for the period from October 1999 to June 2002.
372 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is aware that a decision was made by Bray Town Council in December 2004 when drafting its town development plan for 2005 to 2011 to adopt a town centre zoning on the most sensitive part of the flood plain on golf club lands immediately adjacent to the Dargle River in Bray, that a majority of elected members on Bray Town Council made this zoning decision without having had access to the findings of a flood risk study being carried out by University College Dublin on behalf of the prospective developers of these golf club lands and that this zoning decision does not comply with the guidelines issued by the Office of Public Works for development that is appropriate on flood plains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5747/05]
The proposed amendments to the draft Bray development plan have been on public display with a view to facilitating submissions from interested persons. It is a matter for the elected members of Bray Town Council to adopt the final plan in accordance with the provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000.
The question of zoning land for different uses is a matter for each planning authority to address in the context of its development plan. Under the Planning and Development Act 2000, planning authorities may include in their development plans objectives regulating, restricting or controlling development in areas at risk of flooding. Development plan objectives may also include policies indicating that developers will be required to support the funding of flood defences needed for particular developments, either partially or fully, depending on the circumstances involved.
The Office of Public Works, as a prescribed consultee on all draft development plans under the Planning and Development Act 2000, has the opportunity as appropriate to ensure that its views are considered in the making of development plans with particular reference to its statutory responsibilities in respect of river drainage, flood relief and localised flooding problems. I refer also to the reply to Question No. 72 of 9 February 2005.
373 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to information which has been submitted to his Department recently, the position regarding a social housing scheme application (details supplied) under the voluntary housing capital assistance and communal facilities grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5748/05]
I refer to my reply to Question No. 521 of 8 February 2005. The additional information sought from Donegal County Council has recently been received and the application is being further considered by my Department. The council will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible.
374 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if regulations exist to govern the change of use of retail shop units to chip shops and food takeaway outlets in general; if regulations exist to govern the change of use of retail shop units to off-licence shops for the sale of alcohol; if he has given consideration to updating or consolidating such regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5757/05]
The Planning and Development Regulations 2001 provide that development which consists of a change of use within any one of the certain specified classes of use is exempt from the requirement to obtain planning permission, subject to certain conditions. One of these classes of use is as a shop. The definition of "shop" in the regulations specifically excludes use for the sale of hot food for consumption off the premises except where the sale of such food is subsidiary to the main retail use.
I am considering whether it may be desirable to amend the regulations so that a change of use from a shop to an off-licence would require planning permission. Any such change would require positive resolution by both Houses of the Oireachtas.
375 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has set a housing stock per population target; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5762/05]
The Irish housing stock was approximately 390 per 1,000 persons at the end of 2003. While we are moving closer to the EU 15 average of 440, such comparisons must take account of differences resulting from demographic, economic and cultural factors. The Government has not, therefore, set a housing target per head of population. The focus of policy is on seeking to ensure that supply meets prospective needs.
We are building houses at a rate of over 19 units per 1,000 persons. This is the highest rate of house building in the European Union. More than 30% of the entire Irish housing stock has been built over the past seven years. The regional planning guidelines, which have been adopted in each region, incorporate estimates of the population and household distribution in the region in the period up to 2020. These guidelines provide a strategic, long-term context for local authority development plans, particularly in terms of providing through the development plan process adequate zoned lands to meet future demands for residential development.
376 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason for the difference in the reply to Question No. 534 of 30 November 2004 indicating that the monthly storage cost of electronic voting equipment amounts to €55,000, and the presentation on the subject to the Committee of Public Accounts. [5768/05]
Information supplied to my Department by returning officers, which was made available to the Committee of Public Accounts at its meeting on 3 February 2005, indicates that the total annual storage costs for the electronic voting system is €658,229, which is equivalent to less than €55,000 per month.
377 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the concerns of a person (details supplied) in County Cork regarding possible changes in the retail planning guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5872/05]
I refer to my reply to Questions Nos. 524 and 528 of 8 February 2005.
378 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the report on property rights by the All-Party Committee on the Constitution will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5876/05]
The Government is giving careful consideration to this report, as well as report No. 112 of the National Economic and Social Council, Housing in Ireland: Performance and Policy, and a report by Goodbody Economic Consultants, within the context of its continuing commitment to meeting the broad range of housing needs. I intend bringing proposals to Government in response to these reports as soon as possible.
379 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he is taking to ensure that geothermal heating is included in all public buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5878/05]
While the national climate change strategy identifies the maximisation of renewable energy capacity as an essential step towards meeting our greenhouse gas emissions limitation target under the Kyoto Protocol, it would not be appropriate for building regulations to prescribe specific systems for public buildings or to promote one type of renewable energy over others.
I understand Sustainable Energy Ireland Limited, SEI, is supporting a number of programmes in geothermal heating. SEI comes under the remit of the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.
380 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the details of the list of members of the working group to review the management of dog breeding establishments; the criteria for membership; the name of the chairperson; the terms of reference of the committee; how often it meets; when its final report is expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5941/05]
The members of the working group to review the management of dog breeding establishments, and the bodies which nominated them, are set out in the table below. The group comprises representatives of a cross section of relevant bodies which have an interest or expertise in the matter. The terms of reference of the group are "to examine the current position regarding management of kennels and to make recommendations for such improvements, including better regulation, as it considers necessary in this area".
Its work programme is a matter for the group itself. As part of its examination of the issues, I understood the group undertook public consultation and has held three meetings to date. I expect to receive a report by the end of March.
|
Name |
Organisation |
|
Mr. Finbarr Heslin Chairman |
Veterinary Surgeon, Beaufield Veterinary Centre, Celbridge, Co. Kildare |
|
Mr. Frank McRory |
Veterinary Council of Ireland |
|
Superintenent Aidan Reid |
An Garda Síochána |
|
Mr. Bobby Behan |
National German Shepherd Working Dog Association |
|
Mr. Pat Brangan |
Department of Agriculture and Food |
|
Mr. Denis Histon |
Irish Greyhound Board |
|
Mr. Garret Shine |
County and City Managers’ Association |
|
Mr. Fred Cuthbert |
The Irish Kennel Club, |
|
Mr. Paul Flood |
The Dog Breeders Association of Ireland |
|
Mr. Conor Dowling |
ISPCA |
|
Mr. Kevin Ring |
Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government |
|
Mr. Sean O Laoide |
Veterinary Ireland, |
|
Mr. Frank Gallagher Working Group Secretary |
Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government |
381 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he allocated funding to local authorities to fund Traveller accommodation; if he must authorise any compulsory purchase orders that might be required to meet accommodation needs; if funding is provided for specific requests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5942/05]
Under the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998, all relevant local authorities adopted Traveller accommodation programmes. The first programmes, covering the period 2000 to 2004, have just been completed. A second round of programmes, covering the period 2005 to 2008, is in the process of being adopted.
The provision, under these programmes of new Traveller-specific accommodation and the refurbishment of existing Traveller-specific accommodation which includes halting sites and group houses is funded under my Department's Traveller accommodation capital programme. In the period 2000 to 2004, local authorities received an allocation of €125.69 million, of which €40 million was allocated in 2004. This does not include the cost of standard local authority accommodation provided for Travellers which is funded under my Department's local authority housing programme, or housing provided by voluntary housing bodies allocated to Travellers and funded under my Department's voluntary housing schemes.
As section 214 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 transferred functions of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in regard to the determination of compulsory purchase orders to An Bord Pleanála with effect from 1 January 2001, I have no function in authorising such orders.
Local authorities develop particular Traveller-specific accommodation schemes in accordance with their Traveller accommodation programmes. Prior to commencing such schemes, local authorities must obtain approval from my Department, which allocates funding from within the overall Traveller-specific allocation to such schemes. My Department will continue to provide the necessary funding to meet the cost to local authorities of the provision of Traveller-specific accommodation.
Details of the amount available to authorities for the provision and refurbishment of Traveller-specific accommodation will be made available in the revised Estimates for public service for 2005.
382 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has set a social rent housing stock per population target; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5971/05]
The Government's targets in regard to social housing are not set on the basis of a social housing stock per population. Quantifying targets in this manner would not be appropriate given the influence of demographic and economic factors on the level of need at any point in time. The focus of the Government's housing programmes is on responding to identified needs. A broad range of targeted initiatives have been introduced in recent years to address the needs of low income groups and those with social and special housing needs.
The Government has responded to increased levels of social housing need by expanding social and affordable housing output significantly in recent years and is committed to maintaining strong programmes into the future. Additional resources are being made available this year to increase the output of social housing further. As a result, we expect that approximately 5,500 new houses will be started under the main local authority programme and that the output of the voluntary and co-operative housing sector will also increase.
In total, my Department will spend a record €1.3 billion in Exchequer funding on supports for social and affordable housing programmes in 2005. This will enable the needs of more than 13,000 households to be met this year through existing schemes and the new rent accommodation scheme will address the long-term housing needs of some 5,000 recipients of rent supplement.
The decision to introduce five-year multi-annual capital investment programmes provides an important opportunity to ensure a structured basis for the planning and delivery of all social and affordable housing programmes. The statutory assessment of social housing which must be undertaken at the end of March this year will provide an up-to-date assessment of social housing needs.
To maximise the benefits of this multi-annual approach, five-year action plans for social and affordable housing have been developed by local authorities. The main objective in developing these action plans is the need to ensure that the investment available for these programmes achieves the desired effect in the long term by tackling real need and breaking cycles of disadvantage and dependency having regard to the funding available under the five-year multi-annual capital envelopes.
The expanded social and affordable housing provision over recent years has had a beneficial impact on the social rented housing stock. Returns from local authorities indicate that the number of occupied local authority dwellings has increased in recent years. The number of occupied local authority dwellings at the end of 2003 was in the order of 107,000, compared with 99,200 at the end of 1998.
383 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of an application to provide a new fire station at Freshford, County Kilkenny; the amount of funding already allocated to the project; the reason for the delay in the construction of the station; the contract price of the project; the timeframe involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5976/05]
In July 2004, my Department conveyed approval to Kilkenny County Council to invite tenders for the construction of a new fire station at Freshford at an estimated all-in cost of €590,000. The council's tender proposals are awaited in the Department.
384 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a new fire station will be provided at Castlecomer, County Kilkenny; if the project has been approved and costed; if funding will be made available in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5977/05]
Kilkenny County Council's proposal for a new fire station at Castlecomer is being considered in my Department in the context of the fire services capital programme having regard to the overall availability of resources and priorities under the programme.
385 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason his Department, through Kilkenny County Council, reduced the grant to a project (details supplied) in Kilkenny by €30,000; the criteria used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5978/05]
My Department has not reduced the grant to the project referred to in the question. While the level of accommodation-related funding applicable to this type of project is, in the first instance, a matter for decision by the local authority in whose area the project is situated, my Department recoups to the authority 90% of such funding. In this context, Kilkenny County Council has been requested to submit detailed information to support its proposal to increase the funding for the project in question. On receipt of this information, the matter will be considered further.
386 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the funding for architectural protection grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5998/05]
I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 66 and 134 of 9 February 2005, which set out the various grant schemes and other measures that are in place to support the protection of architectural heritage. I am satisfied these arrangements afford appropriate support for the safeguarding of our architectural heritage.
387 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the €20 charge payable to county councils when making an objection to a planning application; if this charge has been reviewed by the European courts; and if it has been found to be illegal. [6031/05]
On 23 January 2003, the European Commission issued Ireland with a reasoned opinion to the effect that the €20 fee for the making of a submission on a planning application which requires an environmental impact assessment is contrary to the public participation provisions of Directive 85/337/EEC on environmental impact assessment. A reply issued to the European Commission on 16 May 2003 responding to each of the points raised in the reasoned opinion and setting out our contention that the imposition of a €20 participation fee is not in conflict with the provisions of the directive.
On 22 July 2003, the European Commission issued a press release in which it stated its intention to refer the case to the European Court of Justice. No official communication has been received from the Commission to date. My Department has no plans to amend the relevant regulations which reflect an approach endorsed by the Oireachtas in the context of the Planning and Development Act 2000.
