Vol. 600 No. 4
79 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons who were refused the carer’s allowance on the grounds of the means test; the number of persons who were refused the carer’s allowance on the grounds of the medical assessment in 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11924/05]
153 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the fact that approximately one in three persons who applied for the carer’s allowance in 2004 were refused the payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11923/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 153 together.
The principal eligibility conditions for receipt of the carer's allowance are that full-time care and attention is required and being provided and that the means test that applies is satisfied. The number of applicants refused payment as a proportion of claims received has declined in recent years arising from various improvements introduced to the scheme.
There are currently 23,233 persons receiving carer's allowance. In 2004 my Department received 7,817 applications for carer's allowance and, of these, 1,713 were refused the allowance. Some 987 applicants were refused it on medical eligibility grounds and 187 were refused it due to their means exceeding the prescribed income limit. The balance, 539 cases, were refused for a number of other reasons mainly because full-time care was not being provided.
All persons who apply for carer's allowance are informed of the decision on their entitlement and the reasons for it. In addition, where a person is refused the allowance, he or she is also advised of his or her right of appeal to the social welfare appeals office.
Payments to carers have been greatly improved since its introduction and qualifying conditions for carer's allowance have been significantly eased, coverage of the scheme has been extended and new schemes such as carer's benefit and the respite care payment have been introduced.
Provision has been made in successive budgets for substantial increases in the income disregards which apply in the means test. From April 2005 the weekly income disregards have increased to €270 for a single carer and to €540 for a couple. This increase has ensured that a couple with two children, earning a joint income of up to €30,700 can qualify for the maximum rate of carer's allowance while the same couple, if they had an income of €49,200, could still qualify for the minimum carer's allowance and the associated free schemes and respite care grant.
In addition and with effect from June 2005, I have made provision for the introduction of a universal respite care grant payment of €1,000 payable to all carers providing full-time care to an older person or a person with a disability, subject to certain employment related conditions. This grant may be made in respect of each care recipient and is not subject to a means test. These measures will continue to enhance the provision of supports for carers.
My Department is preparing an extensive publicity campaign to ensure that all those eligible for the payment will avail of it. This will also include a dedicated freefone helpline that will operate to coincide with the publicity campaign. The development of support for carers continues to be a priority for me and for the Government.
80 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps he intends to take to facilitate or encourage working women to take out pension cover, in regard to his recent statement expressing concern at the fact that 400,000 working women do not have private pension cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11842/05]
123 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans to encourage more women to take up pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11901/05]
129 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons who have taken out PRSAs at the latest date for which figures are available; if he has plans to review the scheme in view of the low take-up rate to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11845/05]
166 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps he intends to take to increase the number of workers in the private sector who have pensions; his views on recent data from the Irish Pensions Board which show that only a quarter of the workforce have adequate pensions savings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11844/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 80, 123, 129 and 166 together.
As the House will be aware, it is Government policy to encourage people to participate in occupational and private pension arrangements so that they can, when they retire, maintain their pre-retirement standard of living. To this end, a range of measures have been introduced over the last few years including personal retirement savings accounts, PRSAs, mandatory employer PRSA access where occupational schemes are not available and an ongoing national pensions awareness campaign.
In terms of overall supplementary pensions coverage, CSO figures for the first quarter of 2004 indicate that 52.4% of persons in employment have a supplementary pension. This is a small increase on the 2002 figures which showed coverage at 51.2%. The coverage rate for women is 46.8% against 56.3% for men.
The key target group for Government action in the supplementary pensions area is those who are 30 years of age and over. The Pensions Board, in the national pensions policy initiative suggested that up to 70% of this group will need to supplement their social welfare pension to maintain living standards in retirement. The most recent CSO figures suggest that 59.1% of people in this group have pension cover and this is a small increase on the 2002 figure of 57.4%. At the end of December 2004, some 46,237 PRSA accounts were open with a total asset value of €178 million. The comparable figures for 2003 are 19,022 accounts with an asset value of €19 million.
During the past three years the Pensions Board has run a national pensions awareness campaign, which is designed to increase awareness of pensions issues among the public and to encourage pensions take-up. A total of €1 million was spent on the campaign through 2003 and 2004 and a further €500,000 has been allocated to facilitate the campaign in the current year.
As well as raising general awareness, the campaign has also focused on areas of the country and sections of the population with lower levels of pensions take-up. The 2004 campaign featured a number of special promotions aimed specifically at women. These included the production of an information booklet dealing specifically with women's pensions issues, which was heavily promoted throughout the year. The Pensions Board will continue to look for opportunities, in co-operation with representative organisations, to promote the pensions message among women.
Pensions Board research has shown a high level of awareness among the public in respect of pensions issues resulting from the awareness campaign conducted by the board. However, we are having only limited success in translating this high level of awareness into improved coverage. The reasons for this are multifaceted and include issues such as perceptions of affordability and a lack of urgency regarding pensions among certain age groups in the population.
There is no doubt that progress in respect of pensions coverage is being made as, over the last few years, there has been a steady increase in the number of people taking out PRSAs and in those participating in standard occupational schemes. However, at this stage, it has to be accepted that at the current rate of progress we will not achieve our targets within any kind of reasonable timescale.
As the House may be aware, a statutory review of pensions coverage and related issues is required to be completed by September 2006. However, I consider that the coverage situation is unlikely to improve dramatically over the next year and, in the circumstances, I asked the Pensions Board in February to commence work on a comprehensive review of our overall pensions strategy. The review will be very wide-ranging and will include an examination of the appropriateness of the original targets suggested in the national pensions policy initiative, scheme management, aspects of funding, incentives available to encourage pensions take-up and possible alternatives to our current arrangements.
Work on the review has commenced and I expect a report from the board in late summer. I will then review the situation and decide what further action is required in this area. We must ensure that we can deliver on our commitment to ensure an adequate retirement income for all.
81 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons in receipt of the rent supplement who have children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11922/05]
96 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons who were in receipt of the rent supplement for 18 months or more who were passed on to their local authority for a housing assessment and have had their housing needs met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11919/05]
97 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress which has been made on the long-term initiative for rent supplement tenants as announced on 4 July 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11916/05]
120 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons who have been availing of the rent supplement for 18 months or more; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11917/05]
139 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons who have been receiving the rent supplement for 18 months or more who have been passed on to a local authority for a housing assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11918/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 81, 96, 97, 120 and 139 together.
Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, payment of a weekly or monthly supplement in respect of rent or mortgage interest is available to assist eligible people who are unable to provide for their accommodation costs from their own resources and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The scheme is administered on my behalf by the Health Service Executive.
There are currently some 58,000 households in receipt of a rent supplement payment. The scheme involves payment in respect of the household in aggregate, without specific additions for adult or child dependants as is the case with basic supplementary welfare allowances and other social welfare scheme payments generally. For this reason, the computer systems used to record rent supplement claims and generate payments does not contain family composition data and, as a result, it is not readily possible to get a detailed breakdown of cases where there are children involved.
However, my Department carried out a sample survey of claims in the course of a review in mid-2004 of the changes in the rent supplement scheme that year. This survey indicated that almost 50% — equivalent to some 29,000 of the total — of rent supplement households have children.
As Deputies will be aware, a significant number of people have come to rely on rent supplements on a long-term basis over the years. The initiative referred to was the subject of a Government decision in respect of new rental assistance arrangements announced in July 2004. These new arrangements will see local authorities assume responsibility for meeting long-term housing assistance needs, including those of people on rent supplements for 18 months or longer. These needs will be met through a range of approaches, including the traditional range of social housing options, the voluntary housing sector and, in particular, a new public private partnership type rental accommodation scheme. The sum of €19 million has been transferred from my Department's Vote to the Environment, Heritage and Local Government vote to finance this initiative.
The social welfare rent supplement scheme will continue to provide short-term income support for people who are unable to meet their immediate accommodation needs through their own resources. The aim of the new arrangements is to minimise ongoing dependence on rent supplement. The objective is to progress to a situation where suitable long-term accommodation is available for all who need it and where the rent supplement scheme is not necessary other than for short-term support. This will be achieved within a period of three years from commencement of the new arrangements in each local authority and in any event no later than September 2008.
The new arrangements are currently being implemented in seven local authorities. My Department and the Health Service Executive are actively assisting the local authorities and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in this process. The new arrangements will be initiated in all local authority areas by the end of 2005.
The Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government has appointed programme managers to assist the lead authorities with the implementation of the new arrangements. Thereafter these managers will be available to support other authorities over the implementation period. Regional and local implementation groups in the seven lead authority areas have been established to ensure effective ongoing liaison and co-operation locally between housing authorities, Health Service Executive areas and other agencies.
In addition, a number of seminars have been held in the lead authorities to inform landlords and other potential accommodation providers of the new scheme and receive their views. I am also aware that some local authorities have already initiated contact with landlords in their areas. The lead local authorities have targeted 1 May 2005 as the date for the first transfer of eligible rent supplement recipients to the rental accommodation scheme.
My Department has provided summary rent supplement data to the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government to aid in the identification of those in receipt of rent supplement for 18 months or more who are likely to be in need of accommodation under the new arrangements. In addition, arrangements are in place at a local level for the Health Service Executive to provide any additional information that may be required to local authorities to assist them with their housing needs assessments.
Almost 30,000 households have been in receipt of a rent supplement payment for 18 months or more and are likely to benefit under the new arrangements being developed throughout the country. Individual details of these households have been extracted by the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive for notification to the relevant local authorities.
Overall, I am satisfied that the new rental assistance arrangements represent a major step forward in supporting people with long-term housing needs and that all the relevant agencies are co-operating actively to make the system work successfully.
82 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of women who availed of unpaid maternity benefit in each of the years 2000 to 2004, inclusive; the cost of such payments to his Department in terms of PRSI credits issued in each of those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11887/05]
Credited contributions have been an integral part of the social insurance system since its inception. Credits are awarded to protect the entitlements of insured workers by covering gaps in insurance wherein the worker is not in a position to pay PRSI. A common situation where credits are awarded is where a person is unemployed for a period and is in receipt of a payment. However, over time the award of credits has been extended to cover many circumstances such as where social welfare payments are made — such as maternity benefit — and other circumstances where payments are not paid — such as with unpaid maternity leave.
For each week during which a woman is on unpaid maternity leave but does not receive maternity benefit, a contribution may be credited subject to a maximum of 18 weeks of ordinary leave. However, the number of such cases is quite low because of the fact that coverage for maternity benefit extends to most employees and self-employed. Credited contributions have also been awarded for an additional unpaid period of maternity leave after paid maternity benefit with effect from March 2001. In such cases the maximum number of credits awarded is eight.
As it is difficult to attribute the total number of credits awarded to unpaid maternity leave, and not for any other reason, reliable information regarding such credits is not readily available. However, based on such information as is available to the Department, it is estimated that some 50% of women who have been on maternity benefit apply for credits for the subsequent period. On the basis of claims for maternity benefit in 2004, it is estimated, therefore, that some 16,500 women availed of the period of unpaid leave and were awarded credits as a result.
In respect of the question of the cost of credited contributions for unpaid maternity leave, it is the payment of a benefit rather than the award of the credit per se that has direct cost implications for social welfare spending. They arise on foot of the benefits awarded for which credited contributions were included to fulfil contribution conditions. Costing the payments made on foot of the award of credits would not be possible as the costs arising would vary according to the type of benefit or pension being paid as a result of credits being awarded, the duration of the payment and various other factors such as the age of the client, their family status and their attachment to the labour force. In addition, in deriving the cost of credits, account would have to be taken of cost to the Exchequer for workers who did not qualify for social insurance based benefits who would as a consequence claim social assistance payments.
For these reasons, it is not possible to cost the award of credited contributions for unpaid maternity leave.
83 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her plans to review the means test for farmers applying for the old age non-contributory pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11646/05]
I understand that the Deputy is concerned, in particular, about the current arrangements applying in the case of old age pension where a landholder leases land or is otherwise in possession of land which is lying fallow or idle.
Where land is let on short-term lettings such as the 11 month system, the income from such lettings is calculated as cash income for the purpose of the means assessment for old age pension. Necessary expenses incurred by the owner, such as auctioneer fees, fencing or fertilising between lettings are deducted from the gross letting income.
Where land is lying fallow or idle, there are two options for the assessment of means. If the Department is satisfied that the pension claimant is depriving himself or herself of an income in order to qualify for a pension, or a pension at a higher rate than would otherwise be the case, the relevant assessment is the income which would be received, if the land was let. Where the Department is satisfied that this is not the case, the value of the land is obtained from the Valuation Office and is assessed as capital for means purposes.
There are no plans to change the current arrangements in this regard. Any change in these assessment arrangements could only be considered in a budgetary context.
84 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the recent OECD report, Society at a Glance, which shows that Irish people retire later than those of almost any other nationality, and that the elderly here are the most likely to be living in poverty and least likely to be receiving formal care, whether in their own homes or in nursing homes; his views on the findings of the report; the steps he intends to take arising from it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11854/05]
87 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if, he will outline the approach his Department is taking in tackling poverty among older persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11810/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 84 and 87 together.
Since first taking office, the needs of older people have been a priority for this Government. We have sought, through significant increases in pensions and changes to other schemes, to improve the position of older people.
Since 1997, we have increased pensions by up to €80.26 per week or 81%. During the same period, the increase in the consumer price index was 30% while average earnings increased by 51%. We have also eased qualifying conditions so that more people now receive contributory pensions. The free schemes have also been made available to all those over 70 years of age regardless of their income or household composition. The Government has also substantially increased the level of funding for health and social services for older people. Between 1997 and 2004, the total additional funding allocated was approximately €287 million, and additional revenue funding of €15 million was announced for this year.
As Minister for Social and Family Affairs, I will continue to look for opportunities to make further improvements in the supports we provide for our older people and, in this regard, the House will be aware of our commitment to increase pensions to €200 per week by 2007.
Poverty measures are problematic. The report to which the Deputies refer measures the ratio of equivalised disposable income of people aged 65 and over to that of people aged 18 to 64. Ireland is at the bottom end of the income ratio, which ranges from about 90% to 59%. However, as the OECD acknowledges, household income is an imperfect measure of the well-being of older people and is likely to underestimate their economic resources and overestimate their poverty risks, especially in countries where home ownership among the elderly is higher. I should also point out that the figures in question do not encompass non-cash supports, such as the free schemes and the medical card, which can be a valuable addition to the income of many older people.
The report also acknowledges the difficulties in defining and measuring formal care services across OECD countries. Care should be taken when comparing a range of different formal care settings which are being funded in a variety of different ways.
With regard to retirement age, it is true that Ireland has one of the higher effective retirement ages in the OECD and in the EU. In this regard, however, an increase in workforce participation of older people is one of the more important measures identified at EU level as a means of ensuring the sustainability of pensions systems in the future. One of the main factors contributing to the projected problems for a pay as you go pensions system is a reduction in the available workforce in the years ahead. Accordingly, it is important to maximise the workforce participation of all sectors, including older people.
The EU has set a target of 50% for workforce participation by those aged 55 to 64 and is also seeking an increase in the effective retirement age. Ireland is close to achieving the participation targets and is well ahead of many of its neighbours with regard to effective retirement age. It is important, in my view, that we maintain this position in the years ahead.
The provision of formal care to older people in nursing homes and other types of residential care is the responsibility of my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children. My officials and I have, however, been working closely with her and her officials on certain issues regarding future policy development in the long-term care area. A major study to examine the future financing of long-term care in Ireland was published in June 2003. A consultation process on the report was then undertaken by my Department.
A working group chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach and comprising senior officials from the Departments of Finance, Health and Children and Social and Family Affairs has been established. The objective of this group is to identify the policy options for a financially sustainable system of long-term care, taking account of the report, the views of the consultation that was undertaken on the report and a recent review of the nursing home subvention scheme. The group will report to the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children and me by mid-year. Following this process, there will be discussions with the relevant interest groups.
I am always prepared to consider changes to existing arrangements where these would be for the benefit of recipients and financially sustainable within the resources available to me. In this context, I will continue to review issues in relation to older people.
85 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the recent report produced by a company (details supplied) which shows that the ten biggest Irish public limited companies have a combined pension deficit of more than €3 billion; if he is satisfied that sufficient procedures are in place to protect the pension entitlements of all workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11843/05]
The minimum funding standard, which applies to defined benefit, DB, occupational pension schemes under the Pensions Act 1990, is a discontinuance or wind-up standard. The standard is designed to ensure that, if a funded DB scheme winds up, there are sufficient assets available to meet the liabilities of the scheme at that point in time. In general, schemes must fully assess their position every three and a half years and those that do not satisfy the standard have three and a half years to put in place the necessary funding arrangements to restore full funding though, as I will outline, some flexibility has been introduced in this regard.
In common with the companies referred to in the recent report, many schemes are at present having difficulty meeting the standard. This is as a result of investment losses in the three years after 2000 and increasing liabilities through a combination of improved longevity, increased earnings and low interest rates.
In 2003, pending a full review of the funding standard by the Pensions Board, my predecessor introduced short-term measures designed to alleviate the funding difficulties which many schemes were experiencing as a result of investment losses. The measures allowed the Pensions Board to extend the period during which schemes have to restore full funding on a case by case basis up to ten years. These were very successful in easing the pressure on schemes and when the Pensions Board review was finalised late last year it recommended, among other things, retention of these provisions. It also recommended that the grounds on which extensions can be allowed should be expanded to encompass difficulties arising from increased liabilities. I accepted these recommendations and the basic provisions required to implement them were included in the recent Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2005. Detailed requirements will be specified in regulations to be made in the coming months.
In ensuring the continuation of defined benefit schemes we need to strike a reasonable balance between the interests of members and the sponsoring employers who must fund the deficits which have emerged in many schemes. In this regard, we need to keep in mind that while pensions are long-term savings and investment products we need a shorter term measure of the value of the pensions from a member perspective. The measures introduced achieve this balance and will help to ensure the continuation of good defined benefit pensions provision. I will keep the situation under review in consultation with the Pensions Board.
86 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his department has made efforts to prevent fraud through the EFT system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11899/05]
My Department's policy is to ensure that a range of payment options is available to customers and that service is continually improved by providing access to the wide range of payment options and new services and facilities now available.
Current payment methods include payment at post offices by means of pension order books, electronic or manual post draft issued to the customer's designated post office each week, payment by cheque to the home address of customers and direct payment to customers' bank or building society accounts by electronic fund transfer. Where possible, my Department provides a payment option which best suits the needs of customers.
The growth in the last number of years of customers opting for EFT payments reflects the changing profile of my Department's customer base, the increasing use of electronic banking services in society generally and the extension of an EFT payment facility to more of my Department's schemes.
The prevention of fraud and abuse of the social welfare system is an integral part of the work of my Department. In this regard all staff engaged in claims processing are concerned with preventing and detecting fraud and abuse. During 2004, some 306,000 reviews of entitlements were carried out by staff in my Department including reviews of entitlements of customers paid by EFT. The records of some 6,600 employers were inspected to ensure compliance with the Department's regulations and, in particular, to prevent and detect abuses of the system. These activities resulted in savings of €386 million in 2004.
Systematic risk analysis is a key element of the control strategy. This entails the identification, by scheme managers, of areas of high risk of fraud and abuse in the schemes for which they are responsible and putting in place appropriate measures to address them in a systematic way. Any particular risks arising from making payments through EFT would be addressed in this context. The benefit of the risk analysis approach is that review activity can be targeted in the most effective manner.
My Department also includes baseline surveys of the levels of fraud and error as an integral part of its control strategy to identify the types of claims which should be prioritised for review purposes. It is committed to doing at least two such surveys annually. My Department undertook a number of specific control initiatives during 2004 with a view to establishing criteria for risk evaluation. Four projects addressed EFT payments. The outcomes of these are being evaluated and they will contribute towards best practice in this area for the future.
88 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he is considering changing the dual eligibility rule for people in receipt of the carer’s allowance, for example, a person who has been in receipt of the carer’s allowance and then qualifies for the old age pension and can only receive one social welfare payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11891/05]
109 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when he expects to extend the carer’s allowance to that wider group of carers who, for various reasons, do not currently qualify, in view of the fact that the caring service that they provide in many cases relieves the pressure on hospital beds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11878/05]
113 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the recent call from the Equality Authority for the Government to better support the thousands of carers across the State by investment in welfare benefits and providing better community care services; if he intends to act on the call from the Equality Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11853/05]
116 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps which have been taken to date to implement the 15 recommendations contained in the Position of Full-Time Carers report of November 2003 from the Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11852/05]
124 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the recent call from the Carers Association for the introduction of a level of payment that would be equivalent to salaries paid to health workers; his views on the call; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11851/05]
318 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the likely cost of abolishing the means test for carers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11970/05]
339 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his proposals to improve and extend the carer’s allowance to cater for a wider group of persons who care for relatives and friends and as a consequence free up hospital beds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12246/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 88, 109, 113, 116, 124, 318 and 339 together.
The carer's allowance is a social assistance payment which provides income support to people who are providing certain elderly or incapacitated persons with full-time care and attention and whose incomes fall below a certain limit.
The primary objective of the social welfare system is to provide income support and, as a general rule, only one weekly social welfare payment is payable to an individual. This ensures that resources are not used to make two income support payments to any one person. Of course, persons qualifying for two social welfare payments always receive the higher payment to which they are entitled. Any changes, would involve additional expenditure which could only be considered in a budgetary context.
I did, however, announce a number of improvements for carers in the most recent budget which will benefit existing recipients of carer's payments and will also serve to extend supports to carers who have not previously been eligible for carer's payments. As regards to the means test for carer's allowance, I have increased the weekly income disregards to €270 for a single person and to €540 for a couple from this month. This means that a couple with two children can earn up to €30,700 and receive the maximum rate of carer's allowance while the same couple can earn up to €49,200 and receive the minimum rate of carer's allowance, free travel, the household benefits package and the respite care grant.
It is estimated that these changes will result in an additional 1,000 new carers qualifying for a carer's allowance, free travel, the household benefits package and the respite care grant. In addition, 2,400 existing carers, who are currently in receipt of reduced carer's allowance, will receive an increase in their weekly payment over and above the general rate increase they would receive in the normal way. The complete abolition of the means test would have substantial cost implications, estimated at €160 million in a full year.
Budget 2005 also made provision for major improvements to the respite care grant. This includes the extension of the respite care grant of €1,000 to all persons providing full-time care and attention, regardless of their means. Those persons in receipt of other social welfare payments, excluding unemployment assistance and benefit, will be entitled to this payment, subject to meeting the full-time care condition. This arrangement is being introduced to acknowledge the needs of carers, especially in respect of to respite care, and it is estimated that overall almost 33,000 carers will receive a respite care grant in June.
The report of the Oireachtas joint committee made a range of recommendations, many of which relate to my Department and a number of which concern the Department of Health and Children. The committee stated in its report that the greatest need identified by family carers is the need for a break from caring. The improvements to the respite care grant I have outlined are in line with this recommendation.
Another recommendation in the report relates to improvements in the information available to carers. In this regard, funding of €18,000 has been provided to the Carers Association towards the publication and distribution of a new information pack to provide information about services and supports for carers and their families. I understand that the association is in the process of developing this pack. In addition, my Department embarked on a nationwide campaign to increase awareness of carer's benefit and carer's leave arrangements towards the end of last year.
The Equality Authority has convened an advisory committee to prepare a report on implementing equality for carers. My Department is represented on this committee which is exploring a range of issues and key directions for change. One of these relates to a work-life balance for carers which would enable carers to combine caring and employment.
My officials are currently examining proposals to accommodate certain patterns of care-sharing which would allow carers to combine the provision of care to a person who requires full-time care and attention and participation in the labour force. I will keep the House informed of any developments in this area.
With regard to the Carers Association's call for an increase in carers payments from my Department to the equivalent of salaries paid to health workers, the carer's allowance and carer's benefit paid by my Department are income support payments rather than payments for caring and are related to other payments within the social welfare system.
I am always prepared to consider changes to existing arrangements where these would be for the benefit of recipients and financially sustainable within the resources available to me. In this context, I will continue to review the issues raised by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs, the Equality Authority and by carers' representative groups.
89 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the estimate provided in 2004 for the school meals community programme; the amount expended in 2004; the number of schools and pupils involved; the number of primary and second level schools, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11738/05]
The school meals programme operated by my Department gives funding towards provision of food services for disadvantaged school children through two schemes. The first is the long-standing statutory urban school meals scheme, currently operated by 36 local authorities. The Department jointly funds the food costs with these local authorities, which also manage and fund the administration of the scheme. The second is the school meals local projects scheme, through which funding is provided by my Department to participating schools and voluntary community groups in urban and rural areas for specific school meals projects. This has recently been expanded to include pre-schools that are community based and which operate on a not-for-profit basis.
In the case of these local projects, my Department funds the food costs based on a rate per meal per child. The type and range of meals provided, as well as the method and logistics of supplying the meals, are decided by the individual local groups and schools that operate the projects.
The amount of funding allocated to a project depends on the type and number of meals provided. The 2004 Vote provision to my Department for the school meals programme was €6.08 million in total —€4.95 million for the school projects and €1.13 million towards the urban school meals scheme operated by the participating local authorities. In 2004 some 41,300 children benefited in 451 schools — 124 secondary schools and 327 primary schools — under the local projects scheme at a cost of €3.56 million. The urban scheme provided meals support for 386 primary schools, covering 50,817 pupils, at a cost to my Department of €1.09 million. Local authorities contributed a matching amount, and met the administrative costs involved in that scheme.
The school meals programme aims to provide regular nutritious food to children to help improve their daily diet. It is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and educational achievement by the children, particularly those from the most disadvantaged backgrounds.
Under its programme of expenditure reviews, my Department completed a review of the school meals scheme in 2003. The review group recommended that a new scheme called the school food programme should be established, targeting secondary schools with the highest concentrations of pupils at risk of early school-leaving and their feeder primary schools. Given the scale of this initiative, the group recommended that the new programme should be phased in, targeting the most disadvantaged areas initially. In this regard the Department of Education and Science is using its schools completion programme and giving children an even break initiative to encourage the introduction and extension of school meals projects. My Department is also looking at additional ways of promoting the programme.
90 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his Department has carried out any research on the de facto wage penalty imposed on mothers who work part-time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11809/05]
I understand the Deputy is referring to a draft paper co-written by a researcher in the ESRI entitled Paying the Price for Reconciling Work and Family Life — comparing the wage penalty for mother's part-time work in Britain, Germany and the United States. I have no plans to commission research in this area but my Department will consider the issues raised in the context of its ongoing research contract with the ESRI.
Many of the issues on which the report is focused, namely taxation, maternity and parental leave, child care, working time legislation and school hours, are outside the remit of my Department. The issues of relevance for my Department include, in particular, the position of social welfare recipients where their spouse-partners engage in employment.
Where a person is in receipt of a social welfare payment, an increase may be paid in respect of a spouse or partner where she or he is considered to be mainly dependent on the social welfare recipient.
Where the spouse or partner engages in employment, she or he may earn up to €88.88 per week without this qualified adult increase being affected. In the majority of social welfare schemes, the increase is then withdrawn on a tapered, or gradual, basis where the person's spouse-partner is earning between €88.88 and €220 per week. Since this Government came into office, a number of changes to these tapered arrangements have been introduced with a view to ensuring that the impact of increases in earnings are not negated for families where the spouse is the sole earner and is in low paid employment. First, the range of income over which the qualified adult increase is withdrawn has been progressively extended. Second, provision was made for the deferral of the loss of half the child dependant allowance, CDA, until the earnings of the spouse-partner exceeds the upper bound of the income range. In addition, the qualified adult weekly rates have been increased annually in each budget package.
A spouse-partner's income is also taken into account in means tested social assistance schemes, an amount — depending on the level of employment — of weekly earnings from insurable employment being disregarded for means assessment purposes. A further 50% of the spouse-partner's remaining net pay is also disregarded across the majority of schemes.
One of the Department's principal in-work income supports is family income supplement, paid to both one and two-parent families, for parents in low income employment. The aim of the scheme is to preserve the incentive to take up or remain in employment in circumstances where the employee might otherwise only be marginally better off than if he or she were claiming other social welfare payments. It applies where a parent, or a combination of both parents, is employed for a minimum of 38 hours per fortnight and where overall weekly income is below a specified threshold, which increases according to the number of dependent children in the family. The number of persons currently in receipt of family income supplement is 15,040 with an average weekly payment of €93.54.
In addition, child benefit is paid to all families with children. This is an employment-neutral, tax free, non-means tested monthly cash payment, therefore it is not affected by a change in the level of employment or parental earnings. Current monthly child benefit rates are €141.60 in respect of each of the first two children and €177.30 in respect of the third and subsequent children.
91 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs of the 16 social welfare cuts introduced by his predecessor, which have been discontinued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11877/05]
Late last year, I conducted a review of the measures announced in November 2003 to assess their impact on affected people. During the course of that review I listened to the views expressed by members of this House, by the social partners and by voluntary groups and others I have met since becoming Minister for Social and Family Affairs.
On budget day, I announced new arrangements and the position now is as follows. The qualifying period for the back to education allowance is being reduced from 15 months to 12 months in September and, in addition, the cost of education allowance is being increased by €254 to €400. The transitional payment for recipients of one parent family payment has been restored and is now be available for a period of six months where a recipient's income exceeds €293 per week. The income limit for entitlement to half-rate child dependant allowances for unemployment, disability and related schemes has been increased since last January by €50 per week to €350.
The saving of €700,000 arising from last year's MABS supplement measure has been redirected to the money advice and budgeting service to enable it to further develop its services. A total of €2.3 million, an amount equivalent to the savings achieved by the discontinuation of crèche supplements, is now being made available to ensure that vulnerable families can continue to have access to crèche supports, for example, in cases where a social worker or public health nurse deems this necessary as part of his or her work with the family. I am consulting my colleagues, the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform about the most appropriate way to channel this funding. An additional €2 million has been made available to improve the diet supplement arrangements.
Some €19 million in funding from the rent supplement scheme has been transferred to the local authorities as an initial measure to enable them to put long-term housing solutions in place. The six months rule for entitlement to rent supplement has been amended in order to ensure that bona fide tenants who experience a change of circumstances are not disadvantaged, for example, if they become ill or unemployed within six months of renting. Rent supplement now remains in payment unless a third offer of local authority accommodation has been refused. I did not raise the minimum contribution for rent supplement this year.
In addition, the measure relating to half-rate payments for widows and widowers and allied payments was amended earlier last year.
The full year cost of all of the measures I have outlined is €36 million in a full year.
92 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the announcement by the British Chancellor of the Exchequer, in his recent statement, of the decision to grant free local travel to pensioners; if he will enter into negotiations with the British authorities on a possible reciprocal arrangement to allow pensioners in each jurisdiction to benefit from free travel, particularly in view of the recommendations of the task force on policy regarding emigrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11839/05]
The free travel scheme is available to all people living in the State aged 66 years or over. It is also available to carers and to people with disabilities who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments. It applies to travel within the State and cross-Border journeys between here and Northern Ireland.
There have been a number of proposals for extending entitlement for free travel to people living outside Ireland, including a proposal contained in the report of the task force on policy regarding emigrants, which was submitted to the Minister for Foreign Affairs in 2002.
Extending the scheme to visitors from other countries would have significant administrative and cost implications even if such an extension were confined to persons in receipt of Irish social welfare pensions. In 2000, it was estimated, for example, that the extension of the free travel scheme to EU pensioners could involve additional expenditure of the order of €10 million to €19 million, depending on the level of concession granted.
In respect of making free travel available to UK-based pensioners, apart from the cost and administrative implications, the legal implications arising from the prohibition of discrimination against pensioners of other EU member states would also have to be taken into account. If the scheme were extended along the lines suggested, it is likely that it would have to be extended to all pensioners who are EU nationals coming to Ireland for temporary stays. Such an extension would have to be considered in a budgetary context, taking account of other requests for extension of the free travel scheme. However, I am mindful that this matter has been raised in the House on a number of occasions recently and I am continuing my examination of the issues involved.
The Government is, in any event, committed to the introduction of a system of all-Ireland free travel for pensioners and other eligible categories of social welfare recipients, to enable pass holders to make onward journeys free of charge in each jurisdiction. Discussions are ongoing with the relevant authorities to progress this issue.
93 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will examine the way in which a closer integrated system may be established between the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Social and Family Affairs to ensure that overpayments to means tested social welfare recipients are minimised. [7071/05]
My Department liaises on an ongoing basis with the Revenue Commissioners at national and local level. Section 222(1) of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 1998 provides specifically for the sharing of data between my Department and the Revenue Commissioners.
The Revenue Commissioners provide my Department with details of individual earnings at the end of each year and with information regarding to commencement of employments. Since 1997, my Department matches the commencement of employment data on a monthly basis against the social welfare payment systems to identify cases where there is a possible overlap between the employment period and the period in respect of which the social welfare payment is made. Inquiries are then made with employers, as appropriate, and cases requiring follow-up action are referred to local offices, scheme sections, social welfare inspectors or health boards for investigation, including the assessment of any overpayments arising and consideration for prosecution. In 2004, arising from this data-matching exercise, 24,800 cases were referred for investigation. All recipients of social welfare payments are required to inform my Department of any changes in their circumstances, including earnings, which could affect their entitlements. Customers are notified at the initial claim stage of this requirement. In addition, this obligation is printed on the cover of personalised payable order books for customers receiving long-term payments, such as pensioners and one-parent families.
In the case of unemployment assistance, customers sign a monthly declaration that there has been no change in their circumstances and undertake to notify my Department of any such changes.
My Department takes other opportunities to inform customers of the need to notify any changes in their circumstances, for example, in our customer charter, which is on display in public offices and is available on my Department's website. From time to time mailshots are sent to customers reminding them of the requirement to notify any changes in their circumstances, including changes in means. Customers receiving means related payments should also inform social welfare inspectors of means changes when their cases are being reviewed.
Any person who fails to comply with the requirement to notify my Department of changes in circumstances, including means, is guilty of an offence under the Social Welfare Acts. Such a person may be prosecuted and, on summary conviction, be liable to a fine up to a maximum of €1,270 and/or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12 months.
94 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans to introduce the sickness allowance as legislated for in the Social Welfare Act 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11902/05]
The social insurance system provides income support to those who are incapable of work due to illness and who have made the required number of contributions to the social insurance fund. This support is provided primarily through the disability benefit and invalidity pension schemes.
For those persons without the required number of social insurance contributions, income support for long-term incapacity is provided through the disability allowance, DA, scheme. This scheme was introduced following the transfer of responsibility for the disabled persons maintenance allowance scheme from the health boards to my Department in October 1996. For those without the required social insurance record, income support needs for periods of short-term temporary illness are catered for through the supplementary welfare allowance, SWA, scheme.
Following the introduction of the DA scheme in October 1996, the question of introducing a social assistance payment for periods of temporary illness was considered and the Social Welfare Act 1997 provided for the introduction of a sickness allowance scheme. The broad outline of the scheme was provided for in the Act, with the details of the scheme to be provided for in regulations.
In the event, it was decided to postpone the introduction of any such scheme pending a more fundamental review of the overall system of income maintenance payments for people who are ill and people with disabilities. This review took place as part of the Government's expenditure review initiative. The review concluded that there would be no financial gain for clients and indeed potential disimprovements in service for some clients in the event of the introduction of a separate sickness allowance scheme.
This could occur because of the need, in the context of a sickness allowance scheme, for a waiting period for some groups, in particular persons in self-employment. Furthermore, as SWA is currently paid at the same rate, as would have applied to sickness allowance, there would be no financial advantage in the proposed scheme in such circumstances.
The group concluded that the current arrangements for dealing with the social assistance needs of those who are short-term ill and disabled should continue to apply. It is not proposed therefore to proceed with the introduction of a scheme on the lines proposed.
95 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons currently in receipt of a State pension; the implications for pension policy of the changing age structure of the Irish population; his Department’s assessment of the number of persons likely to be in receipt of State pensions in ten years’ time and 20 years’ time; and the provisions which are now being made in that regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11846/05]
At the end of March 2005, there were 208,050 people receiving an old age contributory or retirement pension and 84,878 receiving an old age non-contributory pension. An actuarial review of the social insurance fund, undertaken on behalf of my Department in 2002, projected that the number of recipients of old age contributory and retirement pensions will increase to 255,000 by 2011 and 321,000 by 2016. The increase will, to some extent, be balanced by a reduction in the number of people receiving an old age non-contributory pension. The numbers receiving this pension have declined by over 20% in the last ten years which reflects improved social insurance coverage and increased labour force participation, particularly among women.
In common with other European countries, the population of Ireland is ageing as a result of a combination of increasing life expectancy and a declining birth rate. The decline in the birth rate is relatively recent and this, coupled with the effects of high emigration for much of the period up to the 1990s, has resulted in Ireland having the lowest proportion of older people in the EU with 11.2% aged 65 and over, compared to the current EU average of 16.1%.
The proportion of older people in Ireland will remain at broadly the same level for the next ten years after which it is projected to increase rapidly to 15% in 2021, 19% in 2031 and 28% in 2056. A similar situation exists in respect of the number of pensioners relative to the number at work.
Ageing, therefore, presents the same challenge to Ireland in meeting growing pension costs as to other countries except that we have a longer period to prepare for its full impact. The population projections suggest that no special measures are required in the timescale envisaged by the Deputy. However, the Government is making preparations, through the national pensions reserve fund, to part-fund state pensions costs from 2025 onwards.
Pensions have been an important issue at EU level in recent years. This is not surprising given that the challenges facing pensions systems are more immediate for other member states. The EU has assessed national pensions systems under the agreed objectives of adequacy, financial sustainability and modernisation. In this regard, a joint EU Commission and Council report, published in 2003, considered that Ireland has made good progress in ensuring both the financial sustainability and adequacy of our pensions system.
The report concluded that our system appears to be, in broad terms, financially sustainable despite projected major increases in future pensions expenditure. The situation will be kept under review.
98 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if and when he intends to introduce new regulations for the diet supplement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11894/05]
Diet supplements are provided through the supplementary welfare allowance scheme which is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive.
Any person who is receiving a social welfare or Health Service Executive payment, who has been prescribed a special diet as a result of a specified medical condition and who is unable to provide for his or her food needs from within his or her own resources, may qualify for a diet supplement under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.
Diet supplements are subject to a means test. The amount of supplement payable in individual cases depends on which of two categories of diet — low cost or high cost — has been prescribed by the applicant's medical adviser and the income of the individual and his or her dependants.
The basis for calculating the amount of diet supplement remained unchanged between 1996 and 2004. Increases in social welfare rates and in the cost of special diets since 1996 had not been taken into account in assessing entitlement in individual cases.
With effect from 1 January 2004, the diet supplement scheme was restructured to take account of increases in both social welfare payment rates and the rate of food inflation since 1996. In the case of new applicants for diet supplement the amount of supplement payable is based on increased up to date diet costs, €44 for lower cost diets or €57 for higher cost diets, less one third of the applicant's income or one sixth of the joint income in the case of a couple.
Due to the fact that increases in the social welfare payment rates were higher than inflation since 1996, the shortfall to be met by diet supplement is less than what it was in the past. People who were in receipt of a diet supplement prior to the introduction of the revised regulations on 1 January 2004 continue to receive their existing rate of supplement until such time as there is a change in their circumstances that would warrant a review of their cases. Pending any changes I will make to the scheme, similar arrangements continue to apply this year for existing and new cases, taking account of 2005 rates of social welfare payments.
In order to inform future consideration of the scheme, my Department commissioned a study by an expert from the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute. The study examined the special diets prescribed in legislation for which assistance is available through the existing diet supplement scheme.
The study also considered the appropriate level of assistance required to cater for any additional costs involved in providing for necessary special diets relative to the cost of a normal healthy diet.
The findings of this research study have been assessed by my Department to determine how the diet supplement scheme should be developed. I announced in budget 2005 that improvements would be made in the context of the study and a provision of up to €2 million has been provided to facilitate this. I will introduce regulations to update the scheme as necessary as soon as the revised diet supplement amounts and how they will be applied have been finalised based on the study recommendations. My Department is making arrangements also to publish the research study shortly. In the meantime, diet supplements continue to be provided for existing recipients and new applicants as heretofore.
99 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons currently in receipt of family income supplement and the average payment made; his plans to promote greater awareness of FIS; if there is any co-ordination with the Revenue Commissioners with a view to identifying those who may qualify for FIS but who may not be claiming it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11850/05]
Family income supplement is designed to provide cash support for employees on low earnings with families. This preserves the incentive to remain in employment in circumstances where the employee might otherwise only be marginally better off than if he or she were claiming other social welfare payments.
The number of persons currently in receipt of family income supplement is 15,040 with an average weekly payment of €93.54 Improvements to the family income supplement scheme, including the assessment of FIS on the basis of net rather than gross income and the progressive increases in the income limits, have made it easier for lower income households to qualify under the scheme.
My Department undertakes a number of proactive measures to ensure that people are aware of possible entitlement to FIS, which include advising all newly awarded one parent family payment recipients, advising all employers annually in PRSI mailshots and examining entitlement in all awarded back to work allowance cases. Information on FIS is contained in all child benefit books and can be accessed on the Department's website. In addition, the scheme has been extensively advertised through local and national media outlets, including newspapers and radio, as well as through poster campaigns and targeted mailshots.
A working group, chaired by the Department of Finance, was established to examine the role which refundable tax credits could play in the tax and welfare system, including the possible payment of FIS through the tax system. While the group's final report is awaited, I understand that the principal recommendation regarding FIS is likely to be to continue payment through the social welfare system while maximising efforts to increase take-up.
Every effort will continue to be made to publicise family income supplement and to increase people's awareness of their social welfare entitlements generally.
100 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the recent report produced by the Community Platform that national partnership is not meeting the needs of those living in poverty; his views on the findings of the Community Platform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11835/05]
The report, to which the Deputy refers is, I understand, the Community Platform's mid-term review of the Sustaining Progress agreement.
As Minister with overall responsibility for the national action plan against poverty and social exclusion, I could not agree with the platform's assertion that national partnership is not meeting the needs of people living in poverty. The Deputy will be aware that Sustaining Progress and the national action plan against poverty and social exclusion are complementary strategic initiatives aimed at delivering a fair and inclusive society to all citizens.
Between 2001 and 2005 spending on social welfare has increased from €7.8 billion to €12.2 billion. During the same period the lowest social welfare rates have increased by 40% while the consumer price index has increased by just over 13%. As a result of budget 2005, welfare payments have increased by three times the expected rate of inflation.
Over the lifetime of this Government substantial increases have been introduced under my Department's child benefit scheme, as a key element of our drive to combat child poverty. Between 1997 and April 2005, the rate of child benefit has risen from €38.09 per month for the first two children and €49.52 for each child thereafter to €141.60 per month for each of the first two children and to €177.30 per month for the third and each subsequent child. There have also been significant improvements in my Department's family income supplement scheme including the assessment of entitlements on the basis of net rather than gross income and progressive increases in the income limits. It must be further emphasised that all this is happening against the backdrop of Ireland having now achieved the lowest unemployment rates in the EU at 4.4%.
Poverty is a multidimensional problem, requiring actions across a wide range of policy areas if it is to be tackled decisively. In addition to income supports, the national action plan sets ambitious targets across a range of other policy areas, including employment, health, education, housing and accommodation, all of which impact on poverty and social exclusion.
Social inclusion commitments under Sustaining Progress, in particular many of the special initiatives to be progressed during the lifetime of the agreement, have added a strong impetus to the NAPS process. For example, as a result of the ending child poverty initiative for which my Department has lead responsibility, a number of specific actions have been introduced or are currently being progressed.
In order to address the situation of those children most at risk of poverty, I am giving serious consideration to the introduction of a second tier of supports, in addition to the child benefit and other support entitlements, aimed specifically at families in greatest need. Linked to this particularly are the vulnerable circumstances of many lone parents, who are mostly women. The existing support systems will be scrutinised over the coming months and changes considered to better reflect the needs of this group. My Department is also participating in an interdepartmental working group on early child care and education, chaired by the National Children's Office. The work of this committee is at an advanced stage and the outcome will make an important contribution to finding the right mix of services and income support to facilitate employment take-up and care for children. My Department is also involved in efforts to develop a strategy to eliminate obstacles to employment for lone parents.
There has been substantial social partnership involvement in the development and ongoing implementation of the national anti-poverty strategy and the current national action plan against poverty and social exclusion. The social partners are represented on the NAPS social inclusion consultative group, which, along with other institutional structures, supports the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the national action plan.
101 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the assistance which is available to persons who experience difficulties with funeral expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11947/05]
There are a number of schemes within the social welfare system to assist families in dealing with death and funeral expenses.
A bereavement grant based on PRSI contributions is a payment designed to assist families in dealing with death and funeral expenses. It amounts to €635 and is paid by cheque to the husband, wife, next of kin or personal representative of the deceased or to the person responsible for the payment of the funeral bill.
The widowed parent's grant is designed to assist with the income support needs of widows and widowers with dependent children in the immediate aftermath of a bereavement. It is payable to widows and widowers with dependent children who qualify for a widow or widower's contributory pension or a one-parent family payment or a bereavement grant.
A qualified child for the purpose of the grant is a child under 18 years or a child between the ages of 18 and 22 years who is in full-time education. The rate of the widowed parent's grant increased to €2,700 from December 2003.
My Department also operates a scheme of payment for six weeks after death which is payable, in most cases, to the qualified adult of claimants of contributory and non-contributory social welfare payments. The payment is generally made in a lump sum by cheque when the bereaved person produces a death certificate and funeral bill or funeral notice.
In addition to the payments available directly from my Department, the supplementary welfare allowance, which is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive, provides for a single payment to be made to help meet essential, once-off exceptional expenditure, which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of his or her weekly income.
These payments, known as exceptional needs payments, may be made towards funeral expenses where it is established that there is an inability to meet the costs by the family concerned.
The Family Support Agency, which operates under the aegis of my Department, administers a scheme of grants to voluntary organisations to assist with the provision of specialist counselling and support services for bereaved people.
Overall, I believe these schemes and services represent a reasonably comprehensive and effective range of supports for the needs — financial and otherwise — of families in the aftermath of bereavement.
102 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the recent study produced by the EU Commission, the Report on Gender Equality Between Men and Women, which found that Irish women were at greater risk of poverty than any of their EU counterparts; the steps he intends to take to deal with the problem of women and poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11836/05]
The Deputy is referring to the EU Commission's second annual report on equality between men and women, which was published last February. At the spring European Council in March 2003, EU Heads of State and Government asked the Commission to report annually on developments towards gender equality.
This second report covers a range of issues including gender gaps in employment, part-time employment and unemployment rates, educational attainment, lifelong learning, working hours and elected representation in national parliaments, in addition to risk of poverty rates. In general, Ireland is reported at average, or above average, against its EU counterparts in most of these areas. Our success in recent years in reducing unemployment levels for both men and women places us second overall on this measure and we also fare well in respect of reported levels of educational attainment for both men and women. However, I share the Deputy's concern about the reported level of women identified as being at risk of poverty in Ireland. The at risk of poverty measure is based on the percentage of persons below the income threshold of 60% of median income. The recent EU survey on income and living conditions, EU-SILC, reported that the rate for women was 23.4% in 2003 with lone parent households and older women living alone being the highest risk groups.
There are a number of factors which contribute to the relatively high "at risk of poverty" rate. There have been very significant increases in average incomes in recent years, and, in particular, a growth in two income households. International research has shown that, on average, the risk of poverty in two income households is less than 4%. However, despite significant increases in social welfare rates, the incomes of those not in employment have lagged behind those in employment, especially those in households with two incomes. Lone parents and older women living alone would be particularly dependent on social welfare income support.
The current national action plan against poverty and social exclusion specifically targets women as one of a number of groups who are particularly vulnerable to poverty and social exclusion, with a view to reducing or eliminating their risk and incidence of poverty and improving their access to services such as health care, education and employment. This plan includes specific targets in relation to women which include: income supports for lone parents, pensioners and their spouses; significant improvements in child benefit rates; improved participation by women in employment; and actions to address obstacles to employment and the gender pay gap. Access to services and gender mainstreaming are also covered by targets and objectives in the national action plan.
In addition to the above, a number of specific initiatives are under way under Sustaining Progress which will impact positively on women and families. A study is being carried out by the NESC on amalgamating social welfare child dependant allowances with family income supplement payments in an effort to channel extra resources to low income families without creating disincentives to employment. A sub-group of the senior officials group on social inclusion has commenced examining all obstacles to employment for lone parent families, the majority of whom are women. My Department is also participating in an interdepartmental working group on early child care and education, chaired by the National Children's Office.
The work of this committee is at an advanced stage and the outcome will make an important contribution to finding the right mix of services and income support to facilitate employment take-up and care for children. A national women's strategy is being developed under the chairmanship of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and my Department is taking an active role on issues relating to poverty and social exclusion.
This Government is committed to continuing efforts to alleviate poverty, especially for those who cannot work and have not been in a position to benefit from the employment opportunities afforded by high economic growth. During the period 2001 to 2005, the lowest social welfare rates increased by 40% and child benefit rates increased by 65%, while the consumer price index has increased by just over 13%.
103 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs further to his comments in a newspaper (details supplied) regarding payments to grandparents for child care, if his Department’s attention has been drawn to the number of grandparents currently involved in child care duties of their grandchildren; the number of grandparents he would expect to avail of this payment system if it were introduced; the amount he might consider paying each grandparent; the cost of the suggested payments to the State per annum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11889/05]
108 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when he expects the review of national child care policy to be completed; the persons carrying out the review; the Departments involved in the review; when he expects findings of the review to be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11890/05]
138 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs further to his comments in a newspaper (details supplied), the way in which a possible payment system for child care by relatives such as grandparents would be implemented; if this would require primary legislation; if this payment would be means tested as with the carer’s allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11888/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 103, 108 and 138 together.
Parents have the main responsibility for the care of their children. They may need to get others to share the caring role if a parent wishes to take up employment to maintain or improve their standard of living. This may be particularly necessary for lone parents.
Formal child care arrangements, responsibility for the development of which is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, have a key role in providing child care, but it may be some time before the necessary capacity can be built up to meet the growing need for an affordable, quality and flexible service. While this capacity is being built up, many parents will continue to need to have recourse to more informal arrangements. These would include the provision of care by other family members, including grandparents.
The senior officials group on social inclusion is co-ordinating a review of current provision for child care at the request of the Cabinet committee on social inclusion. A high level group on early childhood education and are, chaired by the National Children's Office in the Department of Health and Children has been tasked with defining a policy in respect of more formal child care and early education and clarifying departmental responsibilities and co-ordination in this area. Due to the cross-cutting nature of this issue a number of Departments are represented on this committee.
Second, a high-level steering group appointed by the senior officials group on social exclusion and chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach, is looking at the obstacles to employment faced by lone parents from the perspective of ending child poverty, an initiative under Sustaining Progress. One of the key issues being addressed by this group is the adequacy of child care provision for lone parents, in terms of quality, affordability and availability. My Department is represented at a senior level on both groups. It is my hope that both will be in a position to report to the Cabinet committee on social exclusion later this year.
One of the outcomes of the current social changes affecting families is the changing role of grandparents. In some instances they may have a greater involvement in caring for their grandchildren than they would have expected, in order to assist their children in reconciling work and family life. The valuable and valued contribution which grandparents make in this area may benefit from more formal recognition and support.
I have, therefore, asked that the full implications of providing such recognition and support be examined in the context of the relevant policy reviews, mentioned above, which are currently taking place.
104 Mr. English asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his Department is on target to achieve its NAP-inclusion target of setting child benefit and child dependant allowance at between 33% and 35% of the minimum adult social welfare payment by 2007, as outlined in the national action plan against poverty and social exclusion (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11914/05]
The Deputy is referring to the target in the national action plan against poverty and social exclusion to increase the lowest social welfare rates to €150 per week — in 2002 terms — by 2007 and to set the appropriate equivalence level of child income support — child benefit and child dependant allowances combined — at 33% to 35% of the adult rates.
We remain on target to achieve this objective. In budget 2005, the lowest rates of social welfare were increased by €14 per week to €148.80 while the rates of child benefit were increased by €10 per month for the first two children and by €12 per month for the third and subsequent children. The new child benefit rates, which came into effect this month, are €141.60 and €177.30 per month, respectively.
The equivalent level of child income support — combining child benefit and child dependant allowances — now stand at 33.3% of the lowest social welfare rate for those receiving the lower rate of child benefit and 38.8% for those on the higher rate.
105 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his Department has research which gives an indication of the number of persons currently receiving payments through methods other than electronic funds transfer, who will change payment methods to EFT; the savings per annum his Department will make by this change of payment method; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11905/05]
151 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when he expects the review of his Department’s payment methods to be complete; if the views of social welfare recipients will be taken into account throughout the review process; when he expects the findings of the review to be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11904/05]
156 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way in which and the person by whom the proposed comprehensive review of his Department’s method of payments will be undertaken; if his attention has been drawn to fear among recipients that the review will lead to pressure on them to open bank accounts; if his Department’s customers will not be subjected to any undue pressure to opt for bank payments and will not suffer any losses if they do; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11823/05]
159 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount paid to An Post by his Department for handling social welfare payments; if he has had any discussion with the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources on the potential impact for the post office system of making payments directly into banks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11825/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 105, 151, 156 and 159 together.
In the context of developing my Department's payment delivery systems, there are a number of important elements which must be taken into account. One of these is the fact that a wider range of payment options is now available which provides convenient and flexible access to payments for customers. It is Government policy to facilitate the greater use of electronic payment systems in the economy in the interests of developing a world class payments environment in Ireland.
Current payment methods include payment at post offices by means a pension order books, electronic or manual post draft issued to the customer's designated post office each week, payment by cheque to the home address of customers, and direct payment to customers' bank or building society accounts.
Some 58% of customers currently receive payment through their local post office, 10% are paid by cheque through the postal system — mainly short-term schemes — and 32% receive direct electronic payment through their bank or building society account.
My objective is to ensure that a range of payment options is available to customers and that service is continually improved by providing access to the wide range of payment options and new services and facilities now available.
The main issues which arise in this regard are the large numbers currently paid by non-electronic means, the proportion of customers who do not have access to a bank account and the position of An Post as a major supplier of non-electronic payment services to the Department. It is a matter for each customer to choose whichever payment method is most suited to his or her needs.
The comprehensive review of my Department's payment methods which I announced recently is being undertaken within my Department with some external consultancy assistance. It is envisaged that the review will be completed by the end of this year.
My Department has not undertaken any research on the migration of customers from current payment methods to any new payment method and it would be premature to do so until the review of payment methods is complete. The views of social welfare customers on the likely take-up of different payment methods, both current and into the future, will be taken into account in the context of any future development of payments systems.
As regards to costs, my Department incurs an average cost of €1.24 for each payment made through the post office network which amounts to an annual payment to An Post of in excess of €48 million based on current transactions levels. There is no cost to my Department in respect of direct payments lodged to a customer's bank or building society account.
The increased use of electronic systems opens up possibilities for improved service and greater efficiency in payment delivery generally in the future. I am aware that An Post is actively engaged in considering these possibilities and its future role in this regard.
The Government is committed to maintaining a viable network of post offices throughout the country and the issues involved are under consideration by my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, who is the Minister responsible for An Post. I have already met my colleague on this matter and I will continue to liaise with him as appropriate.
106 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he is excluding children of refugees and asylum seekers from his plans to alleviate child poverty; if, alternatively, he will be providing them with the same allowances as other children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11816/05]
The overall objectives behind the provision of child income support are twofold, namely, to bring about an improvement in the relative overall position of families with children compared with single persons or childless couples — horizontal equity — and to eliminate child poverty.
While a number of social welfare financial supports have an additional child-rearing dimension, for example, the one parent family payment, the back to school clothing and footwear allowance and the child-related income disregard in the farm assist means assessment, the three principal child income support payments are: child benefit, a monthly payment made in respect of all children; child dependant allowance, an increase paid to social welfare recipients in respect of dependent children; and family income supplement, a weekly payment made to low paid employees with children.
Child benefit is a payment to parents, usually the mother, for the support of their children. It is paid monthly in respect of each qualified child. There are no PRSI conditions and it is not means tested or taxable. Child benefit is paid to over 500,000 families in respect of almost 1.1 million children. The current rate of child benefit is €141.60 for each of the first two children and €177.30 for the third and subsequent children.
Child dependant allowance is an additional payment made to social welfare recipients in respect of each eligible child dependant. It is paid at one of three weekly rates, €16.80, €19.30, or €21.60 across the majority of social welfare schemes. Half-rate allowance is paid where the spouse-partner of the recipient is in receipt of a social welfare payment or where she or he has earnings in excess of a prescribed amount. Allowances at full rate are paid in respect of 264,000 children of social welfare recipients, while a further 93,000 half-rate payments are made.
Family income support, FIS, is a non-taxable, in-work income support for low-income employees with families. To qualify for FIS, a family must have at least one qualified child, a combined total of at least 38 hours employment, other than self-employment, per fortnight and have earnings below the specified income limits.
Since 1 May 2004, a new eligibility requirement, known as the habitual residence condition, has applied to social assistance payments and child benefit. This condition does not apply to qualification for contribution-based social insurance payments, or to family income supplement. The habitual residence condition is designed to safeguard the social welfare system by restricting access to social assistance and child benefit payments for people from other countries who have little or no connection with Ireland. All persons claiming welfare payments, including nationals of the new EU member states who applied for relevant payments after 1 May, are subject to the habitual residence condition. People who fail to satisfy this condition are offered the option of being referred to the Reception and Integration Agency, RIA, of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform which facilitates their departure home and provides full board accommodation pending departure.
Following on a commitment made in the partnership agreement, Sustaining Progress, the National Economic and Social Council, NESC, is undertaking a review of child income support and in particular considering the possible merging of family income supplement and child dependant allowances into a second-tier child income support payment. I look forward to receiving this report later in 2005. The issue of any new child income support payment to tackle child poverty and whether the habitual residence condition should apply would be considered at that time.
107 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs further to his comments in newspapers (details supplied) when he expects recruitment and training to be completed for personal advisers and counsellors for lone parents as part of his Department’s drive to improve services to lone parents; when access to these persons will be available to lone parents in each of the 52 local welfare offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11906/05]
142 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs further to his comments in a newspaper (details supplied), if the 30 officials who are already trained to provide advice for lone parents are providing advice and counselling services to lone parents; if so, the locations at which they are based; if not, when will they begin providing these services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11907/05]
147 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will elaborate on his reported plan to allocate personal advisers to lone parents to give them a better opportunity to enter the workforce or the education system; the way in which the proposed system will work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11828/05]
157 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs further to his comments in a newspaper (details supplied), the locations of the 52 local welfare offices at which the personal advisers for lone parents will be based; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11908/05]
161 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of advisers he intends to put in place by the end of 2005 to serve the more than 80,000 persons receiving the one parent family payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11807/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 107, 142, 147, 157 and 161 together.
Lone parents represent a significant proportion of the working age group, after people with disabilities and the unemployed, receiving weekly social welfare payments. At the end of 2004 there were 79,181 recipients of the one parent family payment, up from 58,960 in 1997. There are, in addition, 13,125 lone parents with children in receipt of payments under social insurance — 8,687 widowed persons and 4,528 deserted wives. In total, therefore, 92,306 lone parents are receiving weekly payments under the social welfare system, who between them have 150,122 qualified children.
Poverty surveys show consistently that lone parent households are among those most at risk of poverty. This is due mainly to long-term dependence on social welfare payments, beginning often at an early stage of life before it has been possible to accumulate savings, a home and other assets.
It is now generally accepted that the main route out of poverty and into self-sufficiency and a better standard of living is employment. It is estimated that 60% of one parent family recipients overall are currently in full or part-time employment.
A proportion of these recipients are in employment that provides a gross wage of less than €146.50 per week or €7,618 per annum, which entitles them to receive the one parent family payment at the maximum rate without a means deduction.
However, a recent OECD study on reconciling work and family life, in which Ireland participated, showed that employment participation among lone parents in Ireland is lower than in many other developed countries and that many who are in employment are in part-time, relatively low paid, employment. The growth in the number of recipients of the one parent family payment since 1997, and their relatively low employment participation rates, has coincided with rapid employment growth in the economy and in female participation in employment generally.
It is the case that already a significant proportion of lone parents avail of opportunities to take up education and training programmes operated by my Department, the Department of Education and Science, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and agencies such as FÁS. Many more take the opportunity afforded them under the one parent family payment to take up employment, as mentioned earlier.
These varying situations require tailored interventions, which represent a key feature of my Department's involvement with clients on the live register through the role of the job facilitator. An evaluation of this role recommended that it should also focus on those most distant from the labour market. This involves going beyond the live register to encompass those clients on other departmental schemes who face equivalent problems, such as lone parents and people with disabilities.
As regards to lone parents, this may ultimately include offering a package of advice and support, tailored to meet the needs of each lone parent and helping to construct a realistic action plan detailing steps to be taken to assist them in finding education, training and work, while ensuring the necessary child care arrangements are in place.
My Department has a facilitator service which provides advice and support to persons seeking education, training or return to work. The service is available to lone parents and other categories of recipients. The implications of extending this service are being assessed and I hope to bring forward proposals in this regard in the near future.
110 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress made to date with regard to the implementation of the national action plan against poverty and social exclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11841/05]
The current national action plan against poverty and social exclusion was submitted to the European Union in July 2003 and covers the period up to 2005. It sets out the commitments made by Ireland to meet the Lisbon pledge "to make a decisive impact on the eradication of poverty" by 2010. The plan incorporates the strategic approach to tackling poverty which was set out in the earlier national anti-poverty strategy. It also reflects the social inclusion commitments agreed in the current national partnership agreement, Sustaining Progress.
Working to eradicate poverty requires action across a range of different policy areas. The plan includes actions in relation to employment, social welfare, education, health, housing, equality and so on. The strategic approach reflected in the plan means that these actions are being co-ordinated in an integrated, joined up way, with a view to achieving more effective outcomes.
The office for social inclusion, OSI, in my Department was set up in 2002 and has overall responsibility for developing, co-ordinating and driving the Irish national action plan against poverty and social exclusion. The office's first annual report, which I launched last December, details the progress made on implementation of the national action plan since August 2003. A wide range of activities and strategies are set out in the report, indicating the range and breadth of programmes aimed at tackling social exclusion.
I am happy to say that good progress has been recorded against many of the targets that we have set in the plan. Commitments made by the Government, for example, in respect to income support mean that we are well on the way to meeting the 2007 target of a rate of €150 per week for the lowest social welfare payments in 2002 terms. We are also moving steadily towards the target of €200 euro for social welfare pension rates.
In certain instances, however, it is clear that data is incomplete or unavailable to report on the outcome of some NAP targets. This is an issue that the office is addressing as part of the development of a data strategy.
The monitoring and evaluation process has also shown us that measuring benefits and outcomes of some social inclusion initiatives can be difficult due to the nature of the intervention, the many factors which impact on poverty and social inclusion and the fact that the impact may not be experienced in the short term.
Notwithstanding these issues, the annual report identified many important policy developments that will benefit people who are socially excluded. Some examples include: the launch in September 2004 of the national disability strategy; the extension nationwide of the FÁS high support process for jobseekers suffering personal barriers to employment; additional funding for child care under the equal opportunities child care programme; and the establishment of the first National Council for Special Education.
As the next step in the monitoring and evaluation process, the office is currently undertaking, in conjunction with the relevant Departments, a detailed analysis of the NAPS targets with a view to identifying, not only where progress has been made but also areas where progress has been slower.
The result of this analysis will be included as part of the Government's report to the European Commission in June. This will outline progress made during the timeframe of the current national action plan 2003-05 and indicate the future strategic direction for the next national action plan in 2006.
111 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the efforts he is making to reduce the poverty levels that exist in many families on low incomes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11932/05]
The elimination of poverty is a key objective of the Government which is committed to achieving the range of targets which are set down in the revised national anti-poverty strategy, NAPS, and the national action plan against poverty and social exclusion.
The principal mechanism available to my Department for addressing poverty levels in low income families is through the social welfare system. I am committed to increasing social welfare payments, as resources permit, so that people will have an adequate income to sustain an acceptable standard of living. In this regard, the revised national anti-poverty strategy contains a target of increasing the lowest rates of social welfare payment to €150 per week — in 2002 terms — by 2007 with the appropriate equivalence level of child income support — combining child benefit and child dependant allowance — being set at 33% to 35% of the adult rate. Significant progress has been made towards achieving these targets. In this year's budget, the lowest rate of social welfare payment was increased by an unprecedented €14 per week and now stands at €148.80 per week. Low income families who would have benefited from these increases included those where the head of household was parenting alone, on disability assistance or unemployed. Furthermore, child benefit payments were increased by €10 a month for the first two children and €12 per month for the third and subsequent children at a total cost to the Exchequer of €136.11 million in a full year.
It has long been recognised that employment is the best route out of poverty for those who are able to work. Accordingly, it is important that the social welfare system supports people to take up and remain in employment. A range of supports are provided by my Department in this regard including the family income supplement, FIS, which is paid to low paid employees with children. In this year's budget I increased the weekly income thresholds for FIS by €39 a week. It is estimated that a total of 14,000 families will benefit from this measure by receiving up to €23.40 extra per week in their payments while an additional 2,600 families will become eligible for FIS.
Other measures introduced in the budget to support low income families included additional funding to the family resource centre programme which is administered by the Family Support Agency and to the money advice and budgeting service to enhance its services. Both of these agencies provide important support services to low income families.
I am committed to making a decisive impact on child and family poverty during my period of office. In this regard, I am giving serious consideration to the introduction of a second tier of child income support. I am awaiting the outcome of a study being undertaken by the National Economic and Social Council on amalgamating child benefit and child dependant allowance, which will inform my deliberations in this area. It has long been recognised that lone parent families are particularly at risk of poverty. At present, an interdepartmental group, which includes representatives from my Department, is examining obstacles to employment for lone parents while a working group within my Department is reviewing the income support arrangements for lone parents. I look forward to acting on the recommendations of these groups when they have completed their work.
112 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the recent UNICEF report showing that the rate of child poverty here is among the highest in wealthy countries; the steps he intends to take to deal with the problem of child poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11837/05]
The Deputy is referring to the UNICEF Innocenti Research Centre report card Number 6 on child poverty in rich countries 2005. The report shows that, Ireland, at 15.7% based on 2000 data, had the fifth highest relative child poverty rate among 26 OECD countries.
There have been major increases in average incomes and employment rates in recent years and a high level of growth in two income households. However, despite significant increases in real terms in social welfare rates — for example, child benefit rates increased by some 65% between 2001 and 2005 and the lowest social welfare rates increased by 40% while the CPI increased by just over 13% — the incomes of those not in employment have lagged behind those in employment, especially in households with two incomes. This contributes to the high relative poverty rates in Ireland.
The current national action plan against poverty and social exclusion specifically targets children as one of a number of groups who are particularly vulnerable to poverty and social exclusion, with a view to reducing or eliminating their risk and incidence of poverty.
The most significant measure to tackle child poverty by my Department has been the substantial increases in child benefit payment rates. Between 1997 and 2005, the rate of child benefit rose from €38.09 per month for the first two children and €49.52 for each child thereafter to €141.60 per month for each of the first two children and to €177.30 per month for the third and each subsequent child.
Through the family income supplement scheme, my Department provides cash support by way of weekly payments to families, including lone parent families, at work on low pay. Recent improvements to the scheme, including the assessment of entitlements on the basis of net rather than gross income and progressive increases in the income limits, have made it easier for lower income households to qualify under the scheme.
In order to address the situation of those children who are most at risk of poverty, I am giving serious consideration to the introduction of a second tier of supports, aimed specifically at families in greatest need. A study is being carried out at the moment by the NESC on amalgamating social welfare child dependant allowances with family income supplement payments, in an effort to channel extra resources to low income families without creating disincentives to employment. In addition, a sub-group of the senior officials group on social inclusion has commenced examining obstacles to employment for lone parent families, the majority of whom are women.
My Department is also participating in an interdepartmental working group on early child care and education, chaired by the National Children's Office. The work of this committee is at an advanced stage and the outcome will make an important contribution to finding the right mix of services and income support to facilitate employment take up and care for children.
The causes of poverty among children and its effects are multifaceted requiring a multi-policy response. A wide range of data is required in effectively monitoring, evaluating and further developing such policies. It is for that reason that my Department and the Department of Health and Children, through the National Children's Office, are jointly funding a national longitudinal study on children. The study will be the most significant of its kind to be undertaken here, particularly in terms of the cost, scope and length of study period. It is anticipated that 10,000 children from birth and 8,000 children aged nine will be recruited to participate in the study, which is expected to commence later in 2005.
Assisting and supporting vulnerable families and their children and older people is one of our main challenges as a society. Through the initiatives it is taking under its strategy to combat poverty and social exclusion, the Government is giving priority to working to ensure that vulnerable families and their children have a fair share of the life chances and quality of life, which our prosperity as a nation is already conferring on a majority.
115 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his proposals for a new second tier of supports targeted at children most at risk of poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11833/05]
160 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress to date on his review of the second tier payment for children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11927/05]
162 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will elaborate on his plans to bring together FIS and the child dependant allowance; if the move will be complemented by a focussed information campaign in order that families in need are aware of their entitlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11805/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 115, 160 and 162 together.
My Department provides a range of payments to families with children. These include child benefit, child dependant allowances and family income supplement.
Child benefit is a non-means tested payment made to families regardless of employment status. It, therefore, supports all children but delivers proportionately more assistance to those on low incomes and with larger families. From this month, when budget 2005 rate increases have taken effect, monthly child benefit rates are €141.60 in respect of each of the first two children and €177.30 in respect of the third and subsequent children. Child benefit has increased by €103.51 at the lower rate and €127.78 at the higher rate since 1997, increases of 272% and 258%, respectively.
Child dependant allowance is an additional payment made to social welfare recipients in respect of eligible child dependants under 18 years of age. This age limit can be extended to 22 years in specified circumstances where the child remains in full-time education.
The family income supplement scheme is an in-work income support, designed to provide cash support for employees on low earnings with families, to help preserve the incentive to remain in employment in circumstances where the employee might otherwise only be marginally better off than if they were claiming other social welfare payments.
In the current social partnership agreement Sustaining Progress, ending child poverty was selected as one of the areas of special initiative to be addressed. As part of this initiative, the question of changing existing arrangements for child income support was raised. The introduction of a second tier payment in respect of children in low-wage or unemployed households was identified and the National Economic and Social Council, NESC, has been asked to review child income support and, in particular, the possible merging of family income supplement and child dependant allowances into a second-tier child income support payment.
My officials have recently been in consultation with NESC on the subject. This review, which NESC expects to complete during 2005, will inform the development of future policy in this area.
117 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the restrictions on the cashing of social welfare cheques in retail outlets; if he has plans to introduce regulations governing the cashing of social welfare cheques in retail outlets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11910/05]
My Department issues over 500,000 cheques every month and, as a general rule, there are no problems regarding the encashment of cheques. On rare occasions, it has happened that people have experienced difficulty in cashing their cheques because of inadequate identification. Any such problems are resolved on a case by case basis.
Cheques are but one of a range of payment methods offered to customers and account for about 10% of total payments issued by my Department. While precise statistics are not available, it is estimated that about one third of social welfare customers in receipt of cheque payments cash them at retail outlets and as I already stated this usually happens without any difficulties.
Cheques issued by my Department are drawn on the Bank of Ireland and may be cashed at any bank branch on production of necessary identification. In addition, my Department has an agreement with An Post whereby social welfare cheques may be cashed at any post office subject to satisfactory proof of identity.
The cashing of cheques by retail outlets is a matter between the customer and the retailer. It would not be appropriate for me to interfere in this relationship and so I have no plans to introduce regulations governing the cashing of social welfare cheques.
However, social welfare customers who experience any difficulties in cashing their cheques should bring the matter to the attention of my Department which will ensure that alternative payment arrangements are offered to them. These arrangements include payment at the customer's local post office or by direct payment into the customer's bank or building society account.
118 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when he intends introducing the advocacy service for people with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11897/05]
The introduction of a personal advocacy service aimed specifically at people with disabilities is provided for in the Comhairle (Amendment) Bill 2004, which was published last September in conjunction with the Disability Bill 2004, and outline sectoral plans and as part of the Government's national disability strategy.
The Comhairle (Amendment) Bill 2004 is intended to confer additional and enhanced functions on Comhairle which will enable that agency to introduce a personal advocacy service specifically for people with disabilities.
The new service will be administered by Comhairle and will provide for the assignment of a personal advocate to a person with a disability who is unable or who has difficulty in obtaining a social service without the assistance or support of the personal advocate. The main function of the personal advocate will be to assist, support and represent the person with a disability in applying for and obtaining a social service and also in pursuing any right of review or appeal in connection with that service.
It is envisaged that the new personal advocacy service will be introduced in early 2008 subject to the necessary legislation being enacted and the necessary funding being provided.
119 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when the public services card framework using the personal public service number will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11898/05]
My Department and the Department of Finance are managing a programme of work to develop a framework within which public service cards could be deployed. Following approval from Government in June 2004, this programme of work was commenced to develop a standards based framework for public service cards using the personal public service number, PPSN, as a unique identifier. The programme is known as SAFE, standard authentication framework environment.
An interdepartmental steering group was established, in September 2004, to develop the framework. The steering group is made up of representatives of 12 Departments and the Reach Agency. The group, which is jointly chaired by the two Departments, has met on six occasions. The primary output from the programme will take the form of a standard that sets out the business principles, rules and other requirements for all future cards and tokens issued by public service agencies. The term "framework" is being used to emphasise that a single public service card is not envisaged but rather a branded standard within which individual initiatives can operate.
One of the objectives of SAFE is to facilitate convergence over time of existing cards and other tokens under a single branded scheme. The individual customer will benefit from a reduction in the number of tokens required and from enhanced control of the use of his or her data. Agencies can benefit from the streamlining of existing schemes and sharing of administrative costs.
The proposed framework has been agreed in principle by the steering group and detailed drafting is under way. This will accompany a memorandum to Government which will also address future phases of work, including convergence issues and a communication and consultation programme. While the deployment of specific applications will continue to be the responsibility of individual agencies, it is proposed that these will be co-ordinated under the overall programme.
121 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the efforts he is making to encourage and assist persons with disabilities and long-term illnesses to identify and take up available employment, training, educational and other self-development opportunities when appropriate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11903/05]
My Department operates a number of schemes which provide income support to persons who are unfit to work because of illness. These payments include, for example, the disability benefit and invalidity pension schemes and the means tested disability allowance. In addition, there is a further range of benefits available under the occupational injury benefits scheme for people who have been disabled as a result of an accident at work.
Facilitating return to work or participation in the active labour force is one of the main objectives of the social welfare system. There are a number of specific employment and training incentives available within the system to encourage and facilitate people, including people with disabilities, to take up available employment and training options.
These include the back to work allowance which can assist transition to work for people in receipt of disability related payments. In addition, there are income disregards which exempt a proportion of earnings for means tested payments. It is also possible for people in receipt of disability related payments to receive exemptions from the general no work conditions in the case of certain rehabilitation employments.
As part of the Government's expenditure review initiative, a working group established by my Department completed a review of the illness and disability schemes and identified a number of areas where employment support could be strengthened within the system and across Departments. The review argued for: recognition of the fact that some people's medical and other circumstances may mean that they have some capacity for work, but may never achieve full-time work; ensuring that employment support measures should not act as a disincentive for people with disabilities and long-term illnesses in maximising their employment and earnings potential; retaining a range of employment supports for different groups, and ensuring that clients are referred to the most suitable option, having regard to the nature of their illness-disability, age, social circumstances, etc.; and the introduction of early intervention measures aimed at reintegrating people who sustain serious illnesses, injuries and disabilities back into the workforce before they become long-term dependent on social welfare payments.
The review also stresses the importance of meeting the additional costs of disability in ways that are less dependent on labour force status, if people with disabilities are to be given the opportunity of participating in the workforce. The review sets a strategic direction for policy in respect of these schemes in the future and its recommendations will be taken on board in the context of the future development of the scheme.
122 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he intends to reduce the qualifying period for the back to education allowance to nine months; if so, when he will introduce this change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11928/05]
The back to education allowance, BTEA, is a second chance education opportunities programme designed to encourage and to facilitate people on certain social welfare payments to improve their skills and qualifications. The objective is to increase their prospects of returning to the active work force and reduce the risk of them becoming dependent on social welfare on a long-term basis.
The back to education allowance supports eligible people pursuing second level and third level qualifications. The qualifying period for the BTEA scheme for people pursuing second level qualifications has always been six months.
The qualifying period for entitlement to the third level option of the back to education allowance was increased from six months to 15 months for new applicants intending to commence third level courses of study on or after 1 September 2004.
As Deputies will be aware, I reduced the qualifying period for access to the third level option of the scheme to 12 months in the most recent budget. I also increased the annual cost of education allowance, paid to people on BTEA, from €254 to €400. These changes will take effect from 1 September 2005, at a cost of €1.42 million in 2005 and €2.4 million in 2006.
Since its introduction, the intention of the scheme is to benefit people who have difficulty finding employment. The scheme provides an opportunity to improve their qualifications and thus their prospects of obtaining work. It was never intended to be an alternative form of support for people entering the third level education system.
One of the factors that influenced the increase in the qualification conditions is the fact that some people go on the live register for short periods specifically to qualify for the back to education allowance. For example, an examination carried out by my Department found that in the 2003-04 academic year 51% of new participants in the third level option of the scheme were in receipt of an unemployment payment for 12 months or less when they accessed the scheme. In addition, research carried out by independent consultants has shown that in the case of a control group surveyed for research purposes 54% were 12 months or less in receipt of a qualifying payment when they accessed the scheme.
The scheme is intended to assist people with a history of long-term dependence on social welfare. Many of these people have not completed second level education and are held back in their efforts to obtain employment because of that. With this in mind, the qualifying period for people who wish to pursue second level education remains at six months and the numbers taking second level education with the support of the BTEA are increasing.
I am satisfied that, overall, the current arrangements ensure that the scheme supports those people who are most distant from the labour market and whose need is greatest. However, in line with my undertaking to the Dáil and the social affairs committee, I will continue to keep the qualifying period for this scheme under review.
The BTEA scheme is being reviewed at present as part of Government's programme evaluation process. The report of the working group, including recommendations for the future of the scheme, will be available later this year, at which time I will give the matter further consideration.
125 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to calls from a lone parents organisation, One Family, for recognition for lone families under the Constitution; his views in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11849/05]
Families and family life in Ireland have been undergoing profound change in recent decades, which includes the significant growth in the proportion of families headed by lone parents. The Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Constitution, in inviting submissions, has specifically stated that account will be taken of these developments in their consideration of the possible need for changes to the provisions on families in the Constitution. It would not be appropriate for me, as Minister, to pre-empt the conclusions and recommendations to be arrived at by the Oireachtas committee by commenting on any submission made to it by any particular organisation at this stage.
126 Mr. English asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the locations of the 75 family and community resource centres; the number of extra family and community resource centres he plans to open in 2005; the locations of the new centres; if he expects to meet the overall target of 100 centres by the end of 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11915/05]
130 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the family support services which the family support agency offers; the number of families who have availed of these services since the agency was established; the success of these services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11913/05]
135 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons who are employed in family mediation offices; the number of families who have availed of the service; the location of these offices; his plans to extend the network of family mediation service offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11912/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 126, 130 and 135 together.
The Family Support Agency, which was established in May 2003, brings together family support programmes and services introduced by the Government in recent years. The agency's main functions are to: provide a family mediation service throughout the country; support, promote and develop the provision of marriage and relationship counselling services, child counselling services and bereavement support for families; and support, promote and develop the family and community services resource centre programme. The agency also has a responsibility to undertake or commission research, to advise, inform and assist me as Minister for Social and Family Affairs and to promote and disseminate information about family related issues.
The agency launched its first strategic plan in May 2004 which outlined its strategic priorities for the period 2004-06. In 2005 almost €25 million was made available to the Family Support Agency to fulfil its strategic priorities.
The Family Mediation Service, FMS, is administered directly by the Family Support Agency. It is a free, professional, confidential service that enables couples who have decided to separate to reach agreement on issues related to their separation. It assists couples to address the issues on which they need to make decisions including post-separation living arrangements, finances and parenting arrangements to enable children to have an ongoing relationship with each parent. The benefits of family mediation, as a non-adversarial approach to resolving issues that arise on separation, are increasingly being recognised worldwide.
Since the establishment of the Family Support Agency, 1,403 couples were helped by the FMS in the calendar year 2003 with 1,491 couples being helped by the service in 2004. There has been a major expansion of the service in recent years to meet a growing need for it. During this time, the service has increased from two centres in Dublin and Limerick to 14 centres throughout the country. In 2005, two additional centres will be opened, one in Letterkenny, to ensure effective access to the service in the north-west, and one in Portlaoise to similarly expand the service in the midlands.
A total of 42 staff are currently employed in FMS offices. There are four full-time offices in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway with part-time offices situated in Athlone, Blanchardstown, Castlebar, Dundalk, Marino, Sligo, Tallaght, Tralee, Waterford and Wexford.
The Family Support Agency also supports voluntary organisations providing marriage, relationship, child and bereavement counselling and support. Over €8 million is allocated to support more than 500 such groups throughout the country. Some 523 groups were funded under this programme in 2004 which represented an increase of almost 60 groups over the previous year. There are now 77 centres in receipt of core funding under the family and community resource centre, FRC, programme. The list of these centres has been forwarded to the Deputies.
The level of funding provided to the FRC programme for 2005 is over €10.6 million which will allow for an additional 12 new centres to be brought into the programme. These centres will be located in the following counties: four in Kerry; two in Dublin; one in Donegal; one in Kilkenny; one in Leitrim; one in Limerick; one in Mayo and one in Wexford. Furthermore, a number of groups have approval to join the programme and are currently in pre-development stage, working with their support agencies.
I am determined to ensure that the target of 100 family resource centres set under the national development plan will be met by the end of 2006.
127 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he intends to bring in advisers on education and employment for those with a disability, in the same way that he is introducing advisers for lone parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11808/05]
My Department assists and encourages the long-term unemployed, people with disabilities and other long-term welfare recipients to return to work, training or further education through a range of measures administered by my Department's social and family support service.
One significant measure is the back to work allowance scheme which incentivises and encourages long-term unemployed people, lone parents and certain persons with disabilities to return to work by allowing them to retain part of their social welfare payment when they take up employment or self-employment.
Another measure offered by my Department's social and family support service is the back to education allowance programme. Facilitators, based in social welfare local offices, provideadditional support through the special projects fund. This fund enables facilitators to provide enhanced supports to people who need additional help to progress to further training and employment.
The groups who may need special help of this nature include the long-term ill and people with disabilities, the very long-term unemployed, Travellers, people with literacy difficulties and lone parents. In 2004, 23 special projects catered for people with disabilities at a cost of over €500,000.
In addition to the special projects fund, the Department's family services project focuses supports towards specific target groups with complex needs, for example, people with disabilities, very young lone parents, parents rearing children without the support of a partner and dependent spouses on social welfare payments in households with children.
The provision of this additional support involving individual attention, customised information and enhanced access to services which would assist the family, increases the capacity of those in the most difficult circumstances, including people with disabilities, to improve their self-esteem and personal situations through access to basic education, training and developmental opportunities.
It is hoped that by encouraging customers with disabilities to participate in self-development programmes and in some instances "taster" educational programmes facilitated through FSP funding, co-funding or part funding that the people involved will move on to more formalised training and educational programmes. In 2004 six projects catered for people with disabilities and their families at a cost of €66,240.
The special projects and family services initiatives demonstrates the positive results of a partnership approach between my Department, the voluntary and community sector, the private sector and other local players in identifying and addressing local needs in terms of training and development for people dependent on social welfare payments including people with disabilities.
128 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on research carried out by the Combat Poverty Agency on the working poor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11930/05]
131 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his estimate of the number of families in the category of the working poor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11929/05]
133 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans to deal with a relatively new issue of the working poor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11931/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 128, 131 and 133 together.
There are two main indicators for measuring poverty. The first measures the proportion at risk of poverty by virtue of the income they receive. This is the general indicator used by the European Union and it is based on an income threshold of 60% of median income. A new EU survey on income and living conditions, EU-SILC, carried out in 2003 showed that 22.7% of the total population were at risk of poverty. This indicator, however, does not take into account the length of time a person had been on low income and the other assets a household might have, such as ownership of their house etc.
It is for this reason that Ireland has also developed a consistent poverty indicator. This measures the degree to which people with incomes which are less than the at risk of poverty threshold of 60% of median income are also deprived of goods and services considered essential for a basic living standard in Ireland. A list of eight such basic goods and services are used which include, for example, having "to go without heating at some stage in the 12 months prior to the survey due to a lack of money" or "that there was a day in the past two weeks where the family did not have a substantial meal due to lack of money". They are based on surveys of what people in Ireland consider essential for a basic living standard.
The latest information for this indicator was also collected in the new EU survey 2003. This showed that 9.4% of persons were in consistent poverty, that is, with an income below the 60% median income threshold and experiencing deprivation under at least one indicator. I should say that there are acknowledged difficulties regarding the comparability of the results of the new EU survey with the results of earlier surveys, particularly in respect of this measure of consistent poverty. How to deal with these difficulties is something which I am currently having examined.
A total of 9.2% of those at work are at risk of poverty compared to 22.7% generally. In the case of consistent poverty, those at work comprise about one in 30, or 3.5%, compared to 9.4% generally. Being at work, therefore, reduces significantly the risks of poverty and deprivation. The major reduction in unemployment has been in part due to a series of policy initiatives designed to make work pay which include changes to the taxation system, the introduction of a minimum hourly wage, provision of employment training, assistance with job search and placement, and changes to the social welfare system.
The difficulties which family responsibilities can create in relation to employment and poverty levels is a particular concern for my Department. The earnings capacity of a single person or that of a couple, both of whom are working, which previously was sufficient to keep them from being at risk of poverty, may become insufficient to overcome the risk of poverty when they have children. This arises from the additional cost of providing for the care of children and from the effect child care responsibilities and costs have on parents' availability for work. The findings of the EU survey show that families with children who are most at risk of poverty are lone parent families and large families where it may be difficult for the second parent to work full-time.
The family income supplement, FIS, scheme is designed, in particular, to address this problem. The scheme provides cash support for employees — minimum 19 hours per week — 38 per fortnight — on low earnings with families. This preserves the incentive to remain in employment in circumstances where the employee might only be marginally better off than if he or she were claiming other social welfare payments. FIS is paid on a weekly basis over a period of 52 weeks, taking into account a family's earnings and the number of children under age 18 or aged 18 and 22 years and in full-time education.
Subject to a minimum weekly payment of €20, FIS is calculated at 60% of the difference between a person's net family income, that is, gross pay less tax, PRSI, health levies, superannuation and the income limit applicable to the family size. Most social welfare payments are included in the assessments, with some exceptions. Although FIS is not paid concurrently with unemployment payments, it can be paid with the one parent family payment, subject to the overall means assessment.
Budget 2005 increased the FIS earnings thresholds by €39 in respect of each family size. This increase was unprecedented since the introduction of the scheme in 1984 and added €23.40 to the weekly payments of most existing FIS recipients from January 2005. The cost of this measure is estimated at €15.53 million in 2005 and in a full year. Following the increased thresholds, it is estimated that 2,600 additional families became eligible for a FIS payment.
The ongoing development of the scheme has resulted in current levels of both applications and claims in payment being at an all time high. In 2004, there were 21,000 applications and over 15,000 claims in payment. The current average FIS payment is almost €94.00.
Consideration of the further development of the scheme, based on a study commissioned from NESC, is being co-ordinated by the senior officials group on social inclusion in the context of an examination of obstacles to employment. This examination is focusing particularly on the position of lone parents, and in relation also to the further development of child care. The work is being advanced through interdepartmental working groups, including a working group chaired by my Department which is dealing with income support.
Effective and adequate support for making work pay will continue to be a major priority for this Government. Research undertaken by the Combat Poverty Agency on the needs of the working poor is, therefore, most welcome and timely in this context, and the findings will be fully taken account as they come to hand.
132 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he has reviewed the habitual residence condition; if he has considered the hardship this condition has caused in many cases in recent times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11848/05]
141 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when the review of the habitual residence condition will be finished; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11925/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 141 together.
The requirement to be habitually resident in Ireland was introduced as a qualifying condition for certain social assistance schemes and child benefit with effect from 1 May 2004. The basis for the restriction contained in the new rules is the applicant's habitual residence. The restriction is not based on citizenship, nationality, immigration status or any other factor. The effect of the restriction is that a person whose habitual residence is elsewhere is not paid certain social welfare payments on arrival in Ireland.
The question of what is a person's habitual residence is decided in accordance with European Court of Justice case law, which sets out the grounds for assessing individual claims. Each case received for a determination on the habitual residence condition is dealt with in its own right and a decision is based on application of the guidelines to the particular individual circumstances of each case. Any applicant who disagrees with the decision of a deciding officer has the right to appeal to the social welfare appeals office.
The habitual residence condition is being operated in a careful manner to ensure that Ireland's social welfare system is not open to everyone who is newly arrived in Ireland, while at the same time ensuring that people whose cases are appropriate to the Irish social welfare system have access to the system when they need it.
Arrangements are being made to review the operation of the condition. This review will take account of the issues that have come to light since the condition came into effect in May 2004, and views received from the EU Commission and from various groups and organisations who have an interest in this area. I expect the review to be completed later this year.
136 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if any refunds made to pensioners residing in nursing homes, arising from the recent Supreme Court decision that found that charges levied on them were illegal, will not be allowed to impact on their current pension entitlement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11824/05]
308 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the implications of the €2,000 ex gratia payments and other repayments of illegal nursing home charges to medical card holders for recipients of means tested social welfare payments. [11800/05]
328 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if reimbursements from the State, to be received by persons as a result of moneys or charges that were taken illegally from them, will be disregarded from assessments for social welfare payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12128/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 136, 308 and 328 together.
I understand that my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, will shortly be bringing proposals to Government in respect of repayments to residents and former residents of publicly-funded long stay care places.
During the period in question, my Department paid affected persons their full pension and other social welfare entitlements and had no function in the deduction of the charges made. The implications for social welfare pensions and other entitlements will depend on the nature of the repayments scheme. However, it is my intention that any repayments, including the €2,000ex gratia payments, will not impact on current pension entitlements and I will bring forward proposals in this regard when full details of the repayment scheme have been finalised.
140 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the recent findings of the report, Inclusion is Everyone’s Business, produced by the social inclusion unit of Dublin City Council, which found that levels of poverty in parts of Dublin had not changed and that levels of deprivation had worsened somewhat in the 11 years up to 2002; the steps he intends to take to deal with the issues highlighted in the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11834/05]
The report Inclusion is Everyone's Business was launched by the Taoiseach on 28 February 2005 and examines Dublin city in terms of demography, socio-economic factors, levels of affluence, deprivation and social exclusion. I welcome the report as an important milestone in the process of developing integrated anti-poverty strategies at local level to underpin and strengthen the overall national anti-poverty strategy.
The Dublin city report has highlighted the many positive actions that are taking place across a whole range of areas designed to make Dublin a more socially inclusive city as well as the areas where further progress is needed.
The national anti-poverty strategy is the overall framework within which such further action will be taken. The annual report of the office for social inclusion published last December gives a detailed outline of the actions being takenunder the current national action plan, covering the period 2003 to 2005, in alleviating poverty in all areas of Ireland, including Dublin city. This report is on the website of the office and is being regularly updated. Some of the more significant developments include the following:between 2001 and 2005 spending on social welfare has increased from €7.8 billion to €12.2 billion; lowest social welfare rates have increased by 40%, during the same period, while the consumer price index has increased by just over 13%; and unemployment levels, at 4.4%, are now among the lowest in the EU and the developed world generally.
However, despite the significant increases in real terms in social welfare payments and the resulting improvements in standards of living, the incomes of many on social welfare have not kept pace with the major increases in incomes generally. The main reasons for these overall income improvements include the major increases in employment, which in many cases is significantly better paid than before, the increase in female participation in the workforce, leading to more two income households, lower tax levels in return for wage moderation to maintain competitiveness, and fewer child dependants as a result of lower birth rates and, compared to other countries, fewer dependent older persons.
Many groups in society have not been in a position to benefit to the same extent as the majority from Ireland's economic success, mainly because they have not had access to better paid employment. These include families with children, especially lone parents and larger families, those who are relatively unskilled with low educational attainment, those with disabilities, minority groups such as Travellers and migrants, and some older people, especially those living alone. For example, among those in the working age groups there are currently twice the number receiving disability related and lone parent related weekly payments than there are receiving unemployment related payments. Many of those who are socially excluded are concentrated in disadvantaged areas in our cities and towns, a reality clearly documented in this report on Dublin city.
There are, unfortunately, no single or quick fix solutions. For those in the working age groups, the priority solutions being pursued, in line with best international practice across the EU and OECD, are a combination of actions to remove obstacles to employment, enhance employability, while increasing benefits rates in real terms and improving access to services, especially at local level. Removing obstacles to employment involves the provision of education and training, particularly for those who may have missed out and those with disabilities, help with job search and placement, and for those with children, child care and income support through child benefit and the family income supplement. A more integrated approach at local level involving local authorities, as envisaged in the Dublin city report, can do much to ensure that a comprehensive set of supports is provided and that the resources available are used to good effect.
The office for social inclusion is also currently engaged in an evaluation of the progress made under the national action plan over the two years period, 2003 to 2005, against targets. A report on the evaluation will be submitted to the European Commission in June 2005. Full account is being taken of reports related to the process, such as this report on Dublin city, in carrying out the evaluation. This evaluation will in turn form the basis for the next national action plan to cover the period 2006 to 2009, the preparation of which will commence as soon as the evaluation is done.
The process ensures that reports of the quality and calibre of this report on achieving social inclusion in Dublin are fully taken into account, together with the report's recommendations, in deciding on the actions to be taken in building a more inclusive society.
143 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on claims by the Migrant Rights Centre that restrictions on welfare benefits for non-Irish citizens are placing migrant workers at risk of poverty and homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11847/05]
The Migrant Rights Centre Ireland made a submission to my Department in February 2005 setting out its views on how the operation of the habitual residence condition impacts on migrant workers and their families.
While the submission claimed that the habitual residence condition is causing undue hardship and in effect placing vulnerable people's lives and safety at risk it did not provide any examples of such cases. However, I asked my officials to consider the general issues raised and to respond. A reply issued on the 4 March 2005 and my Department has since met Migrant Rights Centre Ireland and other groups to consider these issues. I regard these contacts as important and I intend to keep this matter under review so that appropriate arrangements are in place to ensure that migrant workers are not at risk of poverty or homelessness.
In the meantime, the position is that migrant workers qualify for social insurance benefits in respect of the unexpired part of their work permits if they satisfy the normal qualifying contribution conditions. Migrant workers may also satisfy the habitual residence condition for receipt of social assistance payments and child benefit.
The requirement to be habitually resident in Ireland was introduced as a qualifying condition for certain social assistance schemes and child benefit with effect from 1 May 2004. The basis for the restriction contained in the new rules is the applicant's habitual residence. The restriction is not based on citizenship, nationality, immigration status or any other factor. The effect of the restriction is that a person whose habitual residence is elsewhere is not paid certain social welfare payments on arrival in Ireland. The question of what is a person's habitual residence is decided in accordance with European Court of Justice case law, which sets out the grounds for assessing individual claims.
Each case received for a determination on the habitual residence condition is dealt with in its own right and a decision is based on application of the guidelines to the particular individual circumstances of each case. Any applicant who disagrees with the decision of a deciding officer has the right to appeal to the social welfare appeals office.
The application of the habitual residence condition has to be compatible with EU law and other international and national legal obligations and it is not possible, in applying the condition, to discriminate in favour of any particular group or nationality.
The habitual residence condition is being operated in a careful manner to ensure that Ireland's social welfare system is not open to everyone who is newly arrived in Ireland, while at the same time ensuring that people whose cases are appropriate to the Irish social welfare system have access to the system when they need it.
145 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the recently published three year strategy from the Combat Poverty Agency to address poverty here; the steps he intends to take to deal with the issues highlighted in the strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11832/05]
148 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way in which he will develop policy proposals for persons in poverty to have access to quality health and education services and housing, as set out in the Combat Poverty Agency’s strategic plan; if his Department plans to lead an interdepartmental strategy to combat poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11806/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 145 and 148 together.
The current national action plan against poverty and social exclusion which covers the period 2003-05 sets out in detail the actions being taken by Government to give effect to its strategy to combat poverty and social exclusion. The plan sets out commitments and targets for all relevant Government Departments aimed at meeting the Lisbon pledge "to make a decisive impact on the eradication of poverty" by 2010. It incorporates the strategic approach to tackling poverty in the National Anti-Poverty Strategy 1997-2007 and reflects the social inclusion commitments agreed in sustaining progress.
The plan has been drawn up on the basis of an overall structure for such plans agreed at EU level under the open method of co-ordination process. It thus recognises that the causes of poverty and its effects are multifaceted and require an integrated, multi-policy response for application at national, regional and local levels.
Last December, 2004, I launched the first detailed report by the office for social inclusion on implementation of this plan covering the first year of its application. The annual report is designed to ensure that progress in implementing the plan is closely and regularly monitored. I also arranged for the report to be put on the website of the office for social inclusion to further facilitate access to the comprehensive information on the measures being taken here in Ireland to combat poverty and social exclusion.
An evaluation of the progress achieved is currently being made by the office for social inclusion in consultation with all relevant Departments. This is due for completion and submission to the EU Commission by end June. This will in turn form the basis for drawing up the next national action plan due for submission to the Commission by end 2006.
As Minister for Social and Family Affairs, I have lead responsibility for driving this process, working closely with my ministerial colleagues through the Cabinet committee on social inclusion.
The office for social inclusion, OSI, in my Department co-ordinates the process at official level through ongoing liaison with individual Departments, its own management group of assistant secretaries, the senior officials group on social inclusion, chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach, and the social inclusion consultative group, composed of representatives of the social partners and the community and voluntary sector.
The Combat Poverty Agency has a key and valued role at every stage of this process, working closely with the office for social inclusion. Its four general functions are: policy advice; project support and innovation; research; and public education.
The agency's strategic plan sets out goals across three main areas: distribution of income and employment; access to health and education services of high quality; and the further development of and local and regional-level responses to poverty.
Full account will be taken by the OSI and by individual Departments, of the agency's strategy, its views and advice on policy, and of its experience and expertise, in monitoring and evaluating progress in achieving the objectives of the national anti-poverty strategy and in its further development.
146 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if phase I of his Department’s review of the supplementary welfare allowance in 2000 was finished; the findings and recommendations of that review; if his Department has ever published that review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11895/05]
154 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he has plans to change the way in which the supplementary welfare allowance is to be administered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11896/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 146 and 154 together.
The supplementary welfare scheme is being reviewed as part of my Department's programme of expenditure reviews. The review is being carried out by an inter-departmental working group chaired by my Department, including the Department of Finance, the Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive.
The review involves a fundamental appraisal of the scheme. All aspects are being examined, with a primary focus on considering ways of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the scheme.
Due to the number and nature of the issues raised, the working group decided to progress the review in two phases. Phase I of the review was completed at the end of 2004. This is a preliminary phase, outlining the background to the scheme, its current format, the trends in recipient numbers and expenditure, the objectives of the scheme, and their relevance in the context of Government and departmental strategies, policy and administrative issues for further consideration.
In this first phase, the working group carried out an extensive consultation process. This resulted in 145 submissions being received by the working group. Over 700 issues were raised in these submissions.
Following final editing, the report of phase I is being printed now and I expect it to be available next month. The report will also be available at that time on the Departmental website.
Phase II of the review commenced in January 2005. This involves a full examination of the issues raised by the group and in the submissions received, the efficiency and effectiveness of the scheme, and the validity objectives. The group will make recommendations as necessary in relation to the future of the scheme based on the conclusions of its examination and is due to complete its work by the end of 2005.
The recent establishment of the Health Service Executive requires a fresh consideration of the role and structure of the community welfare service and of the most appropriate location for the service in the future in the context of the other social welfare services operated directly by my Department.
The issue is also central to the work of the scheme review group, particularly in its examination of the efficiency and effectiveness of the current administrative arrangements. I expect to be in a position to decide on future administrative arrangements later this year.
149 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his Department has carried out or commissioned any research specifically on the needs of separated fathers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11815/05]
Under my Department's families research programme to date, 14 reports have been published on a range of issues such as parenting, family formation, family well-being, marriage and relationships counselling and children's experiences of parental separation.
Two of the 14 research projects dealt specifically with men's issues. A report entitled Young Men on the Margins, published in April 2004, looked at the risks of marginalisation faced by some men by way of a number of qualitative interviews with homeless young men, almost half of whom were fathers. Issues raised by the report include the need for gender-specific education and preparation for life type courses, as part of the formal education process and also the need for more support for parents who are having difficulty coping with the challenge of parenting.
A second report entitled Strengthening Families Through Fathers relates to fathers and was published in November 2004. Again using qualitative interviews with vulnerable fathers, it examined the factors which led to the exclusion of some fathers from child and family services. The project also interviewed some mothers, children and professionals with a view to identifying best practice for the development of a framework for professional intervention with fathers and their families. The children interviewed were very clear as to their desire to have a relationship with their fathers.
Parenting alone and non-custodial parents, including the needs of separated fathers, are key issues currently being addressed by an interdepartmental committee, established last year, which is preparing a strategy on supports for families in a changing society. The aim is to begin a strategic process under which issues affecting families will be addressed in an integrated way across the range of Departments and agencies currently involved in providing supports and services impacting on families. Full account will be taken in this regard of the research undertaken to date on family issues, including that relating to fathers.
150 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he intends to act on the basis of a recent criticism (details supplied) of his Department’s modus operandi when dealing with cases of social welfare fraud; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11813/05]
This question relates to media reports regarding comments made by a District Court judge during the course of a court hearing in a case taken by my Department. As the Deputy is aware, the case in question is still before the courts and, in these circumstances, it would be inappropriate of me to comment at this stage.
152 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the average amount requested by his Department from liable relatives for child maintenance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11926/05]
Applicants for one-parent family payment are required to make ongoing efforts to look for adequate maintenance from their former spouses, or, in the case of unmarried applicants, the other parent of their child. Normally, this maintenance is obtained by way of negotiation or by court order, though separated couples are increasingly using my Department's family mediation service which is being progressively extended countrywide. Since 2001, one-parent family payment claimants are allowed to retain half of any maintenance received without reduction in their social welfare entitlements, as an incentive to seek support.
Where social welfare support is being provided to a one-parent family, the other parent is legally obliged to contribute to the cost of this payment. In every case where a one-parent family payment is awarded, the maintenance recovery unit of my Department seeks to trace the other parent, referred to as the liable relative, in order to ascertain whether he or she is in a financial position to contribute towards the cost of one-parent family payment. This follow-up activity takes place within two to three weeks of award of the payment.
All liable relatives assessed with maintenance liability are notified by my Department and they are issued with a determination order setting out the amount of contribution assessed. In assessing maintenance liability, the financial situation of each liable relative is first examined in detail. This is usually done at the same time as the one-parent family payment claim is being investigated. The assessment is based on the net income of the liable relative. Allowances are made for any child dependent she or he has residing with him or her, and also for certain outgoings such as mortgage payments, house rent or home improvement loans on the liable relative's residence. The methods of assessment of the liable relative's ability to pay are specified in detail in regulations.
The average amount of weekly maintenance assessed by the maintenance recovery unit of my Department is of the order of €84 per week. This compares with the current weekly maintenance amount set by the District Courts at €150 per child per week. Decisions on maintenance liabilities assessed by the Department can be reviewed where new information comes to light about the financial or household circumstances of a liable relative. Decisions on the amounts assessed can be appealed by liable relatives to the social welfare appeals office.
There are currently 1,946 liable relatives contributing directly to my Department. As a result of maintenance recovery unit activity, savings of €8.5 million were achieved in 2002 and €14.2 million in 2003. Savings of €16.6 million were achieved in 2004. These savings are composed of direct cash payments by the liable relative to the Department and of scheme savings. Savings on scheme expenditure arise where maintenance recovery activity leads to the liable relative beginning to pay maintenance in respect of a spouse and/or children and the consequent reduction of a one-parent family payment. In 2004, a total of 722 one-parent family payments were cancelled while a further 512 payments were reduced as a result of maintenance recovery activity.
In implementing maintenance recovery provisions to date my Department has concentrated on cases where the liable relatives concerned, being in employment or self-employment, would be in a financial position to make a contribution towards the relevant benefit or allowance being paid to their families.
Legislation allows my Department to seek recovery from liable relatives through the courts in appropriate cases. A total of 182 cases has been submitted for court action from 2001 to date. The majority of these cases have resulted either in orders being written against the liable relative in court or alternatively in the liable relative agreeing to pay a contribution to the Department or to the lone parent.
158 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the location of the local social welfare offices which will be dealing directly with one-parent family claims by the end of 2005 in line with his Department’s policy of localising services for lone parents by moving its services from a centralised office in Sligo to local offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11909/05]
The one-parent family payment is the income support scheme for separated, unmarried and widowed persons and also for prisoners spouses who are bringing up a child or children without the support of a partner. It was introduced in 1997 when it replaced a number of schemes for different categories of lone parent. At the end of March 2004, there were 80,087 persons receiving one-parent family payment. On average, some 330 new claims for one-parent family payment are received each week, equivalent to about 17,000 per year.
As recipients of the one-parent family payment are, in general, in a relatively young age bracket, they are more likely to move in and out of employment, education or training on a regular basis or to have other changes in their circumstances. Each year 70,000 existing claims have their rates of payment revised downward or upward mainly for these reasons. All administrative work relating to the one-parent family payment was carried out in a central office in the pension services office in Sligo.
In 2000 my Department undertook a review of the payment arrangements for lone parents. This review recommended the localisation of the administration of the scheme to bring lone parents into closer contact with the various support services available in local offices. Localisation is intended primarily to improve client service, by reducing claim processing times through closer linkage with the local investigative officer network, as well as providing more direct local contact for lone parents with the Department's employment support services.
One-parent family payment claim processing commenced on a trial basis in my Department's local office in Tallaght in 2001. Following the success of this initial project, local offices in Finglas and Waterford began one-parent family payment claim processing at the end of 2003. During 2004 and early 2005, a major training programme was undertaken to extend claim processing to a further 22 offices.
At the end of March 2005, there were a total of 25 social welfare local offices and a further 26 associated branch offices dealing with one-parent family payment claim processing. This means that approximately 60% of all new one-parent family claims received each year, approximately 10,000 claims, will be dealt with in local offices. Processing will be extended to a further 16 local offices on a phased basis during the rest of 2005.
The list of offices processing one parent family payment at early 2005 and those who will be involved during the rest of 2005 has been forwarded to the Deputy. Successful extension of claim processing to these offices will be subject to accommodation and other issues being resolved during the course of the year. By the end of 2005, approximately 90% all new one-parent family claims received each year, approximately 15,000 claims, will be dealt with in local offices.
163 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he intends to address the issue of 1950s homemakers who either were not in a position to accumulate stamps or were not in a position to accumulate a sufficient number of stamps, and who are now without a pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11811/05]
A number of measures have been introduced in recent years which make it easier for people to qualify for pensions. These include extended social insurance coverage and an easing of the qualifying conditions for old age contributory and retirement pensions. These measures are of particular benefit to women who may have less than complete social insurance records due to working in the home.
In 1997 the yearly average number of contributions required for pension purposes was reduced from 20 to 10, and in 2000 a special half rate pension was introduced based on pre-1953 insurance contributions. Pro-rata pensions are also available to allow people with mixed rate insurance records to receive a payment.
The Government is also committed to increasing the payment for qualified adults, age 66 or over, to the same level as the personal rate of the old age, non-contributory, pension and a number of special increases have been given over several budgets in pursuit of this target. In addition, since October 2002 new pension claimants can opt to have the part of the payment in respect of their spouse or partner paid direct to that person.
The homemaker's scheme was introduced in 1994 to protect the pension entitlements of those who take time out of the paid workforce for caring duties. The scheme allows up to 20 years to be disregarded when a person's insurance record is being averaged to assess entitlement for contributory pension purposes.
The scheme will not of itself qualify a person for a pension as the standard qualifying conditions relating to the type and number of contributions paid or credited must also be satisfied. The scheme is being reviewed as part of the second phase review of the qualifying conditions for the old age contributory and retirement pensions. The review is due for completion in the next few months and developments in relation to the homemaker's scheme will be considered in the light of the conclusions of the review.
The old age, non-contributory, pension is a social assistance scheme designed to provide financial support for all older people, whatever their circumstances, who do not qualify for one of the contributory pension schemes. In common with other social assistance schemes, it features a means test which is intended to ensure that available resources are targeted at those who are most in need. In this regard, budget 2005 provides for the disregard of the first €20,000 of savings or other assessable assets, such as shares or bonds, when means are being assessed. The operation of the means test is kept under review and changes are made as required.
164 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if, when a person reaches the age of eligibility for the old age pension, his Department informs that person by letter that they are eligible and that they should contact his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11892/05]
A person approaching pension age who is in receipt of a social welfare payment is advised to apply for the pension three months in advance of reaching pension age. The onus remains on the person to complete the application form and submit this to the Department. About 30% of all those who apply for an old age pension are notified under this process.
The social security authorities in a country covered by the EU regulations or bilateral agreements notify my Department in advance of a person reaching pension age. Last year, to enhance early application for pensions I initiated a series of radio advertisements to bring people's attention to the availability of pension entitlements and to remind them to apply in good time for their benefits. The campaign was followed up with interviews on local radio shows.
Staff in my Department's network of local offices and branch offices promote the availability of pensions as part of their normal work. Claim forms and pension information leaflets are available through my Department's offices throughout the country, at citizen's information centres, Comhairle, and post offices. Information is also available from my Department's information office in Dublin and from the pensions services office, Sligo. Claim forms and information leaflets are also available by telephoning LoCall 1890 20 23 25 or from my Departments website at www.welfare.ie
My Department is developing new generation information technology systems which will facilitate more customer-centred services. These developments, as part of my Department's service delivery modernisation programme, will allow my Department to be more responsive to customers needs. As part of this process my Department is developing methods to proactively invite pension customers to claim their pension entitlements.
It is intended that, over time, the number of people contacted in advance of reaching pension age and advised to apply for a pension will increase. My Department is actively considering a number of approaches to improving this service. These include better use of existing arrangements and enhancements such as automatic notification to those eligible to receive pensions.
165 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress made in his discussions with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government regarding a possible waiver scheme for social welfare recipients who face serious economic hardship due to the huge increase in local authority charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11840/05]
My Department has held discussions with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government regarding aspects of the arrangements governing the collection and disposal of domestic waste. The matter is also being discussed through the social partnership process.
The discussions between my Department and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government have focused on establishing the facts about the level of charges for domestic waste management and the increasing role played by commercial operators in this area.
It is clear from those discussions that this is a complex and evolving issue. The range of charges imposed varies quite considerably from area to area and from operator to operator. In addition, even where the total charges imposed by operators may be similar, the charging regimes vary quite considerably.
The setting of waste management charges and the introduction of waivers in respect of waste charges is, as stated by my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, a matter for the each local authority and a number have done so.
The introduction of a national social welfare scheme to address the issue is not considered feasible given the wide range of charging regimes and cost levels that exist in respect of waste management throughout the State. Any system put in place to assist people who rely on private domestic waste collection would have to be sensitive to the different local arrangements.
I will continue to monitor the situation with a view to ensuring that any necessary arrangements are in place locally to avoid hardship for people on social welfare payments and others on low incomes.
167 Ms Burton asked the Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach the number of births registered to families in Dublin 15 in each of the past three years. [11861/05]
The geographic classification of birth registrations by residence of the mother is not undertaken below local authority level in Dublin. Thus data are not available for postal districts in Dublin. The following table summarises the number of births registered since 2002 where the residence of the mother was in the Fingal local authority:
|
Year |
|
|
2002 |
3,882 |
|
2003 |
4,369 |
|
2004 |
3,305 ( January to September) |
168 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to her reply to the Adjournment matter raised by this Deputy on 14 April 2005 on the subject of vaccine trials, the procedures that are required and that are being put in place to revoke S.I. 280 of 2001, Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse Act 2000 (Additional Functions) Order 2001, resulting from the findings of the High Court which found that the order was ultra vires; if these procedures will be laid before Dáil Éireann; the other parties with whom discussions regarding this matter have taken place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12408/05]
209 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 234 of 12 April 2005, the steps which her Department is taking to investigate the inclusion of children under the care of the State in vaccine trials; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11860/05]
I propose to take Question Nos. 168 and 209 together.
The revocation of the relevant statutory instrument will require a draft resolution to be brought before both Houses. A number of complex issues have had to be considered in this matter. These issues are now approaching finalisation and discussions have taken place with a number of parties involved. I am not in a position to outline the course of action which the Government will take on this matter until all discussions have been completed
169 Mr. O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will report on efforts to provide an out of hours general practitioner service on the campus at Tallaght Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11647/05]
The Health Act 2005 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 out of hours co-operatives. Between 2000 and 2004 a total of €72.882 million was allocated to the Health Service Executive for out of hours co-operatives and €31.98 million has been included in 2005 in their baseline funding. These figures do not include the fees of the participating doctors.
The areas to be covered by co-operatives and any expansions are decisions for the relevant area of the Health Service Executive, having regard to the strategic, financial and other issues involved. Accordingly, my Department has referred the question raised by the deputy to the chief officer of the Health Service Executive's eastern region for investigation and direct reply.
170 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children if urgent assistance will be given to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 in order to obtain a place at St. Mary’s Nursing Home, Phoenix Park or at another nursing home in the north of Dublin; and if priority will be given to this case. [11648/05]
The Health Act 2005 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 health services. 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.
171 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the HSE will treat St. John’s ambulance drivers with the same care, courtesy and provisions as are provided to employees of the HSE who provide ambulance services; and if the HSE will continue to nurture a voluntary ambulance service. [11649/05]
The Health Act 2005 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver or arrange to be delivered on its behalf health and personal social services. Responsibility for the issue raised by the Deputy rests with the national hospitals office of the Health Service Executive. Accordingly, my Department has requested the director of the National Hospitals Office to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
172 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the measures she has taken to address the overcrowding of the accident and emergency department at Mayo General Hospital. [11650/05]
The Health Act 2005 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 Mayo General 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.
173 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive western region contracted any beds from private nursing homes in County Mayo. [11651/05]
The Health Act 2005 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 health services in County Mayo. 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.
174 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she intends providing additional beds at Mayo General Hospital. [11652/05]
The Health Act 2005 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 Mayo General 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.
175 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the roll out of BreastCheck in the west. [11653/05]
The roll out of the national breast screening programme to the remaining counties is a major priority in the development of cancer services. This will ensure that all women in the relevant age group in every county have access to breast screening and follow up treatment where appropriate.
A design brief for the BreastCheck static unit at University College Hospital Galway has been completed. The advertisement for the appointment of a design team will be placed in the EU Journal shortly. I am confident that the target date of 2007 for the expansion of BreastCheck nationally will be met. Any woman irrespective of her age or residence who has immediate concerns or symptoms should consult her GP, who, where appropriate, will refer her to the symptomatic services in her area.
176 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she intends to introduce legislation to regulate alternative medicine practitioners. [11654/05]
While there are no plans at present to introduce legislation to regulate alternative medical practitioners the Deputy may wish to note that a national working group was established in May 2003 to advise on future measures for strengthening the regulatory environment for complementary therapists. The group is expected to report later this year and I will review the position in the light of its recommendations.
177 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has received a report from local health authorities on the average delay for a parent wishing to undertake an adoption overseas; if she will consider contracting out this work under health board supervision in order that it may be completed without having to absorb the time of child care workers within the public health service in the same way as legal authorisations have been completed under contract for other public agencies; and if she will make a statement on her Department’s immediate plans to deal with this problem. [11655/05]
Applications for inter-country adoption are processed by the Health Services Executive, HSE, under the Adoption Acts 1952 to 1998, as amended by the Health Act 2004. The process of assessment of applicants for inter-country adoption is set out in a framework for inter-country assessment introduced in 1999 to streamline assessments and to provide a transparent system centred on the child's best interests. It involves a number of stages and would generally include: an initial assessment; a considerable level of education or preparation work including an exploration with prospective adoptive parents of the challenges and issues that are likely to arise when undertaking adoption; and a home study assessment. The length of the assessment process can vary between applicants depending on the particular circumstances of each case, bearing in mind at all times the best interests of the child. Applicants found to be suitable to be adoptive parents are granted a declaration of suitability by the adoption board and may then pursue the adoption of a child abroad with the selected sending country. It should be noted that difficulties may arise in sending countries which can also cause delay.
The length of time to complete the necessary assessment and the allocation of resources within the HSE is a matter for the management of the HSE. I have asked the Adoption Board to identify practical measures to tackle the waiting lists of inter-country assessments. The board has initiated discussions with the HSE on the matter and I look forward to receiving these proposals.
178 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the proposals she has to ensure that diabetes specialist doctors, diabetes nurses, diabetes chiropodists and diabetes dieticians are represented on the national diabetes working group (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11674/05]
The national diabetes working group was established in 2004 under the chairmanship of the chief medical officer of my Department. A broad range of health care professionals including medical and nursing diabetes specialists, public health and primary care specialists and management were nominated on to the working group by the health boards, the Department of Health and Children and the Diabetes Federation of Ireland.
In the course of its work the group has considered the report of the Diabetes Federation of Ireland, Securing the Future, and has met with representatives of the Irish Nutrition and Diabetic Institute, the Irish Diabetes Nurse Specialist Association and the Association of Optometrists of Ireland. It has also received submissions from the faculty of paediatrics and the Association of Clinical Biochemists in Ireland and drawn on international experience as reported in the scientific literature.
It is regretted that the Diabetes Federation of Ireland nominees have been unable to participate fully in the group, which has been open at all times to their participation. However, it is hoped that in progressing this important matter with the Health Service Executive all interested parties and professional groups will make their contributions in the interest of achieving the best possible outcome for diabetes patients.
179 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of ambulances available in the Roscommon and east Galway areas of the Health Service Executive; the years of service of each ambulance; her plans to update the service and replace the ambulances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11678/05]
180 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has satisfied herself with the radio control efficiency of the ambulance service within the Roscommon and east Galway areas of the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11679/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 179 and 180 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 western area to investigate the matters raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
181 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has instructed her Department’s press office to delay or withhold press releases from opposition spokespersons and their assistants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11681/05]
I assure the Deputy that no instructions have been issued to the Department's press office by anyone to delay or withhold press releases from opposition spokespersons or their assistants. As the Deputy will know it has been the practice of the press office to facilitate opposition spokespersons and their assistants by including them in press e-mail lists. The press office will continue this practice.
182 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when she proposes to publish the Dunne report into organ retention; the reasons for the lengthy delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11684/05]
I received the report from the chairman, Ms Anne Dunne, on 31 March 2005 and it is currently being examined by my Department in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General.
183 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if patients from this State who were accommodated in Northern Ireland nursing homes due to unavailability of beds in nursing homes south of the Border and from whom payments were illegally withheld will be reimbursed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11689/05]
The placing of a person in a private nursing home is a private matter between the person or his or her representatives and the nursing home proprietor, as are the fees charged in these facilities. In the case of a patient who normally resided in this State, choosing private nursing home care in the North of Ireland a subvention could be paid by the HSE in the area where they normally resided. This payment could be made in accordance with the Nursing Home Regulations 1993 provided that the nursing home in the North of Ireland was registered by a health and social service board there.
184 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if some 10,000 adult employees with varying degrees of intellectual disability are being paid just 65 cent per hour or €25 per week to work a full 40-hour week in sheltered workshops and community-based companies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11704/05]
Sheltered occupational services for people with disabilities are managed in the main by voluntary organisations with financial support from the Health Service Executive. Such services usually comprise a combination of structured occupational activities and support services for people with disabilities who require a significant amount of flexibility, time and personal support. The issue raised by the Deputy is being considered by my Department in consultation with the Departments of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Finance.
185 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the proposed closure of the nursing home at Beaumont Hospital; the reason this unit is not allowed to assist the crisis in hospitals in freeing up beds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11705/05]
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 health services in Dublin 9. 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.
186 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will qualify for a medical card. [11712/05]
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. As the person in question resides in County Mayo 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.
187 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will be called for an outpatient appointment for a hip replacement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11713/05]
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 Roscommon 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.
188 Mr. Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a definite commitment will be given to extend the breast screening programme, BreastCheck, to County Kerry before the end of 2007. [11718/05]
The roll out of the national breast screening programme to the remaining counties is a major priority in the development of cancer services. This will ensure that all women in the relevant age group in every county have access to breast screening and follow up treatment where appropriate. The static unit for BreastCheck in the southern area will be located at South Infirmary, Victoria Hospital, Cork. A design brief for this unit has been completed. The advertisement for the appointment of a design team will be placed in the EU Journal shortly. I am confident that the target date of 2007 for the expansion of BreastCheck nationally will be met. Any woman irrespective of her age or residence who has immediate concerns or symptoms should consult her GP, who, where appropriate, will refer her to the symptomatic services in her area.
189 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the tracking study which has been carried out by his Department regarding persons diagnosed with ADD, ADHD or ODD as children while they progressed into adulthood in the context of employment, anti-social behaviour, crime, imprisonment and recidivism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11727/05]
The development of services for the management and treatment of attention deficit disorder, ADD, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD, was considered by the working group on child and adolescent psychiatric services established by the Department of Health and Children in June 2000. In its report presented in March 2001, the working group stated that the prevalence of ADD and ADHD in Ireland can be estimated at somewhere between 1% and 5% of children aged between five and 15, which is in line with the research findings in other European countries.
All aspects of the presentation, diagnosis, treatment and management of children suffering from ADD and ADHD were considered by the working group in the course of its deliberations. The different components of treatment required were set out in its report and the importance of adequate linkages with other services, such as the education services and the community health services, were emphasised.
The group recommended the enhancement and expansion of the overall child and adolescent psychiatric services as the most effective means of providing the required service for children with mental illness. This has been a priority for my Department in recent years. Since 1997, additional funding of almost €19 million has been provided to allow for the appointment of additional consultants in child and adolescent psychiatry, for the enhancement of existing consultant led multi-disciplinary teams and towards the establishment of further teams. This has resulted in the funding of a further 19 child and adolescent consultant psychiatrists. Nationally 52 such psychiatrists are now employed. The future direction and delivery of all aspects of our mental health services, including child and adolescent psychiatry, is being considered in the context of the work of the expert group on mental health policy which is due to report later this year.
190 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of a diabetes clinic at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Athy, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11729/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver or arrange to be delivered on its behalf health and personal social services. Services at St. Vincent's Hospital, Athy, 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 issue raised and to reply to the Deputy directly.
191 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if and when orthodontic treatment has been refused in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11733/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver or arrange to be delivered on its behalf health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for orthodontic services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's eastern regional area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
192 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on whether subjecting an elderly cancer patient to a seven hour return trip from the south east in order to attend St. Luke’s Hospital, Dublin, for palliative radiotherapy is acceptable; her further views on whether this inhumane situation will change based on her address to her party conference in April 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11739/05]
194 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the sub-committee set up to examine designated transport of cancer patients to radiotherapy facilities is likely to produce its report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11741/05]
198 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans for radiotherapy services for cancer patients in the north west in view of the fact that Donegal is isolated from centralised radiotherapy locations and that a link up with Northern Ireland for radiotherapy services is not a possibility at present. [11745/05]
199 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the way in which the access for cancer patients in the north west will be improved in view of the fact that she has stated that the accepted Government policy for radiotherapy will allow an improved service with adequate access for patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11746/05]
200 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on whether the planned Government programme for radiotherapy services is seriously flawed in that it excludes cancer patients in the south west, mid-west and the north west from having acceptable access to radiotherapy services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11747/05]
207 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she intends to provide a regional radiotherapy service to the people of the south east by the method given in the Prospectus study on public private hospital partnerships; if so, when; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11858/05]
208 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason she outlined in her address to her party’s conference in April 2005 her Department’s centralised policy on radiotherapy for centrally located units in view of the fact that she has constantly stated that she would bring cancer services close to patients; the way by which this can mean that services will be brought close to patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11859/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 192, 194, 198 to 200, inclusive, 207 and 208 together.
The Government's policy on radiation oncology is based on the report on the development of radiation oncology services in Ireland. The Government is determined to ensure access by cancer patients throughout the country to high quality radiation oncology in line with best international standards. Significant progress is being made in implementing the report's recommendations. While the immediate priority is to provide significantly enhanced services in the major population centres of Dublin, Cork and Galway, I will keep the question of networked satellite locations under active review.
Two additional linear accelerators are being provided at the supra-regional centre at Cork University Hospital, CUH, at a capital cost of over €4 million. The first of these linear accelerators has been installed and the second is expected to be commissioned by autumn. Two additional consultant radiation oncologists will be appointed at CUH with sessional commitments to the south-eastern and the mid-western areas.
The supra-regional centre at University College Hospital Galway commenced treatments for radiotherapy last month. An additional consultant medical oncologist and three consultant radiation oncologists are being appointed, two of whom have significant sessional commitments to the north-western and the mid-western areas. The report recommends that there should be two radiotherapy treatment centres located in the eastern region areas. The international panel established to advise on the optimum locations for these centres has submitted its advice to me. I intend to reach a decision on this matter shortly.
As recommended in the report, the national radiation oncology co-ordinating group has been established. The group comprises clinical, technical, managerial, academic and nursing expertise from different geographic regions. The group's remit encompasses recommending measures to facilitate improved access to existing and planned services. With regard to transport solutions, the group is reviewing the progress of a pilot project involving St. Luke's Hospital aimed at improving patient access by better co-ordination between the providers of radiotherapy and referring hospitals. In light of the fact that key representatives of the providers of radiotherapy and referring hospitals are members of the group it does not intend to prepare a specific report on transport. Transport solutions are already a feature of the provision of radiation oncology services, full details of which are available from the Health Service Executive.
Members are also involved in the development of a national tele-synergy network for radiation oncology services to support improved linkages between hospitals and reduce patient and consultant travel time. The system will initially be installed in Cork and Galway this summer following which the tele-synergy light system will be installed in nominated hospitals in the south-eastern, mid-western and north-western areas which refer patients for radiation oncology treatment to Dublin, Cork and Galway. The project is progressing well and is receiving significant support from the US national institutes of health. If the Deputy were to provide more specific details on the individual case he raised, my Department will refer it to the Health Service Executive for attention.
193 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if dignity will be extended to terminally ill cancer patients who require to be free from pain in their last days and to be in the presence of their loved ones by the provision of adequate resources for care of the dying instead of total dependence on charitable donations for this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11740/05]
The publication of the report of the national advisory committee on palliative care was approved by the Government and launched on 4 October 2001. The report describes a comprehensive palliative care service and acts as a blueprint for its development over a five to seven-year period. The report also acknowledged the role of the voluntary sector in the provision of palliative care services. The Department of Health and Children has provided funding to all the former health boards on a pro rata basis to commence the development of palliative care services in line with the recommendations in the report.
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, 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 palliative care services.
The report recommended that palliative care needs assessment studies should be carried out in each health board area. Information gleaned from these studies, which included the views of all stakeholders including service providers, patients and their carers, will inform the future development of palliative care services at Health Service Executive level in consultation with the consultative and development committees which have been set up as recommended in the report.
195 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the fact that the Cork University Hospital cancer unit has no designated inpatient cancer treatment facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11742/05]
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 hospital services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer of the Health Service Executive's southern area to investigate the matters raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
196 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the fact that the cancer outpatient facility for chemotherapy in Letterkenny acts as an overflow for accident and emergency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11743/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, 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 delivery of hospital services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer of the executive's north-west area to investigate the matters raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
197 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the fact that her Department is breaching its own guidelines which it laid down for the administration of chemotherapy and identifying that chemotherapy should be administered in designated inpatient and outpatient facilities with proper resources; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11744/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, 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 delivery of hospital services, including the application of guidelines for the use of cytotoxic medical preparations in the treatment of patients with cancer. Accordingly, my Department has requested the director of the National Hospitals Office to investigate the matters raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
201 Mr. J. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason persons did not receive the results of tests carried out having failed to obtain answers from the health offices in Ennis for a speech therapy analysis carried out in July 2005 on a person (details supplied) in County Clare. [11761/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, 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 which includes responsibility for speech and language therapy. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's mid-western area to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.
202 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a decision will be expedited for an application for a medical card in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [11775/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, 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 Health Service Executive's south-eastern area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
203 Mr. Sargent asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties in the health service in recruiting and retaining speech and language therapists, as pointed out in the Bacon report; and the measures the Government is taking to ensure that adequate speech and language therapy is available to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin. [11782/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, 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 service provision and human resource management in respect of speech and language therapy. 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.
204 Mr. Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on progressing the development and construction of the urgently needed new maternity unit at Kerry General Hospital. [11783/05]
205 Mr. Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will address the ongoing shortage of medical staff in the maternity unit at Kerry General Hospital; if she will rectify the situation. [11784/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 204 and 205 together.
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, 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 Kerry General Hospital. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's southern area to reply to the Deputy directly on the issue.
206 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the acceptance of an ex gratia payment of €2,000 for the repayment of illegal nursing home charges to medical card holders will in any way preclude a recipient from further repayments. [11801/05]
The ex gratia payment scheme refunded fully eligible persons, who paid forinpatient services in long stay care institutions and who were alive on 9 December 2004. The refund was up to €2,000 and payments made under this scheme will be incorporated into the repayment under the national scheme. Full details of the scheme will be announced as soon as possible and it is the intention to make repayments as automatic as possible.
Any person who considers that they or a family member may be eligible for repayment may register their interest in advance with the Health Service Executive, by writing to the National Refund Scheme, HSE Midland Area, Arden Road, Tullamore, County Offaly, e-mail to refundscheme@mailq.hse.ie; or by calling the helpline 1800 777737 during office hours.
210 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if funding will be provided for enhanced community nursing for the elderly in County Louth. [11871/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, 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 which includes responsibility for the provision of health services in County Louth. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's north-eastern area to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.
211 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the future of the respite services in St. Mary’s, Drumcar, County Louth. [11872/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, 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 future of respite services in St. Mary's, Drumcar, County Louth. 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.
212 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the unacceptable delay in the payment of arrears of an acting-up allowance to certain nurses within the psychiatric service of the Health Service Executive northern area which was granted to them as far back as May 2001; and if she will resolve a problem that seems to exist between her Department and the health board regarding the sanction of and mechanism for payment of the arrears. [11943/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, 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 person social services. This includes responsibility for the payment of arrears of an acting-up allowance to certain nurses within the psychiatric service. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's northern area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
213 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when approval will be granted for the construction of the oncology-haematology section at Waterford Regional Hospital which was identified as a priority in a brief submitted to her Department in January 2003; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11950/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, 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 development of hospital services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer of the executive's south-east area to investigate the matters raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
214 Mr. O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding being provided for residential drug treatment in 2005; her views on whether such funding is adequate to demand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11974/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, 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 which includes responsibility for drug treatment services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the executive to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.
215 Mr. O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will consider introducing a Dublin weighting allowance of 10% for doctors and nurses; the likely costthereof; her views on whether it is likely, if she introduced such an allowance, other health services staff would seek such an allowance; the likely cost of such an allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11975/05]
The matter raised by the Deputy was considered by the Labour Court in May 2003. The Nursing Alliance has pursued a claim for a Dublin weighting allowance for nurses in recent years. There are approximately 12,500 nurses, wholetime equivalents, employed in the three Health Service Executive areas covering the greater Dublin region. Recent estimates by my Departments show that an allowance of, for example, €3,800 per nurse would cost in excess of €52 million per annum. I am not aware of a claim for a Dublin weighting allowance from representative bodies for doctors.
In the course of the Labour Court hearing in May 2003, management argued that the claim was cost increasing and therefore precluded under the stabilisation clause of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness. It was further argued that the position of nurses could not be looked at in isolation from other health service staff and the wider public service in the Dublin region. There are more than 38,000 health service staff in the eastern region and a further 50,000 employed in other parts of the public service in Dublin. In 2003, it was estimated that the cost of paying a weighting allowance to all public servants in the Dublin area would have been in excess of €250 million per annum.
The Labour Court issued its recommendation on 18 June 2003. The court took the view that the benchmarking body had considered submissions on the issue of a Dublin weighting allowance for nurses and had taken them into account when making its judgment. It was accepted by the parties to the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness that the only means of addressing claims was through the benchmarking process and that claims would be dealt with solely within that context. Given the court's judgment that the benchmarking body considered the submissions made on the Dublin weighting allowance, the court did not recommend concession of the unions' claim.
216 Mr. O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will consider providing State funding for meals on wheels groups; the likely annual cost of such an initiative; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11976/05]
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. Accordingly, my Department has requested the national director for primary, community and continuing care of the HSE to investigate the matter raised and to reply direct to the Deputy.
217 Mr. O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will consider the extension of medical card eligibility to all those over 65; the likely annual cost of such an initiative; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11977/05]
The Government is fully committed to the extension of medical card coverage as set out in the health strategy and will continue to focus on people with low incomes. The estimated cost of extending medical card eligibility to persons aged 65 to 69 years would be approximately €82 million and that does not account for any adjustments to the rates paid to general practitioners and pharmacists participating in the general medical services schemes following the introduction of such a measure.
218 Mr. Connaughton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the situation at Aras Mhuire, Tuam, County Galway, concerning the provision of two cancer care beds which were approved for funding almost nine months ago; if she has satisfied herself that the funding for the 2.5 nursing staff to run the project is sufficient; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11978/05]
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 palliative care beds in County Galway. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's western area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
219 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason day service physiotherapy in the Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Tallaght, is unavailable for outpatients under the age of 65 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12014/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Services at the Adelaide and Meath Hospital, incorporating the National Children's Hospital, Tallaght, are provided under an arrangement with the executive. My Department has, therefore, requested the chief officer for the executive's eastern regional area to examine the issue raised and to reply to the Deputy directly.
220 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if additional funding will be allocated in order that extra personal assistants will be provided to persons with disabilities. [12015/05]
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 personal assistants.
As part of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme, 2006-2009, 250,000 extra hours of home support and personal assistance will be provided each year in line with the philosophy of supporting independent living for persons with a disability. Taking account of the 200,000 extra hours being provided in 2005, this will give a total of 1,200,000 extra hours.
221 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, further to the motion passed by the General Council of County Councils calling on her to address the democratic deficit in the new health structures, the response she will make to deal with this important issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12016/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the establishment of a Health Service Executive, HSE, on a statutory basis which took over responsibility for the management and delivery of health services from the Eastern Regional Health Authority, the health boards and a number of other specified agencies on 1 January 2005.
The Government has made specific provision for the involvement of public representatives and the users of the services in the restructured health system. Under Part 8 of the Act, provision is made for the establishment of up to four regional health forums, following consultation with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The function of each regional health forum is to make such representations to the executive as it considers appropriate on the range and operation of health and personal social services provided within its functional area. Members will be appointed to the forums by the city or county councils in each forum's functional area.
The establishment of the regional forums will enable sustained dialogue and consultation between the HSE and public representatives at local level. These arrangements will complement and reinforce the role of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children in reflecting the views of public representatives in the ongoing oversight of the health system. Regulations are currently being drafted in my Department to provide for the establishment of the forums, which I intend to bring into effect at an early date. In addition, section 41 of the Act provides for the establishment of a national health consultative forum, while under section 43 the HSE is enabled to establish whatever mechanisms it considers appropriate, including advisory panels, to assist it in seeking the views of local communities or other groups on health and personal social services.
I am satisfied that the steps to be taken pursuant to the provisions under Part 8 of the Act will provide an effective framework for ascertaining and representing the views of the public.
222 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the breakdown in the rate of subvention being awarded to nursing homes in the various regions of the HSE. [12030/05]
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 nursing home subvention scheme. Accordingly, my Department has requested the national director of primary, community and continuing care of the Health Service Executive to investigate the matter raised and to reply direct to the Deputy.
223 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a cataract operation will be expedited for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; the reason this operation was postponed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12031/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. As the person referred to by the Deputy resides in County Kilkenny, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's south eastern area to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested.
224 Mr. Curran asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of women’s refuges in the State; the extent of the State’s subvention thereto; the additional subvention required to provide such a refuge in every county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12046/05]
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 services to victims of abuse. Accordingly, my Department has requested the director for the executive's primary, community and continuing care area to investigate the matters raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
225 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was informed that a bed would be available on 11 April 2005 in University College Hospital, Galway, and was advised to reduce his medicine over the weekend, and on that date did not receive a bed; and when this person will be brought in to the hospital. [12136/05]
I understand that the Health Services Executive, western area, has outlined the position regarding the person referred to by the Deputy in its letter dated 13 April 2005.
226 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a long stay bed will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Carlow at Castlecomer Hospital, Kilkenny; the number of long stay beds at this hospital; the status of plans to provide more, in view of the level of demand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12139/05]
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 health services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's south eastern area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
227 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the likely cost of doubling the number of cancer treatment service centres in the State. [12140/05]
There are no plans to double the number of cancer treatment centres nationally. The expert advice from the national cancer forum is that there are too many treatment centres for cancer patients which has resulted in a fragmented delivery system that is not in line with best patient care. There is a clear and expanding evidence base that shows that people who have surgical treatment for many common cancers in larger centres with higher throughput experience better quality of care and better survival.
The national cancer forum is currently developing a new national cancer strategy. The strategy will make recommendations on a balanced organisation of cancer services nationally with defined roles for hospitals in the provision of cancer care. I expect the strategy to be completed in the coming months.
228 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the percentage of the total health budget allocated for mental health services in 1997; the percentage allocated in 2005; her plans for the future development of such services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12141/05]
In 1997, expenditure on mental health services was €326 million, which represented 8.96% of total health expenditure. In 2005, the estimate for spending on mental health services as set out in the recently published Revised Estimates for Public Services 2005 is €766 million. This equates to 7.1% of the overall Health Service Executive Vote when account is taken of some once-off technical adjustments arising from the establishment of that Vote. The future development of mental health services will be considered in the context of the work of the expert group on mental health policy which is expected to report later this year.
229 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will consider the introduction of a home subvention scheme to empower older persons to buy in services they feel they need from the source they prefer; the likely annual cost of such a scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12142/05]
The Health Service Executive has been piloting home care grant schemes in a number of areas. These schemes have been targeted at supporting older people living in the community as an alternative to long-term residential care and at older people who are being discharged from the acute hospital system. In the HSE eastern regional area, people have been discharged from acute hospitals under the Slán Abhaile and Home First pilot projects. In the HSE southern area, a similar project, Curam, has been piloted.
My Department has been working with the HSE to develop a national home care grant scheme. This is in keeping with a key recommendation in the O'Shea report on the nursing home subvention scheme which recommended that the health services develop a home based subvention scheme for older people as an alternative to long-term residential care. A draft of the scheme is currently being finalised by the HSE. Funding of €2 million has been allocated to the HSE in 2005 to introduce the scheme. In addition, funding of €113.75 million was allocated in 2004 for the home help service to support older people living in the community, with this funding being increased to €118.75 million in 2005.
As part of the Tánaiste's ten point plan to relieve ongoing pressure on acute hospital beds and accident and emergency services, it is proposed that the home care package scheme be expanded to support 500 additional older people who have been discharged from the acute hospital sector to their own home.
230 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the cost of funding vaccination campaigns in 2005. [12143/05]
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 vaccination campaigns. Accordingly, my Department has requested Dr. Patrick Doorley, national director, population health, Health Service Executive, to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
231 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress to date on the provision of 850 step down beds; the likely cost to the Exchequer thereof; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12144/05]
Work has been under way in the Department of Health and Children on a proposal for a public private partnership, PPP, investment scheme for 850 community nursing units and there have been discussions between my Department and the Department of Finance in the development of this PPP scheme. Public sector benchmarks prepared in respect of the projects provide a detailed risk adjusted costing of the PPP projects in the southern and eastern regions, where the shortage of long-stay beds is most acute. In accordance with Department of Finance policy, the estimated cost of a PPP project is not made available until the preferred bidder has been selected and the contract signed.
I am aware that additional long stay bed capacity is required to relieve pressure on the acute hospital and community care programme and I will pursue the need to deliver such capacity with the Minister for Finance as a matter of high priority.
232 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the services being provided for persons leaving acute care; if she will develop a discharge plan to assist persons as they settle back into their homes after a period of acute care; the likely cost to the State of such a plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12145/05]
On the publication of the Estimates for 2005, the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children announced a ten point plan to relieve ongoing pressure on acute hospital beds and accident and emergency services. Under this plan there are three specific proposals relating to services for older people: an additional 500 older people are to receive intermediate care for up to six weeks in the private sector; 100 high dependency patients are to be transferred from the acute hospitals to private nursing home care; the home care package scheme is to be expanded to support 500 additional older people who have been discharged from the acute hospital sector to their own homes.
The Health Service Executive has advertised and invited tenders from interested parties for the high dependency beds for older people. The EU tender notice for this service was published on 1 February 2005, with a closing date of 16 February for the receipt of expressions of interest. The accelerated restricted tendering procedures are being used with the tendering process in the final stage and site visits are just being completed.
With regard to the 500 intermediate care beds, the EU tender notice for this service was published under the accelerated restricted procedures on 21 January 2005, with a closing date of 7 February for the receipt of expressions of interest. The tendering process has been completed and successful applicants have been notified. The HSE has requested that hospitals ensure that appropriate patients are identified and relevant arrangements are put in place for their final destination so that the lead time in utilising the intermediate beds is minimised. The HSE has also provided funding for up to 30 home care packages for patients in each of the six major acute hospitals in the eastern region.
233 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the systems in place to vet the standards of long stay care facilities; the cost to the State thereof in 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12146/05]
Regulations governing standards in the private nursing home sector are set out in the Nursing Home (Care and Welfare) Regulations, 1993. These regulations only cover standards in the private nursing home sector. However, there is a commitment in the health strategy, "Quality and Fairness — A Health System for You", to extend the remit of the social services inspectorate to other social services, including residential services for older people.
It has been proposed that the inspectorate will take on responsibility for the intellectual disability area, in the first instance, before moving on to services for older people. In the interim, work has been carried out in a number of Health Service Executive areas on developing standards for residential care for older people. At the same time, the Irish Health Services Accreditation Board has commenced work on examining the development of accreditation standards for residential care for older people, both public and private. In this regard, it is developing a pilot programme which includes both public long-stay units and private nursing homes.
Funding of approximately €120 million has been allocated for the nursing home subvention scheme in 2005 to assist eligible older people with the cost of private nursing home care.
234 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will consider extending the nursing home subvention scheme to cover the full cost of care and to ensure that pensioners availing of such subvention also continue to retain at least half their pensions; the likely cost to the Exchequer of such measures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12147/05]
Responsibility for the administration of the Nursing Home (Subvention) Regulations, 1993 rests with the Health Service Executive. 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, which are medium, high and maximum.
Under Article 10.6 of the Nursing Homes (Subvention) Regulations 1993, the executive may pay more than the maximum rate of subvention in a case, for example, where personal funds are exhausted. The application of these provisions in an individual case is a matter for the executive in the context of meeting increasing demands for subvention subject to the provisions of the Health Act 2004. Under Article 8 of the regulations, the executive in assessing the means of an applicant shall ensure that one fifth of the weekly rate of the old age non-contributory pension is disregarded for the purposes of such assessment. The average rate of subvention paid by the executive generally exceeds the current approved maximum rate of subvention.
The Mercer report on the future financing of long-term care in Ireland, which was commissioned by the Department of Social and Family Affairs, examined issues surrounding the financing of long-term care. A working group chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach and comprising senior officials from the Departments of Finance, Health and Children and Social and Family Affairs has been established following publication of the report. The objective of this group is to identify the policy options for a financially sustainable system of long-term care, taking account of the Mercer report, the views of the consultation that was undertaken on that report and the review of the nursing home subvention scheme by Professor Eamon O'Shea.
This group has been requested to report to both the Minister for Social and Family Affairs and the Tánaiste by mid-year 2005. Following this process, it is the intention that there will be discussions with relevant interest groups on the proposals for the future financing of long-term care for older people.
235 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the funding available for acute care and rehabilitation for older persons. [12148/05]
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. Responsibility for the issue raised by the Deputy rests with the chief executive officer of the Health Service Executive. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief executive officer to reply directly to the Deputy.
236 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of suicide deaths by gender and by age group (details supplied). [12181/05]
The information requested by the Deputy is provided in the table.
|
Age Group |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
0-9 years |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
10-19 years |
29 |
7 |
36 |
|
20-29 years |
115 |
21 |
136 |
|
30-39 years |
64 |
16 |
80 |
|
40-49 years |
57 |
20 |
77 |
|
50-59 years |
45 |
11 |
56 |
|
60-69 years |
32 |
7 |
39 |
|
70-79 years |
12 |
3 |
15 |
|
80 years and over |
4 |
1 |
5 |
|
All Ages |
358 |
86 |
444 |
237 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the measures she proposes to put in place to alleviate the overcrowding in accident and emergency wards in the Mater Hospital, Dublin; the short-term and medium-term proposals in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12226/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Services at the Mater Hospital are provided under an arrangement with the executive. My Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's eastern regional area to examine the issues raised and to reply to the Deputy directly.
One of the issues being examined by the HSE is the possibility of making St. Bricin's Hospital available to ease the pressure on accident and emergency departments in Dublin. This possibility was examined a few years ago and the facility was found to be unsuitable. However, I asked that another review be carried out and staff from the executive's eastern regional area visited St Bricin's yesterday for this purpose. They will report to me on this matter.
238 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12227/05]
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 Health Service Executive's eastern regional area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
239 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if respite care will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12228/05]
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 respite care. 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.
240 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive has made a decision regarding the future of Brú Caoimhín, Cork Street, Dublin; if it intends to keep it operational for the foreseeable future; if it intends to sell it to a developer or to Dublin City Council; and, if so, the plans for the residents and staff. [12229/05]
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 health services in the Dublin 8 area. 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.
241 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of persons in receipt of the mobility allowance; her plans to increase the number of recipients in the near future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12239/05]
The latest figure available for the number in receipt of the mobility allowance is 3,376 as of 31 December 2003 at a cost of in excess of €4.3 million. My Department currently has no plans to expand this scheme.
242 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her Department has received correspondence from a person (details supplied) requesting it to endorse the nutrition and health foundation; if her Department intends in any way to sign up to this new foundation; her views on the sponsors of this new organisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12258/05]
My Department has been invited by IBEC to be associated with its newly formed nutrition and health foundation. The matter is currently under consideration and a decision on our involvement will be made shortly.
243 Mr. J. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the disturbing allegation that her Department reversed a successful policy in favour of undermining established services (details supplied); if the investigation into orthodontic services by the sub-committee of the Joint Committee on Health and Children will deal with all aspects of the problem including bullying. [12266/05]
The Dentists Act 1985 provides for the establishment of the Dental Council which provides for the registration and control of persons engaged in the practice of dentistry. Under the Act, the Dental Council also provides for other matters relating to the practice of dentistry including the adequacy and suitability of postgraduate education and training. Ultimately, it is the Dental Council that is the statutory body to accredit specialist training programmes. The statutory independence of the Dental Council means that the Department of Health and Children does not have a role in the recognition of specialist training programmes.
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for orthodontic services. The chief officers of the HSE have informed my Department that at the end of the December 2004 quarter, 23,572 patients were undergoing orthodontic treatment in the public orthodontic service. This represents a 66% increase on the numbers in treatment in May 1999. The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children is reviewing this issue and its report is awaited. My Department emphatically refutes the allegations of bullying.
244 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the decentralisation of semi-State companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11670/05]
In the decentralisation implementation group's report of 19 November 2004, it was recommended that the State agencies listed in the table below receive initial priority attention in terms of implementing the programme while still ensuring progress for the remaining organisations.
|
Location |
Organisation |
Posts |
|
Birr |
FÁS |
390.5 |
|
Clonakilty |
BIM |
94 |
|
Drogheda |
Comhairle |
47.5 |
|
Dundalk |
Sustainable Energy Ireland |
40 |
|
Loughrea |
National Safety Council |
12 |
|
Portarlington |
National Council for Curriculum and Assessment |
28 |
|
Thomastown |
Health and Safety Authority |
111 |
|
Total |
723 |
In selecting these agencies the DIG had to consider a number of criteria. These included the number of applicants to the central applications facility and the degree of progress made by the Office of Public Works in advancing a property solution at each location. The DIG indicated that it would report again in 2005 on those locations and organisations not covered in the previous report.
245 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Finance if he will bring into place a scheme to allow employees of semi-State firms who do not wish to be decentralised to transfer to Departments and agencies remaining in Dublin. [11671/05]
From the announcement of the Government's decentralisation programme in December 2003, it was made clear that participation in the relocation programme was voluntary. All those civil and public servants wishing to remain in Dublin on the transfer of their current post will be offered an alternative public service post in Dublin. My Department has been in ongoing discussions with the civil service unions concerning all the issues arising from implementation of the programme, including the concerns of those staff wishing to remain in Dublin. Officials of my Department would be willing to have similar discussions with the unions representing staff in the State agencies participating in the programme.
246 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Finance his views on the ongoing practice of semi-State companies of compelling employees to agree to a decentralisation clause in contracts associated with promotion. [11672/05]
The Government has made it clear that participation in the relocation programme is on a voluntary basis. Staff in the participating organisations have been assured that if they wish to remain in Dublin, they will be offered an alternative public service post in the capital. This remains the position. It has been clear from the beginning that future promotion policies must take account of the reality of the decentralisation programme. In its report of 31 March 2004, the decentralisation implementation group said there was a clear case for making promotions conditional on the appointees moving to the decentralised locations. It also said that this should not be seen as undermining the voluntary nature of the programme.
247 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a comprehensive and up-to-date list held by the Revenue Commissioners of all licensed premises in counties Roscommon and Leitrim. [11680/05]
I assume that the Deputy is referring to liquor licences. I have arranged for the Deputy to be provided with lists of all licensed premises in counties Roscommon and Leitrim according to the records of the Revenue Commissioners.
248 Mr. McEllistrim asked the Minister for Finance when the long awaited site for the new Garda barracks in County Kerry (details supplied) will be acquired by the Office of Pubic Works. [11694/05]
A potential site was recently identified and deemed suitable by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The Commissioners of Public Works have now opened negotiations with the owner of this site.
249 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to a draft decision of the advocate general of the European Court of Justice in a case between a company (details supplied) and the British tax authorities with regard to the ability of a UK-based company to offset tax losses incurred in foreign affiliates in other member states of the European Union; if the likelihood is that this draft decision will be upheld by the European Court of Justice; if so, the implications for Irish companies with similar structures to that of the company in question in cases in which they have affiliate operations in member states of the European Union outside the Republic of Ireland; his estimate of the tax loss implications for the Revenue Commissioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11699/05]
I am aware of the opinion issued by Advocate General Miguel Poiares Maduro on 7 April 2005 in the case to which the Deputy refers and the opinion is being examined. The Advocate General's opinion is not binding on the European Court of Justice in framing its decision. We now await judgment in this case. In advance of that judgment, I do not think it appropriate to speculate on matters that are before the court or to attempt to pre-empt a European Court of Justice ruling.
250 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he has made a statement on the proposed appointment of a person (details supplied) as the nominee to the presidency of the World Bank; his views on whether this appointment is in the best interest of the developing world in the fight against poverty and the relief of the debt of such developing countries, as called for by the Government on a number of occasions. [11700/05]
The executive directors of the World Bank board are charged, under the bank's articles of agreement, with the selection of the bank's president. On 31 March 2005, the board met to endorse unanimously the sole nominee in the presidential selection process Mr Paul Wolfowitz, who was proposed on behalf of the United States of America. The decision was formalised via a short resolution and there was no vote. By convention, the US has always provided the president of the bank. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Wolfowitz met representatives of European governments in Brussels to discuss the bank's development mission. As the Deputy may be aware, these discussions were described as constructive by the Prime Minister of Luxembourg, the current President of the European Council of Ministers. I look forward to working with Mr. Wolfowitz on the prime objectives of the bank, including progressing development policy issues and poverty reduction.
251 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance the situation in respect of PAYE and PRSI contributions for workers brought here from a non-European country for the purpose of employment in the construction industry, as widely reported in respect of a recent case (details supplied); if such workers are liable for PAYE and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11701/05]
As the Deputy will be aware, taxpayer confidentiality requires that a Minister for Finance does not answer a parliamentary question about the tax affairs of an individual or company other than when the Deputy is asking the question on behalf of the individual or company. In this instance this is not clear. In the circumstances, I regret I cannot comment on the tax affairs of any taxpayer.
However, I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the question of whether the deduction of tax under the PAYE system applies to emoluments paid to workers brought to Ireland from a non-European country for the purpose of employment in the construction industry or any other industry depends on the facts and circumstances prevailing in any specific case. The emoluments payable to an individual working here under an Irish contract of employment are subject to deductions of tax at source under the PAYE system. Where the foreign employing company has a subsidiary company in Ireland, emoluments paid by that Irish subsidiary to individuals working here are also subject to deduction of tax under the PAYE system. On the other hand, an employee working here under a foreign contract of employment and who is paid outside of Ireland by that foreign employer does not pay tax here under the PAYE system but rather is personally responsible for payment of Irish tax under the self-assessment system on his or her salary.
Individuals resident here who are not Irish domiciled can avail of a long-standing statutory tax relief, more commonly known as the remittance basis, against their foreign source income including employment income. This does not apply to the UK. In brief, individuals resident here who may avail of the remittance basis relief pay tax here on the full amount of their Irish and UK source income and on that amount of their non-Irish and non-UK source income, including employment income, brought into the State. Issues relating to PRSI are a matter for the Minister for Social and Family Affairs.
252 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Finance his views on the ongoing delay with providing a suitable site for a new Garda station in Castleisland, County Kerry.
A potential site was recently identified and deemed suitable by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The Commissioners of Public Works have now opened negotiations with the owner of this site.
253 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive a P21 balancing statement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11778/05]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a PAYE balancing statement for 2004 was issued to the taxpayer on 14 April 2005.
254 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the progress of the 2003 decentralisation programme as it applies to locations identified in County Kildare; when accommodation will be available in Newbridge and the Curragh; when sites will be finally identified for office accommodation in Kildare and Athy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11864/05]
The Office of Public Works has identified a State-owned site at the Curragh to accommodate the Army headquarters. The OPW will proceed shortly with the planning process with a view to having a contractor on site by the end of 2005. Negotiations are at an advanced stage with Kildare County Council on a site in Newbridge. Subject to no unforeseen difficulties, the OPW expects to commence construction works before the end of this year.
A number of sites are being considered for the Revenue Commissioners in Athy. The OPW awaits a decision by An Bord Pleanála on the proposed new inner relief street in the town. The OPW is at the initial stages of a site selection process in Kildare and this issue is being proactively pursued.
255 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Finance, further to Question No. 109 of 16 December 2004, the progress to date of the consultations with the interested parties; the plans there are to implement its recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12124/05]
The pre-feasibility report on Shannon flooding was distributed in October 2004 to the 22 stakeholders that contributed to its completion. To date, no replies have been received from any of the stakeholders to whom the report was distributed.
256 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the State of the home carer’s tax credit in 2005; the likely cost to the Exchequer of increasing the home carer’s tax credit to that of the PAYE tax credit in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12201/05]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the full year cost to the Exchequer of the home carer tax credit is estimated to be of the order of €100 million. The full year cost to the Exchequer of the increase mentioned by the Deputy is estimated at approximately €59 million. These figures are provisional and subject to revision.
257 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance the likely cost, on an annualised basis, to the Exchequer of rights-based disability legislation. [12202/05]
As the Deputy will be aware, my budget in December 2004 outlined overall spending plans in the disability sector, including the announcement of a special disability multi-annual funding package for high priority services with a total value of close to €900 million over the years 2006 to 2009. The costs associated with the provision of various services is a matter for the individual Ministers concerned.
258 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance the revenues raised by the 2% insurance levy in 2005. [12203/05]
A 2% levy is imposed on most non-life insurance premia, the exceptions being re-insurance, voluntary health insurance, marine, aviation and transit insurance and export credit insurance. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the latest figures available represent the receipts from the levy to the end of February 2005, which amount to €21 million. They have also informed me that the yield in 2004 was €98 million.
259 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance the likely loss to the Exchequer of doubling the rate of capital gains tax in view of the significant increases in revenues since it was reduced to 20%. [12204/05]
The revenue yield from CGT depends on several factors: the rate and composition of economic growth; the levels of economic activity; the state of the property market; investor expectations for the future; taxpayer behaviour and preferences, and the rate of tax itself. I am unable to isolate the effect of a rate change on its own. All one can say is that when the rate of CGT was last at 40%, in 1997, the yield was €168 million. The current yield is €1.5 billion, in 2004, but the increase in revenue was no doubt due to a combination of all the factors mentioned.
260 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance the likely reduction in costs accruing to the Exchequer by replacing statutory tribunals with private inquiries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12217/05]
The main driver of tribunal costs is legal fees, including those for third parties. Some reduction in costs would therefore be expected if private inquiries served to reduce the level of legal representation at such inquiries.
However, it is not practicable to provide a specific estimate of any reduction in costs because the actual savings accruing to the Exchequer would depend on the nature of the individual inquiries concerned, bearing in mind that on the one hand, some inquiries can best be conducted in public, and on the other that persons attending private hearings may be entitled to claim certain legal representation costs.
261 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has received an application for a C2 tax clearance certificate from a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; if he will take steps to have same expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12224/05]
Applications for Certificates of Authorisation under Section 531 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 — otherwise referred to as C2 Applications — are, properly, to be made to the Office of the Revenue Commissioners. The application should be sent to the Revenue district for the area where the applicant resides or is based.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that an application for a C2 for the person concerned was received in the Westmeath-Offaly district on 18 April 2005. This will be considered in the normal way over the next few days.
262 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Finance the number of disabled persons, on a county basis, who are waiting for appeals to be heard for the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994, in cases in which they have been refused at local level; when the backlog will be dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12255/05]
It is expected that the recently reconstituted medical board of appeal for the disabled drivers and disabled passengers (tax concessions) scheme will resume its meetings very shortly. In this regard, I appointed a new chairperson to the board on 14 March 2005, and I understand that a new secretary was appointed yesterday. In respect of the waiting list for an appeal, I understand there are in excess of 600 appellants. The new chairperson of the board has been asked to address the backlog as a priority. To facilitate this, I brought in new regulations on 7 April which will allow for the appointment of an additional five medical practitioners to the board of appeal. I hope to make the necessary new appointments to the board over the coming weeks.
Information in respect of the number of appeals to the board on a county basis is not held by my Department or the Revenue Commissioners, and I understand that accurate information in regard to this is not readily available at this time from the board of appeal. However, as part of the reconstitution of the board, resources are being made available to develop an improved database, which will address this. I will arrange for the information to be forwarded to the Deputy, when available.
263 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Finance the amount which would be involved in reintroducing the roll-over tax for those involved in compulsory purchase orders; his views on whether a person who is placed under a CPO has no other choice but to accept the compensation provided and therefore is not a willing participant; his further views on whether such persons are doing a great service for the greater good of national infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12256/05]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that figures are not available to estimate with any accuracy the cost of introducing a roll-over relief for those involved in compulsory purchase orders. While a person whose property is purchased on foot of a CPO does not have a choice regarding the act of purchase, the compensation they receive will include one or more of the following elements: the market value of the property acquired, damage arising from the severance of land acquired from land retained by the owner, damage arising from the injurious affection of lands retained, and disturbance and other matters not related to the value of land. Where agreement cannot be reached on compensation for compulsory acquisition, the owner concerned is entitled to access to an independent property arbitrator, who will determine the matter.
264 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Central Fisheries Board is operating illegally under the Fisheries Act 1980 due to the fact that the members of the board, which is responsible for the direction of the chief executive, have all served their allotted time and have not been replaced; if non-replacement of the board is due to the fact that the long overdue fisheries review is about to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11666/05]
The position in relation to the membership of the Central Fisheries Board is that the vacancies, which occurred recently, will be filled shortly in accordance with section 23 of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1999. There have been no difficulties reported to the Department by the management of the Central Fisheries Board arising from the current vacancies, and the Central Fisheries Board continues to operate normally on a day-to-day basis.
265 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the review of the aquaculture operation in Ardgroom Harbour at Beara in West Cork has been completed; and if new applications will be considered. [11692/05]
The review of licensed aquaculture operations in Ardgroom Harbour is ongoing and the Department is in the process of drafting proposals for a more productive and efficient disposition of longlines in the area. It will also be a central objective of these proposals to ensure that navigational safety is optimised, visual impacts are minimised and aquaculture operations are managed in a manner which respects the interests of other users of the harbour.
The Department will meet the aquaculture operators in Ardgroom in the near future to discuss these matters, and will seek a commitment from them that their operations will be conducted in accordance with best practice.
Until this process has been completed, the Department considers that it would be inappropriate to process new licence applications for Ardgroom. However, the Department is considering applications received in respect of sites in the nearby Kenmare River.
266 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason Irish stocks of motor gasoline doubled from their 10 year average in the first month of 2005, to a level of 1.4 million, as reported in the IEA monthly oil market report of 11 March 2005. [11709/05]
As a member of the International Energy Agency (IEA), Ireland is required to maintain emergency oil stocks equivalent to at least 90 days of net imports in the previous year. In line with IEA rules, member countries' reserves may include industry stocks, in addition to government or agency stocks. Ireland's strategic reserves are made up of a combination of wholly owned and rented stocks held by the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) and of industry stocks. Such stocks may comprise crude oil and specified oil products including gasoline.
Data on the IEA website referred to by the Deputy, includes details of the volumes of gasoline stocks held by Irish industry over a ten year period which, as already stated, are a component of Ireland's oil reserves.
The volumes of crude oil and oil products held at any specific time by Irish oil and consumer companies, including the refinery at Whitegate and the Bantry Oil Storage Terminal, are matters for the companies in question and take account of, inter alia, oil prices and likely trends, commercial considerations and the availability of suitable storage facilities.
267 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will provide funding to Clare County Council to increase the pier at Doonbeg, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11710/05]
Doonbeg Pier is owned by Clare County Council and responsibility for its repair and maintenance rests with the local authority in the first instance.
A programme for the funding of small harbours within the overall 2005 fishery harbours development programme is under consideration at present and funding for Doonbeg Pier will be considered under this programme taking into account the amount of Exchequer funding available and overall national priorities.
268 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding the pensions issue at An Post for retired staff; if the maximum support will be given to them in relation to money owed to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11711/05]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions Nos. 411, 427, 429, and 430 of 26 January 2005.
Regarding those former civil servants, who are also pensioners of An Post, the Attorney General has been asked for advice on their specific statutory pension entitlements.
269 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 199 of 1 March 2005, if Com Reg has carried out an audit on this site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11736/05]
My officials have requested the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, to arrange an audit of the site in question. In June 2003, at the instigation of my Department, ComReg commenced a series of audits involving measurements of non-ionising radiation emissions from telecommunications mast sites in the country. The purpose of the audits is to verify that licensed operators are in compliance with their licence conditions relating to emission limits for non-ionising radiation. These audits test the quality controls in place in companies to ensure compliance.
However, my Department has ascertained from the Deputy that there is as yet no telecommunications equipment installed on the mast in question. There is therefore no purpose to be served by conducting an audit at this point in time since there is no telecommunications equipment on the mast generating non-ionising emissions.
As soon as telecommunications equipment has been installed and commissioned on the mast in question, my Department will arrange for an audit of the site to be conducted.
270 D’fhiafraigh Mr. O’Shea den Aire Cumarsáide, Mara agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha ag éirí as Ceist Pharlaiminte 683 an 29 Meán Fómhair 2004, an mbeidh sé in ann glacadh le tairiscint Chomhairle Chontae Phort Láirge i mbliana agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina leith. [11779/05]
I mí Lúnasa 2004, rinne Comhairle Chontae Phort Láirge tairiscint dom i leith mionathrú agus daingniú na haille i gcomharsanacht Ché Heilbhic de chostas measaithe €500,000. Tá ceist deontais ón Státchiste i mbliana i gcomhair cosaint an chósta faoi bhreithniú ag an am seo, ag tabhairt san áireamh an méid cistí ar fáil agus na tosaióchtaí náisiúnta ina leith.
271 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of sub post offices which were in operation on 1 January 1997 on a county basis; the number in operation at present; if he has satisfied himself that every effort is being made to encourage new applicants to take over in cases in which the postmaster or mistress is retiring; if sufficient effort is being made to computerise especially small rural post offices; his views on whether they provide an important and vital service to the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11780/05]
The information regarding the number of post offices in operation on 1 January 1997, the number in operation at present and the number of postal agencies is set out in Appendix 1.
In every instance where a post office is closed, the vacancy is advertised by An Post as a postal agency and it is only when no suitable applicant can be found to take over the running of the post office that an office is closed.
With regard to computerisation of non-automated offices, the automated network accounts for over 95% of An Post's counter business. This means the 1,000 automated offices transact 95% of counter business while 475 non-automated offices undertake 5% of business. This figure clearly illustrates the level of business transacted by individual non-automated offices. The current level of automated coverage is considered by An Post to be extremely comprehensive by any objective standard and this level of coverage makes it difficult to justify on either customer-service or economic ground the extension of automation to all offices, regardless of their location or business volumes.
Automation of the post office network was completed in 1997. It is, therefore, only in very exceptional circumstances — such as an existing automated office closing and its equipment being transferred to a suitable neighbouring location which transacts significant volumes of welfare business — that offices are automated today. Nevertheless, An Post will undertake a pilot project to automate a selected number of non-automated offices to gauge the effect on new business.
The Government is committed to a viable and sustainable rural post office network providing a range of services to meet consumer needs. This commitment is illustrated by the Government injection of €12.7 million into the network in 2003 to facilitate modernisation measures. The Government has also strongly supported An Post initiatives such as the channelling of new utility and banking services through the network.
|
County |
1997 |
Current |
Postal Agency |
|
Carlow |
20 |
16 |
0 |
|
Cavan |
66 |
38 |
9 |
|
Clare |
64 |
53 |
5 |
|
Cork |
220 |
159 |
19 |
|
Donegal |
117 |
90 |
9 |
|
Dublin |
162 |
148 |
2 |
|
Galway |
130 |
102 |
7 |
|
Kerry |
76 |
64 |
7 |
|
Kildare |
36 |
29 |
2 |
|
Kilkenny |
48 |
33 |
9 |
|
Laois |
29 |
21 |
1 |
|
Leitrim |
50 |
27 |
7 |
|
Limerick |
94 |
70 |
7 |
|
Longford |
24 |
16 |
2 |
|
Louth |
40 |
26 |
3 |
|
Mayo |
127 |
87 |
15 |
|
Meath |
60 |
47 |
4 |
|
Monaghan |
45 |
27 |
3 |
|
Offaly |
35 |
24 |
6 |
|
Roscommon |
57 |
40 |
8 |
|
Sligo |
51 |
33 |
8 |
|
Tipperary |
81 |
49 |
4 |
|
Waterford |
39 |
34 |
3 |
|
Westmeath |
49 |
29 |
5 |
|
Wexford |
80 |
58 |
8 |
|
Wicklow |
39 |
29 |
4 |
272 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the classification which Lough Swilly in Donegal will come under, that is, open sea or smooth sea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11781/05]
The port area of Lough Swilly is designated as smooth waters within a line from Buncrana to Muckarnish Point and as partially smooth waters within a line from Dunree Head to Portsalon.
Port areas were originally derived early in the 19th century and were appropriate for trading and operating conditions at that time. The maritime safety directorate of the Department re-examined this matter in 2004 and issued a marine notice in this regard. This notice, No. 24 of 2004, lists port and sea areas and proposes, where practicable and safe, an area of smooth or partially smooth water to every port or harbour not previously listed. All marine notices are available on the following websiste www.dcmnr.gov.ie.
A person, persons or body with local knowledge who is of the viewpoint that the areas are insufficient may submit views in writing to the chief surveyor, the maritime safety directorate, Leeson Lane, Dublin 2, for consideration. The submission should be accompanied by supporting factual data, taking into account parameters of safety and sea, weather and tidal conditions.
273 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are many postboxes around Dublin still carrying the British Crown insignia; and his views on whether these trappings are appropriate or acceptable in an independent State. [12000/05]
274 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of post boxes which carry the British Crown insignia in Dublin and in the rest of the State. [12001/05]
275 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if there are plans or proposals for the removal of postboxes that carry the British Crown insignia. [12002/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 273 to 275, inclusive together.
I have no statutory function in this matter. It is an operational issue for the board and management of An Post. I am advised by An Post that it does not have a definitive figure for the number of post boxes bearing the crown insignia.
276 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the plans which are in place for the introduction of broadband to Calry (details supplied) in County Sligo. [12018/05]
The provision of broadband facilities is a matter in the first instance for the private sector telecommunications companies operating in a fully liberalised market. A number of factors determine where and when broadband services are offered, including the potential number of customers, the level of investment required, etc. I understand that Eircom recently announced plans to considerably extend its DSL broadband coverage in County Sligo by March 2006.
A major factor in the rollout of broadband is the availability of suitable infrastructure. My Department is addressing the infrastructure deficit with the regional broadband programme, under which high-speed open access broadband networks are being built, in cooperation with the local and regional authorities, in almost 120 cities and towns. The Sligo town metropolitan area network is currently under construction. The MANs offer opens access to service providers, who can access broadband speed many hundreds of times faster than those available over the telephone networks.
For smaller communities, such as Calry, my Department administers the county and group broadband scheme, under which grant aid of up to 55% of set-up costs is available. The programme is driven by the broadband needs of the community and addresses those needs by funding the most appropriate broadband technology for each particular application. A call for proposals in respect of the scheme is currently open, and full details can be found on www.gbs.gov.ie
277 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when a decision will be made in respect of the application by Wexford County Council for funding to address coastal erosion issues in County Wexford; if his attention has been drawn to the severe damage caused by winter storms at Doogan’s Warren, Rosslare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12114/05]
Wexford County Council recently forwarded proposals for funding for coast protection works to the Department. A proposal regarding Doogan's Warren, Rosslare, for soft engineering solutions to protect the dune system and to promote dune regeneration, at an estimated cost of €30,000, was included in the council's proposals as its number four priority. These proposals are under consideration at present in conjunction with the 2005 national coastal protection programme and in the context of the amount of Exchequer funding available for coast protection works generally and overall national priorities.
278 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if there is communication with other interested parties, for example, the Department of Agriculture and Food and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, as anaerobic digestion-biomass originated electricity impacted on all three Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12183/05]
279 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if a lottery is the most appropriate method of awarding contracts for anaerobic digestion-biomass originated electricity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12184/05]
280 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if consideration will be given to the promotion of anaerobic digestion development using examples of Danish, Austrian, German and Swedish experience; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12185/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 278 to 280, inclusive, together.
An alternative energy requirement programme, AER, is operated by my Department to support the construction of new renewable energy based electricity generating stations in a variety of technologies. There have been six tender rounds in the AER programme to date. All projects selected in the biomass category prior to AER VI were projects harnessing landfill gas. In each round of competitive tendering under the AER programme all applicants were required to comply with published conditions precedent in the first instance. All applications compliant with those conditions were then ranked by prices bid, by category, commencing with the lowest price bid.
A quantitative limit applied in each category and it was necessary to make provision for ranking compliant projects with identical bid prices if the remaining unallocated support in any category was less than the combined capacity tendered by those projects. The selection method applied in each category was a lottery as a transparent means of selecting between equally qualified applications bidding identical prices. This methodology was notified to the market in the competition notes when formally launched.
In the most recent competition, AER VI, specific categories were added for the first time to support biomass powered anaerobic digestion and biomass fed combined heat and power after consultations with Sustainable Energy Ireland. The inclusion of these specific categories was introduced as a preliminary step to gauge market interest and performance in those categories.
In addition to the preliminary step taken in AER VI, my Department, in association with Sustainable Energy Ireland, set up a bioenergy strategy group, BSG, to consider future policy options and support mechanisms to stimulate an increased use of biomass generally in energy conversion and to make specific recommendations for action to increase the penetration of bioenergy in Ireland.
Membership of the BSG included representatives from the Department of Agriculture and Food and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, as well as State agencies in the agriculture and energy sectors. The deliberations by the group included examination of best international practice in the various forms of bioenergy. The group's report will feed into the policy options to more than double the penetration of renewable energy technologies in the electricity market by 2010.
It is important to maximise the contribution from all renewable energy technologies to electricity production on a basis that is technically secure and fair to all parties including, in particular, electricity consumers.
281 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding plans to infill 52 acres at Dublin Bay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12254/05]
Dublin Port Company applied in March 2002 for ministerial consent for the reclamation of 21 hectares of foreshore in Dublin Bay. As private ownership of the foreshore in question was claimed, the application was made in accordance with the provisions of sections 10 and 13, as amended, of the Foreshore Act, 1933.
Issues arose concerning proof of ownership of this area of foreshore and these are being actively pursued by the State's legal services, acting on behalf of the Department, with Dublin Port Company's legal advisers. The ownership question is a material issue in terms of the form of consent that would be required for the proposed reclamation and the factors that I am required to consider in making a decision on the application. The proposed development will also require planning permission, and Dublin Port Company has been advised that it is more appropriate that the necessary consent under the planning process be obtained before the foreshore application is dealt with. This is in accordance with normal practice where a development wholly or partly on the foreshore requires planning permission. The essential purpose of this approach is to avoid situations in which modifications to a proposed development required by the planning process would necessitate a new application under the foreshore Acts by the applicant concerned.
Dublin City Council, the appropriate planning authority for the area, has been advised that the Minister does not object to the making of a planning application for the proposed development. It was made clear that there was no commitment on the Minister's part to grant the necessary foreshore consents for the development and that the application would have to be fully considered. In response, the city council has referred to the Dublin city development plan which provides that "It is an objective of Dublin City Council to prepare a plan for that part of Dublin Bay, from and including North Bull Island and the South Wall and up to and including Sandymount, Merrion Strand and Booterstown and also concentrated on the Port Area". The council also advised that "Planning applications for foreshore development shall be deemed premature pending the preparation of this plan".
282 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 184 of 7 July 2004 and 174 of 14 December 2004, the position in relation to a location (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11665/05]
I fully appreciate that the closure of the section of Cannings Lane, off Coney Road, which lies in Northern Ireland, continues to be a matter of concern to the people of Muff, County Donegal, as it is to the Deputy.
As the Deputy is aware, my Department has raised this matter on numerous occasions with the relevant Northern Ireland authorities, and with the British Government through the British Irish Intergovernmental Secretariat. While we will continue to keep it under active review, a particular difficulty is that a satisfactory way forward on the issue between the relevant authorities and the landowner in question has not yet been found. Following the Deputy's most recent inquiry, my Department again raised the issue with the British Government, which confirmed that there have been no developments since the matter was last raised with them in December 2004.
283 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent contacts with the US Government regarding the undocumented Irish currently living in the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11866/05]
The circumstances of undocumented Irish people in the US are raised on an ongoing basis in our bilateral contacts with US political leaders. Most recently, the issue was raised when the Taoiseach and I met President Bush on St. Patrick's Day. During our meeting, the President re-affirmed his commitment to work with Congress on immigration reform. The Taoiseach and I very much welcomed this commitment and emphasised the importance of addressing the situation in a positive and sympathetic way.
During the St. Patrick's Day period, I also had a detailed meeting on immigration issues with four organisations in the Boston area, including the two main Irish immigration centres there. I warmly commend the role and work of the immigration centres in the US, in particular the support, information and advice which they make available to our communities there. Funding by my Department to these organisations increased by 83% last year. I am pleased that the substantial increase in funding which I have secured for emigrant services in 2005 will enable even further support to be given to them this year.
The Deputy can be assured that the issues of our undocumented citizens and immigration reform have the highest priority for the Government. Through the ongoing efforts of our embassy and the contacts of the Taoiseach, myself and Cabinet colleagues with political leaders in the US, we will continue to encourage and support all measures that benefit Irish citizens.
284 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to reports that Roma children living in a refugee camp near a toxic waste dump in Zitkovac, Kosovo are suffering brain damage caused by high levels of lead in their bloodstream; that these persons are being denied assistance by the UN administration in Kosovo on the grounds that they are internally displaced persons and therefore do not fall under the UNHCR mandate, while the local authorities say they have no access to the majority-Serb town; if he will raise the matter at EU and UN level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12225/05]
I am aware of the recent disturbing reports on the conditions in which Roma families are living in the village of Zitkovac in northern Kosovo, and of concerns about the effect on their health of emissions from a toxic waste dump in the area. The OSCE reports that some 25% of the population of the wider municipality of Zvecan are internally displaced persons from the 1999 conflict. These include 300 Roma, who were forced from their homes in southern Mitrovica and, six years later, are still living in a temporary community shelter comprising prefabricated housing and an abandoned building in Zitkovac.
The issue of displaced persons from the conflict in Kosovo in 1999 must be resolved if there is to be a truly multi-ethnic society in Kosovo, as provided for under UN Security Council Resolution 1244. It is a top priority for the UN Interim Administration in Kosovo, UNMIK, and for the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General, Mr. Soren Jessen-Petersen, who has expressed concern at the conditions in which many displaced families from minority Serb, Roma and other communities are still living in Kosovo and in neighbouring regions of Serbia. UNMIK, with the full support of the EU, will uphold the right of all internally displaced persons in Kosovo to return to their homes and, if necessary, to have their homes reconstructed. This applies equally to those who were forced to leave their homes in 1999 and to the Kosovo Serb families displaced during the ethnic violence in Kosovo in March last year.
In the specific case referred to, the EU has also taken action to address the danger to health and the environmental damage caused by the dumping of toxic waste, over many years, from the Trepca mines and processing plant in the municipality of Zvecan. The European Agency for Reconstruction has this year completed the rehabilitation of the abandoned site, which contained 8.5 million tonnes of lead and zinc waste material. The project involved sealing the site to stop the leaking of toxic residue into the soil, or nearby sources of drinking water, and the construction of a modern sanitary landfill in Zvecan. In response to the recent reports, the Government is in contact with UNMIK for an assessment of the current situation in the area and of any additional measures which might be taken to alleviate the plight of the Roma families in Zitkovac.
Progress on the return of internally displaced persons has been disappointingly slow in Kosovo. Realistically, it will not be fully achieved in the absence of substantial political progress. The coming months provide an opportunity to begin a process which could lead to agreement on the constitutional status of a multi-ethnic Kosovo, working along with its neighbours, and with EU support, towards the eventual integration of the countries of the Western Balkans into EU structures. It is now essential that the provisional institutions of self government in Pristina, the authorities in Belgrade and the representatives of all minority communities in Kosovo engage constructively in dialogue to ensure an outcome which addresses the serious political, security and economic problems facing all the people of Kosovo.
285 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding funding for a school sports development (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11732/05]
The national lottery funded sports capital programme, administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.
Applications for funding under the 2005 programme were invited through advertisements in the press on 5 and 6 December last. The closing date for receipt of applications was 4 February 2005. All applications received before that deadline, including one from the organisation in question, are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.
286 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will allocate a grant under the sports capital programme to a project (details attached) in County Galway to allow the project to proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11786/05]
The national lottery funded sports capital programme, administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.
Applications for funding under the 2005 programme were invited through advertisements in the press on 5 and 6 December last. The closing date for receipt of applications was 4 February 2005. All applications received before that deadline, including one from the club in question, are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.
287 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will allocate a grant under the sports capital programme to a project (details attached) in County Galway to allow the project to proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11787/05]
The national lottery funded sports capital programme, administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.
Applications for funding under the 2005 programme were invited through advertisements in the press on 5 and 6 December last. The closing date for receipt of applications was 4 February 2005. All applications received before that deadline, including one from the club in question, are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.
288 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will allocate a grant under the sports capital programme to a project (details supplied) in County Galway to allow the project to proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11876/05]
The national lottery funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.
Applications for funding under the 2005 programme were invited through advertisements in the press on 5 and 6 December last. The closing date for receipt of applications was 4 February 2005. All applications received before that deadline, including one from the club in question, are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.
289 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to an application by a centre (details supplied) in County Galway under the 2005 sports capital programme for dressing rooms, toilet and shower facilities; if his attention has further been drawn to the tremendous community spirit in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12022/05]
The national lottery funded sports capital programme administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.
Applications for funding under the 2005 programme were invited through advertisements in the press on December 5 and 6 last. The closing date for receipt of applications was February 4 2005. All applications received before that deadline, including one from the club in question, are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.
290 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will allocate a grant under the sports capital programme to a project (details supplied) in County Galway to allow the project to proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12259/05]
The national lottery funded sports capital programme administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.
Applications for funding under the 2005 programme were invited through advertisements in the press on 5 and 6 December last. The closing date for receipt of applications was 4 February 2005. All applications received before that deadline, including one from the club in question, are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.
291 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, in regard to community employment schemes in rural areas in which the pool of eligible persons is small, he will allow persons under 55 years to have more than the present cap of three years on community employment schemes in order that schemes may go ahead as against collapsing for lack of numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11667/05]
On foot of a review of FÁS employment schemes, which included detailed consultations with the social partners, I decided that with effect from 10 November 2004, the three year cap would be removed for community employment, CE, participants aged 55 or over. This category of participants is now eligible to participate on CE for a maximum of six years. The extension of the participation period from three to six years for over 55s should ensure that there will be sufficient clients to fill the available places. The continuation of ring-fencing and prioritisation for the essential services of child care, health related services and drugs task force clients, and the extended participation on CE by older workers, will help to secure the continuity of community services generally.
292 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the maximum support and assistance will be given to a person (details supplied). [11795/05]
The employee in question is employed as a school warden and, like all other school wardens, is employed by the local authority. School wardens are paid a daily rate and work an average of two hours a day, Monday to Friday, during the school term. They are paid when the school is closed for teacher training, in-service days, holy days and public holidays. They are not paid for the Christmas and Easter holidays, other than the public holidays, for mid-term breaks and during the summer holidays.
Holiday pay is paid by a once-off annual payment of 8% of total hours worked and so is in accordance with the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997. School wardens may also take annual leave when required as long as adequate notice is given to the local authority so that cover can be obtained. There are no occupational pension schemes at present for school wardens but they have access to PRSAs, and a non-pensionable gratuity is payable to school wardens who, upon retiring, are at least 60 years of age and have worked a minimum of 10 hours a week for a minimum of five full years' service.
Regarding sick leave, there is no statutory requirement on any employers to pay employees who are absent due to illness except under the sick pay provisions in various employment regulation orders of the Labour Court for certain sectors of employment. This does not include school wardens. However, disability benefit is paid by the Department of Social and Family Affairs to socially insured persons who are unable to work due to illness and who meet the contribution conditions. There are no proposals at present to change the current situation or to bring forward legislative proposals to require employers to have occupational sick-pay or sick-leave schemes.
If the employee in question has any difficulty in establishing her right to payment for annual leave or public holidays, she could take a case to the Rights Commissioners for redress. If she has any query with regard to this process, she should contact the staff of the employment rights information unit of this Department at (01) 6313131, LoCall 1890 201 615 or email at erinfo@entemp.ie, who would be glad to assist her.
293 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the funding allocated to the FÁS safe pass in 2005. [11995/05]
The FÁS safe pass programme is self-financing. In addition to the existing staff administrative costs of managing the scheme, FÁS has this year allocated a further €400,000 to produce approximately 80,000 safe pass cards for construction workers and €100,000 to update the safe pass programme.
294 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the funding allocated to FÁS local employment services in 2005. [11996/05]
The National Employment Service, NES, consists of two strands, the FÁS employment service and the local employment service, LES. The objective of the LES is to focus on the provision of services to the most disadvantaged. The allocation of funding to specific schemes and services is a matter for the board of FÁS. As part of the overall allocation of €50.8 million for staff and overheads to the NES, a sum of €18m has been provided for the local employment services in 2005.
295 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the likely cost of providing for the payment of three weeks’ statutory redundancy payment for every year of service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11997/05]
The total cost to the social insurance fund of providing for statutory redundancy payments for the first three months of 2005 was €23,568,679.88. Of this, expenditure on employer rebates of 60% where the employers paid eligible employees their correct statutory redundancy lump sum entitlements amounted to €22,079,236.47. Expenditure arising from direct payments by my Department from the fund to employees who were not paid their statutory redundancy amounted to €1,489,443.41. On 1 January, 2005, the ceiling on weekly earnings to be taken into account in calculating statutory redundancy entitlements was increased from €507.90 to €600.
From these most recent figures, which are based on statutory redundancy payments of two weeks pay for every year of service, together with the usual bonus week, it can be estimated that the current total cost of redundancy payments for the full year will amount to €94,274,719.52, with €88,316,945.88 in respect of employer rebates and €5,957,773.64 in respect of direct payments to the employees.
The cost of statutory redundancy based on three weeks' pay per year of service can be further extrapolated from these figures. Thus, the total cost for the year would amount to €141,412,079.20, with €132,475,418.80 for employer rebates and €8,936,660.46 for direct payments to employees.
296 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a formal complaint was made to the labour inspectorate during the course of 2001 regarding the treatment by a company (details supplied) of its employees; the action that was taken on foot of any such complaint; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12007/05]
In October 2001, a company complained to the Department that a successful rival from overseas had been granted employment permits to bring overseas workers into the State and that the use of such labour was prompted by lower labour costs. Officials of the Department met the complainant and in the course of a detailed discussion it was alleged that the company in question could not have won a particular contract if they were compliant with the pay norms for the sector. No evidence was provided to support this assertion. In subsequent correspondence the complainant repeated the claims and referred to the registered employment agreement, REA, for the sector, in particular.
In view of the growing international involvement in the construction sector, the Department decided, as an initial step, to request evidence from the company in question as to its rates of pay. The Department requested that the company's auditors provide confirmation of the hourly rates being paid to the company's overseas workers in Ireland. This information was supplied in January 2002. Following examination of this information within the Department, the company was requested, in March 2002, to have its auditors provide a certificate to the effect that the rates of pay applying to the overseas workers complied with the terms of the relevant REA.
As a result of the Department's request, in April 2002 the company's legal advisers and its auditors carried out a joint exercise, based on a representative sample of employees, whereby the basic hourly rates of pay, in euro, of the employees in question were compared with the payslips of the same employees and their letters of secondment. The results of this exercise, together with supporting documentation were submitted to the Department in April 2002. The auditors made clear that this exercise did not constitute a formal audit. The Department also received confirmation from the company's legal adviser that the hourly rates applied to the overseas workers were in accordance with the REA and that the workers in question each received a pay slip which complied with the provisions of the Payment of Wages Act.
The documentation received from the company's auditors and legal advisors was examined in the employment rights division of the Department, which includes the labour inspectorate. This examination raised a number of questions and, later in April 2002, the company was asked for written clarification of the issues identified. A detailed response of these questions was received from the company's legal advisers in May 2002. Examination of this response indicated general compliance with the various aspects of employment law in question.
The Department wrote to the original complainant in May 2002 informing them of the outcome of the Department's enquiries in this area and advised that, with regard to the construction industry registered employment agreements, it is always open to a third party such as the trade union representative of the workers or to an employer or to a trade union representative of employers to complain to the Labour Court that an employer is in breach of a registered employment agreement. Complaints regarding alleged non-compliance with any legislation should be supported by evidence. In light of the available information, and the original complaint, the Department had no further issues to raise with the complainant at that time.
297 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he expects the National Safety Authority of Ireland to relocate to Arklow, County Wicklow; the number of members of this body who have expressed a wish to relocate to Arklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12024/05]
As part of the Government's decentralisation programme, 132 staff of the National Standards Authority of Ireland, NSAI, are to relocate from Glasnevin, Dublin to Arklow, County Wicklow.
While the NSAI was not identified as an "early mover" in the most recent report of the decentralisation implementation group published on 19 November, 2004, the authority has, in accordance with the requirements of earlier reports of the decentralisation implementation group, developed a decentralisation implementation plan. This plan is available on the authority's website and it sets a timeline of June 2006 for the move to Arklow. However, I understand from the authority that this target date is dependent on the OPW property procurement process. Following discussion between the authority and the OPW, the authority now considers that this date may need to be revised to a later date.
Results from the central applications facility confirm that out of 119 expressions of interest in moving to Arklow with the NSAI, ten of the staff currently engaged by the authority have expressed an interest in relocating to Arklow.
298 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason he has ignored a High Court order (details supplied) to file an affidavit of discovery within the time frame laid down by the court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12115/05]
I did not ignore the High Court Order in question. The terms of the discovery order were fulfilled by my Department in the time frame set out. The preparation of the affidavit is a matter for the Chief State Solicitor's office. The affidavit has been drafted by that office and was sworn by my Department yesterday. The affidavit is now in the process of being filed.
299 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a labour inspector was transferred from his Department to the Employment Appeals Tribunal in May 2003; if the inspector concerned disputed the transfer; if the Civil Service mediator recommended this person’s return to the labour inspectorate in August 2004; the reason for the delay in returning the inspector concerned to the labour inspectorate in view of the acknowledged shortage of labour inspectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12131/05]
In May 2003, two labour inspectors were transferred temporarily to the Employment Appeals Tribunal to assist in dealing with a backlog caused by an increase in the volume of cases submitted to the tribunal. One of the officers concerned disputed the proposed transfer and the grievance procedure was invoked. The civil service mediator recommended that the transfer proceed and that the officer be considered for return to the labour inspectorate in the future.
The officer duly took up duty in the Employment Appeals Tribunal in September 2003. Subsequently the matter was again referred to the Civil Service mediator and the mediator recommended in August 2004 that the officer be returned to the labour inspectorate. The officer was informed in writing on 25 August 2004 of the proposed return to the labour inspectorate subject to completion of reconciliation of outstanding absences with the individual's current line managers. The line managers asked the officer on three separate occasions in August and September 2004 to reconcile the outstanding absences but no response was received to any of these requests.
The personnel officer of my Department met the officer and a union representative on 12 October 2004 and pointed out that the only obstacle to the return to the labour inspectorate was the failure to reconcile the flexitime attendance. The officer refused to discuss the matter at the meeting. The personnel officer wrote to the officer on 21 October 2004 requesting a reconciliation of the flexitime attendance and attached the details of the relevant absences in so far as the Department was aware of them. No response was received. On two separate occasions in December 2004 and January 2005 the personnel officer requested the officer to meet him to discuss the matter but on both occasions the meeting was cancelled on the morning of the day it was to take place due to the illness of the officer concerned.
It is clear from the foregoing that the Department accepted the mediator's recommendation and initiated the process quickly in the expectation that the officer would be assigned to the labour inspectorate by early September 2004. The officer's continuing failure to comply with the normal regulations governing attendance, which apply to all staff of whatever grade using flexitime, is the sole obstacle to re-assignment to the labour inspectorate.
300 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of IDA itineraries into the north west region, by county, over the past two years; the status of those potential jobs; and if he will make a statement on the regional spread of jobs within counties in the north west. [12215/05]
The following tabular statement shows the number of first time visits made to the north west region by IDA Ireland client companies in the years 2003 and 2004. On 31 March 2005, it was announced that 423 jobs were to be created in the north west region in IDA supported companies, 300 in Toucan, the consumer telecoms business of IDT Corporation, at its new customer service centre in Sligo and 123 software development jobs at SITA Inc. in Letterkenny. Discussions on further job creation in the area are ongoing with a number of other companies.
IDA Ireland, the agency charged with attracting foreign direct investment to Ireland, has indicated that 2,778 jobs were created by IDA client companies in the north west region in the last five years. IDA is working closely with its existing base of companies in the north west. One of the challenges facing companies in the north west is in the area of competitiveness, which has resulted in job losses in sectors such as textiles and clothing and low-end manufacturing. Where a company has plans to introduce new functions or new technologies or products, IDA will assist the company where possible to make new investments that lead to new jobs.
The challenge for Ireland in winning international investments is to compete with city regions elsewhere. I understand from IDA Ireland that very often the type of investment it is interested in attracting is one which cities such as Geneva, Amsterdam, Manchester, and Singapore are also candidate locations where an investor will have a pool of more than one million people from which to draw a range of skills. A town of 5,000 or 10,000 people cannot provide that type of labour pool potential. This is very much what the spatial strategy is about, namely, to build regions which have strong centres with good access, good talent and skills and strong business services which have a global orientation.
I am confident that the strategies and policies being pursued by IDA Ireland in Donegal, together with the ongoing commitment of Government to regional development will continue to bear fruit in terms of delivering the maximum possible level of additional jobs for the county.
|
County |
2003 |
2004 |
|
Donegal |
3 |
12 |
|
Sligo |
12 |
10 |
|
Leitrim |
1 |
1 |
301 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to work with the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism to develop schemes for product development to aid significantly the attractiveness of regions perceived to have nothing to offer and thus to open up a potential for employment in the tourism and service sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12216/05]
The statutory mandates of the enterprise agencies under my remit are targeted on manufacturing and internationally traded services, and not on product development. Job creation in the tourism and tourism-related service sectors is, in the first instance, a matter for my colleague the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism and the agencies under his remit. Therefore, there are currently no plans within my Department to develop schemes to create employment in the tourism and service sector.
302 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if funding was granted for the establishment of an enterprise centre at Bray, County Wicklow; if so, when the allocation was made; the amount allocated; the status of the funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12253/05]
The allocation of grants under the community enterprise centre or CEC scheme is the responsibility of Enterprise Ireland, the agency charged with administering the scheme, and not a matter in which I have a direct role.
I am informed by Enterprise Ireland that in September 2000, the agency approved grant support for Bray Community Enterprise Limited towards the building of a community enterprise centre in Bray and towards the management costs for the first two years. Total funding approval was €940,442 made up as follows: building, €903,113 [IR£711,260] or 50% of cost, whichever is the lesser; project manager, €9,332 [IR£7,350] or 50% of cost, whichever is the lesser; and centre manager,€27,997 [IR£22,050] or 50% of cost, whichever is the lesser. A condition of the grant agreement was that construction should commence not later than 1 September 2000 and be completed not later than 30 September 2001.
The project proposal was based on the construction of the enterprise centre in a business park to be developed by Cosgrave Property Group at Fassaroe. The developers had made a site available for the centre. However, in 2000, the business park was refused planning permission by An Bord Pleanála and the entire development, including the community enterprise centre proposal, did not go ahead.
In the intervening years, the proposers have made a number of attempts to develop an alternative project proposal. However, despite receiving advice and support from Enterprise Ireland, Wicklow County Council, Wicklow Enterprise Board and Bray Chamber of Commerce, the proposers have been unable to put together a viable total funding proposal. The group has been notified that Enterprise Ireland grant approval is no longer available and will be withdrawn.
It should be noted that nearly five years have elapsed since Enterprise Ireland approved funding for the Bray project. Since then, a further CEC programme was undertaken in 2002 on a competitive basis.
303 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the eligibility criteria for the low cost supplementary dietary allowance; his plans to change them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11682/05]
304 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the eligibility criteria for the high cost supplementary dietary allowance; his plans to change them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11683/05]
305 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the expenditure and numbers availing of the dietary allowance for low-cost supplementary diets in the Health Service Executive north-eastern area on a county basis for new applicants from 1 January 2004 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11688/05]
306 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the expenditure and numbers availing of a dietary allowance for high-cost supplementary diets in the Health Service Executive north-eastern area on a county basis for new applicants from 1 January 2004 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11690/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 303 to 306, inclusive, together.
Diet supplements are provided through the supplementary welfare allowance scheme which is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. Any person who is receiving a social welfare or Health Service Executive payment, who has been prescribed a special diet as a result of a specified medical condition and who is unable to provide for his or her food needs from within his or her own resources may qualify for a diet supplement under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. Diet supplements are subject to a means test. The amount of supplement payable in individual cases depends on which of two categories of diet, low cost or high cost, has been prescribed by the applicant's medical adviser and the income of the individual and his or her dependants.
The basis for calculating the amount of diet supplement remained unchanged between 1996 and 2004. In particular, increases in social welfare rates and in the cost of special diets since 1996 had been not been taken into account in assessing entitlement in individual cases. With effect from 1 January 2004 the diet supplement scheme was restructured to take account of increases in both social welfare payment rates and the rate of food inflation since 1996. In the case of new applicants for diet supplement, the amount of supplement payable is based on increased up-to-date diet costs, €44 for lower cost diets or €57 for higher cost diets, less one third of the applicant's income or one sixth of the joint income in the case of a couple.
Because increases in the social welfare payment rates were higher than inflation since 1996, the shortfall to be met by diet supplement is less than what it was in the past. People who were in receipt of a diet supplement prior to the introduction of the revised regulations on 1 January 2004 continue to receive their existing rate of supplement until such time as there is a change in their circumstances that would warrant a review of their cases. Pending any changes I will make to the scheme, similar arrangements continue to apply this year for existing and new cases, taking account of 2005 rates of social welfare payments.
To inform future consideration of the scheme, my Department commissioned a study by an expert from the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute. The study examined the special diets prescribed in legislation for which assistance is available through the existing diet supplement scheme. It also considered the appropriate level of assistance required to cater for any additional costs involved in providing for necessary special diets relative to the cost of a normal healthy diet.
The findings of this research study have been assessed by my Department to determine how the diet supplement scheme should be developed. I announced in the budget for 2005 that improvements would be made in the context of the study and a provision of up to €2 million has been provided to facilitate this. I will introduce regulations to update the scheme as necessary as soon as the revised diet supplement amounts and applicability have been finalised based on the study recommendations. My Department is making arrangements also to publish the research study shortly. In the meantime, diet supplements continue to be provided for existing recipients and new applicants as heretofore.
Details of recipient numbers and expenditure on diet supplement in the Health Service Executive north-eastern area along with a list of the prescribed diets are set out in the following tabular statement. It is not possible to provide separate local statistics for those on high cost and low cost diet supplements, respectively, nor is it possible to provide separate statistics for Cavan and Monaghan.
|
Location |
Supplements* in payment |
Awarded since 1/1/04 |
Expenditure 2004 to date** |
|
Cavan/ Monaghan |
341 |
19 |
191,631.40 |
|
Louth |
304 |
45 |
196,618.60 |
|
Meath |
190 |
18 |
126,854.10 |
*Aggregate of high- and low-cost supplements.
**This figure relates to total expenditure for the period from 1 January 2004 to 8 April 2005 and includes expenditure on supplements which were awarded prior to 1 January 2004.
Table 2: Prescribed diets under existing diet supplement scheme
(a) low-cost diet for person aged 18 years or over
· diabetic diet,
· low fat, low cholesterol diet,
· reducing (calorie restricted) diet,
· high fibre diet,
· low fat diet,
(b) high-cost diet for person aged 18 years or over
· high protein, high calorie diet,
· gluten free diet,
· low protein, high calorie diet,
· liquidised (altered consistencies) diet,
· low lactose, milk free diet,
· high protein, low salt diet,
· modified protein, high calorie diet,
(c) Low-cost diets for person under 18 years of age
· reducing (calorie restricted) diet,
· high fibre diet,
· low fat diet,
(d) High-cost diets for person under 18 years of age
· diabetic diet,
· high protein, high calorie diet,
· gluten free diet,
· low protein, high calorie diet,
· low lactose, milk free diet,
· high protein, low salt diet,
· modified protein, high calorie,
307 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if workers brought here from a non-European country for the purpose of employment in the construction industry, as widely reported in respect of a recent case (details supplied) are liable for social insurance and, if so, the entitlements these payments give such workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11701/05]
Exemption from payment of social insurance employment contributions for a period not exceeding 52 weeks can be granted in respect of the temporary employment of persons who are not ordinarily resident in the State. Such exemptions are subject to the employee in question having a valid work permit and confirmation by the employer that social insurance contributions are paid in their home country. The arrangements are on similar lines to arrangements which apply under EU regulation on social security for migrant workers.
Employees granted exemptions have no entitlement to social insurance benefits in this country during the period of the exemption. Should an employee continue to work here after the period of the exemption, PRSI contributions are payable in the normal manner through the Revenue system.
309 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he has plans to encourage the use of public transport by officials in the course of departmental business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11856/05]
Travel costs are paid to officials in my Department in accordance with Department of Finance regulations and instructions. These regulations and instructions set out the various conditions governing travel on official business, including the general requirement to use public transport at all times where this is available and feasible. My Department issues internal guidelines to staff from time to time to ensure that these regulations and instructions are adhered to.
Arising from the dispersed nature of my Department's services and, inter alia, the fact that a considerable level of investigative work must be carried out in the course of delivering the Department’s services, the use of public transport is not always feasible.
310 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason it is necessary for him to use taxpayers’ moneys to employ a press adviser and run a separate press office in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11857/05]
The function of the press office in my Department is to provide a press service to the Minister and the Department and to provide an effective channel of communication with the media. The role of the staff in the press office is to carry out these functions.
There are three staff in the Department's press office. The three departmental officers assigned to the press office include the press officer, who is a higher executive officer, the deputy press officer, who is an executive officer, and one clerical officer, who is in charge of administration.
I have appointed on a contract basis for my term of office a press adviser with effect from 30 September 2004. The press adviser and the press office consult and communicate regularly and do not operate separately. The appointment of a press adviser is to augment and supplement the existing resources in view of the wide range of services and day-to-day issues that constantly attract the attention of the media — press, radio, television, journals and magazines — at regional, national and international level.
As my Department is responsible for the allocation of more than €12 billion of Exchequer funding annually and the dispersal on a weekly basis of more than 970,000 individual welfare benefits and supports, the level of media interest is, naturally, considerable. The press adviser and members of the press office are available to accept and respond to media requests at all times of the day.
The appointment of a press adviser underlines the importance I attach to the communicating in an accurate, easily understandable and effective manner to the media and the public in general the work of my Department and the impact it is having on the lives of those who are welfare recipients. Considering that more than 1.5 million men, women and children benefit from the weekly payments from my Department and a further 1 million from the monthly child benefit payments, the level of media interest is constant and it is only proper and appropriate that there is a professional press information service available at all times that responds adequately and accurately to all queries. A well structured and always accessible press and information service is of considerable importance as a way of keeping the public, in particular welfare customers and potential welfare customers, aware of the entitlements available and of any evolving changes and alterations in social welfare policy.
311 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will report on the findings of the recent survey on income and living conditions (details supplied) collated by the Central Statistics Office and published in January 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9299/05]
The European Council meeting at Laeken in December 2001 endorsed a set of 18 common statistical indicators for measuring social inclusion. Across EU member states the EU survey on income and living conditions, EU-SILC, is the principal source for compiling data on many of these indicators. Ireland was among the first set of five countries to introduce EU-SILC in 2003 and was the first country to publish its findings. EU-SILC is a new survey of private households conducted by the CSO under EU legislation. It replaces the Living in Ireland survey, which was conducted by the Economic and Social Research Institute, ESRI, until 2001.
The 2003 report, published on 24 January 2005, presents the first set of results from the survey on the basis of data collected from June to December 2003. This survey used a different methodology to that employed in earlier surveys. It is a fact that different surveys give different results. Therefore, the apparent differences that emerged in the consistent poverty measure between the new EU-SILC results and the earlier 2001 Living in Ireland survey do not suggest any radical increase in poverty rates in Ireland between 2001 and 2003. Both the CSO and the ESRI have assured me that the figures are not comparable and that it is therefore not possible to conclude from them whether the rates for consistent poverty went up or down or remained unchanged.
There is certainly no reason to believe that there has been a worsening in poverty levels in recent years. Between 2001 and 2005, spending on social welfare increased from €7.8 billion to €12.2 billion. During the same period the lowest social welfare rates increased by 40% while the consumer price index increased by just over13%. As a result of the budget for 2005, welfare payments increased by three times the expected rate of inflation. The real improvement resulting from these developments is commented on in the EU-SILC survey.
Nevertheless, what is not in question are the groups who are identified as being most at risk. The EU-SILC survey confirms the findings of earlier analyses in this regard and provides information on the most vulnerable groups in society towards whom policy should be focused. A key message from the survey is that, despite the extremely positive and targeted action taken by the Government and the record levels of spending on social welfare, there continue to exist vulnerable groups who struggle on the margins of society. It is, therefore, necessary to intensify the efforts being made to eradicate poverty and social exclusion, particularly with regard to persons in these vulnerable groups.
The findings of this survey are a valuable contribution to the comprehensive research already undertaken into income, living standards and the extent of poverty in Ireland. The release of the EU-SILC results has also provided an impetus for the re-evaluation of the consistent poverty deprivation indicator and this issue is now being considered in the context of the national anti-poverty strategy data strategy. A meeting will take place in the near future between the office for social inclusion, based in my Department, other relevant Departments and agencies and statistical experts to consider this issue and how to progress it. Furthermore, the ongoing annual survey results from EU-SILC will help to provide a context for the monitoring and development of Government policy on combating poverty and social exclusion and for more effective international comparison of poverty levels over time.
312 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the cost of increasing the cap on rent allowance by 50%. [11963/05]
316 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the cost of increasing rent allowance thresholds by €100 weekly in 2005. [11968/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 312 and 316 together.
Rent supplements are provided through the supplementary welfare allowance scheme which is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. One of the conditions for receipt of rent supplement relates to limits on the level of rent an applicant can incur. The purpose of these rent limits is to ensure that the executive is not subsidising the cost of overly large or expensive accommodation.
The maximum levels of rent supported under the scheme for the period to 30 June 2005 are prescribed in regulations made under the Social Welfare Acts, S.I. 727 of 2003. These statutory rent limits differ across the various executive geographic areas to ensure that the rent being sought is reasonable and reflects local market conditions. Within each area, varying limits are specified also according to household composition, with scope for any special or exceptional circumstances of an applicant to be taken into consideration by the executive in determining the amount of rent supplement payable in a particular case.
In effect, the amount of rent supplement payable bridges the gap between the applicant's means and the rent being charged by the landlord, subject to statutory limits in the amount of rent towards which rent supplement is payable. Increasing the rent limits would inevitably lead to increases in the rents demanded. Increases of €100 or 50% per week in the level of rent limits would be both unrealistic and unjustified in terms of the current rental market.
Given the significant share of the private rented accommodation that is occupied by households receiving rent supplement, any such increases would have a major distorting effect on rent levels charged, not just for rent supplement recipients but for all tenants. This in turn would lead to a very significant increase in rent supplement expenditure with no net financial gain accruing to the people who rely on the scheme for their accommodation needs.
My Department is reviewing the current levels of rent limits to assist in determining what limits should apply from July 2005. This review will take account of prevailing rent levels in the private rental sector based on indices from the Central Statistics Office together with detailed input and guidance on the market situation from each area of the executive based on patterns of rent supplement applications.
Overall expenditure on rent supplement in 2005 is estimated to cost €369 million, supporting some 58,000 households on average each week. This is an increase of 4.3% on 2004 outturn, provisional, of €353.8 million.
It is not possible in the time available to estimate the cost of an increase of €100 or 50% in rent supplement levels owing to the wide variations in rents paid by households of different sizes in the different geographic areas and to the unknown impact of such increases on general market rent levels. As an indicative guide by reference to the crude average of weekly rent supplements paid, a €100 increase in weekly rent supplement could add some €300 million to scheme costs in a full year while a 50% increase in rent supplement could cost some €185 million.
313 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the likely cost to the Exchequer of increasing the back to school clothing and footwear allowance for each child aged from age two to 11 from €80 to €140 and increasing the rate for each child aged from 12-17 from €150 to €220. [11964/05]
321 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the numbers qualifying for the back to school clothing and footwear allowance in 2004-05; the cost of the allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11973/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 313 and 321 together.
The back to school clothing and footwear allowance, BSCFA, scheme assists low income families with extra costs when children start school each autumn. The scheme operates from the beginning of June to the end of September each year and is administered on my behalf by the Health Service Executive. Under the scheme an allowance of €80 is payable in respect of qualified children aged from 2 to 11 years. An allowance of €150 is payable in respect of qualified children aged from 12 to 22 years. In 2004 a total of 153,409 children benefited under the BSCFA at a cost of €17.03 million. A total of €18 million has been allocated in the 2005 Estimates for this scheme.
Based on estimated qualifying child numbers in 2005, if the rate of allowance were increased for children aged 2 to 11 years from €80 to €140, the estimated additional cost would be approximately €6.1 million. An increase for children aged 12 to 17 years from €150 to €220 is estimated to cost €3.7 million extra. The extra cost of increasing the allowance for children aged 18-22 years similarly from €150 to €220 is estimated at €500,000. Any increase in the rates of allowance are a matter for consideration in a budget context, and in the light of other priorities at that time.
314 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the average increase in welfare benefits per year since 1994; the average increase in incomes per year since 1994. [11966/05]
315 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the cost in 2005 of a €2 increase in pensions; the cost of a €7.40 increase for first and second children; and the cost of a €5.40 increase for third and subsequent children. [11967/05]
317 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the cost of the living alone allowance in 2005. [11969/05]
319 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will consider abolishing the limitation rule which applies to social welfare payments when more than one adult in a household is eligible for a social welfare payment; the likely cost of such an initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11971/05]
320 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the cost to the Exchequer of increasing the child dependant allowance to a single weekly figure to €26 for all recipients. [11972/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 314, 315, 317, 319 and 320 together.
The average increases in social welfare benefits and average industrial earnings from 1994 to 2005 is best shown by the following tabular statement. Since it has been the practice for many years to distinguish between payments to pensioners and other categories of recipients, the table shows the increases given to old age contributory pension, OACP, and to long-term unemployment assistance, LTUA. Increases in wages generally are shown by reference to gross average industrial earnings, GAIE.
|
OACP |
LTUA |
GAIE |
|
|
% |
% |
% |
|
|
1994 |
3.0 |
3.0 |
2.8 |
|
1995 |
2.5 |
2.5 |
2.1 |
|
1996 |
3.0 |
3.0 |
2.5 |
|
1997 |
4.7 |
4.7 |
3.2 |
|
1998 |
6.4 |
4.4 |
4.3 |
|
1999 |
7.2 |
4.3 |
5.6 |
|
2000 |
7.9 |
5.4 |
7.3 |
|
2001 |
10.4 |
10.3 |
8.5 |
|
2002 |
9.4 |
9.4 |
5.6 |
|
2003 |
6.8 |
5.1 |
6.8 |
|
2004 |
6.4 |
8.0 |
4.5 |
|
2005 |
7.2 |
10.4 |
4.8* |
* Estimated.
The other data requested by the Deputy is as follows. The full year cost of a €2 per week increase in the rate of payments to pensioners is €42 million; the full year cost of a €7.40 per week increase in the rate of child benefit for each of the first two children and a €5.40 per week increase in the rate payable for the third and each subsequent child is €94 million; the estimated cost in 2005 of the living alone allowance is €57 million; the full year cost of increasing child dependant allowances to €26 per child is €135 million; it is tentatively estimated that the cost of abolishing the current limitation provisions would be of the order of €55 million in a full year.
The improvements outlined would have to be considered in a budgetary context and in the light of available resources.
322 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, further to Question No. 531 of 12 April 2005, if he will provide the requirements for establishment referred to. [12117/05]
323 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of unestablished civil servants in his Department. [12118/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 322 and 323 together.
In my reply to an earlier parliamentary question I set out the position on established and unestablished positions. An established civil servant is required to serve a two-year probationary period during which he or she must prove satisfactory from a health, performance and attendance perspective. In the case of a former civil servant the probationary period is one year. Temporary clerical officers and other grades, for example, adviser to the Minister and other support staff, are employed on short-term contracts.
An unestablished civil servant in the grade of executive officer or administrative officer is required to serve a period of one-year on a contract basis. At the end of the contract period, if the civil servant proves satisfactory in all aspects, an established position will be offered. The civil servant will then undergo a further one-year probationary period.
All service grades, that is cleaners, service attendants and officers, are appointed in an unestablished capacity. Competitions are held by the Public Appointments Service from time to time to allow them compete for establishment.
There are 183 staff employed in my Department in an unestablished capacity. The numbers and grades are outlined in the following table.
|
Grades |
Number of Employees |
|
Clerical Officer |
60 |
|
Executive Officer |
12 |
|
Service Grades |
107 |
|
Other Grades |
4 (Adviser to Minister and other support staff). |
324 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the breakdown of the number of appeals being processed in relation to social welfare benefits; the number of appeals for each benefit; and the average timescale for the completion of an appeal. [12153/05]
The number of appeals on which work was in progress at 31 March 2005 was 5,207. A breakdown of these cases, by appeal category, is set out in the following appendix.
|
Number |
|
|
Old Age and Retirement |
268 |
|
Sickness and Disability |
2,052 |
|
Occupational Injuries Benefits |
294 |
|
Unemployment |
1,182 |
|
Widows and One-Parent Family Payment |
783 |
|
Child Benefit |
143 |
|
Carer’s Benefit and Allowances |
237 |
|
Farm Assist |
43 |
|
Supplementary Welfare Allowances |
56 |
|
Insurability of Employment |
100 |
|
Miscellaneous |
49 |
Over the past four years the number of appeals on hand has been reduced by a third. During 2004 some 14,083 appeals were registered and of these only 2,302, 16%, remain to be finalised.
The average processing time for appeals closed in 2004 was 20 weeks and 90% of cases were finalised within 15 weeks. This covers all phases of appeals, including, where appropriate, examination by medical assessors of the Department, and oral hearings which are now afforded in approximately 70% of the cases determined by appeals officers.
Some appeals will always take a particularly long time to process, generally for reasons which are outside the control of the appeals office. For example, delays can occur if the appellant furnishes new evidence which requires investigation at a late stage in the proceedings or where adjournments are sought by the appellant and his or her representative.
The social welfare appeals system is judicial in nature and the procedures involved are designed to ensure that every appellant's case gets full and satisfactory consideration. While the achievement of further improvement in processing times is a major objective of the office, at all times it is necessary that progress in this regard is achieved in a manner which ensures that every appeal is fully investigated and examined on all its merits.
325 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of general practitioners employed to review disability claims; if there is a high turnover of general practitioners leaving the service; and the way in which they are recruited. [12154/05]
The Department has a cadre of 21 medical assessors, including the chief and deputy chief medical advisers. The role of the medical assessor is to provide independent advice to the Department for assessment or review purposes in regard to claims for illness, disability or carers schemes' payments. This is to ensure individuals who make claims, including those claiming disability payments, comply with the medical requirements of the various schemes as laid down in social welfare legislation.
The Department's medical assessors are full time employees who are recruited through the Public Appointments Service. Each medical assessor is a fully qualified medical practitioner who has full registration in accordance with Medical Council criteria and at least six years experience in general practice. Many of the medical assessors also possess higher qualifications in relevant medical fields, some with specialist accreditation. All medical assessors receive continuing medical education in the field of human disability. There is one vacancy in the medical assessor cadre in the Department. Turnover levels are not considered high. During 2004 three medical assessors left the Department, two having reached retirement age.
326 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if, in view of the unfair anomaly whereby persons claiming disability benefit are not entitled to a Christmas bonus, he will review and consider the financial implications of including this sector prior to next year’s payment. [12121/05]
A special Christmas bonus payment was first introduced in December 1980 for social welfare pensioners and people who depend solely on their social welfare payments for income support. There has been a number of developments in this scheme since its inception, including changes in the level of the bonus payment, the introduction of a minimum payment and the extension of the categories of eligible claimants.
The focus of the bonus has always been on persons who rely on the social welfare system for financial support over the longer term. These include recipients of retirement, old age contributory and non-contributory, widow's, widower's and invalidity pensions, one-parent family payment, carer's allowance, disability allowance, long-term unemployment assistance, farm assist and people on employment support payments. The bonus is also payable to participants in the rural social scheme, which was introduced in 2004 and operates under the aegis of the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
There are no plans to amend or extend entitlement to the bonus payment to recipients of disability benefit or other short-term schemes. It is open to persons who have been in receipt of disability benefit for at least a year to apply for invalidity pension and, if they qualify for that pension they would also qualify for the Christmas bonus payment.
327 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will become more directly involved in the provision of sustainable and affordable child care for parents living in situations of disadvantage and work closely with other Departments on this important national issue. [12012/05]
Officials from my Department have had discussions with the Departments of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Health and Children, Education and Science and the health service to identify and put in place suitable funding arrangements consistent with the limited, but socially important, responsibility which my Department has in this area.
Under 2005 guidelines from my Department, community welfare officers can pay crèche supplements to assist parents with child care costs on a short-term basis in individual cases on the recommendation of a public health nurse or health service social worker. This would arise, for example, in emergency situations where there are particular family difficulties or where a parent is undergoing counselling or a course of addiction treatment. I provided €2.3 million in additional funds in budget 2005 within the supplementary welfare allowance subhead for this purpose.
The objective is to meet a short-term individual family need. However, the scheme is not designed for, nor is it suitable as, a source of ongoing funding. A number of other child care supports are available under Child Care Act provisions, the Health Service Executive; the equal opportunities child care programme — Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform; and the early start pre-school programme, Department of Education and Science. These are more appropriate and sustainable sources of financing child care supports.
I am conscious that the provision of affordable and accessible child care arrangements and facilities can contribute significantly to the success of measures being considered to address, in particular, the issue of children at risk of poverty. I will continue to keep the issue under review and to avail of whatever opportunities arise to assist social welfare recipients in this important area.
329 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will consider introducing a voucher scheme to allow older persons entitled to free public transport to avail of private transport in cases in which there are no public transport facilities readily available; the likely cost of such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12209/05]
333 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons eligible for free travel; if he is in a position to extend the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12240/05]
334 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will consider reducing the age for qualification for free schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12241/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 329, 333 and 334 together.
The free travel scheme is available to all people living in the State aged 66 years or over. It is also available to carers and to people with disabilities who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments. At the end of 2004, 624,000 free travel passes had issued with expenditure on the scheme estimated at €53.4 million. The scheme provides free travel on the main public and private transport services for those eligible under the scheme. These include road, rail and ferry services provided by companies such as Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann, services on Luas, as well as services provided by more than 80 private transport operators. The vast majority of private contractors providing services under the scheme operate in rural areas. The underlying feature of the scheme is the use of spare capacity on these transport services.
I am always willing to consider applications from licensed private transport operators who may wish to participate in the free travel scheme. However, while my Department pays transport providers to operate the free travel scheme, it is not in a position to provide transport services where none exist. Various alternatives to the existing system, including the use of vouchers, have been examined. A study published in 2000 under the Department's programme of expenditure reviews concluded that a voucher type system, which would be open to a wide range of transport providers including taxis and hackneys, would be extremely difficult to administer, open to abuse and unlikely to be sufficient to afford an acceptable amount of travel. This position remains unchanged.
The issue of access to public transport in rural areas is being addressed through the rural transport initiative, which is being managed by Area Development Management, ADM, on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Transport. My Department contributes annually to the initiative to ensure that free travel pass holders continue to have full access to community-based transport services. I understand the Minister for Transport is making arrangements for the rural transport initiative to be made a permanent fixture in the annual Government spending plans and that he intends to listen to those involved in the pilot phase of the project to establish how best the scheme can work from 2007 onwards. In addition, I will continue to review the operation of the free travel scheme with a view to identifying the scope for further improvements as resources permit.
With regard to the household benefits package of free schemes, which comprises the electricity-gas allowance, telephone allowance and television licence schemes, this package is generally available to people living permanently in the State, aged 66 years or over, who are in receipt of a social welfare payment or who fulfil a means test. The package is also available to carers and people with disabilities under the age of 66 who are in receipt of certain welfare type payments. People aged over 70 years of age can qualify regardless of their income or household composition. Widows and widowers aged from 60 to 65 whose late spouses had been in receipt of the household benefit package retain that entitlement to ensure households do not suffer a loss of entitlements following the death of a spouse.
A range of proposals has been made to extend the household benefits package of free schemes to other groups, including groups of people who are under age 66 years. These are kept under review in the context of the objectives of the scheme and budgetary resources.
330 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the extent to which he has examined the negative impact of sharply increased living costs on widows and widowers; his plans to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12236/05]
In recent years the Government has introduced a number of specific measures to benefit widows and widowers. With regard to those who are over 66 years, the Government had committed to bringing their rate of payment into line with that of the old age contributory pension. This was achieved through a series of special increases in recent budgets and the process was completed in budget 2004. The maximum rate of both old age and widowed pensions is €179.30 per week. Overall, since 1997 this payment has increased by €89.02 or 98%. The increase in the consumer price index over the same period was 30.7%. Payments for those under 66 increased by more than 70% in the same period.
Widows and widowers are also benefiting from the changes in the household benefits scheme announced over a number of budgets. Under these arrangements all persons aged over 70 years of age are entitled to the full range of benefits, regardless of their means or household composition. Widows and widowers with dependant children can benefit from the widowed parent grant, introduced in 2000, to provide additional assistance in the difficult time following a bereavement. The grant is valued at €2,700 and is paid in addition to the usual after death payments.
Increases in the rates of child benefit also benefit widows and widowers with children. Since 1997, the monthly rates of child benefit have been increased dramatically. Since April, child benefit payments are €141.60 per month for each of the first and second children and €177.30 per month for the third and subsequent children. Increases in payment supports for widows and widowers have more than covered increases in living costs in recent years. I will continue to seek opportunities to improve their position and, in this regard, the various provisions for widows and widowers under the social welfare code will be kept under review in a budgetary context.
331 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he intends to improve entitlement to pensions in respect of contributions made by self-employed persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12237/05]
Self-employed contributions are assessable for old age (contributory) pensions on the same basis as standard rate contributions. The pensions payable are in accordance with the normal rates applying to different contribution levels. A special pension is available to self-employed people who were over 56 years in 1988 when compulsory social insurance was introduced for this group. This group could not satisfy the standard qualifying conditions including the requirement to commence paying insurance ten years before reaching pension age because of their ages. In 1999 a special flat rate pension of 50% of the standard maximum rate with equivalent increases for adult and child dependants, was introduced based on the payment of 260 contributions. The pension was seen as a reasonable response to the position in which this particular group found themselves. The option of a refund of the pension portion of the social insurance contribution was also an option made available. The position will be kept under review.
332 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans to reduce the qualifying age for receipt of old age pension, contributory and non-contributory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12238/05]
Given current demographic projections for Ireland and the need to ensure the sustainability of our pensions system, there are no plans to reduce the qualifying age for entitlement to pension.
335 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons currently on the disability allowance; the number who have been disallowed in the past four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12242/05]
A total of 73,677 persons are in receipt of disability allowance. Between January 2001 and December 2004, 1,796 persons were disallowed disability allowance, of which 33 were on medical grounds and 1,763 were in respect of means. This includes cases where appeals or reapplications may be in progress. Continuing entitlement to disability allowance payment is subject to the person satisfying both the means test and the medical eligibility criteria that apply. My Department's schemes have a review mechanism to ensure eligibility conditions continue to be satisfied. This is achieved through a process of selective and periodic review of appropriate cases. Persons with severe disability are not subject to medical review for the period they are on disability allowance.
In review cases that result in disallowance, the persons concerned are informed of the decision and the reasons for it. They are also advised of their right of appeal to the social welfare appeals office. Under social welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in such decisions.
336 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will consider substantially increasing child benefit as a means of addressing the child care issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12243/05]
My Department administers a number of child income support measures, including child benefit which delivers a standard rate of payment in respect of all children in a family regardless of income levels or employment status. Child benefit supports all children but delivers proportionately more assistance to those on low incomes and with larger families. It is not intended primarily to meet child care costs. However, the very substantial increases in benefit in recent years can make a significant contribution to meeting those costs.
From this month, when budget 2005 rate increases have taken effect, monthly rates will be €141.60 in respect of each of the first two children and €177.30 in respect of the third and subsequent children. Monthly rates of child benefit have increased by €103.51 at the lower rate and €127.78 at the higher rate since 1997, increases of 272% and 258% respectively. This level of increase is unprecedented and is in line with the Government's objective of improving income for children generally.
The question of specific support for the costs of child care is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, whose Department administers the equal opportunities child care programme under the national development plan.
337 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps he will take to expedite the process of social welfare claims requiring calculation or contributions in more than one jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12244/05]
Entitlement to social welfare payments can be assessed using contributions paid in EU countries and countries with which Ireland has bilateral agreements. My Department has bilateral social security agreements in place with seven countries: Austria, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the USA and Switzerland. A bilateral understanding also exists with Quebec since 1994.
By far the largest number of cases involving EU and bilateral pro rata pension entitlement are those with UK insurance. The time taken to process claims that fall to be examined under EU and bilateral agreements is longer than that for standard Irish entitlements, reflecting the added complexity that arises in determining entitlements under these agreements. Every effort is made to minimise processing times, the overriding objective in dealing with these claims is to ensure that people receive their full entitlements. However certain elements of the process fall outside the control of my Department.
The EU-international section of my Department, which deals with retirement and old age contributory pensions, which make up the bulk of EU and bilateral pension, has a backlog of cases which is resulting in delays. The position is being kept under review and steps have been taken to further improve the situation with the recent assignment of additional staff. Technological solutions are also being applied to the claim process to help reduce time taken to process EU claims. Regular contact is made with the UK social security authority and other foreign agencies to ensure the smooth transfer of the necessary information required to decide on these claims.
I assure the Deputy that delays in processing applications will not result in any losses to pensioners and those who qualify for payment will have their claims backdated fully in accordance with the normal regulations for backdating pension claims.
338 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he intends to improve the living alone allowance payable to certain categories of social welfare recipients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12245/05]
The living alone allowance is an additional payment of €7.70 per week made to people aged 66 years or over who are in receipt of certain social welfare type payments and who are living alone. It is also available to people under 66 years of age who are living alone and are receiving payments under one of a number of invalidity schemes. For many years the policy on support for pensioners has been to commit resources to improving the personal pension rates for all pensioners, rather than supplementary payments such as the living alone allowance. This approach ensures the position of all our pensioners is improved. Any change in policy on the living alone allowance would have to be considered in a budgetary context.
340 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount of savings accruing to his Department from the budget 2004; the groups of persons who became the victims of these cuts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12247/05]
The measures introduced in the context of the 2004 Estimates included changes to the back to education allowance, one parent family payment, certain child dependant allowances, changes in the conditions of entitlement to short-term social insurance payments and changes in the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. It is not possible to quantify precisely the numbers affected by the measures in question in that where disallowances or reduced entitlements occur, the specific reasons for such are not recorded on payment systems in a way which facilitates production of the information requested. While data are regularly available on the numbers in receipt of all payments, simple comparisons of such numbers would not reliably indicate the number of persons affected by the measures.
The number in receipt of any particular scheme can and does fluctuate for a wide variety of reasons, such as seasonal factors in the case of unemployment. Furthermore, in many instances, the individuals who may have been affected by a particular measure could have availed of alternative support. It is not possible to distinguish those cases from those who, for other reasons, avail of these alternative supports over the same period. The total overall projected expenditure in 2004 on the schemes affected by the measures was, however, broadly in line with expectations.
I have conducted a review of the measures announced in November 2003 to assess their impact on people. During that review I listened to the views expressed by Members, the social partners and voluntary groups and others I have met since becoming Minister. On budget day, I announced new arrangements, and the position is as follows: the qualifying period for the back to education allowance is being reduced from 15 months to 12 months in September and, in addition, the cost of education allowance is being increased by €254 to €400; the transitional payment for recipients of one-parent family payment has been restored and will be available for six months where a recipient's income exceeds €293 per week; the income limit for entitlement to half-rate child dependant allowances for unemployment, disability and related schemes has been increased since last January by €50 per week to €350; and the saving of €700,000 arising from last year's MABS; supplement measure has been redirected to the money advice and budgeting service to enable it to further develop its services; €2.3 million, an amount equivalent to the savings achieved by the discontinuation of crèche supplements, is being made available to ensure vulnerable families can continue to have access to crèche supports, for example in cases where a social worker or public health nurse deems this necessary as part of their work with the family. I am consulting my colleagues the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform about the most appropriate way to channel this funding. An additional €2 million has been made available to improve the diet supplement arrangements; €19 million in funding from the rent supplement scheme has been transferred to the local authorities as an initial measure to enable them to put long-term housing solutions in place; the six months rule for entitlement to rent supplement has been amended to ensure bona fide tenants who experience a change of circumstances are not disadvantaged, for example, if they become ill or unemployed within six months of renting; and rent supplement remains in payment unless a third offer of local authority accommodation has been refused.
I did not raise the minimum contribution for rent supplement this year. In addition, the measure relating to half rate payments for widows and widowers and allied payments was amended earlier last year. The extended full year cost of the measures I announced is €36 million in a full year.
341 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of recipients of family income supplement; the extent to which this number has fluctuated in the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12248/05]
The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the following tabular statement:
|
Recipients of Family Income |
||
|
Supplement |
% Change |
|
|
2002 |
12,043 |
|
|
2003 |
12,317 |
2.3% |
|
2004 |
14,727 |
19.6% |
342 Mr. O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason Irish citizens, who were forced to work abroad for over a two-year period, have to fulfil the habitual residence condition to qualify for social welfare payment on their return here; the reason it is taking up to six months for a decision to be made on whether a person is habitually resident in the common travel area; the reason persons who have been resident in the common travel area over a two-year period still have to wait for a decision from the habitual residency section; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12277/05]
The requirement to be habitually resident in Ireland was introduced as a qualifying condition for certain social assistance schemes and child benefit with effect from 1 May 2004. The basis for the restriction contained in the new rules is the applicant's habitual residence. The restriction is not based on citizenship, nationality, immigration status or any other factor. The question of what is a person's "habitual residence" is decided in accordance with European Court of Justice case law, which sets out the grounds for assessing individual claims.
Each case received for a determination on the habitual residence condition is dealt with in its own right and a decision is based on application of the guidelines to the particular individual circumstances of each case. An applicant who disagrees with the decision of a deciding officer has the right to appeal to the social welfare appeals office. While decisions to the effect that applicants satisfy the habitual residence condition can be made in the vast majority of cases at claim acceptance stage the remaining complex cases are referred to a central unit based in Dublin. Delays have occurred in issuing decisions in respect of some cases referred to the central unit. This is being examined and efforts are being made to speed up the decision making process.
The common travel area is Ireland, Great Britain, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Persons who have lived in other parts of the common travel area for two years or more and then move to Ireland with the intention of settling here are quite likely to satisfy the habitual residence condition. Under existing administrative arrangements, claims received from applicants who previously lived in parts of the common travel area other than Ireland are referred to the central unit. Such applicants are required to provide documentary proof that they have lived in other parts of the common travel area and failure to do so when making their social assistance or child benefit claims can lead to delays in decisions issuing to them.
Decisions on the habitual residence condition in the cases of applicants for supplementary welfare allowance are made locally by community welfare officers. An applicant who disagrees with a decision made in this instance can also appeal the decision through an appeals system within the appropriate Health Service Executive region.
343 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will remove the anomaly whereby a person making voluntary contributions for pension purposes, and who enters insurable employment for a short period, will be penalised by as much as 50% of their pension entitlement when they reach pension age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12113/05]
To qualify for an old age contributory pension, a person must have entered social insurance at least ten years before reaching pension age, have a minimum number of paid contributions on their record and have a yearly average of at least ten contributions paid or credited from 1953, when the unified system of social insurance came into effect, or the date of entry into social insurance, if later. All contributions made, whether made through employment or as a voluntary contributor, are counted in assessing eligibility for pension.
Since reaching 66 years in 2005, the person about whom the Deputy is concerned has been in receipt of an old age contributory pension at the rate of €89.70 per week based on a yearly average of 14 contributions. This amounts to a pension at 50% of the full personal rate. The person's date of entry into social insurance was 1969 when he paid three contributions. There is no record of him paying further social insurance until 1992-93 when he commenced paying self-employment social insurance. He then became a voluntary contributor for the years 2002, 2003 and 2004. He has a total of 520 contributions paid over a 36 year period from 1969 to 2005 resulting in a yearly average of 14 contributions, which qualifies him for a 50% old age contributory pension.
The qualifying conditions for old age pension purposes were designed to ensure those qualifying for payment have an adequate and sustained history of contributions to the social insurance fund over their working lives. However, it is accepted that it can give rise to varying results, with people with the same level of contributions receiving different rates of payment depending on when they commenced paying insurance.
The qualifying conditions for the old age (contributory) pension are being reviewed. One of the key issues being addressed as part of this review involves the possibility of a change in the method of assessment from the current one based on average contributions to a system based on the total number of contributions paid-credited over a person's working life. Such a system could give rise to practical difficulties, not least of which will be deciding on the appropriate level of contributions for pension purposes which will be required. A new system must take account of the comprehensive system of social insurance which has been in place since 1988 and the potential people now have to accumulate contributions. I expect the review to be completed in the coming months.
344 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Transport the reason all works on the south side of Dublin city associated with the DASH project were not completed in one tranche in 2004. [11659/05]
345 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Transport if he will make a statement on three outstanding planning permissions appealed to An Bord Pleanála by An Taisce which threaten to delay the mobility access works due to take place over the summer of 2005 on the south side of Dublin city; if such closures will not have to be extended in duration or repeated. [11660/05]
346 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Transport if he will make a statement on future closures of DART stations associated with signalling improvements. [11661/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 344 to 346, inclusive, together.
Responsibility for the management of the DART upgrade project rests with Iarnród Éireann and queries regarding the detail of the implementation process are a matter for the company. I am informed by the company that, because of planning and property issues encountered during the first period of south side works, it was not possible to complete all planned works at that stage and that it will be necessary to suspend weekend services between Pearse Station and Greystones to complete accessibility works at southside stations from the beginning of June 2005 for 13 weekends.
The company has informed me that the work will be carried out in the shortest timeframe and with the minimum disruption to DART customers. In this regard, additional bus services will be provided along the route of the DART to cater for inconvenienced customers. The resignalling in the critical city centre area will allow for increased train movements. This will increase the frequency of services, which can operate from Connolly Station to Pearse Station from 12 to 16 per hour at peak times. Iarnród Éireann is designing a works programme for the project.
347 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport his views on calls by the Aer Lingus unions for an increase in their shareholding in the airline in the event of private investment into the company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11662/05]
Following the allocation of employee share ownership, or ESOP, shares last August, the staff currently hold 14.9% of the company. In accordance with the terms of the ESOP agreement and in line with Government policy, for so long as the State holds any shares in Aer Lingus, the maximum shareholding which the ESOT and staff can hold is 14.9% of the entire issued share capital of the company. There are no proposals to change that agreement.
348 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the action he is taking to address the operation of a bus service without a licence in competition with a licensed operator (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11663/05]
My Department has not received from the licensed operator referred to by the Deputy details of any alleged unlicensed operations of a bus service. Upon receipt of such information, my Department would bring the matter to the attention of the Garda Síochána, which has responsibility for enforcing the Road Transport Act 1932.
349 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Transport if he will examine the possibility of using the military airfield at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, as a relief for civilian traffic at the heavily congested Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11865/05]
From the point of view of civil aviation policy generally, Dublin Airport has considerable scope to expand to cater for growth in air traffic for many years to come, and accordingly Dublin does not need a second airport. The national spatial strategy has acknowledged that the expansion of the level of air services from Dublin Airport to a wider range of destinations is essential in the interests of underpinning Ireland's future international competitiveness.
Ownership of Baldonnel rests with my colleague, the Minister for Defence, and the scope and scale of operations at that aerodrome are matters for him and his Department in the first instance. As a general principle, the State would not inhibit any private concern which may wish to fund a facility for civil aviation at any location in the State, subject only to its meeting planning and aviation safety requirements.
350 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the proposals he has to increase passenger capacity on the Drogheda-Dundalk rail line. [11873/05]
I am informed by Iarnród Éireann that commuter capacity on the Drogheda-Dublin rail line has been significantly increased over recent years, with the introduction of additional services, lengthening of trains and rolling stock conversion to modern high-capacity rail cars.
I understand that they propose further to increase the capacity and frequency of services along the line to meet the projected growth in population and consequential demand for transport.
The capacity to add new services during peak commuting times is currently limited by the rail network capacity in the Dublin city centre area. Planning and design of an upgraded signalling system in the city centre area is in hand, and work is due to commence immediately after phase 1 of the DART upgrade has been completed.
In the meantime, incremental capacity improvements will be made where rolling stock availability and network capacity allow. I should add that there has also been a significant increase in capacity on bus services serving the same catchment area.
351 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Transport the efforts which have been made to reduce the lengthy delays experienced by persons awaiting their driving test; the present waiting time for each test centre from the date of application to the date of testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11944/05]
My Department's discussions with the Department of Finance about a package of measures to reduce waiting times at all test centres are at an advanced stage. The measures include the recruitment of additional driver testers as well as increased productivity. I expect that my Department will be in a position to proceed with those measures at an early date.
The average waiting time for driving tests at each test centre, for the latest date available, is set out in the following table.
|
Centre |
Average Weeks Waiting |
|
North Leinster Region |
|
|
Finglas |
24 |
|
Dundalk |
30 |
|
Mullingar |
22 |
|
Navan |
20 |
|
Raheny |
27 |
|
South Leinster Region |
|
|
Churchtown-Rathgar |
38 |
|
Gorey |
25 |
|
Naas |
39 |
|
Tullamore |
31 |
|
Wicklow |
32 |
|
Tallaght |
26 |
|
West Region |
|
|
Athlone |
28 |
|
Birr |
20 |
|
Castlebar |
20 |
|
Clifden |
17 |
|
Ennis |
18 |
|
Galway |
25 |
|
Loughrea |
15 |
|
Roscommon |
18 |
|
Tuam |
20 |
|
North-west Region |
|
|
Ballina |
21 |
|
Buncrana |
31 |
|
Carrick-on-Shannon |
25 |
|
Cavan |
27 |
|
Donegal |
17 |
|
Letterkenny |
27 |
|
Longford |
21 |
|
Monaghan |
31 |
|
Sligo |
16 |
|
South-east Region |
|
|
Carlow |
39 |
|
Clonmel |
43 |
|
Dungarvan |
42 |
|
Kilkenny |
31 |
|
Nenagh |
38 |
|
Portlaoise |
36 |
|
Thurles |
44 |
|
Tipperary |
46 |
|
Waterford |
29 |
|
Wexford |
29 |
|
South-west Region |
|
|
Cork |
26 |
|
Killarney |
39 |
|
Kilrush |
23 |
|
Limerick |
27 |
|
Mallow |
27 |
|
Newcastle West |
25 |
|
Shannon |
32 |
|
Skibbereen |
36 |
|
Tralee |
22 |
352 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons who had been driving on a provisional licence on 31 December 2004 for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11945/05]
The information requested is set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Number of provisional licences at 31 December |
|
2000 |
345,000* |
|
2001 |
325,000* |
|
2002 |
352,524 |
|
2003 |
367,807 |
|
2004 |
380,347 |
*Figures for 2000 and 2001 are estimates based on returns from licensing authorities, as the national driver file became operational only in 2002.
The Government's strategy for road safety from 2004 to 2006 states that driver licensing regulations will be amended to discourage long-term reliance on provisional licences.
353 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Transport his plans to introduce legislation whereby learner drivers will have to use an enclosed designated driving school rather than the present system whereby they use public roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12049/05]
I have no proposals to prevent the use of public roads by learner drivers and to require the use of enclosed designated driving schools. The Government's strategy for road safety for 2004 to 2006 states that it is the intention over the course of the strategy to introduce compulsory initial practical training for motorcyclists before they are permitted to drive alone on a public road. That may involve off-road tuition.
354 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the action he is taking to address the continuing problem whereby wheelchair-accessible, low-floor buses are not yet available on many Dublin Bus routes; the funding which is being provided in 2005 to provide more such buses; the number of wheelchair-accessible buses in the Dublin Bus fleet for each year from 2000 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12127/05]
All buses purchased by Dublin Bus since 2000 have been low-floor, wheelchair-accessible. That policy of purchasing fully accessible buses will be continued by the company through its fleet replacement programme.
Low-floor buses are now operating on 50 of the routes served by Dublin Bus, and that number will increase gradually as the older-style buses are taken out of service and replaced.
The number of new low-floor buses acquired by Dublin Bus since 2000 is as follows.
|
Year |
No. of buses purchased |
|
2000 |
225 |
|
2001 |
56 |
|
2002 |
53 |
|
2003 |
90 |
|
2004 |
36 |
A total of 485 buses are now low-floor, and I understand that the company proposes to purchase a further 70 in 2005.
355 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Transport if it is illegal to modify a private motor vehicle; if it is permitted in certain circumstances; and the legal position regarding the matter. [12156/05]
While the road traffic code does not contain a specific prohibition on the modification of vehicles, Article 34 of the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 requires that a vehicle and all of its parts and equipment be maintained in good and efficient working order and to be so maintained that no danger is liable to be caused by it.
In addition, vehicles are required to be roadworthiness-tested, either through the NCT system or through the commercial vehicle roadworthiness testing system.
It is advisable in any case of modification to a vehicle that the relevant motor manufacturer is first consulted and that the modification is carried out in accordance with its recommendations.
356 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the level of funding originally committed to national roads under the NDP to both the BMW and south and east regions respectively; the level of funding allocated for that purpose in each year from 2000 to 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12212/05]
The information sought is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy shortly.
357 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on Government policy regarding providing a rail link from Dublin city to Dublin Airport; and the Government’s views on extending that line through Swords and meeting the Dublin-Belfast line at Donabate for passenger transfer in view of the fact that this provides logical access to and from the airport by rail from the north, south and all the rail network throughout the country. [12213/05]
The programme for Government contains a specific commitment to develop a metro for Dublin with a link to Dublin Airport.
The Railway Procurement Agency has submitted to my Department a detailed business case for a metro from the city centre to Dublin Airport, while Iarnród Eireann submitted proposals last July for an integrated rail network in the greater Dublin area.
While the RPA has suggested several routes for the proposed metro, a final decision will be subject to a Government decision on the project and subsequently to the findings of a public inquiry as part of the statutory approval process.
In the light of the announcement by the Minister for Finance in his Budget Statement of agreement in principle to a ten-year capital investment envelope for transport, work has commenced in my Department on a ten-year transport investment plan.
The draft framework takes account of the work already done on investment priorities under the current capital envelope to the end of 2009 and of the various strategic studies already completed by my Department and its agencies, including A Platform for Change, the Strategic Rail Review and the National Road Needs Study. More specifically, my Department has engaged with Córas Iompair Éireann, the Railway Procurement Agency, the National Roads Authority and the Dublin Transportation Office to identify the broad direction and priorities under the ten-year investment framework. My Department has also consulted with other Departments, primarily through the cross-departmental team of officials which supports the Cabinet committee on infrastructure, housing and PPPs.
A draft of the ten-year transport plan is currently under consideration by the Cabinet committee. I will bring proposals to Government in due course once the Cabinet committee has concluded its work.
358 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the allocation of funds to rural bus projects throughout the country; if his Department has allocated moneys to ADM for distribution; and when allocations will be issued to each of those projects. [12214/05]
I announced on Friday, 15 April 2005 an increase in the funding allocation for the pilot rural transport initiative, RTI, in 2005 from €3.45 million to €4.5 million. The increased funding will provide scope for the 34 community transport groups being funded under the scheme to undertake a modest expansion of services, as envisaged in the 2004 evaluation of the RTI.
Area Development Management Limited, ADM, administers the RTI on behalf of my Department and has sole responsibility for making specific allocations to individual project groups from funding provided by my Department. I understand that ADM is communicating decisions to the individual RTI project groups regarding specific funding allocations for 2005 following the finalisation of agreed business plans. In making such allocations, I have called on ADM to work closely with the groups to maximise the impact of the increased funding and to ensure continued value for money.
359 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his proposals for the extension of the CLÁR area in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11691/05]
As I have indicated in replies to previous similar questions, I have no plans for any further review of the boundary of CLÁR areas.
360 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when a grant will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [11695/05]
As I indicated in my reply to Question No. 211 of 18 Nollaig 2003, a grant of €5,100 has been sanctioned in this case, and payment will be made when the work is completed and the conditions pertaining to the grant are fulfilled.
My Department is still awaiting a completed T2 form — contractor's certificate — in respect of the work involved. As soon as that form has been received, the work will be examined by my Department and, if completed satisfactorily, the grant will be paid.
361 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason his Department has withdrawn from measure 1.4 of INTERREG 3a. [11714/05]
My Department has not withdrawn from measure 1.4 of INTERREG 3a. Following an internal review, it has been decided that oversight and management of the full range of measures for which my Department has responsibility under the INTERREG and PEACE programmes should be located in a single administrative area of the Department; and the operational responsibility for implementation of measure 1.4 should be handled by ADM-CPA, which already deals with the other measures under the PEACE and INTERREG programmes.
That ensures a consistent approach to all of the PEACE and INTERREG measures for which my Department has responsibility. I can assure the Deputy that it in no way lessens my Department's commitment to those programmes.
362 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he intends to amend the qualifying criteria for the rural social scheme to include other categories of social welfare recipients (details supplied). [11730/05]
To be eligible to participate in the rural social scheme, a person must have a herd number and be in receipt of farm assist or have a valid herd or flock number and be in receipt of one of the following social welfare payments: unemployment assistance; unemployment benefit, if previously on a FÁS community employment scheme; or disability allowance.
Self-employed fishermen whose fishing boats have been entered in the register of fishing boats or who have been issued with a fishing licence for fishing for salmon at sea from the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, and who are in receipt of the following social welfare payments are also eligible for the scheme: unemployment assistance; unemployment benefit, if previously on a FÁS community employment scheme; or disability allowance.
A review of this scheme will be undertaken by my Department within the coming months. That review will include an examination of the current eligibility criteria.
363 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if grant aid will be made available through Údarás na Gaeltachta for a project (details supplied) in County Cork. [11763/05]
As the area referred to by the Deputy is not within the Gaeltacht boundaries, I regret that neither my Department nor Údarás na Gaeltachta would be in a position to provide grant aid in this case.
364 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans for the €350 million dormant account fund; if ADM will continue to administer the fund; when the fund will re-open for applications; when the legislation will come before Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11794/05]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 15 on 14 April 2005.
The Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Bill 2004 was published on 24 June 2004, fulfilling a commitment given by the Government in December 2003 following its review of arrangements regarding dormant accounts funding. The Bill is currently before the Oireachtas and, inter alia, provides for significant changes to the disbursement process and for the establishment of a reconstituted board. Dáil Committee Stage is scheduled to be taken on Wednesday, 27 April 2005. Future processing arrangements, including the role of ADM, are subject to the enactment of the Bill.
I should point out that the current value of the fund is approximately €193 million and not €350 million as suggested in the Deputy's question. Under the legislation, 15% of the fund must be maintained in reserve to meet claims for repayment and to cover administrative expenses. The current value of the fund also includes the amount allocated to the board to disburse under the initial round of funding and not yet drawn down.
365 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will expand on his recent comments regarding language teaching in Sweden and Canada (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11875/05]
I am more than happy to avail of opportunities presented by Deputies in tabling questions in this House to answer specific questions about any particular matter that comes within my area of responsibility. The comments in question are self-explanatory.
366 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding being provided for drugs task forces in 2005. [11998/05]
As the Deputy is aware, my Department has overall responsibility for co-ordinating the implementation of the National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008. It also has responsibility for the work of the local and regional drugs task forces as well as the young people's facilities and services fund.
In overall terms, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department has funding of €31.5 million available to it in 2005 to fund various drugs programmes, which represents an 18% increase on last year's budget. Through that funding, the ongoing work being done through the LDTFs and the YPFSF will be further developed and consolidated. In addition, funding will be allocated to the regional drugs task forces to support the implementation of the various projects set out in their regional plans.
367 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a payment will be made for a REP scheme plan for a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11668/05]
Payment to the person named will be issued within the next ten days.
368 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of applicants who entered the early farm retirement scheme each year from 1997 to 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11724/05]
Details of the number of participants who entered the 1994 scheme of early retirement from farming, which closed to new applicants on 31 December 1999, and the current scheme introduced in November 2000, are set out in the table below for each of the years 1997 to 2004.
|
Year ended |
1994-99 Scheme |
2000-2006 Scheme |
|
31 December 1997 |
1,796 |
0 |
|
31 December 1998 |
1,305 |
0 |
|
31 December 1999 |
1,608 |
0 |
|
31 December 2000 |
0 |
41 |
|
31 December 2001 |
0 |
805 |
|
31 December 2002 |
0 |
809 |
|
31 December 2003 |
0 |
525 |
|
31 December 2004 |
0 |
275 |
369 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will consider allowing persons who had commonage, particularly in the Achill area, and who did not put that commonage in their area aid form due to reasons outside of their own making, to go into the REP scheme. [11737/05]
I am aware of the circumstances of farmers with commonage on Achill. The provisions of the rural environment protection scheme do not allow the farmers to receive REP scheme payments on the commonage. I have asked my officials to examine the situation.
370 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding an appeal lodged under the single payment scheme by a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [11765/05]
The person in question was 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. He then submitted an appeal to the independent single payment appeals committee. Following a full examination of the circumstances outlined in the appeal, the independent single payment appeals committee made a recommendation and a letter issued to the person on 15 April 2005. The findings of the appeals committee were that the original decision taken by the Department of Agriculture and Food should be upheld.
371 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cavan will receive details of their single payment entitlements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11791/05]
A certificate of provisional entitlements under the single payment scheme issued to the herdowner in this case on 12 April 2005. The statement included a detailed breakdown of how the provisional entitlements were calculated.
372 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will consider the issues and concerns raised by retired farmers who have lost entitlements following the introduction of the CAP mid-term review on 1 January 2005 to ensure that retired farmers can have an income which is adequate for their needs; and if she will consult with retired farmers in order that a satisfactory outcome can be reached. [11793/05]
The Department of Agriculture and Food has been aware from an early stage in the negotiations leading to the introduction of the single payment scheme of the possible implications for retired farmers who had leased their holdings. In so far as it has proved possible in the context of the EU regulations governing the scheme, and following lengthy discussions with the European Commission, provision has been made under the rules of the scheme to address some of the concerns of retired farmers.
373 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not received notification of entitlements under the single payment scheme; and if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there have been problems previously with premia payments which arose as a result of the removal of one of the joint names on the holding of this person. [11804/05]
The person in question has submitted an application for consideration under the inheritance measure of the single payment scheme. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that following an examination of the documentation submitted, the person's application has been successful and the entitlements established by the transferor will be transferred to the person, who has been notified directly of his successful application. A statement of provisional entitlements will issue shortly outlining the updated position.
374 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Cork under the single payment scheme under force majeure and exceptional circumstances on grounds of ill health. [11983/05]
The person in question was 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. Following this decision, the person submitted an appeal to the independent single payment appeals committee. A full review of the circumstances of the case will be carried out by the independent single payment appeals committee and the person in question will be notified shortly of the outcome.
375 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a special beef premium grant will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11984/05]
The person in question submitted four applications under the 2004 special beef premium scheme — on 14 April 2004 in respect of four animals, on 24 May 2004 in respect of one animal, on 6 December 2004 in respect of seven animals and on 29 December 2004 in respect of eight animals. Payment in full to the amount of €3,510 has issued in respect of the applications. Under the 2004 scheme, there was provision for the lodging of late applications up to 25 January 2005. There is no record of any correspondence from the person named in connection with the animals in question.
376 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the entitlements credited to a person (details supplied). [11986/05]
There are no records of applications having been submitted by the person in question under the premia and arable aid schemes during the reference period. Consequently, there are no entitlements credited to the person in respect of the reference years of 2000, 2001 and 2002.
377 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the REP scheme grant will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim. [12017/05]
Payment to the person in question will issue within the next ten working days.
378 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason the sum of €95 was deducted from a cheque for TB reactors which issued to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12021/05]
Under the on-farm market valuation scheme, the cost of the second valuation is payable by the herdowner if he or she appeals the first valuation. The fee is paid by the Department of Agriculture and Food to the valuer selected by the herdowner and is recovered from the herdowner by means of a deduction from the compensation due to him or her. The person in question rejected the first valuation and requested a further valuation. The appeal valuation took place and was accepted. A deduction of €95 was subsequently made on payment due to him to recover the cost of the appeal valuation.
379 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food, further to Question No. 634 of 12 April 2005, if any sections of her Department based in County Wexford are being decentralised to Portlaoise; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12050/05]
There are no plans to move sections of the Department of Agriculture and Food based in County Wexford under the decentralisation programme.
380 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food, further to correspondence (details supplied), if she will furnish a full reply to the issue raised. [12051/05]
The Department of Agriculture and Food has established 40.66 single payment entitlements for the person named following the application of the force majeure provision under Article 40 of Council Regulation EC No 1782/2003, which governs the single payment scheme. The person in question joined the early retirement scheme in 2002 and he leased 25.3 hectares of land to the lessee. He may activate his single payment entitlements by completing and submitting a 2005 single payment application form, even if he declares no land in 2005. The activation of entitlements will mean that the lessor can retain the entitlements until the closing date for applications under the 2007 single payment scheme unless he has transferred the entitlements with land prior to that date. He may transfer his 25.3 entitlements with land leased to the lessee under the private contract clause arrangement if the lessor and the lessee agree. The lessee may then use these entitlements and qualify for single payment on them for the duration of the lease. The lessee only established 8.4 entitlements — 25.3 hectares divided by three — on the leased land as he was only leasing it for one of the years — 2002 — of the reference period.
381 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a company (details supplied) has been approved for forestry grant aid in County Roscommon. [12053/05]
There is no record of an application for afforestation grant aid by the company in question in respect of the townland referred to.
382 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food , further to Question No. 634 of 12 April 2005, if she will confirm that there are no plans to transfer staff from Davitt House in Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12123/05]
In the context of decentralisation, it is not proposed to transfer staff from the offices of the Department of Agriculture and Food in Davitt House in Castlebar. However, the Deputy will be aware that the Department will experience fundamental changes in the nature of its work as a result of mid-term review of the Common Agricultural Policy and the introduction of the single payment scheme. Staffing levels, including those in Castlebar, will be affected. Officials in the Department are actively pursuing a number of options to provide for the long-term employment and career prospects of staff based in Davitt House in Castlebar. The options which involve the possibility of a transfer to another Department have been discussed with the Department's staff in Castlebar.
383 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive extensification and suckler cow payment; and if so, when. [12137/05]
The person in question applied for a total forage area of 15.95 hectares on his 2004 area aid application. The area that was found was just 13.29 hectares, however, resulting in an area overclaim of 2.66 hectares. Under EU regulations, when the overclaim is greater than 20%, a 100% penalty must be applied and no area-based payments can issue to the applicant. The herdowner appealed the decision to the agriculture appeals office, but his appeal was rejected. He was sent a letter in this regard.
The person in question is not an applicant under the suckler cow premium scheme. He lodged three applications under the 2004 EU special beef premium scheme — on 29 January 2004 in respect of 22 animals, on 26 April 2004 in respect of one animal and on 11 January 2005 in respect of ten animals. Notwithstanding the area aid position, there is provision in the governing regulations for payment of premia where the "found" area is sufficient to support the numbers of animals claimed upon. In this regard, payment under the special beef premium scheme is due to issue to the person named at balancing payments stage.
The person in question also submitted an application under the 2004 extensification premium scheme. Notwithstanding the area aid position, the 13.29 hectare "found" area is sufficient to support payment of extensification at the higher €80 rate on each animal that qualifies for payment under the 2004 special beef premium scheme. Payment of extensification premium for 2004 will commence in June.
384 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the provision made by her Department for poor weather compensation in each of the past five years. [12138/05]
Certain allocations and payments were made to cover residual payments in respect of a number of schemes introduced during the 1990s to assist farmers following bad weather. In 2001, the estimate was €33,000 and the outturn was €5,000. In 2002, the estimate was €12,000 and the outturn was €7,000. In 2003, the estimate was €5,000 and the outturn was €2,000. Figures are not yet available for 2004 and 2005. In addition, the Department made a one-off payment to farmers of €102,000 in 2004, towards the cost of remedial works following the Pullathomas incident in County Mayo.
385 Mr. D. Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the animal health computerised movement system has been rolled out nationwide; the number of district veterinary offices and private veterinary practices participating in the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12182/05]
The roll-out of the animal health computer system was completed on 28 February 2005. The system is now fully operational in the Department's 28 district veterinary offices, the brucellosis laboratory in Cork and in the Department's headquarters locations in Dublin, Maynooth, Wexford, Portlaoise, Cavan and Castlebar. Some 700 private veterinary practitioners in approximately 300 practices throughout the country are operating the system electronically. Requests from private veterinary practitioners to go on-line are still being received and processed by the Department. I expect that more than 80% of testing conducted under the bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis eradication schemes this year will be reported electronically to the Department by private veterinary practitioners through the animal health computer system.
386 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of farmers involved in the REP scheme; if she has satisfied herself with the numbers that have applied; if there will be sufficient funds to provide for increased numbers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12206/05]
Some 44,750 farmers are participating in the rural environment protection scheme and the numbers are rising steadily. I expect that the level of participation will shortly exceed the previous record of 45,500 reached in 1999. The Department's Vote for 2005 includes a provision of €271 million for the scheme, representing an increase of 30% on the 2004 outturn. I am confident that this will be sufficient to meet demand.
387 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of young farmers who have applied for installation aid in each of the past seven years; the number who have been awarded same in each of those years; if any effort is being made to minimise the red tape involved in obtaining installation aid grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12207/05]
The number of applications received and the number of recipients of aid under the installation aid scheme in each of the last seven years is set out in the following table:
|
Year |
1998 |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
Total |
|
Applications (Current Scheme only) |
— |
— |
— |
754 |
932 |
797 |
691 |
3,174 |
|
Recipients |
628 |
567 |
467 |
357 |
579 |
987 |
808 |
4,393 |
Details of the number of applications received in the years in question, under the schemes which preceded the current installation aid scheme, will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
On 7 May 2002, the current scheme was revised by the removal of the 150 income unit ceiling that previously applied to applicants under the scheme. That opened up the scheme to a wider pool of potential applicants and simplified the process of applying for grant aid under the scheme. I am always willing to simplify the operation of schemes, where possible, having regard to the conditions of the schemes and the requirements of accountability. Any specific suggestions of the Deputy in this regard will be examined.
388 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the amount of meat which is being sold through the UK market; the percentage of this which goes directly to the retail trade; if she has satisfied herself that enough effort is being made to establish quality Irish beef in that market in order that Ireland can retain its share when the UK destruction scheme ends; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12208/05]
Irish beef exports to the UK have increased from less than 100,000 tonnes in 1999 to levels consistently over 250,000 tonnes since 2002. This represents over half of total Irish beef exports. Irish beef has increased its visibility on supermarket shelves through the launch of the Irish beef logo in 2001. That was enhanced by consumer promotions implemented by Bord Bia in the UK in co-operation with Irish exporters. Irish beef penetration of British supermarkets, the most valuable volume outlet, has risen strongly in the past four years, with Irish beef currently enjoying a UK market share of over 20%.
Bord Bia's market strategy for Britain, in response to the proposed reintroduction of over-30-month beef in the UK, has been to maximise the returns from the market by maintaining Irish beef's high-profile position in the retail and manufacturing sectors. An awareness-building campaign, which involved a recipe calendar, enjoyed a huge consumer response last year. Almost 500,000 individual consumers purchased the 2005 Irish beef recipe calendar. The highly sought-after calendar, which is now found on kitchen work tops the length and breadth of Britain, is inspiring customers to cook with beef and highlights the nutritional and quality aspects of Irish beef. In the premium restaurant sector, the chef's Irish beef club is promoting the quality, taste and integrity of Irish beef to Michelin starred chefs.
In anticipation of the ending of the over-30-month scheme in the UK, Bord Bia has been implementing a strategy of assisting the further development of continental markets. The increasing demand for beef in Europe and the increased promotional effort has seen Irish exports to all main continental markets increase in 2004. This autumn will see a further major promotional effort across European retailers for Irish beef, which will target 45 multiple retail groups in 12 European countries.
389 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the criteria for community groups to be eligible to apply for child care staffing grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11656/05]
The equal opportunities child care programme provides grant assistance for the staffing costs of community-based and not-for-profit child care services which have a clear focus on disadvantage and which support disadvantaged parents to access employment, education or training. It is not intended that funding under the programme will meet the full cost of running a service. Additional staffing and other running costs must be met from fees and other sources.
Applications for staffing funding undergo a thorough assessment by Area Development Management Limited, which has been engaged by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to carry out the day-to-day administration of the grants under the programme. The criteria used during the assessment and appraisal of applications include the socioeconomic and demographic profile of the local area, the quality of the proposal, the capacity of the group to implement the project, the level of integration and co-ordination, the proposed operating hours and weeks and whether the proposal represents value for money.
To determine the focus on disadvantage in assessing staffing grant applications, ADM also reviews, inter alia, the socioeconomic profile of the parents, community and wider area for whom and in which the service is being delivered, the fee structure to be implemented by the group to ensure it is appropriate and it takes account of the differing economic circumstances of the client group and the ethos of the group towards specific target groups. ADM also looks at external data such as the location of a project in a RAPID or CLÁR area and the relevant index of disadvantage in the area which has been developed on the basis of census material.
Every recommendation that comes to me about the funding of projects is made after clarifications between ADM Limited and the grant applicant, if necessary, and after consultation between ADM Limited and the relevant county child care committee on the suitability of the project and the extent to which it meets local need. All proposals are reviewed by the programme's appraisal committee, which is chaired by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, before I make a decision on the recommendation.
Staffing grants are normally made available for three years in the first instance. Groups which are approved for staffing funding under the programme are subject to monitoring by Area Development Management Limited and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The group in question was awarded a staffing grant of €212,681, over three years, in November 2001. The Deputy may be aware that I have approved the continuation of the existing levels of staffing grant assistance until 31 August 2005 for groups whose first three-year funding has elapsed, subject to the groups continuing to deliver child care services in accordance with their agreed targets.
In a number of services, the levels of disadvantage among parents are such that the families would be unable to pay full economic fees and therefore those services require ongoing State support towards their staffing costs if they are to continue to support parents who are trying to break away from the cycle of disadvantage through education, training or employment. The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform is reviewing the arrangements for the ongoing support of such services where necessary. Final discussions on the review are taking place. I expect that the outcome of the review will be forwarded to the groups in question shortly.
390 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the crisis which is affecting Killorglin community child centre; if payment will be made of an up to date staffing grant in respect of which no payment has been received since December 2004 and without which the centre will either have to close or charge fees at a level affordable only by the affluent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11657/05]
As the Deputy may be aware, the equal opportunities child care programme provides grant assistance for the staffing costs of community-based and not-for-profit child care services which have a clear focus on disadvantage and which support disadvantaged parents to access employment, education or training. It is not intended that funding under the programme will meet the full cost of running a service. Staffing grants are normally made available for three years in the first instance. Groups which receive staffing grant assistance under the programme are subject to monitoring by Area Development Management Limited and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
The group in question was awarded a staffing grant of €212,681, over three years, in November 2001. The Deputy may be aware that I have approved the continuation of the existing levels of staffing grant assistance until 31 August 2005 for groups whose first three-year funding has elapsed, subject to the groups continuing to deliver child care services in accordance with their agreed targets. The group was informed on 12 January 2005 that its existing level of funding for staffing grant assistance will be continued until 31 August 2005, subject to it maintaining its forecast levels of service and implementing any conditions associated with the development of the service which were specified during previous grant approvals. The amount awarded is deemed sufficient to enable the group to maintain its approved level of service.
I understand that ADM Limited has been in dialogue with the Killorglin community child care service since October 2004 about the conditions which must be met if it is to maintain its approved level of service. The conditions are a prerequisite of the continuation of the group's funding. If and when the discussions are concluded satisfactorily, funding will be available to be drawn down, subject to the usual conditions associated with grants under the programme.
391 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received a request from a person (details supplied) for transfer to a prison in this State; if this matter will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11702/05]
My Department has not as yet received a formal application for a transfer to this country in respect of this person from the United States authorities. My Department has written to the United States authorities requesting that they commence processing this application in line with the Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons.
The Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons requires extensive documentation to be exchanged between both jurisdictions to allow an application to be fully considered. A three-way consent is also required to enable any transfer to take place, that is, from the authorities of both jurisdictions and from the person concerned. On receipt of those consents, assuming they will be forthcoming, an application must then be made to the High Court for a warrant authorising the transfer of the person concerned and his continued detention here. These procedures are required under the convention and the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Act 1995 and must be adhered to in processing each application.
392 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the visitor visa applications of two persons (details supplied); if the basis on which these visa applications were refused was conveyed to these persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11703/05]
I am informed that the visa applications to which the Deputy is referring are reference numbers 1514503 and 1514504.
With regard to the specific reasons for refusal of the applications in question, in both cases the visa officer could not reasonably be satisfied on the basis of documentation supplied to my Department that the applicants would observe the conditions of the visas applied for which they applied. In particular, it was felt that the applicants had not displayed evidence of their obligations to return home following the proposed visit. The reasons for refusal issued by post to both applicants on 30 June 2004.
393 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans he has to address the problems which gardaí in Kerry are having with the lack of basic communications technology such as access to email, the Internet and functioning radio equipment. [11717/05]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there is access to e-mail for nominated members of the Garda Síochána where required and based upon operational needs. Access to the Internet is provided to authorised members of the force using the assigned information technology equipment within Garda stations.
The Garda Síochána is preparing an information and communications technology strategy for 2005 to 2009 which will determine the range and scope of technology and related services that will be provided to the organisation nationwide, including County Kerry, over that period. It can be expected that the further extension of e-mail services will be implemented as part of the strategy.
I have recently outlined my plans for the provision of a new national digital radio project for the force. This is a major project which will replace existing analogue radio systems.
394 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of applications for permission here as the non-Irish parent of an Irish baby; and if all the applications received have been acknowledged, as outlined in the guidelines applicable to the scheme. [11720/05]
The closing date for applications for permission to remain under the revised arrangements for the non-national parents of Irish-born children was 31 March 2005. Almost 18,000 applications have been received and by now all applicants should have received an acknowledgement. An applicant who has not received an acknowledgment should write to the Irish Born Child Unit, PO Box 10003, Dublin 2, giving the date and details of posting, and his departmental reference number — 69/number — if known.
395 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the application by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24 for naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11721/05]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation was received in the citizenship section of my Department on 6 May 2003. This is being processed and it will be submitted to me for a decision in the next few weeks. I will be in touch with the Deputy and the applicant when I have made a decision in the matter.
396 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a visa will be issued to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11723/05]
The visa application in question was received in my Department on 19 April 2004 from a non- EEA national for the stated purpose of joining her spouse in the State. The applicant's husband has been in the State for several years and has now acquired citizenship.
Having given full consideration to the matter the visa was refused because my Department was not satisfied on the basis of documentation provided that an adequate relationship history existed between the applicant and the reference in Ireland. No details were provided as to how the parties met or the context in which the marriage took place.
The reasons for the refusal were sent to the applicant on 22 July 2004. Owing to the lapse in time since the application was received and owing to the changed circumstances regarding the immigration status of the applicant's husband, it will be necessary to make a fresh application with up to date supporting documentation and the matter will be considered anew.
397 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if permission to return to Ireland will be given to persons (details supplied); if he has received any representations on behalf of the Athlone Families Together Group in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11734/05]
403 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will reconsider the case of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11790/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 397 and 403 together.
The two persons referred to by the Deputies are Nigerian women who were deported from the State on a charter flight to Lagos on the night of 14-15 March 2005. One of the women was accompanied in the State by four of her children while the other was accompanied by two children. The asylum applications of both women and their children were refused following negative determinations by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Office of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Their cases were further considered under section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, and section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996, including representations on their behalf for leave to remain in the State, before deportation orders were signed.
Despite the best efforts of the Garda national immigration bureau on the day of the removals to maintain the unity of both families, the women refused to co-operate with gardaí in locating all their children. In the end, both women were deported accompanied by only one child each. It is understood that the remaining four children, who were hidden from gardaí, were passed into the care of other local Nigerian nationals by their mothers. The Garda national immigration bureau informed the local area Health Service Executive of the position of these children.
I am satisfied that the persons concerned were deported following a comprehensive examination of their asylum claims and of their claims to remain temporarily in the State. I have received a number of representations, including from the Athlone Families Together Group, requesting that these persons be permitted to return to Ireland. It was a consequence of a deliberate choice of the persons concerned that they are now separated from their children. This behaviour by parents cannot form a basis for revoking the deportation orders in this instance and I do not intend doing so.
398 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has been refused citizenship and a work permit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11735/05]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation by the person referred to by the Deputy was received in the citizenship section of my Department on 27 August, 2002. I considered this application on 22 November 2004 and decided not to grant a certificate of naturalisation in this instance. The basis for the refusal of this application has been set out in detail in the letter dated 3 December 2004 to the applicant's solicitors informing them of my decision.
I have adopted a general policy that applicants for naturalisation, other than refugees, programme refugees or stateless persons, should have been supporting themselves and their families without recourse to State support for a three-year period prior to applying for naturalisation and that, furthermore, they can show as far as is practicable that they have the capacity of supporting themselves into the future. Inquiries by my officials revealed that the person in question had been in receipt of various State supports, including rent allowance, unemployment assistance and one-parent family payment, in the period 1996 to 2004. I was of the view that there were no circumstances disclosed on the case file of the person concerned to lead me to depart from my general policy in such cases and I decided to refuse the application. The issue of work permits is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
399 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the grounds on which the visa application for a person (details supplied) was refused. [11755/05]
The application in question was received in my Moscow office on 30 November 2004. The visa was sought for the purposes of allowing a non-EEA to travel to visit her fiancé in the State.
The application was examined by a visa officer who concluded that, based on the documentation provided, it was not reasonable in all the circumstances to grant a visa and the application was refused. The refusal of the visa was based on evidence supplied where the visa officer was unable to establish that the applicant had ever met the reference in person, that no financial details were provided by the applicant or the reference in Ireland with a view to demonstrating the means of support of the applicant while in the State, the fax number supplied for the reference was not contactable despite repeated attempts and the telephone number of the reference in Ireland was incomplete and could not be contacted. The application was reviewed on appeal but the appeals officer was unable to conclude that the original decision should be overturned.
400 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the application by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 for naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11756/05]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation in respect of the person referred to by the Deputy was received in the citizenship section of my Department in June, 2003. My officials wrote to the person concerned in November 2004 seeking some additional information in connection with the application and to date no reply has been received to that letter. Processing of the application will continue when the information which was requested is received. I will be in touch with the Deputy and the applicant when I have made a decision in the matter.
401 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the submission of further information in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Waterford; if their case will be reconsidered in view of the submission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11776/05]
The persons concerned, both Angolan, arrived in the State on 2 March 2001 and claimed asylum. Their applications were refused by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and they were notified of this recommendation by letter of 11 March 2002. Their subsequent appeal was refused by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal and they were notified of this recommendation by letter of 24 July, 2004.
In accordance with section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, the persons concerned were informed by letter dated 28 August 2002 that the Minister proposed to make deportation orders in respect of them. They were, in accordance with the Act, informed of the three options open to them at that point: to leave the State voluntarily before the Minister decided whether to make deportation orders in respect of them, to consent to the making of deportation orders or to make written representations to the Minister setting out reasons they should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State.
Their case was examined under section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 and section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (Prohibition of Refoulement), including consideration of all representations received on their behalf. Deportation orders were made in respect of them on 26 August 2004. The orders were served by registered post and they presented themselves to the Garda national immigration bureau on 13 January 2005 so that travel arrangements could be put in place to effect their removal from the State. They have been requested to attend the Garda national immigration bureau again on 10 May 2005. The enforcement of the deportation orders is now a matter for the Garda national immigration bureau.
402 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the application for residency by a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and the policy of his Department on long-term residents of the State obtaining residency permits. [11789/05]
The immigration division of my Department has recently granted the person referred to by the Deputy permission to remain in the State and she was advised to attend her local immigration office to have her passport endorsed accordingly.
The policy of my Department on long-term residency in the State varies according to the circumstances of the individual case. The principles governing the making of decisions on residency were set out for the first time in statutory form in section 4(10) of the Immigration Act 2004. Such decisions are informed by all of the circumstances of the non-national concerned and, in particular but without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, to the following matters: the stated purpose of the original visit to the State and the intended duration of the stay in the State; any family relationships, whether of blood or through marriage, of the person with persons in the State; the person's income, earning capacity and other financial resources; the financial needs, obligations and responsibilities which the person has or is likely to have in the foreseeable future; whether the person is likely to comply with any proposed conditions as to duration of stay and engagement in employment, business or profession in the State; and any entitlements which the person may have under European Community law.
Subject to the foregoing, the initial permissions generally granted to non-EEA nationals to reside in the State are time limited and subjected to restrictions on engagement in employment or business. Thus, for example, non-EEA national workers are in the main subject to the employment permit requirement for five years. Thereafter they may apply for permission to remain for a five-year period without restriction as to employment. Finally, after eight years of residence in the State, such a person may apply for permission without condition as to time. Restrictions on employment may be lifted at an earlier stage for certain classes of person, including non-EEA national spouses of Irish or EEA nationals.
In determining the reckonability of prior residency and the consequent extent to which conditions may be ameliorated, periods of unlawful residence and periods of lawful residence as an asylum seeker or as a student are not generally taken into account save where permission is granted on a humanitarian basis.
The recently published document, Immigration and Residence in Ireland — Outline Policy Proposals for an Immigration and Residence Bill, contains information on these matters at pages 95 to 102. That document is intended both to inform and stimulate public debate on the complex web of issues surrounding the immigration phenomenon as I continue the work of preparing legislation for publication later in the year. I would like to hear the views of anyone who wishes to comment on the proposals contained in the document. A copy of the document is available on my Department's website at www.justice.ie.
404 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a dealing will be completed in the Registry Office for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [11920/05]
I am informed by the Registrar of Titles that this is an application for transfer order and transfer of part (sale) which was lodged on 18 October 2004 and to which dealing number D2004SM009052Y refers. I am further informed that a query issued to the lodging solicitor on 14 April 2005 and that the application cannot proceed until this query has been satisfactorily resolved. However, on receipt of a satisfactory reply, the application will receive further attention in the Land Registry.
405 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will grant refugee status to two persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11953/05]
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Refugee Act 1996, two independent statutory offices were established to consider applications and appeals for refugee status and to make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted. These two offices are the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner, which considers applications for a declaration as a refugee in first instance, and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which considers applications for a declaration at appeal stage. A final decision will be made in each of these cases upon receipt of the recommendations of the Refugee Applications Commissioner.
406 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average cost of new child care places funded by his Department. [11987/05]
As the Deputy may be aware, the equal opportunities child care programme provides, inter alia, capital and staffing funding to enhance existing and to create new child care places in services throughout the country. Funding for staffing costs under the EOCP is made available to child care services which provide child care for very disadvantaged parents. Overall, the programme aims to increase the supply of centre-based child care places by more than 31,000 by 2007. On the basis of funding committed to date, the average cost of creating a new child care place under the programme is estimated to be about €8,400 per child care place.
407 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda stations with video recording equipment; the likely cost of installation of such equipment in those Garda stations without it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12032/05]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the cost of providing audio-video facilities is dependent on a number of factors, including the provision of suitable, if necessary refurbished, accommodation in Garda stations. It was never the intention that all Garda stations be equipped with audio-video facilities for recording the questioning of detained persons. Rather, the intention was that a sufficient number of Garda stations be so equipped to ensure a broad nationwide coverage. I am advised by the Garda authorities that 130 Garda stations are equipped and are in use.
I am also assured by the Garda authorities that, with the putting in place of additional units of equipment in a number of stations which already have the facility, there are a sufficient number of Garda stations in all Garda divisions to ensure that all interviews as specified in the Criminal Justice Act 1984 (Electronic Recording of Interviews) Regulations 1997 are recorded. In that regard, I am informed by the Garda authorities that a working group has been established to review the provision of these facilities.
The Deputy might wish to note that in its recent report to me, which was laid before the Houses before being made public, the steering committee on audio and audio-video recording of Garda questioning of detained persons noted the very high rate of audio-video recording of interviews. During the period January to November 2003, a total of 16,126 interviews were conducted as provided for in the regulations, of which 15,032, or 96% of the total, were recorded. Of the percentage not recorded, 1.5% was as a result of equipment being in use or interview rooms not being available, and this issue is now being addressed by the Garda Síochána on foot of the report.
408 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the Exchequer funding allocated to the emergency response unit in 2005. [12033/05]
The 2005 budget for the Garda Síochána is over €1.1 billion and the provisional operational budget allocated to the emergency response unit for 2005 amounts to approximately €2.5 million. Certain expenditure items, such as the provision of motor vehicles, information technology and other support services, are accounted for on a centralised national basis. In addition, the salary costs of the emergency response unit are accounted for centrally within the Garda Vote and are not reflected in the above figure of €2.5 million. Consequently, it is not possible to provide budget details on an individual Garda unit basis for those additional nationally provided services .
409 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extent of the funding provided for neighbourhood watch schemes in 2005. [12034/05]
The neighbourhood watch scheme was established in 1985 as a crime prevention measure for urban areas and there are approximately 2,600 neighbourhood watch schemes in operation nationwide. In common with other community schemes, it enlists the voluntary help of the community in co-operation with the Garda and is most suitable for urban areas. No dedicated departmental financial allocations have been made to provide funding for neighbourhood watch schemes in 2005.
410 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost of detention facilities for offenders under 18 in 2005. [12035/05]
Statutory responsibility for the provision of spaces for young offenders under the age of 16 years lies with the Minister for Education and Science. I have statutory responsibility for the provision of spaces for persons of 16 years of age and over.
The Irish Prison Service does not have a facility operating specifically for offenders under 18 years of age. St. Patrick's Institution caters solely for the 16 to 21 year old age category and the majority of offenders under 18 would be committed to this institution. Persons aged 17 years can also be committed to other committal prisons. These institutions also accommodate offenders over 18 years of age. Therefore, the information sought by the Deputy is not available. The annual cost of keeping an offender in St. Patrick's Institution for 2003 was €82,300. The cost of keeping an offender in St. Patrick's Institution for 2004 is not available at present.
411 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will consider establishing anti-racism networks at local authority level; the likely cost of establishing such networks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12037/05]
I draw the attention of the Deputy to the recently launched national action plan against racism, which was prepared in my Department, which recommends the development of anti-racism and diversity plans at city and county level to assist with the implementation of the plan. Recommended measures identified in the plan include the development of anti-racism and diversity plans in ten pilot areas, consistent with the intercultural framework set out in the NPAR and to apply the equality impact assessment template for city and county development boards as part of the preparation of these plans; the drawing up of guidelines to inform the development of ARD plans; and the establishment of broadly based steering groups in the ten pilot areas to help advise on the development of the ARD plans, involving statutory administrative bodies, local development partnerships, social partners, local authorities and community organisations working closely with cultural and ethnic minorities.
My Department has recently written to managers of local authorities, city and county development boards and area partnerships to progress these measures. It is not possible to anticipate costs in advance of measures being decided in each local authority which may have very different needs depending on local circumstances.
412 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will consider establishing a dedicated organised crime unit within the Garda Síochána; the likely cost of establishing such a unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12038/05]
As the Deputy will be aware, police operations are primarily a matter for the Garda Síochána. I have been informed by the Garda authorities that there are already a number of multidisciplinary and interdepartmental structures in place which facilitate an integrated and co-ordinated approach to tackling and-or preventing serious and organised crime, such as the Criminal Assets Bureau, the institutional structures under the national drugs strategy and the money laundering contact steering committee chaired by the Department of Finance.
I have been further informed that the establishment of specialist Garda units such, as the national bureau of criminal investigation, the Criminal Assets Bureau, the Garda bureau of fraud investigation and the Garda national drug unit, operating under the assistant commissioner in charge of national support services, has enabled the Garda Síochána to tackle organised crime effectively. The proactive targeting by members of the national bureau of criminal investigation of emerging criminals in the area of all serious crime has proven successful and will continue.
Moreover, a broad range of strong legislation is available to the Garda Síochána to confront organised crime. Our criminal legislative framework reflects international developments to respond to the global growth of organised crime and specific measures enacted to meet our own domestic situation and is kept under continuous review.
The Deputy will be aware that the Criminal Justice Bill 2004 provides for a comprehensive package of anti-crime measures which will enhance the powers of the Garda in the investigation and prosecution of offences. In particular, the Deputy may wish to note that Part 3 of the Bill makes provision for the admissibility as evidence in court of statements by witnesses who subsequently refuse to testify or who retract their original statements. In addition, I am considering bringing forward a number of amendments to the Bill, including proposals to provide for criminal offences related to participation in a criminal organisation, to increase the sentences for firearms offences and to provide for better controls on firearms.
A further measure which will assist in tackling organised crime is the Criminal Justice (Joint Investigation Teams) Act 2004 which came into effect on 1 October 2004. The main purpose of the Act, which gives effect to an EU Council framework decision, is to provide for the setting up of joint investigation teams by mutual consent of member states of the EU for a specific purpose and limited period. The teams will carry out criminal investigations with a cross-Border dimension in one or more of the member states setting up the team. The Act is a further example of the Government's commitment to taking measures to facilitate more effective co-operation in combating crime, particularly serious crime such as terrorism, drug trafficking, fraud and organised crime generally.
Finally, the Garda authorities have assured me that combating organised crime will remain at the forefront of its operational activities and my Department will continue to review the situation to ensure that organised crime is tackled efficiently. The establishment of a dedicated organised crime unit including any cost issues involved will be considered in this context.
413 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will reinstate the civil legal aid private practitioners scheme; the likely Exchequer funding required for such an action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12040/05]
As the private practitioners scheme has not been discontinued, the question of its reinstatement does not arise. I am in fact pleased to be able to inform the Deputy that, following an increase in funding for the board from €18.388 million in 2004 to €21.362 million in 2005, the scheme has been expanded to provide improved services to the board's clients.
In addition, I have recently sanctioned a scheme for the use by the board of private practitioners in the Circuit Court to deal with judicial separation and divorce cases. The scheme was approved on 7 April and I understand that the board is already in the process of allocating cases to private practitioners. These two measures should greatly assist the board in improving waiting times for its services.
414 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of funding being provided under the auspices of his Department for the protection of witnesses in criminal trials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12041/05]
I assume the Deputy is referring to the State's witness security programme, which operates under the direct control and administration of the Garda Commissioner.
The programme was established in 1997 in response to the activities of organised criminal gangs to facilitate those persons who are prepared to give evidence against alleged offenders. In the current year, the financial allocation to the programme is €1,132,000.
415 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the funding being allocated by his Department for immigration control in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12043/05]
The immigration control function has been characterised by the Supreme Court as comprising the control of the entry of non-nationals, their departure and their activities and duration of stay within the State. Relevant activities are carried out both by officials of my Department and members of the Garda Síochána.
Based on 2004 outturns, it is estimated that the cost of those activities within my Department in 2005 will amount to in the region of €5.3 million for pay and €6.7 million non-pay. This figure does not include the actual processing costs related to claims for refugee status or the cost of accommodation for asylum applicants.
On the Garda side, the Garda National Immigration Bureau is charged with the co-ordination of Garda operational strategies at points of entry into the State; combating trafficking in illegal immigrants, including international operational liaison; the removal of persons who had been refused leave to land from the State; the enforcement of deportation orders; and the provision of a non-national registration service in the Dublin area.
I am informed by the Garda authorities who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the provisional operational budget allocated to the Garda National Immigration Bureau for 2005 amounts to approximately €17.5 million. Certain expenditure items such as the provision of motor vehicles, information technology and other support services are accounted for on a centralised national basis. Consequently, it is not possible to provide budget details on an individual garda unit basis for those additional nationally provided services. The 2005 budget for the Garda Síochána is over €1.1 billion.
416 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the funding being allocated by his Department for minority ethnic non-governmental organisations in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12044/05]
A national action plan against racism, NAPAR, was launched in January 2005, with the twin aims of combating racism and developing a more inclusive, intercultural society. To coincide with the launch of the plan funding was given, through a grant scheme, to enable organisations to raise awareness about racism and highlight cultural diversity in Ireland. A total of €250,000 has been allocated to 44 projects nationally. A full list of the grants provided is available on www.knowracism.ie.
The plan itself has a core budget of €1 million per annum for each year of its life, 2005-08. This money will be used to further the goals of the plan on a range of different issues and projects but it is too early to say which groups might benefit from these activities.
I can further inform the Deputy that the Reception and Integration Agency, RIA, of my Department also provides funding in this area. For example, a small grants scheme — from €500 to €6,000 — is operated by the RIA for voluntary local support groups who help asylum seekers living in their areas and the latest date for receipt of applications for the scheme is 31 May 2005. While the full profile of the applications is not yet available, it is likely that minority ethnic groups will be among the applicants. A total of €170,000 was allocated in 2004 for the small grants scheme and it is expected that funding will be of the same order for 2005.
In addition, the RIA is the responsible authority for the European Refugee Fund, ERF, in Ireland. A new phase of the fund covering the period 2005 to 2010 was agreed by the EU last December and it is expected that the 2005 funding for Ireland will be in the region of €1 million. A public call for funding proposals will be issued later this year. While this funding had traditionally been secured by the larger NGOs, the RIA is currently examining how the new fund can be used to build capacity within minority ethnic organisations.
417 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda juvenile liaison officers employed; the funding allocated for them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12045/05]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that as of 8 April 2005 there were 86 juvenile liaison officer, JLO, gardaí and eight JLO sergeants working in the various divisions throughout the country. In addition to this the National Juvenile Office has a staff of one superintendent, two inspectors and two sergeants.
I refer the Deputy to my reply on 12 April 2005 to Question No. 108 from Deputy Quinn, which sets out more comprehensive details in this matter.
The 2005 budget for the Garda Síochána is over €1.1 billion. The national juvenile office is one of four constituent elements that make up the national community relations section. As the annual budget for the national community relations section is not divided between the four units it is not possible to determine the 2005 budget for the national juvenile office. The provisional operational budget allocated to the national community relations section for 2005 amounts to approximately €2.75 million.
Certain expenditure items such as the provision of motor vehicles, information technology and other support services are accounted for on a centralised national basis. In addition, the salary costs of the 86 JLO gardaí and eight JLO sergeants working in the various divisions throughout the country are accounted for centrally within the Garda Vote and are not reflected in the above figure of €2.75 million. Consequently, it is not possible to provide budget details on an individual Garda unit basis for those additional nationally provided services.
On Garda resources generally, the Deputy will be aware that the Government has approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members on a phased basis, in line with the An Agreed Programme for Government commitment in this regard. This is a key commitment in the programme for Government, and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force.
The Commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources, and in this context due consideration will, inter alia, be given to the resourcing of the juvenile liaison scheme. Clearly, the additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as is envisaged in the programme for Government. The programme identifies in particular areas with a significant drugs problem and a large number of public order offences, but it will be possible to address other priorities as well, such as the need to very significantly increase the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties as part of the new Garda traffic corps. I have already promised that the additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into frontline, operational, high-visibility policing. They will have a real impact.
418 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on an application by a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; the reason for the delay in same. [12052/05]
I am informed by the Registrar of Titles that this is an application for first registration which was lodged on 30 October 2003 — dealing No. D2003CR009352H refers. I am further informed that a query issued to the lodging solicitor on 31 March 2005 and that the application cannot proceed until this query has been satisfactorily resolved.
I understand that due to the complicated nature of these type of cases, which require examination of an applicant's entitlement to the property concerned, it is not possible to estimate a date of completion at this time. However, I can assure the Deputy that on receipt of a satisfactory reply, the matter will receive further attention in the Land Registry.
419 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of unestablished civil servants in his Department. [12116/05]
The number of unestablished civil servants in my Department at 31 March 2005 is some 284 in total. This figure is made up of services officers and attendants, temporary probation and welfare officers, cleaners, a-typical clerical and executive officers, temporary clerical staff, contract executive and administrative officers and other contracted staff.
420 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on an application for a person (details supplied) for permission to remain in the State on the basis of parentage of an Irish born child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12125/05]
The person concerned made an application for permission to remain in the State on the basis of her parentage of an Irish citizen child under the revised arrangements on 18 March 2005 and her application was acknowledged on the same day.
Applications are being dealt with as expeditiously as possible and, where possible, in order of receipt. Given the number of applications being processed, it will take several weeks before the processing of the application from the person concerned will be completed.
421 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the funding in 2005 for the child minders development grant. [12149/05]
422 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the funding provided nationwide for county child care committees in 2005. [12150/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 421 and 422 together.
Thirty-three city-county child care committees, CCCs, were established in 2001 to prepare and deliver a five year strategic plan for the development of child care services to address the specific child care needs of its own area. Each year, each CCC draws up an annual action plan to deliver its strategic plan with annual funding from the quality measure under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006, EOCP.
I have allocated funding totalling €7.6 million to the 33 CCCs for the implementation of their 2005 action plans. In addition, the CCCs received an annual funding allocation amounting to €965,000 in total in 2005 to support quality awareness training, information and networking actions specifically targeting child minders, who play a key role in the delivery of child care in Ireland.
Funding is also available under the national child minding initiative for the award of small developmental grants of up to 90% of the total cost and with a maximum grant of €630 to child minders. These are linked to the completion of a quality awareness lecture programme for child minders, delivered by the CCCs. In 2004 I made available a funding allocation of €1.89 million in total for this purpose.
While the number of participants in quality awareness lecture programme designed in tandem with the grants approached 2,600 by the end of 2004, the numbers seeking the child minder development grant has been less than anticipated, and as a consequence, the amount set aside in 2004 for this purpose has not yet been exhausted. As a result, it has not been necessary to make a further allocation yet for development grants in 2005. This element of the EOCP will be reviewed again in May-June 2005 to determine the need to make a further allocation to the CCCs for this purpose.
423 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department has powers to license the importation of pyrotechnics; the number of licences issued in each of the past three years; the quantity of pyrotechnics licensed in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12151/05]
In accordance with the Explosives Act 1875, pyrotechnics, which include fireworks, marine distress flares and rockets and pyrotechnical cartridges for industrial use, are deemed to be explosives. Accordingly, they may only be imported into the State under an importation licence granted by my Department. While the quantity of pyrotechnics issued in each case is not readily available, the number of licences and the average quantity of pyrotechnics per licence issued in the past three years is as follows:
|
Number of Licences |
Average Quantity |
||||||
|
Year |
Fireworks |
Marine Pyro |
Industrial Cartridges |
Total |
Fireworks |
Marine Pyro |
Industrial Cartridges |
|
2002 |
246 |
80 |
43 |
369 |
100.7 kgs |
9.3 kgs |
94 kgs |
|
2003 |
312 |
56 |
10 |
378 |
90.84 kgs |
38.2 kgs |
76 kgs |
|
2004 |
355 |
22 |
10 |
387 |
108.8 kgs |
37.6 kgs |
63 kgs |
Included in the foregoing are two licences for 3,348 kgs of fireworks in respect of the St. Patrick's Day festival and the Wexford Opera festival in 2002; one licence for 2,327 kgs of fireworks in respect of the St. Patrick's Day festival in 2003 and two licences for 11,051 kgs of fireworks in respect of the St. Patrick's Day festival and EU Accession in 2004.
424 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the naturalisation process will be completed in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12187/05]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy in April 2003. The application was submitted to me for a decision in March 2005 and I decided not to grant a certificate of naturalisation in that instance.
Section 15 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, provides that an applicant for naturalisation must have one year's period of residence in the State before the date of the application and a total of four year's residence in the State in the eight preceding that period.
Section 16(g) of that Act provides that I may, in my absolute discretion, waive the statutory conditions in certain circumstances, including where the applicant is a person who is a refugee within the meaning of the United Nations Convention relating to the status of refugees. In considering applications under this provision, I am generally disposed to waiving two years of the normal residency requirement, thereby requiring such applicants to be resident in the State for three years at the time of the application. The three year period commences from the date the applicant arrived in the State to seek refugee status.
The reason for my refusal was disclosed to the applicant in the letter 6 April 2005 informing him of my decision. The applicant arrived in the State on 21 April 2001 and made his application for a certificate of naturalisation on 2 April 2003. As there were no circumstances apparent in the application which would lead me to depart from the general policy outlined above, I decided to refuse the application based on the fact that the applicant was not in the State three years at the time of the application.
Assuming that the person concerned has been resident in the State continuously since his arrival here in April 2001, he would now appear to have the appropriate residency and it is open to him to submit a new application at any time. Any such application will be considered against the statutory and administrative provisions in operation at the time the application is submitted.
425 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the likely cost to the Exchequer of establishing universal provision of early childhood care based on the Swedish system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12205/05]
It is not feasible to transpose one model of child care into another jurisdiction without taking cognisance of a wide range of socioeconomic and other structural factors and therefore it is not realistic or indeed possible in a short time span to make an estimate of the cost to the Irish Exchequer of establishing the Swedish model of child care provision into Ireland. Among the factors which impact on the cost of child care provision are the age profile and labour market status of the population, arrangements for parental leave, welfare systems, the taxation system and the age structure for compulsory education. The funding arrangements for welfare type services such as child care also depend on the central and local taxation regimes. It is understood from a document published at an EU conference in 2004 that expenditure in Sweden on early childhood care and education for the age group 0 to 6 years amounted to SEK 34,500 million, about €3.75 billion, in the most recent year for which data were available. This is funded through tax revenue and parental fees.
426 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will reverse the deportation order in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Cork and use his discretion to allow them humanitarian leave to remain here; if his attention has been drawn to the extent of local support for these persons remaining part of their adopted community here; if his further attention has been drawn to the evidence that the Turkish authorities have subjected failed Kurdish asylum seekers to ill-treatment on their return; if his further attention has been drawn to a Turkish military build-up in preparation for anti-Kurdish operations in Inandik Hovit village, Solhan district, Bingol and that forcing them to return may violate Ireland’s non-refoulement obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12230/05]
The persons the Deputy refers to claimed asylum on 17 October 2002, the mother having earlier arrived here on foot of a visitor's visa. Their application was refused by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and they were notified of this recommendation by way of letter dated 11 June 2003.
In their subsequent appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal affirmed the determination of the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the persons concerned were notified of this by way of letter dated 21 October 2003.
In accordance with section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, the persons concerned were informed, on 21 January 2004, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of them. They were, in accordance with the Act, informed of the three options open to them at that point, that is, to leave the State voluntarily before the Minister decided whether or not to make a deportation in respect of them, consent to the making of a deportation order in respect of them or make written representations to the Minister setting out reasons as to why they should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State.
Their case was examined under section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 and section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996, prohibition of refoulement, including consideration of all the representations received on their behalf. Deportation orders were made in respect of them on 28 June 2004. The orders were served by registered post and they presented themselves to the Garda National Immigration Bureau on Thursday, 20 January 2005 so that travel arrangements could be put in place to effect their removal from the State.
Further representations were received following the signing of the deportation orders which were also duly considered. However, the position remains unchanged and the deportation order remains valid. The enforcement of the deportation orders is now a matter for the Garda national immigration bureau.
427 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will clarify his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 110 of 12 April 2005; and the reason the reinvestigation into the murder of the person was not commenced in April 2002 when, according to him, the information first came to light, but was instead delayed until June 2003. [12231/05]
As I stated in my reply to Questions Nos. 83, 101, 106, 109, 110 and 757 to 761, inclusive, of 12 April last, certain issues of concern to the family of the murder victim were raised directly with the Garda Síochána in Buncrana in April 2002. Inquiries were then made by the local Garda authorities in respect of these issues, and it was concluded that they had been adequately addressed in the original investigation. These issues were not referred to me or my Department by any party.
In June 2003, solicitors acting on behalf of the murder victim's family submitted directly to me a memorandum setting out a range of concerns, including some of — but by no means limited to — the issues previously raised directly with the Garda Síochána.
I referred this memorandum to the Garda Commissioner, who, in response, established a review team led by a chief superintendent to conduct a thorough and concise investigation into all matters raised.
428 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will consider staying the deportation order in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford, at least until such time as they have completed their studies; and if he will consider using his discretion to grant this person leave to remain here. [12232/05]
The person concerned, a Nigerian, arrived in the State on 8 September 2000 and claimed asylum. Her application was refused by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and she was notified of this recommendation by letter dated 11 January 2002.
The Refugee Appeals Tribunal affirmed the determination of the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner in her subsequent appeal and she was notified of this by letter dated 29 April 2002.
In accordance with section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, the person concerned was informed, in a letter dated 31 May 2002, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of her. She was, in accordance with the Act, informed of the three options open to her at that point, that is, to leave the State voluntarily before the Minister decided whether or not to make a deportation order in respect of her, consent to the making of a deportation order in respect of her or make written representations to the Minister setting out reasons as to why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State.
Her case was examined under section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 and section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996, prohibition of refoulement, including consideration of all representations received on her behalf. At that time, no mention was made of her studying at the Athlone Institute of Technology. A deportation order was made in respect of her on 25 January 2005. The order was served by registered post and she presented herself to the Garda national immigration bureau on Thursday, 24 February 2005 so that travel arrangements could be put in place to effect her removal from the State.
Further representations were received, in a letter dated 4 April 2005, informing me that the person concerned is a student at the Athlone Institute of Technology where the academic year finishes on 20 June 2005. In these circumstances, I will ask the Garda National Immigration Bureau, whose responsibility it is to enforce deportation orders, not to act on this person's deportation until after 20 June 2005. It should, nonetheless, be noted that the deportation order in this case will not be revoked.
429 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review his decision to deport a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; if he will review the situation with a view to allowing this person remain here for an extended period to receive necessary treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12233/05]
I would refer the Deputy to my earlier replies I gave to Questions Nos. 164 and 265 on Thursday, 3 February 2005 and Wednesday, 9 March 2005, respectively. As I stated previously, the information submitted by the Deputy was considered and the decision to deport the person remains unchanged.
430 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will take steps to expedite an application for registration of ownership of property by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12234/05]
I am informed by the Registrar of Titles that this is an application for first registration which was lodged on 8 August 1996 — dealing No. D1996WS005071U refers.
I am further informed that a query issued to the lodging solicitor on 31 March 2004 and that the application cannot proceed until this query has been satisfactorily resolved.
I understand that due to the complicated nature of these type of cases, which require examination of an applicant's entitlement to the property concerned, it is not possible to estimate a date of completion at this time. However, I can assure the Deputy that on receipt of a satisfactory reply, the matter will receive further attention in the Land Registry.
431 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if the Irish Deaf Society will be given the maximum support on issues (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11707/05]
I wish to advise the Deputy that ISL has formal recognition in the Education Act 1998. Under the Act, it is a function of the Minister for Education and Science to ensure, subject to the provisions of the Act, that there is made available to each person resident in the State support services and a level and quality of education appropriate to meeting the needs and abilities of that person. This includes provision for students learning through ISL.
A number of initiatives which seek to promote, develop and implement ISL in order that it will achieve greater recognition and use in the education system are currently in place. These include the special schools for the deaf in Cabra, Dublin, have been encouraged in relation to the use of sign language in class; in-service training is provided in the use of ISL; my Department has provided funding for an ISL weekly home tuition service whereby deaf tutors visit the homes of deaf pre-school children and deaf school-going pupils to provide training in ISL for the deaf children-pupils, their siblings and parents; my Department has sanctioned a pre-school for deaf children on a pilot basis. Programmes are delivered through the medium of ISL as a first language. My Department also provides funding towards ISL tuition to the siblings of the children enrolled; my Department, through the Higher Education Authority, HEA, has established and fully funds a Centre for Deaf Studies in Trinity College, Dublin which provides diploma courses for ISL-English interpreters, deaf tutors and in deaf studies. The course modules deal with issues such as sign linguistics, bilingualism and sociolinguistics of sign language. The course is delivered in seminar sessions-group work and the award of the diploma is based on continued assessment and a project and course design; and my colleague, the Minister of State for adult education, recently launched the first in a series of instructional DVDs. These DVDs were developed by the Irish Deaf Society with funding from the Department of Education and Science, under the education equality initiative, which provides pilot funding for innovative projects aimed at adults who are educationally disadvantaged. This is the first in a series that will provide instruction in English through Irish sign language to deaf adults. Funding covers the period 2004-06 and is assisted by the European Structural Funds. This series of DVDs will allow deaf adults study in the comfort of their own home. I know that the Irish Sign Language DVD will enhance the deaf community's ability to share in that gift. I am committed to continued and improved funding for the Link Up project to 2008.
The issue of including ISL deaf studies in the curriculum will be considered in consultation with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment.
My Department has no responsibility for the issues of improved access to employment, health services and the media and likewise the issue of deaf people making a statement to the gardaí.
432 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to replace the ageing school bus fleet; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11685/05]
There are in the region of 3,000 vehicles in use each day providing school transport services on behalf of my Department under the school transport scheme. This fleet is made up of Bus Éireann school buses and contractors' vehicles. The bulk of this fleet comprises of minibuses provided by contractors, while most large buses are provided by Bus Éireann.
Since 1999, Bus Éireann has purchased a large number of vehicles as part of an ongoing school bus fleet replacement programme to continually improve the age profile and condition of their school bus fleet. In addition to this, the Bus Éireann school bus fleet currently has some 400 large capacity buses that were transferred from the general service fleet into the dedicated school transport bus fleet. Over 250 of these buses were transferred in the period 1999-2003, and they represent another valuable source of replacement buses over this period.
This investment has produced an improvement in the condition of the fleet generally and this fleet replacement programme, aimed at replacing older buses with more modern vehicles, is continuing.
433 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Science if it is proposed to introduce a charge for primary school children using school transport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11686/05]
434 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to increase the charges for post-primary school children using school transport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11687/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 433 and 434 together.
I have no plans to introduce charges for pupils attending primary schools or to increase charges for pupils attending post-primary schools.
435 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding numbers at a school (details supplied); and if it will lose a teacher in 2005. [11706/05]
The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by applying the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year to a staffing schedule agreed between my Department and the education partners. In accordance with the staffing schedule, the staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy for the school year 2004-05 is a principal and seven mainstream class teachers based on an enrolment of 180 pupils at 30 September 2003. In addition, the school has one learning support post. My Department will finalise the staffing schedule for the 2005-06 school year shortly and thereafter notify school boards of management.
According to data submitted to my Department by the board of management, the enrolment on 30 September 2004 at the school in question was 179 pupils. Staffing for the 2005-06 school year will be determined on the basis of this figure and in accordance with the agreed staffing schedule. As outlined in primary circular 19/02, an independent appeals board was established to adjudicate appeals from boards of management on mainstream staffing allocations in primary schools. The appeals board operates independently of the Minister and my Department and its decision is final. Appeals 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, after the schedule for the 2005-06 school year has issued.
436 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if Irish sign language will be recognised as an official language and the maximum support given to the 5,000 deaf persons here and the 40,000 who use ISL. [11708/05]
There are no plans to provide legislation on Irish sign language, ISL. ISL has formal recognition in the Education Act 1998. Under the Act, it is a function of the Minister for Education and Science to ensure, subject to the provisions of the Act, that there is made available to each person resident in the State, including a person with a disability or who has other special educational needs, support services and a level and quality of education appropriate to meeting the needs and abilities of that person. This includes provision for students learning through ISL.
A number of initiatives which seek to promote, develop and implement ISL to encourage greater recognition and use in the education system are in place. Special schools for the deaf in Cabra, Dublin, have been encouraged in relation to the use of sign language in class. In-service training is provided in the use of ISL. My Department has provided funding for an ISL weekly home tuition service whereby deaf tutors visit the homes of deaf pre-school children and deaf schoolgoing pupils to provide training in ISL for the deaf children or pupils, their siblings and parents. My Department has sanctioned a pre-school for deaf children on a pilot basis. Programmes are delivered through the medium of ISL as a first language. Through the Higher Education Authority, my Department has established and fully funds a centre for deaf studies in Trinity College Dublin which provides diploma courses for ISL-English interpreters, deaf tutors and in deaf studies.
437 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science her proposals to work with the HSE south-eastern area to develop the much needed school for the moderately intellectually disabled in Dungarvan, County Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11754/05]
My Department has no record of any proposals from the HSE in relation to the matter raised by the Deputy. Any proposals the HSE wishes to submit to my Department will be considered.
438 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to third level grants; and if all local authorities adhere to the same criteria. [11762/05]
My Department funds three means-tested maintenance grant schemes in respect of students attending approved courses in approved third level institutions and one maintenance grant scheme in respect of students attending approved post-leaving certificate courses in approved PLC centres. These are the higher education grants scheme, the vocational education committees scholarship scheme, the third level maintenance grants scheme for trainees and the maintenance grant scheme for students attending post-leaving certificate courses. Generally speaking, all four schemes prescribe similar conditions which preclude students from grant assistance in respect of a repeat period of study at the same level or in respect of a course at a lower level than a course previously pursued, irrespective of whether a grant was previously awarded.
Under the terms of the 2004 PLC scheme, grants are available to eligible candidates who are entering approved PLC courses for the first time in 2004-05. Generally speaking, candidates are ineligible for grant assistance if they already hold qualifications at FETAC level 2 or FETAC level 3 or a third level qualification at national certificate, national diploma, degree, postgraduate or equivalent level. In addition, candidates who have previously pursued but not successfully completed a PLC course are ineligible for grant assistance in respect of any subsequent PLC course. Notwithstanding these conditions, candidates who already hold an award no higher than FETAC level 2 and who subsequently pursue another PLC course at a higher level may be deemed eligible for grant aid.
My Department understands that the candidate to whom the Deputy refers has previously completed a PLC course in respect of which he received a FETAC level 3 award and that he is pursuing another PLC course. Accordingly, under the prescribed conditions of the PLC scheme, he is ineligible for grant assistance in respect of his current PLC course. In view of the Deputy's assertion, my Department will be in contact with the awarding authorities to ensure that the terms and conditions of the PLC scheme are being applied correctly and equitably in respect of all candidates.
439 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the action she has taken to date in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if her officials’ attention has been drawn to the problem and the action they have taken to assist this person and their mother; if she will put in place as a matter of urgency a programme of education for this person; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11772/05]
Section 29 of the Education Act 1998 provides parents with an appeal process to the Secretary General of my Department where a board of management of a school or a person acting on behalf of the board refuses enrolment of a student. In the case of a school established or maintained by a vocational education committee, an appeal against the decision of the board of management of the school is made, in the first instance, to the vocational education committee. The National Educational Welfare Board is aware of the person referred to by the Deputy and I understand that the educational welfare officer for County Kilkenny is assisting and advising the parent on her right of appeal. If the parent remains unhappy with the outcome of the appeal process at VEC level, she has an entitlement to make an appeal directly to the Secretary General of my Department.
Where an appeal under section 29 is upheld, the Secretary General of my Department may direct a school to re-admit a pupil. While the appeal process is under way, my Department will, on the recommendation of the EWO, sanction a grant for home tuition hours as an interim education provision while the child is out of school.
440 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the support which has been arranged in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if the supports demanded by this person’s assessment report will be given; if a decision will be expedited in this case; the supports and funding which are available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11773/05]
The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, which was established recently and which has been operational since 1 January 2005, is responsible for processing applications for special educational needs supports. A total of 71 special educational needs organisers, or SENOs, have been recruited throughout the country and will provide points of contact for schools and parents. My officials will contact the relevant SENO directly on the special educational needs of the pupil concerned and the school authorities will be notified directly of the outcome.
441 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of a site and new building for a school (details supplied) in County Galway; the progress which has been made by her Department in acquiring a site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11803/05]
The property management unit of the OPW, which acts on behalf of my Department on site acquisitions generally, is exploring the possibility of acquiring a site for the provision of a new school building for the school referred to by the Deputy. When a site has been procured, the project will be progressed in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2005 to 2009.
442 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of national school classes in each national school in Dublin 15 which have 30 or more children; the number of teachers in national schools in the Dublin 15 area employed by her Department in each year over the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11862/05]
The information the Deputy requested is not readily available in my Department. If the Deputy would like information on a particular school, I will be happy to provide it.
443 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the sports hall at a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if this will be included in the further buildings projects to be announced shortly by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11949/05]
As part of a review of all projects for the 2005 capital programme, the application for capital funding from the school authority to which the Deputy refers was assessed against the published prioritisation criteria for large-scale building projects which were revised last year following consultation with the education partners. Under the review, all projects were assigned a band rating and their progress is being considered individually in the context of the schools building programme from 2005 onwards.
444 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress which has been achieved since a commitment (details supplied) was made in the programme for Government 2002; when more teachers and extra learning support teachers will be appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11958/05]
The Deputy should note that significant improvements have been made in this area in recent years. The average class size at primary level is now 23.9, down from 26.6 in 1996-97. The pupil-teacher ratio, which includes all the teachers in the school, including resource teachers, has fallen from 22.2:1 in the 1996-97 school year to 17.44:1 in 2003-04. More than 4,000 additional teachers have been employed in our primary schools since 1997. These additional teaching posts have been used to reduce class sizes, tackle educational disadvantage and 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 Government policy, my Department will continue to provide further reductions in the pupil-teacher ratio within available resources and subject to spending priorities within the education sector. Priority will be given to pupils with special needs, those from disadvantaged areas and those in junior classes. There are 1,531 learning support posts in primary schools nationwide. The Deputy may be aware of the proposed new system for resource teacher allocation which involves a general allocation for all primary schools to cater for pupils with the higher incidence special educational needs of borderline mild and mild general learning disability and specific learning disability. This system also applies to those with learning support needs who function at or below the tenth percentile on a standardised test of reading and-or mathematics.
I am conscious of the difficulties which could arise in relation to the proposed model for children in small and rural schools if it is implemented as proposed. Accordingly, my Department is reviewing the proposal to ensure that it provides an automatic response for pupils with common higher incidence special educational needs. The review involves consultation with educational interests, including the National Council for Special Education. The revised procedure for providing a general allocation of resource hours to schools will be announced in the coming weeks in time to be implemented for the next school year.
445 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science if a special education needs organiser has been appointed to the Clondalkin and Lucan area for processing resource applications for children with disabilities who have special educational needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11989/05]
A total of 71 special educational needs organisers, SENOs, have been appointed throughout the country. Resource applications for pupils with disabilities from all schools, including schools in Clondalkin and Lucan, are being processed by SENOs. Since 1 January 2005, decisions have issued to schools in accordance with circulars SP/Ed 01/05 and PPT 01/05, which refer to the transfer of functions from the Department of Education and Science to the National Council for Special Education.
446 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding being allocated for Youthreach and Traveller education programmes in 2005. [11991/05]
The total pay and non-pay funding allocated for the VEC Youthreach and senior Traveller training programmes in 2005 is €44.234 million and €19.268 million, respectively.
447 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost to the Exchequer of the aid for school books grant scheme and book rental schemes in the 2004-05 school year. [11992/05]
A total of €3,961,683.89 was paid by my Department for the school books grant scheme in primary schools for the 2004-05 school year. This figure includes €3,272,733.40 in respect of the loan and rental scheme. The total expenditure in post primary schools for the 2004-05 school year was €6.359 million which included €221,240 for the book rental and loan schemes seed capital.
448 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children in the first year of second level education who are from welfare dependent families. [11993/05]
My Department administers the post-primary pupils database which records certain information concerning individual pupils at second level. However, no information concerning the welfare dependence or otherwise of a pupil's family is sought or recorded on that database. Accordingly, the information requested by the Deputy is not available to my Department.
449 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost of the Breaking the Cycle scheme in 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11994/05]
The estimated cost of the Breaking the Cycle programme for 2005 is €4.6 million. The new policy framework for tackling educational disadvantage, which I will publish shortly, will create a new standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and put in place a new integrated programme of supports to bring together and build upon existing policy interventions and initiatives for schools and school communities with a concentrated level of disadvantage.
450 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science the proportion of her budget which is devoted to measures to tackle educational disadvantage. [11999/05]
Approximately €600 million is being provided by my Department in 2005 for measures specifically designed to address educational disadvantage. My Department's approach in this area is based on a continuum of provision from early childhood through adulthood with a focus on preventative strategies, targeting and integrated community responses.
451 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will review the funding approved for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 12 in order that laboratories can be upgraded in such a way as to avoid further additional wasteful disruption at a later date. [12006/05]
The school to which the Deputy refers received funding under the 2005 summer works scheme to upgrade science laboratories. It is open to the management authority to apply for further funding under the 2006 summer works scheme when it is announced later this year.
452 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if it is correct for a SENO to apply the provisions of circular SP/ED 09/04 to refuse an application for resource hours for a Down’s syndrome person; if her officials will proceed with the provisions already in place for resource hours under the terms of circular SP/ED 08/02; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12023/05]
It would appear from a number of enquiries that a significant percentage of children with Down's syndrome have been assessed as having a mild general learning disability which comes under the high incidence disability category. Under the transfer of functions protocols, the National Council for Special Education is processing applications for resource teaching support from primary schools in respect of children with low incidence disabilities.
In the absence of details related to the application referred to by the Deputy, it appears to relate to a child within the high incidence disability range. The Deputy may be aware of the proposed new system for resource teacher allocation which involves a general allocation for all primary schools to cater for pupils with the higher incidence special educational needs of borderline mild and mild general learning disability and specific learning disability. This system also applies to those with learning support needs functioning at or below the tenth percentile on a standardised test of reading and-or mathematics. My Department is reviewing the proposal to ensure that it provides an automatic response for pupils with common higher incidence special educational needs. The review involves consultation with educational interests, including the National Council for Special Education. The revised procedure for providing a general allocation of resource hours to schools will be announced in the coming weeks in time to be implemented for the next school year.
453 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation in respect of funding for accommodation improvements at a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow; the pupil-teacher ratio; if there are plans to improve the pupil-teacher at this school by providing extra staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12122/05]
The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by applying the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year to a staffing schedule agreed between my Department and the education partners. 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.
In accordance with the staffing schedule, the staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy for the school year 2004-05 is a principal and seven mainstream class teachers based on an enrolment of 183 pupils at 30 September 2003. In addition, the school has two resource teachers and the services of a learning support teacher. The pupil-teacher ratio in this school is 18:1, not including the shared post. My Department will finalise the staffing schedule for the 2005-06 school year shortly and thereafter notify school boards of management.
According to data submitted to my Department by the board of management, the enrolment on 30 September 2004 in the school was 183 pupils. Staffing for the 2005-06 school year will be determined on the basis of this figure and in accordance with the agreed staffing schedule.
The Deputy asked also about the school's accommodation requirements. The school was among the 43 schools that I announced recently were authorised to enter the architectural planning process. My officials visited the school recently to determine the project brief and an advertisement will be placed shortly for the appointment of a design team.
454 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost of providing broadband services and technology laboratories to all primary and secondary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12132/05]
My Department together with the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources is engaged in a joint initiative with the IBEC-Telecommunications and Internet Federation to provide broadband connectivity to all recognised primary and post-primary schools. The IBEC-Telecommunications and Internet Federation has committed funding of approximately €15 million for a three-year period to support the initiative. Broadband connectivity will be provided via a backbone schools network supported by HEAnet, which will provide security, content filtering and e-mail services to schools. A broadband support service, including a national service desk, will be provided by the National Centre for Technology in Education to assist schools with advice and information relating to the roll-out and ongoing use of broadband connectivity within the schools network. Following the announcement of the outcome of the competitive tendering process earlier this year, my Department is finalising contract negotiations with a view to completing the roll-out process by the end of the year. The overall cost of providing broadband connectivity and broadband services over the three-year period will be in the region of €29 million.
My Department does not fund the provision of technology laboratories in primary schools. At post-primary level, the inclusion of technology rooms is, where appropriate, generally considered for inclusion in the accommodation brief for new schools or large-scale refurbishment projects or extensions to existing schools. Cost information is held in my Department on a project basis rather than on the individual components of projects such as technology rooms.
455 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost of the Early Start programme in 2005; the number of schools covered; the likely cost of the programme being extended to the RAPID and CLÁR areas; the likely cost of the programme being extended nationwide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12133/05]
The Early Start pre-school project operates in 40 primary schools in designated areas of urban disadvantage in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford, Galway, Drogheda and Dundalk. There are a total of 1,680 places in Early Start centres and the provision involved for 2005 is €4.9 million. I will shortly publish a new policy framework to tackle disadvantage in education which will put in place a new integrated programme of supports to bring together and build upon existing policy interventions and initiatives for schools and school communities with concentrated levels of disadvantage. Early childhood education provision will be one of the issues to be addressed by the new policy framework.
456 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will reintroduce the grant for sports equipment in primary schools in such a way that it will match the increase in public expenditure generally; the likely cost of such an initiative; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12134/05]
Physical education is one of the seven primary education curriculum areas and plans are in place to implement a new syllabus in September 2005. A programme of in-service training for all primary school teachers will take place during the current school year. In October 2000, my Department introduced a physical education grant for all primary schools. In excess of €5.5 million in grant aid was paid to primary schools under the scheme to enable schools to provide coaching or mentoring in connection with physical education or to purchase resource materials associated its provision. Materials and equipment purchased by schools with the grant aid should be available to them for a number of years.
Schools may use their general capitation funding to support the implementation of curricula, including physical education. Since 1997, the standard rate of capitation grant has been increased from £45, or €57.14, per pupil to €133.58, which is an increase of almost 134%.
457 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the help her Department will give to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [12135/05]
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 pupil(s) involved and having regard to a range of factors including the overall resources available to the school.
My Department has approved an allocation of 42.99 hours teaching support per week and 63 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, my Department will be prepared to consider these concerns. Such consideration will require a clear demonstration of the inadequacy of the allocation by reference to the current utilisation of the school's available resources.
458 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the likely cost to the Exchequer of establishing universal provision of early education based on the Swedish system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12205/05]
It is not feasible to transpose one model of child care into another jurisdiction without taking cognisance of a wide range of socio-economic and other structural factors and therefore it is not realistic or indeed possible in a short timespan to make an estimate of the cost to the Irish Exchequer of establishing the Swedish model of child care provision in Ireland. Among the factors which impact on the cost of child care provision are the age profile and labour market status of the population, arrangements for parental leave, welfare systems, the taxation system and the age structure for compulsory education.
The funding arrangements for welfare type services such as child care also depend on the central and local taxation regimes. It is understood from a document published at an EU conference in 2004 that expenditure in Sweden on early childhood care and education for the age group zero to six years amounted to SEK34,500 million, about €3.75 billion, in the most recent year for which data were available. This is funded through tax revenue and parental fees.
459 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science if pupils will lose the special needs assistants allocated to them (details supplied) when they transfer from one school to another. [12220/05]
With effect from 1 January 2005, the National Council for Special Education is responsible for meeting the special educational needs of children with disabilities. Since that date, the council has been resourcing schools to meet such needs on receipt of applications in respect of individual children. Therefore, it is open to a school that wishes to seek a special needs assistant for a particular child to apply to the council through their local special educational needs organiser, SENO, and in this regard all schools have been informed of the contact details of their local SENO.
460 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science the money available for primary schools that wish to source speech and language therapy for pupils. [12221/05]
The provision of speech and language therapies is a matter for my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children.
461 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will sanction a special needs assistant for the special learning class in schools (details supplied) in Dublin 10. [12222/05]
My Department has recently sanctioned a special needs assistant post to the special class in question. All allocations are made on a temporary basis and subject to review in light of the pupils' emerging needs.
462 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science when the sod was turned and by whom on the all-Irish education centre planned for Ballyvourney, County Cork. [12223/05]
Tenders for the project to which the Deputy refers were not agreed and therefore no contract was placed. The original plan was to locate this project on a greenfield site. Since then other options are being considered. When a decision is made on the most appropriate delivery method for this project will inform the parties concerned.
463 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of a new primary school at a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12257/05]
The project at the school to which the Deputy refers has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria, which was revised following consultation with the education partners.
The proposed project at the school referred to, will be progressed in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2005-09.
464 Ms M. Wallace asked the Minister for Defence the reason for the decision taken in 1994 that soldiers in the Army would no longer serve 21 years and that the service contract would be 12 years, leaving a 17 year old at 29 years of age on discharge; his views on whether it is a waste of resources to discharge young, fit and extensively trained personnel at 29 years of age without reason and to incur further costs in training replacement personnel; the position with regard to the commitments given that alternative training opportunities would be provided prior to discharge; if plans have been put in place to provide such training in advance of the 2006 discharges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11769/05]
The unsatisfactory age and fitness profile of the Permanent Defence Force was commented upon by the Gleeson commission in its report in 1990. The matter had also been of serious concern to the military authorities for a number of years. The age profile was also the subject of severe criticism by Price Waterhouse consultants who had been engaged by the efficiency audit group, EAG, to conduct an in-depth study of the Defence Forces. One of the key areas identified for urgent action by the EAG was the development of a manpower policy with an emphasis on lowering the age profile of Permanent Defence Force personnel. The EAG's report was accepted by Government in 1995.
In an effort to alleviate the situation, the Government had decided in 1993 to enlist personnel on a five-year contract basis with a reserve force commitment of seven years. The recruitment of personnel on five year contracts was introduced following consultation with the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association, PDFORRA.
In 1997 agreement was reached with PDFORRA on a new manpower policy for the Defence Forces. This policy, applying to personnel enlisted after 1 January 1994 provided that service for private soldiers would initially be for five years with the option to be extended to a maximum of 12 years. Any extension was subject to the individual soldier meeting certain criteria to include standards of medical and physical fitness and conduct. Longer periods of service were envisaged for junior and senior non-commissioned officers. The new policy represented a substantial improvement for personnel who would otherwise have had to leave after five years service while continuing to address the issues of age profile and fitness levels in the Defence Forces. I am satisfied with these existing arrangements.
PDFORRA has submitted a claim under the conciliation and arbitration scheme for a further review of the terms of service applying to personnel enlisting in the Permanent Defence Force after 1 January, 1994. As discussions on issues raised under the conciliation and arbitration scheme are confidential to the parties concerned the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.
465 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Defence the way in which the Naval Service defines the term “long-term attachment”; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11799/05]
The military authorities have advised that personnel of the Defence Forces may be detached from their parent unit and attached to another unit of the Defence Forces in accordance with Defence Force Regulation A10.
The Defence Forces, including the Naval Service, have no particular definition of the term "long-term attachment". Its use is a matter of custom and practice. Detachments are however normally of a limited duration to perform a temporary duty, attend a course etc. Usually this would not extend beyond a matter of weeks. However, circumstances can arise where personnel are detached from their parent unit, and attached to another unit, for a prolonged duration. This may arise for a variety of reasons. For instance, it may be authorised as a result of the member's own request due to a domestic or compassionate reason to be at or near a particular location. Such detachments are normally directed to be for a set period and are entirely a matter for the military authorities in the light of operational requirements.
The Defence Forces wish to minimise any long-term detachments of personnel to units outside their own unit or Service. Such Naval Service personnel, while technically borne on the strength of the parent unit in the Naval Service, are unavailable to perform naval duties. They will also be blocking an appointment for their rank-grade in the Naval Service, and thus may also be restricting promotion to that rank-grade.
466 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence if electoral and heating works will be completed at the new target shed and workshop for civilian staff at a military camp (details supplied) in County Cork. [12005/05]
The target shed in Kilworth Camp, County Cork, has been reroofed. A new power supply has been brought to the building and will soon be connected, after which heating and lighting will be provided. It is my understanding that the civilian staff involved are being accommodated during the renovations. It is intended that the work will be completed shortly.
467 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the situation regarding the closure of a pitch and putt club (details supplied) in County Cork; if his Department intends discussing with the club the concerns regarding health and safety within the confines of the pitch and putt course; if he intends that the site will continue to be operated as a pitch and putt course by the club; the timeframe within which he envisages this matter being concluded to the satisfaction of all concerned parties; if his Department has a long term view regarding the site which would result in a change of use, function or ownership of this property; if he will consider leasing the ground to the club under a sporting lease thereby removing any liability on his Department’s part; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12157/05]
Arising from concerns that continuing use of the pitch and putt facilities in question, which are held under licence from the Department of Defence, may present serious health and safety hazards for members and visitors, it was decided to suspend further use of the facilities with immediate effect, pending a complete safety assessment of the site and this decision was conveyed in writing to the club chairman on 30 March 2005.
It is proposed to conduct a full safety assessment by the Department's properties officer and appropriate military personnel as soon as possible. In a further letter dated 13 April 2005 the club chairman has been informed accordingly and in this regard, that a meeting between officials of the Department and representatives of the club will be arranged once the outcome of the assessment is to hand.
468 Ms M. Wallace asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the manner in which a village is designated as a heritage village; if consideration has been given to the designation of Slane in County Meath as a heritage village; the circumstances in which this can be brought about; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11664/05]
My Department has no responsibility for the designation of heritage villages. I understand the designation of heritage towns is undertaken by Fáilte Ireland in the context of their tourism promotion role.
469 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of funding made available to local authorities to enable them to pay for summer employment schemes for students; and the number of local authorities which will have such schemes in operation in 2005. [11693/05]
No specific funding is available from my Department to local authorities for a summer employment scheme for students. The employment of staff, including any summer employment, is a matter for each local authority. The cost of any such summer employment would be met from the authorities' own resources income and from other income received including general purpose grants from the local government fund.
470 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of transactions and the number of housing units constructed under Part V of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2002 and by local authority area since the coming into law of the amended Act; the number and details of transactions whereby cash payment or the transfer of land rather than the construction of housing units which have been accepted as compliance with the Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11697/05]
I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 79, 128 and 135 of 13 April 2005 which set out details in regard to land transfers and payments in lieu. Information on the number of housing units acquired under Part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2004 in each local authority area is published in my Department's housing statistics bulletins, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library and also the Department's website at www.environ.ie.
471 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if an application for grant aid has been made by Mayo County Council regarding the Glenamoy group water scheme extension; if his Department has looked at the application; and the decision which has been made. [11716/05]
Responsibility for the administration of the group water schemes measure of the rural water programme has been devolved to local authorities since 1997. However, the question may relate to an extension of the Erris regional water supply scheme to Glenamoy which is included in my Department's water services investment programme 2004-2006 to start construction this year. Further consideration will be given to Mayo County Council's contract documents for this scheme on receipt of the additional information my Department requested from the council last month.
472 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when funding for the local improvement schemes will be announced; his views on whether it is difficult for county councils to properly plan and carry out the work on these important schemes in an organised way when in mid-April they still do not know their allocation; if he has considered a more realistic way of allocating the funding based on demand and need at each county level rather than based on historic allocations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11758/05]
Funding for the local improvement scheme, LIS, is considered in the context of the overall grant allocations for non-national roads and the number of LIS applications on hand in each county at the end of the previous year. A sum of €12.5 million has been provided for the local improvements scheme in 2005 and details of the 2005 individual allocations to county councils will be announced shortly. Local authorities normally carry out works under the local improvements scheme towards the end of the year when other road works have been completed.
473 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status and timescale for the start of sewerage schemes in County Clare (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11759/05]
The Feakle, Scariff and Quilty-Mullagh sewerage scheme, which is being procured as a grouped project, has been approved for construction in my Department's water services investment programme 2004-06. Further consideration will be given by my Department to Clare County Council's contract documents for the scheme on receipt of additional information requested from the council in February last.
The Carrigaholt, Labasheeda and Cooraclare sewerage scheme is also being procured as a grouped project and is included in the investment programme to commence construction in 2006. Further consideration will be given to the preliminary report for this scheme on receipt of the additional information requested from the council in November 2004.
474 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will publish all the archaeological and historical advice which he has received and considered in regard to the M3 at Tara-Skyrne; the source and authority for such advice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11774/05]
As indicated in reply to Question No. 57 of 13 April 2005, all the papers relating to this case will be available in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Acts when I have completed my statutory determination of the matters involved.
475 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in regard to a fire station (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11777/05]
478 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make a statement on the proposed new fire station for Drogheda Borough Council. [11869/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 475 and 478 together.
The fire services capital programme for 2005, which I announced on 16 April 2005, includes provision for new fire station projects at Drogheda and Moville to be advanced to construction stage in the period up to the end of 2006, subject to final agreement on scope and design.
476 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in the context of his speech to Dáil Éireann on 15 February 2005 (details supplied), he will specify the detail of the limited exceptions he referred to and details of the existing provisions that were used in this case and could be used in other cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11867/05]
As I advised the House, local authorities are empowered to make waiver schemes where they are directly providing a waste collection service or to make appropriate arrangements with a private service provider where they are not. Generally speaking, waiver schemes have not been applied in respect of privately provided services.
My Department has no function in the making of waiver schemes or similar arrangements. However, from the information available to my Department, I understood that Limerick City Council, Monaghan County Council and Bray Town Council operate, or are in the process of procuring, a waiver mechanism in respect of certain households in their functional areas where a private waste collector is providing a service.
477 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received a submission in regard to works in lieu of rehousing in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he is in a position to sanction funding for same. [11868/05]
My Department has not yet received an application from Kildare County Council to undertake works under the improvement works in lieu of re-housing scheme in respect of the person in question.
479 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the percentage of local authority housing which has been allocated to single persons over the past five years; the allocations made by each county city and town council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11941/05]
It is estimated that between 20% to 25% of first time lettings by local authorities to households have been allocated to single persons in the last five years. While it is a matter for individual local authorities to decide on the allocation of houses to single persons and other categories on their waiting lists in accordance with their schemes of letting priorities, my Department has advised local authorities of the need to provide a reasonable mix of dwellings suited to the different kinds of households already on waiting lists and to plan their future programmes, taking account of the estimated size and type of households likely to be seeking housing in the future.
480 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the chronology of correspondence with Waterford County Council for a project (details supplied) under the rural towns and villages initiative; the position in relation to this project and the expected start and completion dates; his plans to streamline the procedure to ensure that communities do not have to wait an excessive number of years for such schemes; the details of the projected cost at the time of the original proposal; and the expected cost of completion. [11942/05]
The Waterford grouped towns and villages sewerage scheme is included in my Department's water services investment programme 2004-06 as a scheme to commence construction this year at an estimated cost of €46 million. The estimated cost of the scheme when it was approved to commence planning in the water services investment programme 2002-2004, published in April 2002, was €43 million.
An updated preliminary report for the scheme was submitted to my Department by Waterford County Council in December 2003. The updated preliminary report was approved in April 2004 when the council was asked to review certain aspects of the scope and design of the scheme. The review report submitted by the council in December 2004 is being examined in my Department and is being dealt with as quickly as possible. The council is proceeding with the planning and design of the other elements of the scheme.
When my Department has approved the planning and design of the scheme as a whole, the council will be in a position to prepare tender documents. The anticipated construction timescale is three years overall with services for the first locations becoming available approximately 18 months after work starts.
The procedures for the advancement of projects approved for funding under my Department's water services investment programme are intended to optimise progress through the planning, tender and construction phases, taking necessary account of mandatory procurement and other legislative requirements and the policy of delegating maximum responsibility to local authorities who are responsible for the provision of the infrastructure.
An informal working group, comprising officials of the Department and the City and County Managers Association, is at present engaged in a detailed review of the current procedures with a view to identifying measures to streamline the process further having regard to the financial and statutory responsibilities of the parties involved. I expect the group to report before the summer.
481 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that counties Cork and Wexford and other counties have been declared nitrate vulnerable zones; the EU Eirective, local government Act or planning Act by which these areas are being regulated; the reason these counties have been so designated; the criteria pertaining to the designation; and the legal status they had. [11979/05]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 1089 of 12 April 2005.
482 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the estimated cost of clearing the housing waiting lists within five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11980/05]
The estimated cost of the construction-acquisition of some 48,000 social housing units over the next five years based on current units costs would be in the order of €8 billion. This figure does not take into account further construction-acquisition needed to cater for the households that are likely to join the waiting list during the period.
483 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the cost of maintaining local authority estates in 2005. [11981/05]
The latest figures available for local authority housing maintenance expenditure relate to the year 2003 in which expenditure amounted to some €184 million. In addition to maintenance expenditure incurred by local authorities on their housing revenue accounts, my Department also provides capital funding to local authorities to undertake refurbishment works under various schemes, including the remedial works scheme and the central heating programme which was introduced in 2004.
484 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the cost in 2005 of applying an income disregard to the rent scheme. [11982/05]
Rents of local authority dwellings are determined on the basis of ability to pay having regard to various factors, including household income and circumstances; rent schemes also provide for exceptional cases where payment of the normal rent would give rise to hardship. Local authorities are responsible for the determination of the rents of their dwellings under the differential rents scheme and for decisions on the types of income to be taken into account in the assessment of rents. Information is not available on the cost of disregarding tenant's income or categories of income for rental purposes.
485 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the grants and other financial assistance awarded by his Department in each of the past three years to women’s organisations and groups or organisations providing services primarily for women including the name of the organisation or group; the amount paid; and the purpose for which it was paid. [11985/05]
The following table outlines expenditure under section 10 for refuges and transitional housing which cater for women only and for women and children. Expenditure on hostels which cater for women only is also outlined. My Department refunds local authorities 90% of their expenditure for the provision of this accommodation and related services.
In addition, under the local agenda 21 environmental partnership fund, the Department awarded the County Leitrim partnership, Women's Environmental Awareness, €1,125 in 2003 to organise seminars and workshops to promote sustainable waste management for women's groups, and in 2002 gave €1,000 to the IFA and Coastwatch Ireland for a seminar to develop a forum on farming and environmental issues with special reference to the role of women as well as for the application of a good practice booklet entitled Farming and Local Agenda 21.
|
Local Authority |
Project |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
||
|
Refuges |
||||
|
Athlone Town Council |
Esker House Refuge |
35,461.64 |
51,919.59 |
|
|
Ennis Town Council |
Clare Haven Services |
141,120.00 |
210,240.00 |
210,816.00 |
|
Dundalk Town Council |
Women’s Aid Refuge |
49,950.00 |
60,975.00 |
69,258.75 |
|
Tralee Town Council |
Adapt Women’s Refuge |
61,937.45 |
148,310.31 |
149,111.28 |
|
Donegal County Council |
Domestic Violence Service |
5,440.00 |
7,165.94 |
5,439.46 |
|
Galway City Council |
COPE-Waterside House |
26,055.89 |
73,079.85 |
92,988.90 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
Women’s Refuge |
110,050.41 |
73,260.29 |
|
|
Mayo County Council |
Women’s Refuge |
12,639.29 |
27,788.44 |
7,955.10 |
|
Meath County Council |
Women’s Refuge |
64,899.54 |
125,501.40 |
83,667.60 |
|
Dublin City Council |
Aoibhneas |
181,021.51 |
181,021.28 |
181,022.00 |
|
Cork City Council |
Renewal Women’s Residence |
24,173.83 |
32,193.00 |
32,281.20 |
|
Good Shepherd-Edel House Refuge |
180,781.16 |
160,965.00 |
161,406.00 |
|
|
Limerick City Council |
Adapt House |
191,870.12 |
208,557.92 |
208,597.52 |
|
Clonmel Borough Council |
Cuan Saor Refuge |
80,381.71 |
60,286.28 |
100,477.14 |
|
Drogheda Borough Council |
Women’s Refuge |
11,734.71 |
23,897.85 |
8,007.86 |
|
Sligo Borough Council |
Mc Auley House |
71,034.00 |
51,235.00 |
39,753.00 |
|
Wexford Borough Council |
Women’s Refuge |
0.00 |
107,876.34 |
92,034.36 |
|
SUB-TOTAL |
1,103,039.21 |
1,624,605.66 |
1,567,996 |
|
|
Transitional Housing* |
||||
|
Dundalk Town Council |
Sonas-Outreach |
28,163.42 |
32,670.00 |
36,300.00 |
|
Mayo County Council |
Sonas-Ballina Support Service |
26,506.81 |
57,600.00 |
34,511.55 |
|
Waterford City Council |
Oasis Housing |
57,658.02 |
70,384.06 |
91,786.04 |
|
Dublin City Council |
Sonas Ballymun |
0.00 |
22,502.70 |
60,981.32 |
|
Sonas Killester |
79,029.46 |
|||
|
Sonas Ranelagh |
35,210.71 |
|||
|
South Dublin County Council |
Sonas Clondalkin |
83,694.60 |
78,274.85 |
|
|
SUB-TOTAL |
112,328.25 |
266,851.36 |
416,093.93 |
|
|
Assistance Provided Primarily for Accommodation for Women Only |
||||
|
Dublin City Council |
Haven House |
153,909.00 |
||
|
Sophia Housing Cork St. |
73,800.00 |
134,010.00 |
138,700.00 |
|
|
Galway City Council |
COPE-Osterely Lodge |
128,511.00 |
154,706.00 |
153,886.00 |
|
COPE-Westside House |
127,694.00 |
185,727.00 |
170,326.00 |
|
|
Limerick City Council |
Associated Charities Trust-Thomond House |
91,764.00 |
133,483.00 |
157,680.00 |
|
Waterford City Council |
St. Vincent de Paul-Francis House |
40,003.00 |
67,977.00 |
67,977.00 |
|
SUB-TOTAL |
461,772.00 |
675,903.00 |
842,478.00 |
|
|
GRAND TOTAL |
1,677,139.46 |
2,567,360.02 |
2,826,567.98 |
*Refuges and Transitional housing cater for women only and for women and children.
486 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of funding available for the disabled persons grant; the way in which this funding is allocated; the criteria and process required to obtain this money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12019/05]
Because the capital allocation to local authorities for disabled persons and essential repairs grants is a combined one, amounting to €70 million in 2005, it is not possible to indicate in advance the funding which will be available for each of these schemes.
In 2004, estimated expenditure for the disabled persons grant scheme was some €45 million. It is a matter for local authorities to decide on the level of funding to be provided for each of the schemes and to administer them from within the combined allocation notified to them.
My Department has asked local authorities to indicate their capital requirements and proposals for the funding of their own one third contribution for these schemes in 2005. On receipt of this information, allocations will be notified by the Department to individual local authorities. The administration of the scheme is a matter for the local authorities within the framework laid down in statutory regulations which, as far as practicable, is designed to give an appropriate degree of flexibility at local level. The basic requirements for obtaining a disabled persons grant are that the work for which it is sought is, in the opinion of the local authority, reasonably necessary for the purpose of rendering a house more suitable for the accommodation of a disabled member of the household and that the terms of the disabled persons grant scheme, as adopted by the local authority, are complied with by the applicant.
487 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the recent guidelines he has issued to the EPA with respect to dumping and remedial issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12020/05]
I have indicated that it is my intention, using the powers available to me under section 60 of the Waste Management Act 1996, to issue a policy direction in regard to the approach which the appropriate authorities should take to illegally deposited waste and those responsible for it. This policy direction is now being finalised.
488 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he made a submission to the Environmental Protection Agency with respect to a waste licence application for a company (details supplied) in County Wicklow; the details of the submission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12025/05]
Under the Waste Management Act 1996, the Environmental Protection Agency has statutory responsibility for waste licensing and is independent in the discharge of its functions. In accordance with article 18(1) of the Waste Management (Licensing) Regulations 2004, the Environmental Protection Agency forwarded a copy of a waste licence application relating to the case in question and a copy of the environmental impact assessment, EIS, accompanying the application to my Department.
The application and the accompanying documentation was assessed by the relevant personnel from the national parks and wildlife service of the Department. A response issued to the agency on 2 March 2005. The response stated that the Department was concerned with the proximity of the site to Carrigower River, which is part of the Slaney River candidate special area of conservation, and the resultant potential risk of pollution to the river. Accordingly, a recommendation was made that the licence should not be granted. A number of specific issues relating to nature conservation issues and the EIS were also outlined in this response.
489 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his role in paying overtime bills to constituency secretaries within his Department; if the proper procedures are being followed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12026/05]
The payment of any overtime to personal secretaries in my Department is in accordance with Department of Finance guidelines.
490 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will consider appointing a planning inspectorate to enforce planning laws; if it will be an effective mechanism of enforcing compliance in this regard; the likely funding required to establish such an inspectorate; the subsequent annual running costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12028/05]
Enforcement of planning control is a matter for each planning authority which can take action where a development requiring planning permission has not obtained this permission or where permission has not been complied with. Accordingly, I have no plans to introduce a planning inspectorate to enforce planning law.
My Department's role in this matter is to provide the legislative framework within which the planning authorities carry out their functions and, in this regard, one of the major features of the revised and updated planning code introduced by the Planning and Development Act 2000 was a strengthened and simplified enforcement regime. Changes to enforcement provisions in the Act are as follows: planning authorities must take action in response to well-founded complaints about unauthorised development, unless it appears to the planning authority that the development in question is of a trivial or minor nature; fines were greatly increased, with a maximum penalty on conviction on indictment now €12.7 million and two years' imprisonment; planning authorities are now entitled to retain fines imposed by the courts for planning offences to help finance more active planning control; planning authorities can refuse to grant planning permission, subject to the consent of the High Court, to any developer who has seriously failed to comply with a previous permission; the period for taking action was extended from five to seven years; an application for retention or even a grant of retention permission is no longer a valid defence to enforcement action; fees for retention permission were increased; and if people attempt to hide behind a corporate identity, this can be prevented. There were previously many types of enforcement notice. In the 2000 Act there is only one. This reduces the potential for mistakes.
These provisions set out a strong legal framework for planning authorities to take enforcement action. I will continue to keep the implementation of the enforcement provisions of the 2000 Act under review and to work with planning authorities, through the formal consultation mechanism established with the City and County Managers Association with a view to improving their performance on planning matters.
491 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the recent survey conducted by NUI Maynooth on the commuter belt, he will set up a task force to examine the way in which the concerns expressed in the survey might be addressed; the likely cost of such a task force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12029/05]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 152 of 13 April 2005. In this I stated that I have asked for a copy of the relevant symposium papers to be sent to my Department so that its findings can be taken into account in the ongoing development of planning policies. This process already involves two broadly based working groups: an interdepartmental steering committee which oversees the implementation of the national spatial strategy and an implementation group to drive forward the process of implementing the regional planning guidelines for the greater Dublin area. The Department will ensure that the symposium papers are made available to both of these groups.
492 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the annual cost to his Department of the on-line motor tax website; and the average cost to his Department of each transaction. [12055/05]
It is estimated that the annual cost to my Department of the online motor tax system is some €2.17 million and the average cost per transaction is €3.80. The annual cost includes fixed charges and, as a result, the unit cost per transaction reduces as the volume increases.
493 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to extend the urban and village renewal scheme beyond 2006; if he is reviewing the current scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12152/05]
Three tax incentive based regeneration initiatives, the urban and town renewal schemes and the living-over-the-shop scheme, are being examined by the Department of Finance and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners as part of a review of a wide range of tax incentive schemes and tax exemptions. Pending the outcome of this review and developments at EU level concerning regional aid guidelines for the post-2006 period, there are no proposals to extend these regeneration schemes.
494 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the estimated cost of the disabled persons building grant in 2005; the annual cost of increasing it to €30,000; the proportion of building work costs covered by the disabled persons housing grant; the estimated annual cost of increasing the disabled persons housing grant to cover 100% of actual building work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12160/05]
As a result of the capital allocation to local authorities for disabled persons and essential repairs grants being a combined one amounting to €70 million in 2005, it is not possible to indicate in advance the funding which will be available for each of these schemes. My Department has not carried out a detailed estimate of the increased costs associated with an increase in the allowable maximum grant under the disabled persons grant scheme to €30,000. It is likely, however, that this increased cost to my Department and local authorities would not be less than €20 million annually.
It is a matter for local authorities to decide on the level of funding to be provided for each of the schemes and to administer them from within the combined allocation notified to them. The Department has asked local authorities to indicate their capital requirements and proposals for the funding of their own one third contribution for these schemes in 2005. On receipt of this information, allocations, will be notified by the Department to individual local authorities.
Under the terms of the scheme, the maximum grant of €20,320 can cover up to 90% of the cost of the works to private houses. The grant may cover the full cost of the works to local authority dwellings. Based on activity levels in 2004 and allowing for an anticipated increase in building costs, it is estimated that the cost of increasing the grant to cover 100% could be over €5 million. Factors such as the number and value of grants paid in any one year, the difference in building costs throughout the country, the percentage of grant paid by each local authority and the percentage of the work covered by the current maximum grant in individual cases could cause the real additional cost to diverge significantly from the above estimate.
495 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of revenues raised by local authority development charges in 2004. [12161/05]
Information in relation to development contributions collected by planning authorities are published in my Department's annual planning statistics and the collection of the 2004 figures is under way. The total amount of development contributions collected by planning authorities in 2003 was €215,449,057.
496 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funding available for adapting houses to the needs of older persons; and the extent of funding for older persons for the maintenance, insulation and essential repair of their homes and appliances. [12163/05]
The accommodation needs of older people are catered for by a number of schemes operated by my Department. The essential repairs grant scheme is designed to enable people whose houses cannot be made habitable in all respects at a reasonable cost to have basic repairs carried out. The types of work allowable under the scheme, which is administered by local authorities, include repairs to roofs, chimneys, gables, repair-replacement of windows and doors, drylining, rewiring, provision of central heating etc. The maximum grant under the scheme is €9,523 and can cover up to 100% of the cost of the works. It is estimated that some 2,100 grants were paid under the scheme in 2004 at an estimated cost of €9.4 million.
The disabled persons grant scheme, which is also administered by local authorities, provides grant assistance for works necessary for the proper accommodation of disabled persons, including older people. The types of work allowable under the scheme include the provision of access ramps, downstairs toilet facilities, stairlifts, accessible showers, adaptations to facilitate wheelchair access, extensions etc. The maximum grant under the scheme is €20,320 and can cover up 90% of the cost of the works. It is estimated that some 5,300 grants were paid under the scheme in 2004 at an estimated cost of some €45 million.
The special housing aid for the elderly scheme was established to provide assistance by way of necessary emergency repairs to improve conditions in the existing house of elderly persons living alone in unfit or unsanitary conditions. The scheme is administered by a task force under the aegis of my Department and is operated at local level by the Health Service Executive. Some 4,414 jobs were completed under the scheme in 2004 at a cost of €10.8 million.
Older people will also benefit from the central heating programme introduced by my Department in July 2004. The programme will assist local authorities in providing central heating facilities in their rented dwellings which lack them. This scheme has been extended for a further period in 2005. Funding for these schemes in 2005 totals €116.6 million.
497 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the amendment to the capital assistance scheme introduced in November 2001, he will give access to housing association properties for the older persons built with capital assistance to older Irish emigrants wishing to return to their homeland through the Safe Home programme; if the details of those older emigrants on the Safe Home programme waiting list will be calculated in each of the county council assessment of housing need figures for 2005 as a category in their own right; the recently notified requirements that such applicants holding PPS numbers will not be a requirement at this time to ensure that the assessment of housing needs be fully inclusive and truly representative of housing needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12186/05]
Under the amendment made to the terms of my Department's voluntary housing capital assistance scheme in November 2001, up to 25% of accommodation in new projects provided throughout the country by individual voluntary housing bodies with funding under the scheme may be allocated to elderly returning emigrants who satisfy eligibility criteria in relation to their present circumstances and are included in the Safe Home waiting list.
The Safe Home organisation carries out a co-ordinating role liaising with relevant individual voluntary housing bodies throughout the country in relation to accommodation for eligible elderly emigrants who are included on their waiting lists. Safe Home assesses applications from elderly emigrants for accommodation under the scheme and compiles a list of eligible applicants. It liaises with relevant voluntary bodies throughout the country and with local authorities in relation to accommodation for eligible elderly emigrants on its waiting list and carries out a co-ordinating role generally in relation to the scheme.
Allocation of accommodation under the amended scheme is not contingent on persons being included or accepted for inclusion in the housing authority assessment of housing need. Instead, specified conditions in relation to their present circumstances and inclusion in the Safe Home waiting list are relevant.
498 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the proposals his Department has received from Kildare County Council for the provision of new library accommodation in the county; the priority given to the projects submitted by Kildare County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12210/05]
Local authorities were asked in 2004 to review their capital programmes for library development and to submit a prioritised list of proposals which they wished to have considered by my Department in its current review of the programme. In its submission, Kildare County Council has listed five projects for consideration in the following order of priority: mobile library vehicle; school library van; Kildare town library; Newbridge; and Maynooth. The review is ongoing in my Department but I hope to be in a position shortly to announce details of the projects to be included for funding in an expenditure programme for 2005-2007.
499 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the proposals his Department has received from Kildare County Council for the provision of new or improved fire station accommodation in the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12211/05]
There are no proposals before my Department from Kildare County Council for the provision of new or improved fire station accommodation.
500 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has given consideration to buying the former Stella Cinema in Rathmines with a view to reinstating it as a model of the old architectural style of cinemas of Dublin; the discussions his Department have had with regards to preserving this type of cinema in Dublin or throughout the country in view of their rapid demolition and replacement with multiplexes. [12218/05]
Statutory protection of the architectural heritage is primarily a matter for planning authorities to whom my Department provides advice in the exercise of their functions in that regard under the Planning and Development Act 2000. Under the provisions of the Act, each planning authority shall for the purpose of protecting structures or parts of structures which are of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest include in its development plan a record of such protected structures within its functional area. Inclusion in the record of protected structures places a duty of care on the owners of protected structures and also gives planning authorities powers not only to deal with development proposals affecting them, but also to seek to safeguard their future.
The purpose of the national inventory of architectural heritage, NIAH, being prepared under the Architectural Heritage (National Inventory) and Historic Monuments (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1999 is to identify, record and evaluate the country's post-1700 architectural heritage uniformly and consistently. Each NIAH survey undertaken by my Department within a particular local authority's jurisdiction provides the basis for recommendations under the Planning and Development Act 2000 to planning authorities for the inclusion of particular structures in the record of protected structures in their development plan. The decision to include structures, including that referred to in the question, in the record of protected structures rests with the local elected representatives. The purchase of the former Stella Cinema in Rathmines, Dublin, is not under consideration in my Department.
