Dan Boyle
Question:12 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the request from UN to provide peacekeeping forces in southern Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12390/05]
Written Answers.
The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies received from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 11, inclusive, answered orally.
Overseas Missions.
Dinny McGinley
Question:21 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Defence the assistance that will be given to the United Nations in its peacekeeping efforts in Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12331/05]
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:22 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence the conditions under which he would propose to deploy Irish troops to the Darfur region of Sudan. [12393/05]
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:23 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the plans to deploy Irish troops to southern Sudan as part of a UN-led peacekeeping mission. [12392/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 21 to 23, inclusive, together.
I have dealt with the question of the possible deployment of Irish personnel to the United Nations mission in the Sudan, UNMIS, in reply to Priority Questions on this matter earlier today.
The United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations, UNDPKO, has invited Ireland to contribute a small number of Defence Forces personnel to act as UN military observers, UNMOs, with the recently established United Nations mission in the Sudan. The request to participate in the peacekeeping operation in Sudan is being given careful consideration, as are all such requests from the UN.
The mission is to support the comprehensive peace agreement for southern Sudan signed by the Government of Sudan and the SPLM-A, Sudan People's Liberation Movement-Army, in Nairobi on 9 January 2005.
Ireland has been strongly supportive of the peace process in Sudan generally and also in the troubled region of Darfur, providing financial support to the African Union mission, AMIS, there as well as seconding an army officer to it.
Ireland has also contributed considerable aid support to Sudan. Last week, Ireland announced that it will provide €15 million for the recovery and reconstruction of Sudan for the period 2005 to 2007.
Assessment of this request also needs to take into account the numbers of Permanent Defence Force personnel available for overseas service at present. We currently have 750 troops serving abroad out of a total of 850 maintained on UNSAS, UN standby arrangements system. This number can fluctuate; it was approximately 770 some months ago.
Members of the Permanent Defence Force are currently serving overseas in eight UN missions: in Liberia — the current total is 416 — in Côte d'Ivoire, Western Sahara, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cyprus, Lebanon and the Middle East, as well as in multinational forces authorised by the Security Council, in Kosovo — there are 207, in Bosnia and Herzegovina — there are 54, and in Afghanistan.
Military Archives.
Billy Timmins
Question:13 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the number of staff who administer the military archives; the location of the archives; if the public have access to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12455/05]
The military authorities advise that at present the strength of the staff in the military archives is five.
The military archives are located in Cathal Brugha Barracks, Rathmines, Dublin 6, and are the place of deposit for the records of the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces and the Army Pensions Board under the terms of section 14 of the National Archives Act 1986.
The function of the archive is to collect, preserve and make available material relating to the history of the development of the Defence Forces from the formation of the Irish Volunteers in November 1913 up to the present day, inclusive of Defence Forces overseas service with the United Nations from 1958. The archives also hold the Bureau of Military History collection.
Members of the public may arrange access to the archives by a system of prior appointment. This is necessary due to limitations on available space. In order to make an appointment, interested members of the public should contact the officer commanding military archives, Cathal Brugha Barracks, Rathmines, Dublin 6, telephone number (01) 8046457. These details are also available on the Defence Forces website at www.defenceforces.ie.
Bullying in the Workplace.
Bernard Allen
Question:14 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence the steps being taken by him to eradicate instances of harassment and bullying from the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12335/05]
Dr. Eileen Doyle and the external advisory committee presented their report The Challenge of a Workplace in March 2002. This independent report addressed the range of interpersonal issues within the Defence Forces. Its contents and recommendations were accepted in full.
Implementation of the recommendations of the report has been one of the highest priorities for the Defence Forces and my Department since its publication. An independent monitoring group was established in May 2002 to oversee the implementation of these recommendations.
The independent monitoring group's progress report Response to the Challenge of a Workplace, launched by my predecessor on 24 September 2004 is available on the Defence Forces website and describes in detail the progress achieved since the publication of the original Doyle report in 2002.
Arising from the Doyle report, the following steps have been taken: firm guiding principles have been set out in the Defence Forces Dignity in the Workplace Charter; a major educational awareness programme is ongoing throughout the Defence Forces; a new administrative instruction on interpersonal relationships was introduced in March 2003. The instruction and a users guide were distributed to every member of the Defence Forces; and some 177 of a planned 200 designated contact persons have been put in place throughout the organisation to facilitate the operation of the formal and informal procedures that may be used by any party wishing to institute a complaint. A course to qualify further personnel is anticipated in May-June 2005; an independent external confidential freefone helpline and counselling service was set up for members of the Permanent Defence Force in March 2003; an independent pilot project of exit interviews seeking the experiences and views of outgoing members of the Permanent Defence Force was conducted; leadership training has been given by external experts and has been the subject of NCO focus groups with emphasis on training the trainers; changes in cadet school instruction have been initiated and issues concerning the ranking, selection and training for cadet school instructors are being addressed; Defence Forces regulations, administrative instructions, policies and procedures have been reviewed by an equality steering group under a Labour Court chairperson; legislation to establish a Defence Forces Ombudsman completed all Stages in 2004; and an officer within the Defence Forces human resources management section has been assigned responsibility for equality matters.
The chief of staff has repeatedly emphasised his acceptance of the problems indicated by the Doyle report. He has recognised the necessity to tackle this matter in a fundamental way at all levels of the Defence Forces and has demonstrated a very active and genuine commitment to change. He has emphasised that it is incumbent on all commanders to ensure that best practice in the management of personnel is fostered at all levels to eliminate the problems identified in the Doyle report.
Policies on equality, dignity and bullying are constantly being communicated to all ranks. I am satisfied that the military authorities are alert and vigilant to this issue and are committed to addressing the matter in a continuing and proactive manner through education modules on interpersonal relationships now embedded in career courses for all ranks.
I wish to reiterate that bullying is not training for anything. I fully realise that the project of bringing about necessary fundamental changes in attitudes and culture will not be quick or easy. However, with substantial and vigorous leadership, I have every confidence that the proper environment will be firmly established and maintained throughout the Defence Forces.
Air Corps Equipment.
Gerard Murphy
Question:15 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the age of all craft available to the Air Corps; the acquisitions which will be made to supplement the Air Corps fleet during the remainder of 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12334/05]
Eamon Ryan
Question:37 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Defence the current and planned helicopter fleet in the Defence Forces; which elements of this are available for air ambulance service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12397/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 37 together.
There are a total of 33 aircraft in service with the Air Corps at present, comprising 14 helicopters and 19 fixed wing aircraft. The type and age of the aircraft is set out in the following tabular statement, which will be circulated in the Official Report.
In January 2005, two contracts were signed for the provision of new helicopters for the Air Corps at a cost of over €61 million. Four Utility helicopters are being acquired from Bell Agusta Aerospace Company at a cost of €48.4 million inclusive of VAT. Two will be delivered in 2006 and two in 2007.
Two light Utility helicopters are being acquired from Eurocopter SAS at a cost of €12.8 million inclusive of VAT. Both light Utility helicopters are due to be delivered later this year.
The eight recently acquired Pilatus PC-9M turbo propeller aircraft have replaced seven Marchetti aircraft in the pilot training role. These modern aircraft allow for the continued training of young cadets to the highest standards. These aircraft are capable of being armed giving the aircraft a limited defensive capability. Arrangements are being made within the Department for the disposal of the seven Marchetti aircraft by tender competition.
A detailed service level agreement is currently being finalised between the Department of Health and Children and the Department of Defence setting out the details of the specific capabilities which the Air Corps will provide in respect of air ambulance services.
|
Aircraft Type Helicopters |
Number in Service |
Age |
|
Alouette |
7 |
31 to 42 years |
|
Dauphin |
4 |
19 years |
|
Gazelle |
1 |
24 years |
|
Squirrel* |
1 |
8 years |
|
EC 135* |
1 |
3 years |
|
Aircraft Type Fixed Wing |
||
|
Cessna |
5 |
33 years |
|
Beechcraft |
1 |
25 years |
|
GIV |
1 |
14 years |
|
Casa |
2 |
11 years |
|
Defender* |
1 |
8 years |
|
Learjet |
1 |
2 years |
|
Pilatus |
8 |
1 year |
*Aircraft owned by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform but operated by the Air Corps.
Public Transport.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:16 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Defence his plans to incentivise the use of public transport by departmental officials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12395/05]
As a measure to incentivise the use of public transport, the travel pass scheme was introduced in the Civil Service on 1 January 2002. To date a number of civil servants in my Department have availed of this scheme.
It is the general policy in my Department that, when travelling on official duties, officials should, as far as possible, use public transport when available.
Defence Forces Equipment.
Seymour Crawford
Question:17 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Defence the number of nuclear, biological and chemical suits available to the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12338/05]
The Defence Forces have available to them equipment for monitoring and protecting their members in dealing with nuclear, biological or chemical, NBC, threats identified from time to time.
They hold an extensive range of modern NBC equipment that meets their current requirements. This range includes approximately 7,000 NBC suits, 1,500 of which were delivered in 2004. It is planned to purchase a further 1,000 NBC suits this year and a further 1,000 suits in 2006.
Overseas Missions.
Trevor Sargent
Question:18 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Defence, further to a question concerning the legal basis for the triple lock, the section of Defence Acts which state that service outside the State by the Defence Forces can only be with a UN force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12399/05]
Michael Ring
Question:31 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Defence if he will reform the triple lock mechanism which governs the deployment of contingents of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12324/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 31 together.
The specific provision, within the corpus of Defence legislation, under which members of the Permanent Defence Force can be deployed overseas is contained in section 2 of the Defence Amendment (No. 2) Act 1960.
Section 2 of the above Act provides that a contingent of the Permanent Defence Force may be despatched for service outside the State as part of a particular International United Nations Force if, but only if, a resolution has been passed by Dáil Éireann approving of the despatch of a contingent of the Permanent Defence Force for service outside the State as part of that International United Nations Force.
"International United Nations Force" is defined in the Defence Amendment Act 1993 as "an international force or body established by the Security Council or the General Assembly of the United Nations".
The UN mandate for the force and the Dáil resolution provided for in section 2 of the Defence Amendment (No. 2) Act 1960 form two elements of what has become known as the triple lock. The third element is the Government decision approving the dispatch of the contingent and the introduction of an appropriate resolution in Dáil Éireann.
Section 2(2) of the Defence Amendment (No. 2) Act 1960 provides that a contingent of the Defence Forces can serve overseas in the absence of a Dáil resolution where the force is unarmed, where the contingent consists of no more than 12 members of the Permanent Defence Force, or where the contingent is intended to replace, in whole or in part, or reinforce an existing contingent.
As I have stated on many occasions, both in response to questions in this House and in my public speeches, I have no plans to reform the current arrangements in relation to the triple lock.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:19 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the situation in Liberia; the strength of the Irish Defence Forces contingent serving there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12332/05]
The Defence Forces contingent, which was deployed for service with the United Nations mission in Liberia, UNMIL, in December 2003, currently comprises a motorised infantry battalion, of some 410 personnel. A small number of additional personnel have been also deployed at force headquarters and as military observers.
Irish personnel are rotated on a six monthly basis. The 92nd infantry battalion, which consists of troops mainly from the southern brigade area, commenced a six month tour of duty in December 2004. The 93rd infantry battalion drawn from the western brigade will replace them in early June.
Ireland, together with an infantry company group from Sweden, provides the quick reaction force, QRF, to the UNMIL force commander. I very much welcome the participation of Sweden as part of the QRF. This type of co-operation is reflective of the changing dynamics in peacekeeping. The range and diversity of arrangements now in place for peacekeeping allow us to work in tandem with like-minded nations to contribute in a very effective and meaningful manner to peace support operations throughout the world. The role of the Irish personnel is the provision of an immediate response capability, deployable in sufficient strength and with the required level of force to provide a swift and decisive military reaction to any crisis situation.
The Irish battalion in UNMIL has operated in a path-finding and reconnaissance role supporting the deployment of other UN contingents. It has also conducted long-range patrols beyond Monrovia and well into the interior of Liberia showing a UN presence, deterring lawlessness and protecting local populations. The contingent also undertakes regular daily patrols within the Monrovia area. The Irish battalion is available to the force commander to provide support and a rapid response capability in the event of a breakdown in law and order or further conflict. Additionally, the QRF is currently conducting patrols to support election profiling efforts for the forthcoming national elections to be held on the 11 October next.
The situation in Liberia is currently assessed as calm. However, the speed with which these situations can get out of hand is indicative of the difficult circumstances in which our troops operate and one can never lose sight of this. We will continue to keep this situation under review to ensure that our troops have the necessary equipment and resources to discharge their mandate.
Proposed Legislation.
Paul McGrath
Question:20 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence his plans to revise the military disciplinary system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12457/05]
Simon Coveney
Question:26 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Defence when the Defence (Amendment) Bill referred to in the Government’s legislative programme will be presented to Dáil Éireann; the general purpose of this legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12333/05]
Joan Burton
Question:32 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Defence the details of the Defence (Amendment) Bill that is listed on the Government’s legislation programme for the summer session 2005; when it will be published; its main purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12350/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 26 and 32 together.
The Government's legislative programme for the current Dáil session which commenced on 12 April 2005, as announced by my colleague, the Government Chief Whip and Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach, Deputy Kitt, lists in section C my intention to seek Government approval to amend Part V (Discipline) of the Defence Act 1954, as amended, and certain other provisions of the Act.
Since its enactment over 50 years ago, Part V (Discipline) of the Defence Act 1954 has been subject to relatively minor revisions, including the establishment in 1983 of the Courts-Martial Appeals Court, CMAC, the introduction of a special legal aid scheme, and some subsequent updating of the punishments available for breaches of military law.
There have been relevant developments in the intervening period. The military legal authorities have had regard to various decisions of the Courts-Martial Appeals Court since 1983, to developments in the ordinary criminal courts of the State and to developments in the administration of military law in other common law jurisdictions. They have been especially aware of the need for the Irish military legal system to be fully compliant with all of the requirements of the European Convention on Human Rights which was incorporated into Irish law through the European Convention on Human Rights Act 2003. In this regard, the military authorities are entirely cognisant of recent decisions of the European Court of Human Rights in the area of military law.
In July 2001, the deputy chief of staff — support — convened a Military Law Review Board to review the current provisions of the Defence Act 1954, as amended, to ensure that the military law justice system is both expeditious and fair to the individual and contributes significantly to the maintenance of discipline within the Defence Forces and complies with the Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights. The board report, together with legal advice from the Attorney General's office, have been considered within my Department with a view to deciding upon the most suitable approach to be taken to the recommendations, in light of the general legislative programme of the Government.
Accordingly, it is my intention to seek the approval of the Government, in the near future, for the urgent drafting of this amendment Bill on the lines of the general scheme which has been prepared by officials within my Department.
Questions Nos. 21 to 23, inclusive, answered with Question No. 12.
Overseas Missions.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:24 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence his views on whether contingents of the Defence Forces should undertake joint training missions with other EU member state forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12328/05]
When the Defence Forces are deploying a contingent on an overseas mission and where contingent personnel are drawn from different brigades, they are trained together for a period, in order to improve cohesiveness and understanding among the personnel comprising the contingent. Similarly, from an objective standpoint, it will be important, in order to reach the requisite level of interoperability within the short timeframes envisaged for the deployment of the EU's rapid reaction elements, that the various forces and elements comprising a battle group are familiar with the equipment, standard operating procedures, organisation and operations of the group as a whole.
The development of this essential understanding and interoperability is one of the factors involved in Ireland's individual partnership programme, IPP, under Partnership for Peace, PfP. Ireland also participates in the PfP planning and review process, known as PARP. In common with the other EU neutrals, Ireland is using the PARP process in connection with planning for humanitarian and rescue tasks, peacekeeping and crisis management collectively known as the Petersberg Tasks. The scope of our involvement in PARP is focused on enhancing interoperability and familiarity with operating procedures in a multinational environment.
It is Government policy to stay in the mainstream of peacekeeping. Ireland's participation in PfP enables our peacekeepers to remain abreast of developments in preparation for peacekeeping in areas such as training, humanitarian aspects of peacekeeping and interoperability and enhances the ability of our peacekeepers to work with those of other countries. It also enables us to share our own peacekeeping skills with a wide range of countries. We want to ensure that our Defence Forces have a full voice in preparations for peacekeeping missions and we do not want to see Ireland absent when matters in which we have a legitimate interest are being discussed.
Defence Forces personnel have participated in a number of staff, technical and crisis management exercises in the context of both the EU and PfP. In accordance with stated policy, the Defence Forces do not participate in multinational military field exercises. However, from an optimum readiness perspective, this may need to change if we wish to participate fully and effectively in EU battle groups-rapid response elements. The question of joint training missions with the forces of other member states is among the issues being reviewed by the interdepartmental group I have established to examine full implications of Ireland's potential participation in EU rapid reaction elements.
Common Foreign and Security Policy.
Dan Boyle
Question:25 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding Ireland’s participation in the proposed EU battlegroups; if the short timeframe for deployment of these forces will prevent Ireland from participating in view of the need for Ireland’s armed forces to have a UN mandate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12389/05]
Denis Naughten
Question:30 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Defence the position with regard to the development of a common defence and security arrangement across the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12325/05]
Pádraic McCormack
Question:34 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Defence if he has finalised the expected report on Defence Force participation in EU battle groups; when this report will be presented to Cabinet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12329/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:43 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the proposals in regard to the formation of future EU lead battle groups, peacekeeping and peace enforcement expeditions; his willingness to authorise the participation of Irish Defence Forces in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12464/05]
John Gormley
Question:244 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding Ireland’s participation in the proposed EU battle groups; if the short timeframe for deployment of these forces will prevent Ireland from participating in view of the need for Ireland’s armed forces to have a UN mandate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12590/05]
Billy Timmins
Question:245 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the situation with respect to Irish participation in the EU battle groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12522/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:246 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he has had discussions with the Defence Forces or offered guidelines regarding the formation of European RAPID response forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12674/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:247 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the discussions he has had with his European colleagues in relation to the formation of European battle groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12675/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:256 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the Defence Forces here are in consultation with their European colleagues in the context of the future use of European battle groups and peace enforcement assignments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12685/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:257 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if discussions have taken place with his EU colleagues in the context of the formation and deployment of European lead peace enforcement or battle groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12686/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 25, 30, 34, 43, 244 to 247, inclusive, 256 and 257 together.
The background to the rapid response elements concept, commonly referred to as battle groups, is that at the European Council in Helsinki in 1999 member states set themselves a headline goal that "by the year 2003, cooperating together and voluntarily, they will be able to deploy rapidly and then sustain forces capable of the full range of Petersberg Tasks as set out in the Amsterdam Treaty". In short, they are humanitarian, rescue, peacekeeping and crisis management operations, including peacemaking. This included, inter alia, a capability to provide “rapid response elements available and deployable at very high readiness”. The ambition of the EU to be able to respond rapidly to emerging crises has and continues to be a key objective of the development of the European security and defence policy.
Ireland's participation in such operations is entirely consistent with our foreign policy commitment to collective security which recognises the primary role of the UN Security Council in the maintenance of international peace and security and our tradition of support for the United Nations. This is a position endorsed by the UN Secretary General who recognises and supports the development of EU rapid reaction elements as a key factor in enabling the UN to respond more rapidly and with greater authority to emerging crises. During his visit to Dublin in October 2004, the UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, stressed the importance of battle groups and requested Ireland's support for them.
At the Cabinet meeting of 16 November, the Government agreed that I should advise my EU counterparts of Ireland's preparedness to enter into consultations with partners with a view to potential participation in rapid response elements. A military capabilities commitment conference was held on 22 November 2004 at which member states committed up to 13 battle group formations which will be available to deploy to crisis situations within a five to ten day period from 2005 onwards.
Ireland supports the development of the EU's rapid response capability in support of UN authorised missions and is positively disposed towards participation in the rapid response elements in this regard. However, it is important that the full implications of our participation are assessed and, to this end, I have established an interdepartmental group which includes representatives of my Department, the Defence Forces, the Departments of the Taoiseach and Foreign Affairs and the Attorney General's office. This group met in December and has established three subgroups to address the policy, legislative and operational issues arising. These groups are now working on position papers in relation to the various issues related to Ireland's potential participation in EU rapid response elements. This is a detailed and complex task and it is expected that the work of the subgroups will span several months, not least because the rapid response elements concept is still evolving and a complete picture of all other member states' proposed involvement is not yet available. Following completion of the necessary analysis, I intend returning to Government with proposals regarding the level of any proposed participation by Ireland. Pending the completion of this analysis and a decision by the Government on the issue, the question of issuing directions or guidelines to the Defence Forces regarding the formation of, or Ireland's participation in, EU rapid response elements does not arise and, as such, there are no consultations ongoing currently between the Defence Forces and their European colleagues in this regard.
As I have said repeatedly inside and outside this House, Ireland's participation in rapid response elements will remain subject to the usual requirements of a Government decision, Dáil approval and UN authorisation and I have no plans to do away with the triple lock mechanism as the legal basis for our participation in overseas peace support operations.
It is likely that any crisis on which the EU rapid reaction elements might be deployed will evolve over some time, thus allowing time for the formulation of the requisite UN Security Council resolution.
Question No. 26 answered with QuestionNo. 20.
Overseas Missions.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:27 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence if, in relation to the dispatch of Defence Forces members on overseas service, the utilisation of regional arrangements or agencies for enforcement action under the authority of the UN Security Council is synonymous with the establishment of an international force or body by the Security Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12352/05]
The Defence Forces participate in two main types of overseas missions, namely, traditional UN-led "Blue Hat" missions and UN authorised missions, where the mission is established under the authority of the UN Security Council or the General Assembly of the UN. UNIFIL in Lebanon and UNMIL in Liberia are examples of such missions. The second type are missions authorised to be established by the Security Council of the United Nations or the UN General Assembly. KFOR in Kosovo, EUFOR in Bosnia and Herzegovina and ISAF in Afghanistan are examples of such missions, where a regional organisation, such as NATO or the EU, assembles the force and deploys it under the authorisation of the UN. Chapter VIII of the original charter of the United Nations, Article 53 in particular, makes provision for situations whereby the UN authorises regional organisations to undertake missions under the authority of the UN.
Humanitarian Relief.
John Perry
Question:28 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Defence if any member of staff of his Department or members of the Defence Forces are engaged in providing assistance or co-ordinating the provision of assistance to the countries affected by the December 2004 tsunami and recent earthquakes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12322/05]
As soon as the scale of the recent disaster in South East Asia became clear, the Department of Foreign Affairs deployed a high-level technical assessment team, which included a member of the Defence Forces, to examine the situation on the ground and identify what assistance Ireland should offer to the affected region. Arising from its initial assessment, the team advised the Department of Foreign Affairs of an immediate requirement for two logistics planning experts and two engineers to be attached to the United Nations Joint Logistics Centre, UNJLC.
Four officers of the Permanent Defence Force were seconded, with effect from 18 January 2005 on a volunteer basis to the UNJLC in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The primary role of these personnel was to report to the UNJLC, following a detailed analysis of key priorities within their fields of expertise. The role of the logistics officers was to evaluate, on behalf of the UNJLC, the current and future transport requirements in the affected areas for the delivery of humanitarian aid and to recommend solutions to overcome any identified shortfalls. The role of the engineers was to examine the road infrastructure in the affected areas, specify the rehabilitation and repair requirements and establish repair priorities so as to restore a functioning transport network in the area.
At the request of the UNJLC, an assessment of transport and logistics requirements in the north and north-east of the country was conducted. In addition, the engineers completed a full and detailed analysis of the south and south-east coastal road system. All four officers have since completed their work with the UNJLC and have returned home to Ireland.
No further requests for Defence Forces assistance have been received. However, in the event that the Defence Forces have the capacity and resources to offer further required assistance in the region in specified roles, this will be examined on a case-by-case basis having regard to the requirements and the situation on the ground. I can assure Deputies that the Government is very positively disposed towards supporting the relief effort in the affected areas to the greatest possible extent.
Overseas Missions.
Michael Noonan
Question:29 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces that are on service with the United Nations in all missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12327/05]
The total number of Defence Forces personnel currently serving overseas is 750, of whom 716 are serving on UN-led or UN authorised missions. Full details are as listed in the following statement.
|
Number |
|
|
1. UN Missions |
|
|
(i) UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) |
5 |
|
(ii) UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) — Israel, Syria and Lebanon |
13 |
|
(iii) UNFICYP (United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus) |
1 |
|
(iv) MINURSO (United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara) |
4 |
|
(v) UNMIK (United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo) |
4 |
|
(vi) MONUC (United Nations Mission in Democratic Republic of the Congo) |
3 |
|
(vii) UNOCI (United Nations Mission in Ivory Coast) |
2 |
|
(viii) UNMIL (United Nations Mission in Liberia) FHQ |
6 |
|
UNMIL 92nd Inf Bn |
410 |
|
Total |
448 |
|
UN Mandated Missions |
|
|
(ix) EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) |
54 |
|
(x) KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) |
207 |
|
(xi) ISAF (International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan) |
7 |
|
Total number of personnel serving with UN missions |
716 |
|
2. EU Missions |
|
|
(i) European Union Monitor Mission (EUMM) to the former Yugoslavia |
5 |
|
(ii) EU’s support for the UN authorised African Union Mission in Darfur |
1 |
|
Total number of personnel serving with EU missions |
6 |
|
3. Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) |
|
|
(i) OSCE Mission to Bosnia & Herzegovina |
1 |
|
(ii) OSCE Mission in Croatia |
1 |
|
(iii) OSCE Presence in Albania |
1 |
|
(iv) OSCE Mission in FRY |
1 |
|
(v) OSCE Mission in Macedonia |
1 |
|
(vi) OSCE Mission in Georgia |
5 |
|
(vii) Staff Officer, Higher Level Planning Group, Vienna |
1 |
|
Total number of personnel serving OSCE |
11 |
|
4. Head of Military Staff (Brussels) |
1 |
|
5. EU Military Staff (Brussels) |
6 |
|
6. Liaison Office of Ireland, PfP (Brussels) |
2 |
|
7. Permanent Representative to EU (Brussels) |
3 |
|
8. Military Representatives/ Advisers |
|
|
(i) Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York |
1 |
|
(ii) Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna |
1 |
|
(iii) Military Representative to Partnership Co-ordination Cell/SupremeHeadquarters Allied Powers |
|
|
Europe (SHAPE), Mons, Belgium |
1 |
|
9. Appointments — UN HQ (New York) Officers seconded to DPKO (Department of Peace Keeping |
|
|
Operations) |
2 |
|
Total Number Defence Forces Personnel Serving Overseas |
750 |
Question No. 30 answered with QuestionNo. 25.
Question No. 31 answered with QuestionNo. 18.
Question No. 32 answered with QuestionNo. 20.
European Council Meetings.
John Gormley
Question:33 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the informal meeting of EU Defence Ministers on 18 and 19 March 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12387/05]
Unfortunately, due to illness, I was unable to attend the informal meeting of EU Defence Ministers convened by the Luxembourg Presidency and the Secretary General of my Department attended in my place.
As previously reported to the House, these meetings provide a useful forum for Ministers to exchange views on the continued development of the European security and defence policy, ESDP, in particular the development of EU capabilities to carry out Petersberg Task operations and to ensure that the work on headline goal 2010 may be completed within the UK Presidency.
The first item on the agenda was a discussion on the situation in the western Balkans and Operation Althea. The operational commander gave a brief on the current situation and the Secretary General High Representative Solana expressed satisfaction with the conduct of Operation Althea to date, mentioning, in particular, co-operation with the international tribunal where 11 people had surrendered.
Discussions then turned to the various aspects of military capabilities development, particularly in relation to the rapid response elements — battle groups — concept.
The situation in Sudan and the contribution of the EU to the AU operation in Darfur was also discussed. Up to one third of the 750 military observers, foreseen as part of the new UN operation that will monitor implementation of the N-S Naivasha Accord, are expected to come from EU member states. At the same time, the EU will continue to provide support to the AU operation in Darfur.
The disaster following the tsunami in south-east Asia was then discussed. Many member states had supplied capabilities on an individual country basis in response to the tsunami. The challenge now is to see how the EU could respond collectively in a co-ordinated and structure manner. Secretary General High Representative Solana set out the general parameters for the military role that ESDP could play in the type of scenario presented by the Asian tsunami, in support of the EU's overall response to such disasters and in support of the civilian emergency disaster response elements.
Question No. 34 answered with QuestionNo. 25.
Overseas Missions.
Trevor Sargent
Question:35 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Defence if the Defence Act 1954, Chapter III, section 85 allows members of the Defence Forces serving on a State ship or service aircraft to operate outside the State without a UN mandate; if members of the Defence Forces could serve abroad without a UN mandate if they volunteered to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12400/05]
Section 85 applies only to members of the Permanent Defence Force employed on a State ship or service aircraft which is travelling outside the territorial seas of the State. State ships or aircraft have not been deployed on service with the United Nations or other international organisations.
The specific provision, within the corpus of defence legislation, under which members of the Permanent Defence Force can be deployed overseas is contained in section 2 of the Defence Amendment (No. 2) Act 1960.
Section 2 of the above Act provides that a contingent of the Permanent Defence Force may be despatched for service outside the State as part of a particular international United Nations force if, but only if, a resolution has been passed by Dáil Éireann approving of the despatch of a contingent of the Permanent Defence Force for service outside the State as part of that international United Nations force. Dáil approval is not required for the dispatch of a contingent where the size of a Defence Forces contribution is fewer than twelve personnel.
"International United Nations Force" is defined in the Defence Amendment Act 1993, as "an international force or body established by the Security Council or the General Assembly of the United Nations".
Question No. 36 answered with QuestionNo. 6.
Question No. 37 answered with QuestionNo. 15.
International Terrorism.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:38 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied regarding the capability of Defence Forces to respond adequately in the event of coordinated terrorist attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12463/05]
Joe Sherlock
Question:40 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Defence the extent of the Defence Force’s capability to deal with any threat to Ireland that may exist from international terrorists; if he has held discussions with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the intelligence services on the level of threat that currently exists to Ireland from international terrorism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12347/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 40 together.
The most important defence against any terrorist attacks is detection and prevention by the security forces. While the Garda Síochána has the primary responsibility for law and order, one of the roles assigned to the Defence Forces is the provision of aid to the civil power, meaning in practice to assist, when requested, the Garda Síochána. The various components of the Defence Forces are active in this regard, providing such assistance as is appropriate in specific circumstances.
The level of any terrorist threat to Ireland is continually assessed. The advice available to me would suggest that while the terrorist threat to parts of Europe is currently high, in relation to Ireland, it is low. However it is prudent that we take precautions and keep matters under continuous review.
The Defence Forces make contingency plans for a range of scenarios where the State may be at risk. An urgent and detailed review to deal with a range of emergency situations was undertaken by the military authorities following the events of 11 September. It included, inter alia, an update of the threat assessment, intensive contacts with other State agencies, a reassessment of operations orders relating to vital installations, alert systems, the Army ranger wing, ordnance and engineer aspects in terms of explosive ordnance disposal and specialist search and a review of equipment including the need for air defence. All matters arising were addressed and all procedures updated as required.
The capacity of the Defence Forces to deal with major emergencies is kept under constant review. Plans and procedures are updated as necessary and such additional equipment as is required to address any perceived deficiencies is acquired on the basis of identified priorities. Training and preparation for such events is also provided for in the Defence Forces annual training plan.
The most important defence against any attack is of course external vigilance, detection and prevention by the security forces. All the necessary resources of the Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces are deployed to this end.
Overseas Missions.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:39 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence if, following his Dáil response of 1 March 2005 he has reviewed the regulations in this regard; his plans to change the regulations to address this anomaly; the action he has taken following his Dáil response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12351/05]
The central issue here, raised on 1 March 2005 is currently being examined by my officials in order to address the particular difficulty outlined by the Deputy. I understand that in practice cases such as this only arise infrequently. Nevertheless, I feel that we must provide compassionately for these cases administratively on an individual basis in order to avoid the imposition of unjustifiable hardship. At this stage, I do not envisage any requirement to change the provisions of the relevant Defence Force regulations with specific regard to the period within which a recruit must reach the appropriate standard for final approval. These provisions were outlined in my reply of 1 March 2005.
Question No. 40 answered with QuestionNo. 38.
Question No. 41 answered with QuestionNo. 9.
Military Police Investigations.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:42 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Defence, further to his response of 1 March 2005, if the second of two military police investigations into suggestions of near mutinous behaviour on a Naval Service vessel has been concluded; the action that has been taken in view of this investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12349/05]
The second Military Police investigation into alleged incidents onboard a Naval Service vessel was concluded on 28 February 2005. The military authorities advise that there was insufficient evidence to provide a basis for further action.
Question No. 43 answered with QuestionNo. 25.
Defence Forces Training.
Pat Breen
Question:44 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Defence the level of training given to members of the Defence Forces to equip them to deal with nuclear contamination as a result of accident or act of terrorism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12431/05]
The military authorities advise that chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear, CBRN, training is conducted at cadet and induction level in the Defence Forces. During this training, students are trained and tested in personal nuclear decontamination techniques.
In each brigade and the Defence Forces training centre, a CBRN platoon is fully trained in all aspects of nuclear decontamination to cater for battalion operations. The Defence Forces CBRN training for 2004 culminated in a major internal exercise in November 2004.
The Defence Forces have available to them equipment for monitoring and protecting their members in dealing with nuclear, biological or chemical, NBC, threats identified from time to time. They hold an extensive range of modern NBC equipment that meets their current requirements and have been trained in their operation. Other Defence Forces equipment includes biological agent detectors and screening kits, group decontamination equipment and personal decontamination equipment.
The Garda Síochána has primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State. In co-operation with the Defence Forces, it continuously monitors the potential threats to the State arising from international terrorism.
The capacity of the Defence Forces to deal with major emergencies is kept under constant review. Plans and procedures are updated as necessary on the basis of identified priorities. Training and preparation for such events is also provided for in the Defence Forces annual training plan.
Defence Forces Strength.
Bernard Allen
Question:45 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence the strength of the Permanent and Reserve Defence Forces; if there are proposals to increase the strength of these forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12336/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:254 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence his intentions to increase the strength of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12682/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 254 together.
The White Paper on Defence of February 2000 sets out a figure of 10,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force, comprising 930 for the Air Corps, 1,144 for the Naval Service and 8,426 for the Army. It is my intention to maintain the established Government policy of ongoing recruitment to the Defence Forces. Recruitment into the Permanent Defence Force will continue to maintain the strength at the level set out in the White Paper as required to meet military needs.
The strength of the Permanent Defence Force and the Reserve Defence Force as of 28 February 2005 was as follows:
|
Army |
Air Corps |
Naval Service |
Total |
|
8,520 |
862 |
1,078 |
10,460 |
|
First Line Reserve |
Naval Service (Slua Muirí) |
Army (FCA) |
Total |
|
404 |
397 |
11,890 |
12,691 |
Recruitment is ongoing to the Reserve Defence Force.
Labour Protection Code.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:46 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Defence if he has reconsidered, or proposes to reconsider, the justification for the exclusion of members of the PDFORRA from most of the statutory labour protection code whether on a global or piecemeal basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12353/05]
Over the years PDFORRA has canvassed the idea that a soldier's conditions of employment should largely replicate conditions in the civilian world. However, in a professional military organisation, this approach is simply not practical and this is widely recognised internationally.
It is an inherent and overriding principle of military service that personnel are at all times subject to military law. The application of legislation intended primarily for the civilian worker would be totally contrary to this principle and could have grave fundamental organisational and operational implications for the efficiency and effectiveness of the Defence Forces.
That said, the Defence Forces have been included within the scope of employee protection legislation where appropriate, for example, health and safety legislation. Moreover, the Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Act 2004 was enacted last year and I am in the process of providing an Ombudsman for the Defence Forces.
The Deputy will be aware that when an individual decides to join the Defence Forces, he or she voluntarily accepts, inter alia, a range of obligations and responsibilities which do not normally arise in the course of civilian employment. For instance, the taking of any form of industrial action is irreconcilable with military service.
I am satisfied that the mechanisms available to the representative associations through the Defence Forces conciliation and arbitration scheme, with its access to facilitation and arbitration and parallel discussions during national pay talks, provide a framework within which issues of concern can, are and should continue to be addressed. It is also worth noting that the Defence Act provides for a complaints procedure whereby if a member considers that he or she has been wronged, he or she may make a complaint in the matter and seek a redress.
National Emergency Plan.
Tom Hayes
Question:47 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Defence when the task force on emergency planning and the interdepartmental group on emergency planning last met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12321/05]
The Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, which I chair, was established in October 2001. The membership of the task force includes Ministers, senior officials of Departments, senior officers of the Defence Forces and the Garda Síochána, and officials of other key public authorities that have a lead or support role in Government emergency planning. The work of the task force continues and there have been 37 meetings to date. The most recent meeting was on 2 March 2005. I have convened the next task force meeting for 26 April 2005 and further meetings will be held on a regular basis as required.
The Office of Emergency Planning was established, following a Government decision in October 2001, as a joint civil and military office within my Department. The office supports the work of the task force and continues to work with Departments and other public authorities in order to ensure the best possible use of resources and compatibility between different planning requirements. A key area of activity is oversight of emergency planning; to refine and develop the arrangements that exist, to continuously improve them through review and revision: and to generally provide the basis for an increased confidence in the emergency planning process.
An interdepartmental working group on emergency planning supports the work of the task force and carries out studies and oversight of emergency planning structures and processes. This working group has met on 34 occasions, most recently on 7 April 2005 and it will continue to meet on a regular basis as required.
The interdepartmental working group on emergency planning encompasses all Departments with lead roles in the various Government emergency plans and those key public authorities, including the Defence Forces, which plan to support such activities. This working group, under the guidance of the Government task force, continues to meet and is chaired by the office of emergency planning. It is a forum for developing strategic guidance to all those involved in emergency planning and for sharing information on emergency planning.
Official Engagements.
Billy Timmins
Question:48 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the foreign trips he has made since his appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12454/05]
Since my appointment on the 29 September 2004, I accompanied President McAleese on her visit to west Africa during the period 13 to 15 December 2004. I attended a General Affairs and External Relations Council, GAERC, meeting in Brussels on 22 November 2004. I have not made any other foreign trips.
Health Services.
Phil Hogan
Question:49 Mr. Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the necessary finance will be spent on the proposed autism centre at Myshall, County Carlow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12570/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of funding.
Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer of the executive's south eastern area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Pat Breen
Question:50 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be called for a CDC assessment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12593/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer of the executive's mid-western area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Public Capital Programme.
Enda Kenny
Question:51 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will provide a broad description of each capital project with a construction cost in excess of €5 million during the past five years; when each project was first considered by her Department; when each project will be procured or tendered; when each will be completed; if each project will be part-financed by user or other charges; the number of public servants currently employed in the delivery of each project; the names of the consultants and advisers used to date in respect of each project; the titles of the consultancy reports carried out or in progress; the expenditure to date on each project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12555/05]
The information requested by the Deputy is at present being collated by my Department, in consultation with the Health Service Executive. My Department will arrange for the details to be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Enda Kenny
Question:52 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her estimate of the capital requirement of her Department and its agencies over the next ten years; and the projects in excess of €20 million that may be procured during this period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12556/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, HSE, established on 1 January 2005, to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services, which is provided by way of direct Vote from the Exchequer to the executive. This includes responsibility for progressing the bulk of the health capital programme for future years. My Department also has responsibility for the funding of the capital programme for certain individual health agencies such as the Health Research Board, the Office for Tobacco Control, and the Adoption Board.
The overall health capital programme, for both my Department and the Health Service Executive, is currently being completed up to the year 2009 in the context of the approved funding envelope in excess of €3 billion for the capital investment framework, CIF, 2005-2009. This includes finalising cash flow projections for projects in excess of €20 million that may be procured during this period. While projections for certain individual projects would obviously extend beyond 2009, the capital requirements for the period 2010 to 2014 is a matter on which my Department will need to consult with the HSE. I will revert to the Deputy in this regard as soon as possible.
Consultancy Contracts.
Enda Kenny
Question:53 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the names of persons in the private sector who have met with or advised her or her predecessors over the past seven years in any capacity on infrastructure projects to be supported by public expenditure; the details of those meetings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12557/05]
Given the period of time covered by the question, it will be necessary to carry out an extensive review in order to respond. I will therefore communicate with the Deputy as soon as the information is to hand.
Health Services.
Enda Kenny
Question:54 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason two pilot PPP community nursing home projects have not progressed to the stage of tender procurement; if the Department of Finance has expressed objections to this project; if so, if she will report on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12558/05]
Work has been under way in my Department on the proposals for the two public private partnership pilot projects to deliver 850 community nursing unit beds and the work undertaken so far has helped to clarify a number of issues. As appropriate with major health sector developments there are continuing discussions between my Department and the Department of Finance.
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 be pursuing the need to deliver such capacity with the Minister for Finance as a matter of high priority. The provision of these additional long stay beds must be considered in the context of the capital investment programme and current funding requirements attached to capital projects.
Nursing Home Charges.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:55 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the Government plans to retain a contribution towards the cost of nursing homes from the pensions of patients admitted to public nursing homes; and the level of contributions which is being considered. [12559/05]
The Health Amendment Act 2005 provides a legal framework for the charging of public patients for the maintenance element of inpatient services in publicly funded long-term care in residential units. Charges will be introduced by regulations which the Department is currently working on to put in place as soon as possible.
The weekly charge is limited to an amount which does not exceed 80% of the maximum of the weekly rate of the old age non-contributory pension. There is also a provision in the Act to allow the Health Service Executive to reduce or waive the charge imposed depending on a person's financial circumstances.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:56 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she plans to make a deduction from the disability allowance for disabled persons currently in residential care. [12560/05]
The practice of charging or seeking a contribution from clients with a disability in residential care who have income has been a feature of the health service for a number of years. This is consistent with the principle that where individuals are in a position to contribute a modest amount to the cost of their care, it is reasonable that they do so. Charges will be introduced by regulations which the Department is currently working on to put in place as soon as possible.
Hospital Services.
Seán Ardagh
Question:57 Mr. Ardagh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a complaint from a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6W in connection with St. Vincent’s Hospital, Elm Park will be examined. [12561/05]
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 Dublin, 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.
Nursing Home Charges.
Tom Hayes
Question:58 Mr. Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the level of compensation due under the national repayments scheme on nursing home charges in south Tipperary. [12565/05]
The details of a repayment scheme to address the situation following the Supreme Court decision are currently being finalised only following which would it be possible to calculate accurately the level of compensation due for nursing homes in a specific Health Service Executive area. However given the difficulties now emerging with records of individuals' addresses and the movement of some patients within areas of the HSE, it may not be possible to provide accurate figures on a specific area.
Health Services.
Finian McGrath
Question:59 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 does not qualify for pre-school and other supports; if children with autism and low functioning difficulties are being excluded; and if resources will be provided immediately. [12577/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver or arrange to be delivered on its behalf health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of funding. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer of the executive's eastern regional area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Finian McGrath
Question:60 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a centre (details supplied) is providing proper services for children with autism and low functioning difficulties; and the resource problems for families with disabilities. [12578/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver or arrange to be delivered on its behalf health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of funding. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer of the executive's eastern regional area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Services.
Brian O'Shea
Question:61 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the discussions she has had with the promoters of a private hospital in Waterford in the matter of the provision of radiation therapy for public patients; the agreements which have been reached; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12602/05]
As the Deputy is aware, I had a meeting in February with representatives of the University of Pittsburgh cancer institute and Eurocare International at which they outlined their plans to provide acute hospital services, including radiotherapy, at a private clinic in Waterford. It was not the purpose of the meeting to reach any agreement on these proposals. The question of the referral of public patients to such facilities would be a matter for the Health Service Executive.
A national radiation oncology co-ordinating group has been established. The group comprises clinical, technical, managerial, academic and nursing experts from different geographic regions. The group's remit encompasses recommending measures to facilitate improved access to existing and planned services including transport and accommodation. The group will also advise on quality assurance protocols and guidelines for the referral of public patients to private facilities.
Health Service Staff.
Denis Naughten
Question:62 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of nursing vacancies in acute, community, mental and geriatric services in the HSE western region; the breakdown on a county basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12610/05]
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 nursing vacancies in acute, community, mental and geriatric services in the HSE western region. 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.
Health Service Reform.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:63 Mr. O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has had discussions with the Health Service Executive on the need to involve the community and voluntary sector in the future development of the health services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12611/05]
The HSE has reported to my Department that it has started the process of examining the different structures that exist for involving voluntary and consumer interests in the health system. The HSE looks to build on the arrangements that already exist, learn from the experiences of how involvement can be best achieved and develop an improved model of participation for the future.
Pending the full development of the executive's service directorates the structures in each former health board area to support voluntary and community involvement remain under the leadership of a chief officer. The executive has indicated that there will be no change to these arrangements unless or until there is an improved model to replace them. In the context of approving the national service plan submitted by the executive, I pointed to the need to ensure that the strong existing relationships with the non-statutory sector are maintained and supported while the executive's new organisational design is being fully developed.
Hospital Services.
Brian O'Shea
Question:64 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the practice in acute hospitals whereby crutches returned by patients who no longer need them are dumped; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12612/05]
I am aware that some hospitals have excellent protocols and practice for management of reusable equipment, including crutches, but this is not the case in a number of other hospitals. I have asked my officials to consult the Health Service Executive to request the executive to extend best practice for the reuse of crutches throughout the hospital system. As the Deputy is aware, 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. Through the executive I expect that a consistent approach will be taken to reusing crutches in acute hospitals.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Finian McGrath
Question:65 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the maximum advice and support, including financial support, will be given to persons (details supplied) in Dublin 5 as entitlements for their child with a disability. [12624/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver or arrange to be delivered on its behalf health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of funding. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer of the executive's eastern regional area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Cancer Screening Programme.
Pat Carey
Question:66 Mr. Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans for the extension of the breast screening programme; if she has plans to introduce a programme of screening for prostate cancer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12625/05]
The rollout 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.
Design briefs for the BreastCheck static units at South Infirmary, Victoria Hospital, Cork and University College Hospital, Galway have 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.
The national cancer forum, a multi-disciplinary group of cancer experts, as part of the preparation of a new national cancer strategy has reviewed all issues concerned with screening, including examining specific diseases such as prostate cancer. The forum will advise that there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend the introduction of a population based prostate screening programme in this country. The forum will also advise that emerging international evidence on prostate screening should be kept under review. This position is consistent with the recommendations adopted by the European Union which do not provide a specific recommendation for prostate screening. It advocates the introduction of cancer screening programmes which have demonstrated their efficacy having regard to professional expertise and which reflect priority setting for healthcare resources.
Health Services.
John McGuinness
Question:67 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if an appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and the reason for the delay. [12626/05]
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 investigate the matter and reply directly to the Deputy.
Nursing Home Charges.
John McGuinness
Question:68 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the amount of the repayment which will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; the status of the repayment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12627/05]
The details of a repayment scheme to address the situation following the Supreme Court decision are currently being finalised only following which would it be possible to calculate accurately the amount of repayment due to an individual. 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 issue raised by the Deputy and accordingly my Department has requested the HSE to investigate the matter and reply directly.
Medical Cards.
John McGuinness
Question:69 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the budget submission made to Government on behalf of the Retired Nurses Association of Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the issues raised. [12628/05]
The submission requested that medical cards be granted at age 66 without a means test. Eligibility for health services is generally based on residency and means and the only major exception is for persons aged 70 and over, who have automatic eligibility to a medical card. Persons are entitled to a medical card where they are unable, without undue hardship, to arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves or their dependants. In determining eligibility the local area of the Health Service Executive will have regard to the financial circumstances and medical needs of the applicant. Medical cards may be made available by the Health Service Executive where the income guidelines are exceeded, for example in circumstances where there are particular needs for medical services or in hardship cases. However, in all cases the decision is a matter for the chief officer of the relevant area of the Health Service Executive. 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.
Hospital Services.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:70 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to concerns that have been expressed at the future of the children’s leukaemia unit at the Mercy University Hospital in Cork; and if she is in a position to approve the appointment of a shared consultant haematologist with an interest in child haematology as requested by the Children’s Leukaemia Association. [12631/05]
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 cancer services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer of the southern area of the executive to investigate the matters raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Health Service Staff.
Denis Naughten
Question:71 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of paramedic vacancies in acute, community, mental and geriatric services in the HSE western region; the breakdown on a county basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12632/05]
The health service personnel census collects employment information solely on the basis of grade and employing agency. It does not include any data on vacancy levels. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer of the HSE's western area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Denis Naughten
Question:72 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of doctor and consultant vacancies in acute, community, mental and geriatric services in the HSE western region; the breakdown on a county basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12633/05]
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 medical appointments. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief executive officer of the HSE's western area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Staff.
Denis Naughten
Question:73 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in appointing a consultant physician at Roscommon County Hospital; the action she is taking to have this appointment made immediately; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12634/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver or arrange to be delivered on its behalf health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of services at Roscommon County Hospital. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief executive officer of the HSE's western area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Jerry Cowley
Question:74 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason treatment sessions in paediatric occupational therapy could not be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12640/05]
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 occupational therapy. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief executive officer of the HSE's western area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Services.
Denis Naughten
Question:75 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the action he is taking to staff the dental department at the Sacred Heart Hospital, Roscommon for the treatment of elderly patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12641/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver or arrange to be delivered on its behalf health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of services at the Sacred Heart Hospital in Roscommon. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief executive officer of the HSE's western area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Staff.
Denis O'Donovan
Question:76 Mr. O’Donovan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the efforts being made to expand the surgical unit of Bantry Hospital; the position regarding the provision of additional consultants for the hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12642/05]
Denis O'Donovan
Question:77 Mr. O’Donovan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position with regard to the provision of a CT scanner for Bantry General Hospital; the situation regarding the provision of the necessary specialised staff to operate the CT scanner (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12643/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 76 and 77 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 services at Bantry General Hospital. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief executive officer of the HSE's southern area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Services.
David Stanton
Question:78 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the planned use for the Erinville Hospital building in Cork and the building housing the maternity unit in St. Finbarr’s after the transfer of maternity services to a new unit in Cork University Hospital; when this transfer is to take place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12644/05]
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 chief executive officer of the HSE's southern area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:79 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if speech and language classes will be offered in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12668/05]
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 speech and language therapy. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief executive officer of the HSE's eastern regional area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Parental Leave Provisions.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:80 Mr. O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the arrangements for maternity leave within the public bodies under the aegis of her Department; if she will consider providing an additional eight weeks’ paid maternity leave; the likely cost thereof; the likely cost to the Exchequer of six weeks’ paid parental leave; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12730/05]
The arrangements for maternity leave in public bodies under the aegis of my Department provide for a period of 18 weeks paid leave with the option for up to an additional eight weeks unpaid leave in line with the provisions set out in the Maternity Protection Act 2004. In addition, unpaid parental leave of up to 14 weeks is available to parents of children up to eight years or up to 16 years in the case of a child with a disability.
As there are at present no plans to introduce an additional eight weeks' paid maternity leave or six weeks' paid parental leave, no analysis has been undertaken by my Department on the likely cost of any such initiative. Any such expansion of these entitlements to bodies under the aegis of my Department in the future would most likely be considered only in the context of a similar expansion for the wider public service.
Public Capital Programme.
Enda Kenny
Question:81 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of public servants in her Department who are employed full-time on the assessment, procurement, project management and delivery of infrastructure projects covered by the public capital programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12863/05]
Enda Kenny
Question:82 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the Government considered redeploying public servants to assist with the procurement and project management of infrastructure projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12875/05]
Enda Kenny
Question:83 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the fact that the public capital programme is equivalent to 7.5% of GNP or some 21% of total Government spending, she is satisfied that sufficient public servants in her Department are working in a full-time capacity on infrastructure projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12887/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 81 to 83, inclusive, together.
Responsibility for the health public capital programme within my Department rests primarily with the hospital planning office supported as appropriate by other relevant divisions. The hospital planning office has 24 staff. While the day to day management of projects in the public capital programme rests with the Health Service Executive and other agencies, my Department works closely with these bodies and provides professional advice and support as appropriate. The future role and responsibilities of the hospital planning office are currently under review in the context of the reforms of the health service and recent establishment of the HSE. I will ensure that my Department has adequate resources in the future to undertake its responsibilities to the health capital programme.
On the other issues raised, the Deputy will be aware that the HSE, which was established on 1 January 2005, has responsibility to manage and deliver health services at local level or arrange to have such services delivered on its behalf. The question of redeploying public servants within the HSE to procure infrastructure projects is a matter for decision by the executive in the context of its overall resources.
Consultancy Contracts.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:84 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the amount paid or agreed to be paid to the adviser and agents connected to the Mountjoy replacement site committee in the purchase agreement entered for Thornton Hall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12698/05]
A fee of €150,350 has been paid to the agent for services provided in connection with the sourcing and purchase of a site for a new prison. This was on an agreed fixed fee and was not related to the price paid for the site purchased at Thorntown. Additional fees were paid for engineering services and site investigation work.
Departmental Agencies.
Enda Kenny
Question:85 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the number of executive staff who were employed on a full or part-time basis by the National Development Finance Agency each year since it was established; if he will list all the projects on which the agency has given an opinion; the projects currently referred to the agency for an opinion and currently under consideration; the value of each project; the consultants and advisers used by the agency to date; the consultancy studies and reports completed to date and in progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12528/05]
The role of the National Development Finance Agency, NDFA, is to advise Departments about the optimal means of financing the cost of capital projects in order to achieve value for money, whether procured through a PPP approach or through traditional procurement. Departments and agencies who are decision making bodies are obliged to seek the advice of the NDFA for all capital projects or grouped projects valued in excess of €20 million. For projects valued under that amount the advice of the agency may be sought but is not obligatory. The NDFA does not have a project approval role. The functions of the NDFA, which was established on 1 January 2003, are performed through the National Treasury Management Agency, NTMA, under section 11 of the National Development Finance Agency Act 2002. The NTMA has 90 full-time employees. I am advised by the NDFA that under section 11(1)(a) of the Act the NTMA allocated the following full time staff to the NDFA since its inception.
|
Year |
No. of executive staff allocated |
|
1 January 2003 |
2 |
|
1 January 2004 |
5 |
|
1 January 2005 |
5 |
|
currently |
7 |
The NTMA allocates resources to the NDFA business area as deemed necessary. In addition to the full-time employees allocated to the NDFA, support staff are used on a temporary basis as required from other parts of the NTMA, including its information technology, security, legal, financial control and funding and debt management units.
I am advised by the NDFA that since 2003 the following projects requiring an opinion from the NDFA have reached financial or contractual close. There is also one tourism project for Clare County Council, on which the NDFA has issued an opinion, and financial close is expected at end of April 2005. Further details including the value or cost of the various projects are a matter for the relevant State authorities responsible for procuring the projects.
|
Project |
State authority |
|
Transport — Roads |
|
|
Dundalk Western Bypass |
National Roads Authority |
|
Kilcock to Kinnegad |
National Roads Authority |
|
Rathcormac and Fermoy Bypass |
National Roads Authority |
|
Transport — Rail |
|
|
Luas Credit Facility |
Railway Procurement Agency |
|
Housing |
|
|
Fatima Mansions |
Dublin City Council |
|
Local Authority Loans |
|
|
Kildare County Council Offices |
Kildare County Council |
|
Cork County Council Offices |
Cork County Council |
|
Cork City Council Offices and Drainage |
Cork City Council |
|
North Tipperary County Council Offices |
North Tipperary County Council |
|
Broadband Technology |
|
|
Metropolitan Area Network |
Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources |
I am advised that 80 projects are currently referred to the NDFA for advice at varying stages of the appraisal and procurement process. Some of these projects are yet to be deemed live as they are pipeline projects or still undergoing assessment and accordingly are not listed. I understand that the NDFA is awaiting formal instruction from the relevant sponsoring Department. Current projects on which ongoing advice is provided by the NDFA are included in the following list.
|
Project |
|
|
Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government |
|
|
South Eastern Region Waste Integrated Waste Management Infrastructure |
Waste |
|
Waterford County Council Grouped towns and villages Sewerage Scheme |
Water |
|
Dublin City Council — Dublin Waste to Energy |
Waste |
|
Wicklow County Council — Greystones Marina |
Harbour |
|
Fingal County Council — Landfill |
Waste |
|
Dublin City Council — O’Devaney Gardens |
Social, Affordable and Private Housing |
|
Dublin City Council — Fatima Mansions |
Social, Affordable and Private Housing |
|
Dublin City Council — Jamestown Road |
Affordable Housing |
|
Dublin City Council — Infirmary Road |
Affordable Housing |
|
Dublin City Council — St. Michael’s Estate |
Social, Affordable and Private Housing |
|
Dublin City Council |
East Link Bridge |
|
Sligo Borough Council — Ballinode |
Social, Affordable and Private Housing |
|
Meath County Council |
New Headquarters |
|
Clare County Council |
New Headquarters |
|
Cork County Council |
Loan Finance, Waste Project |
|
Department of Transport |
|
|
(i) National Roads Authority |
|
|
N25 Waterford Bypass |
Road |
|
N3 Cavan to Dublin, Clonee to Kells |
Road |
|
N7 Limerick Southern Ring Road Phase 2 |
Road |
|
(ii) Railway Procurement Agency |
|
|
Luas |
Line extension |
|
Integrated ticketing |
Integrated Ticketing |
|
(iii) CIE |
|
|
Financing |
Rolling Stock |
|
Department of Education and Science |
|
|
Dublin Institute of Technology |
Relocation to Grangegorman |
|
Cork School of Music |
Music School |
|
UCD Relocation from Earlsfort Terrace |
Possible deal on site |
|
Department of Health and Children |
|
|
Southern Health Board |
Community Nursing Units |
|
Eastern Regional Health Board |
Community Nursing Units |
|
Eastern Regional Health Board — Central Mental Hospital |
Hospital relocation |
|
Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources |
|
|
Digital Hub |
Development of site |
|
Office of Public Works |
|
|
Decentralisation |
Acquisition of offices |
|
Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform |
|
|
Courts Service — Criminal Courts Complex |
New buildings |
|
Courts Service — Programme of new court houses |
New buildings |
|
Prisons Service — Mountjoy Prison relocation |
New Prison |
|
Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism |
|
|
National Conference Centre |
Provision of building |
|
Lansdowne Road — State funding component |
Reconstruction |
I am advised that the NDFA only employs financial advisers to assist on high value projects where it is deemed necessary to have additional resources to help bring the project to financial close in a timely manner. For the criminal courts complex and the national conference centre, KPMG and Farrell Grant Sparks were appointed by NDFA on this basis following tender competitions. The main work of the financial advisers is to aid in the calculation of the public sector benchmark and the evaluation of bids.
Following the establishment of the NDFA my Department advised all Departments that State authorities were to seek the advice of the agency on the best financing approach for projects. However, where a Department, State authority or agency had employed financial consultants to provide advice for an individual project or a programme of projects these arrangements would be honoured. The NDFA where requested has also worked with those authorities and their advisers to help assess the best value for money for the Exchequer. The NDFA has not conducted any formal consultancy studies or reports to date.
Public Private Partnerships.
Enda Kenny
Question:86 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance if he is assessing new structures as part of the reform of the PPP process; if so, the proposals he is considering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12529/05]
The Government is committed to developing the PPP process as a viable procurement option for appropriate projects within the overall context of public investment in infrastructure and public services. PPPs are one procurement tool to be used alongside traditional approaches. The PPP procurement option, however, has an important role to play when applied to appropriate projects where there is the right scale, risk and operational profile to harness the benefits of this new approach.
There has been good progress on PPPs overall since the first group of pilot projects were announced in 1999. Reasonable deal flow has been established in the roads and environment areas but progress in relation to projects funded by unitary payments from the Exchequer has been slower. We are still learning and continue to keep our processes and procedures under review.
In that context, I am actively considering what changes, if any, are appropriate to support the continued evolution of the process for projects funded by unitary payments from the Exchequer. PPPs are acknowledged to be complex, involving as they do a long-term financial commitment for both the private and public sector partners. Significant effort is also required up-front in scoping and negotiating the projects. Building on the lessons learnt to date and on the progress and expertise already developed, one of the challenges going forward is to determine how best to ensure that the appropriate skills and capacity are in place to assist Departments in procuring PPP projects. I am currently considering that issue and my intention is to have that process concluded as quickly as possible.
National Development Plan.
Enda Kenny
Question:87 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance if it is the Government’s intention to prepare a successor to the national development plan; if so, when and the period for which it will apply; the methodology, including stakeholder consultation, which will be used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12530/05]
The Government has taken no decision as yet as to whether there will be a successor to the current seven year national development plan which will run until the end of 2006. Unlike previous occasions there is no requirement under the draft Structural Funds regulations for the period 2007-13 to prepare a national development plan. The introduction of the rolling multi-annual capital envelopes in budget 2004 was a major innovation and provides a medium-term financial framework for public capital investment. This gives Departments and implementing agencies relative financial certainty to plan capital programmes and projects over the medium-term. I will be examining whether the capital envelopes need to be augmented through a post-2006 national development plan and will make my recommendations to Government in this regard in due course.
Public Capital Programme.
Enda Kenny
Question:88 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the number of public servants who are employed full time on the assessment, procurement, project management and delivery of infrastructure projects covered by the public capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12532/05]
Enda Kenny
Question:89 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the fact that the public capital programme is equivalent to 7.5% of GNP, or some 21% of total Government spending, he has satisfied himself that enough public servants are working in a full-time capacity on infrastructure projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12533/05]
Enda Kenny
Question:90 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance if the Government considered redeploying public servants to assist with the procurement and project management of infrastructure projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12534/05]
Enda Kenny
Question:91 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance his estimate of the public capital requirement of his Department and its agencies including the OPW over the next ten years; the projects in excess of €20 million that may be procured during this period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12535/05]
Enda Kenny
Question:92 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the names of persons in the private sector who have met with or advised him or his predecessors over the past seven years in any capacity on infrastructure projects to be supported by public expenditure; the details of those meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12536/05]
Enda Kenny
Question:93 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a broad description of each capital project considered by his Department over the past five years; when each project was first considered; when each project will be procured; when each will be completed; if each project will be part-financed by user charges; the number of public servants currently employed in the delivery of each project; the names of the consultants and advisers used to date in respect of each project; the titles of the consultancy reports carried out or in progress; the expenditure to date on each project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12537/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 88 to 93, inclusive, together.
On the totality of public capital programmes and projects, as the Deputy will appreciate, primary responsibility for managing capital programmes and the evaluation, planning and execution of infrastructure projects rests with line Departments and the relevant implementing agencies. This includes addressing capacity and resource requirements for programme and project management and delivery.
The Department of Finance's role is to agree with Departments, subject to the direction of the Government, the policy framework for capital programmes and projects, to make global provision through the multi-annual capital envelopes for the resources required and to put in place best practice guidelines for the appraisal and management of capital projects.
Line Departments and their agencies are primarily responsible for managing their programmes and projects within budget and in compliance with the policy framework and with guidelines laid down by my Department. In general, therefore, most Departments have delegated sanction to execute projects. My Department has a role in the sanctioning of resources for individual projects not covered by the delegated sanction given to line Departments or not within approved programme budgets. Line Departments in turn, generally act as the sanctioning authority for projects promoted by public bodies under their aegis.
On its own capital expenditure, my Department, given the nature of its business, has very little direct involvement in infrastructure projects. Information on those projects for which my Department is directly responsible, is outlined in this response. In line with the capital investment framework, my Department makes five year projections on an annual rolling basis in respect of the capital requirements on its Vote. Most of the funding is allocated for use by other Departments or bodies. In this context, these are the projected capital requirements for 2005-09: 2005 —€11.108 million; 2006 —€9.088 million; 2007 —€9.363 million; 2008 — 9.363 million; and 2009 — 9.363 million.
Given the eclectic nature of the capital programmes funded from my Department's Vote, funding requirements over ten years, as requested by the Deputy cannot be predicted but I do not anticipate any capital projects in excess of €20 million.
Details of capital projects, including staffing, for which my Department is directly responsible, are outlined below.
Subhead P — The Information Society fund provides a central mechanism to support Civil Service-wide e-Government requirements and also to respond to opportunities under the Government's new action plan for the information society, "New Connections", approved in March 2003. To date, capital projects funded from the information society fund have not been managed by my Department. One person is employed assessing project proposals to the information society fund from other Departments.
My Department is considering a proposal on a human resource management system in 2005. If successful this will be the first capital project managed by my Department from funds provided from the information society fund. It is expected that the project will be completed by 2007. No advisers or consultants have been engaged in respect of the proposed capital project to be managed by my Department and no reports have been created. The project would not involve user charges.
Subhead Q — Civil Service Childcare Initiative provides crèches for the children of civil servants in Dublin and regional centres. The project was first proposed and considered in budget 2001. The project is ongoing and will be complete when crèches have been provided in main centres of civil service population. No public servants are employed full-time on the project. The OPW has advised me on the project and no consultancy reports arise from the project and to date €4.396 million has been spent on the provision and fitting out of six crèches. User fees are charged by the operators of the facilities.
Subhead R — Procurement Management Reform provides for the implementation of the strategy for the implementation of e-procurement in the Irish public sector, which comprises procurement management reform including the establishment of a number of e-procurement systems, such as a tender management facility, a public procurement portal, electronic catalogue/s and a supplier register. The project was first considered in 2003 and is expected to be completed in 2009. To date €350,000 has been spent. One and a half public servants are employed in my Department managing the project. User fees will not be charged for the project. Currently, Millstream Associates and Fusio Limited act as consultants on the project and a document entitled Technical review of the e-tenders website 2003 has been prepared.
The number of public servants employed by my Department in a full-time capacity to assess, procure, project manage, or deliver capital projects is sufficient for the task and as such I have not considered redeploying staff within my Department. These projects have not given rise to meetings between me or my predecessors and persons in the private sector. Information on any consultancy advice received on these projects is as outlined above.
On the Office of Public Works, which is not funded directly or indirectly by my Department, my Department has asked that office to communicate to the Deputy the required information on its infrastructure projects, as it was not possible to include the information in this response in the time available.
Tax Code.
Emmet Stagg
Question:94 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Finance when a tax rebate will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12564/05]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a PAYE balancing statement for the year 2004 will issue to the taxpayer in the coming days, with a cheque in settlement attached.
Flood Relief.
David Stanton
Question:95 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Finance the meetings his Minister for State has had regarding flooding in east Cork caused by the Womanagh river bursting its banks and tidal flooding; the decisions taken as a result of these meetings; the further action he intends to take in order to support landowners and householders in the Ballymacoda-Killeagh and Inch area of east Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12588/05]
An engineer from the Office of Public Works met with a group of farmers whose lands are affected by the breaches in the embankments and the resultant tidal flooding. He has compiled a preliminary report which quantifies the extent of the problem and outlines potential solutions. The problem is extensive and will be expensive to remedy.
The Office of Public Works intends to commission a more detailed study to establish the full nature and extent of the works required to provide long-term protection to the area and the cost and any environmental implications as well as the benefits of such works. When this study is completed, OPW will be in a position to determine what measures are warranted in the area and what priority should be accorded to them within its already substantial programme of flood relief measures.
Commemorative Coinage.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:96 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Finance if he has had contact with the Central Bank regarding the possibility of striking a commemorative coin to honour Pope John Paul II; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12600/05]
Since the introduction of euro notes and coins in 2002, two commemorative coins have been issued in Ireland: €5 and €10 coins to mark the Special Olympics World Summer Games 2003; and a €10 coin to mark the accession of ten new member states to the EU during the Irish Presidency in 2004. A €10 coin will be issued in May this year to mark the bicentenary of the birth of William Rowan Hamilton and the Hamilton Year of Science.
I understand from the Central Bank that if a commemorative coin honouring the late Pope was to be produced by the Central Bank it would take approximately six months from the outset to have coins available. I have no plans at present to issue such a coin.
The Deputy may be aware that the Vatican State issues its own euro coins, under an agreement with the European Union, both for general circulation and for commemorative and collector markets.
Tax Clearance Certificates.
Pat Carey
Question:97 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Finance the lowest, highest and average income to date of the holders of taxi licences in the Dublin taximeter area, now that PSV licence holders have to produce tax clearance certificates before the renewal of a licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12609/05]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the information requested is not readily available but Revenue will source as much information as possible and forward this to the Deputy within a matter of weeks.
Parental Leave Provisions.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:98 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Finance the arrangements for maternity leave within the public sector; if he will consider providing an additional eight weeks paid leave in regard to maternity leave; the likely cost thereof; the likely cost to the Exchequer of six weeks’ paid parental leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12004/05]
The arrangements for maternity leave for civil servants come within my area of responsibility. Arrangements in other parts of the public service are the responsibility of the appropriate Minister.
Under maternity protection legislation all employees are entitled to 18 weeks' paid maternity leave and eight weeks' additional unpaid maternity leave. Maternity benefit is payable to employees for the 18 weeks' maternity leave where they meet certain social insurance conditions on their own insurance record.
Current arrangements for civil servants entitle the majority of women to their normal rate of pay while on maternity leave, irrespective of whether they qualify for maternity benefit. No payment is made in respect of an absence on additional maternity leave.
The Maternity Protection (Amendment) Act 2004 introduced a wide range of improvements to maternity protection legislation. These include paid time off for a full set of ante-natal classes for mothers and paid time off for two ante-natal classes for fathers, provision to cancel additional unpaid maternity leave in order to move to sick leave in the event of the illness of the mother, postponement of leave in the event of the hospitalisation of the child and the introduction of paid breast-feeding breaks. These improvements, while welcome, will increase costs in the Civil Service, as they will for all employers, and there are no plans for any further improvements to the Civil Service maternity leave arrangements at present.
As regards an estimate of costs, there are approximately 700 instances of maternity leave among civil servants each year. The value of an additional eight weeks paid maternity leave, if staff were paid their normal rate of pay, would be approximately €4 million extra each year.
An estimate was provided by the working group on the review of the Parental Leave Act 1998 in its report published on 29 April 2002. The group estimated that the cost to the public sector of 14 weeks parental leave at full pay, similar to maternity leave, would amount to €50.5 million based on 2001 costs. At current costs the figure would be approximately €60.6 million. On this basis the likely cost to the public sector of six weeks' paid parental leave at current costs would be approximately €26 million depending on uptake.
The Deputy may be interested to note that fathers in the Civil Service are entitled to three days' paid paternity leave on the birth or adoption of their child. In 2003 approximately 300 fathers availed of this leave.
Budget Submissions.
John McGuinness
Question:99 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance his views on the budget submission made to Government on behalf of the Retired Nurses Association of Ireland relative to his Department; and if she will make a statement on the issues raised. [12629/05]
On the issues raised in the submission from the Retired Nurses Association that are within my area of responsibility, while superannuation benefits of nurses are a matter for the Minister for Health and Children in the first instance, the position for public service pensions generally is that prior to 31 July 1973 the law required that female employees had to resign on marriage. In such cases, employees under pension age qualified for marriage gratuities.
While it is accepted that the particular requirement would not pertain today, I have no plans to change the Superannuation Acts to provide pensions for officers who resigned on marriage before 1973. Any decision to provide pensions for officials who resigned on marriage before 1973 would also have wide ramifications in terms of policy and costs for employees who left the public service before the introduction of preserved pension entitlements in the 1970s.
Point 3 proposes that a pension paid to a retiree should transfer in full to a surviving spouse, particularly in the case of the widow's and orphan's scheme. It is not clear from the submission whether social welfare pensions or occupational schemes are being referred to. If the latter, entitlements are a matter for the trustees in the case of private sector schemes and the State in the case of public sector. In 2002, the then Minister for Finance amended the approval conditions for taxation purposes for these occupational schemes so that spouse-dependant pensions could be the same in aggregate as the employee's entitlement.
Spouses and children's schemes in the public service generally give the surviving spouses of members a pension equal to one half of the member's pension, except in the case of the member dying in service or retiring on health grounds, when the pension payable is one half of the pension which would have been paid to the member had the member served to maximum retiring age. There are no plans to increase the rate of spouses' pension payable in public sector schemes.
Point 6 proposes that retired people be exempted from VAT on phone charges. The rate of VAT that applies to a particular good or service is determined by the nature of the good or service and not by the status of the customer. Telecommunications services, including phones, are subject to the standard rate of VAT at 21%. There is no provision in European VAT law, with which Irish VAT law must comply, that would allow the application of an exemption from VAT for supplies to customers who are retired.
My colleagues, the Ministers for Social and Family Affairs and Health and Children will deal with the other issues raised in the submission.
Architectural Heritage.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:100 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if consideration will be given to the location of a museum at Castletown House, Celbridge, County Kildare and its outbuildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12673/05]
The primary role of the Office of Public Works in the management of Castletown is the conservation and presentation to the public of the House together with its rich collection of furniture and artefacts.
There are no plans at present for a museum in Castletown House, but the OPW is always prepared to look at innovative proposals for the use of structures such as the outbuildings at Castletown.
Official Engagements.
Dan Boyle
Question:101 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Finance the regulations which exist preventing Government Ministers from supporting businesses, for example, being photographed at the opening of buildings erected without planning permission or in contravention of other licensing requirements. [12711/05]
Dan Boyle
Question:102 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether Ministers in his Department should be seen supporting businesses, for example, being photographed at the opening of buildings erected without planning permission or in contravention of other licensing requirements, and compromising important aspects of their portfolio such as the protection of national monuments. [12712/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 102 together.
In carrying out the functions of his-her office, every Minister is expected at all times to observe the highest standards of ethical behaviour.
In 2003, pursuant to section 10(2) of the Standards in Public Office Act 2001, the Government drew up the Code of Conduct for Office Holders. The code was published by the Standards in Public Office Commission, in accordance with section 10(11) of the Act.
The code of conduct is designed to indicate the standards of conduct and integrity for the persons to whom it relates in the performance of their functions and in relation to any matter connected with or affecting or likely or appearing to affect such performance and in relation to such other matters, if any, as may be specified in the code.
The code of conduct was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas and copies are available in the Oireachtas Library.
Post Office Network.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:103 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will bring less commercially viable post offices within the ambit of a public service obligation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12580/05]
The Government and An Post share the objective of maintaining a viable nationwide post office network through a strategy of maximising the volume of both public and private sector business handled by the network. Notwithstanding the commercial remit of An Post, there is clear Government recognition of the social benefits of maintaining the nationwide post office network. Accordingly, An Post development strategies for the network continue to take full account of these social benefits.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:104 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will examine the option of requiring An Post to share a larger proportion of corporate fees with the post office network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12581/05]
The level of fees payable to postmasters and postmistresses is a contractual matter between them and An Post and is one in which I have no function.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:105 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will encourage An Post to expand its banking operation to allow more flexibility and choice for post office customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12582/05]
While this is an operational matter for the board and management of An Post and one in which I have no direct function, I have urged An Post to develop a forward looking strategy for the post office network. The objective of this exercise is to build on existing strengths in terms of nationwide network, strong brand recognition and high footfall and to devise a suite of products and services to meet current and future needs of post office customers. This strategy will provide the road map for future service delivery throughout the network.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:106 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the further Government services he will channel into the post office network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12583/05]
The primary responsibility for the development of the post office network, including provision of further Government services, remains with An Post. While the Government will support the network in any way it can and has demonstrated its commitment in a tangible fashion, with a €12.7 million capital injection in 2003, the way forward is for An Post to enhance existing services and, building on existing strengths, to develop new product offerings.
On foot of substantial investment in computerisation, a significant amount of extra business has already been obtained for the network in terms of banking and utility business.
The post office also enjoys a strong relationship with sections of the population that are currently unbanked, including many social welfare clients. With the rollout of e-Government services, the post office is ideally placed to capitalise on opportunities arising in this space, especially in the area of e-payments.
The post office network has significant strengths, including an unrivalled network and high brand name recognition. Clearly, arising from these strengths, there are continuing opportunities for the company to seek additional private and Government business.
Commemorative Stamps.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:107 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will discuss with An Post the possibility of issuing a special commemorative stamp to honour Pope John Paul II. [12604/05]
The commemorative stamp programme for 2005 was approved by Government in April 2004. In the interim, considerable work has been undertaken on the design element of the stamps. It would not be possible at this short notice to include a stamp to honour Pope John Paul II this year but the proposal could be considered in future commemorative stamp programmes.
A series of three stamps was issued in October 2003 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the election of Pope John Paul II.
Harbours and Piers.
Denis O'Donovan
Question:108 Mr. O’Donovan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position with regard to the proposed new development of Baltimore Pier and Harbour; the nature of the commitment by his Department to carry out the hydrographic survey in Baltimore Harbour; and if negotiations have taken place between his Department and Cork County Council regarding the takeover of the pier and harbour by the local authority. [12714/05]
Both Cork County Council and Baltimore and Skibbereen Harbour Board have been previously advised that the allocation in this Department in respect of the national development plan is limited, and accordingly, the Department has not been in a position to announce grant aid approvals in respect of the development of regional harbours.
Talks were recently held with officials from Cork County Council and members of the Baltimore Harbour Commissioners, at their request, to discuss funding to carry out a hydrographic survey at Baltimore Harbour. I wish to clarify that there is no commitment from my Department to provide funding for this project.
As was recently indicated in the ports policy statement, published in January 2005, Baltimore Harbour is one of the ten regional harbours scheduled for transfer to the relevant local authority.
Officials from the Departments of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and the Environment, Heritage and Local Government are at present considering the modalities for the transfer of the regional harbours to local authority ownership.
As part of that process, the local authorities concerned will shortly be asked to carry out a thorough assessment, with the co-operation of the relevant harbour authorities, and report on the potential for and possible timing of the proposed transfers in each case.
Eel Stocks.
John Perry
Question:109 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the ESB conservation division is involved directly or indirectly in the commercial extraction of eels from their weirs on the Shannon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12715/05]
John Perry
Question:110 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the ESB conservation division is involved directly or through third parties in the commercial extraction of eels from their weirs on the Shannon; the nature of the financial arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12716/05]
John Perry
Question:111 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the mechanisms which are in place to ensure that glass eels entering the estuary can safely reach the upper reaches of the Shannon system; if he proposes to introduce a restocking programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12717/05]
John Perry
Question:112 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if elvers and glass eels captured for restocking on the Shannon system under licence from his Department will not end up on the commercial market through third parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12718/05]
John Perry
Question:113 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his Department plans to carry out an investigation into the activities of a company (details supplied); if so, if he will publish the findings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12719/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 109 to 113, inclusive, together.
I am advised that the ESB commissions a brown eel-monitoring programme on the Shannon under the scientific direction of NUI Galway. The purpose of this programme is to ensure that eel stocks are monitored and conserved in accordance with best practice. The ESB has no commercial interest in the disposal of any eels caught as part of the brown eel programme.
A contractor is employed to remove the eels at Killaloe, where the ESB operates eel weirs, to protect them from potential damage from the turbines at Ardnacrusha. A large proportion of the eels removed are reintroduced to the river beyond the turbines to ensure adequate escapement for spawning.
The extraction of eels at Killaloe is carried out by contract under normal ESB tendering arrangements. Juvenile eels reaching the dam at Ardnacrusha are called elvers. It is the responsibility of the ESB to ensure that juvenile eels can access the Shannon catchment above the hydropower station at Ardnacrusha.
The ESB has undertaken a number of programmes to facilitate the capture and distribution of glass or juvenile eels. In recent years licences have issued only to the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board in partnership with the ESB to capture juvenile eels.
The ESB, in partnership with the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board, has sought in recent years to trap glass eels and elvers, by a variety of experimental means, in the Shannon estuary and transport them upstream to assist in the restocking of the upper Shannon. The ESB also has a trap at the hydropower station at Ardnacrusha at which they trap elvers.
Glass eel and elvers returning to the Shannon have been in decline in recent years, as is the case throughout Europe, and therefore the numbers of juvenile eels caught is down. The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board and the ESB will review their juvenile eels programme in advance of the 2005-06 season.
It is illegal to sell glass eels or elvers in Ireland. I am advised by the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board and the ESB that neither organisation is aware of any evidence which suggests that glass eels or elvers are being supplied to the commercial market.
I am not aware of any reason the Department should investigate the activities of the company referred to by the Deputy, which ceased trading in 1996.
Fish Stocks.
John Perry
Question:114 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the fish stocks in Lough Allen south due to the disposal of liquids from an industrial unit (details supplied) in County Leitrim to a sewage treatment works at Drumshanbo owned and operated by Leitrim County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12721/05]
My colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, has primary responsibility for policy and legislation on water quality issues. Statutory responsibility for water management and protection rests primarily with the local authorities. The central and regional fisheries boards have responsibility for the conservation and management of fish stocks.
I am advised that the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board is aware of the reports of effluent emanating from Leitrim County Council's sewage treatment plant at Drumshanbo. However, it is not aware of any adverse effects on fish stocks in the area as a result of treated effluent from this plant. The board has been in contact with Leitrim County Council and has been assured that the waste from the industrial unit, referred to by the Deputy, is treated before it enters the lake in the normal manner. I am advised that Leitrim County Council has carried out toxicity tests which have proven negative. Further toxicity tests are to be carried out and when the results become available to the board they will be reviewed and any necessary action taken.
I also understand that the Environmental Protection Agency has licensed the waste discharges from the industrial unit and is aware of the discharge to Leitrim County Council's sewage treatment plant. While no stock assessment has been undertaken on Lough Allen the board has carried out fish stock surveys on the Shannon at Carrick-on-Shannon, seven miles downstream of Lough Allen, in 2004 and downstream of Carrick-on-Shannon in 2003 including the site of the industrial unit. These surveys have shown good stocks of coarse fish present. The board is working with Leitrim County Council on a cross-Border proposal to survey a number of waters in the Leitrim area. It anticipates a decision on this project soon. The board will continue to work with the other State bodies to monitor the situation.
Parental Leave Provisions.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:115 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the arrangements for maternity leave within the public bodies under the aegis of his Department; if he will consider providing an additional eight weeks’ paid leave in regard to maternity leave; the likely cost thereof; the likely cost to the Exchequer of six weeks’ paid parental leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12731/05]
It has not been possible in the time available to compile the information on the arrangements for maternity leave within public bodies reporting to me. I have asked my Department to request this information from the public bodies concerned as a matter of urgency and I will issue a comprehensive reply directly to the Deputy as soon as possible. I am not aware of any plans to provide an additional eight weeks' paid maternity leave for the staff in question nor to provide six weeks' paid parental leave.
Public Capital Programme.
Enda Kenny
Question:116 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of public servants in his Department who are employed full-time on the assessment, procurement, project management and delivery of infrastructure projects covered by the public capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12864/05]
Enda Kenny
Question:117 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the Government considered redeploying public servants to assist with the procurement and project management of infrastructure projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12876/05]
Enda Kenny
Question:118 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if, in view of the fact that the public capital programme is equivalent to 7.5% of GNP or some 21% of total Government spending, he is satisfied that enough public servants in his Department are working in a full time capacity on infrastructure projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12888/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 to 118, inclusive, together.
The infrastructure project areas in the public capital programme within the Department's remit are shown in the following table. The assessment, procurement, project management and delivery of infrastructure projects are carried out by my Department and the bodies under its aegis in line with relevant public financial provisions and conditions, including EU requirements. The management of infrastructure projects in the public capital programme within the Department's remit is undertaken variously by staff in the Department, the commercial State bodies and the non-commercial State bodies. The level of resource deployment depends on a number of considerations such as the nature of the project, funding conditions and management requirements. The assessment, procurement, project management and delivery of infrastructure projects are conducted by staff as part of their overall roles agreed with management, which reflect Government policy, strategy statements and the business plans of the Department and the agencies concerned.
In some cases staff are working mainly or predominantly on infrastructure project delivery. Any review of the scope for redeploying additional public servants to particular infrastructure projects would need to be based on objective business cases and in the context of Government policy on public service numbers. Staff deployment within my Department is kept under review in the light of Government programme priorities, the national development plan, the Department's strategy statements, business plans, organisational priorities and other factors including the decentralisation programme. The multi-annual capital framework, which includes a facility to plan for carry-over of unspent Exchequer capital to the following year, is designed to give Departments and agencies more certainty in relation to available resources over the medium term and more flexibility to plan and manage their capital programmes in terms of delivery of outputs. The multi-annual framework will also enable Departments and agencies to plan the deployment of staffing resources on capital projects more efficiently and effectively over the medium term.
|
Infrastructure Project Area* |
2005 Estimate (€000s)** |
|
Irish Coast Guard |
3,075 |
|
Seaports and Shipping (including Port Companies) |
9,162 |
|
Development of Fishery Harbours |
20,557 |
|
Coast Protection |
2,800 |
|
Marine and Natural Resources Tourism |
2,000 |
|
Marine Research |
8,922 |
|
Energy Conservation |
10,000 |
|
ESB |
1,200,000 |
|
Bord na Móna |
32,000 |
|
Bord Gáis |
327,000 |
|
Bord Iascaigh Mhara |
100 |
|
Information and Communications Technology |
41,370 |
|
Multimedia Development |
1,270 |
|
An Post |
14,000 |
|
Teilifís na Gaeilge |
869 |
|
Total |
1,673,125 |
*The total public capital programme allocation for 2005 for areas within the remit of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources amounts to €1.738 billion. This table excludes the non-infrastructural allocations.
**Including deferred surrender, if any, carried over from 2004 in so far as voted Exchequer allocations are concerned.
Consultancy Contracts.
Enda Kenny
Question:119 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the names of persons in the private sector who have met with or advised him or his predecessors over the past seven years in any capacity on infrastructure projects to be supported by public expenditure; the details of those meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12898/05]
Enda Kenny
Question:120 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will provide a broad description of each capital project considered by his Department over the past five years; when each project was first considered; when each project will be procured; when each will be completed; if each project will be part-financed by user charges; the number of public servants currently employed in the delivery of each project; the names of the consultants and advisers used to date in respect of each project; the titles of the consultancy reports carried out or in progress; the expenditure to date on each project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12903/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 120 together.
It has not been possible to prepare a comprehensive response in the time available. I will revert to the Deputy as soon as the information is available to me.
Parental Leave Provisions.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:121 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the arrangements for maternity leave within the public bodies under the aegis of his Department; if he will consider providing an additional eight weeks’ paid leave in regard to maternity leave; the likely cost thereof; the likely cost to the Exchequer of six weeks’ paid parental leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12732/05]
There are no public bodies under the aegis of my Department. All staff in my Department are covered by the arrangements for maternity leave applying to civil servants generally, the particulars of which are determined by the Minister for Finance.
Public Capital Programme.
Enda Kenny
Question:122 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of public servants in his Department who are employed full-time on the assessment, procurement, project management and delivery of infrastructure projects covered by the public capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12865/05]
Enda Kenny
Question:123 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government considered redeploying public servants to assist with the procurement and project management of infrastructure projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12877/05]
Enda Kenny
Question:124 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the fact that the public capital programme is equivalent to 7.5% of GNP or some 21% of total Government spending, he is satisfied that enough public servants in his Department are working in a full time capacity on infrastructure projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12889/05]
Enda Kenny
Question:125 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the names of persons in the private sector who have met with or advised him or his predecessors over the past seven years in any capacity on infrastructure projects to be supported by public expenditure; the details of those meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12899/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 122 to 125, inclusive, together.
My Department has not been responsible for overseeing any infrastructure programmes, under the public capital programme or otherwise, over the past seven years. The question of meetings or advice in relation to such projects does not, therefore, arise.
Enda Kenny
Question:126 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide a broad description of each capital project considered by his Department over the past five years; when each project was first considered; when each project will be procured; when each will be completed; if each project will be part-financed by user charges; the number of public servants currently employed in the delivery of each project; the names of the consultants and advisers used to date in respect of each project; the titles of the consultancy reports carried out or in progress; the expenditure to date on each project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12904/05]
While my Department has no projects under the public capital programme and has no infrastructure projects in hand, it has had, over the past five years to end 2004, a capital budget allocation of €20.4 million. These funds were used to purchase official residences as well as to provide for major maintenance, refurbishment, up-grading and fitting out at Irish diplomatic missions throughout the world. Details of all projects, including capital projects, which are funded under Ireland's official development programme, are outlined in Development Co-operation Ireland's annual reports. The reports are available in the Oireachtas Library. I will be happy to arrange to have copies transmitted to the Deputy, if so required.
Enda Kenny
Question:127 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will provide a broad description of each of a number of capital projects (details supplied); when each project was first considered; when each project will be procured; when each will be completed; if each project will be part-financed by user charges; the number of public servants currently employed in the delivery of each project; the names of the consultants and advisers used to date in respect of each project; the titles of the consultancy reports carried out or in progress; the expenditure to date on each project. [12548/05]
Enda Kenny
Question:133 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of public servants in his Department who are employed full-time on the assessment, procurement, project management and delivery of infrastructure projects covered by the public capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12866/05]
Enda Kenny
Question:134 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the Government considered redeploying public servants to assist with the procurement and project management of infrastructure projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12878/05]
Enda Kenny
Question:135 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if, in view of the fact that the public capital programme is equivalent to 7.5% of GNP or some 21% of total Government spending, he is satisfied that enough public servants in his Department are working in a full-time capacity on infrastructure projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12890/05]
Enda Kenny
Question:136 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will provide a broad description of each capital project considered by his Department over the past five years; when each project was first considered; when each project will be procured; when each will be completed; if each project will be part-financed by user charges; the number of public servants currently employed in the delivery of each project; the names of the consultants and advisers used to date in respect of each project; the titles of the consultancy reports carried out or in progress; the expenditure to date on each project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13152/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 133 to 136, inclusive, together.
In February 2002 the Government approved, in principle, the capital redevelopment of the national theatre to provide enhanced premises and facilities. The OPW has been engaged in an examination of possible locations for the redevelopment of the Abbey. It is only when a suitable site is acquired and details of the parameters of the project are determined, including design and any partnership with the private sector etc. that a timeframe for completion, consultants, numbers of public servants involved, costs and financing arrangements may be known. The OPW has commissioned two external consultancies in relation to the Abbey, a report by Theatreplan Ltd, commissioned in July 2001, and the National Theatre-Coláiste Mhuire site assessment by Gilroy McMahon Architects, commissioned in February 2005. The costs of the studies have been incurred by the OPW.
The space and accommodation comprising the National Concert Hall is deficient in a number of important aspects most notably the absence of a self-contained auditorium for performances before smaller audiences and totally inadequate backstage facilities. In recognition of these deficiencies, the programme for Government includes a commitment to the long-term strategic development of the National Concert Hall. A number of possible locations were examined by OPW for the National Concert Hall in recent years. Consideration is being given to the possibility of redeveloping the Earlsfort Terrace site on its vacation by UCD. The elements of the National Concert Hall project remain under discussion. When these are finalised, Government approval will be sought. Two firms of consultants have been engaged by the OPW to draw up and inform a feasibility study on the Earlsfort Terrace site. They are Hopkins Architects, which was paid a total of €41,803.48 to produce a report, National Concert Hall, Dublin — Feasibility Study, in March 2004, and Carr and Angier, which was paid a total of €9,057.90 to produce a report, Outline Brief and Schedule of Accommodation, in 2002. The total fees paid to consultants for the above was €50,861.38.
In June 2003, the Government agreed, in principle, to the provision of a national conference centre in Dublin through an open competitive procurement process. The project is being procured as a public private partnership by the Office of Public Works under the direction of the steering group chaired by the Secretary General of my Department. In November 2003, the OPW published a notice inviting expressions of interest in the provision of a national conference centre in the Dublin area on a site to be provided by the interested party with an expected minimum delegate capacity of the order of 2,000. Four submissions were received and following detailed evaluation, three candidates were short-listed to proceed to the next stage of the competition and issued with invitations to tender for the project. One having withdrawn, the competition is proceeding on the basis of two tenderers.
Allowing sufficient time for engagement with the tenderers, it is hoped that a provisional preferred tenderer will be selected by mid-year, with the award of the contract, subject to Government approval, following later. The provision of the national conference centre project is being pursued under a design, build, finance, operate and maintain arrangement. It is intended that financing details will be addressed in the tenders. Staffing and the engagement of consultants associated with the project are matters for the Office of Public Works and others advising on the project, such as the National Development Finance Agency and Fáilte Ireland. In addition to my Department, the Office of Public Works, the Department of Finance and Fáilte Ireland are represented on the national conference centre steering group. These bodies, together with the NDFA, are also represented on the project team, which is chaired by the Office of Public Works. No specific expenditure has been incurred by my Department on the current project.
The proposal to provide a national stadium arose from recommendations made in a feasibility study, A Stadium for a New Century, which was commissioned in 1998 and concluded in 1999. In 2000, the Government decided to develop a national stadium at Abbotstown. Subsequently, in January 2004, the Government decided not to proceed with the proposal to provide a national stadium at Abbotstown but instead to support the redevelopment of the stadium at Lansdowne Road. The current project involves the redevelopment of the IRFU-owned stadium at Lansdowne Road into a 50,000 seat stadium to accommodate rugby, soccer and Gaelic games. The procurement of a stadium at Lansdowne Road will be undertaken by the Lansdowne Road stadium development company, once planning permission is secured. It is intended that an application for planning permission will be lodged before the end of the year. It is estimated that the construction of the stadium will take 29 months. The IRFU and the FAI will together contribute at least 34% of the cost of the project —€101 million — and these funds will be raised by the forward selling of premium seats.
No public servants are directly involved in the delivery of the project. However between the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, the Department of Finance and the OPW, there are up to 12 people who have a degree of involvement in the delivery of the project at this time. The OPW has provided consultancy and advisory services throughout the project. To date, capital expenditure of €1.3 million has been incurred on the project to develop the Lansdowne Road stadium.
The proposal to provide a sports campus at Abbotstown arose from recommendations made in a feasibility study, A Stadium for a New Century, which was commissioned in 1998 and concluded in 1999. In January 2004 the Government reaffirmed its decision to develop a sports campus at Abbotstown. The development control plan for a sports campus at Abbotstown includes provision for a range of sports facilities, including training, medical and administrative facilities on a phased delivery basis over a period of years. The Minister for Arts Sport and Tourism will submit the plan to Government shortly. Construction work on phase one of the project is expected to take 24 to 30 months to complete. The operation of the campus will involve an economic user charge for facilities. There are two public servants on secondment directly involved in the delivery of the project. In addition, there are 12 people in the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, the Department of Finance and the OPW, who have a degree of involvement in the delivery of the project at this time. The OPW has provided consultancy and advisory services to the Department of Arts Sport and Tourism throughout the project.
Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Ltd commissioned Davis Langdon PKS to assist in the preparation of a development and control plan for the sports campus at Abbotstown. The title of the report was "Training to Win — Development Control Plan". Other than an earlier expenditure of €3 million, which was spent on the Abbotstown sports campus site, there has been no additional capital expenditure on the Abbotstown sports campus project. The deployment of resources, including human resources, is made by my Department on the basis of priority, in line with overall Government and departmental objectives and I am satisfied that adequate staff resources are currently deployed to deal with the projects in question.
In the time available and given the number of projects involved, it has not been possible to provide a response on all capital projects considered in the arts, sport and tourism areas over the past five years. However, if there are specific projects in relation to which the Deputy would like information, I will be happy to provide details.
Enda Kenny
Question:128 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his estimate of the capital requirement of his Department and its agencies over the next ten years; and the projects in excess of €20 million that may be procured during this period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12549/05]
In his budget speech of 3 December 2003, the Minister for Finance announced a major change in the financial treatment of capital spending through the introduction of rolling five-year multi-annual envelopes for all investment areas. When introduced, one of the aims of the multi-annual capital investment framework was to maintain the aggregate envelope at close to 5% of GNP.
Under this multi-annual investment framework, the total capital envelope available to my ministerial Vote group over the five-year period from 2005 to 2009 is as follows:
|
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
|
€166.5 million |
€207 million |
€262 million |
€207 million |
€147 million |
It would not be appropriate to set out at this time possible capital allocations to my Department beyond the five years of the existing envelope.
Those projects in excess of €20 million that are within this framework are the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road and the national conference centre. Other major projects which will fall to be considered for inclusion within my Department's five-year capital envelope in the future are the national theatre, the National Concert Hall and a sports campus at Abbotstown. Two further projects for the redevelopment of the Curragh and Leopardstown racecourses are currently being considered by Horse Racing Ireland.
Consultancy Contracts.
Enda Kenny
Question:129 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the names of persons in the private sector who have met with or advised him or his predecessors over the past seven years in any capacity on infrastructure projects to be supported by public expenditure; the details of those meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12550/05]
In the light of the range and scope of infrastructural projects dealt with over the past seven years in the areas of arts, sport and tourism it would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to give an exhaustive response to the Deputy's question. This is particularly so given the range and scope of formal and informal contacts during the normal course of ministerial business.
Sports Capital Programme.
Phil Hogan
Question:130 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when a sport and recreational grant will be granted to an organisation (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12571/05]
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 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.
The organisation received grants under the 2001, 2002 and 2003 sports capital programmes of €44,441, €25,395 and €64,000, respectively. The 2001 and 2002 grants have been paid in full. The organisation concerned is in the process of submitting the relevant documentation to my Department in order to progress the 2003 grant offer to formal approval and payment stage.
Cultural Heritage.
Dan Boyle
Question:131 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the policy which exists regarding the retention of important art work here; and if his attention has been drawn to the imminent private sale of works (details supplied). [12713/05]
The national collecting cultural institutions, consisting of the National Archives, the National Gallery of Ireland, the National Library of Ireland, the National Museum of Ireland, and the Irish Museum of Modern Art are charged with collecting and displaying cultural objects, including artworks, in Ireland. These institutions are provided with funding by my Department, including funding for acquisitions. The institutions may also avail of the heritage fund under the Heritage Fund Act 2001 and the provisions of section 1003 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, may also be used to make acquisitions. The institutions are autonomous in regard to the artifacts they wish to acquire having regard to the financial resources available to them.
My Department, has no involvement in the acquisitions process, other than through sanctioning the use of the heritage fund in accordance with the provisions of the Act and providing a secretariat to the section 1003 selection committee.
Parental Leave Provisions.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:132 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the arrangements for maternity leave within the public bodies under the aegis of his Department; if he will consider providing an additional eight weeks’ paid leave in regard to maternity leave; the likely cost thereof; the likely cost to the Exchequer of six weeks’ paid parental leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12733/05]
The application of the statutory provisions in regard to maternity leave is a day-to-day matter for the bodies under the aegis of my Department. I have no plans to request them to provide additional paid maternity leave and accordingly have not costed such a proposal.
While I have no responsibility for the legislation in regard to parental leave, I understand there is no entitlement to paid parental leave under the terms of existing legislation. As the Deputy is no doubt aware, my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, is currently bringing the Parental Leave (Amendment) Bill 2004 before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
Questions Nos. 133 to 136, inclusive, answered with Question No. 127.
Bullying in the Workplace.
Finian McGrath
Question:137 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding violence against workers in their employment; his strategies to deal with violence, intimidation and bullying in the workplace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12563/05]
Violence in any sector of the economy is a matter for reporting to the Garda for investigation and prosecution where an offence has been committed.
Where violence is identified as a hazard at the workplace, employers are required under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989 to include a provision in their safety statement to deal with the problem.
While there are no specific occupational health and safety regulations relating to the prevention of violence at the workplace, an information and advisory booklet on the matter is available from the Health and Safety Authority.
In so far as bullying is concerned, an expert advisory group established by my predecessor to look at the measures for the prevention of workplace bullying and to identify improvements is, I understand, finalising its report and will submit it to me shortly. I look forward to the report which I hope will be a useful input to the formulation of a policy to deal with the issue of workplace bullying.
Consumer Protection.
Richard Bruton
Question:138 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to a recent premium call project which seeks to give members of the public the impression that a cheque for sums in excess of €20,000 will be posted to them if they ring a certain number; if his attention has been drawn to the comments of the Director of Consumer Affairs on defects in the legal protection framework to deal with such schemes; and if he has plans to introduce new legislation to enhance consumer protection in this regard. [12574/05]
I have received a number of complaints in recent times on practices which involve the public in the use of premium rate telephone calls to claim so-called "awards" and where the only commercial transaction appears to be the inducement by the promoter to the consumer to use the telephone and in this way the promoter gains financial benefit. The consumer appears to receive nothing in return.
I have asked my officials to examine these complaints and to discuss the matter with the Director of Consumer Affairs before deciding an appropriate response. I understand that the regulator for premium rate phone calls, Regtel, has initiated an investigation into the activities of one of the companies involved and has suspended the use of the premium rate phone line pending the result of the investigation.
Work Permits.
Joe Higgins
Question:139 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of and the sectors of the economy in which work permits have been applied for in the past year; and the number which have been granted. [12606/05]
In 2004 the work permit section of my Department received 34,692 valid applications from employers seeking work permits in respect of non-EEA nationals. A total of 34,067 applications were granted and 1,486 were refused. There was a carryover of 1,116 applications into 2005. From 1 January to 31 March the section processed 6,253 valid applications, of which 5,866 were granted and 387 were refused.
Set out below is an appendix of the sectors of the economy to which work permits were issued and refused over the same periods for the Deputy's information.
|
Category |
Issued |
Refused |
|
Agriculture and Fisheries |
3,740 |
130 |
|
Catering |
8,336 |
641 |
|
Domestic |
722 |
32 |
|
Education |
717 |
21 |
|
Entertainment |
801 |
2 |
|
Exchange Agreements |
146 |
1 |
|
Industry |
2,174 |
37 |
|
Medical and Nursing |
2,469 |
90 |
|
Service Industry |
14,705 |
526 |
|
Sport |
207 |
6 |
|
Total Permits Issued/Refused |
34,067 |
1,486 |
|
Category |
Issued |
Refused |
|
Agriculture and Fisheries |
438 |
18 |
|
Catering |
1,655 |
195 |
|
Domestic |
144 |
5 |
|
Education |
145 |
6 |
|
Entertainment |
175 |
2 |
|
Exchange Agreements |
101 |
0 |
|
Industry |
274 |
2 |
|
Medical and Nursing |
591 |
17 |
|
Service Industry |
2,288 |
142 |
|
Sport |
55 |
0 |
|
Total Permits Issued/Refused |
5,866 |
387 |
Charlie O'Connor
Question:140 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the complaint that drink prices in Bray and Greystones are particularly high according to Dublin visitors; if the matter will be investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12607/05]
I note the concerns raised by the Deputy. I do not, however, have any detailed information in regard to drink prices in Bray and Greystones. In the matter of prices, including drink prices, the Government believes that the best policy is to promote greater competition and consumer awareness and to ensure that customers are in a position to make informed choices before deciding whether to purchase a particular product or service.
In this regard, the Retail Price (Beverages in Licensed Premises) Display Order 1999 obliges owners of licensed premises to display the price of a list of certain drinks immediately outside or immediately inside each entrance to their premises. The order, which is enforced by the Director of Consumer Affairs, provides customers with fair warning of the prices being charged before they enter a licensed premises. If members of the public discover instances where they believe prices are not properly displayed, they should bring this to the attention of the Director of Consumer Affairs who can be contacted at 4 Harcourt Road, Dublin 2 on lo-call number 1890 220 229 or by e-mail at odca@entemp.ie. Customers who believe drink prices in any particular premises to be unreasonably high should take their custom elsewhere.
County Enterprise Boards.
John McGuinness
Question:141 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans in regard to county enterprise boards when the current round of EU funding ends in 2006; if he plans to give a commitment on the structures and funding beyond this date to remove the uncertainty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12608/05]
County and city enterprise boards, CEBs, play an extremely important role in developing the small business sector in Ireland and, to support them in delivering their programmes, nearly €30 million in Exchequer funds has been allocated to fund them in 2005.
The CEBs have been co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the current National Development Plan 2000-2006. I am aware that concerns exist about the future of the boards after the end of the current round of EU funding in 2006. At this stage, it is still not clear what level of EU funds will be available for Ireland in the next round of funding and, accordingly, it is likely to be some time before we will know how much EU funding, if any, will be available to support the CEBs programmes after 2006.
Notwithstanding the uncertainty about EU funding that exists at present, I can confirm that it is my intention that an appropriate level of funding for the CEBs will be maintained for the foreseeable future. However, as with any programme of expenditure, the amount to be provided each year will have to be determined in the context of the usual budgetary constraints. As regards structures, the Government has approved a recommendation contained in the enterprise strategy group for the establishment of a new central co-ordination unit within Enterprise Ireland, which will provide the CEBs with central direction, technical support, shared services and quality assurance with a view to enhancing the effectiveness, efficiency and impact of the CEBs. Discussions have already commenced between my Department and the relevant agencies regarding the steps necessary to implement the ESG's recommendation on this topic. While I have no plans at this time for any other changes to the structure of the network of CEBs throughout the country, the position will always be subject to review in the light of changing circumstances.
Parental Leave Provisions.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:142 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the arrangements for maternity leave within the public bodies under the aegis of his Department; if he will consider providing an additional eight weeks’ paid leave in regard to maternity leave; the likely cost thereof; the likely cost to the Exchequer of six weeks’ paid parental leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12734/05]
The arrangements for maternity leave within the public bodies under the aegis of my Department are as laid down in the Maternity Protection Act, 1994, the Maternity Protection Act, 1994 (Extension of periods of leave) Order, 2001, and the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Act 2004. All employees in the State are entitled to 18 weeks' paid maternity leave and up to eight weeks' unpaid maternity leave.
The provision of additional paid maternity leave is not a matter for consideration by my Department. As the cost to the Exchequer of paid maternity or parental leave depends on the salary of the individual concerned, I am not in a position to give a likely cost.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Paul McGrath
Question:143 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person, who is in receipt of the rent allowance from the local health board and subsequently begins studying full-time, is entitled to continue receiving the rent allowance. [12566/05]
Paul McGrath
Question:144 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person, who is in receipt of the rent allowance from the local health board and subsequently begins studying full-time, is entitled to continue receiving the rent allowance. [12567/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 143 and 144 together.
In general, people in full-time education are excluded from receiving assistance, including rent supplements, under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. However, there is provision for continued payment of rent supplement to eligible people who wish to resume full-time education. People participating in approved courses under the back to education allowance or VTOS schemes are not disqualified because they are in full-time education and may claim rent supplement subject to satisfying the other standard conditions of the scheme.
Legal Aid Services.
Richard Bruton
Question:145 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the financial difficulties of the Northside Community Law Centre; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that financial shortfalls have disrupted the delivery of its services in former years also; if he will move to put the centre on a firm funding basis with clear funding and clear associated responsibilities and terms of operation. [12639/05]
Richard Bruton
Question:146 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the financial difficulties of the Coolock Community Law Centre; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that financial shortfalls have disrupted the delivery of its services in former years also; and if he will move to put the centre on a firm funding basis with clear funding and clear associated responsibilities and terms of operation. [12340/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 145 and 146 together.
The Northside Community Law Centre is one of a number of organisations which are funded under my Department's scheme of grants for the development and promotion of information and welfare rights. Since its establishment in 1975, the centre has been funded exclusively by State agencies with the Department taking over direct funding in 1995. Annual funding has increased progressively over the years and the Department provided €215,000 to the centre in 2004. The necessity for the centre to source additional funding over and above what the Department can provide has been explained to the board of the centre over a number of years. This would be in line with the situation of all other voluntary organisations funded through the Department's information grants scheme.
I am fully cognisant of the valuable role which a community-based legal advice service such as the Northside Community Law Centre can play in the delivery of a comprehensive and cost effective legal advice service for citizens. However, I am satisfied that my Department is not in the long term the most appropriate source of funding for this service having regard to the fact that the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has primary responsibility for funding legal aid services. Social welfare queries dealt with by the centre in 2004 represented less than 5% of its annual business. I have therefore written to my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, regarding future funding of the centre as an integral part of its legal aid services.
In the meantime, my Department will continue to fund the centre as heretofore. Advance payments totalling €140,000 have already been made to the centre this year so as to ensure continuity of service, including payment of salaries. It should be noted, however, that the centre is seeking a substantial increase in funding for 2005 which my Department will not be in a position to meet from its current budget. Discussions are continuing with the centre's management on these issues.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:147 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when it is intended to ensure equity of treatment in respect of the disability allowance for all disabled clients in residential care. [12527/05]
Responsibility for the disabled person's maintenance allowance, DPMA, scheme was transferred from the Department of Health and Children and the health boards to the Department of Social and Family Affairs in October 1996. On the transfer of the scheme the existing qualifying conditions were retained and the scheme was renamed "disability allowance". One of the qualifying conditions applying to the former DPMA scheme was that the payment could not be made to people who were in residential care where the cost of the person's maintenance was met in whole or in part by a health board.
Effectively, persons who would otherwise have qualified for disability allowance continued to have their maintenance costs and, in certain cases, an element of spending money met separately rather than through a disability allowance payment. Since the take-over of the scheme by my Department, the restrictions on payment to persons in residential care have been progressively changed. From August 1999 existing disability allowance recipients who are living at home can retain their entitlement where they subsequently go into hospital or residential care. A review of illness and disability payment schemes completed by the Department in September 2003 recommended the removal of the residential care disqualification for disability allowance purposes. The working group which oversaw the review recognised that the removal would have a range of implications, and that, in the absence of reliable data on the numbers involved and the actual funding arrangements currently in place, it was not possible to fully assess the likely impact or cost of such a move.
Budget 2003 provided for the take-over by my Department of the discretionary "pocket money" allowances paid to people with disabilities in residential care who are not entitled to disability allowance and for the standardisation of the level of these allowances. The Department undertook an information gathering process with the health boards with a view to arranging for the transfer of responsibility for the payment of these allowances and of the funds involved.
In budget 2005, I announced, as an interim measure, a payment of €35 per week will be payable to the persons with disabilities who are affected by the current restriction with effect from June 2005. It was noted that there were a number of complex practical and administrative issues remain to be resolved with the Department of Health and Children and the health boards, such as the determination, as appropriate, of what proportion of the allowance could be retained by the institution as a contribution towards the resident's care and maintenance and the need to avoid any duplication of funding. It is my intention to progress the outstanding issues as a priority, so that all persons with disabilities can become entitled, as soon as possible, to the full rate of disability allowance irrespective of their residential status.
Richard Bruton
Question:148 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the cost of extending the fuel allowance for a further month; and if he will consider making such a change in view of the rapidly escalating cost of fuel and the very targeted nature of this allowance. [12572/05]
Pat Carey
Question:153 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the period of the free fuel allowance will be extended by a period of three weeks at the beginning or end of the periods involved; the cost of such an extension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12616/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 and 153 together.
The aim of the national fuel scheme is to assist householders who are in receipt of long-term social welfare or health board payments with their additional heating needs during the winter season. Under the scheme an allowance of €9.00 per week —€12.90 per week in designated smokeless fuel areas — is paid to eligible households during the 29-week period from mid-October to the end of April each year. About 274,000 households will receive fuel allowances during 2005 at an estimated cost of some €84.5 million. Some 300,000 pensioner and other households qualify for electricity or gas allowances through the household benefit package, payable towards their heating, light and cooking costs throughout the year. There is also a facility available through the supplementary welfare allowance scheme to assist people in certain circumstances who have special heating needs. If the duration of the winter heating season for fuel allowance purposes was to be extended for a further three weeks it would cost an extra €8.7 million. Extending the scheme by one calendar month would cost an estimated €12.6 million extra. The initial extra cost of any such extension in the scheme duration in the year of introduction would depend on whether it was to be applied at the start or end of the existing winter heating season.
An important ongoing policy objective of this Government is to provide real increases in payment rates each year for people who depend on social welfare income support, to ensure that they can experience some improvement in their quality of life, including provision of adequate heating. In this regard, the significant increases in primary social welfare payment rates for pensioners and other groups this year and in recent years have improved their income situation considerably in real terms relative to fuel cost increases and to price inflation generally. On this basis, I have no plans at present to extend the annual duration of the fuel allowance scheme. Any such change to the scheme would have to be considered in a budget context, and in the light of other priorities.
Michael Noonan
Question:149 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the arrangements described by him in reply to Question No. 528 of 12 April 2005 also apply to ancillary staff in schools such as caretakers, general operatives and secretarial staff who are not party to the arrangements made by the teaching unions; if full social insurance credit is given to such workers who earn leave by service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12575/05]
I understand from my colleague, the Minister for Education and Science, that there are two schemes dealing with the provision of caretaking and secretarial duties. Ancillary staff employed by schools whose salary costs are paid directly, or recouped from the Department of Education and Science and who work for the full year, including during school holidays, are entitled to agreed levels of annual leave. The ancillary staff who work in schools in receipt of grant aid from the Department of Education and Science are employees of the individual schools and that Department has no role in determining their terms of employment and pay. It is a matter for individual schools to decide how best to apply the funding to suit a school's particular needs.
With regard to the entitlement for annual leave and related social insurance issues, the employment of any employee, including those providing ancillary support in schools, must be in compliance with general conditions set down under both employment rights and social welfare legislation. I am not aware of any special arrangements for annual leave in place for these staff affecting social insurance. A day for which an employee either receives, or has an entitlement to holiday pay is not regarded as a day of unemployment. Annual leave is counted as additional periods of insurable employment.
Social Welfare Contract.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:150 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if it is proposed to retain the social welfare contract with An Post; the planned changes to that arrangement; the way in which this will affect payments to social welfare recipients through post offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12584/05]
My Department currently issues approximately 1.1 million weekly payments of which 58% are paid through An Post. The Government's decision in 1999 to extend the Department's existing contractual arrangements with An Post gave rise to a complaint being lodged with the European Commission in 2000. That complaint was subsequently referred by the European Commission to the European Court of Justice. In the meantime An Post, with the agreement of the Commission, has continued to provide the service on an interim arrangement basis and they have done so since 1 January 2000. There are no plans to change this arrangement.
While not wishing to pre-empt the outcome of the case before the European Court of Justice, I am confident that An Post will continue to have an important role in the delivery of services for my Department into the future.
Pension Provisions.
Brian O'Shea
Question:151 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the proposals he has to alter the situation whereby pensioners whose pensions are paid into their bank accounts are paid a week in arrears in order that the last week of their pensions is paid after their deaths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12601/05]
Customers of my Department are given a number of payment options to choose from when they apply for a social welfare payment. The majority of those who opt for payment of pensions by electronic fund transfer, EFT, do so at the start of their claim and are paid on a regular weekly basis once their claim is put into payment. From November 2004, the payment frequency for pension customers paid by EFT was changed from two weeks in arrears to one week in arrears.
The further alignment of EFT payments with that of other payment methods, including the elimination of the week in arrears payment, is being kept under review by my Department.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Pat Carey
Question:152 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the requirements of persons on disability payments to produce a general practitioner letter before they receive assistance from chief welfare officers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12615/05]
I understand that the Deputy's inquiry relates to people seeking assistance by way of exceptional needs payments provided through the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive, HSE. Exceptional needs payments can be made at the discretion of the HSE to assist with essential, once-off expenditure in exceptional circumstances. Each decision is based on consideration of the circumstances of the particular case, taking account of the nature and extent of the need and of the resources of the household concerned.
In cases where a person is seeking assistance relating to a medical condition it is open to the HSE to seek confirmation of the person's circumstances in the form of a letter or report from his or her general practitioner or other relevant qualified person, if it considers that necessary in order to determine eligibility.
Question No. 153 answered with QuestionNo. 148.
Budget Submissions.
John McGuinness
Question:154 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the budget submission made to Government on behalf of the Retired Nurses Association of Ireland relative to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the issues raised. [12630/05]
The submission in question includes three main issues which are relevant to my Department. These include submissions on the living alone allowance, pensions for older women and the role of modified insurance in qualifying conditions for contributory pensions.
The living alone allowance is a supplement of €7.70 per week payable with certain social welfare payments. The allowance is an integral part of the social welfare system but it is not a benefit in its own right. In order to receive the allowance a person must first qualify for one of a range of payments. I do not feel that it would be appropriate to establish the allowance as a separate benefit and to pay it to those who are not receiving income support from my Department.
With regard to the question of those who left work as a result of the marriage bar the position is that the issues which arise here relate to the occupational pension position of these women and are not something which fall to be addressed through the social welfare system. Questions in relation to the operation of the marriage bar are a matter for the Minister for Finance who has responsibility for the terms and conditions of employment and the pension arrangements for public servants generally.
In general, the social insurance class paid by those affected by the marriage bar was a modified rate which gives coverage for widow's, widower's and orphan's pensions and occupational injury benefit only. This reflected their occupational pension position and general contract of service. Accordingly, even if they had continued in employment, contributions paid at this class would only have entitled them to an occupational pension and not one paid under the social welfare system.
That said, the Government is committed to making contributory payments available to as many people as possible within the basic social welfare structure, based on a combination of social insurance and means tested payments. In this regard, a number of special measures have been taken in recent years to provide pensions for people with deficient insurance records. These include a reduction in the average number of contributions required for pension purposes, the introduction of pro-rata pensions based on full and modified rate insurance and the provision of special payments such as the pre-53 pension. These measures are of particular benefit to women who may have less than complete social insurance records.
Measures are also in place since 1994 to protect the pension entitlement of those who take time out of the paid workforce for caring duties. This scheme, known as the homemaker's scheme, allows for up to 20 years to be disregarded when a person's insurance record is being averaged for pension purposes. Permanent and pensionable public servants and many employees in the semi-State sector employed before April 1995 are liable for a modified rate of social insurance contribution. Such contributors have traditionally been insured for a limited range of social insurance benefits — widow's, widower's and orphan's — contributory — pensions, bereavement grant, occupational injuries benefits and carer's benefit. The level of benefits available broadly reflects the level of social insurance contribution paid and the reduced need for protection or coverage against Those recruited after 6 April 1995, however, are insurable at PRSI class A. These contributions can provide entitlement to the full range of social welfare benefits and pensions. However, the occupational pension entitlement of these employees has been modified to take account of their entitlements under the social welfare system.
The number of public servants paying PRSI class A is steadily increasing and will over time come to represent the norm throughout the public sector. However, modified insurance will play a major part in the insurability of those in the public service for many years to come with some 140,000 currently insured at these rates. Also, an estimated 77,000 pensioners are receiving payments from public service pension schemes covering civil servants, local authority staff, the education sector, the Garda, Defence Forces, health service and non-commercial semi-State bodies, the majority of whom were probably in the insurance category under review. Any changes in the status of modified social insurance contributions would have major immediate and ongoing cost implications for the social welfare system.
The relationship between social welfare pensions and existing occupational pension entitlements would also have to be reviewed to ensure consistency of treatment between those who paid modified insurance and post 1995 recruits to the public service. At this stage I have no plans to change the status of modified social insurance contributions as suggested.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:155 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will reconsider his decision in respect of rent and supplementary welfare allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6 in view of this person’s health condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12667/05]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive and I have no function in determining entitlement in individual cases. The Dublin mid-Leinster area of the Health Service Executive has advised that the person concerned made no mention of a health condition when applying for assistance under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.
The position remains as advised in my reply to Question No. 115, which I answered for the Deputy on 24 March 2005. The person concerned has been awarded a basic supplementary welfare allowance at a rate appropriate to her circumstances. She does not satisfy the conditions for receipt of rent supplement.
Parental Leave Provisions.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:156 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the arrangements for maternity leave within the public bodies under the aegis of his Department; if he will consider providing an additional eight weeks’ paid leave in regard to maternity leave; the likely cost thereof; the likely cost to the Exchequer of six weeks’ paid parental leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12735/05]
The four statutory agencies operating under the aegis of my Department are the Pensions Board, the Combat Poverty Agency, Comhairle and the family support agency. The Pensions Ombudsman's office also comes under the remit of my Department. The terms and conditions for maternity leave which apply in the agencies are in accordance with the terms provided for in the Maternity Protection Acts 1994, as revised in October 2004. Entitlement to maternity benefit is contingent on entitlement to maternity leave, legislation for which is the responsibility of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
For employees paying PRSI contributions which cover maternity benefit, the arrangements in place are either full salary paid less maternity benefit, which is paid directly to the employee, or full salary paid to the employee and the maternity benefit paid directly to the agency during the core maternity leave period of 18 weeks. Employees paying PRSI contributions not covering maternity benefit are paid full salary during the core maternity leave period.
The maternity benefit scheme has been significantly improved over the past four years, in both the duration of payment and the level at which it is paid. The estimated cost of the maternity benefit scheme for 2005 is €137.1 million, an increase of €59 million since 2001. Improvements were made as recently as 2001, to increase core maternity leave, which attracted an entitlement to maternity benefit, from 14 to 18 weeks. The period of unpaid maternity leave was also increased from four to eight weeks, bringing the total period of maternity leave to which a woman is entitled to 26 weeks. Based on the current average number of recipients and average rate of payment an increase in the duration of maternity benefit by eight weeks would cost approximately €60.9 million in a full year.
While there are no plans to extend the period for which maternity benefit is paid, I have advised that this issue be kept under constant review. On the question of paid parental benefit, any such entitlement would be contingent on an underlying entitlement to parental leave. Responsibility for the current provisions on parental leave rests primarily with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
The question of introducing a payment for periods of parental leave, including the question of whether such a payment should be made by employers or in the form of a social welfare payment, has been examined by the working group established under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness to review the operation of the Parental Leave Act 1998. In its report, published in 2002, the working group said that it could not reach a consensus on the issue and therefore no specific proposals for paid parental leave were advanced. The cost of a social welfare parental leave benefit would depend on a number of factors, including the level of such payment, the duration of payment and the level of take up. The working group concluded that a payment equivalent to the rate of disability benefit and lasting for 14 weeks would cost approximately €35.5 million, while a payment equivalent to the rate of maternity benefit would cost approximately €78 million a year. Given labour force trends and the increase in payment rates it is likely that costs would have increased since that time.
There would also be additional Exchequer costs arising from the payroll costs of the many public servants who do not pay full PRSI contribution. It is clear that the introduction of paid parental leave would have significant cost implications for employers and-or the Exchequer and the social insurance fund. Any proposals for introducing any such a payment would have to examined with regard to its effect on the sustainability of the social insurance fund and employers' costs.
Road Network.
Enda Kenny
Question:157 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the Government’s estimate of the economic and social loss as a result of road congestion in view of the OECD estimate that this figure is around 2% per annum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12531/05]
There are no official estimates of the costs associated with traffic congestion. My Department is aware of international empirical research, which estimates the economic and social costs of road congestion to be significant and of work carried out by the Dublin Transportation Office in 2002 on the cost of congestion in the greater Dublin area. The 2002 study estimated the cost of congestion to be of the order of €2 billion per annum.
The European Conference of Ministers of Transport is undertaking a major research study on tackling congestion in larger metropolitan areas and one of the issues it is seeking to address is whether congestion can be measured in a consistent and meaningful way. I am aware of the adverse impacts of traffic congestion on the economy and on the national well-being. The growth in population, employment, the economy and traffic in recent years has added to traffic congestion. It is an unfortunate side effect of our sustained economic success.
In response to the congestion problem the Government has significantly increased investment in Ireland's transport system over the last several years. Capital investment in public transport since 2000 amounts to more than €2 billion and a large portion of this is focused on measures to increase capacity, particularly in the greater Dublin area. This includes the provision of additional rolling stock and buses, measures to facilitate the operation of longer trains and the quality bus corridor programme. Investment in the ambitious national roads programme is at an all time high. Over €115 million per month is being provided to fund the various upgrade projects. The beneficial impact of this major increase in investment is already evident in the elimination of major traffic bottlenecks leading to shorter journey times and greater journey time certainty. Long standing bottlenecks such as Kildare, Monasterevin, Cashel, Sligo, Ballincollig, Drogheda, and Youghal have already been addressed.
This high level of investment is set to continue over the next decade. I am finalising a ten year transport investment framework to identify the investment and outline the measures required to further develop all elements of the national transport infrastructure. A key objective of this plan will be to put in place a series of integrated measures that will address the congestion problem. The plan will detail how we plan to tackle the transport system's remaining bottlenecks and capacity constraints as well at looking at how we can optimise the use of the network and make prudent advance provision for future economic growth. However, investment alone is not the sole answer. The Dublin Transportation Office is working on the development of a demand management strategy for the greater Dublin area and I look forward to receiving its recommendations in due course.
Proposed Legislation.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:158 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if he will include in future road traffic legislation a recommendation to require HGVs, buses and coaches to carry a decal showing the statutory speed limits for these classes of vehicles. [12576/05]
There are no plans to provide for HGVs, buses or coaches to display a sign showing the maximum speed limit applying to them.
Consultancy Contracts.
Enda Kenny
Question:159 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the names of persons in the private sector with whom he or his predecessors have met or who advised him or his predecessors over the past seven years in any capacity on infrastructure projects to be supported by public expenditure; the details of those meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12538/05]
All Ministers meet, both formally and informally, persons who give advice on such projects. Every meeting will have touched in some shape or form on such projects. If the Deputy has any particular projects in mind I will be happy to check the Department's records.
Rail Network.
Enda Kenny
Question:160 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if he considered the possibility of allowing private sector operators to run services on the mainline railway network; if so, his views on this type of PPP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12539/05]
In accordance with Directive 2004/51/EC the market for international rail freight services will be opened from 1 January 2006, which will enable any railway undertaking established in the EU to provide international freight services on the existing Irish rail network. From 1 January 2007, the domestic freight market will be opened, allowing any EU railway undertaking to provide domestic freight services on the network. CIE, the owner of the rail network, will be able to recoup the costs associated with allowing access to their network.
The European Commission has proposed that member states' domestic rail networks should be opened to passenger traffic provided by any EU railway undertaking. These proposals are with the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers for consideration.
I have no proposals for services to be operated on a PPP basis on the existing rail network.
Road Safety.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:161 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Transport if he has plans for the compulsory wearing of high visibility vests for cyclists and motor cyclists; his views on the need for such action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12623/05]
I do not consider there should be a regulatory requirement on people to wear such clothing. The consensus of public authorities concerned with road safety has been that the wearing of high visibility vests is best promoted on a voluntary basis by way of educational and publicity campaigns such as those undertaken, by the National Safety Council.
Parental Leave Provisions.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:162 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Transport the arrangements for maternity leave within the public bodies under the aegis of his Department; if he will consider providing an additional eight weeks’ paid leave in regard to maternity leave; the likely cost thereof; the likely cost to the Exchequer of six weeks’ paid parental leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12736/05]
Public bodies under the aegis of my Department are entitled to the statutory allowances. This amounts to 18 weeks paid maternity leave and an optional eight weeks unpaid maternity leave. The Maternity Protection (Amendment) Act 2004 introduced a wide range of improvements to maternity protection legislation. These improvements, while welcome, will increase costs in the public service, as they will for all employers, and there are no plans for any further improvements to the maternity leave arrangements.
Public Capital Programme.
Enda Kenny
Question:163 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the number of public servants in his Department who are employed full-time on the assessment, procurement, project management and delivery of infrastructure projects covered by the public capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12867/05]
Enda Kenny
Question:164 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if the Government considered redeploying public servants to assist with the procurement and project management of infrastructure projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12879/05]
Enda Kenny
Question:165 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if, in view of the fact that the public capital programme is equivalent to 7.5% of GNP or some 21% of total Government spending, he is satisfied that enough public servants in his Department are working in a full-time capacity on infrastructure projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12891/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 163 to 165, inclusive, together.
My Department has responsibility for overall policy and funding of the public capital programme. The assessment, procurement, project management and delivery of individual infrastructure projects are a matter for the relevant non-commercial semi-State bodies, under the aegis of my Department. Staff numbers in my Department are set by the Department of Finance. The management board of my Department allocates the staff resources, based on its business needs which is reviewed on a regular basis.
Enda Kenny
Question:166 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a broad description of each capital project considered by his Department over the past five years; when each project was first considered; when each project will be procured; when each will be completed; if each project will be part-financed by user charges; the number of public servants employed in the delivery of each project; the names of the consultants and advisers used to date in respect of each project; the titles of the consultancy reports carried out or in progress; the expenditure to date on each project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12905/05]
The essence of my Department's activities is the consideration and implementation of policy for the delivery of a safe, efficient and integrated transportation system. Within this overall policy context virtually every type of project in respect of air, rail, road, and bus transport is considered in various degrees by my Department. While my Department considers programmes of activity and larger scale projects, the detailed planning and delivery of particular projects is the operational responsibility of agencies under the aegis of my Department. It is not feasible to provide a response in respect of all those considerations in question. If the Deputy has particular projects in mind, I would be happy to check my Department's records and provide what details are available where feasible.
Parental Leave Provisions.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:167 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the arrangements for maternity leave within the public bodies under the aegis of his Department; if he will consider providing an additional eight weeks’ paid leave in regard to maternity leave; the likely cost thereof; the likely cost to the Exchequer of six weeks’ paid parental leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12737/05]
The arrangements for maternity leave in Údarás na Gaeltachta, the Western Development Commission, Bord na Leabhar Gaeilge and Area Development Management Limited are the same as those available within the Civil Service, that is paid maternity leave for 18 consecutive weeks less social welfare benefit, with an entitlement to an additional eight weeks' unpaid maternity leave.
There are no plans for any further improvements to the Civil Service maternity leave arrangements at present and, as indicated in the preceding paragraphs, these are the arrangements which apply in the bodies referred to.
I am advised that the estimated cost per annum for an additional eight weeks' paid maternity leave in each of the public bodies is as outlined below. These estimates are based on average costs over previous years and are net of social welfare maternity benefit.
|
Cost |
|
|
€ |
|
|
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
8,280 |
|
Western Development Commission |
7,640 |
|
Bord na Leabhar Gaeilge |
Nil |
|
Area Development Management Ltd. |
19,024 |
The estimated cost per annum of six weeks' paid parental leave based on current take-up is outlined below. It should be noted however that if payment were to be made in respect of parental leave then these costs would be substantially higher due to likely increased numbers availing of this leave.
|
Cost |
|
|
€ |
|
|
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
9,198 |
|
Western Development Commission |
12,000 |
|
Bord na Leabhar Gaeilge |
Nil |
|
Area Development Management Ltd. |
27,000 |
Public Capital Programme.
Enda Kenny
Question:168 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of public servants in his Department who are employed full-time on the assessment, procurement, project management and delivery of infrastructure projects covered by the public capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12868/05]
Enda Kenny
Question:169 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the Government considered redeploying public servants to assist with the procurement and project management of infrastructure projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12880/05]
Enda Kenny
Question:170 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if, in view of the fact that the public capital programme is equivalent to 7.5% of GNP or some 21% of total Government spending, he is satisfied that enough public servants in his Department are working in a full time capacity on infrastructure projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12892/05]
Enda Kenny
Question:171 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the names of persons in the private sector who have met with or advised him or his predecessors over the past seven years in any capacity on infrastructure projects to be supported by public expenditure; the details of those meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12900/05]
Enda Kenny
Question:172 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will provide a broad description of each capital project considered by his Department over the past five years; when each project was first considered; when each project will be procured; when each will be completed; if each project will be part-financed by user charges; the number of public servants currently employed in the delivery of each project; the names of the consultants and advisers used to date in respect of each project; the titles of the consultancy reports carried out or in progress; the expenditure to date on each project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12907/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 168 to 172, inclusive, together.
Due to the diverse nature of my Department's activities, I am not in a position to provide a response within the time available. My Department is collating the material for reply and I will forward the material directly to the Deputy when it is complete.
Grant Payments.
Willie Penrose
Question:173 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food, further to Question No. 379 of 15 February 2005 and a recent notification to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath, if she will take steps to have the error corrected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12635/05]
The person named, having been notified that the circumstances outlined by her did not satisfy the criteria for force majeure or exceptional circumstances under Article 40 of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1782/2003, submitted an appeal to the independent single payment appeals committee. The findings of the appeals committee were that the original decision taken by my Department should be upheld.
However, my Department has now obtained additional information regarding the circumstances of this case and are satisfied that force majeure should be applied. As a result, the year 2000 will be excluded and the single farm payment entitlement will be based on the two year average of 2001 and 2002 only. The person named was notified of this decision on 19 April 2005. An updated statement of provisional entitlements reflecting this position also issued to the person named on 19 April 2005.
Willie Penrose
Question:174 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the way in which participants in the afforestation grant scheme will be treated under the entitlements system, for the purposes of the 2005 single payment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12636/05]
To activate entitlements, farmers must submit a valid application under the single payment scheme in 2005. Except in cases of force majeure or exceptional circumstances, where a valid application is not submitted, entitlements will be transferred to the national reserve.
Farmers who wish to plant their land and consolidate their entitlements this year must: apply for consolidation on their SFP form before 16 May 2005; have received their pre-planting approval from the Forest Service prior to 31 May 2005; and complete planting by 30 June 2005. This means that farmers can now take full advantage of the entire spring planting season and still consolidate their entitlements this year. All farmers who have received their pre-planting approval letters for new afforestation projects before 16 May should declare the appropriate parcels as "forestry" on their single payment scheme application form.
Farmers who expect to get approval after 16 May but before 31 May may also declare the parcels earmarked for planting as "forestry" on the SPS form. However, such farmers will need to monitor their application closely through their forestry company or consultant.
In the event that approval does not come through by 31 May or if planting will not be completed on the land by 30 June, farmers should submit a SPS amendment form, reclassifying the parcel/s already declared for forestry as "forage lands", and withdraw their application to consolidate their entitlements in 2005. Ideally, this should be done prior to 31 May. Amendments may be submitted up to 10 June but would be subject to a penalty in respect of the parcel or parcels of 1% per working day effective from 1 June.
Farmers considering afforestation in either the current planting season or in the autumn should select the earliest possible start date for the commencement of the ten month land availability requirement — 1 September 2004 where possible — ensuring there is no overlap with previous declarations in respect of the 2004 direct payment schemes. The closer the start date is to 1 September 2004, the earlier the parcel becomes available for planting again. Should the pre-planting approval arrive after the 31 May 2005 deadline, planting can be postponed until the autumn planting season when the parcel is "free" again. Farmers in this situation can then apply to consolidate in 2006.
Farmers should make sure that at least 50% of their land remains unplanted, in order to leave sufficient entitlements to consolidate. Farmers may wish to consult with their Teagasc adviser or forestry company or consultant on this point. With regard to farmers who hold a joint management agreement or have applied for pre-planting approval with such an arrangement, it is the recipient of the single payment who is entitled to consolidate. Farmers in receipt of forestry premium who are not applying for payment under the single payment scheme do not need to complete the SPS form in 2005. Their 2005 forestry premium will be processed in the usual manner.
Farmers should consider carefully the consequences of consolidation if there is a possibility that they might wish to avail of the early retirement scheme or might wish to retire from farming within the next five years. Consolidated entitlements are allocated from the national reserve and cannot be sold or leased for five years. These entitlements must also be claimed each year for five years, failing which the unclaimed entitlements will revert to the national reserve.
Tuberculosis Incidence.
Michael Ring
Question:175 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will verify the tuberculosis test result entry for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [12659/05]
My Department's district veterinary office in Castlebar has confirmed that 31 animals were tested for TB on 9 March 2002 for the person indicated. All animals were clear on the test.
Grant Payments.
Michael Ring
Question:176 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded forestry premium. [12660/05]
The 2005 forestry premium in respect of the person in question was paid on 15 April 2005.
Michael Ring
Question:177 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive compensation under the single payment scheme. [12661/05]
The person named has had his single payment entitlement calculation based on the years 2000 to 2002. He has applied to have this calculation reviewed and has sought to have the reference period 1997 to 1999 used instead as he had de-stocked his sheep from 397 in respect of 1997 and 1998.
His application for a review has now been examined. His single payment calculation will be revised and the earlier reference period will now be used in his entitlements calculation. This will increase the number of ewes used in that calculation from 294 to 397. A revised statement of entitlements will be issued to the person named in due course.
Dan Boyle
Question:178 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the recent publication of the names of recipients of EU agricultural subsidies in the United Kingdom will be replicated here. [12662/05]
My Department does not currently publish as a matter of course the names of individual recipients of EU agricultural subsidies or the amounts paid to each of them. At this point I have no plans to change this practice. It might be noted that under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Acts, an interested party may seek to obtain information of this kind, subject to the safeguards contained in the said Acts.
EU Directives.
Denis Naughten
Question:179 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when she intends to publish the ministerial order to implement the EU animal medicines directive; when this must be implemented under EU law; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12663/05]
Work has commenced in my Department on the transposition of EU Directive 2004/28, which is the revised EU legislation governing veterinary medicines. This exercise will involve ongoing technical liaison with the Irish Medicines Board on aspects with particular operational implications for that body.
The deadline stipulated in the directive for transposition into national law is 30 October 2005, which is also the date for implementation of the majority of its provisions. However, the directive specifically provides that existing national rules relating to certain distribution aspects, particularly the veterinary prescription arrangements for medicines for food producing animals, may remain in place until 1 January 2007 or until exemption criteria have been adopted, whichever is the earlier.
It is the intention of my Department to comply with the deadline of 30 October 2005 for the transposition of the directive. The draft statutory instrument will be brought before the animal remedies consultative committee in sufficient time to meet this deadline.
Grant Payments.
Michael Ring
Question:180 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the situation of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [12664/05]
The person named has been requested to submit additional documentation relating to his request for consideration in respect of the inheritance measure of the single payment scheme. An official from my Department contacted the person named to clarify a number of issues. Following this conversation it was established the person named now has the land leased from the executrix of the estate of the deceased.
My Department is issuing a letter to the person named today, notifying him of the arrangements in respect of private contract clauses which provide for lease contracts to be modified to include the single payment entitlements prior to the closing date for receipt of applications for the single payment scheme on 16 May 2005.
Parental Leave Provisions.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:181 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the arrangements for maternity leave within the public bodies under the aegis of her Department; if she will consider providing an additional eight weeks’ paid leave in regard to maternity leave; the likely cost thereof; the likely cost to the Exchequer of six weeks’ paid parental leave; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12738/05]
The arrangements for maternity leave and parental leave for staff in public bodies under the aegis of my Department are in accordance with criteria set down by statute. Any new provisions for both maternity leave and parental leave would be, in the first instance, a matter for consideration centrally in the Department of Finance.
Public Capital Programme.
Enda Kenny
Question:182 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of public servants in her Department who are employed full-time on the assessment, procurement, project management and delivery of infrastructure projects covered by the public capital programme. [12869/05]
Enda Kenny
Question:184 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if, in view of the fact that the public capital programme is equivalent to 7.5% of GNP or some 21% of total Government spending, she is satisfied that enough public servants in her Department are working in a full-time capacity on infrastructure projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12893/05]
Enda Kenny
Question:185 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the names of persons in the private sector who have met with or advised her or her predecessors over the past seven years in any capacity on infrastructure projects to be supported by public expenditure; the details of those meetings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12901/05]
Enda Kenny
Question:186 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will provide a broad description of each capital project considered by her Department over the past five years; when each project was first considered; when each project will be procured; when each will be completed; if each project will be part-financed by user charges; the number of public servants currently employed in the delivery of each project; the names of the consultants and advisers used to date in respect of each project; the titles of the consultancy reports carried out or in progress; the expenditure to date on each project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12911/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 182 and 184 to 186, inclusive, together.
Most capital expenditure incurred by my Department over the past five years has generally been on demand-led schemes. Expenditure under such schemes relates to grants paid to individual farmers, co-operatives or companies who present grant applications to undertake certain approved works for which grant payment is subject to the projects being satisfactorily completed. As the aided projects are owned by private parties, the matter of user charges, where relevant, is a matter for the promoters concerned. Capital grant expenditure relates to on-farm investments, marketing and processing type investments, details of which are available in the annual Book of Estimates and in the Department's publication, Schemes and Services.
Actual expenditure under a particular measure is driven by a number of factors such as: the individual measure under which grant applications are submitted; the rate of completion by the promoter; and the number and value of applications received, approved and processed for payment in any one year. As demand-led grant schemes are administered by Department staff, the engagement of outside consultants does not arise.
|
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
2002 |
2001 |
|
|
Est. |
Actual |
||||
|
Total capital expenditure |
219 |
140 |
56 |
58 |
112 |
|
Of which Administrative Budget |
19 |
3.5 |
4 |
5.5 |
11 |
|
Other (e.g. grants-in-aid) |
9 |
1.5 |
7 |
14.5 |
15 |
|
Schemes/projects * |
191 |
135 |
45 |
38 |
86 |
* Forestry Service transferred to Department in January 2004.
Within the time available it has not been possible to compile a listing of all meetings attended both by myself and my predecessor over the past seven years with any or all private sector interested parties on infrastructure projects supported by public expenditure. Detailed information relating to expenditure on a number of capital projects and schemes will be sent to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Enda Kenny
Question:183 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the Government considered redeploying public servants to assist with the procurement and project management of infrastructure projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12881/05]
My Department has not been asked to consider redeploying public servants to assist with the procurement and project management of infrastructure projects.
Questions Nos. 184 to 186, inclusive, answered with Question No. 182.
International Terrorism.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:187 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has initiated discussions with his EU colleagues with a view to an Europe wide response to various forms of terrorist attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12684/05]
The fight against terrorism remains a key focus for co-operation between the member states of the European Union in the context of the development of the Union as an area of freedom, security and justice. That co-operation is now being taken forward within the framework of the European Council's March 2004 declaration on combating terrorism and the Hague programme on strengthening freedom, security and justice in the European Union. There is already in place a co-ordinated policy at EU level to respond to the threat posed by terrorism in all its forms. Specifically, in the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attacks in the United States of America on 11 September 2001, the European Council adopted an EU plan of action to combat terrorism.
In response to the Madrid terrorist bombings on 11 March 2004, the Irish Presidency of the European Union secured the adoption by the European Council on 25 March 2005, of a declaration on combating terrorism. A revised EU action plan to combat terrorism was also subsequently adopted during the Irish Presidency. These measures were designed to reinforce the determination of the EU to prevent and fight terrorism.
The wide-ranging action plan brings together a comprehensive package of measures to be taken in the fight against terrorism and lists them on the basis of the strategic objectives outlined in the annex to the declaration. The action plan, which is kept under review, identifies the competent bodies responsible for implementing each measure together with a deadline within which that task is to be completed. The Hague programme on strengthening freedom, security and justice in the European Union, which was adopted by the European Council in November 2004, represents a new overall framework for the development of co-operation in justice and home affairs matters in the coming years. The Hague programme emphasises the need for a continuing focus on the implementation of the declaration and action plan for the purpose of combating terrorism as well as identifying a number of priority measures in this regard.
Furthermore, discussions on terrorism-related matters take place at the level of the EU Council of Ministers on a regular basis. The Council is required to carry out periodic assessments concerning the implementation of the declaration on combating terrorism and the action plan.
Consultancy Contracts.
Enda Kenny
Question:188 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the names of persons in the private sector who have met with or advised him or his predecessors over the past seven years in any capacity on infrastructure projects to be supported by public expenditure; the details of those meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12540/05]
Elected representatives, will encounter persons from all walks of life during the course of their work. I am no different in this respect to any member of the House. The Deputy may be assured that any such meetings or encounters in respect of the matter referred to by him which take place during my tenure of office are in accordance with the appropriate administrative practices. With regard to my predecessor, my Department is not aware of any such meetings.
Public Capital Programme.
Enda Kenny
Question:189 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his estimate of the capital requirement of his Department and its agencies over the next ten years; the projects in excess of €20 million that may be procured during this period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12541/05]
Enda Kenny
Question:190 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide a broad description of each capital project considered by his Department over the past five years; when each project was first considered; when each project will be procured; when each will be completed; if each project will be part-financed by user charges; the number of public servants currently employed in the delivery of each project; the names of the consultants and advisers used to date in respect of each project; the titles of the consultancy reports carried out or in progress; the expenditure to date on each project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12542/05]
Enda Kenny
Question:209 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of public servants in his Department who are employed full-time on the assessment, procurement, project management and delivery of infrastructure projects covered by the public capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12870/05]
Enda Kenny
Question:210 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Government considered redeploying public servants to assist with the procurement and project management of infrastructure projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12882/05]
Enda Kenny
Question:211 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the fact that the public capital programme is equivalent to 7.5% of GNP or some 21% of total Government spending, he is satisfied that enough public servants in his Department are working in a full-time capacity on infrastructure projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12894/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 189, 190 and 209 to 211, inclusive, together.
In the 2004 budget, the Minister for Finance announced a five year multi-annual framework for capital expenditure commencing in the years 2004-08. This is a rolling capital investment framework and current planning of capital expenditure across the group of Votes for the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform focuses therefore on 2005-09 rather than on a ten year period.
A funding envelope of €1.1 billion has been approved for the period to 2009, incorporating €380 million by way of public private partnerships. Key projects which will be made possible thanks to this funding include a new state-of-the-art criminal courts complex at Infirmary Road, new prisoner accommodation at Portlaoise Prison together with additional facilities at Limerick Prison, expansion of the capital grant element of the equal opportunities child care programme as well as the introduction of the new nationwide Garda digital radio system.
There are many other capital projects under way or in planning, including the development of the new prison complex at Thornton Hall, but in light of the very broad range of services in the justice area, it has not been possible in the time available to fully compile the detailed information requested. The information requested is currently being compiled and I will forward it to the Deputy shortly.
Irish Prison Service.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:191 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position with regard to the Curragh Prison; if the prison is to be re-opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12585/05]
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:207 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding his proposals on reducing the cost of overtime in the prison service; the outcome of the ballot thereon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12699/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 191 and 207 together.
After a lengthy and difficult negotiations process between the Irish Prison Service and the Prison Officers' Association, involving both the Labour Relations Commission and the Civil Service arbitration board, discussions between the parties concluded on 8 February 2005 with agreement being reached on a proposal for organisational change in the prison service. This proposal was put to staff for ballot and I was advised of the outcome on 20 April 2005.
The staff have rejected the proposal which was recommended for acceptance by the national executive of the POA. The protracted industrial relations process involved resulted in a significant financial package, including an allowance of 8% of basic pay, guaranteed payments for additional attendance at a premium rate and lump sum payments amounting to €13,750 per officer. Under the deal, a basic grade prison officer at the top of the scale had the potential to earn almost €70,000 per annum when the agreement was fully implemented.
The issue of excessive costs and overtime goes back to 1995. I have been very patient with this process. I gave management and staff ample space and time to agree a way forward which would effectively eliminate the scourge of unsustainable overtime which has bedevilled the prison service. The arrangements agreed between the sides at the Labour Relations Commission and the financial elements which emerged from the subsequent arbitration process offered a real solution which would work to the benefit of both management and staff. However, staff have opted to reject the package and I now have no option but to look to alternative measures to secure real control of prison service expenditure given that the full range of industrial relations machinery available has now been exhausted. I must now proceed to take whatever measures are necessary to ensure that the valuable resources which are at my disposal are used efficiently and effectively. Deputies will already be aware from my public response to the ballot result what those measures will entail but I will outline them again for the record.
In the context of the mandate that I already have from my Cabinet colleagues to pursue certain measures to curtail expenditure in the service, I have decided to proceed with the following measures: early enactment of legislation already approved by Government to privatise the prisoner escort service; parallel arrangements for tenders for privatisation of prisoner escorts; the permanent closure of the Curragh and Fort Mitchel places of detention which are currently mothballed and the transfer of the staff from those prisons on a permanent basis to other prisons; the withdrawal of the two open centres at Loughan House and Shelton Abbey from the prison service and their transformation into post release centres run on a similar basis by external staff.
I will inform the director general of the prison service and the prison governors that, with effect from the beginning of May 2005, spending in each prison will be managed on a strict cash basis with monthly limits and that staffing levels will have to conform to those limits. In addition, measures to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the service through the use of new technology such as CCTV, automated gates and video links will be rolled out as a matter of priority. Staff have made their decision in the full knowledge of the consequences. It was made quite clear to the Prison Officers' Association and their members that failure to conclude agreement on this deal following the extensive assistance of the Labour Relations Commission and the considered adjudication of the Civil Service arbitration board could mean only one thing and that is the progressive implementation of measures along the lines of those I have outlined. I have no choice now but to act to bring to an end the damaging and unsustainable overtime culture among prison staff.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:192 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the proposals that exist for those personnel who worked in the Curragh Place of Detention education unit but were subsequently redeployed. [12586/05]
I draw the Deputy's attention to my answer to separate Questions Nos. 191 and 207 of today's date on my proposals on reducing the cost of overtime in the prison service. A proposal for organisational change in the prison service, which was put to the staff for ballot, has been rejected. Since there is no scope to renegotiate that deal, I will be proceeding with the progressive implementation of a series of measures as already approved by the Government, to secure real control of expenditure in the prison service, including the permanent closure of the Curragh Place of Detention. The issue of the redeployment of the staff of the institution's education unit will be among the matters to be considered in the context of such closure.
Visa Applications.
Willie Penrose
Question:193 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 722 of 12 April 2005, the reason a person’s spouse (details supplied) was granted a re-entry visa while their passport and permission to remain in the State was due to expire on the same date as their passport and permitted time to remain in the State; the way in which two different decisions were arrived at based upon the same particulars in respect of authorised permission to remain in the State and the valid dates of passports in view of the fact that they have now been authorised to remain in the State until 21 February 2008; if he will take steps to ensure that a re-entry visa is granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12619/05]
The visa application referred to by the Deputy was for a re-entry visa for a non-EEA national resident in the State. The applicant in question entered the State illegally in May 1999 with her husband and one son. They subsequently claimed asylum and later obtained permission to remain in the State based on parentage of an Irish born child. In October 2004, two applications were received for re-entry visas for the non-EEA national and her husband. Under a scheme known as delegated sanction, the Department of Foreign Affairs is permitted in limited circumstances to grant visa applications without reference to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. In cases where these circumstances are not met or where the initial inspection identifies potential complications, the application is forwarded to my Department for more in-depth assessment.
As the application for the wife requested the inclusion of her child on any visa issued, the Department of Foreign Affairs was not in a position to process the application without reference to my Department. This is necessary for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the widespread abuse of the re-entry visa system. Following the extensive examination of the application and its supporting documentation, as is standard with referred applications, it was discovered that the applicant's permission to remain was due to expire in the near future. For this reason alone the application was refused.
As the husband's application did not mention or require the inclusion of a child, the Department of Foreign Affairs was permitted to process it under the delegated sanction scheme. It would not be normal practice to grant a re-entry visa in a case where the applicant's permission to remain is due to expire in the near future and this was a central factor in the decision to refuse the wife's application. However a visa was exceptionally approved in this case. There was no mention at initial or appeal stage of the applicants having had their permission to remain extended. As this application has already been the subject of an appeal and as each application may be appealed only once, it is not possible to facilitate further examination of this application. However, in light of the information provided by the Deputy to the effect that the applicants now have permission to remain until 2008, it is open to the lady in question to submit a fresh application which will be considered on its own merits.
Willie Penrose
Question:194 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an application for a visa by a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12620/05]
The application in question has recently been approved on appeal by my Department. The applicant will be notified of this decision as soon as possible.
Registration of Title.
Willie Penrose
Question:195 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will take steps to expedite an application for registration by a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12621/05]
I am informed by the Registrar of Titles that there is at present no record of an application pending in respect of a person with the name and address supplied by the Deputy. If the Deputy can provide me with the date of lodgement of the application and a Land Registry reference number I will make further inquiries on his behalf.
Asylum Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:196 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a green book will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12670/05]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 22 April 1999 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Subsequently, in accordance with section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, he was informed by letter dated 29 August 2002, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State, leaving the State before an order is made or consenting to the deportation order.
This person's case file, including all representations submitted, will be considered under section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, and section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 — prohibition of refoulement. The person concerned is not entitled to be issued with a green book, or registration book, as he has not been granted permission to remain in the State. I expect the file to be passed to me for decision in due course.
Citizenship Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:197 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will reconsider his decision to refuse naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12688/05]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to his Question No. 130 of 14 April 2005. In that reply I outlined the circumstances of the case of the person in question by reference to the general policy adopted by me in exercising my discretion. The application of the general policy in this case implies no opinion derogatory of the applicant's motivation, nor does it constitute a bar on a future application for naturalisation from him which comes within the ambit of that general policy.
Deportation Orders.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:198 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will reconsider on compassionate grounds his decision to issue a deportation order in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly in view of the fact that there exists a distinct threat to their life and welfare, if returned to their homeland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12689/05]
Details of this case were given in my reply to a previous Question No. 527, reference number 9478/05, of Tuesday, 22 March 2005. The position has not changed.
Citizenship Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:199 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, notwithstanding the absolute nature of his discretion in such matters, he will review his decision to reject application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12690/05]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to his Question No. 424 of Tuesday, 19 April 2005. In that reply, I outlined the circumstances of the case of the person in question by reference to the general policy adopted by me in exercising my discretion. I do not intend to depart from that general policy in this case.
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.
Residency Permits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:200 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in the case of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 6 who have applied 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. [12691/05]
The persons concerned made separate applications for permission to remain in the State on the basis of their parentage of an Irish-born child under the revised arrangements announced by me on 15 January 2005.
Applications are being dealt with as expeditiously as possible and, in so far as is possible, in order of receipt. Given the number of applications being processed, it is expected that the processing of the applications from the persons concerned will be completed within the next few weeks.
Citizenship Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:201 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in the application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12692/05]
I refer the Deputy to my response to Question No. 281 of 20 April 2005.
Residency Permits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:202 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12693/05]
A deportation order was made in respect of the applicant, to whom the Deputy refers, on 27 July 2004. He was notified of this by registered letter, dated 12 January 2005. The applicant instituted judicial review proceedings on 26 January 2005 challenging the deportation order.
These proceedings are ongoing and, accordingly, as the matter is sub judice, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:203 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has studied all of the circumstances in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if he proposes to reverse his original decision in this case on the grounds submitted to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12694/05]
Details relating to the mother of this family, from Nigeria, were given in my response to Question No. 142, reference number 32730/04, of Wednesday, 8 December 2004. At that time, I advised the Deputy that I had granted this person temporary leave to remain for a period of 12 months, with her case being reviewed at the end of that period. I also granted temporary leave to remain for a period of 12 months to this person's minor child. I do not propose to review their case before November 2005.
A deportation order was made in respect of her adult son on 26 August 2004. He instituted judicial review proceedings, on 4 March 2005, challenging the deportation order. These proceedings are ongoing and accordingly, as the matter is sub judice, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.
It should be noted that a daughter, who is an adult, subsequently applied for asylum in the State. This application has been refused and a decision will shortly be made on whether she will be granted leave to remain, or be deported.
John McGuinness
Question:204 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a new identity card will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; the status of this person’s application to remain in the State; and when a decision is likely in this case. [12695/05]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 31 July 2003 and applied for asylum on the same day. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, he was informed by letter, dated 15 October 2004, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before an order is made, or consenting to the making of a deportation order.
This person's case file, including all representations submitted, will be considered under section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, and section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 — prohibition of refoulement. I expect the file to be passed to me for decision in due course.
My Department is not in a position to renew this person's temporary residence asylum card, as he has failed the asylum process. He can contact the Repatriation Unit, Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 and request a status letter, which outlines his present status in the State.
John McGuinness
Question:205 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an application will be expedited for permission to remain in the State based on an Irish born child in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; the timeframe for consideration of such applications; when a decision is likely in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12696/05]
The persons concerned made separate applications for permission to remain in the State on the basis of their parentage of an Irish-born child under the revised arrangements announced by me on 15 January 2005.
Applications are being dealt with as expeditiously as possible and, in so far as is possible, in order of receipt. Given the number of applications being processed, it is expected that the processing of the applications from the persons concerned will be completed within the next few weeks.
Refugee Status.
John McGuinness
Question:206 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 482 of 22 March 2005, the reason the applicants have been waiting for four years for a response; if the issues in the case will be dealt with; if the Office of the Refugee Applications Commission will report on the delay and the status of the applicants in the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12697/05]
It is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications. As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted.
A final decision on these applications will be made upon receipt of the recommendation-decision of the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner or the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, as appropriate.
Question No. 207 answered with QuestionNo. 191.
Parental Leave Provisions.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:208 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the arrangements for maternity leave within the public bodies under the aegis of his Department; if he will consider providing an additional eight weeks’ paid leave in regard to maternity leave; the likely cost thereof; the likely cost to the Exchequer of six weeks’ paid parental leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12739/05]
The maternity leave arrangements for employees in the public bodies under the aegis of my Department are the same as those which apply in the Civil Service generally — 18 weeks paid maternity leave with the option of a further eight weeks additional unpaid maternity leave.
A review of the maternity protection legislation was carried out in 2000 by a working group, chaired by my Department, which comprised the social partners and relevant Departments and agencies.
Among its recommendations, the working group recommended an increase in the maternity leave entitlement, which attracts a payment from the Department of Social and Family Affairs, from 14 weeks to 18 weeks, and an increase in the unpaid additional maternity leave entitlement from four weeks to eight weeks. These increases were announced in budget 2001 and implemented by means of the Maternity Protection Act 1994 (Extension of Periods of Leave) Order 2001 (S.I. No. 29 of 2001), with effect from 8 March 2001.
The Maternity Protection (Amendment) Act 2004, which was commenced on 18 October last, implemented a number of other improvements recommended by the maternity protection review group. There are no plans for a further extension of the maternity leave periods. Official costs would fall to be made in the context of any further reviews.
A proposal for paid parental leave was considered in the context of a review of the Parental Leave Act 1998, which was conducted by a working group chaired by my Department. The working group comprised the social partners, relevant Departments and the Equality Authority. The report of the working group on the review of the Parental Leave Act 1998 was published on 29 April 2002.
The working group did not reach consensus on the principle of paid parental leave and, accordingly, did not address all the possible options this raises. However, the potential cost of a social insurance payment for the 14 weeks' parental leave, based on the qualifying criteria for the maternity benefit scheme and a payment level equivalent to maternity benefit, was estimated by the Department of Social and Family Affairs in 2001 during the review of the Act.
The potential cost per annum of 14 weeks paid parental leave is as follows. Social insurance payment in respect of parental leave based on the earnings related maternity benefit rate and a 90% leave uptake by women and a 15% uptake level by men would amount to €78.84 million.
Public sector employer costs — where the rate of payment for parental leave to public sector employees — would in all likelihood be full pay, similar to maternity leave, and the cost to public sector employers, net of Department of Social and Family Affairs reimbursements in respect of full PRSI contributors, would amount to €50.5 million.
Total cost to social insurance fund and the Exchequer, if parental leave attracted a payment on the same basis as maternity leave, is estimated to amount to €129.34 million. The estimated total cost would be significantly higher now in view of increases since 2001 made in maternity benefit rates and public sector pay.
The Government is committed as part of the Sustaining Progress partnership agreement to strengthen the parental leave scheme in accordance with the recommendations agreed in the report of the working group on the review and improvement of the Parental Leave Act 1998. In this regard, the Parental Leave (Amendment) Bill 2004 was published and initiated in Seanad Éireann on 16 December 2004. The Bill is currently awaiting Second Stage in the Dáil.
Questions Nos. 209 to 211, inclusive, answered with Question No. 189.
Public Capital Programme.
Enda Kenny
Question:212 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide a broad description of each capital project with a construction cost in excess of €5 million during the past five years; when each project was first considered by her Department; when each project will be procured or tendered; when each will be completed; if each project will be part-financed by user or other charges; the number of public servants currently employed in the delivery of each project; the names of the consultants and advisers used to date in respect of each project; the titles of the consultancy reports carried out or in progress; the expenditure to date on each project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12551/05]
A total of 35 school building projects with a construction cost in excess of €5 million was undertaken during the last five years. The detailed information requested by the Deputy in relation to each project is not readily available in the format requested and the compilation of such data would require the diversion of staff resources. However, if the Deputy has a query in respect of a particular project, I would be happy to provide the information.
Enda Kenny
Question:213 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science her estimate of the capital requirement of her Department and its agencies over the next ten years; the projects in excess of €20 million that may be procured during this period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12552/05]
The current five year capital envelope provides for investment of €3.4 billion to 2009. It will be necessary as a minimum to sustain that level of investment for the following five year period to 2014 in order to address the infrastructure deficit at all levels of the education system and to meet emerging needs.
My Department is working on a continuous basis to estimate future requirements drawing on the most up to date census data, the development plans of local authorities and the new area development plans being prepared by the Department itself and the commission on school accommodation. The Department will also assess the impact on capital requirements of future policy developments both within the education sector and the knock-on impact of other changes that may have implications for education provision such as increased changes that might occur in inward migration due to EU enlargement and meeting skills needs in the economy.
The Kelly report on the infrastructure needs of the third level sector prepared by the HEA and published last year contains a number of projects that will individually exceed €20 million and which are for delivery in the period in question. It is also likely that the PPP allocation within the capital envelope will involve the bundling of individual projects from within the education sector at a combined value of at least €20 million in order to ensure market interest at competitive levels.
Consultancy Contracts.
Enda Kenny
Question:214 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the names of persons in the private sector with whom she or her predecessors have met or who advised her or her predecessors over the past seven years in any capacity on infrastructure projects to be supported by public expenditure; the details of those meetings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12553/05]
I have not met with any person in the private sector to discuss infrastructure projects to be supported by public expenditure.
Departmental Agencies.
Enda Kenny
Question:215 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the Grangegorman project has not progressed to the stage of procurement since the Government took its decision to support this project three years ago; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12554/05]
In December 1999 the Government decided that the Department of Education and Science would purchase 65 acres of the 73-acre Grangegorman site from the Eastern Health Board, and that the site would house the new Dublin Institute of Technology community campus. An interdepartmental working group, chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach, was set up in May 2001 to examine the project. In July 2001, consultants were appointed to carry out a strategic review of the issues associated with the development of the Grangegorman site on behalf of the working group. One of the main recommendations of the consultants was that an agency be established to develop the site as a campus for health and education facilities. The legislation for the establishment of the Grangegorman Development Agency completed Committee Stage last December. It is expected that the Report Stage will be before the House in the near future.
Special Educational Needs.
Finian McGrath
Question:216 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if urgent assistance will be given to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 to obtain a pre-school place and also to secure a school place soon; and the reason for the delay in granting services. [12579/05]
I understand that the school concerned has provided specific advice to the parent concerning a possible pre-school placement. It is open to the parent to contact the National Council for Special Education through the local special educational needs organiser, SENO, who now has responsibility for school placements. Contact details for the relevant SENO are available on my Department's website, www.education.ie. My officials have been advised that the child in question is currently attending a Montessori school.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:217 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science the facilities in place and her Department’s proposals to provide for the second level education needs of young persons on the autistic spectrum in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12587/05]
My Department is already supporting the education of individual students with autism in various second level schools throughout the country. Discussions are taking place with the management authorities of a small number of schools with a view to establishing second level provision for groups of children with autism who are now coming to a transition stage and are about to move from primary to second level. Organising such provision is a significant task of the National Council for Special Education.
The National Council for Special Education, NCSE, has been established as an independent statutory body with responsibilities as set out in the National Council for Special Education (Establishment) Order 2003. Special educational needs organisers, SENOs, will process resource applications for children with special educational needs. Where a pupil with special educational needs enrols in a post-primary school, it is open to the school to apply to the local SENO for additional teaching support and-or special needs assistant support for the pupil.
Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme.
Pat Carey
Question:218 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding available for child care in VECs in 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12591/05]
Pat Carey
Question:219 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the child care facilities being provided within the vocational training opportunities scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12592/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 218 and 219 together.
My Department provides funding to VECs to assist towards the child care expenses of participants in VTOS, Youthreach and senior Traveller training programmes. The funds assist direct provision of crèche facilities in centres or in rented premises, the purchase of places in existing community or commercial crèches or the payment of childminders, subject to a maximum of €63.50 per child per week. The administration of grants to participants on VTOS, Youthreach and senior traveller training programmes is a matter for individual VECs. My Department's financial allocation for child care assistance for participants on these programmes for 2005 is €5.3 million.
Institutes of Technology.
Brian O'Shea
Question:220 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Question No. 1018 of 12 April 2005, if the statement in her reply that institutes of technology can apply for university status in view of the fact that the OECD review of higher education here, the broad thrust of which has been approved by the Government, recently recommends against such status being given to institutes of technology; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12594/05]
As the Deputy is aware, the current situation is that any institution may apply for university status under the provisions of the University Act 1997. With regard to the reforms proposed for the higher education sector in the OECD Review of Higher Education, the Government has approved the broad thrust of reforms contained therein, while noting the ongoing process of extensive consultation with key stakeholders in the sector.
A colloquium was held in January between myself, senior officials in my Department, the HEA, the CHIU and the council of directors of institutes of technology where some of these issues were explored. This is just the beginning of a series of consultative forums which will focus on areas of priority for reform and modernisation. It is my objective that a consensus should emerge from the process of consultation, and I do not wish to pre-empt the outcome of this by focusing on any single recommendation in isolation of full consideration of the report.
Disadvantaged Status.
Brendan Howlin
Question:221 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the participation in the stay in school retention initiative has enabled a school (details supplied) in County Wexford to improve on its early school leaving status, fund an attendance office, provide catering for a breakfast club, provide counselling and mentoring, facilitate the involvement of parents in certain projects and run educational and sports projects which otherwise would not have been possible; if, in view of the very beneficial effects of the initiative, funding will be provided to ensure the continuation of these supports beyond August 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12595/05]
The new policy framework that I will publish shortly is the result of a full review of the measures that have been put in place to support pupils from disadvantaged areas over the last two decades. Apart from the additional investment under the new policy framework, resources and supports will continue on the existing basis for the next school year for schools involved in current schemes and programmes for addressing disadvantage, including the 53 schools involved in the stay in school retention strand of the school completion programme.
Special Educational Needs.
Finian McGrath
Question:222 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 17 will be granted a one to one tutor; and if the school will receive the maximum support. [12596/05]
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 or pupils involved and having regard to a range of factors including the overall resources available to the school.
The National Council for Special Education, NCSE, has been established as an independent statutory body with responsibilities as set out in the National Council for Special Education (Establishment) Order 2003.
With effect from 1 January 2005, the NCSE through local special educational needs organisers, SENOs, will process resource applications for children with special educational needs. Where a pupil with special educational needs enrols in a post-primary school, it is open to the school to apply to the local SENO for additional teaching support and-or special needs assistant support for the pupil.
School Staffing.
Brian O'Shea
Question:223 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if a letter conveying sanction for the appointment of a teacher in a permanent whole time capacity with a VEC was sent to the VEC (details supplied); if she will provide a copy of the letter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12637/05]
The file regarding the person named by the Deputy is currently in my Department's offsite archives. On its retrieval, my Department will write directly to the Deputy on this matter.
Special Educational Needs.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:224 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science if consideration is being given to recognition of Irish sign language. [12645/05]
There are no plans to provide legislation in the context of Irish sign language, ISL, at present. 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, 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 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 with regard 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 with programmes delivered through the medium of ISL as a first language; my Department, through the Higher Education Authority, HSA, 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.
Pat Carey
Question:225 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the average cost of special schools in 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12646/05]
The specific information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department. There are 108 special schools nationally, employing in the region of 1,000 teachers at an annual salary cost of approximately €45 million. Other resources provided include special needs assistants, enhanced capitation grants, funding for assistive technology, capital grants etc. The level of resources provided are generally based on the pupils assessed needs.
I recognise the valuable role of special schools throughout the country. I will be asking my Department in consultation with the National Council for Special Education and other partners to consider how we can optimise the role and potential of special schools. I wish to assure the Deputy that the provision of resources to meet the needs of children with special educational needs will continue to be a priority for this Government.
School Curriculum.
Pat Carey
Question:226 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the total cost of introducing and supporting new programmes such as the relationships programme at second level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12647/05]
The cost of introducing and supporting a new programme varies depending on the programme, the level of change involved and the degree of training and support necessary, the number of students and teachers who will be affected by the change, and whether additional equipment or resource grants are necessary for the programme. In addition, the level of support needed will decline after the initial introductory period. The main cost factors arising relate to development of the syllabus, guidelines and support materials, provision of in-service training for teachers, operation of support services, equipment, and evaluation and monitoring.
A national curriculum in social, personal and health education, SPHE, incorporating relationships and sexuality education has been developed at junior cycle level and this has been made mandatory for all schools with effect from September 2003. In addition, all schools are required to have an agreed school policy and a suitable relationships and sexuality education programme in place for senior cycle pupils.
As an indicator of cost, the cost of supporting the social personal and health education programme in junior cycle and the relationships and sexuality education component in senior cycle in 2004 was approximately €1.092 million. This included the provision of 13 support staff funded by the Department of Education and Science and ten support staff funded by the health boards, and the operational and delivery costs for in-service training for teachers. However, this programme was phased in over a three-year period beginning in September 2000 and the investment needed in the introductory phase, allied with the cost of teacher guidelines and manuals, would have been significantly higher.
Garda Vetting System.
Pat Carey
Question:227 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science her policy on introducing a national screening and vetting system for all teachers and educational staff working with children; the estimated cost of introducing such a scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12648/05]
A cross-governmental working group was established to put forward proposals for reform of vetting by the central vetting unit run by the Garda Síochána. Among its recommendations was the proposal that the Departments of Education and Science and Health and Children explore the possibility of developing an employment history register, similar to the PECS system in Northern Ireland.
An implementation group has been established by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and discussions between my Department and the Department of Health and Children are ongoing in that context. In addition, my Department will convene a meeting with the relevant interested parties to explore the issues involved. Although considerable preparatory work examining the issues relating to a PECS system has been undertaken by my Department, given that substantial further work needs to be undertaken it is not possible at this time to estimate the cost of introducing a PECS system.
The implementation group is also examining issues relating to the introduction of legislation to ensure the maintenance of a national criminal records system within the Garda Síochána, the disclosure of not just hard facts but also softer information, and access to information about, and proof of, criminal convictions for the purposes of litigation.
The working group also recognised the need to expand the number of agencies which could access the central vetting unit operated by the Garda Síochána to include all people working with children and vulnerable adults. To that end, the Minister of State with responsibility for children, Deputy Brian Lenihan, has announced a major increase in the resources to be provided to the Garda vetting unit to improve the level of vetting available to employers who employ people to work with children and vulnerable adults. The initiative includes the more than doubling of staff resources for the unit to enable the Garda Síochána's vetting services to be extended to all persons working with children and vulnerable adults.
The Teaching Council also has a role here. Once it is formally established, the council will provide the teaching profession, both primary and post-primary, with the means to self-regulate and its functions will include maintaining a register of teachers and if necessary removing the names of those shown to be unfit to teach, including those unfit to teach by reason of the fact that they pose a threat to children.
PLC Programme.
Pat Carey
Question:228 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science her policy with regard to the implementation of recommendations of the McIvor report; the timeframe in which it is possible to be realised; the likely cost on an annualised basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12649/05]
The McIvor report on the post-leaving certificate review was commissioned by my Department to examine the sector and make recommendations regarding the organisational support, development and technical and administrative structures and resources required in schools and colleges with large scale post-leaving certificate, PLC, provision, having regard to good practices in related areas across the system and in other countries. The final report was completed in April, 2003. The report contains 21 over-arching recommendations, incorporating over 90 sub-recommendations.
My Department is currently engaged in discussions with the Irish Vocational Education Association regarding the structural changes envisaged in the report, their implications and costs. Arising from these discussions, I expect to receive a report which will set out the implementation options, timeframes and costs.
Student Support Schemes.
Pat Carey
Question:229 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost of financial support schemes to third level students in the 2004-05 academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12650/05]
Pat Carey
Question:236 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding allocated for third level maintenance grants in the 2004-05 academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12657/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 229 and 236 together.
Allocations for the student support schemes are on the basis of the financial year and, therefore, make provision for parts of two academic years. The Department allocation in 2005 for the four student support schemes is €208.9 million. The outturn of expenditure in 2004 for the schemes was €202.9 million.
Actual expenditure for the 2004-05 academic year cannot be finalised until each of the awarding or paying authorities has completed the recoupment process for that period.
Third Level Education.
Pat Carey
Question:230 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of full-time third level students in 2004-05; the number of part-time third level students; the number of mature students in each category; the Government’s policy on mature students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12651/05]
The most recent finalised data collected by my Department on participation in third level education — 2003-2004 — indicates that there are currently 143,271 full-time, undergraduate and postgraduate, and 34,168 part-time students enrolled in all third level institutions, aided and non-aided, in the State. The data also indicates that 10% of full-time new entrants, that is 4,216 out of 38,835 new enrolments in 2004-05 in all higher education institutions are mature students.
Data on the age profile of part-time students for the academic year in question is not currently available, though plans are in place to develop collection systems by the Higher Education Authority, HEA.
It has been long-standing Government policy to increase the number of mature students participating in higher education and to support life-long learning. For example, participation by mature students has almost doubled over the past ten years which reflects the increased support being made available to a number of higher education institutions through the HEA strategic initiative fund.
Some €40 million has been invested in developing third level access programmes and associated student support structures. Furthermore, a national action plan 2005-2007 to achieve equity of access to higher education was published in December 2004. This plan, which has been developed by the National Office for Equity of Access to Higher Education, identifies a number of key goals and actions over the next three years to achieve greater equity of access to higher education for groups currently under-represented in the sector. This includes mature students as well as other groups such as persons with a disability, socio-economically disadvantaged school-leavers, members of the Traveller community and ethnic minority groups.
One of the key goals in this action plan is, through an evaluation of existing access programmes, to develop and implement a national framework of policies, initiatives and successful partnerships to widen access and to support the subsequent participation of all under-represented groups in higher education, including mature students. This will include arrangements so that all disadvantaged regions, schools and communities are linked to access activities and programmes in at least one higher education institution in their region.
State Examinations.
Pat Carey
Question:231 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of revenue raised from State exam fees paid by secondary school students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12652/05]
Operational responsibility for the junior and leaving certificate examinations, including the collection of fees, is a matter for the State Examinations Commission. I have been advised that €7,396,293.08 was received in respect of exam fees for 2004. and the expected revenue towards the cost of the certificate examinations in 2005 is estimated as being of the order of €7.8 million.
This covers fee income for the junior and leaving certificate examinations in respect of all students, other than those entitled to a waiver of fees, across the vocational, community and comprehensive and secondary sectors, including repeat and external candidates. A separate breakdown is not available in respect of students from the secondary school sector.
School Services Staff.
Pat Carey
Question:232 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of caretakers employed by primary schools; the criteria for the employment and appointment of such; the cost of such employment; the cost of providing such caretakers with the same pension benefit structures as teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12653/05]
My Department provides funding towards the cost of caretaking services in primary schools under two separate schemes. One scheme is the 1979 scheme for the employment of full-time caretakers in primary schools, under which my Department meets the full cost of salary. There are currently 196 caretakers employed in primary schools under this scheme at an annual cost of approximately €5.5 million. These caretakers are paid directly through my Department's payroll.
Arrangements for the introduction of a pension scheme for caretakers employed under the 1979 scheme are currently being put in place and it is intended to commence superannuation deductions with effect from September next for those caretakers eligible for membership of the pension scheme. The eligible personnel will be advised of the details of the scheme prior to the commencement of deductions. In accordance with standard public service arrangements, provision will be made for reckoning service given prior to the commencement of ongoing deductions, subject to payment of appropriate contributions.
The cost of paying superannuation benefits in any year is related to the number of pensions in payment and the number of retirees in the year. Individual pensions are determined by reference to the member's reckonable service, subject to a maximum of 40 years reckonable service, and the member's retiring pensionable pay. The member's life expectancy on pension and whether, on the member's death, a spouse's pension is payable are also factors that have to be taken into account. Therefore the precise cost of pension benefits is difficult to quantify in advance.
In line with standard public service pension provisions for such personnel, pension on retirement would be calculated, for each year of reckonable service, at the rate of one eightieth of net pensionable pay at retirement — net pensionable pay is pay less twice the rate of contributory old age pension for an adult without dependants. A retirement gratuity, calculated at the rate of three eightieths of pensionable pay would also be payable in respect of each year of reckonable service. Pension contributions would be payable by the retiree by deduction from the retirement gratuity in respect of any reckonable service for which contributions had not been paid while in service.
The 1979 scheme is being phased out as posts become vacant and no new posts are being created. It has been superseded by a more extensive grant scheme now referred to as the ancillary services grant.
The ancillary services grant provides additional funding for primary schools towards the cost of secretarial and caretaking services. The scheme, by its nature, is flexible and gives boards of management discretion as to the manner in which secretarial and caretaking services are provided.
The standard rate of grant per pupil under the scheme, which was increased from €102 in 2002 to €127 in 2004, is being further increased to €133 this year. The amount of grant paid to an individual school is determined by the enrolment in the school subject to a minimum grant of €7,980 in the case of a school with 60 pupils or fewer and a maximum grant of €66,500 in the case of a school with 500 or more pupils, provided the school in question does not already have either caretaking or secretarial services under an existing Department scheme.
The question of appropriate pension cover for personnel engaged to deliver caretaking services by schools funded under the ancillary services grant, is still under examination. In the short term the recent introduction of personal retirement savings accounts, PRSAs, provides an option to such personnel to provide for their retirement.
Psychological Service.
Pat Carey
Question:233 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of educational psychologists and speech therapists employed in schools; the cost to the Exchequer thereof; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12654/05]
At present, there are 128 psychologists attached to the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS, of my Department plus two on career break. Of the 128, some 116 are directly involved in providing the service to schools and 12 carry out management and other duties. The total cost of providing the NEPS service in 2004 was €13.5 million, including the cost of the scheme for the commissioning of psychological assessments, SCPA, administered by NEPS, under which schools currently without a NEPS service can commission assessments from private practitioners in urgent cases. These figures do not include the psychological services provided by the vocational education committees of the city and county of Dublin.
The provision of speech therapists is a matter for my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children.
Capitation Grants.
Pat Carey
Question:234 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding provided by means of capitation grants to primary schools from 1994 to 2005; the funding provided to secondary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12655/05]
The funding arrangements for primary and voluntary secondary schools in respect of their operating costs are structured mainly on the basis of capitation grants.
The following table shows the level of such grants for the period 1994 to 2005.
|
Year |
Primary Schools €000 |
Voluntary Secondary Schools €000 |
|
1994 |
31,366 |
48,512 |
|
1995 |
33,967 |
52,708 |
|
1996 |
38,280 |
56,159 |
|
1997 |
38,455 |
56,678 |
|
1998 |
42,673 |
55,104 |
|
1999 |
48,717 |
55,533 |
|
2000 |
92,010 |
69,182 |
|
2001 |
83,293 |
71,458 |
|
2002 |
68,736 |
54,567 |
|
2003 |
108,903 |
102,335 |
|
2004 (Provisional) |
114,652 |
85,611 |
The provision for the current year is €123,255,000 for primary schools and €66,437,000 for voluntary secondary schools.
Education Welfare Service.
Pat Carey
Question:235 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of education welfare officers employed; the cost to the Exchequer of such employment; the likely additional cost of employing 300 education welfare officers nationwide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12656/05]
Since its formal launch in December 2003, the aim of the National Educational Welfare Board has been to provide a service to the most disadvantaged areas and most at-risk groups. Five regional teams have been established with bases in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford and staff have been deployed in areas of greatest disadvantage and in areas designated under the Government's RAPID programme. Some 13 towns with significant school going populations, 12 of which are designated under the Government's RAPID programme, also now have an educational welfare officer allocated to them. In addition, the board will follow up on urgent cases nationally where children are not currently receiving an education.
The overall authorised staffing complement of the NEWB is 94, comprising 16 headquarters and support staff, five regional managers, 11 senior educational welfare officers and 62 educational welfare officers. Currently there are 48 educational welfare officers and 11 senior educational welfare officers serving with the board. The annual salaries of the 59 serving educational welfare officer staff amount to €3.1 million approximately.
The annual salary cost of employing an additional 300 educational welfare officers would be €15.7 million approximately. There would also be further costs incurred by the Exchequer arising from the recruitment of the additional officers such as the provision of accommodation and associated corporate services, IT facilities and travel and subsistence expenses.
Question No. 236 answered with QuestionNo. 229.
Schools Building Projects.
Michael Ring
Question:237 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; if her Department had discussions with Westport Town Council with regard to the site; the number of other sites which have been considered in Westport; and when an announcement on the site for a school in Westport will be announced. [12658/05]
The property management section of the Office of Public Works, is acting on behalf of my Department with regard to the acquisition of a site for the school referred to by the Deputy. In the course of its duties that office would make contact with the town council. Seven sites are currently under consideration as a location for this particular school.
Due to the commercial sensitivities of site acquisitions, no details are being released at present. When a site has been secured further detail will be provided.
Special Educational Needs.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:238 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent of special needs teaching facilities available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if the facilities available are sufficient to meet the child’s requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12665/05]
I can confirm that an application for five hours resource teaching support and a full-time special needs assistant, SNA, was considered by my Department. As the Deputy is aware, a letter issued to the school in September 2004 advising that three and a half hours resource teaching support was sanctioned. The school authorities were also advised recently that this pupil did not meet the criteria for SNA support as there was insufficient evidence of care needs. I can also confirm that correspondence relating to the level of this pupil's SEN allocation was received recently in my Department. This correspondence has been sent to the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, for consideration. The NCSE will make direct contact with the school in this context and the school authorities will be notified directly of the outcome.
The school currently has the services of two learning support teachers and seven resource teachers. It is a matter for the school to deploy these resources to meet the special educational needs of the pupils in the school.
Parental Leave Provisions.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:239 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science the arrangements for maternity leave within the public bodies under the aegis of her Department; if she will consider providing an additional eight weeks’ paid leave in regard to maternity leave; the likely cost thereof; the likely cost to the Exchequer of six weeks’ paid parental leave; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12740/05]
Under maternity protection legislation all employees in the public bodies under the aegis of my Department are entitled to 18 weeks' paid maternity leave and eight weeks' additional unpaid maternity leave.
Any changes to paid maternity leave arrangements would be an issue for the Government as a whole. My Department does not have an estimate of the cost of extending parental leave as requested by the Deputy.
With regard to parental leave, the Deputy might be interested in an estimate that was provided by the working group on the review of the Parental Leave Act 1998 in its report, published on 29 April 2002. The group estimated that the cost to the public sector of 14 weeks' parental leave at full pay, similar to maternity leave, would amount to €50.5 million, based on 2001 costs. At current costs the figure would be approximately €60.6 million.
Public Capital Programme.
Enda Kenny
Question:240 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of public servants in her Department who are employed full-time on the assessment, procurement, project management and delivery of infrastructure projects covered by the public capital programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12871/05]
Enda Kenny
Question:241 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if the Government considered redeploying public servants to assist with the procurement and project management of infrastructure projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12883/05]
Enda Kenny
Question:242 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the fact that the public capital programme is equivalent to 7.5% of GNP or 21% of total Government spending, she is satisfied that enough public servants in her Department are working in a full-time capacity on infrastructure projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12895/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 240 to 242, inclusive, together.
A total of 122.23 whole-time equivalent staff are assigned to the planning and building unit of my Department on work related to the public capital programme for the education sector, of whom 90 are in administrative grades and 32.23 are in professional and technical grades. These figures represent an increase of 29% on the total number of staff serving in this area in 2000. Apart from filling an existing vacancy for a quantity surveyor, it has been agreed to recruit a further quantity surveyor and an additional architect for the planning and building unit. Overall numbers in my Department have to be managed within the context of the Government's overall policy on public sector numbers. As regards the planning and building unit, apart from the additional professional staff being recruited, additional temporary contract administrative staff have been put in place as required to deal with particular demands.
Defence Forces Property.
Billy Timmins
Question:243 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence his plans to dispose of property under his control. [12523/05]
The properties disposed of by my Department following the approval by the Government in July 1998 of a programme of evacuation and sale of barracks considered surplus to military requirements are as set out in my reply to Questions Nos. 89, 127 and 393 on 1 March 2005. It is the policy of my Department to dispose of properties surplus to military requirements. In this regard the property portfolio is kept under continual review and such properties will be disposed of to fund much needed investment of the Defence Forces.
Questions Nos. 244 to 247, inclusive, answered with Question No. 25.
International Terrorism.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:248 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he has given specific instructions to the Defence Forces with the objective of an early response in the event of a terrorist generated or other emergency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12676/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:249 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the Defence Forces are in liaison with other European forces in the context of prevention of terrorism strikes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12677/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:250 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the Defence Forces have access to personal protection equipment in the event of a terrorist attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12678/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:251 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the turnout time for the Defence Forces in event of a terrorist attack, with particular reference to the need for some units to respond immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12679/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:252 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which preparations have been made in the event of a terrorist attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12680/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 248 to 252, inclusive, together.
The most important defence against terrorist attacks is detection and prevention by the security forces. While the Garda has the primary responsibility for law and order, one of the roles assigned to the Defence Forces is the provision of aid to the civil power, meaning in practice to assist the Garda, when requested. The various components of the Defence Forces are active in this regard, providing such assistance as is appropriate in specific circumstances.
The terrorist threat to Ireland is continually assessed. The advice available suggests that while the terrorist threat to parts of Europe is high, it is low in regard to Ireland. However it is prudent that we should take precautions and keep matters under continuous review. Arrangements exist between the security forces of European member states and other states to ensure effective liaison in regard to security threats arising.
The Defence Forces make contingency plans for a range of scenarios where the State may be at risk. An urgent and detailed review to deal with a range of emergency situations was undertaken by the military authorities following the events of 11 September. It included, inter alia, an update of the threat assessment; intensive contacts with other State agencies; a reassessment of operations orders relating to vital installations, alert systems; the Army ranger wing, ordnance and engineer aspects in terms of explosive ordnance disposal and specialist search; and a review of equipment, including the need for air defence. All matters arising were addressed and all procedures updated as required. However, as the Deputy will appreciate, it is not possible to expand on the operational details of such plans. The capacity of the Defence Forces to deal with major emergencies is kept under constant review. Plans and procedures are updated as necessary and such additional equipment as is required to address any perceived deficiencies is acquired on the basis of identified priorities. Training and preparation for such events is also provided for in the Defence Forces annual training plan.
The Defence Forces have available to them equipment for monitoring and protecting its members in dealing with nuclear, biological or chemical, NBC, threats identified from time to time. The requirement for additional NBC equipment is kept under continuous review by the director of operations and the director of ordnance. A programme for the purchase of NBC equipment is ongoing and whatever equipment deemed necessary is purchased expeditiously to meet the changing requirements.
The Defence Forces hold an extensive range of modern NBC equipment that meets their current requirements. In particular, a total of 8,000 new NBC suits has been acquired. In addition, the Defence Forces has sufficient stock of respirators for each individual soldier. They also have 98 of the most technologically up-to-date chemical agent monitors and Defence Forces personnel are being trained on their operation. Other equipment on hands includes biological agent detector, screening kits and group and personal decontamination equipment. The most important defence against an attack is external vigilance, detection and prevention by the security forces. All the necessary resources of the Garda and the Defence Forces are deployed to this end.
Defence Forces Property.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:253 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied regarding the quality of residential accommodation at the various military installations throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12681/05]
The refurbishment of residential accommodation is an integral part of my Department's ongoing building programme. Major contracts to improve the standard of accommodation have been placed over the past number of years as part of an ongoing investment programme within the Defence Forces. For example, from 2003 to date, major accommodation upgrades have taken place in McKee and Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin; Coolmoney Camp, Wicklow; Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick; Kickham Barracks, Clonmel; Naval Base, Haulbowline; Casement Aerodrome Baldonnel; Kilworth Camp, Cork; Custume Barracks, Athlone and Dún Uí Mhaoilísa, Galway. Further accommodation upgrades will commence later this year in the Defence Forces training centre at the Curragh; Custume Barracks, Athlone; Finner Camp, Donegal and Dún Uí Mhaoilísa, Galway. I assure the Deputy that I am fully committed to the ongoing development of accommodation facilities throughout the Defence Forces, and improvements will continue to be carried out until all accommodation has been modernised.
Question No. 254 answered with QuestionNo. 45.
Defence Forces Equipment.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:255 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence his plans further to update and modernise military hardware in respect of each branch of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12683/05]
The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces continues to be a key focus for me as Minister for Defence. I am aware that significant investment has taken place in recent years, and I will continue the good work in that regard.
The unprecedented level of expenditure on equipment for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service was made possible by the Government's decision that pay savings arising from the reorganisation of the Defence Forces set out in the White Paper of 2000, along with proceeds from the sale of surplus properties, would be reallocated for investment in modern facilities and equipment.
Investment in new equipment for the Army, Air Corps and the Naval Service is provided for under various subheads of the Defence Vote relating to defensive equipment, mechanical transport, aircraft, ships and naval stores, engineering, communications and information technology equipment, etc.
The acquisition of light tactical armoured vehicles, or LTAVs, for the Defence Forces has been identified as a key priority by the military authorities for 2005. The LTAVs will complement the work of the 65 Mowag armoured personnel carriers delivered in the last few years at a cost of some €84 million. The final-stage payments for the APCs of €9.6 million will be made in 2005. The tender competition for the acquisition of the LTAVs is now in progress. The precise number of vehicles to be acquired will be confirmed at a later date. The cost of the LTAV programme will be evident only after the tender competition is held.
A contract for the acquisition of the Javelin missile system from Raytheon-Lockheed Martin in the USA at a cost of some €13 million, including VAT, will be fulfilled this year, with the main delivery due this summer. The purpose of the acquisition is to give Defence Forces personnel an effective anti-armour capability while on peace support operations. The system will replace the Milan system.
On the general transport side, the focus will be on the purchase of 0.75-tonne trucks, trailers for the DROPS vehicles, the purchase of a number of EOD trucks and some road ambulances for the Army Medical Corps.
There have been ongoing programmes of acquisitions of both nuclear-biological-chemical, or NBC, equipment and night vision equipment, or NVE, in recent years, and those programmes will continue in 2005 to meet the ongoing requirements of the Defence Forces. That will include the purchase of a further 1,000 NBC suits this year and another 1,000 next year.
The delivery of eight Pilatus training aircraft for the Air Corps at a total cost of €60 million has been completed. The final-stage payment for the aircraft of €7 million will be made this year. The focus for the Air Corps is now on the two contracts for helicopters for a total value of over €61 million, which I had the pleasure of signing recently.
Four Utility AB 139 helicopters are being acquired from the Bell Agusta Aerospace Company at a cost of €48.4 million, including VAT. The four helicopters will be built at the Agusta facility near Milan, Italy. Two AB 139s will be delivered in 2006, and the other two will be delivered in 2007.
Two light Utility EC 135 helicopters are being acquired from Eurocopter SAS at a cost of €12.8 million, including VAT. The two helicopters will be built at Eurocopter's facility in Donauworth, Germany. Both EC 135s are scheduled to be delivered in the latter part of this year.
The Naval Service has also benefited from the investment programme in recent years, with the acquisition of two new modern ships, LE Róisín and LE Niamh, at a cost of some €25 million each.
Questions Nos. 256 and 257 answered with Question No. 25.
Overseas Missions.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:258 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the ability of the military authorities to meet all anticipated overseas commitments as well as normal national duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12687/05]
The White Paper on Defence of February 2000 sets out a figure of 10,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force, comprising 930 for the Air Corps, 1,144 for the Naval Service and 8,426 for the Army. It is my intention to maintain the established Government policy of ongoing recruitment to the Defence Forces. Recruitment into the Permanent Defence Force will continue to maintain the strength at the level set out in the White Paper as required to meet military needs both at home and abroad.
Currently, a total of 750 Defence Forces personnel are serving overseas.
Ireland has offered, through the UN stand-by arrangements system, or UNSAS, to provide up to 850 military personnel, configured as a light infantry mounted battalion, for overseas service at any one time. That figure equates to some 10% of Ireland's standing Army, excluding reserves, and demonstrates Ireland's commitment to the cause of international peace. That is the maximum sustainable commitment that Ireland can make to overseas peacekeeping operations. It should be appreciated that, at any one time, one group of personnel will have just returned from service, one will be on overseas duty, and a further group will be in training. There are no plans at this time to increase the level of our commitment to UNSAS.
Parental Leave Provisions.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:259 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Defence the arrangements for maternity leave within the public bodies under the aegis of his Department; if he will consider providing an additional eight weeks’ paid leave in regard to maternity leave; the likely cost thereof; the likely cost to the Exchequer of six weeks’ paid parental leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12741/05]
All civil servants in public bodies under the aegis of my Department are entitled to 18 weeks' paid maternity leave as provided for in Department of Finance Circulars 35/95 and 09/01. I understand that at present there are no plans to provide an additional eight weeks' paid leave in respect of maternity leave. The cost of additional paid maternity leave would depend on the number and grades of personnel who might avail of such leave.
Public Capital Programme.
Enda Kenny
Question:260 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Defence the number of public servants in his Department who are employed full-time on the assessment, procurement, project management and delivery of infrastructure projects covered by the public capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12872/05]
The number of civilian and military staff mainly employed on a full-time basis on projects covered by the public capital programme is 42.
Enda Kenny
Question:261 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Defence if the Government considered redeploying public servants to assist with the procurement and project management of infrastructure projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12884/05]
To date, it has not been necessary to consider the redeployment of staff from other areas to assist with infrastructure projects.
Enda Kenny
Question:262 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Defence if, in view of the fact that the public capital programme is equivalent to 7.5% of GNP, or some 21% of total Government spending, he is satisfied that enough public servants in his Department are working in a full-time capacity on infrastructure projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12896/05]
The capital programme within my Department for 2005 is €25 million, which is 3.3% of the 2005 Defence Estimate. Given the size of the allocation, I am satisfied that the numbers allocated to infrastructure projects are sufficient.
Consultancy Contracts.
Enda Kenny
Question:263 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Defence the names of persons in the private sector who have met or advised him or his predecessors over the past seven years in any capacity on infrastructure projects to be supported by public expenditure; the details of those meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12902/05]
As far as I am concerned, there have been no such meetings or contacts.
Public Capital Programme.
Enda Kenny
Question:264 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide a broad description of each capital project considered by his Department over the past five years; when each project was first considered; when each project will be procured; when each will be completed; if each project will be part-financed by user charges; the number of public servants currently employed in the delivery of each project; the names of the consultants and advisers used to date in respect of each project; the titles of the consultancy reports carried out or in progress; the expenditure to date on each project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12912/05]
Capital expenditure in my Department has been incurred on infrastructure comprising new buildings, upgrading and refurbishment and communications and information technology.
Details of all infrastructure projects costing in excess of €1 million over the past five years are listed in the following schedule. None of the projects was financed in any way by user charges. Consultants with appropriate expertise — architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, etc. — are engaged as necessary to provide technical services in connection with building and engineering projects. There are 27 civil and military personnel employed in delivering those projects.
Apart from the management information framework — see below — capital expenditure on communications and information technology over the past five years mainly comprised the purchase of computer equipment and upgrading of IT infrastructure and systems for the Department and the Defence Forces. Total expenditure each year was as follows.
|
Year |
€ million |
|
2000 |
2.1 |
|
2001 |
2.8 |
|
2002 |
1.3 |
|
2003 |
2.4 |
|
2004 |
1.3 |
Regarding the management information framework, or MIF, Deloitte & Touche consultants were commissioned in March 2001, following a competitive tendering process, to report on the existing financial and other IT systems in the Department and the Defence Forces and to advise on future requirements. Their report, entitled Assistance in Connection with the Proposed Introduction of a New Financial Management System, was furnished in December 2001. Following a further tender competition, the same consultants were employed to advise on the preparation of a specification for new systems and on the selection of a suitable vendor. Tenders for the provision of the new systems were invited in August 2003, and a contract for the systems was placed with Oracle EMEA in April 2004. The project is expected to be completed in 2006. The provision of the new systems will not involve user charges. Capital expenditure to date on the project, including staff payroll costs, is €4.6 million. Total expenditure on the project is estimated at €8.5 million.
There are at present two civil servants and three military personnel involved full-time on the MIF project, with three specially recruited contract personnel also involved. Other civil and military personnel are involved in the project as required.
|
Major building projects over €1 million undertaken from March 2000 to March 2005 |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Barracks |
Project |
Date Placed |
Cost in € million |
Status |
|
Collins, Cork |
New NCOs’ Mess |
March 2000 |
1.7 |
Complete |
|
Curragh Camp |
New Pool and Gymnasium |
May 2000 |
8.0 |
Complete |
|
Cathal Brugha Communications |
Engineering Building |
May 2000 |
2.9 |
Complete |
|
Curragh Camp, Clarke Barracks |
Refurbishment |
August 2000 |
1.6 |
Complete |
|
Curragh Camp |
New Stores |
September 2000 |
6.9 |
Complete |
|
Casement |
Construction of Transport Workshops |
September 2000 |
1.1 |
Complete |
|
Curragh Camp |
New Transport Technical Stores |
October 2000 |
2.3 |
Complete |
|
Collins, Cork |
Storage Facility |
November 2000 |
3.3 |
Complete |
|
Curragh Camp |
Refurbishment of Connolly and Plunkett Barracks |
November 2000 |
3.7 |
Complete |
|
Collins, Cork |
New Gymnasium |
December 2000 |
2.7 |
Complete |
|
Curragh Camp |
Connolly Barracks Accommodation Upgrade |
December 2000 |
3.2 |
Complete |
|
Curragh Camp |
Ordnance-Transport Schools |
December 2000 |
3.5 |
Complete |
|
Curragh Camp |
New NCOs’ Mess (East) |
January 2001 |
2.7 |
Complete |
|
Curragh Camp |
Combat Support College |
January 2001 |
6.7 |
Complete |
|
Curragh Camp |
NCOs’ Mess (West) |
January 2001 |
4.4 |
Complete |
|
Curragh Camp |
Vehicle Garaging Building |
August 2001 |
4.6 |
Complete |
|
Curragh Camp |
Refurbish Kitchen, Officers’ Mess, Ceannt Barracks |
September 2001 |
1.1 |
Complete |
|
Casement |
No. 3 Support Wing Headquarters |
November 2001 |
3.0 |
Complete |
|
Curragh Camp |
Combined Vehicle Workshop |
January 2002 |
9.0 |
Complete |
|
Casement |
Resurfacing of Runways |
June 2002 |
6.4 |
Complete |
|
Cathal Brugha Barracks Upgrade |
Accommodation Blocks |
August 2002 |
2.0 |
Complete |
|
Coolmoney |
Upgrade of Waste Water Works |
September 2002 |
1.0 |
Complete |
|
Dún Uí Mhaolíosa, Galway |
Cookhouse-Dining Complex |
September 2002 |
3.4 |
Complete |
|
McKee Barracks |
Upgrading of Accommodation Block |
October 2002 |
1.9 |
Complete |
|
Coolmoney |
Refurbish Accommodation |
November 2002 |
1.2 |
Complete |
|
Custume Barracks |
New Storage Facility |
November 2002 |
2.0 |
Complete |
|
Curragh Camp |
Special Storage Building |
September 2003 |
2.1 |
Complete |
|
Custume Barracks |
New NCOs’ Mess |
September 2003 |
1.2 |
Complete |
|
Naval Base |
New Technical Stores |
September 2003 |
2.6 |
Complete |
|
Naval Base Upgrade |
Accommodation Blocks |
November 2003 |
1.5 |
Complete |
|
Curragh Camp |
New Workshop Facility |
August 2004 |
1.7 |
Ongoing |
|
Cathal Brugha Barracks |
Refurbish Accommodation Block |
September 2004 |
1.3 |
Ongoing |
|
Sarsfield Barracks Upgrade |
Accommodation Block |
September 2004 |
1.0 |
Ongoing |
|
Casement |
Refurbish Accommodation Block |
September 2004 |
1.3 |
Ongoing |
|
Dún Uí Mhaolíosa, Galway |
Refurbish Storage Facility Building |
October 2004 |
2.1 |
Ongoing |
|
Custume Barracks |
Refurbish Brigade HQ |
November 2004 |
2.4 |
Ongoing |
Enda Kenny
Question:265 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide a broad description of each capital project considered by his Department over the past five years; when each project was first considered; when each project will be procured; when each will be completed; if each project will be part-financed by user charges; the number of public servants currently employed in the delivery of each project; the names of the consultants and advisers used to date in respect of each project; the titles of the consultancy reports carried out or in progress; the expenditure to date on each project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12543/05]
Enda Kenny
Question:266 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his estimate of the capital requirement of his Department and its agencies over the next ten years; the projects in excess of €20 million that may be procured during this period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12544/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 265 and 266 together.
Capital projects funded by my Department are, in the main, initiated by local authorities, save for a limited number of capital projects pertaining to the heritage programme.
Generally, capital projects are funded by means of a grant for full costs or partly grant-funded, with the remaining costs funded from the sponsoring bodies' own resources. Reflecting the "polluter pays" principle, it is public policy fully to recover the cost of providing waste management services to end users by means of charges levied on those users. In the case of services provided by the private sector directly, that is already the case. In the case of services and infrastructure provided directly by local authorities or by means of a public private partnership or outsourcing, significant progress is now being made towards full cost recovery on the basis of use-related charges. Similarly, the non-domestic element of water services infrastructure is financed by user charges.
Local authorities at present have more than 5,000 individual capital projects at various stages of development. My Department does not have detailed information regarding many of those projects, and its compilation would involve a disproportionate amount of time and work. However, indicative information on housing, water services, non-national roads, waste, heritage and urban regeneration projects to be commenced over the period 2000 to 2006 has been set out in the national development plan. The 2005 public capital programme contains further details regarding planned capital expenditure on some 70 major housing, water services and non-national roads projects, each costing in excess of €20 million. In addition, as they are announced, details of the various multi-annual programmes funded by my Department are made available in the Oireachtas Library.
While my Department oversees and provides the policy framework for its capital programmes, staffing allocated to the delivery of individual projects is a matter for the implementing bodies concerned, as is the commissioning of related reports and consultancies, etc.
From 2004, the capital envelope agreement between my Department and the Department of Finance sets out aggregate capital provisions for our programmes over rolling five-year periods, with the most recent envelope covering the period 2005 to 2009 valued at some €9 billion. Capital provisions beyond that period will be progressively determined.
Consultancy Contracts.
Enda Kenny
Question:267 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the names of persons in the private sector who have met with or advised him or his predecessors over the past seven years in any capacity on infrastructure projects to be supported by public expenditure; the details of those meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12545/05]
I, and my predecessors, would have had extensive contacts and interactions with, and would have received advice or representations from, many persons in the private sector regarding infrastructural issues over the period in question. The detailed information sought in the question is not, however, readily available in the Department, and its compilation would require a disproportionate amount of time and work.
Waste Management.
Enda Kenny
Question:268 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has considered, as happens in other EU member states, the provision of incentives to the private sector for the construction of new recycling and waste processing facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12547/05]
I refer the Deputy to the reply to Question No. 264 of 9 February 2005. The situation in respect of the waste management capital grants scheme remains unchanged and it is not proposed to extend the scheme to private sector providers.
Local Authority Housing.
Richard Bruton
Question:269 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has given approval for the sale by local authorities of homes in apartment or maisonette complexes; and the arrangements he anticipates for the management of common services in such cases. [12573/05]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
I refer to the reply to Question No. 67 of 13 April 2005. The position is unchanged.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Willie Penrose
Question:270 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his proposals to implement a significant upgrade of the sewerage system at Rochfortbridge, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12597/05]
The Rochfortbridge sewerage scheme was approved for funding under my Department's water services investment programme, 2004-06, under the serviced land initiative, at an estimated cost of €4.3 million. The Department approved Westmeath County Council's contract documents for the scheme in June 2004 and is awaiting the submission of the council's tender recommendation.
Paddy McHugh
Question:271 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if Galway County Council has forwarded tender recommendations for a project (details supplied) in County Galway; when his Department will approve the tender recommendations to enable the project to proceed to construction stage; when he envisages construction works will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12598/05]
The Headford sewerage scheme has been approved for construction in my Department's water services investment programme, 2004-06. Galway County Council's tender recommendations for the civil works and the treatment element of the scheme, which is being procured as a design build operate contract, are being examined in the Department and will be dealt with as quickly as possible. The council may proceed with the work after the tender recommendations have been approved.
Natural Heritage Areas.
Cecilia Keaveney
Question:272 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a vacancy (details supplied) in County Donegal has been filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12599/05]
Following an open competition to fill vacant positions in the grade of conservation ranger in the national parks and wildlife service of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, a conservation ranger has been appointed to cover the Inishowen area of Donegal and has commenced duty.
Local Authority Housing.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:273 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number and location of affordable houses available or likely to be made available throughout County Kildare in 2005; the cost of each unit to the local authority; the cost to the purchaser; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12666/05]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
The detailed information sought in the question is not available in advance to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
Archaeological Surveys.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:274 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the details of any archaeological surveys conducted in the past ten years in respect of lands at Killsallaghan, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12700/05]
An archaeological detection device licence for geophysical survey work at Killsallaghan, County Dublin, was issued by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on 3 March 2005. The licence was issued to a geophysicist working on behalf of the Killsallaghan residents association. The Archaeological Survey of Ireland, which is under the aegis of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, undertook an archaeological field survey at Killsallaghan in the townlands of Killsallaghan and Castlefarm on 8 October 1992. The survey work was undertaken as part of the archaeological inventory of County Dublin. The ten archaeological sites which were identified were later listed for statutory protection in the record of monument and places, which was established under section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994.
Banking Sector Regulation.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:275 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason for the delay in finalising the legislation to enable a building society (details supplied) to put into effect the overwhelming wish of the majority of its members in support of demutualising the society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12701/05]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
The option of demutualisation is available to any building society under existing legislation. Two building societies have demutualised using those provisions. Current provisions preclude 15% or more of the shares in a successor company being held by an individual or institution for five years after demutualisation, unless the Central Bank directs in accordance with legislation that the provisions should not apply. A substantial amount of work has been done in respect of the amendment of building societies legislation, based on the recommendations of the review group on building societies legislation, which involved the building societies and relevant Departments. Decisions about legislation in this area will be matters for the Government on completion of this work.
Water Supply Contamination.
Dan Boyle
Question:276 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there is an onus on statutory authorities to inform local residents or farmers on the issues of groundwater pollution, which affect water quality to local farms and local water supplies. [12705/05]
In so far as the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is concerned, the main statutory authorities with responsibilities in respect of water quality are the Environmental Protection Agency and the local authorities.
The Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 obliges the agency to create maintain databases of information about environmental quality, including the quality of groundwater, to disseminate such information and to provide for public access to it. Detailed information about the quality of drinking water in Ireland is available in reports published annually by the EPA. The reports, which are based on the results of monitoring conducted by local authorities, health boards and the EPA, indicate the extent to which drinking water supplies comply with prescribed quality standards. Comprehensive information about the quality of surface water and groundwater is available in reports published triennially by the EPA about water quality in Ireland.
Local authorities have statutory responsibility for supplying drinking water and upholding the quality standards prescribed by the European Communities (Drinking Water) Regulations 2000. The regulations require that information and advice be made available to consumers about various matters, including the prohibition or restriction of supplies which constitute a potential danger to human health, for example, in the case of a polluted groundwater source.
Persons who are concerned about the quality of water can seek advice from a supplier, a local authority, a health board, the EPA or an appropriate consultant or adviser. Information about accredited laboratories, other services available for sampling water and analysis of water samples under various parameters is available from local authorities, health boards and the EPA. Analysis of water samples can be conducted by local authorities or health boards which have appropriate in-house laboratory facilities, or can be arranged by such an authority on behalf of a householder at an accredited laboratory. Water samples can be submitted for analysis to the regional laboratories of the EPA, the Dublin city analyst's laboratory or other appropriate laboratory. The charges which will apply in respect of the provision of such services are matters for the service providers.
National Monuments.
Dan Boyle
Question:277 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if concern has been expressed over the loss of an unauthorised development file (details supplied) dating from 1990, which concerned the demolition of part of Leap Castle. [12708/05]
I have received correspondence about the matter in question. In response, the Department stated that responsibility for managing their files and administering their functions generally rests with local authorities, which are independent statutory bodies with democratically elected councils and their own management systems. The reply also noted that complaints about the administrative practices of local authorities may appropriately be raised with the local government auditor or the Ombudsman.
Parental Leave Legislation.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:278 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the arrangements for maternity leave within the public bodies under the aegis of his Department; if he will consider providing an additional eight weeks’ paid leave in regard to maternity leave; the likely cost thereof; the likely cost to the Exchequer of six weeks’ paid parental leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12742/05]
The conditions applicable to maternity and parental leave arrangements in public bodies under the aegis of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government are specified centrally by the Minister for Finance. Any increase in entitlements to maternity or parental leave is a matter for consideration in the first instance by the Minister for Finance.
Public Capital Programme.
Enda Kenny
Question:279 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of public servants in his Department who are employed full-time on the assessment, procurement, project management and delivery of infrastructure projects covered by the public capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12873/05]
Enda Kenny
Question:280 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the Government considered redeploying public servants to assist with the procurement and project management of infrastructure projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12885/05]
Enda Kenny
Question:281 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the fact that the public capital programme is equivalent to 7.5% of GNP or some 21% of total Government spending, he is satisfied that enough public servants in his Department are working in a full-time capacity on infrastructure projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12897/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 279 to 281, inclusive, together.
Capital projects funded by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government are mostly initiated by local authorities. The exceptions are a limited number of capital projects pertaining to the heritage programme. Some 187 staff in the Department are assigned wholly or partly to work that relates to supporting capital programmes, assessment, procurement, project management and the delivery of infrastructure projects under the public capital programme. I am satisfied that this allocation of staffing resources is adequate to delivering the elements of the public capital programme for which the Department is responsible.