Denis Naughten
Question:87 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport when he issued design specifications for speed limit signs outside schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28997/05]
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 6, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 7 to 78, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 79 to 86, inclusive, answered orally.
Road Safety.
Denis Naughten
Question:152 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the date on which his Department issued the signage specifications for speed limits outside schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28996/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 87 and 152 together.
In January 2005, I made regulations, the Road Traffic (Speed Limit — Traffic Signs) Regulations 2005, S.I. No. 10 of 2005, prescribing the regulatory traffic signs displaying metric units of measurement, km/h, that the road authorities must provide on public roads to indicate the speed limit in force. This range of traffic signs can be deployed to indicate that a default speed limit, a special speed limit or a road works speed limit is in force.
While proposals for new formats of traffic signs are examined from time to time in my Department, the traffic sign regulations that I made in January of this year and the range of sign options already available for use since 20 January 2005 under those regulations are adequate to support the implementation of any special speed limit options. The actual provision and installation of traffic signs on public roads is a matter for each road authority and advice is set out in the traffic signs manual in this regard. A copy of the manual is available in the Oireachtas Library.
Public Transport.
Emmet Stagg
Question:88 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the revised timeframe for the full introduction of integrated ticketing; and his estimate of the full cost to the State of the project in 2002 monetary value. [29057/05]
Shane McEntee
Question:103 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for Transport the person by whom and the areas in which the reported €8.5 million for integrated ticketing was spent; the number of years during which this amount was spent; the reason the budgetary allocation for integrated ticketing for 2005 has been reduced from €15 million to €7.5 million; if the integrated ticketing on the Luas, Dublin Bus and Irish Rail will be fully operational in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28829/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 103 together.
In March 2002, the Railway Procurement Agency, RPA, was given statutory responsibility for the delivery of a multi-operator system of integrated ticketing. The proposed contactless smart card based integrated ticketing system will enable a customer to use a ticket on one or more scheduled public transport services, by road and by rail, irrespective of the transport operator involved. In line with international experience, the system is being introduced on a phased basis, initially in the Dublin area.
In April 2004 a private operator, Mortons Coaches, in conjunction with the RPA and as a "proof of concept", successfully launched smart cards on its services. Last March, another step was taken with the launch of smart cards on Luas services. The Luas smart card deployment is helping to obtain important feedback from passengers and provide operational experience for the next stage of integrated ticketing. Approximately 1,000 smart cards are in use on Mortons Coaches and some 9,000 smart cards are currently in use on Luas services.
Following an inconclusive procurement procedure earlier this year for the selection of an integrated ticketing provider and operator, the RPA commenced work on a revised procurement strategy and has submitted a draft to my Department. The finalisation of that procurement strategy is being assisted by an informal tripartite group representing the RPA, Dublin Bus and my Department. The work of the group will assist the RPA in determining a revised target implementation date.
The project budget for integrated ticketing, covering initial implementation in the Dublin area, was set in 2002 at €29.6 million. Arising from the inconclusive procurement procedure, this year's budget allocation was revised from €15 million to €7.5 million. The project budget will be reviewed when considering the revised procurement strategy.
To date, €8.536 million of Exchequer funds has been spent on integrated ticketing since the RPA was appointed to undertake the project in March 2002. This is comprised of: €349,000 on project appraisal and related activities; €3.615 million on the national design of integrated ticketing, including the proof of concept with Mortons, public consultation and related activities; €4.572 million on procurement, incorporating the Luas smart card deployment, adapting systems to facilitate use by multiple operators and related activities.
I believe that the RPA is correct in taking a prudent approach to the implementation of this complex project using new technology. International experience has shown that successful delivery of integrated ticketing is achieved by a careful, phased introduction with full co-operation from all public transport operators.
Road Safety.
Róisín Shortall
Question:89 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the progress in producing a new rules of the road booklet; and the reason for the continued delay. [29071/05]
My Department is currently engaged in a comprehensive review of the rules of the road booklet. It is the intention that a draft of the new booklet will shortly be published on the Department's website and that comments and submissions will be invited from the public and interested parties. The new booklet will be finalised following consideration of any submissions received and it is intended that the booklet will be made available for sale shortly thereafter. The new booklet will also be available on the Department's website.
Public Transport.
Emmet Stagg
Question:90 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Transport his latest proposals in respect of reform of the regulatory framework for bus licensing; and when he will bring forward legislation in this regard. [29058/05]
Phil Hogan
Question:106 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Transport the progress made in establishing an independent authority to procure public transport; the nature and functions of this authority; when the enabling legislation for such an authority will be published; when the authority will be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28832/05]
Paul McGrath
Question:107 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport when he will complete his consideration of proposals to establish an independent authority to procure public transport services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28825/05]
Simon Coveney
Question:117 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Transport the status of the Transport (Companies) Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28822/05]
John Deasy
Question:123 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Transport if he remains committed to the break up of CIE into three separate entities; if so, when this will happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28833/05]
Paul Connaughton
Question:131 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport if he has altered from the position that 25% of the Dublin Bus market would be opened up to competition; if so, if media reports indicating that the level of the market to be opened up to competition will be significantly lower than the earlier figure are correct; the market percentage which will be opened up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28835/05]
Mary Upton
Question:144 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Transport the target date for the establishment of a national public transport commission; and his decision in respect of the arrangements that will apply to the greater Dublin area. [29083/05]
Richard Bruton
Question:148 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if he has completed his review of the work done within his Department on the restructuring of CIE; if a decision has been reached on the restructuring of the company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28821/05]
Joe Sherlock
Question:163 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the details of his negotiations with representatives of Dublin Bus drivers on the further opening of the bus market to private operators; the number of meetings that have been held; the outstanding issues to be agreed; and when the negotiations will be finalised. [29079/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 90, 106, 107, 117, 123, 131, 144, 148 and 163 together.
As I have indicated previously, I am committed to reforming the public transport market to provide opportunities for both public and private companies to deliver increased public services and to ensure the taxpayer and the customer get a high quality of service and best value for money. I also intend to re-organise CIE to provide greater operational autonomy to the operating subsidiaries.
The bus system is essential to an effective public transport system, with approximately 75% of journeys on public transport being made on bus today. I am committed to providing a regulatory framework which will allow public and private bus companies respond more effectively to the needs of the travelling public. In this regard, I propose to establish an independent national public transport commission to, inter alia, allocate Exchequer subvention for public transport services, both bus and rail, through public service contracts, to license commercial bus services and to regulate fares.
Officials in my Department held extensive consultations with the management of CIE, private bus companies and the CIE unions on how best to give effect to the reform of the market. My officials have met with union representatives on 12 occasions since March this year and held a similar number of meetings with each of the other stakeholders. I have sought the views of stakeholders on how, in a pragmatic manner, greater competition can be introduced into the bus market. I am currently considering the views and issues put to me by the various stakeholders and I hope to publish legislation in that regard in the New Year.
Alternative Energy Projects.
Olwyn Enright
Question:91 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Transport the initiatives he has taken to promote the increased use of renewable energy in the transport sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28830/05]
My Department is committed to delivering a sustainable transport system designed in a way which will achieve a balance between economic, social and environmental needs. In the current climate of rising oil prices and growing CO2 emissions from transport there is clearly a need to focus on cleaner and renewable fuel sources such as biofuel to support the achievement of a sustainable transport system.
In recognition of this, my Department actively supports the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources with regard to its responsibilities in the development and promotion of a biofuels market in Ireland's transport sector. My Department participates in the interdepartmental biofuels group, which was established by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in 2004 to consider policy options for the development of a biofuels market. The group also comprises representatives from the Departments of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Finance, Agriculture and Food, and from Sustainable Energy Ireland.
As part of its work, the group commissioned a Liquid Biofuels Strategy Study for Ireland, which was published in December 2004. The report explores a range of options and potential supports for biofuels development in Ireland. As a follow up to this report, further work is ongoing with regard to developing measures to increase long-term market penetration of biofuels in the transport fuel market.
My Department also supports the scheme for mineral oil tax relief on biofuels which was agreed between the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and the Department of Finance and launched in April 2005. Under this scheme, excise relief of €6 million will be allowed for a total of eight projects, involving 16 million litres of biofuel, over a two year period to 2007. The scheme is an initial measure designed to stimulate market development and I understand that the scope for scaling up fiscal support for biofuels is being explored by the Departments directly involved. This is something which I would support. Sustainable Energy Ireland also provides funding for biofuels demonstration projects, compatible with its remit in advancing the development of renewable energy.
My own Department is also engaging with the public transport and road haulage sectors with a view to promoting the increased use of alternative fuels. I understand that CIE is investigating the use of biofuels and hybrid-electric/diesel buses. My Department will actively liaise with it in this regard.
Press Releases.
Simon Coveney
Question:92 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Transport if he has instructed his staff not to provide Opposition spokespersons with all press releases when automatically issued by his Department; if not, if all Opposition transport spokespersons will receive all press releases issued by his Department as soon as reasonably practical; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28839/05]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:240 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if, as a matter of courtesy and in accordance with long standing protocols, he will allow the communication of press statements from his Department to the Opposition spokesperson; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29628/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 240 together.
I have not instructed my staff not to provide Opposition spokespersons with all press releases when automatically issued by my Department. I am happy to provide Opposition spokespersons with all press releases and, as the Deputy has asked, these press releases will be issued as soon as reasonably practical.
Road Safety.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:93 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Transport if the target of a reduction of 25% in the number of fatalities on roads will be achieved by the end of the lifetime of the road safety strategy in 2006; the additional measures he has enacted since the commencement of the strategy to cut road deaths; if he has satisfied himself that such initiatives are working; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28844/05]
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:98 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Transport if he has satisfied himself with the progress to date in implementing the Road Safety Strategy 2004-2006; and his views on the comments by the chairman of the National Safety Council that there is a lack of political will to fully implement the strategy. [29053/05]
John Gormley
Question:121 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Transport if, in view of the ongoing scale and seriousness of road accidents, he will take new steps to address this problem; the timetable for such proposals and the agencies to be involved therein; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29492/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 93, 98 and 121 together.
The Government Road Safety Strategy 2004-2006 sets a primary target of a 25% reduction in road collision fatalities by the end of 2006 over the average annual number of fatalities in the 1998-2003 period. Achievement of the target would result in no more than 300 deaths per annum by the end of the period of the strategy. This is an ambitious target and one which will require the continued commitment to a strategic, integrated approach by all of the road safety agencies.
Unfortunately, we have seen a greater number of road deaths in 2004 than in the previous year when we experienced the lowest number of road deaths in 40 years at 335. The provisional end of year figures for 2004 shows 374 deaths on the roads. This is, however, the second lowest annual road fatality total since 1998, which was the first year for the operation of the first road safety strategy.
So far this year we have seen an increase in the number of road deaths, with 312 deaths on the roads as at 17 October compared to 298 for the same date last year. The recent increase in road deaths is a cause of concern and places the challenge of meeting the target set for the end of 2006 into stark focus. If we are to realise that target, a significant reversal of the worrying trend that has been noticeable both in early 2004 and over the past number of weeks must be achieved.
Achievement of the target depends in the first instance on a continued emphasis on the approach that underpins the strategy. A major independent review of the previous strategy confirms that basing the primary target on the achievement of progress in the areas of speeding, drink driving and seat belt wearing remains the correct approach and these remain the key areas of the new strategy.
The strategy was developed by the high level group on road safety which is chaired by my Department and comprises representatives of the Departments of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Health and Children, the Garda, the National Roads Authority, the National Safety Council, the Medical Bureau of Road Safety, the County and City Managers Association and the Irish Insurance Federation. The agencies and Departments represented on the high level group on road safety are responsible for implementing specific measures in the strategy which are within the remit of each organisation.
Significant initiatives identified in the strategy that have been realised to date include the introduction of a new system of metric speed limits through the passage of the Road Traffic Act 2004 and the establishment of the new Garda traffic corps. The new speed limits structure featured a reduction in the speed limit in all rural, regional and local roads from 60 miles per hours to 80 kilometers per hour, which equates to 50 miles per hour. The establishment of the dedicated traffic corps last year by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform under a distinct management structure under the command of an assistant commissioner addresses a particular commitment given by the Government. The corps, when it is fully staffed, will provide the basis for the achievement of the significant gains in road safety that emanate from consistent high levels of traffic law enforcement.
Other major proposals identified in the strategy, such as the plans to establish a system of private sector operation of speed cameras under the auspices of the Garda and the further extension of the operation of the penalty points and fixed charge systems, are being advanced and the question of the introduction of a more general basis for the carrying out of preliminary roadside alcohol testing of drivers is being considered. We are making progress across the wide range of initiatives identified in the strategy and I am satisfied that all of the agencies involved are fully committed to the achievement of the goals that underpin the strategy.
Traffic Management.
Gerard Murphy
Question:94 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the recent meeting of the Clare Street initiative; the recommendations arising from this meeting; the way in which his Department will enact such proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28840/05]
Ruairí Quinn
Question:143 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Transport the funding set aside for the implementation of the so-called Clare Street initiative; and the timescale envisaged for the introduction of the reforms proposed. [29069/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 94 and 143 together.
The purpose of the Clare Street initiative, CSI, is to progress the effective implementation of traffic management and related measures in the greater Dublin area and to bring added value to the major transport investments that are under way and planned. During workshops in Clontarf Castle on 5 October, the CSI group considered 37 projects, submitted in advance of the meeting, and distilled from that list a recommended shortlist of 15 priority projects, in some cases involving an amalgamation of separately tabled proposals. The CSI charter makes it clear that the initiative will work with existing agencies and within existing governance structures and that it will be the responsibility of the relevant statutory, or other, agencies to decide whether to proceed with projects suggested by the initiative. I will publish details of the recommended projects once the written conclusions of the Clontarf Castle session have been cleared by CSI members and the implementing agencies have been formally requested to progress these projects.
I can, however, tell the Deputies that projects fall within the following implementation timescales: short — within six months; medium — within one year; long — within two years. It will be the role of the CSI to promote and support the implementation of projects but not in any way to substitute itself for existing agencies or to pre-empt their functions. Projects under the CSI will be funded from within the Department of Transport's medium term capital envelope and from the resources of implementing agencies, as appropriate.
The CSI will meet again in plenary session in six months. In the meantime, project sponsors will report on project progress on a three monthly basis and will, if they wish, convene sub-groups to advance projects. The initiative, through the relevant project sponsor, will monitor progress on projects and there will be a report on progress at each annual meeting of the CSI's steering group. Having considered the report, the group will decide whether to keep the project on its action list.
Road Safety.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:95 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if the assessment of the case for banning supersize trucks has been completed; if he has set a deadline for his decision on this issue; and the remaining steps that need to be taken before a decision is made. [28847/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:255 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he has had consultations with his EU colleagues in regard to the proposed banning of super trucks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29817/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 255 together.
My Department has been examining the question of whether a statutory maximum height limit for vehicles is required. The examination included consideration of the submissions received from interested parties in response to public consultation on the subject. I am now considering the outcome of the Department's examination and intend to make a decision on the matter shortly.
I have not had EU related discussions to date on this matter. However, in the event of a decision to introduce a statutory height restriction it will be necessary to consult the European Commission before the necessary statutory instrument can be made. Such consultation is obligatory under Directive 98/34/EC on technical standards and regulations.
Light Rail Project.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:96 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Transport when a decision will be made on the joining up of two existing Luas lines in Dublin city centre; the expected cost and time it will take to connect them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29489/05]
The Railway Procurement Agency, RPA, has been asked to carry out an evaluation of the linking of the Luas red and green lines. I understand that it has carried out a significant amount of technical work looking, in particular, at various route options. The next step will be for the RPA to put the findings of this work out for public consultation. Following this, the RPA will submit a business case, which will outline the estimated cost and timeframe for the project, to my Department for approval.
Driving Tests.
Mary Upton
Question:97 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Transport his targets for the average waiting time for a driving test; and his target date for reaching same. [29082/05]
The target is to reduce waiting times for a driving test from months to weeks. The current backlog is intolerable. That is why the Government has brought forward a comprehensive proposal to deal with the matter. This target of reducing waiting times from months to weeks can be achieved within 18 months to two years of the full implementation of the package of measures recently outlined.
Question No. 98 answered with QuestionNo. 93.
Rail Network.
Seymour Crawford
Question:99 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Transport his views on the proposal to build a metro from Dublin’s city centre to the airport; the reason the proposed legislation for a metro has been removed from the Government’s legislative programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28834/05]
The metro proposal is being considered by my Department as part of its preparatory work on a ten year transport investment framework. I hope to bring proposals on the framework to Government shortly.
The existing statutory process for approving a metro project is set out in Part 3 of the Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001. The legislation originally proposed to further streamline and improve the statutory approval process relating to the metro but it has now been subsumed into the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Bill 2005 which is currently being drafted by the Department for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. This Bill will provide a streamlined framework for dealing with national strategic infrastructure projects.
Traffic Management.
Joe Sherlock
Question:100 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the status of A Platform for Change; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that several major planning applications continue to be made on the basis of its full introduction by 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29078/05]
A Platform for Change continues to provide a broad strategic framework for transportation planning in the greater Dublin area and has been taken into account, along with other strategic studies, in my Department's preparatory work on a ten year transport investment framework. The consideration of planning applications and appeals are matters respectively for local authorities and An Bord Pleanála and they must do so in accordance with the relevant statutory provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000. The Dublin Transportation Office is a prescribed body under that Act and it regularly avails of that power to comment on individual planning applications, thereby ensuring that strategic transportation planning issues are taken into account in planning decisions.
Departmental Expenditure.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:101 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the amount spent by his Department on capital projects to date; the details of these projects; the degree to which there has been an underspend on such projects to date; the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28848/05]
In the period 2000-2004, €1.233 billion was spent on public transport safety and development. Details are set out in the following table.
|
Project |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
Railway Safety |
123.86 |
148.45 |
127.16 |
103.94 |
86.71 |
|
Rolling Stock |
23.56 |
5.59 |
62.52 |
88.28 |
76.25 |
|
IÉ Upgrades and Other Projects |
5.83 |
21.82 |
42.87 |
82.4 |
79.55 |
|
Dublin Bus Projects |
22.53 |
22.06 |
28.01 |
12.69 |
5.01 |
|
Bus Éireann Projects |
6.48 |
19.9 |
2.81 |
9.57 |
3.33 |
|
Integrated Ticketing and Real Time Passenger Information |
0 |
0 |
0.45 |
1.87 |
4.85 |
|
Other PT Projects |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5.49 |
9.49 |
|
Total |
182.26 |
217.82 |
263.82 |
304.24 |
265.19* |
*2004 figures relate to the entire investment programme, which is comprised of Exchequer Resources and CIE borrowings, which will be repaid by the Exchequer.
A number of projects, undertaken during the period, have been completed under budget. These include the Heuston Station redesign, the Drogheda diesel railcar depot, the purchase of 16 DART cars and the essentially complete DART upgrade project. The underspend in these cases averages 8% and is a result of good project management on the part of Iarnród Éireann or a favourable exchange rate.
|
Project |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
Traffic Management (DTO) |
0 |
0 |
30,000 |
40,000 |
40,000 |
|
Accessibility Programme |
0 |
0 |
5,000 |
5,000 |
8,000 |
|
Regional Bus Priority |
0 |
0 |
200 |
5,500 |
8,000 |
|
Public Transport Interchanges |
0 |
0 |
0 |
700 |
1,200 |
Some minor underspend occurred on some of the projects.
Since 2000, a total of 55 projects have been approved for funding under the regional airports measure of the NDP. Based on a total estimated cost of €18.46 million, grant aid of €15.534 million has been approved for projects to facilitate improvement works and upgrades in facilities to maintain continued safe, secure and viable operations at the regional airports. To end 2004, over €11 million has been paid out in grant assistance under the measure. There is no underspend on these projects to date. A summary of all capital grants to regional airports is in the following table.
|
Year |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
|
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
|
|
Donegal |
0 |
0 |
253 |
718 |
0 |
|
Galway |
259 |
288 |
728 |
946 |
1,276 |
|
Knock |
0 |
303 |
0 |
2,031 |
0 |
|
Kerry |
0 |
0 |
839 |
855 |
0 |
|
Sligo |
0 |
182 |
470 |
239 |
9 |
|
Waterford |
0 |
55 |
0 |
587 |
998 |
|
Total |
259 |
828 |
2,290 |
5,376 |
2,283 |
*Includes NDP Regional Airports Measure and the now defunct "Regional Airports Infrastructure Grant Scheme".
Total investment in the upgrade of the national road network over the period 2000-2005 amounts to €6.6 billion. This has funded the completion of 53 projects, 370 kms. Work is in progress on a further 21 projects, 211 kms. The position regarding project costs is that the NRA is completing projects this year with a total estimated outturn cost of €1.17 billion, which compares to a pre-construction estimate for these projects of €1.17 billion. The following table provides details regarding the estimated and outturn costs of projects completed so far in 2005.
|
Scheme |
Start Year |
Finish Year |
Estimate Cost at Contract Award |
Final Outturn Cost |
% Increase |
|
M50 South Eastern Motorway |
2001 |
2005 |
593.5 |
569 |
-4.1 |
|
N2-Carrickmacross Bypass |
2003 |
2005 |
49.9 |
51.8 |
3.8 |
|
N4-Sligo Inner Relief Road |
2003 |
2005 |
72.7 |
74.3 |
2.2 |
|
N4-McNeads Bridge Kinnegad |
2004 |
2005 |
27 |
27 |
— |
|
N21- Ballycarthy Tralee |
2001 |
2005 |
13.2 |
13.2 |
— |
The NRA is currently compiling similar data on projects completed in earlier years and this will be forwarded to the Deputy when available.
EU Directives.
Bernard Allen
Question:102 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the impact for Ireland of the recent EU directive in respect of the funding of regional airport services and its impact on Government policy. [28823/05]
The question refers to new EU guidelines on financing of airports and start up aid to airlines departing from regional airports. The aims of the proposed guidelines are to establish a firm legal framework for agreements between airports and airlines and to increase transparency and to prevent any discrimination in the agreements concluded by regional airports and airlines on start up aid.
The guidelines will affect the structure and assessment of funding for our regional airports by the Exchequer. There will be more onerous administrative obligations relating to establishing the publicly stated role of individual regional airports and the limiting of Exchequer compensation to an analysis of reasonable costs, relevant revenues and a reasonable profit for discharging that publicly stated role. The financial compensation must be based on a transparent accounting system. Proposals for Exchequer investment in general airport infrastructure would have to be in accordance with a clearly defined objective such as regional development or accessibility. These proposals will have to be proportional to the objective set and have satisfactory medium term prospects for use, in particular as regards the use of existing infrastructure.
In addition, the Department and the airports will have to guard against any infringement of rules for start up aid to airlines. Restrictive conditions will apply to start up aid to airlines for new routes.
My Department is now examining the proposed new framework required for the regional airport grant schemes in the light of the guidelines. In the light of the importance of regional airport services, my Department will consult with the State and regional airports authorities on the implications of the guidelines and the optimum approach to compliance.
Question No. 103 answered with QuestionNo. 88.
State Airports.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:104 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Transport if he has received all the business plans from the three State airports; if not, if he has asked their authorities the reason for the delay; when the restructuring of the State airports will be complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28845/05]
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:129 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport the progress made to date in developing a second terminal at Dublin Airport; and when the terminal will be fully operational. [28842/05]
Olwyn Enright
Question:137 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding a new runway at Dublin Airport; if this project has his approval; the anticipated cost of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28831/05]
Bernard Allen
Question:153 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Transport if he will publish an aviation policy as guidance to the Dublin Airport Authority in its operation of the State airports and in terms of the national airport in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28824/05]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:233 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether the planned developments at Dublin Airport necessitate the development of a mass public transport system to the airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29711/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 104, 129, 137, 153 and 233 together.
My Department's statement of strategy for 2005-2007 sets out my broad aviation policy objectives. This policy is underpinned by the State Airports Act 2004, which provides a framework for the restructuring of the three airports and the more recent Government decision in May of this year concerning the provision of new terminal capacity at Dublin Airport. I do not envisage publishing additional policy guidance for Dublin Airport at present.
I have addressed the position relating to the business planning process in my earlier reply today to the priority question on this matter.
Passenger traffic through Dublin Airport is forecast to grow to in excess of 18 million passengers this year and to 30 million by around 2015. New infrastructural capacity and facilities, both airside and landside, including further terminal and runway capacity, must be provided in a timely and cost effective manner to cater for this growth. Following consultation with airlines, the Dublin Airport Authority, DAA, recently announced its medium term plans for new infrastructural provision at Dublin Airport, including a new second terminal and other related developments.
Under that plan the new terminal, terminal 2, and its associated pier facilities, pier E, which will cater for both short and long haul traffic, will be provided to the south of the existing terminal and will come on stream in 2009. The plan also envisaged that other capacity enhancements, including the provision of temporary pier facilities in 2006 and a permanent new pier, pier D, will be provided by late 2007. These new pier facilities would deliver significant additional aircraft contact stands for fast turnaround operations. The programme also includes the optimisation of the existing terminal, including a northward extension of that building.
The final specifications and costings of terminal 2 will be independently verified by experts on behalf of the Government, as decided by the latter in May of this year. Also, at the appropriate time, an independent body will conduct an open tender competition to select an operator for the new terminal.
With regard to the proposed new runway at Dublin Airport, the DAA submitted its application for planning permission for the new runway to Fingal County Council in December last and that application is currently being processed by the planning authority. The DAA has estimated the cost of the proposed new runway at approximately €150 million. I am informed by the Dublin Airport Authority that the planning authority recently sought further clarification from the company on its planning application for the new runway, including information on forecast growth in passengers and aircraft movements and on a number of surface transport access issues.
It will also be a matter for the planning authorities to consider surface access issues when they consider, in due course, the DAA's planning applications for the new terminal and pier facilities at Dublin Airport. Proposals for a metro which would serve Dublin Airport are also being considered by my Department as part of its preparatory work on a ten year transport investment framework. I hope to bring proposals on the framework to Government shortly.
The strategic development of our State Airports, including Dublin Airport, is essential to underpin Ireland's competitiveness, industry and tourism. It is vital that we ensure that the potential for any new bottlenecks to emerge in our strategic national transportation infrastructure is avoided through the provision of timely and cost effective facilities.
Rail Network.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:105 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport when work on the upgrade of the main Kildare-Dublin rail line will commence and be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29490/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:251 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the timetable for the expansion of the Dublin, Hazelhatch, Sallins lines; if the service will be extended by way of link to other towns in the area, such as Naas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29794/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 105 and 251 together.
On 3 October 2005, CIE lodged an application for a railway order with me under the provisions of the Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001 for a major programme of works to upgrade the infrastructure on the Kildare route, which will lead to a significant increase in capacity. Under the requirements of the Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001, I have now directed that a public inquiry be held into the proposed works and I am in the process of appointing an inspector to hold the inquiry. It is a matter for the inspector to decide when and where the inquiry will be held.
In deciding, in due course, whether to grant the railway order for the proposed development, I will consider the application itself, the draft railway order from CIE, the inspector's report of the public inquiry and any submissions made to me on the proposal. The timetable for the implementation of the project is dependent on CIE being granted the railway order for which it recently applied.
Questions Nos. 106 and 107 answered with Question No. 90.
Departmental Expenditure.
Willie Penrose
Question:108 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Transport the reason for the underspend in his Department in the first three quarters of 2005; the subheads under which the underspend is occurring; and the projects in which an underspend is being recorded. [29060/05]
For the first three quarters of 2005 this Department has spent €1,060 million, which is €106 million less than profiled for the same period. This difference consists of €92 million less in capital spend and €14 million less in current expenditure.
The capital difference in the main is made up of a capital spend of €64 million less on roads projects, B2, and €27 million less on public transport projects, C5. This reflects the challenges associated with managing a complex multi-annual capital programme to deliver projects within the budget for a given year. It is mainly timing issues which are arising and the delivery agencies remain in a position to spend their full envelope allocations in aggregate over 2005-06.
Some specific contributory factors to the lower draw down in the first three quarters of 2005 were competitive tender pricing, planning delays, land acquisition and timing issues on the purchase of rolling stock. The arrangements for a multi-annual capital envelope are specifically designed to provide flexibility to deal with issues of this nature.
The main current expenditure difference consists of a spend of €14 million less on CIE public service provision payments, C1, due mainly to timing issues.
Traffic Management.
Gerard Murphy
Question:109 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Transport his proposals regarding the development of additional park and ride facilities in the greater Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28841/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:138 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his plans for a properly integrated and co-ordinated traffic management plan for the greater Dublin area to incorporate maximum use of public transport by means of park and ride facilities or proper feeder bus to rail services and with particular emphasis on the way in which the port tunnel will be utilised to cater for heavy goods vehicles and thereby contribute to alleviation of existing traffic problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29496/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 109 and 138 together.
I am keen to facilitate the implementation of park and ride, particularly because of the key part it plays in promoting a more integrated approach to public transport, thereby attracting customer patronage. I am also acutely aware of the need to develop appropriate park and ride facilities in tandem with wider public transport development projects, such as the expansion of suburban commuter rail services. Bearing this in mind, this summer I approved the Dublin Transportation Office's strategy for rail based park and ride but I also stipulated that I would not rule out bus based park and ride.
My Department is now open to considering applications for Exchequer capital grants in respect of suitable park and ride facilities. I am, therefore, delighted to confirm that capital funding may also be made available for bus based park and ride projects on a pilot basis. The level of grant assistance will be determined having regard to the strength of the business case and having regard to the relative priority accorded to the particular project in the context of the DTO's transportation strategy for the greater Dublin area. My Department will not fund ongoing operational costs of park and ride activities.
Dublin City Council, which has responsibility for traffic management, has developed a HGV management strategy, which will be implemented to coincide with the opening of the Dublin Port tunnel. The council is currently finalising the operational details of the proposed strategy and developing a detailed implementation plan. The objectives of the strategy are to ensure the optimal use of the port tunnel by HGVs, to minimise adverse effects of remaining HGV movements in the city and to manage the movement of outsize vehicles, for example, through permit systems.
Finally, I should point out that the Dublin Transportation Office's A Platform for Change provides a transport planning framework for the development of the transport system in the greater Dublin area up to 2016. The DTO strategy takes account of the requirement for integration and co-ordination in traffic management and makes provision for modal interchanges and park and ride.
Rail Network.
Enda Kenny
Question:110 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Transport his views on the McCann report on the western rail corridor; and if there has been progress on the implementation of any aspect of the report’s recommendations. [28818/05]
The working group on the western rail corridor, established by my predecessor to examine the case for re-opening the line, has now concluded its deliberations and the chairman of the working group delivered his report to me on 10 May 2005. The recommendations in the report on the phased development of the western rail corridor are being examined in the context of the multi-annual investment framework for transport, which is being prepared by my Department at present. I expect to be in a position to submit proposals on the investment framework to Government shortly.
Road Safety.
Brendan Howlin
Question:111 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Transport the reason he has abandoned random breath testing as a key part of road safety policy. [29055/05]
The question of the adoption of changes in the circumstances where the driver of a vehicle can be made the subject of a preliminary roadside breath test has been the subject of considerable debate and consideration for some time. The first Government road safety strategy, which related to the period 1998 to 2002, indicated that while the Government would consider the possibility of some change to the position that prevailed in advance of the publication of that strategy, it did not envisage the adoption of the unqualified application of random breath testing by the end of the period in question. Subsequently the Road Traffic Acts were amended to provide that the gardaí are now empowered to require that all drivers involved in road collisions or detected committing any traffic offences must submit to roadside breath tests. This is in addition to the power to demand that a driver who in the opinion of a garda has consumed alcohol must submit to such a test.
The current road safety strategy recommends that the introduction of random breath testing should be pursued within its operational time frame of 2004 to 2006. Against that background my Department is examining the development of a scheme for a more general basis for roadside testing in close consultation with the Attorney General's office. My officials will continue to engage with that office to determine the most appropriate sustainable basis for broadening the current operational framework for preliminary roadside breath testing.
Joan Burton
Question:112 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Transport if he has received the report on the outcome of the review of the national car test scheme; if so, when he received it; the main recommendations made; the action he will take on foot of this review; and the timescale involved. [29086/05]
A final report is not yet to hand but I expect it before the end of this month at the latest. I envisage any changes arising from the report being in place from the beginning of next year.
Traffic Management.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:113 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport his plans to allow cars with three or more occupants to access bus lanes; the analysis he has carried out on this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29491/05]
The use of bus lanes is provided for in the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 and 1998. The primary purpose of bus lanes is to facilitate and promote bus based public transport. The regulations, which have national application, generally limit the use of bus lanes to buses and, in the case of with-flow bus lanes, to cyclists also. Having regard to the role of taxis in providing an on-street immediate hire service, an exemption to the restriction relating to the use of with-flow bus lanes is allowed in respect of taxis when they are being used in the course of business.
Many requests have been received by my Department seeking to extend access to bus lanes to a wide range of other road users, including hackney and limousine operators, motorcyclists and drivers of cars with more than two occupants. A review of the access issue was carried out in 2001 and took account of the physical characteristics of the vehicles seeking access, including motorcycles. As part of that review the views of the director of traffic in Dublin City Council, the Dublin Transportation Office and the Garda Síochána were sought. All of those bodies suggested that there should be no change to the current position. That remains the position.
Road Safety.
Liz McManus
Question:114 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Transport his proposals for changing the minimum legal tyre tread depth of 1.6mm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29062/05]
Issues relating to tyre tread depth levels have been brought to my attention. I have no proposals at present to change the existing standard of 1.6mm.
Air Services.
Pat Breen
Question:115 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport if, further to negotiations ongoing at EU level and with the US on the implementation of an open skies policy, he will commission an impact study on the effect such a policy will have on Shannon and Cork airports, in view of the experience of other states which have implemented a similar policy. [29497/05]
James Breen
Question:238 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Transport if he will sanction an impact study regarding the change of the bilateral agreement at Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29626/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 238 together.
I refer the Deputies to my reply to a similar question from Deputy Pat Breen on 4 October 2005, which I answered along with a question from Deputy Jan O'Sullivan. As I have said previously, I do not believe an impact study of the kind proposed is required. The restructuring of the State Airports, including Shannon, is intended to enhance their regional focus and I am encouraged by the close co-operation between the new Shannon Airport Authority and the other regional development bodies in the area.
Work under way in my Department on a ten year transport investment framework will address the future infrastructural requirements of the mid-west region. The restructuring of the State Airports, including Shannon, will be progressed in the light of the assessment in due course, by both myself and the Minister for Finance, of the business plans which are currently under preparation by the three airport authorities. The development of an EU-US open skies regime provides many opportunities for Shannon Airport to contribute to the development of the mid-west. The liberalisation of the aviation market between the EU and US will mean more, not fewer, opportunities for Shannon to develop new routes into North America.
Finally, it has been the consistent policy of this Government that any change in transatlantic arrangements will be accompanied by an appropriate transitional arrangement to enable a smooth phasing in of open skies with the US in the future.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:116 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport the bodies he will designate to enforce air passenger rights for disabled passengers as agreed at the EU Transport Council meeting of 6 October 2005; and when he will do so. [29064/05]
The October EU Transport Council agreed a general approach to this proposed regulation. The agreement of the European Parliament is also required and the EU Presidency is working closely with the Parliament with a view to reaching agreement in the first reading at Parliament. This would prepare the ground for its formal adoption at the December EU Transport Council.
I cannot designate an enforcement body until such time as the regulation is finally adopted and becomes law. The decision on designation of an enforcement authority will, of course, have to take account of the provision of the regulation as adopted.
Question No. 117 answered with QuestionNo. 90.
Road Safety.
John Deasy
Question:118 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Transport if he has received any of the three reports into the bus tragedy in County Meath in May 2005; if so, the action he will take on foot of such reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28846/05]
Jack Wall
Question:140 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Transport the action he will take on foot of the report into the school bus crash tragedy in Meath in May 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29084/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 118 and 140 together.
Three separate inquiries were undertaken into the tragic school bus accident in County Meath, one by the Garda authorities, one on behalf of Bus Eireann and one by the Health and Safety Authority. I have not yet received a report from any of these inquiries.
Road Network.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:119 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport when he will bring forward legislation on open road tolling. [29065/05]
Shane McEntee
Question:159 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for Transport if and when he will introduce legislation to permit electronic tolling; if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties in the operation of electronic tolling in recent months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28828/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 159 together.
Automated toll collection is currently in use on existing toll plazas and will be used on all future toll schemes. Automated toll collection does not require legislation for its use. The automated toll collection systems currently in place, however, use a barrier as the main enforcement tool as toll operators do not consider the existing legislative arrangements robust enough to support a move to open road tolling.
Open road tolling, that is the collection of tolls by automated means in a barrier free environment, is, I consider, the optimal means of toll collection where the traffic volumes and toll revenues justify the investment required. My Department is, therefore, working on proposals for legislative amendments to strengthen the enforcement provisions relating to non-payment of tolls in an open road environment. I anticipate, subject to the other priorities on the legislative programme, that the draft legislation will be introduced early next year.
I assume that the difficulties the Deputy is referring to relate to the temporary layout changes implemented at the West Link plaza which provided for a second dedicated automated collection lane in each direction. I understand that the second lane was introduced as part of a campaign to encourage the migration to automated tolling in preparation for the progression of the West Link to a fully free flow automated toll collection system. The transition from the current toll collection arrangements to a non-stop automated toll collection facility is planned to be implemented over a number of stages involving a phased reduction in the cashier or coin basket lanes with a corresponding increase in automated toll payments with the objective that the free flow arrangements will be in place to coincide with the completion of the M50 upgrade works.
However, I understand that the removal of the basket lane to provide the second automated lane had an adverse effect on traffic flow through the West Link plaza and NTR withdrew the second automated lane on 29 August 2005. The evidence from the unsuccessful attempt to convert to a second dedicated automated lane in each direction highlights one of the many challenges that lie ahead in migrating the West Link toll facility from its present predominantly cash payment configuration to a fully free flow automated toll collection system. It is anticipated that as the uptake of Eazypass increases, the introduction of a second automated lane will prove to be viable.
European Council Meetings.
John Perry
Question:120 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Transport the details of recent EU negotiations to develop an open skies policy between the US and the EU; his proposals regarding the stopover at Shannon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28838/05]
Seán Ryan
Question:154 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the meeting of the Council of EU Transport Ministers on 6 October 2005; and the outcome of discussions on an EU-US open skies agreement. [29072/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 154 together.
The meeting of the Transport Council on 6 October 2005 unanimously agreed with the European Commission that the time was now right for the resumption of negotiations with the US. The previous talks had ended in a failure to reach agreement in June 2004. The main issues where agreement could not be reached were market access, ownership and control issues, and issues such as state aid and security.
However, since then, both sides have maintained contact at official level and have explored ideas that could lead to the reopening of official negotiations. The European Commissioner dealing with transport, Mr. Jacques Barrot, indicated that the US is considering unilateral moves on ownership and control, outside of the EU-US process, and that this could lead to movement in other areas and could bring about a real chance for success. Formal negotiations recommenced on 17 October 2005 in Brussels and Ireland has a representative at those discussions. Another session is planned for Washington in November, with a view to bringing an agreement to the Transport Council on 5 December 2005 for approval.
As I have made clear to the House on many occasions, it is my clear intention that any such agreement will include an appropriate transitional arrangement for Shannon Airport to be agreed between Ireland and the US in the lead up to the conclusion of the EU-US deal.
Question No. 121 answered with QuestionNo. 93.
Semi-State Bodies.
Paul Connaughton
Question:122 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport the progress being made with regard to the partial sale of Aer Lingus; when such a sale will occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28836/05]
Brian O'Shea
Question:142 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the sale of Aer Lingus; if he has decided on the method by which the State holding will be diluted; and the timescale to which he is working. [29080/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:250 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the future of Aer Lingus; if recent arrangements have been entered into in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29793/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 122, 142 and 250 together.
In its decision of 18 May, the Government agreed to the State disposing of a majority shareholding in Aer Lingus and retaining a stake of at least 25% to protect strategic interests, provided that both myself and the Minister for Finance are satisfied that this level of disposal is warranted on foot of the analysis prepared by the Departments' advisers for the transaction. Following a competitive tender process, UBS and AIB Capital Markets were appointed to provide financial advice and assistance to both myself and the Minister for Finance on an Aer Lingus sale and-or investment transaction. William Fry Solicitors and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer were appointed as legal advisers for the assignment.
Work is already under way on phase 1 of the assignment which is expected to be completed by 1 December 2005. This phase involves recommending the most appropriate transaction mechanism, including advice on its size, type and timing, which will then be considered by myself and the Minister for Finance. Phase 2 of the advisers' assignment will involve the execution of the chosen transaction.
Question No. 123 answered with QuestionNo. 90.
Transport Investment Plan.
Dan Boyle
Question:124 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has completed feasibility studies for the estimated cost of the ten year national strategic transport plan; if his Department’s findings exceed the previously proposed budget of €20 billion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26551/05]
Liz McManus
Question:132 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Transport the outstanding issues that need to be resolved in the ten year strategic transport plan; and when he will finalise the project. [29061/05]
Richard Bruton
Question:134 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the size of the capital envelope for transport projects over the next five years; and the extent to which this has been pre-empted by projects under the national development plan. [26680/05]
Kathleen Lynch
Question:136 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Transport, in the context of the ten year plan for transport, the traffic modelling work he has commissioned to review the impact on traffic volumes of not proceeding with infrastructure developments promised under A Platform for Change and which were built into the environmental impact statements of already committed or part completed projects such as the widening of the M50. [29054/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 124, 132, 134 and 136 together.
The current five-year investment envelope for transport provides for capital expenditure of €10.15 billion over the 2005-09 period. I cannot comment on the level of funding to be made available for the ten-year transport investment framework until the Government has considered the matter. I hope to bring proposals to Government shortly.
The estimated overall funding requirement to implement the framework is based on the work carried out by the agencies and my Department to date. To identify the broad direction and priorities under the transport investment framework, my Department engaged with Córas Iompair Éireann, the Railway Procurement Agency, the National Roads Authority and the Dublin Transportation Office. The new framework will also take account of the various strategic studies already completed by my Department and its agencies, including A Platform for Change, the strategic rail review and the national road needs study, and of other proposals such as Iarnród Éireann's greater Dublin integrated rail network plan.
The framework will, of course, build on the work already completed or under way under the transport element of the current national development plan. Key transport priorities under the current NDP, such as the completion of the motorways linking Dublin to the provincial cities, will be provided for as part of the new framework.
In developing the framework, my Department asked the Dublin Transportation Office, DTO, to carry out transportation modelling on the impacts of a number of different scenarios to help assess the optimal mix of investments. Projects which are already committed to or are part completed, and which are likely to form part of the draft framework, were of course included in this exercise, in order to give a view of the overall impact of the proposed integrated transport network on traffic and travel behaviour. The draft framework is currently being finalised and is expected to be considered by Government shortly.
Driving Tests.
Enda Kenny
Question:125 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if the tendering process for the contracting of private sector driving testers is completed; when the successful tenderer will commence work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28819/05]
The tendering process has been completed and a preferred tenderer has been selected. However, the use of outsourcing as part of a package of measures to clear the backlog of driving test applications is being disputed by the staff associations, who have asked that the matter be referred to conciliation under the terms of Sustaining Progress. A conciliation hearing at the Labour Relations Commission is scheduled for 21 October 2005.
EU Directives.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:126 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport when he will transpose Directive 2002/15/EC and Directive 2002/85/EC into Irish law. [29074/05]
I expect to be in a position to make regulations transposing both the above mentioned directives into Irish law shortly.
Departmental Expenditure.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:127 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide the data on the national development plan roads and transport spending in the Border, midlands and western region with a breakdown of the amounts originally proposed and those which have been spent. [29076/05]
The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Forecast Expenditure €m |
Actual Outturn €m |
|
2000 |
190.80 |
188.10 |
|
2001 |
293.23 |
236.90 |
|
2002 |
374.34 |
182.31 |
|
2003 |
382.38 |
186.80 |
|
2004 |
389.66 |
354.75 |
|
2005 |
415.49 |
413.13* |
|
Total |
2,045.90 |
1,547.38 |
* Allocation.
A sum of €10.16 million is committed for the four regional airports in the BMW region under the regional airports measure of the Border, midland and western, BMW, regional operational programme of the National Development Plan 2000-2006. The four airports in question are Donegal, Sligo, Knock and Galway. To date, the Department has paid out grants totalling €6.8 million under the BMW measure, as shown in the following table.
|
Airports |
Sligo |
Knock |
Galway* |
Donegal |
Totals |
|
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
|
|
2001 |
182 |
303 |
288 |
0 |
773 |
|
2002 |
470 |
0 |
728 |
253 |
1,451 |
|
2003 |
239 |
2,031 |
945 |
718 |
3,933 |
|
2004 |
9 |
0 |
* |
0 |
9 |
|
2005 |
56 |
45 |
539 |
0 |
640 |
|
Totals |
956 |
2,379 |
2,500 |
971 |
6,806 |
* In 2004 Galway Airport received €1.276m under the "Regional Airports Infrastructure Grant Scheme", which preceded the BMW Operational Programme.
The following table shows actual investment versus forecast in the BMW region by year during the period of the NDP.
|
Year |
Forecast Expenditure |
Actual Outturn |
|
€ million |
€ million |
|
|
2000 |
97.123 |
59.615 |
|
2001 |
104.701 |
59.822 |
|
2002 |
100.365 |
38.305 |
|
2003 |
92.033 |
48.236 |
|
2004 |
28.780 |
28.780 |
|
Total |
423.002 |
234.758 |
Rail Services.
Joan Burton
Question:128 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Transport if he will commission a comprehensive study to ascertain the comparable overall costs to the State of rail freight vis-à-vis road freight, and the merits or flaws in providing a State subsidy to encourage the use of rail freight; the reason an adequate analysis was not conducted as part of the strategic rail review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29087/05]
Jack Wall
Question:130 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Transport the option he is pursuing as policy of the four which were presented for rail freight in the strategic rail review. [29085/05]
Brendan Howlin
Question:162 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Transport the response he has had from the private sector regarding increasing the amount of freight transported by rail; and the policy initiatives he will take as a result. [29056/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 128, 130 and 162 together.
It is my policy that Irish Rail should remain in the rail freight business. The strategic rail review, commissioned by my Department and published in 2003, contained a comprehensive examination of the rail freight business and its realistic potential to support economic development and contribute to a sustainable environment. The Irish Rail business plan was developed against the background of the options contained in the strategic rail review, using a strategy with regard to freight which is to: break even by 2006; increase the profitability of the existing profitable business; withdraw from those businesses that are heavily loss making; target trainload container traffic.
In formulating this plan, Irish Rail held wide ranging consultations with business interests around the country to identify those freight activities which are best suited to rail transport. In delivering this strategy the company has made good progress in growing the rail freight business in areas where it holds a competitive advantage over road haulage, such as in the carriage of sugar beet, cement and pulpwood. Irish Rail continues to pursue a policy of growing its rail freight business where opportunities present. However, as in all businesses, it must adjust the freight business from time to time to reflect changes in the market place.
It remains my priority that any additional Exchequer subvention should focus on expanding passenger services to meet the continuing unmet demand for such services, in seeking to address the adverse social and economic impacts caused by traffic congestion.
As I stated in the Dail on a previous occasion, in accordance with Directive 2004/51/EC the market for international rail freight services will be opened from 1 January 2006. This will enable any railway undertaking established in the EU, whether publicly or privately owned, to provide international freight services on the existing Irish rail network. From 1 January 2007, the domestic freight market will be opened. Under the proposed arrangements CIE, as the owner of the rail network, will be entitled to recoup the costs associated with allowing access to its network. In preparation for market opening, my Department is open to discussions with any interested operator.
My Department has received a recent communication from an international operator outlining its intentions to seek to carry out freight operations in the Irish freight market.
Question No. 129 answered with QuestionNo. 104.
Question No. 130 answered with QuestionNo. 128.
Question No. 131 answered with QuestionNo. 90.
Question No. 132 answered with QuestionNo. 124.
Driving Tests.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:133 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on his recent meetings with staff associations representing driving testers; the reason such meetings did not occur prior to the tendering process for private sector operators for the driving test service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28843/05]
My Department and the Department of Finance agreed a package of measure to reduce the backlog of driving test applications in April this year. The package includes a bonus scheme for driver testers, the recruitment of additional testers as well as the outsourcing of a block of tests. Details of the package were notified to the testers' union, IMPACT, in late April 2005 and to other unions in May 2005. Consultations on the package commenced shortly afterwards with IMPACT.
The tendering process for a contract to conduct driving tests commenced in June 2005. The closing date for receipt of tenders was 5 September 2005. Although the position was outlined at departmental council, detailed consultation with staff, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 21.12 of Sustaining Progress, on the effect such outsourcing might have on their work could not proceed until such time as the details of the preferred tender were available. My officials have already had preliminary meetings with two of the staff associations in this context.
The purpose of my recent meeting with the staff associations, following a disappointing lack of uptake of a generous bonus scheme offered to driver testers, was to stress my commitment to the package on offer and to offer assurances to the staff that the outsourcing option was a once off response to deal with the unacceptable delays in obtaining a driving test that would not impact on their terms and conditions and was not intended as a precursor to outsourcing of the driver testing service. Regrettably the use of outsourcing is being disputed by the staff associations, who have asked that the matter be referred to conciliation under the terms of Sustaining Progress. A conciliation hearing at the Labour Relations Commission is scheduled for 21 October 2005.
Question No. 134 answered with QuestionNo. 124.
Road Traffic Offences.
Gay Mitchell
Question:135 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the date in October 2005 from which the promised new on-the-spot fines, the mandatory fitting of digital tachographs and the special discs for legitimate hauliers will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28826/05]
Section 16 of the Road Transport Act 1999 provides for an on-the-spot fine in lieu of prosecution for offences under the Road Transport Acts and EU regulations on drivers' hours and rest periods. The commencement of this section has been the subject of discussions with the Attorney General's office and the advice now is that a new provision in primary legislation will be required to ensure compatability with current fixed penalty charges legislation before this section can be brought into effect. I will take the opportunity to deal with this matter in legislation when a suitable opportunity arises.
The commencement order to introduce the provisions of sections 4 to 8 of the Road Transport Act 1999, relating to the introduction of the transport disks, came into force on 30 September last. My Department will issue disks to all current licence holders in the coming weeks. Once issued, it shall be illegal for the holder of a road freight carrier's licence, a road passenger transport operator's licence or a community licence, to operate a vehicle for hire or reward unless that vehicle is displaying the transport disk issued in respect of the vehicle in question.
The current date for the compulsory fitting of digital tachographs on all new buses and lorries within the EU is 1 January 2006. However, a deferral of this date is still the subject of discussion between the European Parliament, the Council of Ministers and the European Commission.
My Department will shortly be able to support those companies planning to introduce digital tachographs in advance of the compulsory requirements. I expect to make in the coming weeks the necessary statutory orders for the introduction of the digital technology, including the issue of driver cards, company cards, workshop cards and enforcement cards as required under EU law. The necessary technical arrangements for this are now in place. Once the necessary orders are made, the Department will commence the issue of such cards as the demand arises from the industry.
My Department will continue to support existing buses and lorries using analogue tachographs until analogue technology is phased out over the coming years.
Question No. 136 answered with QuestionNo. 124.
Question No. 137 answered with QuestionNo. 104.
Question No. 138 answered with QuestionNo. 109.
Public Transport.
Gay Mitchell
Question:139 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the outcome of the Dublin Bus network review requested by him; the implications of this review in terms of the provision of additional buses to Dublin Bus to meet expanding demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28827/05]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Priority Question No. 83 which I have answered today.
Question No. 140 answered with QuestionNo. 118.
Road Network.
John Perry
Question:141 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Transport if he has satisfied himself that the underpayment by National Toll Roads to his Department, as highlighted in the recent Comptroller and Auditor General’s Annual Report 2004, will not be repeated; the reforms that have been put in place to prevent such a reoccurrence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28837/05]
Eamon Gilmore
Question:164 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Transport the action he has taken to improve monitoring arrangements in his Department in view of the Comptroller and Auditor General’s report on the loss of €2 million to NTR; and the way in which his Department failed to identify the accounting error. [29081/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 164 together.
In the context of a review of the West Link bridge agreement, the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General discovered an underpayment in the licence fee due to the State under the West Link bridge agreement in respect of the years 2002 and 2003.
The background to the underpayment is that under the West Link bridge agreement, a licence fee, also referred to as the State's share of the gross toll revenue, is payable to the Exchequer. For the years 2002 and 2003, and in the context of the introduction of VAT on tolls, a credit was negotiated as part of the agreement relating to the second West Link bridge, whereby NTR would be repaid the cost of not increasing toll levels through a reduction in the licence fee payable. This credit should have been added to the gross toll revenue, GTR, before calculating the licence fee in accordance with the definition of GTR included in the 2001 supplemental agreement. This was not done by NTR and was not picked up by NTR's auditor KPMG, the National Roads Authority, NRA, or the Department. The checking arrangements in place in the Department had not been adjusted to take account of this definition of GTR included in the 2001 supplemental agreement. The effect of not including the credit as part of the GTR was to understate the amount payable to the State.
As soon as the underpayment was discovered in July 2005, the matter was immediately taken up with NTR, through the NRA as party to the West Link bridge agreement. NTR reviewed the calculation of the licence fee payment in respect of 2002 and 2003 and accepted that an underpayment occurred which was calculated as €1,863,236. NTR paid this amount to my Department in July together with interest penalties in respect of the late payment amounting to €73,314, that is, a total payment of €1,936,550.
The error which occurred was related to the special arrangement put in place for a limited period of two years and which is unlikely to recur. Nevertheless, the procedures for checking and validating the licence fee in NTR, the NRA and within my Department should have prevented the occurrence of the underpayment. A thorough review of those procedures is being finalised.
The objective of the review is to ensure that the correct licence fee is received by the State in all circumstances.
Question No. 142 answered with QuestionNo. 122.
Question No. 143 answered with QuestionNo. 94.
Question No. 144 answered with QuestionNo. 90.
Traffic Management.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:145 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Transport his views on the proposal from the National Pensions Reserve Fund to buy the Dublin Port tunnel and finance the building of the eastern bypass around Dublin. [29068/05]
My Department has received no proposals from the National Pensions Reserve Fund to buy the Dublin Port tunnel or to fund the building of an eastern bypass around Dublin.
Eamon Ryan
Question:146 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport the role his Department has had regarding the establishment of a new traffic management system in Dublin city centre following the opening of the Dublin Port tunnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29486/05]
Traffic management in the city centre and in the vicinity of Dublin Port is a matter for Dublin City Council. In parallel with the opening to traffic of the Dublin Port tunnel, Dublin City Council will be introducing a heavy goods vehicle traffic management strategy to ensure that maximum traffic benefits are secured from the Dublin Port tunnel.
My Department's formal role will be to put in place the necessary regulatory framework relating to traffic and parking management and road signage to support the strategy. In addition, my Department will continue to liaise with Dublin City Council as the strategy is finalised so that I may be assured that the primary objective of the Dublin Port tunnel — that is, to provide a high-quality access route to Dublin Port for heavy goods vehicles — is achieved in a manner that maximises the overall traffic benefit of the tunnel.
Road Traffic Offences.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:147 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Transport his target date for the full expansion of the penalty points system; and when he will be making legislative provision for this expansion. [29052/05]
The extension of the penalty points system to additional road traffic offences will be progressively commenced once the appropriate Garda Síochána IT processing system is fully operational and related administrative supports are in place. I will make the necessary statutory instruments at that point.
The delivery of the IT and related measures are matters for the Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, respectively, and my officials are continuing to work with their counterparts in those agencies to expedite matters as much as possible.
Question No. 148 answered with QuestionNo. 90.
Road Safety.
David Stanton
Question:149 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Transport his views on the fact that Ireland ranks seventh in the EU-15 on the basis of road deaths per 100,000 of population; his views on the fact that Ireland is the only country in the European Union where road deaths are steadily increasing; the efforts his Department and others with responsibility for road safety are making to reduce the number of deaths on roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29484/05]
Comparisons with the best performing countries in the European Union can be made by examining the number of road deaths per 100,000 population for 2002, the most recent year for which comparisons are available. The road fatality rate in Ireland in 2002 was 9.6 per 100,000 population, which placed Ireland in seventh place among the then 15 member states of the European Union. The best performing countries were the United Kingdom, Sweden and the Netherlands. The fatality rates in the United Kingdom, Sweden, and the Netherlands were 6.1, 6.0 and 6.1 fatalities per 100,000 population, respectively.
A recent press release issued by the ECMT showed the increase in fatalities in 2004 on 2003 in European and OECD countries. Ireland experienced a 13.1% increase during that period, which was the highest increase amongst western European countries. It should be noted, however, that 2003 saw the lowest number of road deaths in 40 years in Ireland.
The new Road Safety Strategy 2004-2006 outlines a range of issues that it is intended will be pursued over that period. In overall terms, measures will continue to focus on the areas of education, enforcement, engineering and legislation and will target the key areas of speeding, driving while intoxicated and seat belt wearing.
The primary target of the new Government strategy on road safety is to realise a 25% reduction in road collision fatalities by the end of 2006 over the average annual number of fatalities in the period 1998 to 2003. Achievement of the target will result in no more than 300 deaths per annum by the end of the period of the strategy. My Department, the other Departments and agencies involved in the pursuit of road safety policies will continue to positively promote initiatives aimed at meeting that demanding target.
The overall aim of our road safety policy is to bring our record more into line with experience in the better performing states in the European Union. Meeting the target established in the road safety strategy will also assist in the achievement of the longer-term EU target of a 50% reduction in road deaths across the Union by 2010.
Road Traffic Offences.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:150 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date on reaching a bilateral agreement with the UK authorities on mutual recognition of penalty points. [29077/05]
The North-South work programme, which was agreed by the North-South Ministerial Council, included a commitment to examine the mutual recognition of penalty points between the Republic of Ireland and the North. However, in addition to the fact that separate penalty points systems operate in the two jurisdictions on this island, the system that operates in Northern Ireland differs from that applying in Great Britain. For that reason, it was agreed, early in 2003, that it would be more appropriate to pursue the question of mutual recognition of penalty points on the basis of the operation of the three systems and that it would also be more appropriate that it would be dealt with under the auspices of the British-Irish Council, BIC. As Northern Ireland has the lead role for transport matters in the BIC, the authorities in that jurisdiction are taking the lead in considering this issue.
The development of a system of mutual recognition of penalty points presents complex legal questions and will require the negotiation of a bilateral agreement between the two Governments and probably the passage of primary legislation to support such an agreement. For that reason, my Department has sought and obtained the advice of the Office of the Attorney General regarding this issue. It will inform future consideration of the issue.
EU Regulations.
Willie Penrose
Question:151 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Transport the position in respect of the EU proposal for a centralised blacklist of EU airlines; the way in which he will reconcile the differences of opinion expressed by the Irish Aviation Authority and his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29059/05]
This proposed regulation is being pursued vigorously at the Transport Council working group in Brussels. It is recognised to be an important additional measure to safeguard passengers, bearing in mind the series of tragic aircraft accidents this year. My Department has been participating positively in this work.
The EU Presidency is also working closely with the European Parliament with a view to reaching agreement in the first reading at Parliament. This would prepare the ground for its formal adoption at the December Transport Council.
I presume the Deputy is referring to a recent newspaper article that stated the Irish Aviation Authority rejected the blacklist plan. I do not know what gave rise to that article. There are no differences between the authority and my Department which has been consulting closely with the authority in the course of preparing Ireland's position at the transport working group discussions in Brussels.
Question No. 152 answered with QuestionNo. 87.
Question No. 153 answered with QuestionNo. 104.
Question No. 154 answered with QuestionNo. 120.
Road Safety.
David Stanton
Question:155 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Transport if, in the interests of road safety, he is satisfied that hedgerows on roads across Ireland are being sufficiently maintained to ensure that the roads are safe for pedestrians and cyclists; the person responsible for the cutting of hedgerows; the role of his Department and that of the local authorities with regard to this aspect of road safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29483/05]
The improvement and maintenance of national roads is the responsibility of the National Roads Authority, NRA, and the local authorities concerned. The improvement and maintenance of non-national roads is a matter for local authorities and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
Section 70 of the Roads Act 1993 obliges landowners and occupiers of land to take all necessary care to ensure that shrubs, hedges or any other vegetation on their land are not or could not become a danger to road users.
Section 70 also empowers a local authority, where it considers that a hazard exists, to serve a notice on a landowner or occupier of land requiring action to be taken to remove the danger or potential danger. The local authority itself can carry out the works specified in the notice in any case where the person on whom the notice was served fails to comply with it. The authority may also carry out additional works which it considers necessary. Where there is an immediate and serious risk to road users, the local authority can act at once — without serving notice — to remove or reduce the danger. In either case, the local authority may recover the cost of the works from the landowner or occupier.
I am satisfied that these powers enable local authorities to take necessary action in respect of roadside obstructions. In addition to the foregoing, I understand that some local authorities undertake hedge cutting as part of their road maintenance activities.
Driving Tests.
Brian O'Shea
Question:156 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport the waiting period for a driving test in each of the driving test centres; if the situation is improving; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28995/05]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table:
|
Applications on hand — 10 October 2005 |
Average weeks waiting |
Longest weeks waiting |
|
North Leinster |
||
|
Finglas |
31 |
43 |
|
Dundalk |
36 |
41 |
|
Mullingar |
34 |
41 |
|
Navan |
45 |
52 |
|
Raheny |
26 |
60 |
|
South Leinster |
||
|
Churchtown-Rathgar |
36 |
49 |
|
Gorey |
46 |
58 |
|
Naas |
27 |
40 |
|
Tullamore |
41 |
56 |
|
Wicklow |
41 |
52 |
|
Tallaght |
41 |
52 |
|
West |
||
|
Athlone |
19 |
23 |
|
Birr |
26 |
38 |
|
Castlebar |
27 |
30 |
|
Clifden |
32 |
32 |
|
Ennis |
24 |
31 |
|
Galway |
35 |
43 |
|
Loughrea |
24 |
28 |
|
Roscommon |
28 |
32 |
|
Tuam |
26 |
35 |
|
North west |
||
|
Ballina |
21 |
37 |
|
Buncrana |
32 |
32 |
|
Carrick-on-Shannon |
18 |
25 |
|
Cavan |
28 |
31 |
|
Donegal |
35 |
40 |
|
Letterkenny |
23 |
43 |
|
Longford |
24 |
31 |
|
Monaghan |
26 |
32 |
|
Sligo |
30 |
36 |
|
South east |
||
|
Carlow |
26 |
43 |
|
Clonmel |
41 |
52 |
|
Dungarvan |
44 |
56 |
|
Kilkenny |
23 |
30 |
|
Nenagh |
40 |
40 |
|
Portlaoise |
41 |
59 |
|
Thurles |
45 |
52 |
|
Tipperary |
41 |
58 |
|
Waterford |
33 |
39 |
|
Wexford |
31 |
36 |
|
South west |
||
|
Cork |
23 |
32 |
|
Killarney |
31 |
42 |
|
Kilrush |
27 |
29 |
|
Limerick |
28 |
42 |
|
Mallow |
35 |
42 |
|
Newcastle West |
31 |
38 |
|
Shannon |
39 |
44 |
|
Skibbereen |
40 |
44 |
|
Tralee |
25 |
34 |
Taxi Regulations.
Dan Boyle
Question:157 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that it is practically impossible for a person in a wheelchair to have access to a wheelchair accessible taxi; the way in which this reflects on the commitment given by the Government in 2001 at the point of deregulation of the taxi fleet that from 2003 a process would start whereby all taxis would become wheelchair accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29487/05]
The operation and licensing of wheelchair accessible taxis and their drivers is controlled through the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) Regulations 1963 to 2002. The Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 — SI 47 of 1998 — set out the vehicle requirements for wheelchair accessible taxis. These regulations also make it clear that a space for a wheelchair and its occupant must be available in a wheelchair accessible taxi at all times while the vehicle is standing and plying for hire. Enforcement of this requirement is the responsibility of the Garda Síochána.
A specific objective of the Commission for Taxi Regulation is to promote access to small public service vehicles by persons with disabilities. In this regard the commission is tasked with the determination of future policy on accessible taxis.
The commission has recently completed a public consultation process on the development of a new code for the regulation of small public service vehicles, including wheelchair accessible taxis and their drivers. Following that consultative process, the commission now intends to improve accessibility through new regulations involving improved standards of accessibility, increased availability of accessible vehicles, improved driver awareness and training, and improved information and infrastructure provision. The commission proposes to commence putting these measures in place from 2006 on a phased basis.
EU Directives.
Róisín Shortall
Question:158 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the number of warning letters in each of the years since and including 2002 which he has received from the EU Commission in respect of his Department’s failure to transpose EU legislation into Irish law; the particular legislation in each case; if that legislation has since been transposed into Irish law; if it is still outstanding; if still outstanding, the date by which it was meant to have been transposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29075/05]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table. Where transposition has not yet been undertaken, I expect to be in a position to do so shortly.
|
Subject |
Years letters received |
Number of Letters |
Transposed |
If outstanding, date it was due to be transposed |
|
Council Directive 98/20/EC of 30 March 1998 amending Directive 92/14/EEC on the limitation of the operation of aeroplanes covered by Part II, Chapter 2, Volume 1 of Annex 16 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation |
2002 |
1 |
14 May 2003 |
|
|
Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 February 2004 establishing common rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delay of flights, and repealing Regulation (EEC) No 295/91 |
20042005 |
11 |
31 May 2005 |
|
|
Council Directive 2000/79/EC of 27 November 2000 concerning the European Agreement on the Organisation of Working Time of Mobile Workers in Civil Aviation concluded by the Association of European Airlines (AEA), the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF), the European Cockpit Association (ECA), the European Regions Airline Association (ERA) and the International Air Carrier Association (IACA) |
20042005 |
21 |
1 Dec 2003 |
|
|
Directive 2003/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2003 on occurrence reporting in civil aviation |
2005 |
1 |
4 July 2005 |
|
|
Directive 2000/9/EC on Cableway Installations Designed to Carry Persons |
2002 |
1 |
3 Oct 2005 |
|
|
Directive 2002/15 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2002 on the organisation of the working time of persons performing mobile road transport activities |
2005 |
1 |
23 March 2005 |
|
|
Directive 2000/56 of 14 Sept 2000 amending Council Directive 91/439/EEC on driving licences |
2004 |
1 |
10 Nov 2004 |
|
|
Directive 96/48/EC of 23 July 1996 on the interoperability of the trans-European high-speed rail system |
2002 |
1 |
28 March 2002 |
|
|
Directive 2001/16/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19th March 2001 on the interoperability of the trans-European conventional rail system |
2003 |
1 |
18 Feb 2004 |
|
|
Directive 2001/12/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2001 amending Council Directive 91/440/EEC on the development of the Community’s railways |
2003 |
1 |
3 Nov 2003 |
|
|
Directive 2001/13/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2001 amending Council Directive 95/18/EC on the licensing of railway undertakings |
2003 |
1 |
3 Nov 2003 |
|
|
Directive 2001/14/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2001 on the allocation of railway infrastructure capacity and the levying of charges for the use of railway infrastructure and safety certification |
2003 |
1 |
28 July 2004 |
|
|
Directive 2000/30/EC relating to random technical roadside inspection of commercial vehicles |
2002 |
1 |
6 June 2003 |
|
|
Directive 2002/85/EC relating to the installation and use of speed limiters in certain categories of motor vehicles |
2005 |
1 |
1 January 2005 |
|
|
Directive 2000/26/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 May 2000 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to insurance against civil liability in respect of the use of motor vehicles and amending Council Directives 1973/239/EEC and 1988/357/EEC (Fourth motor insurance Directive) |
2002 |
1 |
27 Nov 2003 |
Question No. 159 answered with QuestionNo. 119.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
Arthur Morgan
Question:160 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on his plans to reduce carbon emissions from the transport sector. [22335/05]
Ireland has international obligations under the Kyoto Protocol to limit emissions of greenhouse gases, GHGs. GHGs from the transport sector are comprised almost entirely of carbon dioxide produced by the combustion of petrol and diesel, on which the transport sector is heavily dependent.
The national climate change strategy, NCCS, which was published by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in 2000, sets out a broad package of policies and measures aimed at achieving national Kyoto targets, a number of which relate to transport. That Department chairs the interdepartmental climate change team in which my Department actively participates. The team is charged with overseeing the package of measures outlined in the NCCS.
A number of developments have taken place since the NCCS was adopted, including the commencement of emissions trading and the decision last year not to proceed with the introduction of a carbon tax. In light of these, and wider economic developments that impact on the achievement of emission reductions, the NCCS is currently under review. The adequacy of existing policies and measures, including those in the transport sector, is central to this review.
My Department is already proactive in pursuing a variety of measures to promote fuel efficiency, modal shift and demand management measures outlined in the NCCS. These include the provision of significantly improved public transport services to encourage modal shift away from the private car and towards public transport. My Department's forthcoming ten year transport investment framework will focus on delivering a substantial improvement in bus and rail services nationally. My Department is also providing significant financial and other support for a range of traffic management initiatives, including bus priority and the provision of facilities for cycling and walking.
It is recognised internationally that the achievement of emission reductions in the transport sector represents a significant challenge, particularly in the context of the strong economic growth Ireland has experienced in recent years. Nevertheless, in recognition of the contribution of transport to GHGs, my Department is committed to working with the climate change team to examine the scope for the development of additional policies to reduce the level of GHGs from the transport sector in an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable way.
Foreign Military Aircraft.
John Gormley
Question:161 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Transport if consideration will be given to amending the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order 1952, in order to make it a legal requirement that permission for foreign military aircraft to overfly or land in the State be based on the aircraft being unarmed; not carrying arms, ammunition or explosives; not being engaged in intelligence gathering; not taking part in military exercises or operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27058/05]
Under the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order 1952, the regulation of foreign military aircraft is a matter for the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Under the order the Minister for Foreign Affairs has no obligation to approve any overflights or landings and may impose any conditions that he sees fit. The Minister for Foreign Affairs normally imposes all of the conditions mentioned in the question. Consequently, I do not believe an amendment of the order is necessary to make it a legal requirement for the Minister for Foreign Affairs to impose these restrictions.
Question No. 162 answered with QuestionNo. 128.
Question No. 163 answered with QuestionNo. 90.
Question No. 164 answered with QuestionNo. 141.
Pension Provisions.
Seán Ryan
Question:165 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Transport further to his recent meeting with the Retired Aviation Staff Association in regard to the potential shortfall of over €336 million in the staff pension fund, his proposals to address this matter. [29070/05]
I met with representatives of the Retired Aviation Staff Association most recently on 29 June 2005. Since that meeting, a further actuarial evaluation of the Irish airlines, general employees, superannuation scheme was made available in August 2005. The results of that evaluation showed that without provision for future indexation of pensions, the scheme has a surplus of €140 million. However, if provision is made for future indexation of pensions, the scheme has a potential deficit of €336 million.
As I have said in the House previously, pension entitlements for employees of commercial State bodies, including Aer Lingus and the Dublin Airport Authority, are matters primarily for the trustee, the members of the relevant scheme and the company or companies involved. The State is not involved in the funding of these schemes.
I appreciate that members of the Retired Aviation Staff Association have genuine concerns regarding their pensions. My Department has asked the companies to jointly examine the issues arising in regard to the pension scheme.
Road Safety.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:166 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Transport his proposals to introduce a compulsory training scheme for motorbike users. [29067/05]
The Road Safety Strategy 2004-2006 stated that compulsory initial practical training for motorcyclists would be introduced. A working group comprising motorcycle interests has been considering the appropriate standards that will apply in this area and the standards that instructors must comply with. Overseeing the introduction of such training will be the responsibility of the proposed Road Safety Authority.
Primary legislation is necessary to facilitate the introduction of compulsory initial practical training for motorcyclists and I propose to include the appropriate amendment on Committee Stage of the Driver Testing and Standards Authority Bill 2004.
Computerisation Programme.
Enda Kenny
Question:167 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the approach to project governance and project management by health sector staff; the concerns raised regarding health sector staff by a private consultant (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29795/05]
Enda Kenny
Question:192 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views regarding the approach to project governance and project management by health sector staff; her further views on the circumstance in which claims were made by a private consultant to her Department which gave rise to serious concerns being expressed by the Department of Finance in a letter of 13 September 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29807/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 167 and 192 together.
The Secretary General of my Department has brought to the attention of the chief executive officer of the HSE the concerns that he shares with the Department of Finance in regard to IT governance generally within the HSE. The Secretary General met with the HSE and the Department of Finance on 18 October to progress these issues.
I also understand that the Comptroller and Auditor General, who is carrying out an examination of the PPARS project, is looking into the specific governance arrangements for that project.
The HSE has indicated that robust project management and project governance arrangements are in place in the FISP project since its inception. In total, the HSE has deployed a project management structure comprising: a project sponsor, a project director, a national project manager, six national team leaders and two area project managers. In addition, a project board chaired by a CEO of a health board and representative of all key stakeholders led the project during 2003-2004. In 2005, responsibility for the project rests with the HSE director of finance.
The Government, on 11 October 2005, decided on a new system for the management and control of major ICT projects, and a number of new measures to improve the management of consultancies, and I will be ensuring that these, together with any governance recommendations from the Comptroller and Auditor General's examination, will be rigorously followed in the health sector.
The private consultant concerned was working as a consultant for the HSE on the FISP project and he contacted my Department about the concerns raised by the Department of Finance about that project. He was informed that my Department only deals with the national director ICT on these matters and that all issues should be dealt with through these channels. The Department of Finance and the national director ICT were also informed.
Departmental Expenditure.
Enda Kenny
Question:168 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has sanctioned atypical travel and subsistence expenditures relating to the PPARS or FISP projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29796/05]
Enda Kenny
Question:195 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has approved or if her attention has been drawn to the atypical travel and subsistence travel expenditures related to the PPARS or FISP projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29810/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 168 and 195 together.
I have been advised of the following by the Health Service Executive: regarding PPARS, travel and subsistence arrangements-expenditure are in accordance with standard circulars and guidelines; regarding FISP, all FISP travel and subsistence is fully vouched and paid in accordance with Civil Service rates.
Health Services.
Finian McGrath
Question:169 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding funds granted to the National Federation of Arch Clubs; and if she will give it maximum support in 2005 and 2006. [29802/05]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Mental Health Services.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:170 Mr. Cuffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she still plans to move the Central Mental Hospital to the new Mountjoy Prison site in view of the fact that there is strong opposition among hospital staff and the Irish College of Psychiatrists to the move; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29832/05]
In 2003, the Minister for Health and Children established a project team to critically examine all options for the redevelopment of the Central Mental Hospital. Several options, including the option of remaining in Dundrum, were examined under the various criteria, including clinical quality and strategic fit, cost in capital and revenue, timescale, future demands, integrated services, accessibility and safety and security. The team reported to the Department of Health and Children in May 2004 and recommended that the Central Mental Hospital be relocated to a new purpose built facility in the greater Dublin area, as this was judged to be the most appropriate option for delivery of patient care.
The Government has decided in principle that the new hospital will be developed on the Thornton Hall site, adjacent to the new prison. A total of 97% of admissions to the Central Mental Hospital come from within the Prison Service. The new Central Mental Hospital will be a health facility, providing a therapeutic forensic psychiatric service to the highest international standards in a state-of-the-art building. It is intended to develop the Central Mental Hospital independently of the prison complex by means of a separate capital development project, managed and directed by the Health Service Executive. The hospital will not be part of the prison complex but will have its own grounds with a separate entrance, access road and address. It will remain under the aegis of the Department of Health and Children and will be owned and managed by the Health Service Executive.
Departmental Expenditure.
Arthur Morgan
Question:171 Mr. Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the total amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) since 1997; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of controls applied in the procurement process; and if value for money has been achieved. [29554/05]
My Department has only been involved in a small number of contracts for which payments have been made since 1997. Details of two of these — both since 2000 — were included in a reply to Parliamentary Question No. 343 tabled by Deputy Gilmore yesterday, 18 October 2005. These related to a "membership licence" for the research services of the company concerned.
This was a subscription based service and allowed one reference seat for research resources such as research papers produced by the company. It allowed access to ICT research advice such as strategic analysis reports, research libraries and direct access to the company's analyst staff by phone or e-mail. The costs involved for these two contracts amounted to €11,374.
The remainder of the information requested by the Deputy going back to 1997 is contained in files which are now stored off-site. The details of this information are being retrieved and a comprehensive reply will be forwarded to the Deputy shortly.
Arthur Morgan
Question:172 Mr. Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the total amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) since 1997; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of controls applied in the procurement process; and if value for money has been achieved. [29569/05]
Payments made by my Department to the firm in question during the period 1997 to date, relate solely to work undertaken by the firm in regard to the civil registration modernisation programme. The work undertaken relates primarily to the development of and support for the information technology system required to support the modernisation programme.
The civil registration modernisation programme was a programme of work undertaken jointly by my Department and the Department of Social and Family Affairs. One of the main elements of the programme was the development of an information technology system for electronic registration of life events and sharing of registration data. The programme was overseen by a steering committee with representatives from a number of Departments and agencies and was managed by a programme management group which reported to the steering committee.
The procurement exercise for the appointment of consultants to develop the computer system was undertaken by the Department of Social and Family Affairs. I understand that the procurement exercise was carried out in accordance with EU and Department of Finance requirements.
Moneys in respect of this contract were paid by the Department of Social and Family Affairs to the firm in question during 2001 and 2002, and my Department, as the ultimate owner of the new system, took over responsibility for payments in respect of the contract in 2003. The total amount paid by my Department in 2003 was €1,271,662.40.
The civil registration information technology system went live in the former Southern Health Board region in late 2003 and was subsequently rolled out to all other former health boards during 2004. The system has brought considerable benefits to members of the public and other Departments and public bodies. The registration of life events and production of certificates is now electronic and the time taken to complete these transactions has been significantly reduced.
Data are passed electronically from the General Register Office, GRO, to the Department of Social and Family Affairs for the purpose of processing claims and payments for child benefit. As a result, the processing time for child benefit applications has been reduced from 20 days to two days. This process is further enhanced by the transfer of births data electronically from maternity hospitals to the GRO, and the electronic allocation of PPS numbers in respect of newly registered births.
Deaths data are made available to all public bodies through REACH via the inter-agency messaging service. This is of considerable value to public bodies in managing schemes such as medical cards, pensions and so on. Statistical data are also transferred electronically to the Central Statistics Office, CSO, and this greatly improves the ability of the CSO to manage, analyse and report such data which are essential for public policy and planning.
A further contract was subsequently entered into by my Department with the same firm for the provision of support and maintenance and for minor enhancements to the civil registration computer system. This contract was awarded following a competitive tendering process which was carried out in accordance with EU and Department of Finance procurement rules. The contract is for the period 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2005. The amounts paid to date to the firm in question are as follows: in 2004, €560,457.60; and in 2005, €491,219.28.
The civil registration modernisation programme has been recognised nationally and internationally as an excellent example of best practice in public administration and has received awards from the EU, the European Institute of Public Administration, the Wall Street Journal and Computerworld magazine. I am satisfied that the modernisation programme has resulted in a greatly improved service to the public and to public service organisations and represents value for money.
National Treatment Purchase Fund.
John Curran
Question:173 Mr. Curran asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of persons in Dublin Mid-West constituency who have been treated under the national treatment purchase fund in recent years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29583/05]
As the Deputy's question relates to the operation of the national treatment purchase fund, my Department has asked the chief executive of the fund to respond to the Deputy in regard to the information requested.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Seán Ryan
Question:174 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the policy of relocation of persons with intellectual disabilities from mental hospitals to more appropriate locations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29584/05]
The data from the national intellectual disability database for 2005 published on 29 September 2005 identify 396 individuals with intellectual disability, all aged 20 years or over, accommodated in psychiatric hospitals, which is a decrease of 78 since 2004.
In 2005, €2.5 million was allocated for the relocation of persons with intellectual disabilities from mental hospitals to more appropriate locations. In addition, a multi-annual investment programme was introduced to support the development of high priority disability sector support services over the period 2006 to 2009. This included an extra €2 million each year to cover the cost of additional staffing needed to transfer persons with a disability-autism from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements.
Nursing Home Charges.
Liam Aylward
Question:175 Mr. Aylward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in refunding persons for illegal nursing home charges under the national repayment scheme; and when all outstanding moneys will be refunded. [29585/05]
The Government has agreed the key elements of a scheme for the repayment of long stay charges for publicly funded residential care. However, full details of the scheme have yet to be finalised. The Health Service Executive has informed my Department that an outside company with experience in handling mass claims will be engaged by it in November to provide an independent input into the design and administration of the scheme. It is my intention to have legislation brought before the Oireachtas in the next parliamentary session and to have repayments commencing shortly after the Bill is approved and signed into law.
Hospital Waiting Lists.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:176 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an operation for a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29587/05]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Bernard Allen
Question:177 Mr. Allen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has been told that they will have to wait two and a half to three years for an outpatient’s appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon at Cork University Hospital; and the reason for the contract in that service and the private service which has informed this person that they could be seen almost immediately in the same hospital on a private basis. [29588/05]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Finian McGrath
Question:178 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her Department, the health service area and St. Ita’s Hospital will work together in order to assist a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [29589/05]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Child Abuse.
Liz McManus
Question:179 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of complaints received regarding child abuse in the years 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29590/05]
Complaints received by the health authorities in regard to child abuse include emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. The information sought is contained in the following table.
|
Year |
Total |
|
2001 |
5,994 |
|
2002 |
8,421 |
|
2003 |
6,336 |
|
2004 |
Not yet available |
Hospitals Building Programme.
Liz McManus
Question:180 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the discussions, advice or information she has had on the establishment of private hospitals in the grounds of public hospitals in the past 12 months; the number of occasions on which she and her advisers had these meetings; the person with whom she has had these discussions in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29591/05]
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:182 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the persons she has met in the past 12 months in regard to the development of private hospitals on public hospital sites; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29593/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 180 and 182 together.
In the last year, I have had numerous meetings with many people in my office in Dublin and throughout the country where the development of private facilities on public hospital grounds was raised and discussed, often as part of wide ranging agendas. Among them, I have met consultants and management at Waterford Regional Hospital, consultants at Limerick Regional Hospital and members of the Limerick Hospital Trust, members of the board and management of St. James's Hospital, consultants and management at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, the promoters of the Beacon Clinic and Hospital, and representatives of the management of the Mater Private Hospital.
Since the issue has often been raised in the context of other discussions, it is not feasible to look back through all meetings and occasions where discussions might have taken place or advice or information was offered.
Hospital Services.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:181 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the grave situation which continues to obtain at the cystic fibrosis centre of St. Vincent’s Hospital (details supplied); if, in view of this, the long needed recommendations of Pollack and others for over nine years will be implemented in 2005 as she stated in Dáil Éireann on 21 June 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29592/05]
The Deputy is aware that, following the publication of the Pollock report, commissioned by the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland, the Health Service Executive established a multi-disciplinary working group to review the current configuration and delivery of services to persons with cystic fibrosis in Ireland. The working group is also to make recommendations for the reconfiguration, improvement and development of those services. I understand that the work of the group is at an advanced stage.
With regard to the services for cystic fibrosis patients at St. Vincent's University Hospital, I understand that the HSE has recently made additional funding available to the hospital to implement short-term measures to alleviate some of the pressures, including the provision of additional staff and additional space. Finally, I have arranged to meet with representatives of the Cystic Fibrosis Association towards the end of this month to discuss the future needs of persons with cystic fibrosis.
Question No. 182 answered with QuestionNo. 180.
Health Services.
John Perry
Question:183 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason for the drastic cutback in the medical screen programme in national schools at which examinations were carried out on pupils in junior and senior infants, and second class and sixth class; her plans to revert to the old scheme as many children’s health issues were identified under this scheme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29678/05]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Cancer Screening Programme.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:184 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children why BreastCheck is not available in counties Cork and Kerry; and when she proposes to extend this vital service to these counties. [29682/05]
BreastCheck, the national breast screening programme, commenced in 2000 and covers the eastern, north-eastern, midland and part of the south-eastern regions of the country. The roll out of the national breast screening programme to the remaining regions in the country is a major priority in the development of cancer services.
A design team has been appointed to work up detailed plans for two new BreastCheck clinical units, one at the South Infirmary-Victoria Hospital, Cork, and one at University College Hospital, Galway. It is anticipated that, subject to obtaining satisfactory planning approval, the design process, including the preparation of the tender documentation, will be completed by mid-2006. Approximately €21 million capital funding has been made available and my Department is in discussions with BreastCheck about the revenue requirements for the programme.
There are approximately 45,000 women in the target population for screening in counties Cork and Kerry and it is expected that screening will commence in these counties in 2007. The national expansion of the programme will ensure that all women in the 50 to 64 age group in every county have access to breast screening and follow up treatment where appropriate.
Any woman irrespective of her age or residence who has immediate concerns or symptoms should contact her GP who, where appropriate, will refer her to the symptomatic services in her area.
Disabled Drivers.
Michael Ring
Question:185 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the funding that has been allocated to the Disabled Drivers Association for each of the past five years; the details of the category such as capital, staffing, administration and so on. [29703/05]
The Disabled Drivers Association obtains no central State or national lottery funding but receives payment on a per capita basis from the Health Service Executive for all individuals receiving training from it. The Disabled Drivers Association receives its training funding from FÁS.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:186 Mr. O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if consideration has been given to the pre-budget submission 2006 launched by the Disability Federation of Ireland; the actions open to her Department in response to the submission in consultation with other Departments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29718/05]
The Disability Federation of Ireland pre-budget submission 2006 has been received by the Department of Health and Children and is being considered in the context of the 2006 Estimates process.
Hospitals Building Programme.
Joe Costello
Question:187 Mr. Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the proposed cost of the new hospital at Eccles Street adjacent to the Mater Hospital; the amount already spent on the project since the Government approval in 1999; the reason for the delay in starting the construction work; the expected date for completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29720/05]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. This includes responsibility for considering new capital proposals or progressing those in the health capital programme.
Accordingly, my Department is requesting the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Services.
Jerry Cowley
Question:188 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the situation in which bureaucratic interference in an essential medical care case nearly cost an elderly person their leg, if not their life; her views on whether doctors and consultants should be making all decisions regarding patients’ care and needs; if this situation will continue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29781/05]
I am not aware of the case mentioned by the Deputy. The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. I suggest that the Deputy provide the details of the case in question to the parliamentary affairs division of the Health Service Executive to enable the executive to investigate the issues raised in his question.
Health Services.
Marian Harkin
Question:189 Ms Harkin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if arrangements will be made for a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim to remain in their current nursing home. [29783/05]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Emmet Stagg
Question:190 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of hours provided by the home help service by county for the period 1 January 2005 to 30 June 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29784/05]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Paul McGrath
Question:191 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the provision of a primary health care centre in Mulhuddart; the way in which the new private health centre in Mulhuddart village will impact on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29799/05]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Question No. 192 answered with QuestionNo. 167.
Capital Programme.
Enda Kenny
Question:193 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the dates in 2002, 2003 and 2004 on which the capital programme for the health services was discussed with her; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29808/05]
As the Deputy will appreciate, since I took up office in late September 2004, I have had numerous discussions, both formal and informal, within and outside my Department about the capital programme for the health service. These discussions, some of which are ongoing, range from those with Government colleagues through to the Department of Finance, the Health Service Executive and capital matters pertaining to various health agencies in the voluntary sector.
In the circumstances, given the scope of discussions I have engaged in relating to the significant capital programme for the health service, it would be unrealistic to provide the dates of all such discussions. Should the Deputy require dates of any specific discussion, I will be happy to pursue the matter direct with him if he provides me with the necessary detail.
Enda Kenny
Question:194 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the dates in 2002, 2003 and 2004 on which management advisory committee-chief executive officer meetings were held; and the capital programme for the health service which was discussed at those meetings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29809/05]
A total of 11 management advisory committee-chief executive officer group meetings were held over the three year period 2002 to 2004 inclusive. In 2002, management advisory committee — chief executive officer group meetings were held on 26 February, 24 April, 26 June, 25 September, 19 November and 18 December. In 2003, management advisory committee-chief executive officer group meetings were held on 26 February and 16 December. In 2004 management advisory committee-chief executive officer group meetings were held on 29 March and 18 October.
The minutes of these management advisory committee-chief executive officer group meetings indicate that the following elements of the capital programme were discussed at the following meetings: 18 October 2004, ICT and minor capital were identified as priorities as well as revenue implications and employment control ceilings; 29 March 2004, it was stated that the Department was in discussions with the Department of Finance about the capital investment needs for the 2004 to 2008 period, and priorities were a clear 2004 programme with a substantial increase in ICT over that period and the minor capital programme for 2004.
On 18 December 2002 it was agreed that a minor capital programme was a high priority, if funding allowed, in 2003. On 19 November 2002 it was agreed that it would be possible only to go ahead with existing contracts under the national development plan and that there may not be any money for a minor capital equipment replacement programme. On 25 September 2002 the Department indicated that a key objective of the national development plan was to bring parity between the acute and non-acute spend by the end of 2006. Replacement equipment in the acute sector and health and safety in the non-acute sector would be a priority in the coming year. Work on public private partnership was briefly referred to.
On 24 April 2002 the chief executive officers noted their concern over the lack of funding for equipment in the national development plan and agreed that there was a need to take stock of equipment in 2003 and to organise a new equipment programme.
On 26 February 2002 it was indicated that the national development plan was progressing against a background of high inflation and this was reducing the scale of work that could be carried out. Work was continuing on projects for which there were contractual commitments. The need for a balance between the spend on acute and non-acute sector projects was noted. There was discussion around public private partnerships and the need for any new model to show clear benefits before any pilot.
The chief executive officers highlighted the need to address health and safety capital issues, equipment and ICT systems as most national development plan allocation now proved inadequate to address these needs.
Question No. 195 answered with QuestionNo. 168.
Departmental Staff.
Enda Kenny
Question:196 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the extent to which back-filling of staff occurred in respect of the PPARS and FISP projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29811/05]
I asked the Health Service Executive to gather the required information for me but it was not possible to do so in the time available. I will provide the information to the Deputy in the next day or so.
Departmental Expenditure.
Enda Kenny
Question:197 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the amount spent to date on FISP; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29812/05]
The following is the information I have received from the Health Service Executive.
|
Year |
Expenditure to Date |
|
€ |
|
|
2003 |
500,000 |
|
2004 |
16,772,617 |
|
2005 |
14,278,287 |
Enda Kenny
Question:198 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has provided financial support for the development of a website (details supplied); the amount involved and the source of the finance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29813/05]
In recent years, provision has been made under the indicative drugs target savings scheme for the development of a primary care website, myGP.ie, which is operated by the Irish Medical Organisation, IMO, with the aim of answering patients’ queries and disseminating non-biased and comprehensive information on primary and preventative health care.
This is consistent with the overall objectives of the scheme which are to encourage rational prescribing practices on the part of general practitioners, increase and enhance the information and services available to patients and, in return, allow GPs to access funds for approved practice developments, research and education, and additional primary care expertise at practice level.
Funding for the myGP.ie website has been made available from within the overall budget for the scheme, which was provided for in the Vote for my Department up to this year. Payments to the IMO for development and maintenance costs commenced in May 2000 and amounted to approximately €996,000 in the period to end-2001, approximately €375,000 in 2002 and €660,000 in 2004. No payments have been made in 2005. The myGP.ie website was launched in 2004 and has been fully operational since then.
The review of governance and accountability mechanisms in the general medical service, published by my Department in February 2005, raised concerns regarding the liability to the Exchequer arising from the operation of the scheme in its present form. In this light, and in line with my commitment to the ongoing review of the operation of the general medical service and community drugs schemes, my Department and the Health Service Executive together with the IMO have initiated a full review of the scheme, which will take place over the coming months and will encompass all of its aspects. The outcome of this review will inform the way forward.
Health Services.
Máire Hoctor
Question:199 Ms Hoctor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the status of the initiative relating to the north Tipperary early intervention project and the unresolved staffing issues previously brought to her attention (details supplied). [29821/05]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
With regard to the details supplied, I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department responded directly to those concerned on 8 August 2005.
Health Education.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:200 Mr. O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her proposals to tackle the serious problem of smoking among young people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29836/05]
It is important that smoking prevalence and particularly smoking by young persons is tackled in a comprehensive manner. This includes legislation, regulation, health promotion and education.
The national health and lifestyle survey, Slán, published in 1999 revealed a worrying trend in that 36% of teenage girls in the 15 to 17 year old age group smoked. This figure exceeded that of young boys in the same age group which stood at 30%. In response to this trend the health promotion unit of my Department launched a campaign specifically aimed at young women.
The campaign, entitled "Nico", concentrated on issues which are more immediately important to young women, such as their appearance. The simple message of this campaign is that smokers are less attractive and it used a range of ‘anti-cosmetics' presented by a character called Nico. The Nico campaign used TV, radio and outdoor advertising. The advertisement was evaluated and achieved unprecedented recognition and awareness scores amongst the smoking population.
A second advertisement, "Nico's crib", was developed and launched in 2004 and is aimed at young people in general. The advertisement is based on the MTV hit programme called "Cribs" which is popular with young viewers. The advertisement has been broadcast primarily in cinemas and was supported by TV bursts and a promotional campaign.
The 2002 Slán results were published in 2003. Nationally smoking prevalence has decreased from 31% to 27%. Numbers of those in the 12 to 14 year old age group showed a sharp decrease in smoking prevalence, a critical point for intervention to prevent initiation. Numbers of young women in the 15 to 17 year old age group have also decreased by almost 5% and young men in the same age group have decreased slightly.
The tobacco free policy review group was set up to carry out a fundamental review of health and tobacco and make recommendations to the Minister for Health and Children. Its report, Towards a Tobacco Free Society, which was adopted as Government policy, proposed an integrated strategy for tackling the tobacco problem and promoting a tobacco free society. The report outlines four key strategic objectives: to change attitudes; to help people give up smoking; to protect people from passive smoke; and to focus on children. The establishment of the Office of Tobacco Control is one of the measures put forward in the report. The office received statutory status in May 2002, with the enactment of section 2 of the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2002.
In response to an Office of Tobacco Control report which documented the dangers of passive smoke, the Minister for Health and Children announced a prohibition on smoking in all places of work, including licensed premises, with effect from 29 March 2004.
The "Every Cigarette is Doing You Damage" media campaign, together with the introduction of the ban on smoking in the workplace, increased the demand for smoking cessation services both nationally and regionally. The national smokers' quitline and media campaign were launched on 30 October 2003. To date 34,500 callers have used the quitline. Half of the callers have received the quitting booklet, which contains tips and information to encourage smokers to quit. People under 30 account for almost 30% of the callers who contact the quitline.
In a recent survey 71% of clients who had quit stated that the national smokers' quitline was an important aspect of or significant help in keeping them off cigarettes. Similarly 60% stated that the workplace ban was an important aspect of or significant help in keeping them off cigarettes.
The cardiovascular strategy recommended that an annual module on smoking should be included in the social personal and health education programme, SPHE, in schools. Smoking is included in a SPHE module, which also addresses alcohol and drugs. The aim of the SPHE programme is to educate and empower young people to make good health and lifestyle choices. An evaluation of the programme highlighted the need to update the SPHE modules in response to the evolving requirements of schoolchildren, who now need more information at a younger age.
A recent survey from the Office of Tobacco Control revealed that the overall prevalence of cigarette smoking in Ireland was 23.6% at August 2005. This represents a decline of 1.52% since August 2003.
The survey also revealed that almost 18% of 15 to 18 year olds report as being smokers with 19 to 35 years olds being the dominant category with over 30% of people in that age group classified as smokers. While these statistics are encouraging my Department will strive to reduce these figures further by continuing to discourage young people from starting smoking and ensuring that adequate information and support is available for those wishing to quit.
Ambulance Service.
Jerry Cowley
Question:201 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, in view of the DHSSPS report on the costs and benefits associated with the introduction of a dedicated HEMS that the priority is the need for further investment to improve the ground ambulance service, when persons in County Mayo (details supplied) will see the benefits of this advice; when this area will receive the essential ambulance base in view of the fact that it has been listed as priority and in view of the fact that improvements to the ground service have been advised. [29837/05]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Departmental Expenditure.
Arthur Morgan
Question:202 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Finance the total amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) since 1997; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of controls applied in the procurement process; and if value for money has been achieved. [29555/05]
In the period since 1997 my Department has paid a subscription to the company referred to by the Deputy in each of the years 1997, 2002, 2003 and 2004, and paid a fee to the company in 2003. The following table sets out the details, including the payment made in each year in which there was a payment to the company, the services provided and the controls applied in the procurement process. In each case I am satisfied that my Department achieved value for money.
|
Year |
Value of Payment |
Services Provided |
Controls Applied in the Procurement Process |
|
€ |
|||
|
1997 |
8,490 |
Subscription |
This was an annual subscription to the company for access via their website to the results of IT research conducted by their analysts. Access to this research proved of value in determining ICT policy. |
|
2002 |
5,687 |
Subscription |
This was an annual subscription to the company for access via their website to the results of IT research conducted by their analysts. Access to this research proved of value in determining ICT policy. |
|
2003 |
5,687 |
Subscription |
This was an annual subscription to the company for access via their website to the results of IT research conducted by their analysts. Access to this research proved of value in determining ICT policy. |
|
2004 |
8,863 |
Subscription |
This was an annual subscription to the company for access via their website to the results of IT research conducted by their analysts. Access to this research proved of value in determining ICT policy. |
|
2003 |
1,204 |
Fee for Executive Report on Outsourcing |
This was a once-off payment to the company for access to one of their standard executive reports. |
Arthur Morgan
Question:203 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Finance the total amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) since 1997; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of controls applied in the procurement process; and if value for money has been achieved. [29570/05]
In the period since 1997, my Department has engaged the company referred to by the Deputy to undertake three consultancies. The following table sets out details of the contracts, including the payment made in each year in which there was a payment to the company, the services provided and the controls applied in the procurement process. In each case I am satisfied that my Department achieved value for money.
|
Year |
Value of Contract |
Services Provided |
Controls Applied in the Procurement Process |
|
€ |
|||
|
2003 |
18,150 |
Public Service Identity Management Research |
A consultant was chosen from a local competition, which sought a person with experience in identity management. The competition involved the submission of CVs, followed by an interview process. The person worked closely to a brief which was monitored on a stage-by-stage basis. The conclusions reached in this study have been used to develop further thinking on identity management for the Standard Authentication Framework Environment (SAFE). |
|
2004 |
71,725 |
Overall review and study of HR management system and implementation arrangement |
After a local procurement exercise, this company was contracted to complete an overall review and study of the HR Management System, including the identification and appraisal of options for its further development. They worked to a staged delivery plan which was monitored. The outputs of this study have been used to develop the version of the HR Management System currently being rolled out across the Civil Service. |
|
2004 |
24,200 |
E-Government policy preparation |
A consultant was chosen from a local competition, which sought a person with experience in interoperability. The competition involved the submission of CVs, followed by an interview process. The person worked closely to a brief which was monitored on a stage-by-stage basis. The conclusions reached in this study were used to develop a Presidency document under Ireland’s Presidency of the EU entitled “Key Principles of an Interoperability Architecture” which is published on both the REACH and EU Public Administration Network websites. |
Valuation Office.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:204 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance when a decision will be made relating to a valuation issue appertaining to persons (details supplied) in County Kildare and Kildare County Council which was submitted to the valuations office of Kildare County Council on 13 June 2005 for consideration; if an early resolution will be reached in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29615/05]
I have no role in the valuation of properties, which is the function of the Valuation Office. However, I am informed by the Valuation Office that an application was received from Kildare County Council on 14 June 2005 under the 1995 tenant purchase scheme in respect of a local authority house at Kilcock, County Kildare. The tenants are disputing the council's valuation on the premises and the Valuation Office has been asked to adjudicate on the matter.
On inquiry about progress in this case, I understand that there is some delay in dealing with casework of this nature because office resources are concentrated on the revision of rateable valuations which the Valuation Office is required to carry out by statute. However, I am assured that the case will be prioritised and assigned to a valuer this month for inspection, after which a decision on the valuation will be reported to Kildare County Council.
Coroners Service.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:205 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Finance his plans to address the serious backlog of cases still in existence at the State Laboratory since its move to new premises in County Kildare; if he intends to increase the level of staffing at the State Laboratory in the foreseeable future; the percentage by which he intends to increase funding for the State Laboratory in budget 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29617/05]
Ruairí Quinn
Question:206 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Finance the reason persons (details supplied) in Dublin 2 have to date been waiting for four months and have been told that they will be waiting for eight months, for the return of toxicology reports from the State Laboratory; if he will take steps to intervene in this case; if he will take steps to intervene in all cases referred to the State Laboratory by the Coroners Court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29618/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 205 and 206 together.
The State has invested some €80 million in building and equipping new world class laboratory facilities for the State Laboratory at Backweston. With the completion of the move the State Laboratory is now better placed to deliver an enhanced analytical service for its clients. Inevitably, during the period of the actual move there was some temporary disruption to services. However, I am assured by the laboratory management that turn around times are now back to previous levels and are continuing to improve.
Additional resources have been allocated over the years to the State Laboratory. Additionally, my Department has recently sanctioned the permanent retention of six temporary posts associated with the move of the laboratory to Backweston. It is worth pointing out the significant increase in the number of samples being sent to the State Laboratory and a general increase in the complexity of the analyses now being undertaken. Nevertheless, as a result of improvement in procedures and additional resources, laboratory management has managed to reduce turnaround times by half during the period April 2004 to April 2005.
I am conscious of the importance of the service provided to the coroners by the State Laboratory and the impact it inevitably has on relatives of people whose deaths are the subject of inquests at a time of great distress. The management of the laboratory shares that sensitivity and constantly monitors the service by reviewing available resources, outsourcing possibilities and the complexity of analyses.
I am informed that the State Laboratory is expected to receive today the samples referred to for analysis. I understand that relevant analyses will be carried out at an early date and reports issued accordingly.
State Airports.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:207 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Finance, further to Parliamentary Question No. 499 of 28 September 2005, if he will answer the question relating to Dublin Airport, Knock Airport, Casement Aerodrome and all other airports and aerodromes in the State, and with regard to all aircraft with such a destination or origin regardless of whether they fly under the flag of the US military. [9619/05]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that there is no obligation on any foreign military aircraft, aircraft used in military service or foreign chartered civilian aircraft to report, or make a declaration, to customs while the aircraft is in transit and not loading or unloading goods at any airport or aerodrome in the State. This includes Dublin Airport, Knock Airport and Casement Aerodrome. In the circumstances, customs has no role in the examination or investigation of such aircraft or their contents.
I am further advised that customs have no obligation to inspect aircraft or their contents where such aircraft are involved in third country traffic and have landed in the State for refuelling, not unloading or loading goods, and then departing the State, regardless of whether such aircraft are used for military, commercial or private purposes.
Tax Code.
Richard Bruton
Question:208 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that the present thresholds that apply under capital acquisitions tax for transfer to persons who are not sons or daughters of deceased persons are set at a realistic level in view of the fact that the present market value of an average house represents over six times the threshold for transfer to a brother or sister and over 12 times the threshold for the transfer to a person who is unrelated; his estimate of the cost of doubling these two thresholds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29620/05]
For the purpose of capital acquisitions tax, CAT, the relationship between the person who provided a gift or inheritance, the disponer, and the person who received a gift or inheritance, the beneficiary, determines the maximum tax free threshold, known as the group threshold. There are three group thresholds based on the relationship of the beneficiary to the disponer and these thresholds are indexed annually by reference to the consumer price index.
The 2005 group thresholds applying to a gift or inheritance for the categories referred to by the Deputy are as follows: group B threshold, to a parent, brother, sister, niece, nephew or grandchild, is €46,673; group C threshold, to a relationship other than a son or daughter or those outlined in group B, is €23,336.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the cost of doubling these two thresholds would be €132.9 million and €45.22 million respectively. This equates to a very large proportion of the annual tax yield from CAT.
The Finance Act 2000 introduced an exemption from CAT for the recipient of a dwelling-house where the dwelling-house is taken by way of a gift or inheritance provided certain conditions are satisfied. Essentially, CAT no longer applies in respect of a gift or inheritance of a dwelling-house taken on or after 1 December 1999, provided the recipient of the gift or inheritance had been living in the house for three years prior to the gift or inheritance and does not have an interest in any other residential property. Also, the recipient must continue, except where he or she is aged 55 years at the date of the gift or inheritance, to occupy that dwelling house as his or her only or main residence for a period of six years from the date of the gift or inheritance. This exemption ensures that what may be the family home for many people will not be the subject of gift or inheritance tax where the conditions for this relief are met.
Telecommunications Masts.
John Gormley
Question:209 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Finance if he has taken action on foot of correspondence received from the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform of 4 April 2005 regarding the installation of mobile phone masts on a State property at Ardee Road, Rathmines, adjacent to St. Mary’s College; if he has issued a reply, other than a letter of acknowledgement, to this letter, in which he asked the Minister of State at the Department of Finance to ensure that the mast in question be removed immediately; his views on the Minister of Justice Equality and Law Reform’s opinion that the siting of the mast on the particular building contravenes clearly established criteria for the location of masts which have been accepted by the Office of Public Works, the local authorities and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. [29663/05]
I am informed by the Commissioners of Public Works that the equipment on Ardee House has been installed in accordance with all the relevant legislation such as that regarding health and safety, and planning, and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the licence agreements granted by them in respect of such installations. The commissioners' consultants are monitoring the emissions from the equipment on their behalf to ensure this compliance is continuous. This information has been provided to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
Budget Submissions.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:210 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Finance if consideration has been given to the pre-budget submission 2006 launched by the Disability Federation of Ireland; the actions open to his Department in response to the submission in consultation with other Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29716/05]
I have received a pre-budget submission from the organisation concerned and I have met with it as part of the community and voluntary pillar, one of a series of meetings held in advance of the budget. The contents of the pre-budget submission will be considered in the context of the forthcoming budget and finance Bill. Where appropriate, my Department will liaise with other Departments as necessary. As the Deputy is aware it would not be appropriate for me to comment in advance of the budget on possible budget decisions.
Departmental Expenditure.
Arthur Morgan
Question:211 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the total amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied); the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of controls applied in the procurement process; and if value for money has been achieved. [29556/05]
The company referred to by the Deputy has not been employed to provide direct consultancy services to my Department in the period.
My Department subscribes annually to the service provided by the company in terms of analysis and research information on ICT strategic business and technology trends and best practice. In addition to these research data targeted to suit my Department's specific ICT business needs, the service also provides monthly chief information officer executive reports and access to the executive programme network for private and public sector chief information officers. The subscriptions paid are the standard rate for the company's services discounted for Government subscribers.
The subscription was €13,225 in 2003, €31,439 in 2004 and €34,989 in 2005. The increase over 2003 represents an upgrade to the premium service from 2004. I am advised that the subscription represents value for money as a quality and topical source of strategic trends and analysis in global business and technology. The subscription will continue to be kept under review to ensure that it represents ongoing value for money for my Department's information systems division and senior management.
Arthur Morgan
Question:212 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the total amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) since 1997; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of controls applied in the procurement process; and if value for money has been achieved. [29571/05]
The company referred to by the Deputy was paid €26,886 in March 2000 in respect of its undertaking the 1998-1999 audit of the European agricultural guidance and guarantee fund for my Department. The company was selected for this work following normal Government tendering procedures and approval by the Government contracts committee and I am satisfied that value for money was achieved in this case.
Telecommunications Services.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:213 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when provision will be made for broadband/ADSL connection to the Malin Head area of Donegal following a meeting attended by a company (details supplied) and his Department and an announcement by his Department in June 2005 to allocate funding; the progress in this regard taking into consideration this company’s urgent heed for provision of broadband/ADSL to compete effectively and efficiently with its competitors, bearing in mind continued job losses in this part of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29633/05]
The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg.
Market forces, and the availability of suitable infrastructure and backhaul, will determine whether a company offers broadband in any area. A principal reason for the slow roll out of broadband services generally has been the lack of investment by the private sector in the necessary infrastructure to deliver broadband to all areas. My Department is addressing the infrastructure deficit by building metropolitan area networks or MANs in 120 towns and cities nationwide, in association with the local authorities, using Government and European Regional Development Fund funding under the National Development Plan 2000-2006. MANs have already been completed in Gaoth Dobhair and Letterkenny, and MANs for Buncrana and Carndonagh are at the planning stage.
The Government recently directed Departments to examine what could be done to alleviate the employment situation in the county, with particular focus on infrastructure development. Officials from my Department have since met representatives from Donegal County Council as well as local interest groups and are currently examining a number of options. I understand that the company in question attended the launch of the community networked services or CNS project in May 2005. The CNS project is funded by INTERREG IIIa and the International Fund for Ireland. The project is due to be completed in 2006 and further details can be requested from the promoter at its website www.ernact.net.
My Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie gives full details of broadband availability in all areas, including digital subscriber lines, cable, fibre, satellite and fixed wireless. The website also lists prices of the various service levels on offer and contact details for each service provider.
Inland Fisheries.
Jerry Cowley
Question:214 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans for the regional fisheries boards; the reason proposals for a single agency have been proposed by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29654/05]
The Deputy will be aware that I received the report of the first stage of the high level review of the inland fisheries sector in Ireland from the consultants earlier this year and have considered its findings. It is my intention to bring this report to Government in the very near future and to have it published as soon as possible thereafter. Until such time as the report is presented to Government, I am not in a position to comment on its recommendations or implementation.
Departmental Expenditure.
Arthur Morgan
Question:215 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the total amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) since 1997; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of controls applied in the procurement process; and if value for money has been achieved. [29557/05]
The Department of Foreign Affairs has paid the following amounts to the Gartner Group: 1997 — €0.00; 1998 — £702.17; 1999 — €0.00; 2000 — €0.00; 2001 — €0.00; 2002 — €5,082.00; 2003 — €10,164.00; 2004 — €17,581.30; 2005 — €14,278.00.
The Department has taken a subscription to Gartner Research's on-line technology research database, which includes the periodic supply by CD of technology articles of interest to the Department and, in 1998, attendance at a Gartner organised seminar on the year 2000 bug. The service is equivalent to other subscription based research services. The Department has not used Gartner for the direct provision of consultancy advice.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has used the Gartner database to obtain impartial research articles on technology developments. This research has helped inform the Department when making significant technology investment decisions. I am satisfied that this service has offered value for money to the Department. I can confirm that the national rules on procurement have been followed.
Arthur Morgan
Question:216 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the total amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) since 1997; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of controls applied in the procurement process; and if value for money has been achieved. [29572/05]
In the period referred to by the Deputy, no payments were made by the Department of Foreign Affairs to the relevant consultancy company.
Employment Action Plan.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:217 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will examine the Pathways projects currently funded by FÁS and operating in Counties Kerry, Waterford and Kildare with a view to providing the resources for them to be available more widely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29606/05]
The Pathways programme is a two week group guidance programme available to clients, where appropriate, who are referred to FÁS by the Department of Social and Family Affairs under the national employment plan preventative strategy. The aim of the programme is to identify the most appropriate development pathway for each client to assist them to enter or re-enter the labour market. The programme is delivered on a group basis to encourage a dynamic in which clients can support and learn from each other.
The programme was launched as a pilot in a number of locations towards the latter part of 2003. FÁS conducted a preliminary evaluation of the pilot in the first quarter of 2004. This helped inform further development and improvement of the programme materials. The programme was further rolled out in 2004 and approximately 1,000 clients attended 70 Pathways programmes nationally. An external evaluation was undertaken by "Profiles at Work" in late 2004/early 2005. The report endorses the Pathways programme as an effective tool in helping address the vocational guidance needs of its client target group and makes a number of recommendations on its future delivery. FÁS has recently developed an action plan to support the implementation of these recommendations.
Pathways is available through FÁS where sufficient demand exists to merit running a programme. It is important to emphasise the demand led aspect of the programme.
Departmental Expenditure.
Arthur Morgan
Question:218 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the total amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) since 1997; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of controls applied in the procurement process; and if value for money has been achieved. [29559/05]
Arthur Morgan
Question:219 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the total amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) since 1997; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of controls applied in the procurement process; and if value for money has been achieved. [29574/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 218 and 219 together.
My Department has no record of entering into any contracts with Accenture during the period in question. The Department has identified the following payments to a company named Gartner Group UK Ltd: in 1997, a payment of £10,579.63 for IT work; in 1998, a payment of £889.96 in respect of research software; in 1999, a payment of £121.00 identified as e-business conference. None of these contracts exceeded the public procurement threshold and my Department is satisfied that value for money was achieved in each case.
Work Permits.
Willie Penrose
Question:220 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position with an application for a work permit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29621/05]
The work permit section of my Department has informed me that a work permit issued to the above named individual on 16 October 2003 and was valid until 15 October 2004. There is no record of any further work permit applications having been received in this case.
Job Creation.
John Curran
Question:221 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs in the services industry which have been created in Clondalkin and Lucan for the period 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005. [29622/05]
John Curran
Question:222 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of manufacturing jobs which have been lost in Clondalkin and Lucan for the period 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005. [29623/05]
John Curran
Question:223 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of manufacturing jobs which have been created in Lucan and Clondalkin for the period 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005. [29624/05]
John Curran
Question:224 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs in the services industry which have been lost in Clondalkin and Lucan for the period 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005. [29625/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 221 to 224, inclusive, together.
A breakdown of employment figures by area in the Dublin region is not available. The tables attached give an outline of employment gains and losses in client companies of the enterprise development agencies by sector in Dublin for the years 2002, 2003 and 2004. Figures for 2005 will not be available until early 2006.
Overall figures for employment in Dublin, including non-traded services sectors, have been compiled by the Central Statistics Office. Figures for the second quarter from 2002 onwards show that employment in Dublin remains stable.
|
Mar-May 2002 |
Mar-May 2003 |
Mar-May 2004 |
Mar-May 2005 |
|
|
000s |
000s |
000s |
000s |
|
|
No. in employment |
545.9 |
548.2 |
550.2 |
574.3 |
Source: CSO quarterly national household survey.
The enterprise development agencies are actively engaged in promoting both Lucan and Clondalkin as high potential locations in their efforts to secure new investment and additional jobs.
IDA continues to market south County Dublin, as a potential location for new foreign direct investment, FDI. IDA Ireland's strategy for the Dublin area is to attract and expand major FDI projects, moving up the value chain. South County Dublin is well equipped to compete with other areas for potential foreign direct investment, with superb infrastructural facilities at Citywest and Grangecastle and a third level institute of technology at Tallaght.
This year the Japanese pharmaceuticals company Takeda Chemical Industries will complete construction of its facility at Grangecastle, Clondalkin. This is a significant and important investment from a leading company in Japan and will highlight Ireland as a key location for other such Japanese investors in the future. Also in Grangecastle, the pharmaceutical company Wyeth Biopharma opened this year and already employs approximately 900 highly skilled people. Wyeth continues to recruit and will eventually employ 1,300 at the facility in Greencastle.
Enterprise Ireland works with companies in its portfolio to assist them grow their sales and exports and improve innovation in order that they can compete on world markets. The agency is encouraging companies to adopt new technologies to add value to their products and services. Since the beginning of 2002 Enterprise Ireland has approved over €10 million and made payments of over €9 million in support of development projects for indigenous companies in south County Dublin.
Enterprise Ireland is also actively involved with the provision of infrastructure to facilitate business development and employment. The agency has supported the development of community enterprise centres in Bawnogue and Neilstown, which are contributing to job creation in these areas. There is also a private incubation centre for start up projects and micro enterprises at the former Hills Mills factory in Lucan. These centres provide incubation space for start-ups and micro enterprises, and also provide ancillary services such as training, mentoring and customised courses to address the needs of the local clients. In the Lucan/Clondalkin area, Enterprise Ireland works closely with agencies such as Lucan 2000, Clondalkin partnership, the south Dublin chamber, the south Dublin county enterprise board and the local council.
The south Dublin county enterprise board is also proactively involved in the development of indigenous enterprise, and provides a source of support for small businesses in the region.
|
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
|
|
Job gains |
3,533 |
3,412 |
2,968 |
|
Job losses |
6,219 |
7,126 |
5,846 |
(Source: BIS)
|
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
|
|
Job gains |
6,012 |
4,734 |
5,896 |
|
Job losses |
6,305 |
6,463 |
4,855 |
(Source: BIS)
Work Permits.
Catherine Murphy
Question:225 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the work status of non-nationals who require a visa in the time period between having married an Irish citizen and being granted naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29655/05]
Nationals from outside the European Economic Area or Switzerland, in the category referred to by the Deputy, may be permitted to work in Ireland provided the employee is granted a work permit.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Billy Timmins
Question:226 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position relating to a lone parent (details supplied); if such a person is entitled to extra assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29594/05]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive, provides for the payment of a rent supplement to assist eligible people who are unable to provide for their immediate accommodation needs from their own resources and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. Neither I nor my Department has any function in determining entitlement to a supplement in individual cases.
Social welfare programmes aim to be responsive to the needs of those who depend on income maintenance support while providing incentives to assist people to become more independent financially, particularly through employment.
The Dublin/mid-Leinster region of the executive has advised that it determined recently, in accordance with the rules of the scheme, that the rent supplement payable to the person concerned should be reduced as a result of an increase in her household income from employment. It has notified her of this revised supplement rate, which is due to go into effect shortly. My Department will also have to review the rate of one-parent family payment, OFP, payable to the person concerned in the light of her new employment situation. Any reduction in her OFP entitlements after this review is completed would in turn require some corresponding upward adjustment in her rate of rent supplement. My Department will notify the executive in this regard as soon as her revised OFP entitlements have been determined. If the person concerned has a particular non-recurring cost that she is unable to meet from her own resources, it is open to her to apply at any time to her local community welfare officer for an exceptional needs payment under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.
Departmental Expenditure.
Arthur Morgan
Question:227 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the total amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) since 1997; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of controls applied in the procurement process; and if value for money has been achieved. [29560/05]
The amounts paid to the company in each year since 1997 are as in the table.
|
Year |
||
|
£ |
||
|
1997 |
Membership subscriptions |
39,205 |
|
1998 |
Membership subscriptions |
42,207 |
|
1999 |
Membership subscriptions |
34,654 |
|
2000 |
Attendance at conferences and events |
2,651 |
|
Membership subscription |
21,447 |
|
|
Review of IS Division |
243,998 |
|
|
Review of Application Integration Strategies |
8,470 |
|
|
2001 |
Attendance at Conferences |
307.48 |
|
Membership subscription |
48,000 |
|
|
€ |
||
|
2002 |
Attendance at Conferences |
5,409 |
|
Membership subscriptions |
122,452 |
|
|
2003 |
Attendance at Conferences |
387 |
|
Membership subscriptions |
127,050 |
|
|
2004 |
Membership subscriptions |
55,054 |
|
IS Strategy Review |
80,877 |
|
|
2005 |
Membership subscriptions |
129,167 |
In addition, payments were made in respect of Reach, financed by the information society fund, as follows: 2000, €7,742; 2001, €29,043; 2002, €43,174; 2003, €39,322; 2004, €18,876; 2005, €22,152. Reach was set up in 2000, so there were no payments prior to that.
The company is internationally recognised as one that provides vendor independent, detailed ICT industry expertise. It provides industry analysis and access to its analysts through a number of membership services. It has clients in every industry sector and is ideally placed to provide examples of international good practice.
General membership services provide my Department's information systems managers with access to independent reports and research papers on various aspects of new technologies and architectures. Executive programme membership further allows senior IT management in my Department to benefit from regular access to a designated highly qualified local consultant, unlimited access to analysts worldwide and specific guidance on enterprise level industry best practice as well as access to a network of senior IT organisations.
Membership is through subscription services for which the normal public procurement tender process is not applicable. My Department has enrolled for membership at various levels over the years and the quality of the non-vendor specific material and data available has met its expectations. Given the scale and complexity of the Department's ICT, the budgets involved and the long-term implications of decisions taken, it considers that this access to quality independent advice represents good value for money.
My Department has also engaged the company on a small number of projects over the years, as follows. My Department engaged the company to carry out a resource review of its IS division in 2000 and to benchmark against similar organisations. The company was chosen as a result of a public procurement process, for which eight companies submitted tenders. I am satisfied that value for money was achieved because the report delivered on the requirements and expectations. Aspects of it have been implemented and it continues to inform ISD organisational policies.
In 2004, the company was engaged to review and validate the information systems strategy, prepared by the Department's management team. The contract was placed in accordance with guidelines for single tender procurement. The review represented value for money because it confirmed the validity of the Department's approach to its future IS strategy, as well as highlighting gaps and informing the resolution of its strategic approach.
The company was asked to carry out an independent validation of the business case and the approaches to improving the quality of data interfaces between different types of computer applications, current and future. It was the only company requested to tender for this work because of the nature and relatively small size of the contract. It was chosen for its expertise in the research and analysis of emerging trends in the software market, including integration between current and future application platforms. Value for money was achieved because the review confirmed the business case and the range of approaches that needed to be considered for future developments, including integration of existing applications with the emerging service delivery modernisation programme.
Arthur Morgan
Question:228 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the total amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) since 1997; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of controls applied in the procurement process; and if value for money has been achieved. [29575/05]
Details of my Department's contracts with the company concerned since 1997 are set out in the table.
|
Year |
Amount (Euro) |
Project(s) |
|
1997 |
nil |
|
|
1998 |
162,112 |
IS Services management support |
|
1999 |
61,455 |
Civil Registration Modernisation Planning study |
|
2000 |
109,601 |
(1) Service Delivery Modernisation Prototype(2) IS Services management support |
|
2001 |
4,356,272 |
(1) Civil Registration Modernisation(2) Reach(3) IS Services management support |
|
2002 |
2,173,564 |
(1) Civil Registration Modernisation(2) IS Services management support |
|
2003 |
80,542 |
(1) IS Services management support |
|
2004 |
18,150 |
(1) Reach |
|
2005 |
nil |
In October 1999, the Department held a competitive tendering exercise in which it invited proposals to prove the technical feasibility of building applications using a business object model approach. A flat fee of £50,000 — equivalent to €63,500 — plus VAT was offered for each prototype. Following an evaluation process, three companies/consortiums were selected to develop suitable prototypes, one of which was led by the company in question. The prototypes were successfully delivered in the first half of 2000 and payment was made on 7 July 2000. Procurement was carried out in strict adherence to all relevant procurement legislation and resulting contracts were drawn up on a fixed price basis. I am satisfied that value for money has been achieved in this case.
With regard to information systems services management support, there were two contracts with the company during the period. Each covered a number of years. Each procurement was carried out in accordance with national and EU procurement guidelines. The recommendations of the Department's evaluation groups were submitted to and approved by the Government contracts committee. The first contract covered the provision of assistance with a major project to ensure that the Department developed and maintained a continuous computing capability. A strategic review of the IS division was also undertaken. The second contract was for programme, project and change management support.
My Department's IS services area underwent a successful major reorganisation in the second period and the consultancy support received played a significant role in that process. A major review of the Department's ICT infrastructure, to meet emerging needs and avail of new technologies, was carried out also and is currently being implemented. The advice received by my Department under these contracts is considered to have delivered significant value for money.
The civil registration modernisation programme was a joint programme of work, between my Department and the Department of Health and Children, aimed at implementing a modern civil registration service and providing a building block for the integration of related public services. In 1999, following a competitive tendering process, the company was awarded a contract by my Department to provide support for a planning study to determine the approach to the design, development and implementation of a modern civil registration service. The tendering process was carried out in accordance with EU and Department of Finance guidelines. The total amount paid in respect of this contract amounted to €61,455.32. I am satisfied that value for money was achieved in respect of this contract.
In 2001, following a competitive tendering process, the company was awarded a contract by my Department for the design, development and implementation of a modern civil registration service. The tendering process was carried out in accordance with EU and Department of Finance guidelines. The total amount paid, by my Department, in respect of this contract amounted to €6,319,222. I am satisfied that value for money was achieved in respect of this contract.
The civil registration modernisation programme and the consequent integration with the processing of child benefit claims has been recognised internationally as one of the finest examples of best practice in public administration over the last number of years. I am satisfied that the modernisation programme has resulted in the provision of a greatly enhanced service to the public, delivered on the wider e-government agenda and represents excellent value for money.
With regard to Reach, payments to the company were made in respect of a technical architect, for advice on the design approach to the project and in respect of a contracted amount, €15,000 plus VAT, paid to a number of companies, including the company named, in respect of some of the overhead costs of preparing prototypes as part of the material to be submitted with their tender to build the public services broker. The procurements were carried out in accordance with EU and national guidelines and my Department is satisfied that the deliverables met expectations in all respects.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:229 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will address the issue of persons losing the rent allowance when they take up a community employment scheme or low paid employment by either increasing the €317.40 income limit or by increasing the €50 disregard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29632/05]
Social welfare programmes aim to be responsive to the needs of those who depend on income maintenance support while providing incentives to assist people to become more independent financially, particularly through employment. A number of measures have been introduced in recent years to remove disincentives to taking up employment and to assist in the transition from welfare to work. These measures include special means disregards and tapered withdrawal of benefits as earnings increase and employment support schemes such as the back to work programme. People are entitled to retain certain social welfare and other secondary benefits in total or in part for the duration of the employment scheme, subject to certain conditions.
For most people the most significant secondary benefit is rent or mortgage interest supplement, which is paid under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. An income limit of €317.43 per week applies to the retention of these supplements. No income limit applies to the back to work allowance itself. While this supplement retention income limit has not changed since its introduction, significant other improvements have been made to the means test subsequently. Back to work allowance and family income supplement, in cases where one or both of these are in payment, are disregarded in the assessment of the €317.43 weekly income limit. PRSI and reasonable travelling expenses are also disregarded in the means test.
In effect, this means that people who commence employment through a back to work scheme, following a period of unemployment, can have a weekly household income significantly in excess of the €317.43 limit and still qualify to retain 75% of their rent or mortgage interest supplement: for example, in the first year of their participation in the back to work allowance scheme, a single person can have combined income from the back to work allowance and wages of €429, while a couple with two children can have a combined income of €528.25. These thresholds increase each year in the budget.
Rent supplement may be retained for up to four years on a tapered basis, that is, 75% of supplement in year one, 50% in year two and 25% in years three and four. In addition, the maximum payment limit of €317.43 per month on the amount of supplement payable was abolished for people on the approved schemes. As a consequence, many families retain more of their rent supplement than had been the case prior to these changes taking place.
People availing of an employment support scheme may opt to be assessed under either standard supplementary welfare allowance rules or under the special retention rules, and will be entitled to receive payment under whichever is the more favourable option for them. A person on a community employment scheme or other back to work scheme whose household income is above the €317.43 limit for retention of secondary benefits may still qualify for rent supplement under the standard rules. In that context, I introduced amending regulations in January 2005 to increase the income disregard in the standard rules of the scheme from €50 to €60 per week.
Overall, I consider that the current eligibility thresholds and disregards, together with improvements in the standard rules of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, ensure that people have a financial incentive to take up back-to-work opportunities. The effectiveness of these arrangements is being considered further in the context of a policy review of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme which my Department is undertaking at present.
Michael Ring
Question:230 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was not granted unemployment benefit on finishing work; if he will provide a full and complete breakdown of their PRSI contribution record. [29706/05]
To qualify for unemployment benefit a person must have, since the date of entry into insurance, at least 52 weeks of insurable employment for which the appropriate social insurance contributions have been paid and must have at least 39 paid or credited contributions in the relevant tax year, currently 2003, or 26 paid contributions in the relevant tax year and 26 paid contributions in the preceding year.
According to the records of my Department the person concerned has 20 class A contributions and 21 class J contributions in the tax year 2003. Class J contributions normally relate to employed persons with reckonable pay of less than €38.00 per week and provide cover for occupational injuries benefit only. The application for unemployment benefit from the person concerned was, therefore, disallowed from 4 April 2005, as she did not satisfy the contribution conditions for receipt of the benefit. She was informed accordingly on 29 April 2005. The person concerned may have an entitlement to credited contributions while she is unemployed. She should contact her local social welfare office for further information in this regard.
Under social welfare legislation decisions on claims and the insurability of employment must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.
The PRSI record of the person concerned is set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Paid |
Credit |
Year |
Paid |
Credit |
|
1973/74 |
49 ordinary rate |
2* |
1989/90 |
— |
— |
|
1974/75 |
51 ordinary rate |
2 |
1990/91 |
— |
— |
|
1975/76 |
48 ordinary rate |
7 |
1991/92 |
— |
— |
|
1976/77 |
40 ordinary rate |
— |
1992/93 |
— |
— |
|
1977/78 |
13 ordinary rate |
11 |
1993/94 |
— |
— |
|
1978/79 |
— |
— |
1994/95 |
— |
— |
|
1979/80 |
— |
— |
1995/96 |
— |
— |
|
1980/81 |
— |
— |
1996/97 |
— |
— |
|
1981/82 |
— |
— |
1997/98 |
— |
— |
|
1982/83 |
— |
— |
1998/99 |
— |
— |
|
1983/84 |
— |
— |
1999/00 |
— |
— |
|
1984/85 |
— |
— |
2000/01 |
— |
— |
|
1985/86 |
— |
— |
2001 |
— |
— |
|
1986/87 |
— |
— |
2002 |
— |
— |
|
1987/88 |
— |
— |
2003 |
20 A, 21 J |
— |
|
1988/89 |
— |
— |
2004 |
49A |
— |
*Pre-entry credits awarded for 1973/74.
Ordinary rate contributions and class A contributions are reckonable for all benefits and pensions. Class J contributions are reckonable for occupational injury benefit only.
Michael Ring
Question:231 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will review the decision not to award unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [29707/05]
A deciding officer disallowed the unemployment benefit claim of the person concerned from 3 August 2005 on the grounds that he was not genuinely seeking employment. The person concerned had failed to produce sufficient evidence to show that he had been consistently seeking full-time work. It is open to the person concerned to appeal this decision and a form for this purpose was issued to him on 11 October 2005.
Under social welfare legislation, decisions on claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.
Budget Submissions.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:232 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if consideration has been given to the pre-budget submission 2006 launched by the Disability Federation of Ireland; the actions open to his Department in response to the submission in consultation with other Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29719/05]
The Disability Federation of Ireland was one of over 30 representative organisations that attended this Department's pre-budget forum with me on 17 October 2005. At this forum, each organisation had the opportunity to present its key priorities for consideration in advance of budget 2006. I have also received the written submission from the Disability Federation of Ireland, which contains proposals relating to, inter alia, the introduction of a cost of disability payment; increases to the rate of disability allowance; mainstreaming and support for the voluntary sector.
My Department will consider the proposals submitted by the disability federation and will continue to progress the work currently ongoing with other Departments on policy issues relating to people with disabilities. In this regard, the work of the interdepartmental group established under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, chaired by the Department of Health and Children, and at which my Department is represented, is currently considering the feasibility of the introduction of a cost of disability payment. The introduction of a cost of disability payment is one of the priorities identified by the Disability Federation of Ireland in its pre-budget submission.
Any changes proposed in submissions received from representative organisations will, of course, have to be considered in the context of the wider social welfare budgetary package.
Question No. 233 answered with QuestionNo. 104.
Transport Investment Plan.
Eamon Ryan
Question:234 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport when he will publish the ten year transport investment plan for the country. [29725/05]
I refer to my earlier reply today in response to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 88 and 103.
Public Transport.
Róisín Shortall
Question:235 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether the transport needs of the northside of Dublin have been seriously neglected in recent years in view of the daily gridlock which exists, the significant housing development in the north County Dublin area and the absence of a rail link to Dublin Airport and Swords; and if he will give absolute priority to the provision of rail based transport infrastructure for that area. [29728/05]
Catherine Murphy
Question:243 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he intends to front-load the construction of an interconnecter between Heuston Station and the DART line in view of the current project on the Kildare line in which two new stations are being developed and in which the service is intended to be doubled; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the current Luas and bus services from Heuston Station are operating at capacity during peak times; the short-term and long-term plans his Department has made for the transportation of increased passenger numbers away from Heuston Station into Dublin city centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29694/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:256 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to increase the use of commuter rail transport by introducing such measures as increased frequency of services, adequate feeder bus services to each rail station, adequate parking facilities with the objective of doubling the use of public transport with reference to the Kildare commuter belt, such as Enfield, Kilcock, Maynooth, Leixlip, Confey, Hazelhatch, Sallins, Newbridge, Kildare and Monasterevin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29818/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:258 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his views on the provision of underground rail connections in the more densely populated areas of the commuter belt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29825/05]
I intend to take Questions Nos. 235, 243, 256 and 258 together.
The various matters referred to by the Deputies are being considered by my Department as part of its preparatory work on a ten year transport investment framework. I hope to bring proposals on the framework to Government shortly.
Departmental Expenditure.
Arthur Morgan
Question:236 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Transport the total amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) since 1997; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of controls applied in the procurement process; and if value for money has been achieved. [29561/05]
An amount of €341.30 was paid by my Department to the company in July 2002 in respect of an Internet content management workshop. Normal controls were applied and I am satisfied that value for money was received.
Arthur Morgan
Question:237 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Transport the total amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) since 1997; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of controls applied in the procurement process; and if value for money has been achieved. [29576/05]
No payments were made by my Department to this company in the period mentioned.
Question No. 238 answered with QuestionNo. 115.
Rail Services.
Emmet Stagg
Question:239 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on plans to increase capacity on the Maynooth suburban line in the short term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29627/05]
The provision of services is a day-to-day operational matter for Iarnród Éireann to consider. However, I understand that the company intends to provide additional capacity on the line from December 2005 onwards by increasing the frequency of services in the morning and evening peaks.
Question No. 240 answered with QuestionNo. 92.
Driving Tests.
Michael Ring
Question:241 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Transport if, with regard to the current backlog of driving test applications, his Department has considered making an arrangement with the existing driver testers to clear this backlog; if the existing driver testers submitted a proposal to his Department in this regard; if so, the outcome of the proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29692/05]
In order to deal with the delays in obtaining a driving test, my Department and the Department of Finance agreed a package of measures to reduce the backlog of driving test applications. An essential part of the package includes a bonus scheme for existing driver testers. The other elements of the package are the recruitment of additional testers and the outsourcing of a block of tests.
A bonus scheme was agreed with the driver testers branch of IMPACT and offered to the driver testers last June. However, the members subsequently rejected the bonus scheme as they were opposed to the outsourcing element of the package. The driver testers branch submitted alternative proposals for a bonus scheme, which was designed to deal with the backlog without outsourcing a block of tests. However, these proposals were not acceptable to the Department as they would not deliver the required 80,000 additional driving tests in the same timeframe and at comparable cost with the package of measures as originally proposed.
Michael Ring
Question:242 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Transport if, with regard to the high number of road deaths recently, the outsourced driver testers being recruited at present will have the same qualifications as those who are currently employed by his Department as driver testers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29693/05]
The request for tenders for the contract to conduct driving tests set out the appropriate requirements that staff recruited as driver testers by the contractor must meet. These requirements are the same as have been applied by the Public Appointments Service in the competition being run by it for the recruitment of contract driver testers.
Question No. 243 answered with QuestionNo. 235.
Air Services.
Catherine Murphy
Question:244 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will introduce the necessary measures to ensure that planning authorities are notified and consulted when airspace changes are proposed by airport and aerodrome authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29695/05]
The Irish Aviation Authority has advised me that airspace changes do not have a direct relationship to, and may not have any relationship to, changes in ground facilities but are related to the efficiency and safety of the conduct of air traffic both in the vicinity of aerodromes and elsewhere over the State. I am advised that airport authorities are required to obtain planning permission for the development of ground based facilities at airports and aerodromes. I understand that in making a decision on a planning application, a planning authority is required, under the Planning and Development Act 2000, to consider the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, regard being given to the provisions of the development plan, other relevant ministerial or Government policies and any submissions or observations received on the planning application.
Noise Emission Standards.
Catherine Murphy
Question:245 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to introduce measures to make mandatory the fitting of noise abatement equipment in light aircraft; if so, the body which will become the enforcement authority for these measures; and if the introduction of such mandatory requirements necessitates legislative provision. [29696/05]
I have no plans to introduce measures of this type. Noise emission standards for aircraft are implemented internationally under Annex 16 to the Chicago convention and I am advised by the Irish Aviation Authority that conventionally certificated Irish registered aircraft comply with these standards. Furthermore, technical changes to aircraft would require approval by the regulatory authorities responsible for approving the designs of the aircraft. As no aircraft are designed here, this is not something on which Ireland could take unilateral action.
Road Safety.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:246 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if, in view of the high rate of road traffic accidents, he will take action to address the issue of unsafe roads with reference to verge erosion, potholes or other surface deficiencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29789/05]
The improvement and maintenance of national roads is a matter for the National Roads Authority, NRA. The allocation to the NRA for national road improvement has been increased substantially since 1997 and stands at €1.319 billion for 2005. In addition, €53.9 million has been provided for road maintenance in 2005, including the type of road maintenance activities referred to by the Deputy. The allocation of this funding to individual projects is a matter for the NRA.
The NRA, apart from the ongoing upgrading and maintenance of the national road network, including the ongoing pavement restoration programme, which provides a substantial road safety dividend, also funds specific road safety programmes, including the high risk accident location programme, the high cost remedial measures programme, the fitting of crash barriers on motorways and dual carriageways and road safety research.
Since 1994, the NRA, in conjunction with local authorities, has operated a programme where accident locations on the national road network are investigated and, if the road condition is believed to have been a factor, appropriate engineering measures are put in place to improve the situation. On average 80 such locations are treated each year. The high cost remedial measures programme was begun in 2004 and focuses on areas where more expensive works are required to solve the accident problems at particular locations. A total of 12 sites have been targeted in 2005. Median safety barriers are being installed on all new motorways and dual carriageways. The programme of retrofitting barriers to existing motorways and dual carriageways is two thirds complete. This work is expected to be complete by the end of this year.
Funding for road improvements and remedial measures on non-national roads is a matter for the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
Road Network.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:247 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if in respect of proposed toll roads or bridges, consideration has been given to a design, build and hand over process which would give the State use of both the revenue accruing and the low maintenance of a new construction for the first 20 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29790/05]
The national development plan envisages that a proportion of the national roads programme will be implemented by means of public private partnerships, PPPs, which involve private sector funding, remunerated in part by user tolls. The model selected for national road PPP projects to date is the design, build, operate and finance, DBFO, model. Through PPPs, private sector innovation is harnessed in the areas of scheme design, construction and long-term operation and maintenance and will ensure earlier delivery of vital national road infrastructure. Value for money is the key factor which determines whether a project is undertaken on a PPP basis. It is considered at present that this is best achieved on toll road projects through the integrated DBFO model where the private sector shares the toll revenue risk.
Road Traffic Offences.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:248 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons penalised under the penalty points system; the number that have exceeded the various categories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29791/05]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table. This information is supplied by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, which is responsible for the national vehicle and driver file, which contains the driver records on which penalty points are recorded.
|
Penalty points at 30 September 2005 |
Number of Drivers |
|
2 |
226,612 |
|
4 |
31,977 |
|
5 |
1,290 |
|
6 |
4,304 |
|
7 |
9 |
|
8 |
777 |
|
9 |
5 |
|
10 |
153 |
|
11 |
1 |
|
12 |
16 |
|
Total |
265,144 |
Note: Receipt of 12 points results in disqualification for six months.
Light Rail Project.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:249 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the number of passengers carried daily on the Luas; the extent to which it has replaced motor-cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29792/05]
The average Monday to Friday carryings are 60,000 passengers per day. In 2005, Luas is on course to carry nearly 21 million passengers. This is substantially ahead of projected passenger numbers. The Railway Procurement Agency, RPA, and the Dublin Transportation Office are carrying out a comprehensive assessment of the effect of Luas on travel patterns. The "before Luas" survey was carried out in the spring of 2004 and it is intended that the "after Luas" survey will be carried out in 2006 when travel patterns on Luas have become more established.
The RPA has also carried out less formal research on its customer base and it is clear that a large proportion of Luas users had previously used private vehicles. Apart from car transfers, there also appears to be a significant number of new trips to the city centre for business and recreation. This view is shared by city centre businesses, which report a substantial increase in business as a result of Luas and is reflected in the high levels of Luas usage in the traditional off peak periods and at weekends.
Question No. 250 answered with QuestionNo. 122.
Question No. 251 answered with QuestionNo. 105.
Traffic Management.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:252 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the details of all road, rail under and overground plans for the greater Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29814/05]
A ten year transport investment framework is currently being prepared which will identify the investment and outline the measures that I believe are required to further develop all elements of national transport infrastructure. While I am not in a position to outline details of the draft framework pending a decision by Government in the matter, I have indicated previously that I expect the broad direction of the framework to include transformation of the transport system in the greater Dublin area, with a particular focus on the public transport network.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:253 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether all heavy goods vehicles other than deliveries will disappear from Dublin city streets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29815/05]
Traffic management in the city centre is a matter for Dublin City Council. In parallel with the opening to traffic of the Dublin Port tunnel, Dublin City Council will be introducing a heavy goods vehicle traffic management strategy to ensure that maximum traffic benefits are secured from the Dublin Port tunnel. This strategy has three objectives: to ensure the optimal use by HGVs of the port tunnel, to minimise adverse effects of remaining HGV movements in the city and to manage the movement of vehicles not within permitted dimensions, for example, through permit systems.
My Department's formal role will be to put in place the necessary regulatory framework relating to traffic and parking management and road signage to support the strategy. In addition, my Department will continue to liaise with Dublin City Council as the strategy is finalised, so that I may be assured that maximum traffic benefits are indeed secured from it.
Road Network.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:254 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the means by which it is intended to funnel heavy goods vehicles into the port tunnel without using the M50 or alternatively using the M50 and thereby displacing existing traffic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29816/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:257 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied that all other trucks with the exception of super trucks will fit into the port tunnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29819/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 254 and 257 together.
Traffic management in general is a matter for the appropriate local authority and in the case of the M50, the city centre and in the vicinity of Dublin Port that authority is Dublin City Council. As a major new element in Dublin's road network the Dublin Port tunnel will have a considerable beneficial impact on traffic flow in the Dublin area. It will be of particular benefit in facilitating improved access to Dublin Port for HGVs while reducing HGV traffic in the city. The NRA and Dublin City Council are working to ensure that the tunnel, when open, will integrate smoothly with the existing road network. These works include a new entrance for Dublin Port and, as part of the M50 upgrade scheme, the upgrading of the M1-M50 junction and the widening of the M1 between Coolock Lane and the M50 junction to three lanes in each direction.
The NRA and Dublin City Council are also organising an interim third lane on the northbound carriageway of the M1 between Coolock Lane and the M50 junctions to provide temporary capacity increase and facilitate merging of tunnel and surface road traffic in this area prior to full improvements under the M50 upgrade scheme.
It is the view of Dublin City Council and the NRA that the Dublin Port tunnel will facilitate almost all of the HGV traffic currently using Dublin Port. The issue of routing vehicles unable to use the tunnel through the city will be addressed in the context of the heavy goods vehicle management strategy being prepared by Dublin City Council.
My Department's formal role will be to put in place the necessary regulatory framework relating to traffic and parking management and road signage to support the strategy. In addition, my Department will continue to liaise with Dublin City Council as the strategy is finalised, so that I may be assured that the primary objective of the Dublin Port tunnel — to provide a high quality access route to Dublin Port for heavy goods vehicles — is achieved in a manner which maximises the overall traffic benefit of the tunnel.
Question No. 255 answered with QuestionNo. 95.
Question No. 256 answered with QuestionNo. 235.
Question No. 257 answered with QuestionNo. 254.
Question No. 258 answered with QuestionNo. 235.
National Development Plan.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:259 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which the various projects identified by his Department in the context of the national development plan are on time and within cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29826/05]
Over €2.4 billion has been spent from Exchequer and EU funds to date on public transport infrastructure. The Exchequer provision for public transport investment this year is €426 million, clearly demonstrating the Government's strong ongoing commitment to the national development plan programme and to maintaining a high level of investment in public transport infrastructural projects. All the projects in the public transport sector that have been completed to date, and which are being funded under the national development plan, have been on time and within budget.
The Railway Procurement Agency, RPA, the body with responsibility for the Luas project, has assured me that the overall spend on the two Luas lines, the green line from Sandyford to St. Stephen's Green and the red line from Tallaght to Connolly Station, will be within the €775 million agreed budget, as notified to the Government in December 2002.
Since 2000, a total of 55 projects have been approved for funding under the regional airports measure of the NDP. Based on a total estimated cost of €18.46 million, grant aid of €15.534 million has been approved for projects to facilitate improvement works and upgrades in facilities to maintain continued safe, secure and viable operations at the regional airports. To date, €11.7 million has been paid out in grant assistance under the measure. The projects are generally on target and it is expected that all projects will be delivered within the timeframe of the NDP and the approved grant allocation for each airport will not be exceeded.
The national development plan provides for a substantial investment in the upgrade of the national road network over the period 2000-2006. Since the start of the plan, 53 projects have been completed. Work is in progress on 21 projects, another 18 projects are at tender stage and a further eight projects are through the statutory approval process. While the completion of the upgrade programme will extend beyond 2006 and will cost more than estimated in 1999, in recent years most projects have been completed within the cost budgeted at tender stage. Allied to the delivery of these schemes in accordance with their projected timescales, the national roads programme is now on a firm footing to deliver efficiently the vital infrastructure needed to sustain our economic growth and competitiveness.
Driving Tests.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:260 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he will increase throughput in respect of driving tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29838/05]
In order to deal with the unacceptable delays in obtaining a driving test, my Department and the Department of Finance have agreed a package of measures to reduce the backlog of driving test applications. The package includes a bonus scheme for driver testers, the recruitment of additional testers as well as the outsourcing of a block of tests. The package has the potential to deliver up to 80,000 additional driving tests and is currently the subject of negotiations with the staff associations.
Departmental Expenditure.
Arthur Morgan
Question:261 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the total amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) since 1997; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of controls applied in the procurement process; and if value for money has been achieved. [29562/05]
Arthur Morgan
Question:262 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the total amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) since 1997; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of controls applied in the procurement process; and if value for money has been achieved. [29577/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 261 and 262 together.
No contracts were awarded by my Department since its establishment to the companies in question.
Community Development.
Finian McGrath
Question:263 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will support a group (details supplied) in Dublin 5 in its efforts for grant assistance; and if he will give it maximum support. [29801/05]
An application has been received by my Department from the group in question under the 2005 programme of grants for locally based community and voluntary organisations. The process of assessment of the large number of applications received under the programme is ongoing and I expect to decide on qualifying applications early in November 2005.
Departmental Expenditure.
Arthur Morgan
Question:264 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the total amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) since 1997; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of controls applied in the procurement process; and if value for money has been achieved. [29563/05]
The Department has availed of subscription services from the company for access to independent research. The Department has used this subscription service as a source of information regarding the Department's ICT strategy, individual products and project specific technology issues. Given the scale and complexity of the Department's ICT, the budgets involved, and the long-term implications of decisions taken, access to quality independent advice is regarded as essential. While the company also provides consultancy the Department has not purchased any consultancy from the company.
Details of the contracts are provided in the following table.
|
Year |
Amount Paid |
Service/Contract |
Controls/Procurement Process |
VFM Comment |
|
€ |
||||
|
2000 |
8,752.76 |
Basic Internet access to this company’s global research databases. |
This is the pre-eminent global provider of independent analysis and advice to the IT sector. The decision to subscribe was approved by the head of IT. A tender process is not applicable. |
Access to independent reports and research papers in relation to ICT issues. The advice available is non-vendor specific and informs strategic ICT decisions. |
|
2002 |
69,180.45 |
Access to this company’s global research databases and Membership of Executive Program. |
In the light of the increased scale and complexity of the IT projects being delivered by the Department a decision was taken by the Head of IT to take membership of the company’s executive programme. |
Access to independent reports and research papers in relation to ICT issues. The advice available is non-vendor specific. Membership of the Executive Program has allowed the Department to benefit from regular access to a designated highly qualified local specialist, and unlimited access by the Department’s IT staff to the company’s analysts worldwide. It provides access to the company’s vast range of research, their objectivity and insight, and access to a network of senior IT managers in similar scale organisations. |
|
2003 |
79,775.30 |
Access to this company’s global research databases and Membership of Executive Program. |
Access to independent reports and research papers in relation to ICT issues. The advice available is non-vendor specific. Membership of the Executive Program has allowed the Department to benefit from regular access to a designated highly qualified local specialist, and unlimited access to the company’s analysts worldwide. It provides access to the company’s vast range of research, their objectivity and insight, and access to a network of senior IT managers in similar scale organisations. |
|
|
2004 |
86,817.50 |
Access to this company’s global research databases and Membership of Executive Program. |
Access to independent reports and research papers in relation to ICT issues. The advice available is non-vendor specific. Membership of the Executive Program has allowed the Department to benefit from regular access to a designated highly qualified local specialist, and unlimited access to the company’s analysts worldwide. It provides access to the company’s vast range of research, their objectivity and insight, and access to a network of senior IT managers in similar scale organisations. |
|
|
2005 |
88,626.45 |
Access to this company’s global research databases and Membership of Executive Program. |
Access to independent reports and research papers in relation to ICT issues. The advice available is non-vendor specific. Membership of the Executive Program has allowed the Department to benefit from regular access to a designated highly qualified local specialist, and unlimited access to the company’s analysts worldwide. It provides access to the company’s vast range of research, their objectivity and insight, and access to a network of senior IT managers in similar scale organisations. |
|
|
Total |
333,152.46 |
Arthur Morgan
Question:265 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the total amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) since 1997; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of controls applied in the procurement process; and if value for money has been achieved. [29578/05]
Under the provisions of the EU Council Regulation No. 1258/99 on the financing of the Common Agricultural Policy and Commission Regulation No. 1663/95, since 1995 the European Commission only finances expenditure that is made by paying agencies accredited by member states. As part of the accreditation process, the regulations require that the annual accounts of the CAP paying agencies in member states must be accompanied by an attestation certificate regarding the integrity, exactitude and veracity of the annual accounts. This certificate must be given by a certifying body that is operationally independent of the paying agency. In this context, some payments were made to Arthur Andersen from 1997 to 1999. The greater number of items in the Accenture table from 2000 to date relate to the purchase of contracted software development resources rather than consultancy.
|
Year |
Amount Paid |
Service/Contract |
Controls/Procurement Process |
VFM Comment |
|
€ |
||||
|
1997 |
88,047.84 |
EAGGF Audit |
Competitive tendering process |
As per above — audit is required under EU law |
|
£3,692.38 |
Professional advice given relating to the accounting treatment of Coillte’s investment in the Irish Forestry Unit Trust (IFUT) for the years 1994 to 1996. |
Appropriate procedures undertaken |
VFM obtained. |
|
|
1998 |
101,556.50 |
EAGGF Audit |
Tendering process in accordance with EU public procurement procedures |
As per above — audit is required under EU law |
|
34,200 |
Area Aid Project |
Appropriate tendering process |
VFM obtained |
|
|
1999 |
139,790.80 |
EAGGF Audit |
Tendering process in accordance with EU public procurement procedures |
As per above — audit is required under EU law |
|
66,550 |
Review of Beef Export Refunds Payments |
The contract was awarded on the basis of a competitive tender and, because of its complexity and timescale, Accenture were most suitable for the project given their competence and knowledge of the processes concerned. |
The adoption of the report has allowed for significant improvement in the service provided to customers and, in particular, the reduction in the time for the payment of beef export refunds to traders to a maximum period of 28 days. |
|
|
2000 |
12,533 |
Review of Procurement Process of Intervention Operations |
Arthur Andersen & Co were the certifying body at the time that they were awarded this contract. This uniquely qualified them for the task, and they were awarded the contract because of the knowledge they had of the Intervention Schemes as a result of their accreditation certification work. |
VFM obtained |
|
Year |
Amount Paid |
Service/Contract |
Controls/Procurement Process |
VFM Comment |
|
€ |
||||
|
2000 |
36,568.46 |
The Department commissioned The company to assist in the development and production of its eGovernment Strategy. All Government Departments were required to produce such strategies in 2000. |
The company were awarded this contract following a competitive tendering process. (The tender chosen was lowest priced received). |
The Department’s eStrategy was developed and delivered to the Department of the Taoiseach on time and within budget. |
|
2000 |
13,827.45 |
The company were requested to make recommendations regarding the setting up of an IT Security Unit within the Department. |
The company were requested to undertake the work as they were already familiar with the IT Security issues facing the Department, having carried out audit work for the Department. |
Work was completed on time and within cost. The recommendations were accepted and the IT Security Unit was successfully established shortly afterwards. |
|
2001 |
56,985.84 |
In 2001, The company were commissioned to provide expertise in Technical Architecture Design, specifically in the area of our Java programming and J2EE environments. This was a requirement of the IT Strategy. |
Public Tendering Process |
Work was completed on time and within cost. This provided vital software and standards that would protect the Department’s investment. The software provided allows for competing vendors to supply different modules of the Department’s technical infrastructure. |
|
2001 |
5,472,053.00 |
Re-engineering of existing Geographical Information and Area Aid Payments System into a single integrated system |
Open EU Procurement Tender |
This work was to provide the controls necessary to underpin the payment of approximately €1.5 billion per annum in EU direct farmer payments. The system was delivered on schedule and provides an excellent service. |
|
2001 |
53,138.53 |
Provision of Computer Programmers to assist with the development of a Corporate Customer System |
The tender was advertised on the eTenders public procurement website. Responses to tenders were evaluated based on pre-determined selection and award criteria. Short-listed candidates were interviewed. The tender was awarded to most economically advantageous tender response. |
The majority of the IT work required to develop this key corporate software asset was carried out by in-house Staff. The Department is satisfied that very good value for money was achieved. |
|
2001 |
4,704 |
Review of Department’s Business Continuity Plan |
Appropriate procedures undertaken |
VFM obtained |
|
2002 |
127,437.30 |
In 2001, The company were commissioned to provide expertise in Technical Architecture Design, specifically in the area of our Java programming and J2EE environments. This was a requirement of the IT Strategy. |
Public Tendering Process |
Work was completed on time and within cost. This provided vital software and standards that would protect the Department’s investment. The software provided allows for competing vendors to supply different modules of the Department’s technical infrastructure. |
|
2002 |
151,240.32 |
In 2002, The company were asked to provide expertise to build a multi project method of secure access to systems within DAF. This was to be built upon their own security modules. |
As The company had provided the technical framework for the J2EE environment and had prepared the Technical Architecture design for that environment, they were commissioned to undertake the building of a system to provide secure access for all our staff to all new IT systems with the flexibility to move seamlessly and efficiently between these systems. This was a force majeure measure as (1) other projects were being delayed, with potential cost implications, due to the lack of such a secure access facility (2) issue had been raised during EU Certification Audit (3) the essential skills and expertise were not available within the Department (4) the underlying environment had been designed and built by The company |
The Department now had a secure method of access to all systems for its internal staff. The system was now capable of handling multi-application access. This meant less coding and time savings for future developers. This increased security had been an essential requirement which had been identified by the Certifying Body during part of the annual Accreditation Audit of the Department as an EU Paying Agency |
|
2002 |
5,776,499.00 |
Continued Re-engineering of Geographical Information and Area Aid Payment System including maintenance of previously developed facilities |
Open EU Procurement Tender of 2001. |
This work was to provide the controls necessary to underpin the payment of approximately €1.5 billion per annum in EU direct farmer payments. |
|
2002 |
227,913.68 |
Provision of Computer Programmers to assist with the development of a Corporate Customer System |
The tender was advertised on the eTenders public procurement website. Responses to the tender were evaluated based on pre-determined selection and award criteria. Short-listed candidates were interviewed. Tender details were also submitted to the Government Contracts Committee and approval was received to award it the most economically advantageous tender response. |
The majority of the IT work required to develop this key corporate software asset was carried out by in-house Staff. The Department is satisfied that very good value for money was achieved. |
|
2003 |
1,503,356.00 |
Maintenance of Geographical Information and Area Aid Payment System and provision of Internet access to farmers |
Open EU Procurement Tender of 2001. |
This work was to provide the controls necessary to underpin the payment of approximately €1.5 billion per annum in EU direct farmer payments. |
|
2004 |
21,888.90 |
Essential security modifications (based on an independent external review) to the Department’s access control system for internet based applications. |
The company were requested to undertake the work, as The company had written the access control application and had the essential skills and expertise, which were not available within the Department. Work period of 27 days. |
The modifications were delivered on time and within budget. |
|
2004 |
29,995.90 |
Modifications to the Department’s access control system for the Animal Identification and Movement internet based application as approved by the AIM project board. |
The company were requested to undertake the work, as The company had written the access control application and had the essential skills and expertise, which were not available within the Department. Work period of 33 days. |
The modifications were delivered on time and within budget. |
|
2004 |
2,454,950.00 |
Maintenance of Geographical Information and Area Aid Payment System and commencement of development of system for Single Farm Payment |
Open EU Procurement Tender |
This work was to provide the controls necessary to underpin the payment of approximately €1.5 billion per annum in EU direct farmer payments. The ability to build on an existing system to meet the requirements of the Single Farm Payment is saving the Department considerable cost. |
|
2004 |
916,627.04 |
Contract to build the IFORIS Computer System for the Forest Service. |
Extension of existing contract which was put in place in accordance with national and EU procurement procedures |
The provides end to end support for the processing of forestry grants and integrates the geographical functionality, providing a very high level of control. The project is near completion. This represents good value for money for acquiring a software asset of this scale and type |
|
2005 |
1,111,059.58 |
Continuation of the above project |
Continuation of the above project |
Continuation of the above project |
|
2005 |
174,784.50 |
Contract to build the FIMS (Forest Industry Mapping System) Computer System for the Forest Service |
Extension of existing contract which was put in place in accordance with national and EU procurement procedures |
Represents good value for money for acquiring a software asset of this type |
|
2005 |
27,225.00 |
Support contract for the Department’s access control system for internet based applications. |
The company were requested to provide the support, as The company had written the access control application and have the essential skills and expertise, which are not available within the Department. Work period of 33 days. |
The support is ongoing and timely. |
|
2005 |
1,319,476.00 |
Continued development of Single Farm Payment system |
Open EU Procurement Tender of 2004. |
This work was to provide the controls necessary to underpin the payment of approximately €1.5 billion per annum in EU direct farmer payments. The ability to build on an existing system to meet the requirements of the Single Farm Payment is saving the Department considerable cost. |
|
Total |
19,475,056.50 |
Farm Waste Management.
Dan Neville
Question:266 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a person in County Limerick who was granted funding under the current farm waste management scheme for slatted tanks and a cubicle shed and who has all underground work completed is eligible for funding under the new scheme to be introduced from January 2006 if no further work was undertaken. [29637/05]
Farmers who have been approved to carry out works under the current farm waste management scheme and who have not commenced such works may apply to the Department for the cancellation of such approvals and make a renewed application under the revised farm waste management scheme when it is introduced. However, such work must not commence until approval has been issued by my Department under the revised scheme.
In addition, farmers may also apply for the cancellation of approvals under the existing scheme in regard to distinct and separate units of work which have not yet commenced and which form part of an approval comprising two or more units of work, and submit new applications under the revised scheme, when introduced, in respect of such items. For this purpose, underground tanks and cubicle sheds are considered to be separate units of work. However, cancellations shall not be permitted in respect of any units of work which have already commenced under the existing scheme.
World Trade Negotiations.
Martin Ferris
Question:267 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will make a statement on the Government’s attitude towards the forthcoming WTO negotiations and the implications they may have for agriculture here. [29652/05]
The Government is committed to achieving a balanced agreement between the various elements of the WTO negotiations, which are expected to reach a conclusion at the ministerial conference in Hong Kong in December. In so far as agriculture is concerned, the over-riding objective is to ensure that the terms of the final agreement can be accommodated without the need for further reform of the Common Agricultural Policy.
More specifically, the priorities are to ensure that the phasing-out of all forms of export subsidies will be applied in parallel, as provided for under the WTO framework agreement which was concluded in August 2004, and that the phasing-out period will be as long as possible; that Ireland's agricultural exports will remain competitive in the EU market through the continuation of adequate levels of tariff protection on imports from third countries; that the EU system of direct payments which, following decoupling, qualify as non-trade-distorting, will continue to be exempt from reductions under the new agreement.
The Commission negotiates in the WTO on the basis of a mandate which was agreed by the Council of Ministers. The mandate reflects the position following the reforms of the Common Agricultural Policy. At a meeting of the General Affairs and Foreign Ministers Council on 18 October which I attended, it was again agreed that the mandate remained valid and that it constitutes the limits for the EU's negotiating brief in the WTO. I will continue to monitor developments in the negotiations and to participate fully in discussions with a view to achieving a satisfactory outcome for Irish agriculture.
Grant Payments.
John Perry
Question:268 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the 2005 area aid payment will be released to a person (details supplied) in County Sligo in view of the fact that following the inspection the issues relating to land parcel numbers have been clarified and in view of the fact that the acreage is well in excess of the requirements; when payment will be released; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29804/05]
An application under the disadvantaged areas scheme was received from the person named on 16 May 2005. Following computer validation, the application of the person named was randomly selected for, and was the subject of, a ground cross compliance inspection. During the course of the inspection it was discovered that a land parcel, which was claimed as forage only, also contained forestry. This error was deemed to be a non-intentional declaration. The areas involved have been redigitised by my Department and given two separate parcel numbers. The application of the person named has been fully processed for payment and this payment will issue as soon as possible.
Animal Diseases.
John Perry
Question:269 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the precautions which will be implemented to prevent the spread of the bird flu pandemic here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29805/05]
My Department has appropriate structures in place to deal with the veterinary dimension of the avian influenza threat and is, of course, also in ongoing liaison with the Department of Health and Children. My Department has already put in place an early warning system, with the co-operation of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the National Association of Regional Game Councils and BirdWatch Ireland, through which unusual or increased patterns of wild bird mortalities are reported.
My Department has been engaged in a risk based approach to the implementation of appropriate measures to minimise the risk of the introduction of avian influenza to Ireland. While endeavouring to reduce the risk of the introduction of the disease, much of our effort is placed on the early detection and speedy eradication of the disease.
An EU Commission decision adopted in Brussels last Friday provides for the introduction of additional biosecurity measures and early detection systems. Each member state is required to implement the measures provided for on the basis of a risk assessment, taking full account of the criteria and risk factors set out in the annexes to the decision. Following the decision adopted on Friday last, officials of my Department met the other stakeholders to review the provisions of the decision and the effective operation of the existing early warning system.
A further key element in early detection is testing carried out under the annual avian influenza survey plan, as provided for by Commission Decision 2005/464/EC. The testing of samples is undertaken by the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory in Abbotstown.
There has been a serological monitoring programme in place since 1995 as part of the poultry health programme that monitors commercial breeding poultry, chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese, just before they come into lay and when they move sites. In addition, blood samples from clinically sick poultry are screened, as are commercial layer flocks before export. Some 20,000 samples are screened for all subtypes annually.
A more extensive survey including other categories of poultry and wild birds has been carried out as part of an EU survey since 2002. It is expected that, as part of this year's survey, samples will again be taken from birds in wildlife sanctuaries of international interest as well as game clubs. During last year's sample, 350 samples were analysed and it is anticipated that this figure will be exceeded this year. Surveillance is central to the early detection and the outcome of the surveillance of wild birds should further provide valuable information, for an early warning system, of strains that may be introduced to poultry from wild birds.
In addition to the early warning arrangements, my Department has also updated and reissued advice and information on biosecurity measures to be taken by poultry flock owners as well as measures that might be taken to minimise the risk of introducing the disease. My Department has also published the clinical symptoms of avian influenza to watch out for and has issued advice to those travelling to and from affected areas. The Department is continually reassessing the level of risk, in light of any emerging information and taking account of the most up-to-date veterinary and scientific advice available. We will continue to operate a risk based approach and maintain a measured response to the risk.
In the event of an outbreak of avian influenza, we have a range of measures to put in place to ensure the early eradication of the disease, including the slaughtering of birds and the declaration of a 3 km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone around the infected premises. Movements of poultry, poultry transport, carcasses, eggs and other articles likely to transmit the virus would be controlled by licence. The infected premises would be subject to cleaning and disinfecting under official supervision of my Department.
I am satisfied that my Department has, based on the current level of risk, put in place such measures as are appropriate and I will not hesitate to introduce such additional measures as may be appropriate to any increased risk.
Beef Exports.
Billy Timmins
Question:270 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the amount of beef that has been exported from here to Egypt from May 2002 to 30 September 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29834/05]
Export refunds were paid in the period from 1 May 2002 to 30 September 2005 in respect of the export of approximately 1,000 tonnes of beef to Egypt. Trade was significantly affected by the special and onerous conditions attached to the export regime by the Egyptian authorities in the period in question. These involved considerable additional costs for the traders with regard to testing, veterinary inspections and so forth.
After considerable work on the Egyptian market I can say that significant progress has been made following the signing last August of a new protocol on veterinary and animal health conditions to be applied to Irish beef exports to Egypt. I anticipate that this development, which effectively reduces the costs associated with beef exports to this destination, along with the higher export refund rate for Egypt, will enhance trade prospects this autumn.
Beef exports to Egypt have only recently resumed and I am delighted that, over the past month, traders have taken out export licences for Egypt amounting to 1,400 tonnes.
Road Traffic Offences.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:271 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of money accruing from the penalty points system; the use to which such funds have been put; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29791/05]
With regard to the amount of money accruing on foot of payments from fixed charge notices and court fines in connection with which penalty points were imposed, this information is not readily available and could only be obtained by the expenditure of a disproportionate amount of staff time and resources.I can inform the Deputy that all moneys received are surrendered to the Exchequer as extra Exchequer receipts and are accounted for in the appropriation accounts.
Departmental Expenditure.
Arthur Morgan
Question:272 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the total amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) since 1997; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of controls applied in the procurement process; and if value for money has been achieved. [29564/05]
The contracts and services provided to my Department by the company in question since 1997 are outlined below.
There is a contract in respect of access to vendor independent research material, briefings and advisory services on the IT industry worldwide which gives the user on-line access to research and to the company's analysts through an inquiry facility. The contract is renewable on an annual, per user basis. Renewal of the contract has been reviewed each year, in accordance with public service guidelines on the procurement of goods and services from sole suppliers. The following amounts have been paid to the company in question for this contract by my Department for each of the years in question: in 1997, nil; in 1998, €8,750.62; in 1999, nil; in 2000, nil; in 2001, €8,686.80; in 2002, €20,328; in 2003, €23,861.30; in 2004, €14,520.00; and in 2005, €14,520. All figures include VAT.
In 1998, my Department paid the company in question €1,185.14 for services with regard to a conference event.
In addition, the Courts Service has entered into the following contracts with the company in question:
|
Date |
Amount |
Purpose |
|
€ |
||
|
2000 |
345.69 |
Registration fee for briefing event in Dublin |
|
2003 |
1,203.95 |
Cost of report on Strategic Outsourcing |
|
2005 |
3,146.00 |
Registration fee for conference in London |
|
2005 |
15,125.00 |
Subscription to Core Research Advisor |
All contracts referred to above were in accordance with public service guidelines on the procurement of goods and services from sole suppliers.
Information in respect of any services provided by the company in question to the Garda Síochána is not readily available in the time allowed for response and will be forwarded to the Deputy in due course.
Arthur Morgan
Question:273 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the total amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) since 1997; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of controls applied in the procurement process; and if value for money has been achieved. [29579/05]
The contracts and services provided to my Department by the company in question since 1997 are outlined below.
A contract to supply and implement a financial management system for the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the Courts Service, the Irish Prison Service and the Garda Síochána was awarded to the company in question in March 2002. The tender was advertised through the EU Journal and all responses were evaluated on the basis of the most economically advantageous tender by a team comprising senior officers from each of the end-user agencies. The project was managed using PRINCE methodology and included a project board which met regularly for the duration of the project and oversaw all aspects of the project, including quality assurance. The scope of the project was subsequently extended to include services for the Land Registry and Registry of Deeds and the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism.
All defined deliverables were completed within the terms of the original contract and as a result of the project coming in under budget, the company in question agreed to include further deliverables outside the scope of the original contract at no additional cost, representing significant value for money for the Department. The cost of this contract to date is €14,124,005.81. This project is yielding very significant results in that the full range of financial management services for all the Departments and agencies, including the Garda Síochána, the Irish Prison Service and the Courts Service, are being delivered: for example, the payroll element alone comprises salary payments to about 22,000 staff who are paid either every week or fortnightly.
A separate contract was awarded to the company in question in January 2005 for the supply and implementation of a calculation and payment system for the criminal legal aid process. Similar procurement arrangements applied for this contract as for the financial management system project. This contract is for a fixed price of €560,720.40, of which €363,65 has been paid to date. This project also came in on time and within budget and represents value for money and a significant improvement on the predecessor system, which had been in operation for a considerable number of years.
Following an evaluation process carried out by representatives from the asylum agencies and divisions of the Department, a contract was awarded to the company in question for the development of a high level information management and information technology strategic plan for the asylum services. Work commenced in May 2002. This work was carried out under the control of a project board made up of representatives from the asylum agencies and divisions of the Department, including business users and information technology users. Board meetings were held at regular intervals and all deliverables were monitored carefully. The contract was for the fixed price of €127,000, including VAT. The final strategy was delivered in October 2002 and is currently being implemented by the Department I regret it has not been possible in the time available to compile information in respect of contracts or services provided by this company to the Garda Síochána. This will be forwarded to the Deputy in due course.
Visa Applications.
Paul Kehoe
Question:274 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the way in which a person (details supplied) in County Wexford must make an application for residency; when this can be done; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29597/05]
I understand from available records that the person in question has been granted residency in the State until 16 February 2010 on the basis of marriage to an Irish national.
Freedom of Information.
Trevor Sargent
Question:275 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if consideration is being given by the Government to introducing or amending legislation (details supplied) for the purpose of making the Garda Síochána subject to sections 15 and 16 only of the Freedom of Information Act 1997 as amended. [29599/05]
The Garda Síochána is one of the bodies under the aegis of my Department that has not to date been made subject to the Freedom of Information Acts 1997 and 2003. These Acts have been extended to additional public bodies on a phased basis since commencement in 1998. The Department of Finance conducted a consultation exercise in 2004 aimed at identifying public bodies to whom it would be appropriate to extend the Acts. I decided against any extension of the Acts to the Garda Síochána at that time but directed that the issue be reviewed in 2007.
Garda Operations.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:276 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether it is acceptable that the Garda Síochána has been failing to provide protection to fire brigade crews in the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown council area who have come under attack while dealing with deliberately started house fires on a council housing estate in Loughlinstown; the reason these arson attacks are not being investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29600/05]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of Garda resources, including personnel, that Garda support for fire brigade crews is provided when requested. The Garda authorities inform me that the area the Deputy is referring to is a residential complex consisting of three storey properties that are in the process of being demolished. It is anticipated that the demolition will be completed within a short time once the remaining residents have been rehoused. Some units have been the subject of criminal damage, mainly small fires in and around the disused areas of the complex. The local detective unit is currently investigating incidents of criminal damage in the area.
I understand that meetings between local Garda management and local representative groups are ongoing and meetings have also taken place between Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, the builders and the site security company. The area receives and will continue to receive extra Garda attention in the form of both mobile and beat patrols. In the period around Hallowe'en, the area will be a high priority and will continue to be the focus of increased high visibility patrolling.
Garda Investigations.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:277 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the normal investigative procedure used by the Garda Síochána in following up a report of a burglary; and if this, as a matter of course, includes the taking of finger prints. [29601/05]
The question raised by the Deputy is primarily an operational matter for the Garda authorities. However, I have made inquiries with the Garda authorities and I am informed that it is normal investigative procedure for the report of a burglary to be followed up by a visit from the Garda Síochána to the scene to confirm that a crime has taken place and gather evidence in support of a criminal investigation. The gathering of evidence may include finger mark evidence, depending on the circumstances of the case.
The role of the Garda Síochána is to investigate alleged offences, to gather whatever evidence may be available and to submit a report to the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP. The question of whether a particular person should be prosecuted and for what criminal offence is the responsibility of the DPP. The DPP, who is independent in the performance of his functions, makes his decision on the basis of the Garda findings viewed against the background of common and-or statute law.
Visa Applications.
Catherine Murphy
Question:278 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will re-examine the refusal of his Department to grant visas to persons (details supplied) to join their parents here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29602/05]
The three visa applications in question were received by my Department on 7 September 2005 for the stated purposes of enabling the applicants to travel to the State to reside with their parents here. The mother of the applicants arrived in the State on 22 September 2002 and made an unsuccessful asylum application. She gave birth on 7 October 2002 and applied for residency based solely on parentage of an Irish born child. This was granted in April 2005. The father of the applicants arrived in the State on 10 March 2005 and made an unsuccessful asylum application. He also applied for residency based on parentage of the same Irish born child. This was granted in September 2005.
Applicants for permission to reside in the State solely on the basis of parentage of an Irish born child were made fully aware of Government policy in this area, namely, that persons granted residency on that basis should not expect to have any entitlement to be joined in the State by other family members. This fact was clearly stated on the front page of the application form for such residency. The application form also included a statutory declaration to be signed by applicants indicating their acceptance, inter alia, that the granting of such permission to remain does not confer any entitlements or legitimate expectation on any other person, whether related or not, to enter the State.
Garda Strength.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:279 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if additional resources will be made available to the gardaí in Tallaght to allow them take more effective and immediate action in co-operation with South Dublin County Council in respect of behaviour problems in the council’s housing estates in Tallaght; his views on the need for action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29651/05]
I am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of Tallaght Garda station as on 18 October 2005 was 173 for all ranks. The personnel strength of Tallaght Garda station as on 31 December 1997 was 133 for all ranks. This represents an increase of 40% or 30% in the number of personnel allocated to Tallaght Garda station since that date. Local Garda management states it is satisfied that resources currently available in Tallaght are adequate to meet the policing needs of the community.
I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that Tallaght community gardaí work in close co-operation with South Dublin County Council tackling anti-social behaviour. Community gardaí are assigned to ten specific neighbourhoods or parishes that comprise the Tallaght area and are in close working relationship with statutory and voluntary agencies and community representatives on a daily basis. Specific areas of concern with regard to anti-social behaviour are targeted for more intensive policing.
Regarding Garda resources generally, the accelerated recruitment campaign of 1,100 Garda recruits each year to reach a record force strength of 14,000, in line with the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government, is fully on target. This will lead to a combined strength of both attested gardaí and recruits in training of 14,000 by the end of 2006. The Garda Commissioner will now draw up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources and in this context the needs of Tallaght will be fully considered within the overall context of areas throughout the country.
Child Care Services.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:280 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress that has been made on a follow-up programme to the equal opportunities child care programme; if the new programme will include capital as well as staff costs in order to deliver subsidised child care places; and when the replacement programme will be announced. [29659/05]
The equal opportunities child care programme, EOCP, 2000-2006, which is implemented by my Department, has been a landmark development in Irish child care policy. As this very successful investment programme nears its final stage, the full range of child care issues and how we should best address them are being critically examined in a number of fora at this time.
At official level, the issue of a follow-up programme to the EOCP is currently being examined in the context of the broad-ranging consideration of child care issues being undertaken by representatives of a number of Departments taking part in the high level working group on early childhood care and education under the co-ordination of the National Children's Office. In addition, a number of respected bodies have issued or are about to issue informative reports. These include the recent reports of the National Women's Council of Ireland, NWCI, and the National Economic and Social Forum, NESF. Other reports expected to be published shortly include the national quality framework for early childhood services by the Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education, CECDE, and the early years curriculum by the National Council for Curriculum Assessment, NCCA. The National Economic and Social Council, NESC, is also expected to comment on child care when it issues its expected report. These reports and their recommendations will inform the present consideration of the wide range of cross-cutting issues that affect child care.
While it is not possible at this stage to comment on the nature of any follow-on programme to the EOCP, the Government is already committed to continued expenditure beyond the end of the programme to ensure that its momentum is maintained. I believe this indicates a strong commitment to the adoption of a future programme to further develop our child care infrastructure. EOCP funding commitments have been made beyond 2006 in respect of both capital and staffing grant assistance. The level of demand for capital grant assistance was such that I considered it important to increase the capital provision for the present programme. An additional capital provision of €90 million was made available over the period 2005-09 in the context of the 2005 budget. Of this amount, €50 million is being made available under the present programme and the remaining €40 million will flow under the next phase of the post-2006 EOCP.
Regarding staffing grant assistance and following a detailed review of the existing staffing grants under the EOCP, my Department recently extended the terms of the grants to the end of December 2007 to groups that have received staffing grants for a period of three or more years and which continue to deliver a child care service in accordance with their pre-agreed targets. My Department has been at the forefront of developing quality child care services through the EOCP and I hope to continue this role and its valuable contribution to future Government policy on child care. Pending a decision by Government in this regard, I am not in a position to comment further on the issues raised by the Deputy.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:281 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons who have availed of the grant for a child minder in the home in each of the past five years. [29660/05]
A total of 33 city-county child care committees, CCCs, were established in 2001 to prepare and deliver a five year child care development strategy plan to address the specific child care needs of each of the 33 local areas. To implement its strategy plan, each CCC prepares an annual action plan, which is funded under the quality measure of the equal opportunities child care programme, EOCP, 2000 — 2006. I allocated over €7.6 million to the 33 CCCs for the implementation of their 2005 action plans.
I also approved annual funding to the 33 CCCs for the implementation of the national child minding initiative, specifically targeted at child minders, who play a key role in the delivery of child care. I allocated €965,000 to this initiative in 2005 which supports training, networking, information needs and a quality awareness programme of lectures. Funding is also available under this initiative to child minders to enhance their service through small developmental capital grants of up to 90% of the total cost with a maximum of €630. I made available a funding allocation of €1.89 million for this purpose in 2004. However, as the numbers seeking the grants were less than anticipated, this allocation was carried over to 2005. My Department is currently reviewing the child minders grants element of the EOCP to assess the future needs in this area.
The national child minding initiative commenced in 2003 and, consequently, figures relating to persons participating are only available from the beginning of 2004. Between January 2004 and June 2005, 547 child minders availed of the child minder development grants and 3,362 child minders attended the quality awareness lecture programme and other training courses provided by the CCCs.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:282 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the names of the community based child care services receiving staffing grants under the equal opportunities child care programme; the number of children in receipt of child care services funded by the equal opportunities child care programme; the names of groups which have had their funding cut; and the reasons therefor. [29661/05]
To the end of September 2005, 832 applications from community based and not for profit projects received staffing grant assistance, totalling over €162 million under the equal opportunities child care programme, EOCP, 2000-06. This is in addition to capital funding of €233.5 million allocated under the programme to the end of September 2005.
Total funding allocated under the programme to the end of September 2005 is expected to lead to the creation of approximately 39,000 new child care places and to support a further 31,500 existing child care places. By the end of June 2005, approximately 26,000 of these new places were already in place. Staffing grant assistance under the EOCP is normally approved for three years in the first instance. Subsequent approval of continuation funding normally follows a review of the extent to which a service is meeting the targets agreed in its contract with Area Development Management, ADM, Limited, which is engaged by my Department to manage the day to day administration of the grants.
To benefit from funding, groups must continue to pay particular attention to supporting disadvantaged families and to the implementation of a fee structure tailored to the differing economic circumstances of their client group, thereby ensuring that child care places subsidised by the EOCP are targeted towards those most in need. Following a detailed review of the existing staffing grants under the EOCP, my Department recently extended the terms of the grants to the end of December 2007 to groups which received staffing grants for a period of three or more years and which continue to deliver a child care service in accordance with their pre-agreed targets.
Where a service is significantly failing to meet the terms of its contract, the level of funding under the EOCP may be revised downwards. The converse is also true and a service significantly exceeding the targets in its contract may have its funding revised upwards. Should the Deputy have a query with regard to the level of funding approved for a specific child care service, my Department will be happy to supply him with the relevant details.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:283 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will give a detailed breakdown of child care spending under the National Development Plan 2000-06; if he will explain the grounds on which the decision to increase the target supply of centre based child care places was based; and if it was due to the increased number of women in the active workforce or labour market needs for more women. [29662/05]
As the Deputy may be aware the equal opportunities child care programme is funded as part of the two regional operational programmes under the NDP and receives co-funding under the European Union Structural Funds. The table sets out the progress to date of the EOCP as reported by grant beneficiaries to ADM Limited.
|
Capital |
Staffing |
Quality Improvement |
EOCP Total |
|
|
(€ Million) |
(€ Million) |
(€ Million) |
(€ Million) |
|
|
BMW Region |
27.256 |
31.621 |
14.404 |
73.281 |
|
SAE Region |
64.958 |
65.654 |
30.609 |
161.221 |
|
National Total to June 05 |
92.214 |
97.275 |
45.013 |
234.502 |
|
NDP Forecast (to Dec 05) |
105.831 |
152.209 |
55.042 |
313.082 |
|
% of NDP forecast |
87% |
64% |
82% |
75% |
The interim evaluation of the EOCP and the mid-term evaluation commented positively on the performance of the child care measures, resulting in the allocation of additional funds to the child care measures. This increased the EU contribution to the child care measures from €170 million to €181 million. The reviews also highlighted the fact that the EOCP was performing well and that it was likely to meet the targets set in 1999 and 2000 well within the lifetime of the NDP.
On this basis my Department proposed revised targets for expenditure under the NDP to the managing authorities of the regional operational programmes. These amendments were agreed with the managing authorities and later approved by the respective monitoring committees of the regional operational programmes. The increase in the targets of the EOCP were a result of positive programme performance and took into account the additional funding for the measures and, as a result, an increase in the target was warranted.
The number of women in the active workforce continues to increase rapidly and has grown from a figure of 400,400 in 1990, to 819,000 in 2005. This increase is clearly an important contributor to Ireland's growing need for child care service provision, a need which the EOCP was established to address.
Garda Deployment.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:284 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí employed as full-time telecommunications technicians in the Garda Síochána. [29664/05]
I am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of Garda resources, including personnel, that 65 gardaí are employed as full-time telecommunications technicians in the Garda Síochána.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:285 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí which form the special bicycle theft unit set up as a result of his raising the increase in this crime with the Garda Commissioner. [29665/05]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that a special bicycle theft unit has not yet been established. I am further informed that an examination of the situation is being carried out, with a view to putting in place appropriate measures to address bicycle theft.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:286 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí who are employed in the servicing and repairing of Garda official and unofficial vehicles. [29666/05]
I am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that two Garda sergeants, five Garda mechanics and one Garda storeman are directly employed in the servicing and repairing of Garda vehicles. I am further advised that the Garda Síochána only services official Garda vehicles.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:287 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí per division who have been employed in drugs units in each year since 1998. [29667/05]
It is not possible in the time available to obtain the detailed information requested by the Deputy. I will communicate further with the Deputy as soon as the requested information, to the extent that it can reasonably be compiled, is to hand.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:288 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí per division who have been employed in the special detective unit in each year since 1998. [29668/05]
It is not possible in the time available to obtain the detailed information requested by the Deputy. I will communicate further with the Deputy as soon as the requested information, to the extent that it can reasonably be compiled, is to hand.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:289 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí per division who have been employed in traffic duties in each year since 1998. [29669/05]
It is not possible in the time available to obtain the detailed information requested by the Deputy. I will communicate further with the Deputy as soon as the requested information, to the extent that it can reasonably be compiled, is to hand.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:290 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí who are employed in forensics. [29670/05]
I am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that there are currently 93 gardaí, all ranks, employed full time at the Garda technical bureau, Garda headquarters. In addition, there are 104 gardaí, all ranks, employed full time in forensics nationally — and 53 gardaí, all ranks, are employed in forensics on a part-time basis nationally.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:291 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí who are assigned respectively to the fraud squad, escorts and personnel protection unit, and the Criminal Assets Bureau. [29671/05]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength, all ranks, of the Criminal Assets Bureau and the Garda bureau of fraud investigation as at 17 October 2005 was as set out in the following table:
|
Division |
Strength |
|
Criminal Assets Bureau |
28 |
|
Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation |
57 |
I have been further informed that for security and operational reasons it is not Garda policy to disclose the number of personnel allocated to escorts and personnel protection duties.
Garda Training.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:292 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons who are currently in Templemore training to be gardaí; and the stages of training they are at. [29672/05]
I am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that 825 trainees have been admitted to the Garda College to begin training to date in 2005. A further 275 trainees are due to begin training at the Garda College in November. The number of trainees at the Garda College, Templemore as at 18 October 2005 was as set out hereunder:
|
Phase |
Total |
|
Phase I |
281 |
|
Phase III |
161 |
|
Total |
442 |
There have been three intakes of Garda recruits so far this year. The first two intakes, of approximately 550 recruits in total, are now at phase II of their training. This means that a total of approximately 992 recruits are in training at present. The current student-probationer education, training and development programme consists of five separate but integrated phases. Phase I, 20 weeks, phase III, 16 weeks, and phase V, four weeks, are conducted at the Garda College with the exception of the final four weeks of phase III which are delivered at operational training stations. Phase II, 22 weeks, and phase IV, 38 weeks, are conducted at designated operational training stations. Garda trainees are attested to the force on successful completion of phase III of their training. On attestation, Garda trainees become serving members of the force. Formal graduation takes place following the completion of the fifth and final phase of training.
The accelerated recruitment campaign of 1,100 Garda recruits each year to reach a force strength of 14,000, in line with the commitment in the An Agreed Programme for Government, is fully on target. This will lead to a combined strength, of both attested gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 by the end of 2006.
Garda Deployment.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:293 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí who are assigned respectively to the air support unit, drug unit, mounted unit, special bicycle unit, cash escort duties daily, internal IT duties, Garda national immigration unit; and the number seconded overseas. [29673/05]
It is not possible in the time available to obtain the detailed information requested by the Deputy. I will communicate further with the Deputy as soon as the requested information, to the extent that it can reasonably be compiled, is to hand.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:294 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí who are assigned respectively as juvenile, gay and lesbian, and ethnic minority community liaison officers. [29674/05]
I am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that there are currently 86 juvenile liaison officer gardaí and eight sergeants working in the various divisions throughout the country. In addition, the national juvenile office has a staff of one superintendent, two inspectors and two sergeants.
I am further informed that the current number of gardaí assigned as liaison officers to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons is 16. The figure for ethnic liaison officers is 187. With regard to Garda resources generally, the accelerated recruitment campaign of 1,100 recruits each year to reach a record force strength of 14,000, in line with the commitment in the An Agreed Programme for Government, is fully on target. This will lead to a combined strength, of both attested gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 by the end of 2006.
The Garda Commissioner will draw up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources, and in this context the needs of the Garda offices referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered in the context of overall needs throughout the country.
Garda Communications.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:295 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in planning for a new Garda communications system, the Tetra integrated network model used by all the emergency and governmental services on the Isle of Man has been looked at as an effective model for Ireland. [29675/05]
I am advised by the Garda authorities that prior to the installation of the pilot digital radio network into parts of the Dublin metropolitan area, Tetra installations used by other European forces, including the Isle of Man, were examined. Any issues encountered by others were taken into account when the specifications for the system were being compiled.
Garda Training.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:296 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí who have undertaken the Garda liaison officers’ familiarisation two day course for officers dealing with the gay and lesbian community; and the grades of those gardaí. [29676/05]
I am informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the number of gardaí who have undertaken the Garda liaison officers' familiarisation two day course for officers dealing with the gay and lesbian community is 16. The grades of the gardaí in question are as follows:
|
Grade |
|
|
Inspectors |
Two |
|
Sergeants |
Six |
|
Garda |
Eight |
Garda Deployment.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:297 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason there is no Garda liaison officer for the gay and lesbian community stationed in Kevin Street in view of the number of homophobic attacks in the area in the last year. [29677/05]
I am informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of Garda resources, including personnel, that the Kevin Street policing area forms part of the Dublin metropolitan south central division and is covered by two gardaí who are assigned as liaison officers to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities. The two officers are based in Pearse Street Garda station. The decision to base them at Pearse Street Garda station was made in consultation with those representing the aforementioned communities.
Garda Equipment.
Máire Hoctor
Question:298 Ms Hoctor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the proposed updating of garda patrol cars and the proposed new Garda internal communications network (details supplied). [29697/05]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the preparation of a request for tender documentation for a new national digital radio system is at an advanced stage. It is expected that tender documentation will issue to the marketplace in a matter of weeks. I will provide a detailed answer to a priority question on Thursday, 20 October 2005 with regard to this matter.
I am further informed that the updating of Garda patrol cars is an ongoing process. The fleet is continuously reviewed and updated to ensure the safest and most suitable vehicles, in terms of performance, accommodation and equipment fitted to these vehicles, is purchased to enable Garda members perform their duties. Funds are provided annually to purchase and fit out Garda vehicles and cognisance is taken of the views of Garda members as well as having regard to the costings involved, when purchasing vehicles for the Garda fleet.
Garda Investigations.
Tony Gregory
Question:299 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the Garda investigation into the injuries sustained in a Garda cell resulting later in the death of a person (details supplied) will be complete; if the cell in which the person sustained the injuries has since been renovated in advance of the conclusion of the investigation; the reason for the renovation at such a critical time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29698/05]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the person in question was arrested on 2 June 2005 and conveyed to Store Street Garda station where he was detained and placed in a cell. During the afternoon of that date he was found in an unconscious state in the cell and removed to hospital where he died on 16 September 2005.
I am further informed that an officer from outside the division was appointed to investigate the incident. He visited the scene on the day and arranged to have a full technical examination conducted. I understand that during the following week, in the interest of the health and safety of other persons who could be placed in the cell, renovations, including recessing the alarm buzzer panel into the cell wall, were carried out. I have received a preliminary report of the investigation and have requested that the Garda submit to me a full report on the outcome of its investigation, which is nearing completion. When the full report of the investigation is received I will consider it.
Garda Deployment.
Catherine Murphy
Question:300 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, as part of the current review of Garda divisions, it is intended to alter the make-up of any division which currently services County Kildare; if so, the way in which it is intended that it be altered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29699/05]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that there are currently no plans to alter Garda divisional structures as they relate to County Kildare.
Proposed Legislation.
Catherine Murphy
Question:301 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will implement the recommendations made by the Law Reform Commission in its report on multi-party litigation to support the introduction of such actions into the Irish legal system; if he intends to implement these recommendations; the timeframe involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29700/05]
I have no proposals at this point to implement the recommendations contained in the report of the Law Reform Commission on multi-party litigation published last month. The details of any legislative proposals in this area will be announced in due course on the basis of the Government's consideration.
Garda Investigations.
John Gormley
Question:302 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 301 of 5 October 2005, the precise terms of reference for the investigation by the chief superintendent; when this investigation will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29715/05]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the terms of reference for investigation by the chief superintendent in this case were to conduct a fact finding investigation into allegations made by a complainant against gardaí in Ashbourne station. While it is not possible for me to say when it will be completed, I am anxious that the investigation will proceed as quickly as possible and that everyone with information should co-operate fully with the investigation.
Registration of Title.
Paul Connaughton
Question:303 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of an application for title (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29785/05]
I wish to inform the Deputy that I have requested the Land Registry to contact him directly concerning the current position of the application in question.
Paul Connaughton
Question:304 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when folio plans will issue from Land Registry (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29786/05]
I wish to inform the Deputy that I have requested the Land Registry to contact him directly concerning the current position of the application in question.
National Women’s Strategy.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:305 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the long delay on his Department’s behalf in producing a national women’s strategy which Ireland originally committed to at the Beijing Platform for Action in 1995; if he will provide details on when the strategy will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29833/05]
The national women's strategy now being developed builds upon the national plan for women, which was published in 2002 and which effectively covered the period of the national development plan to end 2006. Work on the new strategy is well advanced. It is being overseen by an interdepartmental committee of senior officials and is the subject of consultation with the Equality Authority and with a consultation group made up of the social partners and the National Women's Council of Ireland. I am hopeful that the draft strategy will be submitted to Government for its approval within the next few months.
School Transport.
Marian Harkin
Question:306 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount paid to CIE in 2004 to run the school transport system; the way in which this amount is calculated; if it is calculated per child or per mile; and if she will provide details of same. [29708/05]
The amount allocated to Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department, in the 2004 calendar year was €94.6 million. The expenditure is calculated under several headings including driver costs, running costs, road tax, payments to contractors, wages, insurance, claims and so forth. Receipts from fare paying passengers are also taken into account.
Departmental Expenditure.
Arthur Morgan
Question:307 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the total amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) since 1997; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of controls applied in the procurement process; and if value for money has been achieved. [29565/05]
The total amount paid to Gartner by my Department since 1997 was €152,936.82. The details are as follows: £7,615.49 — equivalent to €9,669.68 — was spent on consultancy advisory service in 1997; £14,238.52 — equivalent to €18,079.19 — was spent on Datapro communications library-research advisory services in 1998; £273.40 — equivalent to €347.15 — was spent on research advisory services on web in 1999; £32,414.17 — equivalent to €41,157.51 — was spent on research advisory services in 2000; €26,041.30 was spent on research advisory services in 2001; no such payments were made in 2002 and 2003; €47,036.82 was spent on project evaluation in 2004; and €2,141.21 was spent on project evaluation and €8,463.96 on strategic reports documentation in 2005. The correct controls in awarding the contracts and the ongoing monitoring of the projects were applied at all times and value for money was achieved in all cases on behalf of the State.
Arthur Morgan
Question:308 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the total amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) since 1997; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of controls applied in the procurement process; and if value for money has been achieved. [29580/05]
This company was appointed by the Department in 2002. It was appointed to provide consultancy assistance and advice on the implementation of a new financial management information system. The appointment was as a result of a competitive tender.
The tender outlined in detail the tasks to be performed by the successful company, required the tenderer to outline in detail how they proposed to fulfill the requirements and to provide a detailed breakdown of costs per employee proposed. The contract was awarded on the basis of the most economically advantageous tender. The contract was completed on time during 2003 at a total cost of €99,950 and I am satisfied that value for money was achieved. The Department was billed monthly in arrears.
Special Educational Needs.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:309 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when a special classroom assistant will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29603/05]
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. Since 1 January 2005 the NCSE, through local special educational needs organisers, SENOs, is responsible for processing 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. The NCSE has confirmed to my Department that an application for additional teaching support for the pupil referred to by the Deputy has been received recently and is currently being processed. The NCSE has also confirmed that no application for special needs assistant support has been received to date.
School Management.
Marian Harkin
Question:310 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Education and Science if, under section 28 of the Education Act, a school board is required to meet a parent or student who has a grievance with the school; the remedy which is available to such a parent or student if the request is refused; and if such a meeting takes place, the person who is in a position to decide on a chairperson for the meeting. [29604/05]
Procedures for processing complaints by parents and students will be prescribed for all schools under section 28 of the Education Act 1998. Currently, most schools use procedures that have been arrived at through national agreements negotiated between management authorities and teacher unions. Under the CPSMA-INTO and the ASTI-JMB procedures that are in common usage in primary schools and voluntary secondary schools respectively, the board of management may invite the complainant to address a meeting of the board. The chairperson of the board of management will normally chair this meeting. In general, similar procedures are followed by post-primary schools in the VEC and community and comprehensive sectors.
If, following the completion of the complaints procedure and the issuing of a finding by the board of management of the school, the complainant remains dissatisfied, she or he may appeal the matter to my Department.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:311 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will consider introducing a postal ballot for parents to elect their representatives on boards of management in order to involve more parents in the process of selecting their representatives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29605/05]
The rules of procedure for the nomination and appointment of parent representatives to boards of management of primary schools are set out in the handbook Boards of Management of National Schools: Constitution of Boards of Management and Rules of Procedure.
Appendix B of the handbook outlines two methods of election of parent representatives to boards, one of which is a postal ballot. The procedures provide that the method of election of parent representatives shall be determined in consultation with the parent representatives on the outgoing board and any parents' association in the school.
The procedures for the election of parents to boards of management in post-primary schools do not specify the means by which a ballot should be conducted. At a local level, a postal ballot could be used if a school community felt that it would be conducive to greater involvement.
School Transport.
Liam Aylward
Question:312 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will issue immediate approval to Bus Éireann to transport a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny to their home after school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29607/05]
Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport service on behalf of my Department, plans bus routes in such a way as to ensure that, as far as possible, eligible pupils have a reasonable standard of service while at the same time ensuring that school transport vehicles are fully utilised in an efficient and cost effective manner. The company places special emphasis on safety and, to this end, has a wide range of checking procedures in place to ensure a safe and reliable service.
Third Level Education.
Finian McGrath
Question:313 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason key senior staff are leaving a school (details supplied) in Dublin; the position regarding the crisis following the shock departure of its director. [29609/05]
As the Deputy is aware, the president of the college in question resigned from that position in April 2005. That matter related to the employee-employer relationship between the head of the college and that person's employers, which, I understand, was subject to legal proceedings. In this regard, it is considered that it is not appropriate for me to make any comment.
The institute referred to in the question is a private institution and individual employees are employed by the management authorities of the institute. Accordingly, I am not in a position to comment on their reasons for departure. I have, however, been assured by the trustees of the institute that the former members of staff referred to in the Deputy's question will be replaced immediately.
I have a direct role with regard to the funding provided by my Department to the institute in question. That is why I asked the accountancy firm, PwC, to examine the use of moneys paid by my Department to the institute referred to by the Deputy. The main findings of the report, which I published in early August, revealed that there has been no misuse of the public moneys paid by my Department to the institute.
Although my Department did not have any concerns regarding the use of funding provided for the purpose of training teachers, it was nevertheless important, in view of the level of public and media interest in this matter, to demonstrate clearly that public funding was properly applied for teacher training. I am happy that the findings of the examination confirm this position. The trustees of the institute have also commissioned a report by Farrell Grant Sparks. I am confident that these two reports can be used to develop financial and management practices which will bring greater accountability with regard to moneys paid by my Department. I expect that they will also contribute to the current review by the trustees of the present structure of the institute and facilitate permanent governance and management arrangements which will attract the support and confidence of all concerned.
The trustees of the institute in question have announced that a new interim director and president are in place for the coming academic year. I understand that these interim arrangements are working well at the institute and have the backing of the staff. I have asked that my officials maintain ongoing contact with the trustees and interim director and president at the institute concerned.
In addition, a senior official from my Department has recently joined the governing body of the institute for an interim period. I am sure that the Deputy will agree that these significant developments at the institute demonstrate a clear indication, from all concerned, that they remain fully committed to the future of teacher education at the institute.
Finally, my Department's inspectorate will continue to monitor the quality of the graduates on an ongoing basis to ensure that the highest quality students leave all colleges of this nature. This is a well established monitoring process and one which has worked very well.
Multi-Denominational Schools.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:314 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received proposals from Educate Together seeking to make multi-denominational education provision an objective of the national development plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29610/05]
The objective of the national development plan is to support the development of all educational sectors regardless of ethos.
In accordance with the provisions of the Education Act 1998, I, as Minister, am obliged to have regard to the need to reflect the diversity of educational services provided in the State. Applying this provision to the development of multi-denominational education at primary level, my Department has supported the establishment of a significant number of new multi-denominational schools in recent years. Of the 24 new schools granted provisional recognition in the past three years alone, 12 are multi-denominational. At post-primary level, the requirement for multi-denominational education is met by the State sector through non-designated vocational education committee schools.
To underpin the establishment of new schools, my Department has made a number of changes in recent years which have assisted patron bodies in the provision of accommodation. One of these changes, which was strongly welcomed by the patron body for multi-denominational schools, was the abolition of the local contribution to the building costs for State owned school buildings, which had cost up to €63,000 per school. Other innovations include the development of the design and build model to provide permanent accommodation much faster, such as in the case of the new multi-denominational school in Griffeen Valley, Lucan, which was designed and built in less than 13 months.
Many multi-denominational primary schools are established in areas of rapidly expanding population growth. School building projects in these areas are assigned a band 1 rating under the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects. This is the highest band rating possible which results in the delivery of permanent accommodation in the shortest timeframe achievable. These measures are a strong indication of my Department's commitment to supporting an educational diversity agenda, including multi-denominational education provision. It will continue to do so as part of its statutory obligations.
Schools Building Projects.
Tom Hayes
Question:315 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the position with regard to the application for additional facilities by a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [29656/05]
The school planning section of my Department is in receipt of an application for major capital funding from the management authority of the school to which the Deputy refers. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale projects. Progress on the proposed works is being considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme from 2006 onwards.
Tom Hayes
Question:316 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the position with regard to the application for additional facilities by a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29657/05]
My Department is not in receipt of an application for major capital works from the school to which the Deputy refers. I am pleased to inform the Deputy, however, that I approved funding in excess of €271,000 under this year's summer works scheme to enable a window replacement project to be carried out at the school.
Tom Hayes
Question:317 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the position with regard to the application for additional facilities by a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29658/05]
The school planning section of the Department of Education and Science is in receipt of an application for major capital funding from the management authority of the school to which the Deputy refers. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale projects. Progress on the proposed works is being considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme from 2006 onwards.
School Accommodation.
John Gormley
Question:318 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in Dublin 4 applied in 2003 and 2004 for a grant for temporary accommodation due to an increase in staffing and was refused; if her attention has been drawn to the cramped conditions that staff have to work under in the school and to the fact that the school was forced to invest in temporary accommodation through funds raised by the parents; the way in which her Department will assist this school in funding the temporary accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29683/05]
The school to which the Deputy refers applied for temporary accommodation in 2003 and 2004. While it was not successful at the time, the Department of Education and Science is making significant funding available under the 2006 summer works scheme for small improvement projects. The closing date for the receipt of applications under the 2006 scheme for the provision of additional classroom accommodation was 14 October last. It was open to the school authority to apply again under the scheme in respect of its additional accommodation requirements. Applications under the scheme are being logged by the Department's school planning section. Any application made by the school in question will be given every consideration during the assessment process.
Schools Building Projects.
John Gormley
Question:319 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the terrible conditions at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 6; if her Department will assist the school in any way; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29684/05]
The building project for the school in question is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. Officials from the Department of Education and Science recently examined a stage 3 submission. Approval has been given for the project to advance to stages 4 and 5 of architectural planning. A letter requesting a stage 4 and 5 submission has issued to the school authorities and their design team.
School Staffing.
John Gormley
Question:320 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Education and Science if assistance will be given to a school (details supplied) in Dublin 6 in dealing with the class size issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29685/05]
The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the school's enrolment on 30 September of the previous school year. The number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule and is finalised for a particular year following discussions with the education partners.
The staffing schedule is structured to ensure that all primary schools operate to an average mainstream class size of 29 pupils. If some classes in a school have class sizes of greater than 29, it is generally because a decision has been taken at local level to use the school's teaching resources to have smaller numbers in other classes. School authorities should ensure that there is an equitable distribution of pupils in mainstream classes and that the differential between the largest and the smallest classes is kept to a minimum.
I have asked the Department of Education and Science's inspectorate to monitor the deployment of staff and class sizes, to discuss where necessary with the school authorities the basis on which school policy decisions in this regard have been made and to report to the Department, where appropriate. The mainstream staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy for the current school year is one principal and 12 mainstream class teachers, based on an enrolment of 323 pupils on 30 September 2004. The school also has two learning support and resource teachers.
Grant Payments.
John Gormley
Question:321 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will list the grants applied for from all primary schools in Dublin South-East; the extent to which her Department is able to help with each request; the amount given to each school; the number of requests refused; the reason for such refusals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29686/05]
John Gormley
Question:322 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will list the grants applied for from all secondary schools in Dublin South-East; the extent to which her Department is able to help with each request; the amount given to each school; the number of requests refused; the reason for such refusals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29687/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 321 and 322 together.
The information in the format requested by the Deputy is not readily available. The Department of Education and Science provides a wide range of grants to primary and post-primary schools. If the Deputy can provide a list of the grants and schools to which he refers, the Department will be happy to assist in providing the details required.
Schools Building Projects.
Marian Harkin
Question:323 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation with regard to the application by a school (details supplied) in County Donegal for an extension and renovation. [29688/05]
Marian Harkin
Question:331 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation regarding the application for the extension and renovation of a primary school (details supplied) in County Donegal. [29782/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 323 and 331 together.
The school referred to by the Deputy has made an application for capital funding towards the provision of additional classroom and ancillary accommodation. It was necessary, to ensure that the planned capital investment will meet the school's long-term accommodation needs, to review the long-term projected staffing at the school. My officials are nearing the completion of this exercise and will be in contact with the school authority in this regard. A decision will then be made on how best to meet the school's future accommodation needs. The project is being considered for progression in the context of the 2005-09 school building and modernisation programme.
Radon Gas.
Emmet Stagg
Question:324 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department retained the services of consultants to advise on the exclusion of radon gas from schools; if so, the name of the consultants; the services they provided; the fees which were paid or are payable to them; if she has satisfied herself that the contractors engaged by her Department have carried out the necessary works in a satisfactory manner; if she has further satisfied herself with the work carried out at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29689/05]
The position is my Department, in co-operation with the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, RPII, has been funding a radon detection and remediation programme in schools since 1998. The radon reference set for the workplace under the Radiological Protection Act 1991 (Ionising Radiation) Order, 2000, S.I. No. 125 of 2000, is 400 Bq/m3. In schools with levels above 400 Bq/m3 the management authorities are advised to secure the services of a suitably qualified consultant architect or engineer to carry out all necessary remedial works and grants are provided by my Department for these works. My Department also issues grants to schools for the installation of suitable vents in classrooms where radon levels are between 200 Bq/m3 and 400 Bq/m3, notwithstanding the fact that the radon reference for workplaces is 400 Bq/m3.
Following completion of remediation works, post-remediation measurements are carried out by the RPII to determine if the remediation has been effective. This process is ongoing and the RPII continues to carry out post-remediation testing in schools.
With regard to the school in question, this was one of a number of schools for which my Department made arrangements on their behalf directly with the consultant architects for radon mitigation works to be carried out. A post-remediation test showed that the remediation works did not bring the levels down to an acceptable level. On the instructions of the consultant architects a broken fan was replaced and the radon levels are now well below the reference levels mentioned, at levels of 57 Bq/m3 and under.
Regarding the matter of the leak in the roof, which is understood to be in the area of the radon pipe casing, this is the subject of ongoing correspondence between my Department and the consultant architects. In the meantime, my Department's officials have also been in contact with the school authorities to request an estimate of the works required to repair the leak in the roof with a view to making arrangements for the works to be carried out.
Details of the consultant architects which my Department appointed to oversee radon mitigation works at schools and fees payable will be forwarded directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
School Staffing.
Emmet Stagg
Question:325 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a school (details supplied) in County Kildare is to lose a teacher in October 2005; if she will take steps to have the decision reversed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29690/05]
The mainstream staffing of a primary school for a particular school year is determined by reference to the enrolment in the school on 30 September of the previous school year. This is in accordance with guidelines agreed between my Department and the education partners. The guidelines can only be deviated from where a school experiences rapid growth in its enrolment. In such cases, an additional post, referred to as a developing school post, may be sanctioned provisionally where the projected enrolment at 30 September of the school year in question equals or exceeds a specified figure. If the specified figure is not achieved on 30 September, sanction for the post is withdrawn.
The enrolment in the school referred to by the Deputy on 30 September 2004 was 242 pupils, which warrants a staffing of principal plus nine mainstream posts for the 2005-2006 school year. On the basis of projected enrolments, a developing school post was approved provisionally. However, the required enrolment figure at 30 September 2005 was not achieved.
To ensure openness and transparency in the system an independent appeals board is now in place to decide on any appeals. The criteria under which an appeal can be made are set out in Department primary circular 19/02. The board of management of the school has submitted an appeal to the staffing appeals board under developing school criteria. As outlined in the relevant application form, this appeal will be considered by the appeals board at its meeting on 19 October 2005. The board of management will be notified of the outcome of the appeal as soon as possible thereafter.
The Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the operation of the independent appeals board.
Adult Education.
Pat Carey
Question:326 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science her Department’s budget for literacy in adults in each year from 2000 to 2005; if there is a separate literacy budget for the Prison Service; the amount which has been allocated to the City of Dublin Vocational Educational Committee for literacy initiatives in each of the years 2000 to 2005; the number of literacy organisers who are employed in the Dublin area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29691/05]
My Department funds the provision of adult literacy, which is delivered by the vocational education committees, from the adult literacy and community education, ALCES, budget. The national development plan committed €93.5 million to the service in the period 2000-06, with a target of reaching 113,000 clients over that period. This target will be met. The Department's budget for adult literacy for the years 2000-2005 was €10.6 million for 2000; €13.6 million for 2001; €16.7million for 2002; €17.9 million for 2003; €19.2 million for 2004; and €22.0 million for 2005.
My Department, under a separate budget, provides for an education service in the prisons. This prison education budget includes literacy. The amount allocated to City of Dublin VEC for literacy initiatives in each of the years 2001-2005 was €1,194,457 for 2001; €2,718,106 for 2002; €2,687,136 for 2003; €2,734,000 for 2004; and €2,908,406 for 2005. The amount allocated for the year 2000 is not readily available as it is archived. The Department will, however, furnish this information to the Deputy within the next few days. It should be noted that the figure for 2005 represents the provision only.
The returns made to the Department for the year ended December 2004 indicate that CDVEC has four full-time and six part-time adult literacy organisers, ALOs; that Dún Laoghaire VEC has one full-time and no part-time ALO; and County Dublin VEC has five full-time ALOs and six part-time ALOs. Dublin Adult Learning Centre is funded separately to provide literacy services in its catchment area. This funding is additional to the CDVEC funding detailed above but is channelled through the CDVEC for administrative purposes.
Special Educational Needs.
Michael Ring
Question:327 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 464 of 17 November 2004 and 278 of 9 March 2005, when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded incremental credit as a special needs assistant based on previous experience. [29704/05]
A scheme for the award of incremental credit to special needs assistants in respect of relevant previous experience is currently being prepared. The scheme will then be discussed with the trade union representing special needs assistants with a view to publication at the earliest possible date. Applications from eligible persons will be considered following publication of an agreed scheme.
Joe Costello
Question:328 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that her initiative on extra special needs teachers in primary schools is weighted in favour of large schools and that smaller schools in disadvantaged areas are losing rather than gaining special needs teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29721/05]
As the Deputy is aware, the new general allocation system is intended to cater for children with high incidence special needs and those with learning support needs. The system was constructed so that allocations would be based on pupil numbers, taking into account the differing needs of the most disadvantaged schools and the evidence that boys have greater difficulties than girls in this regard.
Disadvantaged schools that satisfied the Department's criteria for additional staffing under the Giving Children an Even Break scheme — a scheme to help schools with high levels of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds — avail of a preferential pupil teacher ratio of 8:1. Small schools not eligible for additional staffing under the Giving Children an Even Break scheme also avail of preferential pupil teacher ratios under the general allocation compared to larger schools. It has always been the case that schools that were in receipt of resource teacher support in respect of pupils with special educational needs would lose teacher support — either full posts or part-time hours — when the pupils that triggered the extra support left the school.
The Deputy may be aware that my Department has introduced a new action plan for educational inclusion, delivering equality of opportunity in schools, DEIS, which aims to ensure that the educational needs of children and young people, from pre-school to completion of upper second level education — three to 18 years — from disadvantaged communities are prioritised and effectively addressed. The new plan is the outcome of the first full review of all programmes for tackling educational disadvantage that have been put in place over the past 20 years and it will involve an additional annual investment of some €40 million on full implementation. It will also involve the creation of about 300 additional posts across the education system generally.
A key element of this new action plan is the putting in place of a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage in our primary and second level schools, which will result in improved targeting of resources at those most in need. The identification and analysis processes are being managed by the Educational Research Centre on behalf of my Department.
As a result of the identification process, approximately 600 primary schools, comprising 300 urban-town and 300 rural, and 150 second level schools will be included in a new school support programme, SSP. The SSP will bring together, and build upon, a number of existing interventions for schools and school clusters or communities with a concentrated level of educational disadvantage.
My Department officials anticipate being in a position to notify participating schools about the outcome of the ongoing identification process by the end of the year.
Schools Building Projects.
Joe Costello
Question:329 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science when she proposes to provide funding for the construction of a permanent school for the pupils of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29722/05]
My Department has an application from the school referred to by the Deputy for a new school building. Officials in the school planning section are considering a number of options for the long-term solution to the school's accommodation difficulties. It is acknowledged that there is no scope for development of the existing site. Therefore, among the options being considered is the possibility of securing a greenfield site in the area and our agents in this regard, the Office of Public Works, will pursue this in tandem with a number of other options being considered by the Department.
The Department acknowledges the need for a solution to the school's accommodation difficulties and is committed to working to achieve a satisfactory solution as soon as possible.
Departmental Agencies.
Joe Costello
Question:330 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress which has been made to date on the implementation of the Grangegorman Development Agency Act 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29723/05]
Grangegorman is a unique site and is of strategic importance in the context of Dublin as a whole and to the north inner city in particular. The Grangegorman Development Agency Act 2005 makes provision for the establishment of an agency to undertake the development of the Grangegorman site as a location for education, health and other purposes. The agency will consist of 15 members and will include representatives of the principal stakeholders.
The functions of the agency include, inter alia, the promotion of the Grangegorman site as a location for education, health and other facilities, co-ordinating the development or redevelopment of the site, engaging in the planning process, deciding on the appropriate procurement strategy, arranging an appropriate communication strategy and consulting with stakeholders and relevant interested third parties. I am at present giving active consideration to the appointment of the chairman and membership of the agency.
Question No. 331 answered with QuestionNo. 323.
Psychological Service.
Paul McGrath
Question:332 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will report on the NEPS service available to primary and secondary schools in the Dublin 15 area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29803/05]
All schools in the Dublin 15 area have access to psychological assessments for their pupils, either through the national educational psychological service, NEPS, directly or through the scheme for commissioning psychological assessments, SCPA, or from the County Dublin VEC service. In this area at present, 22 out of 25 primary schools and five out of six post-primary schools — two of these are VEC schools — have a direct educational psychological service either from NEPS or, in the case of the two VEC schools, from the County Dublin VEC.
Schools that do not currently have NEPS psychologists assigned to them may avail of the scheme for commissioning psychological assessments, SCPA, whereby the school can have an assessment carried out by a member of a panel of private psychologists approved by NEPS, and NEPS will pay the psychologist the fees for this assessment directly. Details of this process, and the conditions that apply to the scheme, are available on my Department's website. NEPS also provides assistance to all schools that suffer from critical incidents, regardless of whether they have a NEPS psychologist assigned to them.
As the Deputy may be aware, the number of NEPS psychologists has increased almost three-fold from 43 on establishment to 124 at present. On behalf of my Department, the Public Appointments Service has recently conducted a recruitment competition for the appointment of educational psychologists to NEPS, with recruitment being targeted in such a way as to increase the numbers of NEPS psychologists in priority areas. Any increase in the number of psychologists in NEPS must take account of Government policy on public sector numbers.
Residential Institutions Redress Scheme.
Olwyn Enright
Question:333 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the cases where victims of abuse at residential institutions, awarded compensation from the Residential Institutions Redress Board, have had some of their award retained by their legal representatives; the action she advises persons to take in such instances; her role in ensuring that this practice does not take place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29820/05]
Section 27 of the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002 provides that all reasonable legal costs and other costs associated with the preparation and presentation of an application to the redress board will be met by the board. In the event that agreement cannot be reached between the board and the applicant's legal representative, the matter is referred to the taxing master of the High Court for determination.
The redress board's published guidelines and other publicity material on the redress scheme specifically highlight the fact that all reasonable legal costs incurred in respect of applications for redress are payable by the board. Furthermore, as solicitors are required under law to fully inform their clients, in writing, of the legal costs payable in their case, it is incumbent on the solicitor to inform an applicant to the redress board that all reasonable legal costs will be met by the board and that the applicant should not have to pay any legal costs.
The Law Society of Ireland is the body responsible under law for regulating the solicitor profession and as such it is a matter for the society to investigate complaints about the conduct of a solicitor. Earlier this year, my Department became aware that the society had taken the view that it was precluded from investigating complaints from applicants with regard to overcharging by solicitors as a result of the prohibition on disclosure of information under section 28 of the redress Act. Arising from this, I included an amendment to this section on Committee Stage of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse (Amendment) Bill 2005 to enable the Law Society of Ireland to investigate such complaints. This Bill was enacted into law on 9 July 2005. In early October, the Attorney General wrote to the Law Society of Ireland and the Bar Council in clarification of the issue. That correspondence is ongoing.
The redress scheme was set up by the Government to help alleviate the injury and suffering experienced by victims of child abuse in residential institutional care. Awards made by the board are payable in full to the applicant, without any deduction for costs. It is a disgraceful practice that some solicitors would take advantage of their clients by overcharging as reported. I welcome the steps taken by the Law Society of Ireland to examine and deal with the issue of overcharging by solicitors and to ensure that applicants to the redress board are fully reimbursed where overcharging has arisen. I expect the society to take whatever action is appropriate.
Departmental Expenditure.
Arthur Morgan
Question:334 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Defence the total amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) since 1997; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of controls applied in the procurement process; and if value for money has been achieved. [29566/05]
Arthur Morgan
Question:335 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Defence the total amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) since 1997; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of controls applied in the procurement process; and if value for money has been achieved. [29581/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 334 and 335 together.
No payments were made by my Department to the companies mentioned by the Deputy.
Arthur Morgan
Question:336 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the total amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) since 1997; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of controls applied in the procurement process; and if value for money has been achieved. [29582/05]
My Department has not engaged these consultants in any year since 1997.
Hare Coursing.
Tony Gregory
Question:337 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if hares were coursed more than once, in breach of the regulations by a coursing club (details supplied) in County Mayo at its meeting on 30 and 31 October 2004; if sick hares which appeared to be suffering from malnutrition were coursed at the same meeting; if the club was sanctioned or penalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29611/05]
At the coursing meeting referred to, which was attended by officers of my Department, no hares were coursed more than once on the same day. While some of the stock of captured hares appeared to be weaker than others, most of these latter were not coursed. The club in question was not sanctioned or penalised in the context of the 2005-06 licence issued to the Irish Coursing Club.
Architectural Heritage.
Barry Andrews
Question:338 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make a statement on funding of the Maritime Museum, Haigh Terrace, Dún Laoghaire, and the current condition of the Mariner’s Church (details supplied). [29612/05]
The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government does not provide direct funding for museums. The Maritime Museum is housed in the Mariners' Church towards which the Department made a grant of €20,000 in 2002 from the conservation grants scheme under the urban and village renewal operational programme.
A further application for funding under the scheme was made in 2004. However, on that occasion the project was unsuccessful in obtaining funding as there was no evidence of matching funding. The assessment panel considered the magnitude of the estimated overall cost of the project made it inappropriate for grant assistance from this source. It is open to the applicants to apply for funding under the 2006 scheme, and an application form has been sent to the project promoter. The deadline for receipt of applications under the 2006 scheme is 23 October 2005.
Grants for heritage buildings are also available from either local authorities or the Heritage Council. Both Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and the Heritage Council have paid grants for certain works at the Mariner's Church and the Heritage Council has made an offer of grant aid towards roof repairs in 2006. Details may be obtained from the councils themselves.
Waste Management.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:339 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will clarify, in the wake of comments made by the Tánaiste on the Order of Business in Dáil Éireann on 13 October 2005, whether a refundable deposit on beverage containers such as bottles and cans would be in breach of or affected by the packaging directive; the way in which this equates with refundable deposit systems being in operation in several other EU member states; his views on the success of bottle bills in several US states, and refundable schemes in the aforementioned EU countries and worldwide; the progress which has been made for introducing money-back bottles and cans or a related credit or voucher system following the raising of this matter by this Deputy in 2003 and the Minister of State’s indication that the matter would receive consideration. [29613/05]
Directive 94/62/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on packaging and packaging waste is based on the concept of producer responsibility, which effectively requires producers to contribute to the waste management costs of products which they have placed on the market at end-of-life. Under the directive, Ireland was required to achieve a 25% recovery rate of packaging waste by 1 July 2001, increasing to a 50% recovery rate by 31 December 2005. Practical implementation of the directive in Ireland is organised mainly through a collective industry based compliance scheme operated by Repak Limited which is working successfully. In 2001 it met the target of 25% packaging waste recycling required by the directive.
Ireland is on course to meet the higher recovery and recycling targets specified for end-2005. The Environmental Protection Agency has reported in its national waste database interim report for 2003, published in December 2004, that packaging waste recovery increased to 44% in that year, up from 35% in 2002.
While Article 15 of Directive 94/62/EC allows member states to adopt economic measures, such as deposit and refund schemes, in support of the objectives of the directive, successful deposit and refund schemes operating internationally for beverage containers are generally located in those countries where there has been no break in the continuity and cultural tradition of deposit and refund arrangements. This is not the case in Ireland and there would now quite likely be significant costs involved in re-establishing deposit and refund arrangements here. Account would also have to be taken of the possible impact on existing compliance arrangements. Given that these arrangements are achieving the desired result for meeting the recycling targets, the introduction of deposit and refund schemes for beverage containers is not under consideration.
Local Authority Housing.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:340 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will liaise with South Dublin County Council and offer additional assistance to allow the council take more effective and immediate action, in co-operation with the Garda Síochána, in respect of the anti-social behaviour problems in the council’s housing estates in Tallaght; his views on the need for action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29650/05]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
Local authorities are responsible under the Housing Acts for the management and maintenance of their housing stock. Several measures have been put in place to ensure they have the capacity to fulfil these responsibilities.
The Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997 contains provisions to assist local authorities in addressing problems arising on their estates from serious anti-social behaviour. Section 15 provides for exchange of information between housing authorities and relevant agencies, including the Garda Síochána.
Budget Submissions.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:341 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if consideration has been given to the pre-budget submission 2006 launched by the Disability Federation of Ireland; the actions open to his Department in response to the submission in consultation with other Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29717/05]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
The main issue pertaining to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government which the Disability Federation of Ireland has raised in its 2006 pre-budget submission is the operation of the disabled person's housing grant. This scheme is under review in the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the issues raised by the Disability Federation of Ireland will be considered in that context.
Funding for 2005 and 2006, totalling €15 million in each year, has been approved under the national disability strategy for the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and bodies under its aegis for, inter alia, the provision of disability awareness training, initiation of the preparation of accessibility audits, adaptation of information systems and equipment for people with special needs, and providing and improving accessibility to public buildings and facilities. The provision is in addition to new works funded under normal capital programmes.
The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is also reviewing the outline sectorial plan published in 2004, following consultation with groups representative of persons with disabilities.
Grant Payments.
Paul Connaughton
Question:342 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not received the top-up grant due to them on turbary purchased by Dúchas; the amount due and when payment will issue to this person. [29787/05]
Payment has issued in this case.
Health and Safety Issues.
Finian McGrath
Question:343 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make a statement on safety measures at rock concerts. [29800/05]
A code of practice for safety at indoor concerts was published by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in 1998, providing advice and guidance on the safe organisation and running of indoor concerts. The aim of the code is to help those involved in the organisation of indoor concerts to plan and manage such events safely.
Under the Fire Services Act 1981, as amended, the person having control over a premises is obliged to take all reasonable measures to guard against the outbreak of fire on such premises and to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the safety of persons on the premises in the event of an outbreak of fire. The Fire Safety in Places of Assembly (Ease of Escape) Regulations 1985 require persons in control of premises to ensure all escape routes to a place of safety are kept unobstructed and immediately available for use.
The Licensing of Indoor Events Act 2003 made provision for a new licensing system to be operated by fire authorities for certain large scale indoor events. Discussions with interested parties on the proposed licensing system are at an advanced stage. The 2003 Act also amended and updated the enforcement provisions of the Fire Services Act 1981, making it simpler for fire authorities to prosecute offences and strengthening substantially the inspection and advisory powers of fire authority inspectors.
The 1981 Act, as amended, gives statutory backing to existing codes of practice on fire and crowd safety. Under section 20A an authorised fire authority inspector may, in addition to inspection and advisory powers, serve a closure notice with immediate effect where a premises poses a serious or immediate risk to the safety of persons on or in the premises. Inspections, including during performance inspections, of places of public resort are undertaken by fire authority inspectors under the Fire Services Act.
The measures outlined are in addition to the powers of the Garda Síochána and other public authorities under other legislative codes.
Planning Issues.
Billy Timmins
Question:344 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the rural planning guidelines for one-off housing facilitate the granting of planning permission to a person from a town or village of under 1,500 population in the environs of that area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29835/05]
The guidelines for planning authorities on sustainable rural housing came into effect on 13 April 2005. The guidelines provide that reasonable proposals on suitable sites in rural areas for persons who are part of, contribute to, or have links with the rural community must be accommodated. The guidelines, therefore, represent a presumption in favour of quality one-off housing for rural communities, as long as proposals meet normal standards in matters such as the proper disposal of wastewater and road safety. Rural areas are defined for the purposes of the guidelines as those areas outside urban areas with a population of 1,500 or more.
The guidelines are a material consideration for both development plans and in the consideration of planning applications. Planning authorities are required to review and vary their development plans, where necessary, to ensure their policies on rural settlement are consistent with the policies set out in the guidelines. The detailed application of the guidelines to particular planning cases is, however, a matter for the planning authority concerned or An Bord Pleanála, as appropriate.