Vol. 608 No. 2
12 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the setting up of an independent traffic police force to release the Garda Síochána from time consuming duties in policing road traffic and related matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29642/05]
I am convinced that the Garda Síochána is by far the most appropriate structure within which to locate the enforcement of road traffic law and road safety. Road traffic offences are serious offences, which too often lead to fatalities and serious injuries. One of the main strategic goals in the Government Road Safety Strategy 2004-2006 and the Garda Síochána corporate strategy 2005-2007, which reflects Government policing priorities, is reducing the incidence of fatal and serious injury collisions on our roads. The Garda Síochána gives a high priority to meeting this and its other strategic goals. I believe that it is through a unitary police force, meeting all its strategic goals in a mutually reinforcing and integrated way, that we can best prevent death and serious injuries on our roads. I also believe that this follows international best practice.
Last November I announced a highly significant initiative in this area, the establishment by the Commissioner of a Garda traffic corps with a dedicated budget and staff structure. Furthermore, as a result of the Government's approval of my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members, the Garda Commissioner will be in a position, as each cycle of recruit training is completed, to assign additional new members to the areas of greatest need with particular regard to certain priorities. These priorities will include the traffic corps, which is in the process of increasing its numbers from 520 members to its planned staffing complement of 1,200.
Also last November, I published the Garda strategic review of traffic policing. The strategic review is the blueprint for a transformation in the enforcement of road traffic law. A key recommendation of the strategic review is that a new position of assistant commissioner in charge of all aspects of road traffic law should be created. The Government subsequently approved the appointment of an additional Garda assistant commissioner and the Commissioner appointed an assistant commissioner with responsibility for all traffic matters, including the traffic corps, and implementation of the recommendations contained in the strategic review of traffic policing. The assistant commissioner is a member of the top management team in the force and, as such, is bringing authority and visible leadership to the traffic corps and traffic law enforcement generally from the outset.
Never before has road traffic safety been given this level of priority within the Garda Síochána. I believe that the Garda traffic corps, with new visible leadership, increased strength, expanded fleet, dedicated budget, clear strategy and tough targets, will provide an extremely effective traffic management resource which will reduce the number of injuries and fatalities on our roads.
The Deputy may also be aware of my plans to establish a Garda reserve as provided for in the Garda Act. The purpose of the Garda reserve, which is a standard feature of policing in many other common law countries, will be to assist the Garda Síochána in the performance of its functions, including policing road traffic and related matters. I have asked the Garda Commissioner to submit proposals to me for the reserve, addressing all relevant recruitment, training and development issues.
13 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will be taking action, as provided for in the Garda Síochána Act 2005, calling the Garda Commissioner, Noel Conroy, to account for his failure to carry through his commitment to transfer five gardaí from Donegal to Dublin in June 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29733/05]
The current position in respect of the five members of the Garda Síochána in question is as follows. One member was transferred on 24 June 2005 but is now absent without leave and has been taken off the payroll. One member retired from the force before his transfer was to come into effect. One member appealed his transfer to the assistant commissioner, human resource management. This was refused but the transfer has not yet taken place because the member is currently on sick leave. One member appealed his transfer to the Commissioner. This was refused but the transfer has not yet taken place because the member is currently on sick leave and suspended from duty. One member has taken his appeal to the transfers review body, the third and last stage in the appeals process, and his case was heard on Monday, 10 October. The outcome of this appeal will be known shortly.
It is clear from the foregoing that the Garda Commissioner has taken all available steps to effect each of the proposed transfers. Of course, due process and the right of appeal must be observed but if we stand back from the detail and look at the position as a whole, we can see that of the five gardaí concerned, one has retired, one is suspended and one is no longer on the payroll. Of the remaining two members, one is on sick leave and one is awaiting the outcome of his appeal to the transfers review body.
There is no question, therefore, of the Commissioner having failed in his duties in this matter. I have the utmost confidence in the ability and commitment of the Commissioner to ensure the highest standards of discipline in the Garda Síochána.
14 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if representatives from his Department or associated agencies have travelled to Nigeria to monitor the implementation of the readmission agreement entered into with the Nigerian Government in August 2001 (details supplied), under which the Irish Government has committed itself to safeguarding the human rights and dignity of those being returned when repatriation has taken place; the details of such visits to Nigeria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29731/05]
I refer the Deputy to the reply I gave to his Priority Question No. 3 of today's date, which sets out my position in the matters raised.
15 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the 2,000 extra gardaí promised in the programme for Government will be on the streets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29713/05]
159 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the exact number of gardaí recruited and trained out of the total of the 2,000 extra gardaí promised in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29983/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 159 together.
The Deputy will be aware that in October 2004 the Government approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members on a phased basis, in line with the An Agreed Programme for Government commitment in this regard. This is a key commitment in the programme for Government and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force.
As part of the accelerated recruitment campaign to facilitate this process, it is intended to induct 1,100 Garda recruits this year and for the next two years, by way of intakes to the Garda College of approximately 275 recruits every quarter. This will lead to a combined strength, of both attested gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 by the end of 2006. I should add that this accelerated recruitment process is fully on target. The first three quarterly intakes of approximately 275 recruits in 2005 have taken place on schedule, with the fourth intake due to commence training on 7 November 2005.
Achieving this level of recruitment has required a significant expansion in the capacity of the college and a major new administration building is being constructed to facilitate this. This project is on schedule and will be completed before the end of this year. In addition to the significant expansion in the capacity of the college which is underway, in-service training courses transferred to an outsourced centre at the Abbey Court Hotel, Nenagh, in April of this year, allowing the Garda College to concentrate on recruitment training.
This major recruitment drive has also been accompanied by significant changes to the entry requirements for the Garda Síochána. In advance of last year's recruitment competition, I raised the maximum age for applicants from 26 to 35 and quite a number of successful applicants have come from within the extended age range. Prior to the current recruitment competition, I made further and significant changes to the entry criteria with a view to removing barriers to entry from Ireland's growing multinational communities. Key among these is that the requirement to hold a qualification in both Irish and English in the leaving certificate or equivalent has been replaced by a requirement to hold a qualification in two languages, at least one of which must be Irish or English.
These new changes will open up entry to the Garda Síochána to persons in Ireland from all parts of the community and from all ethnic backgrounds. This is a highly significant step towards ensuring that future intakes of recruits to the Garda Síochána will reflect the composition of modern Irish society, to the benefit of the force and the people it serves.
16 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform about the delay in establishing an inquiry into the circumstances in which Dean Lyons confessed to a murder while in Garda custody in 1996; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29772/05]
On 27 June, I appointed Mr. Shane Murphy SC to conduct an independent review and undertake a thorough examination of the Garda Síochána papers relating to the making by Mr. Dean Lyons of false inculpatory statements in the course of the Garda investigation into the murders of Mary Callinan and Sylvia Shiels on 6-7 March 1997.
Mr. Shane Murphy carried out his task in a timely manner and submitted his report to me towards the end of the summer. While his investigation was very thorough, he has identified certain issues which he considers can only be resolved by establishing a commission of investigation under the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004. I have considered the matter and am exploring with my colleague, the Minister for Finance, the option of establishing such a commission of investigation, including what the appropriate terms of reference would be.
The Deputy will be aware that the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004 sets out the procedures which must be followed before a commission of investigation can be established. The approval of the Minister for Finance, the Government and a resolution passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas is required.
17 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of operational sections in his Department in each year since 1997; the number of employees in each section since 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29748/05]
As Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, I am responsible for the administration of the Department and a number of associated bodies and agencies which come within my Department's remit. There are currently over 20 offices, agencies and associated bodies under the aegis of my Department which carry out a range of diverse functions. These include head office, asylum services, the Data Protection Office, Garda civilians, Garda Complaints Board, Land Registry, probation and welfare service, the Equality Tribunal, the Forensic Science Laboratory and the Film Censor's office, to name but a few. The approved staffing for this wide range of areas is 3,723.
My Department is structured around ten main areas based around its key functions. These include law reform, Garda and crime, prisons and probation, the executive office of the Irish naturalisation and immigration service, INIS, equality, child care and business support. Each of the main areas comprises one or more divisions and is headed by a member of the management advisory committee. Details of the associated agencies and bodies are set out in table 1.
The overall staffing levels of the various divisions within the Department and associated bodies and agencies within the wider justice and equality sector is determined, within the authorised numbers sanctioned by my colleague, the Minister for Finance, in accordance with Government policy. The allocation of staffing within the approved numbers is a matter for the senior management of my Department and decisions are taken having regard to the Department's ongoing mandate and policy priorities as set down in the programme for Government and the Department's strategy statements.
In 1997, the approved staffing of the Department, for head office and the associated areas which I have outlined earlier, was in the region of 2,500. In the period 1997 to 2002 this number was increased to 3,841. In 2005, the figure is 3,723. It will not be possible to provide the Deputy with the annualised figures sought as the compilation of this information would involve a disproportionate amount of staff time and effort to prepare and could not be justified in circumstances where there are other significant demands on resources.
A key factor in the increase in staff within the Department between 1997-2002 relates to the expansion of the asylum area to deal with the massive increase in the numbers of people seeking asylum and refugee status in Ireland in the late 1990s and early 2000s. A number of agencies and associated bodies were also established in this period — see table 1. With effect from December 2002, public sector numbers were capped on foot of a Government decision and my Department operates within this authorised number of staff and allocates these staff in accordance with the Department's priorities.
My Department's main areas of responsibility cross many significant areas of public policy and administration. The organisation of the Department and the allocation of staffing across the Department and its agencies and associated bodies reflects the Department's key functions and objectives.
|
Agencies and associated bodies including those established since 1997 |
|
|---|---|
|
Offices/Agencies under the aegis of the Department |
|
|
Censorship of Publications Office |
Land Registry/Registry of Deed |
|
Courts Service — Est. November 1999 |
Legal Aid Board |
|
Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal |
National Crime Council — Est. July 1999 |
|
Equality Authority — Est. October 1999 |
National Disability Authority — Est. 1999 |
|
Equality Tribunal — Est. October 1999 |
Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner — Est. 20 November 2000 |
|
Forensic Science Laboratory |
Office of the Data Protection Commissioner |
|
Garda Síochána |
Parole Board — Est. April 2001 |
|
Garda Síochána Complaints Board |
Private Security Authority — Est. November 2004 |
|
Irish Film Censor’s Office |
Probation and Welfare Service |
|
Irish Prison Service — Est. November 2001 |
Reception and Integration Agency — Est. 2 April 2001. Originally established as DASS — Directorate for Asylum Support Service Services in 1999 |
|
State Pathology Service |
Refugee Appeals Tribunal — Est. 20 November 2000 |
Please note, separate staffing arrangements are in place for the following bodies: the Garda Síochána, Irish Prison Service, Legal Aid Board and Courts Service.
18 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Minister for Health and Children abandons the proposed Alcohol Advertising Bill which is due to be published before the end of 2005, will he take ownership of the Bill, publish it when it is ready and process it through the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29757/05]
The position is that while I have general responsibility for the liquor licensing laws in my capacity as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, certain other Ministers, and their respective Departments, have responsibilities with regard to particular aspects. The latter include road safety legislation, public health aspects, consumer policy, matters relating to advertising and education policies on alcohol consumption. Matters relating to advertising of alcohol products fall within the areas of responsibility of the Minister for Health and Children and the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.
19 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will proceed with his proposal to build a new prison at Thornton Hall; the way in which he proposes to respond to the decision of Fingal County Council to initiate an area conservation order for the site; if he proposes to demolish the Mountjoy complex; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29766/05]
The proposal to develop a prison complex at Thornton Hall is proceeding subject to the relevant planning procedures. The decision of Fingal County Council to initiate an architectural conservation order for the site will be taken into account in the context of the statutory procedure provided for in the Planning and Development Act 2000. The Mountjoy complex will, when vacant, be made available for re-development.
20 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will have the proposed Tetra digital communications system installed and available to the Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29769/05]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Priority Question No. 4 today.
21 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he proposes to introduce a scheme of community policing as provided for under the Garda Síochána Act 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29780/05]
Work is underway, involving my Department, the Garda Síochána, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, on drafting the guidelines which I, after consulting with my colleagues, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, will issue concerning the establishment and maintenance of joint policing committees by local authorities and the Garda Commissioner, as provided for in the Garda Síochána Act 2005. I expect this work to be completed shortly, after which I will make a statement on the commencement of the relevant sections of the Act.
22 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is carrying out an assessment of child care needs; his estimate of the number of children already taking up child care options; the extent to which they are in the informal and the formal economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26687/05]
The Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme, EOCP, 2000-2006, which is implemented by my Department, has been an important landmark development in Irish child care policy. As this very successful investment programme draws to 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.
In addition to consideration at cross-departmental level, 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. The National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Services is expected to be published shortly by the Centre for Early Childhood Development and Care, CECDE, as is the Early Years Curriculum by the National Council for Curriculum Assessment, NCCA. A report due to issue from the National Economic and Social Council, NESC, is also expected to make some recommendations regarding child care.
Policy on child care provision in Ireland would appear to be at an important watershed and I believe it is crucial that a long-term outlook is adopted on what is a critical issue for parents and children as well as being an important strategic issue for Ireland. My Department has been at the forefront of these developments through the EOCP and I hope to continue this role and its valuable contribution to future Government policy in this area.
Before turning to the EOCP and its role in policy formation, both at its inception and into the future, I wish to outline some of the difficulties which currently limit a complete statistical analysis of child care needs. In 2004, the National Children's Research Centre carried out a detailed analysis of all official data sources on children and childhood in Ireland. It concluded in its report Counting our Children that while, by international standards, Ireland scored well in the collection of a wide array of data on children, there were still significant data gaps, particularly in data in respect of pre-school and primary school age children.
The principal data sources available at present on child care arrangements in Ireland include: the ESRI 1997 survey of child care arrangements, the 1999-2000 national child care census report carried out by Area Development Management, ADM, Ltd. and the CSO special module on child care published in the fourth quarterly national household survey in 2002. These studies do not present a complete picture of child care usage as they did not distinguish between the type of facilities attended and tended to be very narrowly focused.
A more detailed module on child care is expected to be undertaken by the CSO in early 2007. In the interim, while it is not possible to undertake a thorough statistical assessment of child care needs, experience gained from the operation of the EOCP provides a good basis for future planning. In addition, structures developed under the EOCP, such as the establishment of 33 city and county child care committees, provide valuable information at a local and national level.
Since 1990, women's labour force participation rates have risen by two thirds. In particular, it is the case that for women with children, the participation rate, and the likelihood of being in full-time employment, is higher the younger the child. The ESRI study found that, in 1997, the most widely used forms of child care were centre based. These included sessional services, full day services, crèches, nurseries and pre-schools. The bulk of these services were confined to morning sessions. The study also found that 16% of children in households where mothers did not work in paid employment availed of paid child care. This compared with 58% of children in households where mothers worked full time in paid employment.
Childminding in the minder's home was the second most commonly used form of child care and the most commonly used child care arrangement for women in paid employment. Childminders were found to be used by 14% of mothers whose youngest child was under four years and by 3% of mothers whose youngest child was five to nine years. The CSO special module in 2002 found that some 75% of families availing of child care used the services of either paid or unpaid relatives or those of a childminder rather than a centre based service. About 11% of parents of pre-school children used a crèche or other centre based facility. Many parents used a number of care arrangements for their children.
A further source of data is provided through the child care notification system operated by the Health Service Executive under the provisions of the Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations 1996. By the end of 2004, approximately 80,000 child care places had been notified. The types of services normally obliged to notify to the HSE include pre-schools, playgroups, day nurseries, crèches, childminders caring for more than three pre-school children and other similar services catering for pre-school children.
Prior to the EOCP, Ireland relied largely on the private sector to provide early childhood care and education. With the identification of child care as an investment priority under the National Development Plan 2000-2006, this Government embarked on the EOCP as an ambitious investment programme for child care. Funding for the programme now stands at €499 million, €181.8 million of which is provided by EU structural funding.
The statistics generated by the EOCP provide useful indicators for the future planning of child care service provision. To the end of August 2005, 3,400 grants have been approved, of which 1,500 are capital grants and 1,900 are current funding grants. A total of 816 of the capital grants were made to private sector providers. By the end of June 2005, 26,000 new child care places had been created while 23,000 existing places were being supported. It is now projected that 38,500 new places will have been created by the end of the programme. The staffing costs of some 2,300 child care workers are supported under the EOCP in areas of disadvantage. Childminders have also been targeted under the programme's quality enhancement measures and almost 1,000 have used the voluntary notification system put in place.
I believe the work of the EOCP provides a sound foundation on which to move forward to a new programme of investment based on sound strategic planning. At the same time, I recognise the need for further data collection and propose to take the necessary steps to ensure that this proceeds, through the CSO and other available resources, at the earliest possible date.
With regard to the Deputy's question regarding the extent to which child care is provided through the informal and formal economies, roughly 80,000 places are provided by the formal sector who have notified to the HSE under the child care regulations. It is not possible to measure the amount of child care provided in the informal sector since childminders minding less than three children are not obliged to notify the HSE and, therefore, there is no data base on this sector apart from the 1,000 or so who have availed of the voluntary notification system put in place by the Department of Health and Children.
23 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he proposes to seek approval for his recently selected three person Ombudsman Commission for the Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29750/05]
25 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the criteria he employed for the appointment of the three members of the Ombudsman Commission under the Garda Síochána Act 2005; the reason he did not resort to a public tendering process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29773/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 25 together.
The method of selection of the members of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission is set out in the Garda Síochána Act 2005, which provides that they are to be appointed by the President on the nomination of the Government and the passage of resolutions by both Houses of the Oireachtas. I am pleased that progress has been made on the selection of the members and I expect to bring proposals to Government shortly. Following Government approval, I will bring the necessary resolutions to the House and there will be an opportunity for debate on the appointments at that time.
In making the nominations, the Government will, as required by the Act, satisfy itself that the nominees have the appropriate experience, qualifications, training or expertise for appointment to the Ombudsman Commission.
24 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the nature of his investigation into the case of a person (details supplied); if he has satisfied himself with the Garda investigation carried out at the time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29741/05]
I am currently considering my response to a number of communications received by and on behalf of the person in question dealing with, inter alia, the matters raised by the Deputy. My response will issue in due course.
26 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí who are on sick leave; the length of time each has been absent from work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29747/05]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the number of gardaí unavailable for service due to illness, ill health, incapacity or otherwise on 17 October 2005 was 88. This refers to those members of the Garda Síochána who are on long-term sick leave. I am further advised that the total number of other gardaí who are absent through illness on any specific day is not readily available and that this information could only be obtained by the expenditure of a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources.
27 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on progress over the past 12 months in expansion of the equal opportunities child care programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29647/05]
The current seven year Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme, EOCP, 2000-2006 has an equal opportunities and social inclusion perspective and facilitates the further development and expansion of child care facilities to address the needs of parents in reconciling their child care needs with their participation in employment, education and training. The EOCP aims to increase the supply of centre based child care places by 55%, some 31,372 places, by programme end. It also aims to provide support and assistance to the many childminders who are providing a child care service across the country. In addition, the programme encompasses many quality issues which were identified in the child care strategy and aims to ensure that there is co-ordination in the delivery of child care services nationwide.
The total funding committed under the EOCP over the past 12 months amounts to almost €181 million, of which almost €169 million has been allocated to child care facilities and over €12 million to quality improvement measures. It is projected that this funding will create some 8,450 new child care places and will support some 2,960 existing places. Total funding committed under the EOCP from the start of the programme to the end of September 2005 amounts to over €450.5 million, of which over €395 million has been allocated to child care facilities and over €55 million to quality improvement measures.
It is projected that this funding will create some 39,000 new child care places and will support over 31,500 existing places. By the end of June 2005, some 26,000 of these new child care places were already in place. A significant part of the remaining funding will be required for continuing support to existing projects and for the provision of capital grant assistance for the development of child care facilities in areas where there are gaps in service provision.
The level of demand for capital grant assistance was such that my Department considered it important to increase the capital provision for the present programme. Following discussions with the Minister for Finance, an additional capital provision of €90 million was made available over the period 2005-2009 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. This brings the total funding available for the programme to €499.3 million and now includes an increased provision for capital developments, for which €205 million has been set aside. Since budget day last year, I have announced a record allocation totalling almost €119 million in capital funding to community based not for profit groups and private child care providers.
The availability of the additional capital funding will enable the programme to make further capital grant assistance available to groups which address significant child care service gaps and where the project proposal represents good value for money when considered against the current guidelines on building costs. I hope to announce further significant capital commitments before the end of 2005 and thereafter.
Staffing funding under the EOCP is also made available to help support the staffing costs of those community-based not for profit projects which can demonstrate that they are providing child care in areas of significant disadvantage and that they are supporting disadvantaged parents to access employment, education or training. Over 830 community based, not for profit groups receive ongoing staffing grant assistance, with over €30 million of EU and Exchequer funding going to this measure each year. It was originally envisaged that some groups would receive such funding for a period of three years, as they move towards sustainability which would normally be achievable when the service is operating at full capacity and with an appropriate fee structure.
My Department has recently approved continuation of the existing levels of staffing grant assistance until 31 December 2007 for all groups whose first three year funding had elapsed. These groups have been informed of this decision and that this funding is subject to maintaining their forecast levels of service and implementing any conditions associated with the development of the service with regard to previous grant approvals.
I am satisfied with the performance of the 33 city and county child care committees, CCCs, during the last year. These 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 local area. To implement its strategy plan, each CCC prepares an annual action plan, which is funded under the quality measure of the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme, EOCP, 2000-2006. This year, over €7.6 million was allocated to the 33 CCCs for the implementation of their 2005 action plans.
Annual funding was also approved to the 33 CCCs for the implementation of the national childminding initiative, specifically targeted at childminders, who play a key role in the delivery of child care. A sum of €965,000 was allocated to this initiative in 2005, which supports training, networking, information needs and a quality awareness programme of lectures. The quality awareness lecture programme, and other training courses provided by the CCCs between January 2004 and June 2005, were attended by 3,362 childminders.
Funding is also available under this initiative to childminders 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 childminders grants element of the EOCP to assess the future needs in this area.
I am also pleased to report that the working group on school age child care, which was established in 2004 by the national child care co-ordinating committee, published School Age Childcare in Ireland. In this report, which I launched in June this year, a number of recommendations to promote the development of school age child care, including the use of existing school facilities where this is both possible and appropriate, were made. In September, my Department launched a new initiative with the city and county child care committees, to implement these recommendations at local level. The committees are due to report back to me by the end of 2005 on progress to date and, from these reports, detailed actions plans for 2006 will be drawn up and implemented. The Department of Education and Science is supporting this initiative, both at national and local level through its regional education officers.
28 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí who are suspended from the force; the length of suspension in each case; if they will receive their full salary for the duration of the suspension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29746/05]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the number of gardaí currently suspended is 27, all ranks, which represents about 0.2% of the force. Of these 27 members, the vast majority, 23 members, are suspended for a year or less. However, I have learnt from the information supplied to me on foot of the Deputy's inquiry that four members are suspended for considerably longer periods.
I am very concerned that lengthy court proceedings lie behind these four cases of lengthy suspension and I am examining whether strict maximum time limits for suspension can be introduced in statutory regulations. One member has been suspended for as long as nine years. This is not acceptable. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the member concerned was the subject of a complaint to the Garda Síochána Complaints Board, which recommended that the member be dismissed. I am told that the member has taken judicial review proceedings which were heard recently in the High Court and that a decision is awaited.
Another member is suspended for seven years. I am informed that the member was due to appear before a board of inquiry under Garda discipline regulations but that this member also has taken judicial review proceedings in the High Court and that a date for hearing is awaited. The third member has been suspended for four years. This member is the subject of criminal charges currently before the criminal courts. The member has taken High Court proceedings seeking to prohibit the continuance of the prosecution and a date for hearing is awaited. The fourth member has been suspended for two years. This member is the subject of criminal charges currently before the criminal courts and a hearing date is awaited.
I am asking the Garda Commissioner for a report on what steps have been taken in the management of these cases to resolve, one way or another, the legal proceedings which have prevented the completion of the disciplinary process. I am asking the Commissioner, too, for his views on how best to ensure as far as possible that significant delays are avoided in future disciplinary cases. I have no doubt that the Commissioner's response will take into account the greatly strengthened powers of dismissal which the Garda Síochána Act 2005 has given him.
On the question of salaries, I have been informed by the Garda authorities that members of the Garda Síochána who are suspended from duty do not receive a full salary during suspension but that they may apply for a suspension allowance representing 75% of salary.
29 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gangland type murders that have been committed here in each of the past ten years; the detection rate in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29745/05]
All killings, regardless of the circumstances involved, are the subject of rigorous investigation by the Garda Síochána. While the term "gangland killings" tends to be widely used in the media in referring to the nature of certain unlawful killings and speculation in this respect is understandable, this does not correspond to the manner in which the Garda Síochána classifies crime or particular offences. Caution is necessary in ascribing particular motives to any particular incident as, potentially, this might jeopardise the procedures which need to be followed for the proper investigation and prosecution of offences.
Data provided by the Garda authorities in respect of all murders recorded and detected in the period 1996 to 2004, inclusive, is summarised in the following table.
|
Year |
Recorded |
Detected |
Detection rate |
|
% |
|||
|
2004* |
37 |
30 |
81 |
|
2003 |
45 |
29 |
64 |
|
2002 |
52 |
42 |
81 |
|
2001 |
52 |
45 |
87 |
|
2000 |
39 |
32 |
82 |
|
1999 |
38 |
31 |
82 |
|
1998 |
38 |
34 |
89 |
|
1997 |
38 |
34 |
89 |
|
1996 |
42 |
33 |
79 |
* Provisional
30 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the recent report of the inspector of prisons which describes the system of slopping out in Cork Prison as unacceptable and that the prison was the most overcrowded in the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29762/05]
I have been made aware of the contents of the inspector's report on Cork Prison. Cork Prison had an original design capacity of 150 persons and has a current bed capacity figure of 263. On 18 October 2005, the number of persons detained there was 231.
As mentioned in the inspector's report, the variance between the design capacity and the bed capacity is as a result of "doubling up" cells originally designed for single occupancy, a practice which has not been uncommon in the prison system in previous attempts to address overcrowding. The bed capacity figure has recently been reduced from 271 to 263 as a result of the conversion of a number of six man cells for use as two man cells.
With regard to the issue of "slopping out", the Deputy will be aware that one of the reasons I intend to proceed with plans for new prison complexes in north County Dublin and Spike Island is to provide in-cell sanitation facilities for all prisoners. It is intended that the new prison complexes will address the overcrowding difficulties that arise from time to time and they will offer significant improvements in the areas of work, training, educational and medical services for inmates as well as providing predominantly single cell accommodation with proper in-cell sanitation facilities.
31 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason the sum of €500,000 was spent on an information technology system for human resource management in the Prison Service, the use of which has been discontinued; his views on whether this represents good value for money for the taxpayer; and the sum of money he will provide for an alternative system. [29640/05]
The Deputy will be aware that the system in question was a generic IT system selected for the Civil Service as a whole. However, specific human resource management requirements apply in the Irish Prison Service that do not arise elsewhere in the Civil Service. These include dealing with staff who work a 24 hour, seven day week on rostered irregular hours and who incur high levels of sick leave, thus generating significant overtime replacement costs. Once it became clear that the generic system did not cope satisfactorily with these specific requirements in practice, a decision was taken to discontinue using it to avoid any further expenditure.
I am satisfied that, given the costs associated with continuing to use a system not meeting the needs of the Irish Prison Service, the decision taken was the correct one. Work is now under way to complete a detailed HR business requirements analysis for the service. This analysis will inform how IT support can best be provided in the human resource management function and what future level of investment may be warranted.
32 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the new community based closed circuit television system funded through ADM will replace the Garda closed circuit television system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29758/05]
CCTV systems installed for the purposes of crime prevention and as aids to policing, which cover areas to which the general public routinely have access, such as town centres, fall into two distinct categories: Garda CCTV systems and community based CCTV systems. The community based CCTV scheme is not intended as a replacement for Garda CCTV systems but rather as a means to assist communities to install their own local CCTV system.
Garda CCTV and community based CCTV systems are funded directly from a provision within the Garda Vote. Finance for Garda CCTV systems is allocated each year in the Estimates process, with the amount sought being based on current and planned Garda projects.
A number of Garda CCTV systems have been rolled out to various locations in the State in recent years. Initial installations took place in Dublin, Cork and Tralee and a further 17 locations nationwide were subsequently selected to receive a Garda CCTV system. This programme of implementation of CCTV systems is being implemented on a phased basis as follows: phase 1 — Bray, Dundalk, Dún Laoghaire, Finglas, Galway and Limerick; phase 2 — Athlone, Clondalkin, Tallaght and Waterford; and phase 3 — Ballyfermot, Carlow, Castlebar, Clonmel, Ennis, Kilkenny and Sligo. Phase 1 has been completed in five of the six locations.
Installation of CCTV systems is of necessity a detailed, complex and lengthy process. I am anxious to accelerate the implementation of the CCTV programme and reduce as far as possible the workload of the Garda Síochána in this regard. I believe the answer is to outsource the installation of Garda CCTV systems to the greatest extent possible, making use not only of the technical expertise but also of the project management expertise in the private sector. I have asked the Garda Commissioner to submit proposals for outsourced CCTV systems in the 11 locations in the remaining two phases, with a view to achieving implementation in priority locations by the end of 2006. The Garda authorities are now finalising their proposals in consultation with my Department.
The Deputy will appreciate that it is not possible for the Garda Síochána to install Garda CCTV systems in all areas that have sought them. To this end, I launched the community-based CCTV scheme on 15 June 2005. This scheme has been developed in response to a demonstrated demand from local communities across Ireland for the provision of CCTV systems. The scheme is designed to provide financial assistance to qualifying local organisations, towards meeting the capital costs associated with the establishment of local community CCTV systems. Communities that are not ready to apply for full scheme funding — stage 2 — could apply for pre-development supports — stage 1 — to assist in the formulation of high quality proposals which will have the necessary elements of local support and sustainability.
The closing date for receipt of applications was 20 September 2005 and the scheme is being administered on behalf of my Department by Area Development Management Limited, ADM. I am informed by ADM that a total of 83 applications for funding under the community based CCTV scheme — 51 under stage 1 and 32 under stage 2 — were received by the closing date. The process of evaluation and assessment of applications is under way and recommendations will be made, by ADM, to my Department's community based CCTV project board in due course. It is intended to invite a new round of applications for funding under the scheme early next year.
33 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the circumstances (details supplied) in which a member of the Garda Síochána has felt obliged to lodge a complaint against the Garda Commissioner and his predecessor to the European Court of Human Rights. [29751/05]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda member concerned was the subject of an investigation pursuant to the Garda Síochána (Discipline) Regulations 1989 in respect of correspondence forwarded to the Dáil and Seanad. These proceedings were later withdrawn and no action was taken against the member.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that he is not aware that the member concerned has taken a complaint to the European Court of Human Rights.
34 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the recent report by the inspector of prisons that the training unit at Mountjoy should not be moved to the new Thornton Hall site in north Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29761/05]
I have noted the comments contained in the report of the Inspector of Prisons regarding the training unit at Mountjoy. The future delivery of services provided at the training unit is the subject of active consideration by the Irish Prison Service. A final decision on the matter will have regard to all the relevant factors involved, including location.
35 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of applications for asylum received in each year since 2000; the number of applications approved by the refugee applications tribunal; the number of appeals submitted to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, and the number of such appeals upheld; the number of applications for leave to remain, and the number of such applications granted; the number of deportation orders made; the number of such deportations carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29765/05]
The information requested is contained in the following tables.
|
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005** |
|
|
No. of applications received |
10,938 |
10,325 |
11,634 |
7,900 |
4,766 |
3,261 |
|
No. of recommendations to grant refugee status (at first instance)*** |
212 |
459 |
894 |
345 |
430 |
358 |
*It is assumed that the reference in the Deputy's Question to "Refugee Applications Tribunal" refers to the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner.
**As at 30/09/05.
***These recommendations refer to the year in which the recommendations were made and not the year in which the applications were lodged.
|
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005* |
|
|
No. of appeals received** *** |
2,162 |
3,371 |
5,156 |
5,015 |
4,802 |
3,318 |
|
No. of appeals upheld (granted refugee status)** |
394 |
482 |
1,099 |
832 |
708 |
434 |
*as at 30/09/05.
**Substantive and accelerated cases
***There were also 2,500 manifestly unfounded appeals during this period and 812 appeals under the Dublin Convention/Regulation.
|
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005* |
|
|
No. of Deportation Orders signed |
940 |
2,025 |
2,430 |
2,411 |
2,915** |
1,489** |
|
No. of Deportation Orders effected** |
187 |
365 |
521 |
590 |
599*** |
309*** |
* as at 30/09/05
**In addition to the 2,915 deportation orders signed in 2004 and the 1,489 deportation orders signed in 2005, there were also 238 Dublin II Regulation Transfer Orders signed in 2004 and 311 Dublin II Regulation Transfer Orders signed in 2005*.
***In addition to the 599 deportation orders effected in 2004 and the 309 deportation orders effected in 2005, there were also 65 Dublin II Regulation Transfers effected in 2004 and 151 Dublin II Regulation Transfers effected in 2005.
|
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005* |
|
|
No. of applications received |
info not available |
6,300 |
6,887 |
1,272 |
269** |
232** |
* as at 30/09/05
**In the context of proposed deportation orders under the Immigration Act, 1999, the issue of leave to remain, including on humanitarian grounds, is considered irrespective of whether an application is made or not. Thus, no statistics are kept as to the number of such applications made.
|
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005* |
|
|
Parentage of Irish Born Child |
955 |
2,468 |
3,113 |
172 |
0 |
** |
|
Marriage to an Irish National |
95 |
129 |
86 |
132 |
144 |
71 |
|
Dependent of EU Citizen |
59 |
137 |
138 |
77 |
112 |
86 |
|
Other Grounds |
19 |
77 |
158 |
86 |
175 |
88 |
|
Total |
1,128 |
2,811 |
3,495 |
467 |
431 |
245** |
* as at 30/09/05.
** See Table 6.
|
2005 |
|
|
No. of Applications for permission to remain made by the non-national parents of Irish Born Children born before 1 January, 2005* |
17,877 |
|
No. of Applications for permission to remain granted** |
14,463 |
* as at 30/09/05. Applications closed on 31/03/2005.
** as at 18/10/05
36 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí attached to the traffic corps; if he will increase the number of gardaí; the reason so many road traffic prosecutions fail through faulty legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29771/05]
47 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether there are inadequate resources available to the Garda Síochána in terms of personnel and equipment from the point of view of enforcement of road traffic laws and speeding; his further views on whether the carnage on roads is directly related to this; the reason these resources have not been provided; and the measures he will introduce in an effort to reduce the toll of death and serious injury on roads. [29641/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 47 together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the total number of gardaí, of all ranks, allocated to traffic duties as at 19 October 2005 was 574. A further seven gardaí, of all ranks, are attached to the Garda national traffic bureau based at Garda headquarters. While the members of the traffic corps are specifically dedicated to traffic duties, all gardaí have responsibility, inter alia, to deal with traffic duties as they arise.
As the Deputy is aware, I announced the establishment within the Garda Síochána of the traffic corps on 23 November 2004. The Deputy will also be aware that the Government has approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members on a phased basis in line with the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government, with the recruitment of 1,100 recruits this year and in each of the next two years. As each cycle of recruit training is completed, the Garda Commissioner will assign the new members to the areas of greatest need, with particular regard to certain priorities, which include the traffic corps. The strength of the traffic corps will be increased to 1,200 members by 2008 on the following phased basis: in 2006 by 805; in 2007 by 1,030; and in 2008 by 1,200.
Resources are being allocated to the Garda traffic corps in accordance with the implementation plan contained in the strategic review of traffic policing published in October 2004.
Road user behaviour is a contributory factor in 90% of road collisions. Excessive and inappropriate speed, alcohol consumption and non-wearing of seat belts are the primary causes of road traffic fatalities and injuries. It is not possible to quantify the number of prosecutions which do not result in conviction due to a successful challenge to road traffic legislation.
A working group chaired by my Department and representing the Department of Transport, the Garda Síochána and other relevant agencies, has carried out an in-depth examination into the issue of the engagement of private sector interests in the operation of speed cameras. The group's report, which has been presented to the Government, makes a series of recommendations, which include proposals that will require the introduction of changes to the current Road Traffic Acts. The Department of Transport is currently preparing legislative provisions necessary to support those recommendations and on the completion of that work those provisions will be included in an appropriate Bill for the consideration of the House.
The purpose of this initiative is to enhance overall road safety and help reduce the numbers of deaths and serious injuries on our roads. The performance criteria to be applied will be determined by the Garda Síochána, and the deployment of cameras will be focused on locations where there is an established or prospective risk of collisions. As well as making a significant contribution to road safety, this initiative will release Garda resources so that their enforcement efforts can be concentrated on other motoring offences which cause death and serious injury, such as drink driving, dangerous driving and careless driving.
The Garda Síochána, as the traffic law enforcement agency in the State, will be responsible for the outsourcing project. The Garda authorities inform me that they have commenced preparatory work with regard to the tendering process. My Department and the Department of Transport are assisting in the process.
37 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress he has made towards drafting new defamation legislation; if such legislation is conditional on the introduction of prior privacy legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29756/05]
As indicated in the Government legislative programme, announced by the Chief Whip on 27 September 2005, the Defamation Bill is in the course of being drafted with a view to being published in early 2006. As part of the process of reform in this area, an expert group has been established, chaired by Mr. Brian Murray SC, to consider and prepare an appropriate legislative basis for the protection of privacy which would be consistent with freedom of expression. The group is expected to make a report in the coming months. The Government will then be in a position to consider the various options on the subject. The Government's decision on any action to be taken will be announced in due course.
38 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the FLAC publication (details supplied); his views on whether its tenet that while equal access to justice is a fundamental human right there is no meaningful method of enforcing that right; the steps he proposes to take to provide adequate resources to abolish waiting lists for legal aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29753/05]
I am aware of the publication in question. The position is that my Department provides for wide access to civil legal advice and assistance via the Legal Aid Board and its nationwide network of law centres. The board's services are available to persons of modest means and at little cost. Funding for the board has been increased by 16% since last year to €21.362 million in 2005 and this additional funding has contributed to a significant improvement in waiting times across the country. I understand the maximum waiting time for services is now four months and that, at a majority of centres, the waiting time is less than two months.
The Deputy may also wish to note that the board provides a priority service to persons seeking legal services for cases involving domestic violence, child care, child abduction and for certain other matters where there are statutory time limits. These cases are dealt with immediately and without their being put on a waiting list.
39 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a witness in a murder case (details supplied) has retracted their statement alleging that their statement was made under duress and at the instigation of the investigating gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29752/05]
I have received correspondence on the matter, a copy of which was made available to the Garda Commissioner.
I have been informed that the Garda Commissioner has directed an assistant commissioner to examine matters raised in the correspondence and to furnish a report on them. I have requested that the Garda authorities inform me of the outcome of the examination. As the Deputy will appreciate, the murder referred to is the subject of an ongoing criminal investigation and it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.
40 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the date on which he was first informed about the serious allegations against gardaí in Ashbourne station; the steps he took following the receipt of this information; when the Commissioner appointed the chief superintendent to investigate the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29701/05]
128 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he was first informed about the serious allegations against gardaí in Ashbourne station; the steps he took following the receipt of this information; when the Commissioner appointed the chief superintendent to investigate the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29934/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 128 together.
I have met some of the principals in my capacity as a Dáil Deputy and arranged for some of them to be met by officials in my Department at a senior level.
I regard the underlying allegations as being of the upmost gravity. They have been conveyed to the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána and he appointed a chief superintendent on 11 May 2005 to investigate the matter further. I urge everyone with information on this matter to co-operate fully with the chief superintendent.
41 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the way in which a member of the Garda Síochána was able to obtain and sell Garda uniforms to film and theatre companies for years, and when the Garda became aware of the theft; if any of the uniforms had been obtained by criminals or paramilitaries; the steps in place to prevent such thefts in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29770/05]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that following a written complaint to the Garda Síochána, an investigation was initiated to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged sale of items of Garda uniforms to film and theatre companies in recent years. A member of the Garda Síochána has been arrested as part of this investigation.
I am further informed that this Garda investigation will also focus on establishing whether or not Garda uniforms have been obtained by criminals or paramilitaries. As this matter is now the subject of an ongoing Garda investigation, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.
42 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the recent statements made by the president of the Human Rights Commission, Mr. Maurice Manning, when speaking at a conference on policing in a multi-ethnic society organised by Amnesty International at the Irish Council for Civil Liberties that a radical reform of the Garda Síochána was essential; his proposals to conduct such a reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29777/05]
The Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides for the comprehensive reform of the Garda Síochána. The Act is the first major revision of the operation of the Garda Síochána since the foundation of the State.
The Act will reform the manner in which the Garda Síochána is managed and will clarify the role and objectives of the force and its relationship with the Minister and Government of the day. It will also establish the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission to independently investigate complaints by members of the public against members of the Garda Síochána. In addition, it will establish an independent Garda inspectorate to promote efficiency and effectiveness in the Garda Síochána. The inspectorate will benchmark Garda practice, procedures and performance against comparable best international standards.
The Act also provides for the establishment of joint policing committees, composed of Garda, local authority and community representatives. These committees will provide a forum where the Garda and local authorities can co-operate and work together to address local policing and related issues.
A number of sections of the Act have already been commenced. These include a provision placing a duty on all members of the Garda Síochána to account to their superior officers for any action whilst on duty. This implements a key recommendation of the Morris tribunal into the actions of certain gardaí in Donegal.
I have established a review group under the chairmanship of Senator Maurice Hayes to oversee preparations for the timely implementation of the Act. The group will report to me on progress by the end of December 2005.
43 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the allegations made to a programme (details supplied) by victims of State institutions regarding abuse that some solicitors charged the Residential Institutions Redress Board and the victims for their legal services in a manner that amounted to double charging; the steps he will take to address the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29744/05]
I refer the Deputy to the detailed reply I gave to Questions Nos. 655 and 663 on Tuesday, 18 October 2005.
44 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received the report, An Accessible Childcare Model, by the National Women’s Council of Ireland; if this report has been examined with a view to action in so far as it concerns his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29644/05]
68 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received the report of the National Economic and Social Forum on early childhood care and education; if this report has been examined with a view to action in so far as it concerns his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29643/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 68 together.
The Equal Opportunities Childcare 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 has reached its final stage, the full range of child care issues and how we should best address them are being critically examined at this time, with a view to informing the forward planning process.
In addition to consideration at cross-departmental level, 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, which was funded by my Department, and the National Economic and Social Forum, NESF. I welcome both of these reports for their timeliness and the comprehensive manner in which they have contributed to the ongoing debate on child care.
These two reports make a series of recommendations which would impact on a wide range of cross cutting issues. The issues relevant to my Department include the expansion of the supply of child care places through the continuation of the equal opportunities child care programme and the significant revision and extension of the existing maternity and parental leave arrangements. The recommendations on these issues, amongst others, form part of the background to the consideration of a broad range of child care issues, which is taking place at interdepartmental level in the high-level working group on early childhood care and education, under the co-ordination of the National Children's Office.
It is widely accepted that child care policy and provision in Ireland is at an important watershed. It is important that a long-term outlook and strategic approach are adopted. My Department has been at the forefront in 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.
45 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) will be officially exonerated by the Irish State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24622/05]
The events in which the person in question came to public attention are a matter of public record. No finding of guilt was ever made in the courts regarding the person in question in respect of the said events. Accordingly, the question of an "exoneration" does not appear to arise.
46 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the ESRI view that child care is to become more expensive and more difficult to obtain; the initiatives, in addition to the EOCP, he will introduce to increase the supply of child care places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29729/05]
63 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the effectiveness of the EOCP in improving equality of opportunity for women in the workforce and improving equality of opportunity for children at a social and educational level through early years education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29730/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 63 together.
The Deputy has referred to the effectiveness of the EOCP and to recent comments by the ESRI regarding future child care costs and availability. I understand the comments referred to arose from two ESRI working papers entitled The Labour Market to 2015 and Ireland - an Ageing Multicultural Economy, which were presented at a recent SIPTU biennial conference. The papers included issues for discussion across a broad range of topics influenced by our demographic structure now and into the future. These included our economic success, family-friendly workplaces, higher female labour force participation and the increase in the number of women in higher levels of education, together with the consequent implications this may have for future public policy makers, including higher child care costs.
While there have been a number of recent reports on the future of child care which also look at cross-cutting issues, the need for such an approach has already been recognised and adopted at Government level. In the past, child care was seen as a matter largely for parents and not one requiring active Government intervention. This scenario has changed radically and in a very short period, due in no small way to the outcomes of the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme, EOCP, 2000-2006.
The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has lead responsibility for the EOCP, which was established to deliver the Government's commitment, identified in the National Development Plan 2000-2006, to develop quality child care services in Ireland through a major investment programme. This commitment was given in direct response to the recommendations of the expert working group on child care established under Partnership 2000, and chaired by my Department, to develop a strategy for the development and delivery of child care.
The EOCP has contributed significantly to the development of a formal child care infrastructure through a substantial investment programme to establish and enhance child care services, the development of a national network of 33 city and county child care committees, and supporting the work of seven national voluntary child care organisations.
The provision of capital grants has enabled the establishment of new child care facilities and the upgrading of existing child care facilities. The provision of staffing grant assistance for up to three years, in areas of disadvantage, has ensured the retention of child care staff in services. The interim evaluation of the EOCP and the mid-term evaluation made positive commentary on the performance of the child care measures which resulted in additional funds being allocated to the child care measures. As the very successful EOCP 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.
The question 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. While it is not possible at this stage to comment in detail, the Government has already signalled its commitment to continued expenditure beyond the end of the programme to ensure that its momentum is maintained.
EOCP funding commitments have been made beyond 2006 for 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 to 2009, 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. In regard to staffing grant assistance, 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.
To date under the EOCP, 49,000 child care places are up and running, of which 26,000 are new. Data from grant beneficiaries indicated that over 80% of parents using the child care facilities are availing of education, training or employment opportunities.
The number of women in the active workforce is continuing to increase rapidly and has grown from 400,400 in employment in 1990 to 819,000 in employment 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.
All of the EOCP achievements to date have addressed national and local level issues, aimed at increasing the availability of child care places and improving the quality of child care services, through capital, staffing and quality improvement funding. My Department has been at the forefront of these developments and I hope to continue this role and its valuable contribution to future Government policy on child care.
48 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the arrest of a person (details supplied) in the Bahamas by the US authorities; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that this person may escape prosecution due to the fact that he possesses an Irish passport; if he will begin the process of revoking that passport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29768/05]
The person concerned became an Irish citizen when he was granted a certificate of naturalisation on 24 April 1995. As an Irish citizen, he is entitled to hold an Irish passport.
I am aware from a newspaper article of the alleged arrest of the person concerned. I have also noted the remarks in the media about the possibility of the person concerned evading prosecution due to the fact that he has an Irish passport. In this context, it seems that the core issue is whether or not the person concerned was granted naturalisation appropriately in the first instance and is entitled to continue to be an Irish citizen and to hold an Irish passport.
The revocation of a certificate of naturalisation can only be considered within the provisions of section 19 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act. I have put these provisions on the record of the House on a number of occasions.
I have asked my officials to examine the case of the person concerned. The Deputy can be assured that if the circumstances of this, or indeed any particular case, warrant revocation under the statutory provisions of the above Act, I will have no hesitation in utilising my statutory powers to the fullest extent possible.
Should the authorities in either the Bahamas or the United States require any assistance in this matter, my Department will be happy to co-operate in any way possible.
49 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will explore the option of providing funding to community playgroups; his views on whether the non-availability of and the high costs of child care facing young parents today is leading to financial hardship for many and with suitable child care buildings already in place a solution is within reach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22879/05]
Child care was identified as an investment priority under the National Development Plan 2000-2006. This was in direct response to the recommendations of the expert working group on child care established under Partnership 2000 to develop a strategy for the development and delivery of child care. My Department was given lead responsibility for the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme, EOCP, 2000-2006, through which this strategy is being delivered.
The principal objective of the EOCP is to increase the supply of centre based child care places by 55%, or some 31,500 places, by the end of the programme. By the end of June this year, some 26,000 new places had been created and 23,000 existing places were being supported. The EOCP is ahead of its projected targets and is expected to result in 38,500 new places by its end. A further important objective of the EOCP is to provide support and assistance to the many childminders who are providing a child care service across the country. In addition, the programme encompasses measures to address a range of quality issues which were identified in the child care strategy and improve the level of co-ordination in the delivery of child care services.
Since its inception in 2000, the funding committed to the programme has increased from €318 million to €499.3 million, or by 57%, the most recent increase being €50 million in budget 2005. In addition, the multi-annual capital envelopes announced on budget day included increases that will result in a further €50 million in capital in 2006 and will see the injection of a further €40 million in capital funding between 2007 and 2009.
The EOCP is designed to support both an equal opportunities and a social inclusion perspective. These objectives are achieved through the grant structure which has been put in place. Capital grants are available to both private child care service providers and to community or not-for-profit groups. Capital grants facilitate the further development and expansion of child care facilities, assisting parents to reconcile their needs for quality child care while participating in employment, education and training. Staffing grants are made available to community-based groups which demonstrate a focus on disadvantage. To the end of June 2005, more than €97 million has been given in staffing grants under the programme. This funding supports some 2,300 child care staff places catering for disadvantaged parents and children. These supports directly address the issue of child care costs for the most disadvantaged in our society and also recognise the important link between poverty and unemployment and the need to support parents in a work or training environment.
With specific regard to the provision of funding under the EOCP to community playgroups, these are generally groups run by a committee of parents and other local people, set up to offer care and education, mainly on a sessional basis, to children aged between three and five years. In some cases, community playgroups are managed, operated and funded solely by parents. In others, the groups receive financial or other support from local organisations, such as providers of education or health services or church groups. Many community playgroups also receive funding from other State sources. Where a community playgroup meets the qualifying criteria under the EOCP, it can receive grant support for capital and or staffing costs. Currently, some 327 community playgroups across the State are in receipt of EOCP funding and €33 million has been spent on this sector to date.
As I have outlined, the EOCP is supporting the development of a quality child care infrastructure in Ireland which is an essential element to the issue of moderating child care costs for parents. The specific issue of the burden on parents of child care costs is also addressed through the Government's commitment to payments for child benefit. Between 1997 and 2005, child benefit almost quadrupled from some €505 million to €1.91 billion. Since April 2005, child benefit payments stand at €141.60 per month, per child, for the first two children and €177.30 per month for a third and each subsequent child. These increases were introduced to give effect to the Government's commitment to assist all parents in the care of their children irrespective of income or employment status.
50 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has fully identified all of the money laundering, racketeering and drug running activities throughout the country; if the full extent of these activities has been monitored sufficiently to take the necessary action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29712/05]
158 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has identified all money laundering sources throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29982/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 50 and 158 together.
The Deputy will appreciate that policing operations are a matter for the Garda Síochána. I am informed by the Garda authorities that criminal networks involved in the areas of criminality referred to by the Deputy are identified in a number of ways. Ongoing investigations and intelligence gathering by specialist national units working in collaboration with other national and international law enforcement agencies, including the customs service, result in the identification of the criminal activities in question. These national units operate under the assistant commissioner in charge of national support services and include the Garda bureau of fraud investigation, the national bureau of criminal investigation, the criminal assets bureau and the Garda national drugs unit. Ongoing investigations and activities by divisional and district personnel operating throughout the State also yield information and intelligence.
All the above activities identify key organisations involved in drug trafficking and distribution, money laundering and racketeering. Having identified the key players, the relevant units, both national and local, undertake targeted operations designed to reduce the incidence of such criminality and gather sufficient evidence to sustain successful prosecutions against the principals involved. These operations have resulted in significant detections, including significant detections in terms of volumes of drug seizures.
Given the covert nature of money laundering and the emergence of new criminal networks over time, the Deputy will appreciate that is not possible for the Garda to state, at any given time, that all money laundering sources throughout the country have been identified. However, I am informed by the Garda authorities that many sources have been identified in the course of investigations. In addition to the pursuit of prosecutions where warranted, when sources come to notice the Garda Síochána provides crime prevention advice and guidance through the provision of training courses and presentations to financial and other relevant institutions.
51 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide details of all funding made available by him to groups providing support services to victims of violence against women from when he became Minister to date; his plans to increase the level of funding for these groups in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29734/05]
The Deputy will be aware that the primary responsibility for funding agencies providing support services to the victims of violence against women rests with the Department of Health and Children.
My Department has provided funding to non-governmental organisations at the level as set out in the following table. This financial assistance has been provided in respect of such matters as awareness raising programmes, training and development for agency staff as well as funding for research projects and court accompaniment services. Funding under my Department's violence against women budget increased by 39% in 2005 over 2004 and is reviewed annually.
|
Name of organisation |
Total funding provided |
|
€ |
|
|
Women’s Support and Advocacy Service, WAVES |
165,000 |
|
COPE — previously known as Galway Voluntary Social Services |
70,000 |
|
The Southside Women’s Action Network Limited |
19,600 |
|
5-6 Kilkenny Women’s Arts Project |
1,000 |
|
Adapt Services Limerick |
5,120 |
|
AkiDwA (African Women’s Network) |
7,000 |
|
Carlow Local Network on Violence Against Women |
5,000 |
|
Cork Rape Crisis Centre |
10,000 |
|
Domestic Violence Service Limited, Dublin |
2,000 |
|
Donegal Domestic Violence Service |
500 |
|
Dublin Rape Crisis Centre |
39,653.43 |
|
European Women’s Lobby |
49,731.75 |
|
Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre |
25,739 |
|
Kilkenny Local Network on Violence Against Women |
12,100 |
|
Kilkenny Rape Crisis and Counselling Centre |
2,750 |
|
Mayo Women’s Support Services |
10,731 |
|
Mid-Western Regional Committee on Violence Against Women |
8,000 |
|
National Network of Women’s Refuges and Support Centre |
13,066.05 |
|
North Eastern Regional Committee on Violence Against Women |
5,755.28 |
|
North West Women’s Human Rights Forum |
1,500 |
|
Pavee Point Traveller’s Centre |
2,260 |
|
Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Services, Wexford |
2,000 |
|
Rape Crisis Network Ireland |
84,968 |
|
Rev. Dr. Tony Byrne |
2,000 |
|
Ringsend Action Project Limited |
8,902 |
|
Ruhama Women’s Project |
38,768 |
|
Sexual Violence Centre, Cork |
5,500 |
|
SIPTU |
3,000 |
|
South Eastern Regional Committee on Violence Against Women |
600 |
|
South Leinster Rape Crisis Centre |
17,041 |
|
Southill Domestic Abuse Project, Limerick |
50,000 |
|
The Open Door Network, Tralee |
6,000 |
|
Western Regional Planning Committee on Violence Against Women |
11,000 |
|
Women’s Aid |
57,599.85 |
52 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a report (details supplied), commissioned by his Department, finds that a large number of persons surveyed as part of this study had been imprisoned for offences linked directly to the fact that they were homeless and that the introduction of anti-social behaviour orders is likely to exacerbate this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29739/05]
64 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has read the report (details supplied) recently produced by the CSER and DIT; if he will implement any of the recommendations arising from the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29738/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 64 together.
The issues faced by offenders that are homeless or at risk of homelessness, both in the community and in custody, have long been recognised. These issues have been the focus of increased consideration in recent years, particularly in the context of the Government's integrated strategy on homelessness, 2000, and following the publication of the Homeless Preventative Strategy, 2002, and NESF Report No. 22 of 2002 on the reintegration of prisoners.
The probation and welfare service, with the approval of my Department, commissioned the Centre for Social and Educational Research, CSER, at Dublin Institute of Technology, DIT, to carry out research on the number, profile and progression routes of homeless persons before the courts and in custody. The research, carried out in the Dublin area in 2003 and 2004, was published in July 2005. Among the findings were the facts that 1.6% of the persons sampled attending before the courts were homeless and that, on average, they had a higher number of charges against them.
Among the most common charges were the charges of being intoxicated in a public place — 30%; threatening, abusive, insulting behaviour in a public place — 24%; and theft — 21%. Only approximately one fifth of the cases resulted in imprisonment. The recommendations contained in the report are under consideration in my Department at present.
In recent years, there has been considerable development of services for offenders who are either homeless or at risk of homelessness, both in the community and on release from custody. These include: the establishment of the homeless offenders strategy team, HOST, a probation and welfare service led multi-agency initiative to address homelessness among offenders — it is a direct outcome of the Government's homelessness strategy and it is working to progress a number of initiatives to reduce homelessness among offenders, both in custody and in the community; the acceptance by local authorities of applications for social housing from prisoners up to nine months prior to their expected release date; procedures to ensure retention of prisoners' social housing tenancies in so far as possible; the probation and welfare service, Irish Prison Service and other agencies working with prisoners provide a range of opportunities, on both an individual and group programme basis, for prisoners to assist them to prepare for their release and their successful re-integration back into the community — their accommodation needs are addressed in this forum; enhanced in-reach services by community welfare, housing and other social services to prisoners nearing release, particularly those who are at risk of homelessness on release. In addition to these in-reach services, the access housing unit of the Threshold organisation, in partnership with the probation and welfare service and the Irish Prison Service, is sourcing private rented accommodation for suitable prisoners in Dublin on a pilot basis.
I reject the view that the introduction of anti-social behaviour orders is likely to exacerbate the situation regarding homeless people. An anti-social behaviour order is simply a mechanism whereby the law seeks to stop a person from behaving in a way which is causing very serious distress to a community or to some person in that community. In this respect the principle behind anti-social behaviour orders is similar to the power to bind over, which is a very old power.
I am currently finalising legislative proposals to provide for such orders. I expect, subject to Government approval, to introduce these proposals as Committee Stage amendments to the Criminal Justice Bill 2004, which is currently awaiting completion of Second Stage in the Dáil.
My amendments will allow the Garda to apply to the courts by way of civil procedure for an anti-social behaviour order which will prohibit the person who is the subject of the order from behaving in an anti-social way. My proposals will include guidelines for the courts relating to the granting of orders. The orders will be civil orders and the question of an offence will arise only if the person in question wilfully defies the order and continues to engage in the behaviour.
My proposals will incorporate important safeguards to ensure that the orders can be used for the benefit of the community as a whole. My amendments will ensure that an application for an anti-social behaviour order will be a last resort in situations where other steps, including Garda warnings to desist, have been ignored. I stress that the orders will not be targeted at any particular group but will provide a means of dealing with persistent anti-social activity by individuals who come to the attention of the Garda and the courts.
53 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to open an inquiry into the Garda investigation and subsequent criminal proceedings surrounding the murder of a person (details supplied) in Tallaght in 1992; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29740/05]
I have had inquiries made in this matter and I am informed that the Garda authorities are satisfied that this case was the subject of a full and proper investigation which resulted in a person being charged on the directions of the Director of Public Prosecutions and subsequently dealt with by the courts. I understand that no other persons are sought with regard to this incident.
The courts are, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions. I have no function in verdicts of the courts, nor is it open to me to intervene in court proceedings of this kind. I have been informed that the defendant in this case was acquitted on all charges by the jury who returned a verdict of "not guilty".
54 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the widespread availability of cocaine here and the increasing quantities of crack cocaine that are seized; his proposals to tackle the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29742/05]
The National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008 addresses the problem of drug misuse across a number of pillars — supply reduction, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and research — and implementation of the strategy across a range of Government Departments and agencies is co-ordinated by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. The Government is aware of the increased prevalence of cocaine usage in recent times and efforts to tackle it are broadly based to include measures aimed at both supply and demand reduction, including awareness initiatives.
The national strategy specifies a number of supply reduction targets for the Garda Síochána in terms of all drug seizures and the Garda has achieved considerable successes regarding these targets to date.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that their strategies for dealing with drug offences are designed to undermine the activities of organised criminal networks involved in the trafficking and distribution of illicit drugs, including cocaine and crack cocaine. All of these strategies are based on a number of underlying principles, namely, focusing on all aspects of drug trafficking including the importation, transportation and distribution of illicit drugs; the gathering of intelligence on all individuals and organisations involved in the distribution of drugs, including the support structures underpinning this activity; conducting targeted operations on criminal networks based on intelligence gathered; and working in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, both within and outside the jurisdiction, to address the national as well as international aspects of drug trafficking and distribution.
The Garda authorities further inform me that these strategies have resulted in a number of operational successes, including successes against cocaine trafficking. Many of these have been recently publicised. The trafficking and distribution of all illicit drugs, including cocaine hydrochloric and freebase, that is, crack, at local, national and international levels is constantly monitored by the Garda.
The Criminal Justice Bill, which is currently before the Houses of the Oireachtas, provides a comprehensive package of anti-crime measures that will enhance the powers of the Garda in the investigation and prosecution of offences, including drug offences. It includes provisions relating to search warrant powers for the Garda and admissibility of statements by witnesses who subsequently refuse to testify or retract their original statements. Moreover, I am currently finalising further legislative proposals to provide for criminal offences relating to participation in a criminal organisation and to strengthen existing provisions relating to the ten year mandatory minimum sentence for drug trafficking.
55 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to correspondence (details supplied); if he met with some of the principals in the case in any capacity; if a file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29776/05]
I have met some of the principals in my capacity as a Dáil Deputy and arranged for some of the principals to be met by officials in my Department at a senior level.
I regard the underlying allegations as being of the upmost gravity. They have been conveyed to the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána and he has appointed a chief superintendent to investigate the matter further. I am informed by the Garda authorities that an earlier investigation into the incident referred to resulted in an investigation file being submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who directed no prosecution on the basis of that file.
I have no role in the investigation or prosecution of cases. This is a long standing principle of our system of justice. I am also informed that an investigation is currently being conducted into this matter in accordance with the provisions of the Garda Síochána (Complaints) Act 1986. The Garda Síochána Complaints Board, which was set up under the Act, is independent in the exercise of its functions.
I urge everyone with information regarding this matter to co-operate fully with the chief superintendent and with the separate Garda Síochána Complaints Board investigation.
56 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the service providers the Garda Commissioner has written to pursuant to section 63 of the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005 instructing them to retain data as defined; if any service provider accessed the data held pursuant to section 63 of the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005; if so, the service providers which have done so and pursuant to which subsection or subsections of section 64 was it so accessed in each case; the number of times the data retained have been accessed under each subsection of section 64 and by which service providers; the safeguards he has instructed service providers to put in place to ensure that this data is not improperly accessed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29779/05]
Part 7 — sections 61 to 67 — of the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005 provides for the retention of telecommunications data by communications service providers for the purposes of the prevention, detection, investigation or prosecution of crime, including terrorist offences, or the safeguarding of the security of the State. It would not be in the public interest to reveal the number or identities of the service providers, if any, which have been requested in writing by the Garda Commissioner to retain, for a period of three years, traffic data or location data or both.
A service provider shall not access any data so retained save in accordance with the conditions set out in paragraphs 64(1)(a) to (e) of the 2005 Act. Inasmuch as retained data may be accessed by the Garda Síochána, it would not be in the public interest to reveal either the number of requests, if any, made to disclose any data so retained or the identities of the service providers to which such requests, if any, have been made.
I do not have — and could not have — information on such matters as it relates to disclosure requests from other legitimate sources, such as in accordance with a court order or at the request and with the consent of the person to whom the data relates.
On safeguards against the misuse of retained data, Part 7 of the 2005 Act extends the duties of the designated judge under the Interception of Postal Packets and Telecommunications Messages (Regulation) Act 1993 to the data retention provisions of this Part. In particular, the designated judge shall, inter alia, keep the operation of the provisions of Part 7 under review and ascertain whether the Garda Síochána and the Permanent Defence Forces are complying with its provisions.
Moreover, Part 7 of the 2005 Act also extends the duties of the complaints referee under the Interception of Postal Packets and Telecommunications Messages (Regulation) Act 1993 to the data retention provisions of this Part. In particular, the complaints referee shall investigate, on foot of a complaint alleging improper disclosure, whether, inter alia, any provision of section 64 was contravened in the disclosure request, if any.
57 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there have been any confirmed or reported cases of MRSA in prisons; the protocols which are in place in the prison medical service to deal with such an event; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29735/05]
A small number of cases of MRSA have been diagnosed in prisoners. These have all occurred in prisoners who have been patients in external hospitals for specialist treatment. All cases have been treated in line with the particular clinical indications either directly by prison health care staff or in consultation with relevant external specialist services. A policy guideline, reflecting public health guidelines in dealing with MRSA, has been issued for the attention of all prison health care staff.
58 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of cocaine seizures by the Garda Síochána in the towns of Tralee and Listowel, County Kerry, for each year from 2000 to 2004, respectively, and to date in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29638/05]
Data provided by the Garda authorities in respect of seizures of cocaine in the towns of Tralee and Listowel over the period 2000 to 2004, inclusive, and in 2005 to date are summarised in the following table.
|
Year |
Tralee |
Listowel |
|
2000 |
0 |
0 |
|
2001 |
4 |
0 |
|
2002 |
2 |
2 |
|
2003 |
10 |
0 |
|
2004 |
7 |
6 |
|
2005 to date |
5 |
7 |
It is a key objective of the National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008 to reduce access to all drugs, particularly those drugs that cause most harm to young people, especially in those areas where misuse is most prevalent. The strategy specifies a number of supply reduction targets for the Garda Síochána in terms of drug seizures and the Garda has achieved considerable successes regarding these targets to date.
59 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of civil servants in his Department dealing directly with the issue of child care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29645/05]
As the Deputy is aware, my Department's responsibility relating to child care is confined to the implementation of the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme, EOCP, 2000-2006. This is a substantial investment programme under which capital and staffing grants are made available to develop and support child care facilities. The programme also delivers a number of quality enhancement measures which are aimed at assisting all child care workers.
The EOCP is administered by the child care directorate in my Department which is currently staffed by 19 civil servants. Having regard to the scale and nature of the programme and its need to operate at a local level across the country, the function of managing the day-to-day operations of the EOCP, in particular, the initial appraisal of grant applications, is carried out by Area Development Management, ADM, Limited, on behalf of the directorate. At present, 39.5 equivalent full-time staff employed by ADM work directly on the EOCP while up to six further staff in ADM work either indirectly on the programme or are shared or central staff. ADM also plays an important role in monitoring and auditing expenditure under the programme and ensuring that the necessary financial and other controls are in place. ADM makes reports regularly on the operation of the programme and collects data to assist in future planning.
In addition, 33 city and county child care committees, CCCs, have been established by the Department to provide the basis for developing a national support infrastructure for quality child care development. The CCCs receive funding from the child care directorate in the Department to implement their annual action plans and to support staffing costs.
60 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the co-ordinating committee provided for in the readmission agreement between the Irish and Nigerian Governments has been established; if so, the details of its membership and activities to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29732/05]
I refer the Deputy to the reply I gave to Question No. 3 of today's date which sets out my position in the matters raised. No meeting of the co-ordinating committee as provided for in Article XIX of the agreement has taken place yet as Nigeria has not yet officially ratified the agreement.
61 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of non-nationals who entered here as unaccompanied minors who have now reached the age of 18 years and whose applications for residency have not been successful; his views on whether he will reconsider his policy on those persons and allow them to remain here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29774/05]
I am assuming that the Deputy is referring to leave to remain applications from persons who are now over 18 years of age but who originally entered the State as unaccompanied minors and made asylum applications that were later refused.
I am informed by the Refugee Applications Commissioner that there have been 1,684 asylum applications from unaccompanied minors in the period 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2005, of which 1,324 had reached the age of 18 years at the time of their asylum interview. I regret it has not been possible in the time available to assemble further information on these persons. I will be in touch with the Deputy again when this information is to hand.
The consideration given to such cases is the same as that given to other leave to remain applications. The decision not to deport a person who is illegally in the State, that is, grant temporary leave to remain, arises under section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended. Each case is individually considered in the context of its own particular circumstances, having regard to the 11 factors cited in the Act, and having regard to section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996, which pertains to prohibition of refoulement.
There is no "catch all" policy — be it to deport or allow to stay — in respect of unaccompanied minors who reach the age of 18 years. All cases are considered on their individual merits.
62 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the statement by a group (details supplied) that hundreds of homosexuals here are in long-term cohabiting relationships with partners who have immigration and residency issues; his views on whether equal immigration rights will be given to same sex couples as are available to heterosexual married couples; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29755/05]
The organisation referred to by the Deputy has made a submission to my Department in response to the discussion document, Immigration and Residence in Ireland, which I published in April of this year. This submission was one of several concerning the rights of same sex couples in Irish immigration legislation and policy.
At present, when determining whether a foreign national should be admitted to the State to join another foreign national or, indeed, an Irish national, a number of questions arise. One fundamental consideration in most cases relates to the extent to which the couple will in the future be in a position to support themselves without recourse to public funds. That in turn requires an evaluation of the nature and extent of the relationship between the persons in question.
Where the persons in question are married, that evaluation is relatively straightforward from an administrative point of view. However, where the relationship is more informal its dynamics are more difficult to determine objectively, particularly where it is not underpinned by any formal legal contract.
At present, the Irish immigration system does not have any formal procedures for recognising same sex partnerships. However, my Department is currently preparing an immigration and residence Bill. The aforementioned discussion document, Immigration and Residence in Ireland, indicates the range of issues to be addressed and indicates how they are likely to be dealt with in future legislation and in future policy. Among the issues the document identifies as areas that will need to be considered are unmarried partners and same sex relationships.
65 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Prison Service will provide access to other confirmatory testing for prisoners whose initial mandatory drug test is found positive for illegal drugs, in view of the fact that false positive test results are known to be potentially triggered by legal prescription medications, including HIV medications (details supplied); if not the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29737/05]
I am aware of the potential for positive test results in the context of mandatory drug testing arising from consumption of prescribed medication. I assure the Deputy that the new scheme the Irish Prison Service will put in place will have appropriate provisions to deal with this.
There are pre-existing procedures to deal with circumstances in which a positive drug test is attributed by a prisoner to a legitimately prescribed and consumed medication. These involve the examination of whether there is a basis for such attribution, including consultation with the relevant prescriber as to whether any medication prescribed for the prisoner could be responsible for the positive result. It is not current practice to require the prisoner to undergo further tests in such circumstances.
66 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of consultants employed by his Department in each year since 1997; the cost of each contracted; the work that was carried out by each consultant; the number of contracts that were successfully completed within schedule and budget; the number of contracts that were not successfully completed within schedule or budget and the figure of overrun in each case; if he has responded in any way to the criticism of over dependency on consultants by Departments in the Comptroller and Auditor General’s report for 2005. [29767/05]
In the time available for response it has not been possible to compile the detailed information requested by the Deputy. The information requested is being collated at present and I will forward it to the Deputy shortly.
67 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Prison Service has a policy that sets a maximum dosage of methadone allowable for prisoners; if so, the details of the maximum dosage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29736/05]
Methadone is prescribed for prisoners as part of either a detoxification regime or, where clinically indicated, as part of a maintenance programme for prisoners who have either been on such a programme in the community prior to committal or who are, following clinical assessment, considered to be suitable candidates to commence such a programme while in prison.
The Prison Service has no policy indicating a maximum dosage of methadone allowable for prisoners. The level of dosage prescribed in each case is a matter for individual clinical decision. In situations where a newly committed prisoner shows evidence of recent opiate misuse and is being considered for a clinical detoxification using methadone it has been long standing policy guidance that, given the uncertainty of previous consumption, such a detoxification should commence with a low dose and be adjusted on the basis of ongoing clinical review. This is to minimise the risk of inadvertent overdose.
69 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will reopen the Curragh Prison, Fort Mitchel or Spike Island in view of the fact that the industrial relations dispute has ended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29763/05]
The Deputy will be aware that the Government approved a series of measures on 11 November 2003 in the event of failure to reach agreement with the Prison Officers' Association on the change agenda aimed at eliminating overtime payments and reducing other costs in the Irish Prison Service.
These measures included the mothballing of both Fort Mitchel place of detention and the Curragh place of detention. Throughout the negotiation process I made my position clear, that the present cost structure of the Prison Service could not be sustained and that in the event that agreement could not be reached on a mutually acceptable way forward, then both institutions would be closed. Following the rejection by staff of the proposal for organisational change I was left with no option but to close these institutions permanently in order to control costs.
In the course of discussions on refloating the proposal for organisational change with minor revisions, I again made it clear that the decision on the closures of the Curragh and Fort Mitchel was irreversible. The Deputy will be aware that a new modern southern prison will be built on Spike Island to replace Cork Prison. The recent acceptance by staff of the revised proposal for organisational change holds out the real prospect of an efficient and more cost effective Prison Service into the future. Implementation of the agreed arrangements is proceeding apace and I am optimistic that the changes involved will herald a new era in the Prison Service which will work to the benefit of both management and staff.
70 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposals in regard to the privatisation of speed cameras; the way in which he will ensure that the proposal will not end up as simply a money making venture; and when he will bring forward legislation in this regard. [29066/05]
A working group chaired by my Department and representing the Department of Transport, the Garda Síochána and other relevant agencies, carried out an in-depth examination into the engagement of private sector interests in the provision and operation of speed cameras. On the basis of the group's report, my colleague, the Minister for Transport, and I presented proposals to Government in July for the outsourcing to the private sector of the provision and operation of speed cameras under the supervision and direction of the Garda Síochána. Our proposals were accepted by Government and work has commenced on their implementation.
The proposals will require the introduction of changes to the current Road Traffic Acts. The Department of Transport is currently preparing legislative provisions necessary to support those recommendations, and on the completion of that work my colleague, the Minister for Transport, will bring proposals to Government with a view to having provisions included in an appropriate Bill for the consideration of the House. The Garda Síochána, as the traffic law enforcement agency in the State, will be responsible for the outsourcing project and has commenced work in preparation for the necessary tendering process. My Department and the Department of Transport are participating in this work.
The purpose of this initiative is solely to enhance overall road safety and help reduce the numbers of deaths and serious injuries on our roads. The performance criteria to be applied will be determined by the Garda Síochána and the deployment of cameras will be focused on locations where there is an established or prospective risk of collisions. The selection of sites for cameras will be identified by the Garda Síochána with the assistance of the National Roads Authority so as to achieve the overall objective of the project which is to save lives, not to increase revenue collection. The private concern which will provide and operate the cameras will have no function with regard to the selection of locations for monitoring.
The introduction and ongoing management of the overall project will be overseen by the Garda Síochána, with the involvement of other key stakeholders. As well as making a significant contribution to road safety, this initiative will release Garda resources so that its enforcement efforts can be concentrated on other motoring offences which cause death and serious injury such as drink driving, dangerous driving and careless driving.
71 Mr. J. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she supports the view of the Taoiseach that the Hanly report will not be implemented during the lifetime of this Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29159/05]
The report of the national task force on medical staffing or Hanly report made a series of important recommendations about the development of hospital services. These covered issues such as: the changes needed in NCHD work patterns; reform of medical education and training; the need for a significantly revised contract for medical consultants and an increase in the number of consultants; and the reorganisation of acute hospital services.
My Department is working closely with the HSE to build on, and progress, these recommendations. I am very pleased that the IMO and IHCA have now agreed to enter into negotiations on a new contract for consultants. It is important that a new contract be put in place as soon as possible. I also want the discussions which have been under way for some time now about the work patterns of NCHDs to be brought to a successful conclusion at an early date. I am currently considering a report from the medical education and training group in regard to postgraduate medical education and training. I hope to bring proposals in this regard to the Government soon in conjunction with my colleague, the Minister for Education and Science, who is considering the recommendations of the Fottrell report.
These measures, combined with ongoing investment in acute hospital facilities, extra consultant posts and the organisation of services around hospital networks, are designed to provide patients with faster access to high quality consultant provided services.
72 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will provide a list of the precautions that have been taken in view of the threat posed by avian flu; the timeframe in which she expects to see these precautionary measures in place; if contingency plans have been drawn up should the disease mutate into a worst case scenario; the risk she sees it posing at the present time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29896/05]
79 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has made representations at an international level to press the manufacturers of a product (details supplied) to share their knowledge and technology with other manufacturers in order to increase production in view of the threat of a flu pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29932/05]
86 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the current level of an anti-viral (details supplied) in stock here to cope with the bird flu; the level of deliveries which will be in stock on a monthly basis as the current level of stock in the UK is 25% of the population; if 20,000 vaccinations will be available in counties Sligo and Leitrim; if they will be ring-fenced for this region; if she will take total responsibility for this and not the Health Service Executive officials alone to allay the fear of the general public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30001/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 72, 79 and 86 together.
Avian influenza, bird flu, is an infectious disease of birds caused by the type A strains of the influenza virus. The Department of Agriculture and Food is responsible for controlling avian influenza in birds and mammals other than humans. That Department has a contingency plan for avian influenza and all questions relating to this should be referred to my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Deputy Coughlan.
According to the World Health Organisation, the spread of the AH5N1 virus to poultry in new areas is of concern as it increases opportunities for further human cases to occur. However, all evidence to date indicates that the H5N1 virus does not spread easily from birds to infect humans. The WHO level of pandemic alert remains unchanged at phase 3; a virus new to humans is causing infections, but does not spread easily from one person to another.
My Department and the Health Service Executive are closely monitoring avian influenza developments with particular reference to the public health implications. Information on avian influenza is available on the health protection surveillance centre website under the health topics section, and a fact sheet for travellers forms part of this information.
The health protection surveillance centre posted the following documents on its website, www.hpsc.ie, on 14 October; interim guidance for protection of persons involved in avian influenza outbreak control and eradication activities in Ireland; interim guidance on public health actions to be taken on notification of avian influenza in animals in Ireland; avian influenza case surveillance form.
A subgroup of the influenza pandemic expert group had been working on this guidance material. They were published on Friday, 14 October, due to the increased concern following confirmation of H5N1 infection in Turkey. In addition, interim Irish guidelines on the investigation and management of suspected human cases of avian influenza, influenza AH5, have been circulated to all health care professionals and are also posted on the HPSC website.
A clinical management algorithm has been circulated to hospitals and clinicians on the appropriate management of travellers returning from countries affected by avian influenza presenting with fever and respiratory symptoms. This will assist in early detection of any influenza AH5 cases. The overall aims of influenza pandemic planning are to reduce mortality and morbidity and to minimise the resulting disruption to society.
However, the consequences of a global pandemic are still likely to be serious. Pandemic planning can only mitigate the effects. My Department and the Health Service Executive are working closely together on pandemic planning. A detailed plan for response to an influenza pandemic was prepared in 2004. This plan is currently being updated to reflect the most up to date advice of the influenza pandemic expert group and the World Health Organisation, WHO. This work has continued over the summer.
Vaccination will be the primary public health intervention in the event of an influenza pandemic. Developments are taking place at international level seeking to expedite the pandemic vaccine production process. A vaccine is in development which could offer some protection against an H5N1 flu strain. International experts consider that a stockpile of H5N1 vaccine could be used as a first line of defence for priority groups while a vaccine against the exact pandemic influenza strain is manufactured.
On foot of expert advice, it was decided in August that a limited amount of H5N1 vaccine should be purchased. It is intended to purchase 400,000 doses, sufficient for 200,000 people. My Department is actively pursuing this matter. H5N1 vaccines will not be available anywhere before March or April 2006.
The World Health Organisation is urging countries with adequate resources to stockpile antiviral drugs nationally for use at the start of a pandemic. Around 30 countries, of which Ireland is one, are purchasing large quantities of these drugs, but the manufacturer has no capacity to fill these orders immediately. At present manufacturing capacity, which has recently quadrupled, it will take a decade to produce enough Tamiflu to treat 20% of the world's population. The manufacturing process for Tamiflu is complex and time consuming and is not easily transferred to other facilities. However, recent media reports indicate that the pharmaceutical company Roche is considering licensing generic versions of Tamiflu thus enabling it to be made more widely available.
I am pleased, therefore, to confirm that we are stockpiling 1 million treatment packs of Tamiflu. This quantity is sufficient to treat 25% of the population. A total of 600,000 packs will be delivered by the end of this year. The remaining 400,000 packs will be delivered next year. Plans for the storage and distribution of antivirals are being developed as part of the planning process. We already have an emergency supply of over 45,000 treatment packs of antivirals, Tamiflu, and 10,000 units of paediatric suspension. The size of the stockpile is in line with international trends: for example, the UK is also building up a stockpile to cover 25% of its population. Its stockpile will be complete by the end of 2006.
It should be noted that pandemic planning is a dynamic process. This means that within this the strategy for use of antivirals must be kept under review. In particular, the expert group will need to review the epidemiological data before final recommendations are decided in the setting of an imminent pandemic. The decision making process will be guided at all times by relevant expert advice from the European Commission and the World Health Organisation.
73 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will provide core funding for organisations that provide support services, including violence against women services which are being delivered almost exclusively by voluntary organisations; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the financial allocation for these services remain fixed since 2003 and that due to a lack of funding every year, thousands of helpline calls are being missed with women having to wait months for rape crisis counselling; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29897/05]
My Department does not directly fund or co-ordinate health and personal social services to victims of abuse. Moneys are made available each year, formerly through the health boards and now through the Health Service Executive, for the provision of services to women victims of violence. In recent years there has been a substantial increase in funding so that now over €12 million is provided annually for the provision of such services. The distribution of this funding is now a matter for the Health Services Executive.
The Tánaiste asked the HSE to carry out an analysis of the current level of service provision in this area and to report back to her. She awaits this report with interest and will be further informed by its findings.
74 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the status of the €20 million upgrade project of Ennis General Hospital; when the project will go to the next phase; the timeframe for the overall project; when tendering for the project will commence; when it is expected that building will commence if given an expeditious planning process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29898/05]
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. An outline development control plan for the hospital has been prepared and was endorsed by the Mid-Western Health Board in December 2004. The progression of the development at Ennis is now a matter for consideration by the Health Service Executive in the context of the capital investment framework 2005 to 2009.
Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have the issues raised investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
75 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the timeframe for the completion of works at Mullingar Hospital; the nature of the works involved and if they take account of the additional capacity which will be required as the town expands in line with the projections by both the county council and the national spatial strategy. [29899/05]
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.
The Health Service Executive has made provision to progress this development within the health capital investment framework 2005 to 2009. The project has been sanctioned up to tender stage, which includes completion of detailed design documentation. It was recently decided to fast-track the completion of the fit-out of the ward accommodation in the shelled-out area. This decision was taken in order to provide additional capacity more quickly than if the full project proceeded as a single construction contract. The design team is currently preparing detailed drawings with the intention of going to tender in March 2006. With this in mind, a prior indicative notice, PIN, is to be lodged in the Official Journal of the European Union by mid-October. I understand that staff on site are to be fully consulted as part of the detailed design process. Planning permission is to be sought by the beginning of November and the target completion date for the fit-out of the shelled area is early 2007.
On completion, the fit-out of the shelled accommodation is intended to provide an additional 43 beds, mainly medical and surgical beds. The design work on the second stage of the project will continue in parallel with the fit-out and equipping of the shelled accommodation project. The second stage will include the provision of the following new facilities: pathology department, operating department, medicine for the elderly-rehabilitation unit, acute psychiatric unit, child and adolescent psychiatric unit, occupational therapy department, administrative accommodation, staff accommodation, education facilities, catering facilities and a new entrance concourse.
The completion of the second stage of the project is intended to provide 16 additional beds, mainly for day cases, as well as accommodating the transfer of 50 rehabilitation and acute psychiatric beds from facilities currently located outside the hospital. In all, there will be 109 additional beds on the hospital campus following the completion of the overall development. It has been estimated by the Health Service Executive that additional revenue funding of the order of €10 million, excluding inflation, will be required on an annual basis to run the shelled-out area when it is fully fitted out. This estimate reflects a combination of the additional pay and non-pay costs required.
Given the significant level of additional annual revenue costs associated with the project, I recently decided that an independent review of the estimate is necessary, to ensure that the estimate and staff profile represent best value for money. This review is due to be completed prior to the finalisation of the tender documentation and it is not anticipated that it will delay the project.
76 Mr. McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position in regard to a project (details supplied) in County Galway; if she will report on her recent announcement in regard to funding for this unit; the number of beds that will be provided; the ancillary accommodation that will be provided; if the proposed building will be a complete replacement for the existing facility or if it will be an extension to the existing facility; and if so, the number of beds which will result. [29929/05]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and social services. This includes responsibility for the proposed developments at St. Brendan's Hospital, Loughrea, County Galway.
The HSE western area has confirmed that a project planning brief for the development of a 40 bed community nursing unit in Loughrea with expansion to 80 beds is being completed. This brief was prepared by a multidisciplinary team and the group proposed a number of units based in the major population centres of Tuam, Loughrea and Ballinasloe as the east Galway centres as set out in the Western Health Board strategy, Health and Well-being for Older People. The Tánaiste has granted approval to bring the project to design stage. The local multidisciplinary team, who will advise on the design, has been appointed. This proposal is included as part of the HSE's capital investment framework for 2005 to 2009. It is envisaged that the replacement community nursing unit will be located on the grounds of St. Brendan's campus and it will be used to facilitate the transfer of residents currently placed on the upper floors of the original building.
As responsibility for the development of services now rests with the HSE, any decisions relating to this project will be a matter for the HSE having regard to its overall capital funding priorities.
77 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of times the national radiation oncology co-ordinating group has met in 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29930/05]
81 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the progress made by the national radiation oncology co-ordinating group in advancing measures to ensure equitable access to radiation services and to improve access, including transport and accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29942/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 81 together.
As I have previously indicated to the House, I consider that appropriate transport arrangements for patients requiring radiotherapy should be made available, where necessary, by the Health Service Executive, HSE. My Department raised this matter with the HSE last May to ensure that appropriate transport arrangements are put in place on a national basis for patients who are required to travel to obtain radiotherapy. Transport solutions are already a feature of the current provision of radiation oncology services. My Department has asked the HSE to advise the Deputy directly in regard to current and proposed transport arrangements for radiation oncology patients nationally.
Last July I announced the Government's plan for a national network of radiation oncology services to be put in place by 2011 and commencing in 2008. The network will consist of four large centres in Dublin, Cork and Galway and two integrated satellite centres at Waterford Regional Hospital and Limerick Regional Hospital. The Government considers that the best option in terms of improving geographic access for patients in the north-western area is to facilitate access for those patients to radiation oncology services as part of North-South co-operation on cancer. Appropriate transport arrangements will form part of the planning and implementation of this plan, given the significant increase in capacity involved.
The national radiation oncology co-ordinating group, NROCG, provides advice to my Department and the HSE on radiotherapy. In light of the above and the fact that under the Health Act 2004, the HSE has responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services, the NROCG does not intend to prepare a specific report on transport.
The group has met three times this year and is currently finalising quality standards for the provision of radiation oncology services for public patients. I expect them to be submitted to me shortly.
78 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will report on progress in the past six months in the roll out of the BreastCheck programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29931/05]
BreastCheck, the national breast screening programme, commenced in 2000 and covered the eastern, north-eastern and midland regions of the country. In 2003 the Minister for Health and Children announced the extension of the programme to counties Carlow, Kilkenny and Wexford and the national roll out to the remaining regions in the country. Screening commenced in Wexford in March 2004 and in Carlow in April this year. BreastCheck expects to commence screening in Kilkenny early in 2006.
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. In May this year BreastCheck advertised in the Official Journal of the European Union for the appointment of a design team 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. In August this year, BreastCheck announced the appointment of the design team and the design process is now under way. 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.
I understand that the National Hospital Office-Comhairle board recently approved, in principle, 12 consultant posts required for the national roll out. The board is seeking clarification from BreastCheck in regard to sessional commitments of a number of posts. Discussions are also taking place, involving my Department, on the revenue consequences of these posts. BreastCheck is confident that the target date of 2007 for the national roll out of the programme will be met.
80 Mr. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will report to Dáil Éireann on her current and future plans for medical cards and the income limits which apply. [29937/05]
Under the Health Act 2004, since 1 January 2005 statutory responsibility for the determination of eligibility of applicants to medical cards is a matter for the Health Service Executive.
In November 2004 I announced that from 1 January 2005, income guidelines to be used for assessments of full eligibility to medical cards would be increased by 7.5% with the objective of issuing an additional 30,000 medical cards. At that time, I also announced my intention to introduce 200,000 GP visit cards which would allow the holders of these cards to receive general practitioner services free of charge.
In June, it was apparent that the effect of rising income in our successful economy meant that the target of 30,000 additional medical cards was not going to be achieved. At this time I simplified the means test for both medical cards and GP visit cards. It is now based on an applicant's and spouse's income after income tax and PRSI, and takes account of reasonable expenses incurred in respect of rent or mortgage payments, child care and travel to work. This is much fairer to applicants.
On 13 October 2005, I announced that the income guidelines for both medical cards and GP visit cards would be increased by an additional 20%. This means the income guidelines are now 29% higher than this time last year.
Following the recent clarification from the Labour Relations Commission there is now full agreement with the parties to proceed with the processing of applications for GP visit cards. This is now under way. The GP visit card is an initiative which has provided for a graduated level of benefit. By providing GP visit medical cards it is possible, for a given amount of funding, to benefit four times as many people as would be possible with the traditional medical card. I am in favour of the concept of graduated benefits. It means that families on low to moderate incomes, depending on their outgoings, will not be afraid to go to the doctor because of the costs involved.
My Department and the HSE will continue to monitor the number of full medical cards and GP visit cards issued. The commitment in the programme for Government to extend eligibility for medical cards will be kept under review in the light of other competing service priorities, available resources and the graduated benefits approach which I introduced with the GP visit card. The current basic guidelines to be used in the assessment of applications for both categories of medical card are shown in the following table.
|
Guidelines |
||
|
Family Unit |
Medical Card |
GP Visit Card |
|
Single Person Living Alone |
||
|
Aged up to 65 years |
184.00 |
230.50 |
|
Aged between 66-69 years |
201.50 |
252.00 |
|
Single Person Living with Family |
||
|
Aged up to 65 years |
164.00 |
205.00 |
|
Aged between 66-69 years |
173.00 |
217.00 |
|
Married Couple/Single Parent Families with Dependent Children |
||
|
Aged up to 65 years |
266.50 |
333.00 |
|
With 1 child |
304.50 |
380.50 |
|
With 2 Children |
342.50 |
428.00 |
|
With 3 Children |
383.50 |
479.00 |
|
With 4 Children |
424.50 |
530.00 |
|
With 5 Children |
465.50 |
581.00 |
|
Aged between 66-69 years |
298.00 |
373.00 |
|
With 1 child |
336.00 |
420.50 |
|
With 2 Children |
374.00 |
468.00 |
|
With 3 Children |
415.00 |
519.00 |
|
With 4 Children |
456.00 |
570.00 |
|
With 5 Children |
497.00 |
621.00 |
|
Aged between 70-79 years |
596.00 |
745.00 |
|
Aged 80 years and over |
627.00 |
783.50 |
|
Additional Allowances for Dependent Children |
||
|
For first 2 children under 16 years |
38.00 |
47.50 |
|
For 3rd and subsequent children under 16 years |
41.00 |
51.00 |
|
For first 2 children over 16 years |
39.00 |
49.00 |
|
For 3rd and subsequent children over 16 years |
42.50 |
53.50 |
82 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has reviewed the major renovation development plans for St. John of God’s Kildare services; her plans to provide funding for such projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29986/05]
83 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason her Department is reluctant to provide capital funding for such facilities as provided at St. Raphael’s or St. John of God services throughout County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29987/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 83 together.
The Deputy's questions relate 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 these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
84 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of medical card applications submitted in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and to date in 2005 in counties Sligo and Leitrim: the number that have been refused and the number granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29998/05]
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.
85 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when sanction for an additional 13 beds will be given to the medical assessment unit in Sligo General Hospital in view of the fact that this facility will enhance the bed capacity within the hospital and will alleviate the pressure on beds and allow for a more efficient and improved patient focused admission area and throughput of patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30000/05]
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.
87 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Finance the amount of money that has been raised through capital gains tax on the sale of properties at the IFI plant in Arklow, County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29921/05]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that for confidentiality reasons they are not in a position to comment on the tax affairs of any taxpayer.
88 Mr. Callanan asked the Minister for Finance the total figure for the payment to solicitors of the over calculation of stamp duty for the current tax year and for the last tax year. [29910/05]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the latest relevant information available is in respect of stamp duty repayments arising from property transactions made in the year ending 31 December 2004. Repayments of overpaid stamp duties in this category amounting to some €2.2 million were made in that year with the bulk of them being repaid to solicitors acting on behalf of their clients.
89 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Finance his views on the pre-budget submission made by Tallaght Welfare Society which has provided services in Tallaght since 1969; his proposed responses to the submission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29911/05]
I have not received a pre-budget submission from the organisation concerned as yet. However, when it becomes available, the contents will be considered in the context of the forthcoming budget and Finance Bill. As Deputies are aware, it would not be appropriate for me to comment in advance of the budget on possible decisions taken.
90 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance his plans to support biofuels transport initiatives through fiscal and taxation reforms. [29938/05]
Policy in respect of the promotion or development of biofuels is primarily a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.
However, I acknowledge that tax can play a role in the promotion of biofuels and in this regard there is the current duty exemption scheme for biofuels, which was introduced by section 50 of the Finance Act 2004, as a limited, pilot scheme. The purpose of the provision was to allow qualified and conditional relief from excise for biofuel used in approved pilot projects for either the production of biofuel or the testing of the technical viability of biofuel for use as a motor fuel. As the Deputy may be aware, it was necessary to obtain approval from the EU Commission as the proposed scheme represented a State aid. Approval was granted in March 2005 and the scheme was subsequently advertised by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. Excise relief was granted to successful applicants to the scheme from August 2005 for a total of 16 million litres of fuel.
The number of applications made for relief from excise duty under the pilot scheme clearly indicates that there is a strong interest in developing a biofuels industry in Ireland and I am in discussion with the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources about possibilities for future support. The possible introduction of a wider scheme of excise relief for biofuels is under active consideration.
91 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance his plans to support business and household renewable energy strategies through fiscal and taxation reforms. [29939/05]
Three tax incentives relating to renewable energy are currently in operation. Investments in companies engaged in renewable energy generation may qualify for the business expansion scheme, BES, tax relief. Individual investors holding a BES equity investment in such companies for a minimum period of five years can benefit from tax relief, at their marginal rate, in respect of investments of up to €31,750 per year. A qualifying company may raise equity capital up to a general maximum of €1 million in the lifetime of the company.
Section 486B corporate tax relief applies to corporate equity investments in certain renewable energy generation projects which are eligible for tax relief in the form of a deduction from a company's profits for its investment in new ordinary shares in a qualifying company. To qualify for this relief, the energy project must be in the solar, wind, hydro or biomass technology categories, and must be approved by the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. The relief is capped at the lesser of 50% of the relevant cost of the project or €9.525 million for a single project. Investment by a company or companies is capped at €12.7 million per annum. The shares must be retained for at least five years by the company, otherwise the relief may be withdrawn.
Section 98A of the Finance Act 1999 provides for qualified and conditional relief from mineral oil tax on biofuel essential to approved pilot projects for either the production of biofuel or the testing of the technical viability of biofuel for use as a motor fuel. A total of 16 million litres of biofuel has been approved for this relief in eight pilot projects over a period of two years from August 2005.
In addition, renewable energy equipment in use for the purpose of a trade may also qualify for plant and machinery capital allowances. The cost of providing the plant and machinery is written off over a period of eight years at an annual rate of 12.5%.
Sustainable Energy Ireland, SEI, which is under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, runs a number of fiscal incentive schemes such as the "house of tomorrow" grant aid scheme. Further information on these schemes may be obtained by contacting SEI or the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.
92 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Finance the position of mortgage relief for single parents, who as single parents receive double tax credits, but yet are only permitted to use a single tax credit against mortgage relief; and if in that context such a policy is not helping single parents who are trying to deal with their mortgage and child care payments, together with other normal household expenses; his views on whether this will be amended in budget 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29949/05]
Relief for interest paid on certain home loans, mortgage interest relief, under section 244 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 is available to individuals in respect of interest paid on loans used by the individuals solely for the purpose of defraying money employed in the purchase, repair, development or improvement of their main residence. The relief is not intended as a support in respect of any other expenses which individuals may incur.
Married couples receive mortgage interest relief that is double that available to single persons and to lone parents who are not married. This position follows on from the Supreme Court decision in Murphy v. the Attorney General, 1980, which held that it was contrary to the Constitution for a married couple to pay more tax than two single persons living together.
With respect to the tax credits, single, separated or widowed persons may be entitled to the one-parent family tax credit in addition to the basic personal tax credit. The combined value of these credits is equivalent to that of the basic personal tax credit for a married person. Through the one-parent tax credit, and the extended standard rate band available to parents who qualify for such credit, the tax code recognises the financial burden involved where a lone parent has responsibility for raising a child or children single-handedly.
However, it should be pointed out that child benefit is the main instrument through which direct financial support is provided to parents in respect of children and this is available whether the parents are single, cohabiting or married. The Government has substantially increased child benefit since coming into office in 1997. Overall expenditure on child benefit has increased by 279% from €506 million in 1997 to an estimated €1,916 million in 2005. I have indicated to the House previously that there is a need to examine pragmatically and practically what can be done in regard to providing child care support to parents. As the Deputy is aware, it is not the practice to comment on proposals, if any, to change tax law in the lead up to the annual budget.
93 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the length of time it will take to provide the proposed new Garda station, approved in 1996, for Leixlip, County Kildare; the cost of the project to date in terms of planning, evaluation, site assessment or other cost associated with the project; the status of the proposal; the likely date for the opening of the station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29985/05]
The Commissioners of Public Works are awaiting approval from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to the revised sketch scheme for Leixlip Garda station. On receipt of approval, planning permission will be sought under the Part 9 planning process. Costs to date on this project are estimated at €50,000. It is expected that construction work on the new station, which will take 12 to 15 months to complete, will commence in 2006.
94 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Finance if a P21 certificate will be supplied to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [29991/05]
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a P21, for the year 2004, has issued to the person concerned on 19 October 2005.
95 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the plans that are in place to issue a stamp in 2006 commemorating Michael Cusack, the founder of the GAA, on the centenary of his death; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29914/05]
In March of this year, Government approval was given to issue a commemorative stamp in honour of Michael Cusack, as part of the 2006 special and commemorative stamp programme. Plans are currently under way in respect of the design of the stamp.
96 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason wind farms with full planning permission are prohibited from connecting to Ireland’s public grid; his plans to remove this anomaly and direct the Commission for Energy Regulation to fast-track those applications forthwith for immediate connection to the national grid (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29919/05]
At present, I have certain limited statutory powers to give directions to the Commission for Energy Regulation, CER, and these do not include a power to issue instructions on this matter. They are restricted solely to electricity trading arrangements.
Any dispute concerning access to the electricity network is a matter for determination by the Commission for Energy Regulation, in the first instance, in accordance with section 34 (6) of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999, No. 23/1999. The CER is an independent body in the exercise of this function in accordance with paragraph 9 in the Schedule to the same Act. I have no statutory authority or function in that process.
97 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the steps he will take to speed up the production of electricity from wind power and other non-fossil fuel concepts in view of the significant increase in fossil fuel energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29920/05]
The consumption of electricity from renewable energy sources was of the order of 5.1% of total electricity consumed in 2004. I recently announced and am currently finalising a new support programme to support the construction of at least a further 400 MW of new renewable energy powered electricity generating plant by 2010. This capacity, together with other capacity constructed since 2004, will more than double the consumption level from 5.1% in 2004 to 13.2%, at least, by 2010.
The new support programme will assist projects in the market ready categories of biomass, small scale hydro and large and small scale wind power. All other renewable energy based technologies, which are not yet market ready, can make application to the research and development programme operated by Sustainable Energy Ireland, www.irish-energy.ie.
The detailed draft terms and conditions of the new feed-in support programme were put out to publication consultation, on my Department's website, www.dcmnr.gov.ie. Interested parties had until 12 October to raise any queries or to furnish any observations on the proposals. Approximately 30 responses were received. Following consideration of the matters raised in these responses, the new programme, to be known as the renewable energy feed-in tariff, REFIT, will be finalised and published.
98 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will report to Dáil Éireann on developments or progress in regard to the meeting of the Minister of State with the fishermen of Carrick-on-Suir and south Tipperary political representatives; if he has been in contact with South Tipperary County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29940/05]
An official of the Department met representatives of the fishermen concerned, South Tipperary County Council and the Southern Regional Fisheries Board, to discuss the issues raised by the fishermen. I subsequently also held a meeting with the fishermen. The fishermen expressed the view to me that the location of the outfall diffusers and associated navigation buoy would cause disruption to their operations, by creating a snagging or fouling hazard for their nets. As a result, they requested that the diffusers and buoy be moved.
I indicated at the meeting with the fishermen that I would give careful consideration to the issues they raised, and I subsequently received from the Southern Regional Fisheries Board, on their behalf, details of catches in previous years. The data have been referred to South Tipperary County Council for any views that it may have, and its response is awaited. While I will consider any comment that the local authority may make, the advice available to me at this stage is that any effect on fishing in the area can only be described as localised and minor.
99 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if assistance will be given to retired pensioners to achieve clarity of pension entitlements (details supplied). [29941/05]
The issue of pension entitlements to retired company employees is a matter for the company in question. Assistance to pensioners, seeking clarity in respect of entitlements, is given via an appeals mechanism which is set out clearly in the Pensions Ombudsman Regulations 2003, SI No. 397 of 2003. The company superannuation schemes also allow for such appeals to be made to the company. The schemes provide that: "If a member or former member is aggrieved by the failure or refusal of the company to make an award under this scheme or by the amount of the award made, he may appeal to the Minister who shall refer the dispute to the Minister for Finance whose decision shall be final." In this regard, a number of pensioners, formerly employed by An Post and Eircom, have submitted appeals to my Department in respect of their pension entitlements.
As the decision making power on pension appeals rests with the Minister for Finance, all appeals from An Post and Eircom pensioners thus far submitted to my Department, including that of the person referred to, have been forwarded to the Minister for Finance, who will issue his decision in the matter directly to the appellant. Should the appellant not be happy with this decision, it is open to him or her to then appeal to the Pensions Ombudsman.
100 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when the tendering process for the economic evaluation and the design of a new postcode system will be completed; and his views on same. [30004/05]
I have no function in regard to this matter as the Commission for Communications Regulation is responsible for the appointment of the economic and technical consultants with regard to the postcode project.
Following on from the recommendations of the working group report, consideration of the feasibility, design and implementation of a practical postcode project proposal is being advanced. In accordance with the recommendation of the working group, that project managers be appointed to lead the postcode project, I have asked that the Commission for Communications Regulation appoint the project managers.
101 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of appointments made in his capacity as Minister for Foreign Affairs that had to be cancelled or postponed as a direct result of his activities as an envoy for the Secretary General of the United Nations Organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29908/05]
102 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of journeys he has made to date as a direct result of his role as an envoy for the Secretary General of the United Nations; the arrangements by which the State will be reimbursed by the United Nations Organisation for the cost of these journeys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29909/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 102 together.
I accepted the mandate from the Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, as part of the preparations for the recent UN summit, to act as one of five envoys to represent and promote his recommendations on UN reform because of the central position of the United Nations in Ireland's foreign policy and in light of Ireland's strong interest in an efficient and effective United Nations Organisation.
I met a total of 46 Foreign Minister colleagues in my capacity as envoy, 22 of them in their own capitals. In four cases I also met the head of government. I held consultations with European Commissioner for External Relations Ferrero-Waldner and with High Representative — Secretary-General Solana. I attended and addressed four international conferences on behalf of the UN Secretary General. I regularly briefed my EU colleagues, at meetings of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, on progress in the preparations for the September summit. On visits to capitals and at conferences, I took the opportunity, in press conferences and briefings to engage the local media on issues relating to the reform of the United Nations.
In the course of my activities I attended two sets of consultations in New York with Mr. Annan and my fellow envoys and with key officials in the UN Secretariat. Finally, I attended the summit in my capacity as envoy.
When I accepted the mandate, I told the Secretary General, Mr. Annan that, while I would accord priority to my duties as envoy to the extent possible, there would be occasions when my responsibilities as Foreign Minister, particularly in respect of Northern Ireland, would take precedence, which he fully understood.
No appointments were cancelled or postponed as a result of my activities as envoy. I would probably have been present in my national capacity at the international conferences I attended as envoy. At these conferences, and at meetings of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, I took the opportunity to hold separate consultations as envoy with 24 Foreign Minister colleagues, which was highly efficient in terms of time and resources.
In visiting capitals, I combined wherever possible several different visits in the same itinerary. I combined my visits to New York for consultations as envoy with obligations I had to undertake in any case, such as attendance at the review of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty and engaging in consultations on issues related to Irish immigrants in the United States.
In the course of my contacts, I took the opportunity in almost all cases to raise bilateral and regional issues of concern to Ireland. These contacts raised the level and intensity of our engagement with many of the governments in question, and will have been of considerable benefit to the pursuit of our national foreign policy.
In these circumstances, but also given Ireland's deep and long-standing commitment to the United Nations, it would have been inappropriate to have sought the reimbursement of expenses incurred in the course of my activities as envoy. As a result, I had made it clear at the outset to the UN Secretary General, and our international partners, that the Government would neither seek nor accept such reimbursement.
103 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the amount of funding allocated per county under his Department’s sports capital programme is based on the number of applications from a particular county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29924/05]
All applications received under the sports capital programme are assessed on an individual basis by officials in the sports unit of my Department in accordance with a detailed set of assessment criteria as specified in the guidelines, terms and conditions for the programme, which accompany the application form for the programme.
Following the assessment process each application receives a score, which decides its order of priority within its own county. Regard is had to the population levels in each county and to the amount of funding available for allocation and providing a pro rata level of funding on that basis, subject to a guaranteed minimum allocation of €253,948 per county.
The assessment process must also take into account, however, other factors such as the existing level of facilities in an area, the quality of the applications received, the amount of funding being sought, as well as the strategic positioning of major facilities that may be required. Applications under the sports capital programme are received from organisations for local, regional and national facilities and each year a number of major regional and national projects are allocated funding. These major projects, which serve a wider regional or national catchment area, are recorded in the list of grants allocated to the county in which they are located.
Recommendations, based on the conclusions from the assessment process and having regard to the amount of funding available for distribution, are made by the sports unit to me as Minister, and I make the final decision on projects and grants to be allocated under the programme.
104 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position of the application for grant aid for a project (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason funding has not been allocated to date; his views on the provision of such projects through a public private partnership arrangement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29948/05]
A feasibility report, representing the first stage in the process, was submitted by Galway County Council for a pool in Loughrea and was assessed as being in order from a technical perspective in 1999. However, due to the limited funds available under the local authority swimming pool programme at that time, the county council was advised that it could be some time before funding might be made available for the project.
In 2001, the then Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation gave approval for appointment of consultants for the preparation of the preliminary report. However, in 2002, the Department was informed that a proposal involving an alternative site was being considered and that the process of appointing consultants for preliminary report and design was under way.
In 2004, Galway County Council submitted a tender proposal seeking a grant from the local authority swimming pool programme for a project promoted by a private sector interest to construct a leisure centre, including a swimming pool, on a council site different from that initially recommended in the 1999 feasibility report. The normal procedure under the local authority swimming pool programme is that ministerial approval should first be sought at each of the preliminary and contract document stages, before tenders are invited for a project. Notwithstanding the fact that Galway County Council did not follow this process, my Department indicated to the county council that it would be prepared to examine the proposal on its merits and this examination is under way.
It is a matter for local authorities to devise funding and operational arrangements, as they see fit, for the provision of public swimming facilities in their areas. Experience shows that there is potential for private sector involvement in the provision and operation of local authority swimming pool facilities and many local authorities are exploring various ways of involving the private sector in their projects. From my Department's perspective, there is no objection to the involvement of the private sector. However, in order to qualify for grant assistance under the programme, local authorities must satisfy themselves that the project meets the generally accepted operational considerations of a public pool in terms of public availability, charges, access for disadvantaged and so forth. This is normally achieved in consultation with the appropriate county or city development board.
105 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if a formal application has been made to his Department by Cork City Council for funding to improve a swimming pool (details supplied); when such an application was made; and the status of this application. [29966/05]
Under the local authority swimming pool programme, which is administered by my Department, grant aid is provided towards the capital costs of new pools or the refurbishment of existing pools. The closing date for receipt of applications under the current programme was 31 July 2000. As I indicated in my replies to Question No. 181 of 1 February 2005 and Question No. 197 of 22 February 2005, asked by Deputies Coveney and Lynch respectively, no application was made by Cork City Council in respect of the Gus Healy swimming pool in Douglas before that date. The council has also been so advised on various occasions. However, in 2002, Cork City Council submitted a feasibility study for a proposed development of the pool and the council was advised that the proposal could not be considered for funding under the pool programme as it was received outside the closing date for applications. This remains the position.
The priority for the programme is to support the proposals on hand and new proposals for swimming pools are not being considered at this time. My Department, however, is carrying out an expenditure review on the swimming pool programme, which is examining, among other things, how the programme has worked to date, the benefits which have accrued to the areas where pools have been built under the existing programme and what amendments, if any, are required to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of the programme. It is expected that this review will be completed by the end of the year when the question of reopening the swimming pool programme can be considered.
106 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the proposed new legislation including controls on arms brokering will be published; and if the legislation will prohibit arms transactions unless it will be clearly demonstrated that the arms transfers will not contribute to serious human rights violations or violations of international humanitarian law. [29943/05]
My Department is engaged in the preparation of new export control legislation, in line with the recommendations of the 2004 Forfás report, and I hope to have a Bill published toward the end of this year.
The proposed legislation will update the existing Control of Exports Act 1983 and ensure that Ireland's export controls are in line with best international practice. In this regard, the new legislation will include, for the first time, provision for the regulation of arms brokering activities in Ireland and by Irish citizens abroad. This will enable Ireland to fulfil its obligation under the EU common position on arms brokering, which requires member states to take all the necessary measures to control brokering activities on their territory.
The new legislation will also introduce controls on the provision of certain types of technical assistance and on the transfer by electronic means of certain software and technology. Penalties for non-compliance with export control regulations will be increased and officers of my Department will be given the statutory right to inspect and audit companies that export military goods. This will complement their existing entitlement to inspect companies engaged in the export of dual-use goods.
The new legislation will ensure that Ireland is meeting its EU and international obligations in full. At the same time, however, it will create a regulatory environment, which does not seek to impede companies engaged in legitimate activities, especially in the highly mobile electronics and ICT sectors.
107 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the money raised on the sale of properties at the IFI plant in Arklow, County Wicklow, will be used to pay creditors who are still owed substantial amounts of money by the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29921/05]
It is a matter for the liquidator of IFI to realise the assets of the company, including its properties in Arklow, and to apply the funds raised in the settlement of the debts owed by the company. In this regard, I understand that a contract has been signed for the sale of the company's main production site in Arklow and that it is hoped to close the sale in the near future. While the position of unsecured creditors can only be determined by the liquidator when all the assets of the company have been realised and all liabilities established, I understand that the liquidator hopes to be in a position to make at least an interim payment to unsecured creditors before the end of the year.
108 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the pre-budget submission made by Tallaght welfare society which has provided services in Tallaght since 1969; his proposed responses to the submission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29875/05]
Earlier this week, I held a pre-budget forum which was attended by 31 representative organisations, including the Tallaght Welfare Society. At this forum, each organisation, including this society, had the opportunity to present its key priorities for consideration in advance of budget 2006. I thank the society for its contribution to the forum and the valuable work which it and many other organisations do in their communities.
I have also received a written pre-budget submission from the society. The proposals contained therein will be considered in the context of the forthcoming budget.
109 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will make a decision in the case of an appeal for the carer’s allowance in the name of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 16. [29876/05]
The person concerned claimed carer's allowance from 27 July 2005. The deciding officer disallowed the claim on the grounds that the person's means exceeded the statutory limit for receipt of carer's allowance.
She appealed against this decision to the social welfare appeals office on 30 September 2005. In accordance with the statutory requirements the relevant departmental papers and comments of my Department were sought. These are now to hand and the case has been referred to an appeals officer for early consideration.
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.
110 Dr. Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason he has withdrawn the national fuel allowance from residents of local authority houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29882/05]
111 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will reverse his decision to withdraw the €9 weekly fuel allowance from 237 senior citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29950/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 110 and 111 together.
In the course of a routine review of fuel allowance payments, the Department recently ceased allowance entitlement which had been paid in error in a specific number of cases where the recipients were in local authority accommodation with subsidised or low cost heating. The allowances in question, which should not have been put in payment in the first place, were withdrawn in these cases with effect from the start of this winter heating season.
The allowance was terminated in all of these cases as from 29/30 September 2005, and included in their new pension books or in electronic funds transfer payments. The claimants overpaid the allowance were not requested to repay the sums of money overpaid to them.
As a long standing policy within the scheme, fuel allowances are not payable in situations where a person has access to his or her fuel supply or is benefiting from a subsidised or low cost heating service, such as those provided by Dublin City Council at several of its housing complexes.
The basis for this condition of the scheme is that the contribution local authority tenants in communal heating situations make towards their heating costs is limited to a fixed and relatively small amount, typically around €6 per week, included as part of their overall rent charge. Unlike other tenants and social welfare clients generally, who must buy their own fuel at prevailing retail cost, these tenants are protected from increases in heating costs, the true cost of which is subsidised significantly by Dublin City Council and the other local authorities concerned. I have no plans at present to change the fuel allowance eligibility rules in such cases.
More generally, the rates of fuel allowance are under active review in my Department, particularly in view of the significant recent increases in domestic heating fuel prices. However, any change to the scheme would have very significant cost implications and would have to be considered in the context of the budget, and in the light of the resources available to me for improvements in social welfare generally.
112 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and awarded the disability allowance. [29955/05]
The person appealed against this decision to the social welfare appeals office. The appeal has been referred to an appeals officer who is of the opinion that an oral hearing is required. Arrangements are being made to have the hearing in the week commencing 7 November 2005. He will be advised of the exact date and venue for the hearing when the necessary arrangements have been made.
Under social welfare legislation decisions on claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.
113 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a refugee or asylum seeking family will avail of rented accommodation outside of residential accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29989/05]
Asylum seekers who arrived in this country since 10 April 2000 can have their accommodation needs and other basic living facilities met through the direct provision services operated by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Following changes in social welfare legislation which came into effect on 27 May 2003, rent supplement is not payable where a person is not lawfully in the State, or where a person has made an application for asylum under the Refugee Act 1996 or an application to remain in the State under the Aliens Act 1935, and is awaiting a decision by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on that application. Accordingly, if asylum seekers choose not to avail of direct provision facilities, they are not eligible to apply for rent supplement and must meet their accommodation needs from their own resources.
Refugees, including people whose asylum application has been accepted, who have been granted leave to remain in the country are generally entitled to assistance for housing on the same basis as Irish citizens: for example, they can seek to have their housing needs met by their local housing authority. If the housing authority is unable to meet that need and if they are unable to provide for their accommodation otherwise from their own resources, the families or persons concerned are eligible to apply to the Health Service Executive in the normal way for a rent supplement under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.
114 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason supplementary welfare allowance has been refused in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29990/05]
The position remains as I outlined to the Deputy on 6 October 2005 in response to his question about this case. The Dublin-mid-Leinster area of the Health Service Executive has advised that, following a review of her entitlements, it determined the person concerned was not entitled to supplementary welfare allowance on the grounds that she did not satisfy the statutory habitual residence condition. Her payment was terminated accordingly in September 2005.
The person concerned has been advised of her right of appeal to the relevant officer of the executive against this decision to disallow her claim. She can appeal subsequently if necessary to the social welfare appeals office. No appeal has been received from her to date.
115 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Transport the funding available to the National Safety Council for 2003, 2004 and to date in 2005. [29954/05]
My Department makes annual funding available to the National Safety Council, NSC. In addition to Exchequer funding, the Irish Insurance Federation, IIF, contributes to the council's budget and funding is also received from sponsorshipsources.
The table sets out the funding available to the council for the years 2003, 2004 and 2005.
|
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
State Grant |
2,724,000 |
*3,954,000 |
**5,397,000 |
|
Irish Insurance Federation (IIF) |
1,242,000 |
1,242,000 |
1,242,000 |
|
Other sources (e.g. local authorities, sponsorship) |
152,350 |
102,080 |
***90,500 |
|
Total |
4,118,350 |
5,298,080 |
6,729,500 |
*The total amount of Exchequer funding for 2004 included an amount of €1,068,000 in respect of the funding of the public information campaign relating to metrication of speed limits.
**The total amount of Exchequer funding available to the NSC in respect of 2005 includes an amount of €1,432,000 in respect of the funding of the public information campaign relating to metrication of speed limits and €1,000,000 in respect of new drink driving advertisement.
***The sponsorship received to date in 2005 by the NSC amounts to €90,500
116 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Transport if his Department officials are familiar with the more successful traffic management schemes, park and ride options and match event day parking schemes for residents only, that are in place around major stadia in Britain and in Germany; if his Department can advise or assist local authorities and Dublin City Council in particular on such matters which have national implications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29900/05]
Traffic management arrangements for major sporting events are the responsibility of the Garda Síochána and the relevant local authorities together with the sporting body in question. While my Department is aware of successful schemes to handle sports events abroad, I am confident that the relevant bodies possess the necessary expertise and experience to deal with large match events. My Department is, of course, prepared to consider any requests for assistance which are within its competence.
An outline proposal by Dublin City Council for special parking arrangements applicable to sports or other venues was recently received in my Department and will be considered in the context of section 35 of the Road Traffic Act 1994, which provides the legislative basis for the making of regulations for the general control of traffic and parking.
117 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Transport if Dublin City Council’s traffic section has sought guidance or permission to consider a parking scheme for residents only in districts around Croke Park when major attendances of in excess of 80,000 people are expected; his Department’s response to any such approach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29901/05]
An outline proposal by Dublin City Council to introduce special parking arrangements that could be applied in the vicinity of Croke Park, or other venues, on specified occasions was received in my Department on 18 October 2005. This proposal will be considered in the context of the parameters established in section 35 of the Road Traffic Act 1994, which provides the legislative basis for the making of regulations for the general control of traffic and parking.
118 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Transport the number of tests carried out in each driving test centre from 1 January 2005 to date; the number of tests waiting to be carried out in each centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29902/05]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following tables.
|
Centre |
Overall Total |
|
Athlone |
1,485 |
|
Ballina |
1,133 |
|
Birr |
1,171 |
|
Buncrana |
706 |
|
Carlow |
2,127 |
|
Carrick-on-Shannon |
1,314 |
|
Castlebar |
2,166 |
|
Cavan |
1,802 |
|
Churchtown |
3,852 |
|
Clifden |
288 |
|
Clonmel |
1,389 |
|
Cork |
7,238 |
|
Donegal |
838 |
|
Dundalk |
2,789 |
|
Dungarvan |
1,028 |
|
Ennis |
1,318 |
|
Finglas |
7,805 |
|
Galway |
2,575 |
|
Gorey |
1,202 |
|
Kilkenny |
2,301 |
|
Centre |
Overall Total |
|
Killarney |
1,877 |
|
Kilrush |
479 |
|
Letterkenny |
1,877 |
|
Limerick |
3,047 |
|
Longford |
870 |
|
Loughrea |
1,249 |
|
Mallow |
1,783 |
|
Monaghan |
1,471 |
|
Mullingar |
1,441 |
|
Naas |
5,456 |
|
Navan |
3,467 |
|
Nenagh |
522 |
|
Newcastle West |
1,586 |
|
Portlaoise |
1,075 |
|
Rathgar |
4,880 |
|
Raheny |
5,138 |
|
Roscommon |
940 |
|
Shannon |
735 |
|
Skibbereen |
1,489 |
|
Sligo |
1,289 |
|
Tallaght |
6,251 |
|
Thurles |
908 |
|
Tipperary |
582 |
|
Tralee |
1,931 |
|
Tuam |
1,131 |
|
Tullamore |
1,235 |
|
Waterford |
2,605 |
|
Wexford |
2,425 |
|
Wicklow |
1,323 |
|
Total |
103,589 |
|
Centre |
Applications on hand |
Available for Test |
Not Currently Available |
Scheduled for Test |
|
Nth. Leinster |
||||
|
Finglas |
10,964 |
8,303 |
1,378 |
1,283 |
|
Dundalk |
3,656 |
2,757 |
384 |
515 |
|
Mullingar |
2,073 |
1,458 |
205 |
410 |
|
Navan |
4,864 |
3,970 |
462 |
432 |
|
Raheny |
8,390 |
6,550 |
736 |
1,104 |
|
Sth. Leinster |
||||
|
Churchtown-Rathgar |
12,070 |
9,017 |
1,528 |
1,525 |
|
Gorey |
2,595 |
2,101 |
130 |
364 |
|
Naas |
5,553 |
4,237 |
915 |
401 |
|
Tullamore |
2,210 |
1,787 |
163 |
260 |
|
Wicklow |
2,911 |
2,443 |
209 |
259 |
|
Tallaght |
9,813 |
7,918 |
822 |
1,073 |
|
West |
||||
|
Athlone |
991 |
603 |
203 |
185 |
|
Birr |
1,410 |
1,063 |
126 |
221 |
|
Castlebar |
1,958 |
1,262 |
391 |
305 |
|
Clifden |
487 |
301 |
47 |
139 |
|
Ennis |
1,641 |
1,203 |
166 |
272 |
|
Galway |
3,621 |
2,744 |
385 |
492 |
|
Loughrea |
1,177 |
840 |
161 |
176 |
|
Roscommon |
1,242 |
844 |
147 |
251 |
|
Tuam |
1,277 |
937 |
139 |
201 |
|
Nth. West |
||||
|
Ballina |
1,183 |
762 |
168 |
253 |
|
Buncrana |
733 |
512 |
87 |
134 |
|
Carrick-on-Shannon |
913 |
565 |
250 |
98 |
|
Cavan |
1,683 |
1,121 |
242 |
320 |
|
Donegal |
1,176 |
862 |
127 |
187 |
|
Letterkenny |
2,309 |
1,715 |
313 |
281 |
|
Longford |
1,030 |
644 |
153 |
233 |
|
Monaghan |
1,243 |
843 |
170 |
230 |
|
Sligo |
1,782 |
1,235 |
251 |
296 |
|
Sth. East |
||||
|
Carlow |
2,434 |
1,872 |
312 |
250 |
|
Clonmel |
2,099 |
1,645 |
228 |
226 |
|
Dungarvan |
1,617 |
1,286 |
224 |
107 |
|
Kilkenny |
1,885 |
1,038 |
463 |
384 |
|
Nenagh |
765 |
530 |
120 |
115 |
|
Portlaoise |
1,801 |
1,516 |
207 |
78 |
|
Thurles |
1,200 |
973 |
149 |
78 |
|
Tipperary |
1,141 |
937 |
124 |
80 |
|
Waterford |
3,041 |
2,101 |
403 |
537 |
|
Wexford |
2,336 |
1,665 |
338 |
333 |
|
Sth. West |
||||
|
Cork |
6,933 |
5,047 |
876 |
1,010 |
|
Killarney |
2,010 |
1,471 |
271 |
268 |
|
Kilrush |
519 |
343 |
55 |
121 |
|
Limerick |
4,304 |
3,400 |
398 |
506 |
|
Mallow |
2,372 |
1,898 |
176 |
298 |
|
Newcastle West |
1,812 |
1,384 |
174 |
254 |
|
Shannon |
932 |
781 |
102 |
49 |
|
Skibbereen |
2,031 |
1,602 |
204 |
225 |
|
Tralee |
1,644 |
1,181 |
258 |
205 |
119 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on any discussions he or officials from his Department have had with Bus Éireann about organising local bus routes in many of the large towns around Ireland, which would cater for the new estates mushrooming on the outskirts of many towns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29962/05]
The provision of public bus services on specific routes in response to demand for public bus services is a commercial and operational matter for bus operators. It is open to all bus operators, including Bus Éireann, to initiate new services subject to compliance with the necessary regulatory requirement of giving advance notice to my Department and to compliance with the provisions of section 25 of the Transport Act 1958 concerning competition with licensed private operators.
120 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether it is untrue that disabled parking spaces provided by local authorities are free of charge with no time limit applying; when all local authority car parks will have free parking for disabled drivers with a parking disc; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29945/05]
121 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Transport when disabled parking bays will be painted blue here, as is the practice in other EU states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29946/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 121 together.
Traffic and parking regulations made in 1997 under section 35 of the Road Traffic Act 1994 provide that the only vehicles that may stop or park in a disabled person's parking bay are those in which a disabled person's parking permit is displayed, provided the vehicle is being used for the convenience of the person to whom the permit was issued. The prohibition on parking in disabled persons' parking bays applies at all times of the day and may not be restricted to particular periods. Equally there is no provision in the regulations for the imposition of a charge for permit holders using the disabled persons' parking bays.
The provisions contained in the traffic and parking regulations apply in respect of the use of public roads only. Section 101 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 provides that local authorities may make by-laws in respect of the use of car parks they provide. The determination of the provisions in such by-laws is a matter for the elected members of the local authority.
My Department is currently engaged in a consultation process with groups representing the interests of disabled persons, who are engaged in the issue of the disabled persons' parking permits, the Garda Síochána, local authorities and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government regarding the regulatory provisions made under the Road Traffic Acts that relate to the operation of disabled person's parking permits and the use of disabled persons' parking bays. The issue of the future designation of disabled persons' parking bays will be considered in the context of that process.
122 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Transport the amount the outsourcing of driver testers will cost his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29947/05]
The package of measures to reduce the backlog of driving test applications includes a bonus scheme for driver testers, the recruitment of additional testers as well as the temporary outsourcing of a set block of tests. As negotiations are ongoing on the package and the tender price for outsourcing the driving tests is commercially sensitive information, I am not in a position at this point to give a definitive reply on the costs of each element of the package. Upon conclusion of these negotiations, I will do so.
123 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if, in view of the reported outbreak of foot and mouth disease, FMD, in Brazil and the levels of imported beef from there into Ireland, consideration has been given to a total ban, having regard to the traumatic experience in the Cooley Peninsula, County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29903/05]
The European Commission introduces safeguard measures limiting or banning the export of animal products from third countries where the conditions of an animal disease outbreak could seriously affect production and trade in animal products in the EU. In the application of such measures the Community applies the regionalisation principle that can allow trade to continue from non-affected regions. In practice, this means that where there is a disease outbreak, restrictions on trade are applied to products from this affected region while trade can continue from other unaffected parts of this country or region. It will be recalled that this principle was applied to trade here during the FMD outbreak in 2001.
Following confirmation of an outbreak of FMD on a farm in the Eldorado district of Mato Grosso do Sul in the southern part of Brazil, the European Commission introduced the suspension of imports of de-boned and matured beef from the regions of Mato Grosso do Sul, Parana, and also Sao Paulo. Accordingly, beef produced in the affected regions from cattle slaughtered since 29 September 2005 may not now be traded. The measures have immediate effect throughout the EU.
I am satisfied that this safeguard action by the EU is the appropriate response to the recent outbreak of FMD in Brazil. My Department will keep the position under close review in conjunction with the European Commission and other member states.
124 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the amount of money paid to each local authority last year by her Department; the number of vets employed by local authorities and paid for by her Department; the other payments that were made to local authorities last year on behalf of the Department. [29905/05]
A schedule of the main payments made by my Department to local authorities in 2004 for the supply of water and refuse collection services is attached. A total of €1,870,479.99 was paid by my Department to local authorities in 2004 in respect of the operation of the Control of Horses Act, the school milk scheme and the neighbourhood scheme. There are no vets employed by local authorities who are paid for by my Department.
|
Local Authority |
Amount |
|
€ |
|
|
Killarney Urban District Council |
680.80 |
|
Tipperary Urban District Council |
725.20 |
|
Tralee Urban District Council |
2,132.00 |
|
Castlebar Urban District Council |
2,560.00 |
|
Carlow Urban District Council |
222.32 |
|
Ennis Urban District Council |
2449.94 |
|
Cavan County Council |
589.5 |
|
Cork County Council |
4,595.58 |
|
Donegal County Council |
3104.72 |
|
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council |
0.00 |
|
Fingal County Council |
135,628.49 |
|
Galway County Council |
696.90 |
|
Kildare County Council |
7,413.00 |
|
Laois County Council |
2,777.48 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
209.50 |
|
Longford County Council |
0.00 |
|
Mayo County Council |
525.00 |
|
Meath County Council |
0.00 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
264.04 |
|
Offaly County Council |
0.00 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
634.50 |
|
Sligo County Council |
340.00 |
|
Tipperary South County Council |
250.00 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
1,562.50 |
|
Wexford County Council |
8,250.58 |
|
Waterford City Council |
326.03 |
|
Dublin City Council |
38,019.00 |
|
Galway City Council |
0.00 |
|
Total |
213,957.08 |
125 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when an area aid payment will be released to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29906/05]
My Department has been in contact with the father of the named person to clarify the position on applications under the disadvantaged areas and single payment scheme.
The herd number has been transferred in this case and it is, therefore, necessary to carry out adjustments in respect of the applications under both schemes. It will be necessary for the named person's father to complete the appropriate application form to transfer the single payment entitlements to him and an application form has been forwarded to him for completion.
My Department will process the disadvantaged areas scheme payment when the necessary adjustments on the application under that scheme have been completed.
126 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when payment under the EU single payment scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) and the amount which will be awarded. [29907/05]
The person named submitted applications under the force majeure and inheritance measures of the single payment scheme and following processing was deemed successful under both measures. The amended position, 6.08 entitlements, total value €8,940.54 net, was outlined to the person named by telephone and in writing on 11 May 2005. The person named has also applied under the category C of the national reserve which caters for farmers who, between 1 January 2000 and 19 October 2003, sold their milk quota into the milk quota restructuring scheme and converted their enterprise to a farming sector for which a direct payment under livestock premia and-or arable aid schemes would have been payable during the reference period 2000 to 2002.
The position is that applications for an allocation of entitlements from the national reserve were received from over 17,500 farmers. Processing of these applications is continuing and the intention is to make allocations to successful applicants by 1 December next. My Department will be in touch with the person named as soon as her application is fully processed. If the person named is successful under this measure it will serve to increase the total value of the entitlements as advised on 11 May 2005. Payments under the single payment scheme will commence in early December.
127 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason dozens of speeding fines were struck out recently as reported in a newspaper (details supplied) on 16 October 2005; if he will report on the outcome of any investigation; the action he will take to correct the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29953/05]
I sought a report from the Garda authorities on this matter and I am informed as follows.
The fixed charge processing system, FCPS, is operational in Dublin, Cork City and parts of Louth and Meath as a live pilot. As the Deputy will appreciate the idea of operating the system on a pilot basis is to identify any glitches in the system before operating countrywide. Due to an IT problem during the course of the pilot, notices did not issue in respect of a batch of offences recorded on the IT system. The IT system, however, showed the notices as issued and, as would be normal, all of these offences moved to summons stage when payment of a fixed charge was not recorded against them. The IT problem was subsequently identified and corrective action taken. However, some of these summonses had been served and when they came before the courts no evidence was offered in support of them. The persons against whom the prosecutions were taken were also written to in advance of the court date. The remaining summons were not served. A number of the offences came before Drogheda District Court in recent times and no evidence was offered.
More generally, section 103(10) of the Road Traffic 1961, inserted by section 11 of the Road Traffic Act 2002 as amended by section 18 of the Road Traffic Act 2004, provides that in a prosecution for a fixed charge offence it shall be presumed until the contrary is shown that the relevant notice has been served or caused to be served. Where a fixed charge notice is not issued at the time of the offence but issued later, for example. speeding offences detected by camera, service of the fixed charge notice is executed by ordinary post. Where evidence on oath is tendered to a court that a fixed charge notice has not been served, the court determines whether the presumption under section 103 has been rebutted.
The giving of false evidence by a driver in court, for example, stating that a notice had not been received when in fact it had, is a serious offence, punishable by a fine or imprisonment or both.
129 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the deportation orders in respect of two persons (details supplied) in County Laois under section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 will be lifted or postponed until the case will be considered on humanitarian grounds taking into account the actual health and other relevant factors in these cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29884/05]
The persons concerned, both Croatians, arrived in the State on 4 February 2002 and applied for asylum. Their applications were refused following consideration of their cases by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Office of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. They were informed by letters dated 24 April 2003 and 14 April 2003, respectively, that the Minister proposed to make deportation orders in respect of them and afforded three options under section 3 (3) (b) (ii) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, namely to make representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why they should be allowed to remain in the State; to leave the State voluntarily; or to consent to the making of a deportation order.
Their cases were examined under section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, and section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996, prohibition of refoulement. Consideration was given to all representations, medical and otherwise, received on their behalf. On 31 August 2005, deportation orders were signed in respect of the persons concerned. Notices of these orders were served by registered post requiring them to present to the Garda national immigration bureau, GNIB, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, today, 20 October 2005, in order to make arrangements for their deportations from the State. The enforcement of the deportation orders is now an operational matter for the bureau.
130 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will grant a holiday visa to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29885/05]
The application in question was received by my Department on 10 October 2005. Applications are dealt with strictly in the order of date received. As we have an obligation to provide the best possible service to all our customers and to deal objectively with all applications received in a fair and transparent manner, applications are not, as a rule, given priority over earlier applications in the queue. As processing times for visa applications are, on average, between four and six weeks, the applicant can expect a decision in this case in the near future.
131 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the application of a non-national for residency based upon marriage to an Irish national takes 16 months to process compared with the application of a non-national for residency based upon marriage to a national of another EU country which takes only six months to process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29886/05]
Applications based on marriage to an Irish national referred to by the Deputy are dealt with in chronological order, in fairness to all such applicants, and currently take approximately 16 to 18 months to process. Marriage to an Irish national does not grant any automatic right of residency in the State. The resources allocated to process such applications are dependent on the prioritised work requirements of the immigration division of my Department at any one time, which is operating against a background of significant increases in demands for its services over a wide range of areas. Marriage to a national from another EU state comes under EU legislation and must be finalised within a six month timeframe.
132 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if it is his policy that a non-national who marries an Irish national and applies to remain here on that basis will be given permission to remain here during the 16 months it takes to process their application. [29887/05]
Applications of the type referred to by the Deputy are dealt with in chronological order, in fairness to all such applicants, and currently take approximately 16 to 18 months to process. Marriage to an Irish national does not grant any automatic right of residency in the State. It has always been the case that the non-national concerned could not enter employment pending the outcome of the application for residency unless, of course, they had a valid work permit. I do not envisage any change in this practice in the immediate future.
133 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of visitors visa application for a person (details supplied); when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29888/05]
A search of the visa records held by my Department did not locate any reference to a visa application under the details supplied by the Deputy. Officials of my Department contacted the Irish Consulate in Kiev which also failed to locate any such application. The reference number quoted is not a visa application reference number. Such reference numbers usually contain seven digits.
134 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the first guide which has been produced in Cork advising child care providers all over Munster on the way in which to support the children of asylum seekers and refugees; and if he will consider commissioning the publication of such a national guide by his Department in view of the distress which these children are likely to be suffering due to their circumstances. [29889/05]
I am aware of the "Guide to help childcare staff support refugee children and educational services", which has been developed by Cork City child care committee. I welcome any development which supports vulnerable children and promotes best practice. I am aware of other guides to working with culturally diverse children and am supportive of any such initiative.
135 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received an appeal against the refusal of a visa for a person (details supplied) in view of the fact that this person’s spouse is working here for over four years; if he will take steps to ensure a visa is granted in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29890/05]
The appeal against the decision of the visa application referred to by the Deputy was received by my Department on 19 September 2005. In the case of all non-EEA workers seeking to be joined by their family members, they must be in a position to support the family members in question without the need for those family members to have recourse to public funds or paid employment.
Unfortunately, the level of income in this case did not demonstrate that the person is in a position to support their spouse without recourse to public funds. My Department is, therefore, not in a position to grant the visa at this time. However, in the circumstances of this case, I am prepared to consider any fresh representations which may be made by the persons concerned outlining reasons they feel their particular case should be regarded as an exceptional circumstance which would warrant the approval of the visas in question.
136 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on an application for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick to be granted naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29952/05]
The application from the person concerned for permission to remain in the State under the revised arrangements announced by me on 15 January 2005 for the non-national parents of Irish born children born before 1 January 2005 is currently being processed and a decision in the case will be made shortly.
137 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a person (details supplied) has been refused asylum here; the further reason his Department when refusing asylum informed this person that they would not be deported as Burundi is not safe; his views on whether, if it is not safe for this person to return to their home place, they should receive instantaneous asylum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29956/05]
138 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason asylum and a work permit were refused for a person (details supplied); the further reason this person is now allowed to work when they have a full-time job available to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29957/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 137 and 138 together.
The person concerned arrived in the State on 11 October 2004 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, which are two independent bodies.
Subsequently, in accordance with section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, he was informed by letter dated 16 March 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State, leaving the State before an order is made or consenting to the making of a deportation order.
This person's case file, including all representations submitted, will be considered under section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, and section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996, prohibition of refoulement. I expect the file to be passed to me for decision in due course. The Deputy will be aware that the issue of work permits is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. However, it must be noted that the long standing policy of this Government has been not to allow asylum applicants to take up paid employment pending a final decision being made on their applications. I refer the Deputy to my detailed reply to Parliamentary Question No. 779 of 26 January 2005 on the issue of the right to work for asylum seekers.
139 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will supply a list of the countries he deems to be unsafe for refugees to return to; the position regarding refugees and where they can go if they have been refused asylum by this country but have also been advised by him that their place of birth is not safe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29958/05]
I understand the Deputy to be referring to persons who are refused refugee status but who may claim to be in need of protection on grounds other than those set out in the 1951 Geneva Convention relating to the status of refugees and section 2 of the Refugee Act 1996, as amended.
Where persons are deemed not to be refugees, before issuing a deportation order their individual circumstances are considered under section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999. Consideration is also given to the non-refoulement provision in section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996, as amended, under which protection grounds other than those covered by the Geneva convention are considered. My Department uses extensive country of origin information drawn from different independent sources, including UNHCR, in evaluating the safety of making returns to third countries.
There is no list of countries which are deemed to be unsafe. The political and social circumstances in countries change and these are monitored over time and, moreover, are assessed with regard to the individual circumstances of the person concerned.
140 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether the prisons inspector has no mandate to comment on the issue of prison privatisation (details supplied). [29959/05]
The inspector of prisons and places of detention, Mr. Justice Dermot Kinlen, was appointed in April 2002. His terms of reference are as follows: "To inspect and report, as the inspector considers appropriate, to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on prisons and other places of detention managed on behalf of the Department by the Irish Prison Service; report in particular on conditions in those institutions and on the regimes in place for prisoners and detainees; investigate and report on any specific issue referred to the inspectorate by the Minister; and submit to the Minister an annual report on the activities of the inspectorate."
The inspector of prisons is independent in the exercise of his functions and the contents of his annual reports to me are a matter for him to determine.
141 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly who applied to remain here on the basis of parentage of an Irish born child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29960/05]
I refer the Deputy to the reply I gave to Parliamentary Question No. 675 of Tuesday, 18 October 2005.
142 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will be in a position to respond to correspondence relating to a person (details supplied) from 22 December 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29961/05]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to her Dáil Question No. 674 on 18 October 2005.
143 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason no decision has been made regarding a person (details supplied) who has been seeking humanitarian leave to remain here but has not received news on this request for over three years. [29964/05]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 26 September 2000 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Subsequently, in accordance with section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, he was informed by letter dated 29 August 2002 that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before an order is made or consenting to the making of a deportation order. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned.
This person's case file, including all representations submitted, will be considered under section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, and section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996, prohibition of refoulement. I expect the file to be passed to me for decision in due course.
144 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if and when a holiday visa will be offered to persons (details supplied) in County Meath to visit here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29967/05]
I can advise the Deputy that the visa applications in question have been approved.
145 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will further extend residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29969/05]
The persons concerned entered the State on 16 April 2003 and applied for asylum. Their application was refused following consideration of their case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
In accordance with section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, they were informed on 27 September 2004 that it was proposed to make deportation orders in respect of them and were given the following options: to make written representations within 15 working days to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform setting out reasons why they should be allowed to remain in the State, to voluntarily leave the State or to consent to deportation. Representations were received by the Department on their behalf.
The persons concerned were granted temporary leave to remain in the State until 29 November 2005. An application was received on 14 October 2005 for a renewal of this permission to remain in the State. Their case file will be submitted to me for a decision in due course.
146 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the case of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 6; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29970/05]
The persons concerned applied for permission to remain in the State under the revised arrangements announced by me on 15 January 2005 for the processing of applications for leave to remain from the non-national parents of Irish born children born before 1 January 2005. It is a requirement under the revised arrangements that each applicant parent is residing with their Irish born child in the State on a continuous basis since the child's birth. Evidence of such residence is also required.
In this case, the child in question was born in the State on 14 January 2004. The applicant mother left the State with her child in October 2004 and claimed asylum in the UK on 9 November 2004, notwithstanding the fact that she had already claimed asylum in the State. She was returned to the State by the UK authorities under the terms of the Dublin Convention on 16 March 2005. Limited evidence was submitted by the applicant father as to his place of residence since the child's birth. However, he cannot have been residing in the State with the child while the child was with his mother in the UK.
The applicants do not meet the criteria for the granting of permission to remain in the State under the revised processing arrangements in so far as continuous residency is concerned and their applications were refused on this basis.
147 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason the green card was not issued in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29971/05]
The person in question made an application for permission to remain in the State on the basis of family dependency in December 2004. An initial request for documentation issued in March 2005 and although some documentation was received in April 2005 it was insufficient to finalise the application. A further request for documentation was issued on 19 May 2005 and again on 8 September 2005. The matter in question relates to the provision of an identity document which is required before a decision can be made. It is expected that on receipt of the documentation requested the case could be finalised within a short period of time.
148 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the decision in respect of application for refugee or other residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29972/05]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 4 February 2005 and claimed asylum on 7 February 2005. The claim was investigated by the Refugee Applications Commissioner who concluded that the person concerned did not meet the criteria for recognition as a refugee. The commissioner's recommendation was communicated to the person concerned by letter dated 16 June 2005. This communication advised the person concerned of her entitlement to appeal the commissioner's recommendation to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. The person concerned duly appealed the commissioner's recommendation.
The Refugee Appeals Tribunal considered the appeal of the person concerned, following which the tribunal affirmed the commissioner's recommendation. The outcome of the appeal was made known to the person concerned by letter dated 29 September 2005. In accordance with normal procedures, the file of the person concerned has been forwarded to my Department's ministerial decisions unit for final processing. A representative of that unit will write to the person concerned in the near future to advise her of her position in the State.
149 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if sufficient Garda personnel is dedicated to combating drugs, gun crime, money laundering, extortion or racketeering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29973/05]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the focus on combating illegal drugs, gun crime and money laundering, extortion or racketeering comprises both direct and indirect input.
With regard to illegal drugs, the most notable resources are the Garda national drugs unit, divisional and district drug units, as well as the drug section within the Forensic Science Laboratory. All of these resources are specifically focused on addressing drug trafficking and distribution within society.
I am further informed that community policing units, particularly those units operating in areas of concentrated drug use, also play a significant role in curbing the supply of drugs at a community level.
In terms of preventing the use of drugs, the Garda Síochána impacts on this strategy in a number of ways which include: participation on the various national fora, including the national drugs strategy team, the national advisory committee on drugs and the 14 local and ten regional drugs task forces; the Garda schools programme delivered to all primary schools, a distinct module of which focuses on substance usage; 64 diversionary projects which target at-risk young people, many of whom have substance usage issues; 87 juvenile liaison officers who specifically work with young people who have come in contact with the criminal justice system for a variety of reasons, including substance usage; and increasing public awareness of substance usage, including numerous presentations to community, voluntary and residential groups by drug unit personnel and input to the current national drug awareness campaign.
Garda management states that personnel attached to the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation are involved in combating money laundering activity. Identified targets are investigated, sometimes engaging other national units, such as the Criminal Assets Bureau, the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the national surveillance unit and the national criminal intelligence unit. Similarly, the primary Garda units deployed in countering gun crime and extortion or racketeering are the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the special detective unit and the Criminal Assets Bureau. Local Garda units often engage with these specialist units as required.
Garda management also states that the issue of the adequacy of resources to meet the demands is a perennial one. Nonetheless, there are a considerable proportion of Garda resources addressing the complex social phenomenon of substance abuse. Garda resources, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public.
Regarding Garda resources generally, the accelerated recruitment campaign 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 the Garda Síochána in addressing serious crime will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda regions throughout the country.
150 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied with the degree of co-operation between the Garda and police forces worldwide in the battle against drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29974/05]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that international co-operation between law enforcement agencies is achieved in a number of ways, including the exchange of strategic and operational intelligence on the activities and modus operandi of criminal networks and organisations involved in the international trafficking of controlled drugs and in drug distribution. International co-operation is also achieved by the conduct of investigations within the State at the request of foreign law enforcement agencies and by requesting the assistance of other jurisdictions in conducting investigations on behalf of the Irish State, in accordance with legislation governing mutual assistance in criminal matters.
In order to facilitate co-operation between law enforcement agencies, the Garda Síochána has assigned liaison officers to the UK, the Netherlands, France, Spain, Europol and Interpol. In addition, the Garda Síochána has made very valuable use of EU funded programmes to organise seminars aimed at enhancing co-operation between law enforcement agencies throughout the European Union. Co-operation with a number of international law enforcement agencies has yielded tangible results, as exemplified by a number of recent successes, and I am satisfied that the Garda Síochána is meeting its responsibilities in terms of international co-operation in the fight against drugs.
151 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied with the level of co-operation between the Garda and other police forces, directly or through Interpol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29975/05]
I am informed that the Garda Síochána has an excellent level of co-operation with all EU member states on a one-to-one basis as a result of the Garda Síochána's active participation in EU funded programmes since 1995. A network of formal and informal contacts has been developed with EU and non-EU countries. Ireland is a member of Europol and is also one of 184 countries that are members of Interpol. Through the Interpol i24/7 server, Ireland has direct access to all Interpol national bureau, which further enables and enhances police co-operation.
152 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí and patrol cars available to or operating out of the Garda stations at Leixlip, Celbridge, Maynooth, Naas, Kilcock, Clane, Kill, Carbury, Robertstown and all other major towns and villages throughout County Kildare; if this service is adequate having regard to crime and demographic trends; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29976/05]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the number of gardaí and patrol cars available to, or operating out of, the Garda stations at Leixlip, Celbridge, Maynooth, Naas, Kilcock, Clane, Kill, Carbury, Robertstown and all other major towns and villages throughout County Kildare as at 12 October 2005 was as set out in the table.
|
Station |
Gardaí |
Patrol Cars |
|
Naas |
81 |
19 |
|
Celbridge |
18 |
2 |
|
Clane |
5 |
1 |
|
Maynooth |
15 |
1 |
|
Kill |
3 |
1 |
|
Kildare |
27 |
2 |
|
Newbridge |
32 |
3 |
|
Robertstown |
3 |
1 |
|
Kilcullen |
3 |
1 |
|
Carbury |
2 |
— |
|
Monasterevin |
3 |
1 |
|
Rathangan |
3 |
— |
|
Athy |
18 |
2 |
|
Castledermot |
2 |
— |
|
Ballytore |
1 |
— |
|
Kilcock |
5 |
— |
|
Leixlip |
26 |
2 |
|
Total |
247 |
36 |
Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed, taking account of demographic and crime trends. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public. Given current resources available, Garda management states that it is satisfied that the current policing resources are adequate to meet the policing needs of County Kildare.
With regard to Garda resources generally, the accelerated recruitment campaign 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 policing needs of County Kildare will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda regions throughout the country.
153 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if adequate patrol cars and gardaí are available on a nightly basis throughout the Dublin metropolitan areas and the greater Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29977/05]
154 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí available for patrol on foot or in vehicles on a nightly basis in the Dublin metropolitan area and in the surrounding counties within a 30 mile radius; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29978/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 153 and 154 together.
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 six operational divisions and the Dublin metropolitan traffic corps, which form the Dublin metropolitan region, as at 17 October 2005 was 3,965. The personnel strengths of the eastern and south eastern regions, as at 17 October 2005 were 1,386, all ranks, and 977, all ranks, respectively.
I am advised that in addition to uniform patrols, gardaí from district detective units, divisional crime task force, drug units and divisional traffic units patrol the region referred to by the Deputy on a nightly basis and local management within the Dublin metropolitan region states that it is satisfied that adequate patrol cars and gardaí are available on a nightly basis to meet the current policing needs of the region.
For security and operational reasons it is not Garda policy to disclose the number of personnel on patrol in any particular area over a specific period of time. Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public.
Regarding Garda resources generally, the accelerated recruitment campaign to reach a record force strength of 14,000, in line with the commitment in the 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 the Dublin metropolitan, eastern and south-eastern regions will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda regions throughout the country.
155 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number and cost of all information technology or other high tech facilities provided to his Department in the past five years; the extent to which each facility is operating efficiently and in accordance with value for money criteria; if PULSE is evaluated in this context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29979/05]
In the time available for response it has not been feasible to assemble the full range of data requested. I can, however, inform the Deputy that expenditure under the main IT capital and current subheads of the Votes under my Department's aegis — justice, courts, prisons, Garda, Land Registry — for the years 2000 to 2004 amounted to €172.933 million or 1.7% of total accumulated expenditure. To place this spend in context, the total accumulated expenditure on all services for the period in question for the five Votes in my Department's Vote group was close to €10 billion.
This expenditure relates to a wide range of organisations with varying and often complex business needs and includes hardware, system development as well as consumable and maintenance costs. I am satisfied that the application of information technology across these public services is contributing towards improved delivery and value for money. This spend included the provision of IT systems for immigration/asylum processing, financial management systems, national criminal case tracking, prisoner records, scanning and imaging documents in the Land Registry, network capacity enhancements and significant numbers of other projects — all of which are aiding the delivery of public services within the justice and equality sector.
In so far as PULSE is concerned, a post-implementation review of the system will take place when work currently ongoing is completed. This review will take place next year and will encompass value for money criteria.
156 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number and location of Garda stations throughout County Kildare that are open on a part-time basis; if so, the extent of same; the number closed altogether; his plans to improve the service in view of crime and demographic trends; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29980/05]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of the Carlow-Kildare division as at 19 October 2005 was 332, all ranks. The personnel strength of the Carlow-Kildare division as at 31 December 1997 was 292, all ranks. This represents an increase of 30, or 13%, in the number of personnel allocated to the Carlow-Kildare division since that date. The Garda stations in County Kildare currently operating on a part-time basis are as set out in the following table:
|
Station |
Weekdays |
Sundays |
|
Celbridge |
9am -1pm 2pm-5pm 7pm-9pm |
12 midday-2pm |
|
Clane |
10am-1pm |
12 midday-2pm |
|
Maynooth |
9am-1pm 2pm-5pm 7pm-9pm |
12 midday-2pm |
|
Kill |
10am-1pm |
Not Open |
|
Robertstown |
Mon, Thur & Sat 3pm-6pm Tue, Wed & Fri 10am-1pm |
Not Open |
|
Kilcullen |
Mon, Thur & Sat 3pm-6pm Tue, Wed & Fri 10am-1pm |
Not Open |
|
Carbury |
Mon, Thur & Sat 3pm-6pm Tue, Wed & Fri 10am-1pm |
Not Open |
|
Monasterevin |
Mon, Thur & Sat 3pm-6pm Tue, Wed & Fri 10am-1pm |
Not open |
|
Rathangan |
Mon, Thur & Sat 3pm-6pm Tue, Wed & Fri 10am-1pm |
Not Open |
|
Athy |
9am-10pm |
9am-10pm |
|
Castledermot |
10am-1pm |
Not Open |
|
Ballytore |
3pm-5pm |
Not Open |
|
Ballymore Eustace |
2pm-4pm |
Not Open |
|
Kilcock |
10am-1pm |
12 midday-1pm |
|
Leixlip |
12 midday-1.30pm 7pm-9pm |
Not Open |
The Garda stations at Naas, Kildare and Newbridge are open at all times. Local Garda management states that resources are utilised to ensure that stations are opened for the periods outlined, in conjunction with ensuring car patrols, foot patrols and all other areas of policing are also addressed. Local Garda management further states that it is not intended at this time to extend the opening hours of any of the stations in County Kildare attached to the Carlow-Kildare division. I am further advised that the extension of the opening hours of any of the Garda stations in County Kildare would necessitate the employment of additional personnel on indoor administrative duties who may be more effectively employed on outdoor policing duties.
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 the 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 the Carlow/Kildare division will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda divisions throughout the country.
157 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí detailed or deployed to the pursuit of serious crime such as drug dealing, money laundering, extortion or racketeering in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29981/05]
I am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of the Garda national units investigating serious crime such as drug dealing, money laundering, extortion or racketeering as 31 December 2001-31 December 2004, and as at 18 October 2005 was as set out in the following table:
|
Unit |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
18/10/05 |
|
NBCI |
97 |
83 |
97 |
92 |
90 |
|
GBFI |
51 |
65 |
65 |
63 |
57 |
|
CAB |
21 |
29 |
29 |
30 |
28 |
|
GNIB |
55 |
130 |
153 |
170 |
160 |
|
GNDU |
51 |
50 |
52 |
49 |
48 |
NBCI — National Bureau of Criminal Investigation; GBFI — Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation; CAB — Criminal Assets Bureau; GNIB — Garda National Immigration Bureau; GNDU — Garda National Drugs Unit
All gardaí have a responsibility to deal with offences such as drug crime, money laundering, extortion or racketeering as they arise. I am further advised by the Garda authorities that Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources and that the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.
With regard to 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 the 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 overall needs of the Garda Síochána will be fully considered.
160 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of grant support that has been allocated in the past five years in the RAPID designated areas under the equal opportunities child care programme. [29996/05]
The RAPID or revitalising areas by planning, investment and development programme targets the most concentrated areas of disadvantage in the State by ensuring that priority attention is given to these areas by Departments and State agencies dealing with disadvantage and local development in the widest sense.
The RAPID programme selected 45 target areas in cities and towns for priority investment and frontloading of funding under the National Development Plan 2000- 2006, the NDP. My Department decides on approving funding for RAPID proposals within the context of existing allocations across the Vote under my Department's remit. Particular priority is given to RAPID proposals which fall within the functional areas financed by the NDP.
Although the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme, EOCP, 2000 — 2006, under the national development plan, is not solely focused on RAPID areas, it has contributed significantly to the provision of child care in RAPID areas. I understand from inquiries made with Area Development Management Limited, ADM, which administers the grants on my Department's behalf, that funding committed under the EOCP includes the provision of almost €102 million in funding to child care services operating in RAPID areas. This amount includes a mix of projects which came forward in the first instance under RAPID area regeneration plans, and projects which applied directly for funding to the equal opportunities child care programme and which are located in RAPID areas.
The allocations under the EOCP include support for the development of new child care places and support towards the staffing costs of services. Allocations have also been made under the EOCP to organisations which support the promotion of quality in Irish child care, which would positively impact on many services located in RAPID areas.
161 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extra resources he has made available to the Garda Síochána in counties Sligo and north Leitrim for the provision of speed control and Garda check points: the number of check points and speed controls that have been set up in counties Sligo and Leitrim for the year 2003, 2004 and to date in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30002/05]
I regret that it has not been possible in the time available to obtain the information requested by the Deputy. I will be in contact with the Deputy regarding this matter when it becomes available.
162 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that up to 100 persons are affected following the death of one person on roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30003/05]
I can assure the Deputy that the toll of deaths and injuries on our roads is a matter of great concern to me. The human cost of road collisions is high. Road fatalities and serious injuries affect many more people than those killed and injured. Families, friends, communities and others involved in the incidents are affected as well.
The road safety strategy 2004-2006 sets highly ambitious targets. Achieving these targets requires extra resources, new structures and a focus on clear objectives. Good progress has been made in providing these extra resources and setting up the necessary structure. I believe that the new Garda traffic corps led by an assistant commissioner, with increased numbers, an expanded fleet, a dedicated budget, a clear strategy and tough targets contained in the road safety strategy, will provide effective traffic management and reduce the number of injuries and fatalities on our roads.
163 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide details of the 2001 announcement regarding the proposed decentralisation of the NEPS section of her Department to Mullingar. [29844/05]
164 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of persons who have taken up positions in Mullingar to date under the NEPS decentralisation programme. [29845/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 163 and 164 together.
The National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS, is organised into ten regions, roughly equivalent to the former health board areas. In June 2001 my predecessor announced the establishment of a number of regional offices throughout the country as part of the programme of structural reform of my Department. The programme followed on from the publication of Mr. Seán Cromien's report on his review of the organisation and structures of my Department. Each office was to provide a point of contact between my Department and the region it served as well as providing accommodation for members of NEPS and the inspectorate serving schools in the region. It was also envisaged that these offices could accommodate staff of other bodies, such as the National Education Welfare Board, NEWB, and the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, which provide direct services in each region.
The midlands region regional office has been fully established in Mullingar since July 2004. NEPS psychologists serving counties Westmeath and Longford are based in the midlands region regional office and the office is also the administrative headquarters for counties Laois and Offaly. Under the Government's programme of decentralisation the headquarters of NEPS will decentralise from Dublin to Athlone.
165 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of office space which is leased by the NEPS section of her Department in Mullingar; and the annual cost involved. [29846/05]
National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS, staff of my Department share office space in Mullingar, County Westmeath, with a number of other Department staff, including regional office staff. The question of the cost of leasing the accommodation is a matter for the Office of Public Works.
166 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of space vacant in the buildings leased in Mullingar under the decentralisation programme; her plans to fill same; and the timeframe involved. [29847/05]
It is proposed to transfer approximately 300 civil service posts from my Department's headquarters in Dublin to Mullingar under the Government's decentralisation programme announced in December 2003. The indicative date for the provision of accommodation in Mullingar given in the November 2004 report of the decentralisation implementation group is the second quarter of 2008. The Office of Public Works has been given the task of acquiring sites for the overall decentralisation programme. Achieving the indicative date will depend on the progress made on the remaining stages of site acquisition, planning and construction.
167 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in County Mayo will be included in the school building programme for 2006. [29848/05]
Negotiations are underway on the site acquisition for the school referred to by the Deputy. Once the site issue is finalised, the project will be considered for progression in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2005-2009.
168 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason school transport is no longer being provided to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if they will be accommodated again on the bus. [29849/05]
My Department understands from Bus Éireann that the child referred to in the details supplied resides 0.96 kilometres from the school in question. The child is not eligible for school transport. My Department further understands that the child has not been carried on a service provided by Bus Éireann.
169 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science where the responsibility lies for safety of children and parents outside primary schools; the responsibility that her Department or the local authority has to provide car parking in the interest of safety; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29850/05]
In general, individual school authorities are responsible, in the first instance, for ensuring the safety and welfare of children and others in their care. While my Department is prepared to consider applications from school authorities for grant aid towards improving safety arrangements, including car parking, at individual schools, grant aid is not available for works outside the vested area of the school. Issues relating to traffic safety outside of school grounds are the responsibility of the relevant local authority.
170 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason it has taken over two years to sanction resource teaching support to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29851/05]
171 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if promised resource teaching for fifth and sixth class will be made available within the next six months to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin under the new general allocation scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29852/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 170 and 171 together.
My Department has no record of receiving an application for resource teaching support in 2003 for the pupil referred to by the Deputy. The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, which was established recently and which has been operational since 1 January 2005, is responsible for processing applications for special educational needs supports. Over 70 special educational needs organisers, SENOs, have been recruited throughout the country and are a focal point of contact for schools and parents.
The NCSE has confirmed that the local SENO received an application in September 2005 for resource teaching support from the school in question. This was the first application received by the SENO for this pupil. Having examined the application, the SENO has sanctioned 3.5 hours resource teaching support and the school authorities were notified on 13 September 2005. The pupil's special educational needs fall within the low incidence disability category and, therefore, attract an individual teaching allocation.
The new general allocation scheme caters for children with high incidence special needs such as dyslexia and those with learning support needs. It does not, therefore, apply in the case of the pupil concerned.
172 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason Mayo Vocational Educational Committee is between €50,000 and €100,000 short on its budget when the pay increase due to the tutors under the national agreement was effectively offset against their summer holidays. [29853/05]
My Department was contacted by the chief executive officer of the County Mayo vocational committee, Mr. Joseph Langan, on Friday, 7 October, about the matter. My officials requested that the matter be put in writing so it could be considered. As yet no written communication has been received.
The adult literacy services are delivered locally by VECs under the budget for adult literacy, community education and the special initiatives for disadvantaged adults scheme. The national position regarding the allocations is as follows. All VECs were notified by letter from my Department on 30 March 2005 of their provision for 2005 covering their further education programmes. These include adult literacy and community education programme, the vocational training opportunities scheme, post leaving certificate courses, senior Traveller training centres, Youthreach and the back to education initiative.
The provision to County Mayo VEC for the adult literacy programme in 2005 is €422,187 as against an allocation of €406,176 for 2004. This represents an increase of 10.39% which was one of the highest percentage increases to any of the VECs. The corresponding increase in the overall subhead was 9%. This increase was in recognition of the demographic factors and the dispersed nature of the population in that county. The number of literacy clients for 2004 was 660.
Under the VEC Amendment Act 2001, each VEC must remain within its allocation for the year. The VEC has discretion over how it allocates its resources and the nature and extent of adult literacy provided. However, it is expected of each VEC that it plans its activities to ensure that literacy services are available throughout the year, based on the annual budget provided.
On a national level, my Department has increased the resources for adult literacy from some €1.3 million in 1997 to €22 million this year. Numbers of clients have increased from 5,000 in 2000 to 33,000 in 2004. County Mayo has played its part in the expansion of client numbers and service, as seen by an increase in clients from 316 in 2000 to 660 in 2004. The six month return to June 2005 indicates 763 clients. Notwithstanding the impressive increase in numbers it is very important that VECs must plan their literacy courses for the full 12 months within the budget provided.
I reiterate that my Department was given very little prior warning of this matter and looks forward to receiving written communication from County Mayo VEC. Until my Department receives written communication from County Mayo VEC, I cannot comment on the financial figures quoted in the Deputy's question.
173 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps she will take regarding the ending by Mayo Vocational Education Committee of literacy and back to education initiative schemes throughout the county until some unspecified time in January 2006; and if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a restart in January 2006 for BTEI students will not allow enough time to complete the course. [29854/05]
In March 2005, County Mayo Vocational Education Committee was notified by the Department of a budget allocation amounting to €529,000 in respect of back to education initiative or BTEI programmes, for the financial period January to December 2005. Approximately 232 places and 45,408 tutor hours are being supported in 2005. An initial payment of 60% of the budget allocation, that is, €292,002, was paid to County Mayo VEC in early May 2005. The balance of €236,998 of the budget allocated for this year is about to be paid.
The VEC has also requested an extra €50,000 in respect of additional activity. The CEO of County Mayo VEC has recently requested a meeting with the further education development unit to discuss this financial issue and this meeting is currently being arranged. The matters relating to literacy which the Deputy has also raised have been addressed in today's Question No. 173.
174 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the relocation of a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the majority of the parents of children attending will remove their children from this school and enrol them in another primary school if the relocation proceeds. [29855/05]
My Department is moving towards a model of devolving responsibility, authority and funding for building projects to school management authorities where appropriate. The devolving of funding to local level allows schools to have ownership of their projects and assist in moving projects in a specific timeframe to tender and construction.
Earlier this year I announced details of 97 primary schools that would benefit under the small and rural schools initiative. I am pleased to confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy was selected for inclusion in the scheme in the current year. Inclusion in this initiative allows the board of management of the school to address its accommodation and building priorities with a guaranteed amount of funding and gives the board control over the pace at which building works proceed.
As school authorities control the planning and construction phases of the improvements works at their own school under the small and rural schools initiative, parents should outline any concerns to the board of management.
175 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science when permission will be granted for a physical education hall to be constructed at a school (details supplied) in County Donegal. [29856/05]
My Department is committed to funding the provision of PE, general purpose and outdoor play areas in schools as part of the school building and modernisation programme. This is being addressed in the context of available resources and the published criteria for prioritising school building projects.
The provision of PE halls at post-primary level is considered an integral part of the design stage for any major refurbishment programme of existing school buildings, providing always that the site is of sufficient size, or where a new school on a greenfield site is being built. The PE hall project at the school referred to by the Deputy has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria, which were revised last year following consultation with the education partners. The project is being considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2005-2009.
176 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science the legal implications of leaving certificate result re-checks when a college course has already started; the obligation that is placed on her Department, the State Examinations Commission or the individual institutions to reserve places for potential upgrade students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29857/05]
177 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science if instructions will be given to the State Examinations Commission to bring forward the publication and notification of re-checks of leaving certificate students to allow those students whose results are increased to avail of college places in the upcoming academic year instead of having to wait until next year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29858/05]
179 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the case of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29860/05]
180 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the case of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29861/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 176, 177, 179 and 180 together.
The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations, including determining procedure to enable the review and appeal of results of examinations at the request of candidates. Notwithstanding this, I have had inquiries made with the State Examinations Commission and have been advised that the results of the leaving certificate, which issue from the commission in August of each year, are provisional only. This is clearly stated in correspondence.
The objective of the State Examinations Commission is to ensure that the processing of results is as free from error as possible. The leaving certificate examinations cover 375,000 grades to 57,000 candidates involving 3000 examiners. Recognising the inevitable problems that can arise in a system of this size, a transparent, easily accessible and effective appeals process is available to all candidates who are unhappy with their results.
The appeals process involves candidates viewing their scripts to see how marking schemes were applied, and this was completed in 2005 on 2 and 3 September. The closing date for receipt of appeal applications was 7 September. The results of the appeals — some 11,500 in all — issued on 12 October, some five weeks later, during which time the physical re-marking of the appeal scripts took place. During this limited timeframe, examination scripts had to be retrieved from schools, distributed to examiners, fully re-marked by appeal examiners, monitored in at least 20% of cases by appeal advisers and returned to the State Examinations Commission for results processing.
It is acknowledged in examination systems all over the world that some level of error may occur. It is for that reason that national examination systems must have effective appeal processes. The Irish system is a world leader in terms of giving candidates an opportunity to view their scripts before deciding whether or not to appeal. Another comparable strength of the appeal system is that a full re-marking — as distinct from a check of mark addition — takes place. On balance it is considered that it is better to have a comprehensive, quality appeal system that takes some time to execute rather than to prejudice quality by a less comprehensive, speedier process.
Offers of third level places are made by the CAO on the basis of the provisional results issued in August. There are good reasons why it does this because to delay the offering of places until the appeals process is completed would impact upon the start date for the academic year and thus disadvantage the overwhelming majority of candidates whose provisional results are their final results. The State Examinations Commission makes every effort to process the results of appeals as quickly as possible to facilitate the college entry process balanced with the need to allow the appeal examiners sufficient time to carry out a thorough re-marking of candidates' work.
With regard to the particular cases referred to by the Deputy, the admissions office of UCD has confirmed that the courses to which both candidates sought admission are fully subscribed for 2005-06. However, I understand that UCD is currently exploring ways in which a number of candidates who have had leaving certificate upgrades can begin their studies in the current academic year. UCD has, however, confirmed the offer of a guaranteed place to both candidates for 2006-07.
The question of the granting of academic credit in respect of a course of study undertaken overseas in the current academic year by one of the candidates should be pursued directly with UCD, providing details of course content covered in the first year of the programme, so that a decision on credit can be made.
178 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to introduce college tuition fees; if fees will be introduced in the next academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29859/05]
There are no proposals for the re-introduction of tuition fees for third level undergraduate students.
181 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science if a decision will be made in order that the State puts the development of multi-denominational education on a statutory footing and to make it an objective of the national development plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29862/05]
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 one 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 own statutory obligations and in the context of the national development plan, which is structured to support the development of all educational sectors regardless of ethos.
182 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps that are being taken to address the severe overcrowding in schools in Mullingar due to the population growth in the town. [29863/05]
183 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department is monitoring the census figures relating to Mullingar to plan the future provision of primary and secondary school education for children from Mullingar and the surrounding towns. [29864/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 182 and 183 together.
My Department accepts that Mullingar is a developing town and is taking a number of steps to ensure that its future needs are met in a timely fashion. In this regard, progress on a number of large scale building projects is being considered for progression under the school building and modernisation programme. This involves a combination of extensions, refurbishments and the provision of new school buildings.
In addition, an in-depth examination of both primary and post-primary infrastructural provision in Mullingar is currently being carried out in the school planning section. The census figures for Mullingar are being taken into account in this examination, the findings of which will inform the extent and nature of any future provision to be made.
184 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of pupils per class and per school in Mullingar; and the enrolment figures for next year. [29865/05]
The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department. If the Deputy would like information on a particular school, I would be happy to provide it.
185 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps that are being taken to replace prefabricated school rooms that are in use in various schools in Mullingar with more suitable and long-term structures. [29866/05]
The school planning section of my Department is in receipt of applications for major capital funding from the management authorities of a number of schools in Mullingar. These applications have 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.
186 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if there is a variation in salary scale for teachers who have graduated through the postgraduates teacher training course run by the traditional training colleges and those who have qualified by way of the Hibernia graduate course; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29922/05]
All qualified primary and post-primary teachers are paid on the common basic scale for teachers. New teachers who complete a three year, full-time recognised primary teacher training course are awarded one increment and are placed on the second point of the common basic scale for teachers. Teachers who complete a recognised primary degree and a recognised full-time postgraduate course are awarded a second increment and are placed on the third point of the scale. The Hibernia graduate course is a part-time course and does not qualify for the award of a second increment.
187 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason home tuition will be stopped for a person (details supplied) in County Offaly from 22 December 2005 despite the fact that this person still needs this extra assistance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29925/05]
I am most anxious that all children receive an education appropriate to their needs. The home tuition scheme is primarily intended to provide compensatory instruction for pupils who have a medical ailment that is likely to cause major disruption to their attendance at school. In this context, my Department provides home tuition grants in respect of pupils who cannot attend school at all or who are absent for a significant proportion of the school year.
My Department also sanctions home tuition in cases where children are awaiting a suitable school placement. My Department considers that school based education provision is the most appropriate intervention for all children and has discontinued the practice whereby children who are in full-time education provision would also be able to avail of home tuition grants.
The following dedicated resources are now deployed to support children with special educational needs in the primary system. There are now over 5,000 teachers in our primary schools working directly with children with special needs, including those requiring learning support. This compares to under 1,500 in 1998. One out of every five primary school teachers is now working specifically with children with special needs; there are nearly 6,000 special needs assistants; more than €30 million is spent on school transport for special needs pupils; and more than €3 million is provided towards specialised equipment and materials.
I can confirm that the pupil in question is being catered for in a special class for pupils with autism with a maximum pupil teacher ratio of 6:1 together with special needs assistant support. She has also been in receipt of a home tuition grant. My Department has written to the pupil's parents confirming its intention to discontinue the practice of sanctioning home tuition grants for pupils who are also in full-time education. This has also been communicated to the pupil's school.
In the interim, however, my Department has sanctioned the continuance of the grant for this pupil to the end of the current school term to allow further consideration to be given to the needs of the pupil. In this regard, the school has been requested to make contact with the local special education needs organiser, SENO, to discuss how the needs of the pupil can be met by the school.
188 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has carried out an investigation into allegations that some solicitors have charged clients excess or separate fees for work done at the redress board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29926/05]
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 regarding 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 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 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 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.
189 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if any change in the regulations relating to the appointment of teachers will be approved; if she will amend the regulations so that the waiting time for extra teachers for schools with an increased enrolment will be significantly shortened; if her attention has been drawn to the considerable difficulties that this delay in appointing additional teachers causes for schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29928/05]
The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of 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 staffing schedule is outlined in a circular which is issued annually to all primary schools.
Within the terms of the current staffing arrangements for primary schools there is provision for additional posts, referred to as developing school posts, to be assigned to schools on the basis of projected enrolments for the next school year. Under these arrangements, 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. There are no proposals at present to change these arrangements.
190 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will report on the position regarding a school (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and her views on the long standing desire of the local parish that the school campus should be retained for educational and community purposes. [29935/05]
A decision was taken by the trustees of the school to which the Deputy refers that it will close in June 2007. A decision has not yet been taken by my Department on the future use of the school building and site. The concerns of the local parish will be taken into account when considering this matter.
191 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding school lunch breaks; if schools are required to provide facilities to consume and heat food or to provide a hot meal for students; her views on whether provision in this regard compares unfavourably with our EU partners. [29936/05]
School canteens are not included within the current accommodation brief for new primary or post-primary schools. Generally a servery is provided for schools with general purpose or GP rooms. At primary, the servery comprises a small room with sufficient space to store crockery and a hot water boiler. At post-primary, a fridge and cooker is also provided.
The majority of the 400 plus schools in the school completion programme and more than 100 of the primary schools with disadvantaged status participating in Giving Children an Even Break, operate some level of breakfast or other meal provision, in accordance with the nutritional guidelines issued by the Department of Social and Family affairs. In addition to being able to use funding from the school completion programme and-or Giving Children an Even Break, the provision of school meals is primarily funded by the school meals programme, administered by the Minister for Social and Family Affairs and involving both an urban scheme operated by 36 participating local authorities and a local projects scheme. In 2004, some 82,000 children benefited from these schemes.
192 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if the necessary funding will be made available for a sports hall in a school (details supplied) in Dublin which has been approved since 2000. [29992/05]
An application for a new PE hall at the school to which the Deputy refers has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects. The project has been assigned a band four rating and its progress will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme from 2006 onwards.
193 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if the necessary funds will be made available to carry out the necessary structural and refurbishment works at a school (details supplied) in Dublin. [29993/05]
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.
194 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will make available to Educate Together the finances it has requested to underpin the need for such schools in the State and if the development of multi-denominational education will be put on a statutory footing. [29994/05]
The level of funding that my Department provides to Educate Together as a school management body is on a par with that provided to Foras Patrúnachta na Gaelscoileanna, the Church of Ireland Board of Education, the Islamic Board of Education and the National Association of Boards of Management in Special Education. However, following discussions with Educate Together, my Department has provided additional funding to Educate Together in 2005 to meet the immediate issues of concern to that body. The matter of the future funding to be provided to the primary management bodies, including Educate Together, in 2006 will be considered as part of the normal Estimates process.
In accordance with the provisions of the Education Act 1998, as Minister, I 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 one 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 own statutory obligations and in the context of the national development plan which is structured to support the development of all educational sectors regardless of ethos.
195 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science her Department’s provision and timetable to cater for primary education for the massive new development on the site of the former Phoenix Park racecourse. [29995/05]
My Department has made a number of important interventions in the Dublin 15 area to meet the demand for educational facilities emanating from new housing developments. Included in these interventions is the reservation of a site in the former Phoenix Park racecourse area specifically to meet the anticipated demand for primary provision in that area. The timing of the acquisition and development of this site is currently under consideration.
196 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he will take to provide grant assistance to house owners in group developments in rural areas to upgrade or replace septic tanks that are not functioning properly; his further plans to increase the group waste grants that will apply in such situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29893/05]
197 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans he has to provide grant assistance in rural areas seeking to refurbish or replace old septic tanks that are not functioning properly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29894/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 196 and 197 together.
I refer to the reply to Question No. 791 of 18 October 2005.
198 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps that are being taken by his Department to help city and county councils to get builders to properly finish off housing estates to allow the local council to take them in hand. [29895/05]
Developers of housing estates have the primary responsibility for ensuring that these are completed. The Planning and Development Act 2000 contains significant provisions which enable planning authorities to require developers to complete housing estates: for example, a planning authority may require as a condition of a planning permission for the development of an estate that the development be satisfactorily completed within a period of not less than two years from the commencement of works.
The Act also enables a planning authority to attach conditions requiring the giving of adequate security for the satisfactory completion of a development and, if the development is not subsequently satisfactorily completed, may apply the security to ensure its satisfactory completion. It is a matter for the relevant planning authority to impose conditions and similarly to ensure that adequate security for the completion of estates is obtained.
It should also be noted that the provisions concerning the enforcement of planning control in general have been considerably strengthened in the 2000 Act. Fines have been greatly increased, planning authorities are now obliged to follow up genuine complaints about breaches of planning control within a given timeframe and also are entitled to retain fines imposed by courts for planning offences.
Moreover, the fact that an application for retention permission has been made is no longer a defence to a prosecution for unauthorised development. Planning authorities may also refuse to grant planning permission, subject to the consent of the High Court, to any developer who has seriously failed to comply with a previous permission.
Finally, under section 180 of the Act, planning authorities may refuse to take an estate in charge until it is completed to its satisfaction. If after a period of seven years, the estate has not been completed satisfactorily by the developer, a planning authority must, if requested to do so by the majority of the qualified electors who are owners or occupiers of the houses involved, initiate the procedures for taking an estate in charge. This provision ensures that planning authorities have sufficient time to require developers to complete estates.
199 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount and location of land and sites and the amount of moneys secured for the development of social and affordable housing in respect of permission given to private developers to build private accommodation in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council area by the county council under the terms of Part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2002; and if a detailed breakdown of such acquisitions will be provided. [29944/05]
Information up to June quarter 2005 on the number of housing units acquired by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council under Part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-04 is published in my Department's housing statistics bulletins, which are available in the Oireachtas Library and on the Department's website at www.environ.ie.
In addition, one transfer of land has been completed involving 0.29 hectares, the location of which is not available in my Department. The authority has also received some €2.8 million in lieu of land transfers and under the withering levy. No fully or partially serviced sites have been transferred to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.
200 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding a sewerage scheme (details supplied) in County Mayo; if he met with a group from that area to discuss this matter; if so, the persons who attended that meeting; if this scheme will be included in the polluter pay principle even though this scheme preceded the introduction of the new polluter pay principle guidelines; the reason this scheme is being included; the cost of the local contribution amount if the scheme will be included in the polluter pay principle; the reason this scheme is being included in this new polluter pay principle scheme as it was included in the small schemes initiative a number of years ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29997/05]
The Achill Sound sewerage scheme has been approved for construction under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2004-06. I have already cleared Mayo County Council's tender recommendations for the scheme and its further advancement is now a matter for the council.
In common with all projects funded under the water services investment programme, the Achill Sound scheme is subject to the water services pricing — polluter pays — policy. In broad terms, this policy provides for the capital costs associated with the provision of services to meet therequirements of the existing domestic population being funded by my Department. The additional marginal capital cost of servicing non-domestic consumers, and providing for future development, is recovered by the local authority from all non-domestic consumers in its functional area through a combination of water charges on commercial consumers and planning levies on future development. Local authorities should ensure that the design and scale of individual schemes takes account of the implications of the pricing policy framework.
My Department is currently awaiting submission by Mayo County Council of a revised water services pricing policy report that will determine the appropriate apportionment of the capital costs in this case in accordance with the policy framework. The deputation I recently met, led by Deputy Carty and Councillor Michael McNamara, has been advised of the position as set out above.
